February 2022

With The Woodlands Express

Township Transit, Energy Corridor

District Launch Pilot Commuter Bus Service

Take a Valentine's Day SWAN BOAT RIDE

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

For emergency information specific to The Woodlands, listen to K-Star Country, KVST-FM, the official emergency broadcast partner of The Woodlands Township.

message from The Woodlands Township Board of Directors

VILLAGE ELECTIONS

ELECTION DAY IS FEBRUARY 19, 2022

All voting for the Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations will take place at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Residents and property owners may take advantage of convenience voting from Monday, February 14 through Friday, February 18, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Election Day, Saturday, February 19, 2022, polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For any Residential Design Review Committee or Village Association that does not have a contested race as of 5 p.m. on January 26 (the deadline to file as a write-in or to retract candidacy), the entity’s election will be cancelled and the seating and/or filling of vacancies will proceed in accordance with the entity’s bylaws. A list of contested and cancelled elections will be posted on the Township website prior to the start of early voting. Candidates filed will also be posted to the website.

Find out more at

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/februaryelection

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT on page 5

John Anthony Brown Treasurer, Position 3

Bruce Rieser Vice Chairman, Position 4

Gordy Bunch Chairman, Position 1

Jason J. Nelson Director, Position 2

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs Secretary, Position 5

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Director, Position 6 Bob Milner Director, Position 7 Monique Sharp Interim President and General Manager

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.

Advertising inquiries, rate requests and change of address/ delivery inquiries may be directed to Champions Printing & Publishing, 6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G, Houston, TX, 77069, 281-583-7661.

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.

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Jim Callahan

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

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

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Township Makes Changes in Executive Management

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently made changes in leadership for the organization. Ms. Monique Sharp was promoted to Chief Financial Officer and to Interim President and General Manager. Ms. Sharp joined The Woodlands team 29 years ago. Under her leadership, The Woodlands Township recently earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), placing it in the top 2 percent in the country.

Ms. Sharp began serving in her new roles on January 3, 2022. She follows previous President and General Manager Jeff Jones who left the Township, also on January 3, 2022. Additional changes include the promotions of Ms. Karen Dempsey, with 23 years of experience, and Dr. Chris Nunes, with 15 years of experience, to Assistant General Managers.

For additional information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

2022 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING

By Amber Barnes

OnSaturday, February 12, 2022, The Woodlands Township will celebrate Arbor Day with the eighth annual Community Tree Planting event. You’re invited to get your hands dirty and join the fun. Volunteers are needed to help plant thousands of native trees and shrubs, and to spread native wildflower seed in support of The Woodlands Township’s Plant for Pollinators program.

The event will be held at Meadowlake Park, 9501 North Panther Creek Drive, from 8 a.m. to noon. Township staff selected this park for vine removal during the winter of 2021-22. Now that a significant amount of the park has been cleared of non-native and invasive species, volunteers will work to replant native trees, shrubs and wildflowers.

Previous Community Tree Planting events have been held at Spindle Tree Ponds Park (Sterling Ridge), Tamarac Park (Grogan’s Mill), West Trailhead of the George Mitchell Preserve

(Creekside Park) and Footbridge Way Pond Park (Creekside Park). More than 13,000 native trees have been planted since the program began in 2015. Registration is required. Please sign up at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.

gov/treeplanting or scan the QR code below.

Community Tree Planting is made possible with the help of sponsors Chevron-Phillips Chemical, Centerpoint Energy and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.

Monique Sharp Chris Nunes Karen Dempsey

The Woodlands Township recently honored the retirement of Assistant General Manager for Community Services John Powers after 23 years of service. Pictured above, left to right, Township Directors Jason J. Nelson, Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Bruce Rieser, Chairman Gordy Bunch, John Powers and his wife Debbie Powers, Township Directors Dr. Ann K. Snyder, John Anthony Brown and Bob Milner.

Ride to the Rodeo WITH THE WOODLANDS EXPRESS

By Kacie Gurney

2022

March 4*, 5, 6

March 11*, 12, 13

March 18*, 19, 20

*Evening service only.

Tickets are

$13 Round-trip.

Service begins at the Sawdust Park and Ride at 701 Westridge Road.

The Woodlands Express, the Township’s Park and Ride transportation service to Houston, will take riders to NRG Stadium each weekend during the rodeo, allowing rodeo-goers to enjoy all the fun without all the frustration of parking and driving. Service originates at the Sawdust Park and Ride at 701 Westridge Road.

