June 2016

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

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

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

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

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

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

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

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

Emergency 911

message from the woodlands township board of directors

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

It’s Time to Prepare for SEASON HURRICANE

This month is the beginning of the six-month hurricane season.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors urges all residents to be prepared by planning what you and your family should do if disaster strikes.

Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency for additional information and resources. Thinking about it now will help you decide what to do later. During an emergency, for information specific to The Woodlands, listen to K-Star Country, KVST 99.7 FM, official emergency broadcast partner of The Woodlands Township, and be sure to sign up for Township news and alerts at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed.

Assembling a basic emergency supply kit will put everything you need to get by in one place.

Recommended supplies on page 23

Ed Robb Chairman Position No. 4

Jeff Long Director Position No. 3

Mike Bass Vice Chairman Position No. 2

John McMullan Director

No. 5

Gordy Bunch Secretary Position No. 1

Ann Snyder Director Position No. 6

Laura Fillault Treasurer Position No. 7

Don Norrell President and General Manager

The Woodlands

The

Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives

Creative Director

Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations

Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Copy Editors

Perry Frank

Jasmine Raziuddin

Editorial Assistant Amber George

Social Media

Ashley Gravois

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

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

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

Taylor is the exper t in robot box engineering.

We are the exper ts in pediatric oncolog y. When Taylor was diagnosed with leukemia, he came to Texas Children’s to receive cutting-edge, life-saving t re a t m e n t . N ow t h a t h e ’s i n re m i s s i o n – a n d feeling like himself again – he needs specialized follow-up care that he can’t find just anywhere .

Why are we bringing world-renowned pediatric expertise and more than 20 pediatric subspecialty ser vices to The Woodlands? So Taylor can focus on the more impor tant things in his life…like what his robot voice should sound like .

Learn more at texaschildrens.org/woodlands.

Your guide to Weekend

IN THE WOODLANDS

Sunday, July 3, 2016

8 p m. Star-Spangled Salute

Get into the spirit of the season with the spectacular music of the Houston Symphony Orchestra. This free concert at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is a sure way to bring out the patriotism in everyone and to launch the Fourth of July celebration! For more information, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

Star-Spangled Salute

9 a.m

Fourth of July Parade

Put on your red, white and blue and head for Town Center for the annual Fourth of July Parade. This year’s parade theme is “Music of America.” The parade begins at Grogan’s Mill Road and Lake Woodlands Drive, and continues on into Market Street. For more information, please visit www.4thofJuly.org.

Monday, July 4, 2016 Parade

10 a.m.

Splash Day at the Pools in The Woodlands

Make a cool summer splash in one of the Township pools from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lifeguards at each pool have created a special theme for the whole family to enjoy, along with free activities and limited refreshments. Pool admission is free, and activities are available from noon to 4 p.m.

Two venues for Live Music

Concert in the Park

Fireworks

PROHIBITED

IN THE WOODLANDS

The Woodlands Township Fire Department reminds all residents that The Woodlands Covenants strictly prohibit the sale or use of home fireworks and sparklers of any kind in The Woodlands. The Woodlands is situated in a beautiful forest, and one errant spark could severely damage our community. If you feel the holidays are not the same without firecrackers, please come out and enjoy The Woodlands Fourth of July Red, Hot and Blue Festival at Town Green Park and along the Waterway. You will not be disappointed!

For more information, please contact The Woodlands Township Fire Department at 281-367-3444.

4:30 p m.

Northshore Park features Concert in the Park and Bike Decorating Contest and Parade

Bring the whole family to Northshore Park for the annual bike decorating contest and parade! Patriotic decorating materials are provided, and participants are welcome to bring their own decorations as well. This free event is open to ages 14 and under. This activity begins at 4:30 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., enjoy the live music of The Spicolis at Concert in the Park, sponsored by Kroger.

continued on page 8

FOURTH OF JULY continued

Hughes Landing

5:30 p.m

Hughes Landing features live music

Experience The Woodlands’ newest mixed-use development at Hughes Landing with a free concert by Sawdust Road. This concert takes place along Restaurant Row from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and is sponsored by America’s ER.

Fireworks Extravaganza

6 p.m.

19th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza

Celebrate freedom in The Woodlands with vendor booths, great food, children’s activities and entertainment on multiple stages at Town Green Park and Waterway Square! This community-wide celebration offers fun for all ages. The event culminates with one of the largest fireworks displays in the Greater Houston area with the 20+ minute Fireworks Extravaganza over The Woodlands Town Center. The 19th annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza is sponsored by CHI St. Luke’s HealthThe Woodlands Hospital, The Woodlands Development Company, Wells Fargo and H-E-B.

Stress, Hormones and Health

The True Cause of Belly Fat - Yes, this is for men too!

PICTURE YOURSELF WITHOUT BELLY FAT

• Learn how hormone imbalances — male or female — can distort your midsection into a large belly and prevent weight loss despite dieting and exercise.

• Learn how hormone imbalances can affect your sleep cycles, carbohydrate cravings, and fat burning.

• Learn why “counting calories” doesn’t work for belly fat.

Which Body Type Are You?

• Learn the biggest mistake that people make with exercise that prevents weight loss.

• Learn what really works for safe, healthful, permanent loss of belly fat and bulges!

GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS

Celebrating Public Safety Partnerships

By Marian Montgomery Leck

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch invites you to stop, drop and roll into your local fire station for special Good Neighbor Days celebrating public safety partnerships. You will learn more about upcoming National Night Out events and get an up-close look at firefighting apparatus, rescue units and the fire station where it all happens. Children can meet firefighters and learn about fire safety. Also, if you ride your bicycle to the event, The Woodlands Fire Department will provide bike registration. Bike registration assists law enforcement by identifying the owner when bicycles are found.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, District 6, Crime Prevention Unit or Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, will join in on the fun as well. Children of all ages can visit with deputies, see a patrol vehicle and learn about bicycle safety. Program specialists from The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch will also share information about bringing the Neighborhood Watch program to your neighborhood.

For more information about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch program and National Night Out, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodwatch.

By Perry Frank

Ready for the long, hot Texas summer? With Township pools throughout The Woodlands, a cool, refreshing splash is close to home all summer long! June 3, 2016, marks the opening of the 2016 pool season, and a variety of pools are ready for every member of the family to enjoy. Not sure which pool is the best fit for your summer needs? Get a

copy of the 2016 Splash Guide. It is the ultimate resource for all Township pools. Need a tyke pool? Looking for something kid-friendly and good for pre-teens? Want a pool with a deep end that’s best for more active lifestyles? The 2016 Splash Guide has all this information and more, and it’s free!

Get your copy of the 2016 Splash Guide today at any Township pool, online at www.thewoodlandstownship. gov/pools or at these locations:

The Woodlands Township Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Drive 77381 281-210-3950

The Woodlands Township Town Hall 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 77381 281-210-3800

BUY YOUR SEASON POOL PASS TODAY FOR A REALLY COOL SUMMER!

Season passes are available for purchase or renewal now! Buy your season passes early and avoid waiting in line at the pools later on. Purchasing or renewing your pass is easy, and can be done one of three ways:

1. Call 281-210-3950.

2. Visit The Woodlands Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381.

3. Go online to www.

thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools and follow the instructions.

For new season passes, pictures must be taken at The Woodlands

Township Recreation Center, located at 5310 Research Forest Drive, within one week of purchasing a new pass by phone or online. The Recreation Center is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Resident Pool Pass Fees:

• 0 – 2 years: $6

• 3 – 64 years: $40

• Senior*: $15

• Additional Family Pass**: $15

* Ages 65 years and up

** In addition to purchase of four full price passes, immediate family only.

Non-Resident Pool Pass Fees:

• 0 – 2 years: $30

• 3 years and up: $120

No additional family discount, no additional senior discount.

Season passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The complete schedule of pool hours of operation for the 2016 regular season is available at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools.

L POOL POOL

ALDEN BRIDGE LAKESIDE WING SHADOWBEND OOD

BEAR BRANCH CRANEBROOK

POOL POOL

POOL POOL

POOL POOL POOL POOL

WENDTWOODS ANCH

WINDVALE

RIDGEWOOD BEAR BRANCH

POOL POOL POOL POOL POOL POOL

POOL POOL

SPRAYGROUND

RIDGEWOOD

WINDVALE

FORESTGATE CREEKWOOD CRANEBROOK

H ARPERS LANDIN G

SPRAYGROUND

WENDTWOODS BEAR

POOL POOL POOL POOL

H ARPERS LANDIN G

WINDVALE

ROBFLEMING ALDEN BRIDGE LAKESIDE

CRANEBROOK

May 16 to June 2, 2016

Mon.,

POOL POOL

Wednesday ..................................................................... Closed

Falconwing pool only.

REGULAR SEASON

June 3 to August 21, 2016

Monday to Saturday

Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.

Alden Bridge, Cranebrook, Falconwing, Harper’s Landing, Shadowbend, Ridgewood, Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, Sawmill, Wendtwoods and Windvale

H ARPERS LANDIN G

Monday to Saturday noon to 6 p.m.

FORESTGATE CREEKWOOD CRANEBROOK

RIDGEWOOD BEAR BRANCH

SPRAYGROUND

POOL POOL

FORESTGATE CREEKWOOD

POOL POOL POOL

Sunday ...................................................................... 1 to 6 p.m.

Creekwood, Forestgate and Lakeside

POOL POOL

H ARPERS LANDIN G

FORESTGATE CREEKWOOD

POOL POOL

RIDGEWOOD

H ARPERS LANDIN G

POOL PO POOL

SPRAYG

ROBFLEMING ALDE

SAWMILL FALCONWING

POOL POOL POOL

POOL POOL

WINDVALE

SAWMILL FALCONWING SHADOWBEND

POOL POOL

REGULAR SEASON WEEKLY IN-SERVICE DAYS

POOL POOL

POOL POOL POOL POOL POOL

RIDGEWOOD

FORESTGATE CREEKWOOD

SPRAYGROUND

During the regular season, each pool is closed for one day per week for safety training, cleaning service and scheduled maintenance.

WENDTWOODS BEAR BRANCH

POOL POOL

RIDGEWOOD

CRANEBROOK

Mondays: Alden Bridge, Forestgate and Rob Fleming Aquatic Center (Open Mon. July 4, 2016; closed Tues., July 5, 2016)

Tuesdays: Ridgewood, Sawmill and Windvale

POOL POOL POOL

Wednesdays: Falconwing and Wendtwoods

Fridays: Lakeside and Shadowbend

P POOL POOL P

P

WIN

Thursdays: Cranebrook, Creekwood and Harper’s Landing

POSTSEASON (WEEKENDS)

August 27 to September 25, 2016

Saturday noon to 6 p.m.

