July 2021

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

Village Challenge ENCOURAGES PLANTING NATIVE

Swim into Summer at the TOWNSHIP POOLS

INCORPORATION 101

FOURTH OF JULY in The Woodlands

On the Cover

The Woodlands Township celebrates the Fourth of July in convenient locations all over town with multiple fireworks displays. See page 6 for complete listing, and check for updates on the Township’s website calendar page, the Township’s Parks and Recreation Facebook page and at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/4thofjuly.

Cover photo by Derrick Bryant

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 281-297-6500, Business, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 936-442-7797, Non-Emergency, 24 hours

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

Woodlands Water (Montgomery County MUDs) 855-H20-SAVE (855-426-7283)

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

Emergency 911

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

message from The Woodlands Township Board of Directors INCORPORATION 101

As The Woodlands Township reopens its study on future governance, this magazine will feature educational articles and information. Please see page 8 for our latest installment of Incorporation 101: The History of Governance in The Woodlands.

Please go to www.thewoodlandsincorporationstudy.com for the official resource site for The Woodlands Incorporation Study.

In Case You Missed It

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently recognized the following groups and individuals with proclamations.

• The Woodlands Christian Academy Boys’ Basketball Team for winning the Class 5A TAPPS State Basketball Title.

• In remembrance of Reverend Donald (Don) R. Gebert, who moved to The Woodlands in 1975 and became the founding Executive Director of The Interfaith Center, visiting every family that moved to The Woodlands as the community grew from 40 families to over 100,000 people. He was instrumental in the creation of The Woodlands Resident Directory, The Woodlands Child Development Center, The Woodlands Villager, Montgomery County Youth Services and The Woodlands Hospital.

• The Woodlands High School Girls’ Swim Team for winning the program’s tenth championship at the UIL Class 6A girls state meet.

• The Woodlands High School Boys’ Swim Team for winning the program’s ninth state championship at the UIL Class 6A boys state championship.

continued on page 21

John Anthony Brown Treasurer, Position 3

Bruce Rieser Vice Chairman, Position 4

Gordy Bunch Chairman, Position 1

Jason J. Nelson Director, Position 2

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs Secretary, Position 5

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Director, Position 6

Bob Milner Director, Position 7

Jeff Jones 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.

Advertising inquiries, rate requests and change of address/ delivery inquiries may be directed to Champions Printing & Publishing, 6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G, Houston, TX, 77069, 281-583-7661.

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.

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Cheryl Kirsch

Jim Callahan

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editors Perry Frank Shelby Doerries

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

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

www.championsprinting.com

OUTSMARTING CANCER

in The Woodlands

Our nationally recognized specialists are finding new ways to outsmart cancer.

From screenings and diagnosis to the most advanced treatments, our leading cancer care is available in The Woodlands. And, you can be confident that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe — so you can focus on healing, surviving and thriving.

HOUSTON METHODIST CANCER CENTER

South County Fourth of July Parade

Saturday, July 3, 2021, at 9 a.m.

Presented by Kelsey-Seybold Clinic The Woodlands

The 1.3-mile parade around The Woodlands features marching bands, fire engines, clowns, floats and more! Spectators can enjoy pre-parade entertainment at Market Street and Town Green Park. Roads will be closed during the parade. View parade map and road closure map at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/fourthofjuly. Please visit www.4thofjuly.org, the

Fourth of July Facebook page at www.facebook.com/4thOfJulyParadeTX/ or follow the #TheWoodlands4th hashtag on Twitter (@4thofJulyParade) and Instagram (@4thofJulyParade)

Stars at Night - A Salute to Service at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Saturday, July 3, 2021, at 8 p.m.

Sponsored by Howard Hughes Corporation and Woodforest National Bank

The Pavilion welcomes The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra. This FREE Independence Eve Pops Spectacular features The Woodlands Symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites led by Artistic Director Darryl Bayer. The event will also recognize service stars (teachers, first responders, medical teams and front line workers) during the pandemic. Tickets are not required for this event. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Please visit the Pavilion’s website at www.woodlandscenter.org or the direct link at www.woodlandscenter. org/events/performing-arts/2021/stars-atnight for more information.

Red, Hot & Pool

Sunday, July 4, 2021, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Each Township pool will have patriotic decorations, activities and refreshments (while supplies last). The Woodlands Red, Hot & Pool will take place from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with the 4th of July activities happening between noon and 4 p.m. Please note, daily entry fees apply.

24th Annual & Fireworks Extravaganza

Sunday, July 4, 2021, 6 to 10 p.m.

