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!

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!

Get Active! Fun Running & Biking Events

Feeling the need to get off the couch and enjoy this beautiful weather?  You’re in luck!  There are several active events coming up in our area.  Whether you are a hard-core competitive athlete or a family looking to get some exercise together, one or more of these events could be just what you are looking for!

The Brent Event – October 23, 2010 in Sugar Land
5K Fun Run & 1 Mile Walk.  Benefiting Brent Weaver in his fight against cancer.

Katy Triathlon at Firethorne – October 24, 2010 in Katy
500 meter swim / 16 mile bike / 3 mile run
Registration is limited to 900 participants plus relays.  Feel pretty good about one of the legs, but not so much the others?  Put together a relay team!

Koala Health/Wellness & Luke’s Locker Half Marathon & Relay – October 24, 2010 in Houston
Individuals & 2-person Relays

Gobble Hobble 5K - October 30, 2010 in Stafford
5K Competitive Run & Family Fun Run / Walk

Tour de Donut – November 7, 2010 in Katy
28 Mile Donut Consuming Challenge (receive a 5 minute time credit for each donut you eat!) & 55 Mile BP MS150 Recommended Ride
benefiting Make-A-Wish

HMSA Classical 25K & Relay- November 14, 2010 in Houston
Serious race for folks who can complete at least 15.5 miles in 3:30 hours or less.

Bike for Little Heroes – November 21, 2010 in Hockley
21, 38 & 57 mile bike ride benefiting children of US soldiers

Bike the Bend for Literacy – November 21, 2010 in Richmond
benefiting The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County

The Seawall Half-Marathon, 10K, Crabwalk & More! – November 20-21, 2010 in Galveston
Truly something for everyone!  Run the Half-Marathon, Walk the Half-Marathon (aka Crabwalk!), or Pick the 10K!  They also have 2 races for kids:  the Li’l Shrimp 1K Fun Run & the Jumbo Shrimp 2K Fun Run!  It’s 2 full days of fun on the Island!

Katy Family YMCA Turkey Dash – November 25, 2010 in Katy
5K, 1 Mile Kids Race & 1 Mile Family Run / Walk

Sealy 5K Jingle Bell Fun Run / Walk – December 4, 2010 in Sealy
Competitive 5K, 5K Family Fun Run/Walk & 1K Fun Run benefiting Sealy High School Choir Boosters

Sugar Land Finish Line Sports 30K – December 12, 2010 in Sugar Land
Serious race that must be completed in 4:15 hours or less (average pace of 13:45 per mile).

Run Girl 13.1 – December 12, 2010 in Humble
Women’s only Half-Marathon.  13.1 miles must be completed in 3:30 hours or less.

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

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

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

NOTE:  If you know of a biking, running or walking event that isn’t here…post a comment to let us know about it!  (just added the Seawall races in November…looks like a ton of fun!  Thanks Heather!)

This Weekend in Katy: October 8-10, 2010

Wow!  It’s going to be another absolutely gorgeous weekend in Katy, Texas!  Gotta love this weather!!  And there are lots of opportunities to get out and enjoy it this weekend!  Check out these fun events…

Katy Rice Harvest Festival:  celebrate Katy’s heritage in Historic Downtown Katy!

Du the Bear Duathlon:  Bike & Run your way through a duathlon (or cheer on folks who do) at Bear Creek Pioneers Park.

Katy ISD Invitational Marching Festival:  One of our favorite things about football season…Marching Bands!  Come out and see some of the best compete at Rhodes Stadium.

Dewberry Farm:  A cornfield maze, barnyard animals, and lots of great outdoor activities just West of Katy in Brookshire.

Prairie Discovery Tour & The Big Sit Birding Event:  Enjoy the great outdoors with the Katy Prairie Conservancy…2 great events this weekend!

Hispanic Heritage Celebration:  Dancing, music & art from 1-3pm on Saturday at the Katy Library.

Bayou City Arts Festival:  The perfect outdoor activity for art lovers takes over Downtown Houston.

The Original Greek Festival:  Celebrating it’s 44th year…where everyone is Greek for a day!  In Houston.

