March 2021

The Woodlands WATERWAY ARTS FESTIVAL SEASONAL SPRUCE-UP

Spring Break at the Boat Houses

FILM AMONG THE TREES

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

Celebrate the hope of easter

We invite you to experience the hope found in Christ this Easter. Come to a joyful celebration at The Woodlands United Methodist Church as we gather to worship the risen Lord.

We have several Holy Week services leading up to Easter. On Easter Sunday, April 4, you will find a variety of traditional, contemporary and modern worship styles in 12 services across two campuses.

Bring your family and friends and join the celebration! Find a full schedule of Holy Week and Easter services and events at thewoodlandsumc.org/easter

2200

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

281.297.5900 | thewoodlandsumc.org

Wildflowers

Due

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 281-297-6500, Business, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 936-442-7797, Non-Emergency, 24 hours

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

Woodlands Water (Montgomery County MUDs) 855-H20-SAVE (855-426-7283)

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

Emergency 911

message from The Woodlands Township Board of Directors

John Anthony Brown Treasurer, Position 3

Bruce Rieser Vice Chairman, Position 4

Gordy Bunch Chairman, Position 1

Jason J. Nelson Director, Position 2

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs Secretary, Position 5

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Director, Position 6

Bob Milner Director Director, Position 7

Jeff Jones President and General Manager

March 2021

Volume

The Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Cheryl Kirsch Jim Callahan

Graphic Designers

Jami Davis Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editors

Perry Frank

Shelby Doerries

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

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

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.

Providing Better Options for HEART & VASCULAR CARE in The Woodlands

Through specialized programs, clinical trials and a commitment to challenging conventional thinking, our comprehensive team of cardiovascular specialists is improving outcomes and providing better options for heart and vascular care in your community.

Our doctors specialize in treating a wide spectrum of cardiovascular diseases and disorders, including:

• Adult congenital heart disease

• Coronary artery disease

• Heart failure

• Heart rhythm disorders

• Valve disease

• Vein and artery disorders

And, you can be confident that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe throughout your visit.

To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/debakey/woodlands or call

SpringBreak

AT THE BOAT HOUSES

By Erica Dunn

Riva Row Boat House

2101

Skip the jam-packed beaches during spring break this year and enjoy your staycation at home with an outing (or two) of water-based fun on Lake Woodlands! Riva Row Boat House and Lakes Edge Boat House will be open EVERY DAY during Conroe Independent School District’s spring break (March 12 to March 21, 2021), offering a full range of recreational watercraft for rentals at hourly rates.

HOURS OF OPERATION

• Open Daily at 9 a.m., March 11 to March 22, 2021

• Last boat out one hour before sunset

• Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 14, 2021

– Last reservation at 5:30 p.m. through March 13, 2021

– Last reservation at 6:30 p.m. beginning March 14, 2021

RENTAL OPTIONS

Riva Row Boat House has eight different watercrafts to choose from! Lakes Edge is smaller and is home to a few of the popular options. Visit www.rivarowboathouse.com for a detailed list of FAQs as well as descriptions and requirements for each kind of watercraft that the boat houses have to offer.

MAKE A RESERVATION

Reservations are not required, and walk-up visitors are always welcomed! But during high-volume time periods, like spring break, reserving your boat ahead of time is highly recommended. Reservations can be made at www.rivarowboathouse. com by following the simple booking instructions. Pre-payment is required to make a reservation.

As of press time, all information in this article was correct. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events and programs are subject to changes and cancellations. Updates will be noted online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar.

Lakes Edge Boat House

1970 Hughes Landing Blvd., The Woodlands, TX 77380

GreenUp Our Community

Join family, friends and neighbors for the 10th annual Earth Day GreenUp on Saturday, March 20, 2021. This socially-distanced volunteer opportunity targets litter on pathways, waterways and green spaces. Each year, more than 1,000 residents remove more than 4,500 pounds of litter — the equivalent of 76 of our 96-gallon curbside trash carts!

GreenUp participants are encouraged to pre-register by March 15, 2021, to ensure equipment for their group and to receive a special 10-year anniversary T-shirt (while supplies last; sizes are limited).

