October 2010

AbOut the WOOdlAnds tOWnship

walkin’ and Rollin’ to school

The woodlands fall flea market got watch? get watch! haunted happenings 2010 discovering the world of Owls

Saturday, October 23, 2010

10 am – 2 pm

Rob Fleming PaRk at the Village oF CReeksiDe PaRk

Wide Selection of Free Wildflower Seeds

Free Inflatable Rides, Strolling Entertainment and Music

Free Petting Zoo & Pony Rides

Free Photos with Puffy Pine Cone from 11 am – 12 noon

Nature-Related Exhibitor Booths

Free Gifts for the Children at The Woodlands Development Company’s Booth (while supplies last)

Official Tee Shirt & Poster for Sale

Sponsored by:

Don’t miss the Wildflower Festival at our new venue, Rob Fleming Park, located on Creekside Forest Drive in the Village of Creekside Park.

6 Walkin’ and Rollin’ to School

8 Got Watch? Get Watch! Join The Woodlands Watch

10 National Night Out: A Night (and Day) to Remember!

12 It’s Hurricane Season

12 Montgomery County’s Water Supply

14 Haunted Happenings 2010

22 Thank You to Joel Deretchin

24

26

28

30

31

3 Message from the Chairman

16 Calendar of Events

18

About the WoodlAnds

On the Cover

Tanner Nicks visits with Smokey Bear during Walk to School Week in The Woodlands. See the article on page 6 for information on this year’s Walk to School events, and page 26 for stories about The Woodlands Fire Department in recognition of October as Fire Prevention Month and Wildfire Prevention Month. October is also Crime Prevention Month. See the article on page 8 for information on how you can get involved. Cover photo by Jon Krenytzky.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

The Woodlands ToWnship

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

Board Chambers

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

Service Center

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

law enforcement and neighborhood Services annex 2202 Timberloch Place, Suite 222, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

The Woodlands Fire Department (non-emergency)

9951 Grogan’s Mill Road

The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-367-3444

Parks, Recreation and environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3900

Recreation Center

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

Convention & visitors Bureau

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-363-2447

oTher service providers

The Woodlands Joint Powers agency (Water) 281-367-1267

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 281-297-6500 • 936-442-7797

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

emergency 911

M ess AG e fro M the ch A ir MA n

Bruce Tough

Chairman of the Board

The Woodlands Township

Ah, October. With it comes the arrival of cooler, crisp air, colorful fall leaves, warm thoughts of holiday gatherings around the corner, and countless festivals and fairs. October is also the month that we recognize crime and fire prevention, not just here in The Woodlands, but throughout the nation. See the articles on page 26 to read about our Fire Department, and page 8 to learn how you can get more involved in our award-winning Woodlands Watch program. We need your involvement!

The Woodlands Watch, with the participation of The Woodlands Township and our Villages and neighborhoods, recognizes National Night Out twice in October—the first Saturday at Northshore Park and the first Tuesday in our neighborhoods. If you had the opportunity to read the September issue of The Woodlands Community Magazine, you already know all about The Woodlands Watch gatherings. If not, we’ve included a recap on page 10.

You’ll also see in this magazine a special insert, About The Woodlands Township This publication details much of the services provided by the Township, as well as budget information for 2011. The 2011 budget was adopted in late August, along with the tax rate for 2010. The county mails the tax bills in October. I encourage you to read About The Woodlands Township to learn not only where your Township tax dollars go, but also what services your tax dollars provide back to you.

Some residents may notice an increase in water bills this month. Water is one of the services that is not handled by the Township. The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency and the Municipal Utility Districts (M.U.D.s) handle our water service, including billing. Please keep an eye out for future messages in this magazine from The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency and the Municipal Utility Districts to keep us apprised of pertinent water issues.

Enjoy the beautiful month of October in The Woodlands and come out for the Woodlands Watch gatherings.

b o A rd of d irectors

Nelda Blair Director Tom Campbell Director Peggy Hausman Director

Bruce Tough Chairman Lloyd Matthews Vice Chairman

Ed Robb Treasurer Claude Hunter Secretary

Don Norrell President and General Manager

Walkin’ and rollin’ to school

By Kathie Herrick

RInternational Walk to School Weeks: October 4 - 15

emember how much fun walking together can be—to slow down and walk to school with your child and be a part of your community! Fewer than one in 10 children walk or bike to school now, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thirty years ago, more than two-thirds did.

Fortunately there are fewer barriers to walking in our community than in most around Houston. Even on hot, steamy days, we have shaded pathways and pleasant scenery to enjoy. Moreover, increased safety is a direct corollary when more people frequent the pathways.

Consider that walkin’ and rollin’ might even be more convenient and a better investment of time than that spent in the carpool lane. Family participants get the 30 minutes of daily exercise recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General and an occasion to share some special moments and memories. Most kids agree that exploring the world on the way to school is a lot more fun than

sitting in a car stuck in traffic! Besides, this is an opportunity for children to learn good pedestrian skills.

Ten Woodlands schools are reviving “walkin’ and rollin’ ” as a means of school transportation. Under the guidance of the physical education staff and PTO volunteers, each campus has pledged to sponsor supervised walks one day during International Walk to School month.

A long-term goal is to minimize the cars in the car rider lane every day. Even for families who live too far to walk the entire distance to school, it is still possible to be involved by driving to a church or shopping center near school and walking from there. Vehicle congestion around schools is one reason why school administrators enthusiastically support Walk to School.

Even if your school does not have officially scheduled activities, you can still join the fun by observing the day with your family, friends and neighbors, or work with your school now to start walkin’ and rollin’ next year.

When driving is the only option Remember to reduce idling!

idling:

• wastes gas.

• damages pollution control equipment on your vehicle.

• produces carbon monoxide—an invisible, odorless, poisonous gas.

Turning off the car and starting it again uses less gas and produces less carbon monoxide than idling for 30 seconds or more.

www.drivecleanacrosstexas.org

This is an opportunity for children to learn good pedestrian skills.

Walking…

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Galatas Elementary

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Sally K. Ride Elementary

Glen Loch Elementary

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Bush Elementary

Buckalew Elementary

Friday, October 8, 2010

Hailey Elementary

Lamar Elementary

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Deretchin Elementary

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Creekside Forest Elementary

Friday, October 15, 2010

Powell Elementary

Why walk?

• Reduces traffic congestion, pollution and speeding around schools and neighborhoods.

• Increases use of pathways and boosts physical activity.

• Teaches safe walking skills to children.

• Increases neighbor-to-neighbor interactions.

• Promotes conservation and clean air.

Photos by Jon Krenytzky

Do you know that The Woodlands has an active neighborhood watch program?

It’s called The Woodlands Watch, and it has been an integral part of community policing in The Woodlands for more than 26 years. Active in all eight villages that make up The Woodlands, there are nearly 20,200 Watch members. Although village liaisons with The Woodlands Township facilitate The Woodlands Watch, it is a true grassroots program coordinated by nearly 1,700 volunteer watch coordinators at the subdivision level.

Watch coordinators share information about the program with their neighbors by distributing watch packets that contain information on crime and fire prevention. This includes instructions on how to sign up for WoodlandsAlert, no-solicitor stickers, law enforcement contact phone numbers, emergency contact forms, details on the

Vacation Watch programs conducted by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4, and much more. Watch coordinators also disseminate safety tips from law enforcement and The Woodlands Township, develop neighborhood directories and maintain emergency information numbers for their watch members.

In addition, approximately 840 residents of four senior apartment complexes are part of their own Senior Watch program. Although they receive the same information as all other watch members, Township staff also coordinates presentations that focus on the specific needs of the elderly. And through the Apartment Watch, managers of 34 apartments in The Woodlands meet regularly with the Township and law enforcement officers to review ways to improve safety for apartment residents.

By Anne Spaulding

The Woodlands Township works with watch coordinators to schedule Watch Meetings, Good Neighbor Days and emergency preparedness presentations. Village liaisons will not only share information about the watch program at these events, but law enforcement and Woodlands Fire Department staff are invited as well. Village Liaisons also are happy to attend neighborhood events organized by residents, including barbecues, holiday parties or morning coffee get-togethers. They’ve even presented information about the Watch at bunco parties!

Although any resident of The Woodlands can be a member of The Woodlands Watch, the program is most effective when the majority of residents in a subdivision are involved. It is essential that everyone in a neighborhood understands how important it is to call law enforcement as soon as they see something suspicious, to never open the door to solicitors, to know what to say if the solicitor refuses to leave, to keep all house and vehicle doors locked and to close their garage doors. When it comes down to it, the term “neighborhood watch” says it best. When neighbors “watch” out for each other, they are more likely to know when something or someone doesn’t look right. In fact, studies show that communities that are part of an active neighborhood watch program have lower levels of crime and a higher sense of neighborhood involvement.

October is National Crime Prevention month. What better time could there be to become active in The Woodlands Watch? To find out how your neighborhood can be part of this important crime prevention program, or to volunteer to be a watch coordinator, contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800 or neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Enclave on the Cove Neighborhood Coordinators Peggy Kennedy, Jane Rayburn and Lily Wiget enjoy an emergency preparedness talk presented by Village Liaison Lachelle Gentry, second from right.

Photo by Bill Rayburn

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NatioNal Night out 2010 A Night to Remember!

By Anne Spaulding

October is Crime Prevention Month

National Night Out, when America gives neighborhood crime and drugs a going-away party, happens in October in Texas. In true Texas style, The Woodlands event is so big, we celebrate for two days!

