The Woodlands Celebrates Labor Day Weekend

BEGINNING SEPT 01

Celebrate Labor Day in The Woodlands with two evenings of fireworks, live concerts, face painters, balloon artists and more Saturday, Sept. 1, and Sunday, Sept. 2, from 6-9 p.m. at Waterway Square.

The festivities kick-off Saturday with classic rock favorites by Mike Maker from 6-7:20 p.m. followed by Alter Ego, playing the latest alternative and classic rock hits from 7:40-9 p.m. On Sunday, the fun starts all over again with cover band KAOS playing music from the ’80s through today’s hits from 6-7:20 p.m. Rounding out the holiday weekend celebration is ’80s variety band The Spicolis from 7:40-9 p.m.

A fireworks display begins at 8:55 p.m. each evening, weather permitting. Organizers say Waterway Square offers the best viewing for fireworks. For directions, visit TheFountainsAtWaterwaySquare.com, click on “Labor Day Event.”

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Fashion’s Night Out Events

SEPT 6

Market Street will once again host Fashion’s Night Out, Thursday, Sept. 6, from 6-10 p.m. with in-store fashion shows, swag bags, interactive events and more. Guests will preview the latest fall styles at in-store fashion shows every half hour and scheduled activities at each retail location including makeup application and hair styling demonstrations, fashion tips from the pros, and other interactive activities.

Fashion’s Night Out will also offer shopping incentives, fashionable cocktails, and delectable bites from Market Street restaurants including Jasper’s, CRÚ, Tommy Bahama Café and 1252 Tapas Bar.

The event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is encouraged by emailing chamberguestservices@gmail.com or call 281-419-4774. Swag bags will be provided, while supplies last. For more information, visit marketstreet-thewoodlands.com.

The Woodlands Mall will also set the stage for shoppers to experience the ultimate fashion soirée as it hosts Fashion’s Night Out on Sept. 6 from 6-10 p.m. Guests can take advantage of special retailer offers, giveaways, entertainment and more.

Last year’s Fashion’s Night Out featured events in 18 countries and more than 4,500 events in the United States featuring special limited-edition products, celebrity appearances and unforgettable performances. The Woodlands Mall is located at I-45 north at Lake Woodlands Drive.

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Fight For A Cause

SEPT 8

Fight For A Cause, presented by Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber in association with P4P Boxing, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 4-7 p.m. at Sports Culture, 17951 Interstate 45 North in The Woodlands.

Local community and business leaders will face off in a friendly boxing match to raise money for their charity of choice. There will be a total of eight matches. The winner of each match will receive $750 for their selected charity and the loser will receive $250. This year’s Ring Sponsor is Hodges Collision Centers, and the special guest ring announcer is Stacy Harris. The event features community personalities as judges including Terry McBurney, Gil Staley, Bruce Tough, Mike Valdez, Skeeter Hubert, Sheila Zea and Tanya Ogden.

A donation of $15 per ticket is encouraged. For more information, contact Miguel Lopez at Miguel.Lopez@mhes.com or visit mchchamber.org.

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The Miracle Worker At Crighton Theatre

BEGINNING SEPT. 7

The Miracle Worker opens Stage Right’s fifth season at the Crighton Theatre from Sept. 7-23 with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. and two Sunday matinees on Sept. 16 and Sept. 23 at 2 p.m.

Young Helen Keller, blind, deaf and mute since infancy, is in danger of being sent to an institution. Her inability to communicate has left her frustrated and violent. In desperation, her parents seek help from Annie Sullivan to tutor their daughter. Through persistence, love and stubbornness, Annie breaks through Helen’s walls of silence and darkness and teaches her to communicate.  The theater is located at 234 North Main. To purchase tickets, go to crighton-theatre.com.

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Jazzy Junque Opens Store

Bargain hunters will no longer have to sing the blues thinking the “Jazzy Junque & Other Great Stuff” fundraising sale is held only once a year. After four successful annual sales, Montgomery County’s popular Jazzy Junque sale is now a permanent storefront at The Outlets at Conroe.

Featuring donated items that are new or in good and working condition, savvy shoppers can find exciting steals on sofas, decorator comforters, boutique handbags, stylish furniture and more at a fraction of what it would cost to buy new.

Jazzy Junque is currently seeking donations of unwanted furniture, home accessories, housewares, infant/children’s items, art, garden/patio items, jewelry, boutique clothing, collectibles and antiques.

The store is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Customers can also enjoy coffee drinks from the coffee bar, which will be manned by residents of New Danville. Proceeds benefit New Danville, a master-planned community for adults with mild intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Donations can be dropped off at Outlets of Conroe by appointment, or arranged to be picked up by calling 936-441-4500 or emailing linda.hein@jazzyjunque.org.

