March 2017

THE

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

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

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

281-297-6500, Business, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 936-442-7797, Non-Emergency, 24 hours

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (Montgomery County MUDs) 855-H20-SAVE (855-426-7283)

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

Emergency 911

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

message from the woodlands township board of directors

Summary of Accomplishments

TheWoodlands Township concluded 2016 in excellent financial condition while maintaining the tax rate of 23 cents per $100 of property valuation, the lowest rate in the history of the community.

The 2016 Summary of Accomplishments was recently presented to the Township Board of Directors by the President/General Manager and can be found online at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/summaryofaccomplishments. The summary notes that the Township Board of Directors took a number of actions in 2016 to improve the Township’s overall financial condition and to assure the continuation of high-quality services:

• Developed and constructed a 21,000-square-foot shared use facility, as part of an agreement with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The new facility provides a permanent home for The Ice Rink from November through January each year.

• Completed construction of the Gosling Road Sports Field Complex in 2016, and the fields are now open for use.

• Completed turf improvements at Town Green Park. An under-grass grid and drainage system was installed to improve park use at this popular park.

• Awarded a contract for the renovation of Northshore Park, one of the community’s most popular parks. The estimated cost to complete the park portion of this project is approximately $1.45 million and includes major reconstruction or renovation of all facilities at the park. The renovation project started in November 2016 and is expected to be completed in late April 2017, with the exception of a turf renovation project slated for July 2017.

• Approved the 2017 budget, maintaining high-quality service levels, increasing public safety services, increasing community maintenance and creating a plan to reduce long-term debt.

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

Gordy Bunch Chairman Position No. 1

Brian Boniface Director Position No. 2

John McMullan Vice Chairman Position No. 5

John Anthony Brown Director Position No. 3

Laura Fillault Secretary Position No. 6

Bruce Rieser Director Position No. 4

Ann Snyder Treasurer Position No. 7

Don Norrell President and General Manager

The Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives

Creative Director

Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Copy Editors

Perry Frank

Jasmine Raziuddin

Editorial Assistant Amber George

Social Media

Ashley Gravois

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

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

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

At Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, we ’ re bringing exper t pediatric care closer than ever before.

Outpatient ser vices are now open, with inpatient care and the Emergency Center opening April 2017. From asthma and allergies to spor ts medicine and speech therapy, we ’ re ready to ser ve you with more than 20 highly sought-after specialty clinics. Call today to make an appointment and enjoy the convenience of world-class pediatric care, right in your neck of the woods.

For more information, call 936-267-5000 or visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands.

The Township

By Jasmine Raziuddin

Honors Volunteers

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently honored more than 200 volunteers.

The Township Chairman of the Board of Directors Gordy Bunch stated, “We are truly fortunate to live in such a special community. Of the many things that make The Woodlands such a wonderful place to live are the residents who go above and beyond to improve our community. This includes the residents who regularly serve selflessly to enhance the quality of life for all of us. And for these people, we are truly grateful.”

Members of CERT: The Woodlands Community Emergency Response Team Committee, the Development Standards Committee, the Law Enforcement Advisory Council, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, the Residential Design Review Committees, The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and Marketing Committee, and each of the eight Village Associations received recognition from the Township Board of Directors. Also included in the honors of the event were three Volunteerism awards, presented to recipients for their exceptional Spirit of Service in their community through their work with the Township.

Director Brian Boniface honored Jim Goldmeyer. Jim has been a volunteer for more than 11 years. He has served as chairman of the Cochran’s Crossing Residential Design Review Committee (RDRC) for two years and has previously served as vice chairman for most of his 11 years of service. He currently serves as Treasurer for the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association. Jim is a big proponent of efficiency within the RDRCs and focuses on customer service for the residents. He attends the joint session meetings where he has made recommendations toward shaping future processes, procedures and revisions to the standards. Jim is well respected throughout The Woodlands.

Director John Anthony Brown honored Anthony Fasone. Anthony, with many years of service as a director on The Woodlands Association, is the President of the Sterling Ridge Village Association. He is actively involved in both the Law Enforcement Advisory Council and Parks and Recreation Advisory Council. He has served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council for more than 10

years, during which he has provided thoughtful input on a variety of park renovation plans, business and operational planning documents and marketing plans. Always an advocate for The Woodlands and Sterling Ridge, Anthony provides feedback and constructive criticism to ensure programs, services and events continuously improve. Anthony serves the community with passion, dedication, creativity and thoughtfulness.

Vice Chairman John McMullan honored the 2016 Capstone Coordinators. For years, Capstone subdivisions have had a solid and successful Neighborhood Watch in their community, and 2016 was no exception. Christie Taillon took the lead to help organize the Neighborhood Watch Coordinators, and each coordinator played a part in an important role in keeping their community safe.

The Capstone Coordinators jumped at the opportunity to once again shine during their yearly National Night Out party and educate the children of their community on bike safety. On one of the hottest days of the year, July 24, 2016, after several meetings and much planning, the Capstone Coordinators helped put on one of the best National Night Out parties and Bike Rodeos in the history of the Neighborhood Watch program. With hundreds of residents in attendance, Capstone Coordinators shared the message of safety with their residents. This event could not have taken place without their hard work and dedication. They use Facebook, Next Door, emails and phone calls, to share information and keep a watchful eye on each of the streets in Capstone. Capstone Coordinators are treasured in The Woodlands.

The Township would like to thank all of the volunteers who help keep The Woodlands one of the best places to live, work and play.

Pictured, left to right, are Township Director Bruce Rieser, Vice Chairman John McMullan, Director John Anthony Brown, Chairman Gordy Bunch, award recipient Christie Taillon for the 2016 Capstone Coordinators, Director Brian Boniface, award recipient Jim Goldmeyer, award recipient Anthony Fasone, Treasurer Ann Snyder and Secretary Laura Fillault.