ROBFLEMING ALDEN BRIDGE LAKESIDE

WEND BEAR BRANCH

Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.

Cranebrook, Creekwood, Forestgate, Harper’s Landing, Lakeside, Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, Sawmill, Shadowbend and Wendtwoods

POOL

August 22 to September 1, 2016

CRAN

P POOL POOL

POSTSEASON (WEEKDAYS)

SAWMILL FALCONWING SHADOWBEND

Monday to Thursday: 1 to 6 p.m.

H ARPERS LANDIN G

POOL POOL

WINDVALE

H ARPERS LANDIN G

H ARPERS LANDIN G

POOL

Fridays Closed Shadowbend pool only. *PLEASE

ROBFLEMING ALDEN BRIDGE LAKESIDE

SPRAYGROUND

ROBFLEMING ALDEN BRIDGE LAKESID

POOL POOL POOL POOL

ROBFLEMING ALDEN BRIDGE LAKESIDE

ROBFLEMING ALDEN BRIDGE LAKESIDE

POOL POOL POOL POOL

WENDTWOODS BEAR BRANCH

POOL POOL POOL POOL

POOL POOL POOL POOL

CRANEBROOK

SAWMILL FALCONWING SHADOWBE

ROBFLEMING ALDEN BRIDGE LAKESIDE

SAWMILL FALCONWING SHADOWBEND

POOL POOL

WENDTWOODS

POOL POOL

WENDTWOODS

POOL POOL POOL

SAWMILL FALCONWING SHADOWBEND

POOL

FORESTGATE CREEKWOOD

POOL POOL POOL POOL

WENDTWOODS

WINDVALE

SAWMILL FALCONWING SHADOWBEND

POOL POOL POOL POOL

POOL

POOL POOL POOL POOL

POOL POOL POOL POOL

POOL

SPRAYGROU

FORESTGATE CREEKWOOD WINDVALE

SAWMILL FALCONWING SHADOWBEND

WENDTWOODS

RIDGEWOOD

FORESTGATE CREEKWOOD WINDVALE

FORESTGATE CREEKWOOD WINDVALE

SPRAYGROUND

POOL POOL

SPRAYGROUND

CRANEBROOK

WENDTWOODS BEAR BRANCH

SPRAYGROUND

POOL

7725

2

5001

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row 281-210-3965

Single kayaks

$15 per hour

$5 per additional hour

Tandem kayaks

$20 per hour

$5 per additional hour

Stand-up paddle boards

$20 per hour

$5 per additional hour

Lakes Edge Boat House

1970 Hughes Landing Blvd. 281-210-2065

NEW!

Single kayaks

$15 per hour

$5 per additional hour

Tandem kayaks

$20 per hour

$5 per additional hour

GROUP OUTINGS

Options for corporate events, family get-togethers, birthday parties, team activities or just a day on the water with friends!

Relay Races • Communication Drills

Guided Tours • Scavenger Hunts

Formal Kayak Training

Table and chairs available for rental.

Special packages include use of the boat house facility, kayaks and staffing.

Minimum seven kayaks rental required for groups, two-person maximum per kayak. All fees must be paid in advance.

Single kayaks

$10 per hour • $5 per additional hour

Tandem kayaks

$15 per hour • $5 per additional hour

Instructor

$25 per hour

Special event packages and fun programs available!

For boat house hours of operation, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

GROGAN

LAKE ROBBINS DR

LAKEFRONTCIR

LAKE WOODLANDSDRHUGHESLANDINGBLVD

June 2016

Please

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/sunnydayz 281-210-3950

Wednesday, June 1

Development Standards Committee Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

5:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Thursday, June 2

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Ad Hoc Economic Development Committee Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

8:30 a.m.

281-210-3800

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Friday, June 3

Regular pool season begins. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/pools for pool schedules

Gorilla Hole

The Woodlands Township Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Drive

7 to 9:45 p.m.

For children entering fifth-, sixth- or seventh-grade $7 per child

281-210-3950

Saturday, June 4

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Emergency Preparedness Community Event

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Free Pool Day Shadowbend Pool

4991 Lake Woodlands Drive

Noon to 4:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

7 to 9 p.m.

281-210-3800

Sunday, June 5

Lake Woodlands Clean Up

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

281-210-3965

Kayak rental required: $15 solo, $20 tandem.

Tuesday, June 7

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

Lonestar College – Creekside Center 8747 West New Harmony Trail 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Wednesday, June 8

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Special Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 11:30 a.m.

281-210-3800

Thursday, June 9

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3886

Saturday, June 11

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Boater Safety Education Course

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

Please call 281-210-3965 for times. Ages 13 and older, $20 per person

Good Neighbor Day – Sterling Ridge Fire Station 5

10100 Branch Crossing Drive 10 to 11:30 a.m.

281-210-5808

Lake Woodlands Excursion

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

10 to 11:30 a.m.

281-210-3965

$40 solo kayak, $55 tandem kayak

Flag Day in The Park

Panther Creek Village Association

Ridgewood Park

4192 Interfaith Way

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

281-210-3886

Free

Good Neighbor Day –Indian Springs

Fire Station 8

11800 Gosling Rd.

1 to 2:30 p.m.

281-210-5808

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

7 to 9 p.m.

