August 2012

Contents

Features

3 Board of Directors Meetings in august 2012

6 Waterwise landscaping Can Be Firewise landscaping

7 Preparing our Community for Wildfire season

8 There’s still Time to make a splash!

9 riva row Boat House

0 the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau

2 upcoming national night out events

4 the Woodlands township resident Care Center is Here to Help

24 Make sure Your Family is Prepared for Hurricane season

26 What about Mosquito Misting systems?

28 solutions for tough Disposal Problems

30 Water restrictions

MontHlY

6 Calendar of events

7 Holiday Garbage Collection schedule

8 the Woodlands Village news

acTion Guide Fall 2012 on the Cover

the reflection of cypress trees around Wedgewood Pond create the green hues in this striking photograph of two mallard ducks as they produce ripples across the water. the many migratory birds that frequent the Woodlands offer picture-perfect scenery in every village.

Cover photo by John Hibbs

Reminder: Do not feed the ducks. the township reminds all residents to refrain from feeding ducks. Human food has less nutritional value and deters ducks from eating their natural food sources and receiving the nutrients they need for health and development. Feeding ducks also reinforces aggressive behavior and can ultimately endanger the ducks. enjoy watching them, but do not feed them.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

The Woodlands ToWnship

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

main line

All Offices and Departments 28-20-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and environmental services 8203 Millennium Forest, the Woodlands, texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Drive, the Woodlands, texas 77381 281-210-3950

oTheR seRvice pRovideRs

The Woodlands Joint Powers agency (Water) 281-367-1271

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

harris County sheriff’s office 713-221-6000

montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

emergency 9

For emergency information specific to the Woodlands, listen to K-star Country, KVst-FM, the official emergency broadcast partner of the Woodlands township.

Board of Directors Meetings in August 2012

Please note, additional meetings and public hearings may be scheduled. Please check www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for the latest information.

Public hearing # (only if needed)

Date: thursday, August 9, 2012

time: 6 p.m.

Location: the Woodlands township town Hall

2801 technology Forest Blvd. the Woodlands, texas 77381

Public hearing #2 (only if needed)

Date: tuesday, August 14, 2012

time: 6 p.m.

Location: the Woodlands township town Hall

2801 technology Forest Blvd. the Woodlands, texas 77381

Board Workshop

Date: thursday, August 16, 2012

time: 7:30 a.m.

Location: the Woodlands township town Hall

2801 technology Forest Blvd. the Woodlands, texas 77381

Board meeting (adopt 2013 budget and 2012 property tax rate)

Date: Wednesday August 22, 2012

time: 6 p.m.

Location: the Woodlands township town Hall

2801 technology Forest Blvd. the Woodlands, texas 77381

Mike Bass

Position No. 2 Director

Jeff Long Position No. 3 Director

Nelda Blair Position No. 5 Director

Bruce Tough

Position No. 7 Chairman

Peggy Hausman

Position No. 6 Vice Chairman

Gordy Bunch Position No. 1 Treasurer

Ed Robb Position No. 4 Secretary

Don Norrell President and General Manager

The Woodlands

C ommuni T y magazine

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

Cham P ions sTa FF

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

Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Patti Van Horn

Creative director Lori short graphic designers

Jami Davis

Charlene strine

T o W nshi P sTa FF director of Community Relations Nick Wolda editor Mary Connell

assistant editor Elena smith editorial assistant terri Jefferies

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, P.O. Box 7859, the Woodlands, tX, 77387-7859, telephone 281-210-3800. Editorial deadlines are the 15th of every month, approximately six weeks in advance of publication. the editors reserve all rights to accept or reject any submissions and reserve all rights to edit for clarity and space. The Woodlands Community Magazine is the official information source of the Woodlands township. Its purpose is to inform Woodlands residents about the activities of the township and the services provided to them as Woodlands residents.

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

Waterwise Landscaping Can Be Firewise Landscaping

By Bob Dailey, Master Gardener

One of the main principles of a good waterwise landscape is the creation of four planting zones around the home. Interestingly, one of the main principles of firewise landscaping also calls for the creation of zones. Both systems can be integrated into a beautiful, creative landscape that not only demands less water but also ensures that the garden is firewise.

In

a waterwise Zone 1, the plants that use the most water are placed closest to the home. In a firewise Zone 1, plants that are low in resin are used because of their fire retardancy. Placing plants that require more water next to the home allows the homeowner to more easily water these plants. This is one of the basic tenets of waterwise gardening.

The same principles can be carried out through Zones 2 to 4. Zone 2 begins about 30 feet from the house and extends outward. Plants here have medium water requirements and low flammability properties. Zone 3 extends out from Zone 2, and includes plants that have low water requirements. Mix hardwoods with plants of medium-to-low flammability properties.

