Homeless Coalition’s Kentucky Derby Gala

MAY 5

The Montgomery County Homeless Coalition is hosting its second annual “Run for the Roses,” a Kentucky Derby Gala to raise funds to serve the homeless in Montgomery County. The event is slated for Saturday, May 5, at Belle Rose Maison, 15833 Old Conroe Road. Post time is 4:30 p.m. The event features a live broadcast of the 138th Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs on a Go Tron Jumbo television system, a silent auction, a hat contest, and traditional derby fare along with mint juleps. Music will be provided for dancing by the band Clockwork.

Sponsorship levels range from $100 for individual seats to $10,000 for the Title Cup sponsor. To purchase tickets online, visit kentuckyderbygala.eventbrite.com.

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Montgomery County Youth Services Ladies Night Out

MAY 10

Montgomery County Youth Services has set the date for its ’80s-themed 14th Annual Ladies Night Out, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” for Thursday, May 10, from 6:30 to 11 p.m at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.

The evening will feature live music from the Spazmatics as well as dinner buffet and cash bar, shopping and pampering stations, a wine walk, a silent auction, a diamond raffle and giveaways plus some bangin’ 80’s extras.

Individual tickets are $100; teacher tables for $750, Girlfriend tables for $850; Prima Donna tables for $1,000; and Diva tables for $2,000. A new table is available at this year’s event, the Bodacious Babe table for $3,000, and the Goddess table is again available for $5,000. All tables seat 10. Proceeds will benefit Montgomery County Youth Services. For more information, visit mcysladiesnightout.org or contact Jennifer Ashley at 936-522-8839.

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The Woodlands CVB Announces Event Schedule

BEGINNING MAY 26

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with fireworks, vendors, live music, face painting, a balloonist and more on May 26-27 from 6-9 p.m. at Waterway Square. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy sounds from local country favorite, The Sheila Marshall Band, as the group takes to the stage on Saturday from 6-7:20 p.m. followed by the top cover band Rapture from 7:40-8:55 p.m.

The fun continues on Sunday with live music from Houston’s hottest party band, 11th Hour, from 6-7:20 p.m. Another Houston favorite, Park Avenue, will play music from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today from 7:40-8:55 p.m. A fireworks display, presented by Wells Fargo, will light up the night’s sky each evening beginning at 8:55 p.m., weather permitting.

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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Interfaith Child Development Center Scholarship Deadline

MAY 1

The Interfaith Child Development Center is accepting scholarship applications for the 2012-13 school year. The “Helping Hand” scholarships help families in crisis with tuition costs. Children ages 2 through fourth grade living in Interfaith of The Woodlands’ service area are eligible for the needs-based scholarship.

Both partial and full tuition scholarships are available. The application deadline is May 1. For more information on eligibility requirements, call 281-292-3617 or visit interfaithkids.org.

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Children’s Museum Launches New Programs

The Woodlands Children’s Museum has launched its schedule of new classes and programs through May. One of the most popular classes is the E.A.R.L.Y. Robotics class for both boys and girls, ages 4 to 8  and 7 to 11. The programintroduces children to engineering while developing a strong understanding of the basic fundamentals of building and mechanical principles.

Students will build robots and realistic motorized models in a team-building atmosphere. Teams select pilots to operate the robot motors using a basic on/off switch to manipulate through obstacles and challenges to complete missions.

The museum is located at 4775 W. Panther Creek in the Panther Creek Shopping Center next to Sears Hardware. For a complete list of programs, call 281-465-0955 or go to woodlandschildrensmuseum.org.

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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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Events At The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Upcoming events at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion include: Giselle performed by Houston Ballet, May 4, 7:30 p.m.; Styx & REO Speedwagon, May 12, 6:40 p.m.; Dave Matthews Band with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, May 18, 7 p.m.; Hot Night in Havana featuring Tiempo Libre and the Houston Symphony, May 24, 8 p.m.; The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour, June 8, 8 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.

Pollstar magazine announced the top 100 amphitheaters in the world based on the number of tickets sold in 2011, and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion was ranked fifth. For more information, call 281-363-3300 or visit woodlandscenter.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 a.m.-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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Houston’s Annual Pond Tour

BEGINNING MAY 5

Sparkling waterfalls, splashing fish, colorful water lilies, frogs, dragonflies, and relaxing back yard vignettes welcome visitors to the Houston Pond Tour on May 5-6. Twenty ponds will be open to the public in this self-guided tour across the Houston metro area.

Featured are everything from patio-sized pre-form ponds to water habitats that encompass the entire backyard. There are  fantail goldfish and show-quality koi, bog gardens, water lilies, and lotus plants. In addition to the pond tour, it’s also an opportunity to see stunning gardens and landscaping.