COMMUNIT Y EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM COMMIT TEE

Tom Brown

Ed C ommender

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS COMMIT TEE

Debor ah S ar geant, Chair

Rober t Heineman, Vice Chair

Ken Ander son

Chris Flor ack

L AW ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Mike Bakewell

Steve B ouck

Tom Chumbley

YOU FOR YOUR SPIRIT OF SERVICE IN 2016

THANK

L ou Ann Mont ana Richie Spurlo ck

Kim Hes s

Walter L isiewski

Richard D err

Anthony Fasone

L aur a Fillault

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

Charles Abell

Mar yann Br aid

John Anthony Brown

Gordy Bunch

Anthony Fasone

Tom Howard

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN REVIEW COMMIT TEES

Alden Bridge Chair

John Pas sero, Vice Chair

Claude Hunter

Pilar S anz- Roger s

Randy S chulze

C oc hran’s Crossing

Jim Goldmeyer, Chair

Ger ard Raap, Vice Chair

C arlene Mullins

John Truhe

C ollege Park

Roger McD onald, Chair

T heodore “ Ted ” St anley, Vice Chair

Barbar a Jar vis

Jake Miller

Michael “Mike ” L ar son

Creek side Park

Mike Ramsey, Chair

Jennifer Mares, Vice Chair

Charles Abell

Manfred B erret z

S ally Epton

Claude Hunter

Dewey Lo ck wood

Denise Judy

Dan Kolkhor s t Marcello L o Cicero

Grogan’s Mill

V ince Fredrick, Chair

Rex C ampbell, Vice Chair

Sharon D eMar sais,

Alana A shley

B ob L eilich

Indian Spring s - T WA

Rus sell Heinen, Chair

Shanna Davis, Vice Chair

Dawn Brubaker

Ken S chumann

THE WOODL ANDS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

B oard of D irec tor s

Gordy Bunch, Chair Vice Chair

Ann Snyder, Secretar y/ Treasurer

Fred D omenick

J J Hollie

D on Norrell

Greg Par sons

VILL AGE ASSOCIATIONS

Alden Bridge

Steve Leakey, President

Mar yann Br aid, V President

Darla B ell, Secretar y Treasurer

John A . Brown

L auren E sposito

Claude Hunter

Paul Phelps

John Rober t son

Greg Sherlo ck

Kendrick Skipper

Natalie Swanson

T heresa Wagaman

C arey Yeager

Adele Yung

C oc hran’s Crossing

Stuar t S chroeder, President

Brian Creighton, V President

Gar y C onwell, Secretar y

Jim Goldmeyer, Treasurer

Kathy Creighton

B everly Fennes s y

J C Har ville

Jo Anne Johnson

C ynthia Kes singer

Jennifer Kr aus

Z ack L owe

B en Perr y

Stephen Perr y

L ori Riley

Dabney Wisenbaker

C ollege Park

Ted St anley, President

Mike L ar son, V. President

Secretar y/Interim Treasurer

Dave Mulberr y, Treasurer

L arr y Faith, Former Area

Joel B arnes

Jake Miller

Ken Morris

Johanne St anley

Creek side Park

Nanc y B ecker, President

Sue Tedesco, V President

L indsay Germano, Secretar y

Mike Becker, Treasurer

C arolyn D onovan, Former Treasurer

Brian Lucero, Former

Treasurer

Danie van L og gerenber g

Steve Perr y L isa Pur tell Ted St anley

Steve Perr y Michael S aucier

Indian Spring s - WC A

Michael Kr avet z, Chair

Steven Gallia, Vice Chair

Panther Creek Vice Chair

Kenneth B ernt sen

T homas C os tello

Rennie van W yk

Kristen Hanlin

Ken S chumann

Kelly Sharer

Adele Yung

Sterling Ridge

Jaydean Tullos, Chair

Geor ge Newman, Vice Chair

Ron Harris

Mia Nguyen

Gene S atern

C atherine B ey t

Gordy Bunch

Suzanne Deliganis

Tor y Enriquez

S ally Epton, Event Chair

Charles Abell

Michael C asey

Rich Jacovac

Jerr y King

Wendy L ambie

Marcello L o Cicero

L isa Pur tell

Mike Ramsey

Kar a Richmond

Isaac S egovia S ar ah S egovia

Br andon Smith

Leanne Tarleton

Grogan’s Mill

Marie Br annen, President

Bruce Cunningham, V President

T homas Chumbley, Secretar y

B ob L eilich, Treasurer

S ar a Bis sig

V ir ginia Dellinger

Mit zi Fredrick

Jane Geor ges

Pat Goodpas tor

Johnny Hennigan

Tom Howard

Brien O ’D onal

Jody Ronzio

Mike Tabber t

John Yoar s

Jayson Garcia Noemi Gonzalez

T heresa Gr amalich

L orrie Parise

Indian Spring s

Mike Arendes, President

Kelly Sharer, V President

B everly Waller y, Secretar y

Ken S chumann, Treasurer

Erika B ondy

Tom Brown

Shanna Davis

Rus sell Heinen

Alan Neely

Michael S aucier

Richie Spurlo ck

Panther Creek President

Charles Meyer, V President

Denise Judy, Secretar y

Damon Palermo, Recording

Secretar y

Kimberly Lewis, Treasurer

Mar y B oot z

Kevin Currey

L arr y Faith

Richard Fr ank s

Paul Gebolys

Randall Kruchten

Dan L ewis

Jenny Taylor

Shannon Wilson

Walter L isiewski

Wesley Lo chridge

Dewey Lo ck wood

Har tley Mackintosh

Mindy Reynolds

Charlie Tunal

Synda Wilson

Stephanie Zer tuche

Sterling Ridge

Anthony Fasone, President

T im Hjor t, V President

Patrick Gr aham, Secretar y

Janean Germany, Treasurer

Feyi B as sir, Co - Event s Chair

Sue Young , Co - Event s Chair

Natalia Arjona

Butch A shman

T ippy C armody

Gar y Dempsey

June Kolesar

Klynda Shaw

Dan S ous a

Amy Wilkinson

By Lucinda Valdes

Green Starts Here Celebrate Our Beautiful Community

Traditionally focusing attention on individual actions that make a difference, Earth Day GreenUp brings the community together, Saturday, March 25, 2017, to keep The Woodlands beautiful by targeting litter on pathways, waterways and greenbelts.

The GreenUp invites you to take ownership of your space! Enjoy the outdoors and meet neighbors by joining a pickup team. Gloves, bags and maps will be provided during check-in at a designated park in each village. See the box for registration information.

Following the cleanup, the entire community is invited to celebrate in the spirit of Earth Day with food, fun and live music at Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive. The stage will feature the sweet sounds of homegrown talent, the Buck Yeager Band, playing “country music the way it should be.” Quickly emerging as one of Houston’s top acts, the Buck Yeager Band has thrilled audiences across Texas with their tremendous energy and ability to entertain all ages.

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

A Great American Cleanup event, Earth Day GreenUp is coordinated by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., with support from Waste Management, Woodlands Joint Powers Agency, H-E-B, The Woodlands® Development Company, Nature’s Way Resources and Keep Texas Beautiful.

• Five-Year Budget Plan

• Bear Branch Park Master Plan

• Cultural Arts Study

Chairman Gordy Bunch Presents Township Accomplishments

• Acquisition and renovation of YMCA Creekside Park Property

• Renovation of Northshore Park

• Legislative Planning

The Woodlands Township Chairman of the Board Gordy Bunch recently presented an overview of The Woodlands Township at The Woodlands Economic Outlook Conference, the largest business conference in our area.

The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce has produced the conference annually since 1987 bringing together nationally recognized speakers, roughly 800 business and community leaders, and corporate sponsors to gain insight and knowledge on the trajectory of our economy and ways to prepare for future growth.