Zone 4 is the natural area, and is farthest away from the home. Conifers—pines, juniper, cedar, cypress and others—have high levels of resin and are highly flammable. They should be planted away from the home and interspersed with understory trees and shrubs.

Remember that leaves and mulch retain moisture in the soil and help keep the trees healthy by adding nutrients back. Baring the earth around trees does not protect them. By all means take out dead limbs and fallen trees. Remove all excess debris, but don’t rake all the groundcover away. This will dry out the roots and shorten the life of the trees.

Using this process, homeowners can develop an attractive landscape that is tolerant to drought, uses a lot less water and also has low flammability properties.

Zone 1 Firewise plants

Grasses: Gulf Coast muhly grass, Mexican feathergrass

Flowers: Indian paintbrush, Purple coneflower, Sunflowers, Black-eyed Susan

Shrubs: Partridge berry, Butterfly bush, Buttonbush, Turk’s cap

Upcoming Events

soil: The living layer of earth

saturday, August 18, 2012

9 a.m. – noon

the Woodlands township 2801 technology Forest Blvd.

Event is free, but reservations required Woodlands landscaping solutions

saturday, september 29, 2012

9 a.m. – noon

8203 Millennium Forest Dr.

Event is free and no reservations required

Native plants, like Turk’s cap, are ideal for planting in zone . For a full list of plants suitable for each zone, attend Woodlands Landscaping Solutions.

Preparing Our Community for Wildfire Season

A message from The Woodlands Fire Department

It is summer once again in texas, and with that comes pool parties, suntans, barbeques and warm texas nights…as well as the imminent threat of dangerous wildfires. In 2012 alone, there have been more than 2,500 wildfires and more than 55,000 acres burned in the state of texas. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to prepare your property and greatly diminish chances of a wildfire here in the Woodlands.

• remove dead or overhanging branches from your house and roof.

• remove leaf accumulation from your yard.

• remove leaves, twigs, pine needles and other flammable materials from your roof and gutters.

• remove tall, dry grass around your house. Keep grass watered and short.

• remove low lying tree limbs, up to six to 10 feet above the ground.

• refuel garden equipment carefully and maintain annually. Fuel lawnmowers away from dry, flammable grass.

• use all lawn equipment with care. sparks from chainsaws, welding torches and other equipment can cause wildfires.

• Prune bushes and shrubs around your home on a regular basis.

• Dispose of cuttings and debris promptly and efficiently.

• When planting around your home, choose firewise plants such as plants with higher water content, and mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. avoid pine needles or other materials that can easily catch fire. Visit http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu for more information on firewise landscaping in texas.

• Install a chimney screen or spark arrestor. at least once a year, have your chimney cleaned and inspected for an accumulation of soot or creosote.

• store firewood and all other combustibles away from your home.

• Be sure to have your driveway accessible and well marked for emergency vehicles.

• never throw a lighted cigarette from vehicle windows.

• never leave a burning cigarette unattended.

• never park your vehicle on dry grass.

• always have an adult around to supervise outdoor cooking.

• never leave gas lanterns, barbeques or gas stoves unattended. the Woodlands Fire Department greatly discourages the use of charcoal barbeques during times of drought.

• Please remember: fireworks are neVer permitted within the boundaries of the Woodlands!

Visit www.firewise.org and www.texasforestservice.tamu.edu for more tips and information on how you can help to prevent wildfires this summer season.

There’s still time to make a the

Woodlands township 2012 regular pool season is coming to an end this month, but with the post-season schedule, you can still beat the heat and make a splash all the way until the end of september!

regular pool season continues through august 19, 2012, followed by the post-season, which includes both weekday and weekend use, from august 20 through september 30, 2012.

Bear Branch pool in the village of Cochran’s Crossing will be open from 1 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday (closed Wednesdays each week for service). the following pools are open saturdays from noon to 6 p.m., sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. and labor Day Monday from noon to 6 p.m.:

Pool

alden Bridge pool

Bear Branch pool

Village

Alden Bridge

Cochran’s Crossing harper’s landing pool

College Park

Rob Fleming aquatic center Creekside Park

sawmill pool

Falconwing pool

creekwood pool

Grogan’s Mill

Indian Springs

Panther Creek cranebrook pool

Sterling Ridge

A unique experience... right in The Woodlands!

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Wednesday (last boat out at 6 p.m.)

Tandem Kayaks $20/first hour

s ingle Kayaks $15/first hour

c all 281-210-3965 or visit

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ rivarowboathouse

Have a visitor coming to The Woodlands?

request your Free spring/summer 2012 Discovery Guide & savings Book featuring more than 75 coupons to merchants in the Woodlands – www.thewoodlandscvb.com/guide.asp.

also, request your Free the Woodlands Visitor’s Guide & Map featuring all the restaurants, hotels, shops and more in the Woodlands – www.thewoodlandscvb.com/visitorsguide.asp.