Pond owners will be on hand to answer questions about construction, filters, fish, aquatic gardening, successes, failures, and what they would do differently.

Half the ponds will be open on Saturday and half open only on Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A $10 ticket is good for both days, and can be purchased in advance at Nelson Water Gardens in Katy, or at any of the tour homes on the day of the tour. Go to houstonpondsociety.org to find the home nearest you and plan your route. For more information, call 713-822-5515 or email dcook1838@aol.com.

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David’s Dream Run

MAY 5

Each year, David Elementary, along with the community, holds its annual David’s Dream Run. The event, set for May 5, is a community wide 5K and 1-mile run/walk to raise money for The David Center at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

David Vetter touched millions of hearts around the globe without ever leaving his sterile environment. The world knew him as David, the Bubble Boy.

Sponsorships are still available. For sponsorship, registration and other information go to davidsdreamrun.org.

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Spring Concert Series At Market Street

BEGINNING MAY 3

Live concerts return to Market Street for its popular six-week Spring Concert Series beginning Thursday, May 3, at 6 p.m. The free concert series, presented by Sewell Automotive, 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. This year’s line-up features: May 3, Mike Reed Band; May 10, tribute band Abbey Rode; May 17, Mark Dini Group; May 24, saxophonist Ken Mondshine; and May 31, Lil’ Brian & The Zydeco Travelers.

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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Hope On The Green Golf Tournament

MAY 4

The third annual Hope on the Green Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, May 4, at Woodforest Golf Club, 1199 Fish Creek Thoroughfare. Registration begins at 10 a.m. The event will also include a $1 million shoot-out and $100,000 putting contest.

The cost is $150 or $600 for a four-player team. Registration includes a goodie bag, unlimited beverages, domestic beer, box lunch and food throughout the day on the course and post-play.

The event will benefit The Will Herndon Fund for Juvenile Batten Disease Research of the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation. For additional information, visit willherndon.org.

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Montgomery County Food Bank’s Golf Tournament

MAY 4

Montgomery County Food Bank’s 2nd Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, May 4, from noon-5 p.m. at The Links of West Fork, One Golf Ridge Drive in Conroe. Registration begins at 10 a.m. with a shotgun scramble format theat begins at noon. An awards dinner will follow and includes a silent auction, music by the Jesse Roach Band, and team pictures.

Register at montgomeryfoodbank.com. The cost is $125, individual; $500, teams of 4.

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Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

DURING MAY

A bustling schedule of year-round activities and courses are available for adults, children and families at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center to create a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature.

Join Instructor and Arboretum Conservation Director Joe Blanton to learn how to compost your own nutrient-rich kitchen waste and yard debris in this hands-on workshop on May 6 from 2-5 p.m. Each participant will build their own 55-gallon composting barrel and will be able to create rich, dark brown compost in as little as 3 weeks. All tools and equipment will be provided. Cost of workshop includes both barrel and frame kit to make one 55-gallon composting barrel. The cost is $85 for members; $95 for non-members.

Learn where to find, how to identify, and proper preparation of the fruits, shoots, roots and salad greens growing all around you during Edible Wild Plants on May 20 from 1-5 p.m. Topics will include: hands on plant identification, responsible harvesting techniques, preparation, dangerous mimics and poisonous plants, and edible landscaping. Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sack lunch, and bug repellant. A pen/pencil and camera are also recommended. A plant guide sheet will be supplied. The instructor for this course is Mark Vorderbruggen, a research chemist and one of the Houston area’s most intrepid explorers. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members.

The Arboretum’s summer camps for kids are a great way to experience nature firsthand in the 155-acre nature sanctuary. Naturalist teachers lead students in educational adventures both indoors and outside during these week-long camps. Themes include: Bugology (June 4-8 or July 9-13); Eat or Be Eaten (June 11-15 or July 16-20); Water Planet (June 18-22 or July 23-27); Magnificent Mammals (July 2-6 or August 6-10). Cost for full day camp: (9 a.m.- 3 p.m.) is $265 for Arboretum members; $325 for non-members; Cost for half day camp (9 a.m.-noon) is $140 for Arboretum members; $180 for non-members. For more information or to register for a class, call 713-681-8433 or visit houstonarboretum.org.

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Crawfish Festival In Fredericksburg

BEGINNING MAY 25

A little bit of New Orleans and a whole lot of southern fun is headed to downtown Fredericksburg as the Jaycees host the Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival on May 25-27.

