The woodlands celebrates arbor day
VOlunTeer: run for a residential design review committee or Village Office
The woodlands history: About George Mitchell ice skate in The woodlands until mid-january
Join lovable mascot of The Woodlands, Puffy Pine Cone, and his mascot friends for his Birthday Party!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
10 am – 2 pm
At Rob Fleming Park in The Woodlands’ Newest Village of Creekside Park
• Free Tree Seedlings – 31,000 Tree Seedlings in Eight Different Varieties
• Free Rides – Giant Inflatable Rides, Rock Walls, Pony Rides and a Petting Zoo
• Tween Pop Performing Sensations
• Refreshments – Free Birthday Cupcakes and Cake Celebrating Puffy Pine Cone’s Birthday from 1 – 2 pm. Concessions are available (cash only)
• Mascots – Enjoy Visits from Puffy and his Mascot Friends
• Free Gifts – Enjoy Special Gifts for the Children while supplies last
Register at the event to win one of 5 seven-gallon native trees. Drawings will take place hourly. You must be present to win.
• Fun – Enjoy The Woodlands’ Award-Winning Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park
Event Sponsors
4 Recycling in The Woodlands
6 The Woodlands history: About George Mitchell
8 Volunteer: Run for a Residential design Review Committee or Village office
8 town Hall Meeting
0 the Woodlands township Vision and Mission
school’s Out! a Four-Day Weekend of Fun
2 important Phone numbers
5 Got Watch? Get Watch! Join the Woodlands Watch
7 20 holiday garbage Collection schedule
2 ice skate in The Woodlands until mid-January
24 10 simple rules to Help Prevent Crime
26 The Woodlands Celebrates arbor day
28 Free Compost Classes
In this cover shot by frequent contributor and resident John Hibbs, the sun shines brightly in the morning on Creekwood Pond and its inhabitants—just as life in the Woodlands begins a new year for 2011.
29 In the spotlight teen talent show
30 Montgomery County teen Book Festival
3 Walk in The Woods snakes: a Case of Mistaken Identity
MOntHly
3 Message from the Chairman
6 Calendar of events
8 the Woodlands Village news
20 the Woodlands Village leaders
• Programs for 6 weeks to
• Diapers, wipes and formula included
• Low student-teacher ratio
• Certified teachers
• Dance, karate, gym, Spanish & computer programs
Family-Friendly Ser vices
Porter Help with Infants
CCTV in all rooms
Before and After School Program
Weekly Themed Year-Round
Operating Hours Mon.
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
The Woodlands ToWnship
2201 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Main Line
All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800
Board Chambers
10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800
service Center
2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800
law enforcement and neighborhood services annex 2202 Timberloch Place, Suite 222, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800
The Woodlands Fire department (non-emergency)
9951 Grogan’s Mill road
The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-367-3444
Parks, Recreation and environmental services 8203 Millennium Forest, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3900
Recreation Center
5310 research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950
Convention & Visitors Bureau
10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-363-2447
oTher service providers
The Woodlands Joint Powers agency (Water) 281-367-1267
montgomery County sheriff’s office 281-297-6500 • 936-442-7797
harris County sheriff’s office 713-221-6000
montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211
harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472
emergency 9
The Woodlands Township
Happy new year! It’s a bright new year in the Woodlands, and on behalf of the Woodlands township Board of Directors and staff, I extend a warm wish for your best year yet. the Woodlands township looks forward to another busy and successful year as well. almost all residential, commercial property owners and residents in the Woodlands reside within the boundaries of the Woodlands township. the township comprises the villages of Grogan’s Mill, Panther Creek, Cochran’s Crossing, Indian springs, alden Bridge, sterling ridge, Carlton Woods, Creekside Park, east shore and the neighborhoods of Harper’s landing and Grogan’s Forest in the Village of College Park. Properties also include Windsor Hills, Woodlands trade Center, Cokeberry Forest and Grogan’s Park areas.
Many, but not all, municipal-type services are provided by the Woodlands township to set the standard for quality of life in the Woodlands. services include covenant enforcement, emergency medical services, fire protection, garbage, yard waste and recycling collection, parks and recreation programs and activities, swimming pools, neighborhood watch, enhanced law enforcement and many other services and programs. Most are funded by ad valorem property taxes in addition to hotel occupancy and sales taxes in the Woodlands.
We are also pleased to provide this magazine to you, supported by advertisers so that no tax dollars are used for the printing or mailing of this publication.
In this month’s issue, you will find a listing of important and useful phone numbers, and a new feature about the history of the Woodlands. special thanks to roger Galatas, a hometown hero and longtime community leader, for providing a historic perspective about the Woodlands for our magazine.
the Woodlands township strives to provide the highest-quality services with the best value for residents. In addition to the Woodlands township, other services are provided by a wide range of governmental organizations, many of which are listed in the Important Phone numbers article on page 12.
If you have questions or comments, please contact us by visiting our Web site, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3800. and again, Happy new year!
ny writing about the Woodlands must start with George Mitchell—he is the single most important factor in the success of the Woodlands. It was his vision, tenacity and willingness to risk all the personal wealth he earned in the oil and gas business that made the difference. He purchased the land, assembled the development team, formulated the
environmentally responsible development plan and remained personally dedicated and involved in the Woodlands for 40 years. For 20 years, I had the unique opportunity to work with him and observe his actions.
George Mitchell doesn’t fit the stereotype held by most americans of a texas oilman. In person he’s quietspoken. Indeed, you must frequently strain to hear him. In private, Mitchell does have strongly held views. and his former company, Mitchell energy & Development Corp., was famously known as a place where if you wanted to make your point in a business meeting you had better be prepared to shout along with everyone else.
Mitchell’s life took many turns, but he is always a futurist who understands how things ought to be, and has a picture of how to get there. He is not a strategic planner in the formal sense. Mitchell was fond of saying, “the only thing more dangerous than a five-year financial projection is believing it is valid.” He understands the need for budgets and business plans but refuses to let them stand in the way of unexpected opportunities.
a natural dealmaker, Mitchell delighted in driving hard bargains. It wasn’t greed, but the love of the game. I’ve seen him negotiate long and hard to get the maximum return, and then turn around and donate much of that gain to charitable or civic causes.