Presented by St. Luke’s Health

Celebrate freedom in The Woodlands with great food, live entertainment and family fun at multiple locations around The Woodlands! Enjoy a variety of activities throughout The Woodlands at the below locations, featuring live music beginning at 6 p.m. until the Fireworks Extravaganza. For the comfort and safety of all attendees, oversized beach umbrellas and pop-up tents are not permitted. Festival activities will also include strolling entertainment and concessions.

Town Green Park Location

2099 Lake Robbins Drive

Town Green Park Freedom Stage Fidelity Maxx (Funky Dance)

Town Green Park Independence Stage

Leslie Lugo Band (Latin/Variety)

Waterway Square Location

31 Waterway Square Place

Nervous Rex Band (Variety)

Northshore Park Location

2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

Level One Band (Motown/Funk)

Residents should be advised Northshore Park access will be affected on the following dates for the event:

• Minimal vehicular traffic July 2-3, 2021, to begin preparations and set up.

• Closed to the public from 6 to 9 a.m. on July 2, 2021, for further set up.

• No vehicular access on July 4, 2021, limited reopening on July 5, 2021.

• Majority of the docks will be unavailable June 23 through July 8, 2021.

Rob Fleming Park Location

6055 Creekside Forest Drive Cold Shot (Variety)

Hughes Landing Location

1900 Hughes Landing Boulevard

Time Warp (80s, 90s & Today’s Hits)

Fireworks Extravaganza

Sponsored by Howard Hughes®

The 18-minute Fireworks Extravaganza will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m. The primary fireworks display will be located at Lake Woodlands adjacent to Northshore Park, with a secondary close-proximity (special effects) display at Town Green Park. The 2021 Fireworks Extravaganza will also feature a fireworks display in the Waterway Square District near Timberloch Place and Waterway Avenue and Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park. To ensure spectators have the best visibility possible, fireworks teaser shots will be fired from all launch locations at 9, 9:10 and 9:20 p.m.

Coolers, picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are permitted. Glass is prohibited.

Those planning to attend the event should practice social distancing, refrain from gathering in large groups and continue following all guidelines established by the CDC when in public spaces and around others outside of your household. Masks are welcomed. Please note all information is subject to change, pending local, state and federal Orders or Declarations.

INCORPORATION 101

History of Governance in The Woodlands

AsThe Woodlands founder, Mr. George Mitchell, was considering a plan for The Woodlands in the 1960s, many major cities were experiencing a migration of people from declining inner cities to thriving suburbs. City dwellers escaped into small, incorporated towns that encircled many larger cities, leaving the core city unable to grow and vulnerable to further decline. Mitchell traveled extensively and witnessed the plight of some U.S. cities. He held the view that the Houston region would be stronger if the central city retained the ability to grow its tax base. A stronger city, in his view, would produce stronger suburban growth. He wanted The Woodlands to be a part of Houston’s solution, not a part of its problems. Therefore, by agreement with Houston, all of his landholdings that would become The Woodlands (and not already within another city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) were included in Houston’s ETJ.

An ETJ is the area adjacent to a city’s corporate limits and is the only territory that a city may annex. Therefore, having essentially all of The Woodlands within the ETJ of Houston effectively prevented fragmentation of the planned community and its services through annexations which could have been otherwise initiated by other nearby cities.

Local Governance Dialogue Begins

While it was Mr. Mitchell’s vision for The Woodlands to be eventually annexed by Houston, over the years, that sentiment was shared by fewer and fewer residents of The Woodlands. Then, in 1996, Kingwood, a master-planned community east of The Woodlands, was annexed by Houston without the consent of Kingwood residents. The growing desire to be independent, coupled with the fear that The Woodlands would be the next to be annexed by Houston, triggered

a group of community leaders in 1999 to initiate a local governance dialogue.

This dialogue ultimately led to an annexation moratorium agreement which prohibited the City of Houston from annexing The Woodlands through 2011. This was followed by an extensive governance process that was designed and initiated to study, recommend, and implement the community’s preferred and viable governance alternative.

Regional Participation Agreements

In December 2006, Senator Tommy Williams and Representative Rob Eissler, who represented The Woodlands area, announced that they had successfully negotiated a Regional Participation Agreement (RPA) with the City of Houston. In the proposed agreement, The Woodlands would contribute an initial $16 million towards mutually beneficial public works projects such as regional park improvements, Texas Medical Center mobility and a Hardy Toll Road extension, while an ongoing 1/16th of one percent of sales tax generated in all of The Woodlands would be paid towards future regional public works projects of mutual benefit. In exchange for these payments toward regional projects, The Woodlands would be free of the threat of annexation for a period of 50 years, allowing the community to choose its own form of governance, including the opportunity to incorporate, while still supporting the regionalism originally envisioned by Mr. Mitchell.

