August 2018

There’s

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

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

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

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

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

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

Champions School of Real Estate® is your choice school for a new career! We have counselors at our brick and mortar schools in every major metropolitan area of Texas to help counsel you with any question you may have. We also have online counselors and live chat for our customers

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

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

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

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

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

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

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

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

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

Emergency 911

Township Begins 2019 Budget Planning

The Woodlands Township expects to present and adopt the 2019 budget this month. Please visit the calendar pages in this issue and at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov to see the daily schedule of meetings and events.

The Woodlands Township Incorporation Study consultants will provide a recap of studies to date such as the best practices analysis, law enforcement analysis, street condition analysis, a review of municipal utility district (MUD) operations and public feedback received to date.

Be sure to keep up with the latest at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/governance and www.thewoodlandsincorporationstudy.com.

Gordy Bunch Chairman

Brian Boniface Director

John McMullan Vice Chairman

Bruce Rieser Director

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Secretary

No. 6

Carol Stromatt Director Position No. 7

Don Norrell President and General Manager

John Anthony Brown Treasurer

No. 3

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 It is printed and distributed free of charge to residents of The Woodlands. The printing and distribution of The Woodlands Community Magazine are supported entirely by advertising revenue. Please patronize the advertisers whenever possible, and tell them you saw their ad in this magazine and appreciate their support.

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Charlotte Blanco Cheryl Kirsch

Creative Director Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Emily Wright

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.

message from the woodlands township board of directors - continued from page 3

In Case You Missed It

• The Woodlands Township recently earned an issuer rating of Aa1 from Moody’s Investor Service. The issuer rating reflects Moody’s credit assessment of the Township’s implicit general obligation credit strength and is used as a reference rating for the Township’s sales and use tax and hotel occupancy bonds (revenue bonds), which currently have a rating of A1. According to Moody’s definitions, “obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.” The only credit rating higher than Aa1 is Aaa.

• The Woodlands Township Board recently approved the purchase of 10 swan pedal boats to be available for rent to the public as a recreational activity on The Woodlands Waterway. Look for the swan-shaped boats near the Riva Row Boat House. Boats will be permitted to travel the Waterway from the south turning basin heading east but will not be permitted in Lake Robbins. Fees are expected to be $25 for the first hour and $5 each additional hour. Please visit or contact the Riva Row Boat House at 281-210-3965 for rental availability.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors November 6, 2018 Election

Positions Available

Four at-large positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will be elected in the November 2018 election, designated as positions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each position is for a two-year term.

Candidates may file an application to appear on the ballot for one of the designated positions between July 21, 2018, and 5 p.m. on August 20, 2018. The deadline for filing a declaration of a write-in candidacy is 5 p.m. on August 24, 2018. Applications may be mailed to the Township or delivered in person. Applications delivered in person are accepted on regular business days during the Township’s office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regardless of the method of delivery, an application is considered to be filed at the time of its receipt by the Township. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3800 for more information, such as how to obtain a filing packet.

Relevant Dates*

August 20, 2018 ......... Last Day to File Application to Appear on Ballot for One of the Designated Positions (5 p.m.); Last Day to Order Election

August 24, 2018 Last Day to File Declaration of Write-In Candidacy (5 p.m.)

October 9, 2018 Last Day to Register to Vote

October 22, 2018 ............................. First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance

October 26 2018 Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (received, not postmarked)

November 2, 2018 Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance

November 6, 2018 ......................................................................................... Election Day

* The Texas Secretary of State is the chief election officer of the State of Texas and provides the dates set forth herein. Interested persons are encouraged to visit the Secretary of State’s Election Division website at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/index.shtml or contact the Secretary of State’s Election Division by telephone at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) to obtain the most current information.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE

BOOTS VS. BADGES

Softball Game

By Kristin Pternitis

Saturday, August 4, 2018 • 7 to 8:30 p.m.

McCullough Junior High - Scotland Yard Baseball Field, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive

In celebration of National Night Out, come out and root for both of your home teams during a friendly game of softball between The Woodlands Fire Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Our home team players will strive to be safe at home, just like The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch. Concessions will be sold, with proceeds benefiting The Woodlands High School Baseball Booster Club. Admission is free!

BOOTS VS. BADGES RECORD

2012 WINNER: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

2013 WINNER: The Woodlands Fire Department

2014 WINNER: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

2015 WINNER: The Woodlands Fire Department

2016 – Game canceled due to unforeseen circumstances

2017 WINNER: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Will The Woodlands Fire Department continue the trend? Join us to find out!

The annual Boots vs. Badges game is a great community event and a fun part of the National Night Out initiative hosted by The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch. Come support your hometown teams who work so hard to ensure public safety throughout the year.

Public Safety Open Houses at The Woodlands Fire Department

Celebrate Public Safety Partnerships

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch invites you to stop, drop and roll into your local fire station for a Public Safety Open House. You will learn more about upcoming National Night Out events; get an up-close look at fire apparatus, rescue units and the fire station where it all happens.

Only two opportunities remain to attend a Public Safety Open House with The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch. Mark your calendar to visit your local fire station and learn more about fire safety, public safety and National Night Out.

Children can meet firefighters and learn about fire safety. Also, if you ride your bicycle to the event, The Woodlands Fire Department will provide bike registration to assist law enforcement in identifying the owner when bicycles are found.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Prevention Unit or Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, will join in on the fun as well. Kids of all ages can visit with deputies and see a patrol vehicle. Program specialists from The Woodlands Township

By Marian Montgomery Leck

Neighborhood Watch will also be there to share information about bringing the Neighborhood Watch program to your neighborhood. Program specialists will share ways for residents to educate and celebrate safety right in their own neighborhoods by participating in National Night Out.

For more information about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch program and National Night Out, please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/neighborhoodwatch.

