March 2015

Concert in the Park

HONORS VOLUNTEERS The Township

Celebrate Earth GreenUpDay ARTS IN THE PARK

MONTGOMERY lOcaTiON NOw OpEN

Same Day appointmentS available!

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Our practice offers:

• Online scheduling

• Same day access

• Convenient location

• Patient portal for secure communication with your care team

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21105 Eva St., Suite 100 Montgomery, TX 77356

Shane Simpson, MD Family Medicine

Lindsey Blaha, PA-C Family Medicine

Steven Stowers, MD Family Medicine

Tracey Grappe, PA-C Family Medicine

Concert in the Park has been a tradition in The Woodlands for more than 30 years. Come out, bring your friends and family, have a picnic supper, play games and listen to great music in a

outdoor setting. Please see page 25 for the spring

line-up.

3

16

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 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 281-297-6500, Business, M-F, 8 a.m. - 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

The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (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

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

The Woodlands Township ended 2014 in excellent financial condition while lowering the tax rate for the fifth consecutive year to the lowest rates in the history of the community.

The 2014 Summary of Accomplishments was presented to The Township Board of Directors by the President/ General Manager at the January Town Hall Meeting and can be found online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ summaryofaccomplishments. This presentation noted that the Township Board of Directors took a number of actions in 2014 to improve the Township’s overall financial condition and to assure the continuation of high-quality services:

• Reduced the property tax rate by 15 percent to 25 cents per $100 of property valuation.

• Increased funding for law enforcement, adding 11 new personnel, and will continue to monitor law enforcement needs and adjust as needed.

• Conducted its biennial resident survey and the results indicated that the Township provides excellent services and quality of life for residents.

• Launched a free transit service to ease congestion and parking issues around the mall and Town Center areas during the holidays.

• Approved the 2015 budget, maintaining high quality service levels, increasing public safety services, increasing community maintenance and creating a plan to reduce long-term debt.

Your elected directors, pictured above, are committed to public safety, among other services; providing exceptional customer-friendly services, representing the community as the government for The Woodlands, and providing programs and policies to enhance property values.

Summary of 2014 Accomplishments

Bruce Tough Chairman Position No. 7

Jeff Long Director Position No. 3

Ed Robb Vice Chairman Position No. 4

John McMullan Director Position No. 5

Mike Bass Secretary Position No. 2

Peggy S. Hausman Director Position No. 6

Gordy Bunch Treasurer Position No. 1

Don Norrell President and General Manager

It’s too early to It’s too early to too early start watering start watering start your lawn! your lawn! your

XTurf

is still dormant, and recent rains have saturated soils in The Woodlands. Irrigating lawns now can contribute to disease and permanent damage.

Remember, the Odd-Even, two –day-a-week Defined Irrigation Schedule is still in effect.

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 Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Creative Director Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Photo Editor Susan Schneider

Copy Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Amber George

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 two 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.

A hop, skip and a jump.

We’re right here in The Woodlands. Get nationally ranked care at Texas Children’s Health Center, Texas Children’s Pediatrics and St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital.

Our Health Centers and Texas Children’s Pediatrics practices offer convenient access to exper t pediatricians, subspecialists and therapeutic and diagnostic ser vices. We also partner with St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital to offer newborn care from Texas Children’s specialists.

So when your child needs to see a doctor, come right over. We’re right here in The Woodlands, ready to lend a helping hand.

For maps and information, visit texaschildrens .org/woodlands .

Texas Children’s Health Center – The Woodlands

17198 St. Luke’s Way, Suite 300

The Woodlands, TX 77384 936-321-0808

Volunteers

Township HONORS for service to the community

By Perry Frank

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors honored more than 200 volunteers at the recent Town Hall Meeting and Volunteer Recognition, held at The Woodlands Township Town Hall.

Township Chairman Bruce Tough summed up the sentiment and importance of the evening with his remarks: “Volunteerism is the foundation of our community. In fact, when the Township Board was created, it was put into the initial legislation that we would not be paid for our service … we serve as volunteers.” Included in the honors of the event were five Exceptional

Volunteerism awards, presented to recipients for their outstanding and selfless efforts to serve their community through their work with the Township.

The Township Board of Directors recognized Yvonne Bohanon for her caring, cheerful and dependable dedication to the community and her passion for nature. Serving as a volunteer for more than 20 years, Yvonne assists

with countless programs and promotions with the Environmental Services Department of The Woodlands Township.

The Board honored Vince Fredrick for his commitment and diligent service to the Covenant Administration Department for more than 10 years. His input has consistently provided residents with a better experience from application submission to variance request review.

Yvonne Bohanon Vince Fredrick

John Hibbs Charles and Donna Moseley

Dick Scroggin

The Board honored John Hibbs for his generous contributions of photography to the Township. These photographs are a tremendous asset to the Community Relations Department, and have been featured in numerous issues of The Woodlands Community Magazine. Many of the photos also grace the walls of The Woodlands Township’s Town Hall offices.

The Board recognized Charles and Donna Moseley for keeping the community clean and maintaining pathways for the past seven years. Charles and Donna have also dedicated more than 200 volunteer hours to help the Parks

and Recreation Department maintain the natural beauty of The Woodlands.

The Board honored Dick Scroggin for being a Neighborhood Watch Coordinator since 1996. Among his many other efforts, Mr. Scroggin helps the Neighborhood Services Department by hosting National Night Out parties in his neighborhood every year to help promote crime prevention.

Also receiving recognition were members of the Bicycle Task Force, CERT: The Woodlands Community Emergency Response Team Committee, the Law Enforcement Advisory Council, the Development Standards Committee,

the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, the Residential Design Review Committees, The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and Marketing Committee, and the Village Associations.

The Township would like to thank all of the volunteers that help keep The Woodlands one of the best places to live, work and play. A complete list of volunteers who were recognized for their efforts appears on page 8.

Those interested in volunteering have plenty of options to do so, and these can be found online at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/volunteer.

