March 2011

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

The Woodlands Township Pays Tribute to Volunteers

Clean. Green. Safe. Our Great American Cleanup Event

The Fourth Annual Muddy Trails Bash

The Woodlands History: The Vision and Its Building Blocks

20

21

22

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SIGN UP BY MARCH 21 AND SAVE $5 FFPS.ORG

FFPS gives EVERY KID the chance TO PLAY.

Our soccer league promotes fun, fair positive soccer— just as it should be.

Sign Up by March 21 and Save $5 Applications received after March 21 are not guaranteed placement.

Games Begin April 9

Give your child the chance to play for a greater goal. Sign up at www.ffps.org or 800.828.7529 today, and join the positive side of soccer.

• Boys and girls ages 4* to 18

• Full uniform

• Trophy to every player

• Equal playing time

• Play every position

• Balanced/coed teams

• No tryouts

• One practice per week

• Positive coaching

• No Travel

• All games played on Saturday at The Woodlands High - 9th grade *4-year-olds must turn 5 by 12/31/11

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

Board Chambers

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

Service Center

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

Law Enforcement and Neighborhood Services Annex 2202 Timberloch Place, Suite 222, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

The Woodlands Fire Department (non-emergency)

9951 Grogan’s Mill Road

The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-367-3444

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3900

Recreation Center

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

Convention & Visitors Bureau

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-363-2447

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (Water) 281-367-1267

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 281-297-6500 • 936-442-7797

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Emergency 911

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Someone once said, “Those who can – do. Those who can do more – volunteer.” The Woodlands is very fortunate to be a community full of people who can do more, for it is the volunteers that are the lifeblood of The Woodlands Township. They have contributed thousands of hours of hard work to provide for the needs of our community, helping it to stay strong, sustainable and connected.

The Woodlands Township

Often their work goes unnoticed, volunteers seldom make the headlines, and they are certainly not compensated for their time and efforts. Volunteers are priceless and without them The Woodlands Township would not run as well as it does today.

At the recent Town Hall Meeting, The Woodlands Township honored nearly 200 volunteers who donate their time and energy doing varied and important functions throughout The Woodlands, including three outstanding individual volunteers. These volunteers have heart, and they definitely make a difference in the quality of life in our community.

As spring approaches, there are many ways to become involved in The Woodlands. Please read about our honored volunteers on pages 6, 7 and 8, and note other opportunities throughout this magazine, such as the Great American Cleanup Event, Muddy Trails Bash and of course, our award-winning Woodlands Watch. In addition to the magazine articles, more information about all of these programs exists on our Web site at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nelda Blair Director Tom Campbell Director

Peggy Hausman Director

Bruce Tough Chairman

Lloyd Matthews Vice Chairman

Ed Robb Treasurer

Claude Hunter Secretary

Don Norrell President and General Manager

Bruce Tough Chairman of the Board

The

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

Graphic Designers

Lori Short

Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Copy Editors Elena Smith

Laura Garvey

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

Editorial Assistant Terri Jefferies PRINTING

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, P.O. Box 7859, The Woodlands, TX, 77387-7859, 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 community and the services provided to them as Woodlands residents.

The Woodlands Community Magazine is a past recipient of The Communicator Award of Distinction and the Bronze Quill Award of Merit from the Houston Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators.

Pays Tribute to Volunteers

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently held a special Town Hall Meeting and Volunteer Recognition. Volunteers honored included members of The Woodlands Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Leaders, the Development Standards Committee, the Residential Design Review Committees, the Law Enforcement Advisory Council, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, the eight Village Associations and three Volunteers of the Year – Julia Belforti, a neighborhood services volunteer, who uses her time and talent

VOLUNTEERS REPRESENTING...

bringing residents together with The Woodlands Watch; Linda Crum, an environmental services volunteer, who shares her knowledge of gardening with others at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions events, compost classes and Walk in the Woods nature lectures; and Peter Belbin, a parks and recreation volunteer, who was instrumental in the success of the Township’s 2010 races, the CB&I Tri and 10 for Texas, by using his amateur HAM radio skills and his work through The Woodlands Amateur Radio Club, www.twarc.org.

l-r: Kendrick Skipper, Darla Bell, Angela Speight and Steve Leakey

Alden Bridge Village Association

l-r: George Van Horn, Robbie Brundrett, Pat Goodpastor, Dana Denton, Deborah Sargeant, Sally Johnson, Jim Upham and Franklin Palmer

Grogan’s Mill Village Association

l-r: Eric Thomas, Amy Lecocq, Ron Kostelny and Randy Scott

Indian Springs Village Association

Glen Bernstein and Gail Carney

College Park Village Association

l-r: Everett Ison, Barby Carroll, Geneva Carroll, Hartley Mackintosh and Damon Palermo

Panther Creek Village Association

Anthony Fasone

Sterling Ridge Village Association

Robert Heineman and Deborah Sargeant

Development Standards Committee

l-r: Gail Carney, Marti Meerscheidt, Anthony Fasone and Sally Johnson

Parks and Recreation Advisory Council

l-r: Marti Meerscheidt, Stuart Schroeder, Nancy Becker, Brian Duelm, Julie Duelm and Jim Goldmeyer

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association

Volunteer photos by Ted Washington

During the Town Hall Meeting, The Woodlands Township President Don Norrell presented a look back at 2010, which included changing the governance structure, The Woodlands economy, refinancing Township debt, enhancing public safety services, maintaining services, promoting the community to help lower property taxes and financial planning.

For details on all of these items, please visit The Woodlands Township Web site, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, under About Us to view the Summary of 2010 Accomplishments and 2011 Projections.

Law Enforcement Advisory Committee

l-r: Anthony Fasone, Amy Lecocq, Joel Deretchin, Glen Bernstein, Kendrick Skipper and Sally Johnson

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recognized the Volunteers of the Year honored at the Township Town Hall Meeting. From left, Director Peggy Hausman, Treasurer Ed Robb, Vice Chairman Lloyd Matthews, Director Nelda Blair, Environmental Services Volunteer Linda Crum, Neighborhood Services Volunteer Julia Belforti, Parks and Recreation Volunteer Peter Belbin, Director Tom Campbell, Secretary Claude Hunter and Chairman Bruce Tough.

l-r: John Nanninga, George Ushiroda, Barby Carroll, Randy Scott, Robbie Brundrett, Robert Leilich, Gail Carney and Jim Goldmeyer

Residential Design Review Committee of Several Villages

Community Emergency Response Team Leaders

l-r: Randy Scott, Rud Merriam, Glen Bernstein, Mike Thomson and Scott Darby

Vice Chairman Lloyd Matthews (left) and Township President Don Norrell (right), listen as Chairman Bruce Tough explains an issue during the public discussion portion of The Woodlands Township Town Hall Meeting.