On the day of the event, check in between 8 and 10 a.m. at one of eight Township parks. At check-in, registered volunteers will receive disposable gloves, bags, a map to a nearby cleanup location and trash grabbers (supply is limited). Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable bottle and work gloves

Earth Day GreenUp 2021

PRE-REGISTER THROUGH MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021, at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ greenup.

CHECK-IN: SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2021, 8 TO 10 A.M.

Walk-ups welcome.

Alden Bridge

ALDEN BRIDGE PARK

Cochran’s Crossing

SHADOWBEND PARK

By Zoe Killian

to minimize waste. Then head out and clean up for as long as you like. Bagged litter should be deposited at a designated location near the check-in by 11 a.m.

The safety of volunteers, residents and staff is the highest priority. All event staff will wear face coverings, and participants are required to wear a face covering at the check-in locations. Due to COVID safety concerns, the postcleanup celebration at Northshore Park will not be held this year.

Earth Day GreenUp is coordinated by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department with support from Waste Management, Woodlands Water, H-E-B, Howard Hughes Corporation, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Papa John’s Pizza, Yellowstone Landscape, Keep Texas Beautiful and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. Please email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800 for more information.

Please note, those planning to attend should practice social distancing, refrain from gathering in large groups and continue following all guidelines established by the CDC when in public spaces around others outside of your household. As of press time, all information in this article was correct. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events and programs are subject to changes and cancellations. Updates will be noted online at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar.

College Park

HARPER’S LANDING PARK

Creekside Park

THE LODGE AT ROB FLEMING PARK

Grogan’s Mill

SAWMILL PARK

Indian Springs

FALCONWING PARK

Panther Creek

RIDGEWOOD PARK

Sterling Ridge

CRANEBROOK PARK

CLEANUP: 8 TO 11 A.M.

For more information, please call the Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800.

On event day

• Walk-ups are welcome.

• All participants will need to sign a waiver at check-in. Participants under the age of 18 must be signed in by a parent or legal guardian.

• Wear appropriate clothing. Long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots are recommended.

• Remember hats, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, reusable gloves and water bottle.

• Disposable gloves and bags will be provided.

• A limited number of grabbers and vests will be available for groups who pre-register.

SPRUCE-UPSeasonal

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 all 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.

*Potential permit needed. Please contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800 for help with the application process.

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, please visit the Resident tab at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3800.

Is the appearance of your home blemished by algae and mildew?

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 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. Remember: Mildew removal may reveal the need to repaint your home. If so, be sure to take the appropriate actions.

Consider the Facts

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.

Expect the Best for Your Neighborhood!

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.

Spring is a great time to edge, weed and add fresh mulch to make a yard that’s the envy of the neighborhood.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Township’s Arbor Day Event Gave Away More Than 12,000 Native Seedlings

The Woodlands Township’s 45th Annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway was held in January at the Sawdust Park and Ride. To maintain COVID safety, this year’s event was held as a drivethrough and, by all accounts, it was a great success: 665 vehicles collected more than 12,000 native tree seedlings, all for free. Since its inception in 1977, more than 1.5 million trees have been distributed through the event.

Residents were encouraged to plant their seedlings on residential property and in community open spaces in support of community reforestation efforts. Each native seedling will grow into a beneficial tree for wildlife. Flowering varieties provide nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

I rrigation and Other Pressing Lawn Chores

By Bob Dailey

During the past year, The Woodlands received an average of 45.9 inches of rain. That comes to almost an inch a week (.88”). Admittedly, the precipitation fell somewhat irregularly, but it was more than enough to sustain healthy St. Augustine, Zoysia and Bermuda turf grasses, according to Texas A&M’s Aggie Turf department. In fact, in the past 52 weeks, Woodlands Water, through its weekly Waterworks email, recommended irrigation only 15 times, a bit higher than the 12 times advised in the 12 months previous.

Berry-producing trees offer small mammals and birds a source of food, and many of these trees are host plants for butterflies, providing nutritious leaves for caterpillars to consume.

The Arbor Day Tree Giveaway was produced by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department with sponsorship from Centerpoint Energy, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Trees for Houston, Waste Management, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Woodlands Water.

For more information about these events and other environmental events and programs, please contact the Township’s Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Time is near to begin irrigating again. However, there are some other pressing lawn-care chores to do before turning on the sprinklers.

