Katy Aquatics Group hosts Swimming and Pool Safety Event
Texas Children’s Hospital West and Katy Aquatics are inviting all Katy TX area families to attend a Free “Make a Splash” event.
Both groups are committed to promoting water safety education to the whole community and especially children.
This free event will be held on Saturday May 19 TH from 10 AM until noon at the Cinco Ranch High School Natatorium 23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77494 in Cinco Ranch.
Featured
at the events will be numerous local and national vendors including
American Red Cross, U.S. Army Corps, Willowfork Fire & Rescue and
several others.
Demonstrations of various swimming safety and water safety equipment will be given.
Children will have the opportunity to get into the water and learn swimming from certified swimming instructors.
Other activities to be held include:
Free
swimming lessons; Goody Bag for first 350 participants; Bounce house;
Water rescue demonstrations; kayak rides; water contests for children;
KVPAC Princess Ariel & Prince Eric.
I
heard on a recent news program that the second leading cause of death
among young folks (18 and under) is drowning. Swimming in my mind has
always been and will be a life skill. My two children and my two step
children have all at one time or another worked as life guards at
various pools and facilities. Many Katy residents have pools in their
back yards and water safety is so very important to the whole community.
If you or children do not know how to swim the Katy Aquatics Group hosts Swimming and Pool Safety Event is a must attend function.
If you want more information about Katy Aquatics go to their web site.
Home Builders Charity Group Hosting Benefit for formerly Homeless Veterans in Katy TX
On
May Thursday May 10, 2012 the second annual “Boots & Bling” charity
event is being hosted by the Women’s Contractors Association (WCA) and
is being held at the Firethorne Visitors Center which is located at
28100 Firethorne Road, Katy TX.
The
charity affair will begin at 6:00 PM and last until 10:00 PM and is
open to the public. Tickets maybe purchase at the door or online for $75
each.
The
proceeds will benefit A HomeAid Houston project being the De George at
Union Station. HomeAid is a Greater Houston Home Builders Association
(GHBA) that builds transitional housing for Houston’s homeless.
The
De George at Union Station houses approximately 100 formerly homeless
male and female veterans. The community kitchen at De George is in need
of major renovations and a portion of the proceeds will help fund these
renovations.
The
“Boots & Bling” charity affair is Western theme and will include
live music, dinner, raffle prizes, silent auction and cowboy cocktails.
Personally
I think homelessness anywhere in this country is just inexcusable
unless the person or persons have a sound mind and choose to live in
that fashion. Homeless Veterans I feel (I have said this many times) is a
National Disgrace for this nation. How can this country continue to let
folks who have served to keep this great nation a free country be
homeless? I support any project which will assist homeless women, children and Veterans.
If you any more information or to register for the event go to the Women Contractor Association web site.
Supermoon over Katy TX
Last evening like many folks across the whole world we watched the Supermoon at around 10:35 PM and the sight was absolutely spectacular.
Our good friend owns a fairly high powered telescope and as added treat not only could we view this phenomenal sight of Supermoon over Katy TX with the naked eye but also through a telescope. 
What
was truly amazing was the amount of details we could see on the moon
including craters and mountains. Clouds passed by the moon making for
numerous special images we all enjoyed.
I
took several pictures with my not very good Nikon Coolpix camera and
have included some of these pictures here. I wish our friend’s telescope
had a camera but unfortunately it does not as pictures taken by using
the telescope would have been unbelievable.
We are San Antonio Spurs
fans in my home as my wife was born and raised in San Antonio and has
followed the Spurs since she was a little girl. The Spurs played last
night in the playoffs and won and are now ahead of Utah 3 – 0 in their
series. Viewing the Supermoon over Katy TX was like another special
treat for us to finish off a truly great evening.
Watching
the Supermoon is just another example of how diversified Katy is with
activities available to suit just anyone’s individual tastes and wants. As I say on my web site , Katy has everything. Call me or E-mail and let me show you why Katy is such a great place to call home.
Showing Houses in Cinco Ranch
Friday May 4, 2012 and Saturday May 5, 2012 found me showing homes in Cinco Ranch
from early in the morning until late in the afternoon. I am beat and
thought I probably would not try to write a blog today. My wife just
called and she is writing a contract for a new home in Cinco Ranch which
is zoned to Katy ISD and congrats to her. My clients are moving into
the Katy area from out of state and I will write about how I got
selected to be their agent after the contract is completed.
The point of my blog is fairly simple. If you are a buyer and want to live in Cinco Ranch and attend Katy ISD
in the fall you need to get off the couch right now and take immediate
action. There are numerous buyers out both days all looking to buy in
Cinco Ranch. Inventory levels are low and you will need to a have a
written contract from a builder or resale contract with specific closing
dates to register in Katy ISD for the fall. The opportunity window is
closing fast. I know most folks think Realtors just say things to create
a false sense of urgency. That is totally wrong commentmost of the
time and especially right now.
