September 2015

On the Cover

September is the last call for summer, especially on weekends at nine of the Township pools. Please see page 10 or the Township website for details, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools.

Cover photo by Susan Schneider

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

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

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

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

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

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

Emergency 911

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

message from the woodlands township board of directors 2016 Budget

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. A number of budget planning workshops and meetings were held in August to review and discuss the proposed budget for next 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, including:

• 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.

Bruce Tough Chairman Position No. 7

Jeff Long Director Position No. 3

Ed Robb Vice Chairman Position No. 4

John McMullan Director

No. 5

Mike Bass Secretary Position No. 2

Peggy S. Hausman Director

No. 6

Gordy Bunch Treasurer Position No. 1

Don Norrell President and General Manager

The Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Creative Director Lori Short

Graphic Designers Beky Smock

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Photo Editor Susan Schneider

Copy Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Amber George

Social Media

Ashley Gravois

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

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

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

By Susan Martin

COMMUNITY SAFETY EXPO

Saturday, September 19, 2015, noon to 3 p.m., Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch invites you to experience the lights and sirens of public safety at the National Night Out Community Safety Expo. This free handson event offers fun for residents of all ages! Get up close and personal with public safety personnel and equipment from local, state and federal agencies, ask questions and learn about what they do.

See Homeland Security’s MRAP tank; climb inside an ambulance, fire truck and patrol car; explore the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office or ICE Mobile Command units; try on SWAT and FBI gear; watch live demonstrations from narcotic, explosive and apprehension K-9s; test your skills on the texting-whiledriving or drunk-driving simulators; and meet real crime scene investigators and Texas Rangers.

The kids will surely love the bounce house, face painting, balloon artists, games, crafts and hanging out with McGruff and the other mascots that will help celebrate National Night Out. H-E-B will supply hot dogs, hamburgers and other refreshments to complete the celebration.

Free parking will be available across from Northshore Park (9320 Lakeside Blvd.). Eco Taxi will be available to help safely shuttle residents to the park.

Neighborhood Parties

The National Night Out celebration continues with neighborhood parties on Tuesday, October 6, 2015. Residents are encouraged to gather between 5:30 and 8 p.m. on their street or in a nearby park to meet neighbors and local public safety officials. Bringing neighbors together is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime. Although some neighborhoods do have a barbecue or potluck, others keep it simple with desserts or popsicles. The most important part of National Night Out is to get to know your neighbors. Local law enforcement and The Woodlands Fire Department will briefly visit with neighborhoods who register their parties with the Township.

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch will have supplies available for pickup at Supply and Registration Day Thursday, September 24, 2015, at The Woodlands Township office

at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Come between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to the Board chambers entrance to pick up balloons, signs, crime prevention materials and more. There will also be a drawing for prizes for those who attend. To register a party, residents should call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/neighborhoodwatch.

Food Drive

Nonperishable food items collected at your National Night Out party can be dropped off directly at Interfaith between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2015, through Friday, October 9, 2015. Please make sure to mention National Night Out when giving your donation to Interfaith. Together we CAN make a difference to alleviate hunger in South Montgomery County!

I.D. the Burglar Village Challenge

This fun contest is designed to promote neighborhood cooperation, crime prevention awareness, and to test a person’s skill and accuracy in identifying

a suspect. One party from each village will be drawn from the parties registered to participate in the challenge. A burglar, along with a “good guy,” will be escorted by a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy to the party chosen from each village. The neighborhood must then work as a team to help identify the burglar! Any neighborhood interested in participating in this challenge must note it when registering the party. Registration must take place by September 24, 2015. The selected parties will be notified and given the materials to participate.

The Neighborhood Watch has other contests planned, including a Theme Party contest (one winner per village) and Early Bird party registration prizes. For more information on these and other National Night Out events, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ NeighborhoodWatch, or call 281-210-3800.

Narcotic, explosive and apprehension K-9s perform live demonstrations at the event in Northshore Park.

McGruff and other mascots are always a favorite with the kids.

Attendees get a great demonstration on the abilities of K-9 teams in the community. Kids have a great time trying on SWAT gear at the annual event.

Photos by Perry Frank

Attendees get to see the Homeland Security’s MRAP tank.

