March 2013

Saturday, March 23

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location:

Lone Star College-Montgomery

Learn eco - friendly tips that can help bring balance to your backyardand your life.

Trees, Plants, Water, & Wildlife

Don’t forget your kids! They won’t want to miss the Family Adventure Zone, where they can jump in a kayak, climb a rock wall, or get their picture made with Smokey Bear!

http://expo.tamu.edu

27 When the Contents are Gone, Let the Carton Live On

MONtHLy

6 Calendar of events

3 Volunteers

6 The Township Recognizes Volunteers at Town hall meeting

0 Clean up and Celebrate!

2 The sixth anniversary of the muddy Trails Bash

4 Where have all the hummingbirds gone?

22 tips and News about Home Burglar alarms

24

25 active

26 summer employment

28 arts in the Park

29 a Cameo for silverbell

30 spring Break at riva row Boat House

8 the Woodlands Village News

on the Cover

a rainbow appears in the sky over t he Woodlands township, signifying spring weather, some of the most beautiful weather of the year in t he Woodlands. It’s a great time to get outside and enjoy the programs the township offers, including earth Day Greenup, Concert in the Park and the Muddy trails Bash, all of which can be found in this issue.

Cover photo by Susan Schneider

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

The Woodlands ToWnship 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

main line

All Offices and Departments 28-20-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and environmental services 8203 Millennium Forest, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center

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

oTher service providers

The Woodlands Joint Powers agency (Water) 281-367-1271

montgomery County sheriff’s office 281-297-6500 936-442-7797

harris County sheriff’s office 713-221-6000

montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

emergency 9

VolunTeeRs

Volunteers. t

hey are the heart and soul of our community. t he Woodlands is incredibly fortunate to have so many residents who are willing to sacrifice thousands of hours of their time to make our hometown vital, sustainable and secure.

Often their work goes unnoticed, and maybe even unappreciated. Volunteers seldom make headlines, and they certainly do not get compensated for their time and efforts. For t he Woodlands township, volunteers are priceless, and without them, the township would not run as effectively as it does today.

at the recent town Hall meeting, t he Woodlands township honored five Volunteers of the year and about 200 volunteers who donate their time and energy doing a wide-range of important functions throughout t he Woodlands. t he honorees served on different village associations, councils and committees, but the one thing that was the same was their commitment to community. Please see pages 6 and 7 to read about our honored volunteers from the 2013 town Hall Meeting and Volunteer recognition.

a s spring approaches, there are many ways to become involved in t he Woodlands. t here are other volunteer opportunities throughout this magazine, including t he Woodlands earth Day Greenup and the Muddy trails Bash. t he Woodlands township Web site also has a page devoted exclusively to its programs and events that rely on volunteers.

Gordy Bunch

Position No. 1 Treasurer

Don Norrell President and General Manager

Mike Bass

Position No. 2 Director

Jeff Long Position No. 3 Director

Nelda Blair Position No. 5 Director

Bruce Tough

Position No. 7 Chairman

Peggy Hausman

Position No. 6 Vice Chairman

Ed Robb Position No. 4 Secretary

The Woodlands

C ommuni T y 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.

Cham P ions sTa FF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr. account executives

Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Creative director Lori Short graphic designers

Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

T o W nshi P sTa FF director of Community Relations Nick Wolda editor

Mary Connell

assistant editor Elena Smith

Copy editor

Susan Schneider editorial assistant

Terri Jefferies

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.

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

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently held a special Town Hall Meeting and Volunteer Recognition at The Woodlands Township Town Hall. About 75 people came to hear the presentations on the Township’s 2012 Summary of Accomplishments, recognition of volunteers and public discussion.

Volunteers

theTownship recognizes at town hall meeting

By elena smith

Woodlands township honored five residents of t he Woodlands as Volunteers of the year for their outstanding volunteerism to the township:

John Bell was honored for his dedication to Neighborhood services. Mr. Bell is a strong advocate of t he Woodlands Watch and often shares crime safety tips he learns with his neighbors.

chris Florack was recognized for his outstanding volunteer work in Covenant administration. He was honored for his years of service to the Development standards Committee.

steve and Judy easton were honored together as the environmental services volunteers of the year. t hey have helped with environmental programs including adopt-a-Path, 3r Bazaar and earth Day Greenup.

Kristine Marlow was recognized for her outstanding volunteer work in Parks and recreation. Ms. Marlow was honored for her work with the 255-member t he Woodlands Waves swim team.

t he township also honored many volunteers who graciously donated their time in 2012 to help various township functions, programs and events.

• t he Woodlands Community emergency response team (Cert) Committee acts as liaison between Cert graduates and t he Woodlands Fire Department. t hey help plan Cert classes, recruit new Cert members and participate in local events.

• t he Development standards Committee members are appointed by t he Woodlands township and t he Woodlands Land Development Company. t he committee is responsible for adopting rules and regulations regarding the administration, interpretation and enforcement of t he Woodlands Covenants, restrictions, easements, Charges and Liens.

• t he Law enforcement advisory Council members provide valuable

input and serve as a public sounding board for programs involving law enforcement initiatives in t he Woodlands township.

• t he Parks and recreation advisory Council members serve as a public sounding board for programs, activities, policies and new initiatives of the Parks and recreation Department.

