April 2020

On the Cover

As

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

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

message from the woodlands township board of directors

The Woodlands Township Addresses

COVID-19 and Event Cancellations

In response to the concerns regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), The Woodlands Township cancelled or postponed all Township-produced and permitted events through April 12, 2020 (Easter Sunday). In addition, large-scale events such as The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival and Ironman Texas were also cancelled or postponed until later in the year.

“While these were difficult decisions to make, public safety has and will always be the top priority of The Woodlands Township,” said Chairman of the Board Gordy Bunch.

The following events for April were cancelled:

• Remainder of Concert in the Park spring series concerts

• Woodforest Bank TRI

• All spring recreation programs through April 12, possibly beyond

• The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

• Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas

• This list is not all-inclusive. More information is online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar or www.facebook.com/ thewoodlandstownship.

This is an evolving situation, and as other Township-related events are cancelled, postponed or rescheduled for a later date, these will be noted on the Township website or through Township communications. Please sign up at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/notifyme, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed to choose which communication platform is easiest for you. The Township will remain in close communication with local, state and federal partners and take further action as needed, based on the recommendations of these agencies. Residents are encouraged to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s prevention strategies. If you suspect you are ill, please stay home except to seek medical care to prevent the spread of illness. Please visit www.cdc.gov/COVID19 for more information. The Township also has a dedicated Coronavirus page with resources and information at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covid19.

See in case you missed it on page 6

Gordy Bunch Chairman

Brian Boniface Director

Bruce Rieser Vice Chairman

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs Director, Position No. 5

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Secretary

Bob Milner Director

Don Norrell President and General Manager

John Anthony Brown Treasurer

The Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Cheryl Kirsch Jim Callahan

Creative Director Lori Short

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

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.

REFLUX SERVICES AT HOUSTON METHODIST

THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL

The digestive health experts at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital understand the discomfort that often comes from chronic acid reflux. Our team of specialists evaluates the symptoms of each individual to recommend appropriate diagnostic and treatment options.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Burning sensation in the back of the mouth

• Difficulty breathing

• Difficulty swallowing

• Discomfort in the chest and throat

We are here to help.

• Dry cough and hoarseness

• Frequent heartburn

• Irritation in the esophagus

Call the Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital

Services navigation line at 936.270.GERD (4373) and find a Houston Methodist reflux specialist near you.

houstonmethodist.org/thewoodlands

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP honors 2019 volunteers

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recognized more than 200 volunteers at the Spirit of Service Reception in February. The awards included Volunteers of the Year for the Township Covenant Administration, Neighborhood Watch and Parks and Recreation departments.

Chairman of the Board Gordy Bunch welcomed the group and thanked the many volunteers for their service.

Volunteer of the Year awards went to Mary Sydow for Covenant Administration, Sara “Sally” Smith-Frings for Neighborhood Watch and Michael Bisbee for Parks and Recreation.

Also receiving recognition were members of the CERT: The Woodlands Community Emergency Response Team Committee, Development Standards Committee, the Drainage Task Force, the Law Enforcement Advisory Council, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, the Residential Design Review Committees, Visit the Woodlands Board of Directors and Marketing Committee and all eight of the Village Associations and Residential Design Review Committees. A complete list of honorees is on page 7.

The Woodlands Township honored Mary Sydow, Volunteer of the Year for Covenant Administration. Pictured left to right: Secretary Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Treasurer John Anthony Brown, Chairman Gordy Bunch, Mary Sydow, Director Bob Milner, Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser and Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs.

The Woodlands Township honored Michael Bisbee, Volunteer of the Year for Parks and Recreation. Pictured left to right: Secretary Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Chairman Gordy Bunch, Director Bob Milner, Michael Bisbee, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Treasurer John Anthony Brown and Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser.

The Woodlands Township honored Sara “Sally” Smith-Frings, Volunteer of the Year for Neighborhood Watch. Pictured left to right: Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser, Chairman Gordy Bunch, Sally Smith-Frings, Director Bob Milner, Secretary Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Treasurer John Anthony Brown and Director Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs.

Tom Schwarzkopf, President

Kenneth Barron

Edward Commender

David Kaczynski

Barbara Maier

Rhett Smith

Richie Spurlock

Bruce Rieser, Chair

Daniel Akeroyd

Matt Barrett

Rhenalea Beck

Nancy Becker

Alan Black, P.E.

John Blount

Helen Bostock

Jill Boullion

Marie Brannen

David Brown

Kyle Brown

R. Jack Cagle

Jackie Chance, Sr.

Brandon Creighton

Bruce Cunningham

Kelly Dietrich

Andy DuBois

Paul Earnest

Briana Gallagher

Chuck Gilman

Everett Ison

F. Emil Jacobs

Roland Johnson

Burton Johnson

Mark Keough

Dan Kolkhorst

Bob Leilich

Becky Martinez

James Noack

Don Norrell

Laura Norton

Antonio Paz

Steve Perry

Shane Porter

Bret Raley

Heather Ramsey Cook

Landon Reed

Kathie Reyer

Charlie Riley

Yancy Scott

Greg Sherlock

Christie Siedhoff

Jim Stinson, P.E.

