Graystone Hills residents and spectators are invited to join in an interactive conversation with the community through commenting.
Posted on Dec 30, 2011 | Tagged in: entertainment , community , charity

The ‘Happy Feet’ Performers of The John Cooper School brought holiday cheer to four senior citizen centers. The entertainers sang and danced at each residence center through out the month of December.
These entertainers are part of the performing arts program at their school. The performances lifted the spirits of the senior citizens at Regent Care Center of The Woodlands, Terrance Assisted Living and Memory Care, The Woodlands Healthcare Center and Silverado Senior Living. Not only did these students perform, they took time to visit with the residences of the senior centers. They passed out cards, gifts, and blankets to the residence as well. The school encourages their students to think creatively, prepare for a lifetime of learning, and cultivate responsible citizenship.
For more information on The John Cooper School, which has a one hundred percent college matriculation rate, visit their homepage.
Posted on Dec 16, 2011 | Tagged in: family , events , entertainment , education , community , charity

The John Cooper School let’s the students pick a charity for each month of the year. This month two of the school’s outstanding students volunteered to organize this month’s charity project, "Good Soles Shoe and Sock Donation Drive".
The students, Iker and Pamela Pimienta partnered with local podiatrist Dr. Robert E Neville & Associates. This “Good Souls” benefit drive will collect socks and shoes for needing families. The benefit drive in years past, have collected over 700 pairs of shoes and socks. The students will work with Dr. Neville to collect donations through January 31st.
Charities that have benefited from the drive in the past include United Way of Greater Houston, Montgomery County Women’s Center, the Knights of Columbus, Moms Helping Moms and Project Hope.
Posted on Nov 16, 2011 | Tagged in: entertainment , community , charity

The annual Jeans and Jewels Gala, held October 22 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott was a huge success with over 500 guests in attendance. The event, hosted by Art Rascon from KTRT Channel 13, raised nearly $550,000 to benefit the Northwest Assistance Ministries.
This years gala broke the record of donations given to the Northwest Assistance Ministries. The ministries children’s clinic received a much needed $81,000 because of the live auction. Nolan Lehmann was this year’s auctioneer. Attendees were delighted by music performed by The Green Onions, performances from resident artists from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, and a silent auction.
Remember, 90 cents of every dollar goes directly to aiding their clients. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. The Northwest Assistance Center helps your neighbors in needs. To learn more about this effective, extensive charity visit their homepage.
Posted on Sep 23, 2011 | Tagged in: events , entertainment , Conroe

Come join the family fun with plenty to do for young and old! This community festival draws nearly 30,000 to 40,000 visitors annually to enjoy great live music, sample delicious Cajun food, and arts and crafts exhibits. The event supports the renovation of downtown Conroe, promotion of community projects, and contributes to nonprofit organizations.
There's plenty to choose from when it comes eating. Catfish, boudin, rice and beans, sausage, and gumbo are just some of the tasty eats. You'll even find frog legs, alligator and much more!
The Kid's area has fun rides, pony rides, Monster Mural, a petting zoo, and amusements. Students from local dance and art schools will be performing on the Small Fry Stage.
Posted on Sep 13, 2011 | Tagged in: entertainment
Through Dec. 31, 2011 homebuyers can register to win a free 60” flat-screen TV from the First Texas family of builders in a new football-themed promotion called “Game On!”
To register, buyers simply need to visit any of the 15 Houston area communities offering new homes priced from the low $200,000s to the $400,000s by First Texas Homes, Gallery Homes or Harwood Homes. No purchase is necessary to win, entry forms are readily available, and every entry stands an equal chance of winning.
Entry forms can be found in the upstairs media rooms in each First Texas model, where visitors will find a 60-inch TV similar to the one to be given away. On weekends, the TVs in every model will be tuned to college football on Saturdays and pro football on Sundays, and visitors are invited to relax on the stadium-style seating and experience the Surround Sound speakers and other amenities offered in First Texas media rooms.
First Texas communities are open seven days a week, from 10 - 6 on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 12:30 - 6 on Sundays. Locations and other details can be found on the First Texas Facebook page, http://facebook.com/firsttexashomeshoustontx.
Posted on Aug 15, 2011 | Tagged in: sports , entertainment

The thermometer reads hot right now, but fall is just around the corner! Children will head back to school and the weather will be great for enjoying the great outdoors! Individuals & families alike can enjoy the majesty of Wedgewood Golf Course, the premier course of Conroe. Escape from the rush of life at this golf course with it’s beautiful landscape of pine trees, ponds & waterfalls. “The rolling wooded hills of Wedgewood afford a golfing experience unequaled anywhere in the Greater Houston area.” This picturesque golf course will be the perfect setting to create memories for years to come.
Wedgewood Golf Course is continuously praised in the press! The gold tees rate the slopes at 134 and is voted the number one course in the Brazos Valley. “Rated an 9.0 at Texas Outside, listed in Golf Digest's ‘Places to Play’ and voted by the ‘Dallas Morning News’ as one of the Top 25 Public Courses in Texas. Wedgewood's 18th hole was included in a list of the city's ‘Toughest 18 Holes to Play’.”
Phil Dorsey is Wedgewood’s resident golf professional and General Manager. He encourages everyone to get out this fall to play and improve their game. "Wedgewood Golf Course offers challenges to all levels of playing ability. Wedgewood requires position shots rather than trying to hit a long tee shot. Towards the green, aim below the hole for easier putts. Think position on tee shots and green and you should score well."
Posted on Aug 2, 2011 | Tagged in: sports , events , entertainment , Conroe