On Saturday, October 2, 2010, from 1 to 5 p.m., law enforcement and public safety agencies from The Woodlands and beyond gather for a community-wide kick-off at Northshore Park with public safety and crime-fighting demonstrations by organizations such as the FBI, Homeland Security and The Woodlands Fire Department.

Free parking is available at Hewitt Associates, 2601 Research Forest Drive, which is just a short walk under the bridge to Northshore Park.

The party can continue in your own neighborhood on Tuesday, October 5, 2010.

Neighbor knowing neighbor is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime in your neighborhood, and National Night Out is a great way to come together. Residents are encouraged to gather between 5:30 and 8 p.m. on their street or in a nearby park. Whether it’s something as simple as ice cream cones for the kids or a full-blown potluck dinner, how a neighborhood celebrates is up to the people who live there. The important thing is to come together and have fun!

If you missed the National Night Out activities this year, consider planning a neighborhood event for next year—or anytime! Need more information? E-mail neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800.

it’s HuRRiCane SeaSOn it’s HuRRiCane SeaSOn

now is the time... Have you prepared what you and your family should do if disaster strikes our area?

The Board of Directors of The Woodlands Township urges all residents of The Woodlands to be prepared during this hurricane season.

Hurricane season lasts until November. Make sure that you and your family are prepared if disaster strikes our area.

Tips To Stay informed

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

– Fully-redundant power

A great source of information is the Homeland Security Web site located at www.ready.gov. This Web site has all kinds of information about different types of emergencies, such as tornadoes, lightning, flash floods, biological threats and nuclear blasts.

– 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.

In the event ALL communication efforts fail, The Woodlands fire stations will have the latest information available for residents.

Central Station – 9951 Grogan’s Mill Road

Station 2 – 9303 Gosling Road

Station 3 – 1522 Sawdust Road

Station 4 – 7900 Bay Branch Drive

Station 5 – 10100 Branch Crossing Drive

Station 6 – 1100 Windsor Lakes Boulevard

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

Trick or Treat Trail

Sunday, October 10, 2010

5 to 7:30 p.m.

Trick or Treat through Waterway Square and enjoy family-filled activities for all ages. For more information, please visit www.TheWoodlandsCVB.com.

Spooky Spaghetti Dinner

Monday, October 11, 2010

5:30 p.m.

Rob Fleming Park Pavilion, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive

Participate in a witch hat decorating contest, mummy-making race and eat some slimy,

but delicious spaghetti. For dessert there’ll be roast marshmallows and a haunted Halloween tale. Kids, wear your costume for a costume contest! All ages are welcome. The fee is $40 for a family of four; $5 for each additional family member.

Jack-O-Lantern Challenge

Sunday, October 17, 2010

6:30 p.m.

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive Pumpkins will be judged at dusk. Carving supplies will be provided at the event; just bring your own pumpkin! All ages are welcome for this free event.

Circus Clown Catastrophe featuring The Tunnel of Terror

Fridays, October 22, 29, and

Saturdays, October 16, 23, 30, 2010

8 to 10:30 p.m., Bear Branch Park, 5200 Research Forest Drive

Admission $8. Parental discretion advised.

Mummy Masquerade Family Carnival

Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30, 2010 • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Woodlands Township Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive

Get “wrapped” up in games, dancing and music, and don’t forget to get dressed up for the annual costume contest! Fun for the whole family! Recommended for ages 10 and younger. The fee is $7 per child; children under six months are free.

For a complete listing of fall programs, including the Creekside Campout coming up on November 6, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, choose Residents, then Action Guide.

October

For calendar updates, visit the Calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Friday, October 1

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

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

Saturday, October 2

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon

For more information, call Lorraine Richardson at 713-992-5983.

Free Compost Class

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

11 a.m. to noon

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

National Night Out Community-Wide Celebration

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 1 to 5 p.m.

See page 10 for more information.

Sunday, October 3

Free Concert-in-the-Park Akina Adderly (Jazz) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3950

Monday, October 4

Walk to School Weeks (October 4 through 15)

See page 6 for more information.

Tuesday, October 5

National Night Out Neighborhood Parties

5:30 to 8 p.m.

See page 10 for more information.

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823

Wednesday, October 6

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, October 7

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Saturday, October 9

One 4 Texas Kids’ Fun Run Race begins in Market Street 7 a.m. 281-210-3900

10 For Texas 10-mile Race Race begins in Market Street

7:30 a.m.

Call 281-210-3900 or visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/races for more information.

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon

For more information, call Lorraine Richardson at 713-992-5983.

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823

A free seminar, Gardening 102, goes beyond the basics offering water-wise, earth-friendly techniques for woodland landscapes on Saturday, October 30, 2010, from 9 a.m. to noon. Reservations are required for the free seminar, as space is limited. Please call 281-210-3900 to reserve a spot. The event will take place at The Woodlands Township, Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Building II, located at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive.

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7 p.m. 281-210-3889

Sugarland

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

7:30 p.m.

Ticket required

Photo by Linda Crum

Su N M ON Tu ES W ED T H u RS F R i SaT

Sunday, October 10

Free Concert-in-the-Park

Swing Thing (Country Swing)

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3950

Trick or Treat Trail

Waterway Square

5 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3900

Monday, October 11

Columbus Day

Tuesday, October 12

Heartsaver CPR

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Thursday, October 14

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friends of the Library

Fall Book Sale – First Choice Night

South County Community Center 2101 Lake Robbins Drive

5 to 8:30 p.m.

$5 donation www.smcfriendsofthelibrary.org

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-5808

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture

Silent Hunters—Discovering the World of Owls

McCullough Junior High School

3800 S. Panther Creek Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3900

Friday, October 15

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

South County Community Center 2101 Lake Robbins Drive

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

Free admission

www.smcfriendsofthelibrary.org

Healthcare Provider Renewal

CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 to 11 a.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823

Nickelback

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

6:15 p.m.

Ticket required

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

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

Saturday, October 16

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon

For more information, call Lorraine Richardson at 713-992-5983.

Grogan’s Mill Fall Arts & Crafts Fair

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call Lorraine Richardson at 713-992-5983.

Friends of the Library

Fall Book Sale

South County Community Center

2235 Lake Robbins Drive

General Sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bag Sale: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Free admission

www.smcfriendsofthelibrary.org

Heartsaver CPR

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to noon

To register, please call 281-367-3444, ext. 522.

Taste of the Village

Indian Springs Village Shopping Center

Noon to 4 p.m.

First Aid Class

Emergency Training Center

Noon to 2:30 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 14.

Sunday, October 17

Free Concert-in-the-Park Fab 5 (British Invasion) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3950

Jack-O-Lantern Challenge

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 6:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950.

Garbage collection

Monday, October 18

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

6:30 p.m.

281-210-5808

College Park Village Association Meeting Emergency Training Center 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, October 19

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, October 20

Development Standards Committee Meeting* Law Enforcement Advisory Council Meeting 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 6:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Thursday, October 21

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Workshop 10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600

The Township Board Room 7:30 a.m.

281-210-3800

continued on page 25

No changes in garbage service this month. Watch this space for information about garbage and recycling service, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

www.metroministorage .net

alden Bridge

Happy October from Alden Bridge!

Please join us on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, for our monthly residents meeting. Our speaker will be Dr. Ann Snyder, executive director of Interfaith of The Woodlands.

We need volunteers! The Fall Villages Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, November 6, 2010. If you’re willing to volunteer a couple of hours to work for our village early on a Saturday morning, please contact abinfo@comcast.net and we’ll provide all the information. We use our share of the proceeds to fund scholarships.

Boo! When the Halloween decorations start to appear, send your nominations for the “Spookiest Halloween House” in Alden Bridge to abinfo@comcast.net. We’ll award the winner on Friday evening, October 29, 2010. We’ll also wrap up the 2010 Yard of the Month program with the selection of the October winner. Thanks to the residents who nominated the beautiful yards that we’ve been proud to honor and to our sponsors of this program, Lowe’s, Chick-fil-A and the Pavilion. As this article goes to press, our latest winners were the Leakeys of Courtland Green.

To keep up with the latest news of our village, please visit our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org. We also continue to welcome additions to our electronic mailing list for village news. Please send your e-mail address to abinfo@comcast.net. Your address will not be shared and will be used only to distribute village news.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Submitted by Darla Bell

cochran’s crossing

Lone Star Cup: For the third straight year – and fourth of of the past five – the coveted Lone Star Cup resides right here in Cochran’s Crossing in the trophy case of The Woodlands High School. Emblematic of academic and athletic supremacy, the cup is awarded annually to the top school in its class by the University Interscholastic League.

Chronicle Cup: Winning for the third straight year, The Highlanders extended their strangle hold on the class 5A Chronicle Cup. Since its creation in 2008 by the Houston Chronicle as a symbol of across-the-board athletic achievement,The Woodlands is the only 5A school to claim it.

Our cups runneth over - Congrats to all!

Submitted by Bill Mara

college park

October has arrived and with it comes the fun of fall festivals and ghosts and goblins. The College Park Village Association will be holding its annual Halloween Spooktacular on Sunday, October 31, 2010, at Harper’s Landing Park from 1 to 3 p.m. We will have pony rides, a moonwalk, cotton candy, crafts and a special surprise for the kids. Please join us for this annual event. There will still be time for trick-or-treating in the evening.

October is also the time to celebrate National Night Out. There will be a community-wide event on Saturday, October 2, 2010, at Northshore Park. In addition, the College Park Village Association will be hosting a village-wide event at Harper’s Landing Park on Tuesday,

October 5, 2010. Hot dogs and drinks will be served and representatives from The Woodlands Watch will be there to answer questions and get you involved. We will try to have some great activities planned and we would appreciate your attendance.