Alex Sutton

Valoree Swanson

Albert Tomchesson

Steve Toth

Mark Vonderau

Ritch Wheeler

Walter Lisiewski Jr., Chair

Robert Heineman, Vice Chair

Bob Adams

John Anderson

Arthur Bredehoft

John Anthony Brown

Bala Iyer

Mike Bakewell

John Anthony Brown

Edmund Chapman

Kelly Dietrich

Joe Havrilla

Sean Jordan

Dewey Lockwood

Steve Perry

Ken Schumann

Greg Sherlock

Ted Stanley

Maryann Braid

Jeff Conn

Anthony Fasone

Andrew Freeman

Joe Havrilla

Virginia Hill

Bala Iyer

Dan Kolkhorst

Bob Lesniewski

Marti Meerscheidt

Steve Perry

Mindy Reynolds

Michael Saucier

Ken Schumann

Carol Stromatt

Alden Bridge

Randy V. Schulze, Chair

John R. Passero, Vice Chair

Claude Hunter

David Pratt

Cochran’s Crossing

Ronald Hughes, Chair

Gerard Raap, Vice Chair

Walter Ehrhardt

James Goldmeyer

Zack Lowe

College Park

Ted Stanley, Chair

Jake Miller, Vice Chair

Kevin Pollock

Creekside Park

Michael Ramsey, Chair

Jennifer Mares, Vice Chair

Fred Berretz

Ron Harris

Tyson Scott

Grogan’s Mill

Vince Fredrick, Chair

Sharon De Marsais, Vice Chair

Melissa Baker

Neal Sosdian

Mary Sydow

Indian Springs - TWA

Russell Heinen, Chair

Dawn Brubaker, Vice Chair

Shanna Davis

Ken Schumann

Richard Stromatt

Indian Springs - WCA

Steven Gallia, Chair

John Leftwich, Vice Chair

Shirley Leftwich

Panther Creek

Everett Ison, Chair

Rennie van Wyk, Vice Chair

Thomas Albertson

Kenny Berntsen

Jimmy Ward

Sterling Ridge

Jaydean Tullos, Chair

George Newman, Vice Chair

Gordon Craig

Debbie Lance

Patricia van Otterdyk

Board of Directors

Bruce Rieser, Chair

John Anthony Brown Vice Chair

Fred Domenick Secretary/Treasurer

Brian Boniface

J.J. Hollie

Don Norrell

Kevin Viteri

Marketing Committee

Jayson Garcia

Wendi Gelfound

Noemi Gonzalez

Ted Harris

Cameron Klepac

Lorrie Parise

Kim Phillips

Jenny Taylor

Alden Bridge

Maryann Braid, President

Greg Sherlock, Vice President

Carrie Karr, Secretary

Lauren Esposito, Treasurer

Valerie Baker

Darla Bell

John A. Brown

Chuck Hoffheiser

Bala Iyer

Joan O’Connor

John-Brandon Pierre

Andrea Radey

John Robertson

Stephanie Ruediger

Allen Taylor

Carolyn Weaver

Carey Yeager

Adele Yung

Cochran’s Crossing

Stephen Perry, President

Zachary T. “Zack” Lowe, Vice President

J.C. Harville, Secretary

Jim Goldmeyer, Treasurer

Thomas Chumbley

Tricia Danto

Walter Ehrhardt

Beverly Fennessy

Ginger K. Fray

Cynthia Kessinger

Phong Le

Steve Perry

Sarah Przybyla

Lori Riley

Trae Rogers

Hubert Vaz-Nayak

Kristen Vollmer

College Park

Ted Stanley, President

Marti Meerscheidt, Secretary

Kevin Pollock, Treasurer

Jeff Gross

Steve LaMotta

Mike Larson

Dave Mulberry

Kelly Picard

Johanne Stanley

Creekside Park

Nancy Becker, President

Bob Lesniewski, Vice President

Lisa Purtell, Secretary

Mike Becker, Treasurer

Chuck Abell

Mike Casey

Melissa D’Mello

Sean Jordon

Jerry King

Wendy Lambie

Clinton Mountfort

Yung Phang

Carol Radice

Rich Radice

Mike Ramsey

Tyson Scott

Grogan’s Mill

Edmund Chapman, President

Neil Gaynor, Vice President

Emily Hoppel, Secretary

Russell Balsamo Jr., Treasurer

Sara Bissig

Marie Brannen

Andrew Coakley

Bruce Cunningham

Mitzi Fredrick

Pat Goodpastor

Virginia Hill

Bob Leilich

Franklin Palmer

Jennifer Robinson

John Yoars

Indian Springs

Mike Arendes, President

Michael Saucier, Vice President

Matt Pounders, Secretary

Thomas Brown, Treasurer

Ree Belhumeur

Russell Heinen

Fred McOmber

Ericka Bondy Pratt

Ken Schumann

Kelly Sharer

Richie Spurlock

Carol Stromatt

Richard Stromatt

Panther Creek

Everett Ison, President

Dan Lewis, Vice President

Kevin Kowalski, Secretary

Kim Lewis, Treasurer

Courtney Coats Topini

Kevin Currey

Andrew Freeman

Paul Gebolys

Peggy Hausman

Randall Kruchten

Bryan Leavitt

Walter Lisiewski Jr.

