October 2011

THE OFFICIAL

November Election

Walk to School

The Woodlands History: Art in Public Places

About The Woodlands Township

33

33

36

36

3

16

20

About The Woodlands Township

On the Cover

C-Shift members proudly serve The Woodlands residents from The Woodlands Fire Department’s new Station 8, located on Gosling Road.

Pictured left to right are Firefighter Ty Furrh, Lt. Jason Washington, Firefighter Darrall Severs and Driver/Operator Troy Coleman. The new station officially opened on September 12, 2011, and serves residents in Creekside Park, Indian Springs and Panther Creek. See page 10 for more information about the new station.

Cover photo by Derrick Bryant

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) 281-367-1271

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

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

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

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

October

is the month that we recognize crime and fire prevention, not just here in The Woodlands, but throughout the nation. See the articles on pages 8 and 10 to read about our Fire Department and two new fire stations, and page 26 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, celebrates National Night Out twice in October— the first Saturday at Northshore Park and the first Tuesday in our neighborhoods. The Township recently recognized Gerald Irons, a hometown hero and dedicated citizen who has contributed much to The Woodlands and specifically to the education of our children.

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 2012. The 2012 budget was adopted in late August, along with the tax rate for 2011. 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.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ed Robb

Claude Hunter

Don Norrell

At a recent Township Board workshop, Chairman Bruce Tough (right) took time to recognize former Conroe Independent School District Trustee Gerald Irons, who retired from his position in June 2011 after serving almost 22 years.

Photo by Elena Smith

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

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Creative Director Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Assistant Editor Elena Smith

Copy Editor Laura Garvey

Editorial Assistant Terri Jefferies

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

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

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

I chose MD Anderson in The Woodlands

- Stacey Severin

When I had breast cancer, the world’s leading care was right here.

My mom was treated for breast cancer at MD Anderson in The Woodlands, and I knew it was also the right choice for me. My team of experts focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Having MD Anderson in my community kept me close to my family. I chose MD Anderson in The Woodlands. Find Your MD Anderson today.

713.745.9940

By Kathie Herrick

Eachyear, The Woodlands has consistently registered the most schools in Texas for International Walk to School. Eleven Woodlands elementary schools are observing the month with official walk days during October. We are truly stepping it up!

Join us and discover that there is more than one way to get to school! Walk to School Day is a vehicle for launching a year-round Safe Routes to School program (www.saferoutesinfo.org) that offers new tools for your school transportation toolbox like facilitating neighborhood walk groups and creating safety posts. Help us help you jumpstart a program at your school by completing the Parent Walk to School Survey at The Woodlands Township Web site.

One of the benefits of walking and biking to school with your children is the opportunity to instill basic safety skills along the route. Young pedestrians and cyclists may even grow up to be safer drivers because

they will be more aware of walkers and bicyclists. Knowing the rules gives children confidence and helps them develop independence.

Families who live too far away to walk the entire distance to school can still participate. Drive to a location a short distance from campus, like a church or shopping center, and walk to school from there. Vehicle congestion and cleaner air around schools is one reason why school administrators enthusiastically support Walk to School.

Partners rekindling the spirit of walking to school include The Woodlands Township, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Conroe I.S.D. Police. For more information, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3900 or visit

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ walktoschool.

Tuesday, October 4

Galatas Elementary

Wednesday, October 5

Deretchin Elementary

Thursday, October 6

Ride Elementary

Glen Loch Elementary

Friday, October 7

Bush Elementary

Buckalew Elementary Lamar Elementary

Thursday, October 13

Hailey Elementary Powell Elementary

Friday, October 14

Coulson Tough Elementary

Friday, October 21

Creekside Forest Elementary

TIPS for Walking Safety:

Children younger than age 10 should never walk or bike alone. Neighbors can take turns walking a group of kids to and from school. Make sure every child knows every adult in the group.

Adults walking with kids can model the following skills:

Stay aware! Avoid distractions.

STOP, LOOK, LISTEN at every edge or curb.

Look LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT and go only when there are NO cars.

Cross at crosswalks or corners. Avoid crossing between parked cars and in the middle of the block.

Watch for cars pulling in and out of driveways and neighborhoods.

When crossing streets, teach kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them at corners and crosswalks.

Photos by Lucinda Valdes and Jon Krenytzky

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently called for a special election to determine whether the Township will adopt the state law on collective bargaining for firefighters that may be employed by the Township.

Firefighting services are currently provided within and for The Woodlands Township by The Woodlands Fire Department, Inc. (WFD), a non-profit corporation whose Board of Directors is appointed by The Woodlands Township and which is funded by sales tax collected within the Township. As a non-profit corporation, WFD currently has, and has had since April 2000, a collective bargaining agreement with The Woodlands Professional Firefighters Association, Local 3846 that establishes compensation, benefits and working conditions for covered employees of WFD.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Township will be permitted to directly employ firefighting personnel. Under Texas law, a political subdivision of the state is not required to collectively bargain with its firefighter employees unless the voters of the political subdivision approve the adoption of the state law under Chapter 174, Texas Local Government Code, establishing collective bargaining,

TOWNSHIP CALLS FOR Election ON COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR Firefighters

preserving the state law prohibiting strikes and lockouts and providing penalties for strikes and lockouts.

Under the Township’s enabling legislation, the Township is required to conduct an election on the adoption of the state law on collective bargaining if the Township receives a proper and timely petition signed by a majority of the firefighting personnel of WFD requesting the election. Such a petition has been timely received and is in proper form and has been signed by the requisite number of firefighting personnel of WFD. Accordingly, the Township has called an election to be held on November 8, 2011, to present to the voters of the Township the proposition of whether the Township should adopt the state law on collective bargaining. If the proposition is approved by a majority of voters, the Township and any successor municipality or other form of government would become subject to the state law requiring collective bargaining by an employee association representing the firefighters when the Township directly employs firefighting personnel. If the election fails, the Township would not be subject to the state law unless a subsequent adoption election is held and passed under Chapter 174.

Early Voting Locations

November 8, 2011 Election

Montgomery County Precincts

Election Central (Limited Ballots, Special Forms of Early Voting and Ballot by Mail only) 9159 Airport Road, Conroe, TX 77303

Montgomery County Administration Annex 207 West Phillips, Conroe, TX 77301

Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department #181 18215 Buddy Riley Boulevard, Magnolia, TX 77354

South County Community Building 2235 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380

North Montgomery County Community Center 600 Gerald Street, Willis, TX 77378

East County Courthouse Annex 21130 U.S. Highway 59 South, New Caney, TX 77357

West Montgomery County Courthouse Annex 19380 Hwy 105 West, Montgomery, TX 77356

Harris County Precinct (Creekside Park)

South Montgomery YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center at Creekside 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77389

Early Voting Times

Montgomery County Precincts

Oct. 24 – 29 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Nov. 3 – 4 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Harris County Precinct

Oct. 24 – 28* 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Nov. 3 – 4 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

*Please note: Early voting is not available on Saturday, October 29, 2011, for the Harris County Precinct.