The Township Board of Directors awarded five Exceptional Volunteerism awards at the January Town Hall Meeting. Pictured above, left to right, are Township Chairman Bruce Tough, Secretary Mike Bass, Vice Chairman Ed Robb, award recipients John Hibbs, Dick Scroggin, Donna Moseley, Charles Moseley, Vince Fredrick, Yvonne Bohanon, Director Peggy Hausman and Director Jeff Long.

Photos by Susan Schneider

BICYCLE TASK FORCE

Helen Bostock

Randall Cade

David Hitchcock

George Mendes

Steve Schoger

Cheryl Crandall Tangen

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM COMMITTEE

Ed Commender

Scott Darby

Lou DePadova

Marti Eddington

Joe Hakkinen

Marcello Lo Cicero

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Deborah Sargeant, Chair

Robert Heineman, Vice Chair

Ken Anderson

Mark Bacon

LAW ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Mike Bass

Mike Bakewell

Boyd Burdett

Tom Chumbley

Richard Derr

Anthony Fasone

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

Mike Bass

Maryann Braid

Bruce Cunningham

Anthony Fasone

Jennifer Ferrara

Dan Kolkhorst

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEES

Alden Bridge

Arthur Bredehoft, Chair

John Passero, Vice Chair

Claude Hunter

Laurie Ricks

Herman Weindel

Cochran’s Crossing

Clarence Wallace, Chair

James Goldmeyer, Vice Chair

Jason Barrows

Mark Gjovik

Gerard Raap

College Park

Roger McDonald, Chair

Brent Foster, Vice Chair

Barbara Jarvis

Michael Larson

Ted Stanley

Creekside Park

Michael Ramsey, Chair

David Kaczynski, Vice Chair

Sally Epton

Theresa Houghton

Jennifer Mares

Paul Lancaster

Mike Larson

Louanne Montana

Chris Florack

Kimberley Hess

Chuck Hoffheiser

Dave Jesiolowski

David Kaczynski

Marti Fox Meerscheidt

Steve Perry

Ken Schumann

Grogan’s Mill

Vince Fredrick, Chair

Robbie Brundrett, Vice Chair

Alana Ashley

Rex Campbell

Bob Leilich

Indian Springs - WCA

Steven Gallia, Chair

John Leftwich, Vice Chair

Michael Kravetz

Shirley Leftwich

THE WOODLANDS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Board of Directors

Gordy Bunch, Chair

Fred Domenick, Vice Chair

Ed Robb, Secretary/Treasurer

Peggy Hausman

Karen Hoylman

Don Norrell

Greg Parsons

VILLAGE ASSOCIATIONS

Alden Bridge

Steve Leakey, President

Michael Cannetti, V. President

Darla Bell, Secretary

Melanie Bush, Treasurer

Nasim Bell

Maryann Braid

John Brown

Loretta Colchin

Jeff Crum

Lauren Esposito

Chuck Hoffheiser

Claude Hunter

Laurie Ricks

Kendrick Skipper

Angela Speight

Adele Yung

Cochran’s Crossing

Stuart Schroeder, President

Brian Creighton, V. President

Gary Conwell, Secretary

Jim Goldmeyer, Treasurer

Stephen Perry

Mark Gjovik

Jo Anne Johnson

Cynthia Kessinger

Dilyn Loveless

Larry Perry

Gerard Raap

Lori Riley

Susan Tinsley

Clarence Wallace

Dabney Wisenbaker

College Park

Ted Stanley, President

Scott Singletary, V. President

Cori Singletary, Secretary

David Mulberry, Treasurer

Marti Fox Meerscheidt

Larry Faith

Steve LaMotta

Mike Larson

Jacqueline Little

Johanne Stanley

Creekside Park

Nancy Becker, President

Sue Tedesco, V. President

Mike Casey, Secretary

Brian Lucero, Treasurer

Sally Epton, Event Chair

Ken Schumann

Richie Spurlock

Mike Thomson

Danie van Loggerenberg

Amy Lecocq

Dewey Lockwood

Ted Stanley

Kelly Sharer

Sue Tedesco

Adele Yung

Indian Springs - TWA

Richard Stromatt, Chair

Matthew Dennis, Vice Chair

Shanna Davis

Russell Heinen

Ken Schumann

Panther Creek

Walter Lisiewski, Jr., Chair

Everett Ison, Vice Chair

Tom Costello

James Geiger

Gabriel Wahila

Marketing Committee

Gordy Bunch

Noemi Cortez

Suzanne Deliganis

Marcello Lo Cicero

Nancy Decker-Lent

Lindsey Germano

Rich Jakovac

David Kaczynski

Michael Ramsey

Isaac Segovia

Sarah Segovia

Stephanie Weiss

Grogan’s Mill

Dana Denton, President

Marie Brannen, V. President

Jody Ronzio, Secretary

Bob Leilich, Treasurer

Stacei Bible

Sara Bissig

Christie Collins

Bruce Cunningham

Virginia Dellinger

Jim Duke

Mitzi Frederick

Jane Georges

Patricia Goodpastor

John Hennigan

Jackie Waters

Tory Enriquez

Sheron Jones

Lorrie Parise

Gene Satern

Indian Springs

Amy Lecocq, President

Kelly Sharer, V. President

Erica Pratt, Secretary

Ken Schumann, Treasurer

Michal Arendes

Shanna Davis

Laura Fillault

Charlie Keene

Lloyed Matthews

James Merritt

Allen Neely

Michael Saucier

Randy Scott

Richie Spurlock

Carol Stromatt

Richard Stromatt

Beverly Wallery

Veronica Williams

Panther Creek

Everett Ison, President

Dan Lewis, Vice President

Damon Palermo, Secretary

Kimber Lewis, Treasurer

Scott Alexander

Clarence Wallace

Sterling Ridge

Jaydean Tullos, Chair

George Newman, Vice Chair

Ron Harris

Barbara Hodges

Robyn Powell

Jenny Taylor

Shannon Wilson

Mary Bootz

Mary Jane Currey

Scott Darby

Paul Gebolys

Denise Judy

Dewey Lockwood

Jay Mac Sanders

Hartley Mackintosh

Betty Nelson

Chase Richter

Jason Rocha

Sterling Ridge

Anthony Fasone, President

Dan Simoni, Vice President

Feyi Bassir, Secretary

Janean Germany, Treasurer

Sue Young, Events Chair

Ivan Arjona

Natalia Arjona

Jim Carmody

Amy Cruse

Patrick Graham

Tim Hjort

June Kolesar

Eddie Valverde

The Woodlands Fire Department Places First In Charitable Marathon

Afour-man

relay team from The Woodlands Fire Department recently competed in the Miracle Match Marathon in Waco, Texas. They raced against other Texas fire departments, all who ran in full fireman gear the entire 26.2 miles.

