Star-Spangled Salute

JULY 3

Ignite your patriotic spirit at the annual Star-Spangled Salute concert July 3 at 8 p.m. at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. This free Independence Eve spectacular features the Houston Symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites, presented by The Woodlands Development Company. Tickets are not required. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Led by Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski, the symphony performs a variety of traditional favorites and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with cannons blasting from the top of the hill. Joining the symphony to perform several of Simon & Garfunkel’s greatest hits are AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle. This duo has been performing their tribute to the music of Simon & Garfunkel for more than a decade.

Enjoy patriotic music in the plaza by The Woodlands Show Chorus and interact with Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam and a living Statue of Liberty in the plaza, as well as strolling characters including Barkley and Puffy Pine Cone. Also enjoy activities by The Pavilion Partners, The Woodlands Development Company, Renewal by Andersen, Century 21 Realty Group, Radio Disney Road Crew and Audi of America. For additional information, visit woodlandscenter.org.

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Red, Hot & Blue Festival

JULY 4

The Woodlands will celebrate the July 4th weekend with one of the largest firework displays in the greater Houston area, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, live entertainment, and much more.

Now in its 15th year, the annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival, produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau will be held on Wednesday, July 4, from 6-10 p.m. at Town Green Park and Waterway Square, both located along The Woodlands Waterway®. The event is open to the public.

As part of the festivities, organizers of the Red, Hot & Blue Festival will announce winners of the University of Phoenix Little Firecracker Essay Contest, a writing competition for participants ages 5-18.

Thousands of spectators will gather at dusk on the Fourth of July as the Red, Hot & Blue Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by BBVA Compass, lights up the night sky. The  23-minute fireworks display will be simulcast on Sunny 99.1.

For more information, a complete schedule of activities, maps and up-to-date parking information, or a listing of hotels and pools in the area, visit redhotblue.org or call 281-363-2447.

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Memorial Hermann Support Groups

Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital provides a variety of free support groups including Mended Hearts, cancer, yoga and Tai Chi for cancer survivors, diabetes, stroke, weight-loss surgery and Mothers of Multiples. For more information on meetings, call 713-222-CARE or click on “Classes and Events” tab at memorialhermann.org.

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July Events At Barbara Bush Branch Library

The Barbara Bush Branch Library’s  “Clues, Cake and Coffee,” a Summer Adult Mystery Book Club, will meet on the third Thursdays of July and August from 1-3 p.m. Feast Day of Fools by James Lee Burke is the July selection. The August selection is Murder in the Air by Bill Crider.

A Social Media Marketing Made Simple workshop will be held on July 6 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This free workshop will show you how to turn social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter into powerful business tools. It will cover the strategies and best practices needed to get the most out of social media activities.

A Social Media and Facebook for Business workshop is set for July 28 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn how to turn social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter into powerful business tools.

A Genealogical Research Database Demo presentation will be held on Friday,  July 13, at 11 a.m. in the second floor Barbara Bush Library Friends Computer Lab. Registration is required.

Senior Computer Help Sessions are held   on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m.-noon. No registration is required.

Practice Spanish on Thursdays from 2-4 p.m. in the WCR conference room.

Volunteer-led yoga classes are held every Friday from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Robin Bush Activity Room. To register for a class, call 281-376-4610 or go to hcpl.net.

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NAM Kicks Off Annual Back To School Drive

NAM is kicking off its annual Back to School drive with a goal of raising $30,000 to provide school supplies for 3,000 children. Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum made a $5,000 donation. Last year’s project helped nearly 3,000 children with hopes to expand that number in 2012. The annual drive will benefit needy students in Spring, Klein and Aldine school districts.

A gift of $20 will provide school supplies for one child. To make a cash donation to NAM’s Back to School drive, go to namonline.org, select “Donate Now,” and then choose “Back to School Project.”

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YMCA Summer Camps

There are many programs for kids this summer at the South Montgomery County YMCA. The Summer Day Camp Program is held at the Creekside YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center for campers ages 5-12. Each weekly session features a theme and special activity.

