Blog entries tagged Montgomery County

Montgomery County Courier Publishes “Best of Montgomery County 2010”

daphne — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:39:30 +0100

Throughout the month of June, readers of The Courier were able to submit ballots for their local favorites in the “Best of” survey for every category imaginable - including restaurants (by cuisine), salons, golf courses, realtors and more! Many submissions were received in all categories, and as a result of the amazing feedback by local residents, the list has now officially been published.

Here are just a few of the local favorites that made the list – and if you’ve never tried them, make plans this weekend for some wonderful eats and entertainment:

Best Barbecue

McKenzies Barbecue at 1501 N. Frazier, Conroe

Best Seafood

Hyden’s at 5104 W. Davis, Conroe

Best Mexican

Mama Juanita’s Conroe at1118 League Line Road, Conroe

Best Italian food

Joe’s Pizza & Pasta at 1604 North Frazier Street, Conroe

Best City Park

Candy Cane Park on Callahan Ave., Conroe

Best Place to take the Family

Incredible Pizza at 230 S, Loop 336, Conroe

Best Golf Course

Walden at 13301 Walden Road

Visit The Conroe Courier website for a complete list of the contest results. A big thank you from The Courier to all participants!

www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/07/29/conroe_courier/lifestyles/0725_best_of_web.txt

Conroe and Montgomery County YMCAs Accept Supplies for Operation Backpack

daphne — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:34:10 +0100

Now through August 15, 2010, YMCA Operation Backpack will collect brand new backpacks filled with school supplies at both the Conroe and South Montgomery County YMCA locations. Operation Backpack will then pass out these back-to-school necessities to children in 31 Houston area school districts including Conroe ISD.

This is the 6th Annual Operation Backpack to be held by the area YMCA’s, and just last year alone was able to collect more than 18,356 backpacks and about 167,742 school supplies. These items all went to help prepare more than 35,000 kids for their first day of school. With the economic struggles of many area families, this year’s need is much greater and their goal is to touch the lives of 40,000 or more children.

“With the current state of the economy, many parents just don’t have the money to buy the supplies their kids need to start the new school year off right”, said Roxanne Davis, YMCA group marketing director. “All backpacks and schools supplies donated stay right here in our community. We work closely with our local school administrators who help distribute the backpacks to the students who desperately need the help at the beginning of the school year. We want every student to have the necessary tools to be successful and achieve their fullest potential.”

Local drop-off locations include all three South Montgomery County YMCA centers in The Woodlands at 6145 Shadowbend Place, 8100 Ashlane Way and 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, and the Conroe Family YMCA at 10245 Owen Drive.

And, new this year, monetary donations can be made to Operation Backpack on-line. Visit www.ymcaoperationbackpack.org to contribute and find additional information, including a list of school supplies or call (281) 367-YMCA for more information.

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.

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!

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.

Montgomery County Master Gardeners Plant Sale

Greg Rivera — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:27:27 +0100

The Montgomery County Master Gardener Association is dedicated to beautifying the Conroe area through the cultivation of tasteful vegetation and the spread of horticultural knowledge. The Master Gardeners provide gardening information and education to community members through activities including:

Manning a garden information telephone line every week day
Maintaining demonstration gardens to test plant success in Montgomery County
Providing educational outreach on a variety of horticultural topics to garden clubs, civic associations and other community organizations
Assisting with Junior Master Gardening programs in schools for children
Writing educational and informational articles for the local newspaper
Providing landscaping support to initiatives like the Habitat for Humanity projects.

As an effort to spread horticultural awareness and beautiful plan availability, MCMGA holds three plant sales each year, with one set for March 20, 2010. The sales is aptly placed at a moment when Montgomery County residents are revamping their gardens for the springtime.

The Plant Sale features plants selected by Master Gardeners for outstanding performance in the Montgomery County area. Graystone Hills resident gardeners should mark the show as a must-see!