I will more than
happy to be showing you homes in Cinco Ranch or any other area
surrounding South Katy. Call me or E-mail but take action right now or
you will be left out in the cold this year!
Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Cinco de Mayo celebration is special this year as it marks the 150 year anniversary of the Battle of Puebla.
Cinco de Mayo this year falls on Saturday May 5, 2012. This day is a national holiday in Mexico.
The Miller Outdoor Theatre
will be celebrating this grand day by having Mexican icon Eugenia Leon
perform a live concert. The concert is from 8 PM until 10 PM. Miller
Outdoor is located at 6000 Hermann park Dr. Houston, TX.
Eugenia
sings unique mix of music from several music genres and of course
traditional music of Latin America. Her performances all across this
country are usually sold out.
Admission to Miller Outdoor
is my favorite price of FREE but this event requires a ticket to be
able to sit in the covered section. The free tickets are available at
the rate of 4 tickets per person (person has to be 16 years or older) at
the Miler outdoor on the day of the concert beginning at 10:30A and
lasting until tickets are gone or 1 PM. If any tickets are left at 1 PM
then the box office will open again 1 hour before the concert begins.
There is of course complete open seating up on the hill as usual.
This event is brought to the attendees by the Miller Outdoor Theatre Partnership and the Consulate of Mexico.
If you want more information try Miler Outdoor web site by clicking here.
If
you want to get the real flavor of Cinco de Mayo through music plan to
attend the Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Several restaurants in Katy TX will be having Cinco de Mayo celebrations but I cannot find one standout event to discuss. I know from past history Pappasito’s
throughout the area are having their legendary Rita’s and Fajitas all
day long but be prepared to wait for a long time to get seated
especially I you go in the evening. Buy the special Rita and get a unique glass for free.
Katy TX Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hosting VE Day Observance
Many folks these days ask when was VE Day or V Day
(term used before VE Day)? The answer is May 8, 1945 which commemorates
when World War II Allies formally accepted the total unconditional
surrender of Nazi Germany and marks the end of Adolf Hitler’s reign of
terror through the word. VE Day stands for Victory in Europe and V Day
short for Victory Day. 
The
Katy TX VFW Post 9182, 6202 George Bush Dr. Katy TX., is holding a
celebration on Monday May 7, 2012 as part of its overall Post’s VE Day
celebration. Local resident Danny Hair will put on a World War II
uniform and becomes General George Scott Patton for at least a few
hours. This is the featured part of these VE Day activities.
The event begins at the VFW facility at 4 PM.
The
Katy VFW is a very active group made up of many really smart
individuals and great human beings. All across this country there are
fewer and fewer World War II Vets still alive and the few that remain
all need to be thanked by all the rest of us for supreme sacrifices they
all made.
Looking for Real Books Cheap? Try Katy Budget Books Katy TX
Katy Budget Books is holding its semi-Annual Book sale starting on Thursday May 3, 2012 and lasting until Sunday May 20, 2012.
There are over 75,000 used books to consider.
Prices for these used books will range from $.40 - $1.00 each!
Hardcover
books will be sold at $1.00 per book. Paperback books are priced at
$.75 per book and children’s books priced at only $.40 per book.
If you are looking for real books cheap this is obviously the place to visit.
Katy
Budget Books is located at 2450 Fry Road (North of I-10) Houston TX
77084. They have a Houston mailing address but everyone considers this
to be the Katy area.
Sale books will be marked as such on the bottom of the book.
New
books will be added every night the sale is running. Plan to visit more
than once to make sure you are not missing out on a great deal for a
book you want to read. 
Katy
Budget Books has been open for over 25 years. They were the winner of
the Cick2houston’s Best Book Store during 2010 and voted Houston’s Best
Bookstore in 2009.
If you are like me and want to feel a real book in your hands and like to buy books then this event is a must do. I like books cheap prices and these are really cheap prices!
Pictures from Car Show in Firethorne Katy TX
Saturday April 28, 2012 an open car show was held in the Firethorne Community Center parking lot which lasted until about 3 PM. This was third Annual holding of this event. I was told from attendees it was a lot of fun to see last year and decided to go to take pictures and make a donation. The Firestone Community Center is located at 28100 North Firethorne Rd. Katy, TX.
The proceeds from this car show will be used by the Project Graduation
event from Katy High School. I have to say I was slightly disappointed
with the turnout of folks to view/contribute, number of entrants and my
personal observation is the fund raiser might not have generated very
much in term of incremental funds. I was hoping the event would be a
significant contributor towards an excellent cause of project
Graduation. My original blog can be found by clicking here.
