Blog entries tagged Conroe

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.

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!

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.

Conroe Independent School District is Expanding

Greg Rivera — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:58:42 +0100

Conroe Independent School District board members recently approved the purchase of 32 acres of land near Texas 242 and Needham road, to move forward in building a new junior high school in the Oak Ridge High School feeder zone. If all goes as planned the new 185,000 square foot Junior High will open it’s doors in August of 2012 and will hold up to 1,200 students.

In order to provide the best possible facilities and resources to students, the CISD continually seeks to make improvements and push forward into the future. With this outlook for growth and renewal in mind a bond totalling $527 million was provided in 2008 which would go to fund two new junior high schools, one new intermediate school, four new elementary schools, the conversion of Peet Junior High School into a ninth grade campus, as well as major additions to Travis intermediate, The Woodlands College Park High School and San Jacinto Elementary school. The bond would also provide for classroom additions to Deretchin Elementary and Tough Elementary, as well as other campus improvements such as safety and security enhancements, across the district schools.

The 2008 CISD bond referendum provided $48.22 million for the land and construction for the new Junior high school project. The total land price totalled $1.52 million, and will be developed by Woodmere Development Company. While there has been some concern about the possibility of subsidence in the new building, others have a positive outlook. “No portion where we would be building would even be close to that 100-year floodplain,” said Dan Cox, CISD Chief Financial Officer. But just to make sure the contract which the board approved is subject to the completion of due diligence lasting 75 days. “During that period, if we choose to not purchase, we can simply walk away. In our due diligence, we will be doing soil testing to ensure the land is suitable for building upon.” Cox reassured. If the district does not walk away then it will close on the property in 90 days.

For more information visit the CISD website at www.conroeisd.net

Source: www.hcnonline.com/conroe_courier

Conroe Residents Cross Paths with the Local Law Enforcers

Greg Rivera — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conroe residents came together to take part in the 26th Annual 'National Night Out' - an educational program, hosted by local law enforcement, that encourages people to meet their neighbors and work together to make the community safer. It allows neighbors and community residents a chance to get to know each other and work together to fight crime and prevent drug abuse. This year's event was held at Candy Cane Park in Conroe, TX.

This year's event was held at Candy Cane Park in Conroe, TX. Residents were able to meet with their neighbors, get to know their law enforcement and get a closer look at fire trucks, police cars, and other emergency response equipment. Firefighters, local police and other emergency response groups were available throughout the evening to answer questions, meet residents, and get the community informed. They even offered kids a first hand experience on the seat of their new motorcycles.

Sargeant Jon Buckholtz of the Conroe Police Department was enthusiastic, "It's a great opportunity for families and kids to meet and interact with law enforcement personnel in a fun, social environment." The event was not only informative, it was also fun for the family with recreational activities, free food and free toys for the kids from Target, one of the main sponsors of the event.

For more information on National Night Out, visit www.nationalnightout.org

Source www.hcnonline.com/conroe_courier

Linda Watson Art Gallery Supports Local Artists

Greg Rivera — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Local artists in Conroe have a new place to display their artwork! In honoring a well-known art teacher and friend from Montgomery County, Joe and Jean Fleshner have opened the Linda Watson Art Gallery. Located at 204 N. Main St in Conroe, the gallery will feature local artists' works. Their mission is to make the art gallery a place for the community's "many talented artists ... to show, sell and teach," according to Joe Fleshner.

"Any artist can show here, any school group can show here," Fleshner said. "There are a lot of good artists around here."

The new gallery will give an open feel, and less cluttered than Fleshner's previous gallery 10 years ago. "We'll keep this almost museum-like," he said. "I don’t want a lot of clutter."

A room in the back even offers space for teaching. It will highlight a variety of work ranging from sculptures, to landscapes, still life, fabric art and more.

Currently the gallery is award winning works from the Conroe Art League's recent show. More artists are encouraged to bring their works here, as there is no charge. "We charge no space and we take no commission," Fleshner said. "This is not a money-making proposition for me."