The Woodlands Fire Department captured the gold, while raising money for Be The Match Registry.® The Woodlands Fire Department’s four-man

www.ForumAtTheWoodlands.com

team consisted of Mike Schwarzkopf, Firefighter/EMT-P; Jake Zacharias, Driver/Operator/EMT-P; Eric Secrest, Firefighter/EMT-P and Brian Holasek, Firefighter/EMT-P. Completion time was 3:48:20, averaging 8:42 minute miles over hills, bridges and varying terrain, in full fireman gear.

Fire Chief Alan B. Benson said, “These firefighters epitomize the true

caring spirit of our department when it in comes to helping people in need. We all are very proud of their accomplishment in winning for the second year in a row. Congratulations!”

Miracle Match Marathon, known as “The Toughest Little Marathon in Texas,” was created by two Waco firefighters. Even with hundreds of individual runners, the drive for friendly competition between Texas fire departments is made every year for a good cause. Be The Match Registry ® is operated by the National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP), a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to creating an opportunity for all patients to receive the marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant they need, when they need it. It is the largest and most diverse donor registry in the world. Partnerships with international and cooperative registries provide doctors with access to 22.5 million potential donors and 601,000 cord blood units worldwide. For more information, visit www.miraclematchmarathon.net and www.bethematch.org.

Members of The Woodlands Fire Department crossing the finish line. Pictured, left to right, Mike Schwarzkopf, Jake Zacharias, Eric Secrest and Brian Holasek.

By Mike Schwarzkopf

Photo by Andrew Wolfe

To further advance pediatric care in The Woodlands.

The Promise campaign will support construction of Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands — bringing a dedicated pediatric hospital to some of the fastest-growing communities in the nation.

texaschildrens.org/promise

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP AQUATICS TEAM

By Karl Shaw

Do you enjoy being outdoors, staying active, swimming, working with your friends and caring for others? Do you want to earn some money? If so, then The Woodlands Township may have a job for you!

The Woodlands Township is now hiring lifeguards, swim instructors, swim coaches, lifeguard leadership positions and more. Our lifeguard team consists of more than 350 team members from The Woodlands area, so chances are good that you’ll already know a lot of us from school, sports or just hanging around the neighborhood! We have tons of great incentive programs and staff outings, including travel to lifeguard competitions, leading the excitement on Splash Day on the Fourth of July while decorating the pools, getting into fun costumes and an end-of-season party!

We are hiring all seasonal positions for our lifeguard team such as Lifeguards, Head Guards and Pool and Zone Supervisors. Our Programs unit is also hiring and looking for Swim Instructors, Swim Coaches and Recreation Specialists (seasonal).

Aquatics Programs reach more than 2,000 participants each year through Learn-to-Swim classes, private swim lessons, and competitive and recreational swim teams. We are looking to hire more than 40 Swim Instructors, 15 Swim Coaches, and six Recreation Specialists in 2015. If you’ve ever thought about being a lifeguard or swim instructor, then we want you to be a part of our team. Come and have a positive summer and build lasting memories! All team members must be at least 16 years of age, unless otherwise stated, and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen. Leadership team members must successfully complete an extensive background check.

BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIG!

Celebrate Earth Day GreenUp

Along with more than 20,000 communities across the nation, The Woodlands celebrates the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, March 28, 2015, bagging waste from pathways, greenbelts and waterways during Earth Day GreenUp. The Keep America Beautiful event is the country’s largest community improvement program, engaging more than four million volunteers annually.

“Each year, support and enthusiasm for the GreenUp grows in our community! In The Woodlands, 1,047 volunteers picked up 4,780 pounds of trash and more than 7,000 tossed cigarette butts in 2014,” noted Kathie Herrick, Adopt-a-Path coordinator for The Woodlands Township. “Even micro litter, like cigarette butts, can impact our community, washing into waterways, threatening wildlife and polluting drinking water.”

Make a difference! Enjoy the outdoors and meet neighbors by joining a pick-up team to keep The Woodlands beautiful. Gloves, trash bags and maps

will be provided during check-in at a designated park in each village. See the box for registration information.

Following the cleanup, the entire community is invited to celebrate at Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, with eco entertainment, food, fun and live music. The stage will feature the sounds of the Buck Yeager Band, combining the very best of top 40 country hits and yesterday’s country favorites along with original music. Quickly emerging as one of Houston’s top acts, the Buck Yeager Band has thrilled audiences across Texas with their tremendous energy and ability to entertain all ages.

Event volunteers will receive an event T-shirt and be treated to pizza and drinks. Food tickets will be on sale to the general public. Discover The Woodlands outdoors with booths, free face painting, and popular kids’ activities from the Ecology Carnival. Experience a hoopaluza—the new fitness craze—with Yvonne Bohanon and the Houston Spin Stars.

Pre-register: Through Saturday,

Check-in: Saturday, March

GreenUp: 8:30 to 11:30

Celebrate: 11

By Lucinda Valdes

A Great American Cleanup event, The Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp is coordinated by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. with support from The Woodlands Development Company, Waste Management, Woodlands Joint Powers Agency, H-E-B, BIO Landscape, Nature’s Way Resources and Keep Texas Beautiful. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/greenup or call 281-210-3800 for more information.

