Get Active! Fun Stuff For Fall 2011

Finally, the weather is beginning to cool down and Fall is officially here.  If you spent the entire summer locked inside in the A/C, now is a great time to start venturing out and getting active again.  Here are some fun activities to get the entire family off of the couch and into life…

Running / Walking Events:
Connect to CAR Fun Run & Family Walk:  October 15, 2011 at Living Word Lutheran Church (5K & 1 Mile Family Walk)
Walk MS:  October 22, 2011 at Katy Mills Mall (1 Mile)
Spartan Pumpkin Fun Run:  October 22, 2011 at Seven Lakes High School (5K Fun Run & 1 Mile Kid/Family Fun Run)
9th Annual Katy YMCA Turkey Dash:  November 24, 2011, 7:20am Kids 1 Mile Race, 8am 5K, 9:15am 1 Mile Family Walk/Run
Susan G Komen Race for the Cure:  October 1, 2011 in Downtown Houston (5K & 1/2 Mile Family/Kids Walk)
The Original Mud Run:  October 8, 2011 at Sam Houston Race Park
Run to Cure Huntington’s Disease:  October 15, 2011 in Sugar Land (5K)
Houston Texans Running of the Bulls:  October 16, 2011 at Reliant Park in Houston (5K)
Brazos Bend Gator Run Trail Races:  October 23, 2011 at Brazos Bend State Park (Half Marathon & 2-Person Relay Half Marathon)
Monster Mash Run:  October 29, 2011 at Sam Houston Race Park (5K, 10K & 15K)
National Veterans Day Run:  November 11, 2011 at the Harris County War Memorial in Bear Creek Pioneers Park (11K & 1 Mile Walk)
Urban Dare Houston:  November 19, 2011 in Houston (similar to a one day Amazing Race)
Run Girl 13.1 Women’s Only Half Marathon:  December 11, 2011 in Humble

Duathlons & Triathlons:
Du the Bear Duathlon:  October 2, 2011 at Bear Creek Pioneers Park
Kiwanis Kids Triathlon:  October 29, 2011 at Firethorne
Katy Triathlon:  October 30, 2011 at Firethorne
Fairfield Triathlon:  October 9, 2011 in Cypress
AMICA Try Andy’s Tri:  October 16, 2011 in Sugar Land

Biking / Cycling Events:
Tour de Donut:  November 6, 2011 at Katy Mills Mall (28 & 55 mile routes)
Novemberfest Metric Century:  November 5, 2011 in Brookshire (10, 23, 40 & 64 mile routes)
Bike the Bend for Literacy:  November 20, 2011 at Foster High School in Richmond (19, 32 & 59 mile routes)
Red White & Bike:  November 20, 2011 at Brookside Equipment in Hockley (20, 40 & 60 mile routes)

General Fitness:
Zumba Fest at the Katy Family YMCA:  September 30, 2011, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Swim Lessons (All Ages):
Katy Family YMCA: sessions beginning October 3, 2011 and October 31, 2011

Youth Sports Registrations: 
Katy/West Houston Cannons Lacrosse Club Registration Kick-Off:  October 15, 2011, 4pm-6pm at Grand Lakes Presbyterian Church
Katy Cavalier Lacrosse Registration:  October 15, 2011, 10:30am-12pm at Cinco Ranch Library and November 5, 2011, 10am-2pm at Cinco Ranch HS fields
Katy YMCA Winter NFL Flag Football Registration:  Now thru December 4, 2011
Katy YMCA Winter Basketball Registration:  Now thru December 4, 2011
Katy YMCA Teen Winter Basketball Registration: Now thru December 4, 2011
Katy YMCA Teen Winter Volleyball Registration:  Now thru December 4, 2011
Katy YMCA Winter Cheer Registration:  Now thru December 4, 2011
Katy YMCA Teen Winter Drill/Dance Team Registration:  Now thru December 4, 2011
Katy Youth Basketball 5 on 5 Late Registration:  September 26-December 9, 2011
Katy Youth Soccer Spring Registration:  Begins November 15, 2011

Adult Sports Registrations:
Winter Men’s Basketball Leagues:  Play Starts October 30, 2011 at West Houston Indoor Soccer
Men’s and Coed Adult Soccer Leagues:  Play Starts October 17-23, 2011 at West Houston Indoor Soccer

Whatever you choose to do, get out and enjoy yourself!  For more fun active ideas, visit our Sports & Recreation page.

Fall 2011 Festival Season!