• t he residential Design review Committee members are communityelected representatives who review requests for improvements to residential properties in each village in order to protect the aesthetic character of the residential areas in t he Woodlands. each village has its own committee.

• t he Village associations are grassroots organizations that provide civic and social opportunities for residents. t hey are separate and independent from t he Woodlands township. Village association volunteers are community-

elected representatives who meet regularly to discuss community and village issues, gain village input and plan village programs and events.

• appointed to their duties by the township Board of Directors, t he Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Board of Directors meets six times a year to position t he Woodlands as a regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized tourist

destination. t hey develop quality marketing programs and events to attract visitors and to stimulate economic development and growth.

• appointed to their duties by the CVB Board of Directors, the CVB Marketing Committee meets six times a year to address opportunities and strategies for producing and creating the CVB’s destination marketing programs and events.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors honored five Volunteers of the Year at its Volunteer Recognition and Town Hall Meeting on January 23, 2013. From left, Chairman Bruce Tough, Peggy S. Hausman, Gordy Bunch, Chris Florack (covenant administration volunteer), Ed Robb, Kristine Marlow (parks and recreation volunteer), Mike

services volunteer), Steve Easton

and

During the town Hall Meeting, t he Woodlands township President Don Norrell presented a look back at 2012, including discussion of economic conditions, new home sales, business development, sales tax and hotel occupancy tax.

substantial accomplishments of the township in 2012 included:

• Completion of the 2012 budget and five-year plan

• a pre-budget board planning process

• a lower property tax rate

• High ratings for services from residents

• Conclusion of governance planning project

• Improved solid waste and recycling services

• Budget changes in town Center operations and maintenance / restructuring of a mbassador program

• sports fields enhancements

• sports fields development

• Change from May to November Board elections

• transportation / mobility

• Law enforcement funding increase

• Construction of Creekside Park and Indian spring fire stations

• Central Fire station reconstruction

• approved additional firefighters and dispatchers

• Drought tree removal and reforestation

• sawmill Park renovation

For more information on all of these items, please visit t he Woodlands township Web site, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, under about us to view the 2012 summary of accomplishments.

Bass, Judy Easton (environmental

(environmental services volunteer), Jeff Long, John Bell (neighborhood services volunteer)

Nelda Luce Blair. Photo by Susan Schneider

Ed Commender

Lou DePadova

D

Deborah S argeant, Chair

Robert Heineman, V Chair

The Woodlands Township Recognized Volunteers

Joe Hakkinen

Chad Jolley

Ken Ander son

Chris Florack

L AW E N F O R C E M E N T A D V I S O R Y C O U N C I L

Mike Bakewell

Tom C ampbell

Richard Derr

Anthony Fasone

PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N A D V I S O R Y C O U N C I L

Mike Bass

Gail C arney

Merle C ausey

Bruce Cunningham

Anthony Fasone

Claude Hunter

Brian L aing

Paul L ancaster

C ar ter Miller

Kim Hess

Herman Weindel

David Kac z ynski

Amy Lecocq

Dan Lewis

Dan Kolkhor st

Nick Norris

R E S I D E N T I A L D E S IG N R E V I E W C OMM I T T E E S

Alden Bridge Chair

Peg g y Gar tman, V. Chair

Gregor y Bakalich

Robin C assidy

John Passero

Cochran’s Crossing

Clarence Wallace, Chair

James Goldmeyer, V Chair

Mark Bacon

Gerard Raap

Steven T idwell

College Park

Roger W McDonald, Chair

Brent Foster, V. Chair

Gail C arney

Barbara Jar vis

Wayne Mulkey

Creek side Park

Michael Ramsey, Chair

Jennifer Mares, V Chair

S ally Epton

David Kac y znski

Susan Tedesco

V I L L A G E A S S O C I AT I O N S

Alden Bridge

Steve Leakey, President V.

President

Darla Bell, Secretar y

Melanie Bush, Treasurer

Nasim Bell

Mar yann Braid

John Brown

Claude Hunter

L aurie Rick s

Kendrick Skipper

Angela Speight

T heresa Wagaman

Dale Wood

Dr Adele Yung

Cochran’s Crossing

Stuar t Schroeder, President

Brian Creighton, V President

Gar y Conwell, Secretar y

Jim Goldmeyer, Treasurer

Paul Brown

Charlie Fray

Board of Direc tor s:

Nelda Luce Blair, Chair

Gordy Bunch, V Chair

Peggy S Hausman, Treasurer

Mark Gjovik

Dave Jesiolowski

Cynthia Kessinger

Bill Mara

Jerr y Orebaugh

L arr y Perr y

Paul Perr y

Stephen Perr y

Lori Riley

Desmond Stapleton

Patricia Stapleton

Steven T idwell

Susan T insley

Clarence “C W ” Wallace

College Park

Ted Stanley, President V President

Cori Singletar y, Secretar y

Steven Reinmund, Treasurer

Gail C arney

John Cer vantes

L arr y Faith

Mike L ar son

Fred Domenick

Karen Hoylman

Greg Par sons

Don Norrell

LouAnn Montana

Mike T homson

Danie van Log gerenberg

Ed Robb

Ted Stanley

George Van Horn

Steve Perr y

Ken S chumann

Susan Tedesco

Grogan’s Mill

V ince Fredrick, Chair

V. Chair

Rex D C ampbell

Rober t H Leilich

John Zimmerman

Indian Springs - The

Woodlands Communit y

Mar y C arl, Chair

Cheryl Edmondson, V Chair

Steven Gallia

David Mulberr y

Janet Reinmund

Johanne Stanley

Creek side Park

Nancy Decker Lent, President

Nanc y Becker, V President

Michael C asey, Secretar y

Michael Ramsey, Treasurer

Sue Tedesco, Events Chair

Nicole Coulton

S ally Epton

David Kac z ynski

Grogan’s Mill

Jim Duke, President V President

L achelle Gentr y, Secretar y

Bob Leilich, Treasurer

S ara Bissig

Bruce Cunningham

V irginia Dellinger

Dana Denton

Mit zi Frederick

Patricia Goodpastor

Indian Springs - The Chair

Shanna Davis, V Chair

Ken S chumann Panther Creek

C armen Mulraney, Chair

Susan Pennock, V Chair

Barby C arroll

Franklin R Palmer

Deborah S argeant

Jennifer Steil

George Van Horn

Indian Springs

Amy Lecocq, President

Kelly Sharer, V President Secretar y

Ken S chumann, Treasurer

Michael Arendes

Shanna Davis

Michael Luman

Barbara Mevawala

Terr y Reiszner

Eric Thomas

Veronic a Williams

Kat y Zukis

Panther Creek President

Dan Lewis, V President

Damon Palermo, Secretar y

Kimber Lewis, Treasurer

Greg Par sons

Nelda Luce Blair

T ink Horning

Sheron Jones

Clarence Wallace

Eric T homas

Dr Adele Yung

Douglas O w yang

Jay Mac Sander s

Sterling Ridge

M Kimberli Vest, Chair

George Newman, V Chair

Barbara Hodges

Jaydean Tullos

George Ushiroda

Mar y Boot z

Barby C arroll

Geneva C arroll

Merle C ausey

Jennifer Ferrara

Paul Gebolys

Dewey Lock wood

Har tley Mackintosh

Jay Mac Sander s

Sterling Ridge

Phillip Givens, President

Anthony Fasone, V President

Feyi Bassir, Secretar y

Jim Holt, Treasurer

Bob Earl

Mazen El Z arka

Tabitha Lenox

Eddie Valverde

Sue Young

Gene S atern

Jenny Taylor

Susan Vreeland -Wendt

& Our Earth Day GreenUp Tradition Clean uP CeleBRaTe!

By Lucinda Valdes

Quickly

becoming a township tradition, t he Woodlands earth Day Greenup celebrates the Great American Cleanup on saturday, March 23, 2013, for the third year! t he event once again brings the community together in a united effort to keep t he Woodlands beautiful by targeting litter. a n additional focus this year addresses illegal dumping of landscape debris in open space reserves.

rave reviews from past participants capture the spirit of the event. “t his event will only grow.” “Cleaning was fun, and it felt good to help.” “t his is what living in t he Woodlands is all about.”

Greenup 2013 invites you to enjoy the outdoors and meet neighbors by

joining a pick-up team, bagging waste out of place along pathways, greenbelts and creeks. Gloves, bags and maps will be provided during check-in at a designated park in each village.

“Last year, 48 different organizations, clubs, businesses and schools were actively involved on pickup day,” notes Kathie Herrick, adopta-Path coordinator for t he Woodlands township. “But you don’t have to be with an organized group to join the pick-up team. Individuals, families and neighbors are welcome.”

Following the cleanup, the entire community is invited to celebrate at Northshore Park with eco-entertainment, food and fun. National headlining band Vocal Trash brings a contagious energy to the earth Day stage. Combining music, choreography and comedy with recycled instruments, the eco-entertainers perform a mix of rock, oldies, swing and pop. Vocal Trash delivers a variety show of tight a cappella harmonies, industrial “stomp”-style drumming and awardwinning break dancing.

event volunteers will be treated to pizza and drinks; food tickets will be on

sale to the general public. Nature booths, free face painting, and popular kid’s activities from the ecology Carnival will make the day a family event. explore hoop dancing with yvonne Bohanon and the Houston spin stars and discover the new fitness craze.

new for 2013!

Brush Brigade

Recruit groups with energetic members, ages 16 and older

Target illegal dumping of landscape debris

Clean up one site per village Keep our forest healthy and safe Tools and orientation provided

a Great American Cleanup event, the Woodlands earth Day Greenup is coordinated by the Woodlands township and the Woodlands G.r.e.e.N. with support from the Woodlands Development Company, Waste Management, a mericas styrenics, H-e-B, the Woodlands Joint Powers agency, Hilton Garden Inn, BIO Landscape, Nature’s Way resources and Keep texas Beautiful.

Pre-register through Saturday, March 16, 2013, at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/greenup. Limited T-shirts available!

Check-in Saturday, March 23, 2013, 8 to 10 a.m. at one of nine locations throughout The Woodlands

greenup 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Celebrate 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Northshore Park. Free food for volunteers. Tickets are available for general public.

For more information, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/greenup or call 28-20-3800.

Alden Bridge: Alden Bridge Park; Cochran’s Crossing: Shadowbend Park; College Park: Harper’s Landing Park; College Park: Avalon Park NEW!; Creekside Park: Tupelo Park NEW!; Grogan’s Mill: Sawmill Park NEW!; Indian Springs: Falconwing Park; Panther Creek: Ridgewood Park; Sterling Ridge: Cranebrook Park.

