Two kinds of mysteries dominate the literary world. In every medium, we encounter stories of crime and detection — a dead body in the library; an old woman who deduces the murderer; the kind of thing Sherlock Holmes investigates, declaring, “The game is afoot!”
But another sense of mystery involves manifestations of the inconceivable — manifestations as varied as a Houdini underwater escape and the resurrection of Christ. This is the kind of thing St. Paul refers to when he writes, “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed….” Both mysteries–and more–put in an appearance in a gem of a production currently on stage at Houston’s Alley Theatre: Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.”
Christie is most usually linked to the first kind of mystery: one where Hercule Poirot solves the “Murder on the Orient Express.” But in her 1939 novel that is the source for this play, a book published just two months after England entered World War II, she manages to take up mystery in both forms. In the book and the theatrical adaptation made by Christie herself in 1943, plenty of corpses litter the stage; almost every weapon in a “Clue” game does its work, and the audience tries to find “who-dun-it.” The plot set-up is devilishly simple: ten strangers are brought together on an isolated island only to find themselves falling prey one-by-one to an unknown killer.
But within her crime plot, Christie sets off another mystery: the realization that subtraction leads to addition. The more the victims succumb to their grisly fates, the more the play adds to the suspense and anxiety of the characters and the audience, the deeper it plunges into the psyche and history, mirroring — the war anxiety that British subjects on their island in 1939 must have felt as the invisible threat of the Luftwaffe began to manifest itself in nightly terror from the skies. This plunge into mystery leads to another: how could this writer’s imagination be so prescient?
Such thoughts may seem strained and overly abstract for a play that the Alley is using to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its “Summer Chills” productions, but in achieving a multiple immersion into mystery this production and the Alley’s cast and crew merit unambiguous praise. We are given our cake and something of substance to chew on, too. This happens because the production sticks closely to the script, returning to the original story line of Christie’s plot that is marked by bleakness and despair for an England trembling on the edge of World War II. It gives us a killer-thriller, a psychological portrait of living at the margins of national disaster, and also reminds us of the depths that can lurk in popular entertainment.
Director Elizabeth Williamson deserves a huge slice of the credit. She allows the play to have its slow, wooden start — the arrival of stereotyped characters the audience can’t help but give twitters of laughter. She keeps the exposition simple, using Christie’s device of a mysterious phonograph recording to explain the “crimes” that lie behind the stereotypes: the greedy servants, the careless surgeon, the reckless driver, the unethical judge, the self-righteous biddy, the cad of a military man, the jealous old general. And she gets the murders started, staging the action to give the audience no clue of who the killer is, slowly strangling the play’s early giggles and using sound and lighting effects for maximum benefit.
The large cast, mostly Alley regulars, play their roles well, and whether their characters are fated to be on stage for most of the show or make early “unplanned” departures, they make them breathe with life. Susan Koozin as the spinster Emily Brent is a prime example. She makes her every moment on stage matter, even if she’s only yawning and knitting in the background. She doesn’t eat the scenery; she defines it, enriches it —something her fellow cast members echo as they bicker, debate, drink, and wonder who will die next; “how can I avoid the victim being me?”
It’s an intentional plainness that the production pulls off at every turn. Nick Vaughan’s scenic design stresses this. At first look, it appears boringly art deco: uncomfortable furniture, concrete walls and banks of windows looking out on a vague horizon. But eventually, audience eyes will notice a startlingly white bear rug, splayed in front of a dead fireplace like the chalk outline of a murder victim — an ever-present reminder of what this place is all about. Similarly, Isabella Byrd’s lighting grows richer and darker as the play progresses, ending in Rembrandt-like blacks and shadows — the perfect arrival point for this plot.
Go to “And Then There Were None” for the usual escape of an intriguing murder mystery, but don’t be surprised if something more sneaks up on you. This is a delightful summer show none should miss.
“And Then There Were None” is at Houston’s Alley Theatre through Sept. 1.
Robert Donahoo is a professor at Sam Houston State University and writes theater reviews for The Courier.
