August 2022

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

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

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

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

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

Emergency 9-1-1

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

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors

Township Prepares Budget for 2023

Using the Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan as its guide, The Woodlands Township prepares an annual budget and five-year plan in preparation for setting the property tax rate each year. The Township views its planning and operational activities in a strategic manner. Accordingly, each year’s budget is prepared with the goal of achieving certain key objectives as defined in the Township’s Vision 2034 Strategic Plan. Those objectives include:

• Develop a budget and financial plan that meets the short-term and long-term needs of the Township.

• Continue to provide high quality, cost-effective services and amenities.

• Provide enhancements to services as needed and appropriate.

• Maintain and replace capital assets and facilities as necessary.

• Create financial flexibility for changing conditions and opportunities.

Through sound fiscal management, the Township has positioned itself well to cope with growth, create a positive atmosphere for economic development and provide flexibility on budgetary issues. The Township continues to balance revenues and expenditures, maintain or enhance services, have an excellent bond rating and low debt per capita ratio, and maintain appropriate levels of operating, capital replacement, economic development and debt service reserves.

The Township has scheduled several public Board Budget Workshops during the last full week of August and plans to vote on the tax rate at the meeting on August 26, 2022.

For updated schedules, please visit the Township’s online calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar. For additional information, please see page 16.

John Anthony Brown Treasurer, Position 3

Bruce Rieser Vice Chairman, Position 4

Gordy Bunch Chairman, Position 1

Jason J. Nelson Director, Position 2

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs Secretary, Position 5

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Director, Position 6

Bob Milner Director, Position 7 Monique Sharp President and CEO

The Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

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

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

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

in case you missed it

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently honored several community members and groups with proclamations in celebration of their accomplishments and significant milestones.

Filing Now Open for Township Election

Four at-large non-paying positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will be elected in the November 2022 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 until 5 p.m. on August 22, 2022. The deadline for filing a declaration of a write-in candidacy is 5 p.m. on August 26, 2022.

Applications may be (1) mailed to the Township, (2) delivered in person, (3) submitted via facsimile to 281-210-3978, or (4) emailed to Elections@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. 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.

The Township anticipates contracting with Harris County and Montgomery County to conduct the election and to use the regular County polling locations for the election.

Photos by Perry Frank

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recognized Ms. Terry Woodson for her 25 years of service to residents as Waste Management’s Public Sector Solutions Manager. Ms. Woodson is a passionate advocate for recycling and waste diversion in addition to providing tremendous support to the community during natural disasters. Pictured, left to right, Board Secretary Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser, Terry Woodson, Chairman Gordy Bunch, Directors Dr. Ann K. Snyder and Bob Milner, Treasurer John Anthony Brown.

The Modern Widows Club was founded in 2011 as a non-denominational organization that provides widow mentoring, leadership, and empowerment through member services, active social media sites, and an inspirational blog. The Township Board of Directors issued a proclamation in recognition of International Widows Day on June 23, 2022. Pictured, left to right, Board Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser, Modern Widows Club members Tonya Rose, Cheryl Sherrill, Genevieve Saffron, Patricia Gonzalez, Board Secretary Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, club members Kim Joplin, Julie Nieto, Nancy Beyer, Board Chairman Gordy Bunch, Directors Dr. Ann K. Snyder and Bob Milner, Treasurer John Anthony Brown.

The South County Fourth of July Parade has been a tradition in The Woodlands for more than 43 years. The parade is planned by the South County Fourth of July Parade Committee, whom the Township Board of Directors honored with a proclamation. Pictured, left to right, Board Vice Chairman Bruce Rieser, Secretary Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, Chairman Gordy Bunch, Directors Dr. Ann K. Snyder and Bob Milner, Treasurer John Anthony Brown and members of the parade committee and friends.

Safety Tips for Back to School

By Susan Martin

August is an exciting time of the year as we prepare for the back-to-school season. Drivers will notice different driving patterns and rules of the road from the quieter summer months. As the new school year begins, we encourage drivers to slow down, pay attention and obey all traffic laws. The afternoon hours are particularly dangerous for children. The most common causes of crashes in school zones are entirely preventable. These causes are failure to control speed, driver inattention and failure to yield right of way – private drive. Each school zone is different, so it is important to follow all posted signage and eliminate any distractions during these times.