281-210-3800

Sunday, June 12

Introduction to Stand-Up

Paddle Boarding

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

9:30 to 11 a.m.

281-210-3965

Ages 16 and up, $30 per person

Paddle Boarding for Kids

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

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

281-210-3965

$30 per person

Good Neighbor Day –Grogan’s Mill

Fire Station 3

1522 Sawdust Rd.

3 to 5 p.m.

281-210-3887

Good Neighbor Day/Bike Rodeo

Creekside Park Village Association

Cul-de-sac Island near 31 Indigo

Bunting Place

4 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3889

Free

Tuesday, June 14

Flag Day

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Wednesday, June 15

Development Standards Committee Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

5:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Thursday, June 16

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

9 a.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, June 18

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village

Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Dog Excursion Days

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

281-210-3965

$40 solo kayak, $55 tandem kayak

Community Involvement Day

College Park

Misty Dawn Park

174 West Drifting Shadows

10 a.m. to noon

281-210-3889

Free

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

7 to 9 p.m.

281-210-3800

Dive-In Movie

Featuring “Pan” Shadowbend Pool

4991 Lake Woodlands Drive

8 p.m. (Movie begins at 8:30 p.m.)

$5 per person; children 3 and under are free.

281-210-3950

Sunday, June 19

Father’s Day

Lake Woodlands Excursion

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

10 to 11:30 a.m.

281-210-3965

$40 solo kayak, $55 tandem kayak

Monday, June 20

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Wednesday, June 22

Watch Talk Wednesday

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Noon to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, June 25

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon www.grogansmillvillage.com

Good Neighbor Day

Central Fire Station

9951 Grogan’s Mill Road 10 a.m. to noon

281-210-3887

Lil Kayakers

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

11 a.m. to noon

281-210-3965

Ages 8 to 14, $30 per solo kayak

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

7 to 9 p.m.

281-210-3800

Sunday, June 26

Kayaking 101

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

9 to 10:30 a.m.

281-210-3965

$30 per solo kayak

Introduction to Stand-Up

Paddle Boarding

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

9:30 to 11 a.m.

281-210-3965

Ages 16 and up, $30 per person

Paddle Boarding for Kids

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

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

281-210-3965

$30 per person

Good Neighbor Day – Panther Creek Fire Station 2 9303 Gosling Rd.

3 to 5 p.m.

281-210-3886

Tuesday, June 28

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Upcoming Events

Monday, July 4

Fourth of July Events

See page 6 for details.

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

For American Heart Association Heartsaver and First Aid classes, please visit the Township calendar located at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

GARBAGE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

NO CHANGES IN WASTE SERVICE.

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

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

We’re looking for a few communityminded volunteers to serve as area representatives on our village association board. We work hard serving our residents and have a lot of fun doing so. Please contact us at info@aldenbridge.org or attend one of our monthly meetings if you’d like to join us. You’ll be glad you did!

Our June board meeting will be held Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. All residents are invited to attend and bring us your questions and concerns.

We’re extremely proud to announce the winners of our $1,000 scholarships for 2016! Alicia Lim and Justin Mirazee of The Woodlands High School, Jheri Richards of the Academy of Science and Technology at College Park High School and Ayushi Sahu of College Park High School are all outstanding in community involvement. Our scholarship selection process is more difficult every year because there are so many deserving and well-qualified applicants in our village. Thanks to all who submitted applications and best wishes to all Alden Bridge students graduating this year!

The Alden Bridge Yard of the Month program is in full swing. Please look around the village and send your nominations for best front yard in Alden Bridge to info@aldenbridge.org no later than June 24, 2016. We’ll award on July 1, 2016. Nominate your neighbors or yourself!

Save the date. Alden Bridge will again participate in the villages’ trip to Minute Maid Park for the Astros game at 6:10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. Tickets are $22 each, and the price includes round-trip transport by bus from our village center. Contact us at info@aldenbridge.org if you’d like to purchase tickets.

Join the subscription list for our electronic newsletter. It’s distributed monthly to nearly one thousand households. To subscribe, please send your

email address to info@aldenbridge.org This information will not be shared and will be used only to disseminate news of our village. Between newsletters, please check our website www.aldenbridge.org or like our very active Facebook page for the very latest information.

Submitted by Darla D. Bell

College Park

Join us July 4, 2016, as we will once again host a viewing tent for the Fourth of July parade for our neighbors from College Park. If you live in the villages of Windsor Hills, Grogan’s Forest or Harper’s Landing, please join us for the parade viewing at the southeast corner of Lake Woodlands and Grogan’s Mill.

Keep saving your oral care packaging for the November America Recycles and Village Challenge event. Details are available on The Woodlands Township website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment. Please visit our website at www.villageofcollegepark.com for information, news and a list of upcoming events. Sign up online for the College Park Newsletter.

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Cochran’s Crossing

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Pool Party at Shadowbend, June 4, 2016, from 1 to 4 p.m. is free for all residents. The pool party marks the end of a very busy spring for Cochran’s Crossing and a great beginning to summer activities in The Woodlands. Here are a few spring highlights for Cochran’s Crossing:

• Met with residents about concerns involving grounds maintenance in their residential areas, and then provided guidance on how to address their concerns to the Township.

• Provided a forum for candidates in the spring primary elections and welcomed new members to the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Board of Directors.

