The Katy Texas Blog That Never Runs Dry » Community Events

Katy’s Grand Lakes to Host 4th of July Celebration

Julie Q. Fuelling — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:32:56 +0000

Katy’s Grand Lakes Master Planned Community residents are invited to the Grand Lakes First Annual Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. The festivities will be held at 3650 Hollow Trace Drive by the Lazy River Pool.

Activities include:

Mike Amabile and the Run Over Twice Band
Solo singer Destiny Houston
U.S. Navy Color Guard
James Coney Island’s hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks
Snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn
Bucky Loo the Clown
Uncle Sam stilt walker
Water slides
Pony rides
Face painters
Crafts

Life is great in Grand Lakes! To tour homes in Grand Lakes, contact me. To search all the houses currently on the market in Katy/Houston see Home Search. I have sold Katy real estate for over 20 years and would be pleased to work together.

Capoeira Classes Come to LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch

Julie Q. Fuelling — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:04:35 +0000

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is pleased to announce the addition of capoeira classes to its weekly events roster. Beginning June 12, instructor Tiffany Gonzalez of Capoeria Mandiga Houston Academy will offer free Saturday morning classes at 10:00 a.m. in Heritage Square. Participants are asked to gather at Relax the Back (in LaCenterra) and are encouraged to bring wish list items for donation to the Houston Area Women’s Center and Special Pals animal shelter and adoption center.

Capoeira is a Brazilian form of martial arts with deep roots. The discipline originated in the slave quarters of Brazil. At the time, slaves were not allowed to practice self-defense, thereby making capoeira illegal to practice. In order to disguise its defensive tactics, slaves developed the art to appear as song, dance and acrobatics.

Despite its secretive beginnings, capoeira today is for everyone. Any person, regardless of race, sex, age, size or shape, can practice capoeira. In the true spirit of the martial arts, capoeira builds confidence, discipline, creativity and fitness of both body and mind. Its diverse aspects draw people from all parts of the world for its music, dance, self-defense, strenuous exercise and cultural ties.

Ultimately, capoeira represented freedom to the slaves. Today, capoeira still represents freedom: freedom of movement, freedom of thought and freedom of expression. For these reasons and more, capoeira continues to empower its devoted students.

The mission of Capoeira Mandinga Houston is to promote empowerment, health and community. Participants train and grow together. The vision is to form a group of strong capoeiristas who find their lives enriched through the exchange of culture and knowledge. It is this knowledge radiating out into the community that opens minds and breaks down barriers. Since the entire group contributes, there is much to gain. The Capoeira Mandinga Houston group operates under the supervision of Mestre Paulo Batuta.

Additional classes are available through the Capoeira Mandinga Houston Academy. Classes meet at the Excel Athletics Gym located at 510 South Mason Rd., #Q in Katy. For more information, call (281) 509-9874 or visit http://www.capoeirakaty.com/. For a Special Pals wish list items, please visit www.specialpalsshelter.org. For a list of items needed at the Houston Area Women’s Center, log onto www.hawc.org.

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard and Grand Parkway in Katy, Texas. Center hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Individual store hours may vary. For more information, visit http://www.lacenterra.com/ or call (281) 395-5533.

For information about all Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from this blog. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404 or via email. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!

Katy Summer Science Nights: Welcome to the World of Adventure!

Julie Q. Fuelling — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:49:48 +0000

Are you worried that your child may turn into a couch potato this summer? The Katy Prairie Conservancy’s new Summer Science Nights program is a great way to promote your child’s understanding of science in the best laboratory of all: The great outdoors. Each session includes hands-on, minds-on activities and an action-packed hike on a wildlife-rich preserve.

Classes include Summer Serpents: Exploring snake diversity and feeding habitats. There are few things that can get your heart pumping like the sight of a wild snake. The Katy Prairie is home to over 20 species of these fascinating creatures and even one legless lizard that mimics snakes. Students will see a few summer serpents, learn about snake safety and feeding habits before heading out on a safe but adventurous hike.

Another class is Just Stay Cool!: Discovering how animals, people and plants stay cool during the summer. Blazing Texas summers can be tough on wildlife, plants, and people. Animals and plants have developed amazing ways to stay cool under soaring temperatures. Living underground, panting, and hunting at night are just a few ways to beat the heat. Students will take their cue from the animals and wait until the cool of dusk to take their hike!

The third class is: Prehistoric Prairie: Exploring the giant extinct mammals and prehistoric people of the Katy Prairie. Trumpeting wild elephants, roaring lions and speedy cheetahs. Africa? No! Students have just stepped back into the ice age on the Katy Prairie; a time when giants roamed the land. The prairie has been home to both awe-inspiring mammals and people for thousands of years. Children will discover how ancient creatures and Native Americans used the Katy Prairie for food, medicine, and shelter.