Following these safety tips will help to keep our children safer.

Drivers

As you travel to work or your destination, you may need to allocate more time for your commute to allow for buses, increased traffic, school zones and children walking or biking to school.

While driving in neighborhoods:

❏ If yellow or red bus lights are flashing – you must stop. There are likely students waiting nearby or exiting the bus.

❏ Red flashing lights mean to stop at least 20 feet behind the bus, and wait until the lights stop flashing and the bus begins to move again.

❏ When following a bus, allow a greater distance than if you were behind a car.

While driving in school zones:

❏ Be on the lookout for school zone signals and SLOW DOWN.

❏ Do not block the crosswalk when you stop.

❏ Yield to pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk or intersection.

❏ Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians or dropping off students.

❏ Make eye contact with pedestrians and bikers before proceeding.

❏ Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.

❏ Never change lanes or make a U-turn while driving in a school zone.

❏ NEVER TEXT while driving in a school zone. This is against the law.

BUS RIDERS

❏ Wait five steps away from the curb.

❏ Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver directs you to board or exit.

❏ When crossing in front of the bus, cross 10 feet in front of the bus (out of the blind spot of the driver).

❏ Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.

❏ Look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.

❏ Stay out of the street and avoid excessive horseplay while waiting.

BIKERS

❏ Always wear a correctly fitted helmet, and securely fasten the chin strap.

❏ Ride in the same direction as traffic and follow traffic signs and signals.

❏ Come to a complete stop before crossing the street. Walk bikes across intersections.

❏ Never use electronics while riding –they are distracting.

❏ Be sure your child knows and uses all the appropriate hand signals.

❏ Choose the safest route between home and school and practice it.

❏ If possible, ride with others. There is safety in numbers.

WALKERS

❏ Use the bike path or sidewalk whenever possible.

❏ Whenever they are available, use marked crosswalks to cross the street.

❏ Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

❏ Make sure you never play, push or shove others when you walk around traffic.

❏ Avoid distractions such as your phone or headphones and stay alert.

❏ If you can, walk with other students; there is strength in numbers.

❏ Stick to the route that has been approved for you.

By Ann Hall

VEGETABLE GARDENING

Vegetable gardening blossomed during the pandemic, and it's here to stay!

Gardening, one of our country’s most popular pastimes, continues to grow. In the past two years, the United States added over 18 million NEW gardeners. And, according to the Annual Garden Insights Survey, 62 percent of gardeners will be spending more time in their gardens in 2022. That number is even higher with millennials, 76 percent of whom plan to grow more of their own food this year.

This rise in popularity is not surprising given the many rewards gardening offers, beyond delicious produce. However, gardening in

southeast Texas does come with some unique challenges. Don’t despair, a little information is all you need to avoid issues with temperature, sunlight, weeds, pests and disease. Learn all this and more at the Fall Organic Gardening Online Class from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2022.

Nationally renowned horticulturist and edible gardening consultant, Daniel Cunningham, will offer practical, research-based strategies for every gardener. Daniel is a co-founder of the horticulture consulting firm, Rooted In, based in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area

and a regular contributing writer for multiple gardening publications. He conducts gardening classes year-round and is a frequent trainer for Texas Master Gardeners, Texas Master Naturalists and Native Plant Societies. Get to know Daniel by following his social media pages @TXPlantGuy.

Fall Organic Gardening, a program from The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department, will help you grow better regardless of your experience level. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment to register.

FALL AT THE BOAT HOUSES float into

By Edward Zimmel

Though the stubborn summer heat may linger, fall is right around the corner! The end of the summer season is near, and schools will soon be back in session. However, Riva Row and Lakes Edge Boat Houses remain open year-round, offering a variety of watercraft for an exciting day on the lake, no matter the season.

