Posted on Dec 15, 2009 | Tagged in: people
One Kingwood resident travelled across the U.S. to show off her gift wrapping skills in the 13th Annual Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest. On December 4, 2009 Judy Porter travelled to the Rockefeller Center in New York for three days to compete against three other professional gift wrappers and four amateur gift wrappers, for a chance to be named America's Most Gifted Wrapper.
Porter has been perfecting her wrapping skills for years, starting when she was a little girl. Her artistic ability came in handy as her family didn't have money to pay for gift wrapping and other family members didn't enjoy wrapping. In time she became the family gift wrapper and her career took off. She eventually became a gift wrapper at Neiman Marcus, where she still works. When she saw the contest, hosted and sponsored by Scotch Brand tape, she went online and entered immediately.
Porter, along with the other contestants, had to submit a brief essay describing their talent and experience in the art of gift wrapping and each was chosen as a participant based on these. Contestants were judged on the appearance of the wrapped gifts, the technique used to wrap the gifts, and the speed with which they were wrapped. In three rounds they had to wrap a toy helicopter and a boxed jigsaw puzzle, a bicycle, and finally a seven-foot tall sailboat, each of which had to be wrapped in seven minutes or less.
Posted on Dec 14, 2009 | Tagged in: Untagged
Highland Homes has opened its newest model in Oakhurst at Kingwood, where new-home buyers can select from a variety of stunning one- and two-story plans priced from the $250,000s.
Located in The Terrace, the two-story model with more than 3,600 square feet showcases the impressive list of features and appointments offered in every new Highland Home in Oakhurst at Kingwood, as well as a few of the many options from which buyers can select. Among the many features are four bedrooms, three baths, a large family room and formal dining room, a study, game room, media room and a brick and stone elevation. The new model is open daily, and visitors can find out more information on Highland Homes’ available plans as well as inventory homes available for sale. Highland Homes joins Village Builders, Meritage Homes, Lennar and Frontier Custom Builders in Oakhurst at Kingwood, known for its direct access to US Highway 59.
Within Oakhurst at Kingwood, residents enjoy wooded surrounds, greenbelt trails, a daily fee golf course and a recreation center complete with a clubhouse, pool and playground. Model homes are open daily.
Posted on Dec 10, 2009 | Tagged in: community
One Kingwood business owner is dedicated to showing his appreciation not only to his city, but to his country as well. Rick Alspaugh, of Alspaugh’s Ace Hardware, flies the American Flag consistently five days of the year – Labor Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veteran’s day and, as the name indicates, Flag Day.
“The flag is a symbol of freedom,” Alspaugh said. “For any good reason to put it up, we’ll put it up. I’ve been overseas a couple of times and it’s always great to come home. This is a neat place to live.”
Alspaugh’s patriotism was recently recognized and awarded by the Sons of the American Revolution Piney Woods Chapter in Kingwood. They presented Alspaugh with the SAR Outstanding Citizenship Award and a SAR Flag Certificate. Both the award and recognition are only presented to individuals or organizations that display the American flag for patriotic reasons, not simply to draw business.
Posted on Dec 4, 2009 | Tagged in: entertainment , community
Nothing says Christmas like Santa Claus, lights and time with friends. This year Kingwood residents can come celebrate Christmas with their community at the 10th Annual Christmas in the Park Festival and Tree Lighting, and they can enjoy the first annual “Cookies and Tea Under the Tree” cookie exchange, between shopping and visiting Santa Claus.
This year’s Christmas in the Park Festival and Tree Lighting will take place at Kings Crossing Town Center on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 from 10am-7pm. This event is free and open to the public, and provides a family friendly venue where residents of all ages can enjoy some good food, some great performances and even greater company – even the presence of the jolly man himself, Santa Claus. After you make those Christmas wishes you can peruse the vendor booths to buy gifts for friends and family, or take some time to enjoy the performances every half hour, and let the children play at area booths. Then, to close the evening on the bright side the lighting of the Christmas tree will take place at 6pm. (See below for a complete list of performances and vendors.)
Posted on Nov 30, 2009 | Tagged in: entertainment , community
As the cold sweeps in from the north and the holidays draw near, holiday cheer is spreading across Kingwood. This is the special time of year when you can watch Kingwood residents as they begin to put up lights on the outside to reflect the joy and hope inside, and what better way to join in the holiday spirit than by taking part in the 2009 Christmas Yard Decoration Contest hosted by the Kingwood Civic Club.
Communities and Villages across Kingwood will be taking part in the competition which recognizes and awards the best decorated yards in each community and village in the city. Decorated yards can be nominated for Best Traditional, Best Religious, Best Doorway, Best Lights, Santa’s Favorite, and even Best Block Spirit. Kingwood residents are invited to join in the holiday spirit by decorating their yard or by helping judge in the contest.
Posted on Nov 19, 2009 | Tagged in: economy
Kingwood residents can now view their property tax statements online and pay them by several convenient options including online, by phone, in person or by mail. As of 11/11/09 more than 850,000 property tax statements were sent out in the mail to area residents to arrive by November 23, and approximately 1.55 million statements will eventually be received.
