September 2, 2010 – Katy, Texas  – 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 Stationary and Gifts too!  Relocating business offices to LaCenterra include Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, the Law Office of Scott P. Callahan, P.C. and Woodco Fund Management. (more…)

September 02nd 2010 Posted to Business News, Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

Sep 1, 2010 – Katy, Texas  – (BUSINESS WIRE) BAE Systems has been awarded a $629 million contract from the U.S. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Joint Program Office (JPO) to upgrade 1,700 Caiman MRAP vehicles. This award demonstrates how BAE Systems’ Readiness and Sustainment capabilities are supporting the customer’s current and future requirements by rapidly improving product performance to protect troops during combat missions.

The upgraded vehicle, called the Caiman Multi-Terrain Vehicle (MTV), integrates a refurbished and improved armored capsule from an existing Caiman with a new high-power automotive power train, chassis and independent suspension. These enhancements will provide greater levels of mobility and survivability necessary for challenging and varied environments and enemy threats. (more…)

September 01st 2010 Posted to Business News, Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

September 1, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Yesterday, August 31, 2010, Amobi Okoye sent the Administrator of his foundation to surprise Katy High Senior, Nick Narcisse with tickets to the Texans game being played this Thursday September 2.  Okoye is hoping to encourage Narcisse through his recovery, future success and getting back on the field. Narcisse who was a Defensive End and starter for KHS last year exhibited outstanding talent and skills only to be slowed down by a battle with a rare strain of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Narcisse is in recovery and hoping to be playing with the KHS Tigers this football season. Along with watching the game; Okoye will visit with Narcisse and his father after the game.  (more…)

September 01st 2010 Posted to Katy News, Sports News |  Email This To A Friend

August 31, 2010 - On August 8th, Boy Scout Troop 557 of the Texas Skies District had their Court of Honor which is a ceremony honoring advancement in scouting.  Many of the scouts were recognized for finishing the requirements for various merit badges.  Three scouts from the troop advanced in rank; Ethan Wingate from Katy JH received the Star Rank, Trevor Tice from Woodcreek JH and Austin Armstrong from Morton Ranch JH both received their Life Rank.  Congratulations scouts for all your hard work and dedication.  For more information about Troop 557 email Derek Spier dspier1@comcast.net. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

August 31st 2010 Posted to Katy News, Scouting News |  Email This To A Friend

August 31, 2010 – Katy, Texas – You say you want to get more involved in something important for the community – We’re looking for volunteers! Katy Heritage has volunteer opportunities available in Docents, House Chairmen, Newsletter writer, Special Events Chairmen, Katy Community Cemetery Chairman, and writers.  (more…)

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 August 31, 2010 – Katy, Texas – With over 250 cats and dogs in need of loving homes, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), located at 11925 Katy Frwy (77079)., will host a three-day Adopt-A-Thon on Friday and Saturday Sept. 10^th & 11^th beginning at 11 AM until 5 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 12^th from 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. (more…)

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August, 30 2010 – Katy, Texas –  Dave Campbell’s Texas Football is proud to announce that the Katy Tigers football team has been named the Army Strong Team of the Week for Division 5A.

The Katy Tigers were chosen for this honor because of their teamwork, dedication, discipline, personal courage and integrity, values shared by U.S. Army Soldiers.   (more…)

August 31st 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News, Sports News |  Email This To A Friend

August 31, 2010 – Katy, Texas – August has been a busy month for Ribbon Cuttings. Be sure to come out and support your new Katy businesses!

Automotive Excellence at Green Trails                  Café Under the Oaks                    Oxi Fresh of West Houston
19831 Greenwind Chase                                      5415 E. 5th Street                        23627 Rollinford Lane
281-944-3736                                                     281-391-5166                              281-815-2040

Pete & Shorty’s Kitchen and Tap                           Pigtails and Crewcuts                    Spero Rehab
17790 Katy Fwy                                                   5131 S Fry Rd Ste 500                  23225 Kingsland Blvd Ste 600
281-492-7555                                                      281-492-6061                              281-395-9090 (more…)

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August 31, 2010 – Katy, Texas
Spanish for Kids: Ages 6 – 10
Learn Spanish with the use of exciting teaching tools including, songs, rhymes, games, finger plays, arts and crafts, story time, videos, software, familiar fairytales and other activities to promote leaning in a fun environment! Elementary School age children will use multiple methods above as well as phonics, grammar, reading and writing skills. Teacher will work with the students and encourage them to only speak in Spanish during the class. (more…)

August 31st 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

SCHOLARSHIP * SERVICE * SISTERHOOD

August 30, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The Greater Katy Alumnae Panhellenic Association (GKAPA) is thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2010 College Scholarships!  GKAPA Awards Scholarships to young women from the Greater Katy Area who have attended either public or private schools, and  have excelled in academic studies at their respective universities, made great contributions to their communities both here in the greater Katy Area as well as for their college communities and have been actively involved in their National Panhellenic Sorority Group.

