Blog entries tagged community

Friendswood Public Library offers Cool Summer Programs for the Whole Family

Daphne Hager — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:00:18 +0100

Throughout the year, the Friendswood Public Library has activities and story time for children. During the hot summer months, they offer an extensive schedule of FREE programs for children, teens and adults that include craft classes, movies, music and movement as well as reading clubs and more. Here are just a few of the activities for June:

June 15, 16 and 18

Toddlertime for babies from birth to 3 years

Time: 10:10 a.m. (every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from June 1 – July 30)

June 15, 16 and 18

Preschool Story time for ages 3-6 Time: 10:45 a.m. (every Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Friday from June 1 – July 30)

June 26

New Family Story time for all ages

Time: 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (4th Saturday of the month)

*Verify dates and times with Children's desk All of the Friendswood Public Library programs start promptly, so it is advisable to arrive a few minutes early to ensure a seat before they begin. Once the program begins, no further entry is allowed. Some events require a ticket (free), so check their website at Friendswood.Lib.TX.US for full details and a complete summer schedule!

Debut and Dedication Ceremony held for Friendswood Veterans Memorial

Daphne Hager — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:47:13 +0100

The recently completed Veterans Memorial was unveiled in a morning ceremony last Monday on Memorial Day. This newest addition to the beautiful community areas, including Stevenson Park and Friendswood City Hall, includes an eight by sixteen foot steel flag, created by local resident Jay Horecky, in honor of the sacrifices so graciously made by Friendswood veterans.

The granite base of the flag is inscribed “Honor, Gratitude, Respect and Remembrance to the Men and Women who served in the Armed Forces of the United States”. And, the flag is elegantly flanked by two stately columns, etched with the three military branch insignias, topped by an eagle statue and a large world globe.

A small meditation area is set up around the memorial including benches, lighting, serene landscaping for those seeking a moment of silence or prayer area.

To make a tax deductible donation, you may mail contributions to the Friendswood Memorial Fund at 304 Sunset, Friendswood, TX 77546 or you can visit the website at FriendswoodVeteransMemorial.com for more details about the memorial.

Friendswood JH Artist Placed in "Doodle 4 Google" Top 40

Daphne Hager — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:01:24 +0100

Friendswood Junior High artist, Brooke Bartholomew has been named as a named a regional finalist for her entry into this year’s “Doodle 4 Google” contest. Making it to the Top 40 isn’t too shabby for a nationwide contest with more than 33,000 entries!

Doodle 4 Google is a competition open to K-12 students of US schools to create their own Google doodle inspired by the theme, ”If I could do anything, I would…” Bartholomew’s theme is “…Repair All the Worlds Breaks”.

Google simultaneously announced the regional winners across the 40 locations of their finalists. To win the contest, the artists must receive online votes. From May 18-25 the public can vote online for their favorite doodle.

Her Top 40 status was announced in an FJH assembly hosted by a Google representative who explained the importance and many uses of the internet. Google also handed out shirts to the students with their classmates winning doodle and presented Brooke with a life-size copy of her design.

As a finalist, Brooke has won a trip to New York on May 26 where the winner will be announced. She also receives a tee shirt printed with her doodle and a trip to the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum to see the top doodles displayed in a national exhibit.

The National winner will be the recipient of a $15,000 college scholarship (to be used at the school of their choice), a laptop computer, a Wacom digital design tablet, and more. And, the winner’s school will receive a $25,000 grant towards the establishment or improvement of a computer lab.

Way to doodle Brooke!

"I'm the Mayor and I Pray!"

Daphne Hager — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:18:48 +0100

Thank God for our great community who still practices the faith that our city was founded on!

Friendswood was among many towns across our great nation that celebrated the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6, 2010, led by Mayor David Smith. The ceremonies were held at Friendswood’s Stevenson Park Pavilion and included prayer and scripture reading. Music was performed by Sound Principle under the direction of Ellen Cullins, from Bay Area Christian School.

The Continental Congress established the National Day of Prayer in 1775 and the annual event was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1952 through a joint resolution of the United States Congress. President Ronald Reagan amended the Day of Prayer in 1988 by designating it as the first Thursday of May each year.

The Friendswood Journal stated the community “joined in prayer for our nation and our leaders, to thank God for His blessings upon this land and our city, to seek God’s intervention in the problems we face, and seek His guidance for our nation’s and city’s government and community leaders.”

