Blog entries

LSC-CyFair hosts Wednesday enrichment classes

Ken Hooper — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:43:10 +0100

From Ultimate CyFair:

Learn about recipes and benefits of raw foods, folk dancing, sharpening tools and making beaded lanyards at the upcoming September workshops.

Lone Star College-CyFair’s Learning, Inspiration, Fellowship and Enrichment (L.I.F.E.) programs are free and held Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the library (Room 131 unless otherwise noted) at 9191 Barker Cypress.

Sept. 8 - Eating in the Raw
Certified live food chef and owner of the restaurant, The Art of Pure Food, Elizabeth Harris, shows the blessings of eating food at its freshest. She then will demonstrate simple recipes to incorporate raw foods into your diet for health and longevity.

Sept. 15 - Put on Your Dancing Shoes
Immerse yourself in native dances from around the world with dance aficionados from the Houston International Folk Dancers.

Sept. 22 - Convex, Double Bevel and Chisel Point
Take those dull knives and scissors in your drawer and learn from Professor Jason Moulenbelt how to sharpen them like a pro.

Sept. 29 - Beading for a Cause
This lanyard workshop will benefit the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation (http://www.nbhope.org/). Learn to make a beaded lanyard and donate it for fundraising.

Call the library at 281-290-3214 for L.I.F.E. program information or go online to LoneStar.edu.

Parents Can Plan Date Night Thanks to New Bridgeland Event

Scott Tran — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:51:28 +0100

Parents can enjoy a night — or a few nights— out, from 6-10 p.m. on Sept. 10, Oct. 15, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10, while their children enjoy pizza, arts and crafts, karaoke, dancing, face painting, games, movies, snacks and more at Bridgeland’s Lakeland Activity Center.

The night out is designed for children ages 3 to 12; however, children must be potty-trained to participate. Cost for Bridgeland residents is $15 for the first child and $12 for each additional child, while cost for non-residents is $25 for the first child and $22 for each additional child.

Bridgeland Slates Fall Art Classes for Kids

Scott Tran — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:48:16 +0100

Bridgeland is hosting a series of art classes for children ages 5 to 12 this fall, with six sessions remaining.

Art classes will be held for children ages 5 to 8 on Tuesdays, from 5 to 6 p.m., at Lakeland Activity Center. Parents can register their children for three more sessions: Oct. 5-26, Nov. 2-23 and Nov. 30-Dec. 21. Children ages 9 to 12 can learn about art from 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays, with remaining sessions slated for Oct. 6-27, Nov. 3-24 and Dec. 1-22. During the classes, participants will explore a variety of art materials, artistic styles and even art history. Cost is $50 per resident and $60 for non-residents.

Bridgeland Invites Area Youngsters to Get Silly in New Class

Scott Tran — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:47:17 +0100

Area youngsters can learn to boogie in “Movin’ and Shakin’ and Plain Silly Fun,” a class for children ages 2 to 5 that is being held in Bridgeland from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fridays this fall.

Participants will learn rhythm using simple instruments and also will have fun dancing and acting silly to energizing music. Three more sessions are offered: Oct. 1-22, Oct. 29-Nov. 19 and Dec. 3-31, at the Lakeland Activity Center. Cost is $30 for residents and $40 for non-residents.

Bridgeland Opens Interactive Story Hour to the Public

Scott Tran — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:46:02 +0100

Art and storytelling blend in “The Storyteller and the Artist,” an interactive story hour in Bridgeland from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Lakeland Activity Center.

Designed for children ages 2 to 5, the remaining sessions for the story hour are: Oct. 5-29, Nov. 2-23 and Nov. 30-21. Cost is $30 for Bridgeland residents and $40 for non-residents.

Sept. 18 Class in Bridgeland Will Be a Treasure for Young Pirates

Scott Tran — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:43:42 +0100

Area youngsters have already found treasure with a new event in Bridgeland geared especially for children ages 3 to 7 — “Ahoy Yer Mateys,” set for 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sept. 18.

The fun event will help young pirates celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day in true buccaneer fashion at the Lakeland Activity Center. Kids can dress up as pirates, learn pirate lingo, go on a treasure hunt and make pirate flags. Cost is $15 for residents and $25 for non-residents.

Notable builders, master planning spur sales in Bridgeland

Scott Tran — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:11:44 +0100

Sales have been strong in Bridgeland this year, where home buyers have been attracted by reputable builders and an inviting streetscape.

With hundreds of sales, Bridgeland has been listed No. 6 among Houston’s 10 top-selling master-planned communities, according to housing market researcher Metrostudy. Builders have responded to the activity, starting more inventory homes and opening several model homes this year.

“2010 has been a busy year for us so far,” said Peter Houghton, Bridgeland’s vice president of master-planned communities. “Thousands have visited our builders and we’ve been very pleased with the sales progress, particularly in such a tentative housing market. We have a strong slate of builders offering an appealing variety of homes.”