Photos by Paula Paciorek

Buck Yeager Band

Photo by Jon Krenytzky

march 2015

*For listings,

Sunday, March 1

FREE Concert in the Park Josh Grider (Texas Country) Northshore Park 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Tuesday, March 3

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting 6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m. 281-210-3889

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-5808

Wednesday, March 4

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Special Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 11:30 a.m. 281-210-3800

Thursday, March 5

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Saturday, March 7

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

FREE Compost Class 8203 Millennium Forest Drive 10 to 11 a.m. 281-210-3800

Sunday, March 8

FREE Concert in the Park

Sideshow (Southern Blues from Austin, TX)

Northshore Park

2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Tuesday, March 10

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-5808

Wednesday, March 11

Law Enforcement Advisory Council Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Thursday, March 12

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Ad Hoc Transportation Committee Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 2 p.m. 281-210-3800

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3886

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Hummingbirds 101 McCullough Junior High School, L.G.I. Lecture Hall 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Get away without leaving The Woodlands!

Camp out and enjoy crafts, games and outdoor activities. Dinner, breakfast, snack and all activities are included. Just bring your tent and sleeping bags! Need a tent and sleeping bags? Buy four sleeping bags and a tent for $100, $60 tent only, $25 per additional bag. Registration required.

Ages: All

Cost: Up to four people: $125 Resident, $135 Non-resident, $30 per

person Register: By calling 281-210-3950

Photo by Anita Wren

Friday, March 13

Kids’ Night Out

The Recreation Center

6 to 10 p.m.

281-210-3950

Ages 4-10, $30 per child with sibling discount

Saturday, March 14

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Arts in the Park

Rob Fleming Park

2 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Sunday, March 15

FREE Concert in the Park

The Wonderfuls (Variety Band)

Northshore Park

2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Monday, March 16

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Annual Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, March 17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Wednesday, March 18

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, March 19

No Township Board meeting 281-210-3800

Friday, March 20

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center 7 p.m.

281-210-3950

This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.

Saturday, March 21

The Woodlands Flea Market

www.woodlandsfleamarket.org

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Hook, Line and Sinker Creekwood Park

3383 S. Panther Creek Drive

8 to 10 a.m.

281-210-3950

Kayak Easter Egg Hunt

Riva Row Boat House

9 a.m.

281-210-3950

Sunday, March 22

FREE Concert in the Park

Bart Crow (Country)

Northshore Park

2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Tuesday, March 24

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, March 25

Watch Talk Wednesdays

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Noon to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, March 27

The Bunny Bash

Featuring the Flashlight Egg Hunt

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

Saturday, March 28

The Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp

See page 14 for schedule.

281-210-3800

Creekwood Fishing Derby Creekwood Park

3383 S. Panther Creek Drive 8 to 10 a.m.

281-210-3950

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive 9 a.m.

281-210-3950

Lunch with the Easter Bunny

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive 1 p.m.

281-210-3950

Dinner with Ducks

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive 5 p.m.

281-210-3950

Sunday, March 29

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive 9 a.m.

281-210-3950

Lunch with the Easter Bunny

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive 1 p.m.

281-210-3950

Dinner with Ducks

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive 5 p.m.

281-210-3950

FREE Concert in the Park

Black Dog (Led Zeppelin Tribute Band)

Northshore Park

2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

NO CHANGES IN GARBAGE SERVICE THIS MONTH.

REMEMBER The Woodlands Covenants require that trash and recycling carts must be stored out of public view. Leaving trash carts out longer than necessary detracts from the curb appeal of neighborhoods and becomes an eyesore. Trash and recycling receptacles may be placed at the curb on the day prior to trash pickup and should be removed from the curb by the end of the day of trash pickup.

Saturday, April 4,

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

The Spring Festival, the biggest Alden Bridge event of the year, hops your way on Saturday, March 28, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakeside Park (next to Buckalew Elementary). We’ll have Easter egg hunts, rides and activities, music, food, pet adoptions and informative booths. The kids can hunt for eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny, Puffy Pine Cone, the Chick-fil-A cow and other special guests! It’s going to be a great time for the whole family. Contact us at info@aldenbridge.org if you’d like to volunteer, and watch the website for the Easter egg hunt time schedule.

Congratulations to the winners of the village association elections! We appreciate your participation in this important election process. We’ll introduce our 2015-16 board at our next village association board meeting on Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard. Watch our website and newsletter for news of this month’s guest speaker. All residents are invited to join us.

Got the volunteer spirit? We need you to represent Alden Bridge at the Spring Villages’ Flea Market coming up at the Pavilion garage (Saturday, March 21). All village associations share in the profits if we meet our quota of volunteers, and our share goes directly to our scholarship fund. Please contact info@aldenbridge. org for additional information. This is a morning event, so you’ll still have all afternoon for your own enjoyment!

Midnight on March 27, 2015, is the deadline for receipt of completed applications for Alden Bridge scholarships, so don’t let this opportunity slip by. Applications can be obtained from school counselors or by downloading from our website, www.aldenbridge.org and click on the “Scholarships” tab. Alden Bridge resident students going on to higher education in 2015 are eligible

to apply, and we’ll award several $1,000 scholarships. We also have scholarships earmarked for students at all levels who attend Lone Star College, so if you’re a Lone Star student, please contact us at info@aldenbridge.org

Please send your email address to info@aldenbridge.org so we can add you to the mailing list for our monthly email newsletter, and visit our website, www.aldenbridge.org, for news of Alden Bridge and The Woodlands.

Submitted by Darla D. Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

Permanent Recognition Planned for Bill Mara at Shadowbend Park

“Smart, tough minded, didn’t suffer fools lightly.” “Hardworking, dedicated, deeply respected.” These were words from Mark Gjovik who worked with Bill Mara in Chicago.

According to Nancy Becker, who served as president of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association part of the time Bill was secretary of the Association, “He was my rock. I never would have served as long without him.” Mary Connell, who heads up The Woodlands Community Magazine, says in the more than 20 years she has been associated with the publication, Bill never missed sending an article detailing activities going on in Cochran’s Crossing Village. These comments and more were related to the placement of a plaque in Shadowbend Park commemorating the many years of volunteer work of Bill Mara, who served as secretary of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association for more than 20 years prior to passing away in 2012.

Bill was elected board secretary in 1992 and served as an area representative prior to that time. His articles in the community magazine began when he became secretary and continued until June 2012.

