June 2019

Now Is the Time for a Career in Real Estate, Loan, Inspection or Appraisal!

If you are considering a career in real estate or any related real estate field, you need to know how fortunate you are to live in Texas. The following are reasons Texas agents and affiliates are excited about our economy:

• Texas is the #2 state for largest resident inflows! That means more houses to sell and more businesses moving into our state. U-Haul National Migration Trend Reports

• Texas housing sales rose 3.3% and average days on market are 57. Inventory levels remain historically low at 3.7 months Recenter.tamu.edu

• Texas’ pace of job creation exceeded the nation’s for the year with an annual growth rate of 2.1%; the nation’s rate is at 1.7% Recenter.tamu.edu

• F ive cities in Texas are in Forbes Top 25 Best Places to Live in the U.S . The most from any state!

Champions School of Real Estate® is your choice school for a new career!

We have counselors at our brick and mortar schools in every major metropolitan area of Texas to help counsel you with any question you may have. We also have online counselors and live chat for our customers

• Look at our page of testimonials from our thousands of satisfied real estate, loan officer, inspector and appraiser students! They love us! Choose to be a Champion™!

the Year Honoree - Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas (2013)

Top 50 Most Influential Women in Houston (2010)

Texas State WCR Chapter Business Woman of the Year (2008)

Named in National Top 25 Most Influential People in Real Estate by ActiveRain.com (2007)

NAR REBAC Realtor® Hall of Fame (2003)

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

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

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

Emergency 911

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

from the woodlands township board of directors

Are you prepared for Hurricane Season?

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

The Woodlands Township urges all residents to be prepared by planning what you and your family will 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.

Assemble Your Emergency Supply Kit 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

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

• Whistle to signal for help

• 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 hurricane and emergency preparedness, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800, or visit the Homeland Security website at www.ready.gov. To learn more about how to stay in touch with the Township during an emergency, please see the article on page 6.

See in case you missed it on page 9

Gordy Bunch Chairman

Brian Boniface Director

John McMullan Vice Chairman

Bruce Rieser Director

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Secretary

Carol Stromatt Director

No. 7

Don Norrell President and General Manager

John Anthony Brown Treasurer

No. 3

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 Charlotte Blanco Cheryl Kirsch

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 Editor Perry Frank

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 and frustration 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

• Dry cough and hoarseness

• Frequent heartburn

• Irritation in the esophagus

We are here to help.

houstonmethodist.org/thewoodlands

Hurricane Season Stay Informed During

Staying informed during an emergency is an important step in helping to keep you and your family safe. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike – sign up for alerts and prepare your emergency kit today.

The Woodlands Township urges all residents to remain alert and prepared if disaster should strike. During and after a hurricane or other disaster you may not have access to electricity, Internet, cellular phone connections, pharmacies, water and ice, fuel, food or television. It is critical to assemble an Emergency Supply Kit ahead of time, complete with bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, battery-powered or hand crank radio, important documents and more. Please see the complete list of suggested items mentioned in the Board Message on page 3.

While you’re restocking your emergency supply kit, make sure you also have access to all of The Woodlands Township communication tools. During an emergency, the Township will utilize all methods available including email, text, website updates, social media and local media outlets.

Select Your Communication Method

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme

The Notify Me page of the Township website is where residents can sign up for various alerts. When subscribing, you can choose to be notified through email, text messages or both. You can sign up for the weekly Talk of the Township eNewsletter, emergency alerts, press releases and transit alerts.

Follow The Woodlands Township on Social Media www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed

Social media was a critical communication tool used before, during and after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Follow the official Township Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for important updates.

CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/thewoodlandstownship

• “Like” our Facebook page(s)

• Click the “Following” button

• Select “See First” in your news feed

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

• For Township updates: @TheTownshipTX

• For The Woodlands Express Park and Ride and Town Center Trolley updates: @TownshipTransit

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Information can also be accessed via the Township Instagram account @thetownshiptx

Other Emergency Resources and Partner Agencies

A full list of emergency resources is available at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency, along with updates from local agencies as events unfold. During an emergency, residents are encouraged to monitor a variety of partner agency websites and tune in to radio station KSTAR 99.7 FM for information specific to The Woodlands. In the event all communication efforts fail, you may go to one of The Woodlands’ eight fire stations for the latest updates.

• Central Station and Administration Office –9951 Grogan’s Mill Road, 77380

• Station 2 – 9303 Gosling Road, 77381

• Station 3 – 1522 Sawdust Road, 77380

• Station 4 – 7900 Bay Branch Drive, 77382

• Station 5 – 10100 Branch Crossing Drive, 77382

• Station 6 – 1100 Windsor Lakes Boulevard, 77384

• Station 7 – 26722 Kuykendahl Road, 77375

• Station 8 – 11800 Gosling Road, 77381

Residents are encouraged to sign up for updates from their county in addition to The Woodlands Township updates:

• Sign up for AlertMCTX from Montgomery County 9-1-1 by visiting www.mc911.org. Register for Smart911. Go to the App Store or Google Play to sign up for the Montgomery County Community Preparedness App.

• Sign up for emergency notifications from Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network (for Creekside Park) at www.911.org. Important updates are also sent out by Harris County; visit www.readyharris.org and click Sign Up for Alerts

• Sign up for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training classes. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ CERT for more information.

INCORPORATION 101

STEP 2: LAW ENFORCEMENT

investigation, detectives and SWAT Team, among others.

Most cities have a city police department. The Woodlands does not. Law enforcement services are provided through contracts with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Montgomery County Constable and the Harris County Constable. The Woodlands currently funds most vehicles, payroll, benefits and retirement utilized for law enforcement services. Montgomery County also provides a number of specialized services county-wide, including crime scene

most cost-effective. While no decision has been made, and the study is ongoing, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will continue to study the issue of law enforcement, as safety is the number one priority of the Township.

