June 2010

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on the Cover:

Daily pool season opens this month for the 13 aquatic facilities located throughout The Woodlands. Please see pages 26-27 to learn how you can purchase a season pass to all pools or just schedule some fun and relaxation at one of the pools on your own or during a scheduled event. This month’s cover photo features the slide at Forestgate Pool, located in the Village of Indian Springs, and was taken by John McGowan, aquatics superintendent for The Woodlands Township and former award-winning lifeguard and Superguard for The Woodlands.

26 Splash 2010 neighborhood Pool Schedule and Fees

28 Take A Hike! Celebrate National Trails Day

30 Got Watch? Get Watch and Get Ready!

31 Fireworks Prohibited in The Woodlands

Monthly

3 The Woodlands Township Election

16 Calendar of Events

18 The Woodlands Village News

20 The Woodlands Village Leaders

John McGowan

Will you know what to do the next time we have a drought?

Last year, The Wood lands area experienced a significant drought and it was necessary -- for the first me ever -- to issue mandatory water restric ons as specified in our Drought Con ngency Plan. While many residents complied with the cutbacks, others con nued to water their yards, wash cars, and fill swimming pools. We learned some valuable lessons during last year ’s experiences and have made modifica ons to this important Plan...including what emergency water supply condi ons will trigger the restric ons...and how long they would last. There is no warning when a drought will occur, so it is up to all of us to be prepared to cooperate and cut back on water usage as instructed. Please be alert to upcoming communica ons on this important topic and visit the website.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

The Woodlands ToWnship

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

Board Chambers

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

Service Center

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

law enforcement and neighborhood Services annex 2202 Timberloch Place, Suite 222, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

The Woodlands Fire department (non-emergency)

9951 Grogan’s Mill Road

The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-367-3444

Parks, Recreation and environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3900

Recreation Center

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

Convention & Visitors Bureau

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-363-2447

oTher service providers

The Woodlands Joint Powers agency (Water) 281-367-1267

montgomery County Sheriff’s office 281-297-6500 • 936-442-7797

Harris County Sheriff’s office 713-221-6000

montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

emergency 911

the Woodlands township

Boa R d o F dIR e CT o RS e le CTI on Re S ulTS

Fourresidents of The Woodlands were elected in The Woodlands Township Board of Directors election held on Saturday, May 8, 2010. Each office carries a two-year term, and all four positions were elected at large by voters in The Woodlands Township in both Montgomery County and Harris County. Complete election information with results can be found at The Woodlands Township’s Web site listed below.

Claude Hunter, Tom Campbell, Lloyd W. Mathews and Ed Robb, were elected, respectively, to Positions 1, 2, 3 and 4. All incumbents, they return to the Township Board with fellow directors Nelda Luce Blair, Bruce Tough and Peggy Hausman, whose terms expire May 2011. These seven directors make up the fully-elected board of The Woodlands Township.

Retiring from the board are Vicki Richmond (17 years of service), Bob Kinnear (14 years of service), Alex Sutton (four years of service), and Kemba DeGroot (four years of service), all of whom served The Woodlands Township and the previous entity, the Town Center Improvement District.

The Board of Directors holds regularly scheduled meetings each month — a morning workshop and evening board meeting. In June, the workshop is scheduled for Thursday, June 17, 2010, at 9 a.m., at The Woodlands Township Board Chambers, 10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600. The Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at 6 p.m., at The Woodlands Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive.

For more information on The Woodlands Township, as well as a complete listing of meeting schedules and information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800.

Board of d irectors

Peggy Hausman Claude Hunter Rev. Ed Robb

Don Norrell President and General Manager

Nelda Luce Blair Lloyd Matthews Bruce Tough Tom Campbell

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.

C H am PI on S S Ta FF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr. account executives Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Creative director Lori Short

Graphic designers

Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

T o W n SHIP S Ta FF director of

Community Relations Nick Wolda editor Mary Connell

Copy editors

Elena Smith

Laura Garvey

editorial assistant Terri Jefferies

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

PRINTING & PUBLISHING

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, P.O. Box 7859, The Woodlands, TX, 77387-7859, 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 community and the services provided to them as Woodlands residents.

The Woodlands Community Magazine is a past recipient of The Communicator Award of Distinction and the Bronze Quill Award of Merit from the Houston Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators.

Printed

Only in AmericA

is the theme for this year’s Fourth of July celebration in The Woodlands, Texas!

A spectacular lineup of events—Fourth of July Parade; Star-Spangled Salute; Splash Day; Concert in The Park; Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza— provides opportunities for everyone to enjoy and commemorate our most patriotic holiday!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

FOU r TH OF JU ly PA r AD e

Parade Theme: Only In America

The Fourth of July Parade will occur on Saturday, July 3, 2010, beginning at 9 a.m. in The Woodlands Town Center. Join spectators along the 1.3-mile parade route that begins and ends at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. Bring your lawn chairs and get your spot early to enjoy the pre-parade entertainment of jugglers, clowns, magicians and much more! A tent will be set up in front of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for senior citizens and the physically challenged to obtain relief from the summer heat. Roads will be closed during the parade.

At 9 a.m., family members of all ages will enjoy the fire engines, clowns, horses and many exciting commercial floats. As in previous years, the parade will proudly feature marching bands!

The South County Fourth of July Committee is hosting the Fifth Annual Marching Band Scholarship Program. Band entries will receive a minimum of $1,000 in support of their programs.

For parade entry and sponsorship forms and updated information, visit www.4thofjuly.org or call 281-210-3975. Every entry has a chance to win!

Judging will occur on the parade route just above the North Passage in Market Street. Fourth of July Parade Announcers Nick Wolda and Ramon Torres will provide a brief description of each entry as it passes the judging stand.

Awards will be presented on July 4 on the main stage at the Red, Hot & Blue Festival.

• Most Beautiful Entry

• Community Entry Award

• Most Patriotic Entry

• Youth Entry Award

• Float with Best Use of Theme

• Participation Award

• Best Musical Entry

• President’s Award

• Best Military Entry

• Best Professionally Built Commercial Float

Every year the parade gets bigger and better, so you don’t want to miss it! This year will prove to be the best parade yet! We hope to see you there!

STA r -SPA n G le D SA l UT e

Enjoy the Houston Symphony on Saturday, July 3, 2010, performing a patriotic Star-Spangled Salute at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The concert features a selection of

only in america

continued on page 8

sunday, July 4, 2010

Town Green Park and Waterway Square Entertainment

Spend your Fourth of July weekend in The Woodlands!

fRiday, July 2, 2010

waterway n ights

Waterway Square

6 p.m.

satuRday, July 3, 2010

fourth of July Parade Market Street 9 a.m.