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

AT THE POOLS Beat theHeat

School may be back in session soon, but summer isn’t over just yet. The Woodlands Township community pools are open for regular season until August 14, 2018, and post-season hours begin August 16, 2018, to help you beat the Texas heat.

REGULAR SEASON

June 1 to August 14, 2018

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

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

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

*Bear Branch Pool will open during the 2018 regular season as soon as construction on the new facility is completed.

**Wendtwoods Pool will remain open during regular season hours through Monday, August 20, 2018, to follow the Tomball ISD Academic Calendar.

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

Wednesdays: Bear Branch, Falconwing and Wendtwoods

Thursdays: Cranebrook, Creekwood and Harper’s Landing

Fridays: Lakeside and Shadowbend

POST-SEASON WEEKDAYS

August 16 – 31, 2018

Bear Branch Pool ...... August 16-17, 2018

Bear Branch Pool ....... August 20-24, 2018

Bear Branch Pool August 27-31, 2018

Monday - Friday: 1 to 6 p.m.

Closed Wednesdays

August 18 – September 9, 2018

Alden Bridge Pool, Bear Branch Pool, Cranebrook Pool, Forestgate Pool, Harper’s Landing Pool, Ridgewood Pool, Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, Sawmill Pool, Wendtwoods Pool August 18-19, 2018

August 25-26, 2018

September 1-3*, 2018

September 8-9, 2018

Saturdays: Noon to 6 p.m.

Sundays: 1 to 6 p.m.

*On Labor Day, Sept. 3, 2018: Noon to 6 p.m.

For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools or call 281-210-3950.

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has offices conveniently located in The Woodlands and Conroe. Our specialists are honored to serve families in Montgomery County 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

The

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

What Are Those Lifeguards Doing?

By Karl Shaw

The Woodlands Township employs over 330 seasonal lifeguards and lifeguard supervisory staff every summer to help keep all Township pools clean and safe for swimmers. But since a lot of the action happens behind the scenes, and a big part of a lifeguard’s job involves sitting still and quietly concentrating, you might find yourself sometimes wondering, “What are they doing?”

Before the Season

The Woodlands Township lifeguard staff is trained by American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructors. They take an approximately 30-hour course covering CPR, first aid and water rescue skills. The instructors themselves then become the Pool (or Area) Supervisors for the summer. Leadership staff attends a weekendlong training covering cash handling, customer service, management techniques, emergency oxygen administration and more. Staff at Rob Fleming Aquatic Center is given special water park skills training. And about 70 lifeguards each year learn waterfront rescue skills so they can help with open-water events such as

the CB&I TRI Triathlon and Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas North American Championship.

Every Week

On the day the pool is closed each week, Township staff convenes for an in-service training day for at least two hours. For the first hour, they clean. For the second hour, they train. Training may consist of anything from water rescues, CPR practice, conditioning or a combination.

Every Day

At some pools, we may have a lifesaving event each day; we’ll complete about 95 rescues and 70 first-aid reports in 2018. At other pools, it’s a bit more laid back. But at all the pools, staff is taking time during every workday to drill and improve. Supervisors will perform more than 1,500 skills audits this summer.

Every Hour

During safety break, the manager on duty at each pool should be drilling their staff on something safety-related. You may see them practicing a spinal board

extraction, performing CPR on a rescue tube or talking through some first aid.

Every Five Minutes

Have you ever noticed a lifeguard stand up, look in all directions and then sit back down without saying anything? No, she’s not paranoid. It’s her job! We want the lifeguards to do that every five minutes to avoid distraction, complacency and “zoning out” during a long, hot shift.

Awards

In 2017, the Township lifeguarding staff won an Aquatics International award for Lifeguard Management as well as a Texas Public Pool Council award for their work on Splash Day.

When you come out to the pools for a relaxing day in the sun with your family, we want you to know that you’re in good hands. The Township is proud of our award-winning lifeguard staff and we hope that you are as well. The next time you see them doing well, please let us know! It’s always good to hear how we can improve, but it’s even nicer to hear about the positives.

For more information about The Woodlands Township’s pools or lifeguarding program, go to www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/pools, call 281-210-3913 or reach out to us directly by email at Aquatics@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Soak Up the Sun Before School Starts

A Message from Visit The Woodlands

Kayaking is the perfect activity to do solo, with friends and family or even your four-legged friend! The Riva Row Boat House, located near Town Green Park, is close to all the action. Kayakers and paddle boarders can often hear the concert sounds from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. On select weekend mornings, paddle out to a floating studio for a vinyasa flow during a two-hour paddleboard yoga class. The Lakes Edge Boat House is located in Hughes Landing, a short paddle away from Northshore Park.

A 1,700-acre nature preserve nestled in the back of The Woodlands includes a two mile hiking loop and three miles of bike trails. This wooded and naturally forested area provides an escape from our commercial area and offers a shaded hiking experience which connects to almost 12,000 acres of forest known as the Spring Creek Greenway. With all of the hiking and biking to be done, you are sure to work up an appetite! After a day in the forest, head over to one of the many restaurants and bakeries that The Woodlands has to offer.

For a daytime poolside experience at the Forest Oasis Lazy River and Waterpark or a nighttime Movie Under The Stars, The Woodlands Resort is a dream vacation for couples, families and friends. Whether you are looking to be pampered, or want to play on a world-class golf course, The Woodlands Resort has just what you may be looking for to complete your summer!

Riva Row and Lakes Edge Boat Houses

George Mitchell Nature Preserve

Back to School Safety: Get in the Zone

August is an exciting time of year as we prepare for the back-to-school season. This means different driving patterns and rules of the road. Plan to slow down and pay attention when kids are present, especially before and after school.