I N S tepsto

START HERE

1

Zoning vs . C ovenants

During the law enforcement portion of The Woodlands Township’s discussion, three options were considered for the future: One, to continue to contract with the counties for law enforcement; two, to develop an in-house police department; and three, a hybrid approach that would combine in-house and contracted services. All three options have key advantages and disadvantages. The hybrid approach appears to be the

Wi th the pa ss age of Le gislat ion in 2017, The Woodlands To wn ship Board has the authorit y to place incorpor at ion on an elec tion ballot for cons ider at ion by the vo ters Li st ed below are the st ep s that the To wn ship Board will cons ider pr ior to placing in corpor at ion on the ballot .

Step 3 is the pavement study regarding the building and maintenance of roadways. Watch for details next month, or visit www.thewoodlandsincorporationstudy.com for the latest information on The Woodlands Township’s Incorporation Planning Study.

2

Comple te law enforc ement stud y

3

Comple te road condition anal ysis and find how much ro ad ways in the city cost to replac e and main tain

4 Review MUD water, sewer and drainage operations/ will MUDs become part of city

5

Public forum for To wn ship residen ts

6 Comple te financial anal ysis and estimate cost of serv ic es for city oper at ions

7

Comple te ta x rate stud y / show impact on residen ts

If approved by voters , Township become s a general law city

This monthly series explores the ongoing issue of incorporating The Woodlands, and the work that The Woodlands Township is currently conducting to determine if an incorporation election will be held. Whether or not The Woodlands incorporates will ultimately rest in the hands of The Woodlands voters, and so the Township is taking this time to study costs, needs, opportunities and deterrents. The Incorporation 101 series will explain the study in easy-to-understand language. For those desiring more in-depth information, please visit www.thewoodlandsincorporationstudy.com, where there are numerous reports and presentations posted, along with FAQs. The Incorporation 101 series follows the Steps to Incorporation graphic (shown here).

10

If called by Board, residen ts will vote on incorpor at ion

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Police Week in The Woodlands

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently proclaimed the week of May 11, 2019, as Police Week in The Woodlands. National Police Week honors the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities. More than 900,000 law enforcement officers serve in communities across the country, including the dedicated members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County Constable’s Office – Precinct 4 and Montgomery County Constable’s Office – Precinct 3. Since 1791, more than 20,000 law enforcement officers in the U.S. have been killed in the line of duty. The Township offers its sincerest thanks to the law enforcement officers who work daily to keep The Woodlands safe.

Board Kicks Off Bike Month

May was Bike Month in The Woodlands, and residents were invited to participate in a number of rides, programs and events throughout the month in partnership with the Township and Bike The Woodlands Coalition. To promote The Woodlands Bike-Friendly Community designation and increase public awareness for bicycling during National Bike Month, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors proclaimed May 17, 2019, as Bike To Work Day and May 18, 2019, as Bike The Woodlands Day in The Woodlands, Texas.

Monarch Butterfly Day

The Board of Directors also proclaimed April 24, 2019, as Monarch Butterfly Day in The Woodlands, Texas,

in support of the monarch butterfly population. The North American monarch population has declined by more than 90 percent in the past two decades, which monarch scientists attribute in part to the loss of summer breeding habitat in the U.S.

Township Environmental Services has created a Plant for Pollinators program which identifies opportunities for reintroducing milkweed to natural green spaces and areas that can be protected for pollinator habitat. It also encourages and supports the active participation of everyone in The Woodlands to plant for pollinators. Through this program and its initiatives, the goal is for The Woodlands to become a National Wildlife Federation Monarch Champion City and to help restore habitat for the monarch.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently recognized Police Week with a proclamation. Pictured, left to right, are Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Specialist Ashley Mellon, Deputy Burdette Taylor, Township Treasurer John Anthony Brown, Township Director Bruce Rieser, Montgomery County Constable’s Office Precinct 3 Detective Alexander Russell, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Captain Tim Holifield, Township Secretary Dr. Ann K. Snyder, Montgomery County Sheriff Rand Henderson, Township Chairman Gordy Bunch, Township Director Carol Stromatt, Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4 Sergeant Mike Ruby, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Stephanie Logan, Investigator Erin Vasquez and Color Guard Commander Detective Brad Curtis.

Photo by Perry Frank

Celebrate Public Safety Partnerships and Attend an Open House at The Woodlands Fire Department

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

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Prevention Unit or Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, will join in on the fun as well. Kids of all ages can visit with deputies and see a patrol vehicle. Program Specialists from The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch will also be there to share information about bringing the Neighborhood Watch

By Marian Montgomery Leck

program to your neighborhood and how residents can participate in National Night Out.

Also, you can learn more about making your car a Tech Free Zone and the impact of distracted driving. Attendees are encouraged to bring their cell phone and learn more about the SAFE 2 SAVE mobile app and the Tech Free 4 Me Driving Village Challenge.

For more information about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch program, National Night Out and the Tech Free 4 Me Driving Challenge, please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/neighborhoodwatch.

Food and refreshments generously donated by:

Mark your calendars, bring your camera, and don’t miss the fun!

Township Park Rangers Earn Their Badges for Dedicated Service

By Perry Frank

TheWoodlands Township recently honored four Park Rangers for their dedication to monitoring the parks and interacting with the users of the 148 parks and 220+ miles of pathways in The Woodlands Township.

The Park Ranger’s mission is to assist park visitors by providing information, direction and support that will enrich their recreational experience.

To be presented a Woodlands Township Park Ranger Badge, Park Rangers are required to serve no less than 1,000 patrol hours in the field and complete 60 hours of specialized training from conflict resolution and playground safety to wildlife management.

www.genesisdoctors.com

Township Park Ranger Keith Blasingame receives his official badge from Township General Manager Don Norrell.

Pictured, left to right, Township Park Rangers Keith Blasingame, John DeCaire, Patrick Gallagher and Daniel Ehlert all received their official badges for their service to the community during the badging ceremony.

STAY SAFE AROUND POOLS THIS SUMMER WITH TIPS FROM THE TOWNSHIP

The Woodlands Township encourages residents to learn about pool safety.