Houston symphony’s Star Spangled Salute

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 8 p.m.

sunday, July 4, 2010

splash day

All 13 pools in The Woodlands 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Red, Hot & Blue festival & fireworks e xtravaganza

The Woodlands Town Center 6 p.m.

fourth of july celebration

continued from page 6

patriotic favorites, American classics, sing-alongs, and of course, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with cannons from atop the hill. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and admission is free, compliments of presenting sponsor The Woodlands Development Company. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

SP l ASH DAy AT

c O mm U ni T y POO l S

Get cooled off at one of the 13 community pools with Splash Day. This is a chance for families to enjoy the hot mid-summer day and have fun with the community’s lifeguards. The lifeguards at each pool select special themes and provide free activities and refreshments while supplies last. Pools are free to all residents with activities occurring between noon and 4 p.m.

D ec O r AT in G c O n T e ST A n D PA r AD e

Bring your favorite method of transportation (bike, tricycle, scooter or wagon) and meet us at Northshore Park for the Things That Go Decorating Contest and Parade. Decorating materials will be provided or you can bring your own. A parade around the park will give judges time to choose winners! This event is for children 14 years and younger and starts at 5:30 p.m., just before Concert in the Park. The cost is $5 per entry.

and a performance schedule, please visit www.RedHotBlue.org or call The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau at 281-363-2447.

FireWOrKS eXTrAVAGAnZA

c O ncer T AT n O r THSHO re PA r K

To enjoy Fourth of July activities with your friends and neighbors, head to Northshore Park for a free concert. As part of the summer Concert in the Park series presented by Munday Chevrolet, enjoy an evening of country music with Troy Hess & Texas Heartbreakers from the Liberty Mutual Stage. Remember to bring your lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner! The concert is from 7 to 9 p.m. Hang around afterwards for one of the best seats in town to view fireworks while the Sunny 99.1 simulcast plays across the park.

re D, HOT & B l U e F e ST i VA l

The 13th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival begins at 6 p.m. This event takes place in The Woodlands Town Center in Town Green Park and Waterway Square. The festival features live music on two stages, strolling entertainers, hot dog and watermelon-eating contests and lots of family fun! And back by popular demand, the Little Firecracker Essay Contest sponsored by University of Phoenix. For more information about this year’s festival, including a list of activities

What would the Fourth of July be without fireworks? As one of the largest fireworks displays in the North Houston region, fireworks in The Woodlands Town Center will blast off at dusk. The 23-minute Red, Hot & Blue Fireworks Extravaganza, which begins at dusk, is simply spectacular. Best viewing is at Town Green Park and Waterway Square. For specific details, please visit www.RedHotBlue.org or call 281-363-2447. The fireworks extravaganza soundtrack will be simulcast on Sunny 99.1 FM. Be sure to tune in!

Fourth of July Parade Sponsors

The South County Fourth of July Committee would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to all the countless sponsors and individuals for their participation, dedication and contributions to the 2010 Parade. There would be no parade without your support! Thank you!

Volunteers Are Still Needed For All Events!

Please contact South County Fourth of July Committee at 281-210-3975 for more information. It takes numerous volunteers to make these events happen! Volunteer orientation will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2010, at The Woodlands United Methodist Church parking lot.

What

Don’t waste a single moment!

Everything you need is just minutes away in The Woodlands.

From a morning workout at the YMCA to a romantic dinner on The Woodlands Waterway®, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Texas’ most celebrated community.

The Stanford by J. Patrick Homes in Tupelo Green features 4,400 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, study, island kitchen, master suite with sitting room down, game room, media room, covered patio and three-car tandem garage. It is priced from $463,990. Purchase a new home in Creekside Park now through July 30, 2010 that closes by September 30, 2010 and receive a free one-year family membership to the South Montgomery County YMCA.

NEW HOMES IN TUPELO, PRICED FROM THE $240’S

Discover Tupelo in The Woodlands’ newest village, Creekside Park. This beautiful new neighborhood features homes by Chesmar, Gracepoint, Partners in Building, J. Patrick, Plantation, Ryland, Toll Brothers, Trendmaker and Village Builders, priced from the $240’s – $1 million. The centerpiece of the new neighborhood is 10-acre Tupelo Park, a peaceful greenspace with terraced pond leading to 72-acre Lake Paloma, playgrounds, a picnic pavilion, and lighted tennis and basketball courts. Rob Fleming Park and Aquatic Center and the new Creekside Forest K-6 school are also nearby. Find out why more than 900 families are experiencing life’s next great adventure in Creekside Park.

Get in the know on what’s happening in The Woodlands daily

Join The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Facebook Fan Page to receive up-to-date information on events, new stores and other special offers! Visit www.Facebook.com/ VisitTheWoodlands.com.

The Woodlands CVB also has an online tool that consolidates the hundreds of concerts, community events, festivals, athletic competitions and other gatherings held in The Woodlands into a single events calendar.

To access The Woodlands CVB’s online community event calendar, go to www.VisitTheWoodlands.com and click the events tab. Events are listed on their corresponding dates along with a link to additional information.

The Woodlands

C onvention & v isitors B ureau

Movie Night at Waterway Square continues through Saturday, June 12, 2010

The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Movie Night at Waterway Square continues its summer series every Saturday through June 12, 2010, from 8 to 10 p.m. Spend your Saturday nights at Waterway Square and watch a movie under the stars. Picnics, chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome at this series. Movie Night will return this fall every Saturday evening, October 23 through November 13, 2010, from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, please visit www.TheFountainsAtWaterwaySquare.com.

Upcoming movie schedule and dates below:

• June 5, 8 to 10 p.m., Little Rascals

• June 12, 8 to 10 p.m., Beethoven

Make plans for your Fourth of July weekend in The Woodlands

Celebrate America’s independence in The Woodlands with an entire weekend full of events beginning Friday, July 2, through Sunday, July 4, 2010. See page 6 for more information.

Visitor’s Guide & Map for The

Woodlands now available

Request your copy of The Woodlands Visitor’s Guide & Map. This guide lists all merchants in The Woodlands along with a phone number and map. Visit www.thewoodlandscvb.com/visitorsguide.asp to request yours today!

Plan your next meeting in The Woodlands!

The Woodlands has become a popular place for a variety of tourism activities with more than five million square feet of shopping, dining, hospitality and entertainment. With 10 hotel properties containing 1,500 hotel rooms now located within The Woodlands Township boundaries, visitors come for business meetings, conventions, corporate events, sporting events, festivals, reunions, weddings and more. For all the details visit

www.MeetingsInTheWoodlands.com!