Beginning on Thursday, August 11, 2022, Riva Row Boat House will be open from 9 a.m. to sunset, with the last boat departing one hour before sunset (current final departure time of 7 p.m. will move earlier as winter approaches and daylight hours diminish). Riva Row Boat House will be closed on Tuesdays

and Wednesdays. Lakes Edge Boat House will also be open from 9 a.m. to sunset, with the last boat departing one hour before sunset. Lakes Edge will only be open Friday through Sunday throughout the fall. Reservations are not required at either location but are highly encouraged. Weekends remain our most

popular time throughout the fall with our more popular boats selling out on occasion. To make a reservation and explore our various watercraft options, please visit www.rivarowboathouse. com. For more information, please call 281-210-3965 or email boathouse@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Lakes Edge Boat House

1970 Hughes Landing Blvd.

The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-210-2065

Friday through Sunday: 9 a.m. to Sunset

Closed Monday through Thursday

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row

The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-210-3965

Thursday through Monday: 9 a.m. to Sunset

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Pedal

Pedal

Stand-Up

Swan

Lifejackets and paddles are included in all rentals. All vessels are $5 for each additional hour when additional hours are purchased prior to your adventure. Late returns will be charged the full rate for additional time. There is no cap on hourly rental lengths, but vessels must be back by closing time during summer months.

Swimming in Lake Woodlands is not permitted. Internal combustion power motorboats are not permitted for general use.

Riva Row and Lakes Edge boat houses offer a variety of watercraft to enjoy on Lake Woodlands and the lower waterway.

School may be back in session soon, but summer is still in swing. The Woodlands Township community pools are open for regular season until August 9, 2022, and post-season hours begin August 10, 2022. Take advantage of these last few weeks of summer fun before cooler temperatures arrive!

Season passes are valid for entry into all Township pools including the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center. To purchase or renew pool passes, please call or visit one of The Woodlands Township’s recreation centers or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/signupforfun and click Fitness Room and Pool Pass Memberships. For new season pool passes, pictures must be taken at one of the recreation center locations within one week of purchasing a new pass by phone or online.

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

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

Residents

0-2 years old

3-64 years old

65 years and up

Additional Family Member Pass (In addition of purchase of four full price passes; immediate family only)

Non-Residents

0-2 years old

3 years and older ......................................................

$30

Daily fees and punch cards are available during pool season.

More information can be found on the Township website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ pools under Pool Fees and Schedule.

2022 Pool Schedule

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

Holidays

Post-Season pools open

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

Regular Season (Ends August 9, 2022)

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

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

Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m.

*Wendtwoods Pool regular season weekday hours open Friday, May 27 and continues through August 14, 2022.

Creekwood, Forestgate, Lakeside and Shadowbend

Monday to Saturday: noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m.

Regular Season Weekly In-Service Days (Closed)

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 10 - 26, 2022)

Bear Branch Pool

Monday to Friday: 1 to 6 p.m. (Closed Wednesdays)

Post-Season (Weekends - August 13September 5, 2022)

Bear Branch, Cranebrook, Forestgate, Harper’s Landing, Lakeside, Ridgewood, Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, Sawmill, Wendtwoods

Saturday: noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m.

Photo by Perry Frank

Alden Bridge

This month’s village association board meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 7 p.m. Meetings are scheduled at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., and we welcome your attendance. Public comments are encouraged, and we are always looking for new board members to volunteer. Email us at abvainfo@ gmail.com if you are interested.

Our June Yard of the Month winner was Allen Wynn on East Foxbriar Circle. What a great job showcasing a wide variety of colorful plants and greenery to brighten up the neighborhood. Check it out if you are in the area! We’ll have one last 2022 award on September 1, 2022, so send your nominations for best front yard in our village to abvainfo@gmail. com. Please submit your nominations no later than August 20, 2022, and we will present the award on September 1, 2022.

We also had a great time sending our Alden Bridge scholarship winners off to their respective schools with $1,000 awards. We gathered at a special reception to honor Alden Bridge scholars, Isabella Griffo, Nicholas Griffo, Alfonso Tamez and Thomas Gault before our May monthly meeting. We want to thank one of our sponsors, Kumon, for providing the funds for one of those scholarships as well. We also were able to provide

a scholarship to a recipient from The Montgomery County Women’s Center. We wish all our recipients the best of luck in their continued education and careers!

Also, looking ahead, mark your calendars for Saturday, November 5, 2022, for the Alden Bridge Fall Festival from 1 to 4 p.m. We are planning another great event for the entire family!

Our monthly email newsletter is distributed to over 1,000 residents. Please send us your email address to abvainfo@gmail.com so you can receive the most current news of Alden Bridge. Your email address 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 at www.aldenbridge.org.