• Recognized Eric Bumbaugh, manager of Cochran’s Crossing Kroger, for his support of the festival and his ongoing efforts on other activities such as the June 4, 2016, pool party at Shadowbend.

• Provided participation and leadership during GreenUp with even more volunteers this year than in past years.

• Met with Steve Head, chancellor of Lone Star College and resident of Cochran’s Crossing, for details on what makes Lone Star one of the top community college systems in the U.S.

Gordy Bunch, secretary of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors was the speaker at the annual Cochran’s Crossing board meeting in April. Since he is also chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, his update included details on the bureau as well as overall concerns.

Of course, plans are well underway for the Fourth of July Parade and the upcoming Cochran’s Crossing Fall Festival. More information is to come, but expect additional games and activities that will appeal to a broad range of ages.

Remember, if you are interested in participating on the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association board or have something to share with the board, meetings are open to all the fourth Tuesday of every month (except December) at 7 p.m. in The Woodlands Township Town Hall meeting rooms.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

Jennifer Graff (left) and Dabney Wisenbaker, co-chairpersons of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association’s Fall Festival, recently presented a plaque of appreciation to Eric Bumbaugh, store manager for the Kroger at Cochran’s Crossing for assisting the village association.

Photo by Gary Conwell

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Creekside Park

Greetings Creekside Park Village residents! School is out and the children are ready for summer break. Are you? If you are wondering what to do with the children this summer, check out our new neighbor, Lone Star College – Creekside. During the summer Lone Star offers a program called “Discovery Kids.” This program is for children ages 5 and up, and there are different levels of classes offered from sports and arts to science and math. Call the college for more information.

April was a busy month in The Woodlands for volunteers.

The Creekside Park Village Association volunteered at The Woodlands Flea Market and participated in GreenUp at Rob Fleming Park. A special thanks to all of the residents who came out to help keep Creekside Park clean.

Mark your calendars. June 11, 2016, is the annual Creekside Park Village Association Picnic and Pool Party at Wendtwoods Pool, located in Timarron Park. There will be food available for all and games for the children. This is a free event for residents, so grab your towel and sunscreen, and come on by.

As a reminder, summer is here, and our children are out of school and will be out and about enjoying the weather, so please be aware of this while driving through the village and around the Village Green.

Please make sure you join us for our monthly village meetings on the first Tuesday of the month unless otherwise noted.

Have a safe and happy summer!

Submitted by Lisa Purtell

Grogan’s Mill

Election results for MUD 1, 36 and 48 are now listed in our website at www. grogansmillvillage.com. Congratulations to the winning candidates.

It is not too late for students to submit applications for one of four $1,000 college scholarships to be awarded by the Grogan’s Mill Village Association. See our website for details.

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market has seveal new vendors, with over 40 active vendors selling fresh vegetables, meats, seafood from the Gulf, coffee, breads, honey, salad dressings, gifts, Mexican foods and much more, all locally produced or packaged. See us at the Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center at South Millbend and Grogan’s Mill every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until noon, rain or shine. Check out the vendors scheduled to set up by visiting our website (above), where you can also sign up for our weekly e-blast of what’s coming each Saturday.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Dana Denton

Indian Springs

Lloyd

Matthews Honored with Named Scholarship

In April, respected former Township director and Indian Springs Village Association board member Lloyd Matthews was honored by the Indian Springs Village Association with a named scholarship to be awarded by the Montgomery County Women’s Center. Lloyd served as a board member of our village association for many years and continued on page 20

MEETING INFORMATION

ALDEN BRIDGE

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

Website www.aldenbridge.org

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

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

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

Website www.cochranscrossing.com

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

COLLEGE PARK

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

Website www.villageofcollegepark.com

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

CREEKSIDE PARK

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

Website www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Nancy Becker at 832-559-7004.

GROGAN’S MILL

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

Website www.grogansmillvillage.com

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

INDIAN SPRINGS

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

Website www.indianspringsvillage.com

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

PANTHER CREEK

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

Website www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

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

STERLING RIDGE

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

Website www.sterling-ridge.org

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

Indian Springs Village Association President Michael Arendes presents Lloyd Matthews, left, with a named scholarship to Montgomery County Women’s Center.

VILLAGE NEWS continued

worked tirelessly to support the residents of our village and all those throughout the Township. After a sincere and heartfelt dedication by current Indian Springs Village Association President Michael Arendes, Lloyd addressed the room. His dedication and volunteerism serve as an example to us all. He continues to be active with Indian Springs and in the community. It was not a coincidence that his award was presented the same evening that our 2016 Indian Springs Village Association Community Service Scholarship winners were in attendance.

2016 Community Service Scholarship Winners

After a tough deliberation, our scholarship committee recognized the efforts of six high school seniors to be outstanding and awarded them each $1,000 tuition scholarships. The 2016 winners are Jacob Rubel, Grant Davis, Anthony Edgington, Connor Whisenant, Lois Hamburger and Matthew McClellan. Although their specific types of service varied, each of these young students showed an impressive level of dedication to our community. Our hope is that these young leaders continue to embrace the spirit of volunteerism that earned them this recognition. We are proud of our scholarship recipients and wish them continued success in the future. We would also like to extend congratulations to all of our Indian Springs students graduating this year.