The City of Conroe Parks and Recreations Department will be offering a Karate Academy. Karate and martial arts in general is fun and beneficial in many ways for the student. Physical benefits are improved reflexes and coordination, increased performance in all physical activities, increased strength and stamina, increased flexibility and weight control for better overall fitness, cardiovascular workouts, greatly improved balance, and the ability to defend one’s self. Mental benefits include, improved concentration for better work and study habits, stress reduction, confidence in knowing you can defend yourself, confidence in knowing how to deal with bullies and other confrontations, a positive attitude toward life through self-confidence and self-discipline, builds self-esteem and self respect, and a can do attitude.
Classes will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Tuesday, Aug. 2, through Thursday, Sept. 8. The beginner class starts at 7 p.m., and the advanced class is at 8 p.m. The registration deadline is Saturday, July 23, with a fee of $65 for Conroe residents and $81 for nonresidents. The academy will be held at the C.K. Ray Recreation Center, located 1203 Callahan Ave.
For more information, call the C.K. Ray Recreation Center at 936-522-3900 or visit www.cityofconroe.org.
Posted on Jul 14, 2011 | Tagged in: sports , events , entertainment , Conroe

This past weekend the Texas B.A.S.S. Federation & the Texas Bow Fishing Association held two separate Grass Carp fishing tournaments for a combined total of 5,000 lbs of fish! Ron Gunter, assistant state conservation director said the tournaments help in solving a major problem on Lake Conroe. “Texas Parks and Wildlife decided that there were too many Grass Carp, and they weren’t allowing the plants to expand again,” said Gunter. “We’re trying to reduce the number of Carp, not eradicate them...these tournaments are for TPW to find the ‘magic number’ of carp needed for the lake.”
These tournaments which were held at Stow-A-Way Marina in Willis are family friendly events. Registration for the Grass Carp tournament was $35. A portion of the registration fee went to the Lake Conroe Native Aquatic Plant Restoration Program. Vince Anderson, a manager at the Marina said, “We saw fathers and sons out here, people with their kids. It’s not like bass tournaments, where it’s more cutthroat. I hope they’ll do it again, everybody out here enjoyed it”. The TPW will make their decision for future tournaments based on the results of this year’s tournament. “TPW sanctioned the tournament, so everybody participating was told they could ‘catch, keep, and retain’,” said Gunter. “Grass carp are still protected and they are not an open species”.
According to the Seven Coves Bass Club website, Keith Caka was the over all winner. He brought in 28 Grass Carp. The fish were weighed hourly and participates were awarded cash prizes for highest quantity caught and highest weight reeled in. James Tucker came in second place reeling in 16 Grass Carp. “I did this because it was for a good reason, a good cause,” said Tucker. “It brings people together, too. Fishing with friends wears you out, but you have fun."
Posted on Jun 24, 2011 | Tagged in: events , entertainment
This year’s Freedom Over Texas celebration is sure to pack a cowboy size punch!
In addition to the ever popular exhibit booths, food, and fireworks, this year’s special guest performer is the famous billboard chart topper and Woodlands native, Jack Ingram! Ingram, along with Chris Young and Rodney Atkins, will provide the entertainment for this year’s Freedom Over Texas celebration on Monday, July 4.
Mayor Annise Parker planned this special 4th of July family event, which features the famous singer and songwriter, known best for his 2008 Academy of Country Music award-winning song, “Barefoot and Crazy.”
The evenings performances will starts at 4 pm and conclude with a spectacular fireworks show beginning at dark - about 9:30 pm.
Posted on Jun 9, 2011 | Tagged in: events , entertainment , education

The Woodlands Recreation Center recently published their exciting summer calendar which features special programs for all ages! Many of the “camps” are geared towards educational enrichment through physical activities!
Activities planned throughout the summer range from stand-up paddling and country western dancing to LEGO Robotics. “There are hundreds of programs of all types,” said Chris Nunes, Director of Parks & Recreation for The Woodlands Township. “We have designed programs for all ages, both from a fun perspective and an educational opportunity.”
One of the centers most unique offerings is Little iKids programs, which teach area youngsters ages 3 to 7, to explore and expand their technical knowledge. Activities offered in this program include LEGO Robotics, where children construct their own digital storybook by building robot characters, adding music and narrating with their own voice; PC Pet Shop, which teaches basic pet care through computer and keyboard activities; and the popular Dinotunes Digital Discovery, which teaches basic music skills through archeologically themed activities.