Rick Loudermilk

The sixth anniversary of the Muddy Trails Bash offers something for everyone!

Saturday, April 6, 2013, 3 to 8 p.m.,

The Lodge in Rob Fleming Park, in the Village of Creekside Park, produced by The Woodlands Township.

Do you have the best crawfish recipe?

showcase your Cajun cuisine at the Muddy Bowl Cook-off! Compete for most unique recipe, best decorated tent, people’s choice award and the best Cajun dish. Last year’s event was a hit with 10 teams! For details or to sign up your team, call t he Woodlands township recreation Center at 281-210-3950.

Are you a runner?

runners of all ages can participate in either Little Muddy Kids’ Fun run, Muddy trails 5K and 10K trail races, or the 2K-9 Fun run for dog owners. t he races will kick off with the Little Muddy Kids’ Fun run at 3:30 p.m., followed by a usa track and Field-sanctioned 5K at 4 p.m., 10K at 4:15 p.m. and 2K-9 Fun run at 5 p.m. t he running events will wind through the beautiful trails of the 1,800-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve. Individual 5K and 10K awards will be presented for top female and male finishers, top female and male masters and the top three male and females in eight different age categories. all runners will receive an official race shirt and all participants will receive a signature Muddy trails finisher medal! to register, visit www.thewoodlandstownship–tx.gov/races or call 281-210-3800 for more information.

Do you like to have good ol’ family fun?

Muddy trails will have live Zydeco music and activities for the kids, along with crawfish and other post-race foods that will be provided to the racers; concessions will be available for friends, family and spectators.

VOLUNTEER and be a part of this event and your community! T-shirt and food included for all volunteers. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/volunteer to sign up today. E-mail volunteer@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov with any questions.

“I love the crawfish, the band and the hanging out atmosphere.”

“Awards for the kiddos!” “I love the course.”

By Lucinda Valdes

WHERE HAVE ALL THE HUMMINGBIRDS GONE?

Discover the variety of hummingbirds that visit our area and the habitat that attracts them.

Coordinator of a statewide monitoring program for texas Parks and Wildlife Department, texas Hummingbird roundup, Mark Klym shares the latest research about one of nature’s most captivating creatures at Where Have All the Hummingbirds Gone?, at 7:30 p.m. on t hursday, March 7, 2013, at McCullough Junior High school, 3800 s. Panther Creek Drive.

Mid-March is hummingbird time in southeast texas! sightings of the diminutive birds increase during northward migration from Central a merica across the Gulf of Mexico. Keen observers can expect to see five or six species in our area. If you are not spotting hummingbirds, habitat is the answer, says Mr. Klym. In the past, recommendations for luring

hummingbirds relied heavily on planting red tubular flowers. results of a 15-year study challenge traditional hummingbird gardening methods, Mr. Klym reveals. “Out of 10 species of hummingbirds, only two used typical hummingbird gardens.” a lthough flowers are still a top pick and feeders play a role, “it’s not just about nectar,” Mr. Klym says. to attract hummingbirds, he emphasizes “habitat, habitat, habitat!” shaded gardens are more attractive. Dense, rather than open landscapes provide more shelter. “ t he ruby-throated is not an urban bird; it is heavily adapted to trees,” he notes.

t he free program is presented by t he Woodlands township with sponsorship by t he Woodlands G.r e e .N., Waste Management and Hilton Garden Inn. For more information, call 281-210-3800.

rufous hummingbird

ruby-Throated hummingbird

Buff-Belled hummingbird

Below photos by Mark and Nancy Klym

Mark Klym

Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Your House

tuesday, March 19, 2013

7 p.m.

South regional County library 2101 lake robbins Drive

Much of the attention for “green” homes is focused on new construction – from innovative building materials and advanced architectural designs to high-tech gadgets and nextgeneration energy star appliances, these shiny new homes get all the attention. But what about the rest of us, living in homes that were built long before these practices became more common? What can we do to improve them? t here is hope! studies suggest that improving energy eff iciency of existing buildings can have a better overall life cycle impact than starting over. a nd it’s much less expensive! But there are also challenges and trade-offs to be considered.

ronald Keichline and his family recently began upgrades on their Woodlands home. ron will share his experiences, research, lessons learned, and the outcome of the many energy efficiency improvements they have accomplished. ron holds a Masters in environmental management from Duke university, and is the sustainability coordinator for a major international company.

t hese events are free to the public and are not sponsored or endorsed by Montgomery County Memorial Library system. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandsgreen.org.

Richard “Gordy”

Founder, President & CEO

Bunch

march

Friday, march 

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.

In the Spotlight Teen Talent Show

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

7 to 10 p.m.

281-210-3950

saturday, march 2

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

How to Have the Best Little Vegetable Garden in Texas 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

9 a.m. to noon

281-210-3800

FREE Compost Class

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

10 to 11 a.m.

281-210-3800

Live at Night

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6 to 8 p.m.

281-363-2447

Tuesday, march 5

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext 1731

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Wednesday, march 6

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, march 7

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Where Have All The Hummingbirds Gone?