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Ymca Dragon Boat Team Challenge

BEGINNING SEPT 27

The South Montgomery County YMCA will hold the 2012 YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge “Presented by AonHewitt” on Sept. 27-30 at Northshore Park and Lake Woodlands. A team is composed of 20-30 members. Each team roster must have a minimum of five females and participants must be at least 18 years of age. High school teams, ninth-12th grade, are eligible to participate in the Sunday morning bracket from 8 a.m.-noon.

The event features six different team activities, but the Dragon Boat Races are the main event. Dragon boats are 40-foot long, extremely colorful dragon-headed canoes that weigh more than 1,800 pounds. This team building event is designed to build community spirit among corporations, civic groups and community organizations.

The Y organizes and facilitates all team activities, provides all the equipment, rules and instructions, team tent, water and ice, and event T-shirt. The Y also provides professional staff, volunteers and safety/security agencies to create a positive, safe and fun environment. The team entry fee is $625 or $550 for high school and nonprofit groups. This event benefits YMCA Outreach Programs. Registration forms are available at ymcadragonboat.org.

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Stiletto Sprint

SEPT. 15

The Breast Cancer Charities of America  is hosting the 3rd Annual Stiletto Sprint on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Market Street. The Stiletto Sprint is a 50-meter sprint that includes: a Women’s Stiletto Sprint, A Men’s Stiletto Sprint, an Adult Co-Ed Sneaker Sprint, a Non-competitive Diva’s in Training” Girl’s Sneaker Sprint, a Non-Competitive Boy’s Sneaker Sprint, and a Cheer Squad for anyone who does not want to race, but would like to cheer on race participants with pink pom-poms.

In addition to the races, there will be a family zone with food vendors, live entertainment, a balloon artist, photo booth, arts and crafts, a costume contest and much more. To register, visit StilettoSprint.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.

For 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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Book Clubs At Barbara Bush Library

DURING SEPTEMBER

The Evening Book Club will meet on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. to discuss The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew.

The Great Books Discussion Group will meet on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in the WCR Conference Room. The new study involves a different reading each month. The title this month is The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy. 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 Sept. 27 at 1:30 p.m. or Sept. 28 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman. The book club meets the fourth Thursday of each month. The October selection is by Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer.

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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, Texas wine, baked goods 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. through Dec. 21.

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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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Le Tour De Woodlands Cycling Event

OCT 20

Online registration for the inaugural Le Tour de Woodlands cycling event, presented by Pentagon Services and hosted by Interfaith of The Woodlands, is now open.

The cycling event, slated for Saturday, Oct. 20, will feature both a long course and short course to provide cycling opportunities for individuals and families. The bike ride will begin at 7:45 a.m. at The Woodlands Township. Online registration is available through Friday, Oct. 5. The cycling event is open to the first 500 individual participants and 500 family participants. Visit  woodlandsinterfaith.org/events/le-tour-registration.php to register.

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NAM’s Jeans & Jewels Gala

OCT 27

Northwest Assistance Ministries’ 2012 Jeans & Jewels™ Gala will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The gala event will honor long-time volunteers and supporters Valerie and John vonBerg.

The 2012 Jeans & Jewels ™ luncheon will be held on Thursday, Sept. 20, at Shirley Acres. The honoree is Betty Griffin. Gala tickets are $175 and tables start at $1,750. Luncheon tickets are $60 and tables start at $600. For more information, email tsnid@namonline.org or call 281-885-4608.

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Casa Superhero 5k

SEPT. 15

The CASA Superhero 5K trail run/walk will take place on the trails of The Jones State Forest on Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. There is also a 1K Kids Fun Run.

There will be a DJ, raffles and health, fitness and discovery activities for participants and families. The first 450 participants receive a T-shirt. Refreshments, prizes and  awards will be given; all participants of the 1K Kids Fun Run will receive a CASA SUPERHERO Run medal.

Registration is $40 on race day. Registration for the Kids 1K is $10 and is available to kids 12 and under. All proceeds allow CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County to continue providing dedicated volunteer advocates to provide a voice for abused and neglected children. Jones State Forest is located on FM 1488 between I-45 and State Highway 242 in Magnolia. To register, go to secure.eztoregister.com/search/event.aspx.