Contact Information for The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau

2801 technology Forest Blvd. the Woodlands, texas 77381 281-363-2447

www.VisittheWoodlands.com

Follow us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/VisittheWoodlands

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/theWoodlandsCVB

Follow us on youTube: www.Youtube.com/theWoodlandsCVB info@thewoodlandscvb.com

Texas Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in Texas named on the U.S.News & World Repor t’s “Honor Roll” honoring the top 11 pediatric hospitals in the country. We’re proud to be your first choice and the right choice, right here, for your child.

Texas Children’s Health Centers along with Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates offer your family convenient access to expert pediatricians as well as subspecialists and therapeutic and diagnostic services. In addition, Texas Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine brings specialized care for your high-risk pregnancy right to your neighborhood.

Texas Children’s Health Center – The Woodlands

17198 St. Luke’s Way

Medical Arts Ctr I, Ste 300 The Woodlands, TX 77384 936-321-0808

Texas Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine – The Woodlands 17198 St. Luke’s Way

Medical Arts Ctr I, Ste 630 The Woodlands, TX 77384 936-321-1600

Conroe Pediatric Associates

404 River Pointe Dr., Ste. 100 Conroe,TX 77304 936-756-8108

Sterling Ridge Pediatrics

6707 Sterling Ridge Dr., Ste. A

The Woodlands, TX 77382 281-296-2656

TCPA – Medical Plaza

1011 Medical Plaza Dr., Ste. 220

The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-296-9119

Woodlands Pediatric Associates

4545 Research Forest Dr., Ste.A The Woodlands, TX 77381 281-367-5100

Upcoming National Night Out Ev E nts

By Holly steinke

Supply and Registration Day –Pick up your supplies for national night out at the Woodlands township town Hall

• Wednesday, september 19, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Watch Talk Wednesday – The Residents’ Role in Community Policing at the Woodlands township town Hall; includes a special presentation on national night out and how to get involved!

• Wednesday, august 22, 2012 from noon to 1 p.m.

Safe At Home Softball Game Montgomery County sheriff’s office and Harris County Constable Precinct 4 vs. the Woodlands Fire Department at scotland Yard, McCullough Junior High school

• saturday, august 25, 2012 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Early Bird Registration Deadline register a national night out party in the Woodlands for a chance to win prizes; any resident of the Woodlands may register a party. even if you miss the early deadline, we still want you to register! Call your program specialist at 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ nationalnightout to register!

• Friday, september 14, 2012

National Night Out Movie Night –Little Big League (rated PG) at northshore Park

• Friday, september 14, 2012 starting at 7 p.m. (movie starts at 8 p.m.)

Community-wide Kickoff – Visit with public safety personnel, explore public safety apparatus and watch live demonstrations at northshore Park, 2505 lake Woodlands Drive, the Woodlands 77380

• saturday, september 22, 2012 from 1 to 5 p.m.

National Night Out – host or attend a party in your neighborhood; get to know your neighbors!

• tuesday, october 2, 2012 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

The Woodlands Watch Neighborhood Coordinator Meeting* at the Woodlands township town Hall, 2801 technology Forest Boulevard, the Woodlands 77381

• tuesday, august 21, 2012 from 6 to 7 p.m. or

• thursday, august 23, 2012 from noon to 1 p.m.

*neighborhood and area Coordinators of the Woodlands Watch are invited to attend this meeting. If you aren’t involved in the Woodlands Watch, but would like to volunteer, please call 281-210-3800 to join today! the community is invited to attend all other events!

Hans Graf, conductor Photo by Bruce Bennett

The Woodlands To W nship Resident CaRe CenteR

By elena

Whenthe Woodlands township was planning to move into its new location at 2801 technology Forest Boulevard, an idea arose to create an area in the lobby that could answer routine questions about township services and resident concerns. this concept became the Woodlands township resident Care Center.

“the resident Care Center gives residents of the Woodlands easy access to a wealth of information in one place,” explains assistant General Manager of Community services John Powers. “residents have their township questions answered or issues resolved in a timely manner.”

the care center consists of six staff members with nearly 45 years of combined township experience who are

responsible for assisting residents with such things as reserving a park pavilion, reporting dead trees and discussing property maintenance issues.

sandy edwards and Jessica Mejia are the front desk receptionists who answer most calls placed to the township’s main phone number. Wayne Gassman is the evening customer service representative assigned to cover the reception desk at the public meeting entrance.

If one of the front desk personnel cannot help the caller directly, the call is transferred to the customer service area that is also located in the front lobby. chuck Bielert aids callers with park and pool reservations, Mary eyman inputs parks service calls including dead trees,

mowing and landscaping issues, into a database to be assigned to and tracked by the parks and recreation division and donna Jenkins focuses on deed restriction applications and questions.