Mitchell, now 91, no longer runs a public company. He actively looks after his personal investments, which are considerable. Forbes Magazine’s list of the world’s wealthiest, ranks him with a net worth of somewhere near $1.5 billion. It’s instructive to see just how Mitchell made it. His story is the embodiment of the american dream. Born in Galveston to Greek immigrant parents, Mitchell saw his mother die when he was just 13. He attended texas a&M on a tennis scholarship, graduating at the top of his class in four years with degrees in both geology and petroleum engineering which normally takes five years. Mitchell supported himself through college. In the last two years he sold personalized stationery to fellow cadets at the school. When he went to work after graduation for amoco, he actually took a pay cut, from $300 a month from the stationery business to
George Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Energy & Development Corporation and founding developer of The Woodlands, posing in his dress uniform and boots while a student cadet in his senior year at Texas A&M. He graduated in 1939.
$155 a month as a geologist.
after serving in World War II, Mitchell and his brother Johnny Mitchell set up a small oil and gas company in downtown Houston. Mitchell, acknowledged as a gifted geologist, found the prospects. Johnny sold the deals, primarily in a nearby coffee shop. the company prospered but the big break came from a tip that a Chicago bookie had a deal in Wise County north of Fort Worth. Mitchell investigated and found that with recently discovered technology, the deal could result in a huge find of natural gas. Mitchell was right. For decades, and to this day, that field provides 10 percent of the natural gas for the Chicago market.
Mitchell is perhaps best known for the Woodlands, which opened in 1974 as one of 13 new towns to gain loan guarantees from the federal government. the other 12 towns went bankrupt, and the Woodlands could have folded also if Mitchell had not stepped in and pledged his personal wealth to back the venture.
today, it’s a thriving community for some 93,000 residents. It was built with some of the best environmental expertise in the country and is designed to provide homes for everyone— including presidents of companies and teachers in its schools. no one is excluded. It is more than just a real estate venture. It’s a growing hometown with industry, business and shopping; an economic asset for the region now with 46,000 jobs.
Mitchell is more than just a businessman. He has transformed his native Galveston by spending huge sums to revitalize its strand District and tourism. Mitchell has given millions to spark research not only at texas a&M but in the texas Medical Center, and he has done it quietly and modestly.
It has been said that, “In short, George P. Mitchell is the kind of person who gives capitalism a good name.”
george mitchell opening day
The Woodlands’ grand opening on October 19, 1974, was attended by the development team and local dignitaries, including Jim Rush, the developer’s director of marketing; George Mitchell; Lynn Coker, county judge of Montgomery County; and Cynthia Woods Mitchell.
Roger Galatas is the former president of The Woodlands Corporation and the author, with Jim Barlow, of the popular book, The Woodlands, The Inside Story of Creating a Better Hometown. For more information, please visit www.rgiwoodlands.com.
each year, elections are held for more than 100 volunteer leadership positions within our community. as in the past, elections will continue to be held in February for the residential Design review Committees (rDrCs) and the Village associations. the Woodlands township Board of Directors election, which follows a different process, will be held in May.
each of the villages has an association that facilitates activities specific to the village. each village will have officer positions and/or area (neighborhood) representative positions open for the 2011 election. While officer duties may vary by position and/or specific village (refer to each village’s bylaws at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov), all villages seek enthusiastic residents looking to volunteer their service and leadership for their closest Woodlands neighbors.
the following village association positions are up for election in February 2011:
grogan’s mill Village association
• seven at-large area representatives (two-year terms)
Panther Creek Village association
• Vice President (two-year term)
• secretary (two-year term)
• six at-large area representatives (two-year terms)
Cochran’s Crossing Village association
• 18 at-large area representatives (one-year terms)
indian springs Village association
• President (two-year term)
• secretary (two-year term)
• Five at-large area representatives (two-year terms)
alden Bridge Village association
• 10 at-large area representatives (two-year terms)
College Park Village association
• President (two-year term)
• secretary (two-year term)
• nine at-large area representatives (one-year terms)
sterling Ridge Village association
• eight at-large Village Directors (two-year terms)
Creekside Park Village association
• President (two-year term)
• secretary (two-year term)
• events Chair (one-year term)
• six at-large area representatives (one-year terms)
throughout the transition in governance, the Woodlands Community association Covenants and the Woodlands association Covenants (both herein referred to as the Covenants) continue to be encumbered on the property. as prescribed by the Covenants, five-member resident-elected committees serve to facilitate property improvements of their peers. elected to one-year terms, residents dedicate several hours each month to review the applications submitted by their neighbors for improvements to their property. residents interested in ensuring that design standards are maintained in the Woodlands may be interested in filing for residential Design review Committee candidacy in their village. the following residential Design review Committee positions are up for election in February 2011:
• up to five residential Design review Committee members to be elected for each village, all serving one-year terms. this includes two committees for villages such as Indian springs and Grogan’s Mill, which are divided into two geographic areas based on Covenant imposition.
all information needed can be found on the Woodlands township Web site, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, at residential Design review Committee meetings and through the Village association presidents. Filing for all community positions continues through January 20, 2011, at 5 p.m. If you have any questions regarding these elections, please contact the Woodlands township at 281-210-3800.
the Woodlands, our dynamic hometown within a natural forest, is known for its balance between man and nature. We are a thriving business community and a premier destination for visitors — a place where generations live, work, learn and play.
The Woodlands
…is a place where we feel safe and secure.
…achieves prosperity by promoting economic development and quality of life.
…cultivates the relationship between urban needs and environmental sustainability.
…provides premier services and activities, superior educational opportunities, a diversity of jobs and vibrant public spaces, events and entertainment for all.
…is a place that welcomes everyone from everywhere to grow and thrive.
We fulfill the Woodlands vision by:
• Protecting the well-being and safety of our residents, visitors and businesses.
• achieving the highest standards in service delivery.
• Partnering with others to sustain the vitality of our region.
• Communicating with our constituents and partners.
• attracting and retaining a talented and innovative staff.
• serving as the community’s political voice.
• Powering economic growth through community investment.
• Promoting continued vitality of neighborhoods and commercial areas.
• Maintaining transparent governance.
• serving as financial stewards of the community’s resources.
• evolving a governance structure to meet our goals.
• Promoting sound environmental policy.
school’s out for a four-day weekend, Friday, January 14 through Monday, January 17, 2011, and the Woodlands township Parks and recreation Department offers a variety of programs for the entire family. sign up for all three school’s Out activities for $50! Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or stop by the Woodlands township recreation Center at 5310 research Forest Drive, telephone 281-210-3950. giant game day Come out with the family on your day off for some GInOrMOus fun! We will play giant Jenga, giant checkers, giant twister, crafts, music and more! Pizza, fruit and drinks served for lunch. sign up by January 12, 2011!
When: Monday, january 17, 2011, 11 a.m. - 2p.m.
