This coming Saturday, November 20th, from 5:30 to 7:30, LaCenterra and the Katy Chamber of Commerce will present the Seventh Annual “Home for the Holidays” festival and tree lighting ceremony.

Fun for the entire family, “Home for the Holidays” features Alexander and Stanley Elementary School student performances and the Members Choice Credit Union holiday express train. There will be children’s activities, huggable holiday characters and a visit from the Big Guy himself!

The celebration also includes “Bears and Blankets”, a drive benefiting the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program. Guests are encouraged to bring new teddy bears and stuffed animals along with new blankets and cold-weather clothing. Items collected during the event will be donated and distributed to area children and seniors.

“Home for the Holidays” will be held at LaCenterra’s Heritage Square, the center courtyard. LaCenterra is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.

The secret is out: Pumpkin is the secret ingredient for the first annual Westside Chef’s Throwdown, set for Sat., Nov. 13, from 2-5 p.m. at Katy’s LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.

More than 20 restaurants and food trucks will participate in this family event featuring live music, cooking demonstrations and activities for the little ones.

In a twist inspired by TV’s “Iron Chef”, the chefs will compete for top honors by inventing new dishes featuring pumpkin, while they will also serve up many dishes they are known for.

Event-goers will be able to taste dishes by purchasing a wristband with all proceeds benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Houston are summer camps program.

Wristbands can be purchased at the event or online at www.westsidechefsthrowdown.com. Wristbands purchased online are $20 for adults, $10 for children (free under 2), and $50 for a family pack for two adults and two children. Adult tickets will be $25 if purchased at the event, with other prices the same as the online price.

Celebrity judges for the secret ingredient challenge will include High-Tech Texan and radio host Michael Garfield and Houston food writer/radio host Cleverley Stone.

Sponsors include Chesmar Homes; Schwartz, Page & Harding; Perry Homes; Costello, Inc.; CIA Services and Spark Energy. Presenters include Newland Communities, Land Tejas Companies and Trendmaker Development Co.

Restaurants sending their top chefs include:

• H-Town StrEATs Food Truck
• Georgia’s Farm to Market
• Panera Bread
• Rain Forest Cafe
• Polo’s
• Post Oak Grill
• Mia Bella Tatoritta
• Fish City Grill
• Mission Burrito
• Baker Street Pub
• Hasta La Pasta
• Ooh La La Sweets
• The Union Kitchen
• Sweet Tomatoes
• 3 Olives Italian
• Babaloo International Cafe and Bar
• Antonia’s Cucina Italiana

Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), along with Rover Oaks Pet Resort and LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch are teaming up to present the third annual HOWL-O-Ween Dog Walk and Expo at LaCenterra (23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.) on October 30, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Costumed canines, along with their human companions will hit the streets of the premier Katy shopping area for a one-mile walk followed by a spirited costume contest and expo featuring fun for everyone, all while benefitting the animals at CAP.

The first 200 participants will receive complimentary goody bags and a commemorative t-shirt. Additionally, all participants will receive a coupon for a 6-pound bag of California Natural dog food provided by Natura Pet Products and redeemable at Rover Oaks Katy.

Does your pup have the spookiest or kookiest costume on the block?  Give your pooch a chance to strut its stuff in the HOWL-O-Ween Costume Contest!  Whether scary or sweet, your dog will surely be the “bark of the block” while competing for great prizes and treats!

Following the contest, 2 and 4-legged guests can visit the vendor and animal information booths, enjoy complimentary treats and be entered to win great door prizes from Rover Oaks Pet Resort. Prizes include a free weekend of lodging, free obedience training and a complimentary “pet makeover“ from Rover Oaks Pet Resort ‘s posh grooming salon.  Additional door prizes include LaCenterra gift cards, prize packages from Broadstone Grand Parkway, gift certificates from select area restaurants, retailers and much more!

The festivities continue throughout the morning in Heritage Square, LaCenterra’s central courtyard, where you and your pup will enjoy interacting with other lovable, precious pooches while visiting the vendors and information booths!

Learn about the best types of food for your dog from pet nutrition experts, pick up tips on how to shape your pet’s good manners from several professional trainers, have your pup’s pic taken in the pumpkin patch and much more!  If your pet is not microchipped, be sure and take advantage of the low-cost, $30.00 microchipping from CAP!  It’s the only way to be sure pets will find their way home should they get lost and it’s quick and painless.

Looking to adopt or foster an animal in need?  Adoptable animals from CAP will be in attendance and ready to meet their new “forever” families and representatives from Houston-area rescue organizations will also be on hand to talk about available foster and rescue animals.

All proceeds from this event will go towards CAP’s mission of sheltering, rescuing and placing homeless animals, “Speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves!” Avoid any lines and save money by pre-registering for the walk and the contest.  For more information, including official rules, entry fee information or to pre-register, contact Hershey Grace at hersheycap@aol.com or visit www.cap4pets.org.

Lease activity for LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch has been rising with the Texas temperature this summer. Center management announces that over 11,200 square feet of retail space and almost 9,500 square feet of office space has been leased.  Additions to LaCenterra’s tenant roster include boutiques, restaurants and specialty food retailers, along with business offices. That’s nearly 20,700 square feet of additional services at LaCenterra.

New retailers include Berripop Frozen Yogurt, Fit N Fresh Gourmet, Otto’s Deluxe Grille and Paper Lane Stationery and Gifts.  Relocating business offices to LaCenterra include the Law Office of Scott P. Callahan, P.C. and Woodco Fund Management.