Fleshner plans on setting up special events to create buzz for the art gallery. Currently it is open from 11 am to 7 pm on Monday through Friday, and plans to open it from 7 am to noon on Saturdays soon.

"We'll be open Saturday mornings for special events 52 weeks a year," he said. "If we're successful, we'll have 200 to 300 people here on Saturday mornings."

Although the Linda Watson Art Gallery is open now, an opening gala is planned for 5 pm on October 30th, along with the Bella Sorella performance at Crighton Theatre. Art will be on display for visitors along with food and wine. Admission is free, as will all events be, according to Fleshner.

"We don’t charge admission," Fleshner said, "but we do encourage checkbooks."

Source: The Courier of Montgomery County

Conroe Tiger Band Rose Parade Golf Tournament

Greg Rivera — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Download the Registration form

Toyota Texas Bass Classic - Lake Conroe

daphne — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conroe residents can get excited to welcome the Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) – the world championship of the Professional Anglers Association Tournament Series – October 16-18, 2009 at Lake Conroe, TX.

This three day competition will feature the world’s top tournament bass anglers, but it isn’t just for fishing fans - the TTBC is proud to team with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to offer “Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Adventures.” The “adventures” are family friendly exhibits which include a Kid’s Fishing Pond, Sharelunker Trailer, Archery Range and much more.

The weekend events include great food and extraordinary live music from top artists such as the Kyle Hunt Band, Julianne Hough and Josh Turner among others. There will be a fishing industry expo featuring seminars on the latest in fishing equipment, gear and accessories. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is also a great way for Conroe businesses to increase their positive limelight and get their service out to more customers. Proceeds will go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

For more information or to order tickets please go to ToyotaTexasBassClassic.com. Or to become a corporate partner or sponsor you can contact Lesley Baker at 479-715-6104 and get more information on how this great opportunity can benefit your business.

If you can’t make it to the tournament to enjoy the delicious food and live music but want to watch the world class angling - then you can catch the action from home by tuning in to CBS National Broadcast on Saturday November 21 at 1:00pm CST.

MCHD Adds Memorial Hermann Woodlands Hospital to Indigent Care

daphne — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Residents of South Montgomery County will now be able to receive health care through Memorial Hermann Woodlands Hospital.

Tuesday The Montgomery County Hospital District board authorized an agreement to bring MCHD's Health Care Assistance Program into the hospital. The district also has a provider agreement with Conroe Regional Medical Center and recently even added Cleveland and Tomball.

In a statement to MCHD board members, MCHD CEO Allen Johnson said "This is a big move," and that"In the 11 or 12 years since I’ve been here, we’ve not had Memorial Hermann as an option for indigent patients." "This is a major accomplishment, especially for those living in South County."

There are currently 725 indigent patients on MCHD's rolls and growing. The current contract for this is a fee-for-service arrangement drawing from MCHD's funds. Those who worry because they don't qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or other programs should have no fear, as this program has plans available for qualifying individuals who cannot afford other health care services, or do not qualify for other said programs. The applicants must live in Montgomery County, have a monthly income of less than $1,300 a month per person, and have a medical necessity for health care.

"Since (Hurricane) Ike, UTMB hasn’t been able to provide as many services," Johnson said. "Having the resources in the Memorial Hermann system is helpful to us. Memorial Hermann has been very good about doing one-time agreements for specific patients. This gives us the ability to cut administrative burdens."

Source: The Courier of Montgomery County

Woodlands Mall $1,000 Drawing Winner

Cheryl Boe — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Tess Wergeland won $1,000 from Graystone Hills. Wergeland picked up a drawing form at the community's display in The Woodlands Mall and returned it to one of the builder sales offices in the community to be eligible for the drawing. Just in time for back to school shopping! Congrats Tess!

(Tess is pictured with Christine Draughn, Friendswood Development Company North Houston Marketing Director)

Conroe Kids Get Ready for School

Melissa Burnham — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Parents who can not afford back to school clothes for their children this fall have no need to worry. A group of volunteers with the Assistance League of Montgomery County, located at 126 N. San Jacinto in Conroe, is going through the annual "Operation School Bell". This volunteer effort has the goal of clothing 4,100 school children by August 24th. In addition to that, the program also provides books for any children in need.