Share the Road

More children are hurt outside the bus and near schools than any other location. Children are more vulnerable than adults to being hit by a car. They tend to be less cautious than adults, are less visible due to their size and are less likely to survive if hit by a vehicle. A few precautions will go a long way toward keeping our children safe.

• Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits, both in school zones and in neighborhoods surrounding the school.

• Do not block the crosswalk when stopped.

• Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk or intersection.

• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

• Stop when directed to by the crossing guard, even if you have a green light.

• When backing up, do so slowly, utilizing all mirrors.

School Buses

It is illegal in Texas to pass (in either direction) a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children. School buses use yellow flashing lights to alert motorists that they are preparing to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign signals that children will be entering or exiting the bus.

• Be alert. Children are unpredictable.

• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.

• Maintain a greater distance when traveling behind a school bus as they make unexpected stops.

• Yield to the bus when they are attempting to merge.

Bus Riders

• Wait safely on the curb for the bus to stop before approaching it.

• Always remain in clear view of the bus driver.

• Do not move around on the bus.

• Children should always board and exit the bus at designated locations providing safe access to the bus or the school.

Dropping Off

• Know the specific drop-off procedures for your school.

By Susan Martin

• Do not double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.

• Do not load or unload children across the street from the school.

• Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.

Bicyclists

Children on bicycles are unpredictable and can be hard to see. Remember, child riders do not always properly determine traffic conditions or follow the rules.

• When passing a bicyclist, proceed slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist.

• When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching, wait for the rider to pass before turning.

• Watch for bike riders that might turn in front of you without looking or signaling.

• Watch for bikes coming from driveways or from behind parked cars.

• Check side mirrors before opening your door.

Before your children head out, remind them of these year-round safety tips:

• Never walk while texting or talking on the phone.

• If texting, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk.

• Never cross the street while using an electronic device.

• Do not walk with headphones on.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

Heads Up, Phones Down

Studies indicate that as many as one in five crashes involve driver distraction. Drivers who use technology of any kind while driving have a higher risk of collision than drivers who don’t, whether holding the phone or using a hands-free device.

Eliminating all distractions is critical to keeping children safe. We urge you to drive now and talk later. If you must make a phone call, pull over. Otherwise, wait until your reach your destination to use the phone.

Cell Phone Ordinances

In 2017, the Texas Legislature passed a statewide ban on using a wireless communications device for electronic messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Texting, as well as reading or writing email, is prohibited while driving in Texas.

• Drivers cannot send or receive electronic messages in Texas while driving.

• Drivers with learner’s permits are prohibited from using handheld cell phones in the first six months of driving.

• Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using wireless communications devices.

• In school zones, all drivers are prohibited from texting and using handheld devices while driving.

Source: TXDOT www.txdot.gov/driver/laws/ cellphones.html

For more information about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch program, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Take an end-of-summer break and enjoy Labor Day weekend in The Woodlands at Waterway Square! Enjoy an evening of live music by Sawdust Road (Variety), strolling entertainers, children’s activities and crafts, complimentary face painting and balloon art, a fireworks show* and more!

Sunday, September 2, 2018 4 to 9 p.m.

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place, The Woodlands, TX 77380

*Weather Permitting

Thanks to the National Safety Council and the American Automobile Association for some of the information in this article.

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR

Get prepared for hurricane season by stocking up on emergency supplies and keeping important documents in a secure place.

Hurricane season is here, and The Woodlands Township urges all residents to be prepared by planning what you and your family should do if disaster strikes.

you decide what to do later. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ emergency for additional 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.

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:

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

• At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food

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

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Whistle to signal for help

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

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener and utensils if kit contains canned food

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Important family documents

• Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers

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

Stay In Touch WITH THE TOWNSHIP

By Kacie Gurney

The Woodlands Township offers numerous ways to stay in touch and receive regular updates as well as emergency-related notifications. Now that hurricane season has arrived, it is very important to make note of the many ways to keep in touch with the Township and stay informed during times of emergency.

The Woodlands Township Website

The Woodlands Township website includes press releases, department information, an events calendar, emergency resources and more.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

To prepare for an emergency, the Township encourages residents to visit the Emergency Resources page on the website.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency

To receive notifications from the Township during an emergency, please subscribe to Community Emergency Notifications. To receive regular notifications when news is posted to the Township website, please subscribe to Newsflash Subscribers may receive alerts by email, text or both. Both options can be found on the Township website on the Notify Me page.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme

Talk of the Township e-Newsletter

The e-newsletter is sent weekly via email and includes upcoming events, Board updates and more. During an emergency, it may be used to communicate messages to residents. Please subscribe on the Notify Me page of the website. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme

Follow Us on Social Media

The Woodlands Township has multiple social media channels to follow:

www.facebook.com/thewoodlandstownship

www.facebook.com/townshipparksandrec

www.facebook.com/townshipneighborhoodwatch

www.twitter.com/thetownshiptx

www.twitter.com/townshiptransit

www.instagram.com/thetownshiptx

The Woodlands Community Magazine

The magazine is mailed monthly to residents of The Woodlands and is posted on the Township website.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/magazine

Download the Free Mobile App, The Woodlands 311

The Woodlands 311 is the official mobile app for The Woodlands Township. The app is a free, easy-to-use platform for community members to stay in touch with the Township.

SUBMIT SERVICE REQUESTS

Service requests, such as reporting broken streetlights, are easily submitted by completing a short description of the issue. Attach a photo or let your phone record the exact location to help pinpoint the problem.

TRACK YOUR REQUESTS

Track the progress of your request through the mobile app or on the Township website.

ACCESS TOWNSHIP INFORMATION

Use the in-app widgets to find important information about Township services, events, public facilities and more.

Search for TheWoodlands311 in the App Store and Google Play. Find out more about the app at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/mobileapp.

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

Wednesday, August 1

Development Standards Committee Meetings*

Thursday, August 2

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

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

Rock the Row

Hughes Landing Hughes Landing Blvd. 7 to 9 p.m. 281-210-3800

Saturday, August 4

The Woodlands Farmers 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 6

1100 Windsor Lakes Blvd. 1 to 3 p.m.

281-210-3889

Boots vs. Badges Softball Game

McCullough Jr. High Scotland Yard 3800 South Panther Creek Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3800

Sunday, August 5

Public Safety Open House

Station 2 9303 Gosling Road 3 to 5 p.m. 281-210-3886

Tuesday, August 7

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

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

281-210-3889

Thursday, August 9

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

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

281-210-3886

Rock the Row

Hughes Landing Hughes Landing Blvd. 7 to 9 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, August 10

Family Game Night - Summer Series

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 to 8:30 p.m. 281-516-7348

Saturday, August 11

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, August 13

Board of Directors

Budget Workshop #1

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 8:30 a.m. to noon

281-210-3800

Tuesday, August 14

Board of Directors

Budget Workshop #2

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 8:30 a.m. to noon 281-210-3800

A Novel Bunch Book Club

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive 6:30 to 7:30

281-516-7348

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

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

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

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

Photo by Perry Frank

Wednesday, August 15

Development Standards Committee Meetings*

Board of Directors

Budget Workshop #3

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

9:00 a.m. to noon

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Meeting

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

11:30 a.m.

281-363-2447

Thursday, August 16

Board of Directors Budget Workshop #4

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

8:30 a.m. to noon

281-210-3800

Board of Directors Planning Session

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

4 p.m.

281-210-3800

Board of Directors Regular Meeting

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Rock the Row

Hughes Landing

Hughes Landing Blvd.

7 to 9 p.m.

281-210-3800

Senior Dance Night

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7 to 9:30 p.m.

281-516-7348

Friday, August 17

Board of Directors

Budget Workshop #5

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

8:30 a.m. to noon

281-210-3800

Saturday, August 18

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

TRASH

Monday, August 20

College Park Village Association Meeting

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m.

281-210-3889

Wednesday, August 22

Board of Directors Regular Meeting

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

4 p.m.

281-210-3800

Board of Directors Planning Session

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, August 25

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

Grow Your Own Vegetables

The Woodlands Emergency Training Center

16135 IH 45 South

9 a.m. to noon

281-210-3800

Tuesday, August 28

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

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

281-210-3887

Wednesday, August 29

Salute to First Responders

Hands-Only CPR Training

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

281-210-3883

Salute to First Responders Blood Drive

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

6464 Creekside Forest Drive 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

281-210-3883

Board of Directors

Public Hearing #1

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

281-210-3800

No changes in garbage service this month.

TheWoodlands Township reminds residents that all solid waste services in the community will occur as usual during the Labor Day holiday. There will be no interruption or delay of services. Waste Management and Simple Recycling will provide curbside pickup of trash, recycling, yard trimmings and textiles to all residents on their regular service day, including Monday, September 3, 2018.

The Woodlands Recycling Center on Research Forest Drive will be open during regular hours: Wednesday, August 29, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, September 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents are reminded to be good neighbors over the Labor Day weekend:

• If you have house guests, please keep streets clear of parked cars on trash days to prevent blocked streets and missed pickups.

• Assist neighbors going out of town by placing and removing their trash and recycling carts from the curb to keep our community beautiful.

Alden Bridge

Hope that everyone is enjoying a great summer as it winds down once again. This month’s village association board meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. We’ll meet at 7 p.m. at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Alan Pennington of the Matrix Consulting Group will be our guest speaker, and he can update us on the progress of our incorporation study. Please join us! We love to meet Alden Bridge residents and are always ready to hear your concerns.

Our latest Yard of the Month winner was the McFadden family of Churchdale Place in Springhill. They’ve done a great job showcasing a wide variety of colorful plants. We’ll have one last 2018 award on September 1, so send your nominations for best front yard in our village to info@aldenbridge. org. Please submit your nominations no later than August 23, 2018.

We’ve designed an online survey to get an idea of the types of activities that would interest our residents. Please take the survey by going to www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y7T7D9T. It’s just six questions, and we’d love to have your feedback! The survey will be open through August 31, 2018.

Our monthly email newsletter is distributed to more than 1,000 residents. Please send us your email address so

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

you can receive the most current news of Alden Bridge. Your email address will not be shared and will be used solely to distribute news of our village. Also, don’t forget to like our Facebook page and check our website for news between newsletters – www.aldenbridge.org.

Your business can be publicized on the newsletter, Facebook and website also – we actively seek sponsors to help fund our scholarship program, and in return for your donation, we’ll help you reach Alden Bridge residents. Just email info@aldenbridge.org for all the specifics.

A new school year begins soon, so be extra careful when driving around our community. Please look for the school zone speed limit signs (and duck crossing signs) and obey them. Let’s give our kids a safe and happy new school year!

Submitted by Darla D. Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

We are looking forward to another trip to the Astros game against the Seattle Mariners on August 11, 2018. The tickets are $36, which includes the bus that will leave from the Cochran’s Crossing Kroger parking lot at 4:30 p.m. Please email jennifermgraff@gmail.com to see if any tickets remain.

At a recent meeting, the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association heard from Alan Pennington, vice president of Matrix Consulting Group. He provided a report that defined the positive, negative and neutral aspects of incorporation for the Township. The monthly Cochran’s Crossing board agenda will continue to include some question-and-answer time for Township Directors. There will be much more to come on the incorporation issue, and involvement of the village associations and their boards is particularly important.

On occasion, we are asked if there are any open positions on the board. There is a vacancy on the Cochran’s Crossing board. An updated introduction to the Cochran’s Crossing board was recently completed by board member J.C. Harville. More information can be obtained by contacting J.C. at jaycee1957@yahoo.com.

Cochran’s Crossing has been active in other ways to benefit the community. This year, college scholarships were awarded to Emily Faries and Caroline Frenzel. Both are graduates of The Woodlands High School, and they are both planning to attend UT Austin. In addition to excellent academic credits, they have been involved with a significant number of non-academic activities at the high school as well as community organizations. Emily is planning to major in biochemistry. Caroline is planning to major in business administration.

The annual Cochran’s Crossing Fall Festival is coming up in October. As our Welcome to Summer Pool Party demonstrated in June, by taking a fresh look at an event, even those that have been held for years can be improved and expanded.

Except for December, the Cochran’s Crossing board meeting is held at 7 p.m. in the Township meeting room on the fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information, please contact Gary Conwell, board secretary, at 281-387-6986 or gconwell1@gmail.com.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

Congratulations to the most recent Alden Bridge Yard of the Month winner, the McFadden family of Churchdale Place in Springhill.

Congratulations to Cochran’s Crossing scholarship recipients, Emily Faries and Caroline Frenzel.

College Park

At the May annual meeting of The Woodlands Green, College Park Village Association and residents were awarded first place in the Water Wise Village Challenge. Hats off to all who pledged to turn off your sprinklers this past winter. We were also recognized along with the other villages for providing volunteers for The Woodlands GreenUp. We are known as the smallest village, but we are mighty in our volunteer contributions. Thank you!

At our June meeting, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Officer Deputy Coroiescu reminded us that residents can request a vacation watch of their home. If you suspect suspicious activity in your neighborhood, please don’t hesitate to call in a tip to Crime Stoppers. There is evidence that residents are reporting suspicious activity and suspicious vehicles in neighborhoods. This action on the part of residents results in safer neighborhoods.

Deputy Coroiescu would like to get the word out that you can make your home safer by changing out the screws on your door locks with three-inch wood screws and to replace your door lock with a double lock deadbolt (with a key featured both inside and outside the lock). She explained that these two easy-to-make adjustments can make your home more resistant to a break-in.

Our village liaison from the Township, Peggy Krysiak, has been very busy scheduling events for College Park residents. It becomes more and more apparent that getting to know our neighbors is a key component of safe streets and communities. There will be free Rape Aggression Defense classes (class size is limited so sign up through the Township’s Parks and Recreation website) and Neighborhood Watch gatherings where you can meet your neighbors and pick up safety tips. The newest initiative, aptly named “Lemonade with a Cop,” provides an opportunity for you to meet

law enforcement officers who patrol your streets and make us all safe. National Night Out is October 14, 2018. Check the Township website as well as the College Park Facebook page or the website, www.villageofcollegepark.com, for dates, locations and times for all of these events. Plan to attend at least one since there will be one close to you.

Looking further into 2018, the annual Halloween Spooktacular is the last Saturday of October. America Recycles is in November. Please note that we have a big change to our previous request for you to save old CDs and cases. We were informed at our June meeting that these will not be collected this November at the America Recycles and 3R Bazaar. Instead, please collect BATTERIES for the Village Challenge sponsored by the Township Environmental Services Department. We will report more on this as information becomes available. But start saving them!

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Creekside Park

Hello Creekside Park residents; the dog days of summer are coming to an end and school preparation has begun. Please be mindful of your speed in school zones and watch the crosswalks for kids going and coming from school.

Our Precinct 4 Constables are committed to making Creekside Park Village a safe place to live and play. You may have noticed increased sightings of our constables as they have increased the number of constables patrolling the area and have gone to a zone patrol to better serve our community. In return for their commitment to Creekside Park, the constables have asked the residents of Creekside Park to assist in keeping them safe as well. We, as residents, enjoy the work Precinct 4 does in keeping drivers alert to the speed limits in our community. However, many times it

MEETING INFORMATION

ALDEN BRIDGE www.aldenbridge.org

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

COCHRAN’S CROSSING www.cochranscrossing.com

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

COLLEGE PARK www.villageofcollegepark.com

College Park Village Association usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

CREEKSIDE PARK www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Creekside Park Village Association usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive.

GROGAN’S MILL www.grogansmillvillage.com

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

INDIAN SPRINGS www.indianspringsvillage.com

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

PANTHER CREEK www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

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

STERLING RIDGE www.sterling-ridge.org

Sterling Ridge Village Association usually meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

becomes dangerous for the constables when they have a driver pulled over to the side of the road. Precinct 4 has asked the board to remind our residents of the laws in place to protect law enforcement and first responders on the scene of an incident. In general, the law states if there is an incident on the side of the road involving law enforcement or first responders, drivers are required to move to the outer lane. If there is no outer lane available, the driver is to slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. For example, if a constable has a vehicle pulled to the side of the road and the speed limit is 35 and there is no outer lane, as is the case on many of our roads throughout the village, drivers should slow to 15 mph. This awareness keeps the people we trust to protect us safe while they are doing the job they work hard at every day.

Residents are also reminded to utilize the vacation watch offered by Precinct 4 for that last vacation of the summer before school. Look for the form and information on The Woodlands Township website and select the Harris county form or go to the Harris County website, www.constablepct4.com/vacation-watchrequest.html, and select “Creekside The Woodlands” for Contract Name.

We look forward to seeing you at our next association meeting which has been moved to Tuesday September 11, 2018, due to conflicts in schedules. Meetings are regularly held on the first Tuesday of the month unless otherwise communicated. Look for events and village meeting information on the Creekside Park Village Association Facebook page or our website, www.creeksideparkvillage.com.

Submitted by Lisa Purtell

Grogan’s Mill

Help Grogan’s Mill Village Association win the 3R Bazaar Village Challenge by bringing your dead batteries to the Farmer’s Market. All household sizes are acceptable except batteries containing lithium or silver oxide. This year’s event will be held at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market on November 10, 2018,

from 8 a.m. to noon! Each village will receive a $300 scholarship donation for providing one volunteer representative. The remaining $2,200 will be divided based on the percentage of weight of batteries collected.

Splash Day at Sawmill Park on Sunday, June 10, 2018, was a recordbreaking success with more than 250 people attending. Two hundred hot dogs and countless snow cones quickly disappeared. Lucky raffle winners won $20 gift certificates to the Farmer’s Market as well as a variety of gift certificates provided by Momentum Karate.

Congratulations to Kevin and Paige Kelley of Slash Pine Place for winning the July 2018 Yard of the Month. The Kelleys enjoy living in one of the first homes built in The Woodlands because of the mature trees and landscaping. Paige, an avid gardener, enhanced the mature trees and landscaping by planting a variety of flowers and plants alongside the 40-year-old crepe myrtles. When asked what she loved about Grogan’s

Mill, Paige said, “Living in Grogan’s Mill is such a blessing because we enjoy a slower paced lifestyle.” Thank you, Kevin and Paige, for all of your hard work planting, decorating and maintaining a beautiful yard.

The Texans Recovering Together Crisis Counseling Program is intended to assist those who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey, through education, recovery effort, outreach, referrals and supportive counseling. Currently, they are offering several educational workshops for children and adults over topics like emergency preparedness, coping skills, stress-management and self-care, among others. For more information about possible future workshops or for other assistance, contact Ana Munoz at Harvey Crisis Counseling Outreach, 936-577-0198, or by email at anam@tcbhc.org.

Don’t let the heat keep you from visiting The Woodlands Farmer’s Market, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. There are many “cool” things to be had among our 30+ vendors. Bring your own bags to save on plastic. Check out our website at www.grogansmill.org/fmabout or look us up on Facebook at www.facebook. com/GrogansMillVillageAssociation/. On either site, you can sign up for our

Congratulations to July 2018 Yard of the Month winners, the Kelley family of Slash Pine Place!

The 2018 Grogan’s Mill Splash Day was a record-breaking success with more than 250 people in attendance.

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.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Marie Brannen

Indian Springs

It is the time of year when the Indian Springs Village Association board is busy planning and organizing the Annual Taste of the Village. The event will be held on October 27, 2018, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Indian Springs Shopping Center, located at the southwest corner of Kuykendahl Road and Woodlands Parkway.

The Taste of the Village is free to all attendees and is one of the most anticipated community events. Initiated more than 13 years ago, it was designed to be an outreach effort to bring local residents and businesses together for a fun-filled, family-friendly occasion. The annual event draws more than 4,000 people from across the area and funds the Indian Springs Village Association Community Service Scholarship and the Lloyd Matthews Scholarship for the Montgomery County Women’s Center. “It is a great place to taste local foods, learn about local businesses, hear great music and mingle with your neighbors,” said Indian Springs president and event chair Michael J. Arendes.

In addition to sampling tasty treats from a variety of food vendors and visiting 40 booths of local businesses and community organizations, families will enjoy several amusements that will be

on hand. Entertainment includes a live band, inflatables, face painting, balloon artistry and several walking entertainers for the kids. There will also be a raffle for numerous prizes, such as gift cards, leisure outings and electronics to name a few.

Submitted by Michael

Saucier

Panther Creek

We are down to the last few tickets available for our annual trip to watch the World Champion Astros win another ball game. What would summer be without an outing to the ball park?

So, on Friday, September 15, 2018, join your neighbors on a luxury custom coach ride from Panther Creek to Houston to see the Astros beat the Arizona Diamondbacks. The chauffeured ride there and back, including admission to the game, is only $30 per person. Tickets go fast for this wonderful trip, so call Kim Lewis, 281-292-3477, to reserve your tickets now. A flag-waving thank you is due to the many Panther Creek volunteers, veterans and residents who made our annual Flag Day Picnic another great success. Hosts and guests had a grand old-fashioned summer get-together. Mark the Saturday closest to Flag Day on your calendar for next year’s Panther Creek neighborhood picnic. All residents of Panther Creek are welcome.

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. Get more details at www.WoodlandsFleaMarket.org.

National Night Out in The Woodlands will be on Sunday, October 14, 2018, from 3 to 6 p.m. Last year, we had 29 neighborhood parties. Contact your Panther Creek area representative for information about holding one on your street. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the date.

As you head off to whichever vacation spots you choose this summer, don’t forget to protect your home by notifying the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department to keep an extra eye on your property while you are away. The program is free while you travel from two to 30 days at a time. Since it began years ago, no home registered with The Vacation Watch Program has been burglarized while residents were on vacation. Online registration is fast and easy at www.mctxsheriff.org.

Find us at www. panthercreekvillageassociation.org.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

It’s back to school time! CISD starts classes on August 15, 2018. Please pay attention to the school crossing zones. Many have been converted to signs with

continued on page 23

Members of the Panther Creek Village Association recently gathered to dedicate a new barbecue grill in memory of Mary Bootz. Left to right: Jennifer Majors Baca, Harvey Mackintosh, Synda Wilson, MJ Currey, Kim Lewis, Peggy Hausman, John Anthony Brown, Denise Judy, Bill Bootz and Kevin Currey.

Photo provided by Jennifer Majors Baca

Residents and super heroes enjoying the festivities at the Annual Taste of the Village.

Photo by Ian Alvarez Ward

Keep our recycling system working by following these guidelines. Only put the accepted items in your recycling cart. Contaminants such as plastic bags, tanglers (cords or string), food waste, hazardous waste, Styrofoam and any other items not listed can destroy machinery and cause other good recyclables to be landfilled.

By Zoe Killian

For

information about recycling and moving day solutions, please

the Township’s Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/recycling

select Move In/Out Guidelines.

flashing lights, but some still have signs with designated hours. Lights, signs and crossing guards are there for the sole purpose to protect our children. Allow a little bit of extra time to commute through the school zones than you did during the summer break.

In the vicinity of Branch Crossing and Woodlands Parkway, school zone hours are 6:45 to 8:30 a.m. and 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. The hours are specific to The Woodlands High School ninth grade campus and Coulson Tough Elementary.

In the vicinity of Merit Oaks and Terramont, school zone hours are 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. for Deretchin Elementary.

As we endure the last dog days of summer in southeast Texas, we can look forward to slightly cooler days in October and the fun of the 12th Annual Sterling Ridge BBQ and Kids’ Festival scheduled for October 20, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Now is the time to form your BBQ teams, plot your strategy and practice your craft to bring a gastronomical wow factor to the event. Prizes will be awarded. We also welcome local sponsorship to make this year another successful event. Please visit our website for more information at www.sterling-ridge.org.

For months, the neighborhood crime statistics indicate that most vehicle burglaries occur from either unlocked vehicles or those with valuables in plain sight. You can be proactive by following these three tips, recommended by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office:

1. Lock your car.

2. Use your garage or park near motion detection lighting.

3. Remove your valuables.

Remember, the Sterling Ridge Village Association board meetings are open to all residents who are interested in community activities. The meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Township meeting rooms.

Submitted

by

Treva Taglieri

Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

Mosquito surveillance is conducted throughout The Woodlands Township from May to November to monitor for mosquito-borne disease. West Nile virus has been found again in local mosquitoes this season. The Township’s Environmental Services Department encourages residents to take precautions. Wear repellent when outside and prevent mosquitoes from breeding around homes by eliminating standing water.

Things you can do to prevent disease:

WEAR REPELLENT

• Look for one that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR 3535 or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. These are the ONLY active ingredients recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

• If you are outside for prolonged periods, choose a product with a higher amount of active ingredient.

REMOVE OR MODIFY ALL OBJECTS HOLDING WATER

• Empty and store buckets, toys, tarps and garden equipment. Drill holes in yard debris containers so they don’t collect water.

• Trash day is a good reminder to take a look around your property for what might have filled during the last rain.

TREAT WATER YOU CAN’T DRAIN

• Use Bti Mosquito Dunks in birdbaths, rain barrels and flooded areas that cannot be drained.

LIMIT OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

• Minimize outdoor activity during peak biting hours, which happen during early morning and evening.

Treatments in Response to Positive Mosquito Samples

The Woodlands Township partners with Montgomery and Harris Counties, who respond by spraying Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) pesticide at night to reduce adult mosquito populations. For treatment maps, please visit: South County Mosquito Abatement, www.precinct3.org/mosquito-abatement/ or Harris County Mosquito & Vector Control (Village of Creekside Park), publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/About/ Organization-Offices/Mosquito-andVector-Control.

Visit our website for links to articles on mosquito control and disease prevention: www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ MosquitoInfo.

By Megan McNairn

Mosquito Dunks®

Many of us have items in our yards, such as birdbaths and rain barrels, which are designed to hold water. In this case, the best tool in the mosquito-prevention toolkit is a Mosquito Dunk®. These are available locally at many home, garden and hardware stores for as little as $1 a dunk.

Mosquito Dunks® biological mosquito control contains Bti, a natural bacterium that kills mosquito larvae but is harmless to birds, fish, other aquatic insects and pets. Simply place a Dunk in standing water to control mosquito larvae for up to 30 days. Each Dunk treats up to 100 square feet of surface water regardless of depth – be sure to read the back of the package for easy instructions. Dunks are great insurance for rain barrels, birdbaths, French drains and anywhere water collects and takes more than a week to drain.

www.teethforkidz.com

ü Kills mosquitoes in the water before they are old enough to bite.

Unused, dry Dunks retain their potency indefinitely and can be halved and quartered for small areas of water.

Labeled For Organic Gardening by the US EPA.

Contains Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally-occurring bacterium that kills only mosquito larvae.

Harmless to honey bees, beneficial insects, pets and wildlife.

Used by mosquito abatement professionals and Health Departments due to its effectiveness and lack of environmental impact.

Photos by Megan McNairn

Other handy tips...

ü Check French drains; if water collects, treat with Mosquito Dunks® or other Bti larvicide available at home and garden centers.

ü Check water meter box for leaks and standing water; treat with larvicide if needed.

ü Water landscape deeply and infrequently – an inch a week is enough!

• Use a rain gauge to check the amount of time it takes for the irrigation system to deliver one inch.

Don’t give mosquitoes a home!

1 Clean gutters regularly.

2 Avoid over watering.

3 Keep yard waste out of storm drains.

4 Maintain pools and spas; keep water from puddling on covers and tarps.

6 Repair leaky faucets.

7 Empty water from plant pots and saucers.

8 Drain wheelbarrows and other garden equipment or store inside.

9 Drain water from toys or store inside.

• If runoff is a problem, program irrigation system or set sprinklers to run at five-minute intervals; allow water to soak in before turning on again; continue on/off cycle until one inch of water is absorbed.

• Add organic matter, such as

Keep Drinking Water Safe with Backflow Preventers

Weall take the water we drink, bathe in or use to prepare food, for granted. We assume that the water will always be clean and safe to drink. There is, however, a hidden risk.

Occasionally, situations take place that can impair the quality of drinking water. One common occurrence is

the breaking of a private water supply line or a public water main. When something like this happens, water that is polluted or that may contain harmful contaminants can backflow into the potable system, threatening the quality of our drinking water.

