Ring The Bells For 1812 Celebration

JUNE 18

The Thomas Bay Chapter USD 1812 will celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 in The Woodlands. “Ring the Bells” will take place on Monday, June 18, at Market Street with members dressed in period clothing. The Thomas Bay Chapter National Society United States Daughters of 1812 will “Ring the Bells for 1812” at exactly noon to help all 50 states celebrate the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the War of 1812.

The community is invited to this free, historical celebration at Central Park at Market Street from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Guests will be given small bells to ring at noon. Free corn dogs and root beer floats will add to the celebration. Janisue Rigel, Thomas Bay Chapter president-elect, will preside at this historical event celebration. For more information, visit usdaughters1812.org.

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Impact A Hero Weekend

BEGINNING JUNE 2

Impact A Hero Weekend gives Houstonians an opportunity to join national celebrities in thanking severely wounded servicemen and women for sacrificing their minds, bodies and sometimes their lives.

Events include: Impact A Hero 5K Walk, Run and Wheel on Saturday, June 2, at 7:30 a.m. at Mercer Stadium in Sugar Land. This year, Impact A Hero anticipates more than 2,500 runners, including 50 wounded heroes and their families.  In addition, the Kids’ 1K Race will take place during the 5K Walk, Run and Wheel. Children will have fun running with the Texans’ mascot Toro. Houston Texans head football Coach Gary Kubiak and several of his coaches and players will participate with the wounded heroes.

The Houston Astros will honor severely wounded veterans in a pre-game ceremony on Saturday, June 2, at 5:30 p.m. prior to the Houston Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds game.

The Hall of Fame Gala Dinner will be held on Sunday, June 3, at 5 p.m. at Sugar Land Marriott Hotel.

The Impact A Hero Golf Challenge will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 4, at Champions Golf Club. The honorary chairman is Jackie Burke.

The Impact a Hero Weekend Kick off Party was held in March at Reliant Stadium. Scott H. Koza, chief geophysicist, Gulf of Mexico Exploration for Marathon Oil Corporation, donated $50,000 to support veteran heroes who have been severely injured in the War on Terror. Heroes honored were Army Sgt. Andrew Miller, Army Sgt. Sergio Trejo, Marine Cpl. Steven Schultz, Marine Sgt. Jason Shaw and Marine Sgt. Ronny Porta. Visit  impactahero.org for more information on these events.

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Woodlands Wine & Food Week

BEGINNING JUNE 7

The Woodlands Wine & Food Week begins Thursday, June 7, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Market Street. The “H-E-B Wine Walk” is a wonderful way to sip and stroll around Market Street enjoying vino along with chef demonstrations and live entertainment.

“Sips, Suds & Sliders” takes place Friday, June 8, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel. This casual event includes wine as well as beer and sliders for sampling. Live music wlll serenade guests. Awards will be given out to the top chef, so make sure to vote in the “Shining Slider Awards.”

“The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase” will be held on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. This is the crowning jewel of the week. Fifty accomplished chefs from near and far will showcase their talents for guests and judges. Chefs will vie for the national Waterford Crystal Chef of Chefs Award. Guests will enjoy more than 500 wines and 50 restaurants with a focus on sustainable and local foods. Visit WineAndFoodWeek.com for further information on all events.

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Woodlands Strykers Opening Day

JUNE 1

The Woodlands Strykers will host its opening day on June 1 when they take on the Brazos Valley Bombers at the Strykers Stadium. The two latest additions to the team include local players from Rice University and Galveston College. Left fielder Michael Aquino will join right-handed pitcher Derek Wade for the Strykers inaugural season. Tickets are on sale at woodlandsstrykers.com or by calling 281-465-0636.

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June 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 June, July and August from 1-3 p.m. in the Robin Bush Children’s Activity Room. The June selection is Mourning Gloria by Susan Wittig Albert.

Learn how to use the Digital Media Catalog to download e-books plus e-audio and e-video to computers and mobile devices at the Digital Media Catalog Database Demo presentation on Tuesday, June 12, at 11 a.m. in the second floor Computer Lab. Registration is required.

A Genealogical Research Database Demo presentation is set for Friday, June 15,  at 11 a.m. in the second floor Computer Lab. Registration is required. Register online or by calling the library at 281-376-4610.