Building in Bridgeland are D.R. Horton, David Weekley, Lennar Homes, Meritage Homes, Highland Homes, Darling Homes, Perry Homes, Village Builders, Partners in Building and Trendmaker Homes. Custom builders include Masterpiece Custom Builders, Ronny Carroll Homes and Tommy Bailey Homes. Prices range from the $160,000s to more than $1 million. Homesites vary accordingly, ranging from 50-foot to 80-foot in conventional neighborhoods. Bridgeland also offers a Lakeland Heights, a traditional neighborhood development where homes, shopping, dining, amenities and services blend in a pedestrian-friendly environment.

Home buyers can learn more about home choices in Bridgeland at the community’s model home park, where builders have opened 13 models. The park also depicts a typical streetscape in the community, with terraced front yards and brick and stone exteriors. Homes face main streets that are adjacent to slip-roads, which create less traffic for residents and safe play havens for children.

Also enhancing Bridgeland’s overall streetscape is something you don’t see — power lines. Bridgeland has buried all power underground in this first phase of development, including the power lines along the community’s perimeter.

For these and other features, Bridgeland has been named Master-Planned Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders and Houston’s Best Planned Community of the Year by the Sales and Marketing Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. Stay up-to-date on Bridgeland on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, visit Events.

Directions

To visit Bridgeland, from U.S. 290, travel northwest and take the Spring-Cypress/Cypress-Rosehill/Fry Road exit. Turn left on Fry Road (second traffic light) and continue 2.5 miles to North Bridgeland Lake Parkway, the community’s main entrance. From Interstate 10, travel west and take the Fry Road exit. Turn right on Fry Road and continue approximately 11 miles to North Bridgeland Lake Parkway.

Photo Information

Bridgeland-models

Bridgeland has enjoyed a brisk sales pace this year, as home buyers respond to a list of notable builders and a well-developed master plan. Buyers can learn more about Bridgeland and see a typical streetscape at the community’s model home park.

Bridgeland Opens Interactive Story Hour to the Public

Scott Tran — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:13:41 +0100

Art and storytelling blend in “The Storyteller and the Artist,” an interactive story hour planned in Bridgeland from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the Lakeland Activity Center.

Designed for children ages 2 to 5, the story hour will be held in four sessions: Sept. 7-28, Oct. 5-29, Nov. 2-23 and Nov. 30-21. Cost is $30 for Bridgeland residents and $40 for non-residents.

Sept. 18 Class in Bridgeland Will Be a Treasure for Young Pirates

Scott Tran — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:12:28 +0100

Area youngsters have already found treasure with a new event in Bridgeland geared especially for children ages 3 to 7 — “Ahoy Yer Mateys,” set for 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sept. 18.

Parents Can Plan Date Night Thanks to New Bridgeland Event

Scott Tran — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:06:42 +0100

Bridgeland Invites Area Youngsters to Get Silly in New Class

Scott Tran — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:05:55 +0100

Area youngsters can learn to boogie in “Movin’ and Shakin’ and Plain Silly Fun,” a class for children ages 2 to 5 that will be held in Bridgeland from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fridays this fall.

Participants will learn rhythm using simple instruments and also will have fun dancing and acting silly to energizing music. Four sessions are offered: Sept. 3-24, Oct. 1-22, Oct. 29-Nov. 19 and Dec. 3-31, at the Lakeland Activity Center. Cost is $30 for residents and $40 for non-residents.

Bridgeland Slates Fall Art Classes for Kids

Scott Tran — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:00:47 +0100

Bridgeland is hosting a series of art classes for children ages 5 to 12 this fall, with the first classes starting in early September.

Art classes will be held for children ages 5 to 8 on Tuesdays, from 5 to 6 p.m., at Lakeland Activity Center. There will be four sessions: Sept. 7-28, Oct. 5-26, Nov. 2-23 and Nov. 30-Dec. 21. Children ages 9 to 12 can learn about art from 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays, with sessions slated for Sept. 8-29, Oct. 6-27, Nov. 3-24 and Dec. 1-22. During the classes, participants will explore a variety of art materials, artistic styles and even art history. Cost is $50 per resident and $60 for non-residents.

Oct. 16 Casino Night Funds Cy Ranch Sports

Joseph Leon — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:10:04 +0100

Cypress Ranch athletic boosters are planning a “Boots & Bling” casino night 7 p.m. Oct. 16 to raise money for student athletes.

The event will include a dinner, Texas Hold ‘Em tournament, blackjack, craps and roulette. And while not at the gaming tables, guests can dance and bid on silent auction items.

Tickets are $40 and are available at the Mustang Corral, from any casino night committee member and at www.cypressranchmustangs.com.