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

The Panther Creek Village Association will kick off the summer with several events. The annual Flag Day Picnic will be held at Ridgewood Park on Interfaith Drive, Saturday, June 11, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our master chefs will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers to go with ice-cold sodas and snacks for all to enjoy. There will be special activities and treats, and the Ridgewood Park Pool will be open to all for free. There will be a special Flag Day display with veterans from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to share information on flag history and etiquette. The Boy Scouts will also accept your old, weathered flags for respectful disposal.

Join the celebration and parade on the Fourth of July. The parade route will start and end at The Woodlands United Methodist Church with parking in the Town Center area. Bring your lawn chairs, sit back and enjoy the show.

Start planning now to join us for the annual outing to watch the Houston Astros play baseball at Minute Maid Park. On Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, we’ll board a custom coach at the east side of the Panther Creek Shopping Center for an enjoyable trip. The ticket price includes admission to the park, seating with other Panther Creek fans, and luxurious transportation to and from the ball park. The 55 available tickets are going fast, so call Mary Bootz at 281-296-9960 for more information and to make your reservation.

A special thanks to the many Panther Creek residents who helped put on another successful flea market. Panther Creek began participating in The Woodlands Flea Market many years ago, since yard sales are not allowed in The Woodlands. Now, this popular event is held under cover, so the weather is not a problem. Information on the fall flea market can be found at www.WoodlandsFleaMarket.org.

Your Panther Creek Village Association meets the second Thursday of each month at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., at 7 p.m. All residents are welcome to come and hear reports from local law enforcement, community events and issues that affect you.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

Starting in June, the Sterling Ridge Village Association will hold its monthly board meeting on the first Thursday of the month at The Woodlands Township Town Hall at 7 p.m. Residents are always welcome to participate during these open and informative meetings.

The Sterling Ridge Village Association board recently elected the following officers: President Anthony Fasone, Vice President Kirk Pozadzides, Secretary Patrick Graham and Treasurer Janean Germany. Also, Sue Young was elected events chair. Residents can reach any officer via the village association website at www.sterling-ridge.org.

Residents can also visit the Sterling Ridge Village Association website for an update on the big winners from the annual Sterling Ridge Fishing Tournament, which was held April 23, 2016, at Pepperdale Park.

With school letting out this month and most residents headed for vacation spots, we encourage you to take advantage of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office’s great Vacation Watch program. Patrol deputies will check on the security of your residence while you are out of town. Sign up at www.mocosheriff.com/vacationdbz.cfm.

At the March Sterling Ridge Village Association board meeting, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reminded residents to secure their items. During January, eight of the 10 reported thefts occurred from unlocked parked vehicles.

Submitted by Dan Sousa

2016 Indian Springs Village Association Community Service Scholarship winners, left to right: Jacob Rubel, Grant Davis, Village President Michael Arendes, Anthony Edgington, Connor Whisenant, Lois Hamburger and Matthew McClellan (not pictured).

TUESDAY, JUNE 7

HOUSTON SYMPHONY

8

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

8 p.m. / Doors: 7 p.m. Mei Ann Chen, conductor

SUNDAY, JULY 3

HOUSTON SYMPHONY

8 p.m. / Doors: 6:30 p.m. Steven Reineke, conductor

Emergency

By Ashley Gravois

During inclement weather or a communitywide emergency, The Woodlands Township website and various social media channels are great resources for residents and businesses to stay informed about service interruptions, event cancellations and weather conditions.

Township Emergency Alerts

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme

Sign up for the Township’s emergency alert system which is designed for major events that threaten citizens and reaches thousands of residents via text messages and email. In the event of a communitywide emergency, the Township website will feature a banner alert across the home page with additional emergency-related information.

Event Cancellations/Service Interruptions

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed

Follow the official Township Facebook and Twitter accounts for current updates regarding event cancellations or service interruptions. Department-specific event cancellation notices can also be found on the three Township department blogs. Community members are encouraged to sign up for Talk of the Township, a weekly eNewsletter from the Township, or a department eNewsletter for additional information about Township services and events. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ stayinformed for a full list of official Township social media channels.

Transportation Service Notices

@TownshipTransit

Follow The Woodlands Township Transportation Department on Twitter for communications regarding The Woodlands Express Park and Ride commuter bus service notices, reminders, interruptions and other transit emergency notifications.

Other Emergency Resources

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency

Residents are advised to monitor a variety of partner agency websites and social media channels for additional information before, during and after an emergency. Information for the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, National Weather Service, Montgomery County Northstar and other emergency resources can be found on the Township website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/emergency. In the event ALL communication efforts fail, residents may go to one of The Woodlands fire stations. The fire stations will have the latest updates and information available for residents.

Put Your EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Together Now

Assembling a basic emergency supply kit will put everything you need to get by in one place. Recommended supplies to include are:

• One gallon of water per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation

• At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Filter mask or cotton T-shirt to help filter the air

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener and utensils if kit contains canned food

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Important family documents

• Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers

For more information about emergency preparedness, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800 or visit the Homeland Security website at www.ready.gov.

By Kathy Coffman

UNIQUE FAMILY NEEDS

Everyhousehold is different.

Is there an infant or young child in your home? Does someone in your family have a medical condition that requires medication? Do you have a pet? Before disaster strikes, talk to your family about your household’s unique needs. Make a list of special items you may need in a disaster. Choose one of the following things to do this month to become better prepared:

Talk with family members to identify your household’s unique needs. What kinds of things can members of your household not be without for 72 hours? Here are some examples of things that can create unique needs for your family:

• Infants and young children

• Prescription medication (Keep a three day supply with you.)

