Mega 101

Here's what's scheduled in the community for the days ahead:

Leawood "Night Out"

The Leawood neighborhoods' Citizens on Patrol are encouraging residents to take part in National Night Out 2008, 7-10 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Leawood Clubhouse, 8510 Leamont Drive. In conjunction with the observance, a neighborhood parade is set for 5:30-6:30. For more info, see www.leawoodcops.com.

Big Sam's Funky Nation at Discovery Green

Big Sam's Funky Nation from New Orleans appears live at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney. Admission is free.

SPA To Present Laurie Anderson's "Homeland"

Society For The Performing Arts will present Laurie Anderson's "Homeland" at 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Wortham Center's Cullen Theater. For tickets or more information call 713-227-4SPA or see www.spahouston.org.

SPCA Runway Race

The Houston SPCA Mutt Strut and Runway Race is set for Sat., Oct. 11, at Intercontinental Airport. Registrants at hspca.convio.net/ can customize a personal Web page with a pet's picture and a reason for walking for the animals. One can also send e-mails to family and friends to raise pledges. Those who cannot participate in the event can register as "cat nappers" and raise pledges online.

Texas Dental Hygienist Association Observing Hygiene Month

In observance of National Dental Hygiene Month, the Texas Dental Hygienist Association will host "Sealants Across Texas," focusing on proper oral health care for the entire family, 8 a.m.-noon Sat., Oct. 11, at the San Jose Downtown Clinic, 301 Hamilton St. For more information, e-mail mimi_rdh@yahoo.com.

WBO National Business Convention

The Women Business Owners National Business Convention will be held Oct. 10-12 at the Sheraton Hotel, 15700 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Highlights will include 23 seminars and noted speakers. Registration is $200. For more information, see www.womenbizowners.org/convention/.

St. John Neumannn Bazaar

St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2730 Nelwood Drive, will hold its annual bazaar 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 12. For more information, call 281-931-0684.

Run for the Word

Incarnate Word Academy's 13th annual 5k run and 2.5k walk will step off at 8 a.m. Oct. 12 from 608 Crawford St., downtown. A pancake breakfast will be served 7-11 a.m., accepting donations of $5 for adults and $3 for children. Proceeds benefit IWA athletics. For registration and more info, see www.incarnateword.org.

Pink on the Green Golf Tournament

The Eighth Annual Pink on the Green Golf Tournament is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 13 at Timber Creek Golf Course, 4554 F.M. 2351, Friendswood. Golfers will have an opportunity to win $5,000 in a putting contest and a hole-in-one prize. Proceeds benefit programs and services of Julia F. Thompson, Inc., which awards college scholarships in conjunction with the Mu Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Van Chancellor Golf Classic

The Children's Assessment Center will host the 16th Annual Van Chancellor Golf Classic Wed., Oct. 15, at Wildcat Golf Club, 12000 Almeda. Registration and lunch are at noon, followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The Hawaiian-themed tournament will feature a four-man scramble with assorted prizes, including a 2008 Jaguar XF for a hole-in-one. The $300 entry fee includes greens fees, golf cart, lunch, dinner, a goodie bag and tropical libations. For more details, contact Cristina Lafuente at 713-986-3536.

Take a Swing at Pulmonary Fibrosis

The Second Annual Pulmonary Fibrosis Association of Texas Golf Classic will tee off Oct. 17 at Atascocita Country Club, 20114 Pinehurst Trail, Humble. Registration is set for 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Highlights will include team pictures, a silent auction and scoring prizes. Entry fee, which includes greens fees, cart, dinner and more, is $500 per team and $150 per individual until Sept. 27. Thereafter, fees are $500 and $175 respectively. For more information, e-mail jan3145@aol.com or call 281-348-2378.

Walk to Defeat ALS

The Greater Houston Chapter of the ALS Association will host the Walk to Defeat ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Sat., Oct. 18, stepping off from South Main Baptist Church, 4300 Beltway 8, Pasadena. Check-in is at 10 a.m., and the walk begins at 11. Participants can walk 1 to 3 miles. Register to walk, make a donation, or set up a walk team at www.alsa-houston.org.

Riverstone Tour of Luxury

Riverstone’s Tour of Luxury, a showcase featuring six custom homes priced from $1.4 million to $3.3 million, will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 17-18 and noon-5 p.m. Oct. 19 at 4855 Riverstone Boulevard, Missouri City. Luxury cars by Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce will also be on display. Advance tickets are $8 and $10 at the gate. One ticket provides entry to all six homes, and proceeds benefit the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, the Exchange Club of Fort Bend, the Fort Bend Junior Service League and the YMCAs of Fort Bend. For tickets and more information, see http://www.riverstone.com/tourofluxury/index.php or call 281-499-8700.