This summer has definitely been one for the record books!  For years I’ve compared summer heat to the Summer of 1980 and, until this year, no other summer temps have been able to compete.  But this crazy string of insane heat mixed with drought makes 1980 look like a beautiful Spring day!  I am definitely ready for some cooler Fall weather, so we can get back to enjoying the outdoors.  There are a ton of fun events coming up in the next few months!  (NOTE:  I’m sorry.  For some reason I’m having trouble embedding links, so I’m including the website address at the end of each entry.  When you are finished looking at the festival page, hit the back button to return here.)

15th Grand Taiko Festival, September 9-10, 2011 at Miller Outdoor Theatre  www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/

11th Houston Hot Sauce Festival, September 17-18, 2011 at the Stafford Centre  www.houstonhotsauce.com/

75th Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo, September 23 - October 2, 2011 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds  www.fbcfa.org/

66th Waller County Fair, September 24 – October 2, 2011 at the Waller County Fairgrounds  www.wallercountyfair.org/

Dewberry Farm, September 24 – November 13, 2011 in Brookshire  www.dewberryfarm.com/

45th The Original Greek Festival, October 6-9, 2011 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral  www.greekfestival.org/

31st Katy Rice Harvest Festival, October 8-9, 2011 in Historic Downtown Katy  www.riceharvestfestival.org/

40th Bayou City Art Festival, October 8-9 in Downtown Houston  www.bayoucityartfestival.com/

37th Texas Renaissance Festival, October 8 – November 27, 2011 in Plantersville  www.texrenfest.com/

33rd Festa Italiana, October 14-16, 2011 at the University of St Thomas  www.houstonitalianfestival.com/

27th Wings Over Houston Airshow, October 15-16, 2011 at Ellington Field  www.wingsoverhouston.com/

34th Harris County Fair, October 19-23, 2011 at the Houston Farm & Ranch Club  www.hcfair.com/

18th Ballunar Liftoff Festival, October 21-23, 2011 at the Johnson Space Center  www.ballunarfestival.com/

28th Texian Market Days, October 22, 2011 at the George Ranch  www.texianmarketdays.com/

5th Puerto Rican & Cuban Festival, October 22, 2011 at Tranquility Park in Downtown Houston  www.prcfestival.com/

8th Gulf Coast Dragon Boat Regatta, October 22-23, 2011 in Sugar Land  www.texasdragonboat.com/

International Quilt Festival, November 3-6, 2011 at the George R Brown Convention Center  www.quilts.com/

1st Texas Yacht Show and Jazz Fest, November 11-13, 2011 at the Kemah Boardwalk Marina  www.texasyachtshow.com/

Via Colori Street Painting Festival, November 19-20, 2011 at Sam Houston Park in Downtown Houston  www.HoustonViaColori.com/

As you can see, there is truly something for everyone on this list!  As natives of this area, we have been to most of these events over the years and always have a great time.  Better yet, these events are just a few of the fun things going on around our area during the Fall.  Feel free to post information on any other fun festivals and community events in the comments section of this post.

Happy September everyone!

Make a Difference in the Fight Against MS

Many of us have friends and family affected by Multiple Sclerosis.  We’d like to thank Cammy Hazim and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for sharing the following information about MS and how we can all help to fight it. 

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
According to the National MS Society, Multiple Sclerosis is “an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, that interrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and the body.”  Statistics show that 400,000+ people in the US are affected, with a new person being diagnosed every hour!   Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis.  Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease.

What can we all do to help?
Folks in the Katy Area have several options…

1)  Walk
Lace up your walking shoes and join your neighbors at Katy Mills Mall (5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy TX 77494) on Saturday, October 22, 2011 for Walk MS.  The cost is FREE to walk and FREE to form a team!  Registration opens in Mid-April to set up your Fundraising Page.  Click here to register online!

2) Bike
Registration is OPEN for the annual BP MS 150 Bike Ride from Houston to Austin.  This year’s event is set for April 16-17, 2011.  The ride departs from Rhodes Stadium (1733 Katy-Ft Bend Rd, Katy TX 77493)   Click here to register as an individual, join a team, or register a new team.

3) Volunteer
The Walk MS: Katy Planning Committee is looking for volunteers.  The committee meets once a month in Katy.  Meetings are only one hour long.  If you are interested in helping, contact Cammy L. Hazim at cammy.hazim@nmss.org or 713.394.2995.

4) Donate
If you are unable to participate in any of the fundraising events, but would like to donate, you can do so via the following links:  BP MS 150 or Walk MS: Katy.

BRRRRR! Are You Ready for the Ice Age???

