March 2022

Cover photo by Joseph Francis

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

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors

The Woodlands Vision

The Woodlands, our dynamic hometown within a natural forest, is known for its balance between man and nature. We are a thriving business community and a premier destination for visitors – a place where generations live, worship, work, learn and play.

The Woodlands …is a place where we feel safe and secure. …achieves prosperity by promoting economic development and quality of life. …cultivates the relationship between urban needs and George Mitchell’s vision of environmental sustainability. …provides premier services and activities, superior educational opportunities, a diversity of jobs, vibrant public spaces, integrated mobility options, public activities, cultural events and entertainment for all. …is a place that welcomes everyone from everywhere to grow and thrive.

For

Woodlands,

Township.

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, Position 7 Monique Sharp Interim 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.

Advertising inquiries, rate requests and change of address/ delivery inquiries may be directed to Champions Printing & Publishing, 6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G, Houston, TX, 77069, 281-583-7661.

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.

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives 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 Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G Houston, Texas 77069

281-583-7661 www.championsprinting.com

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Township Honors Robert Heineman

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently issued a proclamation in honor of Mr. Robert Heineman, an architect who has played an integral role in the design and development of The Woodlands since beginning as an intern in 1971 for George Mitchell, founder of The Woodlands. For the past 48 years, as one of the original planners of The Woodlands, residents have benefited from Mr. Heineman’s expertise in planning and design for enriching the lives of the citizens. His achievements include the master plan, the village and neighborhood designs, the environmental plan, the open space system, the mobility system, parks and pathways, and the Town Center, including the 1972 “napkin sketch” plan for a mixed-use downtown bisected by a transit corridor, which has become The Woodlands Waterway. Additionally, Mr. Heineman has served on all the Development Committees, lending his expertise on tens of thousands of applications for design approval.

Township Recognizes Neighborhood Watch

T he Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently recognized Township Neighborhood Watch for winning First Place in Category #2 for Populations 100,000 to 300,000 from The National Association of Town Watch for its 2021 National Night Out Campaign. The campaign, produced by The Woodlands Neighborhood Services program, earned top honors through its creative programming and participation of Township residents and public safety agencies.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently proclaimed January 26, 2022, as Robert Heineman Day in The Woodlands. Pictured from left to right, Director Jason J. Nelson, Secretary Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser, Mr. Robert Heineman, Pamela Heineman, Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Director Bob Milner and Treasurer John Anthony Brown.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recognized Township Neighborhood Watch and local law enforcement partners who help to keep The Woodlands a safe community. Pictured from left to right, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Pct. 3 Lt. Brady Fitzgerald, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Captain Tim Holifield, Secretary Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser, Director Jason J. Nelson, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch staff members Amy Tidwell, John Osborne, Julie Quinn, Susan Martin and Holly Steinke, Director Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Director Bob Milner, Treasurer John Anthony Brown, Harris County Constable, Pct. 4 Captain Jonathan Zitzman, Sgt. Mike Ruby and The Woodlands Fire Chief Palmer Buck.

Spring Break at the Boat Houses

Skip the long car rides and jampacked beaches during spring break this year and enjoy a staycation with an outing (or two) on Lake Woodlands. Riva Row Boat House and Lakes Edge Boat House will be open March 11 to March 21, 2022, 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 21, 2022

• Last boat out one hour before sunset

• Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 13, 2022

– Last reservation at 5:30 p.m. through March 12, 2022

– Last reservation at 6:30 p.m. beginning March 13, 2022

RENTAL OPTIONS

Riva Row Boat House has eight different watercrafts from which to choose! Lakes Edge is smaller and is home to four of the most 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. Prices range from $20 to $35 for the first hour. Each additional hour is just $5.

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

The Woodlands, TX 77380

By Erica Flocke

MAKE A RESERVATION

Reservations are not required, and walk-up visitors are always welcomed! During high-volume time periods like spring break, rentals for the day will often sell out, so 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.