“We receive about 150 to 200 calls each day,” states Donna Jenkins. “right now, a majority of the calls we receive is to report dead or dying trees.” the care center also serves walk-in customers each day. the next time you have a question for the Woodlands township, call 281-210-3800 and see how the resident Care Center can work for you!

The Township’s Resident Care Center consists of from left to right, Jessica Mejia, Donna Jenkins, Chuck Bielert, Wayne Gassman, Mary Eyman

and Sandy Edwards.

Photo by Laura garvey

smith

august

Wednesday, august 

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, august 2

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, august 3

Gorilla Hole the Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

5th and 6th graders; $7/person

saturday, august 4

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine) grogan’s Mill Village shopping Center

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Dive-in Movie

Zoo Keeper

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center 6535 Creekside Forest Drive

8:30 p.m.

281-210-3950 $5/person

Tuesday, august 7

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m. to register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting 6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Thursday, august 9

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

The Woodlands Township Public Hearing #1

Only if needed 2801 technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting 2801 technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3886

saturday, august 

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine) grogan’s Mill Village shopping Center

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency training Center 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Tuesday, august 4

The Woodlands Township Public Hearing #2 Only if needed 2801 technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Heartsaver CPR Class Emergency training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m. to register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Photo by ted Washington

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

2801 technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

2801 technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Wednesday, august 

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Law Enforcement Advisory Council 2801 technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Thursday, august 6

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Workshop

2801 technology Forest Blvd.

7:30 a.m.

281-281-3800

Friday, august 7

Bloodborne Pathogens Class Emergency training Center

9 to 11 a.m.

to register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Gorilla Hole

the Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

5th and 6th graders; $7/person

saturday, august 8

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

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

grogan’s Mill Village shopping Center

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Free Fall Vegetable Gardening Class

2801 technology Forest Blvd.

9 a.m. to noon

For reservations, please call 281-210-3800.

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency training Center

9 a.m. to noon

to register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

First Aid Class

Emergency training Center

Noon to 3:30 p.m.

to register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

monday, august 20

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting

Emergency training Center

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3889

Post pool season hours begin. see page 8 or visit

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Tuesday, august 2

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

to register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Wednesday, august 22

Watch Talk Wednesdays

2801 technology Forest Blvd. Noon to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

saturday, august 2

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

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

grogan’s Mill Village shopping Center www.grogansmillvillage.com

holiday Garbage collection schedule

there will be no waste collection service on Monday, september 3, 2012, in observance of labor day Everyone’s waste collection will be moved to the day following the regular service day. all services are affected. Please refer to the chart below.

Regular collection holiday collection

Monday, september 3 tuesday, september 4 tuesday, september 4 Wednesday, september 5

Wednesday, september 5 thursday, september 6 thursday, september 6 Friday, september 7

Friday, september 7 ....................... saturday, september 8 normal schedule will resume Monday, september 10, 2012.

10th Annual Fall Home & Garden Show The Woodlands the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center 1601 Lake Robbins Drive 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

www.woodlandsshows.com

sunday, august 26

10th Annual Fall Home & Garden Show The Woodlands the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center 1601 Lake Robbins Drive

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

www.woodlandsshows.com

monday, august 27

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

2801 technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-5808

continued on page 25

Please RememBeR

to store your trash carts and other receptacles out of view when it is not your garbage pickup day. leaving trash carts out longer than necessary detracts from the curb appeal of neighborhoods and becomes an eyesore to neighbors. Trash and recycling receptacles may be placed at the curb on the day prior to trash pickup and should be removed from the curb by the end of the day of trash pickup.

www.metroministorage.net

Alden Bridge

We hope that everyone is enjoying the summer so far! our monthly residents meeting will be held on tuesday, august 14. We’ll meet at 7 p.m. at the township town Hall, 2801 technology Forest Boulevard. Please watch our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org, for news of the scheduled speaker. Please join us!

our Yard of the Month program continues through september.

Congratulations to our latest winners, the appropriately named Plante family on Courtland Green in Cottage Green. Please send your nominations for best front yard in the village to info@aldenbridge.org. Winners receive gifts from lowe’s, the Pavilion and Chick-fil-a®!

once again, alden Bridge is participating in the villages’ night at the astros game, so please e-mail info@aldenbridge.org to determine whether we have tickets left. the game will be an astros/Brewers contest on saturday, august 11. the $12 ticket price includes the bus trip downtown and back. It’s the best deal in town!

our e-mail newsletter is distributed on a monthly basis to more than 800 residents. Please send us your e-mail address so you can receive the most current news of alden Bridge. Your e-mail address will not be shared and will be used solely to distribute news of our village. also, don’t forget to check our newly updated Web site at www.aldenbridge.org for news between newsletters.

a new school year is nearly here, so be extra careful when driving around our community. Please look for the school zone speed limit signs and obey them. let’s have a safe and happy new school year!