Texas Renaissance Festival:  Opening weekend of one of the country’s biggest festivals…in Plantersville.

31st Annual Festival Chicano:  Billed as “one of the oldest events of it’s type in the world”…a celebration of music at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Dinosaurs at the Houston Zoo:  Dinosaurs are still inhabiting the Houston Zoo and they’ll be there until the end of the month.  And while you’re there…say “HI!” to Tupelo, the zoo’s new baby Asian Elephant!

With all of this going on there’s no excuse to stay indoors!!  Get out and have a great time!!

This Weekend in Katy: September 25-26, 2010

Fall is officially here….YEA!!  And that means a busy weekend for folks getting out and about in our area.  Here are a few of the activities going on this weekend in and near Katy, TX…

The Fort Bend County Fair: opening weekend at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds.

The Waller County Fair:  opening weekend at the Waller County Fairgrounds.

Dewberry Farm:  opening weekend of this local favorite attraction just to the west of Katy.

Tour de Cure: benefiting the American Diabetes Association.

Nature Fest: presented by Bridgeland and the Katy Prairie Conservancy

Author Signing: Kimberly Morris will be signing her Disney Fairy Series – Rani: Two Friendship Tales, Fairy Rescue Team & Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue at Katy Budget Books.

Free Day at the Museums:  The Museum District is offering free admission Saturday to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Health Museum, the Contemporary Arts Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Menil Collection, and more!

And of course, I cannot leave out…

Texans vs Cowboys at Reliant Stadium, 12pm on Sunday!!

Whatever you choose to do, have a phenomenal weekend!!

Profile on Katy Business: Fort Bend TaeKwonDo

The kids have been back in school for a couple of weeks now and as we all settle into our new routines, it’s time to start thinking about new activities.  Whether you want to get in shape, find something to keep the kiddos busy, or start a new family adventure, Fort Bend TaeKwonDo can help!

Fort Bend TaeKwonDo

Located on South Mason Road just North of the Westpark Tollway (FM 1093), Fort Bend TaeKwonDo offers martial arts training for everyone ages 3 and up.  From personal experience I can tell you that TaeKwonDo is a great family activity!  My entire family took TaeKwonDo lessons when I was in Junior High, one brother was in Elementary School and one brother was in Preschool.  My parents saw it as a healthy activity that we could all participate in together.  For them it was a great way to relieve stress and squeeze some exercise into hectic schedules while developing a common interest with their children.  As kids we learned focus and self-control while having a great time and building confidence.  I highly recommend the sport of TaeKwonDo.  I’m sure that the lessons we learned through our experience in the studio helped us in school and helped define who we are now as adults.  And mine is not the only family who enjoyed TaeKwonDo together…

Lou, Ellie & Carol Anatrella

Meet the Anatrella family, owners of FortBend TaeKwonDo.  Head Instructor Carol Anatrella began practicing TaeKwonDo in 1997, earning her Black Belt in 2002.  She is now a 4th Degree Black Belt and a Senior Certified Instructor.  Lou Anatrella joined his wife in the sport in 2003 and received his Black Belt in 2005.  Their daughter, Ellie, is a Sophomore at Seven Lakes High School.  She took up TaeKwonDo in 2002 (at age 7), received her Black Belt in 2004 and now holds a 2nd Degree Senior rank.  Ellie Anatrella is recognized as a Junior Certified Instructor.  Their son Jonathan, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, earned his 1st Degree Black Belt before retiring from the sport.  He recently became an Eagle Scout. 

As a team, the Anatrella Family’s goal is to help Katy Area families grow stronger.  Fort Bend TaeKwonDo is a Nationally Certified School featuring a family-focused, positive atmosphere.  They offer classes six days a week with special times for children, teens, adults and families.  And if you want to get into shape but aren’t crazy about the idea of sparring as part of your training, check out their KicknFit program…”a lighter version of TaeKwonDo with all of the fun and none of the contact”!

As they say at Fort Bend TaeKwonDo:  “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great!”  What are you waiting for?  Fort Bend TaeKwonDo is located at 6840 S Mason Rd.  Their phone number is 281.599.3331.  You can also learn more about them by visiting their website:  FortBendTKD.com.  Tell them you read about them on GetToKnowKaty!