Berripop Frozen Yogurt has leased 1,540 square feet of center space for a new location.  Born in the great state of Texas in December 2007, Berripop offers parfaits, Hawaiian shaved ice, signature smoothies and -of course – fresh, all-natural non-fat yogurt with healthy toppings.  Guests will find the latest music videos played on flat screen televisions and free Wi-Fi in this bright, modern yogurt shop.  Berripop will open in early September in Ste. E100, also overlooking Heritage Square.

Business partners, Mike Rizutto of Sugar Land and Al Gross of Round Rock have leased just over 2,000 square feet of retail space for Fit N Fresh Gourmet.  The specialty food store will offer freshly prepared healthy meals and customized meal plans.  Katy area residents dreaming of a personal chef need look no further when Fit N Fresh Gourmet opens for business in Ste. R100 in mid-October.

Houston’s famed Otto’s Barbecue and Hamburgers will open a new concept restaurant: Otto’s Deluxe Grille.  The rustic 2,648-square-foot eatery will offer certified Angus burgers, gourmet salads and sandwiches along with comfort food favorites including chicken fried steak, real mashed potatoes, homemade cobbler and, of course, Otto’s acclaimed brisket and sausage.  The new “finer dining-comfort food” concept will also feature weekend fish and seafood specials.  The restaurant will serve their famous weekend breakfast from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m, Saturday and Sunday.  While an official date has not been announced, a late October opening is anticipated.  Otto’s Deluxe Grille will open in Ste. D100 and will offer restaurant and patio seating overlooking LaCenterra’s central courtyard, Heritage Square.

Mother and daughter-in-law duo Janice and Chris Therrien have leased 1475 square feet of retail space for Paper Lane Stationery and Gifts too! The colorful store will give residents a reason to celebrate by offering custom invitations, stationery and greeting cards from notable names including Crane & Co., William Arthur, Tickle Bellies, Bella Ink, Inviting Company, Kate Spade and Vera Wang.  They will also stock artfully designed paper products and gifts from Caspari, CR Gibson, Mudpie and Illume candles.  Planners, journals, pens and desk accessories from makers such as momAgenda, Moleskine, Retro 151 and Pierre Belvedere are other gift ideas. Paper Lane Stationery and Gifts too! is scheduled to open in Ste. D120, between Otto’s Deluxe Grille and The Wine Next Door, in late September.

The Law Office of Scott P. Callahan, P.C. has just relocated from its Galleria/Uptown location to LaCenterra.  Attorney Scott Callahan has leased over 1,200 square feet of office space in Suite B240. The Law Office of Scott P. Callahan, P.C., a personal injury trial law firm, is devoted to representing victims and their families in wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases.  Most recently, Mr. Callahan was instrumental in forcing a nationwide recall of the product Stand ‘N Seal from stores due to consumer deaths and severe lung injuries.  Mr. Callahan is on the Board of Directors of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and a member of the American Association for Justice, Houston Trial Lawyers Association, and State Bar of Texas.

Woodco Fund Management, a private asset management company firm, leased just over 1630 square feet of office space.  Woodco Fund Management relocated to the Katy area from its Dairy Ashford address in Houston.  Doors have recently opened for business in Ste. B225.

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.

To tour Cinco Ranch homes or other Katy houses, contact me via this blog or phone  (713) 818-2404. You can also search the entire MLS from this site. I have sold Katy real estate for over 21 years and would greatly enjoy working with you.

I received the following letter from LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch:

“We’re currently working on an in-depth market research project that will help us answer the question, “What is best for LaCenterra’s Phase II?” More importantly, it will help us determine what residents want and what the greater Katy area needs.

Please let us know what you think by taking our survey. Your input will help guide us in the pursuit of additional retail, restaurant and entertainment components for Phase II. It will also give us hard data to present to national retailers to let them know that Katy is ready to support an entrance into the market.”

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!

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.

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!

News Bulletin: Announcement from the North Pole! Santa Claus will be at LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 23rd. Pick up lunch and join Santa where he will read stories to the children. Bring your wish lists and your camera. This is Santa’s last stop until his busy night.

Tongue stuck on the icy pole. Bullies defeated. Chinese Christmas carols and incorrigible language. I don’t know about you but “A Christmas Story” is my all-time favorite Christmas movie! It just doesn’t get any better; every year I enjoy it more and more.

Come celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this holiday classic at LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch on Saturday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, holiday snacks and blankets, if necessary. (Who knows–one day freezing and the next hot!) The outdoor event will be in Heritage Square.

Enjoy a warm bag of popcorn. While the popcorn is free, donations go to Carrie’s Heart, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting educational and community programs for children with disabilities worldwide.

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 and the Katy Chamber of Commerce invite you to participate in their Annual Tree Lighting fesitivies! Find your holiday cheer on Saturday, November 29, starting at 5:30 p.m. Cinco Ranch High School’s Bravo and VIVA! choirs will perform holiday favorites.

There will be special events for children including the Teddy Bear Parade. Little ones are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal(s) to help guide Santa to LaCenterra’s Christmas tree.

The Salvation Army’s Bears and Blankets Annual Drive will kick-off at the tree lighting and continue until December 12. Please bring stuffed animals, blankets or winter wear for donation to benefit the Salvation Army’s Angel Christmas Tree tradition.

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 19 years. Experience does count!