Bill and his wife Joann had a son and daughter. His son, John, still lives in The Woodlands and his daughter and grandchildren are in Michigan. Prior to moving to The Woodlands, Bill and his wife Joann lived in Detroit, Michigan.

In Detroit, Bill worked with the D’Arch MacManus and Massius advertising agency on the General Motors account. Mark Gjovik, now a board member of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association, worked with the same agency with Bill. He handled the Pontiac division and Bill focused on marketing with the corporate side of GM. “It was only chance,” Mark says, “but it was great that I was able to work with Bill again here in The Woodlands.” Stuart Schroeder, currently president of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association, says, “When the village association became so involved in the renovation of Shadowbend Park, we felt it was very appropriate to include a permanent plaque in the park recognizing Bill’s long-time service to The Woodlands in general and Cochran’s Crossing in particular.” According to Stuart, a ceremony recognizing the installation will be held later in the year.

The Woodlands Township also honored Bill for his service with an award in 2012 several months before he lost a battle with cancer.

Among those current and past Association and Township staff members who commented on Bill’s long years of service were: Lori Riley,

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Cindy Kessinger, Stuart Schroeder, Mark Gjovik, Nancy Becker, Marti Meerscheidt, Bruce Tough, Mary Connell and Doris Provencio.

As Stuart Schroeder says, “We have recently reelected and newly elected members to the Village Association Board, and Bill’s example of service is a good model for all of us as we work to support the community values that make The Woodlands unique.”

Board meetings are held in the Township offices the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. with the exception of December. They are open to all residents, and there is an opportunity for comment by those who attend in each meeting.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Hello residents of College Park! We hope you are all enjoying The Woodlands amenities and the onset of the spring weather. Our children in school are working hard, also enjoying a little Spring Break, and parents, of course, are all working hard also, to make sure the children succeed and enjoy it all.

The semi-annual Flea Market event is coming up, and it’s a great time to buy a space at the Cynthia Woods Pavilion parking garage and sell all of your valuable treasures that you have found in your spring cleaning. You would be surprised at items that our neighbors are selling that might be a treasure to you.

The Woodlands Township’s wonderful Environmental Services Department is presenting a compost class on March 7, 2015, at 10 a.m. It’s a good time to listen to the information and get ready for your spring gardening. Please call 281-210-3900 for directions and if you have questions about the class.

The 2015 Concert in the Park at Northshore Park will happen on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. The music is always fun to listen to and you can bring your own

snacks and drinks while you enjoy your family and fellow residents.

The annual GreenUp event on Earth Day is on March 28, 2015, at Northshore Park. Every resident is encouraged to keep our community waste-free and it is always an eye-opening event on tips for trash disposal.

Please continue to be patient with the construction in College Park. We have new hospitals coming, the Highway 242 flyover completion and new traffic flow challenges. Leave earlier than usual to help traffic flow more smoothly.

Also, please consider volunteering for our College Park board in our annual upcoming events. We are in need of new volunteers and board members. We have a wonderful village in College Park, and our board does an amazing job of keeping the residents active and participating in all of The Woodlands events. Keep posted through our website listed on the right side of this page.

Our monthly College Park meeting is the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. We hope to see some new College Park residents attend!

Submitted

by

Johanne Stanley

Panther Creek Spring brings many new opportunities to Panther Creek residents

Upcoming is the Spring Flea Market, a wonderful opportunity to turn the clutter of last year into money or to restock your collection of unbelievable bargains that just couldn’t be passed by. For details go to www.woodlandsfleamarket.org Spaces for sales of your treasures and valuables can be purchased by calling 281-210-3976.

This month also will see resumption of the ever-popular free Concerts in the Park at Northshore Park. Check The Woodlands Township website, or see page 25, for the featured attractions

MEETING INFORMATION

continued on page 20

ALDEN BRIDGE

The Alden Bridge Village Association (ABVA) usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Website www.aldenbridge.org

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Steve Leakey at 281-419-3468.

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Website www.cochranscrossing.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Stuart Schroeder at 936-273-0419.

COLLEGE PARK

The College Park Village Association (CPVA) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Website www.villageofcollegepark.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Ted Stanley at 936-321-5996.

CREEKSIDE PARK

The Woodlands Creekside Park Village Association (TWCPVA) usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Creekside YMCA, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive. Please join us!

Website www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Nancy Becker at 832-559-7004.

GROGAN’S MILL

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association (GMVA) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Website www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? Contact your program specialist at 281-210-3887.

INDIAN SPRINGS

The Indian Springs Village Association (ISVA) usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Website www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Amy Lecocq at 832-244-9585.

PANTHER CREEK

The Panther Creek Village Association (PCVA) usually meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Website www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Everett Ison at 281-298-9524.

STERLING RIDGE

The Sterling Ridge Village Association (SRVA) usually meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Website www.sterling-ridge.org

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or contact Village Association President Anthony Fasone at sr_twa@hotmail.com.

VILLAGE NEWS continued

performing five Sunday evenings this month beginning at 5:30 p.m.

You can also help protect the Panther Creek environment and enhance your yard’s gardening by attending the class on composting to be held on March 7, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the Township’s Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Department at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive in The Woodlands.

At Creekwood Park, 3383 Panther Creek Drive, March 21, 2015, at 8 a.m., Woodlands Park Rangers will teach your kids the techniques and joys of fishing. Bring your fishing poles and join in this free event. Worms will be provided.

Then on March 27, 2015, join us at the unique Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt for five- to 14-year-olds. The whole family will have a great time with snacks, crafts, music and a flashlight egg hunt! Ages five and younger hunt first, then ages six and up join in at Rob Fleming Park at 7 p.m. The fee is $20 for Woodlands residents, with prior registration required.

Your Panther Creek Village Association meets the second Thursday of each month at The Woodlands Township building, just off New Trails Drive, at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd, at 7 p.m. All residents are welcome. If you moved into The Woodlands to be part of a “Real Hometown,” your village association is one of the best places to

get involved without getting overloaded. Show up, share your ideas and issues, and get help in solving neighborhood problems. Visit us anytime at www.PantherCreekVillageAssociation.org. Find out who your area representatives are. They are here to serve you.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

It is with great joy that we welcome the beautiful days of spring to our village. We put behind us the dreary days of winter, embrace the glorious weather ahead and gratefully welcome the arrival of March.