McCullough Junior High School, L.G.I. Lecture Hall

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

saturday, march 9

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext 1731

Arts in the Park

Rob Fleming Park 2 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Live at Night

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place 6 to 8 p.m. 281-363-2447

sunday, march 0

Concert in the Park Buck Yeager Band (Country) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Photo by John Hibbs

Tuesday, march 2

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext 1731

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Thursday, march 4

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Friday, march 5

Bloodborne Pathogens Class

Emergency Training Center

9 to 11 a.m.

281-210-5820 ext 1731

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 6

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to noon

281-210-5820 ext 1731

First Aid Class

Emergency Training Center

Noon to 3:30 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext 1731

Live at Night Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6 to 8 p.m.

281-363-2447

sunday, march 7

St. Patrick’s Day

Concert in the Park Fidelity Maxx (Old School Funk)

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

monday, march 8

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 9

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext 1731

Wednesday, march 20

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, march 2

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

9 a.m.

281-210-3800

saturday, march 23

The Woodlands Spring Flea Market

Town Center Parking Garage

7 to 10 a.m. 281-210-3976

The Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp

See page 10 for schedule 281-210-3800

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Camp Ter-Ra-Mont, March 23-24

Terramont Park, 8500 Terramont Drive

2 p.m. to 9 a.m.

281-210-3950

Live at Night Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6 to 8 p.m. 281-363-2447

sunday, march 24

Concert in the Park

The Fab 5 (British Invasion) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

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

monday, march 25

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-5808

Tuesday, march 26

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext 1731

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3887

Wednesday, march 27

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 29

Township Offices Closed

saturday, march 30

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

www.grogansmillvillage.com

continued on page 20

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

t he spring Festival, our village’s biggest event of the year, is scheduled for saturday, March 30, 2013, 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. t he 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 Web site (see below) for the easter egg hunt time schedule.

Got the volunteer spirit? We need you to represent a lden Bridge at the spring Villages Flea Market on saturday, March 23, 2013, 7 to 10 a.m. at the town Center Parking Garage. a ll 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. t his is a morning event, so you’ll still have all afternoon for your own use, plus you get the first look at all the good stuff for sale!

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 12, 2013, at 7 p.m. at the township building, 2801 technology Forest Boulevard. a ll residents are invited to join us as we thank outgoing board members, welcome new members and recap the year.

Midnight on March 26, 2013, is the deadline for receipt of completed applications for a lden Bridge scholarships, so don’t let this opportunity pass. applications can be obtained from

school counselors or by visiting our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org, and clicking on the “scholarships” tab. a lden Bridge resident students going on to higher education in 2013 are eligible to apply, and we’ll award three $1,000 scholarships.

Please send your e-mail address to info@aldenbridge.org 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 a lden Bridge and t he Woodlands.

Submitted by Darla Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

With village elections in February, the Cochran’s Crossing Village a ssociation felt a review of activities over the past year would be of interest. cochran’s crossing village association activities 2012

January

awarded financial grants in the amount of $1,600 to 32 teachers in schools located within the village.

February

Initiated a village improvement committee to focus on areas of poor appearance within the village to bring before t he Woodlands township for resolution and repair.

March

Participated in the village cheer challenge for t he Woodlands Marathon, helped beautify the village at t he Woodlands Greenup and volunteered at the spring flea market.

April

Learned about future development plans at our a nnual Meeting from special speaker Buck Driggers of t he Woodlands Development Company.

June

Celebrated the arrival of summer with a

pool social at Bear Branch pool featuring the Kona Ice truck and enhanced by Barbara Cargill’s Wonders of t he Woodlands “critters.”

July

Participated in the south County Fourth of July parade.

September

Participated in t he Woodlands National Night Out kickoff at Northshore Park.

October

entertained several hundred people at our annual Fall Festival at shadow Bend Park and participated in t he Woodlands Wildflower Festival at rob Fleming Park.

November

Collected 14 boxes of plastic bottle caps with the generous support of Galatas elementary school at the annual 3r Bazaar.

December

Judged holiday lighting displays in the village and awarded winners for the best home and best neighborhood.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Hello to all, from the College Park Village a ssociation! Is everyone getting spring fever yet? It seems to be the time of year when we all start getting the urge to clean, reorganize and keep to our resolutions from the first of the year! March brings weather that encourages us all to get out with our families and participate in outside activities, festivals, picnics, etc. a lways watch out for the safety of our children playing after school and if you see them walking home from the bus.

College Park will have our spring Fling in april, so please watch our Web site and e-mails to you, if you have registered with us, to mark the date. We are always in need of volunteers for our

N EWS FR o M THE V illages o F T he W oodlands

e ven T s in you R nei G h B orhood

activities and we look forward, as always, to new faces at our monthly meetings to sign up to help and to bring new ideas!

Keep saving your corks and plastic bottle caps! Our village did extremely well last year in turning in a huge collection from your efforts of keeping recyclable corks and caps for College Park. Please keep corks and caps separate and as clean as possible, which makes for a much neater experience for those of us who have to handle them in November at the 3r Bazaar. It is amazing what we can all collect in a year’s time!

a s of this print, the College Park village had not voted at our monthly meeting about a location change for our monthly village meetings to be at t he Woodlands township office instead of the emergency training Center. Our meetings are always the third Monday of the month, and we ask that you check out our Web site for an update on a location change for future meetings.

t hank you to everyone in our village for making it an enjoyable place to live! We appreciate all of your support and help to one another as residents. Keep an eye out for each other’s property and any concerns you have regarding safety or issues; we encourage you to share at our monthly village meetings.

