February 2020

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

Fire Department (non-emergency) 281-367-3444

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 281-297-6500, Business, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 936-442-7797, Non-Emergency, 24 hours

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

Woodlands Water (Montgomery County MUDs) 855-H20-SAVE (855-426-7283)

Harris – Montgomery Counties MUD No. 386, 281-290-6500

Emergency 911

message from the woodlands township board of directors

Now that February is here, residents and property owners have the opportunity to choose representatives for their Village Associations and Residential Design Review

Committees.

Elected leaders become part of the fabric of The Woodlands network of communication and leadership. Please see the article on page 20 for more information about the Village Association and Residential Design Review Committee (RDRC) elections, and remember to vote! Election Day is Saturday, February 15, 2020. The Woodlands Township holds a separate election in November for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors.

Election Day is Saturday, February 15, 2020. Please see page 10 for complete Election Day information. From all of us at The Woodlands Township, we hope your year is off to a great start, and we encourage you to become involved in our beautiful community!

Meet The Woodlands Township Board of Directors for 2020 on page 6.

For emergency information specific to The Woodlands, listen to K-Star Country, KVST-FM, the official emergency broadcast partner of The Woodlands Township. See in case you missed it on page 5

Gordy Bunch Chairman

Brian Boniface Director

Bruce Rieser Vice Chairman

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs Director,

No. 5

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Secretary

Bob Milner Director

Don Norrell President and General Manager

John Anthony Brown Treasurer

The Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

The Woodlands Community Magazine is a monthly publication of The Woodlands Township, in partnership with Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. It is printed and distributed free of charge to residents of The Woodlands. The printing and distribution of The Woodlands Community Magazine are supported entirely by advertising revenue. Please patronize the advertisers whenever possible, and tell them you saw their ad in this magazine and appreciate their support.

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Cheryl Kirsch Jim Callahan

Creative Director Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editors Perry Frank

Shelby Doerries

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

Advertising inquiries, rate requests and change of address/delivery inquiries may be directed to:

6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G Houston, Texas 77069 281-583-7661

www.championsprinting.com

Editorial inquiries may be directed to The Woodlands Community Magazine, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX, 77381, telephone 281-210-3800. Editorial deadlines are the 15th of every month, approximately six weeks in advance of publication. The editors reserve all rights to accept or reject any submissions and reserve all rights to edit for clarity and space. The Woodlands Community Magazine is the official information source of The Woodlands Township. Its purpose is to inform Woodlands residents about the activities of the Township and the services provided to them as Woodlands residents. Information from the Township takes precedence over information submitted by any other source.

The Woodlands Community Magazine has earned three Communicator Awards of Distinction, the Bronze Quill Award of Merit from the Houston Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, a Merit Award from The Service Industry Advertising Awards and a Gold MarCom Award.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors proclaimed December 4, 2019, as The Woodlands Men’s Tennis Teams USTA Champions Day and congratulated the team’s capture of the national title at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) League National Championships.

www.genesisdoctors.com

Photo by Shelby Doerries

Pictured from left are Treasurer John Anthony Brown, Director Bob Milner, Luis Martinez, David Miller, Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser, Alfredo Garcia, Kevin Campbell, Secretary Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Team Captain Michael Spearman, Chairman Gordy Bunch, Team Captain Jason Freeman, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Rick Malone, Team Captain Phil Kerig, Karel Losada, Derek Taylor, Robert Klein and Director Brian Boniface.

MEET THE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman Gordy Bunch

Gordy Bunch and his family have been residents of The Woodlands since 1995. He is the Founder, President and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group (TWFG) and its related companies. TWFG has become the largest independent insurance agency in Texas, ranked number 10 nationally. In 2015, Mr. Bunch earned the title of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Gulf Coast Region. As a community leader, Mr. Bunch was selected by his peers to serve as Chairman of the Board of The Woodlands Township in 2020. Prior to being elected Township Chairman, Mr. Bunch served as Chairman of the Board of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, which markets Visit The Woodlands. Mr. Bunch is proud to be a veteran, having honorably served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Mr. Bunch and his wife Michelle have three sons, one at Texas A&M University and two at The Woodlands Christian Academy.

Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser

Mr. Bruce Rieser was elected to The Woodlands Township Board of Directors in 2016 and re-elected in 2018. He serves as the Township’s Vice Chairman, Chair of the Drainage Task Force, Chair of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board (Visit The Woodlands). He also serves on The Woodlands Road Utility District, Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee and Incorporation Planning Task Force. Mr. Rieser and his wife Sarah moved to The Woodlands in 1989. Married for 34 years, the Riesers have one grown daughter. Mr. Rieser retired from British Airways (BA) in 2010 as Director Properties, the Americas, where he managed BA’s real estate assets and airport relationships in the Western Hemisphere. In 2011, he founded SKR Consulting, LLC, which provides tactical, operational and real estate advice to the aviation community. Mr. Rieser is currently consulting on the proposed new International terminal at Houston George Bush Airport.