Specialty camps include Mad Science for ages 6-12; Adventures in Art Camp for ages 6-12; Rocketry & Robotics Camp for ages 6-12; and Princess Camp for ages 5-8.

Y Teen Camp is for teens ages 13-15. Each themed week features up to two field trips, field sports, team building and service learning projects. The Teen Camp is based at the South Montgomery County YMCA.

Summer Sports Clinics provide kids, ages 3-13, the opportunity to learn new skills and improve current skills. Each session is unique with a different sport and drills introduced weekly. Most Sports Clinic sessions run three hours daily, Monday-Thursday. Tiny Tot clinics meet for 90 minutes. Weekly sports clinics for ages 3-13 are held in the evening at the City Park in Oak Ridge North at 6 p.m.

Youth Wellness Camp for ages 7-15 focuses on physical conditioning and weight management specifically designed for youth. The camp meets Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Performing Arts Workshops include acting, dancing, singing, props and costuming in a team environment. The workshops meet Monday-Friday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. for students K-12th grade. Each workshop will focus on a different musical production with a live performance every Friday. The YMCA also has summer ballet classes for ages 2-8.

Gymnastics Workshops are available for ages 3-10 in two-week sessions. The 45-minute class meets Monday-Thursday.

For more information on summer programs, call 281-367-9622 or visit ymcahouston.org/south-montgomery-county/.

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The Woodlands Rugby Club Hosts Tournament

JULY 21

Woodlands Rugby will once again host a TOLA Sevens Tournament on July 21. Last year saw the inaugural hosting of The Cherrybone Sevens, held in memory of former father & son club members John and David Cherrybone. In addition, live streaming coverage will be available for the games.

Woodlands Rugby will once again take their place at the forefront of Texas Rugby by accepting an invitation to join the TRU Men’s Division I League for the forthcoming 2012-13 season. Having met all league requirements, The Woodlands Rugby Club will join Texas’ Top Tier after a four-year hiatus in Division II. For additional information, visit woodlandsrugby.com.

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Events At The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Upcoming events at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion include:

Houston Symphony Star Spangled Salute, July 3, 8 p.m.;

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, July 11, 6 p.m.;

Big Time Rush with Cody Simpson and Rachel Crow, July 13, 7 p.m.;

Farmers presents Rascal Flatts with Little Big Town, Thompson Square and Edens Edge, July 14;

311 with Slightly Stoopid and The Aggrolites, July 15, 7 p.m.;

Dukes of September with Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs, July 17, 7:30 p.m.;

Chicago and The Doobie Brothers, July 22, 7:30 p.m.;

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony with Houston Symphony, July 26, 8:30 p.m.;

Pitbull, Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m.;

KISS and Motley Crue, Aug. 3, 6:45 p.m.;

Jason Mraz with Christina Perri, Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m.;

Sublime with Rome with Matisyahu, Pepper & The Dirty Heads, Aug. 14, 6:20 p.m.;

Crosby, Stills & Nash, Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.;

Iron Maiden with Coheed and Cambria, Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m.;

and Journey with Pat Benatar featuring Neil Geraldo and Loverboy, Aug. 24, 7 p.m.

For more information, call 281-363-3300 or visit woodlandscenter.org.

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Montgomery County Memorial Library Expands Genealogy Resources

Montgomery County Memorial Library is the newest FamilySearch affiliate library. The new designation means library patrons will have greater and more convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources available through Family Search.

FamilySearch is the world’s largest repository of genealogical records and manages the famous Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. It has amassed billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land and court records of genealogical significance from more than 130 countries. FamilySearch is extending its access by circulating microfilms of the historic records through select public libraries. There is a $7.50 fee to order a microfilm. Once the film arrives, patrons use the microfilm readers at the library to peruse it. Library staff can assist with finding out what films are available, place orders and answer research questions.

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Woodlands Lacrosse Summer Camp

BEGINNING JULY 30

The Woodlands Lacrosse 2012 Summer Camp will be held on Monday, July 30, from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.; Tuesday, July 31, from 3-6 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.; and Wednesday, Aug. 1, from 3-6 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. The camp will take place at Sports Culture at 17951 Interstate 45 in Shenandoah, which is next to Chuy’s.