GKAPA is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and represents twenty of the twenty-six NPC groups.  GKAPA provides a free service to graduating high school seniors, as well as existing college women who are interested in becoming a member of any of the twenty-six NPC groups.  The services provided are educational as to the process of joining a group, expectation of group membership and assistance with providing the necessary letters of recommendation that are often required by University Panhellenic Groups.  GKAPA is unique in that no other Houston Area Alumnae Panhellenic Group provides the letter of recommendation services to the young women they serve.  (more…)

August 30th 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

August 30, 2010 – Katy, Texas – To ensure a healthy school year for area students, CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital in Katy, Texas, joined forces with the Care Van Program to provide free immunizations to children between 2-18 years of age. The Care Van provided the free vaccinations on Monday, Aug. 16, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Katy. Nurses from CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital attended the event to provide support to Care Van staff, parents and children. For more information, contact Lauren Winterfeld at lauren@vollmerpr.com or (713) 970.2145. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

August 30th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

August 29, 2010 – Katy/Fulshear – Firethorn, which in 2010 has exceeded all of its previous January-to-July new home sales records, has broken ground on its newest section, Firethorne West.  The development’s westward expansion comprises 430 acres within the 1,400-acre master-designed community in Katy/Fulshear. 

 “Firethorne’s steady growth in its first five years, with more than 1,000 home closings to date, paves the way for us to move forward on this next phase of development,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer.

Plans call for the construction of such premium resident amenities as a Competitive Swim Center with a regulation lap pool and clubhouse, community center, landscaped park and playground area. There will be 1,400 home sites in Firethorne West, in addition to 530 home sites on acreage under development across FM 1463 that will include three lakes with water features.     (more…)

August 30th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

August 25, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Katy ISD Superintendent Alton Frailey was named Superintendent of the Year by ESC Region 4.  He is one of 18 superintendents across the state to be nominated for the annual Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) Award by the Texas Association of School Boards. Dr. Bill McKinney, Executive Director for Region 4, recognized Frailey during Katy ISD’s August Board of Trustees Meeting.

 Frailey has served as Katy ISD’s superintendent for three years. During his leadership, the district has reached and maintained a “recognized” status and, for the first time in recent history, all Katy ISD campuses are rated as recognized or above. (more…)

August 25th 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

August 25, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The all-new Project Style tour is making a stop at Katy Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in South Texas, on Friday, September 3 to give teens expert fashion advice as they get settled into the new school year. Designed especially for trend-setting teens, this traveling exhibit will provide chic fashion tips and mini-makeovers from style professionals who will also discuss what’s “hot” and new in teen styles.

“We invite all teens to take advantage of this free incredible fashion experience, as we all recognize how important it is for teens to look and feel their best to start the school year off with a bang,” said Cynthia Stansberry, director of marketing and business development at Katy Mills. (more…)

August 25th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

August 25, 2010 – Katy, Texas – We are excited to announce our New Menu featuring eight items for under $8 at lunchtime. The eight items are, Chicken Fettucini Alfredo, Steak Sandwich, Ceasar Salad with Chicken, Chicken Picatta, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Marsala, Classic Pizza, and La Perzoine Pefetta, “the Perfect Portion.” Can’t make if in for lunch? We have some great Happy Hour specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

August 25th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

August 25, 2010 – Katy, Texas – CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital is pleased to announce it has made a $60,000 grant to Christ Clinic of Katy through its CHRISTUS Fund, a grant program sponsored by CHRISTUS Health that provides funding to community initiatives focused on the poor and underserved.

“Christ Clinic is grateful to the CHRISTUS Fund for once again providing us with much needed resources to continue serving our community,” says Carolyn Works, Clinic Manager for Christ Clinic. “This grant will allow the clinic to hire medical staff and to purchase medical supplies to continue our mission as a reflection of God’s love and healing grace.”