In2018, there were 91 drownings in the state of Texas and 50 of those occurred in backyard pools. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for young children in the U.S. Make safer water practices a top priority this summer with tips and programs offered by the Township.

Tips for Water Safety:

1. Lock Doors and Gates Near Pools

Babies and toddlers probably cannot open a locked door or gate. But as all parents know, leave one open and they will find it! Teach older kids and teens the importance of shutting and locking gates. A 4-foot secondary fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around the pool itself is strongly recommended. Consider investing in a pool alarm that will sound if a pool gate is opened or the water is disturbed.

2. Appoint Water Watchers

Never allow anyone to swim alone. Have a designated water watcher –an adult whose only responsibility is

watching the whole pool and keeping children within sight. Let the water watcher know if any child is a weak swimmer. The water watcher should not leave the pool without finding another adult to supervise. Always try to stay within arm’s reach of young children and non-swimmers.

3. Keep the Pool Deck Free of Clutter and Toys

Keep the kids’ floats, balls and other toys put away when not in use to dramatically reduce the appeal of the pool to a young child. Place a storage bin outside the pool fence (not against the pool fence) and keep the toys out of sight when not in use.

4. “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go!”

Teach your children that if someone is in trouble in the water, give them some thing to grab onto — not some one. Large white ring buoys and fiberglass reaching poles are perfect for helping in an emergency if they are kept close to the water.

In addition to these tips, teach your children never to go near the water without an adult, always swim with a buddy, wear U.S. Coast Guardapproved life vests when needed and follow all pool rules and signs. The best way to ensure safety when it comes to water is to teach everyone how to swim. The Township offers group and private swim lessons in all seasons. See the Summer 2019 Action Guide at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/actionguide, email aquatics@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3904 for more information.

Make a Splash AT THE TOWNSHIP POOLS

Summer is here, and the Township pools are open for the regular season through August 13, 2019! Beat the heat with a visit to one of the Township’s 14 pools or five spraygrounds and splash into summer fun.

SEASON PASSES

Copies of the 2019 Splash Guide are available at both Recreation Centers, The Woodlands Township and the front desk of every pool.

If you’re planning to visit one or more of the Township pools on a regular basis, a Season Pass is a hard deal to beat.

RESIDENTS

• 0-2 years old: $6

• 3-64 years old: $40

• 65 years and up: $15

• Additional Family Member Pass (In addition of purchase of four full price passes; immediate family only): $15

NON-RESIDENTS

• 0-2 years old: $30

• 3 years and older: $120

• No additional family member or senior discount

Purchasing or renewing your pool pass is easy. Call or visit one of our Recreation Centers, complete a form in person at one of the Township pools or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ signupforfun to purchase or renew online. For new season pool passes, pictures must be taken at one of the Recreation Centers within one week of purchasing a new pass by phone or online.

DAILY ADMISSION AND PUNCH CARDS

Daily admission and punch cards are also available for you and any guests.

Daily Admission

• Daily Pass (except Rob Fleming Aquatic Center): $6

• Daily Pass for Rob Fleming Aquatic Center:

– 48” and taller: $10

– Under 48” tall: $8

Punch Cards

• Resident Punch Card (six visits): $30

All pools except Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

• Resident Rob Fleming Aquatic Center Punch Card (six visits): $40

• Non-resident Rob Fleming Aquatic Center Punch Card (six visits): $55

THE RECREATION CENTER AT ROB FLEMING PARK

6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX, 77389 281-516-7348

Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

THE RECREATION CENTER AT BEAR BRANCH PARK

5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX, 77381 281-210-3950

Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

HOLIDAYS

ALL POOLS OPEN

Memorial Day

May 27, 2019 noon to 6 p.m.

Independence Day, SPLASH DAY!

July 4, 2019 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

POST-SEASON POOLS OPEN

Labor Day

September 2, 2019 noon to 6 p.m.

REGULAR SEASON

May 31 to August 13, 2019

Monday to Saturday ........ 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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

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

*Wendtwoods Pool regular season weekday hours continue through Monday, August 19, 2019.

May 31 to August 13, 2019

Monday to Saturday noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. Creekwood, Forestgate and Lakeside

REGULAR SEASON WEEKLY IN-SERVICE DAYS (CLOSED)

• Mondays: Alden Bridge, Forestgate and Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

• Tuesdays: Ridgewood, Sawmill and Windvale

• Wednesdays: Bear Branch, Falconwing and Wendtwoods

• Thursdays*: Cranebrook, Creekwood and Harper’s Landing

• *Exception: Open Thurs. July 4, 2019; closed Weds., July 3, 2019

• Fridays: Lakeside and Shadowbend

POST-SEASON (WEEKDAYS)

August 14 to August 30, 2019

Mon., Tue., Weds. and Thur.: 1 to 6 p.m.

Closed on Fridays

Shadowbend Pool

POST-SEASON (WEEKENDS)

August 17 to September 8, 2019

Saturday noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.

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

For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/pools, call the Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park at 281-516-7348 or the Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park at 281-210-3950 or email recreation@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

GET MORE WITH A 2019 SEASON PASS

PRE-SEASON

Weekends: May 11 to May 27, 2019; Sat., noon to 6 p.m.; Sun., 1 to 6 p.m.*

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

Weekdays: May 13 to May 30, 2019; Mon. to Fri., noon to 6 p.m.; closed Wed.

Bear Branch Pool Only

*On Memorial Day, May 27, 2019, all Township pools are open from noon to 6 p.m.

SEASON

Alden Bridge Closed Monday

Bear Branch ....... Closed Wednesday

Cranebrook Closed Thursday*

Creekwood ........... Closed Thursday*

Falconwing Closed Wednesday

Forestgate ............... Closed Monday

Harper’s Landing Closed Thursday*

*Exception:

Lakeside Closed Friday

Ridgewood ............... Closed Tuesday

Rob Fleming Closed Monday

Sawmill .................... Closed Tuesday

Shadowbend Closed Friday

Wendtwoods . ....Closed Wednesday

Windvale Closed Tuesday

POST-SEASON

Weekdays: Aug. 14 to Aug. 30, 2019; Mon. to Thurs., 1 to 6 p.m.; closed Fridays

Shadowbend Pool Only

Weekends: Aug. 17 to Sept. 8, 2019; Sat., noon to 6 p.m.; Sun., 1 to 6 p.m.*

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

*On Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2019, only Post-Season Township pools are open from noon to 6 p.m.