Submitted by Darla Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

What do you have when you combine warm weather, cool water, kids, water slides, diving boards, a petting zoo featuring lizards and spiders, and Kona shaved ice? It’s the Cochran’s Crossing Village association Pool Party! Held June 3 at Bear Branch Park to celebrate (among other things) the end of the school year, around 150 Cochran’s Crossing residents attended the event.

You can also check out the Cochran’s Crossing Village association Facebook page. start with the Web page at www.cochranscrossing.com, then open the link to our Facebook and sign in as a friend. this will help you keep up with Cochran’s Crossing Village association activities. also remember the Cochran’s Crossing Village association meetings are 7:30 p.m. the fourth tuesday of each month at the township town Hall. typical meetings include a law enforcement report from the Montgomery County sheriff’s office, a village liaison report and a briefing from the Woodlands township Board of Directors.

Thank you, Bill!

Members of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association recently joined in honoring longtime Cochran’s Crossing Secretary Bill Mara for his years of volunteer service on The Woodlands Community Magazine. Bill has the longest tenure of any magazine correspondent and never missed an issue since the magazine began in 1997, writing the monthly column for residents

he will continue as secretary.

at the May meeting, Cochran’s Crossing Village association asked its Improvement Committee to finalize a list of capital improvements needed in Cochran’s Crossing. these recommendations will be submitted to the township as part of their budget process. looking ahead, it was reported that the Cochran’s Crossing Village association Fall Festival is planned for october 21 at shadowbend Park. More details will be published later, but among other things the event will include a bounce house and petting zoo/pony ride.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

Creekside Park

How was your summer? We hope you made the best of the time off from school and work to enjoy time with your families!

thank you to everyone who helped with our 4th of July float! We have many creative minds in College Park and it is nice to see people eager to help and make things happen. We have new members to our College Park Village association,

of the village. While Bill has retired from the magazine,

Pictured above, left to right, are Stuart Schroeder, president of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association, Mary Connell, editor of The Woodlands Community Magazine, Bill Mara, and Nancy Becker, past president of Cochran’s Crossing. Gary Conwell will follow in Bill’s footsteps as the magazine correspondent for Cochran’s Crossing.

Photo submitted by g ary Conwell

who are very enthusiastic in whatever the upcoming events are, but we would love to have more and more neighbors come to our monthly meetings and be a part of the village activities!

Please take the time to know what is happening in the Woodlands by reading your weekly and monthly newspapers and also this magazine so that events and news are not overlooked. We have great resources in our community that neighbors do not always take advantage of.

the heat this summer has been a scorcher! thank you for preserving our water resources by watering your lawns in a more conservative manner. everyone has kept their lawns looking great, even though the heat has not been kind to our trees! It is always appreciated when our neighbors take such care of their homes and yards and keep our village an enjoyable one to live in.

Fall will be coming soon and along with that will be our young ones going back to school. Please be careful when the little ones are getting off the bus and walking on our streets!

Please take the time to attend one of our monthly village meetings! We always have a sheriff’s office representative give a monthly report and guest speakers periodically. our august meeting will be august 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Woodlands emergency training Center that is past the Harper’s landing entrance off I-45. The monthly meeting is always the third Monday of each month

thank you College Park residents for making our village great! Keep safe and secure and let our village association know of any matters of concern to you and your families.

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Grogan’s Mill

the Grogan’s Mill Village association Board of Director’s voted to award not only the one originally planned scholarship, but a second award due to the exceptional quality of the applications received. Miss ashley sparks and Miss Katarina Jones, both 2012 graduates of the Woodlands College Park High school, were each awarded $1,000 scholarships. ashley plans to attend Prairie View a&M university and major in pre-dental, while Katarina will major in pre-med or biomedical research at Boston College. Congratulations to these two remarkable young women! renovations to sawmill Park were completed this past summer. Go to the Grogan’s Mill Village association Web site at www.gmva.org to see photos of the upgraded playground area, remodeled pavilion, new basketball court, additional pool amenities and the new spray pool for our younger residents’ enjoyment. one special new item in the park will be a bench located in the playground area dedicated to the memory of former Grogan’s Mill Village association member and longtime Grogan’s Mill resident, continued on page 20

a lden Brid G e

the Alden Bridge Village Association (ABVA) usually meets on the second tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the township, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.aldenbridge.org

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President steve Leakey at 281-419-3468.

c ochran’s c rossin G

the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) usually meets on the fourth tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the township, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.cochranscrossing.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President stuart schroeder at 936-273-0419.

c olle G e park

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

Web site www.villageofcollegepark.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President ted stanley at 936-321-5996.

c reekside park

the Woodlands Creekside Park Village Association (tWCPVA) usually meets on the first tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Creekside YMCA, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive. Please join us! Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Nancy Decker Lent at 617-721-6939.

