Blog entries tagged events

Hidden Hot and Spicy Spot in the Heart of Seabrook

Joseph Leon — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:31:46 +0100

Located just a few minutes from West Ranch, a hidden hot spot is awaiting your visit. Housed in a renovated old frame home on 4th Street, Merlion restaurant is one of the Seabrook areas best kept secrets and Chef Andrew serves up unique, made to order dishes that are seasoned to perfection. And, co-owner Brooke is amazingly knowledgeable about the diverse wine selections and is happy to provide a sample of her suggestions, allowing you to make a delicious decision!

One recent patron said, “We had the most wonderful evening in this charming 1920's cottage by the Merlion Lagoon. We went to our first wine tasting dinner – Incredible! The lamb was succulent as was the Kobe beef. The waiters were gracious, fun and most of all extremely knowledgeable. The wine list is superb and they have chosen wines from all over the world. We had lived in Thailand for many years and my husband & I both agree that the food is, by far, one of the best you will ever eat!”

If it is your first visit, let the staff guide you in your selection, and try several different items, including their mouthwatering calamari or shrimp spring rolls with their house made (and spoon lickin’ good) peanut sauce. The fresh food, romantic atmosphere and accommodating staff are all part of an overall indulgent dining experience that will keep you coming back again and again!

Call Merlions for reservations or directions at (281) 385-9975 or check out their menu online here.

Lakemont, Lakes of Savannah & West Ranch Open House Events This Weekend

Cheryl Perry — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:31:35 +0100

Three Friendswood Development Company communities are among the newest to host open house weekends, when visitors can tour new and resale homes.

Lakes of Savannah, located just two miles from SH 288 in the Pearland area, Lakemont, located Westpark Tollway and Mason Road; and West Ranch located in the City of Friendswood - will all showcase a variety of new homes ready for move-in, decorated models and resale homes open with Realtors on site to answer questions.

The event, which began in Fairfield and has continued for years, is popular among residents and home shoppers because it gives them the opportunity to see the wide variety of homes available, talk to Realtors and new home sales professionals, and often talk to residents and find out why they are making these Friendswood Development Co. communities their home.

The open house event will take place on Saturday July 10 and Sunday July 11. New homes are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Resale homes are open from 1- p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Each community will have maps and information on all available homes and directions to new home sales offices.

115th Annual Friendswoood Fourth of July Celebration

Daphne Hager — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:41:30 +0100

This year's 4th of July Celebration, "Red, White and Blue Go Green, Keep Friendswood Beautiful" will be a two day event! The celebration will be jam-packed with entertainment, food and fun for the entire family.

The celebration will kick off Sunday night with the concert and fireworks extravaganza beginning at 7 p.m. at Friendswood's Centennial Park. Popular entertainer Rick Trevino will headline the evening’s entertainment. The fireworks will light up the sky beginning at approximately 9:20 p.m. “The fireworks will be choreographed to patriotic music and are guaranteed to be one of the best fireworks displays in the Houston area,” state public officials.

Public parking will not be available at Centennial Park for the Evening Program. Free shuttle service will be available from Clear Brook High School and from Friendswood Community Church, on 2821 Parkwood Ave. Shuttle services will begin running at 6:30 p.m.

On Monday, July 5th The Grand Parade will travel down Friendswood Drive. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., at the corner of FM 518 and Heritage Drive, and will feature over 100 entries from Friendswood and around the State of Texas. The parade will conclude at Stevenson Park where rides, games, food, live entertainment and fun for the entire family will take place. The Zydeco Dots will be the featured entertainment along with a variety of patriotic performances throughout the day. The activities will begin shortly after the conclusion of the parade.

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!

Highland Homes Grand Opening and New Model in West Ranch

Cheryl Perry — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:44:16 +0100

Highland Homes is celebrating their grand opening in West Ranch, Friendswood Development Company’s master-planned community located just off FM 518 in the exemplary rated Friendswood Independent School District. Their newly decorated model home is now open daily.

This two-story model is one of the newest designs for Highland Homes and is one of many innovative new plans now offered in Creekside at West Ranch, where Highland’s homes are priced from the $340,000s.

Plan 615A is a two-story home with more than 3,700 square feet, four bedrooms, three full baths and two half baths, and a three-car garage. It is priced from the $420,000s and is planned to open this month.