This program should help raise the self esteem of new students, who walk into classrooms wearing new, nice clothes for class. Margery Hayward, Operation School Bell chairwoman and Assistance League of Montgomery County president-elect adds, "We think it improves and helps the esteem of the child if they are dressed properly for school like their peers," and "we're dressing them so they can walk through the front doors the first day of school with brand-new clothes on."

The Assistance League of Montgomery County sends letters to students on the free lunch programs in schools inviting them to Operation School Bell. These are sent out through all six Montgomery County school districts. For these two weeks the program is giving each student three shirts, two pants, socks and underwear, a sweat shirt, hygiene kit and a book. Along with that they also receive a voucher for $20 at Payless Shoesource.

Operation School Bell has been going strong for 22 years, and will clothe its 25,000th child by the end of next week. If you would like to volunteer and are in the Conroe and Montgomery County area, the Assistance League of Montgomery County is always looking for help. You can reach them at (936) 760-1151 or visit their website at Assistance League of Montgomery County. Many thanks to the Assistance League of Montgomery County for a successful volunteer effort!

Source: The Courier of Montgomery County

Image courtesy of The Courier of Montgomery County

Conroe Puppies Provide Care Service for Residents

Melissa Burnham — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Allie Keaton of Conroe always had a passion for helping others, as well as a talent for training dogs. So, after years of caring for her ailing mother, Allie decided to do both. She is now the founder of My Service Dog, Inc., a nonprofit organization that trains and provides service dogs for disabled residents who need the extra care.

The organization is currently being operated by ten individuals who harbor the same supportive personalities and has placed and trained about 25 service dogs around the greater Houston area. Because Allie understands the economic and emotional turmoil that each one of her clients has gone through, she often forgoes immediate payment and instead promotes more case sensitive recompense.

“We figure we’ve put about $20,000 of work and time into raising them, but we never get that back,” she said. “Most of the people who need these dogs can’t afford them, but we always find a way.”

She was able to find a way for Betty Swindle and her daughter Sherry Martin of Conroe. Betty is wheelchair-bound, and after her daughter’s miraculous recovery from a gunshot wound to the head, leaving her also bound to a wheelchair, Betty grew concerned that she was unable to take care of both herself and Sherry. But help was not far away. Betty contacted My Service Dogs, Inc. and Allie matched her and her daughter with Chance, a Labra-doodle that has already been trained to open doors, and bring the phone, TV remote and clothes on command. Allie says that Chance still has a lot of training to complete, but she has pledged to continue work despite Betty’s inability to pay, while always putting in time to help her clients raise money.

Allie Keaton understands the sacrifices people have recently had to make to maintain a decent cost of living, and she strives to alleviate any further monetary worries her clients face. She has made many of the same sacrifices to keep her business running, all to continue to help those in need of care and generosity.

My Service Dogs, Inc. frequently holds fundraisers for donations that many of their own volunteers provide. Private dog training classes are also available, and Keaton plans to develop a DVD dog-training series, all to help boost the business’ income and profits. One of her biggest goals is to find a permanent building for the organization, which currently operates out of about a dozen volunteer homes. But her main drive will always be to find ways she can help those in need.

“I wanted to do something with my life that made more of a difference,” she said. “This is my purpose, to help people, and I am going to find ways to do that.”

To learn more about Allie Keaton and her mission of care service, please visit www.myservicedog.com and make a donation today!

Source: Houston Chronicle

Summertime Fishing on the Lake

Melissa Burnham — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

What better way to enjoy the summer than to spend a relaxing day fishing on the lake. Well, the residents of Graystone Hills are in luck because a new retailer has just opened its doors to offer family-fun recreational activities that are not to be ignored.

