CARS AND COFFEE FOR A CAUSE

The Woodlands Car Club meets on the first Sunday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon at Market Street – The Woodlands, between Jasper’s and the movie theater.

The meets provide an opportunity to gather and show off special vehicles within the car club and the local community and share information about the needs of local nonprofit groups.

TWCC collects coins/change for its donation to the Market Street “Change for Charities” program that benefits nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County.

For more information, call 281-363-2977 or go to www.thewoodlandscarclub.org.

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4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL AND FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZAS SET

JULY 4

The 14th Annual Red, Hot and Blue Festival is set for Monday, July 4, from 6-10 p.m. at Town Green Park and Waterway Square. The festival will feature live music, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, vendor booths, children’s activities and much more. Following a full evening of festivities at Waterway Square and Town Green Park, festival goers will be treated to one of the region’s largest fireworks display beginning at dusk and simulcast on Sunny 99.1. The Fireworks Extravaganza begins at dusk from the north side of Timerloch Place. Best viewing for the fireworks will be along The Woodlands Waterway.

For more information, visit www.redhotblue.org.

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JURASSIC ADVENTURE AND BANDS ON THE SAND AT MOODY GARDENS

This summer, visitors to Galveston Island can experience the age of dinosaurs at Moody Gardens. Guests to the Dinosaur Alive! exhibit  become part of a rescue team sent back in time to search for a mission plane and its crew. While wandering through tropical foliage, the team will discover adult and baby dinosaurs and gather clues to assist in the search mission. The exhibit will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Aug. 15. Admission: $5.95.

Bands on the Sand returns for the second year to Palm Beach every Friday at 6 p.m. through Aug. 12. Prior to the concert families can take advantage of the 650-foot lazy river, wave pool and two 18-foot tower slides. A spectacular fireworks display follows the band concert. Admission: $10 to the concert. Palm Beach prices: $18.95/adults, $15.95/children and seniors.

Value passes including a one-day single admission to all attractions are $49.95. For more information, go to www.moodygardens.org.

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MUSEUM HOSTS CHESS CLASS

Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon, July 9, 16, 23, and 30

Chess expert Jorge Manzanera will be offering a “Genius Training” course called “Academic Transformation through Chess”  at The Woodlands Children’s Museum in July. Manzanera is certified in Neurolinguistic Programming and in Gifted Education by the Conroe Independent School District and is a member of the South Montgomery County Chess Club.

“During the summer months children can lose their academic edge so we are honored to partner with Jorge Manzanera in offering chess classes that actually improve analytical performance to create academic transformations for students,” said Angela Colton, executive director for the Museum.

The chess workshop for ages 10-16 will be held at the Museum on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon, July 9, 16, 23, and 30. There will be an informal tournament on the 30th. The cost for the program is $149 for the four classes and includes a chess mat and chess pieces for each student. Spanish speaking students are invited to participate.

For reservations call The Woodlands Children’s Museum at 281-465-4805.

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2011 PROJECT PLAYHOUSE TO BE AT MINUTE MAID PARK

BEGINNING JULY 15

The Houston Astros and Trendmaker Homes are partnering with HomeAid to raise funds to build transitional housing for individual and families facing homelessness in Houston. HomeAid Houston is a charity of the Greater Houston Builders Association.

The fundraiser will sell chances on an elaborately designed playhouse, aptly named The Astros Express, which has been modeled after the caboose at Minute Maid Park. The playhouse was designed by employees of Trendmaker Homes and was built with donated materials, labor and services from GHBA members.

The house is chock full of fun amenities including a 37” LCD TV, Sony PS3, Apple iPod Nano, iPod Docking Station, portable fridge, security camera for home monitoring, air conditioning and electrical hookups.

The Astros Express made its debut at  Sienna Plantation in April and traveled to the GHBA New Home and Remodeling Show at Reliant Park in June. It will reside in Minute Maid Park for the Astros home games July 15 to Aug. 21.