• Health-related supplies (For example, diabetics need insulin syringes, alcohol wipes and glucometer supplies.)

• Assistive devices (glasses, canes, etc.)

• Pets

Make a plan to make sure pets are taken care of during a disaster. A disaster may happen while you are away from home. Consider asking a trusted neighbor to check on your pets if you can’t get home because of a disaster or emergency. You may also ask them to take your pets with them if an evacuation is ordered while you are not home.

If you or someone in your household has a disability, create an evacuation plan that works for them.

If you have a disability and you live in an area where these things can happen, make sure you have an evacuation plan:

www.facebook.com/TheWoodlandsCERT

• Make sure you are signed up for any emergency notification systems that your community offers. Some notification systems will only call landline phones. If you use a cell phone, you may have to sign up separately.

• Paratransit services may not be available once a disaster happens. Talk to your paratransit provider now to find out what services they can provide when evacuation is ordered.

• If paratransit services aren’t available, arrange for someone else to pick you up if an evacuation is ordered. Make sure they will come for you UNLESS you tell them not to.

• Talk to your local Red Cross chapter or other organizations that provide emergency sheltering in your community.

www.twitter.com/WoodlandsCERT

www.pinterest.com/twcert

Presented by Texas Children’s Hospital

Saturdays in June 2016

7 to 9 p.m. Waterway Square

Kick back this summer with great live music at Waterway Nights, presented by Texas Children’s Hospital. Each Saturday evening in June will feature live music, strolling entertainers and an awe-inspiring fireworks* display at Waterway Square. Don’t miss out on the perfect opportunity to picnic, enjoy local musicians and watch fireworks* light up the night sky this summer! Waterway Nights is sponsored by Wells Fargo and The Woodlands Development Company. It is produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department.

*Fireworks are tentative and may not take place each Saturday. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ waterwaynights for the most up-to-date information.

Photo by Derrick Bryant

LAWN WATERING Sign Up for Weekly Recommendations

By Bob Dailey

Beginning this month, residents can sign up to receive a short weekly email recommending whether or not to water their lawns. No more guesswork or complicated algorithms are needed. The weekly email will provide all data necessary.

The email will give watering recommendations based on a number of factors, including evapotranspiration, average rainfall, effective rainfall, turf coefficients, growth factors, solar radiation, wind speed/direction and humidity. The information will reduce guesswork, and help residents maintain their landscapes and water more efficiently.

The program uses two state-of-the-art systems to collect information: automated rain sensors located in various sites in The Woodlands, and an evapotranspiration station operated by Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service. The weekly data is fed into a program which calculates the irrigation water, if any, required to maintain a lawn of St. Augustine, Bermuda grass or Zoysia.

The information is computed on Mondays and will cover the week from that day through the following Sunday.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for this program, which will take the guesswork out of when to water turf grass.

To sign up, go to www.wjpa.org and enter your email address in the box provided on the home page.

The Weekly Watering Advice email is part of the ongoing program in The Woodlands to urge residents and businesses to conserve water.

The Defined Irrigation Schedule is part of that program and requires all customers of MUDs served by The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency who have programmable irrigation systems to irrigate their turf grass twice a week.

Odd addresses may water on Tuesdays from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning and Fridays from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Even addresses may water on Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning and on Saturdays from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. Residents irrigating their lawns outside their designated times may be subject to surcharges on their bills.

Turf grass in The Woodlands needs much less than an inch a week during most of the year. Studies done in other parts of Texas (some of which receive

much less rain than here), indicate that turf grass only required any watering for 18 weeks last year, due to rain, humidity and other factors.

The report also indicates that no water was needed for 34 weeks during the year. For instance, Frisco, Texas, which has similar demographics to The Woodlands, receives an average rainfall of 39 inches of water per year. The average here is 47 inches. Frisco also has a mandatory irrigation program similar to The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency Defined Irrigation Schedule.

2015 Watering Results

2015 results from Frisco, Texas, showing its weekly lawn watering requirements.

TRASH THE PIZZA BOX!

By Lucinda Valdes

If you are a recycling fanatic — recycling anything and everything that you can — trashing a pizza box may just go against your grain. It may surprise you to learn that discarding food-soiled pizza boxes is the right thing to do!

While cardboard is a valuable commodity and highly recyclable, pizza boxes soaked with oil, sauce and cheese are not. Food and grease are the most frequent and costliest contaminates during the paper recycling process. A few soiled pizza boxes can spoil an entire load of recycling, sending it all to the landfill. Each year, contamination costs the recycling industry $700 million in damage to machinery, unanticipated disposal costs, inefficiency, lost time and wasted materials.

If you just can’t bear to trash the cardboard pizza box, remove and throw away the parts soiled with food and grease.

The clean cardboard, free of food debris and oil, can go into the recycling cart.

And, if your next pizza party generates more trash than your 96-gallon cart can hold, extra service tags can be purchased for $1.75 each at the Township offices, Kroger and Randall’s. One pink service tag should be affixed to each plastic bag of household trash that will NOT fit in the filled trash cart.

To avoid confusion with a wellmeaning spouse or teens in your family, share the 411 on pizza boxes with your household and keep recycling working! For more information about curbside recycling and tough disposal solutions, please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/recycling or call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services at 281-210-3800.