All the classes are offered in both June and July. For more information, see the KatyPrairieConservancy.com website.

Touring Children’s Art Exhibit Comes to LaCenterra

Julie Q. Fuelling — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:27:47 +0000

Above art created by Emily Freeman–”Next Spring”.

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, in partnership with Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center (KVPAC), welcomes Making A Mark®, the Texas Children’s Cancer Center and Hematology Service’s touring art exhibition presented by The Periwinkle Foundation.

The extraordinary display features the works of young artists whose lives have been touched by cancer and blood disorders. It provides a unique focus on their personal issues.

The exhibit will open to the public Wednesday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m. in Ste. C 140 of LaCenterra (between Simply Cinco and Panera Bread) and run through April 28 before moving to KVPAC gallery for an additional two-week showing.

Making A Mark encourages all patients and their siblings to participate in sharing their feelings through applied art or creative writing. Often deep-rooted feelings and fears are given a positive outlet.

Every participant is a winner because so much has been gained in the process, and all submissions for the show are exhibited at the opening each September at Texas Children’s Hospital and then a selection of artwork travels to various locations throughout the year.

Guest are invited to fill out a “Postcard from the Road” that will be sent directly to the artist or the artist’s family to let the artists know the effect that their artwork has had on the lives of others and to offer them encouragement.

While this exhibit serves to shine a light on these amazing artists, it also highlights KVPAC’s “Healing Arts” programs and commitment to Texas Children’s Cancer Center by way of volunteer art lessons at the Texas Medical Center campus and the future Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus.

More than 400 patients and their siblings from the Texas Children’s clinic participate, free of charge each year. Making A Mark is open to children from all pediatric cancer treatment centers, and has attracted art and writing submissions from around the world.

To highlight Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Texas Children’s Cancer Center and Hematology Service and The Periwinkle Foundation have proudly displayed more than 200 entries each year since the first exhibit in September 1991. Past exhibits have been shown in Japan, Washington, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, and numerous cities throughout the state of Texas.

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard in Katy. Gallery hours will be offered from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily (excluding Sundays) with extended hours offered until 8:00 p.m. each Wednesday through April 28.

Groups of 10 or more schedule your visit by contacting Kristin Miller at kmiller@kvpac.org. To learn more about LaCenterra, please visit LaCenterra.com. For KVPAC gallery hours, programs and general information, visit KVPAC.org.

7th Annual Katy Preschool Fair Coming This Weekend

Julie Q. Fuelling — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:27:48 +0000

Katy moms are you looking for a preschool or mother’s day out program that is up to your standards? The MOMS Club of Katy–SE. TX has your solution!

They are sponsoring their 7th Annual Katy Preschool Fair on Saturday, January 23rd from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon. The event will be held at Crosspoint Community Church located at 700 S. Westgreen.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with several preschools at once. Bring your questions and compare the answers you get from those you interview. With this information you will be able to make an informed decision.

Each school in attendance is required to bring a donation for the Katy’s Pregnancy Help Center in order to receive a half table to showcase their school. Admission is free for anyone who wants to attend.

Donations of baby supplies (diapers, wipes, etc.) are greatly appreciated and will be collected at the event to benefit Katy’s Pregnancy Help Center. All attending guests are
encouraged to donate, but not required. For more information e-mail: momsclubkaty@gmail.com.

For information about all Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from this blog. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!

Katy Prairie Conservancy to Host Annual Bird Count

Julie Q. Fuelling — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 02:20:48 +0000

The 34th annual Cypress Creek Christmas Bird Count will be held on Friday, January 1st. Each year dozens of bird-watchers, both inexperienced and seasoned, venture out onto the area’s prairie remnants, farms, creeks, and wetlands to catalog the remarkable and dazzling bird life of the Katy Prairie.

Katy Prairie Conservancy will lead a group of Christmas Bird Count participants on an expedition to record birds on the area’s diverse preserves. Katy Prairie Conservancy anticipates that this year’s count will be as exciting as ever with opportunities to potentially see or hear Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Bobwhite Quail, waterfowl, and over one hundred other species.

If you’d like to assist with the count this year please contact Jaime Gonzalez at 281.660.6683 or by email at jaimegonzalez72@gmail.com.

Date: Friday, January 1, 2010 from 6:00 AM – Afternoon

Location: Meet at KPC Field Office

What to Bring: All participants should wear appropriate outdoor clothing, including closed-toe shoes and long pants. A long-sleeve shirt is also recommended. Participants should bring their own water and insect repellent.

Registration required. Call 281.660.6683 or email us at jaimegonzalez72@gmail.com for more details.

Price: $5 per participant

For information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from this blog. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404 or via email. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!