To make the most of farm-fresh produce grown in Montgomery County, farmers markets have sprouted in multiple locations across the county.
The longest-established one is The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill which has been in operation since 2008. Others have thrived in Montgomery, Conroe, New Caney and Magnolia.
Here’s what to know about some of Montgomery County’s various farmers markets:
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Main Street Market
Location: Conroe, 301 N. Thompson Street in front of the Montgomery County Courthouse
Time and date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays
Farralyn Withrow launched the Main Street Market in Conroe in April 2021. It was first in the juror parking lot in downtown but moved to North Thompson Street where the street is closed off Saturday mornings.
Withrow said the market has grown this summer with the new shaded location in the shadow of the courthouse. The market is made up of smaller, locally owned businesses with most being located in Montgomery County. The market features artisan and hand-crafted items along with local produce and food items like olive oil, coffee, honey, bakery items and meat vendors.
Deep Roots Farm 2 Table is a regular produce vendor. However, Hurricane Beryl had deep impacts to their crops and they will supplement produce at the market from PEAS Farm also in Montgomery County. PEAS Farm has tomatoes, squash, onions and bell peppers year round.
Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill
Location: 7 Switchbud Place, The Woodlands in Grogan’s Mill Center
Time and date: 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays (summer hours)
This long-time farmers market started in 2008 as a project of the the Grogan’s Mill Village Association. It’s a year-round market featuring more than 60 vendors including prepared foods, produce, pet items, farm-fresh meats, beverages, health and beauty items, food trucks, beverages and artisan goods.
Fans can sign up for a weekly newsletter that shows the vendors featured that Saturday. Market profits go back to the community through Grogan’s Mill Village Association’s charity projects.
New Caney Community Market
Location: 11985 Grand Parkway, New Caney in the Valley Ranch Town Center
Time and date: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the first and third Sundays of the month
In August, the market will only be on the first Sunday. In September, markets will resume the first and third Sunday schedule. The market features 60-to-65 vendors with fresh local produce, honey, fresh-baked bread, artisan items, candles, clothing, flowers and plants, pet items, food trucks and more.
Montgomery Farmers Market
Location: 19785 Texas 105 West at the KOA Holiday Campground
Time and date: 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays
This farmers market launched in October 2021 with a mission of providing pure and nutritious foods to the local community. Featured vendors offer baked good, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, raw milk, free-range eggs, produce and microgreens, honey and organic foods and beverages.
Vendors also host events for kids, health and homestead classes and cooking classes. There’s a place on the website to sign up for weekly vendor lists and pre-ordering options.
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Farmer’s Market on Tamina
Location: 32907 Tamina Road, Magnolia
Time and date: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
This market has on-site restaurants including Victory Pie Co. Café, Brick & Brews, Wing Nuts Express and Magnolia Eats & Treats. Each Saturday brings 40 to 50 vendors including micro-green farmers, grass fed/pasture raised meat and egg farmers, specialty food producers, bakers and cookie makers, soaps and body care products and handmade goods.
Lazy M Farms Farmers Market
Location: 33310 Lois Lane, Suite No. 2, Magnolia
Time and date: Open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Featured items include bakery items, produce, fruits, juices, breads and cheeses. Blueberries are currently in season.
The farm also offers free delivery seven days a week within a five-mile radius on orders over $15.
A part of heading back to school for a new year includes having updated shot records on file with the school district.
As Houston-area schools are set to return in mid-August, organizations are offering free and discounted opportunities to get immunizations up to date.
Here is where to find free and reduced-cost immunization events across Houston:
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Children’s Museum of Houston
Texas Children’s Mobile Clinic Program, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston/Galveston, will administer free vaccinations to children six weeks to 18 years of age who qualify for the Texas Vaccines for Children Program in August at the Children’s Museum of Houston at 1500 Binz Street, Houston.
The vaccine event is set for 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 1, Aug. 8 and Aug. 15. If the child has received a vaccination, parents are required to bring documentation of children’s vaccination records.
