Blog entries

Conroe Divers Compete in the 2010 Zone D Championships

daphne — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:26:58 +0100

Conroe Diving Club coaches Charlie Casuto and John Lynch are beaming at their thirteen students chosen to compete in the Junior Olympic event, the 2010 Zone D Championships, held at the Swimming Hall of Fame Pool in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

From there, nine of the Conroe Divers advanced to the 2010 Speedo Age Group National Championships. The Zone D meet was attended by 215 divers from Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee all trying to earn a top 12 finish and advance to the National Championships.

National qualifiers include Michaela Dylag (11 & U girls 1M, 3M, 5M Platform), Meagan Fornero (11 & U girls 5M Platform), Madeline Mackey (11 & U girls 5M Platform), Madison Gess (12-13 girls 3M & Plat), Payton Ward (12-13 Plat), Skylar Lake (12-13 boys 1M, 3M — bronze medal, Plat — bronze medal), Chloe Helmink (14-15 girls 1M & 3M), Loren Figueroa (16-18 girls 1M — silver medal, 3M — bronze medal) and Amanda Largent (16-18 girls 1M, 3M, Plat). Other divers representing the Conroe Diving Club at the meet include Amelia Biddle (11 & U girls), Claire Andrews (12-13 girls), Lacie Cauffman (14-15 girls) and Ariana Milone (16-18 girls).

Nine qualifiers is the largest number of divers the Conroe Diving Club has ever had advanced to the Nationals - to be held in Tucson, Arizona at the end of July - since the club originated in 2001.

Congratulations to all the swimmers on a great meet and good luck to those advancing!

Volunteer Opportunities Available in the Conroe Area

daphne — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:52:08 +0100

Looking for a place to volunteer, but your busy schedule makes it hard for you to commit? Here are some local ideas, right in your own “backyard”, that would be perfect to fill your spare time! With a variety of philanthropic agendas, there’s sure to be an opportunity for everyone interested!

Calling all animal lovers!

WET NOSES WARM HEARTS is an all-volunteer program in Montgomery County that helps disadvantaged elderly care for their pets. By assisting with simple grooming of these animals and monitoring their health and dietary needs, volunteers insure that the owners and their furry friends can continue their loving companionship. A commitment of an hour or two a week is all that's asked.

REAR A PUPPY for an organization that assigns guide dogs to visually impaired persons. In-depth training will equip you to care for and teach a puppy who will eventually be a loyal companion to someone in need of the dog's services. This assignment calls for responsible volunteers willing to integrate the dog thoroughly into their family lives and daily routines. The duration of commitment varies but is typically in the range of 12 to 18 months.

Business Owners and Retired Professionals Welcome!

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS (active or retired) are needed to help small businesses by volunteering for a non-profit agency officially sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration. These volunteers can take on weekly shift counseling with entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs at an office in Conroe. Currently, the agency is especially interested in recruiting volunteers with expertise in advertising, banking, information technology, marketing, or sales.

GIFT SHOP volunteers are wanted at a hospital in The Woodlands. Duties will include operating the cash register, stocking shelves, and helping customers make their selections. Weekly three-hour shifts are currently available on weekdays during the morning or afternoon.

Volunteers should be at least 18 years of age. For more information on these and more local volunteer opportunities, please call Volunteer Houston at 713-965-0031, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit at VolunteerHouston.org.

Lennar and Village Builders announce 48-hours of unprecedented savings

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:54:08 +0100

This weekend, Lennar and Village Builders are keeping America moving with the 48-Hour Summer Blowout sales event!

This Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm, Lennar and Village Builders nationwide will be hosting one of their biggest home sales events ever. Savings even bigger than the homebuyer tax credit!

The homebuilders are providing 48 hours of spectacular savings with $4,000 towards closing costs, 4 free upgrades and 4% (4.59% APR) fixed for life though Universal American Mortgage Company at Lennar and Village Builders communities throughout the Houston area. Plus, arrive early for the opportunity to take advantage of the limited sale homes available. With more than 60 communities throughout the Houston area, Lennar and Village Builders have homes for first time and move-up buyers that offer the most desired features and upgrades. Their commitment to superior design and construction is equaled only by their pledge to homebuyers for complete satisfaction before, during and long after move in.

