July 2010

Put

Getaway Weekend for Two at The Woodlands Resort and Forest Oasis Waterscape™

Romantic Weekend for Two at the New AVIA Boutique Hotel in Market Street

A $500 Gift Certificate to Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café & Emporium at Market Street

Two Family Season Passes to The Woodlands’ 13 Community Swimming Pools

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The

Derrick Bryant

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 9

the

Woodlands

township Installs n ewly e lected Directors and o fficers

The Woodlands Township is now officially governed by a fully-elected sevenmember volunteer Board as Positions 1, 2, 3 and 4 were seated at The Woodlands Township’s Board of Directors meeting in late May.

Claude Hunter, Tom Campbell, Lloyd Matthews and Ed Robb were sworn into office to serve two-year terms after each won their elections on May 8, 2010. The Board of Directors also elected their officers for June 2010 through May 2011: Bruce Tough, Chairman of the Board; Lloyd Matthews, Vice Chairman of the Board; Claude Hunter, Secretary of the Board; Ed Robb, Treasurer of the Board.

Chairman Tough, who is currently in his second year of a three-year term, takes over as Chairman of the Board after the seat was held the past three years by Nelda Luce Blair. Director Blair, who also is in her second year of a three-year term, said, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents and businesses of The Woodlands as chairman. I am thankful to be able to be part of such historic events in one of the world’s greatest communities.”

As the Board changed from 11 members to seven, The Woodlands Township also honored four retiring directors for their collective 40 years of volunteer service to constituents in The Woodlands: Ms. Vicki Richmond, Mr. Bob Kinnear, Ms. Kemba DeGroot and Mr. Alex Sutton.

Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for more information about The Woodlands Township.

page 6

Board of d irectors

Nelda Blair Director Tom Campbell Director

Peggy Hausman Director

Bruce Tough Chairman

Lloyd Matthews Vice Chairman

Ed Robb Treasurer

Claude Hunter Secretary

Don Norrell President and General Manager

Photo by Elena Smith continued on

The 2010 – 2011 officers of The Woodlands Township are, from left to right, Secretary Claude Hunter, Chairman Bruce Tough, Vice Chairman Lloyd Matthews and Treasurer Ed Robb.

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.

Cham P ions sTa 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 nshi P sTa 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

the Woodlands township Installs n ewly e lected Directors and o fficers

continued from page 3

The Woodlands Township honored four retiring directors at its May 26, 2010, meeting for their collective 40 years of service. Pictured from left to right, Ms. Vicki Richmond, Mr. Alex Sutton, and Mr. Bob Kinnear with Former Chairman Nelda Luce Blair. Not

Board of directors meeting schedule

Board Workshop and Budget Workshop

Thursday, July 22, 200

9 a.m.

township Board chambers

10001 Woodloch forest drive suite 600

the Woodlands, texas 77380

Board meeting

Wednesday, July 28, 200

6 p.m.

the Woodlands emergency training center

16135 i-45 south

the Woodlands, texas 77385

Budget Workshop

Thursday, July 29, 200

9 a.m.

township Board chambers

10001 Woodloch forest drive suite 600

the Woodlands, texas 77380

The Woodlands Township Town hall meeting

Wednesday July 28, 200

7 p.m.

the Woodlands emergency training center 16135 i-45 south

the Woodlands, texas 77385

Please note, additional meetings and public hearings may be scheduled during the months of July and August.

Please visit

Newly elected directors of The Woodlands Township are sworn in by Montgomery County Judge Alan Sadler. Pictured, left to right, Claude Hunter, Ed Robb, Lloyd Matthews, Tom Campbell and Judge Sadler.

Photos by Elena Smith

pictured is Kemba DeGroot.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

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 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.

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!

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!

• CB&I

• Memorial-Hermann

The Woodlands Hospital

• The Woodlands Development Company

• Alden Bridge Village Association

• Indian Springs Village Association

• The Blair Law Firm, P. C.

• Woodforest National Bank

• St. Luke’s – The Woodlands Hospital

• The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau

STAR-SPANGLED SALUTE

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 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

SPLASH DAY AT COMMUNITY POOLS

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.

DECORATING CONTEST AND PARADE

Bring your favorite method of transportation (bike, tricycle, scooter or wagon) to 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.

CONCERT AT NORTHSHORE PARK

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.

RED, HOT & BLUE FESTIVAL

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

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

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!

THE 13TH ANNUAL

Sunday, Jul y 4, 2 010

WEEKEND EVENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2 010

Wa te r way N ight s Wate r way Squa re 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2 010

Fou r t h of Ju l y Pa rade Ma r ket St reet 9 a.m.

Houston Symphony’s Sta r Spang led Sa lu te Cynthia Woods M itchel l Pavil ion 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2 010

Spl ash Day

Al l 13 pool s in The Woodlands 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Red, Hot & B lue Fest iva l & Fi rewo rks E x t ravaganza

The Woodlands Town Cente r 6 p.m.

Northshore Park 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Concert in the Park

Northshore Park 7 - 9 p.m.

The Woodlands

C onvention & v

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

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 Convention & Visitors Bureau 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 Convention & Visitors Bureau’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 with additional information.

The Woodlands Discovery Guide & Map Spring/Summer 2010 now available

Request your copy of The Woodlands Discovery Guide & Map today! This guide provides coupons and savings for merchants in The Woodlands. Visit http://www.thewoodlandscvb.com/guide.asp to request yours today!

Waterway Nights –new series at Waterway Square®

Join The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau every Friday evening at Waterway Square® for Waterway Nights, July 2 through August 27, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. This series is free to the public and features live music and a variety of strolling entertainers like jugglers, mimes and balloon artists. Bring a date, co-workers, friends, family or the kids and head down to Waterway Square® for great entertainment! Picnics, chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome. For more information please visit www.TheFountainsAtWaterwaySquare.com.

Entertainment Line-up:

July 2 Buck Yeager Band, clown and clown balloonist

July 9 Comic juggler on unicycle and musical duo

July 16 Face painter and clown balloonist

July 23 Musical duo, clown and Clint the Snake Man

July 30 Caricature artist, mime and balloon artist

August 6 Face painter and musical duo

August 13 Mime, clown balloonist and Clint the Snake Man

August 20 Clown & musical duo

August 27 Clown balloonist and face painter

Waterway Nights is produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and sponsored by The Woodlands Development Company, University of Phoenix, Ace Parking, State Farm Insurance – Kyle Sherburne and Berripop.

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. Visit www.MeetingsInTheWoodlands.com for all the details!

Contact Information for

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

now is the time... to prepare what you and your family should do if disaster strikes our area.

it’s huRRiCane season

The Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township urges all residents of The Woodlands to be prepared during this hurricane season.

Hurricane season lasts until November. Now is the time to prepare 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 all kinds of both natural and man-made emergencies and disasters. The presentations can either be onehour interactive presentations in a home or central setting or in 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, 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

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.

call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800 or visit the Homeland Security Web site at www.ready.gov.

www.absolutelyoutdoors.net

Consider this scenario:

It’s early on a lovely summer morning… the birds are chirping, insects are buzzing, and households are beginning to stir. . .

let’s get serious about Protecting natural resource a vital

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

Folks are turning on their coffee makers, stepping into their morning showers, or starting a load of laundry or the dishwasher full of dishes from the night before.

Then, suddenly, the stream of water in the shower slows to a trickle and appliances choke and sputter without their customary water supply. The culprit? Up and down hundreds of streets throughout the neighborhoods, sprinkler system controls all spring into action at the same time, sending thousands and thousands of gallons of water airborne to fall on lawns and gardens that aren’t even thirsty.

Is it possible that we’d ever really have to choose between a nice hot morning shower and watering the lawn? Absolutely. If we don’t take some serious steps to rein in our community’s voracious morning appetite for water, that choice might come up as early as this summer!

Last year, for the first time in The Woodlands history, it was necessary to impose mandatory water restrictions in order to reserve enough water to meet sanitary and fire fighting needs. The good news is that, thanks to a break in the weather and some level of compliance with water usage restrictions, the Municipal Utility Districts were able to get through the worst of the dry period. The bad news is that – even with mandatory restrictions in place – some residents kept right on overwatering lawns that didn’t need it.

It is unlikely that these folks decided they’d just ignore the rules and then deliberately turned on their irrigation systems. Instead, these residents probably had irrigation systems installed; they set the

timers and controls and then never thought about them again. The problem is that by doing this they are wasting a vital natural resource…and money.

Fortunately, there are some relatively simple actions we can take to get our peak water usage under control. All we need is your help.

Here are three effective options.

1. Don’t overwater your lawn and plants. Local grasses only need water if there is no rain for prolonged periods. In most weather conditions, it is only necessary to water once or maybe twice a week. More than that spoils your lawn by creating a shallow root system that is always thirsty.

2. Set your irrigation system to complete the water cycle by 4:30 a.m. to avoid the early morning peak demand for water.

3. Purchase and install a rain sensor for your irrigation system. This is guaranteed to save both water and money. And, you’ll minimize the chance that your sprinklers come on while it is raining - which annoys anyone who appreciates this finite natural resource and hates to see it wasted. In addition, The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency has some great rebates and programs to make this even more appealing. Please visit the Web site at www.wjpa.org for more detailed information.

Remember, the water we conserve today can serve us tomorrow.

Thursday, July 

residential Design review committee Meetings*

Friday, July 2

Waterway nights

Waterway Square®

6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, please call 281-363-2447.

gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

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

saturday, July 3

Fourth of July Parade Market Street

9 a.m.

See page 8, call 281-210-3975 or visit www.4thofjuly.org for more information.

Houston symphony presents “star-spangled salute”

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion FREE event

8 p.m.

sunday, July 4

independence Day splash Day

FREE event at all community pools. Activities noon to 4 p.m. Call 281-210-3900 for more information.

red, Hot and Blue Festival

6 p.m.

Town Green Park

For more information, visit www.redhotblue.org or call 281-363-2447.

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 281-210-3950.

red, Hot & Blue

Fireworks extravaganza

Waterway Square® and The Woodlands Town Center Dusk

For more information, visit www.redhotblue.org or call 281-363-2447.

monday, July 5

township offices closed.

Tuesday, July 6

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

Wednesday, July 7

Development standards committee Meeting

2201 lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 p.m.

281-210-3973

Thursday, July 8

residential Design review committee Meetings*

Panther creek Village association Meeting

2201 lake Woodlands Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-5808

Friday, July 9

Waterway nights

Waterway Square®

6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, please call 281-363-2447.

saturday, July 0

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.

Tuesday, July 3

Heartsaver cPr

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

Friday, July 6

Healthcare Provider cPr class

Emergency Training Center 9 to 11 a.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Waterway nights

Waterway Square®

6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, please call 281-363-2447.

gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center 7 p.m.

281-210-3950

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

saturday, July 7

Heartsaver cPr

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.

monday, July 9

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, July 20

Healthcare Provider cPr class

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

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Wednesday, July 2

Development standards committee Meeting

2201 lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 p.m.

281-210-3973

law enforcement advisory council Meeting

2201 lake Woodlands Drive 6:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Thursday, July 22

the Woodlands township Board of Directors Workshop

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600

9 a.m.

281-281-3800

the Woodlands township Board of Directors Budget Workshop

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600

10 a.m.

281-281-3800

lone star college-university center at Montgomery –open House

3232 College Park Drive

4 to 7 p.m.

For more information, call the Student Services Office at 936-273-7510 or 281-618-7140.

Friday, July 23

Waterway nights

Waterway Square®

6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, please call 281-363-2447.

saturday, July 24

Healthcare Provider cPr class Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

robert Plant and the Band of Joy The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 8 p.m.

Ticket required

monday, July 26

sterling ridge Village association Meeting

Mitchell library, 8125 Ashlane Way 7 p.m.

281-210-3888

continued on page 21

Garbage

alden Bridge

Happy Fourth of July from Alden Bridge! Come out and wave to your Alden Bridge neighbors on our float in the big parade on July 3! Yes, the parade is on Saturday the third this year; don’t forget the change in date. There’s a lot to do in The Woodlands this holiday, so take advantage of the fun-filled activities!

We’re proud to announce the winners of our 2010 scholarships! (above, left to right) Tiffany Pullin, Sri Raghavan and Daniela Chaparra each received a $1,000 scholarship. Congratulations to these young people who are outstanding in terms of community service, scholarship and extracurricular involvement!

This month’s residents’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. The speaker will be announced at a later date. All residents are invited to attend and bring questions and concerns!

Alden Bridge will participate in the village’s baseball game outing on Saturday, September 11, 2010. If you’d like to join us on our bus, contact abinfo@comcast.net. Tickets are $12 each and the price covers the game and the bus trip.

We’re seeking nominations for the Yard of the Month award! Please send your

candidates for best front yard in the village to abinfo@comcast.net. The winning household receives a gift from Lowe’s, goodies from Chick-fil-A, tickets to a performance at the Pavilion and a yard sign recognizing their hard work.

We continue to publish our monthly electronic village newsletter. To join our subscriber list of more than 800 households, please send your e-mail address to abinfo@comcast.net. Your e-mail address will never be shared and will be used only to disseminate news of our village.

Submitted by Darla Bell

cochran’s crossing

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Scholarships Awarded

$500 scholarships have been awarded to The Woodlands High School graduates Kaitlyn Carroll and Margot Betcher. Both students excelled inside the classroom while maintaining a full slate of activities outside the classroom. Kaitlyn, with an eye on public service, will study political science and business at Louisiana Tech University. Margot is headed to University of Texas (Austin) or the University of Oklahoma to major in nursing. She hopes one day to become a pediatric nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. We congratulate these outstanding young ladies and wish them well in their continuing education.

Submitted by Bill Mara

college park

Get ready for the spectacular events

surrounding the Independence Day festivities. Because July 4 is on a Sunday, the parade will be on Saturday, July 3. Therefore, we will be holding our annual float-building party on Friday, July 2, at Harper’s Landing Park in the pavilion. Please join us as we decorate the College Park Village Association float and you may even be able to ride on the float during the parade. We will meet in the park in the afternoon and will continue decorating through the evening. Dinner will be served to all of our helpers and it will be a lot of fun. We welcome everyone whether you are handy or not to join us at 4 p.m. in Harper’s Landing Park.

Now is also a great time to attend the pools on Sunday, July 4, for Splash Day. The pool will have free admission and the lifeguards always plan special treats for all who attend. This will be a fabulous weekend for getting together with family and friends to watch the fireworks at the Red, Hot & Blue festival.

We would like to inform everyone of our scholarship winners this year. We had a very difficult decision because of all the great applications we received. Congratulations to Connor Hoppe and Daniel Lapid of College Park High School. Connor will be attending Rice University and Daniel will be at the University of Texas. Congratulations to all of our graduates, young and old. We are very proud of you!

Our regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, July 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Training Center. We welcome residents to attend and will be ready to address their questions and concerns.

Submitted by Gail Carney

Grogan’s Mill

More than 50 dogs showed up for the grand opening of the new Tamarac Dog Park on May 2. It is a great facility located in the back of Tamarac Park, which you can access from North Millbend Road next to the Unitarian Church. Grogan’s Mill Village

N EWS FROM THE V illages OF T he W oodlands

Kaitlyn Carroll Margot Betcher

e vents in you R nei GHB or H ood

Association sponsored the event.

Have you signed up for the Grogan’s Mill e-mail newsletter? It brings you current information on what is happening in the community twice a month. Visit www.gmva.org and click Receive the Grogan’s Mill Resident Newsletter if you would like to receive it.

Submitted by Bruce Cunningham

panther creek

Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Astros Baseball in September

The Fourth of July will be exciting in The Woodlands! Festivities begin in Town Center on Saturday, July 3, 2010, with a parade in the morning. The parade has grown over the years to include a large number of floats, bands and marching groups. On Sunday, July 4, 2010, the Red, Hot & Blue Festival offers activities and events in Town Center beginning at 6 p.m. Fireworks at dusk will complete the festivities.

Baseball fans from The Woodlands will root for the Astros in their battle with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, September 11, 2010. Travel in comfortable buses from the Panther Creek Village Center to Minute Maid Park for the game. Call Mary Bootz at 281-296-9960 for any tickets that may be available.

The next monthly meeting of the Panther Creek Village Association will be held at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 8, 2010, at The Woodlands Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. All Panther Creek residents are welcome to attend.

BE SAFE AND ENJOY THE FOURTH!

Submitted by Everett Ison

sterling ridge

Serving To Advance the Ridge (STAR) is catching on! Have you got the volunteer fever? We are actively seeking new volunteers to help with village events and Township events. Please visit

www.sterling-ridge.org or e-mail srva_information@sterling-ridge.org to find out how you can be a STAR!

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 Saturday, July 3. 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 there are no home fireworks or sparklers allowed in The Woodlands Township.

Don’t forget! The Sterling Ridge Village Association is planning the annual village Splash Day event, July 10 at Cranebrook Pool, 1 to 4 p.m. This event is fun for the entire family with free admission to the pool, snacks and 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 ball game in September! The Houston Astros versus the LA Dodgers will surely delight adults and children in this annual excursion down to Minute Maid Park. Tickets are available for purchase! E-mail Sue Young at texastwirlers@yahoo.com.

Thank you special guests and residents for coming to our monthly meetings and providing us with informative presentations and important questions and concerns that relate to our community.

Upcoming events are posted on our Web site and 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. Visit www.sterling-ridge.org 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 936-273-2784

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 281-292-3426

Gloria Moser

Jerry Orebaugh

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

Cynthia Kessinger 936-321-3339

Steve Perry 936-321-8138

Lori Riley 281-364-1713

Stuart Schroeder 936-273-0419

Bebe Smith 936-273-3327

Steven Tidwell

Clarence J. Wallace

Residential design Review Committee

Clarence Wallace, Chair

Jim Goldmeyer, Vice Chair

Mark Bacon

David Jesiolowski

Steven Tidwell 281-796-8274

Jennifer Mares

Christopher Valle

Grogan’s Mill

Village association

Deborah Sargeant, President 281-292-5341

Dana Denton, Vice President

Sally Johnson, Treasurer 281-292-7965

Patricia Goodpastor, Secretary

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

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 281-296-0984

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 281-292-3477

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

John Nanninga 281-298-6060

Doris Wootton

Calenda R

continued from page 17

Tuesday, July 27

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, July 28

Watch talk Wednesdays

2201 lake Woodlands Drive

Noon to 1 p.m.

For more information, please call 281-210-3800.

the Woodlands township

Board of Directors Meeting

Emergency Training Center 16135 I-45 South

6 p.m.

281-281-3800

the Woodlands township town Hall Meeting

Emergency Training Center 16135 I-45 South

7 p.m.

281-210-3800

Thursday, July 29

the Woodlands township Board of Directors Budget Workshop

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600

9 a.m.

281-281-3800

lone star college-university center at Montgomery – information Fair

3232 College Park Drive

4 to 7 p.m.

For more information, call the Student Services Office at 936-273-7510 or 281-618-7140.

Friday, July 30

Waterway nights

Waterway Square®

6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, please call 281-363-2447.

saturday, July 3

Jonas Brothers

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

7 p.m.

Ticket required

2010 P OO l S EASON One pass...13 Pools

P OO l S CHEDU l E

Regular Pool Season

Continues through August 22, 2010.

Post-Season Pools

Open through September 26, 2010.

P OO l S

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

D AI ly A DMISSION

P UNCH C ARDS

Non-Resident Rob Fleming Punch Card (six visits) ..........................

S EASON P OO l PASSES

DIV E - IN MOVIE

July 0, 200

Cranebrook Pool

Kung Fu Panda

august 7, 200

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center Planet 51

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

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

• Concessions available

Sawmill

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.

PRIVATE POO l PART y

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)

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 lESSONS

• 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 lESSONS

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

By Kathie Gilmore Herrick,

With a name like devil’s walking stick (Aralia spinosa), only the most adventurous may be inclined to include it in a landscape design. In spite of the spiny bark— the origin of its name—this small tree has merit. In summer, the vision of its broad umbrella-like canopy and conspicuous flower panicles are infinitely more memorable than the prickly bark, unless you have the misfortune to actually make physical contact!

Devil’s walking stick imparts a tropical flare to the landscape yet confers the hardiness of a Texas native. Its growth habit creates the tropical illusion. Clusters of straight, unbranched stems 12-to 15-feet tall are crowned by expansive leaves. The doubly compound leaves, each three to four feet long and wide with up to 100 leaflets, seem almost palm-like. Indeed, most members of the Ginseng Family, to which A. spinosa belongs, are native to the tropics. Its tendency to colonize by suckers makes the tree ideal for natural landscapes or as a barrier.

Plant for beauty, and reap a backyard habitat, a wildlife oasis. Terminal clusters of small, white flowers, a pollen source for bees, yield abundant juicy, purple drupes (oneseeded fruits) on bright pink stalks in September and October. Jason McKenzie of The Pineywoods Nursery, who propagates the tree for his inventory, says the birds are so possessive of the bounty that they literally “chase me away” when he attempts to harvest the fruit.

Heavy with fruit – a bird bounty! More than 10 bird species use the tree as a food source, among them the Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal and Pine Grosbeak. The juicy purple drupes are preferred food for the Swainson’s and Wood Thrush.

Montgomery County is the westernmost extent of its range spanning the southeastern United States. The tree is at home in the rich, moist soils of East Texas in the company of many of the species—sassafras, hophornbeam, farkleberry, persimmon, red maple—that typify our woods. Are you bold enough to add this exotic native to your landscape?

Photo courtesy Albert F.W. Vick, lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Photo courtesy Samuel B. Jones Jr., l ady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Photo courtesy Paul Cox, l ady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Devil’s walking stick begins flowering in less than four years.

A typical siting of A. spinosa is at the forest’s edge emerging from the understory.

Texas Master Naturalist

By Anne Spaulding

Before you leave on vacation, would you put a sign on your front door stating, “My house will be empty for several days and no one will be watching it”? How about a sign outside your garage that reads, “Feel free to come inside and take what you want. I don’t really want the tools, bicycles and other expensive items inside.” Or, what about a sign that states, “I’ve left all the lights out so none of my neighbors will see you break into my house.”

It’s hard to imagine that anyone would do this. However, every day in The Woodlands, residents give potential thieves these messages in other ways.

Newspapers piled on the driveway, fliers hanging from the front door knob, a garbage can outside days after trash pickup and no lights on in the house at night are all signs that no one is home.

A thief may see an open garage door as an invitation to grab an expensive tool or ride off on a bicycle. This is especially true at night if no lights are on in the garage. Many residents leave the door

from the garage into the house unlocked as well, giving thieves an ideal way to enter a home.

Without the porch light on at night, many entry ways are completely dark. It would be easy for a potential thief to break into a door or front window without being seen by anyone passing by.

By taking a few simple precautions, we can provide thieves with less opportunity. When you leave on vacation, make sure you let your neighbors know that you will be away. Ask someone to remove newspapers and fliers that may accumulate and put the garbage can behind your gate. Leave several lights inside the house on a timer as well as your porch light. Montgomery County residents can request a Vacation Watch from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office by calling 936-442-7797. Harris County residents can call 281-376-3472 to request a Vacation Watch with Harris County Constable, Precinct #4.

Remind family members to close the garage door when no one is outside. Most

of us check the doors each night before we retire for the evening. Take a moment to make sure your garage door is closed as well. It is also important to keep the door from the garage into your house locked at all times.

If you don’t keep the porch light on at night because you are concerned about the cost of electricity, consider installing a motion detector light, which is an effective but less expensive way to provide light. But no matter what method you use to get the lights on, the electricity will be a lot less expensive than the cost of repairing a broken door or window and replacing any items stolen by a thief. In fact, former thieves have told law enforcement that when choosing homes to burglarize, they would avoid homes with good outdoor lighting.

What we do – or don’t do – can say a lot about our family and our homes. For tips on how to make your home safer, contact The Woodlands Township, Neighborhood Services, at 281-210-3800 or neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Good NeiGhbor

Good Neighbor Day

AGood Neighbor Day brings services of The Woodlands Township and various public safety agencies to the neighborhood. Generally held on a specific street or group of streets, Good Neighbor Day facilitates neighbors getting to know each other. Additionally, residents are given the opportunity to register bicycles, fingerprint children, receive crime and fire prevention tips and 9-1-1 emergency information, and learn more about The Woodlands. To schedule a Good Neighbor Day for your neighborhood, please call 281-210-3800.

Pictured (left to right) Kevin, Jennifer and Hayley Seat appear with their dog Daisy and Montgomery County Deputy Amber Harrison at a recent Good Neighbor Day held for the residents of Buttonbush Court in the Village of Grogan’s Mill.

Photo by lachelle Gentry

WHEN IT COMES TO Mosquitoes...

Wear repellent as a matter of habit.

Choose a product with seven percent picaridin, 40 percent oil of lemon eucalyptus or a minimum of 25 percent DEET.

eliminate standing water.

Empty, drain or put away plant saucers, toys, containers or anything that holds water.

Treat where you can’t drain.

Treat standing water in meter boxes, French drains and culverts with a larvicide, like Mosquito Dunks.

Reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases by eliminating breeding sites in your landscape.

For more information, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3900.

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 28-367-3444.

MontGoMery county Women’s c enter omething pecial

Accepting Donations and Welcoming Shoppers

The Montgomery County Women’s Center’s Rags to Riches has changed name and location, but offers the same great bargains. Clothing, household items, furniture and donation drop-off are all in one location, 19073 I-45 South in the Portofino Shopping Center, next to Sam’s Club. Donations and shopping hours will will be Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Please call 281-292-3234 or 281-292-0443 for large furniture pickup.

www.greenlawnsystem.com

July is National Park and Recreation Month

Days of Parks and Recreation

By Kelly Dietrich, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation

It’sJuly—the height of the summer season and time to enjoy what makes our community so special—its parks and recreation programs and amenities. Play your favorite sport, visit the outdoors, spend time with family and friends, or just kick back and relax. The Woodlands is abundant with verdant parks offering recreation opportunities awaiting your discovery.

Close your eyes for a moment and visualize yourself relaxing under an oak tree with the wind whistling through the leaves. Envision children laughing and playing together at a playground. Encounter your neighbor walking their dog or a mother jogging by while pushing her baby in a stroller.

Imagine splashing in a pool or gliding across a lake in a kayak on a hot summer’s day. This is all possible to enjoy just outside your door.

Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has designated the month of July as Park and Recreation Month. Recreation facilities and parks across the country annually use July

to celebrate the kickoff of summer programming and as a time to pull their communities together to volunteer, get involved in outdoor physical activities and become an advocate for parks and recreation. In The Woodlands, most residents live within a quarter of a mile of a park and often have a pathway just outside their back door.

As The Woodlands observes Park and Recreation Month, we recognize the vital contributions our parks and recreation system has within our community. The Woodlands Township is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of residents through recreation programming, leisure activities and conservation efforts. Our parks, recreation activities and leisure experiences provide opportunities for people to live, grow and develop. These opportunities create special life experiences, which generate opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community.

With the busy schedules of shuffling from one activity to the next, The Woodlands Township reminds everyone to take a deep breath and appreciate the treasures to be discovered

in our community. Allow yourself and your children the free expression of impromptu adventures with free play. Get out and enjoy the many benefits parks and recreation offer. Try something new, such as enjoy a nature hike in the George Mitchell Preserve, kayak on Lake Woodlands, try a new pool, go fishing or picnic at a new park. Create a lifelong memory with your family and friends. What are you waiting for?

For more information on our parks and recreation system and ideas to enjoy 31 days of parks and recreation, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship–tx.gov.

CliCk it or tiCket includes Backseat Passengers

“This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign reminds drivers and passengers that no matter how old you are or where in the vehicle you are sitting, you must buckle up,” said Texas Highway Patrol Assistant Director David Baker. As of September 1, 2009, state law has required everyone in a vehicle to be secured by a safety belt. (The previous law exempted anyone 17 and older from wearing a safety belt in the back seat.)

Also, children younger than age eight must be in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they are taller than four feet, nine inches tall. Beginning June 1, 2010, officers can ticket parents who do not secure their children in child safety seats or booster seats as required by law. Fines for noncompliance range from $25 to $250, plus court costs.

When you buckle up in the back seat, you are 44 percent more likely to survive a

crash than if you do not wear a safety belt. If you’re riding in the back of a passenger van or SUV, you are 73 percent more likely to survive a crash if you’re wearing a safety belt.

For more information on properly installing child safety seat systems, please visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_ staff/public_information/carseat.htm.

*Information in this article was provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

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