Where: The Lodge at rob Fleming Park ages: aLL
Fee: $30/family of four; $5 additional family member
Pajama Party Put on your PJs and grab a pillow and blanket, because we’re having a party! We’ll watch a movie and enjoy pizza and popcorn, decorate a pillowcase and play slumber party games.
When: Friday, january 14, 2011, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Woodlands Township recreation Center ages: 6 through10
Fee: $15/child
Family skating spree an evening of family fun with a roller skate dance party, skating relays and winter games. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Don’t forget to bring your roller skates!
When: Saturday, january 15, 2011, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Bear Branch Outdoor Hockey rink a aLL
While the Woodlands township provides many services to Woodlands residents, they do not provide all. Many other entities provide services, such as Montgomery County, Harris County, the Municipal utility Districts and Joint Powers agency, the Woodlands Development Company and others.
the following numbers are listed with the intent of helping residents know whom to call for various questions and services. these numbers, along with updates, are listed online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
animals
animal Control – Montgomery County animal Shelter
For animals running loose, noisy or barking
after hours call Montgomery County Sheriff’s Dept 936-442-7797
after hours call Harris County Sheriff’s Dept ........
animal Emergency Clinic of Conroe .......................
animal Shelter (Humane Society)............................
Dead animals (public streets only) Montgomery
Montgomery
Harris
Injured or nuisance at a community park or lake
The Woodlands Township
Too many domestic animals (Township) ...............
Cul-de-saC islands
new areas – initial clean-up, reforestation (The Woodlands Development Company) 281-719-6163
mailBoXes
roadside
roadside ditches – Harris County Pct. 4.................. 281-353-8424
Major ditches – Montgomery County, Municipal utility District 281-367-1271
hours 281-419-6303
emeRgenCy Life
gaRBage
unresolved
lighTs
Keep this page for reference.
Permanent cluster boxes are provided by the u. S. Post Office. requests for first time installation, key needed, vandalism or damaged .................... 800-275-8777
mainTenanCe, moWing and iRRigaTion
Street rights-of-way, parks, pathways, greenbelts, trees, medians, and entrance esplanades. (The Woodlands Township) 281-210-3900 residences - deed restrictions (including vacant homes) ........ 281-210-3973
Major ditches – Montgomery County ...................... 281-367-1271
Major ditches – Harris County 281-240-1300
mosQuiTo aBaTemenT
Pct. 2 281-356-4156
Pct. 3 .................................................................. 281-367-7283
Pct. 4 281-577-8919
Harris County, Pct. 4 281-353-8424
neighBoRhood WaTCh (The Woodlands Township)
The Woodlands Watch.......................................... 281-210-3800
Telephone network Line 281-210-3971
PaRK and Ride (The Woodlands Express)
research Forest Park and ride (off Gosling road) 936-273-6100
Sawdust Park and ride (off Budde road) ................ 281-363-1881
Woodlands Parkway (off ashlane Way)
PaRKs and ReCReaTion
Parks, Pathways, Picnic Pavilions, neighborhood Pools, Sports Fields, Lakes/Ponds, Open Space reserves ............. 281-210-3900
The Woodlands recreation Center 281-210-3950
PoliCe (non-emergency)
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 936-442-7797
Harris County Sheriff’s Office ................................. 713-755-7278
Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-363-1161
Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472
Conroe Independent School District (CISD) Police 936-539-0507
Conroe Independent School District KID CHaT 888-543-2428
800-800-5804
Street lights – broken, leaning or lights out as well as neighborhood entry and neighborhood park lights. (The Woodlands Township) 281-210-3900
Traffic Signals – Pct. 2 281-356-4156
Traffic Signals – Pct. 3........................................... 281-367-3977
TX-DOT Traffic Signals (24 hrs, I-45 and SH 242) 713-802-5662
approval for residential lighting (The Woodlands Township) 281-210-3973
ResidenTial design ReVieW CommiTTee 281-210-3973
RV and BoaT sToRage (Woodlands residents only) 281-210-3900
WaTeR - seWeR
Montgomery County 281-367-1271
Harris County 713-405-1750
The Woodlands deVeloPmenT ComPany 281-719-6100
light weight, large volume polystyrene, commonly called styrofoam™, has been a space hog in landfills—until now! thanks to a grant from the Houston/Galveston area Council, Montgomery County Precinct 3 is accepting expanded polystyrene and polyethylene foam for recycling.
Clean egg cartons, take-out boxes, insulated ice chests and packaging material are loaded into a densifier, a piece of equipment that condenses the material. Out comes a dense, plate-sized package convenient for transporting to a processing facility, where the material is ground and remanufactured into new products.
located at 1122 Pruitt road, Precinct 3 recycling Complex accepts recyclables Monday through saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to identify other recycling resources in our community, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call the Woodlands township environmental services at 281-210-3900.
expanded polystyrene
• styrofoam™
• Clean foam food containers
• Packaging foam, including packing peanuts
• typically white, sometimes black polyethylene Foam
• spongy foam cushioning for consumer products
• swimming “noodles”
• Many colors
Keep recycling Working
• remove tape, labels and any foreign materials
• rinse thoroughly to remove food residue
although the last drop of milk, juice or soup has been consumed, there is still a lot of life left in the carton! Known as asceptic packaging—juice, dairy, soup and soy milk cartons— are all now recycled in your curbside bin. see guide to asceptic package recycling below.
recycling cartons curbside is easy! Just remove caps, discard straws and rinse before placing cartons in your bin with other recyclables. sorting is not necessary.
On service day, recyclables are emptied into a “rear loader,” and transported to a Materials recovery Facility (MrF) for sorting by state-of-the-art technology and optical scanners. Cartons are baled and shipped to paper mills to extract the paper fiber. a valuable resource, recycled carton fibers are made into tissues, office paper, paper board and building products.
new manufacturing processes make it all possible! Gone is the waxy coating, sterile paper cartons are now layered with a thin polyethylene coating. shelf-stable cartons also contain a small amount of aluminum that can be recycled too.
For more information about recycling, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call the Woodlands township environmental services at 281-210-3900. shelf-stable cartons
• Juice
• Milk
• soy and almond Milk
• soup and Broth
• Wine
refrigerated cartons
• Juice
• Milk
• Cream
• egg substitutes
Keep carton
recycling working
• remove plastic caps
• Discard straws
• rinse cartons
it’s amazing what neighbors can accomplish when they work together. that’s why i support the Woodlands Watch, because it provides residents with information they can use to keep their homes and neighborhoods safer. neighbor knowing neighbor means we all wake up to a safer community.
Sunny 99.1 Morning Host, and her dog, Lucy
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
saturday, January
New Year’s Day
Tuesday, January 4
Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5823.