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Creekside Park

t he Village of Creekside Park’s Fourth a nnual Chili Cook Off and Winter Festival was another tremendous success! t he “Chilly” Chili 1-Mile Kids Fun run had more than 130 race participants between the ages of 4 and 12 years old. you were all WINN ers ! Many thanks to all of the sponsors, participants, volunteers, attendees, Interfaith of t he Woodlands and Interact of College Park High school that took part in the event. Nine chili teams arrived

in the early morning at rob Fleming Park to slice and dice ingredients and get their large pots of chili simmering. t hings got really interesting when Ice express arrived and blew 30,000 pounds of snow to create a giant snow sledding hill. Festivities officially kicked off at 1 p.m., and with the beautiful December texas weather we had more than 2,000 residents tasting chili samples, joining the kids crafts, face painting, and of course, endless trips up and down the sledding hill for the kids. t he People’s Choice vote for first place went to VooDoo Chili, led by Dr. ryan Comeaux.

If you haven’t already, please visit www.creeksideparkvillage.com to register for official village event and news alerts.

Submitted by Nancy Decker Lent

Panther Creek

March is a great time to get to know your Panther Creek Village a ssociation and more fully participate in the events and issues of our great community.

continued on page 21

a lden Brid G e

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! Web site www.aldenbridge.org

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

c ochran’s c rossin G

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.cochranscrossing.com

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

c olle G e park

The College Park Village Association (CPVA) usually 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 program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Ted Stanley at 936-321-5996.

c reekside 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 program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Nancy Decker Lent at 617-721-6939.

Gro G an’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! Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? Contact your program specialist at 281-210-3887 or Village Association

President Jim Duke at president@gmva.org.

i ndian s prin G s

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! Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com

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

pan T her c reek

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! Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

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

sT erlin G r id G e

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

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Phillip Givens at 281-419-9331.

C alenda R continued

saturday, march 30

Live at Night

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6 to 8 p.m. call 281-363-2447

upcoming events:

Tuesday, april 2

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting 6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Friday, april 5

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, april 6

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

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

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Muddy Trails Bash

Rob Fleming Park 6055 Creekside Forest Drive

3 to 8 p.m.

281-210-3800

Live at Night

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6 to 8 p.m.

281-363-2447

sunday, april 7

Concert in the Park

Swing Thing (Country Swing)

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

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

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

every resident is welcome to our Panther Creek Village a ssociation meetings. t hey are held the second t hursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the township building just off New trails at 2801 technology Forest Blvd.

t hank you to the voters who turned out to vote in the February election of Panther Creek Village a ssociation leaders and area representatives. t hey are chosen by you to serve you.

Our next big event is the very popular Flea Market that will be held on saturday, March 23, 2013, at the town Center Parking Garage. It opens for bargain hunters at 7 a.m. spaces to sell your items can be reserved by renting spaces. spaces go on sale at the Panther Creek shopping Center between r andall’s and Los Cucos Mexican restaurant on saturday, March 2, 2013, between noon and 4 p.m. a fter that, they will be available at the township building, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. Panther Creek residents are also needed to volunteer to help. Call Larry Faith at 281-681-0036 to find out how you can turn a couple hours of your saturday morning into great fun and an opportunity to help your community.

Later that day will be t he Woodlands earth Day Greenup where you can help keep t he Woodlands a beautiful place to live and play. see page 10 for more details.

By attending the monthly Panther Creek Village a ssociation meetings you not only get access to a way to get your neighborhood concerns addressed and questions answered, but you also get valuable information about what is happening around you. recent meetings included presentations by the san Jacinto r iver authority and the Montgomery County sheriff’s Office.

New regulations on lawn irrigation and fence installation are going into effect so watch this magazine for details.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Tips and news abouT home burglar alarms

By Holly steinke

Whetheryou just moved in or have lived in the same house for 25 years, do you know how to use your home burglar alarm? If the answer is yes, pat yourself on the back and keep reading! If the answer is no, then contact your alarm company after you finish reading! your alarm company should be able to provide you repairs, adding glass breakage sensors or just give you a re-training of your equipment.

a larms alert law enforcement to potential crimes in progress, so be sure to set your alarm, even when you’ll only be away for a short time. Make sure that your alarm company has your current contact information.

False alarms take up deputies’ time needlessly, so please do make sure that your alarm is in good working order and that you don’t set off your alarm accidentally. Be sure that all family members know how to use your alarm. If someone accidentally triggers your alarm, be sure you know how to contact

your alarm company and provide them with the password to cancel the alarm, when possible. If you have an alarm, you are required to have an alarm permit through your county or face a possible Class C misdemeanor citation and fine. Both Montgomery County and Harris County have recently updated their alarm information.

For Montgomery county:

• t he Montgomery county a larm detail is now under the Montgomery county sheriff’s office ; their new address is 1 Criminal Justice Dr., Conroe, texas, 77301 and their new phone number is 936-760-5830.

• Permit application and fee is now required the first year; first year fee is pro-rated (see their Web site).

• a nnual permit renewal fee is increased to $20/year.

• Mail legible permit applications with payments to Montgomery County a larm Detail, p.o. Box 2178, conroe, Texas, 77305.

• a fter the fifth false alarm, the homeowner will be billed $75 for each false alarm.