OK…so maybe it’s not really going to be like the Ice Age.  And many of our Northern friends would likely question if it even qualifies as truly “cold”.  But for those of us Gulf Coast Texas folks who are accustomed to hot summers and mild winters, the weather forecast for this week is down right frigid!  Don’t let the projected cold front catch you by surprise.  If the temperatures do what they expect (hard freeze for several days and maybe snow on Friday??), it could mean costly damage if you are not prepared.  Here are a few things you can do to be ready…

Protect Your Family & Friends
While you are preparing yourself, remember to check on older family members and friends who may need assistance in their preparation.  Please take a few moments to ensure that their homes are protected and that they will have a safe way to stay warm.  Portable space heaters, kerosene heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves all come with safety risks.  Propane and carbon monoxide producing heaters should never be used indoors.  This is also a good time to make sure that they have enough food and supplies to remain at home until the roads are clear of ice.

Protect Your Pets
Freeze warnings are dangerous for pets.  Would you want to live outside with temps in the 20s, winds and precipitation?  Be sure to bring your pets inside during the winter blast.   Keep all vehicle antifreeze and poisons away from your animals.  Even small amounts can be deadly.  Before starting your car in cold weather, it’s a good idea to honk the horn just in case a cat or other animal has climbed into your engine area to stay warm.

Protect Your Pipes
Wrap up any exposed pipes and faucets and disconnect water hoses.  Don’t forget about exposed pipes in your attic!  Even if you have wrapped your pipes in previous years, it’s a good idea to inspect them now to make sure that they are still well protected.  See more tips on pipe protection.

Protect Your Sprinkler System 
If your home is equipped with a landscape sprinkler system, turn it off at the pipe and drain any excess water.  Make sure that all exposed pipes are wrapped.  A lot of folks in our area learned this lesson the hard way last year as several days of freezing temperatures turned broken sprinkler systems into geysers as the weather warmed up!

Protect Your Car
Check your antifreeze level and add as instructed if necessary.  Make sure your tires are properly inflated to provide maximum traction on slippery roads.  Keep your gas tank at least half full to minimize condensation within the gas line.  In case you missed it in the pets section, honk your horn before starting your car to clear out any animals who are drawn to your engine for warmth.  Most importantly, if you must drive in icy conditions, please adjust your driving habits appropriately…slow down and be alert!

Protect Your Plants
If you have time to put down a new layer of mulch, now is the time!  Mulch offers insulation for the plants’ root systems.  Cover tender plants with a frost cloth, sheet or blanket.  Make sure to use a breathable material and avoid plastic.  Bring moveable potted plants into your garage.  They say watering your plants prior to a freeze can also protect the root system (although I’ve never tried this one personally).

To see the latest weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service – Houston/Galveston Office.

Stay warm my friends!!

Literacy + Ecology = FUN!: KVPAC’s Nasty Gnarlies

The following story was provided by the Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) regarding the latest production in their Books Alive! Literacy Through the Arts program.  Neat stuff!  For more information about KVPAC, their community programs and how you can get involved, visit their website.
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KVPAC Nasty Gnarlies Cast

Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center’s (KVPAC) Books Alive! Literacy Through the Arts is an innovative program that uses the magic of live theatre to promote literacy in communities where literacy and art programs are not present.  Books Alive! tours to underprivileged neighborhoods, children’s hospitals, homeless shelters and special needs workshops free-of-charge.  Carol Herron, Arts In Medicine Coordinator at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, says, “Our cancer patients were delighted when KVPAC visited earlier this year as part of our Arts In Medicine program.  We look forward to return visits, and the opportunity to have KVPAC work with patients both in our out-patient clinic and in-patient units.”

For many children, it is their first time to experience the magic of live professional theatre and they respond enthusiastically.  “The lights, costumes and performers dazzled their eyes and brought out expressions on their faces that I will never forget,” glowed Elizabeth Mace, music specialist at Morton Ranch Elementary.  Inspiring children to open a book and bring the ‘book alive’ is the goal Books Alive! surpasses at all venues.

This year KVPAC used the wildly successful Books Alive! program to promote another worthy cause: going green.  Books Alive!’s production of The Three Nasty Gnarlies employs music and creative storytelling to teach kids about the perils of our environment in a lighthearted atmosphere.  The Gnarlies practice what they preach as all costumes are made from plastic bags that would otherwise sit in a landfill for 500 years.  The plastic bags are given new life in the show and the costume pieces can be reused in future productions.

Books Alive! believes it is not enough to simply inform children of a problem but to give them ways to be part of the solution.  Each audience member receives a copy of The Kid’s Guide to Saving the Planet.  Produced by KVPAC, this original guide takes the Gnarlies from the stage to the page as they lead children through puzzles and games that educate and give them practical tips on saving the planet.  The Guide includes a convenient insert children can hang in their home to remind the whole family that little things can make a big difference.