Chairman Bunch owns one of the nation’s largest insurance agencies, The Woodlands Financial Group, and serves as a volunteer as Chairman of the Board for The Woodlands Township, the governing body for The Woodlands. In his presentation, Chairman Bunch highlighted The Woodlands Township’s strong business climate that produces strong revenues which help to lower the tax rate for residents and businesses. Additionally, The Woodlands Township has bond ratings of excellent investment quality (AA - Standard & Poor’s and A1 – Moody’s) as well as reducing debt while reserving funds for future preservation of The Woodlands.

Chairman Bunch talked about key points which contribute to the success of The Woodlands — an exceptional quality of life, first class amenities, a low tax rate, a vibrant economy and intentional investment. Throughout the presentation, Chairman Bunch illustrated how The Woodlands is a model community for the nation.

To see charts and illustrations used at the conference, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/eocpresentation.

Ladies, join us for a weekend of spiritual renewal as best-selling author and speaker Lisa Harper shares from her newest book, The Sacrament of Happy: What a Smiling God Brings to a Wounded World. Child care provided.

Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1

Harvest Worship Center | Cost: $40 per person Find more information and register at thewoodlandsumc.org/women

By Bob Dailey, WJPA

Children benefit in many ways by understanding the world beneath their feet.

“It’stime to mow the grass.” This was one of the most dreaded statements of my young life. Our acreand-a-half lawn loomed, a seemingly unending expanse of a green enemy that required regular haircuts. Even with a self-powered lawn mower, the process required several hours of sweaty, unfulfilling work. We never bagged the grass clippings. Instead, they lay where they fell. In a day or two, the clippings disappeared. Wondering where those clippings went never occurred to me. I was just glad that we didn’t have to empty heavy grass catchers.

The ground beneath the lawn was full of earthworms. Just throw a pan of soapy water on the lawn, wait a few minutes, and collect enough worms to catch a mess of perch from our pond. I didn’t make the connection between the earthworms, the lush green grass, and the disappearing grass clippings. Nor did we understand the part they played in the enormous ecosystem that lived under our very feet.

Charles Darwin, almost a century and a half ago, did understand. His book, “Earthworms,” published in 1881, was the result of years of study into these

seemingly insignificant creatures. In his manuscript he noted, “It may be doubted whether there are as many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world, as have these lowly organized creatures.” It wasn’t until I read this study that I realized that earthworms were the major reason that the grass clippings were disappearing. At night, they emerge from the earth and pull the clippings down into the soil, where they eat and digest them. The bacteria in the worms’ digestive tract breaks down and inoculates the material with beneficial bacteria. This then passes into the soil. The bacteria then join untold millions of other bacteria, protozoans, microscopic insects and fungi to convert the soil into a rich mélange, which in turn, provides nutrients to the grass (and other plants). Had I understood this process when I was mowing the lawn, the odious chore would have turned miraculously into an interesting and fulfilling science experiment. University research now confirms that children who understand this relationship develop important skills and healthy qualities.

Involving youngsters in the relationship between healthy soils and plants, including lawns, vegetable gardens and flower gardening, instills healthy qualities.

• Knowledge of this unseen world instills a real sense of accomplishment and responsible attitudes.

• Delving into the way plants and soil interact increases skills such as problem-solving and nurturing.

• Understanding this allows them to understand and accept delayed gratification, failure and success.

• The attitudes it instills helps them increase their abilities in science, art, reading and social studies.

• Involvement in these disciplines helps develop interaction between parents and children.

• It encourages the development of positive relationships.

• It expands their understanding of a work ethic.

• It might even encourage them to gripe less when they have to cut the grass or eat their vegetables.

Photo by Cliff Roe Photography.

The Woodlands Township Recreation Center’s Spring-Themed Activities

FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT

Amp up your egg hunt fun by hunting in the dark for Easter Eggs! Bring your flashlights, cameras and Easter baskets for an egg hunt to remember! Fee includes activities, egg hunt and a snack.

Ages:

Fee (per child): $15 Resident; $20 Non-Resident; $5 sibling discount

Friday, April 7 7:45 p.m. Terramont Park

Thursday, April 13

KAYAK EASTER EGG HUNT

Each adult/child kayaking team will take a trip down the Waterway on a search for Easter eggs! Riva Row Boat House rules apply to this program.

Ages: Any age child, must be accompanied by an adult in the kayak

Fee: $30 Resident pair; $35 Non-Resident pair

Saturday, April 8 9 a.m. Riva Row Boat house

BRUNCH WITH THE BUNNY

Come out to Rob Fleming and enjoy a family brunch, craft and egg hunt with the Easter Bunny ! Don’t forget your Easter basket and camera!

Ages: All Fee: $40 Resident family of four; $45 Non-Resident family of four, $8 per additional family member

Sunday, April 9 11 a.m. The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

Pre-registration is required, registration on event day not permitted unless space and supplies allow.

Please call 281-210-3950 to secure a spot!

TO DYE FOR – EGG DECORATING WITH A TWIST

Come out and color Easter eggs with special colors, glitter and more! Includes games, an egg hunt, and a visit from the bunny of course!

Ages: 4 and up Fee (per child):$20 Resident; $25 Non-Resident; $5 sibling discount

Sunday, April 9 3 p.m. The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

BUNNY BASH featuring A FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT

The whole family will have a great time with snacks, crafts, games, music and a flashlight egg hunt!

Ages:

Fee (per child):$20 Resident; $25 Non-Resident; $5 sibling discount

Sunday, April 9 7 p.m. Terramont Park

BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY

Rise and shine, the Easter Bunny has hidden all the eggs! Come out to Rob Fleming lodge, have some breakfast, do an Easter craft, and come find the eggs! Don’t forget your Easter Basket and camera!

Ages: All Fee: $40 Resident family of four; $45 Non-Resident family of four, $8 per additional family member

Friday, April 14 9 a.m. The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

LUNCH WITH THE BUNNY

Springtime is here and so is the Easter Bunny! Bring out the family for some lunch, crafts, and an egg hunt! Don’t forget to bring your camera and Easter basket!

Ages: All Fee: $40 Resident family of four; $45 Non-Resident family of four, $8 per additional family member

Friday, April 14 noon The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

SEASONAL Spruce-Up

Every season brings an opportunity for home/property maintenance. The Woodlands Township reminds you to:

• Remove mildew/algae from all exterior surfaces.

• Repair and repaint siding.*

• Repair and replace broken fences.*

• Mow and edge your lawn.

• Edge, weed and mulch landscape beds.

• Store trash and recycle carts out of sight.

• Remove all loose trash, debris and yard waste.

• Remove pine needles, leaves and debris from roof. Removal will improve the longevity of the roof, reduce fire hazard and discourage pests.

The Woodlands Township is charged with the care and enforcement of the standards and deed restrictions and keeps the residents’ best interests in mind when enforcing them. To learn more about the Covenants, Standards and Deed Restriction enforcement, please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/covenants, or call 281-210-3800.

Spring is a great time to edge, weed and add fresh mulch to make a yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood. Periodic power washing with plain water may help prevent mildew and algae buildup, reducing the need to clean with a bleach solution.