Implementation the Regional Participation Agreement required voters to approve the expansion of the Township (formerly Town Center Improvement District) boundaries and a change in the Board of Directors to the seven memberat-large Board that exists today. These two propositions and a third proposition to allow for the implementation of an ad valorem property tax by the Township

By Karen Dempsey

were approved by voters in November 2007, and were the catalyst for the change from the community associations to the current Township governance structure.

In late 2007, the Township executed the RPA with the City of Houston. The Township has a similar RPA with the City of Conroe for the small portion of The Woodlands that lies within its ETJ.

Incorporation Discussions

In accordance with the RPAs, the earliest date that the Township could consider holding an election to incorporate was in 2014. From 2011 – 2012, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors facilitated a process that included research, analysis, and dialogue with citizens, businesses, and service providers. The purpose of this process was to determine what, if any, adjustments needed to be made to the current governance structure to lead the community into the future, and the outcome would be used to develop a strategic governance position. At the conclusion of the study, the Township Board adopted its strategic governance position by passing a resolution indefinitely deferring an incorporation election and established a multi-level approach to evaluate and escalate a change in governance.

Starting in 2015, a number of local issues reignited the Incorporation discussion. Thoroughfare planning, road construction and expansion, were the first items of concern, followed by the impacts of hurricanes and related flooding in the community. As residents of The Woodlands increasingly came to the Township for assistance in matters outside of the Township authority, the Township Board initiated a new discussion of incorporation.

In 2017, the Township’s enabling legislation was amended to provide a clear path for incorporation as a general law city and the dissolution of the Township

1960s

1996

Kingwood annexed by Cit y of Houston Communit y leaders initiate governance discussions

2006

Communit y leaders negotiate deal with Cit y of Houston and Cit y of Conroe to avoid annexation but agreements require legislative changes

2007

Legislation is passed, and voters approve three propositions that enable the communit y to enter into Regional Par ticipation Agreements (RPAs) with Houston and Conroe to allow The Woodlands to determine its own governance

2010

The Woodlands Township as it currently exists is created with combination of Community Associations of The Woodlands and Town Center Improvement District

2012

Township Board studies Future Governance but defers ac tion 2014

First year voters may consider future governance per RPAs; no elec tion held

1 2 3 4 5 10 9 8 7 6

2015 2016

2017

Township voters rejec t Road Bond with Woodlands Park way E x tension

Major thoroughfares added

upon voter approval of incorporation. In 2018, the Township Board initiated an incorporation planning study to include public input opportunities, a financial and benchmarking/best practices analysis, a tax rate study, an assessment of law enforcement needs, a pavement management study, and a review of infrastructure management alternatives (such as MUDs and water services).

Current Studies

Throughout 2018 and 2019, the Township Board held regularly scheduled planning sessions to review and discuss the Incorporation Planning Study and substudy reports with

2020 2021

Hurricane Harvey arrives in Texas Board puts study on hold

Study continues, but COVID-19 Pandemic hits and Township

Township Board reopens Incorporation Study

- $66 billion in federal COVID-19 relief

funds authorized to aid communities - No public health authority

No local control

Following Legislation in 2017, Township Board initiates yearlong Governance/Incorporation Planning Study

contracted consulting firms. Following a presentation from the study consultants at a February 2020 meeting, the Township Board approved a provisional maximum initial tax rate for use in the next phase of community engagement for the Incorporation Planning Study; however, in March 2020, the Township Board voted to defer the community engagement process due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Board directed staff and consultants to work towards completing a viable long-term financial model and plan that could be updated by future boards and in a condition that could be carried forward for annual updates as part of the future board budget processes. In

June 2020, the Township Board received a presentation from its consultants and accepted the Incorporation Study Consolidated Report. In August 2020, the Board held a special meeting to provide an opportunity to call a November 2020 election; however, this matter was tabled.

May 2021

In March of this year, Township Chairman Gordy Bunch requested a future agenda item for an update on Incorporation, and in April, it was announced that the Board would be reopening the Incorporation Planning process. The Board expects to hold a meeting focused on Incorporation during the summer months and plans to hold a public forum later this year.

George Mitchell purchases land to build The Woodlands, requests the Cit y of Houston place these landholdings within the cit y’s ex traterritorial jurisdic tion (ETJ) or annexation area

The Woodlands communit y enters annexation moratorium with Cit y of Houston

Comparison of COVID-19 Federal Stimulus Dollars Between Township and Peer Communities

The federal government has provided $500 billion in direct financial assistance to states, counties and cities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are intended to help communities provide for the health and safety of residents while also mitigating the economic impacts of

COVID on local businesses and government services. The Woodlands Township has received less than $1 million of an estimated $35 million the Township expected to receive. In comparison, the Township’s peer communities were allocated a combined $132 million to aid in recovery.

Please visit the Township’s online calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar for the very latest information on Township events and cancellations regarding The Woodlands Township Board of Directors meetings, Development Standards Committee and Residential Design Review Committee Meetings, Village Meetings, The Woodlands Farmer’s Market and many other Township-related activities that are usually listed here.

Notice Regarding Candidate Filing Period For The Woodlands Township Election

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors election will be held on November 2, 2021. The period to file an application for placement on the ballot is as follows: First day to file for place on ballot: July 17, 2021; Last day to file for place on ballot: August 16, 2021 at 5 p.m. For more information, please visit The Woodlands Township website, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3800, after the filing period has begun.

Village Challenge Encourages Planting Native

By Amber Barnes

TheWoodlands Township supports monarchs and other pollinators through ongoing programs like the Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge. If your garden provides basic needs of pollinators – food, shelter, water and a chemical-free space, register today!

The registration form will guide you in making simple enhancements that make a big difference. Perhaps you’re missing a water source (a small bird bath works great) or you need a few more native flowering plants that bloom in the fall. Maybe you haven’t thought to plant your flowers in bunches so pollinators can find them. The form makes it easy to identify the basic elements bees, butterflies, moths and others will need to flourish. If you only have space for a patio or container garden, you can register, too!

Registrations received through December 1, 2021, will be included in the 2021 Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge. Each registration earns a point for your Village Association. Villages with the most points are awarded funds for their scholarship programs, thanks to The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Project Pollination.

Did you register your garden last year? To earn a point, just share what actions you’ve taken this year to support pollinators, like adding more host and nectar plants.

Garden registration forms can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ plantforpollinators. Please submit your completed form online, email to enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or print and mail to: The Woodlands Township Environmental Services at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381.

For more information about the Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge, or resources on how to easily start your own pollinator garden, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/plantforpollinators or contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800.

Township Designated a Monarch Champion by the National Wildlife Federation

The National Wildlife Federation has named The Woodlands Township as a Monarch Champion for its commitment to the environment, and specifically to the endangered monarch butterfly. The Woodlands Township is the 10th community in North America to receive this designation. The award was earned through the work of The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department, other community organizations, and with the commitment and leadership of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors. The Board recognized the importance of devoting resources to programs and activities related to monarch and pollinator habitat creation/restoration. The Township also participated in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, which supports monarch habitat and the planting of native milkweed.

Photo by Erica Flocke

Alden Bridge

Happy Fourth of July from Alden Bridge! Our July board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at the Township Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. As of this writing, due to the pandemic, our meetings have been held virtually. Follow the Alden Bridge Village Association page on Facebook or our website, www.aldenbridge.org for updates. If you are interested in attending our meetings while they are being held virtually, especially if you have a public comment or concern, please send us an e-mail at abvainfo@gmail.com.

Kudos to our May winners of the Yard of the Month Program. Chris and Laurie McMartin at 135 W Stockbridge Landing Circle. Their plants are truly benefitting the pollinators and their beautiful garden.

The Alden Bridge Yard of the Month program continues through this summer. Please look around the village and send your nominations for best front yard in Alden Bridge

to aldenbridgeyom@gmail.com or abvainfo@gmail.com no later than Wednesday, July 21, 2021, and we’ll award on August 1, 2021. Nominate your neighbors (or yourself)! While you’re out walking, just make note of that neighbor’s address and they could be a winner!

Interested in more Alden Bridge news? We continue to publish our monthly electronic village newsletter. To join our subscriber list of more than 1,000 households, please send your e-mail address to abvainfo@gmail.com. Your e-mail address will never be shared and will be used only to disseminate news of our village. In addition, you can always visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AldenBridge, and our website, www.aldenbridge.org, for more updates.

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

Cochran’s Crossing

The board is busy planning the annual Pool Party. Please join us at the Bear Branch Pool from 1 to 4 p.m. on August 8 for the festivities!

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association awarded two scholarships to Hannah DeVerse and to Cristy Lopez. Congratulations to both of these wonderful young women!

Hannah DeVerse graduated from The Woodlands College Park High School and will attend Lone Star College with plans to attend Sam Houston University to earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She plans to pursue a doctorate degree with a focus on pediatric clinical psychology. While in high school, Hannah was a member of the Texas Association of Future Educators, Future Family and Career Leaders of America, and the Literature Club and participated in choir. She enjoyed membership in the National Charity League, volunteering in the community. For three years, Hannah worked at the preschool on the high school campus.

Cristy Lopez graduated from The Woodlands College Park High School and will attend the University of Texas at Dallas in Business Marketing with further plans to attend law school. She aspires to be a corporate lawyer with plans to serve as a judge. Cristy is a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps Junior ROTC, participated in FIRST Robotics competitions, Junior State of America, and attended the Academy of Science and Technology. While in high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National French Honor Society, the Literary Club, orchestra, and Armed Drill. All of the scholarship applications received were excellent and we thank all who applied.

Hannah DeVerse Cristy Lopez

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

We wish all applicants well in their continued education!

Subsidence is a serious issue facing residents of Cochran’s Crossing and is affecting multiple homeowners, with the ability to affect more. Cracking and movement of structures and flooding are both concerns of continued subsidence. Increased pumping of groundwater for other parts of the county will result in subsidence issues here and will cost all Woodlands residents more in the form of higher water bills because The Woodlands will be paying for more expensive surface water. The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District (LSGCD) set a 90-day public comment about these types of concerns. Individuals who wish to share their thoughts should submit their comments in writing to info@lonestargcd.org with the subject line “DFC Comments” no later than 11:59 p.m. on July 19, 2021. LSGCD plans to hold a hearing this summer to receive and consider public comments. Individuals interested in sharing their thoughts in person should sign up for the District’s emails to be notified of the hearing date and registration process, www.lonestargcd.org.

If you are interested in serving on the Village board, please contact us at cochranscrossingvillage@gmail.com.

Please join us at the next meeting of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 7 p.m. Please follow our Facebook page, Village of Cochran’s Crossing Association, and find us on our webpage, www.cochranscrossing.com, and email us at cochranscrossingvillage@gmail.com with any questions.

Submitted by Cynthia Kessinger

College Park

The board members of College Park Village Association have

returned to serve you for another term. Serving a one-year term as a village representative is Johanne Stanley from Harper’s Landing and from Grogan’s Forest are Dave Mulberry and Jeff Gross. Returning to fulfill the second year of a two-year term is Treasurer Kevin Pollock and Vice President Kelly Richard, both from Harper’s landing. Newly reinstated to serve two-year terms are President Ted Stanley who lives in Harper’s Landing and Secretary Marti Meerscheidt from Windsor Hills.

If you live in College Park and are interested in serving with us, please contact one of the directors listed and find out what we do and how you can be part of this dynamic group of neighbors. We have some open director seats for interested neighbors. College scholarships were awarded to high school graduates Robert Birkhead and Adley Kitchens. We wish all graduates well in their next adventure whether it be further education or entering a career pathway.

As we emerge from the pandemic, events will start to be scheduled. Our first attempt at reconnecting with the residents was the annual Poolooza back in May. Unfortunately, it was rained out and rescheduled. Please check our website, www.villageofcollegepark.com, and our Facebook page for updates as they occur.

Don’t forget that you can use the Vacation Watch program provided to residents by the Montgomery County Sherriff’s Office. Another practice we are reminded of is to always lock your car and make sure you remove valuables at night. Most auto accidents in our village occur on 242. Be cautious when exiting the ramps and merging. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Grogan’s Mill

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association awarded five scholarships to residents of Grogan’s Mill this spring.

The recipients are:

• Ana Berlioz

University of Texas Austin

• Andrew Parsons

Lone Star Montgomery College

• Kellyn Raybon

The Woodlands High School College Park

• Hannah Ross

Sam Houston University

• Ryan Willingham

Lone Star Montgomery College

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association donated $250 to the Tamina Cemetery and Community Project. The Tamina Cemetery and Community Project CDC is a corporation comprised of descendants of Tamina’s forefathers, churches and other members of the community. Their purpose is to restore the Sweet Rest Cemetery and continue its perpetual care. Their vision is to help ensure that future generations will be able to know and recognize their heritage, honor their legacy and for Sweet Rest Cemetery to be recognized as a historical landmark.

The Tamina Sweet Rest Cemetery is currently entombed with former slaves, native Americans, World War I, II and Vietnam veterans along with other war heroes and law enforcement officers. Many of the founding residents of Tamina worked for the GroganCochran Lumber Company, including the Grogan’s Mill, the namesake of our village.

For the past 10 years, the roughly 12-acre cemetery has been left dormant and without a caretaker except for

continued on next page

occasional volunteers. As a result, many of the graves are inaccessible due to standing water, unmowed grass and the lack of weed maintenance, which is an indicator that the natural water flow is blocked on various sides of the cemetery.

Thanks to residents supporting The Woodlands Farmer’s Market, the Grogan’s Mill Village Association is able to support scholarships, schools, community programs, the Interfaith Food Pantry and more. We thank you for spending your Saturday mornings with us shopping for produce, honey, meats, crafts, food and more. The Woodlands Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at 7 Switchbud Place in the Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center. In addition to our regular lineup of vendors, the market often features live music and a food truck. Like us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/WoodlandsFarmersMarket to stay up-to-date with the details.

If you are not a subscriber to our village newsletter, you are missing out on important and interesting information about our community. We publish about twice each month, so we won’t fill up your inbox. Please visit www. grogansmill.org/news-and-events or scan the QR code on page 15 to sign up. We also have a Facebook page that has good information about our community at www.facebook.com/ GrogansMillVillageAssociation.

Submitted by Jennifer Robinson

Panther Creek

This summer is off to a roaring start. We hope you did not miss out on the Panther Creek Village Association picnic and pool day at Ridgewood Park.

The Woodlands Fire Department is rated in the top 1 percent of fire departments in the entire nation. In addition to the safe and reassuring feelings of knowing that if a fire does strike your home they will be on their way so very quickly, we are thankful that their prompt and outstanding service results in home insurance discounts. Come see the trucks

and equipment close up and meet these dedicated public servants at the Public Safety Open Houses. More details can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/calendar.

Upcoming events to put on your calendar include the very popular Panther Creek trip to see our Houston Astros in action. We will gather at the Panther Creek Village Shopping Center to board comfortable custom coaches to and from the game, sparing us the parking hustles and costs. The bargain ticket price includes the luxury transportation and entrance to the ballpark. Check the Panther Creek website, www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org, for details.

The Woodlands Flea Market will be held in the Market Square area. Whether selling or hunting for a great bargain, this event is always fun. Details will soon be available at www.woodlandsfleamarket.org.

Sadly, I must report that our invaluable program specialist at The Woodlands Township, Mrs. M. J. Currey, is moving to Wyoming. Not only did she keep us informed about activities at the Township, but her husband, Kevin, also served our community as a Panther Creek board member. His work with the applicants for our annual college scholarship program will be sorely missed.

If you ever looked for an opportunity to become more involved in your community, now is a great time to investigate the work we do. 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. 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 have another chance to join with your neighbors at National Night Out. Keep checking The Woodlands Community Magazine and www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org for more details.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Chinch Bugs A Bane to Woodlands Lawns

Chinch bugs are tiny creatures, barely visible to the naked eye, but their damage to lawns belies their size. They destroy lawns by penetrating grass blades with razor-sharp beaks, dehydrating and killing the grass.

Chinch bugs love hot areas and begin their journey across a yard by starting at the edge of a driveway or sidewalk where the ground absorbs heat. Once they have destroyed the grass along the edge of those hot areas, they progress outward. Their damage becomes evident in August and September. Look for dead or dying

brown grass alongside your driveway or sidewalk. Take a coffee can, cut out the bottom of it and insert it into the ground a couple of inches where dead grass and live grass meet. Fill the can with water and the chinch bugs will float to the top.

There are several ways to rid your yard of chinch bugs.

Organic Methods

Products that contain Beauvaria bassonia, a fungus, are highly effective against chinch bugs and a long list of other insect pests. Scientists consider the fungus to be harmless to beneficial insects, although they recommend not spraying in areas where honeybees are foraging. The bees themselves won’t become contaminated, but they may carry spores back and infect the brood.Another organic method contains terpene which is entirely harmless to mammals, birds and fish, but deadly to chinch bugs.

By Bob Dailey

Synthetic Method

Bifenthrin is a neurotoxin (synthetic Pyrethrin) that attacks the nervous system and is highly effective against chinch bugs. This poison exists in nature also; marigolds are a source of natural Pyrethrin. This insecticide, whether synthetic or organisms, controls a large number of insect species. It is highly toxic to fish. When used around children or animals, make sure you follow the label instructions carefully. Use with care, according to instructions. Applications include liquid and granular.

Other Helpful Methods

Using best lawn care practices is also helpful in chinch bug control. Water by hose once a week along the edges of driveways and sidewalks. Keeping those areas wetter will discourage chinch bugs. Use slow-release fertilizer and compost to keep the soil and lawn healthy and strong.

This article was provided by Woodlands Water, www.woodlandswater.org.

Chinch bugs cause visible harm to an otherwise healthy lawn. Dead or dying brown grass alongside your driveway or sidewalk serves as a dead giveaway to indicate the presence of chinch bugs.

By Susan Martin

Designate a Water Watcher

The biggest threat to young children during the summer is unsupervised access to water.