Christ Clinic is a charity health clinic with pharmacy services for the uninsured people in the Katy community. It provides care for both the physical and spiritual needs of its patients.Christ Clinic depends upon community support for its activities and services, including countless hours of time donated by dedicated volunteers. Funding for the Clinic comes from grants and donations from various foundations, such as the CHRISTUS Fund, as well as from churches, hospitals, companies, and individuals throughout the Katy and Houston area. (more…)

August 25th 2010 Posted to Business News, Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

August 24, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Katy ISD marks a significant milestone in its growth this week as it welcomes the 60,000 student to the district, an eighth grader at WoodCreek Junior High. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

August 24th 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

August 24, 2010 – Katy, Texas – To the neighborhood communities of Green Trails, Nottingham Country and Memorial Parkway: Despite the 100+ heat index, you came out to support our first ever Taylor Band Community Parade and March-A-Thon.  While we previewed our new 51’ equipment trailer and performed 20 mini-concerts along the 6 mile route through the neighborhoods, you provided treats and much encouragement.  Thanks to the people who made signs, carried balloons, and even put money into our buckets.  Lots of young children danced and a few even “marched” along with us for a few blocks.  During our route, we saw friends from the 7 Lakes Band, Taylor Pacesetters and even a few of our alumni and their parents – thanks for coming out to cheer us on!  Thanks are also due to numerous fire trucks that blazed the route, 9 constable cars that provided safe passage on our streets, and various EMS personnel who stayed with us all day.  Our 300 marchers were also supported by over 50 Band Booster volunteers who dedicated their day to keeping the students hydrated, sun screened, and fed.  With your help, we raised over $15,000.00 to support the Taylor Band programs and our trip the perform at this year’s Sugar Bowl. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

August 24th 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

August 24, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Jo Nell Costello, of Katy Star of Destiny Chapter of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, presents photos of the Lansburg Concentration Camp to Ms. Betty Edmondson, curator of the Katy Veteran’s Memorial Museum. The photos were taken by Tech. Sgt. Robert J. Hartwig, a friend of her grandfather’s, John O. Wise. Along with the photo, is a fascinating letter written by Sgt. Hartwig, which tells the story of the horror experienced by the U.S. soldiers when they came upon this gruesome death camp. The photos and letter will be on display in the museum. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

August 24th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

August 24, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The 2^nd Annual “Caitlyn & Friends” Spaghetti Dinner held on Saturday, August 14, 2010 was a huge success with over $10,000 raised to provide Netbook computers to kids with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and for pediatric cancer research!  Over 200 guests attended the event which included a basket raffle, door prizes and special guest, Barbara Padilla, who entertained the guests with her amazing voice.  In addition, Keep Kids Connected, the organization that holds the event, presented its first three computers.  To find out more information about Keep Kids Connected and to learn how you can help, visit www.keepkidsconnected.org. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

Pictured are “Caitlyn Mortus, the inspiration behind Keep Kids Connected and Barbara Padilla pose for a picture with the first 3 computer recipients, Mackayla Moss, Jessica Weller and Eilene Crawford.”

Mackayla is pictured on the left in the brown print shirt, Caitlyn is in the middle in the blue flowered shirt, Jessica is on the right in the red shirt, Eilene is in the wheelchair and Barbara is leaning beside her.)

August 24th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

August 23, 2010 – Katy, Texas – On July 28, 2010 the American Legion Post 164 had their annual Ice Cream Social at the Katy Elks Lodge #2628. As an unannounced surprise, local Girl Scouts came in bringing their trademark cookies with them. This unexpected surprise was a collaborative event by the Girl Scouts of America Troop 16323, The Elks and the American Legion of Katy. Commander Ernie Cormier of the Legion was contacted by the local Girl Scouts wanting to send their famous cookies to the troops overseas. The Commander understood that Elks Lodge #2628 had a program to send items to the troops already in place. It seemed like a natural fit for all concerned. The Girl Scouts should get a lion’s share of the credit for their desire to put a smile on the faces of our troops. The Elks, with their program for getting the goods to our men and women were most helpful and delighted to participate. As for the American Legion, they were in the right place at the right time to bring the other two together. Katy is a caring community as demonstrated time and again. This just shows you how multiple and diverse groups can get together for a common cause, especially one that benefits our troops. Thanks to all concerned for turning a small community fundraiser for the American Legion into something a little more special. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

August 23rd 2010 Posted to Katy News, Scouting News |  Email This To A Friend

August 20, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The Katy Sting is the 2010 South Zone, Mustang 9, Regional Champions. They clinched Regional Championship, July 13, 2010 with a 23:9 win over Conroe. The team was awarded medals, championship shirts and a banner which will hang in the Katy Pony Baseball Concession Stand.