Environmental Resources Management  (ERM) funded the creation of the unique, recycled costumes, the show’s set and the printing of The Kid’s Guide to Save the Planet.  Additional funding from Republic Services, Absolutely! Katy Magazine, Mickie C and Company, US Storage and the Houston Arts Alliance enabled this touring production to be taken to an additional 15 schools where it was seen by more than 7,000 children.

Nasty Gnarlies on Stage

Understanding the future of our world is in the hands of its children is what makes Books Alive! a success in all that it promotes.  Books Alive! delivers the gift of literacy to children while empowering them to change the world around them.  Using the performing and visual arts, Books Alive! tackles global issues with children all while they have a smile on their face.

Books Alive! is funded by generous local businesses, charitable foundations and private individuals.  Sponsors are invited to attend the Sponsor Gala on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 10am at the KVPAC Studio.  Guests will enjoy The Three Nasty Gnarlies, a presentation by ERM with a reception to follow.

Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) is located at 2501 S Mason Rd, #290, Katy, TX 77450 in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Complex.

Profile on Katy Business: Pinot’s Palette

Have you ever dreamed of painting in a studio?  Do you consider yourself creative at all?  Can you draw a stick figure with relatively straight lines?  Are you up for a fun evening out doing something completely different?  If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you need to check out Katy’s newest social venue:  Pinot’s Palette!

Katy residents Kerrie and Alan Barnard are excited to bring this fun new “night out” experience to our area.  Located at 2910 Commercial Center Blvd, Suite 102, Katy 77494, the party and painting venue is in the Village Center Plaza near La Finca Mexican Restaurant.  They offer social art classes led by local artists who guide you through creation of your own masterpiece which you take home at the end of the night.  Each class features a different painting. 

Pinot's Palette Class

Looking for a unique party destination?  Pinot’s Palette is also available for private parties and corporate events.  You bring the guests and the refreshments; they provide the canvases, art supplies and instructor!

The Barnards opened Pinot’s Palette on December 29, 2010, and have been working hard to provide a fun party environment for everyone who visits.  No art experience is necessary.  There’s no pressure to be Picasso (but Picassos are welcome too!).  The only requirement is the desire to relax and have a good time!  Since they are a BYOB art entertainment studio, the normal public classes are for folks 18+ or 13-17 with an adult.  As their calendar grows, they will be hosting kids’ specific classes and art camps for kids.

For more information on Pinot’s Palette including class and event schedules, visit their website or connect with them on Facebook or Twitter!  Their phone number is 281.769.2961.

Get Active! Fun Running and Cycling Events to Kick Off 2011!

2011 is here!  What is your plan for the new year?  Let’s make this decade an active one!  There are a lot of great fun family and competitive athletic events in the Houston area during the first few months of the new year.  And what a great way to build memories with your family and friends!   I ran the Half Marathon at the Texas Marathon in Kingwood on 1/1/11 and set a personal record!  Before you get too impressed…I am NOT fast!  There were plenty of folks who finished before me, but I’m thrilled to say that I got up very early on New Years Day, drove to Kingwood and finished 13.1 miles much faster than I did 3 years ago before I was 40! 

So if you want to live a healthier life (and who doesn’t?)  Join me in a little challenge!  Pick an event or two (or more!) from the following list and take the next step to a healthy and active new life.  Whether you are a super competitive athlete or just regular everyday busy person (like me), there’s something here for everyone.  Come on, it will be fun!!  What do you say?

Surfside Shuffle - January 15, 2011 at Surfside Beach TX
5K, 10K & Kids’ Run on the beach!

USA Fit Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K – January 16, 2011 in Sugar Land TX
Everyone is welcome to participate.  Finish time for the marathon is a full 8 hours.

Gateway Academy Gryphon’s Flight Bike Ride - January 16, 2011 in Hockley TX
25 Mile & 40 Mile rides benefiting Gateway Academy.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

Brazos Bend Keep On Truckin’ Trail Races - January 16, 2011 at Brazos Bend State Park in Needville TX
Half Marathon, Marathon & 50K Ultra on trails through the park!  8 hour time limit on all events.

Dawson Winter Dash 5K & Family Fun Run - January 22, 2011 in Pearland TX
Benefits the Dawson High School Eagle Band and Catalyst Color Guard.

Rockets Run 2011 – January 22, 2011 at Toyota Center in Houston TX
2 Mile Walk, 5K Fun Run, and Kids 1K.

Frost Ur Fanny Duathlon - January 23, 2011 at Bear Creek Park
3 Mile Run, 15 Mile Bike, 2 Mile Run.  Individual & Relay competitions.