Gene Lochridge

Dewey Lockwood

Jennifer Majors Baca

Mindy Reynolds

Brian Sharpe

Charlie Tunal

Synda Wilson

Stephanie Zertuche

Sterling Ridge

Tom Schwarzkopf, President

Eric Fishhaut, Vice President

Dedra Ecklund, Secretary

Joe Havrilla, Treasurer

Jeff Conn

Patrick Graham

Stan Lennox

Robbye Schwarzkopf

Beautiful weather beckons us outside this time of year, but nothing is worse than finding a swarm of mosquitoes that drives you back indoors. Take a minute this weekend to check off these five easy steps to make your patio mosquito-free for months to come.

Toss the plant saucers. Saucers provide the perfect dark, wet environment for mosquitoes to lay small eggs, barely visible to the naked eye. Opt instead for plant stands, pot trivets or pot feet that elevate the container and do a better job of not staining your deck.

Clean the gutters. It doesn’t take many leaves to hold back enough water to breed mosquitoes, without clogging the gutter entirely. Take a quick peek and scoop out any debris. If your downspout ends in a rain barrel, ensure the screens are in good shape to keep

out mosquitoes, or keep reading for a simple preventative treatment.

Use good bacteria. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Whether it’s a bird bath, rain barrel or a French drain, the most effective tool to treat water is with microscopic bacteria known as Bti. Mosquito larvae eat the Bti and it binds to specific receptors in their gut and kills them. Bti is harmless to fish, frogs, birds, pets and people and approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), which is the organization that certifies products for use in organic production.

Pull out the floor fan. Overhead fans are nice, but they don’t combat mosquitoes. Use physics to your advantage and set up a big oscillating fan to blow a breeze across your favorite lounger. That gentle breeze is around

10 mph, much more than a mosquito’s top speed of 2 mph.

Guard the perimeter. Containing 99 percent garlic, Garlic Barrier is used in agriculture to keep insects off crops as an alternative to chemical pesticides. Follow the dilution directions and apply with a pump sprayer to plants and structures around the perimeter of your yard. It lasts about a month but needs to be reapplied after rain. This can be a great tool to use ahead of a pool party or family barbeque –after you’ve tossed anything holding water first.

Still having a problem with mosquitoes? The Woodlands Township Mosquito Surveillance Team is here to help! Call 281-210-3800 or email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov to request a free site assessment. Better yet, host a gathering with your neighbors and we’ll help you fight the bite together.

Celebrate the hope of Easter

We invite you to bring the hope found in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ into your life. Experience a joyous celebration when you attend worship at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. You will find a variety of traditional, contemporary or modern worship styles in 13 services across two campuses. We also offer an interactive children’s service so kids and their parents can celebrate the risen Christ together.

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

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

281.297.5900 | thewoodlandsumc.org

Please

13th Annual

Saturday, May 2, 2020 • 3 to 7 p.m.

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park (6055 Creekside Forest Drive)

Asone of the most popular running events in the community, the Muddy Trails Bash features chiptimed 5K and 10K trail runs, the Little Muddy Kid’s One-Mile Fun Run and the 2K-9 fun run for you and your dog. All race courses wind through the beautiful George Mitchell Nature Preserve, located on 1,800 wooded acres adjacent to Rob Fleming Park in Creekside Park. This spring event also features a festive post-race party with live Zydeco music, the Muddy Bowl Crawfish Cook-Off and children’s activities. Concessions will be available for purchase from vendors onsite for spectators and attendees. Race registration fee includes a finisher medal, participant shirt and complimentary food and beverages at the post-race party. Muddy Trails Bash is a USA Track and Field (USATF) sanctioned event. Please note, this is not a mud run or an adventure race.

Participants and spectators are also invited to show off their crawfish boiling skills in the Muddy Bowl Crawfish

Cook-Off. Teams of up to eight members will be provided three bags of crawfish for $300, five bags of crawfish for $400 or seven bags of crawfish for $600, serving containers, a 10-foot x 10-foot tent, table and chairs. The fee also includes the Harris County Temporary Food Permit. Teams need to bring their own cooking materials, spices and fire extinguisher. Awards will be given to Judge’s Choice: Best Crawfish, People’s Choice: Best Crawfish, Best Decorated Tent and Best Cajun Dish. There is no fee for spectators and attendees. Volunteers are needed! The Woodlands Township relies on the support of more than 250 volunteers to make the Muddy Trails Bash a success. For volunteer information, please email volunteer@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. For questions regarding the races and the Muddy Bowl Crawfish Cook-Off, please email races@thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov or call 281-210-3800. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ muddytrailsbash for full event details.

REGISTRATION DATES AND FEES

10K Run

Before May 1, 2020 ..............................$50

Race Day* $55

5K Run

Before May 1, 2020 ..............................$45

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

Little Muddy Kid’s One-Mile Fun Run

Before May 1, 2020 $35

Race Day* ........................................... $40

2K-9 Fun Run (1-mile untimed fun run with dog)

Before May 1, 2020 $35

Race Day* ........................................... $40

*Please note, Race Day registration will only be available if the race has not sold out.