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

College Park

Happy summer to all from College Park Village Association! We hope you all were able to spend time with family and friends, whether it was a staycation or if you ventured out. Now it’s on to school and work. August 10, 2022, is the first day of Conroe ISD classes and the students are surely eager to get back in the groove, as are their parents.

We want to inform our College Park residents of a business vendor fair of College Park businesses. Please visit the College Park Village Association website

and Facebook page for the official date and location.

Everyone stay safe and practice sanitizing your surroundings as the flu season, along with COVID, is stronger in the fall. Our monthly meeting is the third Monday of every month at The Township office at 6 p.m. Please attend a meeting if you have concerns as a resident that the College Park board can address to the Township.

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Indian Springs

The Indian Springs Village Association board is busy planning and organizing the Annual Taste of the Village. The event will be held on October 29, 2022, 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 over 17 years ago, it was designed to be an outreach effort to bring 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 Scholarships. “It is an outstanding event to taste local foods, learn about local businesses, watch our local young artists perform and mingle among The Woodlands neighbors,’’ said Indian Springs President Michael Saucier.

In addition to sampling tasty treats from a variety of food vendors and visiting roughly 40 booths of local businesses and community organizations, families will adore several amusements that will be on hand. Entertainment will most likely include performances from, but not limited to, School of Rock, Class Act, Vitacca, as well as inflatables, face painting and balloon artistry. In addition, a raffle for numerous prizes will be held during the event. Prizes are still being finalized, but in the past,

Pictured above l-r: Isabella Griffo, Nicholas Griffo, Alfonso Tamez . Pictured at left: Thomas Gault

June Yard of the Month winner Allen Wynn

iPads, Air Pods, $250 H-E-B gift cards, leisure outings and other high-end electronics were won at the raffle.

The event setup is covered by the three co-sponsors: Indian Springs Village Association, Regency and

H-E-B. If you are interested in joining us and showing off your business, or for more information on the event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact us on our Facebook page or at indianspringstx@gmail.com.

Submitted

by

Michael Saucier

Panther Creek

Between the Panther Creek Village Association Flag Day pool party and picnic, the Memorial Day events and the Fourth of July celebrations, the residents of Panther Creek got the summer season off to a grand start.

During the coming week, August 22 through August 26, 2022, the Township Board will be working on The Woodlands Township budget for the coming year. If you would like to know how your tax dollars will be spent, please attend the morning workshops held from 8:30 a.m. to noon at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. during the

dates listed above, or visit www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar for more information.

The Parks and Recreation Department is one of the services funded by the Township. Tennis is BIG in The Woodlands. With a cadre of highly skilled instructors, there is a program for everyone from age 2 on up to seniors and everyone from beginners to professional players. For detailed information, view the Action Guide at www.

thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/actionguide. Your civic participation is what helps keep The Woodlands a “Real Hometown.” We welcome you to attend our 7 p.m. village association monthly open meetings every second Thursday of the month at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. You will hear reports from many of those organizations that serve our community and have a chance to get your questions and issues addressed.

Submitted by

Paul Gebolys

Taste of the Village photos submitted by Michael Saucier

Township Budget Workshops

The public is invited to the upcoming budget workshop meetings at 8:30 a.m., August 22 – 26, 2022, where the 2023 budget and tax rate will be discussed and adopted. The Township’s history of lowering the tax rate to effectively manage property owners’

tax burden can be seen in the slides below. The Township’s property tax represents approximately nine percent of a property owner’s total tax levy in Harris County and approximately 12 percent in Montgomery County for an average value home of $500,000.

Property Tax Rate

Stay Prepared During Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is underway and staying prepared is critical. Due to ongoing supply chain issues and increasing costs, preparing now is the best way to stay ahead of any unforeseen emergencies.

During and after a hurricane or other disaster you may not have access to electricity, internet, cellular phone connections, pharmacies, water and ice, fuel, food or television. It is important to assemble an emergency supply kit ahead of time complete with bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batterypowered or hand crank radio, important documents and more. More information can be found on the hurricane checklist, located at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/emergency.