June 2019

Saturday, June 1

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

College Park Village Association Pool Party

Harper’s Landing Pool

2 Blair Bridge Drive

1 to 4 p.m. 281-210-3889

Waterway Nights - Summer Series

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Monday, June 3

Sunny Dayz Camp

Bear Branch - Week 1

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 281-210-3950

Sunny Dayz Camp

Rob Fleming - Week 1

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 281-516-7348

Tuesday, June 4

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7 p.m. 281-210-5808

Wednesday, June 5

Development Standards Committee Meetings*

Thursday, June 6

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

Friday, June 7

Gorilla Hole Mini Golf Madness

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park

5310 Research Forest Drive 7 to 9:45 p.m. 281-210-3950

Saturday, June 8

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

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

Waterway Nights - Summer Series Waterway Square 31 Waterway Square Place 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Sunday, June 9

Grogan’s Mill FREE Pool Day Sawmill Pool 2200 Millpark Drive 1 to 4 p.m. 281-210-3887

Monday, June 10

Sunny Dayz Camp Bear Branch - Week 2

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 281-210-3950

Sunny Dayz Camp

Rob Fleming - Week 2

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 281-516-7348

Tuesday, June 11

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

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

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

*For updates and additional information, please view the complete Township calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendarofevents.

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

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

Thursday, June 13

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Friday, June 14

Family Bingo Night

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

6:30 to 8 p.m

Saturday, June 15

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

Panther Creek Village Association Flag Day

Ridgewood Park

4192 Interfaith Way

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

281-210-3886

Summer Youth Tournament Series11 and over Tournaments

Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Drive

Noon to 2 p.m.

Dive In Movie

Bear Branch Pool

5200 Research Forest Drive

8:15 p.m.

281-210-3937

Waterway NightsSummer Series

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Sunday, June 16

Father’s Day Kayak Date

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

All Day

281-210-3965

Monday, June 17

Sunny Dayz Camp

Bear Branch - Week 3

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park

5310 Research Forest Drive

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

281-210-3950

Sunny Dayz Camp

Rob Fleming - Week 3

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 281-516-7348

College Park Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m. 281-210-3889

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m. 281-210-3887

Wednesday, June 19

Development Standards Committee Meetings*

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 11:30 a.m. 281-210-3800

Thursday, June 20

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, June 22

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

Public Safety Open House

WFD Station #8

11800 Gosling Road

10 a.m. to noon

281-210-5808

Public Safety Open House

WFD Station #5

10100 Branch Crossing Drive

1 to 3 p.m.

281-210-5808

Village of Creekside Pool Party

Wendtwoods Pool

8950 Creekside Green Drive

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

281-210-3889

Summer Youth Tournament Series10 and under Tournaments

Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Drive Noon to 2 p.m.

Waterway NightsSummer Series Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Sunday, June 23

Public Safety Open House

WFD Station #7

26722 Kuykendahl Road

3 to 5 p.m.

281-210-3889

GARBAGE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

NO CHANGES IN GARBAGE SERVICE THIS MONTH.

Monday, June 24

Sunny Dayz Camp

Bear Branch - Week 4

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

281-210-3950

Sunny Dayz Camp

Rob Fleming - Week 4

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

281-516-7348

Tuesday, June 25

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, June 26

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

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

281-210-3800

Saturday, June 29

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

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

Waterway Nights - Summer Series Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Sunday, June 30

Public Safety Open House

WFD Station #4

7900 Bay Branch Drive 3 to 5 p.m.

281-210-3886

Please watch this space for information about garbage and recycling service, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Alden Bridge

Cochran’s Crossing

If you would like to get your business name out into the community, we invite you to apply to become a digital sponsor on the Cochran’s Crossing website. Please visit www. cochranscrossing.com and click on the “Links” tab, then “Digital Sponsorship” icon for information and an application. 100 percent of funds raised through digital sponsorship goes to our Education Fund and provides grants to local teachers and schools.

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association will be hosting a Community Event and Pool Party on Saturday, June 1, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bear Branch Park, 5200 Research Forest Drive. Swimming and games (including limited toys and prizes) will be FREE. Food may be available for purchase. Residents are welcomed and encouraged to invite their neighbors.

By way of update, we lost several distinguished members of the association due to re-retirement, volunteer burnout, desire for more personal time or any number of shameless excuses for leaving our wonderful group. Jim Goldmeyer remains as Treasurer, Steve Perry was elected President, Zack Lowe – Vice President, JC Harville – Secretary. You could become a member of the Village Board as we have one slot still open. Residents are also welcome to attend our association board meetings as observers or to wage whines, complaints, fusses, moans, neighbor issues, dog issues and any number of things. You can even tell us what a good job we’re doing, too. Visit www.cochranscrossing.com for updated meeting times and dates.

Submitted

by

Tom Chumbley

College Park

By the time you are reading this you may have missed out on the best pool party in Harper’s Landing. All residents of College Park are invited to join the College Park Village Association at Harper’s Landing Pool and Pavilion on Saturday, June 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. Pool passes are suspended during the event hours. Plus, there will be swimming, food, games, a bounce house and more. As you can tell, this is an event for the entire family to enjoy and all at no cost to our College Park residents. If you missed us this year, then watch for this annual event next year!

Grogan’s Forest residents were treated to ice cream during our annual Sundae in the Park on April 14. Board members were on hand to greet residents and our Woodlands Township Woodlands Watch Coordinator Peggy Krysiak was there to speak to residents about the Watch program. The fire department arrived with a hands-on opportunity for children to get up close to the fire truck.