Texas tough landscapes flourish in drought and deluge with no more than an inch of water a week. Receive a free rain gauge to track your landscape’s needs.

Whether made in your own backyard or purchased locally, quality compost is a basic ingredient of a beautiful, healthy landscape. Discover more tips for creating a water-wise lawn and garden at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions Saturday, September 26.

Tap Into Nature at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions

By Lucinda Valdes

Woodlands Landscaping Solutions taps into nature Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 9 a.m. to noon at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive with tools to make your next lawn, garden or habitat project a success! Showcasing water-wise tips from gardening groups and professionals, the free event focuses on achieving an easy-care, earth-friendly landscape from the ground up. Booths will feature tested methods and current trends in landscaping—water-wise lawns, growing edibles, worm composting and organic solutions. At the Irrigation Station, Montgomery County Master Gardeners will demonstrate the latest water-saving gadgets, drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Local gardening personalities and authors, Mark Bowen and Brenda Beust-Smith, will share tried and true solutions to revive stressed landscapes or beautify new ones. Bring a landscape photo or sketch for Design on the Spot advice from the gardening pros.

Our mild winters result in a long-growing season and optimal conditions for year-round niche gardens that spotlight herbs, antique roses and native plants. Learn about inviting nature to your window with habitat gardening and the plants that attract birds, butterflies and pollinators. Discover the magic of monarch butterflies and growing milkweed, an essential plant for their survival, at Monarch Waystation. Chris Wiesinger, the Bulb Hunter, will sell heirloom bulbs for hot landscapes while The Herb Cottage will spice it up with fall vegetables, herbs and seeds for Texas gardens. Pass-along Plants, a southern tradition, are heirloom and native specimens that gardeners share with friends and neighbors. Yvonne Bohanon and Master Gardeners will pass along gifts from their gardens, while supplies last!

For tree trimming, care and concerns, Troubleshooting Trees will offer sage advice, including bulletins on invasive pests. The doctor will be in at the Master Gardener Plant Clinic. Transport that sickly or pest-plagued specimen in a plastic baggie to receive a free diagnosis and prescription for treatment.

Whatever the gardening challenge, Woodlands Landscaping Solutions has the answer! The event is organized by The Woodlands Township with sponsorship by Montgomery County Master Gardener Association, Woodlands Joint Powers Agency, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Waste Management. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ gardeningevents or call 281-210-3800 for more information.

*One bin per household. Proof of Woodlands residency required.

Healthy gardens and landscapes are a key element to the allure of The Woodlands. Photo by David Henderson

Keith and Taryn Golightly find that gardening goes along with their healthy lifestyle and enjoyment of nature and the outdoors. The couple will learn what is trending at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions. Photos by Lucinda Valdes

Su l cmmer ast all f or

September 5 – 7, September 12 – 13, September 19 – 20, September 26 – 27

Saturdays Noon to 6 p.m.

Sundays 1 to 6 p.m.

Shadowbend Pool, Cranebrook Pool, Creekwood Pool, Forestgate Pool, Harper’s Landing Pool, Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, Sawmill Pool, Wendtwoods Pool, Windvale Pool

Labor Day Monday: Noon to 6 p.m.

All 14 pools open.

Photos by Susan Schneider

Fall Maintenance Checklist

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

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

ü Mow and edge the lawn.

ü Edge, weed and mulch all landscape beds.

ü Repair and replace broken fences.*

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

ü Repair and repaint damaged or faded siding.*

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

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

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

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

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

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

2015 FALL SERIES

Head over to Northshore Park at 2505 Lake Woodlands

Drive this fall and enjoy variety of musical talent. Blankets, lawn chairs, coolers and pets are permitted, so bring the whole family for a FREE evening of music and fun!

September 13 The Spicolis (80s Rock)

September 20 Matt Mason (Texas Country)

Enjoy the 5th Annual Family Sidewalk Chalk Competition! Chalking begins at 5:30 p.m. with judging during intermission at 6:30 p.m.

October 4 Russell Boyd (Variety Piano Man)

October 11 Gary Michael Dahl Band (Jazz)

The Jack-O-Lantern Challenge! Carving begins at 5:30 p.m. with judging during intermission at 6:30 p.m.