Lakes Edge Boat House

1970 Hughes Landing Blvd.

The Woodlands, TX 77380

Make it your best staycation yet with a Spring Break spent on Lake Woodlands! Lakes Edge and Riva Row Boat Houses offer a variety of watercraft for you to rent and enjoy. – Photos by Erica Flocke

COMPLEX NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Treated in The Woodlands

At Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, our physicians collaborate across specialties to diagnose and treat common to complex neurological disorders. With innovative and advanced treatment options, we provide the most comprehensive care — close to home. Recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, our experts demonstrate the highest level of skill for the treatment of serious stroke events.

Our team of physicians treats a variety of conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders

• Brain tumors

• Headaches and migraines

• Neuropathy

• Parkinson’s disease and tremors

• Sleep disorders

• Spinal disorders

• Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Your health is our priority. To better protect you, we took it one step further by requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all of our physicians and staff.

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/woodlands-neuro or call 936.270.3900.

Looking for something local to do this Spring Break that the entire family can enjoy? Texas TreeVentures will be open every day from March 11 to March 20, 2022. If your family is going out of town for Spring Break, we will continue to offer climbs to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays while school is in session.

Experience nature by swinging across a Tarzan swing high up in the trees, or by jumping from one of our five TruBlue Auto Belay devices stationed throughout the course. Who says monkey bars are just for kids? Swing from bar to bar on the second level. For the challenge seekers, we have plenty of elements that you will enjoy. The staff at Texas TreeVentures want you to have an unforgettable experience. The best part about Texas TreeVentures is that it is a self-guided “Challenge by Choice” course, meaning that you get to choose the elements you feel comfortable doing.

Prices for a three-hour climb are $45 for ages 13 and older, and $40 for children ages 6 to 12. Hours for General Admission vary and are based on public response, so check our

website at www.texastreeventures.com, or give us a call at 281-210-2048 for available times.

Group outing? Corporate team events? Birthday parties? Texas TreeVentures has you covered! Take full advantage of the spring weather with Texas TreeVentures’ special events. If a two-hour climb and making s’mores around a campfire entice you, try one

2022

By Joseph Francis

of our Sunset & S’mores events. Maybe you’ve been to the course before and want to change up the experience? Climb at night during our Glow in the Park events. All events are subject to cancellation due to enrollment numbers or other factors. Prices and age restrictions vary per event.

Call 281-210-2048 or email info@texastreeventures.com.

SUNSET & S’MORES

Friday, March 4, 5 p.m.

Friday, April 1, 6 p.m.

Friday, May 6, 6 p.m.

GLOW IN THE PARK!

Friday, March 25, 7 p.m.

Friday, April 22, 7 p.m.

Friday, May 20, 8 p.m.

Kick Off Spring at Creekwood Park!

By Logan Downey

Creekwood Park’s pond and scenic pavilion make the perfect spot to welcome the spring season! The Woodlands Township is hosting two events that give you the opportunity to participate in some fun activities at this beautiful park.

Soggy Doggy Swim Day

Saturday, March 19, 2022

10 a.m. to Noon

Bring your four-legged friends out for a fun day of activities! This event includes swimming in the pond, trick competitions and all the fetch your dog could want. We ask that all pets stay on a leash when not swimming or participating in an activity. Preregistration is required, and admission is $10 for a single dog and $5 for any additional pups. Register by calling The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park at 281-516-7348.

Creekwood Fishing Derby

Saturday, March 26, 2022

8 to 10 a.m.

Calling all anglers! Get in on some catfishing fun at Creekwood Park during the Creekwood Fishing Derby. This is a free event and prizes will be given for longest, heaviest and smallest fish caught. T-shirts are sponsored by The Woodlands Professional Firefighters Association and given on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a perfect event for young anglers looking to enjoy some exciting fishing!

BACKPACK BIRDING PROGRAM

By Amber Barnes

TheWoodlands Township Environmental Services Department is excited to launch Backpack Birding – a brand new program that lends residents of The Woodlands, free of charge, a backpack filled with all the necessary supplies to observe and identify our rich array of local bird species.