Fa La La La La LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch

Julie Q. Fuelling — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:34:41 +0000

Santa has arrived at LaCenterra! Every Saturday and Sunday, through December 20th, Santa will be at Heritage Square from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Little ones: Bring your Christmas wish list! Mom and Dad: Bring your camera!

La Centerra is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard at the corner of Grand Parkway and Cinco Ranch Boulevard.

For information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from this blog. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!

LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch Hosts Child-Friendly Halloween

Julie Q. Fuelling — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:28:53 +0000

Grab your pint-sized goblins, princesses and superheroes and head to LaCenterra’s Trick-or-Treat down Main Street this Halloween – Saturday, October 31 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. A safe alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, this free event is open to kids 10 and under accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Who’s treating? Spot the participation pumpkins for retailers offering tasty treats for the little ones and spooktacular offers for parents. The first 250 kids will receive treat bags courtesy of LaCenterra retailers. Bags will be available for pick-up in Heritage Square (central courtyard) beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Boo there, or … boo square!

For more information, please visit www.lacenterra.com or call (281) 395-5533.

Katy Photographer Is Featured Artist At KVPAC’s New Art Show

Julie Q. Fuelling — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:29:23 +0000

Allan A. Philiba, a local Katy award-winning location photographer, art director and graphic designer is the featured artist at Artists@Work Show and Sale which opens with a reception on October 10, 2009 from 7:00-9:00pm at the Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC).

Allan’s show will hang at KVPAC until November 11, 2009. His artwork is available for purchase.

KVPAC is located in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, approximately 2.5 miles south of I-10 on Mason Road.

Born in Paris, Philiba studied art and design in New York City. An Army Corps of engineer veteran, he has specialized training in camouflage and engineering construction. He has designed advertising and promotional campaigns for scores of Fortune 500 corporations.

His “on location” photography, created throughout Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, North America, South and Central America, Mexico, Asia and the Caribbean has appeared in numerous major publications. Philiba has a myriad of major clients including the US and French governments.

Featured in “American Photographers” an illustrated “Who’s Who” among photographers, he recently won first place for a single photo. He was awarded first and second place for his two acrylic paintings entered in the recent Katy Area Artists group’s competition.

Philiba has won awards in Florida for his paintings and photos. He has also been featured twice in the “Orlando Sentinel” Sunday Leisure section as well as in national photography magazines. He has been teaching painting and photography for the past 9 years in Florida and Texas.

For more information visit KVPAC’s website.

17th Annual Katy Triathlon Moves from Cinco Ranch to Firethorne

Julie Q. Fuelling — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:09:20 +0000

The third largest co-ed triathlon in Texas, the Annual Katy Triathlon, has announced plans to move to Firethorne this fall. Renamed the “Katy Triathlon at Firethorne”, the USA Triathlon-sanctioned race will be held Sunday, October 25, 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., in and around the 1,400 Katy/Fulshear community.

“Hosting the Katy Triathlon is such a natural for us because of our involvement in competitive sports and fitness in Katy,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer. Firethorne built the Houston area’s first regulation lacrosse fields. Hike/bike trails are sponsored by the SpinCycles cycling team and Tortoise and Hare 5K/1M Run/Walk. There is also an on-site fully-equipped Fitness Center featuring certified trainer Peggy Skaggs.

Individual athletes as well as relay teams will compete in a 1/3-mile swim around the 12-acre Lake Firethorne, as well as a 15-mile bike race and a 3-mile run through Firethorne. The cycling route will include sections of FM 1463, US Highway 90, Pederson Road and the I-10 West corridor, Westpark Tollway and the Grand Parkway.

“Firethorne’s lake and proximity to wide spaces of rural areas is conducive to having a successful 3,000 person triathlon,” said veteran Race Director Dave Rainey. As a Houston City Triathlon Championship venue, more than 1,000 athletes and 2,000 spectators, (including many from out-of-town), are estimated to participate.

The competition was previously called the Cinco Ranch Triathlon.

The registration fee is $60 per person and $85 per relay team through October 2. From October 3-18, the fees are $70 and $95, respectively. Registration is available online.

The Rotary Club of Katy, race sponsor, donates event proceeds to the Katy Rotary Fund, which supports local charities for their work in providing essential health, recreation and educational services to children in the Katy ISD attendance area. Cinco Ranch High School FBLA, Rotary Interact Club and Boy Scouts provide volunteer support for the race. Race sponsorships, underwriters and in-kind underwriters are available. For information, call 1-800-852-8228.

Firethorne is located 15 miles west of Houston’s Energy Corridor. It blends the best nature has to offer: 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat. Served by the award-winning Katy ISD, Firethorne combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear.

To reach Firethorne, take I-10 West and exit Pin Oak to FM 1463. Call 281-395-1440 or visit Firethorne online.