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Events At The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Upcoming events at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion include: The Rock of Ages Tour Def Leppard & Poison with Lita Ford, Sept. 1, 7 p.m.; Houston Symphony, Latin American Classical, Sept. 6. 8 p.m.; Kelly Clarkson and The Fray, Sept. 7, 7 p.m.; Toby Keith with Brantley Gilbert and Thomas Rhett, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.; Train with Matt Kearney, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.; Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival with Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind, Papa Roach, Adelitas Way, P.O.D., Duece and Redlight King, Sept. 15, noon; Florence & The Machine with The Maccabees, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Gotye with Givers & Jonti, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.; and Hocus Pocus Pops with the Houston Symphony, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.
For information, visit woodlandscenter.org or call 281-363-3300.

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Going Green Series: Water For The Woodlands

SEPT. 18

Mark Smith, administrator of the Groundwater Reduction Plan, will speak at the Going Green Sustainability Lecture Series on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at the South County Library, 2101 Lake Robbins Drive.

Smith was director of Public Works in College Station for over 16 years and joined San Jacinto River Authority in 2010. For more information, contact Cinda Hitchcock at 281-363-2723.

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Rotary Club Of The Woodlands Luncheon

SEPT. 20

Dr. Steven Farber will be the featured guest speaker at the Rotary Club of The Woodlands luncheon meeting at noon on Thursday, Sept. 20, at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, 2301 North Millbend Drive. Farber has written a book, As Sick As Our Secrets, which offers real solutions for addiction for yourself or someone you love by opening your heart, letting go of the past, seeking treatment, healing and recovering, and ultimately embracing the life of freedom found in God’s spirit. The guest fee is $20, and reservations can be made by at woodlandsrotary.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 education, cancer nutrition, yoga 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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Woodforest Charity Run

SEPT. 22

Woodforest National Bank has opened registration for the 3rd Annual Woodforest Charity Run scheduled for Sept. 22 in downtown Conroe. The certified 10K Run, sanctioned by the USA Track and Field, begins at 7:45 a.m. at Heritage Place Park and curves through scenic downtown Conroe.

Additionally, a 5K Run will begin at 8 a.m.  The race will be followed by the Woodforest Post Race Party at Heritage Place Park where participants, volunteers, and spectators are invited to enjoy food, music and activities. Register online at woodforest.com.

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Woodlands Children’s Museum’s Worldwide Day Of Play

SEPT. 24

The Woodlands Children’s Museum celebrates Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play on Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The museum is bringing out the games and fun that moms, dads and children love. Hula hoop games begin at 11 a.m. Learn hopscotch to improve motor skills. Checkers and chess can challenge your mind, and a classic game of jacks will sharpen hand and eye coordination. Free activities with paid $5 admission. Children under 2 years of age are always free.

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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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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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Casino Night “Betting On Courage”

SEPT. 29

Casino Night “Betting on Courage,” benefiting Children’s Safe Harbor, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, 2301 N. Millbend Drive in The Woodlands.

Individual tickets are $300. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $15,000. To purchase tickets or to inquire about sponsorship, visit ChildrensSafeHarbor.org or call 936-756-4644, ext. 235.

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Girl Scouts B.I.G. Event

SEPT. 29

The public is invited to join Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The B.I.G.(Believe In Girls) event is a day of exciting hands-on activities where girls and their families can learn what Girl Scouting is all about.

Current Girl Scouts from GSSJC’s 26-county area including Fort Bend, Houston, Cy-Fair, Katy and The Woodlands, or any girl in grade K-12 who is interested in learning more about Girl Scouts is encouraged to attend. Attendees will learn about the opportunities Girl Scouts offers while enjoying hands-on activity booths sponsored by local Girl Scout troops and service units, the Council and exhibitors such as the Houston Zoo, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Mary Kay Cosmetics and more. The cost is $15. Purchase tickets at gssjc.org/100th.

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Free Spay Or Neuter Procedures Through Montgomery County Animal Shelter

Laura Fulkerson Rone, owner of Accessible Design Solutions, is sponsoring five free spay or neuter procedures in September through the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Rone challenges other local businesses or individuals to match her offer. A commitment of just $300 per month for three months will pay for five spay surgeries, or seven neuters. Smaller sponsorships are also welcome.

If just 10 businesses in Montgomery County accept her challenge, it will prevent at least 150 animals from reproducing. One single unspayed cat can produce up to 300 kittens in her lifetime, and one unspayed dog can have up to 100 puppies.

To sponsor spay/neuter procedures, donate through the Montgomery County Animal Society via the PayPal button at mcaspets.org, or by check to the Montgomery County Animal Society. Be sure to indicate that the donation is for the Spay/Neuter Challenge. Mail checks to MCA Society, P.O. Box 130448, The Woodlands, Texas 77393.

To request a voucher, visit mcaspets.org/spayneuter.html. Vouchers will be provided to pet owners in Montgomery County on a first-come, first-served basis as available.