Gro G an’s Mill

the grogan’s Mill Village Association (gMVA) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the township, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Deborah sargeant at 281-292-5341.

i ndian s prin G s

the Indian springs Village Association (IsVA) usually meets on the second tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the township, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Amy Lecocq at 281-298-1476.

pan T her c reek

the Panther Creek Village Association (PCVA) usually meets on the second thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the township, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Everett Ison at 281-298-9524.

sT

erlin G r id G e

the sterling Ridge Village Association (sRVA) usually meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the township, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Web site www.sterling-ridge.org

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Phillip givens at 281-419-9331.

e ven T s in you R nei G h B orhood

V i llage n e W s continued

Bill sargent. the Grogan’s Mill Village association plans to host a resident function in the park once the entire renovation is complete. We’ll announce the date through our e-newsletter and on the Web site.

our august Yard of the Month is owned by sylvia Cameron. sylvia is one of the 100 original residents of the Woodlands and has lived in this home on Wakerobin since 1980. the interesting artwork among the plants and trees adds to the charm and character of the yard. sylvia is a long-time artist and actually created many of the pieces of pottery and sculpture that beautifully offset the lovely plants, trees and fish pond.

Don’t forget to bring your recyclable shopping bags when you visit the Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market, held every saturday morning from 8 a.m. until noon at the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. It’s a year-round market with fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables and other wonderful wares. Check the Grogan’s Mill Village association Web site at www.gmva.org for the latest information on vendors and products.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Dana

Denton

Indian Springs

save the date – october 20

the annual taste of the Village event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on saturday, october 20, 2012. this is a free family event with great food to sample and fun activities for the children. It will

be held in the Indian springs shopping Center at the intersection of Kuykendahl road and Woodlands Parkway.

What to do with caps and corks

Having the new, larger recycling bins has residents thinking about recycling even more! some things though, like corks and plastic twist-off caps from bottles, jars and tubes are still not to be put out for curbside recycling. Your Indian springs H-e-B has conveniently installed a blue recycling bin in its store for the collection of plastic caps and corks.

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

august 11 is the date for the astros/ Brewers baseball game. Please plan to be in front of Village Medical Center, which is located at the eastern end of the Panther Creek shopping Center, at 4:30 p.m. as the bus will leave at 4:45 p.m. sharp. If you still do not have tickets and want to attend the game, please contact Mary Bootz at 281-296-9960 to see if any tickets remain unsold.

on June 16, the Panther Creek Village association held its annual Flag Day picnic in ridgewood Park. this year was very successful with a couple hundred people attending. the event was sponsored by the Panther Creek Village association and food, drinks and toys for the kids were supplied at no cost to the

resident. For the first time this year, there were snow cones available for all. the Panther Creek Village association would like to especially thank Mitch Hausman for his service as the hamburger chef of the day.

as a reminder, all residents of Panther Creek are welcome at the Panther Creek Village association’s monthly meetings on the second thursday of every month. Meetings are held at the Woodlands township town Hall.

the Panther Creek Village association newsletter and Web site are now in operation. Please register with our Web site at www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org to receive periodic updates about local activities and issues of concern to residents of Panther Creek.

Submitted by Merle Causey

Sterling Ridge

sterling Ridge BBQ challenge & Kids Festival

When: saturday, september 15, 2012 time: 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Where: Cranebrook Park, 11800 Cranebrook Dr., the Woodlands 77382

the BBQ Challenge & Kids Festival is one of sterling ridge Village association’s free events that you will not want to miss! Yes, there will be free great food and fun for everyone in sterling ridge! If you have a BBQ team in your neighborhood, please sign up to compete for the Best BBQ ribs, Brisket, Pork or Beans! sterling ridge Village association will supply all the meat for the participating teams in our wonderful

continued on page 22

At the Indian Springs H-E-B, (from left) Amy Lecocq, Betsy Wagner and Sgt. Paul Cassidy gave away Indian Springs jute bags to residents to collect caps and corks, which aren’t allowed in curbside recycling.

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Bay Area

Open Letter To The Citizens of The Woodlands

Concerning a defined watering schedule

As serious aquifer drawdowns continue, Woodlands MUDS served by The Woodlands Joint Power Agency (WJPA) will consider implementing a defined watering schedule for programmable lawn sprinkler systems. The schedule being considered will follow the Odd/Even program established in numerous communities with water supply concerns. Check out www.wateroddeven.com for more details.

The average drawdowns of both the Evangeline and Jasper aquifers have increased significantly, as indicated by the chart below. From year 2000 through 2009,, average annual drawdown of the Evangeline Aquifer was 6.2 feet. However, in the period between January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2011, the average annual drawdown of the Evangeline Aquifer was 34.6 feet, an astounding increase of 558% (34.6/6.2) .

