Lighting event Thanksgiving night
As he’s done for nearly three decades, “Boulevard Bob” Luevano is readying the half a million lights and 30-foot Christmas tree which will set the stage for the upcoming 30th Annual Uptown Houston
Holiday Lighting event.
The event happens on Thanksgiving night, Nov. 26, along Post Oak Boulevard. The spectacle is free and open to the public and all are invited to move and groove to the music, take in the lights, check out the spectacular fireworks display and meet the man of the hour – Santa Claus.
Luevana said he’s happy to have been a part of such a long-standing Houston tradition.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years,” he said. “Families who grew up coming, now bring their own kids. It’s a gathering of family and friends, and everybody just has a good time.”
Mark your calendars for the 30th Annual Uptown Houston Holiday Lighting which kicks off at 4 p.m. Watch as 80 trees along Post Oak Boulevard are set alight in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. But don’t leave early; the fireworks will light up the night sky beginning at 7 p.m.
WESTCHASE
Food Truck Friday’s last event is Oct. 20
Looking for a quick getand-go lunch? You better hustle. Friday, Oct. 30 is the last day to sample and savor yummy eats at Food Truck Friday, an event sponsored by First Methodist Houston Westchase. A variety of trucks will be on hand from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 10570 Westpark Drive.
OLD KATY ROAD Risotto Festival helps pediatric cancer research
Some of Houston’s top chefs will compete in the upcoming 11th International Risotto Festival set for Sunday, Nov. 8. Not only will attendees get a taste of some of the city’s best Italian food, but their participation will benefit the Scarlett Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research. And don’t forget a celebrity sighting - TV personality, cookbook author and chef Rocco DiSpirito will serve as one of the contest’s judges.
The event will take place at The Houston Design Center, 7026 Old Katy Road, from 2-6 p.m. In addition to the great food, folks can browse an exotic car show, enjoy musical entertainment and take part in a charity auction. There are even activities for the kids.
Advance tickets are now on sale until Nov. 1 and can be purchased online at www.risottofestival.com for $65 per person or $125 for VIP tickets. Children under 12 are free. After Nov. 1, festival tickets will be $75 per person. VIP tickets purchased in advance include valet parking and access to the VIP tent where guests can interact with participating sponsors, chefs and judges, sip fine wines and enjoy a selection of desserts.
For more information and to purchase tickets log on to www.risottofestival. com or call 713-864-2660.
WESTHEIMER Presbyterian church hosts two concerts
Two upcoming concerts are set for Grace Presbyterian, 10221 Ella Lee Lane, one block north of Westheimer on the West Sam Houston Tollway.
Up first is the Grace Young Artists performing Art Songs and Arias on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. Members include Kortney Johnson, soprano; Amy Sheffer, mezzo-soprano; Alphonso Seals, tenor, and Joshua Green, bass-baritone.
That performance will be followed by another on Sunday, Nov. 8, courtesy of River Oaks Chamber Orchestra’s Brass Quintet. The group, which included the church’s organist Kirk Rich, will take the stage at 5 p.m.
Both performances are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.gpch.org or call 713267-5031.
RICHMOND AVENUE Primose School will open new campus
Parents will soon have another option when it comes to their children’s early education. The Primrose School is set to open a new campus at 3001 Richmond Ave.
The school is known for its exclusive Balanced Learning program which focuses on several areas of a child’s development including social, emotional, physical and cognitive.
To learn more log on to www.PrimroseUpperKirby.com.
WEST HOUSTON Jim Murphy wins Champion of Free Enterprise
State Rep. Jim Murphy, R-Houston, was recently named a “Champion of Free Enterprise” by the Texas Association of Business. He has received this honor during each of the four sessions he has served in the State Legislature.
“It is an honor to be recognized,” he said. “Our Texas businesses are the backbone of the Texas economy and it is our duty as legislators to support them through the legislative process,” he said.
Award recipients are chosen based on how many jobs they bring to Texas, their efforts to promote the economy and create a strong workforce.
“Supporting the businesses of Texas supports everyone,” says Bill Hammond, chief executive officer for the Texas Association of Business.
“Growing our businesses means more jobs and a stronger economy, and that helps everyone in Texas build better lives.”
Murphy represents the 133rd district in West Houston. He first joined the Legislature in 2006 and now served as chairman of the House Committee on Corrections and is a member of the Ways & Means Committee. He is also the floor leader for the Houston Republican Caucus.
BIKE PLANS Pedestrian, bike plan to be discussed Nov. 12
The Bayou City has not historically been known as a bike-friendly town. But that may be changing if the Westchase District has anything to say about it.
Make plans to attend the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Westchase District campus of Houston Community College, 2811 Hayes Road.
The meeting is a brainstorming session focusing on how to increase safety and improve overall walking and bicycling conditions throughout the District.
For more information contact Louis Jullien at 713780-9434.