Focusing on skill development at all levels, the camp will be capped off each day by game play. There will be prizes and contests throughout the three days. The age group for the camp is kindergarten through 12th grade, with a separate “Young Guns” group for beginning players.

The cost is $235 for field players and $150 for goalies. These players are required to be fully equipped. For the “Young Guns” program, the cost is $110. “Young Guns” are not required to have equipment. Walk up pricing is an additional $35 to the prices listed above. For more information, visit woodlandslax.com.

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Woodlands Art League Gallery Offers Kids Art Camps

THROUGH AUG 25

The Woodlands Art League Gallery at Market Street will host Off the WAL Kids’ Art Camp. The camp meets weekly by themes on July 9-13, July 16-20, July 23-27, Aug. 6-10, Aug. 13-17 and Aug. 20-24 for ages 4-15. The classes meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9-11 a.m.

Additional classes are available for children, teens and adults including: Skinny on Art Teens for ages 12-15; Papermaking & Book Binding for ages 11-19; Puppet Theatre Workshop for ages 7-12; Metal Embossing Fun, ages 7-11 and 12-adult; Creative Clay Plus, ages 6-12; Mixed Media & Collage, ages 15-adult; Styromania Sculpting, ages 12-adult; Watercolor and Drawing, teens and adults; Oil & Pastel Portraits, adults; and Still Life, adults.

Visit woodlandsartleague.org for additional information. Register by phone at 281-419-1980 or in person at the gallery located at Market Steet across from Z Gallerie.

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Woodlands Soccer City To Open This Summer

The Woodlands Soccer City will open its new Indoor Soccer Complex this summer. Located on FM1488 at SH 242, the complex will house two large airconditioned indoor fields, offices, a party room, meeting room and concessions. This unique building will be the only indoor complex in the area with two large fields, the latest technology in artificial turf, tempered glass for clear spectator viewing, as well as ample parking.

The Woodlands Soccer City will be for players of all abilities from ages 4 to 74 with Adult Leagues for men, women, co-ed and corporate, plus Youth Leagues for ages 4 and above. The company will also offer indoor soccer camps, adult and youth tournaments and skills clinics. For more information, visit WoodlandsSoccerCity.com or call 281-685-3067.

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American Business Women’s Association

SECOND THURSDAY

The Tomball Charter Chapter American Business Women’s Association will hold its monthly meeting on the second Thursday of the month at Lone Star College Elmer Beckendorf Conference Center, 30555 State Highway 249 in Tomball. Networking begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Men are also invited to attend and join.

The cost is $15 for members; and $18, non-members. To RSVP, call Katherine at 713-206-5557 or email kebel@sbcglobal.net.

The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.

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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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4th Of July Parade At Market Street

The South County 4th of July Committee announced it is again hosting the area’s 4th of July Parade beginning at 9 a.m. in the Market Street area of The Woodlands. Montgomery County Sheriff Tommy Gage will be honored as the Grand Marshall of the parade.

The committee is accepting sponsorships, entries and volunteers for this year’s parade. For more information, visit 4thofjuly.org or call 281 210-3975.

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The Woodlands Bar Association’s Law Line

JULY 9

The Woodlands Bar Association’s Law Line will be taking calls on Monday, July 9, from 5-8 p.m. Local attorneys man the phones to take calls from Montgomery County residents with general legal questions and provide some answers.

At Law Line phone events, attorneys who focus on miscellaneous areas of the law (consumer protection, bankruptcy, criminal, family law, landlord/tenant) staff the phones and have reference materials to provide information to callers to help resolve legal issues. The number to call is 281-645-6344.

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Woodlands Children’s Museum In Need Of Donations

The Woodlands Children’s Museum has a need for toilet tissue, paper towels and facial tissues. Donations can made at the museum located at 4775 W. Panther Creek in the Panther Creek shopping center next to Sears Hardware.