Concert In The Park 2015

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

To bring a dedicated pediatric hospital to a growing community.

The Promise campaign will support construction of Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands — giving communities north of Houston a children’s hospital close to home, where they need it most.

texaschildrens.org/promise

September 12, 19, 26 and October 3 & 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. located at Waterway Square

Attend a free concert along The Woodlands Waterway ® at Waterway Square. All Live at Night concerts are family-friendly, so bring a blanket and lawn chairs. Picnics and coolers are also welcome.

At The Village, I take charge of my life. Today I’ll ride my bike, read, volunteer, review my portfolio on my iPad and take a class. Tomorrow, golf and lunch on Market Street.

John Lee, Resident, The Village at The Woodlands Waterway

We’re pleased to have residents like John Lee … living life to the fullest on their own terms, staying active and engaged. Bring your family for a private tour. We’re close to shopping, dining and entertainment, surrounded by walking trails and the scenic natural beauty of The Woodlands.

281 528 4679

www. villagewoodlands.com

2323

September 2015

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

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

Tuesday, September 1

Special Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7 p.m. 281-210-3889

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

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

Wednesday, September 2

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Regular Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 11:30 a.m. 281-210-3800

Thursday, September 3

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, September 4

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center 7 p.m.

281-210-3950

This event is geared to 5th, 6th and 7th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.

Saturday, September 5

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

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

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center www.grogansmillvillage.com

Labor Day Weekend Celebration 6 to 9 p.m.

Waterway Square 281-363-2447

Sunday, September 6

Labor Day Weekend Celebration

6 to 9 p.m.

Waterway Square 281-363-2447

Monday, September 7

Labor Day

Township offices closed. Regular trash and recycling pickup.

Tuesday, September 8

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

Going Green Sustainability Lecture Scientific Thinking on Climate Change Speaker Larry Kremer South Regional Library 2101 Lake Robbins Drive 7 p.m. 281-363-2723

Wednesday, September 9

Northshore Park Renovation Public Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3800

Thursday, September 10

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Ad Hoc Transportation Committee Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 2 p.m. 281-210-3800

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3886

Friday, September 11

Patriot Day

Kid’s Night Out 6 to 10 p.m.

The Woodlands Township Recreation Center 5310 Research Forest Drive $20 per child, siblings receive discount

Photo by Perry Frank

Saturday, September 12

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

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

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Car Seat Check and Fingerprinting Event

Target Parking Lot

1100 Lake Woodlands Drive

9 a.m. to noon

281-210-3800

Arts in the Park

Rob Fleming Park

3 to 7 p.m.

281-210-3800

Live at Night

Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

281-363-2447

Sunday, September 13

Concert in the Park

The Spicolis (80s Rock)

Northshore Park

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Wednesday, September 16

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Law Enforcement Advisory Council Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 17

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

9 a.m.

281-210-3800

FREE Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture

Bringing Buzz to the Garden: Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators

McCullough Junior High School

3800 S. Panther Creek Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, September 18

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

This event is geared to 5th, 6th and 7th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.

Saturday, September 19

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

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

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center www.grogansmillvillage.com

Free Recycle Day

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Montgomery County Precinct 3 www.precinct3.org

National Night Out Community Safety Expo

Northshore Park

Noon to 3 p.m.

See pages 6 and 7.

Live at Night

Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

281-363-2447

Sunday, September 20

Concert in the Park

Matt Mason (Texas Country) Northshore Park

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Monday, September 21

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

936-231-5996

Tuesday, September 22

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, September 23

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

Thursday, September 24

National Night Out

Supply and Registration Day

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, September 26

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

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

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Woodlands Landscaping Solutions

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

9 a.m. to noon

281-210-3800

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Live at Night Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

281-363-2447

NO CHANGES IN WASTE SERVICE THIS MONTH.

There will be no changes in garbage service for September. Waste Management will pick up trash, recycling and yard waste on Labor Day (Monday, September 7, 2015). For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ holidaytrash

Alden Bridge

Hello again from Alden Bridge! September is usually one of our hottest months, and you can continue to keep cool in our community pools for a while longer. In our village, the Windvale pool will be open on weekends through September 27.