Secretary Dr. Ann K. Snyder

Dr. Ann K. Snyder has made The Woodlands her family’s home for over 30 years. During that time, she has devoted her life to building and strengthening The Woodlands community professionally and through community involvement. Recently elected to her third term, she serves as Secretary of the Board as well as Chairman of the Economic Development Committee. Dr. Snyder was on the Ministry Staff at The Woodlands United Methodist Church serving as Executive Director of Generosity and Head of School. She also served as President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Community Clinic. As a lifelong educator, she served on Conroe ISD Board of Trustees for 15 years and as Board President for two terms. Dr. Snyder holds a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, Master of Education from University of Missouri and a Doctorate from Baylor University. She is well known throughout Montgomery and Harris counties for her countless years of service, having served on numerous boards such as Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, CISD Foundation, Montgomery County Food Bank and A Foundation for Theological Education. Ann has been married for 47 years to her husband, Jerry. They have two successful adult children, a wonderful son-in-law and amazing grandchildren. In the fall of 2013, Conroe ISD opened an elementary school in her honor, Ann K. Snyder Elementary School.

Treasurer John Anthony Brown

Mr. Brown was elected to The Woodlands Township Board of Directors in 2016 and 2018. He currently serves on the Investment Committee, The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board (Visit The Woodlands), Development Standards Committee and Audit Committee. John Anthony Brown and his wife Bonnie have two children, and they have been residents of The Woodlands since 2010. Mr. Brown has over 10 years of Real Estate experience as a licensed realtor. Mr. Brown currently serves as the Facilities Supervisor for Huntsman International at its corporate headquarters in The Woodlands. Mr. Brown graduated with honors from The Art Institute of Philadelphia while obtaining an Associate’s Degree of Science in Web Development, and graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Web Development/Design.

Director Brian Boniface

Mr. Boniface was elected to The Woodlands Township Board of Directors in 2016 and 2018. Mr. Boniface has been a resident of The Woodlands since 2005. Mr. Boniface and his wife Nicole have two daughters, one who attends Mitchell Intermediate and one who attends McCullough Junior High. Mr. Boniface serves as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Logistics Officer with the 348th TC BN. His full-time position is as an Operating Room Nurse at Houston Methodist The Woodlands. Mr. Boniface graduated from Worcester State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and went back to school in 2012 to complete an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Lone Star College-Montgomery. He is currently working on his Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Management.

Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs

A fifth-generation Texan, Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs’ goal in serving on the Township Board is to keep The Woodlands wonderful and make it even better for future generations. As a boardcertified dermatologist, previously elected official, clinical assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, community volunteer and newly elected member of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, she is excited to share her experience and problem-solving skills with the people of The Woodlands. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio with a degree in Chemistry. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and completed residencies in family practice and dermatology at the University of Florida and the Baylor College of Medicine, respectively. She operated her medical practice in Clear Lake for 30 years. Before running for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, Position 5, Dr. Shelley was elected to the Houston City Council, at-large for three terms and became the first medical doctor to serve on that Council. Dr. Shelley and her husband Robert have grown children and grandchildren. They are active members of Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church in The Woodlands.

Director Bob Milner

Bob and his wife Teresa live in The Woodlands with their rescue dogs. They have both spent over 35 years in the automotive retail industry and have four children and two grandchildren. Bob served seven years as a decorated airman in the United States Air Force and is a fulltime faculty member at Sam Houston State University where he teaches Entrepreneurship and works to help develop the program into a collaborative community with the local industry, entrepreneurial leaders and students. A past finalist for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, Bob and his wife are active philanthropic leaders in the Montgomery County community. He is a respected speaker and presenter at conferences around the country on organizational culture and leadership, corporate social responsibility, customer engagement and entrepreneurship. He currently serves on several non-profit boards, including the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council. Bob has been recognized as an Interfaith 2017 Hometown Hero and recently received the 2018 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his community service and philanthropy.

Inspire Film Festival

Comeas you are to the fourth Inspire Film Festival set for President’s Day Weekend, February 13-17, 2020, in the beautiful, walkable spaces of The Woodlands, Texas.

The five-day festival is dedicated to entertaining and inspiring audiences with films, speakers, performances and special events that celebrate the human spirit. Centered around the theme, “Visionaries,” the 2020 Inspire Film Festival will showcase 30 feature-length and short documentary films that highlight local and international visionaries who inspire the world.

Screened in multiple venues, from an outdoor Shorts Night to five Cinemark and state-of-the-art pop-up theaters, these incredible films can’t help but inspire attendees—whether sparking new conversations or connecting with organizations whose causes are underscored in the films.

Come, watch amazing films, share stories of inspiration and generate creative ideas for how to help others.

Passes are on sale now. Visit www.inspirefilmfest.com

Prepare to be inspired at the Inspire Film Festival happening in The Woodlands from February 13-17, 2020. Please visit www.inspirefilmfest.com for passes and festival information.

Community Tree Planting

Saturday, February 8, 2020 8 a.m. to noon

Creekside Park West Trailhead

George Mitchell Nature Preserve, The Woodlands, TX 77389

Join The Woodlands Township at the sixth annual Community Tree Planting on Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Creekside Park West Trailhead of the George Mitchell Nature Preserve.

Township staff and volunteers will work side by side to help reforest a portion of the trailhead with a variety of native trees, wildflower seed and milkweed plants. This effort supports The Woodlands Township’s reforestation program as well as the Plant for Pollinators program that helps protect our native bees, butterflies and moths.

Volunteers will be provided with small tools and gloves. Remember to

bring your reusable water bottle and dress appropriately for being outdoors (closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hat, etc.)

All ages are welcome to volunteer and get their hands dirty. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have an adult sign their waiver and those under 14 must have an adult on-site to supervise during the event. Registration is required. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment and look for the listing at the bottom of the page for registration and more information. Pre-registration is encouraged, especially for groups; registration will also be available the day of the event.