Source: HCN

Time Again For the Friendswood Concert in the Park Series

Greg Rivera — Wed, 12 May 2010 02:51:19 +0100

Spring is in full bloom and the nights are cool, so plan on bringing the whole family out for the 2010 Friendswood Concert in the Park Series which runs from May through June. This year is sure to be a crowd pleaser with a grand kick-off sponsored by Radio Disney AM 1590 and underwritten by Mitch and Artha to be held May 7. Radio Disney on-air personalities will be on hand from 6 to 7 p.m. to play songs, host games, and give away prizes.

After a short intermission, the Friendswood High School Jazz Combo Band and the Clear Brook High School Jazz Band will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. A short break with more prizes will be held between band acts, and is sure to be an evening filled with fun, family entertainment.

The full lineup of performers is as follows:

MAY 7FRIENDSWOOD & CLEARBROOK HIGH SCHOOL DJ JAZZ BANDS
MAY 14 TX BLUES BROTHERS - TRIBUTE BAND/ROCK VARIETY
MAY 21ABBEY RODE/ALREADY GONE BEATLES/EAGLES - TRIBUTE ROCK
MAY 28ROUTE 66 - CLASSIC ROCK
JUNE 4MARK MAY - TEXAS BLUES
JUNE 11RADIO LONDON - POP/CONTEMPORARY
JUNE 18GREEN ONIONS - ROCK/BLUES
JUNE 25HWY 59 - REQUEST BAND

The event is sponsored by the City of Friendswood Community Services Department and is free to the public. Concerts will take place at Stevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, in the Gazebo. You are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and drinks. Don’t forget your insect repellent and remember…no glass bottles are allowed in the park!

For additional information, please call (281) 996-3220. If you would like to be a sponsor and/or provide a door prize for one or more of the concerts, please contact James Toney at (281) 996-3220.

Visit West Ranch - 5th Annual Auto & Bike Extravaganza

Greg Rivera — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:44:23 +0100

Just two miles from West Ranch on FM 518, the 5th Annual Auto & Bike Extravaganza will be held at Friendswood’s Stevenson Park. If you’d like to shine up your wheels and sit in a lawn chair next to other enthusiasts, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come spend the day at the park talking to fellow perfectionists or just enjoy the uniquely designed cars of the past and present. From big trucks and fast cars to Harley’s and more, Friendswood’s Auto & Bike Extravaganza has something for everyone. All years, makes and models are welcome. Food and fun tents will be set up around the park for added family enjoyment.

For those interested in entering their “Ride” in the competition the following categories with be judged: Paint and Body, Interior, Detailing, Engine Compartment and Overall Appearance.

For more information, call the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce at 281-482-3329 or visit their website http://friendswoodtx.usachamber.com/virDirEditorAssets/friendswoodTX/chamberAccess/docs/application09.pdf to download a registration form and enter your Ride in the car show!

Friendswood KIDFISH April 3rd

Greg Rivera — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:54:22 +0100

The City of Friendswood’s 8th annual KIDFISH is scheduled to take place on April 3rd, 2010 from 9 a.m. until noon at Friendswood’s Centennial Park Pond. West Ranch parents are encouraged to bring their children 16 years of age and younger to this exciting outdoor event.

The KIDFISH Foundation will stock over 750 pounds of adult fish in the park pond for participants to catch. Participants can bring their own equipment, but bait, tackle, and loaner rods will be provided to children who do not have their own equipment.

Registration

Parents can begin picking up registration forms on March 25th at local schools, Friendswood City Hall, the Friendswood Library, Friendswood Activity Building, Friendswood Chamber of Commerce building, and at Centennial Park on the day of the event. A minimum $10 donation is appreciated to allow participants to receive awards including t-shirts, hats, and trophies as well as to expand the KIDFISH Program, though it is not necessary to bring a donation to participate. All children will receive a gift bag, KIDFISH ribbon, and diploma. The longest fish winners, first and second in each age group, will receive a large trophy.

The Friendswood KIDFISH event will qualify participants for the 2010 KIDFISH Classic. Qualifiers will include the top fundraisers over $50, the children with the longest fish in their age group and any child raising $100 or more. The Classic will feature fishing for trophy catfish up to 30 lbs. and the first prize will be a $1000 savings bond for the child and $1000 cash for the child’s school.