Save used alkaline batteries to be collected in November at the annual America Recycles event. The Village Challenge is on, and the villages that recycle the most batteries will be awarded cash prizes. This money is used toward our scholarship program. Details are online at The Woodlands Township website: www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/environmental.

Have you signed up for the Safe2Save Village Challenge yet?

This is an app you put on your phone to monitor your safe driving habits –meaning you do not use your cell phone while driving. College Park residents have put us is in first place to date –so sign up and keep us there! You get points and prizes and your College Park Village gets points toward being selected to receive a cash award we can put toward our college scholarships and teacher grants. So thank you, and keep up your safe driving.

College Park residents showed their commitment to water conservation by coming in first place for the Water Wise Village Challenge. Residents signed pledges to turn off their sprinklers from October through April. We are pleased with the support we have received from our residents. Thank you! Remember that you have to sign the pledge each year. We are able to use the funds to provide teacher grants and college scholarships to our residents.

A regular part of our monthly meetings is to have a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Officers report. It was noted that for March there were seven reported burglaries of a motor vehicle; five of these cars were left unlocked. The other two, while locked, had no items missing. This is evidence that locking your car and hiding or removing valuable items is a crime prevention measure. Residents continue to request vacation watches with 90 requests last month.

Join the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association for a free pool party on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Bear Branch Pool.

The Houston family of Sandalbranch Circle won the Alden Bridge Yard of the Month for April 2019.

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

We still have a couple of board positions available if you are looking for an opportunity to serve your community and become more involved. 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

Creekside Park

Greetings Creekside Park Village residents! School is out, summer is here, and the kids are ready for summer break. Are you? Well, gather up the sunscreen, towels, kids and neighbors and mark your calendars for June 22, 2019, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., for a free fun day at Wendtwoods Pool. The pool is located in Timarron at 8950 Creekside Green Dr. There will be kids’ activities, music, and of course, a lot of swimming or just floating in the lazy river. Don’t miss a chance to grab a Kona Ice free to residents, brought to you by your Creekside Park Village Association board members. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Woodlands Township has a new challenge for the villages this year: The Tech Free 4 Me Village to Village Safe Driving Competition. Accumulate points while you drive safe and help Creekside Park win $2,000 for our Village Education Fund. Get more information about how to sign up and how to earn points for local businesses and restaurants at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/1468/Village-Challenge.

Please remember, with summer here, kids are out of school and will be out and about enjoying the weather. Please be aware of this while driving through the village and around The Village Green. Have a safe and happy summer!

Please make sure you join us for our monthly village meetings on the first Tuesday of the month unless otherwise noted. Remember to look for updates and events happening in our village and The Woodlands on our Facebook page or on our website at www.creeksideparkvillage.com. We look forward to seeing you at the next village association board meeting, which is open to all residents and held at The Rob Fleming Recreation Center - Creekside Park Village on the first Tuesday of the month!

Submitted by Lisa Purtell

Grogan’s Mill

Got batteries? We are collecting batteries for the 2019 Village Challenge at 3R Bazaar. Bring your used alkaline (non-rechargeable) batteries from your home, workplace, friends and families to the Farmer’s Market where we will hold them until the 3R Bazaar this fall. Proper disposal keeps toxins from leaching out of the landfill into groundwater and from causing unsafe working conditions for workers in the waste industry. Also, Grogan’s Mill could win up to $1,000 which we generally use to support schools and student scholarships in Grogan’s Mill. We narrowly missed being in first place last year.

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.

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.

Fireworks Prohibited in The Woodlands Neighborhoods

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 neighborhoods. The Woodlands is situated in a beautiful forest, and with dry weather conditions and so many trees, one errant spark could severely damage our hometown. Why put your own property and safety, or that of your friends and neighbors at risk?

Instead, please join the celebration and enjoy The Woodlands Fourth of July Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Fireworks Spectacular at five locations throughout The Woodlands. You will not be disappointed!

continued on next page

Please see more information about the Fourth of July in The Woodlands on page 7.

Pictured: Tracy Horne, Hailey Elementary; Kristen D. Belcher, Lamar Elementary; Julie Roddy, Wilkerson Intermediate; Joe Daw, Knox Junior High; Marie Brannen and Emily Hoppel, Grogan’s Mill Village Association

As we wrapped up our 2018-2019 fiscal year in March, Grogan’s Mill made donations of $1,500 each to Hailey and Lamar Elementaries, Wilkerson Intermediate and Knox Junior High, as well as a $2,500 donation to the Interfaith Food Pantry. Again, thank you for supporting the Farmer’s Market and participating in the Village Challenges which fund philanthropic efforts in our community.

Thanks to residents supporting an extraordinarily successful Farmer’s Market and increased funding from the Township, Grogan’s Mill is budgeting a substantial increase in funding to support scholarships, schools, community programs, the Interfaith Food Pantry and more. The 2019-2020 budget includes up to $10,000 for scholarships, $8,000 in school donations, $3,000 for Interfaith Food Pantry and much more.

Don’t forget to mark June 9, 2019, for Grogan’s Mill Splash Day, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Sawmill Park. There will be food, drink and plenty of water fun for the family. Come meet members of the Grogan’s Mill Village Association board and enjoy a great afternoon of fun.

Be better prepared for any emergency with the Smart911 app. By signing up, you can share lifesaving information about your household with 9-1-1 and receive targeted emergency alerts. Sign up today at www.smart911.com.

With the Houston summer now here, there is even more produce, honey, olive oil, crafts, food and more at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market. The market is open every Saturday

from 8 a.m. until noon, rain or shine, at 7 Switchbud Place in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. In addition to our regular lineup of vendors, on most Saturdays we have live music and a food truck. Bring your own bags to save on plastic. Check out our website at www.grogansmill.org/fmabout or look us up on Facebook at www.facebook. com/GrogansMillVillageAssociation. Profits from Farmer’s Market vendor fees are returned to our community through various philanthropic contributions, school donations, scholarships and community programs.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Marie Brannen

Indian Springs

The most exciting time of the year for the Indian Springs Village Association is when we award $1,000 scholarships to deserving graduating seniors. One essential purpose of the village association is to raise funds to honor those students who have demonstrated an immense dedication to community service and citizenship.