High-quality daypacks, donated by Osprey, include the following: Vortex Diamondback HD 8x32 binoculars, bird identification guides, Spanish birding guides donated by Black Swamp Bird Observatory, coastal birding maps donated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, local birding checklist, park and trail maps, notebook and a water bottle. Residents, 18 and older, can borrow a backpack for five days, providing plenty of time to explore our green spaces and be rewarded with the sights and sounds of your very own avian adventure. To reserve a backpack, please call the Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3925.

Birding is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the country. According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, 45 million Americans, from all walks of life, consider themselves birders. Birding is an activity that allows us to reconnect with nature, whether we are standing deep in the woods or looking out our kitchen window. The Backpack Birding program helps share the rewards with everyone.

This program was created in partnership with local master naturalist and avid birder, Joy Klumpp. Joy designed this volunteer project as a member of the Heartwood Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists. In addition to helping found this program, Joy teaches classes on creating bird-friendly habitats, bird identification and birding for all levels through the Township Environmental Services Department. For a list of upcoming classes, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/environment.

For more information, please email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-2058.

By Holly Steinke

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EVENT

Saturday, April 2, 2022

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Please join The Woodlands Township on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. for the annual Emergency Preparedness Event, produced by The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch.

All residents and businesses are invited to stop by this fun, free family event which offers a great way to learn how to prepare for a hurricane or other emergency. Many public safety and related community organizations will be there to provide information and giveaways to help you prepare. There are plans for booths and presentations indoors, and booths and demonstration apparatus outdoors. It will be a rainor-shine event; in case of rain, some activities will be moved indoors.

Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November 30. Don’t

Are You Ready?

wait to prepare! Please visit www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/getready to get started on your hurricane prep, and www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/emergency for additional tips and resources.

Be Informed about What Might Happen: Sign up for The Woodlands Township Emergency Notifications (www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ notifyme) and your county alert system (Harris County, www.readyharris.org; Montgomery County, www.smart911. com) and learn what to do before, during and after many emergencies at www.ready.gov.

Make a Plan: The Woodlands Township is not in a designated evacuation zone for the Houston region; however, there may be times when you need to evacuate. Decide now what your family will do in various circumstances.

Get a Kit of Emergency Supplies: Check or assemble your food, water and emergency supplies now. Be sure all supplies are up to date.

Get Involved in Preparing Your Community: Get to know your neighbors and volunteer for The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch to find out ways to help in your neighborhood. Also, consider taking classes like First Aid, CPR, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, or volunteering for local emergency response organizations.

For more information, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodwatch, email neighbor@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ townshipneighborhoodwatch.

Join The Woodlands Township for the Emergency Preparedness Event on

The event features presentations by a variety of local public safety agencies and personnel.

reserve your ride to the rodeo!

The Woodlands Express offers riders a convenient trip to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! Passengers will ride in comfort to NRG Stadium during each weekend of the rodeo, allowing them to enjoy all the fun without all the frustration of parking and driving. Service originates from the Sawdust Park and Ride at 701 Westridge Road in The Woodlands, with return trips leaving NRG Stadium from the METRO/Rodeo Express pickup location.

The cost of round-trip transportation to the event is $13 per person. Reservations are required. The Woodlands Express regular tickets are not valid for this service. Reserve your ride now at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/rodeo. Please note, service to the rodeo departs from Sawdust Park and Ride only. Per Federal Transit Administration orders, passengers are required to wear masks when riding The Woodlands Express.

Friday, March 4, 2022 Evening only

Saturday, March 5, 2022

Sunday, March 6, 2022

Friday, March 11, 2022 Evening only

Saturday, March 12, 2022

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Friday, March 18, 2022 Evening only

Saturday, March 19, 2022

Sunday, March 20, 2022

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 2022 board members at our monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Feel free to join us and, as always, if you have a concern or question, you can send us an e-mail at abvainfo@gmail.com.

Midnight on March 11, 2022, marks the deadline for receipt of applications for 2022 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 who will begin higher education later this year, please share this information. All graduating high school students residing in Alden Bridge are eligible to apply. Students should see their high school counselor for details or find more information and the scholarship application at www.aldenbridge.org/ scholarships.

