Grand Central Park is celebrating 11 well-appointed model homes throughout September, encouraging home buyers to explore new home options in the master-planned community five miles north of The Woodlands.

Tour a range of model homes — including luxury homes, townhomes and patio homes — in person or virtually at www.modelhomemonth.com

Enter for a chance to win a $1,500 Gallery Furniture gift card. Model homes are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. Begin your model tour at 170 Town Park Drive, Conroe, TX 77304.

The 11th Annual CASA Superhero Run Series, a virtual event this year, includes a 1 mile, 5K, 10K, 8 mile, Half-Marathon, and Hero Zero-K run. The event benefits CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County.

Register today and join us on the Hello Superheroes team at https://bit.ly/2020_CASA_Superhero_Run

By supporting CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County, runners, walkers, and even couch potatoes will join the fight against child abuse in our community and make a difference in the lives of children whose future is uncertain.

Choose your distance or run/walk the whole series. You decide your own course – run around your neighborhood, walk laps around your pool, or take to the trails! It’s all up to you! If you’re planning to participate in another distance event, this virtual series is an excellent way to train.

This year, you can compete from the comfort of your couch and STILL be a hero! Introducing the Hero Zero-K! You’ll still receive a t-shirt (or cape for kids 10 and under) and a medal.

The deadline to register for any event to GUARANTEE a shirt and medal is Friday, August 21, 2020. Kids 10 and under will receive a Superhero cape instead of a shirt. After that date, shirts, capes, and medals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

CASA Child Advocates is Montgomery County’s only organization appointed by the court to advocate for abused and neglected children. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) speak up for the best interest of children who have been removed from their parents and are under the Court’s jurisdiction. CASA’s goal is to provide a court-appointed volunteer to serve as Guardian ad Litem for every child in the foster care system, and to break the cycle of abuse, one child at a time. For the past 28 years, CASA has been training volunteers, raising awareness in the community, and working to stop the cycle of child abuse in Montgomery County.

Enjoy jazz concerts at Glade located at 2000 Woodlands Parkway. Limited seating available. Reservations are recommended. Full Bar available with Hand Crafted Cocktails and Sommelier curated wine list! View events

Glade Cultural Center provides a unique and accessible fine arts experience with a hosted fine art gallery and antiquities. Curated museum-like exhibits showcasing local and international artists with acclaimed private and public art collections along with non-profit programs delivered by the Glade Arts Foundation a (501(c)(3) focused on art education, scholarships and community based public art projects. Learn more at www.gladeculturalcenter.com

Event Schedule at Glade Cultural Center:

The economic impact of COVID-19 has spiked the need for hunger relief into levels not seen before. Many families in our community are already struggling without food and there are a growing number of elderly, children, and adults who need help during this crisis. Montgomery County Food Bank is working together with partner agencies to fight against hunger by distributing food and resources to those in need by hosting Mobile Markets throughout Montgomery County.

Mobile Markets are temporary drive thru distribution centers where pre-packaged bags of groceries will be provided to Montgomery County residents in need, while supplies last. Residents can drive up to the Mobile Market, stay in their car, and MCFB’s partner agencies and trained volunteers will load the groceries safely into their car.

Dates, times, locations and partners involved at Mobile Markets scheduled. More dates coming soon!

Date/Time/Host/Event Address/Market Size:

• September 16, 2020 9am Communities in Schools – Armstrong Elementary 110 Gladstell St, Conroe, TX 77301
• September 17, 2020 12pm New Caney Iglesia Adventista 14535 Allendale Ln, Conroe, TX 77302 (Allendale Baptist Church)
• September 18, 2020 9am Communities in Schools – Caney Creek High 13470 FM 1485, Conroe, TX 7730
• September 21, 2020 6pm The Abundant Harvest Kitchen – Abundant Harvest w/Texas Families Council 19121 Kings Row, New Caney, TX
• September 25, 2020 9am East Texas Dream Center Mobile Pantry 21130 Legion Rd. New Caney , TX 77357
• September 25, 2020 5pm The Abundant Harvest Kitchen 3901 S Panther Creek The Woodlands, TX 77381
• September 26, 2020 10am – 12pm YMCA Outreach – Generations Church – 405 Rayford Rd, Spring, TX 77386
• September 26, 2020 8am Caney Creek Apostolic Tabernacle – Caney Creek Apostolic Tabernacle 16613 FM 1485, Conroe, TX 77306
• September 26, 2020 12pm First Christian Church of Conroe – Pilgrim Rest MBC 509 S. 3rd Street, Conroe TX
• September 28, 2020 6pm The Abundant Harvest Kitchen – Abundant Harvest w/Texas Families Council 19121 Kings Row, New Caney, TX

Mobile Markets will continue through the month of October 2020 – please stay tuned for upcoming dates and details.

For anyone not able to attend one of these drive thru distributions, more info can be found on the MCFB website about food pantries open across the county at https://mcfoodbank.org/find-a-food-pantry-partner-agencies-conroe-tx/

The Montgomery County Food Bank is mobilized, as a second responder, to serve the community with the highest safety standards in food handling and distribution. MCFB works with over 50 partner agencies in Montgomery County to distribute food to clients. With their network and relationships, they are able to provide the most cost-effective way for agencies to access the greatest variety of nutritional food and necessities in volume.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

The best way to safely help your neighbors in need is to join the community wide Montgomery County Food Bank Virtual Food Drive at www.mcfoodbank.org.