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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Classy Chassis Concours D’ Elegance

BEGINNING JUNE 9

The ninth annual Classy Chassis™ Concours d’ Elegance will return to Reliant Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. showcasing renowned, vintage automobiles from across the country. Benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Houston/Galveston, Classy Chassis™ will feature more than 100 unique and rare automotive icons, exotic hand-built sports cars, hot rods and full-out racing machines from some of the finest private collections and museums throughout the United States. The special features for 2012 will be Bonneville race cars and Aston Martin.

In addition to the indoor exhibition, the ever popular Ride & Drive will return this year. For a rider’s fee, guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin or one of many other modern day super cars. New this year is the traveling exhibit of Gibson Guitars. With live music and children’s activities, this event provides entertainment for the entire family.

Jim Simpson from Whidbey Island, Wash., will return as chief judge of the concours event, leading a team of experts in the selection of award winners.

Ticket prices are $28 for adults; $8 for children ages 6 through 17; and children 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster or at the gate on the day of the event. For more information visit classychassis.org.

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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 SH242, the complex will house two large air conditioned indoor fields, offices, 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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Events At The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Upcoming events at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion include: Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band, June 2, 8 p.m.; The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour, June 8, 8 p.m.; 93Q’s Day in the Country, June 16, 1:30 p.m.; Il Divo, June 21, 8 p.m.; Texas Music Festival Orchestra, June 22, 8 p.m.; Gang of Outlaws with ZZ Top with 3 Doors Down and Gretchen Wilson, June 23, 6:30 p.m.; 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.; Bugs Bunny at the Symphony with Houston Symphony, July 26, 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 281-363-3300 or visit woodlandscenter.org.

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Stonewall Peach Jamboree In Fredericksburg

DURING JUNE 

Everything’s peachy in Fredericksburg during peach season. Visitors can enjoy an abundance of nature’s juiciest and sweetest peaches. There are over 1,400 acres of peaches in Gillespie County, which makes it the largest peach-producing county in the state of Texas.

Discover varieties including Springold, Garnet Beauty, Harvester, Redglobe, Loring, Redskin, Dixiland and others. The area is host to numerous orchards with roadside stands packed with fresh, ready-to-go boxes of peaches and other locally grown goodies. And smack-dab in the middle of peach season is the annual Stonewall Peach JAMboree held during the third weekend in June. There’s a rodeo, parade, vendors, kids activities, Peach Queen coronation and all things “peach.” See why visitors flock to Fredericksburg during this time of year. Get a complete listing of orchards at
visitfredericksburgtx.com/food-wine-categories/peaches-farms.

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Junior-AM Tournament

JUNE 18

The American Junior Golf Association will host the Junior-Am Tournament on June 18 at The Woodlands Country Club. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch and awards follow at 1 p.m.

The event allows participants to play a competitive round of golf with one of the future stars of the game. Alumni include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk and Rickie Fowler. Proceeds benefit the AJGA Foundation and local junior golf programs. Junior-Ams raised more than $1 million for grassroots junior golf. To register, call 713-582-9990 or email bobprijatelj@aol.com.

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New Operating Hours For Waterway Cruisers

New operating hours have been established for the Waterway Cruisers: Fridays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Weekday rides will be limited to 25 specified holidays and special events throughout the year that will be publicized in advance and at The Woodlands CVB’s website.

The change of the schedule does not affect individuals and businesses who want to charter a boat for special events. Boats will be available for catering any day of the week through Landry’s Seafood. Contact Landry’s Restaurant (Megan Bennett) at 281-363-9750 to reserve a Cruiser.

A general public day pass with unlimited rides on the Waterway Cruisers is $5; youth, seniors and the disabled are $2.50. Tickets can be purchased on board each Waterway Cruiser. For more information, visit TheWoodlandsWaterwayCruisers.com.

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Texas Renaissance Festival Wedding Tour Dates

BEGINNING JUNE 2

The Texas Renaissance Festival has announced the dates for its wedding tours for the 2012 festival season. Tours will be held at 9:45 a.m. on Saturdays, June 2, July 14, Aug. 4 and Sept. 8 on the Texas Renaissance Festival grounds.