Photo courtesy of Race Shots

Stay in Touch with the Township for Emergency Communications

As the situation with Covid-19 (Coronavirus) evolves, The Woodlands Township encourages residents to stay informed by registering for Township alerts, emails and notifications.

“The Woodlands Township is committed to providing timely information to the community throughout this time,” said Gordy Bunch, Chairman of the Board. “We encourage our residents to stay connected by following

Keep

Township social media accounts, signing up for our enewsletters such as Talk of the Township and subscribing to our press releases. The Township will update the community as regularly as possible to ensure that residents are fully apprised of all new developments.”

The Township has created a Coronavirus page on the website with updates from partner agencies, links to local health authorities and an archive with Township communications

related to Coronavirus. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ covid19 for more information.

Additionally, the Township encourages residents to stay connected by following Township social media accounts at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/stayinformed and signing up for the Talk of the Township e-newsletter and other emergency notifications at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ notifyme.

Up with the Township Whenever and Wherever it Works Best for You.

The Woodlands Township is the governmental service provider for residents and businesses, providing enhanced law enforcement services, fire protection, environmental services, parks and recreation, economic development and more.

MAY

MAY

MAY

MAY

Texas

JULY

Jurassic

DEC.

Spend Your Summer at

By Tyler L. Little

Seek adventure this summer with Sunny Dayz! Registration is open now at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/sunnydayz.

Stay active this summer with The Woodlands Township at Sunny Dayz, a summer day camp for children between 6 and 12 years of age. Camps are offered at The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park or The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, giving campers the opportunity to experience 10+ weeks of fun! Activities include crafts, theme days, pool trips and field trips to various locations around the area.

Camps are held Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Campers can sign up for a full week, three days or a single day. Camp schedules are different for both locations; please note, your child may attend camp at one location, but alternating locations is not permitted. For more information or to register, please call The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park at 281-210-3950 or The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park at 281-5167348. Online registration is also available at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ sunnydayz.

www.genesisdoctors.com

April 2020

Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar for the latest information on specific Township events and cancellations.

Wednesday, April 1

Development Standards Committee Meetings*

Thursday, April 2

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Thursday, April 9

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, April 10

Township Offices Closed

Tuesday, April 14

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Wednesday, April 15

Development Standards Committee Meetings*

Thursday, April 16

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Special Planning Session

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 4 p.m. 281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m. 281-210-3800

Saturday, April 18

The Woodlands Spring Flea Market Town Center Parking Garage

Southwest Corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines Drive

7 to 10:30 a.m. 281-210-3976

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmill.org/fmabout

Monday, April 20

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

5:45 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m. 281-210-3889

Wednesday, April 22

Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 4:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, April 25

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.org/ fmabout

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The Woodlands Township and Rob Fleming Aquatic Center 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.; 6535 Creekside Forest Drive 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 281-210-3884

Sunday, April 26

Dog Walker Watch Rob Fleming Park 6055 Creekside Forest Drive 2 to 4 p.m. 281-210-3889

Tuesday, April 28

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3887

No two kids are exactly alike, and that’s what makes them special. What makes us special is our ability to treat more pediatric conditions than anyone in the region, from renal to rheumatology to sports medicine and more. For the treatments and outcomes you want for your child, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands is right in your neighborhood.

We’re here for every kid.

Alden Bridge

It’s going to be a busy month in Alden Bridge, so come on over from the sideline and play an active part in your village!

This month’s village association board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at 7 p.m. at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. This is the first regular meeting of our 2020-2021 board, so please join us and help kick off our new year.

Scholarship applications are being finalized, and the 2020 winners will be announced soon. It is always a challenge to select winners as all applicants are amazing in their own way. Our scholarship recipients will be honored at a reception prior to the board meeting on May 12, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please save the date and join us to congratulate our winners.

We earn money for our scholarship program by providing volunteers for activities such as the Flea Market, Green-Up and village challenges produced by the Township. However, scholarship funds are also received through other important sources such our business sponsor program. Businesses will receive promotional benefits in exchange for their sponsorship. If you have a business in Alden Bridge (or elsewhere) and would like to sponsor our activities or contribute to our scholarship fund, please email abvainfo@gmail.com. We’ll be happy to tell you all about the opportunities.

The 2019 Alden Bridge Yard of the Month program is getting ready to bloom again and our first award will be announced on May 1. Every month we

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

solicit residents’ nominations for the best front yard in our village, so please look around and send us the address of a yard that you believe fits that description. Board members view the nominations, select a winner, and the winner receives prizes including our beautiful sign planted in your front yard. Send your nominations to abvainfo@ gmail.com no later than the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2020. There’s no rule against nominating your own yard, so if you’ve been working hard on it –go ahead and nominate yourself!

Want to contact us? Email abvainfo@gmail.com or comment on our Facebook page. Our website, www.aldenbridge.org, and our Facebook page can keep you updated on the latest news. Also, if you send your email address to abvainfo@gmail.com, we’ll add you to the list to receive our monthly email newsletter. Have a great month!

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

Cochran’s Crossing

We need more board members! Cochran’s Crossing Village Association is comprised of 18 volunteer board members. Seven people ran for office in February, and we need additional members to have all of our volunteer positions filled. This includes developing activities for our village and assisting with our scholarships and grants. If you are interested in being on the board, please contact Jim Goldmeyer at jidoma@aol.com or JC Harville at jaycee1957@yahoo.com. Training will be provided on all that we do!