Pre-registration is required. Call Texas Children’s Mobile Clinic Program at 832-824-6355 to register. For questions and eligibility, call 832-824-6788.
Lone Star Family Health Center
In Montgomery County, Lone Star Family Health Center’s 7th Annual Don’t Miss the Bus event takes place through Aug. 9.
“Don’t Miss the Bus” is a two-week event across all family health center locations focused on back-to-school health services. Well child visits and vaccines are free for children without insurance. For those with insurance, there is typically no out-of-pocket expense for preventive services. Well child visits with a licensed medical professional are required to receive immunizations at the event.
To make an appointment for Don’t Miss the Bus, call 936-539-4004. If uninsured, request to speak to an eligibility specialist prior to making your appointment. All patients must bring a list of required immunizations from their school and a current shot record. Space and vaccine stock are limited.
Houston Health Department
The Houston Health Department offers immunizations for children at its four health centers including — La Nueva Casa de Amigos, 1809 North Main; Northside Health Center, 8504 Schuller; Sharpstown Health Services, 6201 Bonhomme and Sunnyside Health Center, 4410 Reed.
Call 832-393-5427 or email TVFChouston@houstontx.gov to schedule an appointment. The free immunizations are available to children eligible for the Texas Vaccines for Children program.
Spring Branch Family Development Center
The Spring Branch Family Development Center hosts a back-to-school vaccination event at 8 a.m. Aug. 10. It’s at 8575 Pitner Road, Houston. The event is for students with Medicaid or Chip, uninsured or insurance does not cover vaccine cost.
Participants are asked to bring the child’s shot record or letter from school nurse and bring as few people as possible to the appointment.
The organization serves more than 12,000 Houstonians each year through a multi-agency collaboration that provides educational, recreational, health and social services in English and Spanish.
Galveston County Health District
The Galveston County Health District’s immunization services division protects the health and well-being of the community by providing children and adults protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
A child must be eligible for the state-supplied Texas Vaccines for Children program, age 18 or younger and meet certain criteria.
There is an administration fee of $13 for one vaccine and $25 for two or more vaccines per visit. Administration fees may be waived due to inability to pay. For more information call 409-938-2201.
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Fort Bend County
Access Health and the Fort Bend County Health System hosts back-to-school health fairs from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 3 and Aug. 10 at 307 Texas Parkway, Missouri City. No appointment is needed. During the fair there will also be a backpack and school supply distribution, health screenings and limited sports physicals.
A three-day, after-hours vaccination event at Ridgemont Family Clinic is set from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 7-9 at 5353 Ridgecreek Circle, Houston. Walk-ins welcome, call 281-634-7234 for an appointment. Bring a copy of child’s vaccine record. Parent or adult guardian must accompany children younger than 18.
Katy area
The Texas Vaccine Institute will be offering August dates and times for any student enrolled in Katy ISD, insured or uninsured, to receive the necessary required immunizations for school entry.
August clinics are set for 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 9, Aug. 10, Aug. 11, Aug. 15 and Aug. 16.
The vaccines are given at the Professional Development Annex at 6361 S. Stadium Lane, Katy. Enter using Pavilion Annex doors. No appointments necessary. Vaccine prices range from $15 for one to $35 for three.
For additional information contact the Health Services Department at 281-396-2629.
With August brings the start of a new school year and a return to routine.
Before the bell rings on the first day and after there are some community events ahead in August and some that help families prepare for back to school and the upcoming fall.
Here are some Montgomery County events coming up in August:
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Back-to-school sale
Just Between Friends Back-to-School sale is billed as the largest resale event in Texas. It begins Thursday and continues through Aug. 4 at the Lone Star Convention Center and Expo Center in Conroe at 9055 Airport Road.
Expect more than 900 sellers with 200,000 items up for sale at the annual event that is spread out over 53,000 square feet. Items for babies through teens. Admission is $3 at the door.
