Mimi’s Ethiopian Cuisine is now open at 103 W. Main St. in Tomball, owned and operated by Tomball local Meseret Mandafro.

Respecting the craft: Mandafro, who originally moved to Tomball from Dallas, grew her cooking talent from preparing meals for her family as a child after her parents immigrated to the United States.

The restaurant specializes in Ethiopian classics, including:

• Red lentils

• Lamb

• Beef

• Doro wat

Mimi’s Ethiopian Cuisine is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Several nonprofit and community organizations in Montgomery County and The Woodlands area recently announced updates and upcoming events:

• Inspiration Ranch held its fundraising Denim and Diamonds Gala on Sept. 19.
• The Walk: The Art of Giving 2026 raised $785,000 on Aug. 22 to support Interfaith of The Woodlands.
• The Woodlands U launched a seven-session presentation this fall to educate the public on the history and governance of The Woodlands.
• The Houston Area (North) Christian College Fair is scheduled for Oct. 14.
• Montgomery County Food Bank held a virtual food drive in September and plans its Flourish and Nourish Luncheon on Oct. 22.
• The Woodlands Car Club will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a community event on Nov. 14.
• Lone Star College Foundation will host its 33rd annual Golf Tournament on Nov. 16.
• Love Fosters Hope announced its 2027 Night of Hope Gala will take place on March 6.

Memorial Hermann Health System President and CEO David L. Callender is retiring at the end of 2026 after seven years with the organization. His final day in the role will be Dec. 31.

What we know: Callender will be replaced by Alec H. King, who serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer. King was selected to succeed Callender following a multi-year selection process.

The two are partnering through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. During his time at Memorial Hermann, King has been vital to the system's strategy, growth and transformation, hospital leaders said.

Quote of note: “It is an extraordinary honor to lead Memorial Hermann, which has been an essential part of Greater Houston for more than 119 years as a healthcare provider, employer and community partner,” King said. “Under Dr. Callender’s leadership, we have built tremendous momentum and I believe our greatest opportunities lie ahead.”

King will start his new role Jan. 1.

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced a one-year extension for Harris County disaster recovery and mitigation projects totaling more than $1.1 billion. The federal grants, administered through the Texas General Land Office, were at risk of missing a February 2027 and March 2028 spending deadline due to project delays.

The extension, which is the final one approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will apply to existing infrastructure and mitigation project contracts. If the county submits a documented need, the new timeline could allow the Harris County Flood Control District more time to spend:

• $322 million allocated for 11 disaster recovery projects

• $546 million allocated for 17 flood mitigation projects

Buckingham notified county leaders of the extension while expressing concerns about the county failing to meet contract expenditure benchmarks. If the county fails to meet the new benchmarks, the GLO would reallocate the unused balance to other projects.