Join us for the 11th Annual Community Litter Cleanup, Earth Day GreenUp on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Team up with family and friends 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. Annually, volunteers remove 4,500 pounds of litter or the equivalent of 76 of our 96-gallon curbside trash carts! All Alden Bridge volunteers can check-in from 8 to 10 a.m. at Alden Bridge Park, 7725 Alden Bridge Drive. Pick up disposable gloves, bags and a map to an assigned cleanup site. Hope to see you there!

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

Cochran’s Crossing

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association is proud to have awarded

$1,500 to our three village elementary schools for teacher grants. Teachers at David, Galatas, and Powell Elementary Schools submitted a total 37 teacher grant applications. With the awards, teachers will be able to have more math supplies, additions to classroom reading libraries, more science supplies including butterfly lifecycle kits, geodes for rock study, and owl pellets for dissecting, poetry writing books, headphones and sensory curriculums for special education, balls and jump ropes for PE, and a variety of needed supplies. The village board enjoyed having many of the teachers and principals present at our January meeting to share their plans for enhancing their classrooms.

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association will award two $500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors planning to continue their education. The scholarship application is available at the Career Center at both The Woodlands High School and College Park High School, as well as www.cochranscrossing.com. Applications are due on April 20, 2022.

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association is participating in the Water-Wise Challenge to help raise scholarship and education funds for students of the village. Please go to www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ waterconservation to pledge not to run your sprinklers through April. It takes less than a minute! Get as many neighbors to take the pledge as well. It’s good for the grass and good for the neighborhood!

Please join us at the next meeting of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please follow our Facebook page, Village of Cochran’s Crossing Association, and find us on our webpage, www.cochranscrossing.com, and email us at cochranscrossingvillage@ gmail.com with any questions.

Submitted by Cynthia Kessinger

College Park

Greetings from College Park Village Association. March is always

a happy month with shamrocks and leprechauns making us smile! March is a great time to figure out what we want to do with our yards and what to plant for spring! Spring cleaning is a good time to get rid of treasures that maybe someone else would like, so watch for our Flea Market event, usually in March or April.

Our annual Sunday in the Park at Tapestry Park will be announced soon for April. Our annual Poolooza at Harper’s Landing Park will be in May, when the pool opens, so watch for that announcement, too.

In closing, we are still in need of area representatives to join our College Park board. Our monthly meeting is the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at The Woodlands Township. We welcome anyone to visit our meetings and bring concerns so we can help. Stay safe and healthy! Please visit our website, www.villageofcollegepark.com, and Facebook page, www.facebook. com/CollegeParkVillageAssociation, for announcements of dates and events.

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Grogan’s Mill

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association holds monthly board meetings at 5:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month. Meetings are always announced in the Grogan’s Mill newsletter. Scan the QR code to receive Grogan's Mill Village Association email newsletters.

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association will be awarding scholarships open to all graduating high school and current college students who are residents of Grogan’s Mill at the time of application. Applicants must also be in good standing at their school at the time of application. Applicants may attend either a two- or four-year college or vocational school. Scholarships will be awarded based on the following criteria:

• Financial need

• A strong sense of community involvement and good citizenship

• Extracurricular or other activities and accomplishments

• Counselor and academic administration recommendations

Applications may be obtained from school guidance counselors, www.grogansmillvillage.com or from any Grogan’s Mill Village board member. Applications must be received by April 15, 2022.

Join the Water-Wise Village Challenge by signing the pledge at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ waterconservation. Every Grogan’s Mill household that signs up gives a point to the village association. Villages with the most points will earn significant cash awards for scholarship funding. It is time to sign up before the Challenge expires on April 15, 2022.

There is plenty of produce, honey, grass-fed meats and food to enjoy throughout the week at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at 7 Switchbud Place in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. Most Saturdays we have live music. Profits from Farmer’s Market vendor fees are returned to our community through various philanthropic contributions, school donations, scholarships and community programs. Check out our website at www.grogansmill.org/fmabout or look us up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ GrogansMillVillageAssociation.