Creekside Park Village Association Meeting 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 p.m. 281-210-3889
Wednesday, January 5
Development Standards Committee Meeting*
Thursday, January 6
Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*
Friday, January 7
Gorilla Hole
The Woodlands recreation Center 7 p.m.
281-210-3950
This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.
saturday, January 8
Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5823.
FREE Compost Class
8203 Millennium Forest Drive
11 a.m. to noon
For more information, call 281-210-3900.
Tuesday, January
Heartsaver CPR Class Emergency Training Center
6:30 to 10 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5823.
Indian Springs Village Association Meeting 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 p.m. 281-210-3887
Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 p.m. 281-210-3886
Thursday, January 3
Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*
Lone Star CollegeUniversity Center Advising and Registration Fair 3232 College Park Drive 4 to 7 p.m.
For more information, call the Student Services Office at 936-273-7510 or 281-618-7140.
Panther Creek Village Association Meeting 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7:30 p.m. 281-210-5808
saturday, January 5
Heartsaver CPR Class Emergency Training Center
9 a.m. to noon
To register, please call 281-210-5823.
First Aid Class
Emergency Training Center
noon to 2:30 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5823.
monday, January 7
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting
2201 Lake Woodlands Drive
6:30 p.m.
281-210-5808
College Park Village Association Meeting
Emergency Training Center
7:30 p.m.
281-210-3889
Tuesday, January 8
Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center
6:30 to 10 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5823.
Wednesday, January 9
Development Standards Committee Meeting*
Law Enforcement Advisory Council
2201 Lake Woodlands Drive
6:30 p.m.
281-210-3800
Thursday, January 20
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Workshop
10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600
The Township Board room
7:30 a.m. 281-210-3800
Friday, January 2
Healthcare Provider
Renewal CPR Class Emergency Training Center
9 to 11 a.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5823.
Gorilla Hole
The Woodlands recreation Center
7 p.m. 281-210-3950
This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.
saturday, January 22
Montgomery County Teen Book Festival
The Woodlands College Park High School
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.montgomerycountyteenbookfestival.com
monday, January 24
Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting Mitchell Library, 8125 ashlane Way
7 p.m.
281-210-3888
Tuesday, January 25
Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center
6:30 to 10 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5823.
Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting
2201 Lake Woodlands Drive
7:30 p.m.
281-210-3887
Wednesday, January 26
Watch Talk Wednesdays
2201 Lake Woodlands Drive
noon to 1 p.m.
281-210-3800
The Woodlands Township Town Hall Meeting and Volunteer Recognition
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center
1601 Lake robbins Drive
7 to 9 p.m.
Board Meeting at 5 p.m. 281-210-3800
*Please visit the calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for listings, or call the office at 281-210-3800.
Save for reference.
the following holidays will be observed in 2011. there will be no service on these days. service will resume the next day, including the saturday following the holiday. regular service will resume the following week.
Memorial day .................. Monday, May 30
4th of July ........................ Monday, July 4 labor day ........................ Monday, september 5
Thanksgiving day Thursday, november 24
For 2011, there will be no service interruptions on Christmas Day and new year’s Day, since they fall on weekends. the Woodlands recycling Center will be open saturday, December 24, 2011, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Happy new year from alden Bridge! thanks to everyone who participated in the Holiday lighting and Decorating Contest.
this month’s residents’ meeting is scheduled for tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the township service Center, 2201 lake Woodlands Drive, and all residents are encouraged to attend. Our guest speaker will be Karen Hoylman, president of the south Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce. Please join us and become better informed about the local business community.
resolve to become involved in your village this year! attend our board meetings, volunteer for village events, perhaps even run for a position on our village association board! We’ll elect ten at-large area representatives to the alden Bridge board in February. you can learn more about the upcoming election on the township’s Web site— filing ends this month.
this will be another fun-filled year for alden Bridge residents! We’re already planning the annual spring Festival. We’ll be awarding scholarships to alden Bridge students and prizes to winners of our yard of the Month and spookiest House contests. We’ll participate in the 4th of July Parade, Villages Flea Markets and various festivals occurring in the Woodlands during the year. you’ll find information about our activities on our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org, and by subscribing to our monthly newsletter (send your e-mail address to abinfo@comcast.net). We’ll need volunteers for all of these activities, so please contact us to sign up. It’s rewarding and it’s fun!
Please contact your board members with any issues or concerns. We’re looking forward to meeting residents and being of assistance in this new year!
Submitted by Darla Bell
Teachers to get $3,000 in grants thanks to Cochran’s Crossing Village association teacher grants, four area schools will start the new year $3,000 richer. On behalf of participating teachers, Cochran’s Crossing Village association will award the grants to David, Galatas and Powell elementary schools and to Collins Intermediate. the 2011 grants continue a thirteen year tradition of helping teachers cover the cost of programs or supplies otherwise unfunded by Conroe Independent school District. It’s truly a triple win situation…for the schools, the teachers and the kids!
Join us at the township service Center tuesday, January 25, 7:30 p.m. and help your favorite teacher celebrate a well-deserved award.
Submitted by Bill Mara
Congratulations to our Holiday lighting and Decorating Contest winners! It was an extremely difficult task to choose from the many wonderful displays. thank you all for participating, it makes our neighborhoods feel more like the holidays.
the new year has begun and it is once again time to plan our activities for 2011. We are excited to include all residents within the village boundaries to participate by attending village events, coming to our meetings and joining our College Park Village association board of directors.
We will be electing nine area representatives for one-year terms and our president and secretary for twoyear terms. If you would like to be a part of the planning process, please consider running for office. It is a rewarding volunteer opportunity and a chance to meet your neighbors. serving on the board of directors is a great way to learn more about the Woodlands and is a lot of fun.
the College Park Village association scholarship applications are available at the counseling office at College Park High school. We give out two $1,000 scholarships per year to outstanding high school seniors from our village. the applications are due March 15, 2011, so please pick up your application from the school or from any member of the board.
Our regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, January 17, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. at the emergency training Center. We welcome residents to attend and will be ready to address their questions and concerns.
Submitted by Gail Carney
Happy new year! We hope you and your family enjoyed a warm and festive holiday season. thank you to everyone who participated in the Holiday lighting and Decorating Contest. Please visit our Web site to see photos of the winning home and neighborhood.
Village association elections are coming up in February. In the 2011 election, residents will elect a president (two-year term), secretary (two-year term), events chair (one-year term) and five area representatives (one-year term). the residents will also elect
up to five residential Design review Committee (rDrC) members. Please visit our Web site to find out more information about the elected positions at www.creeksideparkvillage.com.