The cost of round-trip transportation to the event is $13 per person. This service will be available only on weekends, including Friday evenings, during the rodeo: March 4 (evening), March 5, March 6, March 11 (evening), March 12, March 13, March 18 (evening), March 19 and March 20, 2022. Reservations are required.

and the reservation site link can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/rodeo.

TOWNSHIP ACCOLADES

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch Wins National Award

The Woodlands Township earned First Place in Category #2 for Populations 100,000 to 300,000 from The National Association of Town Watch for its 2021 National Night Out Campaign.

Since 1991, The Woodlands Township and its predecessors have garnered the #1 ranking in nine different years.

The campaign, produced by The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch program, earned top honors through its creative programming and participation of Township residents and public safety agencies.

“This is a great honor and we’re proud to be #1 in the nation again,” said Township Chairman Gordy Bunch. “Neighbors getting to know neighbors is critical to effective public safety and our National Night Out program is the best in the nation. We appreciate all the work by our employees, our public safety

partners, our residents and our businesses who produced and participated in numerous National Night Out events.”

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch team 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 Township thanks the many team members of Neighborhood Watch who contributed to this year’s honor including 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.

For over 30 years, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch has provided award-winning crime prevention programming to all neighborhoods in The Woodlands. Neighbors play an important role in Community Policing efforts. Getting organized is easy and gives you and your neighbors the opportunity to contribute to a safe community through organization, education and even celebration.

Whether you live in a neighborhood, apartment, senior complex, or have a business in The Woodlands, we encourage you to contact the Neighborhood Watch to learn more about the role you can play in keeping our community safe.

For more information about The Woodlands Township, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800.

Pictured from left to right: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Specialist Eric Medina and Carlos Tavarez, Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4

Deputy Kevin Vailes, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch staff members John Osborne, Holly Steinke, Amy Tidwell, Julie Quinn, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Captain Tim Holifield, Neighborhood Watch staff Cindy Strawn, Kristin Pternitis, Rena Dodd and Sue Martin, The Woodlands Fire Department Firefighter James Croft, Driver/Operator Daniel Wisnoskie, Firefighter Justin Bumpass and Firefighter Brice Parmer.

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch has been recognized by The National Association of Town Watch for their efforts during the 2021 National Night Out Campaign, with First Place in Category #2 for Populations 100,000 to 300,000.

THERE’S A BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in The Woodands

At Houston Methodist Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in The Woodlands.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

936.270.3333

houstonmethodist.org/cancer-woodlands

TAKE A VALENTINE’S DAY

S wan Boat Ride

By Erica Flocke

AT NIGHT

There’s just something enchanting about being on The Woodlands Waterway, surrounded by lights, under a beautiful night sky. And now, for the first time ever, Riva Row Boat House presents a special swan boat program - at night! Be one of the first people to experience the swan pedal boats like never before! Bring your significant other (or best friend) and experience this special event for Valentine’s Day.

Swan pedal boats will be decorated with twinkling lights and festive Valentine’s Day decorations. Boat House staff will also provide light snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and treats for you and your guest. Participants will peacefully pedal their swan boat at their own leisurely pace from near Town Green Park along the Upper Waterway, past Waterway Square, all the way to the edge of Lake Robbins and back. This usually takes most people about 50 minutes.

Groups will depart from Riva Row Boat House on either Sunday, February 13, 2022, or Monday, February 14, 2022, at 7 p.m. When picking a date and registering for the program, the quantity you choose is the number of swan boats you would like to rent (not the number of people in your party). Each swan boat can fit up to four people and the per-boat fee for this program is $40. All participants must be 16 years or older. No pets are allowed for this activity.

While you may be tempted to dress up for this fancy occasion, do keep in mind that someone must pedal the boat! High heels and stiff dress shoes may not be the best choices for this occasion, so save that fanciness for later in your evening.

Please be advised that the seller’s recommendation for the front two (2) seats of the swan pedal boat is a weight capacity not to exceed 200 lbs. each person, and for the two (2) back seats it is 160 lbs. each person. In our experience, the swan may not glide smoothly in the water if either the front or back seats are overloaded, and excessive overloading in one area may cause the boat to tip. As always, please be aware that all our boat trips come with one inherent possibility: you could get wet! Lifejackets will be required for this ride.

Pre-registration is required for this program and spots are expected to fill up quickly. Register today at www.rivarowboathouse.com/ valentines-swan-boat-ride.

Pedal your significant other or best pal down the Waterway on an illuminated swan boat for Valentine’s Day!