Suggestions for removing algae and mildew from your home:

• A solution of 10 parts water to one part common bleach (strength of mixture can be increased for removal of heavy growth). Be sure to wet foundation plantings first and rinse everything in clean water when done to protect plants from the bleach. Wear gloves and be careful not to come in contact with bleach. Please be aware that high concentrations of bleach may discolor your paint.

• Wipe or scrub with detergent and water.

• There are a number of cleaning products and suggestions for removing these substances from the exterior of the home that can be found and sold at your local home improvement store.

Prevention is always best! Periodic cleaning with a power washer containing water only may help prevent the problem altogether. Mildew removal may reveal the need to repaint your home. If so, be sure to take the appropriate actions.

Trash and recycle carts left out where others can see them:

• Detract from the appearance of the neighborhood.

• Decrease the resale value of homes on the street.

• Impose on the next-door neighbors.

All trash, refuse or recycling containers may be placed near the street edge no earlier than one day prior to waste collection. Emptied containers must be removed from the street, front yard or driveway by the end of the collection day. Containers must be stored on the owner’s property at all times. All trash and refuse containers must be stored out of public view at ground level from the street or alley or adjacent and surrounding properties at all times except during waste collection. Note: The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department can provide information on lawn care, irrigation practices, disease prevention and plant selection tailored to this region. Please call 281-210-3800 for more information. *Potential

March 2017

Wednesday, March 1

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, March 2

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

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

Alcohol and Drug Awareness

The Woodlands High School

6101 Research Forest Drive

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 281-210-3883

Friday, March 3

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Drive

7 p.m.

This event is geared to fifth- and sixth-graders; $7 admittance fee 281-210-3950

Saturday, March 4

The Woodlands Marathon

www.thewoodlandsmarathon.com

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

FREE Compost Class

8203 Millennium Forest Drive 10 to 11 a.m.

281-210-3800

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place 6 to 8 p.m. 281-210-3800

Tuesday, March 7

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

Lone Star College –Creekside Center

8747 West New Harmony Trail

7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Thursday, March 9

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture

Foraging in the Forest McCullough Junior High School 3800 Panther Creek Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

See page 25.

Friday, March 10

Kids Night Out

The Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Drive 6 to 10 p.m.

Ages 4 to 10; $30 per child with sibling discount 281-210-3950

Saturday, March 11

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

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

www.grogansmillvillage.com

11 and Over Tennis Tournament Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Drive Noon to 5 p.m. 281-210-3950

Sunday, March 12

Lake Woodlands Scavenger Hunt Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All ages welcome; $25 solo, $30 tandem kayak 281-210-3965

Monday, March 13

Sunny Dayz Drop-in Camps

Monday, March 13 through Friday, March 17

The Recreation Center 5310 Research Forest Drive 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ages: 6 to 12; $50 per day, $50 discount for all five days 281-210-3950

Photo submitted by John Hibbs

Tuesday, March 14

Safety Day at The Woodlands

Children’s Museum

4775 West Panther Creek Drive

10 a.m. to 2 pm.

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Wednesday, March 15

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Friday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center 5310 Research Forest Drive

7 p.m.

This event is geared to fifth- and sixth-graders.

$7 admittance fee

281-210-3950

Saturday, March 18

Spring Flea Market

Town Center Parking Garage

Corner of Lake Robbins Drive and Six Pines Drive

7 to 10:30 a.m.

Free to attend Booth spaces available www.grogansmillvillage.com

Creekwood Fishing Derby

Creekwood Park

3383 S. Panther Creek Drive

8 to 10 a.m.

281-210-3950

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Monday, March 20

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township Town Hall

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

Wednesday, March 22

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, March 25

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

The Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp

8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Celebration at Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

See page 8.

Camp Terramont

Saturday March 25 to Sunday March 26

Terramont Park, 8500 Terramont Drive

Noon Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday

Must register in advance.

281-210-3950

Tuesday, March 28

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, March 29

Watch Talk Wednesday

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 to 9 p.m.

281-210-3800

APRIL EVENTS

Saturday, April 1

Muddy Bowl at Muddy Trails Bash

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive

Noon

281-210-3800

TWFG Muddy Trails Bash

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive

3 to 8 p.m.

281-210-3800

See page 32.

Must register in advance for all Easter Activities

Friday, April 7

Flashlight Egg Hunt

Terramont Park

8500 Terramont Drive

7:45 p.m.

$15 resident, $20 non-resident, $5 sibling discount

281-210-3950

Saturday, April 8

Kayak Easter Egg Hunt

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

9 a.m.

$30 resident pair, $35 non-resident pair, 281-210-3950

Sunday, April 9

Brunch with the Bunny

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park 6055 Creekside Forest Drive

11 a.m.

$40 resident family of four, $45 non-resident family of four, $8 per additional family member 281-210-3950

Egg Decorating with a Twist

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive 3 p.m.

$20 resident, $25 non-resident, $5 sibling discount 281-210-3950

Bunny Bash with Flashlight Egg Hunt

Terramont Park 8500 Terramont Drive 7 p.m.

$20 resident, $25 non-resident, $5 sibling discount 281-210-3950

Thursday, April 13

Flashlight Egg Hunt

Terramont Park

8500 Terramont Drive

7:45 p.m.

$15 resident, $20 non-resident, $5 sibling discount 281-210-3950

Friday, April 14

Breakfast with the Bunny

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park 6055 Creekside Forest Drive 9 a.m.

$40 resident family of four, $45 non-resident family of four, $8 per additional family member 281-210-3950

Lunch with the Bunny

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park 6055 Creekside Forest Drive Noon

$40 resident family of four, $45 non-resident family of four, $8 per additional family member 281-210-3950

*Please visit the calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800 for American Heart Association Heartsaver, First Aid classes and for further listings.

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

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

Are you new to Alden Bridge? Then you need to know your village association board – that’s us. We’re elected volunteers who want to help you with your concerns about living in Alden Bridge. We put on a number of events for residents like the annual Spring Festival, a baseball game bus trip, the Yard of the Month, Spookiest House and Holiday Lighting and Decorating contest, and we award scholarships to resident students. We act as the liaison between Alden Bridge residents and the Township, and provide feedback to important task forces like the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council and the Law Enforcement Advisory Council. Get to know us. Come to an Alden Bridge Village Association board meeting. We meet the second Tuesday of every month (except December) at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., at 7 p.m.

Rain or shine, we’ll be out there cheering away at The Woodlands Marathon, March 4, 2017, so if you’re running, look for our Alden Bridge cheer group and DJ Sky Mike along the route at Bay Branch and Kuykendahl, near St. Anthony of Padua church. If you aren’t running, come join us at our corner and cheer on your friends and neighbors. The leading runners should come by about 7:30 a.m., but we’ll be there earlier.