At the Montgomery County Food Bank, every $1 donated provides 5 meals.

If you would like to volunteer, please visit the Montgomery County Food Bank website as they have screening measures in place.

To ensure the highest safety standards, the MCFB is not encouraging community food drives at this time.

This year’s annual YMCA Kids Triathlon has been transitioned into a Virtual Event for 2020. Children ages 5-15 are eligible to register and experience the fun and excitement of triathlon.

Designed for all levels, previous triathlon experience is not required. A virtual event provides the participant all the fun swag of an in-person event, (shirt, bib, finisher medal, results, awards, etc.) but now they can choose the location, date, and time to complete the event. Learn More: hellowoodlands.com/the-woodlands-family-ymca-kids-triathlon-transitions-to-virtual-race

Own Your Thrive is POSTPONED INDEFINITELY

“It’s with a heavy heart that I make this announcement. In closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of the world, I am not confident that, even following government and CDC guidelines, I can host an event that *guarantees* the health and safety of all involved. And so, I have decided to postpone OWN YOUR THRIVE indefinitely, which means that I do not have new dates nor the location at this time.

This is difficult and hurts my heart immensely, but I know it is the right, responsible thing to do. I appreciate your support and understanding. Please stay safe!

Sending love and light to you all!”

***

Own Your Thrive will host its first annual women’s conference for creative entrepreneurs this May in the greater Houston area!

Hosted by local self-made author and business coach for creatives, Kristen Martin, Own Your Thrive will feature two full days of content and workshops dedicated to successfully launching and scaling a creative business online. Located at the stunning The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, this event focuses not only on business development, but also the personal growth of aspiring authors, content creators, and life coaches alike. With a global audience, Own Your Thrive provides the unique opportunity to connect with ambitious women from all over the globe.

NEW Date! Own Your Thrive takes place September 26-27, 2020 from 9:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

The full conference agenda and ticket options are available at thatsmarthustle.com/ownyourthrive

ABOUT THE EVENT HOST

Kristen Martin is a self-made creative entrepreneur, content creator, and the Amazon bestselling indie author of personal development books, Be Your Own #Goals and Soulflow, as well as the fiction works, The Alpha Drive and Shadow Crown. Having worked in the corporate world for almost a decade, Kristen decided to pursue her vision of empowering women through her writing and content creation and, in just two years’ time, has grown what was once her side-hustle into a full-time 6-figure coaching business. With her work reaching over 60,000 people via her YouTube channel and podcast, That Smart Hustle, Kristen regularly travels to speak and teach at events across the globe, and also hosts her own women’s conference for creative entrepreneurs called Own Your Thrive. She currently runs her business from her home base in Montgomery, Texas.

ROCO’s (River Oaks Chamber Orchestra) 16th season, “Color and Light,” will kick off on September 26 with Starburst, a program of musical light and energy, in a fully virtual, free live-streamed performance from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, without an in-person audience.

The Pavilion’s Main Stage lights up again as ROCO (River Oaks Chamber Orchestra) kicks off its In-Concert series live from The Pavilion Main Stage. Rehearsals began Thursday, September 24 with the live-stream concert this Saturday, September 26. The performance of Starburst will showcase the full 40-piece orchestra and will be conducted by ROCO Artistic Partner Mei-Ann Chen. The free event is fully virtual and can be viewed on ROCO’s social media channels or website, at www.roco.org/live.

“What a gift to ROCO for us to be able to open our 16th season at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion! It isn’t just that it is an outdoor theatre that will provide a safer environment for our musicians, but it is also a jewel of a venue and one of the special places where Houston’s spirit shines best,” said Alecia Lawyer, ROCO Founder/Artistic Director/Principal Oboist.

Conducted by ROCO’s Artistic Partner, Mei-Ann Chen, Starburst is built around a world premiere commission by composer and bandoneonist Richard Scofano, who will also be the featured soloist for the work. The symphonic poem, entitled La Tierra Sin Mal (translating to The Land Without Evil), is inspired by the mythology of the Guaraní people, and takes the form of a concerto for bandoneon (a Latin-American bellowed instrument) and orchestra. Starburst will also present works from Fauré, Debussy, and Sibelius, as well as more modern composers, including Jessie Montgomery’s piece Starburst, and the instrumental version of Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque.

“We are excited for our stage to have musicians making music again.” said Jerry MacDonald, President and CEO of The Pavilion. “This is a momentous occasion after a dark season due to COVID-19 and is a wonderful opportunity for us to broaden our 2020 performing arts offerings.”

For more information about ROCO or the Starburst performance, please visit www.roco.org/performances/roco-in-concert-starburst.

If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit our website at www.woodlandscenter.org. Look for The Pavilion on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

UPDATE 7/15/20 – The 2020 Gala has been cancelled.