A second similar playhouse is also being built by Trendmaker and will be auctioned off at the Astros Wives Gala in August. Funds raised for that playhouse will be to the Houston Area Women’s Center.

Fundraiser tickets can be purchased on-line as well as at various locations. www.homeaidhouston.org.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN SHOW AT WATERWAY MARRIOTT

BEGINNING AUG 27

“What’s new and what’s next” for your home will be answered by more than 200 North Houston home improvement professionals who will be exhibiting their products and services at the 9th Annual Fall Home & Garden Show at the Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.

Show highlights include the first appearance at the Woodlands show by Dr. Lori, a Ph.D., art and antiques appraiser, award-winning TV personality and host, and nationally syndicated columnist. She will provide free appraisals during her show. Nationally renowned color expert and author Kate Smith also will speak on color trends for Fall 2011 and will answer visitors’ questions one-on-one.

For the first time at the show there also will be a market of arts and foods showcasing unique vendors, “Feast of Art 2011.”

Show hours are Saturday, Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult tickets are $9; seniors, $7, and children 12 and under are free. Covered parking is also free.

For more information and speaker times  visit WoodlandsShows.com, where there is one dollar off show admission with online purchase.

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HOUSTON CAT CLUB’S CHARITY CAT SHOW

BEGINNING AUG 27

The Houston Cat Club’s 59th Annual Charity Cat show will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28, in Hall A at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

As many as 400 pedigreed cats and kittens and household pets will compete for awards given by eight judges from the Cat Fanciers’ Association Inc., the world’s largest and most prestigious cat registry.

The Ask-the-Vet Kiosk will be manned each afternoon and, for the sixth year, there will be a Feline Agility Competition.

Admission is $9, adults; $4, seniors over 65 and children under 12. Children 4 and younger are free. For additional information, go to www.houstoncatclub.org.

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HOUSTON SYMPHONY ROCKS THE PAVILION,

JULY 2

The classical sounds of the Houston Symphony turn into rock n’ roll with The Music of The Eagles July 2 at 8 p.m. at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Amplified by a full rock band and accompanied by singers Terry Brock, Randy Jackson and John Hines, creator Brent Havens guest conducts the ensemble as they capture The Eagles’ vocal harmonies surrounded by the orchestra in a concert rich with melodies and lush harmonies. Tickets are $20 for orchestra seating. Mezzanine and lawn seating are free courtesy of Insperity and Devon Energy. Tickets are not required for free seating. Gates open at 7 p.m.

Arrive early for pre-concert activities in the Fidelity Investments Plaza beginning at 7 p.m. with The Pavilion Partners Instrument Petting Zoo and Arts and Crafts booth. Groove to retro music with 93.7 The Arrow in the plaza, as well as Audi of America, official automobile of The Pavilion. Guests also can register to win Tommy Bahama’s “Best Seats in the House.”

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ADULT/SENIOR GAMES,

WEDNESDAYS

Senior citizens can take a mid-week break at the Bush Library to enjoy games and conversation. Adult Game Mornings are held in the Earl Elliott Room on the first floor from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays.

Domino games are ongoing, or you can bring your own games. Meet new friends or bring a friend. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Drive, Spring. Call 281-376-4610 for more information.

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YMCA DAY CAMPS

THROUGH JULY

The South Montgomery County YMCAs offer more than one option for parents who are looking for a safe and fun place for their kids to build healthy mind, body and spirit this summer.

Summer Day Camp – It’s the Summer to Re-Discover: This summer at the South Montgomery County YMCA, the Summer Day Camp Program will be located at the Creekside YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center. Reconnecting kids with nature, the Creekside YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center features a 50 foot alpine tower for climbing, 30 foot Giant Swing, 12 themed treehouses, 9 colorful authentic tipis, archery, hiking, misting station, outdoor chapel and amphitheater, inflatable water slide and a boardwalk system 8-20 feet off the ground. Campers, ages 5-11, will have the ultimate outdoor experience with mother-nature as the backdrop. Each weekly session features a theme and special activity.