The represented the Coast Region in the State Tournament held in North Richland Hills, Texas July 23 – July 26, 2010., Katy Sting came in 4^th place in their bracket.  Town and Country from Tampa, Florida (East Region) won the Championship. They were awarded medals and a second banner which is hanging at El Jarrito Mexican Restaurant, on Highland Knolls.  El Jarrito has been a generous sponsor of the team.  The team party was held there where all of the kids signed and presented the banner to the owner Gil Leon. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

Katy Sting Manager: MacGregor Main
Assistant Coaches:  Rick Ruff, Kenneth Guidry, Rick Aventurado and David Zarco

Katy Sting Players:Gregory Main, Harry Main, Isaac Ruff, Kyle Guidry, Joseph Aventurado, Gabe Zarco, Caleb Robinson, Alejandro Alvarez, Evan Orosco, Landen “Goose” Baird, Jordan Clark, and Hayden Meredith.

August 20th 2010 Posted to Katy News, Sports News |  Email This To A Friend

August 17, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Cross Creek Ranch, Trendmaker Development and CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital would like to invite you to be part of our second annual Celebrate Your Princess – Support the Cause, Breast Cancer Awareness event on Oct. 23 at Cross Creek Ranch.

Celebrate Your Princess is a fundraising outreach event that supports the CHRISTUS St. Catherine Breast Cancer Awareness Fund bringing education, awareness and medical outreach to women in our area. This day of celebration begins with a one mile walk through Cross Creek Ranch, followed by Pink Pamper Party for participants, Pet Pampering and new this year a Pink Market! The Pink Market vendors will offer art, pottery, jewelry, soaps, clothing, flip-flops and much, much more.  Also new this year, live music from Fort Bend County’s own, “Rewind”.  Additionally, children will have a great time in our Kids Zone with pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, rock walls and face painting. (more…)

August 17th 2010 Posted to Business News, Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

August 12, 2010 – Katy, Texas – 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. 

Click on link – http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YCCBQHC .

August 12th 2010 Posted to Business News, Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

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August 12, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The Longhorns, from Katy, Texas, won the 2010 Houston 5A Baseball Champion of Champions Tournament which included teams from all the Houston and surrounding areas. The Longhorns is a 16 U Select Team made up of players from the Katy and Houston area. Way to guys on a great season! Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

Pictured are:(kneeling) Colton Asheim, Ryne Birk, Spencer Evans, Beau Graeter, Garrett  Robert (standing) Brayson Longman, Kacy Clemens, Miles Wright, Jon Duplantier, Cole Angelle, Ryan Capel, Quinn Atwood. (not pictured) Joey Waid (back row)Coaches: Jon-Al Duplantier, Roger Clemens, Trent Angelle, Mike Capel, Brent Graeter

August 12th 2010 Posted to Katy News, Sports News |  Email This To A Friend

August 12, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Shara McKee of Katy, Texas has been announced as the winner in the Sing With The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir contest. She has won an all expense paid trip for two to New York to sing a solo with the choir. This talented singer will perform during Sunday services at The Brooklyn Tabernacle on August 22, 2010. Shara is the Minister Of Music at The Pentecostals Of Katy (www.thePOK.com) in Katy, Texas and is married to Rev. Rob McKee, the Pastor of the church. They are parents of two adorable girls.  To view the submission, click here.  Plese mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

August 12th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

August 11, 2010 – Katy, Texas - Those pill bottles can’t always compare with therapies that come in many different forms for seniors, according to Rehab Care, a leading national provider in managing rehabilitation programs in partnership with more than 1,250 hospitals and skilled nursing facilities in 42 states.

The Solana at Cinco Ranch, one of the local facilities who embraces the Rehab Care programs, feels confident it can offer any type of therapy a resident needs:  physical, occupational or speech.  “Additionally, we provide wellness opportunities such as exercise and aquatic classes, educational seminars and age-appropriate functional testing,” said Todd J. Merry, Rehab Care director at The Solana. 