If you would like to help us by volunteering your services for these events, please contact Gail Carney at 936-271-1241. Remember, these events make our village more enjoyable for everyone.

Hurricane season continues through November, so be prepared at home. It is a good idea to refresh your family about your emergency plan. It is better to be oversupplied than not have the necessities when the time comes.

Our regularly scheduled meeting will be on Monday, October 18, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Training Center. We welcome residents to attend and will be ready to address their questions and concerns.

Submitted by Gail Carney

creekside park

Spooky Spaghetti Dinner: Monday, October 11, 2010, 5:30 p.m., at the Rob Fleming Park Pavilion. Grab your witches’ hat and hop on your broom to our Spooky Spaghetti Dinner! We will have a witch hat decorating contest, mummy-making race and serve some slimy, but delicious spaghetti. For dessert we’ll roast marshmallows and listen to a haunted Halloween tale. Kids, wear your costume for a costume contest! All ages are welcome. The fee is $40 for a family of four; $5 for each additional family member.

Save The Date: The Woodlands Creekside Park Village Association presents the second annual Chili Cook-Off and Winter Festival on Sunday, December 5, 2010, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lodge at Rob Fleming Park. There will be fun for the whole family, including a chili cook-off, giant snow hill for sledding, face painting, kids crafts, snowman-building contest and free food.

Participate: Monthly association meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Meetings are now

N EWS FROM THE villa G e S OF TH e WOOD lan DS

C OLLEGE P ARK Hall OW een S POO k T a C ula R

being held at the Creekside YMCA Lodge making it more convenient for residents to attend and participate. For all of the latest news and event information, visit www.creeksideparkvillage.com.

Submitted by Nancy Decker Lent

Grogan’s Mill

The Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market returns after our summer break for the 2010 Fall Season on Saturday, October 2, 2010. The Fall Market will be open every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until noon, rain or shine, until December 11 in our familiar location at the Grogan’s Mill Village Center; corner of South Millbend and Grogan’s Mill Road. More information about the market and this fall’s vendor line-up as well as vendor applications can be found online at www.grogansmillvillage.com. Sign-up at the Web site to receive a weekly e-mail blast of the produce and specials you can expect to find each Saturday morning.

Opportunities abound for Grogan’s Mill residents to “plug-in” to your community. Upcoming events where additional volunteers would be welcome include The Woodlands Village Associations Fall Flea Market, the Interfaith “Day of Caring”, Community Involvement Days, plus more. Visit our Web site and contact us if you’d like to get involved....you’ll be glad you did. And don’t forget to attend the monthly village meetings, 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month (except December) at The Woodlands Township Service Center at 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive.

Our meetings are always lively and we cover a broad range of topics applicable to all Grogan’s Mill residents. Come join us to listen and learn, or bring issues of importance to you and your neighbors before the board for discussion. We look forward to meeting you!

Submitted by Bruce Cunningham and Franklin Palmer

indian springs

The Indian Springs Village Association (ISVA) invites everyone to be our guests this month on Saturday, October 16, 2010. We will celebrate the sixth annual Taste of the Village event from noon until 4 p.m. at the Indian Springs Village Center located at the intersection of Kuykendahl Road and Woodlands Parkway.

Last year, more than 5,000 visitors from throughout The Woodlands attended the event. This year we will feature about 40 booths under two large tents, so the event will be held rain or shine. A wide variety of free food samples will be provided by businesses and restaurants in the Indian Springs area.

Entertainment includes live music, Wells Fargo stage coach, H-E-Buddy, Puffy Pine Cone, Michael Crayton of Magical Balloons, face painting, Spiderman™, Dora the Explorer™, Elmo and other walking entertainers. Public education for all ages will also be available through equipment provided by the Montgomery Sheriff’s Office and The Woodlands Fire Department. Additional community

The Taste of the Village is sponsored by the Indian Springs Village Association, H-E-B and Regency Development Company in cooperation with business establishments located in the Indian Springs Village Center and Woodlands Crossing. The event showcases merchandise and services from participating businesses. Soft drinks and raffle tickets will be sold by the village association to support the ISVA College Scholarship Fund for Indian Springs

continued on page 20

Alden b rid G e

The Alden Bridge Village Association (ABVA) meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us! Web site www.aldenbridge.org

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Phillip Barker at 281-364-1623.

c ochr A n’s c rossin G

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. The October meeting is scheduled for October 19. Please join us!

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Nancy Becker at 936-321-4264.

c olle G e pA rk

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

Web site www.villageofcollegepark.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Glen Bernstein at 936-273-3274.

c reekside pA rk

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

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3889.

Gro GA n’s Mill

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association (GMVA) meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Deborah Sargeant at 281-292-5341.

i ndi A n s prin G s

The Indian Springs Village Association (ISVA) meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us! Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Ron Kostelny at 281-362-8677.

pA nther c reek

The Panther Creek Village Association (PCVA) meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Everett Ison at 281-298-9524.

s terlin G r id G e

The Sterling Ridge Village Association (SRVA) meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library meeting room, 8125 Ashlane Way. Please join us!

Web site www.sterling-ridge.org

Questions? Call your village liaison at 281-210-3888 or Village Association President Phillip Givens at 281-419-9331.

e vents in y O u R nei G hborhood

information will be provided by the ISVA, The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Left to right, Franklin Palmer, Janette and Douglas Groves, and Jim Upham. Matt Beasley, Grogan’s Mill area representative, picked this month’s beautiful yard.

Photo by Anne Upham

residents. Last year we were able to award four $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors residing in Indian Springs.

Mark the date on your calendars and plan to join your neighbors from throughout The Woodlands for an afternoon of food, fun and entertainment for the whole family. Admission is free.

Submitted by Ron Kostelny panther creek

Welcome Home, Heroes!

Panther Creek Village Association would like to take this time to say welcome home to several Armed Forces personnel who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan in August and September. Several have been away from their loved ones for a year, and we thank them for their service.

At our meeting in October, 2010, we will have Joel Deretchin, president of the Lake Woodlands Property Owners Association as our guest speaker. There have been several questions about the use of Lake Woodlands and also about the assessments. This will be time in which residents will be able to ask and gain more information about the Lake Woodlands Property Owners Association as it relates to the board and also constitution and by-laws.

The Woodlands Flea Market will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010, from 7 to 10 a.m. The location will be the Town Center

Garage next to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Tickets for vendors will be sold on Saturday, October 16, 2010, at the Panther Creek Village Center. Any remaining spots will be sold at The Woodlands Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, beginning Monday, October 18, 2010. The next monthly meeting of the Panther Creek Village Association will be held at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, October 14, 2010, at The Woodlands Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. All Panther Creek residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Submitted by Everett Ison

sterling ridge

Sterling Ridge seeks spooky spiders and wicked witches as we introduce our newest event… The Haunting at May Valley Manor! Come if you dare to our first annual haunted house in the Village of Sterling Ridge! If you have the courage to see what terror lurks within the May Valley Manor, mark your calendar for this one night only frightful event! The many haunted rooms will send chills down your spine as you scream around every turn. The excitement and shock from everywhere will make this an event you won’t want to miss! Can you survive a trip through May Valley Manor?

Saturday, October 30, 2010

6:30 until 10:30 p.m.

May Valley Pavilion – May Valley

Appropriate for ages nine and older

Cost: $5 per entry

(Last ticket sale is 10 p.m.!)

Sterling Ridge Village Association’s STAR Program is a super way to “think globally and act locally.” We encourage all of our residents to sign up to Serve to Advance the Ridge and meet other folks while doing something fun! Please join your neighbors and community business partners as we embark on another year of rocking Sterling Ridge with good vibrations! Feel free to sign up at our monthly meetings or visit our Web site at www.sterling-ridge.org.

Reminder: Saturday, November 6, 2010, is the Fall Flea Market. Sterling Ridge receives credit for every volunteer who works an entire shift, which gets tallied up as a share of the proceeds that helps to benefit our community schools and other programs. Won’t you please sign up for the flea market?

Join us for our monthly meeting

Monday, October 25, 2010, at 7 p.m. Upcoming events are posted on our Web site and included in our monthly newsletter that you can sign up for by sending an e-mail to srva_information@ sterling-ridge.org. Meetings are customarily scheduled for the fourth Monday of each month at the Mitchell Library. We invite you to visit our Web site to verify dates, times and locations of meetings.

Submitted by

Kerri Chew

What do you want to do today?

Don’t waste a single moment!

Everything you need is just minutes away in The Woodlands. From a morning workout at the YMCA to a romantic dinner on The Woodlands Waterway®, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Texas’ most celebrated community.

NEW HOMES IN TIMARRON PRICED FROM THE $180’s - $300’s

Discover Timarron in The Woodlands’ newest village, Creekside Park. This beautiful new neighborhood features homes by Beazer, D.R. Horton, Pulte, Ryland and Toll Brothers, priced from the $180’s - $300’s. The centerpiece of Timarron is seven-acre Timarron Park, including a Craftsman-style picnic pavilion nestled in the trees, separate play equipment for older and younger children, lighted basketball and tennis courts, and a playfield. Rob Fleming Park and Aquatic Center, the new Creekside YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Exemplary Creekside Forest K-6 School are also nearby. Experience life’s next great adventure in Creekside Park!

www.thewoodlands.com, click on Homefinder and then New Home Search.

The Bellerieve by Toll Brothers in Timarron is a two-story home featuring 4,079 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, 3 ½ baths and a two-car garage. Highlights include a gourmet kitchen with grand island opening to a two-story family room; formal study and dining room flanking a two-story entry with curved staircase; downstairs owner’s suite with bath retreat; and three large bedrooms and game room upstairs. This home is priced from $373,995 in Timarron. To view photos and floorplans, visit

T H ank y O u to J OEL D ERETCHIN

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently honored Joel Deretchin with a special Proclamation for his many years of service, dedication and leadership to The Woodlands.