Thursday is presale day. See selected times for special groups like VIP shopping, military families, first time parents and grandparents. Friday the event is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Southern Star Beer Run
The annual 5K run at the brewing company in Conroe is set for 8 to 11 a.m. Aug. 10 on the brewery grounds. Southern Star Brewing has changed hands and the property will host its grand opening soon. The original grand opening set for Aug. 3 was delayed by Hurricane Beryl.
The run starts and finishes at Southern Star Brewing Co and then cool off with a craft beer. Once runners cross the finish line, collect a souvenir pint glass and enjoy up to four 8-oz pours of beer, included with entry and a 2024 race T-shirt.
Registration is open at the Run In Texas website.
Montgomery County Funky Junque Market
The Montgomery County Funky Junque Market returns to the Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17.
Shop holiday items, decor, handcrafted items and more with more than 125 small business vendors featuring fall and holiday items. Entry is $5 cash at the door.
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Texas Red Fest
The music festival Texas Red Fest is set for 2 p.m. Aug. 24 at Heritage Place Park in downtown Conroe. The festival features bands including The Lacs, Justin Champagne, Rehab, Cypress Spring and Austin Toliver. Tickets are $30.
Wellness Expo
A two-day Wellness Expo is set for Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 at the Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe. More than 75 exhibitors featuring products and services for mind, body and spirit. Shop for nutritional products, energized jewelry and stones, essential oils and air purifiers.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is $7.
Nearly 50 years after Chuck Walker was a member of the 1976 Summer Olympics USA boxing team, he is still close with the remaining boxers of the team and calls them brothers.
Walker, 67, of Conroe represented the United States at the Montreal games and his boxing teammates included Ray Charles Leonard, best known as Sugar Ray Leonard, brothers Leon and Michael Spinks, Leo Randolph, Charles Mooney, Big John Tate and Howard Davis.
Several in this list won gold medals that year. While Walker didn’t medal in 1976 the former boxer-turned-movie director/producer has plenty to reminisce about from his Olympic experience as the Summer Olympics get underway in Paris.
The Games began Friday night and continue through Aug. 11 in France.
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Dancing before boxing
Walker grew up in Mesa, Arizona and became enrolled in dance as a young boy to overcome being born with a club foot. He later became a professional dancer.
He began boxing at age 13. His uncle, Mack, took him to some advertised boxing matches in Mesa.
“I sat in the audience and watched those fights and there was something in me that said ‘Oh my God, I’ve got to do that.’ I’d never had that sensation before or since,” he said. “Something just swept over me.”
He pestered his dad to take him to the Gene Lewis boxing gym in Mesa where he became a regular for the next five years. At 16, he won the Arizona State Golden Gloves Championship in Phoenix.
National spotlight
In the summer of 1975, he earned the chance to fight in the national boxing tournament in Shreveport, Louisiana. There he won his first three fights and began to turn heads. On the fourth night, he fought Robert White who was the No. 2 boxer in the nation and won.
This qualified him for the finals where national sportscasters Pat Summerall, Frank Gifford and boxer Jerry Quarry went to bat for him with CBS so Walker’s final fight of the tournament was televised nationally.
Thinking about it still gets him emotional today. He took that match knocking his opponent out in the first round.
“From total obscurity I was suddenly champion of the United States and No. 1 in line to all international competitions,” he said.
He was a part of the boxing team for the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico City and continued to fight up until the Olympics. He received a bronze medal in Mexico City.
Montreal Olympic experience
Walker participated in the opening ceremonies in Montreal and called it a surreal experience to be among athletes from all over the world.
“Fortune smiled on Chuck in many ways at Montreal, as he reveled in the companionship of three later-to-be world champions,” said Robin Montgomery, Montgomery County historian and close friend of the Harris boxing family. “These were Michael Spinks who defeated Larry Holmes for the world heavyweight title, his brother Leon, who defeated the fabled Muhammed Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, popular world champion middle weight.”
Walker’s Olympic match though was disappointing and still leaves some questions about the scoring. He fought the Polish champion Jerzy Rybicki now a Polish politician.
The fight went to a split decision with three votes for the Polish fighters and two for Walker. He now feels the decision may have been impacted by global events at the time.