Lennar is one of the nation’s leading homebuilders with more than 55 years of experience building homes and communities all across the country. Village Builders, part of the Lennar Family of Builders, has enjoyed the distinction of being Houston’s luxury builder for more than 3 decades. The Village Builders brand is synonymous with excellence and is founded on a tradition of quality craftsmanship and innovative design. Recently, Village Builders was awarded the 2009 Highest Ranking for Customer Satisfaction (in a tie) in the Houston area by leading global marketing information services company, J.D. Power and Associates.

For more information on Lennar and Village Builders Communities visit Lennar.com or call (866) 203-6386.

Turn Your Kids into Pioneers for a Day

daphne — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:24:02 +0100

It’s time again for the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County to host their annual July Pioneer Days, a summer day program for kids ages 8-11. Students who participate enjoy hands-on, adult supervised activities like churning butter, rope making, singing pioneer songs and even washing clothes on a rub-board!

Pioneer Days begins the first Monday after July 4th each year. Sessions are three hours each with the morning session running from 9:00 a.m. to noon and the afternoon session is from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Parents must pre-register their junior pioneers and pay a camp fee of $35.00 to help cover the cost of materials. Sessions are limited to only 20 students and fill up fast, so don’t delay!

For more information, please call us at 936-539-6873 or click here visit our website at HeritageMuseum.us/PioneerDays.

Conroe Fire Department Announces July 4th Safety Guidelines

daphne — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100

With July 4th celebrations approaching, the City of Conroe Fire Department has issued a reminder to residents planning to include fireworks: Misuse can quickly turn disastrous! Their bulletin states that “injury and fire can occur suddenly when using fireworks improperly and without proper supervision. Therefore, please remember this simple rule when dealing with fireworks within the city limits. They are not allowed with only one exception.”

Permissible under Texas law are items called:

"Novelties and Sparklers", which include "snakes" and "glow worms", smoked devices, trick noisemakers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers or drop pops and wire sparkers as well as other sparkling devices which emit showers of sparks and at times a whistling or crackling effect when burning.

BY STATE LAW - NONE OF THESE NOVELTIES, SPARKLERS AND SPARKLER DEVICES IS TO BE SOLD TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 16.

VIOLATION OF THE FIREWORKS LAW IS A CITABLE OFFENSE.

The city goes on to state that “violators of the city ordinance restricting fireworks within the City of Conroe could receive a fine of up to $500.00 per offense and the confiscation of the fireworks. The Conroe Fire Marshal and Deputies will be out patrolling the streets of Conroe looking for violators during the holiday.”

So plan to be safe and enjoy the holiday, just leave the fireworks to the pros!

FACT: Sparklers burn at a temperature of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and 45 percent of all fireworks related injuries occur to children under the age of 14.

Conroe Celebrates the 4th of July 2010

daphne — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:20:41 +0100

The 4th of July Festivities in Conroe will kick off this year on July 3rd with a free concert at The Outlets at Conroe, featuring The Cody Johnson Band. “The Outlets will also be hosting an “After Dark” sale during the event,” said Holli Conley, the Conroe Convention and Visitor’s Bureau tourism coordinator. Then, on July 4, The Conroe Jazz and More Society will be hosting an Independence Day Music Fest and Parade from 1 to 9 p.m. at the Heritage Park. In addition to the free festival, the CJMS offers a wide variety of music, including gospel, R&B, rock, country and zydeco plus a downtown parade!

If fireworks are your thing, then head out to the lake where two of the local communities will be hosting Fireworks on Lake Conroe to celebrate this great day of Independence. Beginning at dusk, displays will be provided at Walden on Lake Conroe and at Seven Coves. For an unforgettable day, book the lunch or dinner cruise on The Southern Empress for a mystical and romantic display of lights.

Day or night, all weekend long, there is much to do in Conroe to celebrate Independence Day!

Beat the Summer Heat at Your Montgomery County Library

daphne — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:51:55 +0100

According to the Montgomery County Library historical timeline, “[it] began as a collection of 1200 volumes housed in a Conroe School Recreation Center and operated by a women’s group known as the HUB Club. In 1947, the group appealed to the County to make the library a tax-supported function of County government.” Now the system encompasses 7 locations across the county and, in addition to the vast selection of books, genealogy reports and research materials, the branches hold many community activities for children, teens and adults every week.