To volunteer, contact KIDFISH at 877-733-5646 or 254-982-4887 or visit KIDFISH.com

Friendswood High School Graduate becomes a Daisy Scout Leader

Greg Rivera — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:29:38 +0100

One Friendswood High School Student and former Girl Scout returns as a Daisy Scout Leader.

Kelly Hickman is familiar with the girl scouts as well as the commitment and hard work it takes to succeed. She was a girl scout for 13 years and received the Gold Award – the highest award a girl scout can receive. After graduating from Friendswood High School, this Friendswood native made her way to the University of Texas where she obtained a dual degree in government history and Spanish. Now she plans to take some time and make a difference in young girls’ lives and give back the support and care that was given to her own.

Hickman said she is looking forward to being a Daisy Scout Leader, and as all of the troops are currently full having new leaders opens up new spots for girl scouts to join. Girl Scout Leader and Trainer Dolores Richards shared of Kelly, “She started as a baby girl scout with me. So, she was in my troop for 13 years. This is so exciting!”

The girl scouts are thrilled to welcome Kelly back, along with Amanda Woods who is also returning as a Girl Scout leader. Amanda was a girl scout for 15 years and also received the Gold Award. “I think it’s a great opportunity for girls. I would really encourage any girls to come to girl scouts, no matter which age they are,” Woods said. Any girl in K-12 can join Girl Scouts and of course leaders are always needed to continue providing this great experience to the girls. Adults over the age of 18 that are caring and enthusiastic about helping the girl scouts explore their interests and achieve their potential are welcome to apply.

For more information please contact Dolores Richards at 713-292-0300.

Friendswood Mustang Pride

Greg Rivera — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:44:42 +0100

Something that starts small can often grow big, and that’s the case with ‘The Mustang Spirit Store’ – an online store offering “unique spirit apparel” to the Friendswood community, letting each person show their own Mustang Pride.

Jennifer Burris and Delia Dao, two “Friendswood soccer moms,” were talking during a game one day and had the thought of opening a store for the Friendswood community that would sell items residents could wear displaying their school spirit and show their team pride. What started with a “crazy thought” grew into an online store which launched in April 2009. Inventory is now overflowing their one room space. As Burris put it, “It’s fallen into place. It’s exciting and kind of scary at the same time.”

West Ranch residents may have seen some of the unique items being sported around town, all little ways to show a lot of spirit, from onesies and sweatshirts to koozies and duffel bags, the store offers more than 45 products to choose from. Their catchy and fun webpage, www.mymustangpride.com, allows visitors to pick “Mustang Girls” with apparel for infants through adult, “Mustang Boys” with apparel for men and boys, and “accessories” ranging from duffel bags, to makeup bags and water bottle covers.

Dao said she and Burris design 65-70% of the products, with many ideas coming from Mustang Fans like the “Peace, Love and ‘Stangs” shirt which is very popular. Another popular item the duo designed was the “My Mustang Is:“ shirt which can be personalized to include a player’s name. The two moms make it a priority to stay in touch with the community to get an idea of what residents are looking for in style.

This business, starting by moms in the Friendswood community and for the Friendswood community, is hoping to grow to continue offering great quality products to more and more fans. They have already added items for Bay Area Christian School fans, and hope to add items with designs for Westwood and Cline Elementary in Friendswood as well.

As this Friendswood business continues to grow they hope to continue offering the best quality and styles to customers, with free shipping to all Friendswood customers. “We talked to teenagers, teachers, friends. We asked a lot of people what they were looking for or if they had an item we liked where they got it,” Dao shared. And they continue to look for community input. If you have ideas or a style you’d like to see they ask that you let them know so they can try to provide that style for you. As Burris and Dao hope “The goal is to be the Friendswood spirit store 365 days a year.”

Source: www.hcnonline.com/friendswood_journal

Friendswood Native in Summit on the Summit Challenge

Greg Rivera — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:06:06 +0100

Even after spending years serving in Bolivia through the United States Peace Corp and being named one of the top 100 Extraordinary Women, Elizabeth Gore of Friendswood, Texas still values her hometown.

“In Friendswood, I have the best friends in the world still, even though I’ve been running around the globe with the U.N.,” Gore said. “The best place in the world is to go home to Friendswood to see all my best friends. What a special place to be from. So, I’m very proud to have grown up in such a great community.”