Our village association serves as a local grassroots organization that helps bring our community closer by sponsoring social events and holding informative community hearings. If you have not attended one of our public meetings, please visit www.sterling-ridge.org

On our website, you will find useful information about our village and a schedule for all of our meetings.

Looking for fun things to do in March?

Visit The Woodlands Township’s website, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, to find all kinds of activities for your family. Be sure to review the Rec Program page and sign up for fun adventures like Fury Mini-Sluggers, Ladies Doubles Tennis

Clinic or Dinner with the Ducks. Your kids will love Kids’ Night Out on March 13, 2015, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Woodlands Township Recreation Center. Kids’ Night Out has tons of games, arts and crafts, and other activities. Dinner is included in the fee, and children should plan on wearing comfortable clothing.

By Lucinda Valdes

If you are feeling more artistic, you might enjoy attending Arts in the Park on March 14, 2015, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Rob Fleming Park. Arts in the Park is a free event featuring local vendors selling original artwork, but you will also find fun activities, live performances, craft stations and bounce houses.

Area schools are on holiday for Spring Break from March 16 to 20, 2015. If you plan to be traveling, be sure to secure your home and use the Vacation Watch Program. This free program allows police officers to check the security of your residence while you are out of town. Call 936-442-7797 or you can complete the Vacation Watch Request form on the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office website at www.mocosheriff.com

Thanks to all the volunteers in Sterling Ridge who donate their time and energy to make our village such a wonderful community. Enjoy the start of spring!

Submitted by Patrick Graham

NOW OPEN!

By Karl Shaw

Withthe addition of a new sprayground in Shadowbend Park, which opened in July of 2014, The Woodlands Township now has four parks with sprayground/splash pads, and all are now open for the season (March 1 through October 31) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Spraygrounds combine the fun of water play for kids without the danger of standing water, making them ideal for young families. All Township spraygrounds utilize sanitized, chemically-treated water that is tested and monitored daily.

The spraygrounds at May Valley and Timarron do not require a pool pass or entry fee at any time. They are located conveniently close to the pavilions in their respective parks and are popular destinations for birthday parties and other family celebrations.*

The spraygrounds at Sawmill and Shadowbend are located adjacent to the swimming pools. Outside of pool hours the spraygrounds are free to use and accessible from the park side gates. But during pool hours, the spraygrounds are closed from the park side and become part of the pool complex in order to make for a safer, more enjoyable environment for all involved. Pool entry requirements apply to these two spraygrounds during pool hours.

• May Valley Park in the Village of Sterling Ridge (11598 May Valley Circle 77354)

• Sawmill Park in the Village of Grogan’s Mill (2200 Millpark Drive 77380)

• Shadowbend Park in the Village of Cochran’s Crossing (4995 Lake Woodlands Drive 77381)

• Timarron Park in the Village of Creekside Park (550 North Green Print Circle 77375)

*Please

SAWMILL SPRAYGROUND

TIMARRON SPRAYGROUND

SHADOWBEND SPRAYGROUND

You provide the fishing pole and we’ll provide the bait! Come to Creekwood Park at 3383 S. Panther Creek Drive on Saturday, March 28, 2015, from 8 to 10 a.m. and try to win the award for longest, heaviest and smallest fish caught. The Eighth Annual Creekwood Fishing Derby is free, open to all ages, and no registration is required. This annual event is sponsored by The Woodlands Professional Firefighters Association, and T-shirts will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Hook, Line and Sinker

This one-day clinic on Saturday, March 21, 2015, from 8 to 10 a.m. is a great opportunity for children between the ages of five and 14 to learn the basics of fishing. The Township Park Rangers will teach children how to tie up a line, bait a hook and catch a fish. Registration is required for this event, and parents are welcome to join in on the fun. This free event is at Creekwood Park, and fishing poles are required. Please call 281-210-3950 for more information.

Photo by Pamela Woods

Township Report Illustrates Benefits of Crime Prevention

By Mary Connell

Ata recent meeting of The Woodlands Township Board, Law Enforcement Services Director Marian Leck presented crime statistics that reflected a downturn in criminal activity in The Woodlands and an upturn in resident awareness of crime prevention. Ms. Leck cited numbers in the year-end Community Policing Report prepared by the Law Enforcement Services division of The Woodlands Township.

“Public safety is our number one priority, and we are glad to see this good news that validates the time and effort spent on enhancing our law enforcement efforts,” said Township Chairman Bruce Tough.

The statistics in the report encompass numbers obtained from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Harris County Constable’s Office, and the multi-agency Auto Theft Task Force. Burglaries of motor vehicles were down 26.72 percent over 2013. Of the 282 cars that had something stolen from them, 44 percent of the vehicles were unlocked, and 100 percent of them had valuables inside their car in plain sight. “Burglary of motor vehicle is one crime that can almost always be prevented, and is easy to prevent. Just don’t leave any valuables in your car, especially in plain sight, and always lock your car. The

large decrease in these types of burglary shows that many residents and visitors to The Woodlands are paying attention to this simple rule to stop this crime of opportunity,” Ms. Leck said.

safer,” Ms. Leck said. Signing up for vacation watch and continuing to call in suspicious vehicles and activities helps law enforcement to keep a close eye on the community, she explained.

As part of its priority on public safety, for 2015 the Township Board approved 11 new law enforcement positions: six contract deputies and one detective through Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, one detective through the Montgomery County Constable’s Office, and three patrol deputies through the Harris County Constable’s Office.

Theft, misdemeanor and felony also decreased by 16.7 percent. Burglary had a 5.8 percent decrease over 2013. Robberies such as shoplifting and bank robberies were down 2.9 percent, from 34 robberies in 2013 to 33 in 2014. Although there was a slight increase in auto theft in The Woodlands (6.15 percent over 2013), of the 67 vehicles stolen in The Woodlands during 2014, 49 of them were recovered.