For the full list of Election Day polling sites, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Texas Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in Texas named on the U.S.News & World Report’s “Honor Roll” honoring the top 11 pediatric hospitals in the country. We’re proud to be your first choice and the right choice, right here, for your child.

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

Texas Children’s Health Center – The Woodlands

17198 St. Luke’s Way

Medical Arts Ctr. I, Ste. 300

The Woodlands, TX 77384 936-321-0808

Texas Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine – The Woodlands 17198 St. Luke’s Way Medical Arts Ctr. I, Ste. 630

The Woodlands, TX 77384 936-321-1600

Conroe Pediatric Associates

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

Sterling Ridge Pediatrics

6707 Sterling Ridge Dr., Ste.A

The Woodlands, TX 77382 281-296-2656

TCPA – Medical Plaza

1011 Medical Plaza Dr., Ste.220

The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-296-9119

Woodlands Pediatric Associates

4545Research Forest Dr.,Ste.A

The Woodlands, TX 77381 281-367-5100

Firefighters and community leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official grand opening of The Woodlands Fire Department’s Station 8. Personnel assigned to this station provide fire, rescue and EMS service while maintaining the established average five-minute response criteria in the Indian Springs, Panther Creek and Creekside Park areas. The 11,800-squarefoot facility is located at 11800 Gosling Road, The Woodlands, Texas.

Station 8 GRAND OPENING

Speakers for the event included

The Woodlands Fire Department Chief Alan Benson and The Woodlands Fire Department President and Township Chairman Bruce Tough. Township Director Dr. Ed Robb gave a blessing for the firefighters and fire station, and

with a United States

The new fire station includes three apparatus bays, living quarters, six dorm rooms, an administrative office, a conference/study room, a work room, a decontamination room and a physical wellness area. It is equipped with a reserve fire engine and will soon be equipped with a 75-foot ladder truck and a Montgomery County EMS unit.

The architect of the facility was Joiner Partnership, Inc and the contractor was Teal Construction Company. Funding for the facility was provided from proceeds from The Woodlands Township 2009 general obligation bond.

Sarah Stephens, district director for U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady’s office, presented the station

flag.

Sarah Stephens, district director for U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, presented a U.S. flag to commemorate the opening of The Woodlands Fire Department Station 8 to Township Chairman Bruce Tough, left, and The Woodlands Fire Chief Alan B. Benson.

Photos by Elena Smith and Mary Connell

Pictured at Station 8’s opening are, left to right, Claude Hunter, Lloyd Matthews, Carl Joiner (architect), Tom Campbell, Don Norrell, Ed Robb, Bruce Tough, Jerry Bittner, Alan Benson and Richard Windham.

The Woodlands Township Directors, public officials and other guests paused to cut a ribbon to mark the official opening of The Woodlands Fire Department Station 8, located at 11800 Gosling Road, on Monday, September 12, 2011.

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 of shopping at Market Street to an afternoon on the links, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Texas’ most celebrated community.

NEW HOMES IN MAY VALLEY PRICED FROM THE $190’s

May Valley in the Village of Sterling Ridge features new homes by D.R. Horton, Highland Homes, Lennar, M/I Homes, Trendmaker and Village Builders, priced from the $190’s - $550’s. A cluster of neighborhoods surrounds nine-acre May Valley Park, where a new “Pioneer-themed” sprayground, pavilion, playfield, playgrounds and lighted tennis and basketball courts provide plenty of family fun. Highly-rated Magnolia ISD schools, shopping, dining and more parks are nearby. Everything you need for a happy family is right here in May Valley!

M/I Homes, the newest builder in May Valley, highlights Plan 24502, a two-story family home with four bedrooms, three full baths and 2,825 square feet of living space. The fourth bedroom is adjacent to the upstairs game room, and features a private bath. This home is priced from $290,990 in May Valley. For more information, call 832-651-9844.

ethereal beauties, pitcher plants, like other carnivorous species, eat less often than most assume.

“They consume a varied diet,” Mike howlett explains, “primarily insects of various sizes, possibly, a small frog and snails would all be on the menu.”

P LAN t S

By Lucinda Valdes

evealing the captivating world of notorious plants, Mike Howlett, pring Creek Greenway project manager, Carnivorous Plants on thursday, ctober 13, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. in the L.G.I. Lecture Hall at McCullough Junior chool, 3800 s. Panther Creek Drive. ubject of myth and mystery, carnivorous plants come to life in this captivating presentation. With more than 600 species worldwide, carnivorous plants are global in distribution, notes Mr. Howlett. Four types are indigenous exas—pitcher plants, sundews, butterworts and bladderworts.

Depicted as cunning predators and monster plants on stage and screen, the species hold a special appeal for the enthusiast. “as a naturalist and educator, I try to find those aspects of

the natural world that are unique and engaging. Carnivorous plants are that unique aspect in the plant world,” Mr. Howlett explains.

Far from fiendish, Mr. Howlett describes rare “beauty, unique color and interesting shapes.” unraveling myth-conceptions about carnivorous plants, the upcoming presentation reveals the species’ natural history and cultivation in a garden or on a window sill.

the free event is a Walk in Woods Nature Lecture, a program of the Woodlands township, sponsored by the Woodlands G.r.e.e.N., Waste Management and Hilton Garden Inn. For more information, please contact the Woodlands township at 281-210-3900 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, and click environmental.

PK4 & K OPEN HOUSES

Photo by Mrs. W. D. bransford, Lady bird Johnson Wildflower center

Saturday, October

10 am

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

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

Three-Day Oktoberfest

Event October 14-16

Oktoberfest 2011, benefiting The Woodlands Rotary Club Foundation, is scheduled for October 14-16, 2011, at Town Green Park. This is a fun, familyfriendly event that is full of authentic German music, food and a wide array of fantastic German beers as well as live music and kids activities.

Get Your Costume Ready for Trick or Treat Trail on Sunday, October 30

Friday, October 14: 6 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, October 15: Noon to 10 p.m.

Sunday, October 16: Noon to 6 p.m.

Admission is $10 and free for children younger than age 10. For more information, visit www.oktoberfestthewoodlands.com.

Tweet, Like, and Subscribe to The Woodlands

CVB

Stay up-to-date on all the latest happenings in The Woodlands.

www.Twitter.com/TheWoodlandsCVB www.Facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands www.YouTube.com/TheWoodlandsCVB

New Discovery Guide & Savings Book Available Online

The Woodlands Discovery Guide & Savings Book – Fall/Winter is now available. Request your free coupon book today online at www.thewoodlandscvb.com/guide.asp!

Contact Information for

The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive Suite 600

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

www.VisitTheWoodlands.com

Phone: 281-363-2447

Fax: 281-210-3499

info@thewoodlandscvb.com

Trick or Treat Trail, produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, is scheduled for Sunday, October 30, 2011, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Town Green Park. This free event will be fun for the entire family and attendees are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best and “trick or treat” from booth to booth. The costume contest is presented by Jaguar Land Rover Houston North. For more information, visit www.TheWoodlandsCVB.com/ TrickOrTreat.asp.