Submitted by Jennifer

Robinson

Indian Springs

Community Service Scholarship Applications

The most exciting time of the year for the Indian Springs Village Association is when we award scholarships to deserving graduating seniors. An essential goal of the village association is to raise funds to honor those students who have demonstrated an immense dedication to community service and citizenship. This year’s scholarship applications are currently available on our website and are due in March 2022. Award winners and their parents will be notified and invited to a special reception held during the Indian Springs board meeting at The Woodlands

Township in April. Scholarship information and applications can be downloaded at www.indianspringstx.com/ senior-scholarship.

Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge

More than 100 gardens were registered throughout The Woodlands this year, providing an estimated 28,000 square feet of critical habitat for wildlife. As pollinators face a serious population decline, due to habitat loss, pesticide and herbicide use, and climate change, planting a pollinator garden is one way we can support bees, butterflies and many more pollinators. Congratulations to the Indian Springs Village residents for winning second place in this year’s Plant for Pollinator Village Challenge.

George Mitchell Nature Preserve

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Bayou Land Conservancy, installed two more boardwalks on the West Trail as low water crossings. This is part of the Spring Creek Nature Trail that is a 14-mile, natural surface trail built largely by community volunteers. It can be accessed at our Flintridge Trailhead.

Submitted by Michael Saucier

Sterling Ridge

Each year, the Sterling Ridge Village Association awards scholarships (number varies per year) to outstanding local high school students planning to pursue higher education. This scholarship is intended to recognize and encourage a spirit of community involvement and citizenship among high school students

residing in the Village of Sterling Ridge. All applicants must be seniors in high school, currently reside in the Village of Sterling Ridge (proof of residency required), and plan to attend a two- or four-year college in the summer/fall of 2022. See our website for applications at www.sterling-ridge.org. Applications should be emailed to Emily Mowry by Friday, March 18, 2022, before midnight at SRVAscholarships@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to sign up for the WaterWise Village Challenge to turn off your sprinkler system to save water. Once you pledge, your village earns a contest point! Villages with the most points receive cash awards for their scholarship funds from program sponsors. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ waterconservation for more details.

Our annual fishing festival will be held on April 30, 2022, in Pepperdale Park. Kids and adults gather and spend a morning fishing and enjoying nature. There will be awards for biggest fish and most fish caught in three age groups. Signups can be done on our website or on the day of the event.

Congratulations to our new officers and newly elected members to the Sterling Ridge Village board! The Sterling Ridge Village Association meets on the first Thursday of every month at the RE/MAX office at 6620 Woodlands Parkway at 7 p.m.

Visit us online at www.sterlingridge.org and sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow the village association on Facebook and Instagram for information about upcoming events.

Submitted by Thomas Principale

The Recycling Village Challenge Results listed in last month's magazine were incorrect. The correct winners were as noted below. The Woodlands Community Magazine regrets the error.

RECYCLING

EARTH DAY GREENUP 2 22

JOIN THE COMMUNITY-WIDE LITTER CLEANUP DAY!

By Zoe Killian

The 11th annual Earth Day GreenUp is nearly here. Team up with family and friends to help keep our community beautiful while enjoying the outdoors.

On the day of the event, check in between 8 and 10 a.m. at one of eight Township parks. You will receive disposable gloves, bags, a map to a nearby cleanup location and a limited supply of trash grabbers. Please bring your own reusable water bottle and work gloves, if you have them. Once you’ve checked in, it’s time to head out and clean up. The event runs until 11 a.m. but finishing earlier is fine.

When you’ve returned bagged litter and equipment to the check-in site, it’s time to party! The Woodlands Township, Village Associations and event sponsors will host “clean your block” parties at each check-in site. Enjoy a pizza lunch and celebrate your efforts with your neighbors from 11 a.m. to noon.

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, Keep Texas Beautiful and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. For more information, please call 281-210-3800 or email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

REGISTER THROUGH

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2022

at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/greenup.

CHECK-IN

SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022

8 to 10 a.m.

Walk-ups welcome.

Alden Bridge

ALDEN BRIDGE PARK

Cochran’s Crossing

SHADOWBEND PARK

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

MAY VALLEY PARK

CLEANUP

8 to 11 a.m.