Township Transit, Energy Corridor District Launch Pilot Commuter Bus Service

TheWoodlands Township, in collaboration with The Energy Corridor District, launched a pilot commuter bus service on January 4, 2022. The new service departs from Sawdust Park and Ride and serves multiple stops along the Energy Corridor including Energy Center 1 & 2, Dairy Ashford at Shell Main Entrance, Eldridge at Energy Center 4 Drive (ConocoPhillips/McDermott), Memorial, Westlake at Gracie (BP #1), and Grisby at Helios (BP #2).

The service is offered Monday through Friday; the complete schedule and route map can be found online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ parkandride.

Park and Ride tickets are available at a cost of $13 round-trip and must be

purchased in advance for this service as drivers do not accept cash. Tickets may be purchased through The Woodlands Express Mobile Ticketing app or at any of the Park and Ride terminals. For more information on how to download and use the mobile ticketing app, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/1453/Mobile-Ticketing. Buses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and only stop at designated locations.

Funding for the new service is provided by The Woodlands Township’s receipt of a Congestion Management and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant from the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). The grant comprises 80 percent of the funding, with the Township and the Energy Corridor District entering into a local share

By Kacie Gurney

funding partnership for the remaining 20 percent.

For more information about Township Transit, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ transportation.

Sponsorship Opportunities with The Woodlands Township

Sponsor upcoming events with The Woodlands Township! From the Township’s races to community festivals and seasonal concert series, the Township Parks and Recreation

Department plans to produce a variety of exciting events in 2022.

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 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 on The Woodlands Township’s festivals and events, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ specialevents or email specialevents@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

SPRING 2022 ARTS IN THE PARK

By Angela Ellis

Mark Your Calendar for Arts in the Park

Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 2 to 6 p.m. Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381

Enjoyan afternoon with family and friends at Arts in the Park, Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands 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 sale.

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 7, 2022, at 5 p.m.

Visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/artsinthepark for information on how to become an art vendor, sponsor or concessionaire at the event.

Photos by Derrick Bryant

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.

Photos by Derrick Bryant

By Angela Ellis

February 2022

Please visit the Township’s online calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar for the very latest information on Township events and cancellations regarding The Woodlands Township Board of Directors meetings, Development Standards Committee and Residential Design Review Committee Meetings, Village Meetings, The Woodlands Farmer’s Market and many other Township-related activities.

NO CHANGES IN GARBAGE COLLECTION THIS MONTH

NEWS

FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

This month’s village association board meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 7 p.m. Meetings are scheduled at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Drive. If you would like to attend, have a public comment or concern, or just have a question, you can always feel free to send us an e-mail at abvainfo@gmail.com.

Residential Design Review Committee (RDRC) and Village Association Election Day will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, with voting hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Convenience voting will occur for one week leading up to Election Day (Monday, February 14 through Friday, February 18, 2022), with voting hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All voting will take place at the Township, located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Alden Bridge will elect nine at-large Area Reps and five members of the RDRC. Your vote is important, so please participate in our election!

It’s time to think about our 2022 scholarship program, so don’t let this opportunity pass you by. If you or someone you know will begin higher education later this year, don’t hesitate to apply for one of our scholarships. All graduating high school students residing in Alden Bridge are eligible to apply. See your high school counselor for details or find more information and the scholarship application at www.aldenbridge.org/scholarships.

For more news of our village, please visit our Facebook page and sign up for our monthly email newsletter. Just send your email address to abvainfo@gmail.com and we’ll sign you up. If you would like to volunteer and would be interested in becoming a member of the board,

we are always looking, so send us an e-mail or attend this month’s meeting.

Enjoy the month and have a happy Valentine’s Day!

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

Cochran’s Crossing

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association is participating in the Water Wise Challenge to help raise scholarship and education funds for students of the village. We need your help, and it is so easy! Please go to www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ waterconservation and sign up through the form under Village Challenge to pledge not to run your sprinklers through April. It takes less than a minute! Get as many neighbors to take the pledge as well. It’s good for the grass and good for the neighborhood!

Please join us at the next meeting of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township. Please follow our Facebook page, Village of Cochran’s Crossing Association, and find us on our webpage, www. cochranscrossing.com, and email us at cochranscrossingvillage@gmail.com with any questions.

Submitted by Cynthia Kessinger

Indian Springs

Happy Valentine’s Month!

Indian Springs was well-represented at the recent Flea Market! Thanks to the crew who showed up at 4:30 a.m. to help with setup. All went well. Thanks to Panther Creek for sponsoring this event each year.