During Mr. Deretchin’s more than 33 years of service to The Woodlands community, he worked for The Woodlands Development Company and its predecessors, and was involved in every aspect of community development in The Woodlands, from governance, education, social and religious services to non-profit and philanthropic organizations and economic development.

For many years, Mr. Deretchin led the Community Associations, having served as president of The Woodlands Community Association, The Woodlands Association, The Woodlands Commercial Owners Association, The Woodlands Community Service Corporation and The Woodlands

Fire Department. During this time, he also oversaw the development of the award-winning parks and recreation system in The Woodlands.

In addition, Mr. Deretchin helped found 18 of the 19 Conroe ISD schools in the Woodlands, The University Center, The John Cooper School and the Villager newspaper. He also chaired many not-forprofit boards, including Interfaith of The Woodlands and Montgomery County Youth Services. He was the founding president of Congregation Beth Shalom.

He has been named Citizen of the Year, a Hometown Hero and a Paul Harris Fellow, and CISD named the Joel L. Deretchin Elementary School in his honor.

“His leadership and dedication to The Woodlands has truly been outstanding,” The Woodlands Township Chairman Bruce Tough said. “The Woodlands is a

world-class community and much of this can be attributed to his vision, his leadership, his commitment, and his love of The Woodlands.”

Mr. Deretchin recently retired from The Woodlands Development Company. He and his wife of 44 years, Louise Ferraro Deretchin, Ph.D., have two daughters, Jessica and Robin, who live in The Woodlands with their families.

The Woodlands Township Chairman Bruce Tough, left, presented Joel Deretchin with a proclamation honoring Mr. Deretchin’s many years of service and leadership in The Woodlands.

Photo by Mary Connell

Presented by

The CynThia Woods MiTChell Pavilion

Thursday, Oc T. 21

Houston Symphony

DEvon EnErgy Presents

7:30 p.m., Gates open at 6 p.m.

Andres Franco, conductor $15 orchestra seating

F ree mezzanine and lawn seating sponsored by

You have a ghoulish invitation to join us for this “spooktacular” Halloween event featuring tricks, treats and enchanting music. Daddies, mummies and little ghosts and goblins can dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes for an imaginative blend of chilling music and spirited fun.

A Comcast Family Event

Saturday – 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday – Noon-5 p.m.

$8 in advance/ $10 at the door

The Pavilion is transformed into an interactive wonderland full of non-stop fun and excitement. The festival features music, dance, puppetry, theater, comedy, arts and crafts, games, hands-on activities, face painting and more!

Calen D a R

Houston Symphony presents Hocus Pocus Pops

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

$15 orchestra, free mezzanine and lawn seating

7:30 p.m.

Friday, October 22

Maroon 5

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

7:30 p.m.

Ticket required

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park, 5200 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 14.

Saturday, October 23

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon

For more information, call Lorraine Richardson at 713-992-5983.

The Woodlands Wildflower Festival

Rob Fleming Park

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

www.thewoodlands.net

Movie Night

Movie: E.T.

Waterway Square

7 to 9 p.m.

281-363-2447

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park, 5200 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 14.

Sunday, October 24

Free Concert-in-the-Park

Johannes Linstead (Smooth Jazz)

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3950

Monday, October 25

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

Mitchell Library, 8125 Ashlane Way

7 p.m.

281-210-3888

Tuesday, October 26

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823

continued from page 17

Wednesday, October 27

Watch Talk Wednesdays

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

Noon to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, October 29

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park, 5200 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 14.

Mummy Masquerade Family Carnival

The Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 14.

Saturday, October 30

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon

For more information, call Lorraine Richardson at 713-992-5983.

Gardening 102 Free Seminar

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

9 a.m. to noon

Please call 281-210-3900 for reservations.

Mummy Masquerade Family Carnival

The Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 14.

Movie Night

Movie: Back to the Future Waterway Square

7 to 9 p.m.

281-363-2447

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 14.

Sunday, October 31

Halloween

College Park Village Association

Halloween Spooktacular

Harper’s Landing Park, 2 Blair Bridge Drive

1 to 3 p.m.

Free admission

The Woodlands Fire Department

Artist rendering of The Woodlands Fire Department Station No. 8. Fire Prevention Week: October 3-9, 2010

Station # 8 Begins Construction

The Woodlands Fire Department broke ground for Fire Station #8 in September.

Fire Station #8 will serve the Villages of Panther Creek, Indian Springs and Creekside Park, and will be staffed with four firefighters, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide fire, rescue and emergency medical services to the immediate area. Total fire station square footage will be nearly 12,000 square feet and will house a new ladder truck. The new station and apparatus are being funded through bond proceeds approved by The Woodlands voters in November 2009. It is scheduled for completion during summer of 2011.

2010 Kelly Crush 11th District MDA Fill-the-Boot Campaign

The Woodlands Fire Department, in conjunction with The Woodlands Professional Fire Fighters Association, recently presented a check in the amount of $38,989.45 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which will be used for funding research, services and education for muscular dystrophy and related diseases.

The three-day collection campaign was named in honor of retired Wichita Falls Firefighter Kelly Crush, who was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2007 and works as an advocate for neuromuscular disease research.

Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With

Inan effort to better educate communities throughout the U.S. about smoke alarm recommendations, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is promoting “Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With!” as the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, October 3 through 9. Smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. NFPA statistics show that working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire nearly in half. But they must be working properly to do so. Here are some tips for making sure smoke alarms are maintained and working properly:

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, and make sure everyone in your home knows the sound.

• If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they’re 10 years old (or sooner) if they do not respond properly when tested.

• Never remove or disable a smoke alarm.

Members of The Woodlands Fire Department presented a check for funds collected during a three-day campaign in The Woodlands to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. From left, Firefighter Joey Garza, Firefighter Manual Adler, Firefighter Josh Thomas, MDA Fundraising Coordinator Amanda Hardy, Driver Operator Justin Royall, Lieutenant Scott Geminden, Lieutenant Doug Adams, Firefighter Mike De Los Reyes and Driver Operator Scott Grimes.

Photo by Elena Smith

Trick or Treat Trail at Waterway Square

Presented by BBVA Compass

Sponsored by:

Get your costumes ready and head down to Waterway Square Sunday, October 10, 2010, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Join The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and trick or treat down a festive trail through Waterway Square!

Enjoy children’s activities, entertainment for all ages, a costume contest and more! This event is FREE to the public. For more information, please visit www.TheWoodlandsCVB.com/ TrickOrTreat.asp.

Movie Night Returns to Waterway Square

at WATERWAY SQUARE

Movie Night returns to Waterway Square every Saturday from October 23, 2010, to November 13, 2010, 7 to 9 p.m.; movies begin at 7 p.m. Waterway Square is the place to be as this FREE event returns with a new movie line-up!

Movie Night Fall Series Schedule

October 23, 2010: E.T.

October 30, 2010: Back to the Future

www.RemodelingHappens.com

November 6, 2010: Homeward Bound

November 13, 2010: Rudy

Lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and coolers welcome. For more information about the fall Movie Night series, please visit www.TheWoodlandsCVB.com/ MovieNight.asp.

Movie Night at Waterway Square is proudly sponsored by: The Woodlands Development Company, Ace Parking, State Farm Insurance - Kyle Sherburne, Munday Chevrolet, Moon Water, University of Phoenix and Berripop.

Where to Get Your $2 OFF Coupon for The Ice Rink

Please visit The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau booth at the following events and receive your $2 OFF Ice Rink coupon. The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center TM is open from Saturday, November 20, 2010, through Monday, January 17, 2011. This coupon is good for the entire season, Monday through Sunday!

Trick or Treat Trail

Sunday, October 10, 2010

5 to 7:30 p.m.

Waterway Square

Taste of the Village

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Noon to 4 p.m.

Indian Springs Shopping Center

The Woodlands Wildflower Festival

Saturday, October 23, 2010

10 a.m. to noon

Cochran’s Crossing Shopping Center

Movie

Night – Fall Series

Every Saturday, October 23, 2010 through November 13, 2010

7 to 9 p.m.

Waterway Square

Follow Us on Facebook!

Join The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Facebook Fan Page to receive up-to-date information on events, new stores and other special offers! Visit www.Facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands.com.

The Woodlands Discovery Guide & Savings Book Fall/Winter Now Available!

The Fall/Winter 2010-2011 issue of The Woodlands Discovery Guide & Savings Book is now available! Visit www.thewoodlandscvb.com/guide.asp to request your FREE copy today!

Plan your next meeting in The Woodlands!

The Woodlands has become a popular place for a variety of tourism activities with more than five million

and entertainment. With 10 hotel properties containing 1,500 hotel rooms now located within The Woodlands Township boundaries, visitors come for business meetings, conventions, corporate events, sporting events, festivals, reunions, weddings and more. Visit www.MeetingsInTheWoodlands.com for all the details!

For more information, contact:

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive Suite 600

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

www.VisitTheWoodlands.com

Phone: 281-363-2447

Fax: 281-210-3499 info@thewoodlandscvb.com

Fall Flea Market

The Woodlands Fall Flea Market will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010, from 7 to 10 a.m., in the Town Center Parking Garage. Tickets for booth spaces will go on sale Saturday, October 16, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. until noon at Randall’s Supermarket in the Panther Creek Shopping Center. Any booth tickets remaining after that date will be available at The Woodlands Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive.

