Texas Real Estate Market News: The Woodlands E-Neighbor

THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION RANKS #1 IN THE WORLD - According to the July 23, 2007 edition of Pollstar magazine, the concert industry's leading trade publication, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands ranked first in its listing of top 50 amphitheatres in the world based on the number of tickets sold during the first six months of 2007. The Pavilion's ticket sales totaled 106,723 for shows played between January 1 and June 30, 2007.

So far this season, The Pavilion has had two sold out concerts (15,000+ tickets sold), including Buzzfest XIX April 21 and Kenny Chesney June 15. Other concerts with attendance over 10,000 include Gwen Stefani May 6, Kenny Chesney June 14 and John Mayer June 23. These acts also were listed in the ranking of the Top 100 Tours in the same issue of Pollstar. Pictured is Gwen Stefani (photo by Ted Washington).

"I attribute the strong showing to the vibrant Houston market and our booking partnership with Live Nation," said Jerry MacDonald, president and CEO of The Pavilion. "Our facility is a wonderful way to experience concerts and our location is one of the keys to our success. The Woodlands is becoming a destination for individuals and families in the region. They come to The Woodlands to enjoy concerts at The Pavilion but remain in Town Center to enjoy the area amenities such as restaurants, shopping and hotels."

MONTGOMERY COUNTY YMCAs JOIN HOUSTON'S LARGEST-EVER SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE - For the third consecutive year, "YMCA Operation Backpack" joins the forces of 38 YMCAs, local churches and other partners to touch the lives of tens of thousands of Houston area children and families this school year. Thousands of school supplies will be collected for children who might otherwise go back to school unprepared. "Too many parents don't have the money to buy the supplies kids need to start the school year off right," said Mark Cochran, South Montgomery County YMCA Center executive director.

Beginning July 23 through August 19, YMCA Operation Backpack will collect brand new backpacks filled with school supplies and distribute them to children in 31 Houston area school districts including Conroe, Montgomery and Willis ISD. The 38 YMCA of Greater Houston facilities throughout the city, including the South Montgomery County and Conroe YMCAs, will serve as collection sites for people to drop off backpacks and supplies. Last year, YMCA Operation Backpack collected more than 80,000 backpacks and supplies in the greater Houston area, impacting a total of 11,000 families. YMCA Operation Backpack has also been named the official charity of the Houston Home Show this year. The Home Show will take place at the George R. Brown Convention Center August 17-19, and attendees will receive $1 off general admission when they bring a backpack or school supplies to donate to Operation Backpack. YMCA Operation Backpack is also supported by 89.3 KSBJ and ABC 13. To find the YMCA donation location nearest you, log on to www.ymcahouston.org or call 281-367-9622.

9TH ANNUAL CURE PH GOLF TOURNAMENT EXCEEDS ITS GOAL - The 9th Annual Cure PH Golf Tournament recently raised more than $120,000 to help find a cure for pulmonary hypertension (PH). The event helps raise money each year for PH research. One hundred percent of the event proceeds are distributed to help fund national research of the disease to discover better treatments and find a cure. Pictured at the recent tournament are (from left to right): Bruce Tough, Marcia Stibbs, Kevin Brady, Jack Stibbs, Vicki Fullerton and Matacha Saul.

In its nine-year history, the event has raised more than $1 million for research. Pulmonary hypertension is a life-threatening disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. At least 13 of those live in Montgomery County. For information about the 10th Annual Cure PH golf tournament coming April, 2008, contact Matacha Saul or Jack Stibbs at 281-367-2222 or e-mail msaul@stibbsco.com or jstibbs@stibbsco.com.

THE WOODLANDS LIONS CLUB CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH DONATION - In celebration of its 25th year, The Woodlands Lions Club awarded $2,500 to local charities. This anniversary contribution is above and beyond the thousands of dollars that the group donates every year to their designated charities. As a special recognition to each of the club members for their efforts, each member was asked to nominate their charity of choice. Each charity was presented with a check for $100 along with a framed certificate of appreciation signed by all The Woodlands Lions Club members at a recent member luncheon held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel. Pictured is Nelda Blair accepting the check and framed certificate for the Conroe Education Foundation, presented by Lion president Larry Smith.