New summer hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 281-465-0955 or go to woodlandschildrensmuseum.org.

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The Woodlands Car Club

FIRST SUNDAY

The Woodlands Car Club meets on the first Sunday of each month from 9-11 a.m. at Market Street – The Woodlands. 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.

All “show” vehicles will enter by the entrance by Avia Hotel and Starbucks. The entire area will be closed for this event. No “show” vehicles will be allowed to park on the “other” side of the central grass area by Cru’ Wine Bar.

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 thewoodlandscarclub.org.

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Montgomery County Food Bank’s Shoot Out Hunger Event

JULY 19

Montgomery County Food Bank is hosting its First Annual Shoot Out Hunger event on Thursday, July 19, at the Conroe Shooting Center on FM 2854 in Conroe.

This is an opportunity to shoot sporting clays in an urban wilderness environment among the trees and contribute to the battle to end hunger in Montgomery County.  Teams of four will ride in a supplied cart to the shooting clay stations located in a 100-acre wooded section behind the Conroe Shooting Center. Winners will be announced during a special lunch under the pavilion.

The cost for shooters is $100 or $15 for only the Awards Luncheon. Register early, slots are limited. To register, go to events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=gh4cwbeab&oeidk=a07e5xhcpw454560c1d&oseq=a01i5ghs38mls or call the Food Bank at 936-539-6686.

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Yarn Art On Display Through July At Central Library

To celebrate World Wide Knit in Public Day in early June, the group known as Hip to Stitch partnered with Montgomery county Memorial Library System to install a “yarn bomb” or fiber art at the Central Library located at 104 I-45 North in Conroe.

Library customers can enjoy yarn art scattered throughout the first floor entrance area and along the stairway through the end of July.

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Young Artist’s Reception

JULY 27

A Young Artist’s Reception will be held on  Friday, July 27, at the Woodlands Art League Gallery from 6-8 p.m. at Market Street.

Art created by children and teens at summer classes and camp will be on display at the Woodlands Art League Gallery at Market Street. Enjoy refreshments, meeting teachers, and finding out about the continuation of “Off the WAL Kids” summer art camp and other summer classes. For additional information, call 281-419-1980.

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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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Baby Boot Camp At The Woodlands Mall

THROUGH SEPT. 1

The Woodlands Mall announces the return of Baby Boot Camp, a stroller-based fitness program. Classes will continue until Saturday, Sept. 1.

Baby Boot Camp, formerly StrollerFit, features Monday to Saturday workout sessions designed to help moms get fit, combining strength-training exercises with cardiovascular drills. A challenging one-hour interval training class, the classes incorporate strength training, cardio and core work to help get participants strong and lean, all while entertaining little ones with fun interactive songs, games and movement. The disciplines of Pilates, yoga and abdominal exercises are used to help participants improve core strength. Throughout the workout, a stroller, resistance tubes and even the children are used as a part of the workout.

The Baby Boot Camp sessions are taught by Stephanie Taylor, a mother of two and Baby Boot Camp franchise owner, and other fitness instructors, all of whom are nationally certified fitness instructors.

Classes are held in The Courtyard at The Woodlands Mall every weekday Monday through Saturday from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Individuals can attend a first class for free and there are a variety of pricing options, including a special summer rate for teachers. For information, call 713-480-3599 or stephanie.taylor@babybootcamp.com.

Adult participants should be dressed in comfortable workout attire and bring a water bottle and a mat or towel for floor work. The participants should also bring whatever their baby might need including a stroller, snacks, toys, sun block, diapers, hat or blanket. Adults without babies or children are also welcome.

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Feast Of Artisans Farmers’ Market

Feast of Artisans Farmers’ Market now has two locations offering seasonal and local fruits and vegetables, local honey, free range chicken eggs, grass fed beef, other meats, olive oil, orchids and other plants, tie dye, coffee, Indian food, bath sundries, art and more.

The market will take place at The Woodlands Mall on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. through Nov. 21.

The market will also be held at Esprit International School, 4890 W. Panther Creek Drive, on Fridays from 4-7 p.m.