For 2019, we received many incredible applications and were reminded of the intelligence, persistence and kindness our students possess. The scholarship committee, like most years, had a difficult time selecting our winners. We congratulate Abby Inbusch, Bernadette Pavlich, Alex Alley and Matthew Kaiser.

Abigail (Abby) Inbusch, from The John Cooper School, is a two-term South Montgomery County YMCA Board Member who raised a tremendous amount of money to help less fortunate kids and families in our community. She intends to major in Business and Economics at Southern Methodist University and eventually develop strategies to prevent and manage negative effects on the economy.

Bernadette Pavlich, from The Woodlands High School, has befriended and cared for the sick and elderly at the Regent Care Nursing Home since

she was a small child. She also spent time in our community helping at food banks, teaching children and assisting in a non-profit business. To continue her love of helping people and the community, she intends to major in Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman’s University.

Alexander (Alex) Alley, from The Woodlands High School, is an active Eagle Scout and has managed service projects and volunteered wherever there was need. From helping numerous families after Hurricane Harvey to improving the lives of children at the Interfaith Daycare, Alex has made his community a better place. He intends to major in Marketing at Texas A&M University and continue serving the world around him.

Matthew Kaiser, from The Woodlands College Park High School, is an active Eagle Scout, a National Charity Roundtable (NCR) Volunteer and a Congressional Award Silver Medal Recipient. The Salvation Army, Interfaith, Robotics Team, Chamber of Commerce and Soil Moisture Active Passive program have all benefited from Matthew’s service. Once he has completed his degree in Accounting or Finance from Texas A&M University, Matthew intends to continue volunteering his time in the community.

We would like to thank all the applicants and their parents for being such an integral part of what makes Indian Springs so special.

Submitted by Michael Saucier

Scholarship winners Abby Inbusch, Bernadette Pavlich, Alex Alley and Matthew Kaiser are pictured with Indian Springs Village Association President Mike Arendes (center).

Pictured: Leslie McPherson and Missy Herndon, Interfaith; Marie Brannen, Grogan’s Mill Village Association; Lucy Gomez, Interfaith

By Susan Martin

VACATION WATCH

OFFERS PEACE OF MIND FOR SUMMER TRAVEL

Many of you will be taking time to travel this summer. By utilizing the Vacation Watch program, you can pack a sense of security when you go! With this program, deputies will drive by your home, check that your home is secure and investigate anything on your property that appears to be suspicious. If anything is found out of the ordinary, you or your emergency contact will be notified.

To sign up, all you need to do is visit your local law enforcement department online and complete a questionnaire.

• Montgomery County, please visit www.mctxsheriff.org. Click on Community, Crime Prevention then on the Vacation Watch icon, or call 936-442-7797.

• Harris County (Village of Creekside Park), please visit www.constablepct4.com.

Click on Community Involvement, Services Offered then on Vacation Watch Request. Choose Creekside-

Woodlands from the dropdown menu or call 281-376-3472

Please Note: The frequency of home checks is dependent upon call volume in the area. Active calls for service will take precedent. Also, this service does not replace your responsibility to properly secure your home. Below are a few suggested tips to make your home more secure during your absence.

• Inform a trusted neighbor of your travel plans and let them know how you can be reached in case of an emergency.

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

• Set your alarm and check locks on all doors and windows.

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

• If you have not suspended delivery, arrange with a neighbor to pick up newspapers, fliers and packages.

• Store all valuables out of sight.

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

• Ensure the lawn is maintained in your absence.

• Limit who you inform of your travel plans, and do not announce your vacation plans on social media.

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch encourages you to take the time to make sure your home looks occupied while you are away. Below are some additional tips to protect your home.

Additional tips:

• Consider installing motion sensor lights if you do not already have them.

• Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat or flower pot.

• Do not leave ladders and tools accessible for someone to use to gain access to your home.

To learn more about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, please follow the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TownshipNeighborhodWatch or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/neighborhoodwatch.

Why Tourism Is Important to The Woodlands

$8,997,682

$8,997,682

hotel room revenue collected (2018)

hotel room revenue collected (2018)

$371.7 million

$13 million

$13 million

generated annually in local tax revenue

generated annually in local tax revenue

$74.7 billion

$74.7 billion

total direct spending by visitors (2017)

total direct spending by visitors (2017)

$10.8 billion

$10.8 billion

hotel room revenue collected (2017)

total direct spending by visitors (2017)

$371.7 million

total direct spending by visitors (2017)

$20.9 million

$20.9 million

generated annually in state tax revenue

hotel room revenue collected (2017)

1.2 million people

1.2 million people generated annually in state tax revenue

4,100 people

4,100 people

employed by the travel and tourism industry in The Woodlands

employed by the travel and tourism industry in The Woodlands

employed by the travel and tourism industry in Texas

employed by the travel and tourism industry in Texas

OUR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

OUR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Partnership and Collaborative Growth

Partnership and Collaborative Growth

Strengthen the relationship and engagement with core hoteliers, businesses, meeting planners, regional CVBs and organizations that align to The Woodlands’ growth initiatives.

Strengthen the relationship and engagement with core hoteliers, businesses, meeting planners, regional CVBs and organizations that align to The Woodlands’ growth initiatives.

Showcase the Brand

Showcase the Brand

Share with audiences the new Visit The Woodlands brand campaign, which more accurately reflects the character of The Woodlands and everything it can offer visitors and meeting planners.

Share with audiences the new Visit The Woodlands brand campaign, which more accurately reflects the character of The Woodlands and everything it can offer visitors and meeting planners.

Increase Retail Spending and Support Room Absorption

Increase Retail Spending and Support Room Absorption

Grow overall retail spending through audience engagement by offering targeted content and curated experiences only The Woodlands can offer its visitors, as well as support current room absorption and improve off-peak timeframes.