Greyhound Group to Hold Barkanalia 2008

Greyhound Pets of America - Houston will host Barkanalia 2008 noon-4 p.m. Oct. 19 at Haak Vineyard & Winery, 6310 Aveune T, Santa Fe. Highlights will include lunch, games for humans and hounds, goodie bags, and a silent auction. Tickets are available at www.gpahouston.org/events.htm. For more information, e-mail rita@gpahouston.com or Barkanalia2008@comcast.net.

Fresh Arts Coalition Seeks Art Made From Ike

The Fresh Arts Coalition is accepting submissions of artistic creations made from Ike remnants. Professional, novice and never-before artists are encouraged to participate by taking a picture of their creations and sending them to info@fresharts.org by Oct. 20 for a chance to win $2,000. On Oct. 24, Caroline Collective, 4820 Caroline St., will conduct a silent auction of entries to benefit local artists and arts organizations. For more details, see tinyurl.com/madefromike and fresharts.org.

SPA To Present David Sedaris

Society For The Performing Arts will present David Sedaris at 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at Jones Hall. Sedaris will read from new and unpublished works including his most recent book, "When You Are Engulfed in Flames." For tickets or more information call 713-227-4SPA or see www.spahouston.org.

Documentary on New Down Syndrome Treatment to Premiere Here

Changing Minds Foundation has announced a new treatment for Down syndrome that significantly improves cognition and quality of life. "Changing A Mind," a new documentary chronicling the groundbreaking changes in a group of children on the treatment, premiers in Houston at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at the River Oaks Theatre, 2009 West Gray. The new treatment is based on a recent neurological breakthrough at the Stanford Down Syndrome Research Center. Dr. Craig Garner, who led the research, will be in attendance at the premiere. For more information, see changingmindsfoundation.org.

2008 Mutt Strutt

The Humane Society of Montgomery County's 2008 Mutt Strutt is set for Oct. 25 at Town Green Park on The Waterway, 2099 Lake Robbins, The Woodlands. Registration, at $35, begins at 7 a.m., and the walk begins at 9. Highlights will include various pet contests plus entertainment and demonstrations. Proceeds help feed and care for local animals in need and promote responsible pet ownership.

Exchange Club Murder Mystery Dinner

The Hobby Airport Exchange Club will host its fifth annual murder mystery dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the South Shore Harbor Country Club, 4300 South Shore Blvd. Tickets for "investigators" are $40 each or $210 for a table of six. Prizes will be awarded for creative masquerade attire. Proceeds help the ESCAPE Family Resource Center, "Kids to Champion" Camp, and Service to Seniors while helping fund scholarships for high school students and provide American flags at the RodeoHouston parade. For more info, see www.hobbyairportexchangeclub.com.

Event To Benefit Assist The Officer

Assist The Officer, an organization that provides aid to police officers injured in the line of duty, will benefit from a portion of ticket sales for the Houston Haunted House pumpkin festival and barbecue competition Oct. 24-26 at 1500 Elton St.

CPAs' Golf Tourney To Benefit Make-A-Wish

Sean Berry and Hunter Pence of the Houston Astros will act as celebrity hosts of the Houston CPA Society's 19th annual golf classic and auction benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation Mon., Oct. 27, at Sweetwater Country Club. Wish Child Chloe Rodriguez and Miss Texas USA Brooke Daniels will also be on hand for the tournament that benefits the foundation's Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana operations which grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Shotgun start is at noon, and an auction will follow play 5-7 p.m. For more info, call 713-622-7733 or see www.houstoncpa.org.

Applause Theatre To Hold Auditions

The Applause Theatre Company, 6608 F.M. 1960 Road W., will hold auditions for "A Christmas Carol Miracle" 7-9:30 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 30. Actors age 8-18 are invited to try out for the production, set in a 1939 West Texas oil boom town where the residents of an orphanage enter a contest to win $10,000 and save their home. Rehearsals begin Nov. 7. Tuition is $300 — $250 for enrolled Applause Theatrical School students. For audition information, see www.applausetheatre.com/audition.htm or call 281-440-4111.

Free Community Job Fair

The Houston Area Urban League, the AARP Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Labor will host a free career fair and blood drive with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 30, at the Toyota Center.

Arts Alliance Tech Workshop

The Houston Arts Alliance will present a series of workshops on the Renaissance Generation, 9-11 a.m. Oct. 30 at the Houston Technology Center, 410 Pierce St. Aimed at helping non-profit organizations and individual artists understand new technologies and the use of tools to maximize productivity and develop audiences, "T3: Tech, Tools & Tips" will cover Web 2.0, social media, the blogosphere, and micro-blogging tools. Registration, at $35 per person, starts at 8:30 a.m. For more, see www.t3workshops.eventbrite.com.