Representing Friendswood, Gore started her “Summit on the Summit” challenge on January 7 to raise money for the global clean water crisis. She will climb 19,340 feet to the top of Mount Kilimnjaro, with each square foot available to be sponsored through www.summitonthesummit.com.

“Our goal is raise funds,” Gore said. “Even the smallest contribution will provide families with clean water. I am asking Friendswood residents to log on to our website and make a donation. Even $5 or $10 makes a huge difference.”

Young local, Blake Sartain, demonstrated this by donating his allowance to the cause, sponsoring a foot for the climb.

After training for almost a year, Gore is enthusiastic about the climb but also nervous.

“I think the thing I’m most nervous about, being from the hottest flattest part of the country, Texas, is that we’re going up above 19,000 feet and it’s going to be below zero. So, it’s going to be very cold and very high. I’m nervous; but also honored to be able to do this.”

In addition to raising funds, Gore said she hopes to raise consciousness about the issue and promote water conservation.

Proceeds from the Summit on the Summit climb are donated to three clean water organizations:

Children’s Safe Drinking Water (www.csdw.org), UNHCR (www.unhcr.org), and Playpumps International (www.playpumps.org).

News: ‘Tis the Season ….To Recycle

Cheryl Perry — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:34:09 +0100

All those catalogs everyone gets in the mail, plus phone books, newspapers, school and office papers, magazines, paper back books, and junk mail, but no cardboard please .... these are all what is expected to belong in the recycle bin at FRIENDSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL.

Friendswood High School is working hard to be environmentally friendly. Their recycle bin is there for the whole community to use at no cost. They actually earn money for the paper they collect. 

This is one of the easiest ways to support FHS monetarily without taking money out of your pocket. Encourage recyling.  “Thanks so much for recycling with us. We hope you will make it your New Year’s Resolution to be diligent about recycling throughout the year,” FHS Pirncipal Mark Griffon said. The bin is sponsored by the FHS Student Council.

Source: Friendswood ISD e-Newsletter, December 15, 2009

Friendswood Resident Marianne Duncanson Honored as Donor of the Year

Greg Rivera — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:15:15 +0100

Marianne Duncanson of Friendswood is a proud member of her community and looks for ways to serve her city. Recently she was recognized for her commitment and contribution to the work that she loves as The College of the Mainland honored her with the 2009 Donor of the Year Award.

By day she is a senior lubrication engineer for Exxon Mobil where she has worked for over 30 years. While she enjoys her day job, her real passion comes when she is able to provide for her community by offering Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to those in need. She joined the Friendswood Volunteer EMS Department in 2005 and because of her dedication to serve she went to school to become a paramedic, graduating from the College of the Mainland in 2006, equipped and ready to start giving back.

While she has been honoring those in need with her exceptional care and heartfelt service, she was recently honored by the College of the Mainland Foundation as the 2009 Donor of the Year for her support of the EMS program and the College of the Mainland. “Her donations have helped the EMS program purchase much needed airway training manikins, instructional software, and other instructional resources,” said Cissy Matthews, dean of public service and health occupations.

The COM foundation also offers scholarships to local residents each year, with $100,000 being distributed last year, a resource that would not be possible without companies and people like Duncanson making contributions. Duncanson will be honoring the residents of Friendswood as she continues the work she loves.

Heritage Gardeners Hosts Friendswood Christmas Home Tour

Greg Rivera — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:42:57 +0100

The Friendswood Community recently had the chance to tour the finest Holiday homes from City Hall to gardener’s homes chosen for their Holiday décor. The 43rd Annual Christmas Home Tour, hosted by the Friendswood Heritage Gardeners Club, took place Saturday November 21 and Sunday, November 22. A Bazaar, Bake Sale and raffle started at 10am, with delightful lunch and assortment of desserts served in an old fashioned tea room at high noon. The afternoon followed with a tour of Friendswood homes and gardens dressed to impress for the Holiday season.

The bake sale was a hit, with more than 300 pies and cakes for sale, and the raffle awarded lucky winners with a cash prize of $99, a gourmet food basket and a chiminea donated by H-E-B. Raffle and Bake Sale Chairman Carlotta Garza shared that she baked six cakes, 10 loaves of pumpkin bread, and several dozen homemade macadamia nut cookies. “They sell really well every year,” she said.