Sponsored by:

Jaguar Land Rover Houston North

BBVA Compass

Kyle Sherburne – State Farm Insurance

Munday Chevrolet

The Woodlands Development Company

The Woodlands Young Learners Academy

St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital Berripop Frozen Yogurt

Moon Water

THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION

FRIDAY, OCT. 28

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

HOUSTON SYMPHONY

Brett Mitchell, conductor

A night of tricks, treats and bone-chilling music. Daddies, mummies and little ghosts and goblins can dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes!

Hair-raising activities include: (details below)

From 6-

DEVON ENERGY PRESENTS

Sponsored in part by

Saturday, Nov. 12 – 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 13 –Noon-5 p.m.

$8 in advance/$10 at the door

wonderland full of non-stop fun and excitement. The festival features music, dance, on activities, face painting and more!

$15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating sponsored by

COME IN COSTUME FOR A CHANCE TO MARCH IN THE GOBLIN PARADE! The first 100 children in costume to check in at HOCUS POCUS CENTRAL in the North Plaza get to march on stage in the Goblin Parade.

ON STAGE ENTERTAINMENT:

Thomas the Tank Engine STAR TREK LIVE!

Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Justin Roberts

PLAZA SPONSOR

october

30 31

Saturday, October 1

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.

Arts and Crafts Show

Copperwood Apartments

4407 S. Panther Creek Drive

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, please call 281-292-8513.

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

Enjoy spooky games and yummy treats at the Ghostly Get-Together Family Carnival on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Township Recreation Center at 5310 Research Forest Drive.

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

Creekside Campout (October 1-2)

Rob Fleming Park

2 p.m. to 9 a.m.

For more information, call Shaun Hebert at 281-210-3955.

Live at Night

Yelba

Waterway Square

6 to 9 p.m.

For more information, please call 281-363-2447.

Sunday, October 2

Free Concert-in-the-Park

Akina Adderly (Jazz and Soul)

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3950

Tuesday, October 4

Walk to School (October 4 – 21)

See page 6 for more information.

National Night Out Neighborhood Parties

5:30 to 8 p.m.

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

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Wednesday, October 5

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, October 6

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, October 7

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 8

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

281-210-3900

Memorial Hermann 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 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Sunday, October 9

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

Monday, October 10

Columbus Day

Tuesday, October 11

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

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.

281-210-5808

Thursday, October 13

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture

Carnivorous Plants

McCullough Junior High School

3800 S. Panther Creek Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3900

Saturday, October 15

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.

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to noon

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

First Aid Class

Emergency Training Center

Noon to 3:30 p.m.

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

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950 or see page 33.

Sunday, October 16

Free Concert-in-the-Park

Miss Leslie & Her Juke Jointers (Country)

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 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950.

Monday, October 17

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

6:30 p.m. 281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting

Emergency Training Center

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, October 18

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

www.metroministorage.net

The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.

Going Green Sustainability Series

The Quiet Invasion: Invasive Plants

South Montgomery County Library 2101 Lake Robbins Drive

7 p.m.

For more information, please call Cinda Hitchcock at 281-363-2723.

Wednesday, October 19

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, October 20

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Workshop

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600

The Township Board Room 7:30 a.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, October 21

Bloodborne Pathogens Class Emergency Training Center

9 to 11 a.m.

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

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

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

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950 or see page 33.

Saturday, October 22

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.

Taste of the Village Indian Springs Village Shopping Center

Noon to 4 p.m.

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Drive 8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, call

281-210-3950 or see page 33.

Sunday, October 23

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

Monday, October 24

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting Mitchell Library, 8125 Ashlane Way 7 p.m. 281-210-5808

Tuesday, October 25

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

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

281-210-3887

continued on page 24

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

Garbage Collection

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

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

Welcome to The Woodlands Township! This booklet is designed to 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

In 2007, legislation was approved to expand the area of the Town Center Improvement District (TCID) from a 1.8 square-mile area to an area of approximately 44 square miles representing the entire Woodlands. This plan for the expansion of the Township boundaries, authorizing a property tax levy and changing the make up of the Board to a fully elected at-large Board, was approved by the 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 establish a central government operation for The Woodlands. In order to accomplish this goal, the Township and the Community Associations of The Woodlands agreed upon a plan to consolidate operations and responsibilities into the new Woodlands 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. In accordance with the Transition Agreement, on January 1, 2010, The Woodlands Township assumed all responsibilities and services previously provided by the Community Associations. The Community Associations have ceased operations and were legally dissolved in August 2010.

The first property tax for the Township was levied in August 2009 to pay for services, capital improvements, and debt service for the 2010 budget year. This new property tax levy replaced the Community Association assessments. The 2009 tax rate was set at 32.8 cents per $100 of valuation.

In August 2010, the Board adopted a 2010 property tax rate of 32.74 cents per $100 of valuation to help fund the Township’s 2011 budget. The 2010 tax rate was 0.06 cents lower than the 2009 rate. In August 2011, the Board adopted a 2011 property tax rate of 32.5 cents per $100 of valuation to help fund the Township’s 2012 budget. This is 0.24 cents lower than the 2010 rate.

In June 2009, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors implemented a Strategic Plan. This strategic plan continues to define service levels and provide guidelines for the preparation of the annual budget and related five-year plan.

As The Woodlands Township looks forward over the next five years, there are a number of factors that the Board will need to consider as it continues to address the community’s service and capital facility needs while maintaining a stable property tax rate.

– For residents and businesses, the objective is to continue to provide high level services at a reasonable cost. Growth in the community and inflationary impacts will result in cost increases for certain expenditures.

– The Township will incur additional fixed and variable costs each year to fund services in newly developed areas, including streetscape maintenance, garbage collection, street light utilities, police and fire protection, park and pathway maintenance and covenants.

– 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.

– A challenging aspect of financial management is the estimation of revenue streams. It is important to use

conservative revenue estimates to avoid the overstatement of available funding. The three major sources of revenue for the Township are property tax, sales tax and hotel occupancy tax, and in total they comprise 93 percent of all revenue. While economic conditions during the past few years have had an impact on our financial projections, the Township continues to recognize growth in tax receipts in comparison to prior year figures and the current budget year.

– The Township should continue to develop and maintain appropriate operating, capital replacement, and economic development reserves in accordance with Board policy. Such reserves provide funding for 1) essential services in periods of economic downturn, 2) unforeseen opportunities or challenges, 3) the replacement or refurbishment of existing capital amenities, and 4) projects that are deemed to provide a positive economic impact for the community. Without adequate reserves, when revenue sources fall short of projections often the only alternative is to reduce service levels or defer capital project expenditures.

– The Board will continually be faced with community expectations for additional or enhanced services such as increased law enforcement, sports field additions / expansions, neighborhood entry sign lighting and covenant enforcement.

– Service costs presently incurred by The Woodlands Development Company will be shifted to the Township (or no longer provided) when build out occurs. It is important to identify these services and include an estimate of potential costs in the five-year plan in order to evaluate their impact on the property tax rate.