Merry says his goal is the resident’s goal:  restoring confidence and self-reliance whether the issue is balance, clarity of speech or stamina when doing simple exercises or tasks.

Merry says the therapies are given only under a doctor’s prescription, but he can often help obtain that order from the doctor.  “Not only does therapy restore The Solana residents to normal physical function, it helps them to regain the kind of peace of mind that comes with independence. (more…)

August 11th 2010 Posted to Business News, Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

August 3, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Taylor High School choir students recently attended a choir camp at Houston Baptist University. Taylor Choir Director and Fine Arts Department Chairman Kevin Riehle was the major accompanist during the week and at the concert at the conclusion of the camp.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

Pictured are: Zachary Burch, Jessica Parker, James Resch, Emily Sarlls, Emily and Katie Walt.

August 03rd 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

July 26, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The Katy Thunder, a 9U select baseball team, came in 2^nd place in the Mid-South Select Nations National Championship in Spring, TX.  During the week of July 11^th, the Thunder went 11-3, winning 8 games in a row to make it to the championship game!  To begin the championship week, the Thunder took home 1^st place in the “Around the Horn” competition.  The Thunder have only been together since January 2010, and look forward to many more successful tournaments.  www.katythunder.com.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 28th 2010 Posted to Katy News, Sports News |  Email This To A Friend

July 23, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Kitana is a spayed female boxer that went missing from a home in west Katy on July 20, 2010. She was last seen by workers at Tubular Steel. She is brindle with white flashy markings on her face, neck, chest and legs. She also has a scar on her left hip. Her family loves her and misses her! Cara at 832-683-3784 or  832-577-4707.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 23rd 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

July 23, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Cinco Ranch High School Bravo Show Choir is bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to life this fall. This popular show began in 1967 as a 20-minute “pop cantata” for a school Easter concert, and was revived and expanded in the mid-’70s, heading to Broadway in 1982. This lively interpretation tells the story of Joseph’s coat of many colors and has charmed audiences around the world with its excitement, energy, and musical variety. Dates for the show are September 16, 17 and 18, in the PAC of Cinco Ranch High School. Ticket information: In advance: adults  $8, students $6.  At the door:  adults  $10, students $8. Katy ISD Gold Card honored.  For more information, or to reserve tickets, please contact Dorothy Wilson at 281-237-5204 or dorothywilson@katyisd.org.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com

Back Row: Andrea Richardson, Eubie Pabilona, Eric Morgan, Olivia de Gruyter, Jacob Levy, Matthew Nelson. 3rd Row: Alex Barsalou, Amanda Menzie, Kailyn Campbell, Lindsay Bartlett, Melanie Mozer, Victoria Nation. 2nd Row: Bethany Marshall, Julian Peraza, Kale Harris, Chris Deyo, Austin Crosby, Sara Marquis. Front Row: Emily Gunter, Travis Martin, Katie Coolidge. Not pictured: Zane Hill, Lauren Linderman

July 23rd 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

July 21, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Mann Eye Institute and Laser Center, is pleased to announce the long awaited opening of the Katy areas first “green” full service eye care center, located at the corner of Westgreen and Kingsland. The new center will house the Mann Eye Institute and Laser Center’s comprehensive eye care clinic, state-of-the-art LASIK center and Medicare and AAAHC approved outpatient ambulatory surgery center (ASC). To schedule an appointment in our new location, please call 713-580-2500 or 1-800-MY-VISION.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 21st 2010 Posted to Business News, Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

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July 19, 2010 – Katy, Texas - Pigtails and Crewcuts Salon 5131 S. Fry Road #500 Pigtails & Crewcuts, a premier children’s salon, is opening its doors and its barber chairs to the kids of Katy. Debuting in late July 2010, Pigtails & Crewcuts will cater to the locks of the tiniest customers. Meeting the needs of parents and children, this full-service salon offers a bevy of child-friendly products and services. In addition to the amenities at the creative kid’s salon, Pigtails & Crewcuts offers themed parties where children dress up in costumes and have the ultimate themed party in the Playroom. Themes include Ahoy Matey, Pretty Princesses, Howdy Partner, Dolly & Me Have Tea, Darling Diva Doll and Aloha. For more information please visit www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 19th 2010 Posted to Business News, Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

Recipient Sam Luna receives humanitarian service award from Rex Lloyd, who represents the Legion of Honor & Texas Veterans Commission

July 15, 2010 - Katy, Texas – Samuel Luna is the recipient of the “Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award.”  His lifelong humanitarian service has focused on helping veterans in our local community.  Sam was nominated for this prestigious award by Father Rara, a chaplain at the Michael DeBakey VA Hospital, for his work with the veterans.  Sam serves as the Veterans Service Officer in Katy for VFW Post 9182, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 723, American Legion Post 164 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 in Houston. 