The Jasper Aquifer, the second major aquifer in use in The Woodlands, suffered a similar fate. Average annual drawdown of the Jasper Aquifer between the same period of 2000 to the end of 2009 was 11.3 feet. However, in the period between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011, the drawdown was 47 feet/year, or a 415% increase (47/11.3 a year).

Already, WJPA has set into place monthly water bills as opposed to bimonthly bills, in an effort to draw attention to water usage. Additionally, future water bills will allow residents to see how their water usage compares to the water usage of others within their MUD District.

WJPA has received and is continuing to receive community input through focus groups, organizations and individuals on this topic. As we near the 2016 deadline for reducing groundwater withdrawal in Montgomery County by at least 30%, we urge consumers to become aware of their water usage, only irrigate when necessary and adopt practices that minimize irrigation waste.

James M. Stinson, General Mana ger, Woodlands Joint Powers Agency

and traditional BBQ Challenge! Bring the whole family to decide who our new 2012 Champs will be! the BBQ Challenge & Kids Festival will feature Free great food, drinks, music, pony rides, bounce houses, a mechanical bull, face painting, free swimming pool usage and much more! this event is being brought to you by the sterling ridge Village association. For more information about this event, visit www.sterling-ridge.org, look for us on Facebook or contact Ms. sue Young at texastwirlers@yahoo.com before september 2, at 5 p.m.

The haunting at May valley Manor

It’s never too early to start marking your calendars so you don’t miss our third annual haunted house coming soon on october 27, 2012, at May Valley Park pavilion from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Tree Watering Tips

It is august and yes, it’s still very hot causing our trees to lose leaves and branches and some possibly are at the risk of dying. to avoid this, it is necessary to keep watering our trees, but the questions are how much and how often? Here are some tips:

When to Water: Check first for local water restrictions and avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, which is between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

How Often: Mature trees need to be watered once a week, while younger, newly planted trees need to be watered about three times a week. You can use a screwdriver to determine if it’s time to water by simply pushing it into the ground. If you can’t get the screwdriver to easily go at least six to eight inches into the ground, it’s time to water.

source: texas Forest service

Submitted by Gabriel Castillo

even though we are half way through the five-month hurricane season, the Woodlands township Board of Directors reminds all residents to remain proactive and plan what you and your family should do if disaster strikes our area. as Benjamin Franklin famously wrote, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” thinking about it now will help you decide what to do later.

to stay informed before, during and after an emergency, check the Woodlands township Web site at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov as long as electric power and Internet access permit.

In addition, The Woodlands Township has an agreement with K-sTaR county, 99.7 FM radio to broadcast emergency information specific to The Woodlands in the event of a community-wide emergency.

• Fully redundant power

• locally owned and operated

• north Houston and Conroe coverage

• local news, weather and traffic

listen daily at 99.7 FM or online at kstarcountry.com.

In the event all communication efforts fail, residents may go to one of the eight fire stations in the Woodlands. these stations will have the latest updates and information available for residents.

Temporary Central Station and Administration Office

29955 I-45 north, shenandoah 77381

Station 2

9303 Gosling road

the Woodlands 77381

Station 3

1522 sawdust road

the Woodlands 77380

Station 4

7900 Bay Branch Drive the Woodlands 77382

Station 5

10100 Branch Crossing Drive the Woodlands 77382

Station 6

1100 Windsor lakes Boulevard

the Woodlands 77384

Station 7

26722 Kuykendahl road

the Woodlands 77375

Station 8

11800 Gosling road

the Woodlands 77381

emergency supply Kits

assembling a basic emergency supply kit will put everything you need to get by in one place. recommended supplies to include are:

• one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

• at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a national oceanic and atmospheric administration (noaa) weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• First aid kit.

• Whistle to signal for help.

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

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

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

• Manual can opener and utensils if kit contains canned food.

• plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.

• important family documents.

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

Tuesday, august 28

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

to register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 technology Forest Blvd.

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

upcoming events:

saturday, september 

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine) grogan’s Mill Village shopping Center www.grogansmillvillage.com

Labor Day Weekend Event

Waterway square

6 to 9 p.m.

281-363-2447 or see page 10.

sunday, september 2

Labor Day Weekend Event

Waterway square

6 to 9 p.m.

281-363-2447 or see page 10.

monday, september 3

Labor Day township offices closed.

Tuesday, september 4

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7 p.m.

281-210-3889

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

What about mosQuiTo misTing sysTems?

the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has a number of concerns with the sale of outdoor time-released insecticide misting systems to homeowners and businesses as a means to control mosquitoes. the AMCA is concerned that application of pesticides through these misting systems will have several undesirable effects:

. unnecessary insecticide use. timed space sprays may result in needless insecticide applications, leading to increased costs to the consumer and potentially adverse environmental impacts.