Frost Bike 50 Bike Ride – January 23, 2011 in Cypress TX
17 Mile, 45 Mile, and 55 Mile routes.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

Texas Children’s Hospital 3K & 1K Kids’ Fun Run/Walk - January 29, 2011 in Houston TX
Open to everyone in grades K-8 (ages 5-15 years) including children with special needs.

Bike Through The Forest – January 29, 2011 in Kingwood TX
12 Mile, 25 Mile, 33 Mile and 46 Mile rides.  A BP MS 150 Recommended Ride.

Chevron Houston Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K - January 30, 2011 in Houston TX
Host of the USA Half Marathon Championships and the 2012 US Olympics Team Trials Marathon.

Puddle for the Ducks Bike Ride – February 5, 2011 in Katy TX
30 Mile, 37 Mile, 48 Mile & 70 Mile rides departing Sun & Ski Sports at Katy Mills Mall.  Benefits Ducks Unlimited.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

The Bill Crews Remission Run - February 5, 2011 in Conroe TX
5K, 1 Mile Kids Race, and 1 Mile Family Walk.

Golden Girls Gold Rush Cycling Classic - February 6, 2011 in Montgomery TX
25, 44, & 65 Mile routes.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

Major Taylor Commemorative Ride - February 6, 2011 in Houston TX
35, 50, & 72 Mile rides benefiting the Houston Bicycle Museum.

Texas Med 5K Fun Run/Walk - February 12, 2011 in Houston TX
Benefits the Hospital District’s Mammography Services.

Piney Woods 10 Mile and 5K Trail Run - February 12, 2011 in New Caney TX
Run through the trails at Lake Houston Wilderness Park.

Pedaling the Prairie - February 12, 2011 at the Waller County Fairgrounds in Hempstead TX
24 Mile, 45 Mile, 55 Mile & 71 Mile routes benefiting Faith West Academy in Katy.  A BP MS 150 Recommended Ride.

Jail Break Run 1/2 Marathon - February 12, 2011 in Baytown TX
Benefits the Baytown Municipal Police Officers Association and the Marcus Lee Zaruba Criminal Justice Foundation Scholarship.

Run Away With My Heart Trail Run - February 12, 2011 in Spring TX
5 Mile Run, 3 Mile Run/Walk, and a 1 Mile Kids Run.

Counseling For A Cure - February 13, 2011 in Clear Lake TX
5K and 1K Family Fun Run at UH Clear Lake.  Benefits Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Ride to the Rescue - February 13, 2011 in Manvel TX
33 Mile, 43 Mile and 60 Mile routes.  Benefiting animal rescue groups.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

Humble Lions Club Bike Ride - February 19, 2011 in Humble TX
25 Mile, 46 Mile, 55 Mile rides.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

Galveston Mardi Gras Marathon & Half Marathon - February 20, 2011 in Galveston TX
No time limit on the Half Marathon.  6 Hour time limit on the Marathon.

Bulldog Bike Ride & Pancake Breakfast – February 26, 2011 in Waller TX
25 Mile, 32 Mile & 50 Mile routes.  Benefits Waller Jr High.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run - February 26, 2011 in Houston TX
Kick off the Houston Rodeo by running down the parade route (before the horses).  5K & 10K.

Surfside Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & Crazy Hard 50K - February 26, 2011 at Surfside Beach
Starts and ends on the beach!

Gator Ride - March 5, 2011 in Baytown TX
33 Mile, 43 Mile, 51 Mile & 62 Mile routes.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.  + a 6.2 Mile Family Ride! 

Continental Airlines Cycling Classic - March 6, 2011 in Montgomery TX
25 Mile, 47 Mile & 67 Mile rides with hills.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

Brookwood Benefit Bike Ride - March 12, 2011 in Brookshire TX
28 Mile, 42 Mile, 54 Mile & 70 Mile routes.  Benefits The Brookwood Community.

Bayou City Classic 10K Run & Walk - March 12, 2011 in Houston TX
Special categories for participants in costumes and centipedes (6 attached runners)!

The Great Escape Bike Ride – March 13, 2011 in Pearland TX
Details to be announced soon.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

B-geO Magnolia Miles Bike Ride - March 19, 2011 in Magnolia TX
30 Mile, 41 Mile & 71 Mile routes.  A BP MS 150 Recommended Ride.

Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon & Half Marathon - March 19-20, 2011 in Seabrook TX
Run the Half Marathon or the Marathon, or take on the Pelican Challenge by running the 1/2 on both Saturday and Sunday.  And then there’s the Trail Challenge: run the 1/2 Marathon on Saturday and the full Marathon on Sunday!  You can also compete as part of a relay team.