Enjoying freshly boiled crawfish is a big part of the event, but the festivities have expanded to include more food, more music and lots of family fun. In addition to crawfish, revelers can dig into mounds of gumbo, red beans and rice, shrimp, and boudin, plus hamburgers, corn dogs, and German sausage.

The fifth annual Gumbo Cook-off will be held on Saturday. Sample gumbo from the seven teams participating, and be sure to vote for your favorite. A washer-pitching tournament will be held Saturday as well.

Youth of all ages will enjoy the kids area. Lively bands will provide upbeat music for every taste.

Hours are 6 p.m.-midnight on Friday; 11 a.m.-midnight on Saturday; and 11 a.m.- p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $6, adults; and $1 for ages 12 and under. Two-day and three-day passes are available.

The event takes place on Marktplatz, Market Square – 100 West Main Street, in downtown Fredericksburg. Proceeds from this event are distributed to charities. For more information, go to Tex-Fest.com or call 1-866-TEX-FEST (839-3378).

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Woodlands Wine & Food Week

BEGINNING JUNE 7

The Woodlands Wine & Food Week starts off 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 and vote in the “Shining Slider Awards.”

“The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase” will be held on Saturday evening, June 9, 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 over 500 wines and 50 restaurants with a focus on sustainable & local foods. Visit WineAndFoodWeek.com for further information on all events.

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Stage Right Presents The Carol Burnett Show

THROUGH MAY 6

Stage Right of Texas will present The Carol Burnett Show through May 6. Adapted for the stage by Director Sam Martinez, The Carol Burnett Show will be an homage to the variety/sketch comedy television show that starred Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and Tim Conway.

Stage Right will recreate some of the classic comedy sketches and spoofs of old movies as well as movie musical numbers.  Please note that Burnett and the original TV cast members are not appearing in the show.

At the personal request of Burnett, Stage Right will collect monetary donations during the run of the show for one of her favorite charities — The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. Based in Santa Barbara, Calif., The Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation provides monetary and emotional support to families with a child undergoing cancer treatment.

In order to do something for local families dealing with cancer, Stage Right is offering free admission to the show for immediate family members with a member (mom, dad or kids) currently undergoing cancer treatment. Contact the box office at 936-441-7469 to reserve free tickets.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees on April 29 and May 6 at 2 p.m. The historic Crighton Theatre is located at 234 N. Main St. in downtown Conroe. Tickets can be purchased at stage-right.org. Tickets are $20 for adults; $17 for seniors and groups of 10 persons or more; $15 for kids ages 16 and under and groups of 20 or more.

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Go Red For Women Luncheon

MAY 11

Dr. Sakina Davis of Woodlands Wellness and Cosmetic Center teams up with Janene Hemmen to lead the Go Red For Women Luncheon on May 11 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott from 10 a.m.-2 p.m..

The event is expected to draw more than 350 business and community leaders. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn tips on heart disease and stroke prevention from local experts, listen to a heart-warming story of survival from local resident Dr. Charnette Taylor, and shop the “Purse-onalities” silent auction. The silent auction features items that represent the diverse personalities of the community. Purses can be anything from actual handbags, to golf bags, to briefcases.

The cost begins at $100. For more information, visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 713-610-5061 for tickets.

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Woodlands Art League Gallery Miniature Sale And Reception

MAY 11

The Woodlands Art League Gallery will hold an artist reception on Friday, May 11, from 6-9 p.m. There will be miniatures as well as larger original art pieces, jewelry and pottery. The gallery will be daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ten percent of the proceeds of the miniature sale will be donated to the Woman’s Shelter. The Woodlands Art League Gallery is located at Market Street, Ste. 1200. For additional information, call 281-419-1980.

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Movie Night Returns To Waterway Square

THROUGH MAY 12

Grab a blanket and favorite snack and head over to Waterway Square in The Woodlands for “Movie Night,” the popular entertainment series showcasing family-friendly movies every Saturday through May 12 from 8-10 p.m.

Produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, featured movies scheduled include Happy Feet 2, May 5; and Monsters vs. Aliens, May 12. For more information on “Movie Night” and other events taking place in The Woodlands, visit TheWoodlandsCVB.com or call 281-363-2447.

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Book Clubs At Barbara Bush Library

DURING MAY

The Evening Book Club will meet on May 8 at 7 p.m. to discuss Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok. The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The June selection is Doc by Mary Doria Russell.

The Great Books Discussion Group will meet on May 21 at 7 p.m. in the WCR Conference Room. The new study involves a different reading each month. The title this month is The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. The group meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, contact Ed Boran at 281-353-1450.

The Afternoon Book Club will meet on May 24 at 1:30 p.m. or May 25 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. The book club meets the fourth Thursday of each month. The June selection is Shanghai Girls by Lisa See.