Town Hall meeting photos by Elena Smith

Volunteers of the Year

Neighborhood services volunteer Julia Belforti, Environmental Services volunteer Linda Crum, and Parks and Recreation volunteer Peter Belbin

Town Hall Meeting

Summary of 2010 Accomplishments and 2011 Projections

Thank you,

TOWNSHIP volunteers!

LAW ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Glen Bernstein

Boyd Burdett

Tom Campbell

Kevin Casey

Joel Deretchin

Anthony Fasone

Sally Johnson

Amy Lecocq

Daniel E. Lewis

David Packer

Kendrick Skipper

Clarence Wallace

THE WOODLANDS

CERT (COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM) LEADERS

Glen Bernstein

Scott Darby

Claude Hunter

Rud Merriam

Randy Scott

Mike Thomson

DSC: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Deborah Sargeant, Chair

Robert Heineman, Vice Chair

VILLAGE ASSOCIATIONS

Alden Bridge

Phillip Barker, President

Steve Leakey, V.P.

Michael Cannetti, Treasurer

Darla Bell, Secretary

Matt Bartholomew

Nasim Bell

Sean Guillory

Michael (Barry) Newman

Laurie Ricks

Kendrick Skipper

Angela Speight

Ronny R. Taylor

Ross Vickers

Theresa Wagaman

Dale Wood

Adele Yung

Cochran’s Crossing

Nancy Becker, President

Marti Fox Meerscheidt, V.P.

Jim Goldmeyer, Treasurer

Bill Mara, Secretary

Jeff Allen

Brian Duelm

Julie Duelm

Douglas Cole Grijalva

Dave Jesiolowski

Cynthia Kessinger

Gloria Moser

Jerry Orebaugh

Steve Perry

Lori Riley

Stuart Schroeder

Bebe Smith

Steven Tidwell

Clarence J. Wallace

College Park

Glen Bernstein, President

Scott S. Singletary, V.P.

Steven A. Reinmund, Treas.

Gail Carney, Secretary

Kendall Bernstein

Laura Dean

Larry Faith

Richard Johnson

Paul Martin

Ray Penton

Janet Reinmund

Creekside Park

Nancy Decker Lent, President

Michael Ramsey, V.P.

Matt Marrow, Secretary

Larry Jadrych, Treasurer

Sue Tedesco, Events Chair

Michael P. Casey

Nicole Coulton

Sally H. Epton

Kirby Hopkins

Emma Marrow

David Packer

Grogan’s Mill

Deborah Sargeant, President

Dana Denton, V.P.

Sally Johnson, Treasurer

Pat Goodpastor, Secretary

Matt Beasley

Robbie Brundrett

Rex Campbell

Bruce Cunningham

Virginia Dellinger

Robert Leilich

Franklin R. Palmer

William Sargent

James Upham

George Van Horn

Lily Weiss

Chris Wren

Indian Springs

Ron Kostelny, President

Carolyn Dalglish, V.P.

Oscar Lui, Treasurer

Kelly Sharer, Secretary

Ken Anderson

Mike Bass

Chris Florack

Kim Hess

Ken Parker

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

Gail Carney

Merle Causey

Anthony Fasone

Claude Hunter

Sally Johnson

Dan Kolkhorst

Kimber Lewis

Marti Meerscheidt

Nick Norris

Steve Perry

Debbie Repka

Ken Schumann

Susan Tedesco

Adele Yung

Shanna Davis

Amy Lecocq

Michael Luman

Erika Pratt

Jason Rivers

Kenneth Schumann

Randy Scott

Richard Stromatt

Eric Thomas

Jose Valladares

Panther Creek

Everett Ison, President

Betty Nelson, V.P.

Kimber Lewis, Treasurer

Damon Palermo, Secretary

Barbara Beavis

Karen Booren

Geneva Carroll

Barbara St. Amand

Karen Stafford

Mary Bootz

Barby Carroll

Merle Causey

Daniel E. Lewis

Hartley Mackintosh

Jay Mac Sanders

Sterling Ridge

Phillip Givens, President

Richard Gregory, V.P.

Mike Bass, Treasurer

Kerri Steen-Chew, Secretary

Sue Young, Events Chair

Todd Bloomfield

Stephanie Carlton

Kevin Casey

Charles Dressler

Anthony Fasone

Nick Norris

Chris Pappas

Susan Bell Radley

Angela Scott

RDRCs: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEES

Alden Bridge

Arthur Bredehoft, Chair

Herman Weindel, Vice Chair

Gregory Bakalich

Robin Cassidy

Peggy Gartman

Cochran’s Crossing

Clarence Wallace, Chair

James Goldmeyer, Vice Chair

Mark Bacon

David Jesiolowski

Steven Tidwell

College Park

Roger W. McDonald, Chair

Gail Carney, Vice Chair

Laura Dean

Peter Moore, Jr.

Eileen Sandburg

Creekside Park

Nancy Decker Lent, Chair

Michael Ramsey, Vice Chair

Peter Kalb

Jennifer Mares

Christopher Valle

Grogan’s Mill

Jorge Slater, Chair

Vince Fredrick, Vice Chair

Robbie Brundrett

Rex D. Campbell

Robert H. Leilich

Indian Springs

The Woodlands Community Association

Randy Scott, Chair

Nathan Dietrich, Vice Chair

Steven Gallia

Cheryl Edmondson

The Woodlands Association

Matt Mussalli, Chair

Richard Stromatt, Vice Chair

Ken Schumann

Panther Creek

Barby R. Carroll, Chair

Susan Pennock, Vice Chair

Marsha Carlton

Daniel E. Lewis

Kimber Lewis

Sterling Ridge

John Nanninga, Chair

Jay Procter, Vice Chair

George Ushiroda

M. Kimberli Vest

Doris Wootton

The inaugural Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas, taking place on May 21, 2011, will bring approximately 2,500 athletes representing nearly all 50 states and more than 25 countries to The Woodlands for a 140.6-mile triathlon. The race, part of the global Ironman Qualifying Series that consists of more than 20 events around the world, is expected to create an economic impact of $15.9 million through the sale of thousands of hotel room nights, retail shopping, food and beverage.