CHECK-OUT AND CLEAN YOUR BLOCK PARTY

11 a.m. to Noon

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 to bring 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 that register.

Change Your Story

Jesus changed the story of death. He can change your story too.

JOIN US EASTER WEEKEND

APRIL 16 - 17

Begin a new chapter of hope for your life. The Woodlands Methodist Church has contemporary, traditional and modern worship services for your whole family.

Find a full schedule of Holy Week and Easter services at thewoodlandsmethodist.org/easter

Limited Spots Remain for Spring Race Events

By Megan Meaux

Limited spots remain in the Run and Done 3.1 5K race on Saturday, April 16, 2022! The event features a chip-timed 5K course beginning at 7 a.m. at Rob Fleming Park. Participants will receive a finisher bag upon completion of the race and awards will be distributed onsite. Run and Done 3.1 is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned event. This race is open to runners of all skill levels and recommended for ages 10 and up.

The annual Woodforest Bank TRI – The Woodlands will take place Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Northshore Park beginning at 7 a.m. One of the premier multi-sport events of the region, the Woodforest Bank TRI is a sprint distance triathlon, making it ideal for beginners who are just being introduced to the sport. The race will feature a 500-meter swim in Lake Woodlands, 12.8-mile bike course throughout The Woodlands and 5K run along The Woodlands Waterway. Opportunities are available for Race Day preparation, including an Open Water Swim event on Saturday, April 30, 2022, and on-site clinics. The Woodforest Bank TRI is sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT). For more information and to register, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/races.

Township Hosts Open Water Swim for Triathletes

Triathletes of all experience levels are invited to Northshore Park on Saturday, April 30, 2022, to practice open water swimming for a 500-meter swim triathlon. A 500-meter route will be marked on Lake Woodlands and lifeguards will be present on the shore and in kayaks for your safety. Participants can swim the route partially or in full as many times as they would like until 11 a.m. Please note, the beach will close at 10:30 a.m., so all swimmers must enter the water before closing time.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register for $15 online at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ signupforfun for a simple check-in process. Walk-up $20 registration is also allowed. For those participating in the Woodforest Bank TRI, packet pickup will also be available.

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 281-2103800. Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome. Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information. Copyright: The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. by Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., 6608 FM 1960 West, Suite G, Houston Texas 77069. Copyright © 2022. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher or The Woodlands Township.

Photos by Derrick Bryant and Race Shots

Township Transit, Energy Corridor District Offer Commuter Bus Service

By Kacie Gurney

The Woodlands Township, in collaboration with The Energy Corridor District, now offers a commuter bus service. STOPS: Energy Center 1 & 2, Dairy Ashford at Shell Main Entrance, Eldridge at Energy Center 4 Drive (ConocoPhillips/ McDermott), Memorial, Westlake at Gracie (BP #1), Grisby at Helios (BP #2). Of interest for riders to the Energy Corridor, Shell provides a transportation subsidy to its employees who ride The Woodlands Express. The service is offered Monday through Friday; the complete schedule and route map can be found online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/parkandride. Park and Ride tickets are available at a cost of $13 round-trip and must be purchased in advance for this service as drivers do not accept cash. Tickets may be purchased through The Woodlands Express Mobile Ticketing app or at any of the Park and Ride terminals.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/transportation

Concert in the Park is a tradition of music held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays at Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381. Come out this spring and enjoy the FREE concert series. For more information, please call 281-210-3950 or 281-516-7348.

MARCH 6 .......... Sugar Joiko (Pop/Variety)

MARCH 13 ... Face This Way (Classic Rock)

MARCH 13 ...................Spring Break Fest

MARCH 20 ............ Uptown Drive (Variety)

MARCH 27 .... Brian Loftin Band (Country)

MARCH 27 ....................... Sidewalk Chalk

APRIL 3.............. Treyn Wreck (Blues Rock)

APRIL 10 .... Cap City Band (Dance Variety)

APRIL 10 .................... Egg-cellent Sunday

CELEBRATE AN ABUNDANCE OF ART

Get ready to celebrate an abundance of art! The Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will roll out on the weekend of April 9 and 10, 2022, along the scenic banks of The Woodlands Waterway and Town Green Park.