It’s through a program titled Vets’ Journey Home, where Sam focuses most of his time and has helped hundreds of veterans.  ”When veterans get home they bring back important stories to tell, of adventures and pain, of fear and courage, of lessons learned. But often friends and family do not want to listen or are uncomfortable talking about war. So, if veterans are going to open up at all, they often seek out another veteran to talk with. Unfortunately, when veterans talk together of the war, attempts at sharing the grief and pain often slip into a ‘That ain’t nothing’ or ‘Top this one’ exchange of war stories” as stated at www.vetsjourneyhome.org. Vet’s Journey Home is designed by veterans for veterans. It’s a place where veterans can share their story in a safe environment.  In our area, weekend retreats are available for veterans as well as spouses.  Veterans of all ages have provided testimonials how the experience made a difference in their lives and how it’s helped improve their day to day relationships with others. 

Mark Goulston, M.D. author of “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies says it best. “There are hundreds of thousands of veterans living in hell alone, not being able to fully shake off the memories of the horrors of war that they physically survived, but mentally are still tormented by. The only way out of it or at least getting past it is through heart-to-heart conversations with others who have gone through the same. And yet, these legions of tormented warriors will fight the very thing that can offer hope of a better life.  Samuel is in the forefront of helping those healing (more…)

July 19th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

Colonel (Ret) Michael Mastrangelo (left) receiving the colors from outgoing Commander Colonel (Ret) Peyton Lumpkin (right) during the change of command ceremony.

July 12, 2010 - Katy, Texas  Colonel (Ret) Michael A. Mastrangelo assumed command of VFW Post 9182 from outgoing Commander Colonel (Ret) Peyton Lumpkin during ceremonies that marked the 4th of July observation at the VFW Post in old Katy. Commander Mastrangelo pledged to continue the VFW programs of support to our members and their families, service to the community, educating our young, and advocating the welfare of our military. “Katy is a great veteran town whose support to the VFW, from the City officials to the citizens, have been warm and close” said Mastrangelo.

Lumpkin, coming off of a very successful two years as the Commander, thanked his fellow veterans and dignitaries, to include the Mayor Donald Elder, for their support in making Katy “an All-American Post.” Lumpkin and Mastrangelo are two career military officers, who have worked closely together for the last three years, Lumpkin stressed that he views “Mike Mastrangelo as a close friend and will be eager to assist as the Post takes on major initiatives this upcoming year.”

Justin Perryman presided as Master of Ceremonies, keeping the ceremony professional and interesting for all in attendance. It was a tender moment during the ceremony when Dave Brasell, Senior Vice Commander, introduced surviving World War ll Prisoner Of War (POW) Warren Robertson. POW Robertson, also a Katy VFW member, found himself in the US Army in March of 1942 on the Island of Java when he was captured and held by the Japanese for 3 1/2 years. He was moved to various POW camps in the Japanese empire until he eventually found himself in a POW camp in (more…)

July 13th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

Teresa Toliver, Pat Sebastian, Shirl Hawes, Dianne Hilderbrandt, Elinor Nichols, and Barbara Sherman

June 12, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Six Members of the Kappa Kappa Chapter attended the Texas State Convention of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for women educators held in Waco at the Convention Center June 17-19.   Attending the convention were Teresa Toliver (incoming president), Pat Sebastian (Treasurer), Shirl Hawes (Parliamentarian), Dianne Hilderbrandt, Elinor Nichols, Barbara Sherman.