“It shouldn’t have even been close. Howard Cosell was doing the commentary and said ‘Ladies and gentleman this is the biggest travesty of justice I’ve ever seen in the Olympic games.’ Everyone was sorry but that didn’t chance the results and that was the end of my Olympic games,” he said.
Rybicki went on to win the gold medal in the division.
Often at the place where the athletes stayed during the games, he’d get on and off the elevator with a guy named Bruce. They would exchange pleasantries and go on about their day.
“Of course he wasn’t that famous at the time, but it was Bruce Jenner,” Walker said.
The former athlete who now goes by Caitlyn Jenner won the gold medal and broke the world record in decathlon in Montreal.
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Movies and turning pro
Following the Olympics he turned pro and continued to fight. He stopped for a while to focus on entertainment projects, but in 1984 staged a comeback and this lead him to Conroe to train with Henry Harris and the Harris family of which boxer Roy Harris was a product.
He fought until the late 1980s still No. 4 in his weight class and then turned his attention to acting and directing and formed Walker Cable Productions with then Conroe High teacher Sam Cable in the 1990s. Cable promoted Walker’s last few fights.
Over the years they’ve found success with several films including 2008’s “The Man Who Came Back” starring Eric Braeden, Billy Zane, George Kennedy, and Armand Assante; “Border Cross” which came out in 2017 featuring Lorenzo Lamas and Danny Trejo and 2015’s “A Little Christmas Business” with Daniel Baldwin, Tammy Barr, Lorenzo Lamas, Bo Hopkins, Leslie Easterbrook and Gib Gerard.
Most recently in 2023 working with Cable’s son, Ritchie, they released the film “The Author” about an author who is in a car accident. He is struggling with his faith and is asked to write about his life.
They are currently working on a series about community theater.
The sound of wedding bells will soon be ringing throughout the Houston region as cooler fall weather is on the horizon. And wedding planners and some newly engaged couples may be looking for venue ideas in preparation for next year.
Typically, wedding season peaks in Texas during the spring and fall, as temperatures drop away from the triple digits.
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But planners and future brides can choose from a wide array of venue options in the Houston area that can fit a variety of budgets, from farmhouses to beach-side venues.
And more venues are coming to the area, such as The Blue Magnolia in Montgomery County, which is slated to open in May 2025.
Here are six venues around the area for people planning for their big day:
The Majestic Metro (Houston)
The Majestic Metro in downtown Houston has been hosting weddings for more than 30 years, according to the venue’s website. The two-story building comes with several features, including a state-of-the-art sound and dance lighting system with a large dance floor, a multimedia projection and space to accommodate for small and intimate to large and grand weddings.
The venue, which is located in the Market Square Historic District, can hold up to 500 guests. There is also a parking lot and garage less than a block from the venue.
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Special rates for hotels will be offered to guests looking to book a room at the SAM Houston and Hilton Curio Collection hotels.
Pricing for weddings is dependent on size and day of event.
For more information, visit majesticmetro.com.
The Bowery House and Gardens (Katy)
The Bowery House and Gardens in Katy is a loft-style event venue nestled in an intimate garden setting at Seven Oaks, according to the venue’s website. The venue off Franz Road comes with several customizable spaces, including a rooftop terrace, an indoor space, a courtyard and a garden deck that features a 3,000-square-foot deck that holds up to 300 guests.
Overall, the venue can hold up to 300 guests per floor plan, the venue’s website states.
Pricing varies depending on the day of the week, but a Saturday wedding starts at $7,500.
For more information, visit boweryhousekaty.com.
Lindsay Lakes (Cypress)
Lindsay Lakes in Cypress is a luxurious wedding venue with several spaces to accommodate guests, according to the venue’s website. This includes an ivory stone chapel with hand carved doors, a lakeside area with scenic views and a lodge that has elegant chandeliers with sensational lighting and two fire places.
Each ceremony location can hold up to 300 guests, the website states.