“The Woodlands Township promotes crime prevention through The Woodlands neighborhood watch program, and many residents utilize this method to keep their homes and neighborhoods

Many resources are online on the Township’s website for people who want to know more about crime and crime prevention in The Woodlands. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/publicsafety for links to more information, such as the Law Enforcement Advisories which include weekly blotters from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Stoppers Featured Felons and press releases related to crime prevention. You may also visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ woodlandswatch to obtain neighborhood watch information for yourself and your neighbors. To call in suspicious activity, please call 936-442-7797 in Montgomery County (toll-free) and 281-376-3492 in Harris County.

Photo by Susan Schneider

Northshore Park

2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Sundays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Concert

2015 SPRING CONCERT SERIES

Admission is free. Blankets, lawn chairs, pets and coolers are permitted.

March 1 Josh Grider (Texas country)

March 8 Sideshow (Southern Blues from Austin, Texas)

March 15 The Wonderfuls (Variety band)

March 22 Bart Crow (Country)

March 29 Black Dog (Led Zeppelin Tribute Band)

April 12 Subdivided (Rush Tribute Band)

April 19 Vocal Trash (Variety Band)

April 26 Dillon Havin and Company (13-year-old Blues phenomenon, appeared on America’s Got Talent)

Have a spectacular time at these events held during the concerts!

March 8 Spring Break Spectacular

Kick start your spring break with Sunday fun on a giant slide.

March 15 Green Game Day

Get your green on for leprechaun relays, a family craft and green galore!

March 29 4th Annual Family Sandcastle Building Contest

You bring your shovels, we’ll bring the sand!

April 12 Bicycle Bash

Ride out to the concert for the Bicycle Bash!

Special bike parking and party for those who ride!

JEWELS OF THE SKY

Cliff Shackelford, ornithologist with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and first author of Hummingbirds of Texas, shares his passion for one of nature’s most captivating creatures at Hummingbirds 101: Everything that you wanted to know about hummingbirds and more, on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. in the L.G.I. Lecture

Hall at McCullough Junior High School at 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive. Cliff Shackelford’s radio show, Bird Calls, airs weekly on National Public Radio’s (NPR) Red River Radio (RRR) station, which has the second largest coverage area of any NPR station in the country.

Mid-March is hummingbird time in Southeast Texas! Sightings of the diminutive bird increase during northward migration from Central America across the Gulf of Mexico. Keen observers can expect to see five or six species in our area.

Catching a glimpse of the elusive bird induces a sense of wonder and delight. Luring hummingbirds to the home landscape is not difficult. The greatest number and variety of hummingbirds are attracted by providing both feeders and nectar plants. Native perennials, vines and woody plants with red or orange tubular flowers most readily capture interest. Even apartment balconies and patios can be effectively landscaped with potted plants to provide habitat for hummingbirds.

By Lucinda Valdes

of the spectacular and fascinating bird at Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture, a free program presented by The Woodlands Township with sponsorship by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Waste Management, Hilton Garden Inn and Nature’s Way Resources. Copies of Hummingbirds of Texas, authored by Cliff Shackelford, will be available for purchase at the event. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/wildlife or call The Woodlands Township, Environmental Services office at 281-210-3800.

Photos by Anita Wren

Cliff Shackelford reveals a close-up view

Photo by Chase Fountain

Bejeweled, territorial, captivating, hummingbirds always entertain.

Cliff Shackelford

Active on the Pathways

ALDEN BRIDGE Alison Loughlin Real Estate Agent, Cub Scout Pack 886, Cub Scout Pack 889, St. Anne’s Society, St. Anthony of Padua NJHS, Steve & Judy Easton, TWHS Business Professionals of America, Vizzari Family, World Class Travel

COCHRAN’S CROSSING Boy Scout Troop 772, Creighton Family, LSC-Montgomery Mavericks, Orvis The Woodlands, Roger Howard, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., TWHS Air Force JROTC, TWHS Science NHS

COLLEGE PARK Dunseith Family

GROGAN’S MILL Caveney Family, Molly Anne & Robin Davis, Montgomery County Area School at Home, Scott Marzano

INDIAN SPRINGS Andra Wilcox & Richard Nieto III, Cosculluela Family, Team Hans, Woodlands India Association

PANTHER CREEK Klein Family, Lord of Life Lutheran, Mothers of The Woodlands, Rowing Club of The Woodlands, Sally K. Ride Elementary, Wyatt Hall for Woodlands Christian Academy

STERLING RIDGE Bell Family, Brassard Family, Charles & Donna Moseley, Cub Scout Den 223, Devitt Family, Kounthapanya Family, Stockhausen Family, Texas Laurels NCL

RESEARCH FOREST Houston Advanced Research Center, Ron Keichline and Huntsman employees

*per Keep America Beautiful one 33-gallon bag is estimated to weigh 20 pounds. **1 cubic yard=202 gallons.

Adopt-a-Path

42

+

20.5

By Kathie Gilmore Herrick

Honeysuckle

Commonly used exotic landscape selections are not always benign. Introduced plants growing unchecked without competition can easily tip the balance of nature to become alien invaders of natural areas. In little time, the plants are clambering over or crowding out the native vegetation and monopolizing resources. Typically the use starts out innocuous enough; Japanese honeysuckle was introduced in the 1800s as an ornamental for erosion control, and now it is present in 38 states.

Texas’ native coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) surpasses the exotic Japanese vine for discipline and wildlife value. The alluring native possesses the same twining, evergreen woody habit as its foreign relative except coral honeysuckle is a moderate to slow grower forming shrubby mounding groundcover if left unsupported. It thrives in moist, somewhat alkaline soils and full sun, but it is tolerant of a range of conditions. The scarlet, two-inch tubular flowers in terminal clusters provide curb appeal and enticing nectar for butterflies and ruby-throated hummingbirds. Other birds consume the red berries produced in late summer. The flashy flower color and two-month flowering period (coupled with sporadic floral outbursts the remainder of the year) compensates for their lack of fragrance.