Saying
all this there was till several cars, trucks and motorcycles well worth
the time and effort to view and take pictures. It was another beautiful
day and the Firethorne area shows all who want to find an excellent
neighborhood in Katy why is is so popular with buyers and a premier
destination for new and resale home buyers.
if
you want additional information about homes available for purchase in
Firethorne or any other area in Katy contact me and I will arrange to
take you on a tour of this great family living area.
Cinco Ranch Bravo Choir Performing School Daze in Katy TX
The Cinco Ranch High School Bravo Show Choir will be presenting its latest production titled “School Daze”.
This
production is a look at high school life as communicated by music and
features songs such as “Kaleidoscope Heart”, “Chasing Seasons”, “Sing”,
“Somebody to Love”, “Woods” and “Under Pressure”.
The dates are Thursday May 3, 2012 through Saturday May 5, 2012 beginning at 7:30PM each evening.
The
performances will be held at the performing Arts Center of Cinco Ranch
High School and the address is 23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd Katy TX.
Ticket prices are reasonable with Adult $8 per person; Students $6 per person and $5 per person with a Katy Gold Card.
Fine Arts night is Thursday May 3, 2012 and if you wear a Fine Arts T-shirt from Katy ISD the ticket price will be $5 person.
Advance tickets are available by contacting Dorothy Wilson at 281-237-5204 or at dorothyjwilson@kisd.org.
The
Cinco Ranch Bravo Choir performing School Daze in Katy TX should be an
excellent event to attend and a great way to support the local Katy ISD
Arts program
Where can I Volunteer – Katy TX
If you are asking yourself the question “Where can I Volunteer” and live in Katy TX there is an excellent set of potential alternatives available right now.
Katy Christian Ministries
(KCM) is right now looking for numerous volunteers to work in their
organization with a wide variety of programs and duties needing
attention.
The
programs include actively seeking volunteers for: food drives, clothing
drives, furniture & clothing drives, and making cards for clients
and soliciting/collecting money for gas cards.
Volunteers
have to be at least 13 years old or older and all individuals less than
16 years of age have to be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteers
have to prepare an up-to-date Volunteer Information Worksheet ( see
KCM). KCM has a minimum dress code which also has to be followed.
Volunteer shifts start at 10 AM and 1 PM and all first timers have to attend.
If this sounds interesting to you contact michelle.john@ktcm.org.
If you are not going to work this summer and plan to just hang out at
home watching the tube or texting or playing video games seriously think
about volunteering. You could make a difference in another person’s
life.Now you know the answer to the question "Where can I Volunteer".
Additional information about KCM can be found on their web site or by clicking here.
KCM Administrative office is located at 5011 E. 5 th. Street, Katy TX 77493 and phone is 281-391-5261.
I understand KCM is an outstanding group who provides many needed services to the whole community.
Katy ISD Seven Lakes holds Raffle and Concert
The Katy ISD Seven Lakes High School Orchestra Parent Association will hold its fourth annual artful instruments raffle.
Raffle tickets are available for $10 each with the opportunity attached to win an original music instrument art piece.
The
raffle is being held on Saturday May 12, 2012 at 7 PM along with a Pops
music concert. The theme this to year’s concert is “Music to the Eyes”
and will feature American Jazz Classics.
Several local area artists have given their time, talents and money by donating the raffle items art work.
The event is being held at the Seven Lakes High School Performing arts Center located at 9251 S. Fry Rd Katy TX. 77494.
Admission to the concert is my favorite price of free. Raffle tickets can be order through PayPal right now by clicking here. This ends May 11 at 3 PM. Raffle tickets can also be obtained via mail-in check.
The
Seven Lakes High School Orchestra’s Parent Association is a 501 (c) 3
non-profit charitable organization. All funds received will be used for
the benefit of the Seven Lakes High School Orchestra.
Katy
ISD Seven Lakes holds Raffle and Concert is another fine example of the
wonderful arts programs we enjoy by living in the Katy ISD boundaries.
Car Show in Firethorne Katy TX
Saturday
April 28, 2012 an open car show will be held in the Firethorne
Community Center parking lot from 10 AM until 3 PM. This is the third
Annual holding of this event and I was told it was a lot of fun to see
last year. The Community Center is located at 28100 North Firethorne Rd.
Katy, TX. The proceeds from this car show will be used by the Project
Graduation event from Katy High School. Project Graduation 2012 will be
held on June 3, 2011 at Katy High School after the actual graduation
ceremony.