Here are some of the exciting family events to be held at the central campus this week:

Central Library presents Marionette Show - Rumplestiltskin
Tuesday, Jun 15, 2:00 PM.
Marionette Playhouse presents Rumplestiltskin. String puppets in sparkling costumes performed on a marionette stage. This program is open to kid’s ages 6-9 years. Attendance is limited. Tickets will be given out 30 minutes prior to the program.

Central Library presents ZooMobile - Animal Movements
Wednesday, Jun 16, 10:00 AM.
Learn how several different animals move the why they do. This is a 45 minute program. This program is opened to kid’s ages 3-6 years. Attendance is limited. Tickets will be given out 30 minutes prior to the program.

Central Library presents Pre-Teen Gaming
Thursday, Jun 17, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Thursdays, 1:30 - 2:30 pm).
Compete with other preteens on video gaming systems. This program is for preteens who will be in grade 5 and 6 in the fall.

Please visit CountyLibrary.org for many more fun summer activities at each of their locations and to find information on becoming a Montgomery County Library member!

Great Texas Music and Great Texas Wine, Sunday at Bernhardt Winery

Cheryl Boe — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 01:20:56 +0100

Don't miss Kyle Hutton and the band at The Bernhardt Winery in Plantersville just north of Houston this Sunday 6/13 from 7:00-9:00. Bernhardt's "On the Porch Concert Series" features the best in live singer songwriters select Sunday evenings throughout the year.

Come out for award winning wine and award winning music. There's not a better place in the North Houston area to see the sunset!!! Tickets are just $7 bucks - bring lawn chairs or blankets and relax on the lawn! For more, visit bernhardtwinery.com.

Luxury "Digs" for Conroe Animal Shelter

daphne — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:06:44 +0100

With work almost complete on Conroe’s new 5,500-square-foot dog recreation area being installed at the Conroe Animal Shelter, located at 407 S. Sgt. Ed Holcomb Blvd, local dogs awaiting adoption are about to have room to roam, thanks to area volunteers and activists.

“It’s a wonderful facility that allows us to exercise the dogs and let them run free,” said John Geiser, shelter director. “We’re very appreciative of all the work and support we get from our volunteers.”

The dog park is being built on land just across from the Conroe Animal Shelter and will have five separate areas designated specifically as a play area, dog run, interaction arena and more. Although the park is not open to the public, shelter employees and volunteers will be able to exercise the potential adoptee and will be available to potential adoptive parents who are interested in interacting with the dog before making a final decision.

“It’s difficult to see the personality of a pet in a cage,” Geiser said. “The park setting will give dogs and prospective owners a chance to play and get to know each other.” This will ultimately allow for better matches to be made and remove some of the guesswork. And, ultimately allow for a healthier, less stressful experience for the animals in waiting.

For information about the Conroe Animal Shelter, visit CityOfConroe.org or call (936) 522-3550. For information about Animal Shelter Volunteers of Texas, visit AnimalShelterVolunteersOfTexas.com.

Calling all Conroe Fishing Enthusiasts

daphne — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0100

According to Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, the fishing on Lake Conroe is still good, thanks to the warm weather. With lake temperatures holding steady around 80 degrees and a clear view into the slightly below pool level water, it’s easy to see why Memorial Day fishing is expected to exceed expectations.

Local Del Lago fishing guide, and owner of Wet Hook, Carl Bostic reports “bass are in their post spawn mode most are back around the main lake humps, riprap, and brush in 13 feet and once the sun is up around the boat docks. Bostic goes on to say that “catfish are still good on baited holes.”

And, Gary New of Basson Specialty Tackle reported that area fisherman, Kenney Osborne, caught a yellow catfish using a rod and reel, baited with a night crawler, that recently weighing in at a whopping 67-pounds!

So, grab you rod and cooler and head out to Lake Conroe for some of the best fishing in Houston!

Photo by: Gary Gott

The Future of Montgomery County's Water Looks Bright

daphne — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:18:12 +0100

The Conroe Independent School District is joining an initiative that will address the future water needs of the entire Montgomery County area.

According to the county, the school district is one of the top 200 water consumers in Montgomery County and as a result of the school board vote on May 18, they will be joining a contract with the San Jacinto River Authority to meet a countywide mandate that will reduce the use of groundwater by up to 30 percent by the year 2016.

The plan will be paid for via pump fees, expected to add about $2 per 1,000 gallons used to all water bills in the Montgomery County by 2016.