Congratulations to the winners of last month’s Village Associations’ elections! We appreciate your participation in this important election process. We’ll introduce the Alden Bridge Village Association 2017 – 2018 board at the village association board meeting, Tuesday, March 14, 2017, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. The guest speaker will be JJ Hollie, President of The Woodlands Area

Chamber of Commerce. Join us and welcome JJ.

Midnight, March 24, 2017, is the deadline for receipt of applications for 2017 Alden Bridge scholarships, so don’t let this opportunity slip by. Applications can be obtained from school counselors or downloaded from the village association’s website, www.aldenbridge. org, click on the “Scholarships” tab. All Alden Bridge resident students going on to higher education in 2017 are eligible to apply, and we’ll award several $1,000 scholarships. If you have questions, contact us at scholarships@aldenbridge.org.

We need you as a volunteer to represent Alden Bridge at the Spring Villages Flea Market coming up at the Pavilion garage (Saturday, March 18, 2017). All village associations share in the profits. If we meet our quota of volunteers, our share goes directly to the Alden Bridge Village Association Scholarship Fund. Please contact info@aldenbridge.org for additional information. This is an early morning event, so you’ll still have all afternoon for your own enjoyment, plus you get the first look at all the great stuff for sale!

Did you know that the Alden Bridge Village Association has a sponsorship program? We accept sponsorships from local businesses who want our residents to be aware of their offerings. Revenue from sponsorships goes into our scholarship fund. Contact info@aldenbridge.org for more information.

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

Submitted by Darla D. Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

There will be some new faces on the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association board during 2017. The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association has more board members (18) than any of the other village associations. This demonstrates that residents of Cochran’s Crossing have a real interest in their area as well as The Woodlands overall. The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association board has also long been known for the time and effort they spend on community projects. Another point that demonstrates the village association’s commitment is at least 10 village association board members are required to be present during Cochran’s Crossing Village Association board meetings to conduct business. It has not been a problem in Cochran’s Crossing. We can look ahead for several village association and Cochran’s Crossing activities:

• The Earth Day GreenUp Challenge is March 25, 2017, and the goal is to have several hundred Cochran’s Crossing residents participate. There’s still time to register at the Township website, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ greenup.

• Scholarships will be awarded to two deserving students.

• Teacher applications from David Elementary, Powell Elementary and Galatia Elementary schools who submit projects that are worthy, but are not supported financially by CISD, will be recommended by the Cochran’s Crossing Education Committee. Nearly $3,000 in grants will be provided.

• The Woodlands High School and College Park High School will be supported in their graduation night activities.

• Although not specifically on the Cochran’s Crossing calendar at this

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

time, as in past years there may be a welcome to summer community pool party.

• Of course, there will be participation in the Fourth of July Parade.

• National Night Out will also be a community event. It’s planned for August this year.

• The Fall Festival seems to be bigger and better each year, and you can count on it being scheduled in October.

• Also, the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association has joined The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and expects to be represented at several events.

If you would like to join the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association with the goal of benefitting our community, let us know of your interest. Remember, Cochran’s Crossing Village Association board meetings are open to all on the fourth Tuesday of every month (except December) at 7 p.m. in the Township meeting rooms, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

During the College Park Village Association board meeting each month, Deputy Jason Hopper with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports on law enforcement. In his recent report, he provided statistics showing a reduction of burglaries in the College Park community. We learned that crimes in The Woodlands are often crimes of opportunity. What does that mean? It means you can prevent crime. We asked him, “What can residents do to be proactive and protect our homes?” First he said, “Always lock your doors. Keep your garage door closed at all times. Lock the gates to your back yard. Join The Woodlands Township Neighborhood

Watch. Report suspicious activity, even if you have nothing more than a hunch about what you see. For non-emergency situations, call 936-442-7797 (Select option 3), and put this number in your cellphone, so you always have it ready.”

Harper’s Landing Pool will be replastered and get a new deck this spring. The repairs are expected to be done in time for the Memorial Day weekend opening. Don’t forget the annual Poolooza will be at this College Park community pool. We will set that date as soon as we know the construction timeline.

Make Earth Day every day, but especially Saturday, March 25, 2017. This date marks the 7th anniversary of this event in The Woodlands. You can sign up your family, your friends and your neighbors for the volunteer GreenUp cleanup. Last year, over 900 residents joined together at various parks throughout the College Park community to help keep The Woodlands free of litter. College Park had 31 of these volunteers, but we need more this year. Our goal is to have one percent of College Park residents participate, which is 70 residents. Will you and your family help us reach that goal? Register your team online at the Township Environmental Services website, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/environment.

Remember to turn off your sprinklers until April 15, 2017. Many of your neighbors have signed a pledge to do so. Conserve water and save on your water bill.

The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department asks that you continue to save your empty oral care packaging for recycling. College Park came in fourth of all villages in this friendly competition last year. These fundraising efforts provide us continued on page 20

MEETING INFORMATION

ALDEN BRIDGE

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

Website www.aldenbridge.org

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

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

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

Website www.cochranscrossing.com

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

COLLEGE PARK

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

Website www.villageofcollegepark.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Ted Stanley at 936-271-0587.

CREEKSIDE PARK

The Woodlands Creekside Park Village Association (TWCPVA) usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Lone Star College - Creekside Center, 8747 West New Harmony Trail. Please join us!

Website www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or contact Village Association President Nancy Becker at nancy.cpva@gmail.com.

GROGAN’S MILL

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

Website www.grogansmillvillage.com

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

INDIAN SPRINGS

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

Website www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Mike Arendes, Mike.Arendes@IndianSpringsVillage.com.

PANTHER CREEK

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

Website www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

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

STERLING RIDGE

The Sterling Ridge Village Association (SRVA) usually meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.sterling-ridge.org

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

VILLAGE NEWS continued

with the opportunity to provide college scholarships to high school seniors who reside in College Park Village. It is not too late to apply. Visit the village association’s website, or see your high school counselor for information.

For additional information about all that is happening in College Park, please visit the village association’s website at www.villageofcollegepark.com, or please join us on Facebook.

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Creekside Park

Hello, Creekside Park Village residents! Spring is almost here, and another successful Creekside Park Village Association Board Winter Festival has come and gone. The Creekside Park Village Association board and H-E-B hosted the annual Creekside Park Village Association and H-E-B Winter Festival and Chili CookOff on January 14, 2017. This event is held annually for our village at the Rob Fleming Park and Pavilion. The beautiful weather brought almost 500 residents out to enjoy the festivities. This year’s activities included kid events, such as face painting, crafts, a ball race obstacle, a train and our famous snow hill. We served 500 hot dogs, 500 bratwursts with chips and drinks, and of course there was plenty of chili. We had seven teams entered in the Chili Cook-Off challenge; the residents voted, and Kicking Cougars won first place, closely followed by Fire

in the Hole Bang in second place, and third place went to Runner-Up Chili. Best decorated tent went to Founding Fathers, whose slogan was Make Chili Great Again. Thank you to all our teams for your participation!

