Blog entries tagged community

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

Crighton Players: Our Town

Greg Rivera — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:44:12 +0100

Conroe’s own Crighton Players are presenting the drama Our Town from March 5th through March 29th. This American classic, written by Thorton Wilder, is directed by Grace Thompson and is sure to make a remarkable night out for Graystone Hills residents.

The “Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a rich, engaging story exploring the lives of people living in a quintessential American small town at the turn of the 20th Century.

Performance Times:

Friday-Saturday at 8:00 pm

March 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 & 26-27

Sunday Matinees at 2pm

March 14,21, & 28

Purchase Tickets

Residents should also look out for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest this summer.

Photo: Director Grace Thompson shows actors the emotion she wants for a scene during rehearsal. Photo by David Hopper

Montgomery County Celebration for MLK Day

Greg Rivera — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:30:24 +0100

Monday January 18 residents from across Montgomery County came together in unity to celebrate The Dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. His dream, “deeply rooted in the American dream” was that America would “rise up and live out of the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’”

King’s call for dignity, discipline and peace was commemorated by the 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the Woodlands United Methodist Church. The event was hosted by St. Paul Church of The Woodlands and welcomed Tim Melton, ABC 13 sportscaster, as the master of ceremonies and Austin Lane, president of Lone Star College-Montgomery, as the Keynote speaker.

During his speech in 1963 King said, “I have a dream today!” And though he was assassinated in April of 1968, many people are living to make that dream a reality today. In order to celebrate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr., local high school seniors were given the opportunity to write an essay sharing how they “could make Dr. King’s dream a reality.” Yet, other students participated by designing posters themed “Living the Dream.”

Conroe High School student Tracaria White, along with Landon Morris from Oak Ridge High School and Jonelle Cathey-Harper of The Woodlands High School, received $500 scholarships for their outstanding work. Poster winners were honored with a $100 U.S. Savings Bond given to Alejandra Bremauntz for first place; a $75 Savings Bond given to Caroline Crisp for second place; and in third place Serena Li received a $50 Savings Bond.

As Melton shared, “The natural reaction is to need recognition for what you do. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message was to give back.” Many people across Conroe and surrounding areas are still working to help the people who are “exiles in their own land” by volunteering and working for justice, peace and righteousness. To honor those people in Montgomery County that have been serving the community, the Drum Major Award was presented to two outstanding couples. Jimmie and Elsa Dotson and Barbara and Don Gebert, who were recognized for the numerous ways they “give back” to the community.

The Dotsons volunteer with Big Brothers and Sisters, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Conroe ISD Task Force for Strategic Planning, the 100 Club of Montgomery County, The Montgomery County Women’s Center, the Tamina Action Community Association and Montgomery County United Way.

Barbara and Don Gebert helped organize The Woodlands Religious Community, which became Interfaith of The Woodlands; they co-founded The Villager newspaper, The Community Clinic, Montgomery County Youth Services, The Montgomery County Community Foundation and the Peace and Justice Coalition of Montgomery County.

To make such notable changes in a community it takes strength and resiliency, two things which Keynote speaker Austin Lane spoke to that he has seen in his lifetime. From his mother and grandmother who raised him, to two other figures in his life, “Growing up, we only knew of two other strong and resilient people. One we learned about at church every Sunday.” The other may not be surprising, as Lane shared, “It was not until I was 8 years old that I realized Martin Luther King, Jr. was not my father. We had pictures of him everywhere.”

While King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 – as the third African American, second American, and youngest person to receive the prize at that time – and held twenty honorary degrees, as well as being Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year” in 1963, he asked that people not remember him for his awards or where he went to school. During a sermon in 1968 King used the 20th Century notion of the ‘Drum Major Instinct’ to explain how he hoped to be remembered, “If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice; say that I was a drum major for peace; I was a drum major for righteousness.”

Now 42 years later people across Conroe, Texas and the U.S. are living to make Dr. King’s dream of equality a reality and taking the third Monday of each January to celebrate the work that was started years ago that continues shaping their community today. This day was not only a Holiday to remember King and the changes that have been made, but a day to continue dreaming of a better tomorrow too.

Holiday Joy Lighting Up Conroe

Greg Rivera — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:04:46 +0100

Graystone Hills residents can ring in the Holiday season with a celebration of lights and a time of honor this week at the Montgomery County War Memorial Park in downtown Conroe. The Montgomery County Beautification Association, which is dedicated to making Montgomery County a more beautiful place to live and work, will be hosting its 10th Annual Miracle of Lights Memory Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 20th at 6:30pm.

Area residents are invited to join in the celebration, where they can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy some cookies and fellowship with other area residents. The 13-foot Leyland Cypress tree from Spring Creek Growers is already up and ready to be dressed with holiday cheer. Throughout the week of November 16-20 volunteers will be working to decorate the tree with lights and decorations made by area school children.

The ceremony will also be honoring area veterans. “It’s a service project honoring the active members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and organizations that support military veterans,” said Sylvia Wiggins, spokeswoman for the MCBA. You can dedicate and honor an individual by purchasing a Miracle of Lights postcard, available for a $5 donation. The postcard can be mailed to the individual and they will be honored with recognition in advertising for the event, as well as having a light on the tree dedicated to them. T

“It’s been a popular project since it was started in 2000,” Wiggins said. “It’s a special memento for the person being honored and helps beautify our county for the holiday.”