On race day, participants ranging in age from 18 to 70+ years will have 17 hours to complete a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands, 112-mile bike through the rolling farmland of east Texas and 26.2-mile run throughout The Woodlands with a spectacular finish on Market Street. The course was selected to highlight the areas that best showcase the beautiful setting of the community while causing the least impact to residents.

Age group athletes will compete for 65 coveted slots to the Ford Ironman World Championship, taking place on October 8, 2011, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Professional triathletes will vie for a portion of a $100,000 prize purse, one of the highest in the Ironman Global Series, along with qualifying points to the Ford Ironman World Championship.

Residents of The Woodlands will not only have the chance to see some of the greatest endurance athletes in the world but also to take part in the event through hundreds of volunteer pportunities. Volunteers will be integral in ensuring a successful, safe and fun event and are vital in helping athletes achieve a significant accomplishment. In an effort to give back to those who support the event, donations totaling $100,000 will be made to a number of local groups in The Woodlands and surrounding areas.

For more information, please visit www.ironmantexas.com.

As one of the premier multi-sport events in the region, CB&I TRI – The Woodlands, scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2011, offers high-caliber competition, first-rate race management and a scenic course. Comprising a 500meter swim course, 15-mile bike course and a five-kilometer run course, the race is a sanctioned USA Triathlon event featuring a field of more than 1,000 participants. Last year’s participants ranged from beginners to nationally ranked triathletes.

8th Annual Triathlon

May

7, 2011

CB&I has been the event’s title sponsor since the inaugural triathlon in 2004. Luke’s Locker, an official sponsor for all eight years of the event, hosts packet pickup for three days prior to the event. Another official seven-year sponsor, Memorial Hermann-The Woodlands, offers participants free clinic appointments at their sports medicine facility in The Woodlands.

The 2010 CB&I TRI sold out, and the 2011 event is anticipated to sell out by mid-March. More than 25 states and three foreign countries have been represented in the participation field over the last seven years.

If you would like to register, volunteer or find out more, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Photos by Bakke-Svensson/Ironman

OUR GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP EVENT!

EBy Lucinda Valdes and Kathie Herrick

arth Day 2011 in The Woodlands marks the first year that a community-wide stewardship project will be the main event! Individuals, families, school groups, scouts, neighborhoods, businesses, clubs and service organizations are signing on to the Earth Day GreenUp scheduled for Saturday, April 16, 2011, joining Keep America Beautiful (KAB) and other communities across the nation in the Great American Cleanup.

According to KAB, great movements begin with small actions. In 2010, nearly four million volunteers in 33,700 communities nationwide took part in the cleanup effort, collecting 76 million pounds of litter and debris.

Locally, volunteer efforts make The Woodlands a more sustainable community. Connect with neighbors and the outdoors by joining or leading a cleanup crew, bagging trash from streets and streams. You gather your friends and we provide the bags!

“Our community and the environment are the biggest winners,” declared GreenUp Captain Kathie Herrick. “Even the smallest litter—like cigarette butts and candy wrappers—impacts the aesthetics of our community and harms wildlife,” she said, “and research shows that 20 percent or more ends up in our streams and waterways.”

The Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp is coordinated by The Woodlands Township with support from The Woodlands Development Company, Waste Management, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Keep Texas Beautiful.

• Pre-register by Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Pre-registrants receive a T-shirt and are eligible for door prizes!

• Check-in is Saturday, April 16, 2011, 8 to 9 a.m., at a designated park in each village.

• The GreenUp event will run from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

• Celebration at Rob Fleming Park from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• For more information, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3900 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

GREEN STARTS WITH YOU!

THE DIRT ON LITTER

• More than 51 billion pieces of litter land on U.S. roadways each year. That’s 6,729 items per mile.

• Litter cleanup costs the U.S. almost $11.5 billion annually, with businesses picking up $9.1 billion of the tab.

• The presence of litter in a community takes a toll on quality of life, property values and housing prices.

– Great American Cleanup Manual

Young Daisys clean up litter in area parks making a difference in their community. Catch their spirit by registering for the Earth Day GreenUp!

Photo by Jon Krenytzky

Photo by Kathie Herrick

Indian Pink

Hues of Red for Rubythroats

By Lucinda Valdes

Hummingbirds return annually to favorite feeding spots in search of nectar, and they automatically investigate anything red! Named one of the top 10 hummingbird plants by Operation Rubythroat, Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica) is a stunning, native, woodland perennial.

Standing upright on rigid stems, fanciful, two-inch, scarlet, tubular flowers open to reveal a yellow star that attracts ruby-throated hummingbirds at the height of spring migration.

Indian pink adds spark to a shady garden, mixing well with ferns, Gulf Coast penstemon and spring obedient plants.

Growing only one to two feet, Indian pink can quickly lose its place if more aggressive plants are allowed to overtake it.

Preferring moist, well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter, Indian pink slowly colonizes to form a large clump. Propagation is difficult from cuttings, but easy from seed. Heart-shaped capsules literally explode when ripe, casting seed into the garden.

Learn more about nature’s jewels in Hummingbirds of Texas by Shackelford, Lindsay and Klym. The beautifully photographed book from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be available for purchase at Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture on Thursday, March 10, 2011 (see page 30 for related story).

A&O Troopers

Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol

Partnering with You for Public Safety

and Horses

patrol The Woodlands Township regularly as one component of the comprehensive security plan. As part of our 20th anniversary celebration, we wanted to offer a public “thank you” to all The Woodlands patrons and visitors. We are in our 16th year with The Woodlands this year. We appreciate being a part of the community all these years. Please visit with our Troopers, pet the horses, and let us know how we are doing. Or visit our web site or connect with us on Facebook and leave a comment there. Your opinion matters to us.

Did you know?

Alpha & Omega Mounted Security Patrol is a family-owned and operated business in existence since 1990. Although The Woodlands is the largest property patrolled year around by mounted officers, Alpha & Omega has clients all over the United States including some of the nation’s largest music festivals. The A&O Standard Operating Procedures manual is used as a model for mounted law enforcement units across the country. It was written by CEO Frank Keller who used information researched in the Library of Congress on World War I military tactics and formations for mounted officers.