Bridal parties will be able to choose between two houses — a cottage and a lake house, which includes amenities such as a garden, a family room, a poker table, a living room and kitchen area.
Pricing varies depending on the day of the week, but can start at up to $8,499.
For more information, visit lindsaylakes.com.
The Luminaire (Montgomery)
The Luminiaire in Montgomery is a private, 20-acre wedding venue near Lake Conroe, according to the venue’s website. The venue off South Pine Lake offers an indoor and outdoor option — a turfed lakeside ceremony area and large back porch and inside, a full circle bar and an expansive reception hall.
The venue also offers a private bridal suite and groom’s den.
Pricing is dependent on size and day of the event, the website states.
For more information, visit theluminairevenue.com.
The Blue Magnolia (Magnolia)
The Blue Magnolia is a 10-acre farmhouse wedding venue that sits between The Woodlands and Magnolia. While the venue is currently being constructed, it is slated to open in May 2025. The property features a 1,200-square-foot, two-story chapel with amenities including an interior cocktail area, a grand staircase that leads into the reception hall, and a bridal and groom suite.
The venue can hold up to 350 guests, according to the venues website.
For more information, visit thebluemagnoliatx.com.
Waters Edge (Seabrook)
Waters Edge near Seabrook is a private wedding and event venue that sits on the shore of Clear Lake, according to the venue’s website. The 7,000-square-foot venue is all-inclusive and offers several spaces for guests, including a ballroom and chandler room, a patio area, a beach area and a cabana.
The venue is also ideal for Desi weddings, Mehndi, Sangeet, and Baraat, the website states. It also has hosted traditional Nigerian, Chinese, and Vietnamese weddings and Tea Ceremonies.
It can accommodate up to 350 guests, the website states.
For pricing and more information, visit thewatersedgehtx.com.
Our July 24 meeting was greatly augmented by our concurrent Summer Blood Drive. Lions SERVE and many members stepped up to donate lifesaving blood supported by the professionals of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Lions Christie Sproba and Sharon Carr spearheaded this event and are happy to help future project chairs make their blood drives successful.
Lion Connie Engle reported on the recent vision screening at the Community Assistance Center, and the “Don’t Miss the Bus” Children’s Vision Screening on July 27th at Lone Star Family Health Clinic chaired by Lion Ed Roth. She also encouraged everyone to sign up to help with the preschool Vision Screenings at many Preschool facilities in October.
2nd VP Sharene Carr reported on the tremendous output of our Eyeglass Recycling Center to supply numerous international medical missions with quality refurbished prescription glasses. The center also fabricates glasses for economically challenged children in our community. She encouraged everyone to set a personal “Lion Goal” to participate in the recycling center’s mission.
Lion Andrew Perry reported on a recent service Saturday outing to the memory care unit at Heritage Oaks Assisted living. Pizza, ice cream and fellowship brought many wonderful smiles to these senior residents. He encouraged everyone to come to the August 3rd Service Saturday to help our adopted school, Reaves Elementary teachers set up their classrooms.
1st VP Tracy Irvine announced the next New Member Orientation. It will be on August 1st, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Club Office. All new members are invited to learn more about our committees, service projects, club history, and how they can get involved to serve our community and make great friends in the process. “Seasoned” members of the club will share their experiences and stories.
President Bryan Rennell recognized our ‘Lions of the Month’ for May and June 2024. Lion Ed Roth is the May 2024 awardee for his exceptional work in the eyeglass Recycling Center to gather, sort, prepare and package hundreds of prescription eyeglasses for shipment to medical missions. Our June 2024 Lion of the Month is Michelle Greif for her great work in organizing and producing a wonderful Installation Banquet.
Our featured speaker was Mr. William F. Skeen, the Executive Director of the 100 Club. They serve in 18 Counties of the Greater Houston Area to provide vital financial assistance to fallen Texas State Law Enforcement Officer and Fire Fighter family survivors. Their great organization has provided over $50million since its establishment in 1953. Additionally, they engage with those families to free them of massive financial burden at the time of the unexpected line of duty death of a spouse and parent.