The Woodlands

Convention & Visitors Bureau

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

www.VisitTheWoodlands.com

Phone: 281-363-2447

Fax: 281-210-3499

info@thewoodlandscvb.com

www.VisitTheWoodlands.com

Photo by Derrick Bryant

THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION

Thursday, June 10

Houston Symphony

european a dven T ure

8 p.m., Gates open at 7 p.m.

Robert Franz, conductor

$15 orchestra seating

F ree mezzanine and lawn seating sponsored by The Wortham Foundation

Fri day, June 18

Texas Music Fes T ival orches T

8 p.m., Gates open at 7 p.m.

Horst Foerster, conductor - Rita Porfiris, viola Wagner: Overture to Die fliegende Holländer, “The Flying Dutchman”

Bartok: Concerto for Viola and Orchestra

Berlioz: “Symphonie Fantastique”

F ree even T

s aTurday, July 3

Houston Symphony

sTar- spangled s alu T e

8 p.m., Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Michael Krajewski, conductor

The Texas Tenors, special guests

F ree even T presented by M. Krajewski

Presented by

A musical grand tour

The Houston Symphony travels across Europe with a family concert for all to enjoy. With Robert Franz in the driver’s seat, buckle your seat belts for a merry jaunt across Europe.

Young artists

Inspired by the composer’s unrequited love for an Irish actress, Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique” tells the fantastical tale of a young artist and spurned love, told not through words, but through the music and the instruments themselves.

Patriotic favorites

This free Independence Eve spectacular features a selection of patriotic favorites, American classics, sing-alongs, and of course, Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with cannons from atop the hill. Commemorate the birth of our nation at this grandiose celebration.

By Robert Dailey, Master Gardener

“Ah, the pickerel of Walden!… They, of course, are Walden all over and all through; are themselves small Waldens in the animal kingdom, Waldenses.” - Thoreau, Walden (1854)

Thoreau was speaking of the pickerel fish (Esox niger and Esox americanus) that not only populated Walden Pond but is found in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams throughout the eastern portion of North America, including Texas.

Taking its name from the piscine pickerel, pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata L.) occupies the same range and habitat and also provides cover for the fish as well as other aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates.

Pickerelweed is generally found in shallow, still water and often grows to three feet. With heart-shaped leaves and six-inch long flower spikes rising above the water, pickerelweed provides summer color to many ponds. The flowers are white, blue, violet or purple and each flower lasts for one day, dropping after being pollinated. However, numerous flowers do bloom from the plant, extending the blooming season by several days. Pickerelweed blooms from June through September.

Dragonflies love to perch on the plant’s leaves and the flowers attract butterflies, bumblebees and a host of other native bees. The dried seeds are edible and have been used in granola and other cereals.

This perennial may grow up to four feet in height. The plant loves wet, and highly-moist soil, sun or partial shade, and will tolerate many different soil types, from sandy to clay.

Pickerelweed growing on the edge of a pond in The Woodlands.

Photo by Linda Crum

It’s time to get ready for

HuRRICane SeaSon

The Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township urges all residents of The Woodlands to be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.

June is the beginning of hurricane season that lasts until November. Now is the perfect time to start planning what you and your family should do if disaster strikes our area. Thinking about it now will help you decide what to do later.

A great source of information is the Homeland Security Web site located at www.ready.gov. This Web site has all kinds of information about different types of emergencies, such as tornadoes, lightning, flash floods, biological threats and nuclear blasts.

Our own Neighborhood Services Department offers Get Ready –The Woodlands presentations that are designed to teach residents how to prepare for both natural and man-made emergencies. The presentations can either be one-hour interactive presentations in a home or central setting or an event setting where several organizations teach emergency preparedness at a community event.

Regardless of how it is done, now is the time to prepare, plan and stay informed!

Tips To Stay Informed

• For emergency information specific to The Woodlands, listen to K-Star Country, KVST 99.7 FM, official emergency broadcast partner of The Woodlands Township.

• Fully-redundant power

• Locally owned and operated

• North Houston and Conroe coverage area

• Local news, weather and traffic

Listen live daily at 99.7 FM or online at kstarcountry.com.

• Visit The Woodlands Township Web site – www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

• Sign up for WoodlandsAlert at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and click WoodlandsAlert Signup. Be sure to select your preferences, which you may update at any time. Prior to an emergency, you may want to add your cell phone number or change your information so that you can receive messages when you are out of your usual routine.

• Sign up for advance weather warnings for our area by visiting www.mc911. org and clicking CodeRED.

• Sign up for a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training class. Contact Rachel Mitchell at The Woodlands Fire Department for more information at 281-367-3444.

• Call The Woodlands Township to schedule a Get Ready – The Woodlands presentation. This presentation includes the basic steps to get prepared for an emergency as outlined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Join The Woodlands Watch and schedule your neighborhood presentation today by calling 281-210-3800.

• Watch television newscasts.

In the event ALL communication efforts fail, residents should go to one of the six fire stations located in The Woodlands. The Woodlands fire stations will have the latest information available for residents.

Central Station – 9951 Grogan’s Mill Road

Station 2 – 9303 Gosling Road

Station 3 – 1522 Sawdust Road

Station 4 – 7900 Bay Branch Drive

Station 5 – 10100 Branch Crossing Drive

Station 6 – 1100 Windsor Lakes Boulevard

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

emergency Supply Kits

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 non-perishable 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.

• Flashlight 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.

• Emergency phone numbers.

For calendar updates, visit the Calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Tuesday, June 1

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

The Woodlands High School Graduation

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 7:30 p.m.

Free admission

Wednesday, June 2

Development Standards Committee Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 p.m.

281-210-3973

The Woodlands College Park High School Graduation

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 7:30 p.m.

Free admission

Thursday, June 3

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, June 4

Regular pool season hours begin. See page 26 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Gorilla Hole

The Woodlands Recreation Center 7 p.m.

281-210-3950

This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.

Saturday, June 5

Farmer’s Market

8 a.m. to Noon (rain or shine)

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center, 2230 Buckthorne Place www.grogansmillvillage.com

For more information, please call Lorraine Richardson at 713-992-5983.

Movie Night

Little Rascals

Waterway Square

8 to 10 p.m. 281-363-2447

Sunday, June 6

FREE Concert in the Park

Level One Band (Motown Review)

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

monday, June 7

Swing for the Arts Golf Tournament Hosted by The Pavilion Partners The Woodlands Country Club Palmer Course

noon www.woodlandscenter.org

Tuesday, June 8

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency Training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 p.m. 281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 p.m. 281-210-3887

Thursday, June 10

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Lone Star College-University Center at Montgomery – Open House 3232 College Park Drive 4 to 7 p.m.