The flea market is a cooperative event with all The Woodlands’ villages participating. The semi-annual event is run

entirely by volunteers. A small fee is charged to the sellers to defer flea market expenses. There is no fee for buyers. Any proceeds over cost are funneled back into the community in the form of scholarships, grants and other village association projects.

The Woodlands covenants and deed restrictions do not permit garage sales on residential properties. The flea market provides a means for The Woodlands residents to sell unwanted household goods.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the flea market hotline at 281-210-3976.

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

DISCOVERING THE WORLD OF

owls

By Lucinda Valdes

Enjoy an engaging presentation of sight and sound and meet Percy, an eastern screech-owl, at the next Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture.

Silent Hunters—Discovering the World of Owls presents Mary Ann Weber, education director for the Houston Audubon Society, in an evening devoted to local owls on Thursday, October 14, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. at McCullough Jr. High School.

Nocturnal predators, owls fascinate and intrigue children and adults alike. Huge, forward-facing eyes set into a large rounded head give the owl an almost human expressiveness, according to Ms. Weber. The owl’s unique characteristics account for its wide appeal. Gifted with keen sight and hearing, the bird is wonderfully adapted to nocturnal living.

More often heard than sighted, an owl’s call is indicative of the species. The screech-owl’s call is a high-pitched whinny, while the barred

owl gives a characteristic “hoot owl” call that can be heard even during daylight hours.

Experience the natural world of woodland owls and meet live owls at the free program that will appeal to all ages. Ms. Weber will reveal owls’ adaptations for survival, where they live and what they sound like. The presentation will be held in the L.G.I. Lecture Hall at McCullough Jr. High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive. For more information, please call 281-210-3900 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Series, a program of The Woodlands Township, is sponsored by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Waste Management, Hilton Garden Inn and The Pineywoods Nursery.

Photo courtesy Houston Audubon Society

message from the board

Welcome to The Woodlands Township! This booklet will assist constituents in The Woodlands, Texas, with the services delivered and give an understanding of The Woodlands Township.

Located about 30 miles north of downtown Houston, Texas, The Woodlands officially began in 1974. For many years, various homeowner associations and special purpose districts provided services for residents and businesses. The Woodlands Township is now the governmental service provider, providing enhanced law enforcement services, fire protection, environmental services, parks and recreation, economic development and much more. About The Woodlands Township will discuss these areas and more.

Background

The Woodlands Township, now the official governing body of The Woodlands, was created with the merger of the Community Associations of The Woodlands and Town Center Improvement District (TCID). The Woodlands Township collects an ad valorem property tax as well as sales and use tax and hotel occupancy tax.

In 2007, voters overwhelmingly approved a change in governmental structure that allowed residents to ultimately determine their future and release The Woodlands from annexation possibilities by the cities of Houston and Conroe. The Woodlands Township entered into Regional Participation Agreements (RPAs) with both cities that allow residents of The Woodlands to decide their future governance.

The former area of the TCID, which is the Town Center area, expanded from 1.8 square miles to an area of approximately 44 square miles representing the entire area of The Woodlands. This plan for the expansion of the TCID boundaries, authorizing a property tax levy and changing the makeup of the Board of Directors to a fully elected atlarge Board, was approved by voters in November, 2007. The name of the Town Center Improvement District was also changed to The Woodlands Township at that time.

The intent of the 2007 legislation was to consolidate quasi-governmental operations for The Woodlands. In order to accomplish this goal, TCID and the Community Associations of The Woodlands agreed upon a plan to consolidate operations and responsibilities into the new Township government. In 2008, The Woodlands Township and the Community Associations of The Woodlands entered into a Transition Agreement, which provided for a consolidation of service delivery systems by 2012. This was changed through an amendment to the agreement accelerating the proposed consolidation date to January, 2010. The Woodlands Township assumed all responsibilities and services previously provided by the Community Associations on January 1, 2010, and the Community Associations were dissolved.

The first property tax levy for The Woodlands Township was levied in August, 2009, for the budget year 2010 at 32.8 cents per $100 of valuation. This new property tax levy replaced the Community Association assessments. The 2010 levy was set at 32.74 cents per $100 of valuation for budget year 2011.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors also implemented a Strategic Plan in June of 2009. This Strategic Plan provided the base for the 2010 budget plan and served as a guide for the five-year business plan.

As The Woodlands Township looks forward over the next five years, there are a number of factors that the fullyelected residential Board will need to consider in order to stabilize the tax rate and continue to address the community service and capital facility needs.

• Continuation of existing services – For residents and businesses, the objective is to continue to provide high level services at a reasonable cost. Many of the service cost categories will increase each year as a result of inflationary impacts and community growth.

message from the board

• Community growth – The Township will incur additional costs each year to fund service in new growth areas. These fi xed and variable costs will be for roadway and entry maintenance, garbage collection, police protection, park and pathway maintenance and covenant enforcement.

• Infl ationary increases – Many of the cost categories will need to be adjusted each year due to inflationary cost increases. These cost increases relate to contract adjustments, supplies, maintenance services and labor costs.

• Revenue base – One of the most challenging aspects of fi nancial management is the estimation of revenue streams. Even though The Woodlands Township continues to have a fairly strong economy, some of the revenue growth numbers have declined. The three major sources of revenue are property tax, sales tax and hotel occupancy tax, all of which have declined since the initial five-year plan was developed in late 2009 (for the 2010 budget year). One way of offsetting the impacts of fluctuating sales tax and room tax revenues is to establish adequate reserves that help level out the declines in revenue sources. Without reserves, the only alternative is to cut back on programs or defer capital project expense.

• Expectations – The Board will continually be faced with community expectations for additional or enhanced services such as increased law enforcement, capital project additions such as sports field additions or neighborhood improvement such as entry sign lighting and pathway marking.

• Future changes – What service cost presently incurred by the primary developer of The Woodlands (The Woodlands Development Company) will be shifted to the The Woodlands Township (or no longer provided) when development is complete.

• Potential changes in government structure – As the Board considers long-range planning for the period 20122015, what additional service and capital costs will be required to be funded by the Township if a change in the government structure occurs in 2014 or later?

• Fiscal planning – The Township continues to develop and maintain appropriate operating, capital replacement and economic development reserves.

These are some of the many issues being considered as The Woodlands Township prepares for the future.

Lloyd Matthews Vice chairman

Claude Hunter secretary

Ed Robb treasurer

Bruce Tough chairman

Nelda Luce Blair director

Tom Campbell director

Peggy Hausman director

Don Norrell President/general manager

Vision & mission

VISION

The Woodlands, our dynamic hometown within a natural forest, is known for its balance between man and nature. We are a thriving business community and a premier destination for visitors — a place where generations live, work, learn and play.

MISSION

We fulfi ll The Woodlands vision by:

• Protecting the well-being and safety of our residents, visitors and businesses.

• Achieving the highest standards in service delivery.

• Partnering with others to sustain the vitality of our region.

• Communicating with our constituents and partners.

• Attracting and retaining a talented and innovative staff.

• Serving as the community’s political voice.

• Powering economic growth through community investment.

• Promoting continued vitality of neighborhoods and community areas.

• Maintaining transparent governance.

• Serving as fi nancial stewards of the community’s resources.

• Evolving a government structure to meet our goals.

• Promoting sound environmental policy.

Rob Fleming Park

laW enforcement & securitY

The Woodlands Township contracts with a number of agencies for law enforcement and security services. Law enforcement services in Montgomery County are provided through a contract with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and in Harris County through independent contracts with Harris County Precinct #4 Constables. Non-law enforcement mounted patrols are provided in the Town Center through an agreement with Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol (A&O).

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

The contract for services with the MCSO provides for 85 total personnel assigned directly to The Woodlands District #6. The Woodlands Township pays for 80 of these personnel through a contract and the Sheriff’s Office provides five deputies through county funding.

The following personnel are assigned to District #6 - The Woodlands in 2010: one captain, one lieutenant, eight patrol sergeants, one traffic sergeant, five corporals, 62 deputies, one detective, two jailers and one secretary. The Woodlands pays for one detective but has access to many resources within the detective division of MCSO. Three additional staff will be added in 2011.

These officers provide community policing services in seven residential zones and in one tourism-oriented zone located in Town Center. Each of these zones have full-time deputies assigned to provide 24/7 coverage within the established community policing zone areas.

In addition to contracted community policing and traffic division deputies, the Sheriff’s Office provides many other services through a county tax levy, including communications (dispatch) division, detective operations, administrative support, special services, SWAT Team, training, crime scene investigators (CSI) and an auto theft task force.

The policy of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is to provide each deputy with a fully equipped patrol vehicle. The “life” of a patrol vehicle is approximately four years. For budget year 2011, the Township is projecting the purchase of 21 patrol vehicles and one traffic division motorcycle. The current estimated cost of a fully-equipped patrol vehicle is approximately $45,000. A patrol vehicle is assigned directly to a deputy, and the vehicle is allowed to be taken home by the deputy when off duty, increasing the police visibility in residential areas.

Harris County Law Enforcement

Township law enforcement services in the Village of Creekside Park are provided through independent contracts with Harris County Deputy Constables – Precinct #4. In 2011, one full-time deputy position will be provided through a contract with Harris County Constable’s Office – Precinct #4, along with 30 additional weekly hours of patrol through independent contract with Harris County Deputy Constables – Precinct #4. As of August, 2010, there are currently 2,341 residents in the Village of Creekside Park. This personnel arrangement is temporary and additional officers will be added as growth occurs.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies

laW enforcement & securitY

Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol

The Township provides a non-law enforcement element of service in the Town Center called Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol. Through their pro-active diligence, car alarms, lost cars, unsecured vehicles, vehicle lockouts and other security challenges are attended to on a daily basis. Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol is an important component of the tourism-oriented policing philosophy in the Town Center. Throughout the year, mounted troopers provide customer service, act as the eyes and ears of the Town Center and assist with security issues, notifying security or law enforcement when appropriate. The high visibility, customer-friendly Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol is a unique (branded) presence in The Woodlands commercial areas.

The Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrols are primarily assigned to the Town Center area and are also used at the Highway 242 / I-45 commercial area. Effective in 2011, the Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol will be realigned within these areas and funding saved from this realignment ($309,000) will be shifted to law enforcement funding to provide directed services as needed throughout the community.

Neighborhood Services

When The Woodlands Township promotes a “police-community partnership,” they mean it. Through the Township, relationships are cultivated and fostered with public safety, residents and businesses. For more than 25 years, The Woodlands Watch, a neighborhood watch program facilitated through The Woodlands Township, has brought crime prevention awareness to the community. Additionally, staff members (Village Liaisons) promote partnerships with the village associations and attend monthly meetings to share information from The Woodlands Township. Part of the Township’s mission is communicating with constituents and partners. Through The WoodlandsAlert program, residents can receive timely and accurate information. Registration can be completed on the Township Web site.

The Woodlands Township also produces award-winning National Night Out programs that are designed to give residents an opportunity to meet and learn about local law enforcement and public safety personnel, as well as promote the national theme to give neighborhood crime and drugs a going-away party. In addition, Watch Talk Wednesday is a monthly program held by The Woodlands Township that is designed to inform Woodlands residents about safety and crime prevention practices and resources.

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

• Continue existing services.

• Fund additional law enforcement in 2011, 2013 and 2015 of the five-year plan based on growth (in addition to current personnel).

• Fund 21 law enforcement vehicles in 2011 / fund equal amount in each year of five-year plan / four-year life.

• Ramp up to full-time service in Creekside Park / first full-time Harris County Deputy Constable added in 2011.

• Realign service areas for Alpha & Omega troopers / reduce overall hours.

2011 Service Areas & Initiatives

the Woodlands fire dePartment

The Woodlands Fire Department (WFD) employs 135 personnel to provide fire protection and first responder emergency medical services to The Woodlands community. The WFD operates from seven strategically located fire stations throughout The Woodlands (one temporary). There are two new fire stations that will start construction later this year; these stations will primarily serve the villages of Creekside Park, Panther Creek and Indian Springs. Six additional full-time positions will be added in 2011 and 15 full-time positions are proposed in 2012.

The Woodlands Fire Department currently operates as a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Board of Directors of The Woodlands Fire Department is appointed by The Woodlands Township. Per the requirements of current legislation, The Woodlands Township cannot directly employ firefighters until January 1, 2012.

Over the past couple of years, an increased level of investment in staffi ng, facilities and equipment has allowed the WFD to improve its Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating from a 3 to a 2. This change in the ISO rating is important because it is used by insurance companies to determine ratings for fire insurance premiums. The improvement in the ISO rating has resulted in reduced residential and commercial property insurance rates and is important to prospective business clients considering relocation to The Woodlands.

The Woodlands Fire Department provides fire dispatch services for all Montgomery County fire agencies with the exception of the City of Conroe. The WFD is paid a contract amount of $220,000 (by the participating fire agencies) for this service in 2010.

Over the next five years, a number of new and replacement fire engines will be purchased by the WFD. Additional fire engines will be required for the new stations, and the WFD will also replace equipment per established replacement criteria which takes into account maintenance costs, reliability of the vehicles and mandatory safety needs of firefighters.

• Fire engines are pulled off the front line at the end of a 10-year cycle. They remain in reserve for three years.

• Ladder trucks are pulled off the front line in a 12-year cycle. They are placed in reserve for three years.

• Staff vehicles are pulled off the front line in an eight-year cycle. They are placed in reserve for three years.

The typical cost of replacing a pumper truck is approximately $500,000 and the replacement cost of a ladder truck is $1 million.

the Woodlands fire dePartment stations

Central Station

9951 Grogan’s Mill Road

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Station 3

1522 Sawdust Road

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Station 5

10100 Branch Crossing Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77382

Station 7*

26722 Kuykendahl

The Woodlands, Texas 77375

*Scheduled to open in 2012.

Station 2

9303 Gosling Road

The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Station 4

7900 Bay Branch Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77382

Station 6

1100 Windsor Lakes Blvd.

The Woodlands, Texas 77384

Station 8*

11800 Gosling Road

The Woodlands, Texas 77381

*Scheduled to open Summer 2011.

Please see page 28 for The Woodlands Emergency Training Center information.

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

• Construction of fire stations #7 and #8 to serve Indian Springs, Panther Creek and Creekside Park.

• Continue existing services.

• Add new positions in 2011 and 2012 / new stations.

• Issue bonds in 2012 / Rebuild Central Station and purchase two fire ladder trucks.

• Evaluate remodel of Station #2 in 2013.

2011 Service Areas & Initiatives

ParKs & oPen sPace reserVes

The Woodlands has 119 developed parks. Seventy-six of these parks have play areas with play equipment. There are also two major sports complexes: Bear Branch Sportsfields and Alden Bridge Sports Park. The community has 185 miles of pathway that connect neighborhoods to parks, schools, churches and village shopping centers.

The Woodlands has more than 3,600 acres of protected open space, three lakes and numerous amenity ponds. The park areas are maintained by The Woodlands Township with a number of service contracts with various companies. The vast majority of park, open space and pond maintenance labor is provided through contracted services.

The age of the Township parks ranges from more than 30 years old to those that were built in 2010. New parks and pathways in areas encumbered with The Woodlands Association (TWA) Covenants are provided through a Recreational Facility Funding Agreement with The Woodlands Land Development Company (TWLDC). Per the agreement, The Woodlands Township is required to fund 50 percent of the capital cost of developing new parks and pathways in these areas. Any new park and pathway projects that are not part of the Recreational Facility Funding Agreement are funded by the Township at 100 percent.

Waterway Maintenance

The Woodlands Waterway® maintenance operation includes The Waterway, Riva Row Park, Town Green Park, The Fountains at Waterway Square and the associated tree lights and site amenities located in the Town Center area. Upkeep of the Waterway consists of landscape and hardscape maintenance, pedestrian lighting, bulkhead maintenance, trash and litter removal, nuisance pest control and water quality management. The Waterway attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a tremendous asset for The Woodlands Township. Maintenance for the Waterway is provided through contracted services, and high maintenance standards are critical for the continued attraction of visitors and residents. The Waterway presents numerous opportunities for special events, economic development, programming and public gatherings.

Tupelo Park

The Woodlands Waterway®

ParKs & oPen sPace reserVes

Recreation Center Operations / Recreational Programming

The Township operates a recreation center at Bear Branch Park. This facility was constructed in 1992 and is used for a number of programming activities. The staff at this facility also provides the recreational programming at various venues community-wide.

The cost of operating the recreational facility and providing recreational programming is offset by revenues generated from the programs and from athletic field rentals.

Aquatics

The Township operates 13 swimming pools located throughout The Woodlands. Resident visits to the pools total about 170,000 for the season. Approximately 50 percent of the total cost of operating the 13 community swimming pools is funded through user fees.

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

• Continue existing services.

• Add funding to support maintenance of new parks, pathways and amenities being developed.

• Projected park build-out in 2015 / 2016.

• Add appropriate staff to accommodate growth in amenities.

• Fund new parks and pathways in accordance with Recreational Facility Funding Agreement.

• Consider funding for new parks/amenities not included in the Recreational Facility Funding Agreement (such as future sports complexes).

• Fund pathway extensions and connectors in Town Center.

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

Covenants

covenant

communitY maintenance

The Woodlands Township is the successor entity to the Community Associations and provides covenant administration for the properties encumbered with The Woodlands Community Association (WCA), The Woodlands Association (TWA) and The Woodlands Commercial Owners Association (WCOA) covenants. The Township assumed this responsibility on January 1, 2010, as part of the Transition Agreement. This program has 32.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff assigned to monitor and enforce covenant standards, and support nine village Residential Design Review Committees (RDRCs) and the Development Standards Committee (DSC).

Most of the residential and commercial properties in The Woodlands are encumbered with deed restrictions called protective covenants. These protective covenants provide the standards for property maintenance and also prescribe the acceptable standards for physical changes made to properties in The Woodlands. The effective enforcement of the covenants and standards is extremely important to the maintenance of property values in The Woodlands.

Approximately 33,000 residential and commercial properties within the boundaries of the Township have WCA, TWA, or WCOA covenants. These covenants and standards are administered by The Woodlands Township. Some properties may also have additional covenants or deed restrictions; these property standards are maintained by overlapping property owners associations.

The number of covenant properties will continue to grow in The Woodlands with the development of the Villages of Sterling Ridge and Creekside Park. This growth will require the addition of covenant personnel to provide service to an increased number of covenant properties.

Some older parts of the community are experiencing problems with maintenance standards. Covenant enforcement is difficult in some of these situations because of limited resources of residents or issues created by absentee landlords. To address this concern, the WCA and TWA created a community revitalization program in 2008 and this program has been carried forward and funded by The Woodlands Township. The Township budgeted $100,000 in 2010 to resolve some of the covenant enforcement issues by working with the residents and partnering with community groups to resolve outstanding violations. Some of this funding allows the Township, through the DSC, to fund quicker enforcement actions and fi le liens for recovery of expended funds.