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

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme

Sign up for alerts, including the weekly Talk of the Township eNewsletter, communitywide emergency alerts, press releases and transit alerts.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed

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

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/thewoodlandstownship

TWITTER @thetownshiptx. The Woodlands Express Park and Ride and Town Center Trolley updates: @townshiptransit

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @thetownshiptx

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency

Please visit for a full list of emergency resources.

Don’t wait for a disaster to strike – sign up for alerts and prepare your emergency plan and kit today.

VOTE to Perk Your Park

By Joy Klumpp

In May, The Woodlands Township was selected as one of 10 cities across the country to participate in the 2022 “Perk Your Park” Contest from the Niagara bottled water company in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The Woodlands has the opportunity to win a $75,000 grant to build a proposed outdoor education classroom and wildlife viewing blind. The proposed project would be constructed at the George Mitchell Nature Preserve Creekside West trail system.

The George Mitchell Nature Preserve is a treasured amenity for residents of both Harris and Montgomery counties. With miles of trails coursing through 1,800-acres of forest, lakes and creeks, the Preserve is a popular oasis just minutes away from the hustle of city life. It also provides a protected home for many native plants and animals. Careful consideration was taken in selecting this project location, as this is the first permanent structure to be built in The Woodlands designated for wildlife observation.

Vote for The Woodlands Township BIRD BLIND PROJECT until September 12, 2022 at www.niagaraperkyourpark.com

The dual-purpose bird-blind and classroom, the first of its kind in The Woodlands, will house youth and adult outdoor education programs, serve as a meeting place for trail users, birding groups and nature clubs, and provide a welcomed rest stop for hikers and bikers. Educational signage highlighting local native plants and wildlife will be accessible year-round, providing a space to reconnect with the outdoors. This project relies on funding from the “Perk Your Park” grant. Niagara Cares, the philanthropic program of Niagara water, and NRPA will award a $75,000 grant to the three projects with the most votes. Voting runs from August 1 through September 12, 2022. Individuals can vote once a day at www.niagaraperkyourpark.com. You do not need to be a resident of The Woodlands to vote; friends and family are encouraged to participate, wherever they live. Please visit www.niagaraperkyourpark.com for official rules. One vote per email address, per day.

Winners will be announced in mid-October. Please contact The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department with questions at 281-210-3800.

New Number for Suicide Prevention 988

Designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code became available to everyone across the United States on July 16, 2022. When people call, text, or chat 988, they are connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

or

World-Class.

Lone Star College delivers affordable, high quality education that’s close to home. You’ll find everything from academic transfer programs to state-of-the-art workforce training.

The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress

suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.

Move In/Out Solutions: Extra Cardboard Pickup

Are you moving this summer?

As part of your curbside solid waste services, Waste Management provides free bulk cardboard collection once a month. This is great for moveins, appliance purchases or an online shopping spree. Rest assured, cardboard placed curbside gets recycled, but it’s even better to reuse boxes that are still in good shape. Before scheduling a cardboard pickup, consider posting a notice on social media for neighbors and local moving companies that you have boxes to offer.

Schedule Bulky Cardboard Pickup

1. Determine your service day – Bulky Cardboard collection occurs on the second Monday or fourth Friday of the month, depending on your location.

Second Monday: Alden Bridge, Cochran’s Crossing and Sterling

Ridge; Fourth Friday: Creekside Park, College Park, Grogan’s Forest, Grogan’s Mill, Indian Springs, Panther Creek, Research Forest and Town Center

2. Schedule pickup at least two business days before your neighborhood’s cardboard day by contacting Waste Management at 1-800-800-5804 or cssatex@wm.com.

3. Follow the guidelines to ensure service: flatten, tie and stack boxes, set items at the curb before 7 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day. ONLY cardboard will be collected – no Styrofoam packaging, packing peanuts, bulky trash items or plastic film. Packing paper should be folded and placed in your recycling cart for normal recycling cart service.

If you live in an apartment or don’t want to wait for curbside pickup, you have several local cardboard drop-off locations

RECYCLE MORE GUIDE DONATION GUIDE

By Zoe Killian

at your disposal. You can find these in The Woodlands Township Recycle More Guide at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/recyclemore.

Found some household items that need to go curbside as well? Before tossing, consider donating items in good condition to a local charitable organization. Many will collect them right from your doorstep. Consult The Woodlands Township Donation Guide for a list of options at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ donationguide.