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Grief Resource Center Hosts Jazz Brunch

MAY 12

The 3rd Annual Jazz Brunch, hosted by The Grief Resource Center, will be held Saturday, May 12, at The Woodlands Conference Center & Resort from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature New Orleans-style jazz music, food and festivities. Theresa Roemer, Mrs. Texas United America 2010, whose axiom in life is to “be who you came to be” will share her experience of loss and grief. Roemer will share how she moved through the tragic loss of her son, Michael Dean Meyers, at the young age of 19, and how she processed through her grief to keep living and to keep loving.

Sponsorships are available. Tickets are $125. One can register online for the event.  For more information, go to tgrconline.org or call 281-292-6800.

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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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Bill Dawson To Speak About The Great Drought Of 2011,

MAY 15

Bill Dawson, an independent journalist and founder of Texas Climate News published by HARC, will speak on May 15 at 7 p.m. at the South Regional Branch Library about the record-setting drought in Texas and what it means for serious consideration of climate change.

Dawson was the environment writer at the Houston Chronicle for 17 years, a senior writer for the Center for Public Integrity, and has been published in the New York Times, the Texas Tribune, the Yale Forum on Climate Change, and Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine.

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Angelman Syndrome Foundation Walk

MAY 19

The Angelman Syndrome Foundation Walk will be held on Saturday, May 19, at Rob Fleming Park in The Village of Creekside Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive in The Woodlands. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; and the 5K walk starts at 9 a.m.

Participants are encouraged to register online at angelman.org/walk/walk-information/houston-tx or by calling 1-800-432-6435. Registration is also available on the day of the event.

This event will support medical research, support, education and advocacy for families affected by Angelman Syndrome, a neurological disorder.

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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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Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

BEGINNING MAY 18

Christian Youth Theatre presents Seven Brides for Seven Brothers from May 18-27 at the Crighton Theatre. The story takes place in the 1850s Oregon wilderness and revolves around Adam Pontipee, a rugged country man, who goes to town looking for a bride to help him take care of his brothers. His new bride soon plans to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law to ensure the success of her own marriage. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is full of boisterous fun. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. To purchase tickets, visit cythouton.org.

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Events In The Woodlands

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the 9th annual Fiesta Universal at Waterway Square on May 4. This is one of the area’s most popular cultural events showcasing Latin heritage and culture with authentic Mexican food, Latin music, dancing and fun for the whole family.

One of the premier multi-sport events in the region, the CB&I Triathlon returns to Northshore Park on May 5. The USA Triathlon sanctioned events consists of a 500-meter swim, 15-mile bike, and 5K run.

On May 19, nearly 3,000 athletes from around the world will gather in The Woodlands for the second annual Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas. Find a spot along the course and watch as some of the world’s top professional triathletes compete for a $75,000 purse, and a spot in the 2012 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

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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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Impact A Hero Weekend

JUNE 2-4

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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Junior-Am Tournament

JUNE 18

The BilliardFactory.com Junior Championship will be held 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 American Junior Golf Association 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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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.

Heather Isbell Kramer will present a Genealogy program on May 14 at 2 p.m. The presentation will provide information about using the resources at the library including books, databases, microfilm and vertical file. An introduction to genealogy research will also be provided. For details, see the calendar at countylibrary.org.

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Summer Camps At Houston Center For Photography

BEGINNING JUNE 26

Houston Center for Photography is introducing Youth Programs including Summer Camps and a 16-week Teen Photography program.

At HCP summer camps, participants will learn the fundamentals of photography, how to operate a camera and basics of photo editing using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom in a fun non-competitive environment.

The Teen Photography program guides students from the basics on photography, introduces them to the use of lighting and different photography styles, editing and critique, color management and printing. At the advanced level, the students work on their body of work and write artist statement to build their photographic portfolio.

Programs include:

Your World, Pixelated: Fun with Digital Photography, June 26-29, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with Lindsey Thompson for ages10-13;

The Art of Self-Portraiture, July 2-6, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with Galina Kurlat for ages 13-16;

Details in the Landscape: Photo Scavenger Hunt, July 9-13, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with Felisa Prieto for ages 10-13;

Details in the Landscape: Photo Scavenger Hunt, July 16-20, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with Kelly Webeck for ages 13-16;

The Art of Seeing: Documentation in Photography, July 23-27, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with Kelly Webeck for ages 13-16;

Familiar Faces: Portrait Photography and Lighting, July 30 to Aug. 3, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with Lindsey Thompson for ages 13-16.

To register, email education@hcponline.org or call 713-529-4755, ext. 10.

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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.