The contract states that “its main purpose is to address the county’s dwindling water supply. And, the San Jacinto River Authority has proposed pumping water from Lake Conroe to the heavy populated areas in The Woodlands and Conroe, while allowing outlying rural areas to remain entirely on groundwater.”

“While some district are still exploring brackish water as a water supply solution, no one has refused to sign the San Jacinto contract,” said Jace Houston, deputy general manager of SJRA.

A World Away, Close to Home

Greg Rivera — Tue, 18 May 2010 02:51:11 +0100

Looking for a way to save a little money this summer, but still take an unforgettable family vacation? Look no further that La Torretta Resort and Spa. Built around a vision of the ultimate European lakeside retreat, this lush retreat is right here in Conroe and packed with family friendly activities from a championship golf course for the pros to a miniature golf course for the kids. You won’t be sorry you saved the airfare!

This four-star Texas resort is situated on the beautiful Lake Conroe and according to guests, “strikes the perfect balance between international finery and relaxed ease. Spa Terre offers relaxing services for guests weary from the fast paced jobs. And, their acclaimed restaurant Chex Roux offers delectable cuisine after a long day on the course.

With water galore, guest can enjoy the Lake Conroe via boat rentals, or jet skis or take a refreshing dip family style at The Aqua Parks Splash Scape or at the upper adult pool with an infinity edge that cascades down into a 6400 sq. ft. Mediterranean pool. Did I mention the offer summer club and sitting services filled with fun activities for the littlest guests?

No matter what your age or desired activity level, This Texas resort offers some of the best way to beat the blistering summer heat, Texas style! Visit their website at www.latorrettalakeresort.com/ for more information and to make your reservations.

Conroe’s First Thursday Concert Series Schedule Released

Greg Rivera — Wed, 12 May 2010 01:17:11 +0100

Are you looking for something fun and free to do with your family this spring?

Well, you are in luck! The City of Conroe is inviting everyone to come out to the Heritage Place Amphitheater, located at 500 Metcalf Street, and enjoy their FREE First Thursday Concerts. The concerts are held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring your chairs or blankets and be prepared for some great entertainment for everyone. These concerts are held rain or shine so don’t forget an umbrella. Bring your family and meet up with friends for the following line-up.

Thursday April 1 - The Band of Heathens / The Trishas

Thursday May 6 - Del Castillo / Betty Soo

Thursday June 3 - Johnny Lee & The Urban Cowboy Band / Miss Leslie & Her Juke Jointers

Thursday July 1 - Paul Thorn / Bonnie Bishop

Thursday August 5 - Redd Volkaert / Max Stalling

Thursday September 2 - The Gourds / James Hyland

This park was developed with the help of the Conroe Service League in 1986 that consisted of a gazebo, picnic tables and a playground as well as green space. In 2001, Heritage Place underwent a major expansion in response to civic leader's desire to create a new central space in downtown Conroe. This new 2.5 acre public space is capable of accommodating events as diverse as public gardening, crafts and cooking fairs, wedding receptions as well as a venue for outdoor events, festivals, and concerts.

Please remember that no coolers are allowed in the park. For more information please contact Larry Calhoun, Downtown Manager at 936 522-3014 or lcalhoun@cityofconroe.org .

Source: City of Conroe

Southren Cruiser Riding Club Conroe Chapter 120

Greg Rivera — Tue, 04 May 2010 10:10:55 +0100

Whether you are looking to meet new friends or just ride with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, the fee-free, Southern Cruisers Riding Club may be just the group for you! According to the SCRC website, “this family oriented motorcycle riding club uses the web to communicate and focuses on the enjoyment and fellowship of riding motorcycles while doing so safely. The Southern Cruisers is not an internet club for motorcycle enthusiasts.” The San Jacinto River Chapter (#120) was established in 1999 by Howard "Sped" Camardelle and "El Sid" Findley, and although they are based in Montgomery County, their members come from several of the surrounding communities.

“We are all about friends and family. Our members are everyday folks like you and me, and our members ride all makes and models of bikes. We simply enjoy riding amongst friends and everyone is welcome to join,” states a chapter official.

The Conroe chapter has one "official" chapter ride and one Dinner meeting each month at local restaurants for Bike Night. Since attendance is never mandatory, and Bike Nights are considered a family / social event, you are welcome to come out and meet the chapter before joining!

The next Bike Night will be held at 6:30 p.m. on May 5, at Wings n’ More in the College park shopping center. Visit their website at www.scrcconroe.com/go/ to view their calendar and get information on upcoming events and to join!