For more information, please call 936-273-7510 or 281-618-7140.

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7:30 p.m. 281-210-5808

Houston Symphony’s European Adventure The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 8 p.m.

Ticket required, free lawn seating.

Friday, June 11

Iron Maiden

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 7:30 p.m.

Ticket required.

Photo by Laura Garvey

Saturday, June 12

Farmer’s Market

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine)

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center, 2230 Buckthorne Place

www.grogansmillvillage.com

For more information, please call Lorraine Richardson at 713-992-5983.

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Movie Night

Beethoven

Waterway Square

8 to 10 p.m.

281-363-2447

Sunday, June 13

FREE Concert in the Park

Miss Leslie & Her Juke Jointers (Country) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

7 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

7 p.m.

Ticket required.

monday, June 14

Flag Day

Tuesday, June 15

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Wednesday, June 16

Development Standards Committee Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 p.m.

281-210-3973

Thursday, June 17

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Workshop

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600

9 a.m. 281-210-3800

Friday, June 18

Healthcare Provider Renewal CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 to 11 a.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Gorilla Hole

The Woodlands Recreation Center

7 p.m. 281-210-3950

This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.

Texas Music Festival Orchestra

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 8 p.m.

Ticket required, free lawn seating.

Saturday, June 19

Farmer’s Market

8 a.m. to Noon (rain or shine)

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center, 2230 Buckthorne Place www.grogansmillvillage.com

For more information, please call Lorraine Richardson at 713-992-5983.

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to noon

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

First Aid Class

Emergency Training Center

noon to 2:30 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Dive-in Movie

Madagascar 2 Bear Branch Pool, 5200 Research Forest Drive

8:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900. Admission is $5 per person (ages 3 and younger are free).

Sunday, June 20

Father’s Day

FREE Concert in the Park Fab 5 (British Invasion) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

monday, June 21

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

6:30 p.m.

281-210-5808

College Park Village Association Meeting

Emergency Training Center

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, June 22

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, June 23

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Watch Talk Wednesdays

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive noon to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, June 25

Sting

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

8 p.m.

Ticket required.

Saturday, June 26

Farmer’s Market

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine)

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center, 2230 Buckthorne Place www.grogansmillvillage.com

For more information, please call Lorraine Richardson at 713-992-5983.

Chicago and The Doobie Brothers

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 7:30 p.m.

Ticket required.

Sunday, June 27

FREE Concert in the Park

Patricia Vonne (Spanish Roots Rock)

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

monday, June 28

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting Mitchell Library, 8125 Ashlane Way 7 p.m. 281-210-3888

upcoming events

Sunday, July 4

Fourth of July Events

See pg.6 for details.

FREE Concert in the Park

Troy Hess & Texas Heartbreakers (Country)

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

Saturday, July 10

Dive-in Movie

Kung Fu Panda

Cranebrook Pool, 11800 Cranebrook Drive 8:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3900. Admission is $5 per person (ages 3 and younger are free).

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

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

alden Bridge

This month’s residents meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. All residents are invited to attend; bring us your questions and concerns.

Want to help build a float?

Volunteers are needed to design and construct the Alden Bridge float for the Fourth of July parade. This is a fun activity for the whole family! Please contact any village representative or e-mail us at abinfo@comcast.net if you’d like to pitch in. With your help, we can build an award-winning entry!

Alden Bridge is participating in the villages’ trip to the Astros game at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2010. Tickets are $12 each, which includes round-trip transport by bus from our village center. Contact us at abinfo@comcast.net if you’d like to purchase tickets.

We’re seeking nominations for the Yard of the Month award. Pictured above are Jerry and Margie Biggs, the May winners of the Alden Bridge Yard of the Month honor. Please send your choices for best front yard in the village to abinfo@comcast.net. Each monthly winner receives tickets from the Pavilion, goodies from Chick-fil-A and a yard sign recognizing all the hard work that goes into creating an award-winning yard.

Our electronic newsletter is distributed monthly to more than 800 households.

To subscribe, please send your e-mail address to abinfo@comcast.net. This information will not be shared and will be used only to disseminate news of our village. Between newsletters, please check our Web site (www.aldenbridge.org) for up-to-date information.

Submitted by Darla Bell

cochran’s crossing

Congratulations to the Lady Highlanders for winning The Woodlands High School first-ever girls state soccer championship! Making it even sweeter is the fact it’s the first Houston-area state soccer championship in any category since 2006. Wrapping up a 30-2 season, the victory was a perfect topper to last year’s runner-up finish. Way to go, ladies! And let’s not forget the Highlanders boys soccer team for playing all the way to the state soccer championship semi-finals. Congratulations on a fine season, guys – go get ’em next year!

Submitted by Bill Mara

Grogan’s Mill

At its annual planning meeting in March, the Grogan’s Mill Village Association reviewed its 2009 accomplishments. Among the things designed to improve our community were sponsorship and organization of the Farmer’s Market for spring and fall seasons, holding a wine and cheese gathering in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center for residents to meet each other, expanding our e-newsletter and continuing to improve our Web site. We advocated and worked on the planning of the new dog park in Tamarac Park and the new sidewalk for Lamar Elementary School. We sponsored Yard of the Month and holiday lighting awards and donated $1,000 to our local schools and $500 to

Interfaith. To see all that the Grogan’s Mill Village Association does, visit our Web site at www.gmva.org.

The Grogan’s Mill May Yard of the Month winners are John and Gerry Strater on Buttonbush Court.

The Straters began 20 years ago with a swampy, shaded yard and put in many yards of soil, creating raised, curved beds now edged with limestone rock. As a former Montgomery County Master Gardener, Gerry’s intent was to use native shrubs and perennials that were low maintenance, tolerant of extreme weather conditions and attracted birds and butterflies. Through trial and error she calls “torture gardening,” Gerry used spring bouquet viburnum, mock orange, buddleias and butterfly iris, interspersed with azaleas, holly fern, Indian hawthorn and sago palms, giving the garden a more natural appearance. Chinese fringe and honeysuckle were also used for their fall/early spring foliage and blooms.

Don’t forget to visit the Farmer’s Market open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through June 26, 2010. We have more than 30 vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meats, breads, cheeses and other foods.

Submitted by Bruce Cunningham

panther creek

Celebrate Flag Day at the Annual Panther Creek Picnic and Pool Day at Ridgewood Park on Saturday,

e vents in you R nei GHB or H ood

June 12, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The village association is providing food and drinks and the swimming pool will be open free of charge. All Panther Creek residents are invited. Come to the picnic and enjoy a day with your neighbors.