OUTSMARTING CANCER in The Woodlands

Our nationally recognized specialists are finding new ways to outsmart cancer.

From screenings and diagnosis to the most advanced treatments, our leading cancer care is available in The Woodlands. We offer personalized guidance and support, so you can focus on healing, surviving and thriving.

HOUSTON METHODIST CANCER CENTER

Learn to Kayak

By Erica Dunn

Kayaking is a great recreational activity with both mental and physical health benefits. Besides being a great way to explore The Woodlands from a unique point of view, kayaking can help increase cardiovascular endurance and increase muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, chest and shoulders. It has also been shown to help with stress reduction. Perhaps best of all, kayaking is a low impact activity, so it is very accessible to all ages.

Many people have never been kayaking because there’s a perception that much preparation and knowledge, not to mention equipment, is needed to get started. To that end, on three Sundays in February, you can come out to Riva Row Boat House for our Learn to Kayak program. We will provide all the equipment and knowledge; all you need to bring is a learning attitude!

Class begins on Sundays at 10 a.m. and will last approximately two hours, including some on-land instruction time. Each class will build on existing skills as the month progresses, but drop-ins are welcome on individual dates. Children

ages 10 and over are welcome to join as long as there is a parent or guardian with them in a separate boat. Please note, the instructional program is primarily geared toward adults.

American Canoe Association certified instructors will go over equipment, entry and exit, paddling techniques, environmental awareness and emergency skills. Instructors will answer any questions you may have about kayaking to ease your mind and help you enjoy the activity to the fullest. By the end of one of these classes, you will feel much more prepared to adventure in a kayak on your own here on Lake Woodlands, or wherever the currents take you. If you are ready to discover a new kind of exploration and exercise, grab a buddy and come see us!

To register for one or more of these classes, please call 281-210-3950 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ signupforfun. The cost of the program is $40 per person per class date and includes boat rental, lifejacket, paddle, instruction and memories! We look forward to seeing you out on the water!

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Please note, all classes begin at Riva Row Boat House at 10 a.m.

• February 9, 2020

• February 16, 2020

• February 23, 2020

Photos by Erica Dunn and Perry Frank

We’ve been dedicated to the care of Texas’ children since 1954. From day-to-day management of common conditions to the most complex surgeries, we have the experience and the outcomes parents want for their child. Our Woodlands location is close by bringing you expertise in otolaryngology, orthopedics and sports medicine. And our focus on kids means we’re able to treat more pediatric conditions than any other hospital in the region. We always put kids first.

We always put kids first.

RECYCLING RESULTS

By Zoe Killian

Morethan 800 residents brought hard-to-recycle items such as batteries, eyeglasses, textiles and oral care products for free recycling in honor of America Recycles Day during the annual 3R Bazaar, held late last year at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill.

The document shredding service netted a cash total of $1,485 and 850 pounds of canned food collected from patrons, all donated to Interfaith of The Woodlands Food Pantry. The 2019 Recycling Village Challenge item was batteries. The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will donate scholarship money to villages that provided volunteers, and an additional amount based on the percentage of total batteries collected. Save the date for the next 3R Bazaar on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

Batteries will continue to be accepted, however they will not count toward the 2020 Village Challenge. Batteries can also be taken to Precinct 3 Recycling Facility, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s or a Walmart Super Center for recycling.

Residents are encouraged to continue recycling beyond curbside service by visiting local recycling facilities. A complete list of participating locations can be found on the Township website at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/environment or by calling 281-210-3800.

The 3R Bazaar is a free program of The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department with sponsorship from Waste Management, Southern Shred, Gullo Dealerships, Woodlands Water and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.

62%

February 2020

Saturday, February 1

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

Backyard Composting Class

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Facility 8203 Millennium Forest Drive

10 to 11 a.m.

281-210-3800

Organic Landscape Gardening Class

The Woodlands Emergency Training Center

16135 IH-45 South

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesday, February 4

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Wednesday, February 5

Enjoy live music by local and regional performers in the picturesque setting of Waterway Square at Waterway Nights. These free, family-friendly outdoor concerts make for an eventful night out in The Woodlands Town Center. Concerts are held on Saturday evenings and begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/waterwaynights.

February 8, 2020 – The Selfless Lovers (Variety)

February 15, 2020 – Russell Boyd (Funk, Rock, Country)

February 22, 2020 – Nervous Rex (Variety)

February 29, 2020 – Brenda Guy The One Woman Show (Soul)

March 7, 2020 – John Barraza Project (Rock, Country, Pop)

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture: Feral Hogs

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7 p.m.

See page 24.

Thursday, February 6

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Saturday, February 8

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

Community Tree Planting

Creekside Park West Trailhead

George Mitchell Nature Preserve 8 a.m. to noon

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Monday, February 10 through

Friday, February 14

Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations Convenience Voting

See page 20.

Tuesday, February 11

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Thursday, February 13

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Walk in the Woods: Basics of Backyard Beekeeping

Houston Advanced Research Center 8801 Gosling Road

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 15

Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations Election Day

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

See page 20.

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

Invasives Task Force Training Event

Houston Advanced Research Center 8801 Gosling Road

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

281-210-3800

21st Annual Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

1601 Lake Robbins Drive

6 to 9:30 p.m.

281-210-3950

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Monday, February 17

College Park Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m.

281-210-3889

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

5:45 p.m.

281-210-3887

Thursday, February 20

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

4 p.m.