Public Safety Tip

Spring brings many first-time visitors to The Woodlands who may not be familiar with the roadways, parks and paths. Drivers may be lost or distracted. Be sure that children are alert and know all the rules of the road when traffic is nearby. Cross only at designated signs. Look both ways. Observe all traffic directions and signals. Younger children should hold the hand of an adult at all times. And remember, any time you would like an escort to and from your car, a mounted Trooper is glad to help.

Alpha & Omega

Mounted Security Patrol

2342 High Timbers Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

281-364-9740

info@mountedpatrol.com

www.mountedpatrol.com

www.facebook.com/aomountedpatrol

Meet Gus

Gus is a 5-year-old Quarter Horse owned and ridden by Sgt. Suzanne Mitchell. Gus likes to have his picture made with Woodlands patrons. Kids: Find Gus and ask for a trading card. More cards to come. Collect them all.

Photo by Linda Crum

A natural for shady woodland gardens, Indian pink greets spring with bold hues of red and yellow.

Board of Directors Election

SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2011

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Three at-large positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, to be designated by official action of the Township Board of Directors on January 26, 2011, as positions 5, 6, 7, will be filled in the May 2011 election.

FILING INFORMATION

Candidates may file for one of the designated positions through 5 p.m. on March 14, 2011. Last day for declaration of write-in candidacy is 5 p.m. on March 21, 2011. An election information packet is available to those who wish to file for one of the designated positions and can be picked up at The Woodlands Township Board Chambers, 10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380, or downloaded from www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

In November 2010, the Township Board adopted Resolution No. 020-10 regarding the annual Board of Directors Election which is available on the Township’s Web site.

Additional resources can be found at the Secretary of State Web site at www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/index.shtml and the Texas Ethics Commission Web site at www.ethics.state.tx.us/main/coh.htm.

It is the duty of the candidate to become familiar with the laws applicable to Texas elections, ethics and campaign finance reporting. Candidates are solely responsible for compliance with these laws. As the filing authority responsible for calling and holding a fair and impartial election, The Woodlands Township cannot provide legal or administrative advice or assistance to candidates or prospective candidates. Candidates may wish to seek legal counsel or other professional advice in this regard.

From Curiosity to Wisdom

TOWNSHIP DIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

• 18 years of age

• Resident of Township for 6 months

• Resident of Texas for 12 months

• U.S. citizen

DISQUALIFICATIONS

• Mental incompetence

• Conviction of felony

WRITE-IN CANDIDATES

A Declaration of Write-In Candidacy must be filed no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, March 21, 2011.

KEY DATES

• Last Day to File for One of the Designated Positions (5 p.m.) –Monday, March 14, 2011

• Last Day to Order Election –Monday, March 14, 2011

• First Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail – Tuesday, March 15, 2011

• Last Day for Declaration of Write-In Candidacy (5 p.m.) –Monday, March 21, 2011

• Last Day to Register to Vote –Thursday, April 14, 2011

• First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance – Monday, May 2, 2011

• Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (received not postmarked) –Friday, May 6, 2011

• Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance – Tuesday, May 10, 2011

• Election Date – Saturday, May 14, 2011

Fit-4-Duty 90-Day Fitness Challenge

Regional Director of Parks Society Elected

Kelly Dietrich, assistant director of parks and recreation for The Woodlands Township, was recently elected as director of Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) Region 4, which comprises 21 counties in the Gulf Coast region.

When Ms. Dietrich is officially seated in her new position in March 2011, she will also serve as a director on the 25-member TRAPS board of directors. Her term runs through 2013.

The Woodlands Fire Department Fit-4-Duty Fitness Challenge

T-shirt sales and donations collected during the department’s Fit-4Duty 90-day fitness challenge. Fifty-seven members of The Woodlands Fire Department joined in and lost a collective 279 pounds of fat and gained 171 pounds of muscle during the challenge.

Kelly Dietrich

2011 Concert-in-the-Park Series

Sunday Evenings at Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

Bring your lawn chairs, a picnic and the whole family for an evening of fun!

Spring 2011 – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

March 6 Gary Michael Dahl (Jazz)

March 13 Toast and Jam (80s/90s Variety)

March 20 Level One Band (Motown Review)

March 27 Nigel Edison Band (Country)

April 3 Fidelity Maxx (70s/80s Old School Funk)

April 10 Dena Blue and the Army Men (Rock)

April 17 Patricia Vonne (Spanish Roots Rock)

Summer 2011 – 7 to 9 p.m.

July 4 Buck Yeager Band (Country)

Fall 2011 – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

September 11 Troy Hess (Country)

September 18 Cold Shot (Variety)

October 2 Akina Adderly (Jazz)

October 9 Swing Thing (Country Swing)

October 16 Miss Leslie & Her Juke Jointers (Country)

October 23 Fab 5 (British Invasion)

The Woodlands Fire Department Chief Alan B. Benson (left), Driver/ Operator John Cantarella (third) and Lt. Doug Adams (right) presented Senior Dispatcher Julie Turner, a two-time cancer survivor, with a check from

Photo by Judy Kowis

Largest of the East Texas species, this mated pair of pileated woodpeckers are almost crow-sized. See page 30.

march

Tuesday, March 1

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Wednesday, March 2

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, March 3

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, March 4

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 5

FREE Compost Class 8203 Millennium Forest Drive 11 a.m. to noon

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

In the Spotlight Teen Talent Show

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive 6:30 p.m.

281-210-3950

Sunday, March 6

FREE Concert-in-the-Park

Gary Michael Dahl (Jazz)

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

Tuesday, March 8

Heartsaver CPR Class Emergency Training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Thursday, March 10

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7:30 p.m.

281-210-5808

Photo by Dawn Pando

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture

Woodpeckers of East Texas McCullough Junior High School

7:30 p.m. 281-210-3900

Saturday, March 12

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Sunday, March 13

FREE Concert-in-the-Park Toast and Jam (80s/90s Variety) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

Tuesday, March 15

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Wednesday, March 16

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Law Enforcement Advisory Council Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

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

Thursday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Workshop

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600

The Township Board Room

7:30 a.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, March 18

Healthcare Provider

Renewal CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 to 11 a.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

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 19

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to noon

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

First Aid Class

Emergency Training Center

Noon to 2:30 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Sunday, March 20

FREE Concert-in-the-Park Level One Band (Motown Review) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

Monday, March 21

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

6:30 p.m.

281-210-5808

College Park Village Association Meeting

Emergency Training Center

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, March 22

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, March 23

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

www.metroministorage.net

Watch Talk Wednesdays

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

Noon to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, March 26

Camp Ter-Ra-Mont, March 26-27 Terramont Park, 8500 Terramont Drive

2 p.m. to 9 a.m.