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, except in

December, and unless otherwise announced.

Scholarship winners will be announced at the May 2020 board meeting. Annually, two scholarships are given to two graduating seniors who reside in Cochran’s Crossing.

Submitted by JC Harville

College Park

In another uncontested village election, we welcomed back area representatives Johanne Stanley, Jeff Gross, Dave Mulberry and Steve Lamotta at our annual meeting in March. Marti Meerscheidt and Ted Stanley returned to fulfill their terms as Secretary and President. Area Representative Kelly Richard is now our Vice President. Kevin Pollock returns to serve a two-year term as Treasurer. When you see them at our events be sure to introduce yourself and thank them for their community service.

Our Annual Sundae in the Park in Tapestry Park is scheduled for April 19, 2020, from 1 to 3 p.m. Grogan’s Forest and College Park residents are encouraged to come out and meet the College Park board members and your neighbors while enjoying an ice cream sundae.

May 16, 2020, is the Annual Poolooza! This includes free entry to the Harper’s Landing pool, games, refreshments and fun for families and individuals who reside in the Village o f College Park.

College bound senior high school students who reside in any of the College Park neighborhoods (Harper’s Landing, Grogan’s Forest and Windsor Hills) are welcome to apply for one of the college

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

scholarships. We are especially looking for students who exemplify volunteerism by contributing to the community through service. The application deadline is this month. Check our website or check with your school counselor.

Looking for an avenue to get involved, meet neighbors and have fun? Volunteer to be a Woodlands Watch coordinator. This community organization is overseen by the Township Neighborhood Watch. Learn how to reach out to neighbors to keep your neighborhood safe. Remember that our law enforcement counts on citizens like you to report suspicious activity when you see it. To find out where there is need for watch coordinators in your area, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch.

You can practice your best citizenship by participating in village challenges. College Park residents responded to the Water-Wise Village challenge last year and we came in first among all the villages. Let’s do it again! The challenge ends April 15, 2020, when you can turn your sprinklers back on – that is unless it is still raining! Remember to sign the pledge again next fall so that we can be in the number one spot next year!

For more information on any of these events, please visit our website www.villageofcollegepark.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ CollegeParkVillageAssociation

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Grogan’s Mill

After serving for 12 years, Bob Leilich is retiring from the Grogan’s Mill board. For the past 10 years he served as Treasurer, one of the most demanding jobs on the board. In addition to his duties as Treasurer for the board, Bob happily took on the

responsibilities of Treasurer for The Woodlands Farmer’s Market when it was established by the village association in 2008. His attention to detail has contributed to an accurate historical record of the growth of The Woodlands Farmer’s Market. He participated actively in the village’s activities and served his immediate neighborhood of Grogan’s Point.

Bob will continue his volunteer efforts as President of MUD 1, where he was instrumental in the Spring Creek Flood Migration Study. He will also continue working with Jubilee Prison Ministry where he oversees the expenses of the ministry at 17 prisons. Thank you, Bob, for your service to our community. We will miss having you on the board.

The board held its annual planning meeting on February 16, 2020. Thanks to an extraordinarily successful Farmer’s Market and volunteer hours from our residents, the board is budgeting generous funding to support scholarships, schools, community programs, Interfaith Food Pantry and more. Further information will be provided next month once the board approves the budget.

The board welcomes board member Kelly Lewis. She is already collaborating with current board members to help make another great year for our village. At its monthly meeting on the 18th, the board elected new officers for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. They are: Ned Chapman, President; Randy Brannen, Vice President; Russ Balsamo, Treasurer; and Emily Hoppel, Secretary.

With spring in the air, there is even more produce, honey, olive oil, crafts, food and more at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market. The market is open

continued on next page

MEETING INFORMATION

ALDEN BRIDGE www.aldenbridge.org

Alden Bridge Village Association usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.*

COCHRAN’S CROSSING www.cochranscrossing.com

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.*

COLLEGE PARK www.villageofcollegepark.com

College Park Village Association usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6 p.m.*

CREEKSIDE PARK www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Creekside Park Village Association usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.

at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive. See page 16.

GROGAN’S MILL www.grogansmillvillage.com

Grogan’s Mill Village Association usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6 p.m.*

INDIAN SPRINGS www.indianspringsvillage.com

Indian Springs Village Association usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m.*

PANTHER CREEK www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

Panther Creek Village Association usually meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m.*

STERLING RIDGE www.sterling-ridge.org

Sterling Ridge Village Association usually meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m.*

*Meets at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, at 7 Switchbud Place in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. In addition to our regular lineup of vendors, most Saturdays feature live music and a food truck. Be sure to bring your own bags to save on plastic. Please visit our website at www.grogansmill.org/fmabout or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ WoodlandsFarmersMarket for the latest information and scheduling. Profits from Farmer’s Market vendor fees are returned to our community through various philanthropic contributions, school donations, scholarships and community programs.