Payments can be made online at http://www.hctax.net/ to the Harris County Tax Office. Online payments can be made using credit or debit cards, or by e-check. They can also be made by calling 1-713-368-CARD (2273), or by mail. Leo Vasquez, Tax Assessor-Collector reminds citizens, “As always, persons may pay their taxes by mail or in person at any of the 16 Harris county Tax Office branches. But remember that we also offer other convenient payment options.” The Tax office will also accept partial payments if needed.
Posted on Nov 18, 2009 | Tagged in: healthcare , education
In September the LSC-Kingwood campus conducted its own survey to find out how students and employees felt about second-hand smoke. The results were clear, “83% of the respondents indicated that second-hand smoke was a concern for them with 73% of the respondents concerned about long-term health effects. While the respondents preferred smoking policy is to ban smoking everywhere on the LSC-Kingwood campus, more indicated that the best policy is to allow smoking only in shelters built for that purpose.” New smoking restrictions, which were a compromise from a total ban, have been discussed and will be implemented across campus beginning January 1, 2010.
Before the restrictions go into place, the college will be doing its part to help educate Kingwood residents and students about the harmful effects of smoking. Students in the LSC-Kingwood Respiratory Care program will be creating presentations and exhibits to be on display throughout the day of November 19 – the Great American Smoke Out – to create awareness on the harmful effects of cigarette smoke. The college will continue to get information to the community about smoking and about the new smoking restrictions.
Posted on Nov 16, 2009 | Tagged in: Specials & Promotions , Lennar Homes
A TAX CREDIT FOR EVERYONE!
Up to $8,000 for first-time buyers†
Extended until April 2010!
Plus, up to $6,500 for current homeowners‡
Lennar says Y.E.S to:
THE BEST DEALS OF THE YEAR
3.99% (4.46% APR) FIXED THROUGH UAMC*
UP TO $40,000 OFF SELECT HOMES**
HOMES AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN
For more information, call 888-671-8175
*Offer available on select homes as determined by Lennar, for purchase agreements written 11/2/09 -11/20/09 and closing must occur no later than 11/30/2009. Limited funds are available; this offer may change upon exhaustion of funds. Rates may change or not be available at the time of loan commitment, lock-in or closing if funds are exhausted. Not an offer to enter into an interest rate or discount point agreement and any such agreement may only be made in writing signed by both the borrower and the lender. Specific terms apply and buyer is subject to qualification that includes, but not limited to, a minimum of 10% down, a minimum credit score of 700, owner occupancy requirements and/or any changes in investor guidelines or programs. Maximum loan amount cannot exceed $417,000. Offers available only to qualified buyers financing through Universal American Mortgage Company and closing at designated closing agent. **Select homes as determined by Lennar sold 11/2/09 - 11/30/09 and closing by 11/30/09 will offer savings of up to $40,000 off the home price. Incentives will vary per community and per home. Any costs associated with offers will be taken from total discretion. †First-time homebuyer is any individual (excluding a non-resident alien) who has not owned a principal residence during the past three years and is purchasing the new home as their primary residence. Credit is subject to 3-year ownership requirement. ‡To be eligible to claim the $6,500 credit, buyers who have owned and resided in a home for any 5-consecutive year period during the last 8 years, must close after the date of enactment (11/6/09), and prior to 7/1/10. Tax Credit is subject to eligibility requirements. Lennar cannot provide guarantees of actual savings and does not guarantee the homebuyers’ qualification for the federal tax credit. Not tax advice; homebuyers should consult with their tax advisor. Tax laws are subject to change. Copyright © 2009 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Universal American Mortgage Company and the UAMC logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 11/09
Posted on Nov 3, 2009 | Tagged in: community
Tasting the Town ushered in the Kingwood community as they welcomed over 70 local restaurants, wineries and other businesses for a celebration of food with an all-you-can-sample multi restaurant “buffet.” October 15 was one full evening where caterers and chef’s were standing before patrons, serving up specialty dishes, along with beer, wine and soda, all for a mere $15.
Whether patrons were there simply to support their long standing favorite restaurants, or to try something new, it was a tasty evening all could enjoy. Community members were able to sample food and beverages from any and all restaurants they desired. Then they could vote for their favorite restaurants, foods and display booths, with the top spots being awarded the coveted “Tasty Awards” indicating community choice.
Posted on Oct 27, 2009 | Tagged in: community
The Harris County’s Sheriff Office promotes Halloween safety for residents. The following are some tips to enjoy this Halloween safely.
Important Reminders for Parents
- Review rules with your children before trick-or-treating. - Make sure costumes are not hazardous for tripping, comfortableness, or impairing vision.
- Make sure props are safe for children.
- Stay with your children at all times.
- Walk in well-lit areas and carry a flashlight for adequate visibility.
- Drive slowly through residential areas and watch for trick-or-treaters.
- Inspect candy before eating or letting children eat
- Trick or treat in familiar areas
Review with your Children
- Stay with parent/guardian - Do not eat candy before your parent inspects it
- Do not enter houses while trick-or-treating
- If your costume is having problems, let your parent know
There are no city wide established trick-or-treating times, but you can check with your individual subdivision or village to find out when the people in your neighborhood are trick-or-treating. But remember to stay safe, and have fun!