Bridgeland slates flag football clinics this August

Ken Hooper — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:58:02 +0100

Bridgeland is hosting flag football clinics for the littlest gridiron fans, with multiple sessions by i9 Sports Aug. 9-12.

Daily lessons include drills on passing, receiving, offense and defense, as well as agility and flexibility training. Players will be grouped based on age and skill level. The focus for the 3- and 4-year-olds will be on having fun and developing an interest in football, while participants age 5 and up will learn more specifics.

The clinic for children ages 3 and 4 will be held 9:30-11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9 and 10. Two sessions are scheduled for participants ages 5 and up — 9-11 a.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 and 12. Cost is $50 for Bridgeland residents or $60 for non-residents. The clinics will be held at the Bridgeland soccer and baseball practice field.

To register, visit www.i9sports.com.

Volunteers needed for Cy-Fair Bus Buddy Program

Ken Hooper — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Cy-Fair ISD is still looking for volunteers to help out with the Bus Buddy program come this August. Bus Buddies is a three-day volunteer program where volunteers ride on school buses with elementary students to help them get off at the right stop.

The program requires one “Bus Buddy” per elementary bus the first three days of school. The approximate time commitment is from 2:45– 4:45 p.m. Aug. 23-25.

Duties include assisting the bus driver with getting the children off the bus at their correct stops.

Requirements include attendance at one of the training sessions, if not previously trained; arrival and sign-in at the assigned school where campus staff will assist you; and enjoying helping the kids and the driver.

Training sessions will be held at the Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, 7:30-8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18.

Interested volunteers can RSVP and register for a training session by visiting www.cfisd.net and selecting Bus Buddies.

For additional information about the program, please contact the CFISD Partners in Education Department at 281-894-3949.

From www.ultimatecyfair.com

Bridgeland Slates August Raptor Class

Ken Hooper — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:57:24 +0100

The Bridgeland community is hosting a public seminar about the many birds of prey that both migrate through and reside in the area 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, at Lakeland Activity Center, 16902 Bridgeland Landing.

The event also will include a guided field trip through the community 7-11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, to view the raptors firsthand.

The class will provide an overview of native and migratory birds of prey. Students will learn when to watch for raptors, where to find them, which binoculars are best for birding and other principles and techniques for identification.

Teaching the class is Glenn Olsen, one of the Houston area’s authorities on birds. Olsen teaches bird identification, gardening and nature-related classes at Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. He is an instructor for the Houston Audubon Society’s birding classes and has served as vice president of education for the organization. He also leads professional birding and nature tours for groups and individuals both locally and to popular nature destinations such as Big Bend, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands.

More than 140 species of birds have been identified in Bridgeland, which is located along the eastern boundary of the Katy Prairie. Several of the identified birds are raptors, including the great horned owl, red-shouldered hawk and Eastern screech owl, which reside in the community all year, and the bald eagle and peregrine falcon, which can be seen more frequently during winter months. With 3,000 acres of open space, Bridgeland follows a sensitive land plan that preserves and enhances several natural areas within the community, maintaining the abundant plant and animal wildlife indigenous to the area.

Cost for the class is $30 per resident and $40 per non-resident. To register, click here.

Age 50 and better? A.L.L. registration begins Aug. 28

Ken Hooper — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Interested in a great experience with like-minded people for whom learning has never gone out of style? Join the Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) at Lone Star College-CyFair.

For adults ages 50 and older only, A.L.L. offers a variety of leisure classes, lectures and informal activities. An annual membership fee of $20 (September 2010 through August 2011) entitles members to student discounts and the use of the college’s fitness center.

The fall session will include a diverse set of classes in areas such as gardening, travel, history, health care, photography, woodwork, art and many others. A few classes have limited enrollment, so register early.

Fall registration will be held 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 28, in the Conference Center on the LSC-CyFair campus at 9191 Barker Cypress.

For information, go to LoneStar.edu/cyfair-all or call the Continuing Education office at 281.290.3460.

From the Lone Star College-CyFair website

HomeAid Houston Hits a Home Run with Bridgeland Project Playhouse Visit

Marshall Cornett — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:47:59 +0100

(Cypress, TX – July 21, 2010) HomeAid Houston scored with the 2010 Project Playhouse visit to Bridgeland recently, meeting its goal of raffle ticket sales to raise money for the homeless.

“The Vintage Astros Dugout” was on view in Bridgeland July 10, where people could purchase $5 raffle tickets to win the playhouse, built in honor of the Astro’s 45th year as a ball club. The playhouse is the perfect getaway for the young baseball fan, with bench seating from the Astros dugout in Minute Maid Park (complete with cleat marks), a wall-mounted 32-inch HDTV, a Nintendo Wii, a DVD player and an 8,000 BTU air conditioner with remote control.