Cajun Fare at the Square

Greg Rivera — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:10:15 +0100

It’s a party on The Square in Historic Downtown Conroe every Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. through the end of May. Featuring live music, crawfish and ice cold sodas and beer, there’s no better place in Conroe to see-or-be-seen! Bring your friends and grab a seat at Vernon Wayne’s City Café featuring boiled crawfish, catfish bites, chili and other southern comfort food. Plan to stay for live entertainment provided by notable musicians such as Davin James and Mike Stenson.

“This event has the feel of an old fashioned food and music hoe-down on a small downtown square. The City Café provides the heartbeat that the downtown square needed to go along with the wonderful revitalization of all the bricks and mortar,” states Texas Music columnist, Jay Ross Martin. Visit Vernon Wayne’s City Café on Facebook or www.vernonwaynescitycafe.com for the latest news, upcoming performers, menu items and daily specials!

Margaret and Vernon Wayne praise their fans, exclaiming “Wow! 84 new fans for the week and 746 visits to our page!!! We have some loyal followers! Thanks to Everyone! It really makes our day when someone comes in and says they learned of our cafe on FB!!! So, please keep "suggesting to friends"...we appreciate all of our daily viewers!”

Local Theaters Swinging into Action this Spring

Greg Rivera — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:10:26 +0100

From family friendly to laugh-out-loud funny, Conroe’s theaters are in full bloom! Two of the new shows on the schedule for April include extras such as refreshments and art exhibits. And, with prices ranging from Free to $14, there is something for everyone!

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Presented by Christian Youth Theatre
The Christian Youth Theatre (CYT) group will present the Disney classic “Beauty and the Beast,” at Conroe High School on April 23, 24 and 25. CYT is a children’s musical theater group which caters to actors ages 6 to 18 and included in the cast of this family favorites are aspiring local thespians Catherine Breeding as “Babette,” of Conroe; Kyle Bostick as “the Beast,” of Conroe Zach Coleman as “Cogsworth,” of Montgomery; Noah Smith as “Chip,” of Montgomery and Emily Holguin as “Mrs. Potts,” also of Montgomery.

Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for children under 17 and senior citizens. Advance Discount tickets may be purchased before the show by calling (832) 338-5869 or online at www.cythouston.org.

THE MISS FIRECRACKER CONTEST Presented by LSC-Montgomery Theater
Lone Star College-Montgomery will present “The Miss Firecracker Contest,” at the college with a free preview showing including live entertainment and refreshments on April 21 at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 4 p.m. Premium shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. on April 22 and run through April 24 with a matinee at 2 p.m. on the last day.

“This show revolves around a girl’s misguided desire to become the Miss Firecracker winner in a small town,” said director Chase Waites. “She wants it for all the wrong reasons and she thinks she’s going to get dignity, pride and attention and that people will recognize her as beautiful,” he explained. “It’s a good old-fashioned southern comedy.”

Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students and may be purchased by calling Denise Meyers at (936) 273-7021 or by logging on to the theater Web site at www.LoneStar.edu/theatre-Montgomery.

Calling all Graystone Hills Foodie's

Greg Rivera — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:26:13 +0100

Come join the Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce for its annual Tastefest event to be held on May 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lone Star Convention Center.

Tastefest is a fun, family event, open to the public – all levels of culinary critics are welcome – that will allow guests to sample food and beverages with the goal of promoting local consumerism. The culinary extravaganza features a wide variety of local area restaurants including McKenzie’s BBQ, Ransoms Steak House, Wild Ginger Japanese Steakhouse, and Olive Garden.

For the younger palettes, James Coney Island and Conroe’s Incredible Pizza will be serving up their most popular, and kid friendly, crowd pleasers. There will even be special sections for children at the event with games, arts and crafts, and much more!

Other local vendors including area caterers, bakeries and spirit/coffee houses will be on hand with samples of their specialties too. Goody bags with coupons and menus will be handed out at the door. Tickets can be purchased on the Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce's website, Conroe.org, or by calling the Chamber at (936)756-6644 or visit Conroe.org.