Monthly association meetings are held the first tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the creekside YMca lodge making it more convenient for residents to attend and participate. For all of the latest news and event information, visit www.creeksideparkvillage.com.
Submitted by Nancy Decker Lent
the township has budgeted to spend $500,000 on sawmill Park. no plans have been developed for the project and the Parks and recreation Department is looking for suggestions from the community. Please let us know what your suggestions are. you can e-mail them to us through the www.gmva.org Web page or post them on our Facebook page.
the Grogan’s Mill Village association, along with the First Baptist Church of the Woodlands, is asking the township to upgrade the bridge over Grogan’s Mill at sawmill road. We will present our request to the township Board at the January township meeting on Wednesday, January 26, 2011, at 6 p.m. the meeting will be at the township service Center Building on 2201 lake Woodlands Drive. Please plan on attending this meeting and join us in support of this project that could convert what is now an unattractive bridge into a beautiful and welcoming entrance to our community.
elections for the Grogan’s Mill Village association Board will be held in February. If you want to get
involved in our community consider running for election. there will be seven area representative positions open on our Board at the elections in February. see www.gmva.org for details and filing information.
Submitted by Bruce Cunningham
File for community election now! elections for the Woodlands community will be held in February. Filing for positions of vice president, secretary, and six area representatives for Panther Creek Village association and five residential Design review Committee members are under way. applications are available at the Woodlands township service Center, 2201 lake Woodlands Drive or online.
at our meeting in February, we will have Joel Deretchin, president of the lake Woodlands Property Owners association, as our guest speaker. there have been several questions about the use of lake Woodlands and also about the assessments. this will be time in which you will be able to ask and gain more information about the lake Woodlands Property Owners association as it relates to the board and also its constitution and by-laws.
the next meeting of the Panther Creek Village association is scheduled on January 10, 2011, 7:30 p.m., at the Woodlands township service Center, 2201 lake Woodlands Drive. all residents of Panther Creek Village are welcome.
HaPPy neW year!
Submitted by Everett Ison
The alden Bridge Village association (aBVa) meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!
Web site www.aldenbridge.org
Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3886 or Village association President Phillip Barker at 281-364-1623.
The Cochran’s Crossing Village association (CCVa) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!
Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village association President nancy Becker at 936-321-4264.
The College Park Village association (CPVa) meets on the third Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Emergency Training Center. Please join us!
Web site www.villageofcollegepark.com
Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3889 or Village association President Glen Bernstein at 936-273-3274.
The Woodlands Creekside Park Village association (TWCPVa)
usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Creekside yMCa, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive. Please join us!
Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com
Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3889.
The Grogan’s Mill Village association (GMVa) meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!
Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com
Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village association President Deborah Sargeant at 281-292-5341.
The Indian Springs Village association (ISVa) meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!
Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com
Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village association President ron Kostelny at 281-362-8677.
The Panther Creek Village association (PCVa) meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!
Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org
Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village association President Everett Ison at 281-298-9524.
The Sterling ridge Village association (SrVa) meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library meeting room, 8125 ashlane Way. Please join us! Web site www.sterling-ridge.org
Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3888 or Village association President Phillip Givens at 281-419-9331.
Village association
Phillip Barker, President 281-364-1623
Steve Leakey, Vice President 281-419-3468
Michael Cannetti, Treasurer 936-321-9862
Darla Bell, Secretary 936-321-6269
area Representatives
Matt Bartholomew 281-292-7632
Nasim Bell 281-362-0652
Sean Guillory 713-446-0652
Michael (Barry) Newman 832-689-6612
Laurie Ricks 281-367-1686
Kendrick Skipper 936-273-4127
Angela Speight 281-367-2222
Ronny R. Taylor
Ross Vickers
Theresa Wagaman 936-271-0092
Dale Wood 936-321-7980
Adele Yung 936-271-4726
Residential design Review Committee
Arthur J. Bredehoft 281-296-9204
Robin Cassidy
Herman Weindel 936-273-2784
Gregory Bakalich 936-321-9606
Peggy Gartman 936-273-6092
Village association
Nancy Becker, President 936-321-4264
Marti Fox Meerscheidt, Vice President
Jim Goldmeyer, Treasurer 936-321-2715
Bill Mara, Secretary 281-298-5733
area Representatives
Jeff Allen 936-271-0472
Brian Duelm 281-292-0791
Julie Duelm 281-292-0791
Douglas Cole Grijalva 281-362-1801
Dave Jesiolowski 281-292-3426
Gloria Moser
Jerry Orebaugh
Village association
Glen Bernstein, President 936-273-3274
Scott S. Singletary, Vice President 936-273-9221
Steven A. Reinmund, CPA, Treasurer 832-326-6575
Gail Carney, Secretary 936-271-1241
area Representatives
Kendall Bernstein
Laura Dean 936-689-5185
Larry Faith 281-681-0036
Richard Johnson 281-363-4626
Paul Martin 936-271-0166
Ray Penton 936-321-2284
Janet Reinmund 832-515-9966
Residential Design Review Committee
Roger W. McDonald, Chair 936-321-5250
Gail Carney, Vice Chair 936-271-1241
Laura Dean
Peter Moore, Jr.