A special thank you goes out to our festival partner H-E-B of Creekside Park Village. Without the help of the community-minded companies, we would not be able to provide this great event to Creekside Park. Please stop in and say thank you to the following for their continued support: Alspaugh’s AceSterling Ridge, The Refuge Steakhouse and Bourbon Bar, BMW-The Woodlands, The Strong Firm Attorneys, Corporate Incentives, Shannon Fine Jewelry, Crust Pizza-Creekside Park, The Woodlands Development Company, Lone Star College-Creekside Park, Woodforest National Bank, and The UPS Store-Creekside Park Village (donation of print material).

The village association board is calling all residents of the Creekside Park Village to come out and participate in Earth Day GreenUp, March 25, 2017. This is the first village challenge of the year. Last year for our participation, Creekside Park won $400 for the village association’s education fund. We had 102 Creekside Park residents participate. If we meet or exceed this goal, we will again be allocated funds for this worthy cause. We look forward to seeing you at the next Creekside Park Village Association board meeting, which is open to all residents and held at Lone Star College - Creekside Park Village on the first Tuesday of the month.

Submitted by Lisa Purtell

Grogan’s Mill

With Spring a month or so away, it is time to start thinking about your irrigation system. The WJPA offers a free W.I.S.E. guy (Water Irrigation System Evaluation) inspection to make sure your system is up to snuff. To schedule an inspection, go to www.wjpa.net and

click on the Conservation/Wise Guys tab).

Each year, the Grogan’s Mill Village Association gives out several scholarships for resident students. The application for the 2017 Grogan’s Mill Village Association Scholarship has been posted to our website. Please visit http://www.grogansmillvillage.com/ ne_scholarship.htm to download a copy of the application.

In April, the association will again be on the prowl for Yard of the Month candidates. If you would like to nominate someone (including yourself) please let us know.

The Township recently published: “The number one crime of opportunity in our community continues to be burglary of motor vehicle (BMV). The good news is that this crime can be prevented. You hold the key to this preventable crime! … take steps to help reduce this crime by forming good crime prevention habits. To report suspicious activity, please call Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936-442-7797 or Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4 at 281-376-3472.”

The number one step you can take is not to park your car on the street. It is too easy for thieves to quickly inspect the car, break in, steal and make a quick getaway, day or night. Too many people leave their cars on the street overnight. Incidentally, if you do park on the street, always park in the direction of travel, especially when it is dark. The absence of reflectors on the front of vehicles makes it difficult to see cars improperly parked on the left in the direction of travel.

Cold, rain, or shine, there is always something new at the Farmer’s Market, every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until noon at the Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center at South Millbend and Grogan’s Mill. There are over 40 active vendors selling fresh vegetables, meats and seafood from the Gulf, coffee, breads, honey, salad dressings, gifts, Mexican foods, and much more – all locally produced or packaged. Vendors

The Creekside Park Village Association board would like to say thank you to all who participated in this event!

scheduled to set up are listed on our website at www.grogansmillvillage.com , where you can also sign up for our weekly e-blast of what’s coming each Saturday.

As you undoubtedly know by now, crews are repairing the faulty pipeline running under the intersection of Woodlands Parkway and Grogan’s Mill. The pipeline that delivers surface water to water plants as part of the Groundwater Reduction Plan burst for the second time in December. Lane closures and construction are expected to last through April. Six Pines is the best alternate route around the construction, especially since Precinct 3 has greatly improved signal timing.

Submitted by Bob Leilich

Indian Springs Scholarship

If you are a graduating senior living in Indian Springs, don’t forget to get your scholarship applications in by March 20. See your school’s college counselor or visit our website, www.indianspringsvillage.com for more information.

Earth Day GreenUp

Grab your friends and neighbors and help keep Indian Springs beautiful! This seventh annual community-wide event will be on March 25. Volunteers (both pre-registered and walk-up) can check in

at Falconwing Park between 8 and 10 a.m. to receive a map to a designated cleanup area. Gloves and bags are provided. When the work is done, join everyone from 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Rob Fleming Park for free pizza and kids’ activities.

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

Spring events in Panther Creek and The Woodlands are fast underway. Start planning for The Woodlands Spring Flea Market and Garage Sale. This hugely popular event always draws a large crowd with a rush to find the most outstanding bargains, beginning at 7 a.m. at the covered parking garage between the Marriott Hotel and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. More event details, including the date, can be found at www.woodlandsfleamarket.org. Use this as an opportunity to turn your own spring cleaning into a profitable exercise.

Last year, your Panther Creek Village Association donated red cane poles for the fishing event for young anglers at the Creekwood Pond across from McCullough Junior High. This year’s free fun will be held Saturday, March 18, 2017, from 8 to 10 a.m. Fish beware, these young anglers are fearsome.

Panther Creek families will also be enjoying many Easter events, including breakfast, brunch, and lunch opportunities with the Easter Bunny. For your family’s adventuresome treasure hunters, there will be eggsciting Easter egg hunts by kayak and by flashlight. Call 281-210-3950 for details and required reservations.

Panther Creek environmentalists and all nature lovers can do their part to preserve and protect our wonderful Woodlands woods and green spaces by lending a hand at the annual Texas Trash-Off – GreenUp Cleanup, Saturday, March 25, 2017. Call the Township at 281-210-3800 for details and to register. These and many more springtime family events to enjoy can be found

on the Township website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Thank you to the Panther Creek residents who turned out to vote in the February election to elect or re-elect community volunteers for the positions of president, vice president, secretary and the six at-large area representatives of your Panther Creek Village Association board (www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org). The village association board holds monthly open meetings every second Thursday at 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Hear news about Panther Creek, including Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports and visits from community-wide leaders like The Woodlands Township Board Director John A. Brown. Director Brown visited in January to report of many issues, and answered many questions about the matters before the Township’s board.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

Young anglers have a month to practice their casting and catch-andrelease technique as the third annual Sterling Ridge Fishing Tournament will be held in April. Please check the Sterling Ridge Village Association website at www.sterling-ridge.org for complete information.

In 2016, there was an increase of items stolen out of cars and miscellaneous criminal mischief in Sterling Ridge. Residents can help stop these types of crimes by not leaving belongings in view within cars, by locking their cars, and by calling the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936-442-7797 to report any activity that looks suspicious.

Also, a great way to fight crime in your neighborhood is to participate in The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch program. Call John Osborne at 281-310-3800 to get started.

Submitted by Dan Sousa

Indian Springs Village Board Member Erika Pratt meets up with some new friends at last fall’s 3R Bazaar.

Photo by Kelly Sharer

Spraygrounds

By Karl Shaw

TheWoodlands Township has five parks with spraygrounds, also called splash pads, and all are now open for the season, March 1, 2017, through October 31, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily. Spraygrounds combine the fun of water play for kids without the danger of standing water, making them ideal for young families and inexperienced swimmers. All Township spraygrounds utilize filtered, chemically treated, and recycled water that is tested and monitored daily. Residents are asked to respectfully follow all posted rules for their safety, and cautioned to pay extra close attention to toddlers and preschool-aged children – especially when older children are running around the pad.