Highland Homes’ one- and two-story home designs in West Ranch range in size from 2,690 to nearly 4,400 square feet and offer two- and three-car garages, and all are built on extra large home sites.

Highland Homes joins Trendmaker Homes and Village Builders in West Ranch, where new sections are now open. New homes are priced from the $290,000s to the $700,000s and students attend exemplary rated schools at all grade levels.

Sales offices and model homes are open daily.

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.

Family Fun Provided by the Friendswood Historical Society

Greg Rivera — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:00:15 +0100

On Saturday, April 18, 2009, the Friendswood Historical Society in conjunction with the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce will be holding our annual F.I.G. (Friendswood Is Great) Festival at Stevenson Park.

Last year was the Historical Society’s second year to work with the Chamber of Commerce at their annual car show. This year, we are expanding our craft show and are able to have more space available for vendors or crafts and other items of interest. Historical sites will also be open to the public for tours.

This event draws a very good crowd and along with the car show there will be a Quilt Show, bus tours to historical sites in Friendswood, music, food and demonstrations of “how it was back then.” For more information contact Ann Whitaker at 281-482-2290 or by email at half97@sbcglobal.net.

Come out with your family and enjoy the day’s events, and spend a few minutes meeting local business owners and neighbors. It won’t take long to experience the “friendly feelings” radiated by locals and see for yourself why Friendswood really is known as one of the Best Places to Live in America!

FISD Alumni Association F.I.G. Fest Fun Run

Greg Rivera — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:50:29 +0100

On Saturday, April 18th, the FISD Alumni Association is teaming up with the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce and hosting the 2nd Annual F.I.G. Festival Fun Run on Saturday, April 18th at 8:00am. This is our only annual fundraiser. The proceeds from the Fun Run will benefit both the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce and two deserving high school seniors.

The FISD Alumni Association was formed in 2001 as an extension of the FISD Education Foundation. Our function is two-fold. The primary objective is to raise money to provide deserving Friendswood High School seniors with college scholarships. At the May 2008 school board meeting, we were very pleased to present graduating seniors Ryan Berry and Brooke Brantley with these scholarships. Our second objective is to be a source of information and communication for all Friendswood alumni.

To become a F.I.G. Festival Fun Run sponsor and receive great benefits including your name or company name on the back of the F.I.G. Fest Fun Run t-shirt, in all advertising for the F.I.G. Festival and Fun Run, and on the sponsorship board displayed at the Fun Run, please fill out a sponsor form and make your $200 donation to either the FISD Alumni Association or the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce. For questions or comments visit the chamber website and view upcoming events at www.friendswood-chamber.com, email the chamber at fwdchmbr@swbell.net or call 281-482-3329.

Spring Sparkle in Friendswood

Cheryl Perry — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:17:00 +0100

The Friendswood Chamber of Commerce will host their annual “Spring Sparkle” event Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 8.00am-2:00pm .This annual event allows Friendswood residents the opportunity to dispose of large trash items such as tree limbs, old appliances and old furniture. Some household hazardous waste is not accepted. The event will be held near West Ranch at Centennial Park, 2200 S. Friendswood Dr. For more information, please contact the City of Friendswood Community Services department at 281-996-3220.

Open House Weekend Set in West Ranch, Lakes of Savannah and Lakemont

Cheryl Perry — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:42:13 +0100

Three Friendswood Development Company communities are among the newest to host open house weekends, where visitors can tour new and resale homes.

Lakes of Savannah, located just two miles from SH 288 in the Pearland area, Lakemont, located along the Westpark Tollway and Mason Road; and West Ranch located in the City of Friendswood - will all showcase a variety of new homes ready for move-in, decorated models and resale homes open with Realtors on site to answer questions.

The event, which began in Fairfield and has continued for years, is popular among residents and home shoppers because it gives them the opportunity to see the wide variety of homes available, talk to Realtors and new home sales professionals, and often talk to residents and find out why they are making these Friendswood Development Co. communities their home. Earlier this year, Friendswood Development Company’s north communities of Graystone Hills and Oakhurst at Kingwood joined in participating in open house events, and now its south and southwest communities will do the same.