• Visit www.mocosheriff.com/dyncat. cfm?catid=4995 for the most up to date information.

For harris county (for the village of creekside park):

• t hey may be reached at 713-755-4600.

• a fter the third false alarm, the homeowner will be billed $75 for each false alarm.

• Permits are now required for fire alarms as well.

• Visit www.hcso.hctx.net/documents/ 20130108_ a Lar M%20Per MI t a PPLICat ION_u PDate .pdf for the most up to date information. For more safety tips or to start a Woodlands Watch program in your neighborhood, please contact t he Woodlands township at 281-210-3800, neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or visit the township’s web site at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

“It was a beautiful run through the woods.”

Muddy Trails Bash

“CB&I TRI is a model of how a sprint triathlon should be put together. My favorite race in the Houston area.”

“Just a great vibe, lots of energy, lots of fun.”

“This is what we have been looking for in team sports. Good positive people who care about kids, not scores.”

Cas Frost, Clear Lake

“FFPS lives up to its name. FFPS has the right philosophy.”

Phil Bradshaw, The Woodlands

“This was my son’s first season and he is deaf. FFPS not only taught him soccer, but accepted him for who he is.”

Tiffany Quick, Cy-Fair

THE PET SPoT Protect Against Heartworms All Year in the Lone Star State

Many newcomers to our state may not be aware that pets need heartworm prevention medicine every month in texas. Veterinarians in cooler parts of the country only prescribe heartworm medicine during the summer months, but in texas, a monthly dose should be given all year long. rainy winters and lack of sustained freezing temperatures ensure that mosquitoes, which spread heartworms through their bites, are not just a seasonal problem. Our canine companions are not the only ones that should get heartworm medicine. Cats also need protection because there is not an approved feline heartworm treatment, and complications are more serious once infected. If you have not been giving your pet heartworm prevention all year, please talk to your vet. your best friend will thank you. For more information, visit www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm.html sprinG Bark 2013: northshore park, april 13, 2013, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A message from the Lone Star Animal Welfare League, www.lsawl.org

* 4-year-olds must turn 5

Practices - One Practice Per Week Coaches will call players to schedule first practice by April 10 at the latest. Practice times and location determined by the coach and team. One practice per week. Visit FFPS.org for more practice information.

All Games Played at Woodlands High - 9th Grade

2

Woodlands High School - 9th Grade located at Woodlands Pkwy. and Branch Crossing.

Teams

Team formations are always fair and balanced by ability, size, age and grade. Only ONE friend request allowed per player. Visit www.ffps.org for more information. FFPS is a parent involved program. Coaching is rewarding, easy, and fun in FFPS, too!

One

march 0

Buck Yeager Band (Texas Country)

Come to The Woodlands Township tent for great prizes and other fun activities for all ages.

march 7

Fidelity Maxx (Old School Funk)

Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt –Hunt for all things GREEN at the sensational St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt! 6 – 6:30 p.m. for ages 5-10.

march 24

The Fab 5 (British Invasion)

Easter Egg Hunt – Don’t forget your camera for photos with the Easter Bunny at 5 p.m. for ages up to 12.

april 7

Swing Thing (Country Swing)

april 4

Alter Ego (Classic Rock/Variety)

april 2

Mood indigo (Jazz–Earth Day style!)

april 28

Little Queen (Variety)

SuNDAYS, 5:30 To 7:30 P.M.

Spring 2013

FRee ConCeRT seRies

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

Presented by Stage Sponsor

Active on the Pathways!

adopt-a-path stewards have spring in Their steps

alden BRidge: Cub Scout Pack 772 Dens 1, 5 and 18, Cub Scout Pack 886, Cub Scout Pack 889, Shaffer Family, Steve and Judy Easton, Weaver Family

CoChR an’s CRossing: Boy Scout Troop 772, Cochran’s Crossing Crew, Creighton Family, Girl Scout Troop 11351, Kimmel Family, Robert and Nancy Rodd, Roger Howard, Thomas Family, The Woodlands

G.R.E.E.N., TWHS Science National Honor Society, Woodlands

Landscaping, Wyatt Hall for Woodlands Christian Academy

College PaRK: Bay Chapel Ct Bandits, Sohn-Yim Family

CReeKside FoResT: Signature Services Realty

indian sPRings: Andra Wilcox & Richard Nieto III, Lundgren Family, Woodlands India Association

PanTheR CReeK: Grimes-Hanlin Family, Rowing Club of The Woodlands also in Town Center, TW College Park Reveliers also in Cochran’s Crossing

sTeRling Ridge: Bell Family, Brassard Family, Charles and Donna Moseley, Girl Scouts of Deretchin K-6, Madden Family. Slocum Family, Stockhausen Family

ReseaRCh FoResT: HARC

www.woodlandswellness.com

Adopt-a-Path stewards who filed an activity report Sept-Dec 2012 35 groups

+ 432 volunteer hours

+ 2,492 gallons of trash

1,510 pounds (per Keep America

Beautiful one 33-gallon bag is estimated to weigh 20 pounds)

12.3 cubic yards of trash

(1 cubic yard=202 gallons)

Thank you, Charles and Donna Moseley who have been monitoring their pathway and reporting each month for more than five years!

