Category: Conroe Courier

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. 

Oak Ridge North officials are putting a stop to homeowners looking to register new properties as a short-term rental, a movement that has increased around the country. 
In April, officials debated the topic of banning short-term rental properties from coming to the city that neighbors The Woodlands — after noise complaints and disturbances were made towards some properties.
During a city council meeting on June 24, council members voted unanimously to ban future rentals as well as create a licensing program for long-term rentals and existing short-term rentals as a way to mitigate complaints.
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City Attorney Brandon Morris said the program would allow the city to keep an eye on the rentals currently operating in the city.
“It’s similar to our other rental ordinance,” said City Manager Heather Neeley, noting that a long-term rental usually has to register with the city and have an inspection done. 
It’s not new for cities to try and put more restrictions on short-term rentals associated with companies such as Airbnb, VRBO and Hopper. 
In 2023, New York City officials moved to regulate short-term rentals by requiring rentals be shorter than 30 days and allowing them only if hosts register with the city, according to the Associated Press. In Houston, city council members are looking to create an ordinance of their own after residents raised concerns over the properties in their neighborhoods. 
And in Oak Ridge North, referred to sometimes as a “sleepy town,” officials said parties at some of these properties do not go unnoticed. 
What is in the ordinance?
Any short-term and long term rental are required to register with the city if the property is within city limits, according to city documents. This also bans any new property from being registered as a short-term rental. 
Established short-term rentals are not assignable or transferable and are valid for one year from the date the license was approved, the city documents state. Properties that aren’t considered “established short-term rentals” are not allowed to advertise as one and people are not allowed to rent, lease or stay at a property without a license issued. 
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Licenses to short-term rentals can be revoked if there are life safety or critical violations, information provided on the permit application was materially false or incorrect, and if two or more citations related to parking, noise, or nuisance violations are issued upon the licensed property within a rolling 12-month period, the documents state.
A violation of this ordinance can result in a misdemeanor and a fine up to $2,0000. 
The new ordinance should hopefully give residents some peace of mind, Neeley said. 
“I think the residents, hopefully, will be pleased that this is put into place in order to preserve the neighborhood feel as opposed to the party environment,” she said. 

Several Montgomery County school districts will begin the 2024-25 school year with some changes, such as new campuses, boundary changes, extended breaks and new superintendents. 
Here’s what to know for the upcoming school year:
Opening new campuses
As districts across the county continue to grow, Montgomery and Magnolia ISDs are will open two elementary schools — Creekside and Audubon. 
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Montgomery ISD’s $43.4 million Creekside Elementary School broke ground in June 2023 behind Lake Creek High School off FM 2854. The school is expected to alleviate overcrowding in the Stewart Creek and Keenan elementary schools — designed for a maximum enrollment of 900 students. The elementary school is part of the district’s $326 million bond package voters approved in 2022, which includes a career and technical center, an agriculture science center, and a junior high school. 
Magnolia ISD’s $41 million Audubon Elementary School is part of the district’s $228 million bond package passed in November 2022. The school in the Audubon subdivision is expected to open with more than 500 students, officials said.  
Boundary and zoning changes
With the opening of the Montgomery and Magnolia ISD elementary campuses comes changes to the districts’ boundaries. 
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For Montgomery ISD, students affected by the new elementary boundary were those zoned at Stewart Creek and Keenan elementary schools, officials said. Incoming fifth graders impacted by the new attendance boundary could remain at their current zoned school for the new school year, however, families would have to provide their own transportation.
At Magnolia ISD, boundary changes include Williams Elementary School boundary, which will avoid buses having to cross the railroad tracks around FM 1488 and FM 1774, officials said. Due to the changes, some students in Magnolia Elementary School are expected to move to Williams Elementary School and vice versa. Some students at Nichols Sawmill Elementary and Ellisor Elementary are expected to be zoned to different elementary schools for balancing.
New Caney ISD has also made changes to its zoning for elementary students. Under the current attendance zone arrangement, Tavola and Valley Ranch elementary schools are projected to be over capacity, according to the district’s website. Officials voted to change the attendance zones for nearly 300 elementary students during a regular board meeting in January.  
Changes in New Caney ISD’s schedule
New Caney ISD is expected to start the 2024-25 school year with changes to its schedule. This includes new start and dismissal times as well as an eight-period schedule.

The district’s new start and dismissal times at all campuses is to create more availability of school buses, reduce the time spent and number of students on buses, according to a release from the district. 