To report missed pickups or service issues, please contact Waste Management at 1-800-800-5804 or cssatex@wm.com. For more information about recycling and solid waste services in The Woodlands, please contact the The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

STAY CONNECTED WITH

Talk of the Township

By Kacie Gurney

official e-Newsletter of the woodlands township

The Woodlands Township offers a wide variety of services, programs and activities for residents. From free concerts and festivals to public safety and fire protection services, the Township strives to provide a welcoming, safe and active community for all.

In addition to multiple social media accounts and the website, the Township publishes a weekly email newsletter, Talk of the Township The newsletter includes timely information about Board meetings, events and festivals and details about services, programs and facilities provided by the Township.

During times of emergency, the Talk of the Township is used to communicate updates from the Township, local agency partners and news media. As we progress through hurricane season, there has never been a better time to subscribe. Please note, the Township will never share or sell your email address to any third party organization.

To sign up for Talk of the Township, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Limited spaces remain for the 2022 Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas 10-mile race, 3.1 Armadillo Run 5K and One 4 Texas Kids’ Fun Run, taking place Saturday, October 8, 2022. After racing to the finish, participants will enjoy a Texas-sized Post-Race Party featuring live music by Brandon McDermott Band.

The 10-mile race registration fee includes technical shirt, finisher medal, hat, participant race packet and post-race food and beverages. The 5K registration fee includes technical shirt, finisher medal, participant race packet and post-race food and beverages (hat not included). One 4 Texas registration fee includes T-shirt, finisher medal, participant race packet and post-race food and beverages. All races will be capped to ensure the comfort and safety of all participants.

With many of the runners being introduced to the race by a friend, the 3.1 Armadillo Run 5K is a great event for casual runners to enter the fun as well. Volunteer or form a cheer zone

By

to encourage the runners along the route. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please email races@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for more details.

Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned event. Don’t delay – register today at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/10fortexas.

Photos courtesy of Race Shots

Liz Aguirre

Fall Vendor Opportunities

By Angela Ellis

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department will be accepting applications for potential vendors at a variety of events this fall.

Trick or Treat Trail

Saturday, October 22, 2022

2 to 6 p.m. at Northshore Park

Don your costume and enjoy a spooktacular celebration at the annual community favorite, Trick or Treat Trail. Children can trick or treat from booth to booth. This free event includes great strolling entertainment, games, costume contests and more.

Lighting of the Doves

Saturday, November 19, 2022

3 to 8 p.m. at Town Green Park

The Lighting of the Doves Festival signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. The event features 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!

For more information on how to become a vendor or sponsor within The Woodlands Township’s events, please email specialevents@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

TWCM, its assigns, and the publisher, have been granted the non-exclusive right to use and /or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. For more information, please call 281-210-3800. Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome. Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information. Copyright: The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. by Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., 6608 FM 1960 West, Suite G, Houston Texas 77069. Copyright © 2022. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher or The Woodlands Township.

Applications are now being accepted for vendors to participate in the Trick or Treat Trail and Lighting of the Doves events. Interested vendors should email specialevents@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for more information.

Photos by Derrick Bryant

Request AHouse Numbering Paint Kit

By Kristin Pternitis

Can public safety personnel find your residence easily in an emergency?

Having your house number visible is very important to public safety.

Free paint kits are available for residents of The Woodlands to paint your house number on your curb/driveway. Having your house number on the curb/driveway ensures your address is visible from the street. The paint kit includes a paint brush, stencil and paint. Simply complete and submit the online request form and you will be contacted when a kit is available for pickup at the Township office. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and type ‘Paint Kit’ in the search field for the request form or call 281-210-3800 for more information.

Leading Orthopedic Care to KEEP YOU MOVING

Our sports medicine specialists can help keep your body in motion.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know every movement matters. Our board-certified sports medicine specialists offer:

• The latest imaging and technology

• Advanced nonsurgical treatments

• Minimally invasive procedures

• State-of-the-art physical and occupational therapy

Your health and safety are our priority. We are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe.

Whether you’re suffering from simple aches and pains or dealing with a complex injury, we can get you back on your feet — and keep you moving. Same-day

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