Fertilizing your lawn

All warm-season grasses mentioned previously need fertilization and one of the best times to do this is in the spring. However, the grass must be actively growing before applying fertilizer. The recommendation is to apply fertilizer only after the second mowing in the spring. That way, the turf is better able to take in the fertilizer.

The amount of fertilizer is essential, so it’s best to perform a soil test before applying fertilizer. Texas A&M’s Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory (http://soiltesting.tamu.edu) can perform the test at a low cost. Soil tests perform a variety of functions including providing information about what nutrients are present and what nutrients are lacking in the soil, and the soil’s pH,

affecting plants’ ability to take up the nutrients they need.

In addition to the soil test recommendations, the three types of warm-season grasses need nitrogen: between one and four pounds per 1,000 square feet annually. Application rates for quick-release nitrogen fertilizer (chemically based) are about one pound per 1,000 square feet. Application rates for slow-release fertilizer (usually organically-based) is up to four pounds per 1,000 square feet.

It’s also time to apply about one quarter-inch of compost across the lawn. In addition to inoculating the soil with beneficial microbes, compost helps neutralize the soil’s pH and allows the plants to take in more nutrients.

For more information on taking care of turfgrass, go to woodlandswater. org/best-lawn-practices.

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

Township staff member Teri MacArthur places a bag of native seedlings into a resident’s car at the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway Drive-Through event.

THE WOODLANDS Waterway Arts Festival

COMES ALIVE APRIL 10-11, 2021

Markyour calendars now to see the work of more than 200 fine artists and craftsmen in a spectacular setting along The Woodlands Waterway and in Town Green Park. Shop for original art ranging from painting to pottery, creative apparel and jewelry, works crafted in wood, leather, mixed media and more. Celebrate the arts with members of your community while observing COVID-19 safety protocols. Live music, kids’ art activities, food and libations add to the festive atmosphere.

Last year, thanks to dedicated community sponsors, The Woodlands Arts Council pivoted and produced a

free online virtual arts festival. During this festival, a team of judges selected international artist Yoram Gal to be the Featured Artist for the upcoming 2021 festival. Yoram is from Tel-Aviv, Israel, and has been a juried artist at the festival since 2006. An all-around artist, Yoram writes plays, paints, directs and produces shows. Since 1978, he has lived and worked in Old Jaffa, the oldest seaport in the world and a vibrant art community. He opened his studio gallery there in 2015, where he ships his paintings to collectors in 40 countries. The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival has been graced with

1 1/26/2021 7:14:50 AM

Yoram’s masterful paintings for many years and is excited to celebrate his works!

The arts festival is a major fundraiser that allows The Woodlands Arts Council to continue to impact our community. We would like to thank The Woodlands Township, The Howard Hughes Corporation, Stella Artois, The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy, and The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center for their support. All proceeds from the festival go toward continuing education and outreach programs in our community and beyond.

Please note this event is subject to change. Please follow The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council on social media and visit the website for tickets and updates about the Festival at www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org.

Please note, those planning to attend should practice social distancing, refrain from gathering in large groups and continue following all guidelines established by the CDC when in public spaces around others outside of your household. As of press time, all information in this article was correct. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events and programs are subject to changes and cancellations. Updates will be noted online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar.

Due to changing protocols and CDC guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all events, locations and activities are subject to change. Please visit the Township website for the latest information. For specific events, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/calendar and choose the date of the event.

Photo submitted by Cody Bowmen

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

Congratulations to all the winners of last month’s village association elections! Thanks for voting in this important election. We’ll introduce our 2021-2022 board members at our monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 7 p.m. As of this writing, due to the pandemic issue, our meetings have been held virtually. Follow the Alden Bridge Village Association page on Facebook or our website, www.aldenbridge.org for updates. If you are interested in attending our meetings while they are being held virtually, especially if you have a public comment or concern, please send us an email at abvainfo@gmail.com.

March 12, 2021, at midnight marks the deadline for receipt of applications for 2021 Alden Bridge scholarships, so don’t miss this great opportunity. If you have a soon-to-be college student in the home or someone you know will begin higher education this year, don’t hesitate to apply for one of our scholarships. All graduating high school students residing in Alden Bridge are eligible to apply. Have the student see their high school counselor for details or find more information and the scholarship application at www.aldenbridge.org/ scholarships.