The monthly Alden Bridge Village Association board meeting will be held Tuesday, September 8, at 7 p.m. at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Don Stockton, superintendent of Conroe Independent School District. He’ll give us an update on the district. Residents are encouraged to attend our meetings, so please bring us your questions, your praise and your problems. You can also send your concerns to info@aldenbridge.org.

We’ll award our final Yard of the Month winner for 2015 on September 19, so please send your nominations to info@aldenbridge.org There’s no theme this month, so we’re looking for what you consider to be the best front yard in our village. In October we’ll give an award for the Spookiest House and, before you know it, it will be time to look for the best holiday decorations in our village.

Volunteers will be needed to represent Alden Bridge at the Fall Villages Flea Market. All village associations share in the profits if we meet our quota of volunteers and our share goes directly to our scholarship fund. Please contact info@aldenbridge.org for additional information. This is a Saturday morning event, so you’ll still have all afternoon for your own use, plus you get first look at all the goodies being offered for sale!

We may have a few tickets left for the bus-to-the-ball-game outing Saturday, September 19, so contact info@aldenbridge.org if you’re interested in joining us. Tickets are $22 each, and

that covers admission to Minute Maid Park and a round-trip bus ride from our village center. What a deal! The Astros will be playing the Athletics that evening. We continue to publish our monthly email newsletter of village news. Please send your email address to info@aldenbridge.org to join the mailing list. Your email address will not be shared and will be used only to distribute news of Alden Bridge. You can also find us on Facebook and our website (www.aldenbridge.org). Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend and a September to remember!

Submitted by Darla D. Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

Several of Cochran’s Crossing Village Association’s free “Spirit” events are almost bookends for the summer: the annual pool party at Bear Branch in June and the Fall Festival which is held at Shadowbend Park. Both events are free for those who attend.

Make plans now to attend this year’s Fall Festival which will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. October 18. For more than 20 years, this free event has grown in size, both in attendance and number of activities. In addition to free food and a wide variety of games, this year there will be more focus on activities for older children such as a rock climbing wall to go with the jump houses and slides.

In between these events, of course, was the Fourth of July parade. That event has also expanded significantly over the years. Cochran’s Crossing was pleased that Stuart Schroeder, president of the village association, was able to bring a Union Pacific train (a somewhat scaled down engine and tender) on board as a parade participant. Union Pacific was recognized by the Fourth of July Committee for its entry with the President’s Choice Award.

Except for December when a meeting is not held, the board meetings for Cochran’s Crossing Village Association are at the Township meeting rooms on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. There was another exception this July. The board meeting was “off-site” at the newly renovated Fire Station number 2 on Gosling near Collins Middle School and Cochran’s Crossing Shopping Center.

This was an opportunity for board members and interested residents to tour the physical facility as well as meet the staff of the station who are there 24/7 for the protection of our community. Like all Cochran’s Crossing board meetings, it was open to all members of the community. A Good Neighbor Day was also held at the Fire Station July 25.

There are 18 Cochran’s Crossing residents on the association board.

Support from Kroger and Rotary Interact members have helped to make the fall festival a success.

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association President Stuart Schroeder helped Union Pacific roll into The Woodlands for the Fourth of July parade.

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Although all board positions are currently filled, vacancies sometimes occur. If you live in Cochran’s Crossing and are interested in participating on the board, contact Gary Conwell, the board secretary, at 281-387-6986.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

The Village of College Park includes three main residential neighborhoods: Harper’s Landing, Grogan’s Forest and Windsor Hills. The village association’s 13-member board of directors includes nine at-large area representatives from all three of these neighborhoods. You may be interested in becoming more involved and learning more about your hometown and own neighborhoods. If you have an interest in serving on your village association board, please attend any one of our fall activities (or our monthly meeting) and explore how you can be part of your community.

Some of the activities we sponsor are unique to our village and some of them, such as the National Night Out, are community-wide. College Park Village placed third among all villages in the recent Water-Wise Community Challenge to focus awareness on water conservation. We placed second in the GreenUp by participating in the trash cleanup this past spring. Please note that these are activities that your entire family can be a part of.