Couples will have the opportunity to tour the five wedding venues and rehearsal locations the festival has to offer. Wedding parties, photographers and family members are welcome to attend. As there are no on-site rehearsals before ceremonies, it is recommended that couples tour the wedding venues before walking down the aisle.

Comfortable shoes are encouraged for those touring. Texas Renaissance Festival wedding staff members will be available to provide information packets and answers to any questions regarding wedding details. The Texas Renaissance Festival Main Office is located at 21778 FM 1774 in Plantersville. To RSVP for the tour, call 281-356-2178.

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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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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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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.

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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Spring Concert Series At Market Street

THROUGH JUNE 7

Live concerts at Market Street’s Spring Concert Series continues every Thursday through June 7 with live performances showcasing the best from Zydeco to Jazz, and even a Beatles tribute band, offering toe-tapping music the whole family can enjoy. Grab a lawn chair or a blanket and stake out your spot in Market Street’s Central Park. For more information, visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com.

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The Woodlands Cvb Announces Event Schedule

Live music and strolling performers highlight Waterway Nights, a summer entertainment series every Saturday in June from 6-8 p.m. For more information, visit TheWoodlandsCVB.com or call 281-363-2447.

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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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Library Ebooks Now Available For Kindle

Montgomery County Memorial Library System’s eBook collection is now compatible with the world’s bestselling eBook reader, the Amazon Kindle. Patrons can now download popular and classic eBooks to a Kindle device or any mobile device running the free Kindle app, such as iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ and more. To get started, visit the Houston Area Digital Media Catalog through the library website at countylibrary.org.

Montgomery County Memorial Library System also offers eBooks and audiobooks for use on a PC or Mac computer and popular mobile devices such as a Smartphone, MP3 player, and eBook reader like the Barnes & Noble® Nook™ and Sony® Reader.

Kindle users can browse the Library System’s collection of bestselling and classic eBooks from a PC or Mac computer, check out titles using a library card, and select “Get for Kindle” to deliver eBooks to their Kindle device or any device running the free Kindle app. Visit the library’s website to download eBooks for your Kindle. Digital downloads are offered 24/7, even on holidays.

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Malcolm Purvis Library’s Children’s Programming

Children’s Programming at the Malcolm Purvis Library in Magnolia includes: Baby and Me Story Time for ages 18 months and younger on Tuesdays at 10 a.m.; Toddler Story Time for ages 18 months to 3 years on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.; Preschool Story Time for ages 3 to 6 on Thursdays at 10 a.m.; and Tween Scene for ages 9 to 12 every other Thursday at 4 p.m. For more information, contact Amanda Leiva at amanda.leiva@countylibrary.org.

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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 in Spring. Call 281-376-4610 for more information.

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Ongoing Breast Cancer Rehab Program Offered At The YMCA

Restoration, a Pilates-based exercise recovery program for breast cancer survivors, is now being offered at the South Montgomery YMCA.

Designed to help breast cancer survivors restore mobility, improve circulation, regain energy and rebuild strength, this form of exercise also improves self-confidence and quality of life while reducing emotional stress. The program is available to all breast cancer survivors, whether they are eight weeks or eight years post-op.

Shellee Eudy, a Pink Ribbon Program certified instructor and veteran YMCA fitness instructor, leads the program.

Classes meet Mondays at 12:30 p.m. or Tuesdays at 6 p.m. The program includes a private personalized patient assessment, six weeks of specialized exercise and an exercise booklet. Participants must have a doctor’s release to participate.

For information, contact Shellee Eudy, 281-364-0258, or Michelle Hill, 281-367-9622. Registration can be done at either YMCA branch in The Woodlands.

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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 snacks. The club is for ages 13 and up only. For more information, contact Tabatha Perry at 936-442-7728, ext. 310.

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Woodlands Art League Gallery Offers Kids Art Camps

BEGINNING JUNE 11

The Woodlands Art League Gallery at Market Street will host Off the WAL Kids’ Art Camp beginning June 11. The camp meets weekly by themes on June 11-15, June 18-22, June 25-29, 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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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 ofthe 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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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 (in the alcove between Barnes & Noble and Anthropologie) 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.

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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 achievebalance.org.