Join us for the 10th Annual Earth Day GreenUp on Saturday, March 20, 2021. Team up with family, friends and neighbors for a socially-distanced volunteer opportunity to target litter on pathways, along waterways and in greenbelts. Help keep our community beautiful and enjoy the outdoors while bagging litter from streets, pathways and streams. All Alden Bridge volunteers can check-in from 8 to 10 a.m. at Alden Bridge Park, 7725 Alden Bridge Drive. You can pick up disposable gloves, bags

and a map to an assigned cleanup site during check-in…hope to see you there!

We are finalizing the details for our Spring Festival on March 27, 2021, from 10 a.m. to noon. Due to social distancing and the pandemic crisis, we want to keep our neighbors safe, but at the same time, offer families some fun, surprises and goodie bags in a safe environment. Follow the Alden Bridge Village Association page on Facebook or our website, www.aldenbridge.org for current updates.

For more news of our village, please visit our Facebook page and sign up for our monthly email newsletter. Just send your email address to abvainfo@gmail.com and we’ll sign you up…and remember, spring is right around the corner!

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

Creekside Park

Creekside Park Village is optimistically looking forward to a good year with the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. At our January 2021 meeting, we made the decision to cancel the chili cookoff for this year due to COVID-19, and hope to be able to host the winter carnival and chili cookoff again in 2022. The board will be considering other alternatives for a community event later this year.

Visit our new neighbors in Creekside Park Village in the Cinépolis complex:

• Press Waffle Company

• Baja Sur Mexican restaurant

• Yoga6 Studio

A reminder from our Constables and The Woodlands Fire Department: When making 911 calls, please make sure you provide your full address when calling from a cell phone as

the dispatchers cannot determine your location from a mobile phone. This allows first responders to reach you faster.

Please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ creeksideparkvillage for additional information.

Submitted by Carol Radice

Grogan’s Mill

Have you pledged to turn off your sprinkler system for the winter? If not, join the Water Wise Village Challenge pledge by signing up at The Woodlands Township website. Every Grogan’s Mill household that signs up gives a point to our village. Villages with the most points will earn significant cash awards for scholarship funding. Time to sign up for the Challenge expires on April 15.

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association recently awarded five monetary gifts. The first gift went to The Bright Life program at the YMCA, a well-regarded day program for special needs youth. The other four gifts went to individuals in our community that really needed some help at the end of a tough 2020 for them. We are told that all five recipients were very grateful and put the money to good use immediately. Thank you to all of you that participate in village challenges and shop at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market so that we can make things like this happen.

Grogan’s Mill came in first place in the most recent Village Challenge, which was to collect alkaline batteries for recycling. Grogan’s Mill Village Association will receive money that will be put back into the community for its efforts. We will continue to collect batteries for the next village challenge.

You can drop them off any Saturday at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market.

There is still plenty of produce, honey, olive oil and food to enjoy throughout the week at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market. The market is open with NEW hours every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at 7 Switchbud Place in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. In addition to our regular lineup of vendors that sell everything from produce to eggs to meat to artisan goods, most Saturdays we have live music. Bring your own bags to save on plastic. Profits from Farmer’s Market vendor fees are returned to our community through various philanthropic contributions, school donations, scholarships and community programs.

Submitted by

Andrew Coakley and Jennifer Robinson

Indian Springs

Earth Day Green Up

Interested in keeping Indian Springs the best-looking neighborhood this side of the Mississippi River and competing against other villages in The Woodlands? Then grab your friends, family and neighbors and join us at the 10th annual Earth Day GreenUp. This community-wide litter cleanup event will be held at numerous locations throughout The Woodlands on March 20, 2021. Indian Springs volunteers (both pre-registered and walk-ups) can check in at Falconwing Park, 5610 Rush Haven Drive, between 8 and 10 a.m. to receive a map highlighting targeted cleanup areas. Gloves, trash bags and socially distant friendship are provided. Preregister at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/greenup or by calling 281-210-3800.

Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge Champion

The Indian Springs Village Association would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2020 Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge. Our village was awarded First Place and $750 for our graduating senior scholarship fund, provided by Project PolliNation, www. facebook.com/projectpollinationinc.

More than 26,000 square feet of pollinator gardens were registered from around The Woodlands this year. That amount of habitat is crucial to supporting bees, butterflies, moths, birds and more species that have seen sharp declines in populations. For more information on how you can support pollinators, please visit The Woodlands Township Plant for Pollinators page at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ plantforpollinators.

Scholarship Application Deadline

Remember, scholarship applications must be postmarked or delivered to your high school counselor before March 23, 2021. Winners will be announced in early April 2021 and invited to attend the Indian Springs Village Association board meeting on April 13, 2021, at 7 p.m.

Taste of the Village - October 23, 2021 from noon to 3 p.m.

Mark your calendars now for the 14th Annual Taste of the Village to be held on October 23, 2021, in the Indian Springs Village Shopping Center from noon to 3 p.m. This annual family event features live entertainment, free food samples, multiple activities for kids and a fun-filled afternoon. For more information on the event, sponsorship opportunities and reserving a booth, please contact michael.saucier@ indianspringsvillage.com.

Submitted by Michael Saucier

Panther Creek

It is spring again in Panther Creek. That means that it is time to spruce up inside and out, then reward yourself by participating in some of the community activities that help make Panther Creek part of our “real hometown.”

Kick off the season by enjoying the free Concert in the Park series at Northshore Park on Sundays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Our annual family special events begin with a Father-Son challenge on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at 11 a.m. with kayaking, board games and more. On the following Saturday, mothers and daughters can enjoy tea together while sharing elegant treats and crafts.

Keep our trails and walkways clean and inviting as we join together from 8 to 11 a.m. for Earth Day GreenUp on Saturday, March 20, 2021. Last year we picked up over two tons of trash and debris. Find out more at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/greenup.

Details for Township events can be found on the calendar at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ calendarofevents. Visit Panther Creek Village Association online at www.panthercreekvillage.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ PantherCreekVillage.

Submitted by

Paul Gebolys

Get Help When You Need It!

Ifyou need help with your life, don’t be afraid to ask! You may be going through difficult times but know that you are not alone — there is hope. There are many resources for you in our community and beyond to help you deal with difficult issues. Please reach out for help.

“Now more than ever people are struggling. When you are connecting with friends or family, virtually or in person... ask them how they really are and listen when they answer – without judgment or a lecture. Let them know that you are there for them. Have the hard conversation that may feel awkward. It could be the conversation that saves someone’s life.”

Sherry Burkhard, Executive Director of Mosaics of Mercy

If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you are having a mental health crisis:

• Montgomery County residents may call Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare Crisis Line at 800-659-6994.

• Harris County residents may call The Harris Center Crisis Line at 866-970-4770.

• In an emergency for either county, call 9-1-1.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, help is available from the Texas Health and Human Services toll-free COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-986-1919.

If you want a hub for various mental health issues, Mosaics of Mercy, a local non-profit organization at www.mosaicsofmercy.com, lists these resources to help guide you:

• Click on their Resources tab to find access to links on Mental Health, Addiction, Crisis, Literature, Counselors and other resources.

• Click on their Education tab to find free helpful podcast recordings on various mental health topics.

• Click on their Hope tab for stories of hope, prayer and personal connections.

They also provide family navigators Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (not a crisis line) by calling 346-703-0051. The navigator will help you connect to resources that are a fit for your unique situation.

If you need help to get back on your feet with social service needs and don’t know where to turn, call 2-1-1 Texas/ United Way Helpline (or 877-541-7905) and ask for help with food or other social service needs. Trained call takers will direct you to services near you.

Also, Interfaith of The Woodlands at 281-367-1230 may be able to help you or direct you for social service needs, such as food, clothing, gas vouchers,

By Holly Steinke

limited financial help, medical help, job hunting and/or counseling. Visit their website at www.woodlandsinterfaith.org for hours and additional information.

If you still need help, there are many local faith-based organizations, social service organizations and food pantries that may be able to help.

Check The Woodlands Township Community Resources tab on the Coronavirus Information page at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ covid19 for more resources.

