AROUND1 Aug 2009: The Woodlands Texas Info, The Woodlands TX, The Woodlands News, The Woodlands TX Business, The Woodlands Texas Business, News

The Woodlands Fire Department acquires new mini-pumper. The Woodlands Fire Department purchased a new mini-pumper, Attack 101. Funded by The Woodlands Township, this economical apparatus gives firefighters everything they need to take on almost any emergency, all in one compact package. Whether answering a first response call or combating smaller incidents such as car fires, Attack 101 will be a valuable addition to The Woodlands Fire Department.

“Funding of the new Attack 101 was necessary for the urban growth we’re experiencing in The Woodlands,” said The Woodlands Township Chairman Nelda Blair. “We always have to be prepared in emergency situations and we’re very fortunate to have such a proactive fire department serving The Woodlands Township. ”

Attack 101 will operate out of Central Fire Station, 9951 Grogan’s Mill Road, serving the villages of Grogan’s Mill and Panther Creek and The Woodlands Town Center.

friendship center volunteer in running for national award. Bill Smith is one of 16 Meals On Wheels volunteers from across the country who are finalists in a competition for Volunteer of the Year for the Meals on Wheels of America Association. In his 11 years of service, Smith has personally impacted the lives of 194 clients. He has delivered 5,720 meals (complete with pies purchased out of his own pocket) and constructed 125 wheelchair ramps. His MOW routes have taken him 82,500 miles and he has helped raise $450,000 during fundraising activities. Smith served on the board of directors for six years, including chairing the board for one year.

His most recent endeavor involved overseeing every aspect of a Friendship Center-sponsored Hurricane Ike relief project. He helped 10 seniors with home repairs using a $25,000 grant funded by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

“One of the biggest benefits of Bill’s Hurricane Ike project was his ability to help seniors avoid unscrupulous contractors and understand the lingo and specifics of their repair needs and the costs related to those needs, ” said Nancy Harrington, president, The Friendship Center.

The agency is seeking votes for Smith much in the style of the American Idol competition, although voters are prohibited from voting more than once. To vote, go to http://www.mowaa.org/americanvolunteer. Voting ends on Aug. 15.

Montgomery County Youth Services Shelters Receive A Makeover. Montgomery County Youth Services received a makeover thanks to the help and creativity of Toni Cates, interior decorator and owner of Decorator’s Depot.

Cates decided to donate her time and creativity to Montgomery County Youth Services after seeing a shelter on a church youth trip and wondering if the rooms of the shelter were decorated. Already aware of MCYS, she called to learn what shelters were around that she could decorate, then showed up at MCYS ’ Fairway Home to make it happen.

“In my mission for MCYS, I have two objectives,” said Cates. “The first is to make the space a better place for the short time kids are here, and the second is to make sure the kids see Christ in what we ’re doing. I have found great joy in being able to give them a space they can enjoy while staying at the shelter and plan to continue decorating for these kids, one room at a time. ”

Cates redecorated the game room for youth at MCYS’ Fairway Home. She is currently redecorating one of the boys’ bedrooms in the house using a Harley theme and will later redecorate one of the girls ’ rooms with a nature theme.

On behalf of MCYS, Cates is accepting donations of cash and gently used furniture and is seeking electricians and carpenters who are interested in volunteering their time and services.