“This is a great opportunity for home shoppers to really learn a lot about Lakes of Savannah, Lakemont or West Ranch,” said Misty Watkins, Marketing Director for Friendswood Development Company’s south division. “Now, visitors to these locations can preview the newest builders, sections and model homes now open.”

The open house event will take place on Saturday April 10 and Sunday April 11. New homes are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.Resale homes are open from 1- p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Each community will have maps and information on all available homes and directions to new home sales offices.

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

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 .

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

NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition

Daphne Hager — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The City of Friendswood Community Services Department is hosting
the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition in Centennial Park on
Thursday September 24, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. (2200 S. Friendswood Dr.,
Friendswood, TX).

The competition gives Friendswood and West Ranch community boys
and girls, between the ages of 8 and 15, the opportunity to compete
for distance and accuracy in punting, passing and kicking a
football. Winners from this event will advance to the Gulf Coast
Sectional Competition being held in October. Ribbons will be
awarded to the top three finalists in each age group according to
sex, and certificates will be given to every participant.

This is a free event open to the public and will have good
music, Gatorade and fun for all ages. T-shirts will be given to the
first 20 participants, and registration will take place in
Centennial Park on the day of the event. In order to register
participants will need to have a copy of their birth certificate or
religious document (e.g. baptismal record) for proof of age and
eligibility. Participants must wear tennis shoes and are encouraged
to come early to practice.

For more information please call the City of Friendswood
Community Services Department at 281-996-3220.

Fun Community Halloween Event in Friendswood

Cheryl Perry — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Looking for a fun event this Halloween?

Join the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce and Amoco Federal Credit Union for a fun pre-halloween event.

Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 6-8:00 p.m. Friendswood residents will join together in Stevenson Park for an evening of ghost, goblins and fun!

Mr. Long Legs

Melissa Burnham — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Just like the new home community of West Ranch, Friendswood resident Daniel Rockey has a way of standing out. The local high school student literally stands heads and shoulders above your average 16 year old, when walking on stilts, that is.

He’s been stilt walking for over a year and will soon be able to show off his skills in the City of Friendswood’s annual Fourth of July Parade. Dressed from head to homemade stilt in patriotic red, white and blue, be-spangled with stars and stripes, Daniel will be tromping in his Uncle Sam costume that he painstakingly made himself.

“It’s fun to see everybody’s reaction…” he said. “You’d either get the children who were totally engrossed with how someone could stand on stilts or (some who) were just terrified. Everybody reacts differently.”

You can catch this friendly lumbering giant as he makes his way down Friendswood Drive for the Grand Parade, beginning at 10 am. So come and enjoy the festivities this Independence Day!

Source: Houston Chronicle

Give Life at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Blood Drive

Daphne Hager — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

West Ranch residents can help their community in a selfless way on June 18 at the Memorial Hermann Blood Drive.

In partnership with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, The Blood Center Brazos Valley and The Blood Center East Texas, the Memorial Hermann is rallying to take the contribution of life from Southeast Houston residents and the community of Friendswood.

WHEN: Thursday, June 18, 2009 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital 11800 Astoria Blvd. Houston, TX 77089 CES Classroom 1st floor.

To schedule an appointment, contact Irfan Saood at 281-929-4168 or schedule online at GiveBlood.org and login to Digital Donor.

West Ranch residents can conveniently give the most precious gift of all - the gift of life!

Friendswood Hosts Movies in the Park

Daphne Hager — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Looking for some family fun this Saturday night? Now residents of West Ranch can enjoy the City of Friendswood’s introduction of the Movies In The Park program.

Reminiscent of our long-loved drive-ins, this first ever Movies In The Park event debuts with “Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa”, presented on a large projection screen along with favorite concession staples like popcorn, hotdogs, candy and drinks. Patrons are also welcome to bring their own snacks and refreshments.

The program begins at 7:30pm and will be held at Centennial Park, located at 2200 S. Friendswood Dr. on Saturday, June 13th.

The event is sponsored by the Friendswood Rotary Club, the City of Friendswood Community Services Department and the Buzbee Group: Law Firm, Properties and Transportation. The presentation is absolutely free to all patrons. For more information, contact 281-996-3220.

So bring a soft blanket and chair, relax on the open grass and enjoy Movies In The Park.