The 100 Club has also provided local law enforcement departments with essential life protecting and mission essential equipment items that have been beyond the financial means of their community but vital to officer safety. In addition to survivor financial support and life protecting equipment, they offer scholarships for officers to attend Sam Houston State University studying criminal justice. Anyone interested in supporting the 100 Club is encouraged to learn more at www.the100club.org.
For more information, please visit our website, www.conroenoonlions.org, or call the local club office at 936-760-1666. You may also call for additional information on any area Lions Club.
Rotarians are leaders in what we do and serve our communities. We are people of principles, values, and beliefs. We look for the best in our daily activities and tend to be optimists. Rotarians have adopted four guiding objectives with summaries re-phrased in my own words:
1. Through service, we make endearing friendships.2. We value high ethical standards in our business and personal lives.3. Providing services to others provides us with the abilities to receive much more than what we receive.4. We look to finding peaceful solutions in our community, business dealing and in the international scope of fellowship with others throughout the world.
Let’s focus on this last objective, being understand, goodwill and peace. Local Rotarian Michael Hayes of the Rotary Club of Conroe chaired Rotary International’s Committee to promote peace this past year and has provided numerous insights on how Rotary International is working globally and locally. Rotarians promote peace on an international basis by:
• Fighting disease• Providing clean water and sanitation• Improving the health of mothers and children• Supporting education• Growing local economies• Carrying out service projects• Supporting peace fellowships and scholarships• Addressing the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
Local Rotary Clubs are involved in drilling water wells in third world countries, fighting polio throughout the world, providing loans to business entrepreneurs in third world countries, supplying Shelter Boxes, assisting women in third world countries, and a simple project started by the Rotary club of Lake Conroe. They collected empty toilet tissue rolls, stuff them with hard candy, and wrap them with gift wrapping paper for distribution to third world kids. These random acts of kindness subtly promote peace since they show kindness to others. We also know that these gifts, albeit it small, can be huge to those youngsters in third world countries who have little to look forward to at Christmas.
One of my favorite peace initiatives is a simple four sided poles have a phrase on the side which says, “May Peace prevail on earth.” Each of the four sides of the Peace Pole have this simple statement in English or one of a myriad different languages. Rotarians can install these poles for about $350 per Peace Pole. My goal is to have the City of Conroe allow these Peace Poles in each of their parks. This could be expanded by The Rotary Club of The Woodlands to all of the parks in The Woodlands Townships with the other three Rotary Clubs in Montgomery County installing these Peace Poles in Montgomery County Parks. Businesses can also sponsors these Peace Poles. This one-time act of installing a Peace Pole can be compounded with Peace Parades on a regular basis to celebrate peace. We can see peace in these actions and much more just be dreaming.
For more information on Rotary, please email Ron Saikowski at rsaikowski@comcast.net.
This week it seemed fitting to talk about the passing of Tina Cafeo who was a part of the downtown theaters in Conroe and left her earthly life July 10 in Conroe. She taught voice lessons and drama to youth and adults over the years who not only learned from her but treasured the impact she made in their lives by the memories they left on a website honoring her, TinaTheStarMaker.com.
She was married to her husband, Manny, for 42 years and he too was a director for Conroe’s theaters.
She performed on stage in Nunsense at the Crighton theatre, directed by Manny in the 90s. She then had a role in Annie, Chicago, and many other productions. Most recently she directed Spamalot in December 2022.
The Montie Awards, started after the 2011-2012 season, were the end of season awards like the Academy Awards for the local theatres presented to recognize the theatre volunteers that dedicate themselves to the performing theatre in downtown Conroe. It is a night of glitz and glamour with musical numbers from each show played for the audience throughout the night highlighting both The Players Theatre Company at the Owen Theatre and Stage Right from the Crighton Theatre. The Monties gave out 25 awards from Best Set Design to Best Musical Show of the Year. Each award was $900 each, created by local sculpture, Craig Campobella.