Event-goers also had a chance to win autographed memorabilia, including signed items by Lance Berkman, Jeff Bagwell, Hunter Pence and Brad Mills. Adding to the fun was a free batting clinic and complimentary hot dogs and refreshments.

Project Playhouse is a major fund-raising event for HomeAid Houston, which works to provide shelter for the homeless in the greater Houston area and to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. David Weekley built the 10-foot by 10-foot playhouse with donated materials, labor and services from members of the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA). The playhouse will be on display at Minute Maid Park July 23 through Aug. 19. Bridgeland is a lead sponsor of this year’s project.

For more information on Project Playhouse, visit the HomeAid Houston website at www.homeaidhouston.org

Bridgeland Plans Post-Triathlon Party Aug. 8

Marshall Cornett — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:39:50 +0100

Cypress, TX – July 16, 2010) Celebrating the achievements of the more than 1,000 participants in the second annual Memorial Hermann Bridgeland Triathlon, the community is planning a festive party after the race, scheduled for Aug. 8.

The Finish Line Celebration kicks off at 9 a.m. in Festival Park with concessions geared to replenish weary athletes, as well as the awards ceremony, entertainment and activities for kids. The triathlon, sanctioned by USA Triathlon, has been sold out for months, and is expected to bring plenty of well-wishers into the community, cheering on their favorite athletes. Everyone is invited to attend the Finish Line Celebration, whether racing or supporting an athlete or just looking for an eventful way to spend the morning. The party also celebrates the accomplishments of athletes participating in the Kiwanis Kids Triathlon, happening in Bridgeland Aug. 7.

The triathlon begins at 7 a.m. and includes a point-to-point swim, flat bike course and partial trail run with shade throughout the master-planned community and along the Cypress Creek Nature Trail. Breakfast concessions will be available in the park from 7 to 10 a.m.

Last year’s triathlon also was a sold-out event, with hundreds of athletes and supporters.

An 11,400-acre master-planned community in Northwest Houston, Bridgeland has been named Master-Planned Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders and Houston’s Best Planned Community of the Year by the Sales and Marketing Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. For more information, visit www.bridgeland.com.

Directions
To visit Bridgeland, from U.S. 290, travel northwest and take the Spring-Cypress/Cypress-Rosehill/Fry Road exit. Turn left on Fry Road (second traffic light) and continue 2.5 miles to North Bridgeland Lake Parkway, the community’s main entrance. From Interstate 10, travel west and take the Fry Road exit. Turn right on Fry Road and continue approximately 11 miles to North Bridgeland Lake Parkway.

Bridgeland Invites All for Aug. 1 Hit-N-Run Concert

Marshall Cornett — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:24:17 +0100

(Cypress, TX – July 31, 2010)
Area residents can grab a lawn chair and head out to
Bridgeland for a concert by the Hit-N-Run Band 6-8 p.m. Sunday,
Aug. 1.

The free event will be held at the performance pavilion in
Lakeland Heights’ Festival Park, one of several park areas for
Bridgeland’s new traditional neighborhood development. The park is
across the street from Lakeland Activity Center, 16902 Bridgeland
Landing.

Seen at venues throughout the Houston area, the popular
Hit-N-Run Band plays an eclectic mix of music led by Sicilian
“godfather” Charlie Cotrone, known for his lively and surprising
performances.

This is just one of several events Bridgeland has opened to the
public this year. Attracting more than 1,500 was the community’s
recent Urban Nights festivities, which marked the opening of
Lakeland Heights. Planned for Aug. 8 is the “Finish Line
Celebration,” following the sold-out Bridgeland Triathlon. Also on
tap are performances of “Alice in Wonderland” Sept. 11 and 12 at
the performance pavilion in Festival Park and the annual Nature
Fest extravaganza Sept. 25 in Oak Meadow Park. Ongoing is an
assortment of camps and classes open to the public this summer,
including self-defense, organic gardening, soccer, drama and
cooking. For more information, visit www.bridgelandlife.com or
www.bridgeland.com/events/calendar.

An 11,400-acre community, Bridgeland is planned for more than
20,000 homes and 65,000 residents with homes priced from the
$160,000s. The development is devoting 3,000 acres to open space,
which includes more than 900 acres of lakes and waterways, 300 of
which are already in use. Already open is one of four planned
recreation centers, the Lakeland Activity Center, which includes a
resort-style pool, 6,000-square-foot community center, two lighted
tennis courts and two playgrounds. Residents also enjoy a 10-acre
disc golf course, catch-and-release fishing, complimentary use of
non-motorized boats, a variety of themed parks and miles of hiking
trails, including the Cypress Creek Nature Trail, set along the
historic Cypress Creek Corridor.

Bridgeland has been named Master-Planned Community of the Year
by the National Association of Home Builders and most recently won
Houston’s Best Planned Community of the Year by the Greater Houston
Builders Association.