The Katy Texas Blog

Katy Aquatics Group hosts Swimming and Pool Safety Event

Bob Gilbert — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:14:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Home Builders Charity Group Hosting Benefit for formerly Homeless Veterans in Katy TX

Bob Gilbert — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:12:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Supermoon over Katy TX

Bob Gilbert — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:10:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Showing Houses in Cinco Ranch

Bob Gilbert — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:09:00 GMT

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!

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Bob Gilbert — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Katy TX Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hosting VE Day Observance

Bob Gilbert — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:05:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Looking for Real Books Cheap? Try Katy Budget Books Katy TX

Bob Gilbert — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:24:00 GMT

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!

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Pictures from Car Show in Firethorne Katy TX

Bob Gilbert — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:22:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Cinco Ranch Bravo Choir Performing School Daze in Katy TX

Bob Gilbert — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:20:00 GMT

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

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Where can I Volunteer – Katy TX

Bob Gilbert — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:18:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Katy ISD Seven Lakes holds Raffle and Concert

Bob Gilbert — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:17:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Car Show in Firethorne Katy TX

Bob Gilbert — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:28:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Katy ISD Board Announces Names of New Schools

Bob Gilbert — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:26:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Jazz, Art and Guitar Festival in Katy TX

Bob Gilbert — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:22:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com

Pictures from visiting West Houston Airport near Katy TX Open House

Bob Gilbert — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:07:00 GMT

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.

If you have any questions about houses for sale or rent in the Katy TX or

Sugarland TX, Cypress TX or surrounding areas, contact me at:

bobgilbert2003@msn.com or bob@bobgilbert.com

or visit me on my web site at http://www.katyhomefinder.com

Katy Texas Real Estate Expert

Read my blog at http://bobgilbertblog.com