FEATURED PLANT:

Grapes

By Kathie Gilmore Herrick

FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, TRY THIS RECIPE FOR MUSTANG GRAPE JELLY: www.texashighways.com/recipes-sidessauces/item/1074-mustang-grape-jelly Or conduct a Google search for Texas Mustang Grape

purchase a ready-made jar.

Toeven the most casual observer of pathways and roadsides in The Woodlands, it is evident that we live in grape paradise! When Spanish missionaries came to Texas in the 1600s, these same wild grapes flourished over the landscape. Named and identified by botanist explorers centuries ago, these wild grapes are examples of native plants — a plant occurring naturally in a specific region without direct or indirect human intervention.

According to Michael O. Moore in Flora of North America, there are 21 native grape species, and 15 grow wild in Texas, occupying varied habitats along fence rows, in forests and on trees. Consequently, 70 percent of the grape species of the world are native to Texas. Wild mustang (Vitis mustangensis) is the most dominant; its range encompassing all of Central, East, and South Texas from the Red River south to the Rio Grande River. Wild muscadines (Vitis rotundifolia) are also very common in the acid soils of East Texas. It is a testament to their viability that despite land development, the wild grapes are still here.

Not surprisingly, during the 1800s the European immigrants’ first successful Texas wine production employed mustang grapes. Some sources maintain that mustang grapes make the best wine and jelly of any wild grape. Their potential may not have been readily recognizable since the grapes themselves are not palatable, possessing an astringent quality that irritates the mouth, especially when eaten unpeeled. Local wildlife palates are undeterred; wild grapes are appealing to a host of songbirds and mammals.

While our native grapes are not utilized in the present day Texas commercial wine industry (99 percent of Texas wine is made from European V. vinifera), native grapes of Texas have played a historically significant role in the industry’s survival globally. In the late 19th century, France’s vineyards were nearly decimated by the phylloxera root louse. Pioneer horticulturist, Thomas Munson’s extensive study and hybridizing of Texas native grapes provided resistant rootstocks that restored European production. Perhaps it is not an exaggeration to say that even French wine may have roots in Texas.

The mustang grape is a sun-loving, pioneer species that is prevalent at woods edge and on sandy stream banks. The vine prefers moist, well-drained relatively fertile soil.

Photo by Melody Lytle, courtesy Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The ½-inch to ⅞-inch fruits, beginning to mature this month, are guaranteed to entice a variety of songbirds.

Photo by Ray Matthews, courtesy Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

A dense, white, fuzzy mat of hairs on the underside of the leaf is an ornamental feature that distinguishes the mustang grape from its relatives. When the dark green foliage is dense, the leaves have been characterized as looking like “shingles on a roof.”

Photo by Joseph Marcus, courtesy of Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Jelly to

Important Notice: By submitting letters, photos and other materials to The Woodlands Community Magazine (TWCM) you agree that the materials submitted will become the property of TWCM and will not be returned. You also agree that TWCM, its assigns, and the publisher, have been granted the non-exclusive right to use and /or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. For more information, please call 281-210-3800. Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome. Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of 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 © 2016. 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.

All

www.NaturesWayResources.com

936-321-6990 (Metro)

936-273-1200

By Holly Steinke

VACATION WATCH

Are You Watching Out for Your Family?

Your summer vacation plans may already be underway. Before you head out the door, take time to watch out for your family. Here are some tips that you can use to help make your home safer, and thus your trip more enjoyable, while you are away:

1. Sign up for Vacation Watch with your local law enforcement agency. Vacation Watch allows law enforcement patrol deputies to check the security of a residence while the homeowner is out of town. When you sign up, note if anyone is coming to your home to care for your pet, home or yard and how you can be reached. Be sure to contact law enforcement if you come home early.

• In Montgomery County, please visit Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office website at www.mocosheriff.com, click on the Vacation Watch at the bottom of the page icon to read more and sign up or call 936-442-7797.

• In Harris County, in the Village of Creekside Park, please visit Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, at www.cd4.hctx.net, click on Online Services, then click Vacation Watch, choose Creekside-Woodlands from the dropdown menu, or call 281-376-3472.

2. Avoid posting your vacation plans on social media.

3. Leave your vacation contact information with a trusted neighbor.

4. Ask a neighbor to pick up newspapers, fliers and mail daily.

5. Arrange for house, lawn, pet and plant care while you are gone.

6. Remove items from parked vehicles and be sure to lock them; park in your locked garage, if possible.

7. Set automatic timers for lights and/or a radio.

8. Check with your alarm company to see if your emergency call list is up-to-date.

9. Lock all doors and windows and set your alarm, if you have one.

10. For great travel tips before you go, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodwatch and click on the Watch Talk Wednesdays Program Summaries PowerPoint link for the July 2015 presentation on Travel Safety by Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, District 6 Crime Prevention Unit, Deputy Jason Hopper.

Also, if your older children will spend some vacation time home alone over the summer while you are at work, take time to review your family safety plans. Make sure your children know how to reach you and when to call 911. Review basic crime prevention tips. Try role-playing different situations to help them know what to do in various circumstances.

For more tips on how to prevent crime, or for more information on The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800 or neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Gorilla Hole:

(n.) the always awesome, pizza madness, game crazy, dodgeball throwing FRIDAY NIGHT; the “I thought this was going to be cool BUT IT’S RIDICULOUSLY FUN!” social for kids entering fifth, sixth and seventh grade.

July 15

June 3 Please call 281-210-3950 or email recreation@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov