July 2017

Are You Prepared for HURRICANE SEASON?

RED, HOT and BLUE IN THE WOODLANDS

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

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

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

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

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

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

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

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

Emergency 911

message

from the

woodlands township

board of directors

Be

to join the fun at the annual Fourth of July Parade, 9 a.m., at Market Street. Additional locations have been added to the celebration for watching fireworks at the 2017 Red, Hot and Blue Festival.

Gordy Bunch Chairman Position No. 1

Brian Boniface Director Position No. 2

John McMullan Vice Chairman Position No. 5

John Anthony Brown Director Position No. 3

Laura Fillault Secretary Position No. 7

Bruce Rieser Director Position No. 4

Ann Snyder Treasurer Position No. 6

Don Norrell President and General Manager

The Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives

Creative Director

Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Copy Editors

Perry Frank

Jasmine Raziuddin

Editorial Assistant Amber George

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

6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G

Houston, Texas 77069 281-583-7661

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

SEASON PASSES

Savvy Woodlands residents do the math and know that a season pass is a hard deal to beat!

Resident Season Pass

0 - 2 years

$6

3 - 64 years $40

Senior, Ages 65 and up. ....................................................... $15

Additional family pass* $15

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

Non-Resident Season Pass

0 - 2 years $30

3 years and up .................................................................... $120

Season passes are available for purchase and renewal today! Buy season passes for your whole family early, and avoid waiting in line at the pools when you’re ready to take a dip. Purchasing or renewing your pass is easy, and can be done one of FOUR ways:

• Call 281-210-3950.

• Visit the Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park, 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381.

• Go online to www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools and follow the instructions.

• Go to any pool during operating hours and fill out a form on the spot (passes mailed out later).

DAILY ADMISSION AND PUNCH CARDS

Daily admission is offered as well, alongside punch cards for you or your guests.

Daily Admission

Any Township pool $6

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, below 48 inches tall $8

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, above 48 inches tall $10

Punch Cards (good for six visits, 2017 season only):

Residents only for Township pools $30

Resident Punch Card for Rob Fleming $40

Non-Resident Punch Card for Rob Fleming $55

The Township enforces an admission fee to each facility, regardless of a person’s intention to swim. With their attention dedicated to keeping everyone safe, staff simply cannot police non-swimmers on a case-by-case basis; all entrants will be required to pay for entry. This policy is posted at each location, and lifeguards do not have permission to waive Township fees.

HOLIDAYS

Independence Day, July 4, 2017

SPLASH DAY! .................................................

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Labor Day, September 5, 2017 noon to 6 p.m.

Only the post-season pools will reopen for Labor Day.

REGULAR SEASON

June 2 to August 15, 2017

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

Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.

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

Monday to Saturday noon to 6 p.m.

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

Creekwood, Forestgate and Lakeside

CLOSED DAYS

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

Mondays: Alden Bridge, Forestgate and Rob Fleming

Aquatic Center

Tuesdays: Ridgewood, Sawmill and Windvale

(Open Tues. July 4, 2017; closed Wed., July 5, 2017)

Wednesdays: Falconwing and Wendtwoods

Thursdays: Cranebrook, Creekwood and Harper’s Landing

Fridays: Lakeside and Shadowbend

POSTSEASON (WEEKDAYS)

August 17 to September 1, 2017

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 1 to 6 p.m.

Wednesdays .................................................................... Closed Falconwing

POSTSEASON (WEEKENDS)

August 19 to September 10, 2017

Saturday .............................................................. noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.

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

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools

HURRICANE SEASON?

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE. The Woodlands Township urges all residents to be prepared by planning what you and your family should do if disaster strikes.

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

• Fully redundant power

• Locally owned and operated

• The Woodlands, North Houston and Conroe coverage area

• Local news, weather and traffic

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

Put Your Emergency Supply Kit Together Now

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

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

• At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

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

• 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

LIFE JACKET TIPS

for a Safe Summer Swim

By Karl Shaw

All parents want their children to be safe at the pool, so let’s talk about life jackets! We see a lot of children wearing them at the pools, but not all are wearing them safely or being taught how to use them properly. Life jackets and floatation devices cannot replicate or replace knowing how to swim.

1 2

Use only U.S. Coast Guard approved floatation devices.

There are many products on the market for fun at the pool, but relying on water wings, kickboards or noodles for safety is not a good idea. Water wings especially tend to slip right off a child’s arms as soon as he or she jumps in, because there’s nothing holding them in place.

Make sure it’s the right size.

Using a properly fitted life jacket is essential. A properly fitted life jacket will cause a child to float head-up and leaned slightly backwards. If the life jacket drifts up over your child’s ears when they get in the water, or if they can hide their arms inside it, then it is TOO BIG and they are in danger of falling out of it or getting into serious trouble.

3 4

No life jackets in the deep end, slide or diving board.

Life jackets are not allowed off the diving boards, main pool slides or in the deep end. Children must be able to swim on their own and unattended to use these. To avoid injuries, parents cannot wait under the board or a slide; they must wait either on the pool deck or on the shallow side of the rope while their child jumps or slides.

Remember… life jackets DO NOT replace swimming lessons.

Nothing can replicate or replace a child’s ability to swim well. The Township strongly recommends swimming lessons at the earliest age that you and your child are comfortable. Lifeguards are taught to recognize the signs of distressed swimmers and active drowning victims, but swim aides and life jackets can often disguise these signs. Teaching your child to swim is always better than relying on a physical swim aide.

For more information on The Woodlands Township pools and swim lesson programs, please go to www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools, or check out the 2017 Summer Action Guide at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/actionguide.

JULY IS NATIONAL PARKS & RECREATION MONTH

It’s Hop-a-Park Day! Did you know there are 139 parks in The Woodlands?

Star - Spangled Salute

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (Free Event) 8 p.m.

The Woodlands Township has over 40 different Summer Camps! Register today!

There

Looking for fun this summer? Register for Sunny Dayz Summer Camp!

The Woodlands has tennis lessons for all skill levels. Take up tennis by joining a camp or a class.

Dive in Movie Lego Batman Ridgewood Pool 8:30 p.m.

Paddles and Paws Riva Row Boat House 2-6 p.m. Mondays in July

Visit the new Recreation Center located at 6464 Creekside Forest Drive in the Village of Creekside Park.

All American Pet Photo Day! Take your pup to one of our 5 dog parks and catch a cute pic.

Learn to swim programs available for all ages and abilities!

Enjoy live music! 7-9 p.m.

Hughes Landing Level One Band (Motown/Funk)

It’s National Hot Dog Day! Host a BBQ at one of the 66 parks with BBQ Pits in The Woodlands.

Cool off at one of our 5 spraygrounds!

Enjoy live music! 7-9 p.m.

Hughes Landing

Texas Joe Bailey and the Sweet Leaf Junction Band (Country)

Shoot some hoops at one of our 28 basketball courts.

Host a game of volleyball! There are 8 parks with courts to chose from!

It’s National Hammock Day!

Enjoy Live Music! 7-9 p.m.

Get out on the water! Visit Riva Row and Lakes Edge Boat Houses. Play

at

Have

Hughes Landing Velvet Punch (Cover/Dance)

For more information, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Try a new sport! We have disc golf courses at Terramont Park and Bear Branch Sports Fields.

VACATION WATCH

By Holly Steinke

If you plan to head out of town for a trip, don’t forget to sign up for Vacation Watch with your local law enforcement agency. By signing up for Vacation Watch, a deputy will come by your home when you are out of town to make sure your home is secure. When you sign up, be sure to note if anyone is stopping by your home to care for your pet, home or yard and how you can be reached. Contact your law enforcement agency if you come home early.

In Montgomery County – visit the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office new website at www.mctxsheriff.org, hover over the Community tab and click on Vacation Watch to read more about the program and learn tips for when you’ll be away. There is also a link to the Vacation Watch Form at the bottom of the page to fill out and submit, or call 936-442-7797.

In Harris County, in the Village of Creekside Park , visit Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4 at www. cd4.hctx.net , click on Vacation Watches

and fill out the form and choose Creekside (Woodlands) from the dropdown menu, or call 281-376-3472.

Here are some tips to help things go smoothly while you are away:

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

• Request a hold for newspapers and mail or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up.

• Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up fliers and packages left at your home daily.

• Avoid posting your vacation plans on social media.

• Leave your vacation contact information with a trusted neighbor.

• If needed, arrange for house, lawn, pet and plant care while you are gone.

• Remove items from parked vehicles and be sure to lock them.

• Set automatic timers for lights and/or a radio to make it appear someone is home.

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

• Ask a trusted neighbor to put out your trash and recycling bins and put them away for you.

Also, if your older children will spend vacation time home alone over the summer, make sure that your children know how to reach you and when to call 9-1-1. Review basic crime prevention tips and make suggestions as to what to do in various situations.

For more information from The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, please call 281-210-3800, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodwatch, or email neighbor@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Keep your home safe while on vacation by taking precautions and signing up for Vacation Watch.

NEW FIREWORKS LOC ATIONS!

Celebrate freedom in The Woodlands with great food, live enter tainment, children’s ac tivities and family fun at multiple parks around The Woodlands from 6 to 10 p.m.

at approximately 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.

SP L A S H DAY

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by

WATC H F IR E WOR K S AT T HE S E LO C ATION S

I N T H E WOO D L A N D S :

TOW N GR E E N PA R K

Freedom Stage: Mars Hill Band ( Variety)

Independence Stage: Klockwork Band (R&B/Motown/Funk/Jazz)

Strolling enter tainers, food vendors, kids’ zone,

H UG HE S L A N D IN G

J ohnny and the Spinsations (50s - 80s)

WAT E R WAY S Q U AR E PA R K

Level One Band (Motown/Funk)

Concessions, face painting,

Four th of July Parade Awards at 7 p.m.

RO B F L E MIN G PAR K

Cody Wayne (Countr y)

Concessions and face painting.

NO R TH SH OR E PA R K

Fidelity Maxx (Funk/Variety)

Also enjoy the “ Things That Go” bike parade!

Bike decorating supplies available star ting at 5:30 p.m. at the Township tent while supplies last. Bike parade awards to be given during intermission.

Concessions and face painting.

Presenting Festival Sponsor

Also sponsored by

For the most updated information, please visit or follow the Parks and Recreation D epar tment

PRESENTED BY

Splash Day!

By Karl Shaw

JULY 4, 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

Asyou’re celebrating America’s independence this year during the July Fourth holiday, come out and enjoy your neighborhood pool for free on Splash Day, presented by Kroger!

On July Fourth each year, all of the pools operated by The Woodlands Township are free to the public, including the incredible Rob Fleming Aquatic Center — now in its 10th season. Pools on Splash Day are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closing in time for the family to get home, get cleaned up, let the little ones rest, and get back out to the parks for the Red, Hot and Blue Festival.

In addition to free admission, we will be offering light snacks and drinks donated by Kroger (while supplies last) and fun, interactive games for the kids, like water balloon tosses, limbo, swimming relays for prizes and more! Township lifeguards have a friendly competition each year to see who can ‘win’ Splash Day. They decorate each pool with a unique theme — 2016’s winners were Shadowbend Pool for “Finding Dory” and Sawmill Pool for “Space” — and the staff members play games with the kids each hour from noon to 4 p.m. Volunteer judges from the community will be visiting each pool and voting for a winner based on overall theme, attitude, cleanliness, entertainment and community involvement.

Splash Day falls on a Tuesday this year, but the three pools normally closed on Tuesdays will be open for the fun along with all the rest. Instead, those facilities at Ridgewood, Sawmill and Windvale parks will close on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, for normal cleaning and in-service training.

Finally, a word to the wise: If you plan on making the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center a part of your July Fourth celebration, consider getting there by 10 a.m. Rob Fleming rarely reaches full capacity on any other day of the year, but it is not unusual for us to hit capacity on Splash Day by about 11 a.m. or noon and stay there for the rest of the day. Savvy Woodlands residents are in line when the pool opens at 10 a.m. to get their favorite picnic table or spot on the grass. (If that’s not quite your speed, the rest of our pools are typically calmer.)

We hope to see you at the pools!

Sawmill Pool

Saturday, July 1

Sunrise Paddle on Lake Woodlands

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

6:30 to 8 a.m. 281-210-3965

$25 solo kayak, $30 Stand-up paddle board, or $35 tandem kayak

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine) www.grogansmillvillage.com

Monday, July 3

Paddles and Paws

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

2 to 6 p.m. 281-210-3965

$15 solo kayak; $20 tandem kayak

July 2017

Houston Symphony presents “Star-Spangled Salute”

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion FREE event

8 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. www.woodlandscenter.org

Tuesday, July 4

Independence Day Township offices closed

Fourth of July Parade

Market Street

9 a.m.

www.4thofjuly.org

Splash Day FREE event at all community pools. Pools open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; special activities from noon to 4 p.m. 281-210-3800

Concert in the Park and “Things That Go” Bike Parade

Northshore Park

2505 Lake Woodlands Dr. Music by Fidelity Maxx

Concert begins at 5:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza

Town Green Park, Waterway Square, Northshore Park, Rob Fleming Park and Hughes Landing

6 to 10 p.m.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/fourthofjuly

281-210-3800

Wednesday, July 5

Development Standards Committee Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 5:30 p.m.

281-210-3973

Thursday, July 6

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, July 7

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Dr. 7 p.m.

281-210-3950

This event is geared to fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.

Saturday, July 8

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

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

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Dive-In Movie

Featuring “Lego Batman” Ridgewood Pool

4192 Interfaith Way 8 p.m.

(Movie begins at 8:30 p.m.) $5 per person; children 3 and under are free. 281-210-3950

Sunday, July 9

Paddle Board Yoga

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

9 to 11 a.m.

281-210-3965

$40 per person; ages 14 and older

Public Safety Open House at Fire Station 4 (Alden Bridge)

7900 Bay Branch Dr.

3 to 4:30 p.m.

281-210-3886

Monday, July 10

Paddles and Paws

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

2 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3965

$15 solo kayak; $20 tandem kayak

Tuesday, July 11

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Thursday, July 13

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Rock the Row Presented by Strike Hughes Landing

7 to 9 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, July 15

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine) www.grogansmillvillage.com

Paddle Board Yoga

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

9 to 11 a.m.

281-210-3965

$40 per person; ages 14 and older

Safety Awareness Day –Sterling Ridge May Valley Park

11598 May Valley Circle

10 to 11:30 a.m.

281-210-5805

11 and Over Tennis Tournament

Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Dr.

Noon to 5 p.m.

$15 resident, $20 non-resident

Public Safety Open House at Fire Station 6 (College Park)

1100 Windsor Lakes Blvd.

1 to 2:30 p.m.

281-210-3889

Sunday, July 16

Paddle Board Yoga

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

9 to 11 a.m.

281-210-3965

$40 per person; ages 14 and older

Public Safety Open House –Central Fire Station

9951 Grogan’s Mill Rd.

3 to 5 p.m.

281-210-3887

Monday, July 17

Paddles and Paws

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

2 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3965

$15 solo kayak; $20 tandem kayak

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Wednesday, July 19

Development Standards Committee Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 5:30 p.m.

281-210-3973

Thursday, July 20

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 9 a.m.

281-281-3800

Rock the Row Presented by Strike Hughes Landing

7 to 9 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, July 22

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine) www.grogansmillvillage.com

Public Safety Open House –Station 7

26722 Kuykendahl Rd. 10 to 11:30 a.m.

281-210-3889

Sunday, July 23

Paddle Board Yoga

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

9 to 11 a.m.

281-210-3965

$40 per person; ages 14 and older

Monday, July 24

Paddles and Paws

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

2 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3965

$15 solo kayak; $20 tandem kayak

Tuesday, July 25

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, July 26

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-281-3800

Thursday, July 27

Rock the Row Presented by Strike Hughes Landing

7 to 9 p.m. 281-210-3800

Saturday, July 29

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine) www.grogansmillvillage.com

Sunday, July 30

Public Safety Open House – Station 3 1522 Sawdust Rd.

3 to 5 p.m.

281-210-3887

Paddle Board Yoga

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row 9 to 11 a.m.

281-210-3965

$40 per person; ages 14 and older

Monday, July 31

Paddles and Paws

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

2 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3965

$15 solo kayak; $20 tandem kayak

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

For American Heart Association

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

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

Happy Fourth of July from Alden Bridge! Come out and wave to our village association entry in the big parade on July 4, 2017. There’s a lot to do in The Woodlands this holiday, so take advantage of all the fun-filled activities, including the Star-Spangled Salute concert on July 3, 2017, our parade in Town Center, Splash Day (free admission to all the community pools), and the Red, Hot and Blue Festival and fireworks displays! We’ll see you there.

This month’s Alden Bridge Village Association board meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at 7 p.m., at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Our speaker hasn’t been scheduled yet, so please watch our website or Facebook page for updates. All residents are encouraged to attend and bring us your questions and concerns! We have a couple of area representative positions open on the Alden Bridge Village Association Board, so we’re seeking committed community volunteers. Stop by the meeting and find out more about our board – maybe you’d like to join us in volunteering for Alden Bridge.

Don’t forget that Alden Bridge will have our annual baseball game outing to Minute Maid Park on Saturday, September 16, 2017. The Astros will play the Seattle Mariners that evening. If you’d like to join us on our bus, there may be some tickets remaining (but they go fast), so contact me at dbell7246@aol.com. Tickets are $26 each, and the price covers the game and the bus trip.

We’re always looking for nominations for the monthly Yard of the Month award! Please send your candidates for best front yard in the village to info@aldenbridge.org. Our last winner as of this writing was Elizabeth Pittman of W. Sundance

Circle, and we’ll award the next winning yard on August 1, 2017. Keep your eyes open for great looking front yards and send us your nominations no later than July 23, 2017. Maybe it’s your own yard!

We continue to publish our monthly electronic village newsletter. To join our subscriber list of over 900 households, please send your email address to info@aldenbridge.org. Your email address will never be shared and will be used only to disseminate news of our village.

Submitted by Darla D. Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

Once again the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association sponsored a trip to the Astros. In addition to having a great time, it was also an opportunity to have one of those “life lessons.”

The Astros have assembled a team that works together and has the ability to succeed in more than one way. They have players that staff their position well but also help out in hitting. They really buy into the concept of it’s not over until the last out has been registered. And, perhaps

most important, it looks like they are really having a good time playing the game.

These are lessons that can be applied in many organizations. That includes our Cochran’s Crossing Village Association and its board of directors. The board is now in the midst of a review of the association’s bylaws. There are some good points on issues that are being discussed. However, by keeping those life lessons of the Astros in mind, Cochran’s Crossing will provide strong support for the village as well as The Woodlands Township.

Living up to its mission has helped Cochran’s Crossing maintain a board with more members than any of the other association boards in The Woodlands. That doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for new members to join the board. It does mean we have members who join the team that are committed to helping the community, are able to maintain quorums at each meeting, and ready to take the lead on various activities. Some examples include

Liah Olson, Darla Bell, neighbor Jose Rosado, Maryann Braid and Adele Yung are pictured, left to right. Congratulations to Elizabeth Pittman of W. Sundance Circle for an amazing yard.

Cochran’s Crossing Association members enjoy the Astros outing.

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Astros in May, pool party in June, Fourth of July parade this month and the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association’s annual Fall Festival in October.

At the monthly Cochran’s Crossing Village Association board meetings there are reports on law enforcement activities; guest speakers such as Laura Lee Palmer of the Economic Development Partnership; Conroe ISD; water and transportation issues; and Township activities that could impact Cochran’s Crossing Village or might need our support.

All board meetings are the fourth Tuesday of every month (except December) at 7 p.m. in the Township meeting rooms and are open, and the board specifically sets aside a time for resident comments.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Join us on July 4, 2017. The College Park Village Association is once again hosting our parade viewing tent along the parade route. Enjoy a bit of shade and refreshment and meet your College Park Village Association board members. Learn about future events in College Park, which includes Harper’s Landing, Grogan’s Forest and Windsor Hills. Look for more details including location and time on our website or Facebook page.

Three College Park students were awarded $500 scholarships at the May College Park Village Association board meeting. Iaian Singletary will attend school as a business major. Maya Fincher will attend the University of Arkansas as an architect major, and Jasmine Atobajeun will attend UT Austin, also as an architect major.

Look for upcoming events including National Night Out by visiting the village association website or Facebook page.

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Creekside Park

Hello, Creekside Park Village residents, Happy Fourth of July to all! The lazy, hot days of summer are here and the kids are out of school. What a great time to enjoy all the activities The Woodlands has to offer. July is the start of Rock the Row Presented by Strike, a free concert series at Hughes Landing. The concerts are from 7 to 9 p.m., starting Thursday July 13 through August 17, 2017. Bring the family and your chairs and enjoy an evening of fresh air and music. The new Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park had its grand opening in June; look for increased activities available for residents coming in the following months.

The summer heat also increases our need to water our lawns. Our local MUD #386 sent an insert out in our May bills informing us of a recommended irrigation schedule as a reminder of our need to conserve this valuable resource.

It is also suggested that residents check and read their meters on a weekly basis, so there are no surprises on your water bill. If you have questions or would like information on how to read your meter, visit the Municipal District Services website at www.municipaldistrictservices.com/ customer-care.html.

Creekside Park Village saw another restaurant open in Crossroad Square at Creekside Park, as Fuddruckers has brought its great hamburgers to our village. We welcome another great venue offering a family-friendly atmosphere, good food and patio seating to Creekside Park Village residents.

Please make sure you check out our Facebook page for updates and events happening in Creekside Park and The Woodlands, as well as our website for information about the village at www.creeksideparkvillage.com.

continued on page 20

ALDEN BRIDGE

Alden Bridge Village Association usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.aldenbridge.org

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.cochranscrossing.com

COLLEGE PARK

College Park Village Association usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.villageofcollegepark.com

CREEKSIDE PARK

Creekside Park Village Association usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Lone Star College - Creekside Center, 8747 West New Harmony Trail.

Website www.creeksideparkvillage.com

GROGAN’S MILL

Grogan’s Mill Village Association usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.grogansmillvillage.com

INDIAN SPRINGS

Indian Springs Village Association usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.indianspringsvillage.com

PANTHER CREEK

Panther Creek Village Association usually meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Website www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

STERLING RIDGE

Sterling Ridge Village Association usually meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Website www.sterling-ridge.org

Fireworks Prohibited in The Woodlands Neighborhoods

The Woodlands Township Fire Department reminds all residents that The Woodlands Covenants strictly prohibit the sale or use of home fireworks and sparklers of any kind in The Woodlands. The Woodlands is situated in a beautiful forest, and with dry weather conditions, one errant spark could severely damage our community. If you feel the holidays are not the same without a firecracker or two, please come out and enjoy The Woodlands Fourth of July Red Hot and Blue Festival at five locations throughout The Woodlands. You will not be disappointed! For more information, please contact The Woodlands Township Fire Department at 281-362-3900.

VILLAGE NEWS continued

For up-to-date information as to the happenings in Creekside Park, join us for our monthly Creekside Park Village Association meetings on the first Tuesday of the month, at Lone Star College Creekside Park, unless otherwise noted.

Have a safe and happy summer!

Submitted by Lisa Purtell

Grogan’s Mill

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association won $500 for second place in the Water-Wise Challenge for the number of our residents who pledged not to turn on their sprinkler systems between October 15 and April 15, 2017.

A total of about 350 people in The Woodlands participated in the Earth Day GreenUp Village Challenge competition to clean up trash and debris around The Woodlands. The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. allocates a portion of the funds pledged from sponsorships to the winning villages.

We are proud to announce four $1,000 scholarship winners out of 15 applicants. It was a difficult selection among so many highly qualified students. The final selection was based on, not in any order of importance: grades, financial need and community and extracurricular activities. The winners are Halley Ward (going to Texas A&M), Cassidy Winsman (Lone Star), Drake Lapaglia (Lone Star), and Nicole Zimmerman (North Central College, Naperville, Illinois).

yard always stands out in the Royal Fern neighborhood.

Kathey King (below) of West High Oaks Circle received the Grogan’s Mill Village Association’s June 2017 Yard of the Month award. A retired interior designer, Kathey is a 35-year resident of The Woodlands. Her beautiful yard

is a self-described “longtime work in progress,” with bottlebrush, crepe myrtles, salvia, lantana, daisies and a huge honeysuckle that is trellised against her garage wall in a lovely pattern. Her backyard is just as pretty as the front with a huge magnolia tree, roses and a deck where Kathey enjoys visiting with friends. Congratulations, Kathey, and thank you for making The Woodlands a more beautiful place to live.

Some people are alarmed at a proposed widening of Grogan’s Mill Road from Woodlands Parkway to Research Forest Drive to six lanes and another proposal to widen Sawdust to eight lanes from I-45 to Grogan’s Mill. If you have feelings one way or the other, let any director know or, better yet, attend the July 17, 2017, Grogan’s Mill Village Association board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., to share your opinion or feelings. On a side note, a recent Montgomery County Precinct 3 origin-destination study noted that 12 percent of the traffic on Woodlands Parkway, some 3,400 vehicles per day, represents cut-through traffic that neither originates nor terminates in The Woodlands. To see the full study, go to www.precinct3.org/wp-content/ uploads/2017/05/The-Woodlands-OriginDestination-Study-1.pdf

Mike and Susan Gallup and family were selected as our May 2017 Yard of the Month winner. They plant a wide variety of flowers, roses and shrubs. Their

At our May 15, 2017, Grogan’s Mill Village Association board meeting, Kendall Clark of PolliNation, a 501 (c)(3) exempt organization founded in The Woodlands this year, gave a presentation on the importance of the Monarch butterfly as a key plant pollinator. Because of a dramatic decline in milkweed, the only plant that hosts the larvae, 90 percent of the population has vanished. Go to the website, www.pollinationpower.org, to learn more about what you can do to help the beautiful Monarch butterfly recover.

Summer is in full swing, but don’t let that stop you from visiting the Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market where we have cool vendors with a huge range of fruits, vegetables, food, crafts, pet treats, coffee and much more. Grab a friend and stop by on Saturdays to shop our 30+ vendors with a wide variety of goods. Doing our environmental part, the market will be phasing out the use of plastic bags. Bring your own or buy our bags emblazoned with the Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market logo for $1. Check out the website each Friday for details, or you can sign up for our weekly email blast. Profits from Farmer’s Market vendor fees are returned to the community through various philanthropic contributions, school donations, scholarships and community programs.

Do you know someone who has made a positive impact on our community? If you have someone in mind, please reach out to one of our Grogan’s Mill Village Association board members, and let us know. Provide some details, and we’ll take it from there.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Marie Brannen

Pictured left to right are Nikki Zimmerman, Drake Lapaglia, and Cassidy Winsman.

Indian Springs

We hope you will join us at all of the annual Red, Hot and Blue Festival events put on by The Woodlands Township this year. Indian Springs Village Association is proud to participate in the parade, starting at 9 a.m. on July 4, 2017. The 1.3-mile South County Fourth of July Parade will begin and end at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, while making a loop around the Market Street area. Once again, under the direction of Indian Springs Village Association Board Member Richard Stromatt, the 2016 award-winning Indian Springs float celebrated the “Music of America” with 14 youth members of School of Rock The Woodlands. This year’s parade theme is “Let Freedom Ring.”

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

Last month, residents of Panther Creek started their summer fun with the annual old-fashioned neighborhood Flag Day Picnic at Ridgewood Park with free hot dogs, hamburgers, swimming, kids’ events, and the ever-popular ice wagon.

This month the opportunities roll on to have fun and learn more about The Woodlands. July starts off with the Fourth of July Parade. What would summer be without an outing to the ballpark?

So, on Friday, September 22, 2017, join your neighbors on a luxury custom coach ride from Panther Creek to Houston to see the Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels – Astros fans are ever hopeful! The chauffeured ride there and back, including admission to the game, is only $26 per person. After the Friday night home game, a fireworks show will be presented by Occidental Petroleum. Tickets go fast for this wonderful trip, so call Kim Lewis at 281-292-3477 or 281-734-2387 to reserve your tickets before they are all gone.

Our semi-annual Woodlands Flea Market and Garage Sale will be held again this fall. It is a wonderful Woodlands event, whether you are unloading that “extra stuff” cluttering up the house or if you love to shop for unusual items at bargain prices. To get more details, please visit www.WoodlandsFleaMarket.org

The Woodlands really is your hometown. There are so many ways to participate. If your street has not already held a Good Neighbor Day, this summer would be a great time to have one. Visit with your new and old neighbors and get information on water conservation, recycling, insect control and much more. Also meet your area’s sheriff deputies and firemen. Contact your Neighborhood Watch representative to schedule one. If you do not know your Neighborhood Watch member, now is a good time to meet them. You can find them by calling the Township at 281-210-3800. If your street doesn’t have one, maybe you could volunteer!

Soon you will get another chance to join with your neighbors at your local National Night Out Celebration. Keep checking The Woodlands Community Magazine and your Panther Creek website, www.PantherCreekVillageAssociation.org, for details.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Board Member Erika Bondy Pratt escorts the Indian Springs Village Association float as members of School of Rock The Woodlands entertain the crowd during the Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Kelly Sharer

What If a Drought Started This Summer ...

By Teri MacArthur

What really happens when a drought is officially declared?

The National Drought Center defines moderate drought as involving some damage to crops, pastures, streams, reservoirs and wells, with some water shortages developing or imminent, and voluntary water restrictions requested. Severe drought means that crop or pasture losses are likely, water shortages are common and water restrictions are imposed. If you were living in this area in 2010 through 2013, you experienced how bad a drought can be for the region.

In the initial stages of a drought, the Township’s primary water suppliers, WJPA (The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency) and MUD 386 (Creekside Park/ May Valley), prioritize actions to conserve the available water, protect the supply, and protect and preserve public health and safety. Residents are asked to voluntarily limit the amount of water used while monitoring of the supply increases. As drought continues, or worsens, WJPA and

During

the MUDs (Municipal Utility Districts) it serves, continue to request that residents limit water use and the defined irrigation schedule is more strictly enforced.

During drought periods, the Parks and Recreation Department has a staged response program consistent with WJPA and MUD 386. This includes watering only during the defined periods, reducing the use of fertilizer and pesticides, suspending reforestation efforts, reducing pool fills, suspending the operation of the community’s spraygrounds, and eliminating recharge of community ponds and lakes. It should be noted that over the course of the past decade, The Township has converted many areas of seasonal plantings to native plants that are more drought tolerant. Once drought status is elevated to extreme, all non-essential water use such as regular landscape irrigation or pond filling is prohibited.

How likely it is that we will see such actions within our Township? For this summer, most predictions call for slightly cooler temperatures and average rainfall. Refer to The Farmer’s Almanac 2017, or the Texas Water Development Board’s Texas Drought Monitor report for more details. You can access these resources through the Township’s Water Conservation Web page (see below). While we can’t be certain when a drought will occur, we do know we’ll experience drought conditions again and the community has steps to manage such a drought.

For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ waterconservation to find helpful links about topics related to water conservation, or call the Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800.

During a drought status level of extreme, all non-essential water use such as regular landscape irrigation or pond filling is prohibited.

Dragon Boat Team Challenge

The 19th Annual YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge will take place September 28 through September 30, 2017, at Northshore Park and Lake Woodlands.

The Woodlands Family YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge, presented by Repsol, is a community event and local tradition, designed to encourage teamwork and fun while benefitting the YMCA Annual Campaign, which ensures everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive at the Y.

The event features six different team activities, but the Dragon Boat Races are the main event. The boats, owned by The American Dragon Boat Association, are transported annually from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dragon boats are 40 feet long, extremely colorful dragon-headed canoes and weigh over 1,800 pounds. This exciting team-building event is designed to build community spirit

among corporations, civic groups and community organizations. The activities are designed to bring individuals together to achieve a single goal – to have fun! It is the camaraderie, the teamwork and team spirit, visiting and playing with old friends, meeting new friends and laughing. Along with improving health,

whenever teamwork is involved, there’s the added benefit of being connected to others. The sport of dragon boating is over 2,000 years old with its origins steeped in tradition. The pageantry, the colors, the mechanics of dragon boating

are educational and present a view into the past.

The YMCA makes it very easy to participate. The Y organizes and facilitates all team activities, provides all the equipment, rules and instructions as well as a team tent, water and ice and event T-shirt. The Y also provides professional staff, volunteers and safety/ security agencies to create a positive, safe and fun environment.

Rowing for a CAUSE. YMCA Dragon Boat is a charity event benefitting the Y’s Annual Campaign. Funds raised ensure the YMCA can continue to strengthen our community through the programs we offer and provide financial assistance to families in need.

For more information, please visit www.ymcadragonboat.org, or contact Roxanne Davis at 281-681-6730, or rdavis@ymcahouston.org.

TURN THE TIDE, TRY

PLASTIC FREE JULY!

by Kathie Herrick

“Everybit of plastic ever made still exists,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency. At the current increasing rate of production, plastic in our oceans could outweigh fish by 2050. Clearly, our planet has a plastic problem! Reducing consumption of disposable plastics is a win-win! Many of the items that litter our parks, forests and beaches are essentially plastics “designed for disposal” like food wrappers, containers and straws. North Americans use 326 pounds of plastic per person per year on average. Roughly 50 percent of that consumption is for one-time-use plastic products. It follows, according to storyofstuff.org, if half of all plastic produced is destined for disposal, then avoiding single-use plastics can reduce our personal footprint by half!

Turn the tide and try Plastic Free July, a 2011 Australian community initiative that has gone global! The campaign at www.plasticfreejuly.org raises individual awareness about how single-use disposable plastics permeate our daily lives. Refuse to use disposable plastics during the month of July; substitute reusable instead! Can’t commit to a month? How about one week or one day? Or target one of the TOP FOUR offenders: plastic bags, water bottles, takeaway cups and straws. Start carrying a reusable bag to shop, your own mug for coffee or a stainless steel bottle for water, or ditch the straw: after only a few forays you will have a new habit and the planet will be better for it!

Tell us you have taken the challenge at www.surveymonkey.com/r/plasticfreejuly.

Share your plastic-free lifestyle with photos and comments to kherrick@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Residents are encouraged to avoid all single-use disposable plastic products for the month of July.

Photo by Lucinda Valdes

By Chelsie Wilson

Whether you’re a novice or advanced player, there is a tennis class offering for you at The Woodlands Township Tennis Academy. This summer, the tennis academy has a variety of tennis for all skill levels, ages and schedules.

We understand you may have a lot of summer travel scheduled! The tennis academy offers weekly tennis, tennis camps, monthly tennis and private/semi-private lessons and even monthly youth tournaments!

YOUTH TENNIS CAMPS

Tennis instruction, fun games and friends! Enjoy pool time every day! Snacks, crafts and instruction are provided. Just bring a water bottle, swimsuit and a tennis racket. Participants will be grouped by age.

YOUTH WEEKLY TENNIS CLASSES

Weekly youth tennis sessions are available all summer long! This specialized program is designed to appeal to children ages 5 to 10. Students and parents will be impressed by the dynamic range of learning and carefully designed development plans used throughout the program. Classes are offered for 5- to 10-year-olds, weekday mornings on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; and for 12- to 18-year-olds, weekday mornings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

DON’T LET MOSQUITOES RUIN YOUR PARADE

By John Geiger

One of the best things about summer is celebrating outdoors with family and friends. Don’t let mosquitoes rob you of your good time. Follow these simple tips and your festivities will be much more enjoyable:

Protect yourself.

• Wear CDC-approved repellent; follow label instructions.

• Cover up with long, light, loose clothing.

• Use oscillating fans to keep mosquitoes at bay. They work much better than coils, bug zappers and ultrasonic devices.

Eliminate standing water.

• Clear clogged gutters and downspouts.

• Shake out tarps and plastic bags.

• Empty containers like birdbaths, pet dishes and plant saucers at least once a week.

• Repair drips and leaks.

• Maintain pools, spas and pumps.

Treat water you can’t eliminate. Apply Mosquito Dunks® or similar products to standing water that can’t be drained. Look closely at meter boxes, French drains and fountains.

Irrigate wisely.

• Avoid overwatering. An inch of water a week, including rain, is all your lawn needs.

• Aim sprinkler heads properly. Runoff creates breeding sites in the storm drains.

• Keep grass clippings and leaves out of gutters and storm drains.

• For more information on irrigation guidelines, visit www.wjpa.org.

When it comes to mosquitoes – Think WET – Wear repellent. Eliminate standing water. Treat where you can’t drain.

For more mosquito control tips, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx/ mosquitoinfo. To report mosquito concerns, contact the Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800.

People, Pets and Lawn Chemicals

Most people in The Woodlands want a beautiful lawn and are willing to pay to ensure that their lawns are lush and green. In the endless process of having emerald expanses in front of homes, residents here spend millions on lawn beauty products — pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers — to achieve that special look. With the rise in sales of lawn products, lawn problems also appear to be increasing. Many residents are mistakenly diagnosing lawn damage as disease, when misuse and overapplication of chemicals is the cause. And lawn care products can damage more than grass. Children, pets, and gardeners themselves can be poisoned by chemical misapplication. Here are some questions and answers about lawn care products:

Are these products safe for humans and pets?

In the U.S., fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other toxins are only required to report the active ingredients in the product. They are not required to describe inert ingredients, which may include arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium and other metals. If children and pets (and adults) spend a lot of time rolling around in the grass, they’re going to be exposed to these toxins. If you must use these products, do so in moderation and follow the labels explicitly. And, do not allow pets and children onto the lawn until the material has been watered down thoroughly and at least 24 hours have passed.

Are chemical products safe to apply?

Children should not take part in the application of either fertilizers or pesticides, and neither should pets. Adults should wear proper protection (gloves, long-sleeved shirts, hats, safety glasses, long trousers) when applying a chemical.

Follow Integration Pest Management practices.

IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management. Used and promoted by most agricultural universities in this country, IPM focuses on long-term prevention of pests and diseases using biological controls, best practices of soil and plant management, use of resistant varieties and changing of cultural practices. Pesticides and herbicides are used only as a last resort.

Children and pets are particularly susceptible to lawn care products.

Photo by Cliff Roe Photography

By Bob Dailey

Burglary of a Motor Vehicle

By Holly Steinke

Did you see it? It doesn’t take long for a burglar to take items out of a vehicle. It’s fortunate for us that there are some observant people in The Woodlands who are spotting crime and reporting it, and the burglars are getting caught.

Better yet, the crime of Burglary of Motor Vehicle can be reduced or eliminated altogether, if everyone practices the simple crime prevention tips given below:

Always remove valuables from your vehicle. Take them inside or, if you are away from home, hide them in a locked trunk before you park.

Always lock your vehicle and set your vehicle’s alarm. In 2016, approximately 70 percent of vehicles broken into were not locked!

Take your keys and garage remote. Avoid giving someone access to your vehicle or home.

AT HOME, ALSO:

Park in a locked garage, if possible.

Install motion sensor lighting where you park, to help alert you and your neighbors that someone is approaching.

AWAY FROM HOME, ALSO:

Avoid leaving items in plain view.

Park in well–lit areas.

Avoid parking in remote areas, take a photo of the parking lot light poll number to help you find your vehicle faster.

After reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement, share your observation with the business or property owner.

If you see something suspicious, report it to law enforcement when you see it happening.

Call 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency. Non-emergency in Montgomery County, call Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936-442-7797, option 3.

Non-emergency in Harris County, Village of Creekside Park, call Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4 at 281-376-3472.

For more information on burglary prevention, please visit The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodwatch, call 281-210-3800, or email neighbor@thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov.

The crime of Burglary of Motor Vehicle can be reduced or eliminated altogether, if everyone practices the simple crime prevention tips.

www.SpringChildrensDentistry.com

VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE THIS FALL

By Michael Corbett

Looking for a unique way to showcase your business this year? The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department produces a variety of events reaching thousands of residents annually. Vendor opportunities are available for promotional, retail, food/beverage, children’s activity and/or non-profit booth spaces. The Township will be accepting applications for potential vendors at the below events this fall:

TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL

Sunday, October 29, 2017

3 to 6 p.m. at Town Green Park

Princesses, pirates, ghosts and goblins are invited to don their costumes and enjoy a spooktacular celebration at the annual community favorite, Trick or Treat Trail. While at the event, children have the opportunity to trick or treat from booth to booth and fill their bags with goodies from local vendors. Plus, the free event includes great strolling entertainment, inflatables, games, costume contests and more.

www.REDACU.com

Important Notice: By submitting letters, photos and other materials to The Woodlands Community Magazine (TWCM) you agree that the materials submitted will become the property of TWCM and will not be returned. You also agree that TWCM, its assigns, and the publisher, have been granted the non-exclusive right to use and /or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. For more information, please call 281-210-3800. Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome. Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information. Copyright: The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. by Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., 6608 FM 1960 West, Suite G, Houston Texas 77069. Copyright © 2017. 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.

LIGHTING OF THE DOVES

Saturday, November 18, 2017

3 to 9 p.m. at

Town Green Park

The Lighting of the Doves Festival is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. Attracting thousands of attendees each year, the event features snow play areas, children’s activities, strolling entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display, weather permitting. Even Santa Claus himself is scheduled to make a special appearance by decorated sleigh along The Woodlands Waterway ® ! Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information on how to become a vendor or sponsor within The Woodlands Township’s events, please email

NEW LOCATION IN THE WOODLANDS

HOUSTON METHODIST ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is now located on the campus of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. Our specialists are honored to serve The Woodlands and Montgomery County communities by offering a wide range of services.

• General orthopedics and sports medicine

• Primary care sports medicine

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Hand and upper extremity surgery

• Joint replacement

• Shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle arthroscopy

• Neck and spine surgery

Visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics for more information. To schedule an appointment, call 936.321.8000

The Woodlands 17183 Interstate 45 S. Medical Office Building , Suite 210

The Woodlands, TX 77385

Conroe

4015 Interstate 45 N., Suite 110

Conroe, TX 77304

From left: Alysia Robichau, MD; David Dice Jr., MD; Marc Labbé, MD; John Fackler, MD; Eric Price, MD; and Kenneth Palmer, MD