This was one of two main fundraising events to support the educational and charitable activities hosted by Heritage Gardeners. Throughout the year the club gathers at their garden center for plant exchanges, field trips, craft workshops, flower shows, luncheons and much more. They even sponsor a garden club for children ages 6-12 where they learn a curriculum developed by Texas A&M and become certified Texas Jr. Master Gardeners.

Heritage Gardeners, Inc. was founded in 1966 and “is dedicated to the horticultural enhancement of home and community.” They are best known for their Christmas and Spring Home Tours. The Spring Home Garden tour will take place the last weekend in April, from 12pm-4pm on Saturday April 24 and 1pm-5pm on Sunday April 25, 2010. The Spring tour will also include a bazaar, raffle and bake sale but will also feature a plant sale and flower show. The cost for the Spring tour is $10 (or $7 advance purchase) and kids 10 and under are free.

For more information on the Home Tours or on Heritage Gardeners Inc. please visit them online at www.heritagegardeners.org

Holiday Hustle 5K Fun Run / Walk and Kid's K Run

Greg Rivera — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:56:33 +0100

Friendswood residents can take a break from the holiday bustle and take part in the Holiday Hustle, a 5K Fun Run/Walk and Kid’s K Run sponsored by the City of Friendswood Community Service Department, Alton Todd Law Firm and International Paint and Body.

The race will take place in Stevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Dr. on Saturday December 5, 2009. Registration starts at 7am and the first leg of the race – the Kid’s K – starts at 8am, with the adult runners and walkers taking off at 8:20am. After the race trophies will be awarded to the top males and females in each age category and to the best overall male and female runners. Then participants can rest their legs and enjoy a pancake breakfast, vying for their chance to win a number of door prizes.

Registration costs $20 per person for adults, and $10 per kid 12 and under. T-shirts are provided for participants, but are only guaranteed for those that register before November 27. Checks can be made to the City of Friendswood, and please note the fee is non-refundable. Participants are asked to park behind City Hall or on Shadwell as parking will not be allowed in the pool parking lot.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Laura Recovery Center Foundation (LRCF) for missing children. For more information on the LRCF please visit their website at www.lrcf.org

For more information on the race please contact the City of Friendswood Community Service Department by phone at 281-996-3220, by email at mboyett@friendswood.com or visit them online at www.Friendswood.com .

Christmas is Coming to Town

Greg Rivera — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:15:05 +0100

West Ranch residents are invited to join in the Holiday festivities during the 23rd Annual Christmas Lighted Parade and the 2nd Annual “Christmas in the Park.”

This year’s festivities will take place Saturday, December 12 at 6:00pm. The Friendswood Chamber of Commerce will host its annual lighted parade with this year’s theme: “Christmas in Toyland.” Area businesses are encouraged to enter the parade to celebrate the holidays and promote their services.

Immediately following the parade there will be the 2nd annual “Christmas in the Park” where families can enjoy activities and take pictures with Santa. The event will take place in Stevenson Park and is hosted by the City of Friendswood Community Services Department and the Community Appearance Board.

For those participating in the parade, line up begins at 5:00pm prior to the parade. For more information on entering the parade please call the Chamber at 281-482-3329. For more information about “Christmas in the Park” please call the City of Friendswood at 281-996-3320.

You Can Support the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation

Cheryl Perry — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Did you know: YOU can donate to the Friendswood Education Foundation, a non-profit that benefits Friendswood ISD students and teachers through scholarships and grants, by subscribing to the Houston Chronicle?

Each month they send us a check that consists of a portion of the donated subscription money when subscribers named us as their CHARITY OF CHOICE.

How?

Go to www.chron.com/share
Select FRIENDSWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION

It is always such a nice surprise to get a Chronicle check and the donor gets his Chronicle. Win-Win!

Fall Haul Day: November 7th

Greg Rivera — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0100

It’s not spring cleaning, but it’s purging before the new year. It’s your chance to get rid of those items that you no longer need and weren’t quite sure what to do with.

The City of Friendswood will be hosting their Fall Haul Day on Saturday November 7 from 8am until 2pm. The event will take place at Centennial Park, 2200 S. Friendswood Dr. and is for the citizens of Friendswood.

A non-profit organization will be collecting household items in good condition such as furniture and household items in good condition. Your charitable donation will go to good use in helping others, but please note that mattresses will not be accepted.