Indian Springs Village Association won first place in the Village Challenge for collecting light bulbs and second place in the Planting for Pollinators Village Challenge. Start saving incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFG) and LED light bulbs, low voltage batteries and empty toothpaste tubes for the 2022 collection!

We want to hear from you. Please stay in touch with Indian Springs Village Association through our various social media platforms:

• www.instagram.com/ indianspringsvillage

• www.linkedin.com/company/ indianspringsvillage

• www.facebook.com/ IndianSpringsVillage

We wish you a happy and prosperous 2022!

Submitted by Carol Stromatt

Panther Creek

Spring is around the corner and many activities are getting underway. Learn to create valuable compost for your lawn and garden at the free class on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive.

Planting your own vegetable garden is a wonderful way to keep in touch with nature and to treat your family to the freshest and healthiest organic foods. Come to the free gardening class on February 19, 2022, from 9 a.m. to noon. Pre-register at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment.

Panther Creek Village Association exists to serve our entire Panther Creek community. We are all volunteers working to make living here a richer experience for all. We help address questions and concerns about living in The Woodlands for you. From student scholarships to Christmas gifts for our seniors, to community events like the Fourth of July parade and more, we invite you to participate as we all keep The Woodlands: a “real hometown.”

As a resident of Panther Creek, you are already one of our 12,000 members. Our board meets the second Thursday of each month. Find us online at www.panthercreekvillage.org.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

The Woodlands Fire Department Practices High-Angle Rescue Techniques

The Woodlands Fire Department recently took advantage of the almost completed Kuykendahl Bridge at Bear Creek to practice high-angle rescue techniques from a bridge or similar structure. Woodlands Rescue Team members worked various scenarios involving a victim rescue if a vehicle or a person were to fall off a bridge or embankment and need assistance. The Woodlands

Fire Department extends its gratitude to Montgomery County Precinct 3 for assistance in arranging this great opportunity to train.

The Woodlands Fire Department is staffed with full-time, commissioned firefighters/emergency medical technicians who are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Department has teams who are fully trained to respond to a wide

variety of emergencies including collapse rescue, fires, hazardous materials emergencies, high-angle rescue, medical calls, swiftwater rescue and trench rescue.

For more information on The Woodlands Fire Department, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/firedepartment or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ TheWoodlandsFireDepartment.

The Woodlands is an ideal location to hold weddings, receptions, vow renewals and other memorable moments. Allow Visit The Woodlands to be your complimentary resource in helping to plan the next special event for your family.

Visit The Woodlands can assist in bringing your wedding vision to life. From locating the perfect venue to helping to secure discounted hotel room blocks and connecting you with the best vendors around, our dedicated team is here to help.

As your out-of-town guests arrive to our hotels, they can receive custom welcome bags, complete with a map to help them get around the area.

Once you have the date set, along with the number of guests that you’ll be inviting, complete the form at www.VisitTheWoodlands.com/ weddings. Our staff will be in touch soon to assist in making your dreams come true.

Upcoming Environmental Services Events 2022

Check out these FREE Environmental Services events and classes being offered this month. For more information and to register, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/environment.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Backyard Composting Class

Learn how easy and fun it is to turn your yard and kitchen trimmings into soil’s most beneficial amendment: compost.

10 to 11 a.m.

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Community Tree Planting

Calling volunteers of all ages to plant native trees, plants and wildflowers.

8 a.m. to noon

Meadowlake Park

9501 N. Panther Creek Drive

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Walk in the Woods: Creating Bird-Friendly Spaces

Discover how to create an inviting space for birds in your own yard.

6 to 7 p.m.

South County Community Center 2235 Lake Robbins Drive

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Invasive Species Volunteer Training

Learn to identify and remove species of concern from your landscape and our pathways and green spaces, then volunteer alongside your neighbors to tackle the problem.

9 to 11 a.m.

Woodlands Emergency Training Center16135 Interstate 45 South

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Spring Organic Vegetable Gardening

Learn practical tips for growing tastier vegetables and herbs without chemicals.

9 a.m. to noon Online

By Liz Aguirre

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 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and coolers (glass is prohibited). Waterway Nights is produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department.

February 5, 2022

Tracy Perez (Top 80’s)

February 12, 2022

Leslie Lugo (Latin Variety)

February 26, 2022

Mike Donnell (Texas Country)

March 5, 2022

Midnight Soul (Variety)

For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/waterwaynights.

Enjoy live music in a scenic setting at Waterway Nights!