The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department provides many local opportunities and resources for plants and landscaping. To request a copy of The Woodlands Landscaping Solutions Resource list, please call 281-210-3800 and see the related article on this month’s Walk in the Woods nature lecture featuring hummingbirds.

Photos by Linda Crum

Coral honeysuckle is the choice for east Texas. Flowering that commences in March coincides with the migration of the ruby-throated hummingbird throughout the state. The vine is one of the top 10 attractors for the hummingbird pollinator.

Dining Options Will Add to the Vibrant Atmosphere in Hughes Landing

Hughes Landing is a 66-acre mixed-use development opening later this year in The Woodlands.

The Howard Hughes Corporation® (NYSE: HHC) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Woodlands Development Company, has announced that Truluck’s and Starbucks® will join an assortment of other popular food and beverage coming to Hughes Landing.®

Situated along Lake Woodlands, Hughes Landing is a premier “lifestyle intersection” which features a mixture of upscale eateries; popular retailers, including Whole Foods Market®; entertainment venues; up to 800 multifamily residences, including One Lakes Edge opening in April; multiple Class A office space with additional development underway on Three Hughes Landing expected to be complete in November; and a full-service Embassy Suites for business and leisure travelers to open in late 2015.

Truluck’s plans to begin construction on its 10,000 square-foot space in spring 2015 with an expected completion date in the fall of 2015. Once open, the restaurant

will offer fresh seafood, including crab from around the globe, flavorful steaks and an expansive wine selection.

Starbucks’ 1,820 square-foot location is expected to open in March and will provide area tenants and visitors with the brand’s signature selection of coffee, teas and snacks.

Truluck’s and Starbucks add to the growing number of well-respected dining establishments coming to Restaurant Row in Hughes Landing. Eateries to open in spring/summer 2015 include Del Frisco’s Grille, an 8,000-square-foot restaurant which will offer modern American cuisine; Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex and Tequila, featuring “made from scratch” Tex-Mex cuisine; California Pizza Kitchen serving a variety of Californiastyle dishes including hearth-baked pizzas; and Local Pour, a gastropub with nightly entertainment.

For more information, please visit www.howardhughes.com or www.thewoodlands.com.

The best method to judge the health of the soil beneath a lawn is to discover how many earthworms are present. Earthworms can restore the hard pan of compacted dirt so prevalent in lawns. Their castings are rich in nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, three major elements necessary for plant growth and photosynthesis. Castings also contain magnesium, carbon, calcium, all very important plant nutrients. In just one year, a thousand earthworms (and their descendants) can transform one ton of organic waste into high-yield fertilizer.

Some important ways earthworms help transform the soil:

• They tunnel through the soil, aerating it as they go.

• Their channels also allow water to enter and penetrate the soil more quickly.

• Grass roots can also more easily

EARTHWORMS: Free Fertilizer For Lawns

By Bob Dailey

“It may be doubted that there are many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world as have these lowly organized creatures.” – Charles Darwin, The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms

penetrate soil loosened by earthworms, resulting in a deeper root system and healthier lawns.

• Earthworms neutralize the soil, either lowering the alkalinity or raising the acidity. Turf grass likes soil nearer to the middle between acidic and alkaline.

• Earthworms consume organic material (like thatch).

• Worms can compost four times quicker than a well-managed composting bin.

• A large population of earthworms helps control pests. Many soil-borne diseases are reduced significantly when earthworms are present.

How to attract earthworms:

• Spread ¾ inch of organic material twice a year onto the lawn (mid-October and mid-April are the best times).

• Use a mulching lawnmower and let the clippings drop back onto the lawn.

Earthworms will bring much of this material below ground to eat and digest.

• Don’t use pesticides or use them in extreme moderation. Choose organic pesticides if necessary. Pesticides are indiscriminate and kill earthworms and other beneficial organisms.

• Don’t use man-made chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers contain sulfuric and hydrochloric acids which are deadly to earthworms. Few worms exist in soils treated with chemicals. Use organic fertilizers instead.

There is no need to add earthworms. There are earthworms in the area that will be attracted to chemical-free, organicallyrich soil. And the turf grass will be well on its way to being healthy and green. For more information, please contact The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency, www.wjpa.org.

Enjoy a day of art, entertainment and fun in the park featuring the...

OnSaturday, March 14, 2015, bring the whole family to Rob Fleming Park from 2 to 6 p.m. and enjoy a day of local original artwork, the In the Spotlight Teen Talent Show, a Kidzone loaded with fun activities and more. This free event is a great opportunity for the whole family to experience the wide range of local talent and creativity.

Original paintings, jewelry, pottery, woodwork and more will be on display at tents throughout the park and available for purchase. This is a great chance to pick up a one-of-a-kind piece of art and support local creative talent.

Also included in this event is the In the Spotlight Teen Talent Show, where performers between the ages of 13 and 18 showcase their talents in singing, dancing, comedy, acting, magic and a number of different acts. Attendees to the event may even catch the next rising star and be able to boast of catching the act as part of the big break to fame.

This event is consistently a great day for the whole family to spend an afternoon together and appreciate the wealth of talent in our community. Attendees are welcome to bring food for a picnic, and concessions will be available for purchase.

For more information on this event, please call 281-210-3800, or visit the website at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/artsinthepark.

The Village of Creekside Park offers new homes and designs in a variety of neighborhoods throughout the village. Creekside Park highlights retail, restaurants and future businesses at Creekside Park Village Center. Students in Creekside Park attend acclaimed schools that are part of Tomball ISD. Creekside Park features the award-winning 1,700-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve, Rob Fleming Park and Aquatic Center, the Creekside YMCA, Lake Paloma and Wendtwoods Park and community pool. Discover the everyday pleasures of living in the Village of Creekside Park!

I chose the MD Anderson close to me

- Gary Truver, Jr.

When I had cancer, the world’s leading care was right here.

My team of experts focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Three months after I completed treatment, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. MD Anderson was there for both of us. Having MD Anderson in our community kept me close to my wife and three boys, and my mom close to her grandsons. I chose the MD Anderson close to me. Find Your MD Anderson today.