"The motto of Lions Clubs International is "We serve," and our Lions live this motto with enthusiasm. Donating to 25 charities to celebrate our 25 th Anniversary only reinforces what Lionism and our club is about - giving back to the community. Each of these charities makes a difference in our community in their own way, and we are proud to be one of their supporters," said Smith. The Woodlands Lions Club was chartered to serve the local community with its focus on bettering the quality of life for the handicapped, the poor, the sick and the aged. Since its inception, the club has donated an estimated $250,000 to the community.

FOUNDING LION ED JONES ALSO HONORED - In conjunction with The Woodlands Lions Club's 25th Anniversary, founding member Lion Ed Jones was also honored by the club. Jones was one of the original 34 members that joined together to form a local chapter for the international service club. Through the years, Jones has participated in the club at every level including president. Noted for his personal slogan, "Just happy to be here," he was presented with an engraved gavel with the words, "Just happy to be in The Lions for 25 years," at a recent club dinner.

"Ed's contributions to this club and the community over the past 25 years are beyond measure. He has devoted countless hours to carrying out what Lionism is all about - serving our community and fellow man. We are fortunate to have him as a member," said Lion president Larry Smith. Pictured is Jones (right), accepting his engraved gavel from Smith.

WINNERS OF 2007 FIRECRACKER ESSAY CONTEST ANNOUNCED - The winners have been announced and prizes awarded to the winning young essayists in the 2007 Firecracker Essay Contest. Participants wrote essays about why they celebrate the 4th of July. The contest was sponsored by Capital One and Town Center Improvement District (TCID). Pictured are (from left to right): Sara Shack, 4th grade; Sarah Marsh, 1st grade; Ryan O'Shaughnessy, Capital One Sterling Ridge; Grand Prize winner Allison McManus, 6th grade; Dylan Corder, 10th grade; Jennifer Bryan and Summer Sanford, Capital One Research Forest. Not pictured are Madison Martinec, 12th grade and Jackson Wright, 4th grade. The Grand Prize was a $1,000 deposit in a minor savings account provided by Capital One, a $100 gift card to The Woodlands Mall, Cinemark movie passes, and four tickets to Splash Town.

Another prize in the contest was a free night's stay at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center. The winner was Bethany Mandrell (second photo, center). Pictured from left to right: Jennifer Bourne, business development manager for TCID; Tory Enriquez , director of sales and marketing for The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center; Mandrell; Karen Mandrell, Bethany's Mom; and Casey Snyder, event manager for TCID.

TAMMY KOPPA JOINS FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY - Gladys Sumner, branch manager/assistant vice president of Fidelity National Title Insurance Company has announced that Tammy Koppa has joined the team as marketing representative. She will be responsible for promoting the company's title insurance and real estate related products and services to clients throughout Montgomery County. "With over 10 years of successful sales experience, Tammy's knowledge of the industry will be a great asset to our team and our clients," said Sumner. "We hope that the community will take an opportunity to welcome her during our Fidelity National Title Insurance Company Welcoming Reception and Chamber Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, August 9. Pictured (left) is Koppa, and (right) is Sumner.

The Woodlands' newest village, Creekside Park, is scheduled to open in October, 2007. A Showcase of Homes will take place in Carlton Woods Creekside from October 13 - 28. The Public Grand Opening event will take place on October 20, 2007, including a Showcase of Homes in the neighborhood of Wilde Creek. Details about all Grand Opening events will be posted on www.thewoodlands.com beginning in mid-August.

New homes in The Woodlands range in price from the $150's to more than $3 million. For a list of homes and sales offices in different price ranges, visit The Woodlands Homefinder Center located at 2000 Woodlands Parkway.