Basson Specialty Tackle is not your ordinary, everyday bait shop. Not only do they offer professional fishing equipment and services, but customers also have the opportunity to rent a fishing boat or kayak, lounge in the neighboring gazebo and picnic areas, even pitch an overnight tent within the camping facilities. Professional guides and a public boat launch are also available.

“There aren’t many places to do shore fishing unless you own property,” said store owner Gary New. “It’s a nice alternative for those who want a different fishing experience.”

The Lewis Creek Cove area where Basson Specialty Tackle is located is a prime place for catfish and bass fishing, according to New, and is a good spawning area that attracts fish throughout the year. Basson Specialty Tackle is located at 13260 FM 1097, west of I-45 past Cude Cemetary Road.

In conjunction with the Independence Day festivities on Lake Conroe, Basson Specialty Tackle will host its grand opening this Saturday. Stop by anytime from 8am to7pm Monday through Thursday, 6am to 9pm on Saturdays, and 6am to 7pm on Sundays. You can also visit www.bassontackle.com or call 281-732-1571 for more information.

Whether you are a pro, amateur or casual fisher looking for some summer fun, check out Basson Specialty Tackle for all your fishing needs.

Source: Montgomery County Courier

Freedom Flight Over Conroe

Melissa Burnham — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Residents of Graystone Hills are in for a treat this Fourth of July. Conroe’s own rag-tag gang of professional pilots will be flying over the city to celebrate the nation’s 233rd Independence Day.

The group is a team of veteran and civilian pilots called “Freedom Flight.” Many of the members flew during wartime, but this is not a requirement to be part of the club. All you need is some enthusiasm for aviation and a good dose of patriotism.

The group was informally established between friends Dick Cardell, Dick Stevens and Omer “Sam” Ward, all veterans and former Continental Airlines pilots who own their own small planes. Wishing to keep in practice, the group would come together every week and hone their skills over Lake Conroe. There are eleven pilots now and several new members being trained for flight formation.

Since it’s inauguration several years ago over Lake Conroe, Freedom Flight has become a formal organization and is requested to perform fly-overs for many patriotic events and funerals. They are always happy to comply, as gleaned from their mission statement which strives “to foster community pride and patriotism through precision formation flight exhibitions in support of community events, and through missing-man demonstrations to honor all those soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have given their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy.”

The group is still growing, and will add a new small-craft kit airplane, the RV-3, currently being assembled inside the apartment of Conroe resident Stephen Johnston. Each member has built their RV craft airplane, dedicating years and thousands of dollars to promote Freedom Flight and everything that it represents. “We are just happy doing what we are doing right now,” said veteran member Ward. “We just want to honor the men and women who have served this country.” For this reason, Freedom Flight does not accept monetary contributions and performs for local communities at their own expense.

You can catch these heroes at Lake Conroe as they race across the sky this Fourth of July. They will be performing fly-overs at the Walden Yacht Club and the Bentwater Country Club as well as surrounding areas on the south side of the lake. For more event information, please contact these numbers: Walden on Lake Conroe at 936-582-1622, Grand Harbor POA at 936-582-1054, Bentwater Yacht and Country Club at 936-597-6219.

Freedom Flight also flies over the Lone Star Executive Airport on the northeast side of Conroe off of FM 1484 every Saturday. Pack a picnic and camp out at the adjacent Montgomery County Park to watch these patriotic pilots in action.

Source: Houston Chronicle

Ladies Assoc. News, Reprinted from the Conroe Courier

Cheryl Boe — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

May 24, 2009 - Diane Ganson reports that she, Linda Schilhab, and Beverly Morin, the chair persons for the Decorating Divas of the April Sound Ladies Association, presented an idea for a Tour of Homes to Christine Draughn, who represents the Friendswood Development Corporation, developer of Graystone Hills. The ladies are excited to announce that the tour, open to all members of Lake Conroe Area Ladies Clubs, is set for Thursday, June 4, from 11 am to 1 pm Those attending will be able to tour seven homes, enjoy a catered lunch, gourmet coffee and a chance for door prizes. Congratulations to Diane, Linda and Beverly for all their good work!