You can also benefit the Wildlife Rehabbers in Friendswood. This group, which rescues and cares for many injured wild animals that make their home in Friendswood’s green space, is in need of the following: aquariums (they do not have to hold water), dog and cat kennel carriers, clean rags (towels/shirts), and shallow crock bowls.

Non Hazardous items will also be accepted. These items include, but are not limited to, tree limbs, grass clippings, old appliances, old furniture, wood, metal, plastic, large and small.

Hazardous waste items will not be accepted. These items include, but are not limited to, tires, paint, batteries, oil, or any other household hazardous waste.

If you would like further information please call The City of Friendswood Community Services Department at 281-996-3220

Source:

Friendswood Students Living CLEAR

Greg Rivera — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

CLEAR – Clean Living Encouragement and Responsibility – is a student led group club that encourages Friendswood students to stay away from drug and alcohol use. The club is now in its third year at the Friendswood Junior High and High Schools and continues to have a positive impact on the community.

This group challenges students to take a step up and out into the light letting other students know that it is not the norm to do drugs, but rather many students prefer to live a drug free – a clear – life. In this way students become leaders and create an awareness of the positive opportunities and lifestyles that result from staying away from substance use. By participating in this voluntary program students show their commitment by volunteering to be randomly drug tested.

Each group must find sponsors from among their teachers to help support students in planning substance free activities, educating the community and guiding the students on this path by answering questions, addressing concerns and fears, and supporting them in their healthy choices.

Teachers Megan Marshall, Corey Dalton, and Lindsay Hutchins enthusiastically filled the role of sponsors at the Friendswood Junior High. Megan Marshall was actually in CLEAR when she was in high school and stands behind the program. Sophie Wostal, Paul Tucker and Kristen Castillo have come forward as sponsors at the Friendswood High School because they believe in the program and the positive effect it will have on students’ lives.

“I know every year these kids are propositioned about drugs and alcohol at an earlier age. CLEAR is a program worth fighting for! Having a group that gives students an outlet to express concerns, questions, fears, etc about substance abuse, peer pressure, stress and anything else they want is amazing!”

For more information about CLEAR, how to join or how you can support their efforts, you may contact sponsors on each campus: Friendswood High School - http://www.fisdk12.net/hs/organizations.html, Friendswood Junior High - http://www.fisdk12.net/jh/FJH_Clubs.html, or you can contact Lynn Shigekawa (Coordinator of the Friendswood Alliance for Youth and Families) at 281-482-1267 ext 237, or by email at lshigekawa@fisdk12.net

Source: www.hcnonline.com/friendswood_journal

Friendswood Named One of the Best Places to Live in The United States

Greg Rivera — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Money Magazine and CNN/Money recently named Friendswood, TX as one of the country’s “Best Places to Live.” It was one of only six Texas cities to be awarded the title, and it was ranked number 32 out of 100 cities in the U.S.

The 2009 list focuses on smaller communities that offer the best economic opportunities, great education, a safe environment, and a range of activities that draw the community together. In 2007 Friendswood ranked number 51 out of 100. In both instances, Friendswood was the only community in the greater Houston area to be awarded this title.

The winning cities were chosen based on criteria of populations between 8,500 and 50,000, job growth, cost of living, housing prices, education, arts, leisure activities, safety, diversity and health care. With these factors weighing in their favor, West Ranch residents can enjoy their community and be proud to hold this title for the second time in three years.

For the complete list of cities, visit http://money.cnn.com

Source: www.ci.friendswood.tx.us

Tee Off At The 9th Annual Pink On The Green Golf Tournament

Greg Rivera — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

On Monday, October 12th, the charitable organization Julia F. Thompson, Inc. is having its 9th Annual Pink On The Green Golf Tournament.

This fundraising event will take place at the Timber Creek Golf Course on 4554 F.M. 2351 in Friendswood, Texas. Funds will help volunteers assist elementary school children with their reading skills, and secondary students with their math and science skills.

The competition will be heated, as the putting contest sponsored by Keller Williams Realty is awarding $5,000 to its winner. The Hole-in-One prize also raises the stakes by offering a chance to win a 2009 automobile, donated by Bayway Lincoln-Mercury.

The prices are $150 per golfer, $600 for a foursome, and $10 for the putting contest. Visit golfdigestplanner.com/11301-PINKONTHEGREEN to register for this event. For more information on the Julia F. Thompson, Inc. charity group and the event, visit their website at www.jftcharities.org.

Source: CultureMob.com and jtfcharities.org