ACCURACY IS IMPORTANT: Be Aware Before You Share

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch encourages residents to seek true information over false information often shared throughout the community, especially via social media. Please be cautious of sharing or posting information that is unverified by local law enforcement. Opinions are often not supported by facts, and inaccurate information can increase the fear of crime.

PLEASE DO SHARE INFORMATION THAT IS:

• Accurate: Correct in all details; exact.

• Verified: Make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified.

• Correct: Free from error; in accordance with fact or truth.

PLEASE DO NOT SHARE INFORMATION THAT IS:

• Rumor: A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.

• Misinformation: False or inaccurate information, especially that which is intended to deceive.

• Hearsay: Information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate; rumor.

If you hear a rumor in the community about an incident that may have happened, before you

By Kristin Pternitis

“spread the word,” please contact your Neighborhood Watch Coordinator to determine if the information is accurate. One of the responsibilities of a Neighborhood Coordinator is to assist in rumor control. Neighborhood Watch Coordinators work directly with The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch Program Specialists who work directly with local law enforcement.

If you do not have an active neighborhood watch program in your neighborhood, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800 or neighbor@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov to verify accurate information.

Changes To The Woodlands Residential Development Standards

The Woodlands Township is a master planned community that provides for orderly development of residential and commercial land usage and is guided by legally binding Covenants and Standards that protect the aesthetic integrity of the community. Recently the Development Standards Committee reviewed and approved revisions to the Residential Development Standards, as they do from time to time in order to adapt to changes in building materials, building trends and other general amendments as needed. Once finalized and recorded with Montgomery and Harris County, these changes will take effect in early 2022. The Woodlands Township will place an announcement on the Township website of the effective date.

Please visit www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ covenants for more information about covenants and standards in The Woodlands.

A Message from Woodlands Water Think Twice Before Using Weed and Feed Products

Weed and feed products have herbicides and fertilizers designed to kill weeds while also fertilizing your lawn in a single application. You might think it’s like the old saying, “you can kill two birds with one stone.” In reality, the easy one-time application can cost you more time and money by risking short-term effectiveness at the expense of long-term soil health.

The first problem is that killing weeds and fertilizing should be performed at different times. Although weed and feed products have a very high nitrogen concentration, the effectiveness of the fertilizer will be very low unless your grass is either actively growing or in dormancy. Also, weed killers should only treat infected areas during the spring. On the other hand, you should apply fertilizer throughout your entire lawn in the fall.

Secondly, while most weed and feed products kill existing weeds, they are not as efficient in preventing many species of weeds from germinating. These weed and feed products are not powerful enough to kill stubborn weeds such as clovers, black medic, ground ivy and bindweed. By using the products together, you are ruining the health of your soil by having an excess of herbicides that kill beneficial fungi and organisms that help build healthy turf.

Other downsides for the “weed” portion of the weed and feed is that they include toxic chemicals such as 2,4-D which are

By Tori Fluellen

dangerous for the environment, yourself and your pets. If you apply an uneven application of herbicides to your lawn, your lawn becomes dependent on the “feed” portion. Using the “feed” part on your lawn in the winter or early spring to maintain “green” is counterproductive; while the grass may turn green, the soil and roots are damaged.

Instead of constantly playing catch-up by spending a lot of time and money, consider some safer long-term alternative options. Pre-emergent and spot treatments are some of the best ways to ensure your weeds are gone. Another alternative is to use a corn gluten mixture. There are also tools such as a dandelion fork or a longhandled fishtail weeder to pluck your weeds.

Reconsider using weed and feed products. Proper lawn care (fertilizing, aeration, composting, watering, mowing – all at the proper time) and a little bit of TLC is really all your lawn needs to be healthy and beautiful.

This article was provided by Woodlands Water, www.woodlandswater.org.

CLEAN UP AT EARTH DAY GREENUP

By Zoe Killian

Save the date for the annual community litter cleanup day, Earth Day GreenUp, on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Team up with family, friends and neighbors to target litter along pathways, parks, waterways and in greenbelts. You’ll help keep our community beautiful while enjoying the outdoors!

Register before Monday, March 21, 2022, to reserve trash grabbers and gloves at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/greenup. Walk-up registration is also welcome.

For more information, please contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, March 26, 2022 • 8 a.m. to noon

Designated Parks

Register by March 21, 2022, at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/greenup.