YMCA OFFERING COOKING CLASSES FOR ADULTS AND KIDS THIS SUMMER - Cooking classes for adults and children are continuing at the Branch Crossing YMCA this summer. Chef Julie Stiles will share her years of experience with students, featuring a different theme each month. Julie began her catering and baking companies, Executive Orders Catering and Imagination Bake Company, 11 years ago, and has become one of the most in-demand caterers in The Woodlands/Houston area. She is eager to share her fun, common sense approach to cooking with her students at the YMCA. Plan on getting your hands dirty for this "hands on" cooking experience. Adult class will meet once a week on Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. You can sign up for one class or a package of four.

Cooking with Kids, for ages 6-12, is an interactive experience designed to help children learn to cook and help out in the kitchen. The summer class dates are July 28 and August 18. The younger children meet at 10 am and the older children, ages 9-12, meet at 11:30 am. The instructor is Christi Simpson. To register, stop by the YMCA on Shadowbend Place or the Branch Crossing YMCA at 8100 Ashlane Way. For more information, call 281-367-9622 or visit www.ymcahouston.org.

MARKET STREET TO HOST CLASS ACT PRODUCTIONS PERFORMANCE OF "ANNIE" - The entire family can enjoy a Class Act Productions rendition of the musical favorite "Annie", scheduled for Sunday, July 29 at 2 pm in Market Street's Central Park. As always, guests to Market Street are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy this performance starring everyone's favorite red-haired orphan. Some extra shade - in the form of complimentary umbrellas - can be found inside any Market Street store or restaurant. Guests are asked to return the umbrellas at the end of the show.

The performance of "Annie" will feature more than 30 local youth ages 8-22 under the direction of Tina Kraft. Other productions of "Annie" will take place August 3-5 at the Nancy Bock Center for Performing Arts in The Woodlands. For more information, visit www.classactproductions.org.

COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAMS AVAILABLE AT MEMORIAL HERMANN - Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital is hosting two free health programs/screenings in early August. "How to Handle a Stroke Emergency" will take place on Wednesday, August 1 from 6-7 pm in the hospital's Conference Center Rooms A/B. Neurologist Kevin Gaffney, MD, medical director for the Certified Primary Stroke Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, will be the featured speaker. To register, call 1-877-644-CARE.

The second program is "Baby Fair for Expectant, New & Experienced Parents", set for Saturday, August 4 from 10 am - 2 pm in Conference Center Rooms A/B at the hospital. In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands' Lactation Center and Perinatal Education Programs office is hosting a baby educational fair that will feature booths and breakout sessions on lactation, car seat safety, newborn care and baby-proofing your home. Booths and baby-care related vendors will also be featured, along with tours of Women's and Children's Services areas at the hospital and door prizes. For more information, contact Jackie Stiernagle at 281-364-5896.

LEARN TO GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES - The Community Associations of The Woodlands Environmental Services Department is hosting a free class on common sense vegetable gardening on Saturday, August 4 from 9 am - 12 noon. Featuring Tom Leroy, horticultural extension agent for Montgomery County, the class will be held at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive in The Woodlands. Space is limited. Please call 281-210-3900 for reservations and information.

THE WOODLANDS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY CONTRIBUTES TO MIDNIGHT BIKE CRUISE - The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC) recently donated $2,000 to the Montgomery County Food Bank (MCFB) to help fund the 9 th Annual Midnight Bike Cruise. Pictured is Doris Golemon (right), executive director for MCFB, accepting the donation from Debra Staley, director of public affairs for TWDC and Puffy Pine Cone, official mascot of The Woodlands. TWDC has been a sponsor of the Midnight Bike Cruise since its inception.

The event is planned for Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 11:59 pm at Alden Bridge Village Center. Pre-event activities begin at 10 pm. The entire family is invited. Bicycle helmets, lights and reflectors are required for all cyclists. Participants can choose the 10- or 20-mile bike route. The cost is $25 per person until August 10, with proceeds benefiting MCFB. On the day of the event, the cost is $30 per person. For more information, call MCFB at 936-539-6686.