Eileen Sandburg 936-321-8486
Village association
Nancy Decker Lent, President 617-721-6939
Michael Ramsey, Vice President
Matt Marrow, Secretary
Larry Jadrych, Treasurer
Susan (Sue) Tedesco, Events Chair
area Representatives
Michael P. Casey
Nicole Coulton 281-799-8585
Sally H. Epton 281-255-9169
Kirby Hopkins
Emma Marrow
David Packer
Residential design Review Committee
Nancy Decker Lent, Chair 617-721-6939
Michael Ramsey, Vice Chair
Peter Kalb
Cynthia Kessinger 936-321-3339
Steve Perry 936-321-8138
Lori Riley 281-364-1713
Stuart Schroeder 936-273-0419
Bebe Smith 936-273-3327
Steven Tidwell
Clarence J. Wallace
Residential design Review Committee
Clarence Wallace, Chair
Jim Goldmeyer, Vice Chair
Mark Bacon
David Jesiolowski
Steven Tidwell 281-796-8274
Jennifer Mares
Christopher Valle
Grogan’s Mill
Village association
Deborah Sargeant, President 281-292-5341
Dana Denton, Vice President
Sally Johnson, Treasurer 281-292-7965
Patricia Goodpastor, Secretary
area Representatives
Matt Beasley
Robbie Brundrett
Rex Campbell
Bruce Cunningham 281-367-4782
Virginia Dellinger 281-363-3777
Robert Leilich 832-326-3119
Franklin R. Palmer 281-367-7030
LWilliam Sargent 281-292-3678
James Upham 281-364-1616
George Van Horn
Lily Weiss
Chris Wren
Residential Design Review Committee
Jorge Slater, Chair
Vince Fredrick, Vice Chair 281-367-8799
Robbie Brundrett
Rex D. Campbell
Robert H. Leilich 832-326-3119
indian springs
Village association
Ron Kostelny, President 281-362-8677
Carolyn Dalglish, Vice President 281-419-9925
Oscar Lui, Treasurer 281-681-2219
Kelly Sharer, Secretary 281-543-4777
area Representatives
Shanna Davis 281-222-6163
Amy Lecocq 281-298-1476
Michael Luman
Erika Pratt
Jason Rivers
Kenneth Schumann 281-419-2265
Randy Scott
Richard Stromatt
Eric Thomas
Jose Valladares
Residential design Review Committee
The Woodlands Community association
John (Randy) Scott 281-292-2925
Nathan Dietrich
Cheryl Edmondson
Steven Gallia
The Woodlands association
Matthew Mussalli, Chair
Richard Stromatt, Vice Chair 281-296-7018
Kenneth Schumann 281-419-2265
panther creek
Village association
Everett Ison, President 281-298-9524
Term Expires 03/12
Betty Nelson, Vice President 281-419-4395
Term Expires 03/11
Damon Palermo, Secretary 936-447-9028
Term Expires 03/11
Kimber Lewis, Treasurer 281-292-3477
Term Expires 03/12
area Representatives
Six Positions, Terms Expire 03/11
Barbara Beavis 281-292-5429
Karen Booren 281-292-8617
Geneva Carroll 281-292-2974
Barbara St. Amand 281-292-7346
Karen Stafford 281-363-1283
Six Positions, Terms Expire 03/12
Mary Bootz 281-296-9960
Barby Carroll 281-292-2974
Merle Causey 281-296-0984
Daniel E. Lewis 281-292-3477
Hartley Mackintosh 281-367-7222
Jay Mac Sanders 832-797-9229
Residential design Review Committee
Marsha Carlton
Barby R. Carroll 281-292-2974
Daniel E. Lewis
Kimber Lewis 281-292-3477
Susan Pennock
sterling ridge
Village association
Phillip Givens,** President 281-419-9331
Richard Gregory,* Vice President 281-451-7883
Mike Bass,** Treasurer
Kerri Steen-Chew,* Secretary
Sue Young,** Event Chair
*Term Expires 2012
** Term Expires 2011
Village association directors
Terms Expire 2012
Stephanie Carlton 281-799-6601
Kevin Casey
Charles Dressler
Anthony Fasone 281-362-8028
Nick Norris
Chris Pappas
Terms Expire 2011
Susan Bell
Todd Bloomfield
Rhonda Borne
Angela Scott
Residential design Review Committee
John Nanninga 281-298-6060
Jay Procter
George Ushiroda
Kim Vest
Doris Wootton
The Ice Rink at Town Center open for skaters and outings through January 17, 2011
the Woodlands town Center continues to be the headquarters of the season with the Ice rink at the Woodlands town Center™ still open daily through January 17, 2011. the Ice rink is located on the corner of lake robbins Drive and six Pines Drive in the Woodlands town Center.
enjoy the cool weather and new year by skating or booking a party now. you may book a corporate outing, party or birthday party at the Woodlands Ice rink by calling 281-419-5630.
ice rink admission
Monday–Friday
$9.50 for two-hour skate session
$5 for two-hour skate session for children age 5 and under
Saturday and Sunday
$10.50 for two-hour skate session
$6 for two-hour skate session for children age 5 and under
ice rink hours of operation
Regular Hours
Monday through thursday, 3 to 9 p.m.
Friday, 3 to 11 p.m.
saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
sunday, noon to 7 p.m.
Holiday Hours
school Holidays: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
new year’s eve: noon to 1 a.m.
new year’s Day: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com
A&O Troopers and Horses patrol The Woodlands Township regularly as one component of the comprehensive security plan. As part of our 20th anniversary celebration, we wanted to offer a public “thank you” to all The Woodlands patrons and visitors. We are beginning our 16th year with The Woodlands this year. We appreciate being a part of the community all these years. Please visit with our Troopers, pet the horses, and let us know how we are doing. Or visit our web site or connect with us on Facebook and leave a comment there. Your opinion matters to us.
Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol is a family owned and operated business in existence since 1990. Although The Woodlands is the largest property patrolled year around by mounted officers, Alpha & Omega has clients all over the United States including some of the nation’s largest music festivals.
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to do a family safety audit. Try these tips to help build your family’s security: are charged.
Meet Ziggy
Ziggy is an 11-year-old Quarter Horse owned and ridden by Trooper Michael Heimer. Ziggy is a gentle and friendly horse! Kids: Find Ziggy and ask for a trading card. More to come. Collect them all.
escort to your car or destination, find out directions, or request other types of assistance.
77380
281-364-9740
info@mountedpatrol.com
www.mountedpatrol.com
Texas Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in Texas named on the U.S.News & World Report’s “Honor Roll” honoring the top eight pediatric hospitals in the country.We’re proud to be your first choice in pediatric health care.And you can find the expertise you’ve come to expect from us right in your neighborhood.
Texas Children’s Health Centers offer your family easy access to our therapeutic and diagnostic services as well as our pediatric subspecialists, while Texas Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine brings expert maternal fetal care close to home.
Texas Children’s Health Center – The Woodlands 17198 St. Luke’s Way
Medical Arts Ctr. I, Ste. 300
The Woodlands, TX 77384 (936) 321-0808
Texas Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine – The Woodlands 17198 St. Luke’s Way
Medical Arts Ctr. I, Ste. 630
The Woodlands, TX 77384 (936) 321-1600
Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates (TCPA) makes health care convenient for your family with four locations in The Woodlands area.
Conroe Pediatric Associates
404 River Pointe Dr., Ste. 100 Conroe,TX 77304 (936) 756-8108
TCPA – Medical Plaza
1011 Medical Plaza Dr., Ste.220
The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 296-9119
Sterling Ridge Pediatrics
6707 Sterling Ridge Dr., Ste.A
The Woodlands, TX 77382 (281) 296-2656
Woodlands
Pediatric Associates
4545Research Forest Dr.,Ste.A
The Woodlands, TX 77381 (281) 367-5100
continued from page 21
MondaY
Bring A Friend Day
Purchase one full price admission with skate rental and get the next one free.
WednesdaY
Dollar Off Day
save one dollar off the usual price adult admission of $7; admission is only $6! (skate rental not included).