UPDATE 09/21/2010:  Congratulations to Ellie Anatrella…She is now a 3rd Degree Black Belt!!

A Katy Family Needs Your Help!

Most of us have been faced with difficult situations at some point in our lives.  Maybe you’ve lost a job, had trouble paying your bills or faced an unexpected illness or injury.  It’s truly amazing how one moment can change the course of your every day life either for the short or long term.  One local Katy family is facing a major life change right now.  I don’t personally know the Acord family.  To my knowledge, our paths have not crossed.  But when I read their story I felt compelled to share it with the rest of our community.   The information that follows comes from Good Ole Boys.  Thank you to them for sharing so that we can all pass it along.

Meet the Acord Family
Don & Cheryl Acord have been Katy residents and strong supporters of the Katy community for many years.  You may know Don from Katy Youth AAU Basketball or Katy Youth Football.  You may have met him at a Katy ISD school fundraiser at some point over the years, or perhaps your children have sat on his lap as he stood in for Santa at a Christmas event.  You might know Cheryl from her work with Katy ISD during the last 15 years.  Cinco Ranch folks may definitely recognize her from the school’s attendance office.  Their children Kimberly, Donnie and Sarah are all graduates of Katy High School.

Their Challenge
Cheryl Acord is a cancer survivor.  In 1980 she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  In 1998 she faced thyroid cancer.  She had a tumor removed from her para-thyroid in 2006 followed by skin cancer in 2007.  She’s obviously an incredibly strong woman.  She beat ALL of these cancers!  However, during a recent procedure to remove a tumor from Cheryl’s neck, doctors identified 6 tumors on her brain, cancer in her left lung, chest cancer and cancer in each hip!  She will begin treatment shortly.  But we can only imagine what the medical bills will be for her family.

What You Can Do
Jay Baker and the folks at Good Ole Boys have stepped up to spearhead community fundraisers to help the Acord family.  The Acords have given many hours of their time to the Katy community over the years.  It would be great to see the community give back to them.  Here are some of the ways that you can help…

1)  Attend a fundraiser, have a great time and donate to this very worthy cause.  All profits from these events will go directly to the Cheryl Acord Benefit Donation Fund.  There are 2 fundraisers currently scheduled:

• August 28, 2010 from 1pm – 3pm in the Pavilion at The Home Decor & Remodeling Show at the Merrell Center
  Go by Good Ole Boys (26403 Katy Frwy) to pick up your free VIP pass to the show and enjoy sausage sandwiches for donations.  Other activities include fun stuff from Jumping Kiddie Kingdom, Splatterhouse Paintball and 4 Seasons Recreation Bungee Jump.  Rhythm & Blues music will be performed by The Sugarland Brass Company.
• September 11, 2010 from 3pm – 10pm at the Elks Lodge (1050 Katy Fort Bend Road)
  $10 gets you BBQ plates with 3 meats and 3 sides dine-in or take-out from 3pm – 8pm!
  Stick around and play Black Jack & Craps from 7pm – 10pm.  (chips can be purchased for donations)  The 2 biggest winners will receive a prize.  Enjoy music, food and a silent auction.  All benefiting the Acord Family.

2) Volunteer your time and / or talents to help make these fundraisers a huge success.  They are currently looking for silent auction, door prize and raffle donations, folks to help spread the word about the events and volunteers to serve as casino dealers, ticket sellers, food servers and more.

3)  If you can’t make the events, please consider making a donation to the Cheryl Acord Benefit Donation Fund.  They are accepting checks, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, Discover, ATM & PayPal.  Go to the bottom of the Acord Fundraiser web page for links and more information about how to make a donation.

For more information about the Acord Family, the fundraisers, or the Benefit Fund, please visit the Acord Fundraiser page.  Thank you to Good Ole Boys and all of the other folks who are stepping up to help this Katy Family.  Will you join them?

NOTE: If you own a business and are wondering if charitable giving and volunteering are worth your time, please read Charitable Giving Builds Strong Teams & Reputations on our B2B blog.