Rob Fleming Park

• Roadside mowing 18 times per year

• Trash removal from roadsides 104 times per year

• Maintaining 789 entry medians and intersection medians

• Maintaining 299 jumbo cul-de-sacs

• Maintaining 232 neighborhood and village entry way signs

• Providing directional signage

• Managing more than 3,600 acres of open space reserves

• Maintaining 38 ponds, Lake Woodlands and Lake Paloma

Streetscape Maintenance

Community maintenance operations are very extensive and consist of maintenance of entryways, roadway medians, irrigation system maintenance, open space reserves, pond and lake maintenance, street lighting, forestry and tree removal programs, reforestation, directional signage, graffiti removal and maintenance of jumbo cul-de-sacs. The general services provided in the area consist of the following services provided in residential and commercial areas:

• Removing hazardous trees from parks, pathways and open space reserves

Most of the community maintenance tasks are provided primarily through contract and secondarily through staff services. The community provides for the following major maintenance activities through contracts:

• Streetscape / entryway maintenance

• Turf and irrigation maintenance

• Tree removal

• Fleet maintenance

• Garbage and litter removal

• Lake and pond water management

• Nuisance pest control

Environmental Services / Environmental Education

Waste collection and recycling services are provided to approximately 30,000 households in The Woodlands through a vendor contract (currently with Waste Management) managed by Township staff. The cost of basic garbage and recycling service is paid through the property tax levy; the 2010 rate is $12.81 per month per household.

Household trash, recycling and yard trimmings are collected once per week at all residential properties.

A recycling center (staffed by Waste Management employees)

is provided by the Township on Research Forest Drive two days per week. Additionally, the Township provides environmental education and stewardship opportunities with zero waste events, Adopt-a-Path, community gardens, Walk to School and other programming to engage students and adults. Residents receive water-wise guidance through Woodlands Landscaping Solutions’ free classes, events and gardening brochures. Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture series explores nature at the community’s back door.

The Woodlands Township also provides mosquito abatement education and works with Montgomery County Precinct #3 to conduct mosquito surveillance.

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

• Continue existing services.

• Covenant enforcement costs will increase as the number of dwelling units increase.

• Streetscape maintenance will increase as road miles increase / number of neighborhood entries increase.

• Waste collection costs increase as units increase.

• Waste collection contract bid in 2011/ current contract expires in early 2012.

• Add appropriate staff to accommodate growth in the community.

conVention & Visitors bureau

The Tourism and Convention business in The Woodlands is substantial and provides approximately $3.6 million per year in hotel occupancy tax collections. Tourism is also responsible for a major portion of the $30.7 million collected in sales tax revenue.

Leisure travelers, corporate groups and conventions contribute substantially to The Woodlands economy by spending at restaurants and retail establishments, which generates additional sales tax proceeds, and staying in hotels (nearly 500,000 room nights a year in 10 hotel properties). This provides for a healthy business environment and provides sales tax and hotel occupancy tax that reduce the overall property tax requirement. Currently, the major portion of the sales tax and room tax collections are used for property tax relief.

Tourism in The Woodlands and Montgomery County is a billion-dollar business, according to a report received in February 2008 by The Perryman Group, a national economic and fi nancial analysis firm. The study shows that visitor spending currently generates an estimated $2.2 billion in annual aggregate spending, $1.3 billion in annual output, and more than 20,750 jobs. Approximately 80 percent of this activity occurs within The Woodlands.

In addition, a comprehensive Visitation and Spending Study conducted in the month of September, 2007 by the Cunningham Research Group showed that 78 percent of visitors in The Woodlands Town Center come from outside of The Woodlands, and these visitors spend more money than consumers within The Woodlands ($111 to $101, respectively).

The Woodlands room tax collections are fully committed to the repayment of the debt associated with constructing the Convention Center. This is somewhat unusual. For example, the funding to support the construction of most municipal convention center projects is not generated entirely from hotel occupancy tax collections but also comes from a property tax commitment or a special tax for convention facilities. In the case of The Woodlands Township, the Convention Center construction cost was funded with a primary reliance on hotel occupancy tax revenues. In 2010, almost the entire debt service requirement for the Convention Center project will be paid from the hotel occupancy tax.

The Woodlands Township appropriates $2.1 million in sales tax annually to the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) for programs and community promotions. Approximately 58 percent ($1.23 million) of the budget is used to directly produce events or support events that bring residents and visitors to The Woodlands. The other 42 percent ($884,000) is used in

Red,

destination marketing, promotion, Web sites, travel guides and many other marketing programs.

Increased visitor traffic to the area positively impacts the amount of sales tax revenue and hotel occupancy tax received by the Township. A question raised during the 2010 budget discussions was, “How much additional income do we receive from the increased promotion versus the additional cost?” Based on a recent evaluation, staff determined that two-thirds of each dollar collected from sales tax or room tax is used for property tax relief.

The Township Board of Directors has the legislative authority to increase the hotel room tax by an additional one percent on January 1, 2011 (from seven to eight percent), which it did at its August 25, 2010 meeting, and an additional one percent on January 1, 2012 (from eight to nine percent). The additional funding is required to be used for tourism and convention type of activities.

The Woodlands Waterway® Arts Festival is one of the country’s leading arts events.

In 2010, the Township, through the CVB, is involved in a number of community events and recreational offerings. These events provide opportunities for residents and bring many visitors to the area who are attending or participating in the events and most importantly, spending money in The Woodlands. Listed below are a number of the major events where some level of support is provided by the Township or the CVB.

• Taste of the Town

• The Woodlands Waterway® Arts Festival

• Fiesta Universal

• Food & Wine Week

• CB&I Triathlon

• Fourth of July / Red, Hot & Blue Festival

• Wildflower Festival

• Lighting of the Doves

• International Winter on the Waterway (iWOW) Festival

• 10 For Texas

• Muddy Trails

• The Children’s Festival

• Junior League Holiday Market

• Run Thru The Woods

• The Ice Rink™ at The Woodlands Town Center

• The Woodlands Winter Wonderland

• Oktoberfest

• Arbor Day

• Ironman Texas

• Multiple events at Waterway Square

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

• Continue existing operations.

• Increase hotel occupancy tax rate by one percent in 2011 / use 2011 supplemental room tax increase for water taxi renovation/operations.

• Increase hotel occupancy tax rate by one percent in 2012.

transPortation & deVeloPment groWth funding

Trolley Service

The Woodlands Township provides or participates in funding for transportation services in the Town Center. This includes trolley service in the Town Center, which currently provides free transportation to approximately 8,000 riders monthly. This service is funded through a grant with an annual cost to the Township of approximately $194,000. The current grant runs for a three-year period.

Discussion has occurred in the community about expansion of the trolley system to include additional areas:

• A larger portion of the Town Center area serving all hotels.

• Service to all village shopping centers.

Implementing either or both of these trolley service expansions will require an additional financial commitment from the Township. If grant funding is available, the typical grant funding provides about 50 percent of the operating costs.

Funding is included in the 2010 budget to study the feasibility and costs to expand trolley service through a contract with The Goodman Corporation.

Water Taxi Consideration

The water taxi system is currently owned by The Woodlands Development Company and operated through the Brazos Transit Authority. The Woodlands Development Company is not interested in continuing to own the boats on a long-term basis and this program is currently under evaluation by the Township.

Market Street

To date, no Township funding has been expended on the operation of the water taxi system. Although the Board of Directors supported the concept of The Woodlands Township and the CVB assuming this operation, approval of the formal agreements is expected to take place in the fall of 2010.

the for Visitor

During the 2011 budget process which took place in August, 2010, the Board of Directors considered and approved hotel occupancy tax funding to be utilized for the water taxi operation. The Township had received legislative authority to receive designated funds for Convention & Visitor Bureau marketing purposes two years prior. This new room tax is

expected to generate an additional $500,000 in funding in 2011 and is restricted to CVB uses. Under this plan, the water taxis would be funded by visitors directly from room tax and no property tax will be used.

While a marketing function of the CVB, the goal is to have the boats operate in positive revenue within a three- to five-year time frame. The allocation of the new supplemental hotel occupancy tax for the water taxi operation would provide a “one time” allocation of room tax funds. The directive to the CVB by the Township Board is to make the operation self supporting within a three- to five-year period or to seek other operating options. After the 2011 appropriation of room tax funds, the Township will not allocate additional operating support for the water taxi operation.

Economic Development

The Woodlands Township funds events and programs of strategic partners in South Montgomery County and the Greater Houston area. The development of these strategic partnerships is important to The Woodlands Township to assist in economic development efforts, regional growth, regional transportation planning and transportation system advocacy. Listed below are some of the strategic partnerships.

• South Montgomery County Woodlands Economic Development Partnership - $125,000

• Greater Houston Partnership - $25,000

• Center for Houston’s Future - $15,000

• Cooperative Programs - $43,500

• Opportunity Houston - $20,000

• Leadership Montgomery County - $5,000

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

• Contine existing programs.

• Consider expansion of trolley service:

» To all hotels in Town Center.

» To village centers.

• CVB assumes water taxi operations using “new” supplemental room tax funds.

fiVe-Year Plan issues

Township Facility

In 2010, The Woodlands Township operates administrative staff service functions out of three buildings (not including parks, recreation and environmental services). These buildings are leased and comprise a total of approximately 42,000 square feet of gross office space. The current combined facilities accommodate existing needs but do not contain additional space to provide for growth needs or allow for improvements in operational efficiency. Two of the primary office leases terminate at the end of 2011. Funding has been included in the five-year plan to allow transition from existing office locations into a single office facility in late 2011 when two existing leases expire.

Future Facility Feasibility

The Board included funding in the 2011 budget to investigate the feasibility of constructing a sports complex to accommodate a number of athletic needs. A number of groups representing soccer, rugby, lacrosse and softball have requested that the Board consider future athletic facility needs. The Board also included funding in the 2011 budget to do a feasibility analysis for a museum / performing arts facility along The Woodlands Waterway®. Both of these projects are in the preliminary stages with no funding sources identified.

Ice Rink

The Ice Rink™ at The Woodlands Town Center is an established event intended to function as a major tourism generator in the “downtown” area of The Woodlands during the holiday season. The Ice Rink™ at The Woodlands Town Center, which concluded its 11th anniversary in the 2009 - 2010 season, serves as an important marketing tool in the promotion of holidays in The Woodlands. More than 340,000 skaters have come through The Ice Rink™ over the years, with attendance near or more than 40,000 in four consecutive years. The Ice Rink™ has always been produced in a temporary location (three different sites in 10 years), and building a permanent site for a seasonal ice rink is in the best interest of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Woodlands Township and the entire community. Here are a few reasons why:

• The Ice Rink™ would take place in the same location each year, creating consistency with the consumer. The general public would not need to be re-educated about a new location after a move.

• A permanent structure would save significant expenses versus building a rink from ground up every year.

• Annual savings would be significant moving from a temporary structure to a permanent facility. Temporary costs are estimated at $185,000 annually. Over the past two years, The Ice Rink™ has generated in excess of $150,000 in user fees (net) and more than $38,000 in sponsorships (net) for a total revenue stream of $188,000 per year. A feasibility study is currently underway with PGAL for a permanent site on The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion property.

Replacement Reserve for Existing Capital Assets

The Woodlands Township is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of park equipment (119 parks), replacement of pathways, fleet equipment, fire trucks and equipment, computer equipment, swimming pools / equipment, extensive irrigation systems, parking lots, fountains and village and neighborhood entry way signage. In addition, facilities such as the fire stations, The Woodlands Township Recreation Center and the Parks and Recreation/ Environmental Services offices require maintenance and potential improvements or replacements. Prior to 2007, cash reserves were held by the WCA to allow its assets to be replaced from reserves as needed. These reserves were depleted in the transition process. Adequate reserves will need to be reinstated over time to provide for an effective replacement reserve program. A reserve study is planned for late 2010.

The Township adheres to reserve policy guidelines of maintaining a working capital reserve equal to 20 percent of operating revenues and utilizing 75 percent of monies generated by favorable budget variances to fund a capital reserve and the remaining 25 percent to fund an economic development reserve. (Additionally, revenues from an events admission tax implemented in 2011 would be used to fund the economic development reserve.)

Revenue Estimates

Revenue estimates for the five-year plan will need to be adjusted / revised annually to reflect changing conditions in sales tax and room tax trends.

Over-65 Exemption

The over-65 exemption of $25,000 has been included at this level throughout the five-year plan.

Homestead Exemption

No homestead exemption has been included in the five-year plan.

Debt Service Costs for Bonds issued in 2012

Approximately $12 million in debt is projected to be issued in 2012 to fund parks and pathways projects, to rebuild Central Fire Station and to purchase two ladder trucks. The debt service costs are built into the five-year plan. Savings in bond-funded projects will result in the Township issuing $3 million less in debt obligations than originally approved by the voters in November, 2009.

Personnel - Public Safety Changes

The five-year plan includes a number of proposed increases in personnel. The primary changes are in public safety where 34 full-time positions and two new fire stations are proposed to meet public safety needs in The Woodlands Fire Department and in contract law enforcement.

Planning for build out

The Woodlands is still a number of years away from “build out.” This means that as the community continues to grow, services will have to be expanded to include the new growth areas and increased population density. The Woodlands will continue to add residential housing units, add high density residential projects and grow commercial and business square footage. For example, between now and build out:

• Population will increase from 93,500 to 130,000.

• Commercial and industrial square footage will increase from 26 million square feet to 36.4 million square feet.

• Residential units will increase from 38,590 to 50,473.

• Parks will increase from 119 to 135.

• Pathways will increase from 185 miles to 205 miles.

• Open space will increase from 2,750 acres to 4,200 acres.

A factor that impacts our current financial planning process is that at build out, there will most likely be a change in services / functions currently provided by The Woodlands Land Development Company (TWLDC). At the current time, The Woodlands Land Development Company provides and manages a number of services within The Woodlands. As The Woodlands matures and is built out, services previously partially funded or managed by The Woodlands Development Company may have to be assumed by The Woodlands Township or eliminated. Expectations are the transfer of services will not occur all at once but will occur over a period of years.

The Township will need future financial capacity to assume these services. Alternatives to providing the required financial capacity would be to eliminate the service or change existing services to provide capacity. The purpose of this discussion is to consider how these factors should be addressed in the long range plan. Some of the services currently provided through the Development Company are:

• Streetscape maintenance (a portion of the costs are currently funded by TWLDC)

• Construction management and funding for capital projects

• Community-wide special events and sponsorships

• Public art program

• Community planning efforts / Development Review Committee (DRC) and Community Standards Committee (CSC) development plan review functions

• Some public works functions / roadway planning / drainage considerations / mobility planning

Planning for future goVernance imPacts

The Woodlands Township is currently a special purpose district which is authorized under Texas Law to collect sales tax, room tax and property tax and provide a wide range of municipal types of services. These are considered value-added services since they are enhancements to basic service levels provided by the other government organizations such as the County.

One of the governance options that may be considered in the future is changing from a special purpose district to a municipal operation (incorporation). Incorporation would shift the responsibility for providing a number of basic services from the County to the Township. Some of the service costs and responsibilities expected to shift to the Township if incorporation occurs are:

• Law enforcement – change from contract to municipal department

• Assume roadway replacement responsibility

• Assume roadway maintenance responsibility / public works functions

• Assume traffic management responsibility

• Municipal court operation

• Planning / zoning

• Utility operations (water and sewer)

• Facility costs for police, courts and maintenance

The “new” city may be able to collect additional revenues such as court fees and permit fees to offset some of these costs. An analysis of the costs versus revenues will be required in order to determine the net impact of incorporation on the property tax rate.

In a presentation made to the Township Board of Directors earlier this year, staff recommended that a Board / community discussion on this matter begin in the fall of 2010. The purpose of the discussion will be to develop a process to explore the governance options and provide factual information to the public.

• Consider establishing a steering committee with a specific charge (and appropriate budget) to develop the process and provide community information.

• Develop timetable for completion of the work.

» Potential timing of election.

» Establish time frame for voter education prior to the election.

Staff has included an amount in the 2011 budget recommendation to provide funding for legal, research and process development that may be necessary to complete this process.

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

• Include funding for professional assistance with governance process in 2011 and 2012.

• Unable to factor in potential incorporation costs at this time / need more data.

freQuentlY asKed Questions

Q: How much funding will be generated from the 2010 property tax levy and how will these funds be used?

A: Only a portion of the community services are funded through the property tax levy. Of the $86.8 million total budget for 2011, $39.6 million is funded through the property tax levy. Property tax is used primarily to fund the following services:

• Community policing

• Covenant enforcement

• Parks and pathways

• Aquatics

• Neighborhood services

• Garbage collection/recycling

• Community-wide maintenance, e.g., streets and entryways

• Administrative / community relations

• Capital asset replacements

• Capital asset additions (except as provided through bonding/ borrowing)

• Debt service – outstanding debt

Q: How much revenue will be generated from 2011 sales tax and room tax collections and how are these funds proposed to be used?

A: A total of $35.2 million is budgeted from sales tax and room tax in 2011. The sales tax is expected to generate approximately $31.2 million annually and the hotel room tax will generate approximately $4.0 million annually.

Approximately one-third of the sales tax and hotel room tax collections are used to fund visitor promotion costs and related service costs.

• Debt service – convention center - $3.7 million

• Convention and Visitors Bureau - $2.4 million

• Economic Development Zone debt service - $2.2 million

• Seasonal lighting - $0.14 million

• Trolley service - $0.4 million

• Mounted patrol and security$1.3 million

• Ambassador program - $0.3 million

• Economic Development budget$0.4 million

The remaining two-thirds of the sales tax and room tax collections will be used to reduce the property tax.

freQuentlY-asKed Questions

Q: How much bonding and borrowing capacity is available to fund future capital projects?

A: The voters authorized a bond issue of $49.9 million in November, 2009. Of this total authorization, approximately $35 million has been issued to fund 2010 and 2011 projects. These proceeds are being used to fund the following projects in 2010 and 2011:

• Construction of two new fi re stations

• New park and pathway projects

• Refi nancing of existing debt

Approximately $15 million in bonding authorization has been set aside to fund the following projects in 2012 through 2014.

• Replacement of Central Fire Station ($6.3 million)

• Purchase of two fi re ladder trucks ($2.1 million)

• New park and pathway projects ($5.8 million)

In addition to the revenues identified on page 24, expenditures will be funded by bond proceeds received in 2010 for certain 2011 capital expenditures.

Board Chambers

10001 Woodloch Forest, Suite 600

The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

toWnshiP locations

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3900

Law Enforcement and Neighborhood Services Annex

2202 Timberloch Place, Suite 222

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Service Center

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

The Woodlands Emergency Training Center

16135 IH 45 South

The Woodlands, Texas 77385 281-367-3444

Please see page 8 for a list of The Woodlands Fire Department stations.

There are many ways to fi nd out more information about The Woodlands Township and its services: visit at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov; attend public meetings, the schedules of which are on the Township Web site; or reference The Woodlands Community Magazine, a monthly magazine sent to residents.