– Long-range planning for the Township should include additional service and capital costs that will be required to be funded by the Township if a change in the government structure occurs in 2014 or later. Although these specific costs will not be factored into the 2012 budget and related five-year plan, a separate but concurrent analysis of these expenses is being undertaken in the governance planning project.

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

s – Community groups have expressed a need for competitive sports facilities, including expanded sports fields and a competitive swimming facility. The Township recently contracted a community-wide Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment to consider existing facilities and the potential need for new facilities. The outcome of this study will be considered for the 2012 budget and related five-year plan.

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

Lloyd Matthews

Position No. 3

Vice Chairman

Claude Hunter Position No. 1 Secretary

Ed Robb

Position No. 4 Treasurer

Bruce Tough

Position No. 7 Chairman

Nelda Luce Blair

Position No. 5 Director

Tom Campbell

Position No. 2 Director

Peggy Hausman

Position No. 6 Director

Don Norrell President/ General Manager

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIPBOARD OF DIRECTORS

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 fulfill 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 financial stewards of the community’s resources.

Evolving a government structure to meet our goals.

Promoting sound environmental policy.

The Annual Holiday Tradition Lighting of the Doves on Lake Robbins Bridge near Anadarko Tower.

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 Constable’s Office. Non-law enforcement mounted patrols are provided in the Town Center through an agreement with Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol (A&O).

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 2011: one captain, one lieutenant, four senior sergeants, one senior traffic sergeant, six patrol sergeants, one K9 deputy, 67 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.

These officers from the MCSO 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 the community policing deputies provided though contract, the Sheriff’s Office provides services as needed in the detective operation, administrative support, special services, SWAT team, training, recruitment, traffic control, identification – crime lab, communications, sex offender division, fleet operations, jail division, auto theft and other areas. These service costs are paid directly through the county tax levy.

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 2012, the Township is projecting the purchase of 22 patrol vehicles. 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.

Three additional Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department personnel are included in the five-year plan for each of the years 2012 and 2014. The budget includes approximately $1.1 million annually for the replacement of vehicles and equipment as well as the purchase of new vehicles and equipment for additional staff.

Harris County Law Enforcement

Law enforcement services in Creekside Park are provided through a contract arrangement with the Harris County – Precinct 4

2012 Service Areas & Initiatives

District 6 Bike Patrol

National Night Out

Constable’s Office. The current contract provides for one full-time deputy constable. Supplementing the full-time deputy constable, an additional 30 hours of weekly patrol is provided to the service area through independent contracts. All independent contracts are with Harris County – Precinct 4 Deputy constables.

To accommodate continued development in the Village of Creekside Park, two deputy constables are proposed to be added to the contract in 2012 at mid-year and an additional three constables at mid-year 2013.

Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol

The Township provides a non-law enforcement security and customer relations service in the Town Center called Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol. The purpose of the Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol is to provide security presence primarily in the Town Center. The mounted riders have a very visible presence in the commercial areas and the riders are able to see and be seen above the auto roof tops in large congested parking lot areas. These A&O Troopers also provide a customer-friendly environment to visitors to The Woodlands Town Center. Their presence has provided a unique (branded) image in The Woodlands commercial areas.

Neighborhood Services

Another important link in the safety and security program is the Neighborhood Services department. Staff members (village liaisons) serve as the link between the residents and the service providers and assist the eight village associations and Town Center with their meetings and projects. The neighborhood services staff is closely linked to law enforcement through the neighborhood watch program (Woodlands Watch), the WoodlandsAlert program, and provides crime prevention and safety education training for residents.

Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol

2012 Service Areas & Initiatives

THE WOODLANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT

By year end 2011, The Woodlands Fire Department is projected to employ 141 full time personnel, in order to provide fire protection, advanced life support emergency medical care, life safety inspection, fire and life safety education, technical rescue and emergency dispatch services to The Woodlands Township. These service levels will be delivered from eight strategically located fire stations throughout the community to maintain an average emergency response time of five minutes. Two of the eight fire stations are under construction. Station #8 on Gosling Road will be placed in service in 2011 and Station #7 on Kuykendahl will be placed in service in 2012.

The Woodlands Fire Department remains the only fire department to provide first responder advanced life support in Montgomery County and continues to take the lead regarding technological advancements such as the implementation of a new, state-ofthe-art computer-aided dispatch system and radio interoperability.

In accordance with state legislation, The Woodlands Fire Department continues to operate as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. However, as part of the Transition Agreement, the new year will bring dissolution of The Woodlands Fire Department, Inc. and the Department’s workforce will enter 2012 officially as Township employees.

Over the past several years, an increased level of investment in staffing, facilities and equipment has allowed the community to keep pace with the rapid growth and improve the Insurance Services Office (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 and attracts prospective business clients who are considering relocation to The Woodlands. The improvement in the ISO rating has resulted in reduced residential and commercial property insurance rates, while increasing safety for its citizens and firefighters. It is anticipated the community’s ISO rating may improve from a 2 to a 1 in 2013. The Woodlands Fire Department plans to review its capabilities against the new 2012 ISO criteria and determine if a re-evaluation by the National Insurance Office is warranted and would result in a better rating. Only .01 percent of the fire departments in the United States have achieved this prestigious level.

The excellent service levels provided by The Woodlands Fire Department continue to attract outside interest through various service contracts encompassing emergency dispatch, Emergency Training Center and fire station facility use, computer-aided services and fire protection. In

Fire Station Tour

THE WOODLANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT

2011, the Department will have collected more than $357,000 in gross revenue, offsetting a portion of its operational budget. Some of the department’s 2012 objectives include:

Continue current service levels.

Begin construction on the new Central Fire Station project.

Purchase two aerial fire apparatus.

Fully implement the new computer aided dispatch system.

Become fully operational on the regional radio system.

Collective Bargaining

Hire an additional 15 firefighters for new stations. Evaluate Station #2 for possible remodel. Internally evaluate community’s ISO rating. Expand service agreements.

Completely transition the fire department to the Township.

Continue facilitating strategic partnerships.

According to the 2009 Township Enabling Legislation, The Woodlands Township may not directly employ firefighting personnel until January 1, 2012. The Woodlands firefighting personnel currently have collective bargaining rights with The Woodlands Fire Department; however, these rights are not transferable to the Township. In order to be covered by a collective bargaining agreement when the firefighters become employees of the Township, constituents would need to approve collective bargaining rights. The Township Legislation provides for the Township to call an election for collective bargaining for firefight ing personnel upon receipt of a petition of the firefighters, with the election to be held no later than the last uniform election date in 2011. The Board has received a petition from The Woodlands Professional Firefighters Association and is completing the legal process to place this matter before the voters at the November 2011 election. See The Woodlands Township’s Web site for more information.

Truck 106, The Woodlands Fire Department

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 Winter 2012.

THE WOODLANDS FIRE DEPARTMENT STATIONS

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

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

Continue existing services.

Add 15 new positions in 2012 / open Fire Station 7.