The chapter won the following awards during the convention: 

• 5-Star Newsletter
• Exemplary Yearbook
• Scholarship Honors
• Completing “Hundred for Headquarters” campaign

The theme for the 2009-2011 biennium of Texas State President, Dr. Vicki Davis, retired Provost at Texas A&M-Commerce, is Advance the Society…Believe, Engage, Learn, Lead.  Highlights of the convention included presentations by outstanding speakers such as Mr. Mark Hoog, Executive Director of the Children’s Leadership Institute and author whose topic was Conscious Leadership.    A presentation by motivational speaker Amanda Gore delivered the Secret Skills of Leadership, and the Magic of Marketing was presented by Helaine Jesse Morres, vice president of development and external affairs at Western Nevada College.  A Birthday Luncheon celebrated the 81st birthday of Delta Kappa Gamma, founded in Texas by Dr. Annie Webb Blanton and eleven other educators, and honored all members present who had been members of the society 50 years or more.  This occasion, always festive, featured area author Lisa Wingate who spoke on the topic, The Writer’s Teacher.  Dr. Pat Wallace, recently retired from Baylor University, was the guest speaker at the Texas Forum where her topic was Brain Fever: Women’s Struggle to Get in the School Door. (more…)

July 12th 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

July 2, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Texas Children’s Hospital announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Partners in OB/GYN Care, a prominent private obstetrics and gynecology practice based in Houston.  As the construction of Texas Children’s new 15-story maternity center progresses, this acquisition is a strategic cornerstone of the hospital’s expansion into a new era —caring for women prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and after delivery. For more information on the new maternity center, see: http://bit.ly/MaternityCenter

Partners in OB/GYN Care is staffed by five physicians including Bart Putterman, M.D.; Lynn Hoffman, M.D.; Samuel Law, II M.D.; Ava Erin Manning, M.D.; and Susan Shi, M.D.  The practice provides a full range of obstetric and gynecological services and currently delivers about 600 babies each year.  The discussion of the acquisition was initiated by Dr. Putterman, one of the group’s founding partners.  The group’s interest in joining Texas Children’s was sparked after hearing of plans for the new maternity center in 2006 and again in 2008 when they learned of  Texas Children’s acquisition of Women’s Specialists of Houston, another respected OB/GYN practice. The acquisition will have little effect on current patients, as the group plans to remain in their current location in Scurlock Tower. 

Expanding upon its premier reputation in fetal and neonatal medicine, the addition of maternity

services is enabling Texas Children’s Hospital to provide a full continuum of care to mothers and their babies, beginning before conception and continuing after birth. The maternity center is expected to open in late 2011.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 02nd 2010 Posted to Business News, Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

July 1, 2010- Katy, Texas

A 2008 graduate of Taylor High School, Taylor Featherston made Katy proud with his performance in the College World Series. Featherston, an infielder for TCU, helped lead TCU to victory in its first CWS, making history for the Horned Frogs. Also on TCU’s outstanding team is a 2009 Katy High School graduate, Jarred Fancher. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

July 01st 2010 Posted to Katy News, Sports News |  Email This To A Friend

Nellie helps decorate wheelchairs for the parade

June 28, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Girl Scout Nellie McClellan has patriotic spirit and she is spreading it around the Oakmont Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Katy.  As part of her service project to earn the Girl Scout Silver Award, McClellan and her twin sister Maureen have been volunteering at the nursing home this summer. With the guidance of her advisor, Johnnie Jackson, activities director at Oakmont, Nellie is planning a Fourth of July program for the residents and their families on Friday, July 2.  She recruited friends from the local community, including band mates from Katy Taylor High School and family to help with the special event.

“One of my fondest memories growing up was decorating my bike and riding it in our neighborhood’s Fourth of July parade with my friends,” says McClellan. “I thought having a parade would bring a little cheer into the lives of these residents who have become my friends. I also knew they would enjoy live music so I asked some of my friends in my school band to play with me.”

The festivities will begin with a patriotic wheelchair parade throughout the facility. Helpers will adorn wheelchairs with red, white and blue décor and give residents flags and pom-poms to wave.  Everyone will wear red, white or blue and have kazoos to make music as they roll through the hallways. The parade will end at the outside pavilion where sparklers will be lit. Then, families of residents are invited to join residents for a “cookout” lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs. After lunch, McClellan will lead a musical ensemble in patriotic music and encourage residents to read poems and sing along. (more…)