Teen Camp – Get Energized, is for teens ages 12-15 years. Each week features up to 3 field trips, aquatics, field sports, team building and service learning projects. Teens will also enjoy rock climbing, an alpine tower challenge course, movie making, photography, swimming and more. The YMCA Teen Camp is based on site at the South Montgomery County YMCA on Shadowbend Place. For more information please contact Nathan Pieper, 281-367-9622.

Shot record is required at the time of registration. Offered in 1 week sessions, camp hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with early and late supervision available. Online registration is available at www.registerymca.org.

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SUMMER EVENTS AT THE PAVILION

July 2, 8 p.m. — Houston Symphony, “The Music of the Eagles”

July 3, 8 p.m. — Houston Symphony, “Star Spangled Salute”

July 22, 7:30 p.m. — Def Leppard with Heart and Evan Watson

July 30, 7 p.m. — Kings of Leon with Band of Horses

August 2, 7:30 p.m. — Ke$ha with LMFAO and Spank Rock

August 5, 8 p.m. — Houston Ballet, “Contemporary Masters

August 12, 7 p.m. — 311 and Sublime with Rome

August 14, 7 p.m. — The Goo Goo Dolls with Michelle Branch and Parachute

August 27, 1 p.m. — IDentity with Pretty Lights, Rusko, Steve Aoki, Disco Biscuits, DJ Shadow, Book Shade, Crystal Method, Hercules and Love Affair, Nero, Dotsik, Aeroplane, Holy Ghost,The Eye, Chad Hugo, White Shadow, La Riots and Jessie and the Toy Boys.

Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Fiesta, select H-E-B, FYE and Media Magic, by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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KNITTING/CROCHETING MEETS AT BUSH LIBRARY

ON FRIDAYS

The knitting, crocheting and conversation group meets every Friday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the Earl Elliott meeting room at the Bush Library. Help make lap blankets for veterans and chemo caps for MD Anderson Cancer Center patients. Bring items for a soldier in Afghanistan including playing cards, books, toiletries or hard candy. For more information, call 281-376-4610. The library is located at 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring.

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MARK KISTLER’S SUMMER ART CAMPS,

BEGINNING JULY 5

Emmy-award winning public TV host and author Mark Kistler is offering Cartooning and Drawing in 3-D Camps as 1-hour or 2.5 hour daily sessions. Upcoming session dates are: July 5-9, The Homeschool House, 27326 Robinson Road, Ste. 107; Aug. 1-5, Kingwood Christian Church, 3910 West Lake Houston Parkway in Kingwood; and Aug. 15-19, Huntwick Recreation Center, 5300 Coral Gables in Houston.

Fees are $89 for first child; $69 for siblings for 1 hour per day or two sessions per day (2.5 hours) is $178 per child; $138 for siblings.

Scholarships are available. Summer Art Camps are sponsored in part by the non-profit Extraordinary Education Family Learning Center and Willowcreek Elementary PTO. For more information, call 800-431-6829 or visit www.draw3d.com.

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MEMORIAL HERMANN THE WOODLANDS NEEDS VOLUNTEER TRANSPORTATION CART DRIVERS

The Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital Auxiliary needs adult volunteers to drive the 6-person visitor transport carts that pick up visitors in the campus’ parking lots and bring them to a hospital entrance.

Drivers interested in helping must have a license and a clean driving record. For more information, contact Susan Shelander, R.N., via e-mail at susan.shelander@memorialhermann.org.

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MEMORIAL HERMANN CANCER SUPPORT GROUP,

FOURTH THURSDAY

The cancer support group at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital serves patients with any type of cancer, as well as family, friends or caregivers, and meets the fourth Thursday of every month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the hospital conference center. For more information or to RSVP, contact Carol Lewis, R.N., at 281-364-4668.

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EVENTS AT MITCHELL LIBRARY

Events for all ages are offered at the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library in The Woodlands.