Whenchildren are swimming, it is a good practice to designate a Water Watcher whose only role is to watch the children while in the pool. Even if a lifeguard is present, it is important to maintain supervision. During parties or gatherings, it is easy to get distracted. Take turns and utilize a Water Watcher Card or symbol to designate who is in charge of watching the children.

Ignore your phone while supervising children in the water; scrolling can quickly lead to distraction, allowing accidents to occur. Keep your phone nearby, fully charged, in case of an emergency.

Water Watcher Cards are available through The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch. Please call 281-210-3800 or email neighbor@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Orange you glad you have a life jacket?

As a general rule:

• Parents and caregivers should be in arm’s reach of a child at all times (whether in a pool, lake, ocean or bath tub).

• Children should always wear a wellfitting Coast Guard approved life jacket when near or around water.

Another layer of protection against drowning: Coast Guard approved life jacket. Inflatable toys, water wings, and noodles are best for occasions while children are under strict supervision. Used correctly, they can help a child build confidence while they explore the water and learn about their abilities (and limitations!) Do not rely on water wings – Period!

• If your child is not a proficient swimmer, it is OK to use a floaty, but only if you are right next to them in the water. However, these toys are not meant to be life preservers.

• While boating, all children should wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket if they are on a watercraft. Adults should model safe behavior and facilitate their ability to help their child in the event of an emergency.

For more information on water safety and drowning prevention, contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800 or neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

“Mom and Dad, I am so grateful for y’all enrolling me in this school. It has shaped me for the best and I’ve met friends for life; my future groomsmen, my children’s god parents and people I love so much!”

• CAEDMON PARKER, GRADE 12 with KINGSTON PARKER, KINDERGARTEN

If you didn’t get Township Emergency Communications during the Great Snow Storm of 2021, make sure you

SIGN UP NOW

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme

Stay Prepared for Hurricanes

Hurricane season is underway. Please assemble an Emergency Supply Kit ahead of time, including food, water and medicines. A full list of emergency resources is available at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency, along with updates from local agencies as events unfold. Staying informed during an emergency is an important step in helping to keep you and your family safe. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike — sign up for alerts, prepare your emergency kit and make a plan today.

Select Your Communication Method

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme

The Notify Me page of the Township website is where residents can sign up for email and text alerts. Sign up for the weekly Talk of the Township eNewsletter, communitywide emergency alerts, press releases and transit alerts.

Also stay tuned to local media outlets, including K-STAR Country, KVST-FM, locally operated and the official emergency broadcast partner of the Township.

Follow The Woodlands Township on Social Media

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed

Follow the official Township Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for updates.

in case you missed it - continued

• In recognition of Chief Joseph “Jerry” Bittner retiring from The Woodlands Fire Department. With 40 years of service, Chief Bittner is the longest serving employee of The Woodlands Fire Department and The Woodlands Township. Chief Bittner was instrumental in the design and managed construction of The Woodlands Fire Department Central Fire Station and Stations 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and the Emergency Training Center. He also managed the major remodel and expansion of Fire Station 2.

• In recognition of National Police Week 2021 and to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors proclaimed the week of May 9, 2021, as Police Week in The Woodlands, Texas.

www.arborcarehouston.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 281-2103800. 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 © 2021. 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.

In support of the monarch butterfly population and to help restore habitat for the monarch and encourage citizens to do the same, the Board of Directors proclaimed April 28, 2021, as Monarch Butterfly Day in The Woodlands, Texas.

To promote The Woodlands Bike-Friendly Community designation and increase public awareness for bicycling during National Bike Month, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors proclaimed the month of May as Bike The Woodlands Month, May 21, 2021, as Bike to Work Day and May 22, 2021, as Bike The Woodlands Day.

• In support of preventing child abuse and neglect and raising awareness of this issue, the Board of Directors proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in The Woodlands, Texas.

• Olivia Degeorgio, Brittyn Corbishley and Jonathan Wertz, of The Woodlands College Park High School, were honored as State Champions and The Woodlands College Park High School Wrestling Champions Day in The Woodlands, Texas.

• Aidan Johnson, Connor Washington, Marcus Scott II and Jay Henshaw, members of The Woodlands College Park High School Track and Field Team, for winning two gold medals at the recent UIL State Track and Field Championships in Austin, Texas.

Community Recycling Guidelines

By Zoe Killian

Keep

CONGRATULATIONS!

to The John Cooper School CLASS of 2021 as you continue to journey “from curiosity to wisdom.”

Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow s reality.

–Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Prize Laureate

The Woodlands recycling program going strong by refreshing your knowledge of curbside guidelines. Above all, follow the Golden Rule of Recycling: place only the approved items in your recycling cart. Items other than those specified are considered contaminants. Common contaminants include plastic bags, tanglers (cords or string), food waste, hazardous waste and Styrofoam. These items harm machinery, endanger workers and reduce the value of the approved materials.

Many items that don’t belong in your curbside cart can be recycled locally. Find where to take plastic bags, electronics, Styrofoam, batteries and more with The Woodlands

Township Recycle More Guide, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ recyclemore.

For questions about recycling, please call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services at 281-210-3800, email enviro@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/recycling.

To report a missed pickup, service issue or schedule bulky trash, please contact Waste Management at 1-800-800-5804 or cssatex@wm.com.

Half

By

Zoe Killian

Adopt-a-path volunteers active January to March 2021

46 groups

+ 312 volunteer hours

+2,141 gallons of trash

1,427 pounds

23 curbside carts

ALDEN BRIDGE: Alison Loughlin – Real Estate Agent, Claude Hunter, Niemann Family - Molly, Fritz & Pickles, Steve and Judy Easton

Thank you for your commitment to keep The Woodlands clean and green by participating in the Adopt-a-Path program!

COCHRAN’S CROSSING: Figueredo-Weiser Family, Girl Scout Troop #106325, Kimmel Family, NCL Texas Laurels, Rhoad Family, Roger Howard, Sterling Total Wealth Advisors, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., The Woodlands High School Interact Club, The Woodlands High School Science NHS

COLLEGE PARK: Dunseith Family

CREEKSIDE PARK: Benedict Family, Bike The Woodlands Coalition, Bredehoft Family, Girl Scout Troop #108053, Green Corners Duo, Ken Conner, Sullivan Family, Trabue Family, Zielinski Family

GROGAN’S MILL: Gooding Family, Scott Marzano, Stronger to Serve INDIAN SPRINGS: Andra Wilcox and Richard Nieto, III, Ellison Family, Schapiro Family

PANTHER CREEK: Barnes Family, Clayton & Diane, College Park HOSA, Grimes-Hanlin Family, Gunden Schmucker Family, Killian Family, Klein Family, Oney Family for Koda and Sunuk

RESEARCH FOREST: Private Citizens, TownshipFuture

STERLING RIDGE: Charles and Donna Moseleym, Devitt Family, Halverson Family & Friends, NCL Texas Laurels, The Woodlands

G.R.E.E.N. – Newman Family

If you wish to adopt a pathway, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ adoptapath to submit an application. For more information, please call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

The Woodlands Township offers 14 pools for residents and visitors.

REGULAR SEASON

(Runs through August 10, 2021)

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

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

Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m.

*Wendtwoods Pool regular season weekday hours through Friday, August 13, 2021.

Creekwood, Forestgate, Lakeside and Shadowbend

Monday to Saturday: noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m.

All Pools

Fourth of July: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Please note, all pools have a weekly closure day for training and maintenance during the Regular Season.

MONDAY

Alden Bridge, Forestgate, Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

TUESDAY

Ridgewood, Sawmill, Windvale

WEDNESDAY

Bear Branch, Falconwing, Wendtwoods

THURSDAY

Cranebrook, Creekwood, Harper’s Landing

FRIDAY

Lakeside, Shadowbend

Swim into Summer

AT THE TOWNSHIP POOLS

Summerweather has arrived and season passes for The Woodlands Township pools are available for purchase now! Get your season passes early and avoid waiting in line when the pools open. Season passes are valid for entry into all Township pools including the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center. The regular season for all pools runs through August 10, 2021, with post-season running through September 6, 2021. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools for the full pool schedule, in-service dates, pool hours and detailed pool pass information.

Purchasing or renewing your pool pass is easy. Call or visit one of The Woodlands Township’s recreation centers or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ signupforfun and click Fitness Room and Pool Pass Memberships. For new season pool passes, pictures must be taken at one of the recreation center locations within one week of purchasing a new pass by phone or online.

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

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

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

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park

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

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

Daily fees and punch cards are available during pool season. For more information, please call The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park at 281-516-7348 or The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park at 281-210-3950, or email recreation@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Joe’s surgery is now in the rearview mirror. We put it there.

Even before we meet one another, we know we have something in common. Because if you’re facing a neurological issue — you not only want compassion and technology, you want expert physicians with a never-give-in, never-give-up attitude. The kind of attitude that put Joe’s surgery in the rearview mirror, and put Joe back on the dance floor.

We’re The Woodlands Hospital, taking pride in changing destinies. Find out how at StLukesHealth.org/Neuro