Grow overall retail spending through audience engagement by offering targeted content and curated experiences only The Woodlands can offer its visitors, as well as support current room absorption and improve off-peak timeframes.

visit the woodlands.com/about

Why Travel Matters to The Woodlands

A Message from Visit The Woodlands Travel and tourism are key to helping our community grow and thrive, making The Woodlands a wonderful place to live and visit.

The travel industry supports the local economy by increasing visitor spending and tax revenue in The Woodlands. In previous years, spending related to travel has generated more than $33 million dollars in state and local sales tax revenue, creating more than 1.2 million jobs statewide, with 4,100 of those in the travel and tourism industry being employed right here in The Woodlands!

This economic boost not only helps our local businesses, but also helps the residents of The Woodlands. Tourism influences the economy, then enhances our community’s way of life. The contributions of visitors made by hotel stays and tax revenue allows for job creation and business growth. In addition, it assists in maintaining the Township’s critical infrastructure and funds other initiatives that benefit everyone.

Community Cleans Up at Earth Day GreenUp

By Zoe Killian

Families, neighbors, local businesses and organizations cleaned up greenbelts, roadsides and waterways at Earth Day GreenUp on Saturday, March 23, 2019.

The most common types of litter collected at GreenUp were single-use plastics such as grocery bags, disposable cutlery and cups, fast food containers and straws. These highly abundant items are easily blown from parking lots, picnic areas and trash barrels into neighboring greenbelts.

A simple way to prevent litter is to reduce our use of disposable plastic. Remember, when you’re on the go, BYO (Bring Your Own)! Equip yourself

with reusable alternatives – travel mugs, water bottles, tote bags, reusable cutlery and straws.

Thank you for Greening Up with us! A special thank you to all participants, volunteers and sponsors who partnered with us to keep The Woodlands a beautiful place to live.

Earth Day GreenUp is hosted by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department and was generously sponsored by Waste Management, Keep Texas Beautiful, Berkeley Services, Woodlands Joint Powers Agency, H-E-B, Howard Hughes Corporation, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Papa John’s Pizza.

• More than 1,000 participants

• 86 community groups

• More than 3,000 hours of volunteer service

• 8,676 gallons of trash

• *Equivalent of 90 of our curbside carts

• 4 pounds of cigarette butts recycled through TerraCycle

The annual Earth Day GreenUp event in The Woodlands brings residents together for fun while cleaning up the community and celebrating afterward at Northshore Park.

Photos by Perry Frank

Ensuring the Water Supply for the Next Generation

There’s plenty of water in the world… just not always where we want and need it. The massive Oglala Aquifer, the largest in North America, furnishes water to our nation’s breadbasket, irrigating millions of acres of corn, wheat and other foods. That aquifer is currently 50 percent depleted – and this has happened in the last 50 years. What will happen in the next 50?

Our own aquifers have seen major drawdowns as well – so much so that there has been land subsidence in the southern part of Montgomery County. Land subsidence is a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface because of subsurface movement of earth

materials, such as water within aquifers. Harris County to our south has fared less well. Some places in Harris County have subsided more than 15 feet as a direct result of aquifer drawdown. In fact, Harris and Galveston Counties have been concerned enough to form the HarrisGalveston Subsidence District, to monitor any further subsidence in the area.

The subsidence here is not serious… yet. But there are areas near The Woodlands which have fallen a foot or more in the last two or three decades. Not the 15-feet drops we see in Houston, but worthy of concern, nevertheless.

Harris County solved their problem by setting up a treatment plant on Lake

By Bob Dailey, WJPA

Houston. A master plan is already in progress to pump treated lake water to most residents in Harris – no mean feat.

In Montgomery County, forwardlooking officials have already built out a water treatment plant at Lake Conroe, and lake water is available to all municipalities. This water is helping the aquifers to recover their supply of water, and to help halt subsidence in the county.

The availability of lake water takes care of needs now, but the best solution is conservation and residents here are accomplishing that.

The above article was provided by The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency, www.wjpa.org.

PLANT FOCUS: HYMENOCALLIS LIRIOSME

Texas Spider Lily

By Ann Hall

Withshowy, unusually elegant white flowers, the Texas Spider Lily blooms prolifically in late spring. Roadside ditches, forested wetlands, the edges of ponds and naturally swampy areas serve as the natural habitat of this 7-inch long tubed flower with spidery, petal-like segments which radiate outward. Orange anthers and a yellowishgreen neck add drama to its beautiful blossom. With a sweet fragrance and long, glossy dark green leaves, the Texas Spider Lily enhances rain gardens, water features and will grow easily in landscape beds.

Native to southeast Texas, this perennial plant emerges from a blacksheathed bulb. A member of the amaryllis family, the Texas Spider Lily blooms in late April to early May in southeast Texas. This adaptable bulb will grow in

any soil, in standing water up to two feet deep or in a container or planting bed with fairly moist soil. Light conditions are also variable with the plant thriving in part shade to full sun. Mature plants may become 12 to 18 inches in height. No known serious insect or disease problems affect this plant. While little is known regarding the exact insects that pollinate The Texas Spider Lily, it is very attractive to butterflies, bees and other insects.

Texas Spider Lilies require little maintenance and are drought hardy once established. They will tolerate flooding, standing water and wet soil. As the plant matures and produces a large clump of bulbs, occasional thinning or dividing may be appropriate. The bulbs removed during this process may be transplanted into a new location. In southeast Texas,

spider lily bulbs may be planted at any time from spring to fall. Place the bulbs in moist soil with the bulb neck just above the soil line.

Following the bloom period, spider lilies produce seeds at the top of the bloom stalk. The plant is easily propagated from the mature seeds. Place the seeds on the surface of a pot of moist soil. Take care to keep the soil moist and within three to four months, the seeds will germinate. Bulbs are available from online plant retailers and bulb companies. Frequently, it may be possible to obtain Texas Spider Lily bulbs as a pass-along plant or at a local plant sale offered by a gardening group. Following establishment in the garden, the Texas Spider Lily will provide fragrance and spring garden interest for many years.