As a reminder, the Panther Creek Village Association Annual Baseball Outing will be Saturday, September 11, 2010. This is a great time to bring the whole family and guests as the Astros host the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Panther Creek Village Association will provide bus transportation from the Panther Creek Village Center to Minute Maid Park and back. Contact Mary Bootz at 281-296-9960 for information and tickets.

According to the Panther Creek Residential Design Review Committee, there has been an increase in violations regarding home maintenance, including mold and mildew, roofs, trash cans and bags, and debris around the home premises. Together we can beautify our community and improve our property values. Let’s work together to keep our community looking great.

Please visit our Web site, www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org, for additional information.

Submitted by Everett Ison

sterling ridge

Sterling Ridge Summer in Full Swing

Fresh cut grass, children laughing, grilling good eats and sipping ice cold lemonade! Summertime is here and so is all of the news of the upcoming activities that are being planned for our community.

The Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year, but that will not stop us from celebrating with a parade themed Only in America on July 3, 2010. We need volunteers to help decorate our

Sterling Ridge float as well as participate in the parade. All are welcome: skateboarders, bicyclists and anyone who just wants to have fun representing our little piece of “keeping the hometown vision alive.”

We ask that all of our residents remember safety first and that fireworks may not be discharged in The Woodlands Township.

Need to cool off? The Sterling Ridge Village Association is planning the annual village Splash Day event. This event is fun for the entire family with free admission to the pool, snacks, beverages and time to relax with old and new neighbors! Volunteers are encouraged to sign up as early as possible through the Sterling Ridge Web site.

Who’s on first? Find out when we go out to the ballgame in September! The Houston Astros versus the Los Angeles Dodgers will surely delight adults and children in this annual excursion down to Minute Maid Park. Tickets are available for purchase! Contact Sue Young at texastwirlers@yahoo.com.

Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, accompanied by The Woodlands Township Chairman of the Board Nelda Blair, will speak at the June meeting of our association, 7 p.m., Monday, June 28, 2010, at the Mitchell Library.

Upcoming events are posted on our Web site and included in our monthly newsletter that you can sign up for by sending an e-mail to srva_information@sterling-ridge.org. Meetings are customarily scheduled for the fourth Monday of each month at the Mitchell Library. We invite you to visit our Web site to verify dates, times and locations of meetings.

Submitted by Kerri Chew

a lden Brid G e

The Alden Bridge Village Association (ABVA) meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.aldenbridge.org

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Phillip Barker at 281-364-1623.

c oc H ran’s c rossin G

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Nancy Becker at 936-321-4264.

c olle G e Park

The College Park Village Association (CPVA) meets on the third Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Emergency Training Center. Please join us!

Web site www.villageofcollegepark.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Glen Bernstein at 936-273-3274.

c reekside Park

The Woodlands Creekside Park Village Association (TWCPVA) meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3889.

Gro G an’s Mill

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association (GMVA) meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Deborah Sargeant at 281-292-5341.

i ndian sP rin G s

The Indian Springs Village Association (ISVA) meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Ron Kostelny at 281-362-8677.

Pant H er c reek

The Panther Creek Village Association (PCVA) meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Everett Ison at 281-298-9524.

s

terlin G r id G e

The Sterling Ridge Village Association (SRVA) meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library meeting room, 8125 Ashlane Way. Please join us!

Web site www.sterling-ridge.org

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3888 or Village Association President Phillip Givens at 281-419-9331.

Valden Bridge

Village association

Phillip Barker, President 281-364-1623

Steve Leakey, Vice President 281-419-3468

Michael Cannetti, Treasurer 936-321-9862

Darla Bell, Secretary 936-321-6269

area Representatives

Matt Bartholomew 281-292-7632

Nasim Bell 281-362-0652

Judy Drummond 936-582-5044

Sean Guillory 713-446-0652

Michael (Barry) Newman 832-689-6612

Laurie Ricks 281-367-1686

Kendrick Skipper 936-273-4127

Angela Speight 281-367-2222

David Stevens

Ronny R. Taylor

Ross Vickers

Theresa Wagaman 936-271-0092

Dale Wood 936-321-7980

Adele Yung 936-271-4726

Residential design Review Committee

Arthur J. Bredehoft 281-296-9204

Robin Cassidy

Herman Weindel

Gregory Bakalich 936-321-9606

Peggy Gartman 36-273-6092

cochran’s crossing

Village association

Nancy Becker, President 936-321-4264

Marti Fox Meerscheidt, Vice President

Jim Goldmeyer, Treasurer 936-321-2715

Bill Mara, Secretary 281-298-5733

area Representatives

Jeff Allen 936-271-0472

Brian Duelm 281-292-0791

Julie Duelm 281-292-0791

Douglas Cole Grijalva 281-362-1801

Dave Jesiolowski

Cynthia Kessinger 936-321-3339

Gloria Moser

Jerry Orebaugh

Steve Perry 936-321-8138

Stuart Schroeder

t H e W oodlands villa G e leaders

college park

Village association

Glen Bernstein, President 936-273-3274

Scott S. Singletary, Vice President 936-273-9221

Steven A. Reinmund, CPA, Treasurer 832-326-6575

Gail Carney, Secretary 936-271-1241

area Representatives

Kendall Bernstein

Ron E. Brown

Laura Dean 936-689-5185

Larry Faith 281-681-0036

Richard Johnson 281-363-4626

Paul Martin 936-271-0166

Ray Penton 936-321-2284

Janet Reinmund 832-515-9966

Matthew Springer 936-271-4670

Residential Design Review Committee

Roger W. McDonald, Chair 936-321-5250

Gail Carney, Vice Chair 936-271-1241

Laura Dean

Peter Moore, Jr.