We have a great community here and you are a part of it! If life seems tough at the moment, reach out and let someone give you a hand. Stay connected with your community and get to know your neighbors!

If your situation allows, please consider donating to recognized local social service organizations and try to help your neighbors in need in some way. Even a kind word may make a difference in someone’s life!

For upcoming mental health activities in our area, the Behavioral Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force - Montgomery County, Texas “exists to create a happier, healthier community by raising awareness about behavioral health and suicide through education, prevention and connections.” They can be found on Facebook at www.facebook. com/bhsptaskforcemc/.

These resources were provided as a service to the community by The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch and are not intended to endorse any particular program. For crime prevention and safety tips, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800, visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/neighborhoodwatch or email neighbor@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. Also, Like and Follow The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ townshipneighborhoodwatch.

By Zoe Killian

Adopt-a-path volunteers active Sept to Dec 2020

45 groups

+ 516 volunteer hours

+3,322 gallons of trash

2,215 pounds

35 curbside trash carts

If you would like to adopt a pathway, please contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Thank

You, Adopt-a-Path Volunteers

ALDEN BRIDGE: Alison Loughlin – Real Estate Agent, Bredehoft Family, Claude Hunter, Molly, Fritz & Pickles, Reeder Family, Steve and Judy Easton, Sullivan Family

COCHRAN’S CROSSING: Densmore & Tiller, Girl Scout Troop #106325, Girl Scout Troop #108053, Harms Family, NCL Texas Laurels, Rhoad Family, Roger Howard, Sterling Total Wealth Advisors, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., The Woodlands High School Science NHS, TownshipFuture

COLLEGE PARK: College Park HOSA

CREEKSIDE PARK: Bike The Woodlands Coalition, Ken Conner, The Green Corners Duo, Zielinski Family

GROGAN’S MILL: Girl Scout Daisy Troop #108001, Grogan’s Mill Village Association, Scott Marzano

INDIAN SPRINGS: Andra Wilcox and Richard Nieto III, Ellison Family, Rohm Home, Schapiro Family

PANTHER CREEK: Bannon Family, Barnes Family, Clayton & Diane, GrimesHanlin Family, Gunden Schmucker Family, Killian Family, Klein Family, National Charity Roundtable, Rowing Club of The Woodlands

STERLING RIDGE: Charles & Donna Moseley, Halverson Family & Friends, Kounthapanya Family, NCL Texas Laurels, Newman Family

RESEARCH FOREST: Houston Advanced Research Center, Ron Keichline and Huntsman Colleagues

The Woodlands Film Commission Rebrands and Becomes State-Certified

By Sonia Guerrero

Weall know The Woodlands is a great place for weddings, reunions, special moments with friends and family, historic occasions and more. Visit The Woodlands, the organization responsible for promoting The Woodlands for meetings and tourism, has launched the rebranding of The Woodlands Film Commission to attract filmmakers, artists, commercial production companies, freelancers and studio productions to consider The Woodlands for their upcoming projects. The Woodlands Film Commission was recently designated a “Film Friendly” Texas community by the Texas Film Commission. This designation helps position The Woodlands as a premier destination for film, television, commercial, animation, visual effects and video game production, yielding an additional economic generator for The Woodlands.

Originally organized in 2009, The Woodlands Film Commission has new management, new branding and a new message (#FilmTheWoodlands) in joining the $1.39 billion film industry in Texas. “The Woodlands clearly has incredible backdrops for the digital and film industry,” said Chairman of Visit The Woodlands Bruce Rieser. “Our staff can provide insight and guidance for filmmakers during this process.”

“The Woodlands is a beautiful community that has no shortage of great locations,” said Nick Wolda, President of Visit The Woodlands. “As our mission states, The Woodlands is a dynamic place within a natural forest and known for its balance between humans and nature. We are a thriving business community and a premier destination for the visual arts.”

Under the management of Visit The Woodlands, some of the resources the

FILM AMONG THE TREES

Film Commission provides include the following:

• Film permits

• Filming guidelines

• Insurance requirements

• Hotel crew rates

• Site tours

• Location photos

• Area maps

• Production directory

• Itinerary planning

• Incentives resources

• Regional information

• Special servicing needs

To learn more, please visit www. visitthewoodlands.com/film and follow on social media at www.facebook.com/ woodlandsfilm and www.instagram.com/ woodlandsfilm. For more information, please contact Sonia Guerrero at sonia. guerrero@visitthewoodlands.com.