281-210-3950

Sunday, March 27

FREE Concert-in-the-Park Nigel Edison Band (Country) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

Monday, March 28

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

Mitchell Library, 8125 Ashlane Way 7 p.m.

281-210-3888

*Please visit the calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for listings, or call the office at 281-210-3800.

Garbage Collection

No changes in garbage service this month. Watch this space for information about garbage and recycling service, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Alden Bridge

Congratulations to the winners of the village association elections! We appreciate your participation in the election process. March is the start of our new board year, and our annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. All residents are invited to join us as we thank outgoing board members, welcome new members and recap the year.

We have lots of events on the horizon. Our biggest village event, the annual Spring Festival and Easter egg hunt, will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011, and this is an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their offerings. The Yard of the Month program begins again soon, with the first 2011 winner to be chosen in late April. We’ll participate in the Fourth of July parade, the village associations’ outing to Minute Maid Park and the Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest again this year. Watch our Web site, newsletter and this column for details on all of these events!

Friday, April 1, 2011, is the deadline to submit applications for Alden Bridge scholarships, so don’t let this opportunity pass. Applications can be obtained from school counselors or by downloading from our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org. Alden Bridge resident students going on to higher education in 2011 are eligible to apply.

Send your e-mail address to aldenbridge@comcast.net so we can add you to the mailing list for our monthly e-mail newsletter and visit our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org, for news of Alden Bridge and The Woodlands.

Submitted by Darla Bell

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Cochran’s Crossing

SCHOLARS WANTED

The weather’s warming and the buds are popping, which is a sure sign the scholarship season is upon us. If you’re a budding genius with plans to depart for the halls of higher learning, listen up. Cochran’s Crossing Village Association scholarship applications are available at your school’s career office. Graduating high school seniors who are residents of Cochran’s Crossing are eligible. If you fit this description, possess a stellar high school record and plan on continuing your education, apply by Friday, April 1, 2011. It’s that easy, and it just might help the family finances, too.

Visit us at cochranscrossing.com where you can link to us on Cochran’s Crossing ANNUAL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Township Service Center

Submitted by Bill Mara

College Park

Congratulations to the newly elected board of directors! Please come to the annual meeting on March 21, 2011, to meet your new directors. It is always an exciting time to welcome new members and to honor those who have served in the previous year.

It is important to attend these meetings so that you will know what is happening in the village and also in The Woodlands. We encourage residents to come to us and we will answer questions and try to help resolve issues and concerns in the community. We are always looking for new residents who want a chance to get involved in the activities and might wish to volunteer to help the Village Association with our many endeavors for the year.

A reminder that the scholarship applications are due to be postmarked on March 15, 2011, and are available from the College Park High School guidance office or from any board member. If you would like a copy of the application e-mailed directly to you, please contact Gail Carney at 936-271-1241. The College Park Village Association is proud to offer two $1,000 scholarships to students graduating from high school who reside in the village. Applications will be accepted at the meeting or via mail prior to the deadline date.

Our regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, March 21, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Training Center. We welcome residents to attend and will be ready to address their questions and concerns.

Submitted by Gail Carney

Creekside Park

In the Spotlight Teen Talent Show will take place on Saturday, March 5, 2011, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park. The talent show is designed to highlight the talents of teens in the Montgomery County area between the ages of 13 to 18. For more information, please contact The Woodlands Township Recreation Center at 281-210-3950.

Don’t miss out on the 4th Annual Muddy Trails 5K/10K, Kid’s Fun Run, and new this year, the 5K-9 Fun Run for you and your dog. The courses wind through the beautiful George Mitchell Preserve Trails, located on 1,800 wooded acres adjacent to Rob Fleming Park, on Saturday, April 2, 2011. For more information on the race, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

The Woodlands Creekside Park Village Association meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month. The March meeting is scheduled for

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at 7 p.m., at the Creekside YMCA. The guest speakers for the March meeting will be the Tomball ISD school board president and the Tomball ISD superintendent. They will give a presentation followed by questions and answers. Participation by homeowners in Creekside Park is very important and you are invited to get involved. Please visit our Web site at www.creeksideparkvillage.com.

Submitted by Nancy Decker Lent

Grogan’s Mill

Thank you to all for making Grogan’s Mill a great place to live!

The Farmer’s Market will reopen on April 2, 2011, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, in the Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center. It will remain open until the end of June. There were 32 vendors last spring, and we expect even more this year with a wide range of fresh vegetables, meats, breads, cheeses, honey and other locally grown and produced items. We look forward to seeing you there.

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association now has a Facebook page

on which you can ask questions, discuss local issues and get information. Search for Grogan’s Mill Village Association.

Submitted by Bruce Cunningham

Indian Springs

Seeking Applicants For Scholarships

The Indian Springs Village Association will be awarding $1,000 scholarships to qualified individuals attending their first year of higher education this fall. The primary qualifications are community service or involvement and good citizenship. Applicants must reside in the Village of Indian Springs and be a graduating high school senior or previous graduate and entering a community college, university or vocational school during 2011. Applications are online at www.indianspringsvillage.com, at the college counselors’ offices of local high schools or at The Woodlands Township Service Center at 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Application submission deadline is Friday, March 11, 2011. Questions may be directed to Amy Lecocq at 832-244-9585 or e-mailed to ISVAscholarships@hotmail.com.

MEETING INFORMATION

ALDEN BRIDGE

The Alden Bridge Village Association (ABVA) meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.aldenbridge.org

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Phillip Barker at 281-364-1623.

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.cochranscrossing.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Nancy Becker at 936-321-4264.

COLLEGE PARK

The College Park Village Association (CPVA) meets on the third Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Emergency Training Center. Please join us!

Web site www.villageofcollegepark.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Glen Bernstein at 936-273-3274.

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! Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3889.

GROGAN’S MILL

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association (GMVA) meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Deborah Sargeant at 281-292-5341.

INDIAN SPRINGS

The Indian Springs Village Association (ISVA) meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us! Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Ron Kostelny at 281-362-8677.

PANTHER CREEK

The Panther Creek Village Association (PCVA) meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us! Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Everett Ison at 281-298-9524.

STERLING RIDGE

The Sterling Ridge Village Association (SRVA) meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library meeting room, 8125 Ashlane Way. Please join us!