Eileen Sandburg 936-321-8486

creekside park

Village association

Nancy Decker Lent, President 617-721-6939

Michael Ramsey, Vice President

Matt Marrow, Secretary

Larry Jadrych, Treasurer

Susan (Sue) Tedesco, Events Chair

area Representatives

Michael P. Casey

Nicole Coulton 281-799-8585

Sally H. Epton 281-255-9169

Kirby Hopkins

Emma Marrow

David Parker

Residential design Review Committee

Nancy Decker Lent, Chair 617-721-6939

Michael Ramsey, Vice Chair

Peter Kalb

Jennifer Mares

Christopher Valle

Grogan’s Mill

Lori Riley 281-364-1713

Bebe Smith 936-273-3327

Steven Tidwell

Clarence J. Wallace

Residential design Review Committee

Clarence Wallace, Chair

Jim Goldmeyer, Vice Chair 936-321-2715

Mark Bacon

David Jesiolowski

Steven Tidwell 281-796-8274

Village association

Deborah Sargeant, President 281-292-5341

Dana Denton, Vice President

Sally Johnson, Treasurer 281-292-7965

Patricia Goodpastor, Secretary 281-367-5385

area Representatives

Matt Beasley

Robbie Brundrett

Rex Campbell

Bruce Cunningham

Virginia Dellinger 281-363-3777

Robert Leilich 832-326-3119

LFranklin R. Palmer 281-367-7030

William Sargent 281-292-3678

James Upham 281-364-1616

George Van Horn

Lily Weiss

Chris Wren

Residential Design Review Committee

Jorge Slater, Chair

Vince Fredrick, Vice Chair 281-367-8799

Robbie Brundrett

Rex D. Campbell

Robert H. Leilich 832-326-3119

indian springs

Village association

Ron Kostelny, President 281-362-8677

Oscar Lui, Treasurer 281-681-2219

Carolyn Dalglish, Secretary 281-419-9925

area Representatives

Shanna Davis 281-222-6163

Amy Lecocq 281-298-1476

Michael Luman

Erika Pratt

Jason Rivers

Kelly Sharer 281-543-4777

Kenneth Schumann 281-419-2265

Richard Stromatt

Eric Thomas

Jose Valladares

Residential design Review Committee

The Woodlands Community association

John (Randy) Scott 281-292-2925

Nathan Dietrich 281-446-2075

Cheryl Edmondson

Steven Gallia

The Woodlands association

Matthew Mussalli, Chair

Richard Stromatt, Vice Chair 281-296-7018

Kenneth Schumann 281-419-2265

panther creek

Village association

Everett Ison, President 281-298-9524

Term Expires 03/12

Betty Nelson, Vice President 281-419-4395

Term Expires 03/11

Damon Palermo, Secretary 936-447-9028

Term Expires 03/11

Kimber Lewis, Treasurer 281-292-3477

Term Expires 03/12

Area Representatives

Six Positions, Terms Expire 03/11

Barbara Beavis 281-292-5429

Karen Booren 281-292-8617

Geneva Carroll 281-292-2974

Barbara St. Amand 281-292-7346

Karen Stafford 281-363-1283

Six Positions, Terms Expire 03/12

Mary Bootz 281-296-9960

Barby Carroll 281-292-2974

Merle Causey

Daniel E. Lewis 281-292-3477

Hartley Mackintosh 281-367-7222

Jay Mac Sanders 832-797-9229

Residential design Review Committee

Marsha Carlton

Barby R. Carroll 281-292-2974

Daniel E. Lewis

Kimber Lewis

Susan Pennock

sterling ridge

Village association

Phillip Givens,** President 281-419-9331

Richard Gregory,* Vice President 281-451-7883

Mike Bass,** Treasurer

Kerri Steen-Chew,* Secretary

Sue Young,** Event Chair 281-381-8393

*Term Expires 2012

** Term Expires 2011

area Representatives

Terms Expire 2012

Stephanie Carlton 281-799-6601

Kevin Casey

Charles Dressler 281-296-0642

Anthony Fasone 281-362-8028

Nick Norris

Chris Pappas

Terms Expire 2011

Susan Bell

Todd Bloomfield

Rhonda Borne 281-825-6177

Angela Scott

Residential design Review Committee

Michael Bass

Kevin C. Casey

John Nanninga 281-298-6060

Inge Ortiz

Doris Wootton

SummeR 2010

7 to 9 p.m.

June 6

Level One Band (Motown Review)

June 13

Miss Leslie & Her Juke Jointers (Country)

June 20 Fab 5 (British Invasion)

June 27

Patricia Vonne (Spanish Roots Rock)

July 4

Troy Hess & Texas Heartbreakers (Country)

Fall 2010

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

october 3

Akina Adderly (Jazz)

october 10

Swing Thing (Country Swing)

october 17

Fab 5 (British Invasion)

october 24

Johannes Linstead (Smooth Jazz)

Sunday evenings at northshore Park, 2505 lake Woodlands drive

Bring your lawn chairs, a picnic and the whole family for an evening of fun!

Stage Sponsor

Concert in the Park is a program of The Woodlands Township. For more information, please call 281-210-3900, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

THE

WON Mosquitoes

By Lynne Aldrich

ith mosquito season upon us, The Woodlands Township is once again assisting two entities— Montgomery County Precinct 3 Mosquito Abatement and Harris County Mosquito Control—in surveillance of mosquitoes to determine appropriate action.

Surveillance of mosquitoes has identified 44 different species in The Woodlands as of April 2010. Fortunately, most are considered nuisance mosquitoes.

Contrary to popular thought, the freezes we had this past winter

are unlikely to result in fewer mosquitoes this summer. In fact, experts from the Texas Mosquito Control Association are predicting increased problems with the flying pests due to high rainfall levels that create saturated soils. The potential for stagnant water breeding sites favorable to the Culex quinquefasciatus, carrier of West Nile Virus, could result in more disease activity.

Last year’s field surveillance confirmed that in most areas where there was a mosquito problem, there was at least one and sometimes several neighbors who were significantly over watering. Emptying containers and eliminating standing water that provide breeding sites in your yard are essential to reducing the mosquito population. Each person must take personal

W EAR repellent as a matter of habit e LIMINATE all standing water

T REAT any standing water that you cannot eliminate

Integrated mosquito management (Imm)

Mosquito abatement in our area utilizes Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) which is the approach recommended by the Center for Disease Control, the Texas Department of State Health Services, American Mosquito Control Association and the Texas Mosquito Control Association. IMM is a comprehensive approach that includes:

1) Surveillance by sampling (trapping and testing) yards

2) Reduction of breeding sites

3) Biological controls

4) Use of chemical treatment when disease is present and

5 Advising that all individuals take personal protective measures

precautions to prevent being bitten. Wear long, light, loose clothes and repellent. Repellents containing picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and DEET have all been tested and recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Using repellent is the best defense, and the best repellent is the one that you will use! Be sure to follow label directions.

Neighbors working together can dramatically reduce the mosquitoes in the area. Neighborhood, church and community groups can schedule a mosquito abatement presentation by calling The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3900.

Report mosquito concerns to The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3900 or Montgomery County Precinct 3 at 281-367-7283. Working together, we can fight the bite and reduce both the threat of mosquito-borne disease and the nuisance factor. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

When the fun is over, remember to empty the water from the play pool so you don’t create a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Work for Parks and Recreation This Summer!