Galveston Beach 5K Run & Eco Duathlon - March 26, 2011 in Galveston TX
2 choices here:  a 5K Run or a Duathlon featuring a 2 Mile Run, an 8 Mile Bike, and another 2 Mile Run!

Schlumberger Education Expedition – March 26, 2011 in Missouri City TX
A BP MS150 Recommended Bike Ride benefiting Fort Bend Education Foundation.

Bluebonnet Express - March 27, 2011 in Waller TX
30 Mile, 54 Mile, 68 Mile, and 75 Mile rides.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

Angie’s 1/2 Crazy 1/2 Marathon – March 27, 2011 in Clear Lake
Participate as an individual or as part of a relay team.  Time limit is 4 hours.

Gateway to the Bay Triathlon Festival – April 2-3, 2011 in Kemah TX
Choose from a Sprint Distance Triathlon:  500 Meter Swim, 12 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run or an Olympic Distance Triathlon:  1,500 Meter Swim, 24.85 Mile Bike, 6.2 Mile Run.

Gateway 5K & Kids 1K – April 3, 2011 in Kemah TX
Enjoy the hype and fun of the Triathlon Festival without competing in a triathlon!

Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO – April 3, 2011 in Hockley TX
25 Mile recreational ride for all ages, and 42 Mile, 100K, and 100 Mile rides.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

Katy Ram Challenge – April 9, 2011 in Katy TX
12 Mile, 35 Mile, 46 Mile, 62 Mile & 74 Mile routes.  Benefiting Mayde Creek High School’s Mighty Ram Band.  A BP MS150 Recommended Ride.

Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Lonestar Triathlon – April 10, 2011 in Galveston TX
A long distance triathlon:  1.2 Mile Swim, 56 Mile Bike, and 13.1 Mile Run.

Space Race – April 11, 2011 at Gulf Greyhound Park in Houston TX
20 Mile, 40 Mile, 62 Mile, 78 Mile and 101 Mile routes!  A BP MS150 Recommended Bike Ride.

BP MS 150 Bike Ride – April 16-17, 2011 departing Rhodes Stadium in Katy TX
The Granddaddy of local fundraising bike rides!  Ride from Houston to Austin to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Hippity ROC Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk – April 23, 2011 in Cypress TX
5K is open to everyone ages 5+.  Half Marathon has a time limit of 3.5 hours.  Benefits Run Over Cancer.

Green 6.2 – April 23, 2011 at Town & Country CityCentre
An eco-friendly 10K Run/Walk and Kids 1K Fun Run.

Step By Step 5K & Kids 1K – April 30, 2011 in Houston TX
Benefits Trinity Lutheran School.

Whew!  That’s quite a list for the first 4 months of 2011!  So which one(s) will you pick?  Did we miss any?  If so, leave a comment and let us know so we can add to the fun!  Have a healthy 2011!!!

12 Days of Christmas Fun!

I can’t believe that it’s less than 12 days until Christmas!  Man, has this year flown by or what?!  The holidays are cruising by with all kinds of fun events passing every day.  But don’t worry, you still have time to take in some fun!  In honor of the 12 Days of Christmas, here are 12 ideas for you and your family to enjoy the rest of this season.  (and if you know of something we’ve missed, please leave a comment and let us know about it so we can add to our list!)

1)  Light Shows to Music
Cottage Charm’s Christmas Light Show & Food Drive,  5806 4th Street, Katy TX 77493

Christmas Katy, 24603 Stoughton Ct, Katy TX 77494

2)  Living Nativity Scenes
Living Word of the Nazarene, 16607 Clay Rd, Houston TX 77084:  December 16-19, 6:30-8:30pm

Victory of the Lamb, 23051 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77450: December 19, 5:30-8:30pm

3)  Neighborhoods Known for their Decorations
Pecan Grove, just South of Katy, West of the Grand Pkwy (99) and North of Hwy 90A

Prestonwood Forest, Off of Hwy 249 / Cypresswood / Prestonwood Forest Dr.

4)  Drive Through Displays
Richmond State Supported Living Center (formerly Richmond State School) Project Noel
2100 Preston, Richmond TX 77469

Santa’s Wonderland, 18898 Hwy 6 South, College Station TX 77845

Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail, 11 towns in the Texas Hill Country covered in lights

5)  Holiday Events
A Katy Old Fashioned Christmas & Canned Food Drive, December 18, 10am – 6pm
In Old Town Katy.  Proceeds go to Katy Christian Ministries.  Hosted by Katy Market Days.  Call 281.391.1993 for details.