SPA To Present Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society

Society For The Performing Arts will present a Rachmaninov program performed by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at 8 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Wortham Center's Cullen Theater. For tickets or more information call 713-227-4SPA or see www.spahouston.org.

Chinese Baptist Fall Festival 2008

Southwest Chinese Baptist Church, 12525 Sugar Ridge Blvd., Stafford, will host its free 2008 fall festival 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31. The safe and fun alternative to Halloween will feature family-friendly games, candies, prizes, a moonwalk, hot dogs and beverages. For more info, see swcbc.us/web/.

"Interview" Suits Sought

The Men's Wearhouse in cooperation with various assistance organizations is collecting "interview" suits for men seeking to rejoin the workforce. Donations of used professional clothing in good repair during the September and October drive will earn a 10 percent discount from the retailer. For more information, see nationalsuitdrive.com.

.:NOVEMBER:.

"Out Of The Darkness" Community Walk

The "Out of the Darkness" Community Walk, a 3-5 mile scenic walk set for Nov. 1 in more than 100 communities nationwide, will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and help fund research, education, and survivor programs. Locally, a walk will step off from Stude Park at 10 a.m. For more information or to register, see http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=550&destination=E or contact Gina Rodriguez.

SPA To Present Bossa Nova: The First 50 Years

Society For The Performing Arts will present composer-arranger Oscar Castro-Neves leading an all-star ensemble in a celebration of 50 years of bossa nova at 8 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Wortham Center's Cullen Theater. For tickets or more information call 713-227-4SPA or see www.spahouston.org.

Houston "Start! Heart Walk!"

The Houston "Start! Heart Walk!" is set for Sat., Nov. 1, at Sam Houston Park, downtown. Registration begins at 8 a.m. for the American Heart Association’s premiere fundraiser that helps in the fight against heart disease and stroke. For more information, see www.houstonheartwalk.org.

Texas BigBeat

The Texas BigBeat is one of 10 similar events set for Sun., Nov. 2, throughout the United States and Canada, bringing hundred of musicians together in an effort to break the current world record for simultaneous drumming on kits and to raise money for Cherish Our Children International and The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation. The Houston event will be held 3-5 p.m. at the George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond. Drummers of all ages and skill level are invited to participate. For more information, see www.texasbigbeat.com.

Montgomery County Clerk's Drive & Drop

The 11th Annual Montgomery County District Clerk's "Drive & Drop," supporting the Friendship Center of Montgomery County, is set for 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at the main courhouse, near 301 N. Thompson St., Conroe. The center serves senior adults through Meals-on-Wheels and a food pantry. For more info and a list of items suggested for donation, see http://www.thefriendshipcenter.com/dyncat.cfm?catid=2217.

Alzheimer's Association Schlicting Education Conference

The Alzheimer's Association's annual Schlicting Education Conference — "Vulnerabilities of Dementia: Providing Care, Accessing Resources, Preventing Exploitation" — will be held 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the United Way Community Resouce Center, 50 Waugh Drive. Alzheimer’s and dementia experts from the Houston area will be featured, and topics will range from financial and legal preparation to care management for persons with dementia. For more information, call 713-31-1313.

Joan Lunden to Address M.D. Anderson Colorectal Cancer Seminar

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Colon Cancer Alliance have partnered with noted journalist and best-selling author Joan Lunden for a free educational seminar on colorectal cancer 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sat, Nov. 8, at M. D. Anderson�s Cancer Prevention Building, 1155 Pressler St. Colorectal cancer patients, long-term survivors, caregivers, family and friends are invited to attend. The seminar will offer information about lifestyle management and the latest treatment advances. To register, call 1-877-422-2030 or complete theregistration form at www.ccalliance.org.

Red Wine & Blue Food and Wine Festival

In conjunction with Veterans� Day, Nov. 8, the Houston Intown Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual Red Wine & Blue Food and Wine Festival at Levy Park, 3801 Eastside at Richmond Ave. The event, benefiting Houston�s veterans, will showcase samplings of local cuisine, an array of fine wines, and live music. Event sponsors include the Upper Kirby District and the City of Houston's Parks & Recreation, Special Events, and Veterans Affairs Departments. For more information, see www.houston-intown.com.

Helping Hearts Golf Tourney

Helping Hearts Support Group's Third Annual Golf Tournament will tee off at 8 a.m. Nov. 9 at Wildcat Golf Club, 12000 Almeda Road. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Entry fee is $125 per person and includes greens fee, cart, driving range balls, a snack, lunch and tea. For more information, see www.thehelpinghearts.org.

Dutch Dash 5K Run and One-Mile Walk

The Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society of Katy & Houston will host the Dutch Dash 5K Run and One-Mile Walk at 8 a.m. Sat., Nov. 15, at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Proceeds help individuals with chromosome 18 abnormalities overcome obstacles and achieve full lives. For more information, see www.active.com.