For more information contact Sylvia Wiggins at 936-441-0999 or visit the MCBA online at www.mcbatx.org

Source: www.hcnonline.com/conroe_courier

Conroe Residents and Students Take Special Note of Veterans

Greg Rivera — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Wednesday November 11, 2009 marks this year’s Veteran’s Day, a day to honor those living and passed that have so valiantly served our country. Across the nation American’s will gather together and celebrate the service of our soldiers and Conroe residents are not the least among these.

The Conroe Independent School District Junior Reserve Office Training Corps will be hosting their annual military parade and ceremony on Veteran’s day starting at 9:30am with a reception and social, followed by the ceremony at 10:20am. This will take place at Moorhead Stadium behind Conroe High school. Nearly 500 students will march in uniform in the parade which will include Air Force from Oak Ridge and The Woodlands high schools, Navy from Caney Creek and Aldine high schools and Army from CHS.

Debbie Pennington, CISD JROTC program coordinator shared, “It’s just an extra way to thank the veterans for all they do for us. On behalf of the ROTC in CISD, we do want to encourage the veterans to come out so we can thank them for the service they have done and respect them for all they do.” She said that between 75 and 100 veterans attend each year.

A younger generation showed their appreciation for the Veterans on Monday November 9th. Preschoolers ages 2-4, kindergartners, and elementary aged students through sixth grade are held a special service for their veterans and grandparents at St. James Episcopal Church and School in Conroe. Their tribute was a musical ensemble including a flag-waving presentation to “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Yankee Doodle” by the preschoolers, and a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” by the older students.

“This is a wonderful event,” says U.S. Army Major Ed Naughton of the 158th Aviation Regiment based in Conroe. “It’s great to see children learning about patriotism and their country. The cycles and flags we carry attract the attention and interest of the kids. It gives us an opportunity to establish a dialogue with them about patriotism and why we do what we do.” Following the program, Naughton, soldier volunteers and Patriot Guard representatives spent time meeting with and answering students questions helping them to get a better understanding and showing their mutual appreciation for each other.

Other Veteran honoring events happening November 11 in the area:

8:30am Veteran’s Breakfast and Student led program at Montgomery Junior High, 19000 Stewart Creek Road, Montgomery, TX

10am Program at VFW Post 4709, 1308 W. Semands Ave., Conroe, TX

11am Program at the American Legion Post #618, 13054 FM 1097, Willis, TX

7pm Nondenominational service at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3901 S. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands

Source: www.hcnonline.com/conroe_courier

Dentistry from the Heart

Greg Rivera — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Dr. Tim Gardner is a local Conroe dentist, but on Saturday October 24th he branched out from his office to help the community by providing more than 120 patients free dental care. This extremely successful event was to help the underprivileged of Montgomery County and provided over $35,000 worth of dental work. While they did not perform any major work, they were able to tackle their goal of treating infection and helping patients get relief from pain. They achieved this by seeing patients on a first-come, first-served basis and limiting their work to cleanings, fillings and extractions.

This was Dr. Gardner’s first year participating in a Dentistry from the Heart event, an opportunity for dentists to help their community and earn positive recognition for the beneficial work they are doing in their society. Dentistry from the Heart is a non-profit organization committed to providing free dental care to those in need. Every year individual dentists across the nation donate their time and resources to host their own DFTH events, as Dr. Gardner did this October for the Conroe Community.

Special thanks goes out to Dr. Gardner and his tremendous team of colleagues and assistants: Dr. Jaime Ramirez, Dr. Robert Truly, Dr. Ron William, Dr. Scott Anderson, Dr. Kip Saunders, Mandy Hutchins, RDH, Leigh Ann Paul, RDH, Christa Schafer, RDH, Karen Saul, RDH and all of Dr. Gardner’s staff.

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Gardner please email drtimgardner@consolidated.net or call 936-539-3636

For more information on Dentistry from the Heart (DFTH) please visit www.dentistryfromtheheart.org

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 WWII Vet Donates Survival Map to LSHF

daphne — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

On the 64th anniversary of the end of World War II, Conroe war veteran and retired U.S. Air Force 1st Lieutenant Joseph Smith, 89, presented a framed survival map, issued to bomber flight crews on combat missions in World War II, to Lone Star Honor Flight (LSHF) as thanks for their efforts in appreciating World War II veterans.

"I'm grateful to the Honor Flight folks for what they're doing," said Smith. "This is a fine thing they are doing for veterans."

This 32-inch silk survival map showed pilots details on major ocean currents in the East China Sea. Should the pilot have to eject or abandon their plane, the maps helped them know what conditions they should expect and how to direct rescuers. "The silk maps could survive water, wind and being stuffed in a pocket," Smith said. "We hung onto them during missions. I hung onto them after the war."

As an experienced navigator, bombardier and radio operator, Smith flew 58 B-29s during World War II and the Korean War without ever being shot down or having to ditch his aircraft even once. Even with that, there were many close calls, and B-29s typically had no fighter escorts, leaving them to their own in the skies.

The flag will be framed and displayed at the LSHF offices, located at 13921 Texas 105 W., for as long as their organization is involved with transporting Conroe World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to tour military monuments and memorials, according to Brenda Beaven, founder of the LSHF.

The LSHF also received nearly $40,000 in donations from the Eastex Marine Corp League, the Rotary Club, Women’s Auxiliary for VFW Post 4709, Knights of Columbus, Yancey's Concrete of Conroe and McClanahan. Their next LSHF 3 tour is scheduled for October 3rd, and is already 2/3rds full.

For more information on the Lone Star Honor Flight and donations and trip information please visitLoneStarHonorFlight.com.

Image courtesy of The Courier of Montgomery County

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)