In 2017, Tina Cafeo won the Monte for Best Show of the Year (Mary Poppins), Best Director and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Through the years, Tina worked with theater stars from local to Broadway, opera stars, television stars, writers, screenwriters, theatre owners, pianists, and professional stage managers, but her impact was huge in Conroe.
Thank you for enriching the lives of many and especially those in Conroe, Texas. You made a very evident mark that will be felt for generations to come. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.
Upcoming events in the Conroe area:
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat will perform at the Crighton Theatre August 1-4 in various times with the Jim Bingham Youth Summer Camp. The youth have rehearsed all summer to bring this show to the community. Tickets at CrightonTheatre.org.
The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County will have a Saturday Pioneer Adventure on August 3 for kids 5 years of age and older at 1pm. Paint rocks with the Heritage Sewing and Craft Club. Parents encouraged to participate and RSVP (936)539-6873.
Visit our local downtown restaurants for live music performances. There is live music in one or more venues every night of the week and they are walking distances apart. We have new shops open and ready to show you summer bargains and a line of new merchandise to move you from August to November and beyond.
The Back-to-School Tax Free Weekend is Friday, August 9- Sunday, August 11. See the details: https://bit.ly/3SlL0xE.
Be Safe! Shop Local.
Margie Taylor may be reached at margie@taylorizedpr.com.
Turfgrass has taken a beating over the last few years. Lack of rain, excessive rain have contributed to many of the issues that most homeowners are experiencing. This would be a great time to discuss how to handle the issues that are showing up now and will be for the next month or so.
The dry weather and excessive heat can add undue stress to turfgrasses. This has been the case for 2 years in a row. Stress, in just about any plant, opens the window for insects and diseases. In other words, increased susceptibility is the result of stress.
Watering the appropriate amount is important to deter overall turfgrass health issues during drought periods. Turfgrass needs 1” of water per week during the growing season. It is important to make sure your irrigation system is working properly and efficiently. Do an irrigation audit. Check for pipe and valve leaks, breaks, clogged heads, sprinkler heads not working, misaligned heads, misting versus spraying due to too much pressure, water spraying onto hard surfaces and runoff into the street. Water your lawn deeply every 3 – 5 days allowing it to dry out between each water event if you decide to water at night. Regardless of when you water, too much water creates a lot of problems. Watering deeply will help re-train the roots. Another tactic is to mow turfgrass as high as it will let you. St. Augustine grass can withstand 4”. Taller grass will create shade which will reduce evaporation of water from the soil and protect the roots from excessive heat.
One insect that creates quite a stir in the heat of the summer is the chinch bug. Chinch bugs have already been spotted in lawns around the county. Typically, you will see small dead spots flare up around the yard. The spots will be in the hottest and driest locations. Next to the sidewalk or driveway or any location that is fully exposed to the sun. These dead spots appear quickly and increase in size rapidly. For example, a 6 inch spot can increase to 2-3 feet within a day or two.
To check for chinch bugs, mix 1-2 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing detergent in 1 gallon of water. Pour the mixture over the marginally affected areas. Monitor for the bugs as they become irritated by the soapy mixture. They will come up to the surface. Another option, if you do not want to do the soap trick, is to get down on your hands and knees and separate the grass blades in the areas adjacent to the dead spots. The grass should still be green in the areas that you inspect and yet still be close to the dead spots. You will see movement of the chinch bugs and they scurry around.
Chinch bugs can be treated with carbaryl, bifenthrin or permethrin. Just make sure to read the labels of the products and apply them according to the instructions.
If you would rather leave the identifying to us, you can bring some samples into our office. In order to properly diagnose lawn issues, an adequate sample must be submitted. Include a square of turf from the margin of the affected area so that both healthy and distressed turf is included. The sample should be at a minimum of 10 inches x 10 inches and have a layer of soil on the root system. You can also submit photos for diagnosis. This will help us narrow down the problem and provide a good recommendation for treatment.
Don’t forget to send your garden questions to Plant Answers at 9020 Airport Rd., Conroe TX 77303 or e-mail: mpotter@ag.tamu.edu.