E MPL o YMENT oPP o RT u NITIES

theWoodlands township is accepting applications for 2013 summer seasonal positions in the Parks and recreation Department. available positions are lifeguards from $8.25/hour, swim coaches from $8.50/hour and water safety instructors from $10.25/hour. training classes for positions will be provided at a reduced rate to successful candidates. aquatic recreation specialist, from $13/hour (april through mid-July), will oversee swim team practices and meets, as well as overseeing other programs.

summer Camp Counselors, (must be age 18 or older) from $9.50/hour, 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 a ide, from $7.25/hour (april through July), will process new and renewal membership pool pass applications for t he Woodlands neighborhood pools. experience should include previous cash handling, report reconciliation, heavy customer service and basic computer

skills with heavy data entry. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include days, evenings and weekends.

a ll 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 complete an extensive background check.

applications may be obtained at any of the township locations: 2801 technoloy Forest Blvd., 8203 Millennium Forest Drive or 5310 research Forest Drive, 77381.

when the contents are gone,

Let the Carton Live On

Recycling cartons is easy! When the contents are gone, just remove cap and straw, rinse the carton and toss into your recycling cart—no sorting or bagging.

Milk, juice, soup and wine cartons are now collected in your curbside recycling cart! Made from high-quality paper, cartons have a useful life after the last drops of milk, juice, and soup are consumed.

What is a carton? also called aseptic containers, cartons are a type of paperboard packaging for food and beverages. t hin layers of polyethylene and/ or aluminum provide an oxygen and moisture barrier to keep foods fresh. t he cartons are found on shelves or in the refrigerated section of grocery stores. some product types are as follows. Shelf-stable cartons: juice, milk, soy, almond, oat and other specialty milks; soup and broth; wine. Refrigerated cartons: milk, juice, cream, egg substitutes.

When the contents are gone, let the carton live on through recycling. today’s beverage carton could be tomorrow’s building material, tissue, paper towel or other recycled paper products. to learn more about cartons and how they are recycled, visit www.recyclecartons.org. For the latest news on recycling in t he Woodlands township, including the full range of items accepted in your recycling cart, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/recycling or call 281-210-3800.

 

      

     

  

By Lucinda Valdes

Produced by

Saturday, March 9, 2013, 2 to 6 p.m., Rob Fleming Park in Creekside Park Arts, entertainment and family fun in your own backyard

arts in the Park is entering its fifth year in t he Woodlands with free, fun entertainment including local theatre and community group performances and a kid zone where kids can explore their creative side! Local artisans will exhibit their handmade art including woodwork, painting, crafts, jewelry, kids clothing and more. attendees can purchase original work produced by these local artists. Concessions are also available. special in March, a free tumbler cup for the first 250 visitors to t he Woodlands township tent at the event! Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800 for more information.

Sponsored by

Cameo for Silverbell

every spring, drama unfolds in the deciduous forest; the transformation literally takes place from the ground up. Casual observers may first note the “greening” as the flowering trees in the understory take center stage. During most of the growing season copious sunlight is rare beneath the tree canopy but not so in late winter and early spring. Because sunlight promotes flowering, the plants of the forest floor and the understory trees are adapted to take advantage of this window. It is the first place to seek signs of spring.

Flowering dogwood, parsley hawthorn or eastern redbud trees are the better-known spring harbingers. a nother

showy native worthy of consideration for this niche in our woodland landscapes is two-wing silverbell (Halesia diptera) It has few insect and disease problems and in the right place it is far less challenging to grow than dogwoods. When sited to receive morning sun year round, the small tree, under 20 feet, rewards the grower with abundant dangling blooms along its graceful spreading boughs. For maximum impact, mass several silverbells beneath the canopy. Preferring moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, this moderate to fast grower demands adequate mulching to thrive.

t he common name, silverbell, portrays the glistening bell-shaped, white

flowers that appear before or as the new leaves emerge in March. even though the blooming period is a brief two weeks, the tree provides interest in all seasons. each flower develops into a two-inch, twowinged fruit containing a single seed. t he persistent fruits continue to adorn the tree into winter.

Because understory trees draw attention to the mid-level forest they are, by definition, landscape accents. silverbell is no exception. More than bloom, its form, striated bark and distinctive, persistent fruit combine to make it appealing in all seasons. star this underutilized native in your landscape to herald spring!

Photo by April Proudfit

By Kathie Gilmore Herrick

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

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

Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information.

copyright: The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. by Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., 6608 FM 1960 West, Suite G, Houston Texas 77069. Copyright © 2013. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher or The Woodlands Township.

Come Home to the Best-Selling Community in Texas*.

Lennar Homes presents the Mackenzie, a two-story home in the neighborhood of Hearthshire in May Valley in The Woodlands’ Village of Sterling Ridge. Priced from $270,990, this home includes 2,774 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, study, dining room, three-and-a-half baths, rear covered patio and a two-car attached garage. For more information, visit The Woodlands Homefinder Center today.

Visit the 400-acre area of May Valley in The Woodlands’ Village of Sterling Ridge. May Valley features new homes by D.R. Horton, Lennar Homes and M/I Homes, priced from the $230’s – $390’s. A cluster of neighborhoods surrounds nine-acre May Valley Park where a “Pioneer-themed” sprayground, pavilion, playfield, playgrounds and lighted tennis and basketball courts provide plenty of family fun. Highly-rated Magnolia ISD schools, shopping, dining, parks and community pools are nearby. Everything you need for a happy family is right here in May Valley!