Sharpstown Baptist Church Acappella Concert

Sharpstown Baptist Church, 7000 Bellaire Blvd., will present a 50th anniversary acappella concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15. Advance tickets are $15. For more information, see www.acappella.org or call 713-522-2270.

Sustainable Living Launches Recycling Event

Sustainable Living in Houston and Ion Geophysical will inagurate Drop And Swap - A Texas Recycles Day event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 15 at Cypress United Methodist Church, 13403 Cypress. Residents are encouraged to drop off recyclables, like household batteries, clear glass, plastics #1 thru #7, paper, aluminum and tin cans, and electronic devices, and swap lightly used clothing, shoes, books, CDs, and other items.

Festival of Lights 2008

The Seventh Annual Festival of Lights is set for 6-10 p.m. Nov. 15-Jan. 3 at Moody Gardens in Galveston. More than a million twinkling lights will illuminate the tropical acreage, with activities for all ages, dozens of festive scenes, live musical entertainment, holiday shopping, pictures with Santa and ice-skating at the area�s only outdoor ice rink!

Houston Ballet 2008 Nutcracker Market

More than 315 vendors are slated to participate in the 28th Annual Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market Nov. 12-16 at Reliant Center. The holiday shopping extravaganza features home d�cor, gourmet food, garden gifts, clothing, toys, candles, sporting gifts, novelties, accessories and more. Proceeds benefit the Houston Ballet Foundation, its academy and scholarship programs. For more info and tickets, see www.nutcrackermarket.com.

Dress for Success "Night Out"

“A Night Out,” Dress for Success® Houston's Eighth Annual Fundraiser to purchase business attire for economically disadvantaged women, is set for 6-9 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Hotel Inter-Continental, 2222 West Loop South. Tickets are $100 for individuals and $1,250 for a table of 10. For more info or tickets, contact Ray Rivas at 713-276-5508.

SPA To Present Chava Alberstein

Society For The Performing Arts will present Israeli folk singer Chava Alberstein at 8 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Wortham Center's Cullen Theater. For tickets or more information call 713-227-4SPA or see www.spahouston.org.

Citizens for Animal Protection Celebrity Paws Gala

The 22nd Annual Celebrity Paws Gala, benefiting Citizens for Animal Protection, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Hilton Americas Hotel, 1600 Lamar. CAP has served pets and people in Greater Houston for over 35 years, sheltering and caring for over 400,000 orphaned, neglected and injured animals.

Former Students of San Antonio's Jefferson High Sought for Reunion

The 1998 class of Thomas Jefferson High School, San Antonio, is seeking alumni for a reunion Nov. 29. For more information, contact Jessica Diaz-Rivera at 210-414-1307 or Felipe A. Cadena Jr. at 210-687-4245.

.:DECEMBER:.

SPA To Present Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano

Society For The Performing Arts will present Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano at 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Jones Hall. The Grammy Award-winning group, perhaps best known for their collaborations on Linda Ronstadt�s albums "Canciones de Mi Padre" and "Mas Canciones," will perform a Christmas program. For tickets or more information call 713-227-4SPA or see www.spahouston.org.

Golf Tournament To Benefit Empty Arms

The Third Annual Avery Grace Kargel Memorial Golf Tournament is set for a noon shotgun start Dec. 6 at the Tour 18 Golf Course, Humble. Proceeds will be donated to Empty Arms, an organization helping families that have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. For more info, see www.agkmemorial.com.

An Evening in Old Bethlehem

Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, will present "An Evening in Old Bethlehem" Fri.-Sun., Dec. 5-7. Admission is $1 per person 6-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5-7 p.m. Sunday. Visitors will journey through streets filled with tradesmen and craftsmen of that era and a live nativity scene.

Houston Homeless Run

The first Houston Homeless Run is set for Dec. 7 stepping off from Tranquility Park, downtown. Events will include 1K, 5K and 10K runs with registration ranging from $10 to $35. For more information, see www.houstonhomelessrun.org.

Santa's Swingin' '40s Christmas Aboard Battleship Texas

Santa will visit the Battleship Texas, 3523 Battleground Road, LaPorte, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 13. Onboard activities will include swing music and dancing, hot wassail, and pictures with Mr. Claus.

Annual Heritage Society Candlelight Tour

The sights and sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas come to Sam Houston Park 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13 as The Heritage Society presents the 46th Annual Candlelight Tour. Highlights will include paths lit by glowing candlelight, tours of some of Houston�s most historic structures, carolers, storytellers and crafters. In Santa�s Workshop, children can have their photos taken while visiting with St. Nicholas. Children can also play in the snow and build snowmen. In addition, The Heritage Society Museum will present �What�s Cookin�? Two Centuries of American Foodways,� an exhibit exploring the history and cultural development of food. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased at 713-655-1912, www.heritagesociety.org, or at the gate.