The Texas Spider Lily is a hardy plant that tolerates a variety of weather conditions and habitats.

WHEN IT COMES TO MOSQUITOES…

By Megan McNairn

Reduce the risk of mosquitoborne diseases like West Nile virus by eliminating breeding sites in your landscape.

Wear repellent as a matter of habit.

Look past the brand name to the active ingredient listed on the front of the bottle. Each of us has a unique chemical signature, so try oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, IR3535 or DEET to see which one works best for you.

Eliminate standing water.

All mosquitoes need water to complete their juvenile development. Considering that one 6-inch plant saucer can breed 1,000 mosquitoes a week, it’s worth looking around the yard to drain and store anything that is inadvertently holding water.

Treat where you can’t drain.

French drain and water meter boxes often hold water but are easy to overlook. Use a targeted larvicide such as Mosquito Dunks® to keep these structures mosquitofree for 30 days. Cheap, easy and non-toxic, Mosquito Dunks® are safe to place in birdbaths and rain barrels, too.

For more information, please email The Woodlands Township Environmental Services, enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3800.

Enjoy live music by local and regional per formers in the pic turesque setting of Water way Square at Water way Nights. This summer, Water way Nights makes for an eventful night out in The Woodlands Town Center

AL L SHOW S AR E 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

J U N E 2019 LIN EU P

June 1: Secret Par ty Band (Pop)

June 8: S ay Yes, Juliet (Indie/Alternative)

June 15: Time Warp (80s, 90s & Today ’s Hits)

June 22: Face This Way (Classic Rock)

June 29: ( Variety)

One Culex mosquito can lay 250 eggs at a time; the entire egg raft is only half as long as a grain of rice.

Summer VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

WITH THE TOWNSHIP’S ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Adopt-A-Path

Adopt-A-Path

Adopt-a-Path is a stewardship opportunity for businesses, schools, community groups or individuals who want to help keep The Woodlands beautiful. Commit to picking up litter on a 1-mile stretch of pathway at least four times a year. Your group will have a sign placed along your adopted pathway to recognize your efforts.

Community Cleanup

Looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity for your group? Consider a litter cleanup of a local park or natural area. It makes for a rewarding team-building activity and a fun way to enjoy the outdoors. The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department can help by providing trash grabbers, bags and safety vests.

Plant For Pollinators

Join the Township-wide effort to increase pollinator habitats. Add native pollinator plants and milkweed to your home landscape; start a pollinator garden at your school, business or church; or volunteer with Township planting efforts. To find out more, please check out The Woodlands Township Plant for Pollinators website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ plantforpollinators.

Invasive Species

Task Force

Participate in a group that helps to control invasive plant species in The Woodlands. Attend the training on Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at HARC, 8801 Gosling Road, to learn about the invasive species in our area and techniques for locating, monitoring and removing them.

Photo by Anita Wren Plant For Pollinators

Photo by Teri MacArthur

Invasive Species Task Force

Soar into Summer at

Texas

TreeVentures, a program of The Woodlands Township, is now open for reservations! Located on the campus of The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, Texas TreeVentures is a challenge-by-choice aerial adventure

course for individuals 6 years old and up. There are certain restrictions and supervision requirements.

Texas TreeVentures offers general admission, group rates (12 or more climbers), birthday party options, corporate events and more. Please visit the Texas

TreeVentures website for more information and to view reservation availability at www.texastreeventures.com.

Follow Texas TreeVentures on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @TXTreeVentures for the latest news and updates.

Texas TreeVentures is now open for reservations. Climb to new heights and make your reservations now at www.texastreeventures.com.

www.REDACU.com

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,

Do you know the five steps to protect children from child sexual abuse?

Step One: Learn The Facts

One in 10 children will be sexually abused before the age of 18.

Step Two: Minimize Opportunity

More than 80 percent of sexual abuse cases occur in isolated, one-on-one situations.

Step Three: Talk About It

Children often keep abuse a secret. Talk openly with them to prevent sexual abuse.

Step Four: Recognize The Signs Often the signs are emotional or behavioral, not physical.

Step Five: React Responsibly

Learn how to offer support and report suspicion or discovery immediately. Share with your friends and spread the word.

Learn more about the five steps to protecting children at www.D2L.org. For local resources, please visit www.childrenssafeharbor.org

The John Cooper School opened on September 6, 1988 with 175 students, on 43 acres that were designated by The Woodlands founder George Mitchell. Enrollment and campus facilities have steadily grown to help us reach our current status as a recognized leader in independent school education, but the vision set forth in the formative years remains the same - to provide a challenging education in a caring environment.

BE A PET OWNER

Is there a dog in your neighborhood that barks at all hours of the day and night? Is there a cat that is destroying a neighbor’s garden? If there is such a pet in your neighborhood, inform the pet’s owner of the offense. He or she may not be aware that the offending

animal is his or hers. On the other hand, if your neighbor should approach you to say that your dog’s barking is affecting others, at least consider the possibility that it could be true. The next step is to consider a constructive solution to the dilemma.

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.

Always be mindful that leashes are required once the animal leaves your property. The Township Covenant Administration Department works with the Montgomery County Animal Control agency to address issues of concerns of animals running off leash in The Woodlands neighborhoods. As the Township is an unincorporated area within Montgomery County, not a city government, the statutory authority and responsibility for animal control is provided through Montgomery County and Harris County animal control agencies.

Last but not least, please pick up after your pet. Pet waste bags are easily purchased and used. Plastic grocery or newspaper bags can also be used to pick up after your pet and then placed in the trash.

Friday, June 7 @ 8 p.m.

Texas Music Festival Orchestra and Scout Day

FREE EVENT! No tickets required.

Saturday, June 8 @ 8 p.m.

Houston Symphony, An Evening with Frank & Ella Lucas Waldin, Conductor

FREE MEZZANINE & LAWN SEATING! $20 RES ERVED ORCHESTRA SEATING www.woodlandscenter.org