Web site www.sterling-ridge.org

Submitted by Anthony Fasone

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3888 or Village Association President Phillip Givens at 281-419-9331.

Soldiers from the Enhanced Combat Aviation Brigade show some of the 2,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies that were sent to them last year courtesy of Girl Scout Troops 11294, 11424, 11760 and 11758, The Woodlands Fire Department and Sterling Ridge Village Association.

Sterling Ridge

CWoodlands

TRUE OR FALSE

When it comes to The Woodlands, how well do you understand crime and the best ways to prevent it? Take the test below and see how well you do!

Law enforcement agencies don’t want residents to contact them about something suspicious unless they are certain a crime is taking place.

FALSE. On the contrary, law enforcement urges residents to contact them immediately whenever they see something (or someone) suspicious. Trust your instincts!

When items are stolen from a vehicle in The Woodlands, the vehicle is usually unlocked.

TRUE. According to The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, in the vast majority of cases, Burglary of Motor Vehicle (theft of items from within a vehicle) in The Woodlands involves an unlocked vehicle.

Soliciting is illegal in The Woodlands.

FALSE. The most effective way to keep solicitors from your neighborhood is for you and your neighbors to refuse to do business with them. From inside your home (through a closed and locked door), tell the solicitor that you are not interested. If the solicitor refuses to leave, contact law enforcement and report that a trespasser is on your property.

It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on security measures to protect my property.

TRUE. In The Woodlands, the most effective actions are usually the easiest and the least expensive, including joining The Woodlands Watch. Other inexpensive crime prevention tips include keeping residence and vehicle doors locked, garage doors closed and locked, and making sure you have sufficient outdoor lighting.

Law enforcement hardly ever patrols The Woodlands.

FALSE. Under The Woodlands Community Policing Program, there are more law enforcement officers and patrol cars on our roads than ever before. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, officers patrolled 1,007,237 miles throughout The Woodlands in 2010.

No matter how low a community’s crime statistics may be, it is important for residents to take proactive measures.

TRUE. The best time to take proactive measures is before crime occurs. Remember, many crimes are “crime of opportunity,” and your preventive actions (using locking

devices for example) many times can stop crime. In fact, being lax about security can actually create an atmosphere that is conducive to crime.

There isn’t any way to find out what crimes really occur in The Woodlands.

FALSE. Residents can get the latest law enforcement updates by going to The Woodlands Township Web site at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and clicking on Public Safety, which is on the left side of the home page, right above Got Watch. From there, you can obtain a list of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) documents that include:

• The Montgomery County Crime Stoppers Fugitives of the Week.

• MCSO Media Summary and “Blotter” Review.

• Media Advisories about recent crimes and arrests.

You can also review monthly police statistics, including those for the Village of Creekside Park (our only village in Harris County and the one that is patrolled by Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office).

HOW DID YOU DO? If you scored all correct, congratulations! You understand some of the best ways to prevent crime. If you are not already involved in The Woodlands Watch, you should consider becoming a neighborhood coordinator to share your knowledge with your neighbors. If you scored more than two incorrectly, or even all incorrectly, then by all means, please join The Woodlands Watch to help you and your neighborhood remain safe. To learn more, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and click Get Watch.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Summer 2011

The Woodlands Township is accepting applications for 2011 summer seasonal positions in the Parks and Recreation Department. Available positions are lifeguards from $7.75/hour, swim coaches from $8/hour and water safety instructors from $10/hour. Training classes for positions will be provided at a reduced rate to successful candidates.

Aquatic Recreation Specialist from $12.75/hour (April through mid-July) will oversee swim team practices and all meets, as well as oversee other programs.

Summer Camp positions are also available, such as head camp counselor and camp counselor (must be age 18 or older) from $9/hour. Counselors will help coordinate and organize recreation programs and activities for children 6 to 12

years old attending summer camp (June, July and August) at the Recreation Center.

Pool Pass Recreation Aide, $7.25/hour (April through July), will process new and renewal membership pool pass applications for The Woodlands neighborhood pools. Experience should include previous cash handling, report reconciliation, heavy customer service and basic computer skills with heavy data entry. Must be available to work a flexible schedule to include days, evenings and weekends.

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 also successfully complete an extensive background check. Applications may be obtained from The Woodlands Township

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Building, 8203 Millennium Forest Drive or Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive. For more information or to apply online, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Texas Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in Texas named on the U.S.News & World Report’s “Honor Roll” honoring the top eight pediatric hospitals in the country.We’re proud to be your first choice in pediatric health care.And you can find the expertise you’ve come to expect from us right in your neighborhood.

CElEbRATE

Your

Event at the Park!

By Pamela Woods

The perfect place to celebrate is right around the corner. Reserve one of our 64 park pavilions or 13 pools for your birthday party, family reunion or fun gettogether. Cook in the pavilion, swim at the pool, play at the park and enjoy the outdoors!

Park pavilions are available for fourhour rentals during park hours, dawn until dusk, with prices ranging from $25 to $50/ four hours per pavilion. Please note there are increased prices for Town Green Park and The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park rentals.

Pool reservations are available for two-hour rentals after hours with prices ranging from $250 to $350/resident. Rental of the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center is $750/resident.

Texas Children’s Health Centers offer your family easy access to our therapeutic and diagnostic services as well as our pediatric subspecialists, while Texas Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine brings expert maternal fetal care close to home.

Texas Children’s Health Center – The Woodlands 17198 St. Luke’s Way

Medical Arts Ctr. I, Ste. 300

The Woodlands, TX 77384 (936) 321-0808

Texas Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine – The Woodlands 17198 St. Luke’s Way

Medical Arts Ctr. I, Ste. 630

The Woodlands, TX 77384 (936) 321-1600

Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates (TCPA) makes health care convenient for your family with four locations in The Woodlands area.

Conroe Pediatric Associates

404 River Pointe Dr., Ste. 100 Conroe,TX 77304 (936) 756-8108

TCPA – Medical Plaza

1011 Medical Plaza Dr., Ste.220

The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 296-9119

Sterling Ridge Pediatrics

6707 Sterling Ridge Dr., Ste.A

The Woodlands, TX 77382 (281) 296-2656

Woodlands

Pediatric Associates

4545Research Forest Dr.,Ste.A

The Woodlands, TX 77381 (281) 367-5100

For more information or to book a reservation, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3900. Visit us online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for information regarding park and pool reservation guidelines and procedures.