Backflow is generally caused by changes in water pressure. For instance, if a water main breaks or a fire hydrant is activated for fire suppression, pressure goes down and this can cause water to flow opposite of the direction it was meant to travel. That means if your irrigation system is connected to your house piping - soil, bacteria and other contaminants that have entered the irrigation heads and piping can “backflow” into your home drinking water, and perhaps into the public water system.

MOVING SOLUTIONS: Extra Cardboard Pickup

By Zoe Killian

Whether you just bought a jumbo flat screen TV or moved into a new home, recycling all that extra cardboard is easy! Your curbside solid waste services through Waste Management provide a special pickup day each month for oversized and bulk cardboard boxes that will not fit in the recycling cart. The service is provided to each neighborhood in The Woodlands once a month at no additional cost.

Determine your pickup day by village

• Bulk collection of moving boxes and oversized cardboard occurs either on the second Monday or the fourth Friday of the month.

By Bob Dailey

The solution to this risk is to have a backflow preventer installed. TCEQ requires homeowners with external hose bib connections, irrigation systems and most commercial buildings to have one. Regular tests and inspections insure that your household plumbing and the public supply is protected.

Residents should install backflow devices on hose bibs. Especially those used for drip irrigation or hose head sprinklers. The same opposite flow can occur if there is a drop in pressure. These hose backflow preventers are simple, inexpensive devices that provide the same protection. They can be purchased inexpensively from most hardware or home improvement stores.

Note: This article is provided by The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency. Please visit www.wjpa.org for more information.

– Second Monday of the Month: Alden Bridge, Cochran’s Crossing and Sterling Ridge

– Fourth Friday of the Month: Creekside Park, College Park, Grogan’s Forest, Grogan’s Mill, Indian Springs, Panther Creek, Research Forest and Town Center

Schedule bulk recycling pickup of cardboard

• At least two business days prior to the scheduled pickup day, call Waste Management Customer Service at 1-800-800-5804.

• Request and keep confirmation number until service occurs.

For a trouble-free pickup, please follow guidelines

• Flatten, bundle and stack boxes curbside.

• Fold packing paper and place in your recycling cart for pickup on your regular service day.

• Do not include ANY packing peanuts, Styrofoam™, bubble wrap or plastic.

• Place items at the curb before 7 a.m. on the pre-scheduled pickup day.

For more moving day solutions, please call the Township’s Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/recycling and select Move in/Out Guidelines.

Backflow preventers protect your drinking water from accidental backflow of contaminated water from sprinkler systems or hoses. They are required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Photo by Cliff Roe Photography

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Fall is an ideal time to get your home and landscape in shape.

Here are some quick tips to help you maintain your property after the long, hot summer:

ü Mow and edge the lawn.

ü Edge, weed and mulch all landscape beds.

ü Repair and replace broken fences.*

ü Remove mildew and algae from brick, siding, fences and driveway. Helpful hint: Periodic cleaning with a power washer containing water only may help prevent mildew and algae growth.

ü Repair and repaint damaged or faded siding.*

ü Remove pine needles, leaves and debris from roof. Remember, removing debris will improve the longevity of the roof, reduce fire hazard and discourage pests.

ü Remove all loose trash, debris and yard waste. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment and click Garbage, Recycling and Yard Trimmings for information.

ü Make sure trash and recycling carts are stored out of view.**

ü Winterize or turn off irrigation systems. Lean more about water conservation in The Woodlands at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/waterconservation

*Color changes, roof replacement and fence replacement may need a permit. Contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covenants for more information.

**All trash, refuse or recycling containers may be placed near the street edge no earlier than one day prior to waste collection. Emptied containers must be removed from the street, front yard or driveway by the end of the collection day. Containers must be stored on the owner’s property at all times. All trash and refuse containers must be stored out of public view at ground level from the street or alley or adjacent and surrounding properties at all times except during waste collection.

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 281-210-3800. 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

VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE THIS FALL

By Megan Williamson

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:

Arts in the Park

Saturday, September 22, 2018, from 4 to 9 p.m.

Interested in showcasing your original artwork? Come out to the award-winning Arts in the Park Featuring Shakespeare in the Park. The event is full of musical performances, children’s activities, bounce houses, and more. This free event attracts tons of community members who love art.

Trick-or-Treat Trail

Sunday, October 28, 2018, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Northshore 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.

Lighting of the Doves

Saturday, November 17, 2018, from 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 specialevents@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Saturday, August 25, 2018.

Grow Your Own Vegetables

By Ann Hall

“‘Lettuce’ talk about vegetables! Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, want to know where your food comes from, or just love the idea of growing delicious vine-ripened vegetables at home, this class is for you. Learn proper soil preparation, garden design and layouts, disease and insect identification, as well as the proper planting times for getting the most production out of your favorite vegetables in the challenging climate of Texas.”

– Daniel Cunningham, Texas A&M Water University Horticulturist and Project Director

Daniel Cunningham, Texas A&M Water University horticulturist and project director, will teach an organic vegetable gardening class on Saturday, August 25, 2018, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Woodlands Emergency Training Center, 16135 IH45 South, The Woodlands, TX 77385. Mr. Cunningham will provide the most current organic vegetable gardening information for Montgomery County. Fall is our best gardening season. Learn how to garden with the season and take advantage of the cooler fall and winter climate. Participants in this class will take home a variety of helpful vegetable gardening resources. Bring all of your gardening questions; Montgomery County Master Gardeners will be available to provide you with research-based gardening and plant information. The class is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Please register at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/environment.

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Photos courtesy of Texas A&M Water University

Daniel Cunningham, Texas A&M Water University Horticulturist and Project Director, prunes his vegetable garden. Cunningham will teach a free organic vegetable class on

Inset photos by Ann Hall