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association and The Woodlands Farmer’s Market hosted a Galentine’s Party on February 13, 2020, at New Lotus Moon in The Grogan’s Mill Village Center. This party highlighted the businesses in the village and encouraged residents to support the merchants in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. More than 50 residents attended the party and offered suggestions to replace Randalls. The party was catered by Mainely Sandwiches, Chef Chan’s, Brothers Pizza and SN Liquors. This was the first of several events to be scheduled in the village center.

The mission and vision of the Grogan’s Mill Village Association and The Woodlands Farmer’s Market is to revitalize the village center. With the closure of Randalls, it is more important than ever to support the merchants in the village center. We encourage all of our loyal market customers to check out the shopping center when you attend The Woodlands Farmer’s Market.

Submitted by Andrew Coakley and Jennifer Robinson

Indian Springs

The Indian Springs Village Association would like to welcome J.P. Garcia as our newest board representative. In addition, we would like to congratulate Carol Stromatt and Michael Saucier on their elections to the roles of Treasurer and Vice President,

respectively. Congratulations are also in order for Kelly Sharer, Richie Spurlock and Richard Stromatt, who were re-elected into their roles as board representatives. Finally, we want to thank Tom Brown and Russell Heinen for their service on the Indian Springs Village Association board. Their service and friendship to the community was an incredible donation to all of us.

If any Indian Springs residents are looking to be more informed or get involved, we urge you to join us and attend the Indian Springs Village Association monthly meetings. As a volunteer organization, our board’s sole purpose is to ensure our village is the perfect place to live. Please join us at our next meeting (normally the second Tuesday monthly) at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Elementary School Donations

Indian Springs Village Association is proud to support our outstanding public schools. The funds raised through our events, such as the Taste of the Village in October, are used for scholarships to our Indian Springs high school seniors and donations to our neighborhood schools.

A $500 donation was made to Glen Loch Elementary for the accelerated reading program. Based on several reports on these programs, students have exhibited improved vocabulary and increased reading comprehension on a variety of books. An additional $500 donation was made to Galatas Elementary School, which has entered its second year as a CISD Literacy Cohort Campus, for the enhancement of their classroom libraries. Galatas

Principal Denae Wilker writes, “Through community donations of gently used books we have made great strides, but we are still in need of additional titles to fill in the gaps.” With the donation from our village, those gaps are greatly diminished.

Submitted by Michael Saucier

Sterling Ridge

Young anglers have two months to practice their casting and catch-andrelease techniques as the Sixth Annual Sterling Ridge Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2020, at Pepperdale Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Prizes will be awarded for “Most Fish Caught” and “Biggest Fish.” For more information, please visit our website at www.sterling-ridge.org. This event will surely be “off the hook.”

Calling all BBQ Pit Masters! Prepare your best and most secret sauces, spices and rubs and show off your smoking skills at our 14th Annual Sterling Ridge Village BBQ Challenge and Kids Festival. Neighborhoods can compete for trophies and bragging rights on Saturday, October 24, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

We rely on sponsorship funds raised to help provide grants to the elementary schools serving Sterling Ridge. We need your support to help the young students of Sterling Ridge. To sponsor the Fishing Tournament and the BBQ Challenge and Kids Festival, please email Ms. K. Shaw at klynda@gmail.com.

As a reminder, Vacation Watch is a free service that allows law enforcement deputies to check the security of a residence while the homeowner is out of town. For more information, please visit the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office website at www.mctxsheriff.org or download the Montgomery County, TX app. A great way to fight crime in your neighborhood is to participate in a Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch program. Call John Osborne at 281-310-3800 to get started.

Submitted by Steve DiGerlando

Indian Springs Village Association Board Representative Kelly Sharer (left) presents a check to Galatas Principal Denae Wilker. Photo by Kelly Sharer

Please call 281-210-3950 or 281-516-7348 for the latest information on these programs.

Spring Youth Tennis

njoy the thrill of friendly competition Tournament Series. Tournaments are held at The Woodlands Tennis Courts by United States Tennis Association (USTA) Certified Tennis Professionals and The Woodlands Tennis Academy Instructors. These tournaments are a great way for kids to gain more experience before hitting the big leagues. With two age divisions, 10 and Under and 11 and Over, there is a tournament for all levels of youth tennis.

For questions or to register, please call The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park at 281-210-3950 or The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park at 281-516-7348.

Toddler Time

Toddler

Time offers a fun-filled atmosphere with many games and toys for your child to enjoy. Check it out on Tuesdays at The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park from 10 a.m. to noon, and on Thursdays at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park from 10 a.m. to noon. The recommended age for this program is for children between the ages of one to four.

New to Toddler Time is an all-access punch card for $15 that is available for purchase at both Recreation Centers. With the punch card, attendees receive eight Toddler Time visits that are valid at either location. The daily drop-in fee is $3.

Weekly Themes:

Week of May 12 and 14, 2020: Summer Fun!

For more information, please call The Recreation Center at Bear Branch at 281-210-3950 or The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming at 281-516-7348.

CREATURE FEATURE:

Raccoons

By Amber Barnes

Fast Facts

• Raccoons are native to North America and can be found throughout most of the United States.

• Excellent swimmers, raccoons can stay in the water for several hours.

• Raccoons can run up to 15 miles per hour and they can climb trees just as quickly.

• They have some of the most dexterous hands in nature. “Raccoon” derives from a Powhatan word for “animal that scratches with its hands.”