Speaking of family entertainment, October brings us relief from the heat and some of the best family fun you can have right in your neighborhood! Plan ahead so that you can enjoy it with us. The month starts with National Night Out on October 6, 2015. Our annual Fall Festival and Halloween Spooktacular will be on October 31, right in Harper’s Landing Park. Games, food and, of course, a costume contest will be among the activities for your family to enjoy.

October also marks the month for the second flea market of 2015. Since garage and yard sales are against our covenants, the village associations and The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department (along with help from Interact and Key Clubs from the high schools) will hold a flea market on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Tickets go on sale October 3 at Panther Creek Shopping Center or at the Township building on October 5. Further details on these activities will be forthcoming and can be found online at www.woodlandsfleamarket.org.

We encourage you to attend our monthly meeting on the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Township offices on Technology Forest Drive.

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Creekside Park

Greetings, Creekside residents! September is here, the kids are back to school, and summer is winding down. The Creekside Park Village Association has had a busy and productive summer and year. Year to date, the village association has raised just under $2,000 for our education fund through various volunteer events, including the water-wise challenge, cheer station, etc. A special thank-you to all who participated in these events and for representing Creekside Park with class.

In June we hosted our second annual Pool Party at Wendtwoods Pool located in Timarron Village. More than 300 people attended and enjoyed hot dogs and Rita’s ice, a piñata for the kids, and of course, a lot of cooling down in the sprayground and the lazy river. Thank you to Peggy Krysiak, program specialist for The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, for providing essential community information to all the residents that attended this great event.

On July 11, the Creekside Park Village Green Center held a grand

MEETING INFORMATION

continued on page 20

ALDEN BRIDGE

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!

Website www.aldenbridge.org

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

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Website www.cochranscrossing.com

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

COLLEGE PARK

The College Park Village Association (CPVA) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Website www.villageofcollegepark.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Ted Stanley at 936-271-0587.

CREEKSIDE 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!

Website www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Nancy Becker at 832-559-7004.

GROGAN’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!

Website www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? Contact your program specialist at 281-210-3887.

INDIAN SPRINGS

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!

Website www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Mike Arendes, Mike.Arendes@IndianSpringsVillage.com.

PANTHER CREEK

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!

Website www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

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

STERLING RIDGE

The Sterling Ridge Village Association (SRVA) usually meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Website www.sterling-ridge.org

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or contact Village Association President Anthony Fasone at sr_twa@hotmail.com.

VILLAGE NEWS continued

opening. With lots of activities for the kids and a place to cool off on the green spray pad, it made for the perfect time to check out all the great businesses that have recently opened their doors. If you missed this event, take some time to check out the great establishments at Creekside Village Green.

As you all should know, October 6 is National Night Out. This is a great way to meet your neighbors, welcome new neighbors and come together to make sure your neighborhood is a safe place to live. If you are looking for ideas or more information on this great event please contact your community Neighborhood Watch representative or Peggy Krysiak at the Township.

Look for events and village meeting information on the Creekside Park Village Association Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you at our next association meeting on the first Tuesday of the month unless otherwise communicated.

A friendly reminder, with school in session, please be mindful of stopped school buses and pay special attention in school zones.

Submitted by Lisa Purtell

Grogan’s Mill

Work on the temporarily closed path under Grogan’s Mill Road is expected to be completed by the end of September. The path, which is owned by The Woodlands Development Company, is being transferred to the Township when finished. The pathway is an extension off of the Millbend Loop that crosses under Grogan’s Mill Road between North and South Millbend, near South Timbertop, and leads to the Conference Center and the Village Center on the west side of Grogan’s Mill Road. This will be happy news to the many residents who have been waiting patiently for this well-used hike and bike path to be re-opened.

Two end-of-summer events were hosted by the village association in August. Our annual Splash Day was

held on August 8 at Sawmill Park. The kids especially loved the foam pit, snow cones, games and prizes. Refreshments included tasty items from the Grogan’s Mill Village Center restaurants: Brothers Pizza, Taco USA and Fuddruckers. Thanks as always to our Township Village Liaison, Doris Provencio, for all her help and support.

The village’s July Yard of the Month and $50 Randall’s gift certificate winner is Lesa Bryan of High Oaks. Lesa’s garden was designed with beautiful anchor plants tolerant to our climate that require minimal watering to which she adds splashes of color in the spring and fall.