Issue remaining authorized bonds in 2012 / Rebuild Central Station and purchase two ladder trucks. Evaluate remodel of Station #2 in a future budget year.

2012 Service Areas & Initiatives

PARKS & OPEN SPACE RESERVES

The Woodlands community has 121 developed parks; 81 have play areas with play equipment. There are two major sports complexes in the community: Bear Branch Sportsfields and Alden Bridge Sports Park. The community has 190 miles of pathway that connect neighborhoods to parks, schools, churches and village shopping centers.

The community has more than 3,000 acres of protected open space, three lakes and numerous amenity ponds. The park areas are maintained by The Woodlands Township staff along with a number of contracts with various organizations. The vast majority of park, open space and pond maintenance labor is provided through contracted services.

The age of the Township parks ranges from a few months old to more than 30 years old. New parks and pathways in areas encumbered with The Woodlands Association Covenants are provided through a Recreational Facility Funding Agreement with the developer. 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 Facilities Funding Agreement are funded by the Township at 100 percent.

Waterway Maintenance

Timarron Park Sprayground

The Woodlands Waterway ® maintenance operation includes The Waterway, Riva Row Park, Town Green Park, koi pond, The Fountains at Waterway Square and the associated tree lights and site amenities located in the Town Center area. The Waterway maintenance consists of landscape and hardscape maintenance, pedestrian lighting, street light banners, bulkhead maintenance, trash and litter removal, nuisance pest control and water quality management. The Waterway attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and is a tremendous asset for The Woodlands. Maintenance for The Waterway is provided through contracted services and Township staff, 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.

The Woodlands Waterway ®

Recreation Center Operations / Recreational Programming

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

Aquatics

The Township operates 13 swimming pools located throughout The Woodlands. Resident visits to the pools total about 185,000 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.

The community 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. Many programs can be found in the Action Guide, which is printed three times a year.

Projected park build-out in 2015 / 2016.

Add appropriate staff to accommodate growth in amenities.

Add funding to support maintenance of new parks, pathways and amenities coming on line.

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 or other facilities identified in the 2011 Parks Needs Assessment).

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE

Covenants

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 fulltime 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).

The enforcement of covenant standards is important for the maintenance of property values throughout The Woodlands community. 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 maintained 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 build out of the Village of Creekside Park. This growth will require additional covenant personnel to provide service to an increased number of covenant properties.

To address the needs of aging neighborhoods, limited resources of residents or issues created by absentee landlords, the WCA and TWA created a community revitalization program in 2008 that has been carried forward and funded by The Woodlands Township. The Township funded $75,000 in 2011 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 file liens for recovery of expended funds.

Streetscape Maintenance

Community maintenance operations are very extensive and consist of maintaining entryways, roadway medians, irrigation systems, open space reserves, ponds and lakes, street lighting, forestry and tree removal programs, reforestation, directional signage, graffiti removal and jumbo cul-de-sacs. Services provided in residential and commercial areas include:

Roadside mowing 18 times per year

Removing trash from roadsides 104 times per year

Maintaining 789 entry medians and intersection medians

Maintaining 299 jumbo cul-de-sacs

Maintaining 350 neighborhood and village entry way signs

East Shore Condominiums on Lake Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE

Providing directional signage

Maintaining more than 3,600 acres of open space reserves

Maintaining 45 ponds, Lake Woodlands and Lake Paloma

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 31,000 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 2011 rate is $12.74 per month per household. Environmental education such as recycling, composting, litter abatement and household hazardous waste are provided through programs offered to residents and schools. A new contract with Waste Management will begin in February 2012, and is projected to cost less than the current contract amount at a rate of $10.10 per month per household.

Household trash, recycling and yard trimmings are collected once per week at all residential properties. No service is currently provided to commercial properties.

New recycling carts will be delivered to The Woodlands residents in late 2011 or early 2012

A recycling center (staffed by Waste Management employees), provided by the Township on Research Forest Drive, is open two days per week. This facility is in addition to the Montgomery County recycling center on Pruitt Road.

The Woodlands Township also provides mosquito control education and works with Montgomery County Precinct #3 to test for West Nile virus.

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

Continue existing services.

Covenant enforcement costs will increase as the number of dwelling units increase. Park maintenance will increase as the number of parks and miles of pathways increase.

Streetscape maintenance will increase as road miles increase / number of neighborhood entries increase. Waste collection / recycling will increase as units increase.

Transition into new level of service for waste collection and recycling services by February 1, 2012. Add appropriate staff to accommodate growth in the community.

Understand and plan for financial impact of SJRA / surface water program.

2012 Service Areas & Initiatives

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Tourism and Convention business in The Woodlands is substantial and provides approximately $5.0 million per year in hotel occupancy tax collections. Tourism is also responsible for a major portion of the approximately $31.2 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 11 hotel properties), which generates hotel occupancy tax. 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 financial 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 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 initial seven percent 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 2011, almost the entire debt service requirement for the convention center project will be paid from the seven percent hotel occupancy tax.

In 2011, The Woodlands Township will appropriate $2.4 million in sales tax to the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) for programs and community promotions. Approximately 51 percent ($1.3 million) of the budget is used to directly produce events or support events that bring residents and visitors to The Woodlands. The remaining 49 percent is used in destination marketing, promotion, general expenses and promotion.

Red, Hot & Blue Festival

The Fountains at Waterway Square

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

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 2011 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, through its legislative authority, increased the hotel room tax by an additional one percent on January 1, 2011 (from seven to eight percent), and is planning an additional one percent on January 1, 2012 (from eight to n ine percent). The additional funding is required to be used for tourism and convention-type activities.

In 2011, the Township will be involved in a number of community events and recreational offerings. These events provide opportunities for Woodlands 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 CVB.

Taste of the Town

The Woodlands Waterway ® Arts Festival

Fiesta Universal

Wine and Food Week

CB&I Triathlon

Fourth of July / Red, Hot & Blue Festival

Wildflower Festival

Memorial Hermann

Ironman Texas

Arbor Day

Lighting of the Doves

International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW)

Memorial Hermann 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

The Waterway Cruiser operation is now owned by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Woodlands CVB were gifted the boats on January 1, 2011, at an appraised value of more than $810,000 for six boats.

Funding for the Waterway Cruisers comes from a variety of sources. Revenue is generated through the fares for rides, catering, advertising and sponsorships and transportation grants. No direct property tax funds are used in the operation. Any additional operating costs are funded through a portion of hotel occupancy tax collected in The Woodlands. The Woodlands Township Board approved this funding in 2010. This funding comes directly from visitors to The Woodlands hotels. The commitment of one year of the additional room tax funding will fund the renovation of the fleet and the total operating requirements for a three- to five-year period.

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

Continue existing operations.

Increase hotel occupancy tax rate by one percent in 2012.