Applications are being accepted for:

• LiFEguaRDS from $7.75/hour

• RoB FLEMiNg LiFEguaRDS from $8.25/hour

The Woodlands Township is accepting applications for 2010 summer seasonal positions in the Parks and Recreation Department.

All team members must be at least 16 years of age and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen. Leadership team members will also have to successfully complete an extensive background check. Applications may be obtained from The Woodlands Township, 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381. For additional information or to apply online, please visit our Web site, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov; or call 281-210-3900.

Recreation this summer!

$8.25/hour $10/hour applications for 2010 summer Recreation Department.

Head Camp Counselor and old) from $9/hour.

organize recreation programs years attending summer Recreation Center.

years of age and successfully Leadership team members will extensive background check.

Drought Contingen C y Plan

Atone time or another, we all take stock of a situation in our lives and make a plan for “what would happen if...” It just makes good sense to prepare for emergencies so that if you encounter one, you’ll know exactly what to do. As we learned last summer, one of life’s ‘contingencies’ we should be ready for is DROUGHT.

The word conjures up mental images of parched, cracked earth...little dust devils spinning furiously...lakeside docks isolated on dry shores... sparse vegetation slowly drying up – an altogether miserable picture, right? According to the National Drought Mitigation Center, drought is more accurately defined as “a deficiency of rainfall over a period of time resulting in a water shortage for some activity, group, or environmental sector.” Think of it in terms of supply

By Jim Stinson, P.E., General Manager of The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency

and demand. Drought is when we get less rainfall than we expect and need.

We get water from rainfall, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and aquifers. During a drought, the amount of available water is diminished, making it necessary to reduce our use or demand so that there is enough available to meet basic needs. Drought can occur in almost every place around the globe, and while meteorologists conduct ongoing climate research, we don’t yet have the technology to accurately predict when a drought will occur...or where. If we know how to respond to drought, however, we can minimize the potential impacts.

The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (WJPA) has modified its Drought Contingency Plan after last summer’s experience to better accommodate the potential impacts of water shortages.

One of the key components of the revision is to trigger conservation actions earlier to prolong the available supply. Should it be necessary to implement the new response plan, WJPA will communicate directly with customers throughout the service area by direct mail, e-blast, print and electronic media, and the WJPA Web site (www.wjpa.org). We’ll take advantage of all these communications channels to advise what steps will be voluntary and which will be mandatory, should it become necessary to impose them, and why. Most importantly, we’ll be asking for our customers’ cooperation and support should this ‘contingency’ occur. Please visit www.wjpa.org for additional and updated information. And, as always, we’ll be happy to respond to your questions and comments.

Fireworks

PRoHIBITed in The Woodlands

The Woodlands 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. Our community is situated in a beautiful forest, and with dry weather conditions, one errant spark could severely damage our hometown. If you feel the holidays are not the same without a firecracker or two, please come out and enjoy our community’s Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza in The Woodlands Town Center. You will not be disappointed!

For more information, please contact

The Woodlands Fire department at 281-367-3444.

emeRGenCy PHone numBeRS

9•1•1 emergency

Harris County (Village of Creekside Park)

Pct. 4 Constable 281-376-3472

Sheriff’s Office...................... 713-221-6000

The Woodlands Fire Dept 281-367-3444

The Woodlands Watch.......... 281-210-3800

Crimestoppers 713-222-8477

Poison Center 1-800-222-1222

Park Rangers 281-210-3900

For Park Rangers after 5 p.m., press #9.

montgomery County (All Other Woodlands Villages)

Sheriff’s Office 936-442-7797

Crimestoppers 1-800-392-7867

CISD Police 936-441-6628

CISD Kid Chat 1-888-543-2428

The Woodlands Fire Dept ...... 281-367-3444

The Woodlands Watch 281-210-3800

Poison Center .................... 1-800-222-1222

Park Rangers 281-210-3900

For Park Rangers after 5 p.m., press #9.

www.absolutelyoutdoors.net

2010 P OOL S EASON One pass...13 Pools

P OOL S CHEDULE

Regular Pool Season

Opens June 4 through August 22, 2010.

Post-Season Pools

Open through September 26, 2010.

P OOLS

Alden Bridge Pool

7725 Alden Bridge Dr. closed Mondays

Bear Branch Pool

5200 Research Forest Dr. closed Wednesdays

Cranebrook Pool 11800 Cranebrook Dr ............closed Thursdays

Creekwood Pool‡

2282 S. Panther Creek Dr closed Thursdays

Falconwing Pool 5160 Rush Haven Dr closed Wednesdays

Forestgate Pool‡

7505 S.

Dr. closed Mondays

2 Blair Bridge Dr ....................closed Thursdays Lakeside Pool‡

5001

Ridgewood Pool

4192 Interfaith Way closed Tuesdays

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

6535 Creekside Forest Dr. closed Mondays

Sawmill Pool

2200 Millpark Dr ................ closed Tuesdays

Shadowbend Pool‡

4192 Lake Woodlands Dr................. closed Fridays

Windvale Pool

7600 Windvale Cir closed Tuesdays

HOURS

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

‡ Monday through Saturday ...... noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday 1 to 6 p.m

D AILy A DMISSION

P UNCH C ARDS

Resident Punch Card, all pools (six visits) $30

Non-Resident Rob Fleming

Punch Card (six visits) $50

S EASON P OOL PASSES

Resident Season Pass

0 to 2 years ........................................... $6

3 years and up .................................... $40

Senior (55 and up) $10

Additional family pass (over 4) $8

Non-Resident Season Pass

0 to 2 years $20

3 years and up $100

No additional family discount, no senior discount. It’s easy to purchase a season pass! Go to www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or visit The Woodlands Township Recreation Center at 5310 Research Forest Drive, 281-210-3950.

DIV E - IN MOVIE

June 19, 2010

Bear Branch Pool

Madagascar 2

July 10, 2010

Cranebrook Pool

Kung Fu Panda

• Pools open at 8 p.m.; movies begin at 8:30 p.m.

• $5 per person; children two and under are free

• Concessions available

PRIVATE POOL PART y

august 7, 2010

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center Planet 51

Rent a pool for a birthday party, neighborhood gathering, family reunion, sports team celebration or any social event. Lifeguards are provided.

Pool Rental (two hours)

Tier a Tier B Tier C

Most Pools Forestgate & Cranebrook Rob Fleming

Residents $250 $350 $750

Non-Residents $450 $550 $950

Prices reflect pool rental attendance of up to 150 people in the facility. There will be an additional charge of $1 per person over 150. Pools are not available for rental on July 4. All pools are ADA compliant. Please call 281-210-3900 for details.