Family Storytime is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. This story program is for children of all ages (birth-4 years) and a caregiver with an emphasis on stories and activities for toddlers. This program emphasizes early literacy skills and is a great way to meet other families with young children.

Designed for children ages 3 and up, Story Club is held on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. Children are introduced to new authors and illustrators and develop literacy skills, listening, thinking, participation and social skills.

To sign up or receive more information about The Fiction Book Club for Adults, contact Emily Osburn at Emily.Osburn@countylibrary.org.

Participants in the Teen Anime Club view a current anime production, talk about their favorite anime/manga series, and feast on a load of snacks and goodies. The club is for ages 13 and up only. For more information, contact Tabatha Perry at 936-442-7728, ext. 310.

For details and programs, see the calendar at www.countylibrary.org.

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TEXAS TABLES COOKBOOK AVAILABLE ONLINE OR AT LOCAL SHOPS

The Junior League of North Harris and South Montgomery Counties Inc. has the Texas Tables cookbook available for purchase at several local shops and online. Texas Tables, a compilation of 240 delicious recipes, takes consumers on a journey of culinary creation and personal recollection.

For a listing of local retailers or to purchase Texas Tables, go to www.jlnhsmc.org.

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THE MUSIC MAN,

BEGINNING JULY 15

Stage Right of Texas in downtown Conroe will present a slice of American apple pie as the final show of the 2010-11 season.  Meredith Willson’s The Music Man will run July 15-31 with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and two Sunday matinees on July 24 and 31 at 2 p.m at the historic Crighton Theatre, 234 N. Main Street.

Drawn from Willson’s recollections of his Iowa boyhood, The Music Man tells the story of “Professor” Harold Hill who cannot read a note of music, but specializes in organizing boys’ bands and selling band instruments, and then disappearing with the money.

Purchase tickets by calling 936-441-SHOW or go to www.stage-right.org. Tickets are $20, adults; $17, seniors; and $15, youth.

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LES MISERABLES,

BEGINNING JULY 15

Class Act Productions presents Les Miserables beginning July 15 at the Nancy Bock Center for the Performing Arts. This  epic story recounts the struggle against adversity in 19th century France.  Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean is released from his 19-year term and not only becomes an honest man, but the mayor of a prosperous town and a loving adoptive father — violating his parole in the process.

Performances will be held July 15-16 and July 22-24. Tickets can be purchased online at www.classactproductions.org or by calling 281-292-6779.

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COFFEE WITH THE CARDIOLOGIST AT ST. LUKE’S TW,

JULY 20

St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital is hosting an informal once-a-month series of discussions entitled “Coffee With The Cardiologist” covering educational topics presented by cardiologists. This summer’s dates and topics are as follows: July 20, 8 a.m., St. Luke’s Lakeside Hospital main lobby, “Varicose Vein Therapies;” and August 17, 8 a.m., St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital conference room 4, “What Causes a Heart Attack.”

To register call 936-266-4050 or register online at www.stlukeswoodlands.com.

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CANCER WEBCAST AND PANEL DISCUSSION AT MDA WOODLANDS,

JULY 21

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will host the third installment of CancerCare’s 9th Annual Survivorship Series: Living With, Through and Beyond Cancer. The webcast, Stress Management for Caregivers: Taking Care of Yourself Physically and Emotionally, will be held on Tuesday, July 21 from Noon – 1 p.m.

Cancer patients, survivors and caregivers can listen in to topical cancer-related issues, then participate in a question and answer session by a panel of MD Anderson doctors, nurses and staff.

The free sessions are open to all caregivers, patients and survivors, regardless of where they were treated. Sessions will take place at The Woodlands Regional Care Center, 17198 St. Luke’s Way, Suite 130, in the first floor conference room, WTC1.1031.  For more information and to reserve a place, please call 713-563-0050. A free lunch will be provided for the first 15
attendees.