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Pink Lighting Event At Market Street

OCT. 4

The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in The Woodlands will recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month by lighting the central lawn in Market Street pink on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 7-9 p.m. during the free concert night. MD Anderson physicians and staff will be on hand during the event to pass out free educational materials and pink glow necklaces to spread the light of breast cancer awareness and hope. For more information, visit MDAnderson.org/Woodlands.

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The Woodlands Celebration Of Excellence

OCT. 6

Don and Vicki Norrell, community leaders and long-time supporters of Interfaith of The Woodlands, have been named honorary chairs of The Woodlands 2012 Celebration of Excellence Gala scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

This event recognizes extraordinary community volunteers who, through their caring and compassionate acts, are examples for others. The 2012 Hometown Heroes, comprised of residents and businesses or institutions that serve as outstanding role models for volunteerism and dedication to The Woodlands community, will be inducted into the Hometown Heroes Hall of Fame at the event. For more information, contact Mary Jo O’Neal at mjoneal@woodlandsinterfaith.org or call 281-615-8221.

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Montgomery County Habitat For Humanity’s Road Rally

OCT. 6

Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity’s 2nd Annual Road Rally is set for Saturday, Oct. 6. Habitat’s annual Road Rally is an adventure that takes drivers (ages 25 and up) on a 40-mile scavenger hunt through several local “surprise” destinations including Cedar Creek neighborhood in Conroe where Habitat has built 20 occupied homes. The starting line is at BMW of The Woodlands, 17830 I-45. Register online at hfhmctx.org. For sponsorship information, email mchfhwomenbuild@gmail.com or call Barbara McGregor at 281-352-9201.

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Oktoberfest In Fredericksburg

OCT. 5-7

Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg is set for Oct. 5-7. For three full days, attendees sing, toast and dance at one of Fredericksburg’s favorite festivals, celebrating its 32 years of Texas gemütlichkeit (cosiness).

Adding to the fun, there will be an OktubaFest on Friday afternoon. On Saturday morning, be sure to attend the Chicken Dance in front of the Square.  Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and the first 320 registrants will receive a special treat. Chicken Dancing will begin at 9:45 a.m. On Sunday, there will be a 42 (dominoes) tournament at 1 p.m. as well as sing-a-longs.

Three covered stages host a continuous parade of entertainers. The focus are the German favorites of oompah, polka, and waltzing, with exhibitions, contests, and plenty of opportunities for dancing.

More than 45 juried artisans from across the state fill two big tents, offering their best arts and collectibles. In yet another tent, a select group of hill country artists will sell their fine art in a rare showing. More than a dozen vendors will be sizzling up fajitas, tacos, burgers and fries, as well as a variety of sausage on a stick and plates with kraut, Cajun goodies, strudel, plus other scrumptious surprises. Adventurous tasters can sample over 30 varieties of American, Texan and imported beers.

Oktoberfest is great fun for the youngsters as well. Kids can play to their heart’s content on the Bungee Jump, Jumping Castle, and other fun games and activities right on the grounds. Oktoberfest hours are 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $6; $1 for children 6-12; and 6 and under are free. Two-day passes are $10; three-day passes are $15. Advance ticket sales are welcome.

For more information, visit oktoberfestinfbg.com or call 830-997-4810.

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12th Annual Memorial Hermann In The Pink Of Health Luncheon

OCT. 12

The 12th annual Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health Luncheon will be held on Friday, Oct. 12, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Husband and wife TV personalities and entrepreneurs Giuliana and Bill Rancic will speak to attendees about the power of a positive attitude.

Giuliana is a well-known entertainment journalist and can be seen nightly as anchor of E! News. She is also the co-star of E!’s popular Fashion Police team. A young breast cancer survivor, she recently created “Fab-U-Wish,” a program to grant fashion, beauty and celebrity-themed wishes to women battling breast cancer. The program is just one aspect of her ongoing mission to help those going through hardships to find happiness and a positive outlook on life.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the luncheon. A limited number of individual tickets also will be sold. For more information, visit inthepinkofhealth.org or call 713-897-PINK.

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Trick Or Treat Trail

OCT. 28

The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau’s third annual Trick or Treat Trail will be held on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 3-6 p.m. at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive. This free, family event has kids trick or treating from booth to booth filling treat bags with goodies from local vendors. Festive music, a costume contest, kids activities and People’s Choice Award for best vendor booth make this a can’t-miss event.

Booth rental fees start at $150. “Early Treat” rates apply to applications received by Sept. 21. Exhibitor applications can be found at thewoodlandscvb.com.