2. lack of efficacy data. other than testimonials, a historically unreliable source, there is little to demonstrate that these systems actually serve to control mosquito populations even when using demonstrably toxic insecticides.

3. non-target impacts. timed-release sprays will negatively impact beneficial insect populations and other non-target organisms on site and through uncontrolled off-site drift.

4. Promotion of insecticide resistance. the indiscriminate application of pyrethrins will create a resistance to the whole pyrethroid class of mosquitocides. Integrated mosquito management helps manage resistance formulation through rotation of pesticides of different modes of action and other methods. the potential loss of pyrethroids through indiscriminate use. would compromise the ability to control adult mosquito populations responsible for disease transmission or severe annoyance.

. Risk of pesticide exposure. Pyrethrins, though relatively safe compounds, may be harmful if inhaled. labels also advise that

pets and birds be removed and aquaria covered before spraying. assuring homeowner compliance would be difficult.

6. incompatible with integrated pest management practices. the level of hands-off, automated control these systems promise may result in homeowners neglecting to use other methods to reduce local mosquito populations such as removing mosquito larval habitats from the property or using personal repellents.

until misting systems are reconfigured so that surveillance drives the application, efficacy is demonstrated and drift is minimized, aMCa believes they are not consistent with sound practices to promote public and environmental health and should be discouraged.

aMCa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership, information and education leading to the enhancement of public health and quality of life through the suppression of mosquitoes. To view the aMca position statement in its entirety, please visit www.mosquito. org/position-on-misting-systems.

Solutions for Tough Disposal Problems

Whencompleted, many jobs around the yard and in the home leave a tough disposal problem behind. leftover or unwanted fertilizer, pesticides, pool chemicals, oil-based paint, solvents, cleansers and pharmaceuticals are all considered household chemical waste. these substances should not be put in the trash, down the drain or into storm sewers.

Household chemicals disposed of improperly in the trash have caused fires in trash trucks in the Woodlands. When landfilled, hazardous waste can lead to groundwater contamination. If dumped on the ground or poured down the storm drain, chemicals pollute surface water, our future source of drinking water.

to help residents with tough disposal problems, both counties serving the Woodlands township residents operate a chemical collection facility. Montgomery County provides the Household Chemical Waste Facility at 1122 Pruitt road, spring 77380 for its residents. Harris County residents may utilize the environmental service Center at 6900 Hahl road, Houston 77040.

With convenient drive-through operations, both sites unload materials for visitors. For safety and to expedite unloading, please follow these guidelines:

• tighten all lids to avoid leaking. If products are not sealed, place them in a larger container for transport.

• Do not mix chemicals.

By lucinda Valdes

• Pack wastes carefully in a bucket or box to prevent spillage.

• Place in the trunk of your car or the bed of your truck.

• Please remain in your car while the hazardous waste is unloaded by trained personnel.

Please call or refer to county Web sites for more information, fees and a list of materials accepted. see below.

Contact the Woodlands township at 281-210-3800 to discover a wealth of recycling opportunities and to explore reducing hazardous chemicals in your home. request the Health-E-House packet to learn about choosing less-toxic alternatives and the Recycle More Guide for additional solutions.

“LSC-Montgomery provided the opportunity to follow my dreams and inspired the courage to pursue them.” —Angel

Facilities may require proof of county residency. Bring a driver’s license or water or electric bill.

harris County

6900 Hahl road, Houston 77040 281-560-6200

www.recycleinfo.org

open: Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. second saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

montgomery County

1122 Pruitt road, spring 77380 281-367-7283

www.Precinct3.og/recycle

open: Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. third saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Despite late-spring rainfall, Montgomery County is still facing a public water supply crisis. several water well sites have reduced capacity. this, combined with rising temperatures and increased irrigation, exceeded certain trigger points in the Drought Contingency Plan, which made it necessary to initiate voluntary odd/even water restrictions earlier this summer.

residents are urged to set their irrigation controllers to water odd addresses on Wednesdays and saturdays, and even addresses on thursdays and sundays. timers should be set to complete all watering cycles by 4 a.m. this will help eliminate competition for early morning indoor water needs, including showers.

For more information about the voluntary or mandatory restriction notices, please call the Woodlands Joint Powers agency at 281-367-1271, ext. 4 or visit www.wjpa.org.

important Notice: By submitting letters, photos and other materials to The Woodlands Community Magazine (TWCM) you agree that the materials submitted will become the property of TWCM and will not be returned. You also agree that TWCM, its assigns, and the publisher, have been granted the non-exclusive right to use and /or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. They may be submitted to The Woodlands Community Magazine, P.O. Box 7859, The Woodlands, TX, 77387-7859. For more information, please call 281-210-3800.

Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome.

Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the