The village’s August winners are Josh and Tanya Urban, who live in Grogan’s Point. Philadelphia-area natives, they love their several gardens and focus on native plants such as asparagus ferns, butterfly bush, ligustrums and arborvitaes.

Congratulations to Lesa and to the Urbans! Both homes are beautiful and worthy winners of the Yard of the Month award.

Submitted

by

Dana Denton

Panther Creek

Summer may finally be winding down, but the residents of Panther Creek are rewinding for an event-filled fall. Our annual outing to watch the Astros will be held on Sept. 19, 2015. Hurry, there are few seats left, so call Mary Bootz at 281-296-9960 for tickets. Price includes game tickets and a custom coach ride to and from the ballpark.

The Fall Flea Market is approaching, so check www.woodlandsfleamarket.org for the date and times for this semiannual event. Twice a year, buyers, sellers, browsers and bargain hunters flock from near and far to the covered garage between The Pavilion and the Waterway Marriott for this event. So whether you’re looking for that unique piece of furniture, a rare craft find, or are simply getting an early start on your Christmas shopping, don’t miss the fun.

Panther Creek residents have also been leaders in holding National Night Out neighborhood parties. This is a great way to meet new neighbors and work with each other to promote neighborhood safety, and the real hometown feeling that The Woodlands is famous for. The National Night Out get-togethers will be held Tuesday, October 6, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. If your street missed out last year, The Woodlands Township will help with ideas and supplies to enable you to hold this year’s party. Call 281-210-3800 to register to hold a party now and pick up supplies Thursday, September 24, 2015, at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

To get in the spirit and to share information about the many aspects of community safety and preparedness, you are invited to a free Safety Expo at Northshore Park on Saturday, September 19, 2015, from noon to 3 p.m.

Your community needs you. Whether it’s joining in at events or volunteering to be a Neighborhood Watch coordinator, there is a place for you to be part of it all. Every resident of Panther Creek is invited to our monthly board

Josh and Tanya Urban accept their Yard of the Month award for August from Bob Leilich of the village association.

Lesa Bryan’s anchor plants helped her home to win the July Yard of the Month award.

meetings to hear reports about public safety, parks, events and much more. It is a great place to find out the best resources for solutions to problems that are of concern to you. We are easy to find online, on Facebook, or on Twitter, and by subscribing to our free newsletter. Check us out at www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org. You’ll be glad you did!

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

It’s time again for kids to be going to and from school, so please drive safely and obey school zone laws regarding speed and cellphone usage. There are a lot of school-age children in Sterling Ridge. Let’s keep them safe as they go to and from school.

The Ninth Annual Sterling Ridge Barbecue Challenge and Kids Festival is coming up October 3 at Cranebrook Park. If you live in Sterling Ridge and would like to participate with a barbecue cook team, contact Sue Young at texastwirlers@yahoo.com There will be competition for best brisket, ribs, pork and beans, as well as music and lots of activities for kids such as bounce houses and face painting.

The Sterling Ridge Village Association meets most months on the first Tuesday at The Woodlands Township Building at 7 p.m. We put on two events a year, the barbecue challenge in the fall and a fishing tournament in the spring. We raise money that we use to provide grants to the PTOs of the elementary schools that serve children who live in Sterling Ridge. We currently have four vacant positions on our 15-seat board of directors.

If you would like to help our Association, please contact President Anthony Fasone at sr_twa@hotmail.com.

Submitted By Anthony Fasone

BRINGING TO THE

Garden

Discover an overlooked treasure, Texas pollinators, when the Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Series presents Bringing Buzz to the Garden: Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators, with Dr. Nancy Greig, Director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center. This lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2015, at McCullough Jr. High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive.

If you like food, you should love pollinators! Native bees—bumble, carpenter, leafcutter and mason—are the number one animal pollinators of agricultural, ornamental and wild plants.