For elementary schools, campus start time will be 8:30 a.m. and the dismissal time will be 3:55 p.m. For middle schools, campus start time will be 7 a.m. and the dismissal time will be 2:25 p.m. For high schools, campus start time will be 7:45 a.m. and the dismissal time will be 3:10 p.m. 
The district is also changing its alternating, block schedule to an eight-period per day schedule .
Different start times and extended breaks 
Several districts have made some changes to their academic calendars as well as schedule for students. Some of these changes include starting school a week later and having extended breaks for students and staff. 
Montgomery ISD students will be starting school a week later and will have an additional holiday. Students will be expected to return to school for the 2024-25 school year on Aug. 15, a change from the current year’s official start date — Aug. 10. There will also be a student holiday on Nov. 5 as officials anticipate some campuses being utilized by the county as polling locations for election day, officials said. 
Magnolia ISD students and staff will once more have an extended break in October and February. The fall break for students and staff will be Oct.7-11, while the extended February break for students will be Feb. 17-18. 

New year, new superintendents 
Several school districts have seen changes to leadership, including Willis and Magnolia ISDs. 
In April, Willis ISD named Kimberley James, former deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Corpus Christi ISD, to serve in the district’s lead role after former Superintendent Tim Harkrider announced that he would be stepping down from his role in June 2023, where he was named the new superintendent for College Station ISD. James officially started her new role in May. 
In the same month, Magnolia ISD announced Deputy Superintendent Jason Bullock would serve in the lead role after Superintendent Todd Stephens announced his retirement in March.

In August and September, the Conroe Symphony Orchestra, Montgomery County Choral Society and Conroe’s two downtown theater groups will launch their respective new seasons for the 2024-25 performance year. 
The symphony and choral society will begin assembling in August and have the first performance of the season in October. The theater groups will have their first shows in September. 
Here’s what to know about each group for the 2024-25 year:
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Montgomery County Choral Society 
The 53-year-old Montgomery County Choral Society is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite singers who celebrate their love of music through professional-quality performances and community outreach.
In addition to performing four concerts per season the group has a scholarship program where they annually award scholarships to deserving students who wish to pursue collegiate studies in music-related fields.
In May, the group announced the appointment of Jim Kritikos as the organization’s new artistic director. 
A social event to meet Kritikos is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at Pedro’s Taco and Tequila Bar at 2101 W. Davis Street, Conroe. Registration to become a singer with the group is now open on the Choral Society website through Aug. 5. 
Kritikos, a native Texan hailing from San Antonio, is a musician, educator, mentor and advocate for fine arts. He currently serves as the director of worship at Wildwood United Methodist Church in Magnolia.
“I’m excited to enter this new adventure in my music life,” he said. 
The first concert “A New Direction” is at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at First Methodist Conroe on Texas 105. 
“Since I’m new, we’ve titled our concert ‘A New Direction,’ and what we will be doing is taking music from across the world — north, south, east and west,” he said. “We’ll be doing some northern music, eastern music, some Korean music, some western music and taking the audience on a little trip around the world.”
Other season concerts include “Gloria” Dec. 6, “Ties That Bind” exploring themes of peace, love, family, faith, joy, acceptance and inclusion Feb. 28 and “Stage & Screen” May 2. 
More details about the season are on the choral society website. 
Conroe Symphony Orchestra 
The Conroe Symphony Orchestra is in its 27th year. The group was founded in 1997 as a nonprofit community orchestra in Conroe. The orchestra is made up of professional and amateur musicians from a variety of backgrounds.
Conductor Gary Liebst joined the orchestra in 2022. Liebst has directed community bands, community jazz bands, community pit orchestras and previously led the Kingwood Pops Orchestra. 
“It’s amazing to see all the talent that exists in the area,” Liebst said of this group and others. 
The orchestra will host its first concert of the year in October featuring “Tunes from the Toons” at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Other concerts in the season will be Dec. 14 “Christmas Around the World,” “Great Expectations” Feb. 8 and “The Best of Broadway” featuring Broadway star Sal Viviano April 26.  
 In August, the Friends of the Symphony will host an afternoon of music where more about the season will be announced and season tickets will be available. Musicians can volunteer to perform with the symphony on the group’s website. 
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Conroe’s theaters 
The Players Theatre Company opens the 2024-25 season with the rock musical “Rock of Ages.” The songs of Journey, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and other artists underscore a tale of big dreams in Hollywood in the 1980s. The show runs at the Owen Theatre Sept. 6-22. 
Other shows in The Players new season include “Steel Magnolias,” Oct. 25 through Nov. 10, “White Christmas” Dec. 6-22, “Bedroom Farce” Jan. 24 through Feb. 9, 2025, “Tuck Everlasting” March 14-30, 2025 “Little Shop of Horrors,” May 9-25,2025 and “Private Lives” June 20 through July 6, 2025.
Stage Right opens its 2024-25 season with “The Play That Goes Wrong” also Sept. 6-22 at the Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe. 
Other Stage Right shows for the new season include “Dracula” Oct. 18 through Nov. 3, “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,” Nov. 29 through Dec. 15, “Big The Musical” Feb. 7-23, 2025, “Shakespeare in Love,” April 4-20, 2025 and “The Wedding Singer,” July 4-20, 2025.