G ROUP S WIM L ESSONS

• Swim with Me (6 months)

• Preschool (2-4 years)

• Level 1 - Introduction to Water Skills

• Level 2 - Fundamental Water Skills

• Level 3 - Stroke Development

• Advanced Skills - Stroke Improvement

Eight classes per session, $65 per session for residents/$75 for non-residents.

P RIVATE S WIM L ESSONS

30-minute classes are offered between 1 and 5 p.m. at all pools.

Children Adults (residents*) (residents*)

Per day: $30 $35

3-day session: $70 $75

8-day session: $150 $160

*Non-residents add $10.

For more information, please call 281-210-3950. All swim instructors and lifeguards are trained and certified by the

Celebrate National Trails Day

By Rebecca Lynn Krug

On June 5, 2010, more than one million hikers, bikers and other trail users will flock to their favorite trails to discover and celebrate trails as part of National Trails Day. This event evolved from President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 Trails for All Americans report, in which he recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing their steps. This became the momentum behind the American Hiking Society launching the first National Trails Day in 1993.

It takes many hours of planning, construction and negotiating to develop the trails we enjoy today. National Trails Day brings awareness to trails and the many

people and agencies that make trails a possibility in our communities. It is also a day to introduce people to the many joys and benefits of trails.

Trails allow us access to the natural world for recreation, education, exploration and inspiration. They lead us to good physical and mental health by providing us with a chance to breathe fresh air, get our hearts pumping and escape from stress. With obesity rates skyrocketing, exercise is increasingly important and trails provide a wide variety of opportunities for being physically active.

southern sugar maples, bald cypress and American elm are also common in this area. American wisteria can be found growing among the trees. While hiking, you’ll also see a great variety of animals, such as eastern cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels, beavers, opossums, armadillos, white-tailed deer, feral hogs and bobcats. The Preserve has a kayak launch located on an oxbow lake,which provides a great opportunity for catch-and-release fishing.

Within the Villages of Creekside Park and Indian Springs lies the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, encompassing more than 1,700 acres along the Spring Creek Greenway. Within the Preserve, there are more than 9.5 miles of natural surface trails winding through beautiful, dense East Texas Piney Woods. George Mitchell Nature Preserve trailheads are conveniently located across the street from Rob Fleming Park at 6055 Creekside Forest Drive in Harris County and at 5171 Flintridge Drive between Rush Haven Drive and Falconwing Drive. The Preserve is open from dawn to dusk daily, with the exception of a nighttime hike program led by park rangers. The southern acreage is pedestrian only, whereas the northern acreage is open for pedestrians and bicyclists. The trails in Montgomery County are maintained by Montgomery County Precinct 3 and the trails in Harris County are maintained by The Woodlands Township.

Within the Preserve, you’ll find loblolly, longleaf and shortleaf pines, yaupon holly and flowering dogwood. Bluejack, post oaks, eastern redbuds,

• George Mitchell Nature Preserve, located in the Village of Creekside Park, has more than 4.5 miles of pedestrian trails.

• The Preserve has an additional five miles of hike and bike trails within the Village of Indian Springs.

• Open from dawn to dusk daily.

• Great opportunity for exercise, education and fun.

www.aprettydoor.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. They may be submitted to The Woodlands Community Magazine, P.O. Box 7859, The Woodlands, TX, 77387-7859. 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 © 2010. 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.

Ge T WAT c H and Ge T r e AD y!

By Anne Spaulding

Helping neighborhoods develop a strong sense of community is one of the primary goals of The Woodlands Watch. Not only is crime less likely to occur in neighborhoods where people know and look out for one another, that same sense of community is an effective tool neighborhoods can use to deal with much more than crime prevention. In the best of times, Watch members unite to share information, host parties, plan holiday decorations and work together

for a common community goal. Now that hurricane season has officially begun, it’s also a good time to remember that a Watch program is one of the best ways for neighbors to work together before and after a storm.

In September 2008, as Hurricane Ike approached Texas, the residents of Galway, a neighborhood in Sterling Ridge, began compiling essential information. Because Watch Coordinator Annette Haut had already created a

neighborhood directory, it was easy for her husband Rich to go door-todoor visiting every home. He learned which residents planned to leave town, who would shelter in place, and which neighbors had guests. He even kept a list of neighbors who are physicians in case anyone was injured during the storm. But perhaps the most useful list Rich created was his inventory of tools, which included the names of residents with items such as generators and chainsaws.

Members of The Woodlands Watch work together and with local law enforcement to reduce crime in their neighborhoods.

Pictured here (left to right), Village Liaison Lachelle Gentry, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Biff Knight and Woodlands Fire Department Lieutenant Doug Adams at a Watch Meeting in the Wedgewood Forest neighborhood of Panther Creek.

Photo by Holly Steinke

As a result, after the storm, when the wind and rain had subsided enough for people to go outside, Galway neighbors were ready to work together to clean up their neighborhood.

The actions Rich and Annette Haut took are those The Woodlands Township recommends all neighborhoods do prior to a storm.

Before the winds begin to roar, take the time to get together with your neighbors and go over the following list:

● Know who lives in every home on your street and whether or not they will be sheltering in place. If damage occurs to a residence, it’s important to know whether people are inside and could possibly be injured.

● Check to see if any of your neighbors will be alone during the storm. Is there an elderly person who lives alone or someone whose spouse is an emergency worker who will be on call during the storm? If so, they may appreciate sheltering with another family.

● Prepare a list of neighbors with medical knowledge, such as physicians, nurses or EMTs.

● Compile an inventory of neighborhood tools, for example, chainsaws or generators.

● Know which of your neighbors will need extra assistance after the storm and make sure they are connected with other neighbors who can help. Elderly neighbors may need help clearing debris or a neighbor with diabetes may need to keep insulin in the refrigerator of someone who has a generator.

Having a Watch program in your neighborhood won’t keep a hurricane from striking, but it will make recovering from one much easier. For more information on how your neighborhood can “Get Ready,” or to schedule a “Get Ready” presentation, contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800, e-mail neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/getready.

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Pictured on opposite page, Village Liaison Anne Spaulding (far left) visits with Galway neighbors, (left to right) Evelyn Parker, Annette Haut, Rich Haut, Kristin Wilson, Don Knoll, Paul Wilson, Juan Rodriguez, Joy Wingen, Ashley Knoll, Diane Ryan, Tim Ryan; front row, Vicky Rodriguez and Dani Rodriguez.

Photo by Peggy Krysiak