Oktoberfest

Waterway Programming:

» Live at Night (Spring and Fall Series)

» Memorial Day Weekend Events

» Movie Night

» Waterway Nights

» Trick or Treat Trail

» Labor Day Weekend Events

» Caroling on the Square

Waterway Cruiser

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT GROWTH FUNDING

Trolley Service

The Woodlands Township partners with the Brazos Transit District (The District) to provide, and fund, trolley service in the Town Center area of the Township. The trolley system provides free transportation to more than 12,500 riders monthly over the span of a year. Each partner funds approximately $194,000 for the trolley system operation. The Brazos Transit District receives federal grant funds for their share of the cost operations and the Township matches the grant funds. The current agreement with the Brazos Transit District began on June 1, 2010 and runs for three years ending on April 30, 2013.

Discussion has occurred in the community and among Township Directors concerning expansion of the trolley system to include additional areas that could include:

A larger portion of the Town Center area to serve more hotels and businesses. Expansion of the present trolley route to include additional stops. Service to village shopping centers.

Any significant trolley service expansion will require an additional financial commitment from the Township. If grant funding is available, the typical grant funding would provide approximately 50 percent of the operating costs and the Township would have to fund a 50 percent match.

Charging a fee to riders that board a trolley is an area for study to determine the impacts on ridership and related costs to t he Township, from collecting a fare from trolley customers. Funding is included in the 2011 budget to study the feasibility and costs to expand trolley service through the Township’s transportation consultant, The Goodman Corporation.

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

Opportunity Houston - $20,000

Leadership Montgomery County - $5,000 Continue

»

FIVE-YEAR PLAN ISSUES

Capital Assets Management / Reserve Study

The Woodlands Township is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of capital assets, including park amenities, pedestrian pathways, fleet equipment, fire vehicles and equipment, computer equipment, swimming pools / equipment, extensive sprinkler systems, parking lots, fountains and village and neighborhood entry way signage. In addition, facilities such as the fire stations, the Emergency Training Center, The Woodlands Recreation Center and the Parks and Recreation/Environmental Services office require maintenance and potential improvements or replacements. The current net book value of the Township’s assets totals $165 million.

Prior to 2007, cash reserves were held by WCA to allow its park and pathway assets to be replaced as needed. These reserves were depleted in the transition process. Reserves were not established by the community associations for any of the other asset categories referenced above. Adequate reserves will need to be accumulated over time to provide for an effective replacement reserve program. A reserve study is currently being conducted, and resulting information will be available during the budget review process.

The Township should continue to adhere to reserve policy guidelines of maintaining a working capital reserve equal to 20 percent of annual operating revenues and utilizing 75 percent of monies generated by favorable budget variances to fund a capit al reserve and the remaining 25 percent to fund an economic development reserve. Additionally, revenues from the events admission tax implemented in 2011 are used to fund the economic development reserve.

Ice Rink / Consideration of Permanent Site

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 concluded its 12th anniversary season and the attraction serves as an important marketing tool in the promotion of holidays in The Woodlands. A total of 419,123 skaters have come through The Ice Rink over 12 years, with attendance near or exceeding 40,000 in six consecutive years. The 2010-2011 produced a record number of skaters at 47,862. The Ice Rink has always been produced in a temporary location (three different sites in 12 years), and building a permanent site for a seasonal ice rink may be in the best interest of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Woodlands Township and the entire community because:

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” to a new location after a move.

A permanent structure would save significant expenses in building a rink “from the 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 three 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.

The Woodlands Ice Rink and Winter Wonderland

FIVE-YEAR PLAN ISSUES

A feasibility study was conducted by PGAL for a permanent site on The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion property that produced drawings and renderings. It was estimated in late 2010 that total costs would be approximately $2 million to construct such a facility. The major portion of constructing a permanent facility could be amortized by the current CVB expense of constructing a temporary facility, which is $185,000 per year. The Woodlands Township and CVB are in discussions with the Pavilion regarding options for development of a facility on the Pavilion site that could host the Ice Rink during the holiday season and provide space for other events the remaining 10 months of the year.

Debt Service Costs for Bonds Issued in Late 2011 (assets acquired 2012 – 2014)

The Township currently has $15 million in bond authorization for which bonds have not yet been issued. The debt management plan projects the issuance of $13.0 million of the remaining bond authorization in late 2011 to fund certain capital assets in 2012- 2014. These include $3.8 million for park and pathway projects planned by the developer, $7.1 million for the reconstruction of Central Fire Station and $2.1 million for the purchase of two fire ladder trucks. The debt service costs related to this bond issuance are included in the five-year plan. Other assets included in the capital plan for 2012 – 2014 will be funded by current year property tax revenue or the utilization of monies in the capital reserve account.

Funding Source for the Development of Recreational Amenities

The Township contracted a needs assessment for parks and recreation facilities in 2011. As a placeholder, a proposed budget appropriation of $1.5 million has been included in the capital budget for each of the years 2012 - 2016 to be utilized for projects as directed by the Board. If the decision is made to develop amenities exceeding costs included in the five-year plan, contributions from other groups or a bond issuance may be considered to provide the necessary funding. See page 10 for Parks & Open Space Reserves.

Projected Funding Sources for Capital Assets after 2014 (assets acquired 2015 – 2016)

The Series 2010 bond issuance approved by voters in November 2009 anticipated asset acquisitions for the years 2010 – 2014, which was the five-year plan period at that point in time. The upcoming budget process includes a five-year plan through the year 2016, and funding sources for capital assets acquired subsequent to 2014 must be identified.

For the years 2015 and 2016, capital expenditures of $11.0 million are projected for park, pathway and fire protection assets and are funded by property tax revenue and the capital reserve account. Of this amount, $2.4 million is projected to be funded from bond proceeds and $8.6 million funded by property tax revenue and the capital reserve account.

Governance Costs / Operating and Capital Costs Associated with Incorporation

The five-year plan that will be developed during the 2012 budget process will be based on the assumption that the Township

continues to govern and operate as it does currently. Financial projections based on potential changes in governance are being developed in a separate process. This process will identify potential operating and capital costs associated with incorporation as a municipality, including major items such as municipal court, police and public works operations and facilities. Until that process is complete, we are unable to factor in potential incorporation costs. See page 21 for Future Governance Impacts.

Costs to Implement Homestead Exemption

No homestead exemption has been included in the five-year plan. During the budget workshops in July/August 2011, staff will present homestead exemption scenarios for the Board’s consideration. The age 65 and over/disabled person exemption of $25,000 that was authorized by the Board in 2010 is maintained throughout the five-year plan.

Museum / Cultural Arts Study

A Museum Ad Hoc Committee was created to explore funding and partnership opportunities for the proposed satellite location of the Houston Museum of Natural Science within The Woodlands Township along The Woodlands Waterway. This ad hoc committee has been inactive over the past two years. The 2011 budget of The Woodlands Township includes $20,000 in funding for the Township to partner with the local arts community to update the feasibility, development, financing, and operational analysis of the proposed facility; however, this item is on hold pending additional information from outside entities.

Law Enforcement Study Impacts

The Township is contracting for a Law Enforcement Study to review existing contract law enforcement services and community needs for the future. Resulting information is anticipated to be available during the budget review process.