With Fidelity Investments as the title sponsor, the featured artist for this year’s outdoor fine arts show is Guilloume, a native of Medellin, Colombia, who maintains his studio of fine art in Sandia Park, NM near Santa Fe. Guilloume is a master of “Bolismo,” an emotional style using simple forms, textures and movements to exhibit human feelings from the most complex to the simplest. His minimalist style is expressed primarily in oil paintings and bronze

sculptures, from tabletop-sized to massive. He also works in watercolors, oil-pastel, pastel, pencil, and ink, as well as bronze reliefs and stone sculptures.

“I like simplicity... round shapes and circles to represent human forms without specific identifying details,” said Guilloume. “My art is a universal expression of earthly humanism with its joys, afflictions and fears.”

In its 17th year, this popular fine arts show will feature original artwork ranging across a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, clay, metal, woodworks, photography, mixed media, jewelry, leather and fiber created by over 200 jury-selected local, national and global artists. Music, food and fun activities for kids round out this long-

standing springtime tradition for families and locals. A jewel of the Texas fine arts tour, it is ranked among the top fine arts festivals in the country and has been voted as the “Best Event In The Woodlands” for 10 years in a row.

The Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is produced each year by The Woodlands Arts Council, a non-profit organization that supports local arts initiatives and provides educational scholarships.

For more information and to purchase tickets to The Fidelity Investments

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival and the preview Art Dash Party set for the evening of April 8, 2022, please visit www. thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/festival.

South Montgomery County Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale 2022

After two years of no Book Sale due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Montgomery County Friends of the Library (SMCFOL) are delighted to announce that from Thursday, March 24 to Saturday, March 26, 2022, SMCFOL will resume their Annual Book Sale, at the South County Community Center, 2235 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380.

As always, there will be thousands of books, CDs and DVDs available for bargain prices. From fiction to nonfiction, classics to children’s, there’s

sure to be something for everyone! Both of The Woodlands libraries see huge benefits from the funds raised from these sales, enabling such events as summer reading programs, children’s programs throughout the year, book clubs, display items, reference items etc. It’s through our membership, fundraising and volunteer efforts that SMCFOL has been able to significantly contribute to the continued excellence of the library services at the South Branch and George and Cynthia Mitchell Libraries.

There will be thousands of books, CDs and DVDs available for bargain prices. There’s sure to be something for everyone!

The sale times are as follows:

Thursday, March 24, 2022

First Choice Night with a $5 donation required with purchase. The hours for this are 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday, March 25, 2022

The sale will run all day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 26, 2022

The sale will run from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be a 30-minute shut down which will be followed by a $2 bag sale running from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Our aim is to beat the previous year’s takings and this year, to make up for missing 2020 and 2021, we would love for this to be our biggest and busiest sale ever! We’ll have loads of terrific bargains, so join us for this long-awaited sale and support your local community.

The Woodlands Development Standards Revisions Highlights

The Woodlands Township expects to publish a revised edition of The Woodlands Development Standards later this year. While there were several amendments made, most changes that occurred are related to:

• 2.0 Home Garage Construction

• 2.1 Detached Buildings and Structures

• 2.6 Fences

• 2.7 Landscaping, Yard Structures and Tree Removal

The final amendments and recordings with both Harris and Montgomery Counties are expected to occur within the next couple of months, so please continue to check on The Woodlands Township website for any updates and announcements. The Standards are posted online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covenants. Please choose the Standards tab to view them.

If you have questions about upcoming plans for your property, please call The Woodlands Township Covenant Administration office at 281-210-3800.