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Special Planning Session

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Going GREEN Lecture: Feral Hogs

Houston Advanced Research Center

8801 Gosling Road

7 p.m.

See page 24.

Saturday, February 22

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

Spring Vegetable Gardening Class

The Woodlands Emergency Training Center

16135 IH-45 South

9 a.m. to noon

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Tuesday, February 25

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, February 26

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, February 29

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Please check the Calendar of Events on the Township website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar for additional events and programs not listed here.

Please

Cochran’s Crossing

Teacher grants were awarded at the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association meeting held in January. Every year, our association gives grants to teachers who serve in the three elementary schools in our villages. Teachers at David, Galatas and Powell Elementary Schools are given the opportunity to apply for grants above and beyond what is normally covered by the school’s budget. A very special thank you to Cynthia Kessinger for coordinating the teacher grants through the Education Committee. Each year, your association raises money for scholarships to graduating seniors and for our teacher grants.

We would like to thank those members who have served the past year and look forward to our new board members elected in the upcoming February elections. New officers will be elected after the seating of the new village board in March.

Submitted by JC Harville

Panther Creek

As the new year begins, please be sure to visit your Panther Creek webpage at www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org. There you will find much useful information about the Panther Creek Village Association board, schedules, events and community resources, so check back regularly. Also, feel free to attend our monthly meetings to have your local issues addressed. Our experienced and knowledgeable board members do not pretend to have all the answers, but we usually know who to contact to get effective attention to your issues. Your village association is always there to help with community issues and with information about the wonderful opportunities you have to participate in keeping The Woodlands a “real hometown” for you and your family. Visit us online, on Facebook.com and best of all, in person, 7 p.m., the second Thursday of each month at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

It is also time to start thinking and preparing for the Spring Flea Market. This Woodlands-wide event began years ago in a school parking lot and has grown to attract sellers from not only across the street, but also from across Texas. Treasures and bargains abound, so get there early to get wonderful deals. Keep checking www.WoodlandsFleaMarket.org for details and dates of this semi-annual event.

As spring approaches, it is time to start working with nature. The Township offers classes on organic gardening (Feb. 1), backyard bee keeping (Feb. 13), and organic vegetable gardening (Feb. 22). You can check www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ calendarofevents and click on February for more times, locations and details. After you clean up from all that work, dads can dude up and go dancing with their daughters at the annual Daddy/ Daughter dance the Saturday evening after St. Valentine’s Day. See the above site for more detail.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Did you know? The Woodlands Farmer’s Market

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market was established by the Grogan’s Mill Village Association in the Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center in 2008 and is held from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday (with the exception of the Saturday between Christmas and New Year’s Day). It is a lively and well-merchandised market with new vendor requests arriving weekly, products selling out before noon, food trucks, live music and collaboration with The Woodlands Township and other community events such as the 3R Bazaar.

The most important fact about the market is that it is a non-profit with the majority of its earnings donated to Interfaith, local elementary schools and high school graduate scholarships. Join your neighbors and friends on Saturdays to shop local and enjoy fresh produce, baked goods, tamales, eggs, housewares and more at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market.

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market Board recently unveiled new artwork promoting the market and its offerings. Two new signs have been unveiled for the weekly Saturday event. Many aspects of the community and the market are included in the designs, such as trees, deer, birds, recycling efforts, vendors, dogs, food trucks, live music and more.

Did you also know that four-legged, furry friends are welcome at the market? Owners are asked to follow the five simple guidelines, shown on the new artwork, while attending the market with their pet. Fresh water and cleanup items are offered and there are even opportunities for your pup’s photo to be shared on The Woodlands Farmer’s Market social media accounts.

We look forward to seeing you next Saturday at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market!

Submitted

by Virginia Hill

MEETING INFORMATION

ALDEN BRIDGE www.aldenbridge.org

Alden Bridge Village Association usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.*

COCHRAN’S CROSSING www.cochranscrossing.com

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.*

COLLEGE PARK www.villageofcollegepark.com

College Park Village Association usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6 p.m.*

CREEKSIDE PARK www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Creekside Park Village Association usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive. See page 16.

GROGAN’S MILL www.grogansmillvillage.com

Grogan’s Mill Village Association usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6 p.m.*

INDIAN SPRINGS www.indianspringsvillage.com

Indian Springs Village Association usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.*

PANTHER CREEK www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

Panther Creek Village Association usually meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m.*

STERLING RIDGE www.sterling-ridge.org

Sterling Ridge Village Association usually meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m.*

*Meets at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

School is out, and Sunny Dayz Camp is back! Spend spring break at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park enjoying outdoor activities, crafts, Ga-Ga Ball and special themed activities. For a detailed activity list and to register, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ sunnydayz.

Ages: 6 - 12

Monday, March 9 - Friday, March 13, 2020

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. $200 Week; $125 3-Day; $50 Daily

For questions, please email sunnydayzcamp@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-516-7348.

for Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations

It’stime to vote for your village leaders on the Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations. The complete list of positions up for election is listed below; however, any race that is uncontested as of 5 p.m. on January 22, 2020, will be cancelled. Please check the Township’s website for a list of contested races and cancellations.*

All Villages – Residential Design Review Committee

Up to five Residential Design Review Committee members to be elected for each village, all serving one-year terms. This includes two committees for Indian Springs, which is divided into two geographic areas based on Covenant imposition.