In The Spotlight teen talent show

The eighth annual In the Spotlight Teen Talent Show is your chance to catch one of the most exciting teen events in The Woodlands! The event is designed to highlight the talents of teens in the Montgomery County area.

Categories may consist of, but will not be limited to, the best band performance, best vocal performance, best musical performance and best dance performance. The overall winner will be awarded a prize of $300; additional prizes will be awarded to all category finalists.

Admission is free. The teen talent show will take place Saturday, March 5, 2011, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive. For more information, please contact The Woodlands Township Recreation Center at 281-210-3950 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Your 2011 Event Guide

Visit www.TheWoodlandsCVB.com and click on “Event Calendar” for all the events happening in The Woodlands!

Discovery Guide & Savings Book

The Discovery Guide & Savings Book features more than 75 coupons to merchants in The Woodlands.

Request yours today online at www.TheWoodlandsCVB.com/guide.asp.

Follow Us on Facebook!

Join The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Facebook Fan Page to receive up-to-date information on events, new stores and other special offers! Visit www.Facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands.com.

By combining the expertise of Texas Children’s Hospital with the high level of care offered by St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, you can expect the best, right in your backyard.

Our services include:

• The expert neonatologists who provide care at Texas Children’s Hospitalmanage and staff the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, offering the best possible care for your newborn.

• The same physicians who provide pediatric emergency care at Texas Children’s Hospital are also caring for your children at the St. Luke’sThe Woodlands Hospital emergency room, 24 hours a day.

• When your child needs inpatient care at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, the premier pediatricians who provide care at Texas Children’s Hospital are there to manage care through the Pediatric Hospitalist Program.

• Texas Children’s nursing leadership is on-site to provide expert managementof newborn and pediatric services at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital.

• An experienced consultant from the Texas Children’s Lactation Program is available at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital to provide lactation support and care to breastfeeding mothers and their infants, no matter where the baby was delivered.

• A Texas Children’s child life professional is available at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital to help your child and family cope with the stress of hospitalization.

The Fourth Annual Muddy Trails Bash, produced by The Woodlands Township, is set for Saturday, April 2, 2011, from 3 to 8 p.m., at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park. The Muddy Trails Bash offers something for everyone.

• Do you have the best crawfish recipe? Showcase your Cajun cuisine at the Muddy Bowl Cook-off.

• Are you a runner? Runners of all ages can participate in either Little Muddy Kids Fun Run, Muddy Trails 5K and 10K trail races, and new this year for dog owners, is the 5K-9 Fun Run.

• Or do you like to have good ol’ family fun? Muddy Trails Bash will have live Zydeco music, activities for the kids and plenty of crawfish and concessions.

The races will kick off with the Little Muddy Kids Fun Run at 4 p.m., followed by a USA Track and Field sanctioned 5K at 4:30 p.m., 10K at 4:50 p.m. and 5K-9

Fun Run at 5:10 p.m. Participants from last year stated, “The trail setup was great. One of my favorite courses yet,” and “I like the opportunity to run on the trail...not just a regular road course.”

Last year’s Muddy Bowl Cookoff was a hit with teams competing for awards. Each team spent time mastering their secret crawfish recipe and decorating to win the Best Decorated Tent award. For more information on how to participate in this year’s Muddy Bowl Cook-off, please contact Shaun Hebert at shebert@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3950.

The running events will wind through the beautiful trails of the 1,800-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve. All participants of the Little Muddy Kids Fun Run will receive a finisher’s medal and a participant T-shirt. Individual 5K and 10K awards will be presented for the top female and male finishers, top female and male masters (ages 40 and older) and the top three males and females in eight different age categories. The postrace family event will include the awards ceremony, music, food and drinks.

The Muddy Trails Bash is supported by sponsors: Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine, Liberty Mutual–The Woodlands, The Woodlands Development Company, My Fit Foods and Luke’s Locker. Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine currently offers race participants the opportunity for free sports injury screenings every Monday beginning at 4 p.m., by appointment only. To take advantage of this sponsor benefit, please call Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine at 281-364-2549. Liberty Mutual–The Woodlands will host discounted registration days, “Mutual Saturdays,” on February 19 and March 12, 2011, from

By Angel Nicks

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In conjunction with the Interfaith Food Pantry, if a participant brings five non-perishable food items to Liberty Mutual–The Woodlands, located at 3000 Research Forest Drive, participants in the 5K, 10K or 5K-9 Fun Run will receive an $8 discount on their registration and participants for the Little Muddy Kids Fun Run will receive a $5 discount on their registration.

To register online, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. Walk-in registration is also accepted at Luke’s Locker in Market Street and The Woodlands Township Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive. For more information, please call 281-210-3950.

Photos by Kelly O. Ingram

THE WOODLANDS, THE INSIDE STORY OF CREATING A BETTER HOMETOWN

The Vision and Its Building Blocks

By Roger Galatas

George Mitchell’s vision for developing The Woodlands as a major master-planned community continues to be the guiding light for its success. But in the early 1970s, the ideas and concepts behind The Woodlands were so new they required time and effort to develop, so the learning process required adjustment. Mitchell and his team worked over the years to more clearly define key elements of the vision and to establish the building blocks upon which The Woodlands’ success was achieved. I believe the vision can be fairly stated today as “a real hometown for people and companies where one can live, work, play, shop and learn.” Its building blocks include health care, community governance, religious opportunity, education, jobs within the community, transportation and mobility, visual and

performing arts, a range of housing opportunities, competitive sports, respect for the natural environment, a relationship of trust with regulatory agencies and the active participation by individuals and companies who choose to locate here and contribute to community quality.

First let’s explore respect for the natural environment and the role it plays in community building. Future articles will cover other building blocks.

When the first home buyers, proudly known as “the pioneers,” came to The Woodlands late in 1974, they found the beginnings of a new town that seemed very different from other real estate developments in the Houston area. Certainly the plan had the usual streets, thoroughfares, houses and shopping areas. The difference was how all those elements fit together. The Woodlands’

Woodlands Parkway

designers showed a respect for the environment and social interaction for residents not seen before.

The most striking feature of The Woodlands came about because of the decision to preserve the forest and make its name more than just real estate hype. From the very first, planners set aside 25 percent of the total land area (the HUD agreement required 23 percent) and declared it off limits for building. These lakes, golf courses, forest preserves, parks and natural wooded buffers between manmade developments gave The Woodlands a very different look than the typical suburban development.