June 28th 2010 Posted to Katy News, Scouting News |  Email This To A Friend

June 21, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Katy recently celebrated National Cancer Survivor’s Day, which is held annually on the first Sunday in June in hundreds of communities worldwide to celebrate survivors and their caregivers.  Nikesh Jasani, M.D., medical oncologist at MD Anderson Regional Care Center at Katy, left, pins an “Only One Me” survivorship button on MD Anderson patient Maria Inez Danino.  Please mention you fuond this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

Nikesh Jasani, M.D. with Maria Inez Danino

June 21st 2010 Posted to Katy News |  Email This To A Friend

June 21, 2010 – Katy, Texas – The University of Houston-Victoria School of Business Administration is expanding its business degree offerings in the fall to include the Bachelor of Business Administration program at the University of Houston System at Cinco Ranch. The BBA program in Cinco Ranch will offer five areas of concentration – accounting, finance, general business, management and marketing. This program is intended for upper-level undergraduate students transferring from other institutions with at least 54 semester credit hours. In 2007, UHV began offering a BBA program at the University of Houston System at Sugar Land. Enrollment there grew to more than 400 students this spring. School officials are anticipating the same rate of expansion for the BBA program starting this fall in Cinco Ranch.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

June 21st 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

June 16, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Five Katy ISD fifth-grade students have been selected to participate in Education in Action’s 2010 Lone Star Leadership Academy summer program.

The students, from Griffin and West Memorial Elementary Schools, will travel to Dallas/Fort Worth to participate in leadership activities with students from all over Texas. Student participants are selected based on their commitment to community or school and overall grade point average.

The Katy ISD students participating this year are:

• Kirsten Yates, West Memorial Elementary
• Cody Meng, Griffin Elementary
• Matthew Hammond, Griffin Elementary
• Alyssa Palmer, West Memorial Elementary
• Jamie Tan, Griffin Elementary

Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

June 16th 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

June 15, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Newsweek recently released the 2010 list of America’s Best High Schools, naming four Katy ISD high schools among top 1,622 schools in the nation. The four Katy ISD high schools ranked this year are: Cinco Ranch High School (No. 478), Seven Lakes High School (No. 689), Taylor High School (No. 982) and Katy High School (No. 1387).

The schools listed in the America’s Best High Schools 2010 report represent only six percent of all American public high schools. Rankings are determined by a combination of the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge (AICE) tests given at the schools, compared to the number of graduating seniors.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

June 15th 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

June 10, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Katy High School’s parent teacher organization, The Friends of Katy, is pleased to announce the 2009-2010 Friends of Katy scholarship winners.  They are (front row, left to right): McKenzie Wright, Jessica Barnett, Kelsey Peters, Caroline Cowart and Nicholas Peltz with Ms. Lisa Hinks, Friends of Katy Scholarship chairperson; (back row, left to right) KHS principal, Dr. Steve Robertson, Grant Fielding, Jonathon Fisher and Matthew Perry with Ms. Cathy Sciba, KHS Lead Counselor.  Each recipient will receive $1,000 for college tuition.  Congratulations to these outstanding Katy High School seniors!  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

Friends of Katy Scholarship Winners

June 10th 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

June 10, 2010 – Katy, Texas – OKE 4^th & 5^th graders participated in The Element Song Showdown after their last Eureka! Experiment.  4^th grade winners: Aditya Shah, Micah Wall, Pearson Broadrick, Francisco Rivera, and Paige Sauer.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

5th grade winners: Patricia Cabanilla, Gabbi Marchelli, Deborah Orta, and Emil Mudra. Winning Teachers: Katie Parnell and Angela Martin

June 10th 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

June 8, 2010 – Katy, Texas – At the State Solo & Ensemble Contest held in Austin on May 29th and May 31st, the following Taylor High School Choir students received medals:

• Superior (1) rating on Solo:  Mary Kim, Natalia Romero, Jasmine Johnson, Melanie Piche 
• Excellent (2) rating on Solo:  Jean Durbin and Bethany McDougal

The Taylor Choir is under the direction of Mr. Kevin Riehle and Miss Kristin Taylor.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

June 08th 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend

June 4, 2010 – Katy, Texas – Taylor High School student, Elizabeth Neville, is pictured with her Ten Year Piano Study Award. Presented in May 2010, the award represents ten years of study with one teacher.  Elizabeth studies piano with Mary Ann LaCour of Katy and she is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Neville of Katy.  Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.

Elizabeth Neville

June 04th 2010 Posted to Katy News, School News |  Email This To A Friend