• Harms wildlife

• Reduces property values

• Pollutes soil, water and air

• Increases fire hazards

• Breeds mosquitoes

TheImportant 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. For more information, please call 281-2103800. 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 this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information. Copyright: The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. by Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., 6608 FM 1960 West, Suite G, Houston Texas 77069. Copyright © 2021. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher or The Woodlands Township.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple calls regarding solicitors at intersections and local shopping centers, and calls increased during the recent holiday season. The fact that someone finds themselves homeless or unemployed may be through no fault of their own. Being poor is not and should never be a crime. Sheriff Rand Henderson has even identified “compassion” as one of the four core values that he expects every deputy to demonstrate, both personally and professionally. We offer to help those who want help by referring and connecting those wanting help to a non-profit organization that can help them with their needs.

Most all of us are sympathetic, caring people. We are blessed to have many compassionate residents who want to help anyone in need. I would encourage residents who wish to help to find a local non-profit organization to support, with their time, talent or resource. This approach will help people in need get onto their feet and become self-sufficient rather than depending upon others. We have several organizations that help in Montgomery County. We have Interfaith of The Woodlands, the United Way, the Montgomery County Food Bank, The Montgomery County Women’s Center, the Salvation Army, along with so many churches, temples and synagogues who help those in need, to name a few. These organizations have staff and volunteers who ensure that donated

By Lt. Scott Spencer

dollars are going to people in need and do not support criminal activity.

In some cases, when we give cash, we are not helping but rather enabling people and organized groups’ resources to continue their criminal activity. Giving cash may support drug or chemical dependency, human trafficking or forced labor. Some “professional panhandlers” move from town to town across the area, state and country, preying on the generosity of communities. Some are staged and often closely monitored. It doesn’t take long to search the internet to find story after story of “panhandling” complaints. It is as old as civilization and follows the “supply and demand” principle. When you give a person money, you do not know where those dollars end up being used.

Deputies are also asked from time to time what local merchants can do if they do not wish to have “soliciting” occur on their private property to their customers or clients. They should notify the solicitor to leave their property. Only the property owner or management company can tell someone to leave private property. If needed, the owner or manager may call for a deputy to accompany them to provide the notice to depart. We will also see if we can help the solicitor by referring them to a helpful organization. As a last resort, we will give them a “Criminal Trespass Warning,” making it illegal for the panhandler to enter back onto the property.

Results

By Zoe Killian

Residents of The Woodlands saved more than 17,000 pounds of waste from the landfill at the 3R Drive-thru event, held last fall.

TheWoodlands Township hosted the 3R Drive-thru on Saturday, November 13, 2021, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Woodlands High School. More than 600 vehicles drove through the event for free recycling of select items and secure document shredding. With the help of local partner organizations, more than 17,000 pounds of material were collected for recycling including 9,683 pounds of shredded paper, 4,170 pounds of batteries and 593 pounds of lightbulbs, 1,500 pounds of textiles, 800 pairs of eyeglasses by The Woodlands Lions Club, 117 pounds of oral care products and two pounds of disposable razors by Junior Girl Scout Troop #108094, 22 pounds of

RECYCLING

snack and drink pouches by Hailey Elementary PTA and Wilkerson Intermediate PTO, and 900 cubic feet of block Styrofoam.

Donations totaling $1,747 plus 841 pounds of canned food items were also collected and donated to Interfaith of The Woodlands Food Pantry. More than 80 volunteers made the event possible. We thank our volunteers: Boy Scout Troop 772, Entergy, Girl Scout Troop #108094, Houston Oasis, Texas Master Naturalist Heartwood Chapter, National Charity League Texas Laurels, Bluebonnets, and Grand Lilies Chapters (NCL) and National Charity Roundtable (NCR), Sikh Center and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.

The 2021 Recycling Village Challenge item was lightbulbs. The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. awarded money to the village associations with an added amount for the villages that collected the most lightbulbs; 100 percent of these funds support youth education.

Did you miss the event?

Check out the Recycle More Guide at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ recyclemore for a list of locations to recycle items that cannot go in your curbside cart such as plastic bags, batteries, lightbulbs and more.

Recycle More Guide

The 3R Drive-thru is a free program hosted annually in November by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department with sponsorship from Chevron-Phillips Chemical, Waste Management, Woodlands Water, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and H-E-B. For more information about recycling, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/recycling or contact the Township Environmental Services Department at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Awareness is good. Doing something is better.

Did you know some of the most essential factors in determining the potential success of breast cancer treatments are tumor size and if cancer has spread outside of the breast? Regular mammograms can often nd cancer in the early stages before you notice a lump.

Schedule a visit with your doctor or health care provider today. StLukesHealth.org