NOTE: Changes to the Standards are made by the Development Standards Committee (DSC) in consultation with the Residential Design Review Committees (RDRCs) and input from Township staff. The Township Board of Directors appoints DSC members, but the Township Board does not govern the Standards.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covenants

Sleep Under the Stars at Camp Terramont

By Tyler Little

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department presents the 14th annual Camp Terramont on Saturday, April 23 through Sunday, April 24, 2022. Spend the night under the stars in Terramont Park! You’ll pop your tent around the Terramont Soccer Field, eat dinner, play putt-putt and laser tag, make tie-dye camp T-shirts, sit around the campfire eating s’mores, watch a movie in the park, wake up with the sunrise and enjoy breakfast. Registration for the campout is required. Each registered participant will receive two meals: dinner on Friday evening (grilled hamburgers) and breakfast on Sunday morning (tacos and donuts). Vegetarian options are available upon request. For questions about Camp Terramont, please call 281-210-3950. We can’t wait to see your family there! To register, please call or visit The Woodlands Township Recreation Centers:

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, TX 77389 281-516-7348

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, TX 77381 281-210-3950

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW!

Mother Da ughter Tea

Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters and aunts are invited to the annual Mother Daughter Tea on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 10 a.m. to noon at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park! This is a great opportunity for mothers and daughters to bond and create memories over tea, crafts, games and delightful treats. This tea party is Wonderland-themed so don’t forget your hats, dresses and camera. Most importantly, don’t be late for this very important date! The cost is $50 Resident/pair; $60 Non-Resident/pair; $15 additional participant. To register, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ signupforfun. For questions, please call 281-516-7348.

Pedestrian Safety Rules

By Sue Martin

According to TXDOT, pedestrian deaths are continuing to rise in Texas and now account for nearly one in five of all traffic fatalities. In 2020, there were 4,852 crashes involving pedestrians in Texas, resulting in 1,211 serious injuries and 731 deaths.

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility for both pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers. We must all follow the rules of the road to reduce these numbers. The following are common causes of motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians.

• Left-Hand Turns. An estimated three times as many people get hit by cars turning left than by cars turning right. This is because drivers making left-hand turns are focusing their attention on whether other cars are coming and whether it is clear for them to turn, forgetting to look for pedestrians.

• Distracted and Inattentive Drivers. When a driver takes their focus off the road for even a second, pedestrians are put at risk.

• Unmarked Crosswalks. The absence of clearly marked crosswalks can lead a driver to forget to look for pedestrians, thereby increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents.

• Distracted Pedestrians. Electronics are not only bad for drivers; they can also be quite dangerous for pedestrians. When a pedestrian is looking down at an electronic device (phone, computer, music device), he or she is likely not paying proper

attention to the surrounding traffic.

• Impaired Driving. A driver under the influence is far less likely to see a pedestrian.

• Speeding While Driving. When speeding, the driver may not have the time required to react to a pedestrian coming into their path.

• Failure to Slow Down in School Zones. Children often are unpredictable and may dart out from anywhere.

• Failure to Follow Traffic Laws Making illegal U-turns, failing to follow posted directional signs and speeding contribute to pedestrian accident risks.

Some additional tips for pedestrians to remember:

• Be predictable and purposeful.

• Walk on pathways or sidewalks when available.

• If a pathway is not available, walk on the shoulder of the

road facing traffic.

• Increase your visibility at night. Wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight.

• Make eye contact with drivers before you cross in front of a vehicle.

• Cross roadways at intersections and in crosswalks whenever possible.

• Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.

The Woodlands has 220-plus miles of pathways and trails designed to connect residents to individual neighborhoods, parks, schools and retail centers. These pathways are multi-use and pedestrians should expect to encounter all kinds of users, including walkers, cyclists and wheelchairs. Motorized vehicles are prohibited (except for medically necessary or maintenance). The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch encourages you to practice safety on the pathways and our roads.

To learn more about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch or schedule an event in your neighborhood, please contact neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/townshipneighborhoodwatch.

EASTE R

AT WOODLANDS CHURCH

APRIL 15-17

EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF EASTER WITH OUR CHURCH FAMILY!

A Houston-area tradition for over 25 years, Easter at Woodlands Church will refresh your spirit and reignite your passion.

Bring your entire family for a moving worship service, Christ-centered message and Texas-sized egg hunts!

Rediscover God’s unending love for you and your family April 15th-17th at Woodlands Church!

For service times and information, visit WC.ORG/EASTER

UPLIFTING