Future Changes that Impact Revenue Growth and Cost Estimates

Revenue estimates for the five-year plan are adjusted annually to reflect changing conditions in sales tax and hotel room tax trends. Additionally, assumptions regarding new taxable residential and commercial property values and the annual revaluation of existing property values are made for projections of property tax revenue.

Adjustments to cost estimates are based on a variety of factors including growth in the community, implementation of the Township’s five-year capital plan, debt service requirements and inflation projections. As development of residential and commercial areas progresses, expenditures for the provision of law enforcement, fire protection, trash removal, street lighting, streetscape and park maintenance and covenant administration are adjusted accordingly.

The Woodlands Fire Department Station 8

George P. Mitchell statue at Town Green Park

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 newly developed growth areas and increased population density. The Woodlands will continue to add single-family housing units and high density residential projects and expand commercial and business square footage. For example, between now and build out:

Population will increase from 97,000 to 130,000.

Commercial and industrial square footage will increase from 26.5 million square feet to 36.4 million square feet.

Residential units will increase from 40,550 to 51,430.

Parks will increase from 121 to 135.

Pathways will increase from 190 miles to 205 miles.

Open space will increase from 2,840 acres to 4,200 acres.

A factor that impacts our current financial planning process is that as the community approaches “build out,” there will most likely be a transition in services / functions currently provided by The Woodlands Development Company to the Township. Services currently funded or managed by the Development Company will have to be assumed, adjusted in scope or eliminated. We expect that the transfer of services will not occur all at once but will occur over a period of years. Some of the services currently funded or managed by the Developer include:

Streetscape maintenance / a portion of the costs are currently funded by The Woodlands Land Development Company

Construction management / engineering services for capital projects

Community-wide special events – sponsorships Public art program

Community planning efforts / Design Review Committee (DRC) and Commercial Standards Committee (CSC) development plan review functions Some public works functions / roadway planning / drainage considerations / mobility planning / management of utility easements

Public works – infrastructure management of Township-owned special / interactive features, lighting, signage, pavers

The Township will need to identify future financial capacity to assume these services. Alternatives to providing the required funding 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 Township’s long range financial plan.

Residential Construction

Villages in The Woodlands

PLANNING FOR FUTURE GOVERNANCE IMPACTS

The Woodlands Township is currently a special purpose district that is authorized under Texas Law to collect sales tax, room tax and property tax and provide a wide range of municipal types of services. Some of these services 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 at that time are:

Law enforcement – change from contract to municipal department

Roadway replacement responsibility

Roadway maintenance responsibility / public works functions

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.

The Board has retained the firm Partners for Strategic Action (PSA) to assist with the governance process. During the first stage of the governance planning process, a performance or “gap” analysis will be performed to assess the current governance structure. A preliminary financial analysis will also be completed. Initial discussion with the community and community stakeholders will include information from both analyses.

Include funding for professional assistance with governance process in 2012 and 2013. Unable to factor in potential incorporation costs at this time / need more data.

FIVE-YEAR PLAN DIRECTION

Tomorrow by Charles Parks

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How much funding will be generated from the proposed 2011 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 $85.0 million total budget for 2012, $40.5 million (48 percent) is funded through the property tax levy. Property tax is used primarily to fund:

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 2012 sales tax and room tax collections and how are these funds proposed to be used?

A: A total of $38.7 million is budgeted from sales tax and room tax in 2012. The sales tax is expected to generate approximately $33.6 million annually and the hotel room tax will generate approximately $5.1 million annually.

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

Debt service – convention center - $3.4 million

Convention & Visitors Bureau - $1.9 million

Economic Development Zone debt service - $2.0 million

Seasonal lighting - $0.2 million

Trolley service - $0.3 million

Mounted patrol and security - $1.4 million

Economic Development - $0.3 million

The remaining three-fourths of the sales tax and room tax collections will be used to reduce the property tax requirements.

Woodlands Fire Department - $17.5 million (net of revenue)

RPA payments, debt service and annual payments - $2.5 million

Public safety and other budgeted costs supported by sales tax - $9.2 million

Waterway Square District Market

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How much borrowing capacity is remaining from the general obligation bond issuance approved by voters in November 2009?

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 fire stations #7 and #8

New park and pathway amenities

Refinancing of debt transferred from the community associations

Payments to overlapping ESDs

Approximately $13 million of the remaining $15 million in bonding authorization will be used to fund the following projects in 2012 through 2014. The bond issue is projected for late 2011.

Replacement of Central Fire Station ($7.1 million)

Purchase of two fire ladder trucks ($2.1 million)

New park and pathway projects ($3.8 million)

ADOPTED 2012 CONSOLIDATED BUDGET

Adopted property tax rate: 32.5 cents per $100 of valuation

2012 REVENUE BY TYPE

2012 EXPENDITURE BY TYPE

As adopted by the Board of Directors in August 2011.

Source: The Woodlands Development Company, 2011

TOWNSHIP LOCATIONS

Board Chambers

10001 Woodloch Forest, Suite 600

The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

In late 2011, The Woodlands Township will

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 77380 281-210-3800

Service Center

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

to 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands 77381.

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

be moving

NOTES

There are many ways to learn about The Woodlands Township and its services: visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov ; attend public meetings, the schedules of which are on the Township Web site; or reference The Woodlands Community Magazine, the Township’s monthly magazine mailed to residents.

Call(281)681-1945 tofindoutmoreabout thenewone-story JeffPaulCustomVillas intheneighborhoodofCartouche.

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NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

Happy October from Alden Bridge! Please join us on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, for our monthly residents meeting. Our special guest speaker will be Dr. Don Stockton, superintendent of Conroe Independent School District.

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 Saturday evening, October 29, 2011.

We’ll also wrap up the 2011 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 for this program, Lowe’s, Chick-fil-A® and the Pavilion. As this article goes to press, our latest winners were the Bearb family of Crested Point.

Please visit our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org, to keep up with the latest news of our village. We’ve been working hard to enhance it, so check it out. 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 month and a very happy Halloween!

Submitted by Darla Bell

College Park

Now that we have ended a record year of scorching summer temperatures, it is time to start appreciating the many fall festivals found in our area. The first of our many October events will be for our annual National Night Out. Saturday, October 1, 2011 will be the town-wide celebration to be followed by the College Park event on Tuesday, October 4, 2011. College Park will have a village-wide celebration at Harper’s Landing Park from 5 to 8 p.m. We will be hosting an electronics recycling drive where residents can bring in their old computers, monitors, household appliances and even batteries to be responsibly recycled by CompuCycle. Once you’re there pick up a free hot dog and some information on neighborhood watch and Woodlands Alert. Join your neighbors for a chance to “take back the night” and learn more about services available in your neighborhood.