Village Associations

The following village association positions are up for election* in February 2020:

Alden Bridge Village Association

• Nine At-Large Area Representatives (two-year term)

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association

• 18 At-Large Area Representatives (one-year term)

College Park Village Association

• Vice President (two-year term)

• Treasurer (two-year term)

• Nine At-Large Area Representatives (one-year term)

Creekside Park Village Association

• Vice President (two-year term)

• Treasurer (two-year term)

• Events Chair (one-year term)

• 11 At-Large Area Representatives (one-year term)

Grogan’s Mill Village Association

• Eight At-Large Area Representatives (two-year term)

Indian Springs Village Association

• Vice President (two-year term)

• Treasurer (two-year term)

• Seven At-Large Area Representatives (two-year term)

Panther Creek Village Association

• Nine At-Large Area Representatives (two-year term)

Sterling Ridge Village Association

• Seven At-Large Village Directors (two-year term)

Voting for all residents and property owners on all polling dates for the February Residential Design Review Committee and Village Association elections will be held at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. No voting will be held for uncontested races. Check the Township website for the list of contested races and cancellations.

Monday, February 10 – Friday, February 14, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, February 15, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Write-In Candidates and Cancellation of Uncontested Races

In the February 2020 election, write-in votes will only be counted for those candidates who have filed as such by January 22, 2020, at 5 p.m. Elections will be cancelled for any Residential Design Review Committee or Village Association that does not have a contested race as of 5 p.m. on that date, and the seating and/or filling of vacancies will proceed in accordance with the entity’s bylaws. Check The Woodlands Township website for a list of contested races and cancellations.

Always follow these rules:

DO NOT BAG RECYCLABLES

NO PLASTIC BAGS

EMPTY, RINSE AND KEEP CAPS ON CONTAINERS

Still have questions? Call the Township at 281-210-3800 for answers.

Recycle ONLY these items in your cart:

Cans: Aluminum, tin and steel

Cartons: Milk, juice and soup

Glass: Bottles and jars of all colors

Plastic Containers

#1-5: Bottles, tubs and jars

Paper: Clean paper only; No pizza boxes or napkins

By Kristin Pternitis

CRIME PREVENTION

PROGRAMMING FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Do you own a business in The Woodlands? Are you in charge of setting up monthly staff meetings or safety trainings? If so, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch can help.

All neighborhoods throughout

The Woodlands are important to The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch. Crime Prevention initiatives are tailored to meet the needs at businesses, commercial properties or offices in collaboration with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Prevention Unit and/or the Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4.

Several crime prevention opportunities are available to create a partnership between businesses and the law enforcement agencies that serve The Woodlands. A variety of crime prevention presentations are available and other topic-specific presentations may be developed upon request. Presentations can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the topic.

• Business Safety and Awareness

• CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events)

• Basic Crime Prevention

• Personal Safety

• Identity Theft

• Holiday Safety

• Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office or Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4

• Overview of Agency – Introduce your business to local law enforcement

• Emergency Preparedness

Learning about local law enforcement, crime prevention and services provided is important to all neighborhoods, including businesses. Each business (or property) is unique,

and crime prevention initiatives typically should be addressed on an individual basis. However, the basics are readily available to you and your business, such as public safety reference cards and No Solicitor stickers.

Last but not least, you may know your address, but do your employees, guests and customers when on your property? We encourage all businesses to display their physical address prominently, outside and inside your business. Educate all employees of the address as well. In an emergency, a few minutes or even seconds can make a difference to your safety. Making your address clearly visible (and known by employees) can ensure that public safety personnel find you quickly in an emergency.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

with The Woodlands Township

By Angela Ellis

Your business could be a sponsor for upcoming events with The Woodlands Township! From the Township’s Signature Races to community festivals and seasonal concert series, the Township Parks and Recreation Department will produce a variety of premier events in 2020.

Showcase your business and reach thousands with the unique opportunity to promote your brand. Sponsorship opportunities of varying levels within the events offer companies the ability to engage the community through onsite event presence (booth space and signage), advertising entitlements and much more.

Sponsorships are available for several events, including the Waterway Nights and Rock the Row concert series, Arts in the Park, The Woodlands Township’s Signature Races, the Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza, Memorial Day and Labor Day Festivals, Trick or Treat Trail, Lighting of the Doves and numerous other programs and events.

For more information about sponsoring The Woodlands Township’s festivals and events, please email specialevents@thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov.

Showcase your business this year by sponsoring events produced by The Woodlands Township. Activities range from races to concerts and reach consumers of all ages and interests.

Photo by Derrick Bryant

FERAL HOGS

Maybeyou’ve noticed unusual markings in your yard that appear overnight. Trampled flower beds, plowed up lawn and tufts of hair and mud stuck to fence posts and garden sheds. No, it’s not Bigfoot out for some midnight gardening – it’s feral hogs.

Feral hogs were likely first introduced to Texas by Spanish explorers in the 1600s. During the ensuing years, their numbers grew dramatically. More than 1.5 million feral hogs are estimated to now roam Texas, becoming one of our most destructive invasive species. Feral hogs cost Texans some $400 million in damages annually by wreaking havoc on crops and lawns. The secret to their success is multi-fold: they are highly intelligent, impressively fertile and lack natural predators. They’re also remarkably adaptable, as more and more residents of urban areas, like The Woodlands, are realizing.