ThUrsdaY
Hot Cocoa Day
Warm yourself and your skaters with one complimentary cup of hot cocoa at the indoor concession area only.
FridaY
Rock n’ Skate Night
skate to great rockin’ music and a fun-tastic light show from 8 to 11 p.m.
BUY one, GeT one Free
Visit Fidelity Investments at 1701 lake robbins Drive, and pick up a Buy One, Get One Free coupon. Free admission and skate rental with paid admission and skate rental. One per family. Valid seven days a week.
Please note the above offers are not valid on new year’s eve, new year’s Day, or in conjunction with any other offers.
enjoy a walk along the fantasyland of magical, lighted toy soldiers, elves, doves, musical angels and snowmen. Donoho’s Jewellers’ Winter Wonderland is open daily through January 3, 2011, from
dusk until 11 p.m. With Free admission this delightful event is located around the perimeter of the Ice rink at the Woodlands town Center.
the 2010 holiday events in the Woodlands were proudly sponsored by:
• Donoho's Jewellers
• Jaguar land rover Houston north
• CenterPoint energy
• Bud light
• Waste Management
• Coca-Cola
• BBVa Compass
• Planet Ford
• the Woodlands Development Company
• the strong Firm
• Wright's Printing
• st. luke's - the Woodlands Hospital
• Fidelity Investments
• university of Phoenix
• spectrum Catering, Concessions & events
• CB&I
• Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro
• state Farm InsuranceKyle sherburne
• Hodges Paint & Body
• Mellisa ray Insurance
• the Woodlands young learners academy
• Cinemark
the Fall-Winter Discovery Guide & savings Book features more than 75 coupons to merchants in the Woodlands including a $2 off coupon to the Woodlands Ice rink! Visit us online at www.thewoodlandscvb.com/guide.asp to request yours today.
Join the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Facebook Fan Page to receive up-to-date information on events, new stores and other special offers! Visit www.Facebook.com/VisittheWoodlands.
By combining the expertise of Texas Children’s Hospital with the high level of care offered by St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, you can expect the best, right in your backyard.
Our services include:
• The expert neonatologists who provide care at Texas Children’s Hospitalmanage and staff the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, offering the best possible care for your newborn.
• The same physicians who provide pediatric emergency care at Texas Children’s Hospital are also caring for your children at the St. Luke’sThe Woodlands Hospital emergency room, 24 hours a day.
• When your child needs inpatient care at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, the premier pediatricians who provide care at Texas Children’s Hospital are there to manage care through the Pediatric Hospitalist Program.
• Texas Children’s nursing leadership is on-site to provide expert managementof newborn and pediatric services at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital.
• An experienced consultant from the Texas Children’s Lactation Program is available at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital to provide lactation support and care to breastfeeding mothers and their infants, no matter where the baby was delivered.
• A Texas Children’s child life professional is available at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital to help your child and family cope with the stress of hospitalization.
Do you know what the number one reported neighborhood crime is in the Woodlands? and do you know that this crime is almost always preventable and that the best way to prevent it is by using an item that you already own? If you were to check, that item is probably in your pocket or purse or perhaps on the kitchen counter or hall table.
according to the Montgomery County sheriff’s Office, as of October 2010, there were nearly 650 burglaries of motor vehicles (BMVs) in the Woodlands during the year. (a BMV involves the theft of items from within a vehicle, not the vehicle itself.) With the exception of misdemeanor theft, which is primarily shoplifting that occurs in commercial areas, BMVs are the number one crime in the Woodlands, and the most common crime to take place within residential neighborhoods. Fortunately, it is also one of the most preventable crimes. law enforcement officials report that in the vast majority of BMV cases, the vehicle has been unlocked at the time of the theft. the item that almost always prevents this crime is, of course, your car keys.
In fact, many crimes can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. Here are 10 easy things you can do that will make you and your family safer.
1. The best place for your vehicle is the garage. If you must leave it outside, make sure all doors are locked.
2. Don’t leave anything of value inside your vehicle. although most vehicles are unlocked at the time of a BMV, in the minority of cases in which a thief actually breaks into a vehicle, there is usually a valuable item within view. Criminals don’t want to risk notice by taking the time to smash a window or pry open a door, but they may do so if they are tempted by the sight of a GPS system or laptop computer.
3. Keep the doors to your residence locked throughout the day. Most residential burglaries take place during daylight hours.
4. Make sure your garage door is closed. It takes only seconds for a thief to enter a garage and steal valuable items such as tools and bicycles. an open garage door is also a prime way for a criminal to enter a home.
5. Don’t open the door to anyone you do not know, including solicitors. From inside your home, tell the solicitor that you are not interested. If the solicitor refuses to leave, contact law enforcement and report that a trespasser is on your property.*
6. Paint your address on the curb in front of your home. In case of an emergency, you want to make sure law enforcement and public safety personnel can find your house, not waste precious minutes looking for it. you can check out a free paint kit by contacting The Woodlands Township neighborhood Services at 281-210-3800.
7. Call law enforcement as soon as you see something suspicious. Don’t worry about appearing foolish because you are not sure what you have seen is actually criminal. It is always better to err on the side of caution.*
8. If you have a security system, use it. However, make sure everyone in your family uses it properly. The more time sheriff’s deputies and constables take responding to false alarms, the less time they are on the street patrolling.
9. Know your neighbors. neighbors watching out for one another can be one of the most effective ways to prevent crime. at least one neighbor should be able to reach you in case of an emergency.
10. If your neighborhood doesn’t yet have an active Woodlands Watch, our community’s neighborhood watch program, contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services at 281-210-3800 or at neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. Our village liaisons will provide you and your neighbors with the tools you need to get organized.
the Woodlands has a low crime rate, especially compared to more urban areas such as Houston. the crimes we do have, however, tend to be crimes of opportunity. eliminating those opportunities can go a long way toward keeping you, your family and your neighborhood safe.
the 35th annual arbor Day Celebration is set for saturday, January 22, 2011, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the award-winning rob Fleming Park in the Woodlands’ Village of Creekside Park, according to susan Vreeland-Wendt, director of marketing for the Woodlands Development Company. lovable mascot of the Woodlands, Puffy Pine Cone, will also celebrate his birthday at this event.
approximately 31,000 tree seedlings in eight different varieties will be distributed free, continuing a 35-year tradition that began in 1977. the selections of trees include Bald Cypress, Flowering Dogwood, laurel Oak, loblolly Pine, red Maple, southern Crabapple, southern Wax Myrtle and Wild Common apple. In addition to receiving free tree seedlings, guests may register at the event to win one of five seven-gallon native trees. the drawings will take place hourly. you must be present to win.