Santa’s Workshop at KVPAC (Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center), December 17-18
2501 S Mason Rd Ste 290, Katy TX 77450

Holiday Magic at the Houston Zoo, December 18, 11am – 2pm
6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston TX 77030

Santa’s Workshop at the Houston Museum of Science in Sugar Land, December 18 & 20, 10am – 3pm
13013 University Blvd, Sugar Land TX 77479

Moody Gardens Festival of Lights, Nightly through January 1, 6 – 10pm
One Hope Boulevard, Galveston TX 77554

The Woodlands Winter Wonderland, Nightly through January 3, Dusk – 11pm
Northeast corner of Lake Robbins Dr and Six Pines Dr at the Woodlands Town Center

Seasons of Sharing at the Children’s Museum of Houston, Through January 9
1500 Binz, Houston TX 77004

6)  Amazingly Decorated Houses
Johnson’s Christmas Corner, 14811 Cypress Meadow Dr, Cypress TX 77429

The Southerland’s Love of Lights, 9306 Brentleywood Ct, Houston TX 77070

The Briers Family, 1306 Briarbrook, Houston TX 77042

7)  Outdoor Ice Skating
Discovery Green, through January 17
1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77002

The Woodlands, through January 17
Corner of Lake Robbins Dr and Six Pines Dr at the Woodlands Town Center

Moody Gardens, through January 1
One Hope Boulevard, Galveston TX 77554

8)  Performing Arts Shows
“The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of A Christmas Carol”, December 17-19
presented by KVPAC (Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center), 2501 S Mason Ste 290, Katy TX 77450

“A Tuna Christmas”, December 14-19 and January 4-9
at The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice, Galveston TX 77550

9)  Christmas Movie Events
“Santa vs The Snowman” in IMAX 2D at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
One Hermann Circle Dr, Houston TX 77030

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at Discovery Green, December 16, 6:30pm
1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77002

“It’s a Wonderful Life” at Discovery Green, December 23, 6:30pm
1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77002

“Home Alone” at Discovery Green, December 30, 6:30pm
1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77002

10)  Santa Sightings
Santa Visits Katy Neighborhoods, through December 15

Holiday Breakfast with Santa, December 18, 10am – 12pm
at LaCenterra, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77494

Pet Photos with Santa, December 18-19, 11am – 4pm
at PetSmart, 19945 Katy Frwy, Houston TX 77094.  Benefits CAP (Citizens for Animal Protection)

Skate with Santa, Saturdays, 4 – 5pm
at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77002

Breakfast with Santa, December 18-24
at the Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby, Houston TX 77002

11)   Fun Holiday Websites
Click2Houston Holidays 2010 (click on the Holiday Fun tab for games)

NORAD Tracks Santa

SantaClaus.net

NorthPole.com

12)  More Winter Fun!
Wild West Tour:  Ducks and Donuts, January 8, 2011, 6:30am – 12pm
at the Indiangrass Preserve of the Katy Prairie Conservancy

Magnificent 7 Ice Sculpting Competition, January 8, 2011, 10am – 7pm
at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77002

Wild West Tour:  Sparrows, Sparrows, Everywhere, January 15, 2011, 7:30am – 12pm
at the Indiangrass Preserve of the Katy Prairie Conservancy

We hope that you enjoy exploring these events.  Please remember to post a comment here, or on Facebook or Twitter to let us know what we need to add to our list (especially great lighted houses that you find!)  Merry Christmas everyone!!

Building Traditions: Katy Area Fun with Purpose

Today is November 11…Veteran’s Day.  This time of year always brings to mind things that we are thankful for…our freedom, our family, our friends…  It’s a great time to share a little bit of yourself as well as build lasting family traditions.  Luckily, there are a lot of fun ways to do just that in our area.  Following are just a quick sample of the fun events that are coming up in the next few weeks that also benefit some great causes.  Which ones will you participate in?

Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC):  promotes the arts in Katy
Several great theater productions coming up including Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs (November 11-13), Honk! (November 19-20), and Mission: Improvible (family friendly comedy improv) every Friday night.  They also offer art & theater classes for all ages.

Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament: Cards For Clean Water hosted by Thrive Church
They say that more than 1.1 billion people around the world lack access to safe water.  On November 19th, Thrive Church is hosting a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament to benefit Water Missions International, working to relieve the global water crisis.

Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP):  animal shelter
CAP will host their annual Celebrity Paws Gala on November 20.  They will also be hosting Photos with Santa at Petsmart on I-10 at Fry Rd on December 4, 5, 18 & 19.

The Katy Prairie Conservancy:  conservation education
KPC hosts Open Trails every Friday in November and will open their new Matt Cook Wildlife Viewing Platform on November 20.  Also on the 20th, enjoy Flat Out Fun Day on the Prairie.  And don’t forget about the Winter Raptors – Wild West Tour on December 11th.