There
is very limited parking for this event based on my personal experiences
and my advice is to go early. All early arrivals will be able to
participate in getting free juice and donuts. A $20 pre-registration
donation and a $25 day registration donation are required for the day of
the event. There is a $10 additional fee for every car class entered
beyond one. The rain date is Saturday May 12, 2011.
The
judging of the cars will be by the participants. There will be awards
given to winners in numerous categories including but not limited to
Best of Show, Best Chevy, Best Buick, Best Corvette, Best Import etc.
There will be door prizes with a 50/50 jar with a $1 ticket purchase.
This event, organization and activities are not in any shape, form or fashion related to Katy ISD.
Any
questions contact Aura O’Brien at agso@aol.com. All checks have to be
made out to KHS Project Grad. Car data and checks need to be sent to 218
Billingsford Dr. Katy TX 77449.
Katy ISD Board Announces Names of New Schools
Katy ISD will open four new campuses for the school year 2012 – 2013.
The
names are based on one region and three names of individuals who take
the time to mentor, offer their resources and precious time to the local
Katy community.
The new schools and names are as follows:
ES # 33 - Tom Wilson Elementary School which is located at 52 Falcon Landing Katy TX
(Northeast corner of Falcon Landing and Hinsdale Park)
ES #34 – Ray and Jamie Wolman Elementary School which is located at 28727 North Firethorne RD. Katy TX
(Northeast corner of North Firethorne at South Firethorne RD.)
ES # 35 – Fred and Patti Shafer Elementary School which is located at 5150 Ranch Point Dr. Katy TX
(Southwest corner of Ranch Point DR. and Cinco Ranch Blvd. )
JH # 13 – Seven lakes Junior High School located at Katy-Gaston RD. Katy TX
(Near Katy Gaston RD and South Fry RD.)
One
more new school is the High School which is located at 4400 Falcon
Landing Katy TX and no name has been announced as of yet.
It
is important that Katy ISD Board announces name of new schools now so
everyone can get familiar with the names instead of just a location.
If you need help with attendance zones for the new schools click here.
If you need to check attendance zones for existing schools then click here.
Congratulations
to the Katy ISD for building all these new schools and getting all of
these facilities ready for the next school year. Also congratulations to
all individuals who had a school named after them as that in my mind is
a huge honor.
Jazz, Art and Guitar Festival in Katy TX
The festival is being hosted by Katy High School which is part of Katy ISD.
Find room in your schedule for Friday April 27 and Saturday April 28, 2012 if you like great music.
Beginning
at 4 PM on April 27 excellent student Jazz ensembles will play live
concerts each hour with last concert starting ending at 6 PM.
At 7:30 PM jazz professionals take over the stage and the featured event is the Texas Music Festival Jazz Project (a big band).
Saturday
April 28 the Katy Guitar Fest events of the festival will begin at 10
AM and ARTkaty will have cool art work on exhibit at 9 AM.
Student
big bands will be performing on the every hour on the hour. In
addition, Jazz combos and guitarist will perform throughout the day.
The
featured performers are the Brad Leadi Sextet which is an ensemble of
world renowned professional jazz artists who will end this wonderful day
of music and will start playing at 7:30PM. .
This
amazing music and art event will take place at the Katy High School
Performing Arts Center located at 6331 Highway Blvd. Katy TX.
Ticket prices are cheap with the feature concerts $3 per person and Saturday $5 per person.
If
you like really good music, then make plans now to attend either Friday
or Saturday or both days. I know we personally love Jazz. I hope to see
you at the Jazz, Art and Guitar Festival in Katy TX.
Pictures from visiting West Houston Airport near Katy TX Open House
West Houston Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) held an open house on Saturday April 21, 2012.
The spring open house will also be held on Sunday April 22, 2012. Get there early so you will not miss anything!
The doors will be open each day from 10AM until 5 PM.
Since
it was absolutely gorgeous day from a weather perspective I decided to
attend for a change one of the events I had written a blog about. My
prior blog about the open house can be seen by clicking here.
There
were many folks in attendance and that was really nice to see. The
sights included numerous planes from several different eras,
paratroopers, missing man formation, cool old cars, several pilots, and
some military personnel. This was a fund raiser and only required a $10
donation for parking. One SUV I saw must have had 14 or more people
inside. I personally try to be cheap but REALLY!
My
step-son and his dad joined me for a while and we all had a great time.
They were selling food and we all had hamburgers they cooked on site
and these were delicious.
Seeing
all these planes plus writing a blog about the event earlier this past
week and a comment made by Q-Man from ActiveRain ( AKA John McCormack)
about his dad having been a pilot reminded me of my childhood dream of
wanting to be a pilot. I had not been to an event like this for way too
many years.
I hope you all enjoy the pictures.