Most human interactions with feral hogs are limited to an uprooted lawn. Feral hogs have a keen sense of smell and use it to avoid contact with humans whenever possible. However, as with most wildlife, feral hogs will defend themselves if cornered, and females may aggressively protect their young. They can grow quite large, up to 400 pounds and are more powerful than their domestic counterparts. If you encounter a feral hog, be calm and move slowly away from it. Do not corner

or provoke the animal. If you see adults with young piglets, leave them alone.

If feral hogs are impacting your property, there are steps you can take. First, reduce access where possible. Address any holes or gaps in your fencing and cordon off garden areas. A fence height of 36 inches is enough to keep feral hogs out. For areas that can’t be fenced, remove food sources, like acorns, fruits and vegetables, and bulbs. If you encounter a hog during the day, you will likely be able to scare it off with a loud noise but expect to see it back at night in search of more food. Currently, no chemical repellents are labeled for use. Motion-activated sprinklers and ultrasonic animal repellents have also not been proven effective. While feral hogs may be killed or trapped on private property without a State of Texas license or permit with landowner consent, discharge of firearms of any kind within The Woodlands Township is not permitted.

For more information on feral hogs, please see the Wildlife section of the Township website at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/wildlife.

Mark your calendars for two public presentations on feral hogs in Texas and strategies for mitigating their impacts. Dr. John Tomecek, Assistant Professor and Texas A&M Extension Wildlife Specialist, will speak at the Recreation Center at Rob Fleming on Wednesday, February 5,

By Amber Barnes

at 7 p.m. Register for this free presentation at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environmentalservices. On Thursday, February 20 Chris Watts, Wildlife Damage Management Biologist with Texas Wildlife Services, will speak as part The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. Going GREEN lecture series. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. at HARC, 8801 Gosling Road. Please register for this free presentation at www.thewoodlandsgreen.org.

For more resources, or to report feral hogs that have been sighted in the area, please contact the following:

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

For educational information on feral hogs, reducing their impact or to make a report: https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/ outdoor-annual/hunting/nongame-andother-species.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Wildlife Services

For technical assistance and in some cases direct control of feral hogs: http://agrilife.org/txwildlifeservices/

Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute

To submit a public report of feral hog activity or seek advice: https://wildhogs.nri.tamu.edu/

Concert in the Park is a popular family tradition of music and fun for all ages! Concerts are held Sunday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at beautiful Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381.

Blankets, lawn chairs, coolers and pets are permitted. Come out this spring and enjoy the free concert series, featuring the following acts:

MARCH 1, 2020

Flashback (Classic Rock)

MARCH 8, 2020

Grey Vinyl (Variety)*

MARCH 15, 2020

Buck Yeager Band (Country)

MARCH 22, 2020

Route 66 Band (Variety)*

MARCH 29, 2020

Klockwork (R&B Motown)

APRIL 5, 2020

Velvet Punch (Cover/Dance)*

*Theme Days for select dates are a new addition to Concert in the Park:

• March 8, 2020: Sidewalk Chalk

Swing by The Woodlands Township tent to pick up some chalk and then let your imagination do the rest!

• March 22, 2020: Spring Has Sprung

Hop on by The Woodlands Township tent and pick up a fun springtime craft to do during the concert!

• April 5, 2020: Summer Program Fair

Learn about The Woodlands Township’s summer jobs and activities while enjoying great live music!

For more information, please call 281-210-3950 or 281-516-7348, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

By Angela Ellis

Enjoy an afternoon with family and friends at Arts in the Park on Saturday, March 14, 2020, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers and enjoy the music. This free event features local vendors selling original artwork, fun activities featuring a KidZone and live performances! Concessions will be available for purchase.

Create your own masterpiece and enter the Youth Art Contest, open to artists 18 and younger! Submissions will be on display at the event and winners from each category will be recognized during the festival. Submissions will be accepted through Monday, March 9, 2020, at 5 p.m. For more information about the art contest, or for information on how to become an art vendor, sponsor or concessionaire at the event, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/artsinthepark.

Mark Your Calendar for Arts in the Park

Saturday, March 14, 2020, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Rob Fleming Park • 6055 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77389

Help fight hunger in our community by attending the 15th Annual

EMPTY BOWLS

The Visual Arts Department leads this annual schoolwide effort that has raised over $100,000 over the years to benefit Interfaith of The Woodlands Food Pantry. Enjoy a bowl of soup, peruse a silent art action, take home a handmade bowl and help make a difference.

By Zoe Killian

Community Cleanup Celebrates 10 Years

Keep The Woodlands beautiful.

Join the 10th Annual Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp, a Township-wide litter cleanup event on Saturday, March 21, 2020. Team up to target litter on pathways, along waterways and in greenbelts. Residents are encouraged to invite

friends, family, neighbors, businesses and schools to join in cleaning our environment. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors and keep our community beautiful.

March is a great time to spot litter hiding in the bushes before new vegetation covers it up. All litter, big and small, can have adverse effects on wildlife, public health and even property values.

For the GreenUp, participants report to a designated neighborhood checkin area where they receive disposable gloves, bags, instructions and an assigned area to pick up. A limited number of trash grabbers are available to groups that pre-register.

After the cleanup, everyone is invited to the post pick-up celebration at Northshore Park. Join us for food, music, education and games from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers who participated in the cleanup will be honored guests, receiving free pizza and beverages along with the 2020 event T-shirt. The general public may purchase pizza and beverages.