“We hear so much about endangered honey bees and monarchs, but often forget about other important pollinators,” Dr. Greig notes. Large, fuzzy, black and yellow-bodied, bumblebees do not produce honey for commercial use, but they are super pollinators. Bumblebees forage much earlier and later in the day. Bigger and hairier than honey bees, they gather and transfer pollen from flower to flower more efficiently, yet their numbers are declining.

www.gleannlochseniorliving.com

By Lucinda Valdes

Dr. Greig, a botanist and entomologist, will reveal the untold story of solitary American bees and their relationship to other pollinators, including hive-forming honey bees. “There is so much diversity,” she says. Wide-ranging in lifestyle, flower preference and physical appearance, native pollinators come in different colors, shapes and sizes. Learn about threats to these invaluable insects and how habitat gardens, even on a small scale, contribute to conservation efforts.

Spotlighting bumblebees, Dr. Greig will share the fascinating world of pollinators and how to provide nectar and pollen in your own landscape. A free program of The Woodlands Township, Walk in the Woods Lecture Series is sponsored by Nature’s Way Resources, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Waste Management. For more information, please call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services at 281-210-3800, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/wildlife

TOP: Only ¼ to ¾ of an inch long, the metallic green sweat bee visits small-flowered native plants like gaura. Growing the right flowers, shrubs and trees with overlapping bloom cycles, supports pollinators year round. BOTTOM: Bumblebee or carpenter bee? Dr. Greig provides clues at Bringing Buzz to the Garden.

Dr. Nancy Greig

Photo Courtesy of Houston Museum of Natural Science

Photo by Dawn Pando

Photo by Lucinda Valdes

It’s All About Water Stewardship

By Bob Dailey

Why are we still on water restrictions even though the drought is over?

The Defined Irrigation Schedule, which restricts in-ground irrigation to no more than two days a week, has nothing to do with drought. In fact, it was instituted in 2013, well after the 2011 drought was over.

So if it is not about drought, what is it about?

Simply, it’s about being responsible stewards of a vital resource and trying to ensure there is enough water for future generations.

We’ve got plenty of water. The lakes and bayous are full. Why are the MUDs and WJPA concerned about water conservation?

We currently have approximately 500,000 people in Montgomery County. We have been permitted to pump water from the Jasper and Evangeline aquifers at a rate of about 84,000 acre feet a year. That’s about 30 billion gallons. The combined two aquifers recharge at 64,000 acre feet a year (about 21 billion gallons). That’s a current deficit of about 20,000 acre feet or around nine billion gallons. And large water volume users in the county (any

DEFINED IRRIGATION SCHEDULE

group using 10 million gallons or more) are under mandate to reduce their usage by 30 percent. While The Woodlands, the City of Conroe and Oak Ridge North are some of the largest users, there are many more large users within the county.

But aren’t we now taking water from Lake Conroe? Shouldn’t that solve the problem?

Yes. It solves the current problem. But residents still need to look to the future. There are about 500,000 people in the county. By 2035, experts are saying that we will have close to a million people, and that population will continue to grow exponentially after that. Since public water providers are charged by the TCEQ to provide clean drinking water at just and reasonable prices for now and for the future, it’s important to find additional water. Experience from the rest of the country shows that by reducing water consumption by 30 percent, those billions of gallons can serve future generations. If regions burdened by drought now had the foresight to conserve water decades ago, they may not be having the problems they are having now.

How will restricting lawn irrigation to no more than two days a week help?

Of all the potable water used in The Woodlands (and throughout most of Montgomery County), at least 50 percent is used to irrigate lawns. In the summer, that can rise to 80 percent on peak days. Additionally, of all the water used to irrigate lawns, 50 percent of that is wasted, running off into the street and into storm sewers and ultimately to the Gulf. Lawn irrigation, not toilets or showers, is the largest waster of water by far.

Will this conservation program keep my water rates down?

Water prices will continue to rise across Texas, the nation and the world. We will never again see water prices as low as they are now. And we are still much lower than elsewhere. Cost for the equivalent of 10,000 gallons of water in Britain is about $96. In France, it is $120. Here the cost is approximately half that. Although conservation will help keep water prices from rising as rapidly as other areas, the real value of conservation is to maintain an adequate supply of clean drinking water for our children and future generations. Read more at www.wjpa.org.

Drip irrigation, hose-end sprinklers and handheld watering devices are exempt from the Defined Irrigation Schedule.