“Over the years, the developer and sponsors have given away approximately 907,000 tree seedlings to help perpetuate the forested environment at this traditional arbor
Day celebration,” said Vreeland-Wendt. “We invite residents of the community to come out and enjoy the arbor Day festivities and receive new tree seedlings.” this free celebration is sponsored by the Woodlands Development Company, the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Brickman Group, ltd. Free giant inflatable rides and rock walls, pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides and face painting will entertain the crowd. Musical entertainment from local talent
will also be highlighted. Puffy’s birthday celebration will begin at 1 p.m. with mascot friends including Clutch from the Houston rockets. Children will also enjoy free birthday cupcakes.
the Woodlands is a 28,000-acre master-planned community located 27 miles north of downtown Houston. It is a project of the Woodlands Development Company, a limited partnership of Morgan stanley and General Growth Properties, Inc.
Below is a sneak preview of some of the arbor Day 2011 offerings — A varied selection of east Texas natives including evergreen, deciduous, canopy and understory trees.
red Maple in the fall
Acer Rubrum Var Drummondii
Photo by april Proudfit
2 Flowering Dogwood flower Cornus Florida
Photo by Samuel B. jones jr., Lady Bird johnson Wildflower Center
3 Bald Cypress in the spring and fall
Taxodium Distichum
Photo by april Proudfit
4 Southern Wax Myrtle
Morella Cerifera
Photo by joseph a. Marcus, Lady Bird johnson Wildflower Center
5 Southern Crabapple
Malus Angustifolia
Photo by Harry T. Cliffe, Lady Bird johnson Wildflower Center
Established in 1988, The John Cooper School is an independent college preparatory school for Grades PK-12.
Nurturing a love of life, learning and
JANUARY 8, 2011 • 2 PM
Tour our campus and meet with administrators to learn more about each division and admission for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Auditions for the 2011 In the Spotlight Teen Talent Show will be held Tuesday, February 15 and Wednesday, February 16, 2011. Individual audition dates and times will be assigned according to talent. The competition is open to individuals and groups ages 13 through 19, and auditions will be held at The Woodlands Township Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive.
Applications are available online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or The Woodlands Township Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive. The application deadline is Friday, February 11, 2011. There is a $10 fee per act to audition.
The Teen Talent Show will take place Saturday, March 5, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive. The winner will be awarded a prize of $300, and additional prizes will be awarded to all category finalists. For more information, please call 281-210-3950.
the seventh annual Montgomery County teen Book Festival is honored to present six young adult authors on January 22, 2011, including award-winning novelist lois lowry. authors will participate in a panel discussion before they present individual sessions. Books and food will be on sale and a live DJ will provide music. as always, student volunteers will play a large role in the Book Festival by serving as greeters and authors’ assistants. this year’s master of ceremonies will be Jeanette Ferrara who is a senior College Park High school. the Festival, free and open to the general public, will be held at College Park High school, 3701 College Park Drive, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
lois lowry is a preeminent voice in contemporary children’s literature, with a canon of more than 35 books. she has received almost every honor available to an author of books for young readers, including the newbery Medal for both Number the Stars and The Giver, the Boston Globe–Horn Book award, and the Margaret a. edwards award for her lifetime contribution to young adult literature.
Other festival authors include Justina Chen; anna Gobersen, who wrote the best-selling Luxe series; thomas sniegoski, author of the young adult series The Fallen; and Jeff stone, who wrote the internationally popular Five Ancestors series. also featured will be cartoonist Derek Kirk Kim, whose graphic novel Same Difference and Other Stories won all three major comics industry awards—the eisner, the Ignatz and the Harvey.
For information, visit www.montgomerycountyteenbookfestival.com.
important Notice: By submitting letters, photos and other materials to The Woodlands Community Magazine (TWCM) you agree that the materials submitted will become the property of TWCM and will not be returned. You also agree that TWCM, its assigns, and the publisher, have been granted the non-exclusive right to use and /or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. They may be submitted to The Woodlands Community Magazine, P.O. Box 7859, The Woodlands, TX, 77387-7859. For more information, please call 281-210-3800.
Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome.
Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in
learneasy tips for identifying local snakes on thursday, January 27, 2011, at 7 p.m., as the Walk in the Woods nature lecture presents Mike Howlett in Identifying Backyard Snakes in the nancy Bock auditorium at McCullough Jr. High school, 3800 s. Panther Creek Drive.
When stumbling across a coiled snake, “the best protection is education,” according to Mike Howlett, assistant director of Jesse H. Jones Park and nature Center. “unfortunately, folks tend to identify every snake as dangerous,” he said. Harmless species are all too often destroyed due to mistaken identity. “Most people can identify a ribbon or garter snake. But, when they see a little texas brown snake, they think: baby copperhead!” explained Mike Howlett.
although snakes are sighted often in areas of new construction, the number of venomous snakes is far less than most people believe, according to Mr. Howlett. “the likelihood of encountering a venomous snake is very slim,” he noted.
People are often alarmed by large, non-venomous species like rat snakes that consume rodents as the common name implies. When cornered, the hognose
snake relies on theatrics, puffing out its neck like a cobra and coiling up in a strike pose. “Just because a snake vibrates its tail, doesn’t mean it’s a rattlesnake,” the herpetologist reassured.
an expert in snake behavior, Mr. Howlett is a master at teaching adults and children quick and easy ways to distinguish venomous snakes from harmless species. He emphasizes recognizable traits that are easily recalled during a surprise meeting. appealing to all ages from elementary students to adults, the informative and entertaining lecture also covers safety issues and features live contained specimen.
Being able to recognize venomous species calms human nerves and protects beneficial snakes from becoming casualties. snakes play a very important role maintaining balance in the ecosystem. “If people eliminate all snakes, we will see a drastic increase in the rodent population,” Mr. Howlett cautioned. rats, mice, frogs, toads, scorpions, spiders, centipedes and smaller reptiles are mainstays of the reptile’s diet.
the free program is the first offering in the spring lineup for A Walk in Woods
nature lecture series organized by the Woodlands township and sponsored by Waste Management, the Woodlands G.r.e.e.n., the Pineywoods nursery and Hilton Garden Inn. Please contact the Woodlands township environmental services Department at 281-210-3900 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for more information
Snakes
1. Control leaf litter and tall grass.
2. eliminate rock piles and brush piles.
3. stack firewood 18” off the ground.
4. Control spillage of bird seed that attracts prey.
5. Learn to distinguish venomous snakes from harmless ones!