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The YES to YOUTH Annual Gala will be held on September 26, 2020 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

This year’s annual YES to YOUTH Gala to be held on September 26, 2020, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. This year, we are honoring Mr. and Mrs. Zach and Rachel Richmond. Our corporate honoree is LJA Engineering.

www.sayyestoyouth.org

Concert in the Park is a popular family tradition of free music and fun for all ages at Northshore Park!

Fall 2020 Concert Line Up:
September 13: Velvet Punch (Cover/Dance)
September 20: Buck Yeager Band (Country)
September 27: Level One Band – (Motown/Funk)
October 11: Flashpoint (Variety)
October 18: Route 66 Band (Variety)
October 25: Morgan McKay (Country/Blues)

Please practice social distancing, refrain from gathering in large groups and continue following all guidelines established by the CDC.

Racism is not a problem specific to the past. As a society we must acknowledge this problem still exists. Topic #2 for our series on Racial Reconciliation is “Then and Now: Why Are We Still Talking About Racism?” In this conversation, we will be looking at the history of racism in the culture and the church. If this is a question that you have asked or if you have any questions about reconciliation, join us September 27th online or in-person at 7:00 p.m. as we discuss this hotly debated question with our panel of experts.

*In-person registration is limited to 100. You can also find us on all of our YouTube and Facebook channels. Find more information at thewoodlandsumc.org/reconciliation.*

Topic #2:

“Then and Now: Why Are We Still Talking About Racism?”

Sunday, September 27 | 7:00 p.m.

The Loft Worship Center | Interactive Panel | Online and in-person

Panelists:

• Mary Duffin, Chief Counsel for the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and Co-Vice Chairperson of the System Board of Houston Methodist Hospital
• Bishop Bob Hayes, Bishop-in-Residence for The Woodlands UMC
• Rev. Jason Burnham, founding pastor of Covenant Methodist Church, The Woodlands

The panel will be looking at the history of racism in the church and the culture. We invite you to bring all of your questions, even the difficult ones, to the panel as we engage in honest conversations about racial reconciliation.

In-person registration limited to 100. Masks and social distancing practiced.

Find us online on all of The Woodlands United Methodist Church YouTube and Facebook channels.

Woodlands Landscaping Solutions – Online Learning provides a week packed with lawn and garden resources you can access from the comfort of your own home. Topics are hand-selected for Woodlands residents looking for easier, more effective and more sustainable ways to enhance their landscape.

Schedule:

• Monday, September 28: Organic Gardening At Home
• Tuesday, September 29: Water Saving Tips for Lawns and Gardens
• Wednesday, September 30: Managing Common Insects and Pests
• Thursday, October 1: Attracting Wildlife to Your Yard
• Friday, October 2: Creating a Healthy and Beautiful Lawn

Woodlands Landscaping Solutions – Online Learning provides a week packed with lawn and garden resources you can access from the comfort of your own home. Topics are hand-selected for Woodlands residents looking for easier, more effective and more sustainable ways to enhance their landscape.

Schedule:

• Monday, September 28: Organic Gardening At Home
• Tuesday, September 29: Water Saving Tips for Lawns and Gardens
• Wednesday, September 30: Managing Common Insects and Pests
• Thursday, October 1: Attracting Wildlife to Your Yard
• Friday, October 2: Creating a Healthy and Beautiful Lawn

Woodlands Landscaping Solutions – Online Learning provides a week packed with lawn and garden resources you can access from the comfort of your own home. Topics are hand-selected for Woodlands residents looking for easier, more effective and more sustainable ways to enhance their landscape.

Schedule:

• Monday, September 28: Organic Gardening At Home
• Tuesday, September 29: Water Saving Tips for Lawns and Gardens
• Wednesday, September 30: Managing Common Insects and Pests
• Thursday, October 1: Attracting Wildlife to Your Yard
• Friday, October 2: Creating a Healthy and Beautiful Lawn

Food donations will be accepted at the “Drive Through of Caring” on Wednesdays from 9-11am by drive through at: Interfaith of The Woodlands, 4242 Interfaith Way, The Woodlands, TX 77381

For a list of current food needs download here:
bit.ly/aprilfoodneeds

The Woodlands Family YMCAs will host the Blood Donor Coach in September, at both locations, to help address the critical needs of blood supply for local hospitals. A free Covid-19 ANTIBODY test is provided with each blood donation.

The Donor Coach will be available at each location at the following dates and times:

• Shadowbend YMCA, 6145 Shadowbend Place
  • Wednesday, September 30, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/314956
• Branch Crossing YMCA, 8100 Ashlane Way
  • Thursday, September 10, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/315074
  • Wednesday, September 30, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/314955

Walk in appointments are not allowed at this time. All donors must register online for a preferred time and date at giveblood.org. Register early as appointments fill up quickly.

Please remember to Eat, Drink, and Bring I.D. The Blood Center now requires all donors and staff to wear face coverings. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. For more information visit giveblood.org/mythbusters-the-truth-about-coronavirus-(covid-19).

Giving blood remains an essential service during the pandemic. Collecting blood is a marathon, not a sprint. Blood donors are needed to consistently give now and in the future. For more information call Roxanne Davis at (281) 681-6730.