By Kathy Coffman

Things to consider

• Emergency news or weather broadcasts may not be closed captioned.

• Information that is shown on screen may not be spoken aloud.

• Automated voices and voices over loud speakers may be hard to understand.

• Information comes quickly, and the stress of a disaster may make it hard to understand or remember instructions.

• Words moving across the bottom of a television screen may move very quickly.

• The screen color or text color might make some information on television hard to read.

Choose one of the following things to do this month to become better prepared:

Get a NOAA Emergency Alert Radio. Emergency alert radios can be used to warn about a variety of circumstances. With the Emergency Alert Radio, you will be warned about dangerous situations in time to take shelter or other safe action.

Every home should have an emergency alert radio, just the way all homes should have a smoke detector. They can be purchased at stores that sell electronics. Prices start at about $20. Most run on batteries or have battery backup. Make sure everyone in your household can communicate in a disaster.

The way emergency information is sent out in your community may not work for everyone. If you don’t speak English well, or if you use an assistive device to speak or hear, make a plan now to get and give information in a disaster.

If you think you may not be able to understand emergency information, identify someone (or more than one person) that you can contact for help in an emergency. Have more than one way to get in touch with them. Keep their contact information with you.

Stay Informed Locally

During an emergency, for information specific to The Woodlands, listen to K-Star Country, KVST 99.7 FM, the official emergency broadcast partner of The Woodlands Township.

• Fully redundant power

• Locally owned and operated

• North Houston and Conroe coverage area

• Local news, weather and traffic.

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

You may also stay informed through The Woodlands Township website, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, and sign up for emergency alerts, Talk of the Township eNewsletter, news releases and more at the Township site. You can also like the Township on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ thewoodlandstownship and follow the Township on Twitter, @TheTownshipTX.

In the event that all communications and power fail, The Woodlands Fire Department serves as an emergency communications resource. You can find out more about The Woodlands Fire Department and where the stations are located at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/firedepartment.

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

More Information and Resources

The Woodlands Township

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme

CodeRED Weather Alert System ecnetwork.com/codered/

Greater Harris County 9-1-1

Emergency Network (GHC 9-1-1) ghcens.onthealert.com

Nixle www.nixle.com/

The Woodlands CERT website twcert.com/main/

NOAA Weather Radios at Amazon.com tinyurl.com/nzbyram

A large crowd gathered to gain information at the CERT Continuing Education program in June.

Stay Prepared in September with an EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Hurricane season isn’t over yet. In fact, September is the most active hurricane month of the season. With this in mind, all residents are encouraged to stay vigilant not only in September, but all throughout the year with necessary supplies. Every home should have a ready kit with the following supplies:

• 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

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

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

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

• 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, and medication and food for pets.

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

We Walk to School in October

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Dispose of Medications Safely

By Lucinda Valdes

National Prescription Drug Take-Back

Day on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is being coordinated in our community by The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch. The drive thru drop-off at The Woodlands Township Town Hall at 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard will be handled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), assisted by Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, District 6.

Items should be bagged or boxed for drop-off. Labels identifying the patient should be removed or concealed with a permanent marker. There will be no collection for SHARPS (needles) or illegal controlled substances. For more information, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800. To learn about mail-in options for disposal of medications and sharps, visit www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/recycling.

6777 WOODLANDS PKWY at KUYKENDAHL (HEB)

WCM 7.5 x 4.75” Americas / Ballet

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 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

Pollution Prevention Week

September 21–27, 2015

By Kathie Herrick

Pollution Prevention (P2): Where sustainable practices begin Pollution Prevention is simply source reduction: It is easier to prevent pollution than to clean it up afterwards. To observe Pollution Prevention Week this year, pledge to take one action to improve water quality:

• Pick up after your pet. Picking up after your pet is a great and easy way to help prevent water pollution.

• Minimize use of pesticides and herbicides in your yard.

• Choose compost or organic fertilizers as soil amendments instead of inorganic fertilizer.

Preserving water quality is conserving water too!

For more information on how you can observe P2 week at home, at school and at work, visit www.p2.org. It’s all connected! Discover organic and less toxic alternatives for yard care at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions (see page 8).

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