Among the original consultants hired by George Mitchell was famed ecologist, landscape architect and urban planner Ian McHarg, chairman of the University of Pennsylvania’s Department

Early Woodlands Parkway

In 1973, construction of The Woodlands Parkway illustrates the early commitment to establishing forest preserves and wooded medians along major thoroughfares.

Ian McHarg, pictured left, chairman of the University of Pennsylvania Department of Landscape and Regional Planning and author of the seminal Design With Nature, was selected as environmental consultant for George Mitchell’s planning team. McHarg had significant influence on the preservation and integration of natural resources into the development guidelines for The Woodlands.

Pictures courtesy of The Woodlands Operating Company, LP/Ted Washington

of Landscape and Regional Planning. He had a huge impact on Mitchell’s vision for The Woodlands. His book, Design With Nature, was considered by many as the best blueprint around for designing new communities with the least impact on the natural landscape. McHarg was, to put it lightly, not beloved among many developers. In his book he railed that developers often put profit before nature. In person, the Scottish-born McHarg, with his tweed jackets and bushy mustache, could be intimidating. He was known for his often flowing pronouncements on the perfidy of man against nature.

Despite his views, or perhaps because of them, Mitchell liked McHarg, and that was what counted. The same could not be said of all the members of The Woodlands team. They had looked, with some trepidation, at other parts of his book where he described developers like themselves as people whose ethos “sustains the slumlord and the land rapist, the polluters of rivers and the atmosphere.” But they, and especially Mitchell, saw that heeding McHarg would offer pluses as well as minuses. They believed that by preserving much of the natural forest and underbrush that covered the land, they could use its existence as a tremendous selling point. In 1975, McHarg told a reporter for The Washington Post, “In The Woodlands they found they could love profits and trees at the same time.”

While McHarg’s concept of “saving trees and understory” and Mitchell’s

support of that plan had a profoundly positive impact on market acceptance, other parts of his environmental plan were modified or discarded. For example, McHarg conceived a network of pedestrian paths constructed of wood chips. Instead, when built they were paved with concrete or asphalt, which proved to be more durable for walking and jogging. The natural drainage system as envisioned by McHarg was modified to provide streets with curbs and guttering rather than an open ditch drainage within residential

street trees are planted along commercial corridors rather than preservation of a forest preserve, as has been done along major thoroughfares.

Additional environmental initiatives have been advanced by The Woodlands Development Company and community, including reduction in auto trips by organized car pools, van pools, park and ride facilities, walkable neighborhoods and jobs close to home. Curbside recycling is now commonplace. Shared parking reduces the number of paved lots.

Roger Galatas

Roger Galatas is the former president of The Woodlands Corporation and the author, with Jim Barlow, of the popular book, The Woodlands, The Inside Story of Creating a Better Hometown. For more information, please visit www.rgiwoodlands.com.

neighborhoods. Retention of rainwater within low spots on individual home sites was replaced with improved drainage to accommodate kids who wanted to use the yard for play and to minimize breeding spots for mosquitoes. The concept of porous paving within parking lots proved to be impractical at that time and was not pursued. The original idea of a multitude of small detention areas with check dams over much of The Woodlands was replaced instead with a lesser number of strategically located reservoirs with greater capacity to better control flooding. As Town Center has become more urbanized,

We have seen a common sense evolution of development practices to make The Woodlands a real hometown for people and companies while maintaining respect for the environment.

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The local climate can wreak havoc on lawns in The Woodlands. Winters are cold and wet, encouraging fungal and other infections, while summers can be hot and dry, desiccating roots and grass blades. Now, The Woodlands residents can learn all about lawns, from varieties that do well here, to proper methods of irrigating, fertilizing and caring for turf.

Important Notice: By submitting letters, photos and other materials to The Woodlands Community Magazine (TWCM) you agree that the materials submitted will become the property of TWCM and will not be returned. You also agree that TWCM, its assigns, and the publisher, have been granted the non-exclusive right to use and /or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. They may be submitted to The Woodlands Community Magazine, P.O. Box 7859, The Woodlands, TX, 77387-7859. For more information, please call 281-210-3800.

Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome.

Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as

Gardening 101, part of a free landscaping and gardening series presented by The Woodlands Township, will introduce residents to best practices in lawn care.

Whether attempting to establish a new lawn or trying to revive an existing one, residents can learn about water-wise methods for irrigating and droughtproofing their greenscapes. They can also glean easy and affordable ways to create healthy and lush lawns and which types of turf grasses grow best in our area. Appropriate varieties of lawn grass, proper irrigation techniques and good maintenance habits can provide beautiful, healthy and lush lawns as counterpoints for gardens.

The event, slated for Saturday, March 19, 2011, will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until noon. Noted experts in turf grass, irrigation techniques, fertilizing methods and grass care will speak. The workshop is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Please call 281-210-3900 to reserve a space.

Photo by Dawn Pando

KNOCKING ON WOOD WOODPECKERS

By Lucinda Valdes

From backyard visitors to reclusive endangered species, woodpeckers entertain and fascinate. Statewide ornithologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Cliff Shackelford, shares a close-up view of the iconic avian family at Knock on Wood: The Woodpeckers of Texas on Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. at McCullough Jr. High School.

Our community is situated on the western border of the Piney Woods, “a hotspot for woodpeckers,” according to Mr. Shackelford. “There is not just one, but eight different kinds of woodpeckers in the area; and at one time there were nine,” he noted, referring to the ivorybilled woodpecker, thought to be extinct.

He will recount the saga of the ivory-billed woodpecker that once roamed the forests of East Texas; and he will share the story of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker that brings birders worldwide to our area. Discover what makes the species unique and why it is endangered.

“It is amazing what they can do to wood without tools.”

Woodpeckers, even those at our backyard feeders, are intriguing creatures, said Mr. Shackelford. “It is amazing what they can do to wood without tools.” He cites woodpeckers’ unique anatomy and ability to defy the laws of gravity among their remarkable characteristics.

The next Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture presents an evening with Cliff Shackelford in the L.G.I. Lecture Hall at McCullough Jr. High, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive. With beautiful photography and sounds of the birds, the ornithologist will reveal the eight species of woodpeckers that live in The Woodlands.

Guaranteed to appeal to all ages and levels of interest in nature, the event is a free program of The Woodlands Township sponsored by Waste Management, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Hilton Garden Inn and The Pineywoods Nursery. For more information, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3900 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Photo by Dawn Pando