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

The spraygrounds at Sawmill Park and Shadowbend Park are located adjacent to popular Township swimming pools. Outside of lifeguarded public swim hours, the spraygrounds are free to use and accessible from the park’s side gates. But during public swim hours, the spraygrounds are closed from the park side and become part of the pool complex in order to make for a safer and more enjoyable environment for all involved. Pool entry requirements apply to these two spraygrounds during public pool hours. For detailed maps and directions to each of the Township parks and pools, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools.

*Please

MAY VALLEY

SHADOWBEND

VILLAGE GREEN

TIMARRON

SAWMILL

By Lucinda Valdes

Join us Thursday, March 9, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., as Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen takes us on a virtual adventure in wild dining, sharing clues to identify, cultivate, harvest and prepare the bounty of the forest at the Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture in the L.G.I. Lecture Hall at McCullough Junior High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive.

An author, photographer and expert in wild edibles, Mr. Vorderbruggen finds that leaves, fruits, flowers and roots of woodland and other native plants offer a gastronomical and nutritional experience waiting to be discovered.

“Wild plants are the original organic food,” he says. “Though we may confuse some species as weeds, they make delicious edibles at the hands of a knowledgeable cook.”

This Walk in Woods Nature Lecture is a free program of The Woodlands Township, sponsored by Nature’s Way Resources, Waste Management and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. For more information, please contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/wildlife.

Pictured above, an expert in edible plants, Mark Vorderbruggen, author of Idiot’s Guide: Foraging, says that the makings of a delicious salad may be as close as your back door. Photos by Mark Vorderbruggen

Muddy Trails Bash

The10th annual TWFG Muddy Trails Bash will take place Saturday, April 1, 2017, at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive, from 3 to 8 p.m. This event includes chip-timed 5K and 10K trail runs, the Little Muddy Kids’ One-Mile Fun Run and 2K-9 dog fun run. All courses wind through the beautiful George Mitchell Nature Preserve, located on 1,800 wooded acres adjacent to Rob Fleming Park in Creekside Park. The festive Post-Race Party will feature the Muddy Bowl Crawfish Cook-Off, live zydeco music, a Kids’ Zone and more. Registration fee includes finisher medal, cotton participant T-shirt and complimentary food and beverages at the Post-Race Party. Please note this is not a mud run or an adventure race.

Who has the best boiled crawfish in town? Show off your crawfish boiling skills in the Muddy Bowl Crawfish Cook-Off. Teams of up to eight members will be provided three bags of crawfish for $200, five bags of crawfish for $300 or seven bags of crawfish for $400, ice, serving containers, 10’x10’ tent, table and chairs. Teams bring their cooking materials, spices and fire extinguisher. Awards will be given to Judges’ Choice: Best Crawfish, Peoples Choice: Best

By Angel Nicks

Crawfish, Best Decorated Tent and Best Cajun Dish.

This event will not be successful without our volunteers! For volunteer information, please email volunteer@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. Regarding the race and the Muddy Bowl Crawfish Cook-Off, please email races@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

REGISTRATION DATES AND FEES

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ muddytrailsbash

5K Run (Registration capped at 900)

USA Track and Field (USATF)

Sanctioned timed run

January 1 – March 31 $45

Race Day ..................................................$50

10K Run (Registration capped at 500)

USA Track and Field (USATF)

Sanctioned timed run

January 1 – March 31 $50

Race Day $55

Little Muddy Kids’ Fun Run ( Registration capped at 300)

1 mile untimed fun run

January 1 – March 31 $35

Race Day $40

2K-9 Fun Run ( Registration capped at 75)

1 mile untimed fun run with dog

January 1 – March 31 $35

Race Day $40

The beautiful George Mitchell Nature Preserve helps make the TWFG Muddy Trails Bash one of the most unique and popular events in The Woodlands every year.

Photo by Mauricio Ramirez

THE WOODLANDS

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Directors and Officers Named to Convention and Visitors Bureau Board

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), which positions The Woodlands as a travel destination for group, business and leisure travel, has announced its board and new officers for 2017, including Bruce Rieser as Chairman, John Anthony Brown as Vice Chairman and Fred Domenick as Secretary/Treasurer. As volunteers, the officers serve with four others to comprise The Woodlands CVB Board of Directors. Additional directors include Brian Boniface, Director for The Woodlands Township; JJ Hollie, President and CEO for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce; Don Norrell, President and General Manager for The Woodlands Township and Greg Parsons, Vice President of Hospitality for The Woodlands Development Company. The CVB board also appointed Nick Wolda as President.

The CVB board sets policies and recommends the budget for the CVB’s marketing programs and sales outreach. The CVB board also recognized the service of outgoing Chairman Gordy Bunch, who served as chairman for four years, as well as the service of Dr. Ann Snyder and Mr. Jeff Long in 2016.

“I look forward to serving with colleagues on this very important initiative in The Woodlands,” said Chairman Rieser.

“The CVB plays an integral role in business development, which helps provide a lower tax rate for residents of The Woodlands.”

In total, The Woodlands relies on hotel tax from 14 properties and a sales tax, which comprise over half of The

Woodlands Township’s $124 million budget. “We have over 820,000 hotel rooms available in The Woodlands on an annual basis,” Chairman Rieser said. “This is a major generator of commerce through conventions, corporate meetings, leisure travel, concert goers, sporting events and more.”

According to the State of Texas, tourism generated $10.6 million in local tax revenue in The Woodlands during 2015, creating $313 million in total spending. Travel directly supports 653,000 jobs in Texas with visitors generating over half of all the spending in the state.

For information on CVB board meetings, visit its website at www.visitthewoodlands.com, or call 281-363-2447.

Pictured above is The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors for 2017-2018, left to right, Greg Parsons, JJ Hollie, Don Norrell, Chairman Bruce Rieser, Brian Boniface, John Anthony Brown and Fred Domenick. Nick Wolda, right, serves the Board as President. Photo by Mauricio Ramirez

Pack a Sense of Security for Spring Break Vacation

With the Vacation Watch program, patrol officers will regularly drive by your home, check doors and windows to ensure that they are secure, and investigate anything on your property that looks suspicious.

If anything is found out of the ordinary during these checks, your emergency contact will be notified. Visit your local law enforcement online to sign up for this service:

IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

www.mctxsheriff.org

Click Vacation Watch at the bottom of the page, or call 936-442-7797.

IN HARRIS COUNTY

www.cd4.hctx.net

Click Online Services, then Click Vacation Watch. Choose Creekside - Woodlands from the dropdown menu, or call 281-376-3472.

Also, consider adding these tips to your to-do list:

• Cancel your paper and mail deliveries, or have a trusted neighbor pick them up.