WHY THE WOODLANDS?

From luxury hotels, statuesque trees and lush flora at The George Mitchell Nature Preserve, to the world recognized The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, just to name a few, The Woodlands’ 28,000-acre urban forest is the ideal setting for motion pictures, documentaries, commercials, short films, news footage, educational material and much more.

Vaccine Distribution in The Woodlands

Please note, information in this article is subject to change.

Asof this writing, vaccines are being distributed through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) directly to individual providers such as hospitals, pharmacies, physicians’ offices and clinics. Please keep up with the state’s timeline for availability to the general public here: www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/immunize/ vaccine.aspx. You can also see what places near you have vaccine availability and if you are eligible to take the vaccine.

Once you have determined that you are eligible for a vaccine and found a provider on the link above, contact the preferred provider to confirm the vaccine’s availability and make an appointment if necessary.

Another way to keep up with the latest COVID-19 news in The Woodlands is to sign up for the semi-weekly COVID-19 Updates newsletter, published by The Woodlands Township at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme.

There are also phone numbers for information. In Montgomery County, call 936-523-3916. In Harris County, call 713-274-4050. These phone numbers were correct as of press time. Please visit the website noted above, or The Woodlands Township website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, for additional information.

Concert in the Park is a popular family tradition of music and fun for all ages! Concerts are held on Sundays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at beautiful Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381. Blankets, lawn chairs, coolers and pets are permitted. Glass is prohibited. Come out this spring and enjoy the free concert series. For more information, please call 281-210-3950 or 281-516-7348.

MARCH 7 • Bulbo (Variety)

MARCH 14 • Sound Warehouse (Variety)

MARCH 21 • Festus (Variety)

MARCH 28 • Samy Jo (Variety)

APRIL 4 • NO CONCERT (Easter)

APRIL 11 • Andy and The Dreamsicles (Classic Rock)

APRIL 18 • The Shades of Gray (Blues/Country)

Please note, those planning to attend should practice social distancing, refrain from gathering in large groups and continue following all guidelines established by the CDC when in public spaces around others outside of your household. As of press time, all information in this article was correct. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events and programs are subject to changes and cancellations. Updates will be noted online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar.

Spring is in the air and your camper is invited to join us at Sunny Dayz Spring Break Camp! Campers will enjoy indoor and outdoor games, crafts, theme days, special snacks, visits to the parks, Ga-Ga ball, foursquare and more. Campers can register for the entire

week, three days or individual days. Spend Spring Break at Sunny Dayz Camp! Campers can look forward to a variety of activities and fun with their friends. Register now at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ sunnydayz.

Visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/sunnydayzcamp for the most up-to-date activity calendars and to view our COVID-19 manual. To speak to a camp director, please email sunnydayz@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

As of press time, all information in this article was correct. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events and programs are subject to changes and cancellations. Updates will be noted online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar.

Make Family Memories at Camp Terramont

By Tyler L. Little

Welcome

to the campfire! The Woodlands Township will host the 13th annual Camp Terramont beginning at noon on Saturday, April 17, 2021, and concluding at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 18, 2021. The campout will be held at Terramont Park, located at 8500 Terramont Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77382.

Camp Terramont provides you and your family with an opportunity to enjoy a fun evening of activities and camping at Terramont Park. In addition to traditional favorites such as sitting around a warm campfire and enjoying delicious s’mores, there will be a variety of activities such as field games, putt-putt golf, crafts and a movie under the stars. Dinner, breakfast and snacks are all included; just bring your tent and sleeping bags.

Please note, online registration is not available for this event. To reserve your spot, please call 281-210-3950 or 281-516-7348. We hope to see your family there!

Please note, those planning to attend should practice social distancing, refrain from gathering in large groups and continue following all guidelines established by the CDC when in public spaces around others outside of your household. As of press time, all information in this article was correct. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events and programs are subject to changes and cancellations. Updates will be noted online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar.

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. 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

Powered by my heart.

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Learn more about our leading cardiovascular program at StLukesHealth.org/Heart.