Literacy Council of Fort Bend County: working to improve adult literacy skills
Hop on your bike and Bike the Bend for Literacy on November 21st!  The ride departs from Foster High School, just a couple of miles south of the Westpark Tollway.  Register by November 18th.

Katy Family YMCA:  provides community support and wellness education
Start your Turkey Day off right by participating in the annual Katy Family YMCA Turkey Dash hosted by the YMCA and The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch.  This is a fun event for the whole family featuring a timed 5K, a 1 Mile Kids Race and a 1 Mile Family Walk/Run.  It all happens Thanksgiving morning, November 25th.  Sign up by November 24th.

Katy Christian Ministries (KCM) :  provides support to the community
Sign up by November 26 to adopt a family or families for the holidays through KCM’s Santa’s Sleigh program.  Donate non-perishable food and toiletries to their food pantry, volunteer your time, or donate to their Christmas Toy Drive December 3-4th.

Christmas Light Show & Food Drive hosted by Cottage Charm
It has become a holiday tradition for many Katy area families…each year the McKenzie family converts the special events venue at 5806 4th Street in Old Town Katy into a fantastic Christmas Light Show set to music.  Shows start the weekend after Thanksgiving and run to New Years.  Shows are FREE!  Please bring non-perishable food items to be donated to Katy Christian Ministries Food Pantry.

I know this is not a complete list of all of the great charitable events happening in our area!  Please leave a comment to let us know about others.  And Thank You to everyone who served to protect us and keep us free!  Happy Veteran’s Day!

Don’t Forget To VOTE!!!

Early Voting is under way now for the November 2010 General Election.  There are a lot of local and state offices on the ballot as well as a bond proposition for Katy ISD.  Katy sits in 3 counties:  Fort Bend, Harris & Waller.  It can be challenging to track down information on the elections so, once again, we have listed the links to candidate websites and voting locations on the Election Guide page of GetToKnowKaty.com.  Please note that we do not endorse any parties, candidates, propositions or amendments.  This is solely for your information.  Please take time to learn about your ballot and VOTE!!

Who is Running for Office?
To see the candidates who are running for each office along with links to their web pages, please visit our General Election section and select your county of residence.  Please note that these are large areas and your ballot may not include every office that is listed.

What is the KISD Bond Proposition?
The Katy ISD Bond proposition is stated as follows:  The issuance of $459,795,000 school building bonds for the construction, acquisition and equipment of school buildings in the district (including the rehabilitation, renovation and improvement thereof) and the purchase of the necessary sites for school buildings and the purchase of new school buses, and the levying of the tax in payment thereof.

Where Can I Find a Sample Ballot?
Ballots vary by county and voting precinct.  To view your specific sample ballot, follow the link for your county of residence:  Fort Bend County, Harris County (select Election Day Poll & Voter Specific Ballot), Waller County.

When & Where is Early Voting?
Early Voting began on October 18 and continues through Friday, October 29, 2010.  During Early Voting you can vote at any Early Voting poll within your county of residence.  But you may NOT vote at another county’s polling location.

Early Voting Locations in Katy for Fort Bend County residents include:
Cinco Ranch Branch Library – 2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy TX 77494 (Click Here for hours)
University of Houston Cinco Ranch – 4242 S Mason Rd, Katy TX 77450 (Click Here for hours)
For additional Fort Bend County Early Voting locations, visit the Ft Bend County Elections Office Early Voting page.

Early Voting Locations for Katy Harris County residents include:
Franz Road Storefront – 19818 Franz Rd, Katy TX 77449
Bear Creek Park Community Center – 3055 Bear Creek Dr, Houston TX 77084
George Bush Park – Glen Cheek Education Building, 16002 Westheimer Pkwy, Houston TX 77082
All Harris County Early Voting Locations have the same hours of operation.  Click Here to see hours and other Harris County Early Voting locations.

Early Voting Locations for Katy Waller County residents include:
Waller County Courthouse  Assembly Room – 836 Austin St, Hempstead TX 77445
(the Brookshire and Hockley locations do not host voting after October 23rd)
For voting hours, Click Here to visit the Waller County Elections location page.

What about Election Day?
Election Day is next Tuesday, November 2, 2010.  On this day all polls will be open from 7am until 7pm.  On Election Day you MUST vote at your assigned voting precinct.

Fort Bend County residents can find their Election Day Polling Location HERE.
Harris County residents can find their Election Day Polling Location HERE.
Waller County residents can find their Election Day Polling Location HERE.

Don’t forget to VOTE!!