What do they look like?

• Raccoons weigh up to 30 pounds, are 30 to 40 inches long and covered in grayish brown fur that has a dense underfur to insulate against the cold.

• The black markings, or mask, across their face helps them to see clearly by absorbing light and reducing glare, allowing them to see better at night.

What do they eat?

• Raccoons are omnivores and enjoy fruits, plants, nuts, berries, insects, rodents, frogs, eggs and crayfish.

In urban environments, they often sift through garbage. With their nimble fingers, they can easily open containers and trash cans.

• Raccoons rely on their sense of touch to locate food, more than sight, sound or smell. Their front paws have four times the sensory receptors of their back paws, making their hands nearly as sensitive as humans.

• Raccoons increase their sense of touch through a process called dousing. It may look like they are washing their food, which they also do, but they are really wetting their paws to stimulate the nerve endings, allowing a clearer sense of their newfound food.

Who are their natural predators?

• Coyotes, bobcats, cougars and larger species of owls are their natural predators. But without many of them around, disease and car accidents are now the major killers of raccoons.

Why do we need them?

• Raccoons are a native species and play a role in a healthy woodlands

ecosystem. They help control the pest population by consuming snakes, insects and other pests.

• As an opportunistic feeder, raccoons also reduce the spread of disease by eating carrion.

Want more information?

Need help removing a raccoon, found an abandoned baby raccoon or concerned about a possible rabid raccoon? Please visit The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Blog for more information on raccoons and resources for safe encounters with wildlife at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment. Choose Visit Our Blog

Did you

know that President Coolidge had a pet raccoon while in office?

Rebecca could be seen on a leash going for walks around the White House grounds. She even participated in the annual Easter Egg Roll.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

By Holly Steinke

www.arborcarehouston.com

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch is hosting two National Prescription Drug Take Back Day drop-off locations on Saturday, April 25, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first location is at The Woodlands Township front parking lot, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., 77381, and the second location is at Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, 6535 Creekside Forest Dr., 77389. Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be present to anonymously collect expired and unwanted medications for safe disposal with the assistance of various law enforcement personnel.

Residents are encouraged to drop off unused and expired prescription drugs. Doing so helps to ensure that prescription drugs are not misused, which can lead to drug addiction and accidental overdose deaths. It’s also important to remove old medications from medicine cabinets to avoid taking the wrong medication.

The DEA site collection protocols stipulate that participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. If an original container is submitted, the individual is encouraged to remove any identifying information from the prescription label. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should

remain sealed in their original container. The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

Please note, sharps or needles are not collected at this event. However, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) offers a comprehensive guide, titled Disposing of Syringes from Households: Do’s and Don’ts, on their website in English and Spanish at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/publications/ gi/gi-418.html.

If you can’t make it to National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, year-round drug disposal drop-off sites are available. For locations by zip code, please visit the DEA’s website at https:// takebackday.dea.gov.

For more information about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/neighborhoodwatch. Please follow Township Neighborhood Watch on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ townshipneighborhoodwatch.

Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4 assisted the DEA with the 2019 Prescription Drug Take Back Day at Rob Fleming Aquatic Center.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, The Woodlands Division, assisted the DEA with the 2019 Prescription Drug Take Back Day at The Woodlands Township.

MAY 1

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

Houston Ballet

8 p.m. / 7 p.m. Gates

MAY 8

THE MUSIC OF QUEEN

Houston Symphony

8 p.m. / 7 p.m. Gates

FREE Mezzanine & Lawn Seating | $20 Reserved Orchestra Seating

www.woodlandscenter.org

Dog Walker Watch CRIME AWARENESS PROGRAM

how to take a bite out of crime! The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch invites you to bring your best friend to an informative training at one of the Township parks as scheduled below.

Dog Walker Watch is a crime awareness initiative which encourages Dog Walkers to serve as extra “eyes and ears” for law enforcement. During the training presentation, participants will learn about how their daily routine can assist law enforcement by being aware of their surroundings, effectively observing

and ultimately calling in suspicious and/ or criminal activity when it is happening. Some of the key highlights of Dog Walker Watch training include these important topics:

• What is suspicious?

• Identifying a suspicious person

• Identifying suspicious vehicles

• Important information to note

Training will be conducted by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and/or the Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4.

May

By Marian Montgomery Leck

For more information about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch program and Dog Walker Watch, please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/neighborhoodwatch or call 281-210-3800.

Sponsored by:

By Hennie vanRensburg

Is there a dog in your neighborhood who barks at all hours of the day and night? Is there is a cat who is destroying a neighbor’s garden? If there is such a pet in your neighborhood, please inform the pet’s owner of the offense. He or she may not be aware that the offending animal is causing an issue. On the other hand, if your neighbor approaches you regarding your dog’s barking, at least consider the possibility that it could be true. The next step is to consider a constructive solution to the dilemma.

The Township Covenant Administration Department works with Montgomery County Animal Control to address issues of concerns of animals running off-leash in The Woodlands neighborhoods. Since the Township is a special purpose district within Montgomery County, rather than an incorporated city, the statutory authority and responsibility for animal control is provided through Montgomery County and Harris County animal control agencies.