Residents are already gearing up for Earth Day GreenUp 2020! Preregistration is encouraged, especially for groups. You may register now at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/greenup. For more information, please call 281-210-3800. The Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp is coordinated by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department.

Earth Day GreenUp 2020 Green Starts with Me!

Pre-register by March 16, 2020, at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ greenup.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

• Check-in at area parks: 8 to 10 a.m.

• Cleanup: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• Celebrate at Northshore Park: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day with family and friends at the Earth Day GreenUp!

Drip Irrigation? It’s a winner!

Automated sprinkler systems are meant to make our lives easier. Just set it and forget it. Unfortunately, they require a bit more work than that. To get the job done right, regular maintenance and adjustments are needed. Misdirected water from improperly aligned spray heads leads to runoff, wasting water. Setting the spray too fine means faster evaporation, resulting in as much as a 30 percent loss. And, there’s the fact that sprinklers are designed for watering lawns. Using them to water your plants is inefficient and even detrimental to the plants, as most of the water goes everywhere except where it’s needed –to the roots.

Certainly, properly maintained and operated sprinkler systems can be a useful tool but they do have their limitations. Consider converting some of your spray zones to drip irrigation to enhance your water savings and improve the health of your plants. Installation is more affordable than you might think, and it’s a simple task most homeowners can do themselves. Connecting a drip line to your hose faucet makes it even easier. Either way, you’ll

end up with a greener landscape for less water and less money.

As an extra benefit, Woodlands Water (formerly The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency – WJPA) helps you cut your installation costs in half.

If you are a resident living in any of the 10 M.U.D.s served by Woodlands Water, you are eligible for a one-time rebate* on your water bill for a portion of the purchase cost and installation. Included are:

• Rain barrels

• Rain sensors

• Drip irrigation

• Smart controllers

• And now...Native plants

*The rebate is for 50 percent of the purchase price and installation of any of the above devices. The rebate can be as high as $150. The $150 maximum can include any of the above items and is cumulative. In other words, you can purchase a rain barrel for $85, and receive a $42.50 rebate. You still have $107.50 left on your rebate to use in any future purchase of the items above.

By Teri MacArthur

If you’re ready to find out just how easy it is to install or convert to drip irrigation, we have the class for you! On Saturday, March 7, 2020, The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department hosts a Drip Irrigation Workshop at The Woodlands Emergency Training Center, located at 16135 IH-45 South, Conroe 77385. Drip irrigation specialists explain the advantages to converting, the nuts and bolts of planning, and offer hands-on demonstrations of assembling a drip system for your yard and gardens. This annual workshop is popular, so register now to ensure a space at this free class. Find the details and link to register at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/environment. Questions? Call Environmental Services at 281-210-3800. www.arborcarehouston.com

Save money and improve the health of your yard by implementing a drip irrigation system this spring.

Photo by Teri MacArthur

TOWNSHIPAccolades

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH WINS NATIONAL AWARD

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch program recently took first place in the nation for National Night Out 2019 programming in the Population Category #2—100,00 to 300,00. The Township placed higher in its population category than all other Texas contributors. The Township also contributed to the State of Texas entry, which took first place.

The Township thanks the many residents and team members of Neighborhood Watch who contributed to this honor. The Township also thanks its public safety partners: the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harris

County Constable’s Office - Precinct 4, Montgomery County Constable’s Office, Precinct 3, Texas Department of Public Safety-Highway Patrol, Montgomery County Hospital District-EMS, Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol and The Woodlands Fire Department.

National Night Out is a community-building campaign designed to raise awareness of crime and drug prevention, generate support for local anti-crime efforts and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch supports National Night Out

by helping residents to host National Night Out parties, hosting the Community Safety Expo and a variety of public safety open houses, along with providing ongoing resources about safety for the community.

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch will continue to promote public safety partnerships and community-wide efforts for crime and fire prevention. For more information about Neighborhood Watch, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodwatch or www.facebook. com/townshipneighborhoodwatch.

Celebrating the National Night Out award are, pictured from left, back row: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant David Hernandez, Director of Law Enforcement Services Marian Leck, Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4 Sergeant Mike Ruby, Captain Jonathon Zitzmann, Lieutenant Charles Hoover, Neighborhood Watch staff members Susan Martin, Holly Steinke and John Osborne, and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Brady Fitzgerald. Pictured from left, front row: Neighborhood Watch staff members MJ Currey, Peggy Krysiak, Cindy Strawn, Kristin Pternitis, Rena Dodd and Julie Quinn, and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Captain Tim Holifield.

Photo by Kacie Gurney

Don’t let your New Year’s fitness goals lose momentum this February!

By Logan Downey

The Woodlands Township Recreation Centers are here to help you reach your goals with fitness memberships for both residents and non-residents. As a fitness member, you will enjoy access to fitness equipment at both The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park and The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park, including strength training machines, cardio equipment and free weights. If you are interested in signing up or learning more about our fitness rooms, please stop by either of the Township Recreation Centers.

Daily Rate: $6 • Monthly: $20 • Six-Month Membership: $60

Annual Membership: $120 • Senior (55+) Annual Membership: $80

*Non-resident memberships available with additional fees Children 15 under must be accompanied by an adult.

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, TX 77389 281-516-7348

Monday – Thursday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park

5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, TX 77381 281-210-3950

Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Saturday, March 28, 2020, until 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

Camp Terramont provides you and your family an opportunity to enjoy a fun evening of activities and camping at Terramont Park. Dinner, breakfast and snacks are all included; just bring your tent and sleeping bags. To register for Camp Terramont, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/signupforfun. For questions about Camp Terramont, please contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3950 or 281-516-7348.