Montgomery County Master Gardener Plant Sale March 20, 2010 Pre Sale Program at 8:00am Plant Sale 9:00am to 1:00pm County Extension Office 9020 FM 1484, Conroe, TX

For more information, visit MontgomeryCountyMasterGardeners.org

Montgomery County Fair April 9-18

Greg Rivera — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:14 +0100

The largest event in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Fair, is set to take place April 9 through April 18, and preceding the fair will be the MCFA Scholarship Trail Ride on the weekend of March 26 through March 28.

This fair will be Montgomery County's 53rd annual fair in which the community has come together to support its youth. The fair anticipates approximately 1,000 animal exhibitors, in which spectators support and auction for student-raised livestock and smaller animals. Activities within the fair festivities include a Fair Queen pageant, animal judging, church services, craft lessons such as needlecraft and photography, a teen dance, barbecue cook-off, and so much more.

Admission Prices

April 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th & 17th
12 and older - $10.00 11 and under - $5.00 Preschool – Free

April 9th & 10th Military Appreciation Days
Uniformed Military Personnel – Free (Included members of immediate family with active Military I.D.)

April 18th El Dia De La Familia Hispana
12 and older - $15.00 11 and Under - Free

Gate admission entitles one to all events with exception of carnival rides.

For a schedule of events and more information about the Montgomery County Fair and its history, visit MCFA.org.

Conroe Montgomery County News

Greg Rivera — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The MCFA, Montgomery County Fair Association, has been awarding scholarships to high school students from Montgomery County for 16 years, contributing approximately $100,000 in award money to students each year.

This year's MCFA Scholarship Fundraiser has a new flavor - An Evening of Wine Tastings and Food Pairings - which will be held to raise money to fund future students. Charlie Owens, co-chair of the event, has a desire to see the MCFA grow, and has a taste for good food and wine. This year he asked, "Well, how about pairing the two?"

All proceeds from the fundraiser will be used for MCFA Scholarships in the coming year. Tickets are $75 each, and for those wishing to contribute larger amounts Sponsorships are available in amounts/levels of $500, Malbec; $1,000, Chardonnay; $2,500, Merlot; $5,000, Cabernet; $10,000, Champagne; and $25,000 Vintner. The event will be held at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center (2301 N. Millbend Drive) from 6:30-9:30pm. For those purchasing Sponsorships, an additional reception will be from 5:30-6:30pm.

"There hasn't been a more important time to raise money for scholarships," Owens said, "because more families are struggling to send their children to school."

For more information on how you can contribute or get information on scholarships for your family, please call the MCFA office at (936)760-3631 or visit www.mcfa.org.

Source: www.hcnonline.com/conroe__courier

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)

Less Energy Equals Money Saved

daphne — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

As part of President Obama’s American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, a $3.2 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy was issued to Montgomery County as a means for improving energy efficiency in county buildings. The grant is part of a larger block grant “available to cities, counties, territories and tribes across the nation to support energy audits and energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings, develop and implement advanced building codes and inspections, and create financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.”

Montgomery County has already proven itself in this regard by committing to the initiative of reducing energy consumption and water use by 5% since 2004, and has remodeled its buildings to use more energy conservative alternatives. The effort was worth it and the county won several awards and saved thousands of dollars in energy costs.

According to County Judge Alan B. Sadler, the county has saved $40,000 in electrical costs every year since the initiative was launched in the administration building alone, simply by replacing all of the ballasts and lights, reimbursing the costs for the project within 15 months.

The main outlet for the grant will be to replace air conditioning units and light fixtures in up to 15 county facilities. The old A/C units contain Freon, a material hazardous to the earth’s ozone layer, and energy consumption is expected to be reduced at least 20% for every building.

This is only a start for Montgomery County, as seen by its initiative launched five years ago. The federal grant will help to aid the county in its energy transformation in terms of funding, but it needs no other motivational push to meet its goals.

The residents of Graystone Hills can also help support the county by contributing to energy conservation and saving money. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s energy-saving tips page for all the information you can use to improve your neighborhood.

Source: Houston Chronicle