Finally, yet importantly, please pick up after your pet. Pet waste bags are easily purchased and used. Plastic newspaper and grocery bags can also be used to pick up after your pet and then placed in the trash. Always be mindful that leashes are required once the animal leaves your property.

Don’t let your pet spoil the natural beauty of The Woodlands for someone else. Take every opportunity to be a responsible pet owner. It shows pride in your community as well as respect for your neighbors and love for your pet.

Celebrating 50 Years of EARTH DAY

By Zoe Killian

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

~ Margaret Mead

Earth Day marks an important milestone this year with its 50th Anniversary on April 22, 2020. Former U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin founded the first Earth Day in 1970, after witnessing a major oil spill in Santa Barbara and observing the emerging public consciousness about industrial pollution. His decision to launch this new initiative heralded the beginning of the modern environmental movement.

Buoyed by the energy that he witnessed in the student anti-war effort of the 1970s and looking to capitalize on that same energy and citizen involvement, Sen. Nelson partnered with Rep. Pete McCloskey of California. Sen. Nelson then recruited a 25-year-old Harvard University student named Denis Hayes as a national coordinator for the first Earth Day. The group chose April 22 because it fell between Spring Break and final exams for college students.

According to earthday.org, 20 million Americans, 10 percent of the population at the time, rallied for awareness of a better, sustainable environment in the future. The united front of political leaders, farmers, teachers, factory workers, rich and poor led to the creation of the United States

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

If you would like more information about how to be green in the spirit of Earth Day or opportunities to get involved in our community, please contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or enviro@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Tips from the EPA to Help the Environment

• Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save eight gallons of water per day. That’s 2,920 gallons per year!

• Recycling one ton of paper (200,000 sheets) would save enough energy to power the average American home for six months, 7,000 gallons of water, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to one metric ton of carbon.

• If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year.

Make Every Day Earth Day by Trying One New Habit

• Reduce your use of single-use plastics. Bring your own bag, water bottle, travel mug, takeout containers, cutlery, straws and refuse them when offered to you.

• Skip the straw or bring your own. 500 million straws are used daily in America and they can’t be recycled.

• Take plastic bags and film (case wrap, bread bags, etc.) to your local grocery store for recycling. Never put them in your regular recycling cart.

• Reuse glass containers for storage; recycling is good but reusing is better.

• Purchase and plant native nectar plants for pollinators.

• Try an integrated approach to pest management and avoid pesticide use.

• Compost leaves and food waste. Composting helps to save landfill space, reduces the release of CO2 and creates a great soil additive for your garden.

• Reduce idling in the drive-thru lanes. Turn off your car or park and walk in.

VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE:

Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Memorial Day Event

By Angela Ellis

Companies can now register for booth space at The Woodlands Township’s annual Memorial Day Event and Red, Hot and Blue Festival, where restaurants, retailers and other businesses can reach thousands of families who attend the signature holiday events in The Woodlands.

The Memorial Day in The Woodlands event will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2020, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Town Green Park. All vendor applications must be received by Monday, May 11, 2020. Applications will only be processed once payment has been received. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ memorialday.

The Red, Hot and Blue Festival in The Woodlands will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2020, from 6 to 10 p.m. at various parks throughout The Woodlands. All vendor applications must be received by Friday, June 19, 2020. Applications will only be processed once payment is received. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ fourthofjuly.

Vendors can now register for booth space at The Woodlands Township’s annual Memorial Day Event and Red, Hot and Blue Festival. Both events draw large crowds and reach thousands of families in the community.

Photo courtesy of Derrick Bryant

April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month

Children’s Safe Harbor shares tips for preventing child sexual abuse.

While it may be an uncomfortable topic, taking steps to prevent child sexual abuse is an important part of protecting children. Victoria J. Constance, MSPH, Ph.D., Executive Director of Children’s Safe Harbor, shares these tips:

• Know that sexual abuse is more common than people think. Approximately one in 10 children will be sexually abused by the time they turn 18. It can happen to both boys and girls of all ages, races, ethnicities and family backgrounds.

• Sexual abuse is usually committed by someone that the child knows and trusts – often family members or close family friends.

• Teach your child the correct names for body parts which parts are “private,” and that other people should not touch or see. People who abuse children often

ask them to keep secrets. Teach your child that they should never keep secrets from their parents/caregivers.

• Most sexual abuse occurs when a child is alone with an adult or older child. Consider minimizing these situations. Choose group activities or activities in public places when possible. Drop in unannounced when other people are caring for your child.

• Teach your child about online predators. Instruct them not to give out personal information or exchange photos. Teach your child that they should never take photos of their private parts. Monitor your child’s Internet use and apply parental controls.

• If a child discloses that abuse has occurred, listen in a calm and supportive way. Always report the abuse. If you suspect a child is

in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or Children’s Safe Harbor at 936-756-4644.

Children’s Safe Harbor’s mission is to protect and enhance the life of every child who has the courage to battle sexual or severe physical abuse. In 2019, there were 2,615 courageous children who came forward to discuss their experiences with childhood trauma and abuse.

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

The original artwork depicted was created by an adolescent female sexual abuse survivor served by Children’s Safe Harbor.

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,

on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome. Disclaimer: The

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