If your business is interested in purchasing a booth or becoming a sponsor for Tastefest, please fill out the registration form on page 12 or contact Kelly at the Chamber at (936)538-7111. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Time for Graystone Hills Residents to Dust Off Thei Cowboy Boots

Greg Rivera — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:27:53 +0100

Triggered by cowboys on horseback riding for two days through the National Forest, the Montgomery County Scholarship ride signifies the beginning of the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo, a tradition in this Southeast Texas community for over half a century. Reminiscent of the early settler’s gatherings, the aroma of pit barbecue and livestock bring visitors from the neighboring communities out to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds from April 9 – 18, 2010.

The fun filled week includes Kids Day, Senior Citizen Day, Homemaking and Livestock Show, Auction, Photography Show, Carnival and Rodeo. And, when the weekend comes, 100 of the area’s best barbecue chefs compete in the Montgomery County Fair Barbecue Cook-Off – a mouth watering event not to be missed.

If you’re new to the area, don’t miss out on the unique activities scheduled, such as horseshoe pitching, mutton busting (aka kids riding sheep) and even the infamous chicken flying contest!

Popular family events will be held during Kid Day’s, Monday and Tuesday April 12 - 13, with activities and fun for Elementary age children in grades 1 to 4. There will be education exhibits including Goat Mountain, baby chicks hatching, laying hens, rabbits, a petting zoo, entertaining activities and other age-related demonstrations. There will be a must-see Pet Parade for children 8 yrs. and under held on Tuesday, April 13 at 6:00 p.m. Registration for dogs begins at 5:00 p.m., so please sign up you children and their favorite pets and don’t forget your cameras - there is sure to be several Kodak moments! (This is not a professional show)

Andrew Cantu, President of the MCFA welcomes everyone to the Montgomery County Fair. “We are the biggest event in Montgomery County, and it takes each of our 600 volunteer workers to make it run smoothly. One of the keys to our success has been the tremendous support of our business community,” he states on the official website.

Visit the MCFA online at http://mcfa.org/index.htm for detailed events schedule and ticket information.

Open House Events Set This Weekend in Graystone Hills, Fairfield and Oakhurst at Kingwood

Cheryl Boe — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:48:24 +0100

March 20 & 21, 2010 - This weekend, Friendswood Development Company will host an open house even in three communities, offering visitors the opportunity to tour both new and resale homes.

Fairfield, Oakhurst at Kingwood and Graystone Hills in Conroe will have a variety of new homes open, with many ready for move-in, as well as resale homes open with Realtors on site to answer questions.

Residents, Realtors and shoppers have opportunities to tour new and resale homes and find out why many people are making these Friendswood Development Co. communities their home.

For years, the Open House weekend event has taken place in master-planned Fairfield and due to demand and response; the event now will be a regular occurrence in Oakhurst at Kingwood, offering direct access to U.S. 59; and in Graystone Hills, Conroe’s only master-planed community. “This is a great way for home shoppers to really learn a lot about the community,” said Christine Draughn, marketing director for Friendswood Development Co.’s north Houston communities.

The Open House event in both communities is the weekend of Jan. 16-17. Visitors can tour new decorated model homes, inventory homes and resale homes.

New homes are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Resale homes are open from 1- p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

In Fairfield, maps and information are available at the Fairfield Information Center, just past the main entrance of the community on Mason Road.Visitors to Oakhurst at Kingwood will find signage and a plexi box with information directing them to model homes and open houses available at central distribution points in the community. In Graystone Hills, maps and information will be available at the recreation center, which is located near the entrance of the community.

Fairfield, Graystone Hills and Oakhurst at Kingwood offer an impressive selection of homes that range from luxury courtyard and patio homes to elegant custom homes.

Spring Forward for Daylight Saving Time: March 14

Greg Rivera — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:18:32 +0100

Each Spring, we move our clocks forward by one hour during the night in order to capture the convenience that extra light brings during the Spring and Summer seasons. Friendswood Development Company is reminding Graystone Hills residents to remember to do just that at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 14.

Daylight Saving Time actually affects you in more ways than simply confusing your schedule. By making the adjustment, we are allowing ourselves to use less energy in lighting out homes. This energy-saving orientation was the original intent of the U.S. when Daylight Saving Time was instituted during World War I and later when the length of Daylight Saving Time was standardized in 1966.

Due to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005, Daylight Saving Time is now four weeks longer by extending the time change from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November. Our new routine was established with intent to save 10,000 barrels of oil each day by reducing power used by businesses.

Friendswood Development Company hopes feeling greener eases the pain of losing an hour this weekend and that all our visitors, Realtors, and community residents enjoy the warmer Houston weather ahead!