$125 Resident family of four $135 Non-Resident family of four $30 per additional person www.REDACU.com

TEEN SUICIDE PREVENTION

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among American teens, and the rate of suicide and attempted suicide among teens in Montgomery County is one of the highest in the state. As a result of these alarming statistics and the growing mental health crisis affecting our young people, 460 elected officials, medical professionals, pastors and parents came together last year at the Lone Star Convention Center in order to collectively address this issue.

As I listened to the men and women who presented their opinions, I was deeply inspired by the palpable unity in the room; our community has a very real and present problem, and we all feel compelled to do something about it. Nearly every medical professional who spoke agreed that a key contributor to the poor mental health of our teens is related to the negative effects of social media and device abuse.

Some of my first questions after that meeting were, how much device abuse is taking place, and what are the negative effects? I discovered the following statistic in the MIT Tech Review: “The average American spends 70 percent of their waking hours looking at a screen.” That equates to about 10 hours a day. Whether that screen time is spent working, or binge-watching shows that glamorize self-harm; studying, or playing video games that glorify violence – 10 hours a day in front of a screen does not sound healthy.

As a 12-year student pastor in The Woodlands area, it’s my job to ask the question, “How might this new and pervasive lifestyle be affecting our children?” It is from this perspective, as well as that of being a father, that I want to share a few observations that support the potential relationship between the mental health crisis affecting our teens, and device abuse.

The Student Ministry staff and I receive hundreds of weekly prayer requests from our 7th – 12th-graders. We process these requests with great care, and we’ve come to rely upon them to help us understand what our students need to talk about, and how best to relate to what they’re going through. From these requests, we have determined that the two greatest

stumbling blocks for The Woodlands-area teen are comparison and insecurity.

As the son of one of the first 300 families to live in The Woodlands, I remember well what it was like to feel the perpetual pressure of “keeping up with the Jones’s.” There is a constant comparison that accompanies kids who are raised among affluence and an inevitable insecurity that’s created when we grow up believing everything around us is perfect, while simultaneously realizing that we ourselves are not.

I point out this connection because, like the early years of The Woodlands itself, social media has become the new “bubble.” The new “safe place” that continually and falsely perpetuates a reality that “everything in here is perfect.” And, if you don’t like something in here, you can just block it out, ignore it, unfriend it. I knew very early on that I wasn’t perfect, and I felt terribly unsafe talking about any of my problems. Why? Because no one ever opened up and talked to me about theirs. I did what so many others do in an environment like that – I pretended everything was okay and bottled up all of my fears and insecurities. I lost much of my adolescence to alcoholism. Numbing myself was the only thing I knew how to do in order to escape the belief that everyone I knew was better, happier and more together than me.

I can say from experience that one of the unintended consequences of being less than open with our imperfections is that those around us will feel increasingly isolated in their own imperfections. They will inevitably look around at the utopia we’ve built and begin to think, “How come everyone’s so happy but me? The problem must be me.” The solitude of that type of mentality is a very dangerous place to live, especially during the formative years of being a teen.

If our children are spending up to 10 hours a day in a false reality, it makes sense that they’re being consumed by comparison and insecurity. It makes sense that they’re not just unfriending people and ideas, but themselves. As I consider this possibility, I find that I’m asking myself a

By Justin Ulmer

new set of questions that every parent should ask as we begin addressing this problem.

• Who gets more facetime with my child? Me, or their device?

• Who has more influence in the decisions my child makes? Me, or their device?

• Who knows my child better? Me, or their device?

• What does my child need more?

A false reality that pretends perfection, or a vulnerable parent who’s willing to admit, “I have problems, too.”

As I ask those questions of myself, I realize I have some work to do. But I’m encouraged, because I know I’m not alone. One of the most redemptive things I’m beginning to recognize in this discussion is the example being set by my beloved, imperfect hometown. A community that is openly admitting, “We have a problem. It’s time to come together. It’s time to talk about it. It’s time to figure it out. Together.”

Editor’s Note: Justin Ulmer is the Lead Student Pastor of WoodsEdge Community Church and a Board Member of the Behavioral Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force of Montgomery County. The BH&SP Community Task Force exists to create a happier, healthier community by raising awareness about behavioral health and suicide through education, prevention and connections. The BH&SP Task Force, in partnership with dozens of community, healthcare, government and faith-based organizations will be hosting a Peace of Mind Conference on May 19, 2020, at the Lone Star Convention Center. This event will feature resources, speakers, next steps and more. Please follow at www.facebook.com/ bhsptaskforcemc for more information in the coming months.

By Mark Lazenby

Mark your calendars for a fun-filled morning with The Woodlands Township at our annual Touch-a-Truck! Get up close and personal with all kinds of big trucks, fancy off-road mudders and various first responder vehicles! Families can take photos in and around all vehicles, and kids can get messy in the

“Construction Zone” play area. Touch-a-Truck will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77389. The event is free for all ages with no registration required! The event will be from 9 a.m.

Important

to noon, with a noise-free, sensoryfriendly hour from 9 to 10 a.m.

In the event of inclement weather on the day of the event, please call 281-210-3950 or 281-516-7348. The make-up date for inclement weather will be on February 29, 2020. Grab the family and drive on by!

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

Experience hands-on fun with trucks and first responder vehicles at Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park.