• Leave a key with a neighbor or friend. Ask that the house be checked periodically.

• Install a timer on lights, so that the house appears occupied.

• Store all valuables out of sight.

• Leave a car in the driveway, or allow a neighbor to park there.

• Ensure the lawn is maintained in your absence.

By Susan Martin

SAFETY MATTERS

It’s Time to Connect with Your Neighbors

Spring

is here, and it is a perfect time to gather outside and connect with your neighbors! A unified neighborhood is one of the best ways to look out for each other and to deter crime. The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch program offers options for you to join together and learn about crime prevention and how to report suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement.

It’s simple to arrange and host an event in your neighborhood or park. Simply contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch to schedule. In partnership with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Harris County Constable Office Precinct 4, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch will bring crime prevention education to you. Additionally, The Woodlands Fire Department is available to contribute information on fire safety and the handling of emergency situations.

Consider these options to bring public safety and your neighbors together.

• Good Neighbor Day: Neighbors can visit casually with representatives from local law enforcement, The Woodlands Fire Department and The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch. Additionally, neighbors can register bicycles, fingerprint children, receive crime prevention tips, 9-1-1 emergency information and learn more about their community.

• Dog Walker Watch Yappy Hour: The Dog Walker Watch is a crime awareness program that encourages dog walkers to serve as extra eyes and ears for law enforcement. Law enforcement provides educational materials on what suspicious activity is and how to report it, when to call 9-1-1 and how to be aware of your surroundings while you are out. You don’t even need a dog to participate!

How well do you know your neighbors? Crime prevention is a group effort and requires all of us to take a proactive role in our safety. If your neighborhood is not active in The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, please consider hosting an event on your street or in your neighborhood park! Contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800 or neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov to learn more or to schedule an event. For further information about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodwatch.

CREEKWOOD FISHING DERBY

By Baze Gierisch

Grab your fishing poles, and bring the family out to Creekwood Park, Saturday, March 18, 2017, for the 10th Annual Creekwood Fishing Derby. This free event, sponsored by The Woodlands Professional Firefighters Association, aims to provide people of all skill levels a chance to get out and enjoy the outdoors as well as hone their fishing skills.

No registration is required for this event. T-shirts and bait are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The Creekwood Fishing Derby takes place from 8 to 10 a.m. at Creekwood Park, located at 3383 South Panther Creek Drive in The Woodlands, 77381.

More information on the Creekwood Fishing Derby can be found in the spring edition of The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department’s Action Guide, or by calling The Woodlands Recreation Center at 281-210-3950.

Con dence

Anglers of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the Creekwood Fishing Derby on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Photo by Perry Frank

Esprit students feel con dent in their ability as learners, having the courage to take

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

AQUATICS TEAM NOW HIRING

By Karl Shaw

Do you enjoy being outdoors, staying active, swimming, working with your friends and caring for others? If so, then The Woodlands Township has a job for you! The Woodlands Township is now hiring lifeguards, swim instructors, swim coaches, lifeguard leadership positions and more. We have tons of great incentive programs and staff outings, including travel to lifeguard competitions, leading the excitement on Splash Day on the Fourth of July and an end-of-season party. All training is handled in-house by our professional and award-winning Aquatics Division staff. All team members must be at least 16 years of age, unless otherwise stated and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening. Leadership team members must successfully complete an extensive background check. For more information please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/jobs.

www.teethforkidz.com

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of a true education.”

–Martin Luther King, Jr.

Leaks Can Run, But They Can’t Hide

By Teri MacArthur

National Fix-A-Leak Week

March 20, 2017, through March 26, 2017

Take time to check your own home and yard for leaks that can waste valuable water. Read your water meter and then wait 30 minutes without turning on water anywhere in your house or yard. At the end of 30 minutes, read your meter again. If the numbers have changed, showing water use, you have a leak somewhere. Strains on water supplies and our aging water treatment systems can lead to a variety of consequences for communities such as higher water prices, increased restrictions, conflicts with environmental needs and expensive water treatments.

More about fixing leaks and water-saving ideas can be found on the WaterSense website, https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/ our_water/fix_a_leak.html.

one

john cooper drive, the woodlands, texas 77381

independent, college preparatory school

Active on the Pathways

Every

Day is a Great American Cleanup for Our Stewards.

ALDEN BRIDGE Alison Loughlin, Real Estate Agent, Cub Scout Pack 889, Mitchell Intermediate LC5 SUN Service Club, Steve and Judy Easton

COCHRAN’S CROSSING Boy Scout Troop 772, Cochran’s Crossing Crew, Dixon Family, Gonzalez Family, Korie and Kacie Foundation, LSC Montgomery Mavericks, Orvis The Woodlands, Roger Howard, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., TWHS Science NHS

COLLEGE PARK Bay Chapel Bandits, College Park HS HOSA, Dunseith Family

CREEKSIDE PARK Samaia Family, Zielinski Family

GROGAN’S MILL Caveney Family, Gary Jackson, Lawson Family, Scott Marzano

INDIAN SPRINGS Andra Wilcox and Richard Nieto III, Schapiro Family, Team Hans

PANTHER CREEK American Heritage Girls TX 1180, Grimes-Hanlin Family, Klein Family, Michael Callahan, Rowing Club of The Woodlands, Sally K. Ride, Steph’s Pet Sitting, The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church, Wyatt Hall for Woodlands Christian School

STERLING RIDGE Charles and Donna Moseley, Devitt Family, Kounthapanya Family, Resident of Player Manor, Stockhausen Family, Woodlands SYP Meetup

RESEARCH FOREST Houston Advanced Research Cente, Ron Keichline and Huntsman colleagues

TOWN CENTER The Woodlands Lions Club

*per Keep America Beautiful one 30-gallon bag is estimated to weigh 20 pounds. **1 cubic yard=202 gallons.

Richard Nieto III, who began pathway cleanups with his mom when he was 5 years old!

Adopt-a-path stewards activity report September to December 2016

44 groups

+ 541 volunteer hours

+ 3,821 gallons of trash

2,547 pounds*

19 cubic yards of trash** The equivalent of 38 of our curbside trash carts.

In addition to this magazine, The Woodlands Township has numerous communication channels so that you can keep in touch and stay informed 24 hours a day. Ways to keep up with the Township include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, emergency alerts, public meeting videos, news releases, newsletters, blogs, a 311 app to report concerns and more.

Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ stayinformed to find out more and to sign up.

A CHURCH WHERE YOU BELONG

We invite you to be a part of a church home where you belong and find encouraging relationships. At Woodlands Church, we believe God created you for a purpose and want to walk along side you as you discover God’s incredible plan for your life.

YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE IT HERE TOO!

Your kids will experience fun games, exciting worship and relevant teaching from the Bible. They’ll have a blast learning about Jesus on their level!

WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES

Saturday: 6pm

Sunday: 9:30 & 11:30am

Sunday: 9am (Traditional service in Chapel)

77384