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FREE SUPPORT GROUPS

AchieveBalance.org is a group of mental health professionals providing excellent, affordable counseling services for couples, individuals and groups. Two ongoing free support groups currently being offered are: “Help Me Help My Teen,” first Monday of each month at 11:30 a.m., and “Life After an Affair,” first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. The office is located at Regus Office Suites at Market Street, Ste. 8210. For more information, call 936-697-2822 or go to www.achievebalance.org.

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SUMMER READING PROGRAM AT BUSH LIBRARY

THROUGH AUG. 6

Everyone is invited to “Dig Up a Good Book” this summer with HCPL summer reading program. The fun continues through August 6, so set up your account and start reading today. Sign up at this website: www.hcpl.net.

Other summer programs at the Barbara Bush Branch Library include:

•Fikry Botros photography exhibit, July

•Bilingual Yoga class, Fridays, 2:30-4 p.m. in the Robin Bush Activity Room

•Small business series with Vijay Patel, Fridays, 4-5:30 p.m. in the WCR Conference Room. July 8, How to write and present your dream business plan; July 15, How to finance your business; July 22, How to keep and grow your customers; July 29,How to build, motivate and lead the team

•Adult/Senior Games in the Robin Bush Room, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon

•Knitting/Crocheting/Conversation Group, Fridays, 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the Earl Elliott Meeting Room

Digital Media Catalog Demo at the Library, Friday, July 8, 11 a.m., Computer Lab; registration required, 281-376-4610

Book clubs — Evening Book Club, July 12 at 7 p.m., discussing Pictures at an Exhibition by Sara Houghteling. The Afternoon Book Club will discuss Still Alice by Lisa Genova on July 28 at 1:30 p.m. The Great Books Discussion Group, July 18 at 7 p.m., discussing Habits and Will by John Dewey.

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FRIENDSHIP CENTER MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Everyday somewhere in Montgomery County, approximately 50 Friendship Center volunteers are serving the needs of the senior population of the county.

The Friendship Center offers a two-hour volunteer training program that provides basic information on aging issues as well as tips on working with seniors in the various volunteer capacities. Trainings are scheduled twice a month, once in Conroe and once in The Woodlands. Volunteers also receive a manual for private study and reference.

For more information, contact Anna Claire Croghan at 936-756-5828, ext. 43 or acroghan@tfc-seniorservices.org.

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GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR HOME OF HOPE,

SEPT. 12

Houston-based Granite Harbor Advisors is planning a Golf Tournament to benefit Home of Hope on Monday, Sept. 12, at Raveneaux Country Club in Spring.

Home of Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rehabilitating victims of trafficking. This benefit tournament will help raise funds to support the first Houston-based rehabilitation center of its kind called Home of Hope.

Advocacy groups believe about 300,000 children are trafficked in the United States annually. Texas alone accounts for approximately 25 percent of that statistic. For more information, visit www.Homeof­HopeTexas.com.

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TEEN ACTIVITIES AT BUSH LIBRARY

•Every Tuesday 11 a.m-noon – Teen Yoga

•Every Tuesday 6:15-8:15 – Teen Movie night. Call the library for movie titles. 281-376-4610.

•Every Wednesday – Chess and Go Club 4-5:30 p.m.

•July 11, 4:30-6 p.m., Ani-Monday: Manga Read-in and Ninja

•July 18, 4:30-6 p.m. — Tween Craft: Decorate your denim; bring old jeans

•July 25, 4:30-6  p.m. — Ani-Monday: Teen’s choice

•July 7, 2:30-4 p.m. — Teen Craft: Mini-journals and flower pens. MUST REGISTER

•July 14, 2:30-4 p.m. — Teen Craft: Duct Tape Craft. MUST REGISTER

•July 16, 1-4 p.m., Henna and Indian Dance. MUST REGISTER. Must have signed permission form.

•July 21, 2:30-4 p.m. — Teen Craft: Magazine bowls and buttons. MUST REGISTER.

•July 28, 2:30-4 p.m. — Teen Craft: Cigar Box Creations. MUST REGISTER

Call 281-376-4610 to register for events.