Cochran’s Crossing

New attractions, new games, new fun all promise to make this year’s festival the best ever! For starters, how about a petting zoo and pony rides? And inflatablesfour exciting new ones: the sliding shark escape, mini rock wall slide, the bungee and the thrilling two lane obstacle race! Games? We’ve added new ones sure to challenge, entertain and reward with prizes galore! You and the kids can enjoy all this and more at the new and improved Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Fall Festival, Sunday, October 30, 2011, 1 to 4 p.m. at Shadowbend Park. When you come don’t forget to bring your appetite. The friendly folks from Cochran’s Crossing Kroger are planning a proper spread. And don’t forget, the timing’s perfect for a Halloween dress rehearsal. Don’t miss this free family fun. Come early and stay late.

Submitted by Bill Mara

Also, please check out our Web site for the details on our annual Halloween Spooktacular! Details will be available closer to the event at villageofcollegepark. com. Anyone wishing to volunteer for this event and others, please contact Gail Carney at gail-carney@comcast.net. Also, check out more information at our meeting on Monday, October 17, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emergency Training Center.

Submitted by Gail Carney

Grogan’s Mill

The Farmer’s Market began its eighth consecutive successful season on October 1, 2011. The Fall Market will run every Saturday until December 10, 2011. Check the Grogan’s Mill Village Association Web site at www.grogansmillvillage.com for details, or sign up for our newsletter on upcoming vendors and specials under the tab “Around Grogan’s Mill/Newsletters.”

The Woodlands Township has budgeted $50,000 for the improvement and renovation of the pedestrian overpass

Congratulations to the 2010 Spookiest House in Alden Bridge winner, the O’Donnell family of Marlberry Bend.

Maria Bearb, third from left, joined by her family and neighbors, along with Laurie Ricks, Theresa Wagaman and Natalie Wagaman of the Alden Bridge Village Association, was honored as Alden Bridge September Yard of the Month.

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

spanning Grogan’s Mill at Sawdust Road. The improvements center on correcting some minor maintenance issues and giving the structure a more pleasing, aesthetic appearance in keeping with The Woodlands image the Township and residents wish to project for all who enter our community along this well-traveled route.

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association voted to purchase a park bench with a plaque to honor the memory of Bill Sargent, who was the first president of the Grogan’s Mill Village Association and who has made many contributions to our village and the board over the years. Details of where it will be placed are being finalized with the Township and the Sargent family.

The board has approved the selection of two new members to fill the vacancies left by Bill Sargent and Sally Johnson. The Grogan’s Mill Village Association is appreciative of the large number of candidates who stepped forward to serve. See our Web page for the names of those selected, as the election was held too late for publication. The new board members will also be announced in next month’s issue of this magazine.

Millie Wing moved to Grogan’s Mill in 1980 and over the next few years developed a passion for gardening and the beauty of plants and lush green lawns. She soon learned that gardening in Texas was quite different from the East Coast, where she

previously lived. Since her front yard is full sun most of the day, Millie chose plants that thrive throughout the summer heat. Grogan’s Mill Village Association Area Representative Matt Beasley recommended this home as worthy of honoring. Congratulations, Millie, on being named Grogan’s Mill July Yard of the Month.

Submitted by Bob Leilich

Indian Springs

Taste of the Village

The seventh annual Taste of the Village will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2011, in the Indian Springs Shopping Center at the corner of Woodlands Parkway and Kuykendahl Road. This community social event also serves as a fundraiser for scholarships to seniors who reside in Indian Springs and are graduating from local high schools. Meet your neighbors and enjoy a “taste” of the food provided by restaurants doing business in Indian Springs. Entertainment planned for the event includes inflatable rides, face painting, balloon art, walking entertainers such as Spiderman™ and Dora the Explorer™, music and many booths with samples/ information provided by local businesses. In addition, a raffle will be held with multiple prizes available and tickets will be sold at the event. Keep checking the Indian Springs Web site, www.indianspringsvillage.com, for further details.

Submitted by Carolyn Dalglish

Sterling Ridge

The Haunting at May Valley Manor! Come if you dare to our second annual haunted house in the Village of Sterling Ridge! If you have the courage to see what terror lurks within the May Valley Manor, you will want to mark your calendar for this one night only frightful event! The many haunted rooms will send chills down your spine as you

continued on page 22

MEETING INFORMATION

ALDEN BRIDGE

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 Steve Leakey at 281-419-3468.

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

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

Web site www.cochranscrossing.com

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

COLLEGE PARK

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 Ted Stanley at 936-321-5996.

CREEKSIDE PARK

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

Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com

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

GROGAN’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 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Deborah Sargeant at 281-292-5341.

INDIAN SPRINGS

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 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Amy Lecocq at 281-298-1476.

PANTHER CREEK

The Panther Creek Village Association (PCVA) meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7 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 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Everett Ison at 281-298-9524.

STERLING RIDGE

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 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Phillip Givens at 281-419-9331.

Photo by Anne Upham

Left to right, Franklin Palmer, Matt Beasley, Homeowner Millie Wing, Jim Upham

VILLAGE NEWS

continued from page 21

scream around every turn. The excitement and shock from everywhere will make this an event you won’t want to miss! Can you survive the tour through May Valley Manor?

Saturday, October 29, 2011

6:30 to 10 p.m.

May Valley Pavilion in May Valley Park

Age appropriate: 9 and older

Cost: $5 donation per entry

(Last ticket sale is 9:45 p.m.)

Thank you Sponsors! (as of 7/11/11)

Flaherty’s Flooring America

Love Your Pooch, Love Your Neighborhood…

As a pet owner, I know the importance of walking our dogs as often as possible to maintain them in good health, shape and good spirit! Part of this wonderful experience though may come with some drawbacks for some of our fellow neighbors who enjoy walking, jogging and running through our wonderful Woodlands trails and neighborhoods, especially when accidentally stepping on canine waste. We encourage all members of our community to carry dog-waste bags to clean after our pets’ inevitable necessities. This will not only keep our fellow neighbors smiling, but also keep our Woodlands trails and neighborhoods clean and looking great!

The STAR program is attracting many new and familiar faces from within our neighborhoods here in Sterling Ridge and we are grateful as well as excited about the wonderful show of support. We still want to encourage all of our residents to sign up to Serve To Advance The Ridge and meet the folks while doing something fun like our annual barbeque and our haunted house events! Feel free to sign up at our monthly meetings or visit our Web site at www.sterling-ridge.org.

Want to submit a news idea? Want to receive regular updates? Know something about our village that needs attention? Please e-mail srva_information@sterling-ridge.org. We love to hear from our residents!

Sterling Ridge Village Association typically meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at the Mitchell Library located on Ashlane Way. Please check the calendar on the Web site to verify the dates, times and locations of meetings.

Submitted by Kerri Steen-Chew, Gabriel Castillo and Sue Young

NEW And IMPROVED

Recycling Service Begins In 2012

What is changing?

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently selected an option for future waste and recycling collection with service scheduled to begin in 2012. A new solid waste contract with Waste Management is expected to take effect at that time. The new option provides significantly improved recycling services with the least cost and least impact to residents, while taking into account that waste disposal costs will increase over the long-term.

Here are the changes:

• Recycling – The existing 18-gallon recycling container will be replaced with a green 96-gallon container with an embossed yellow lid, a handle and wheels. This is the same size as the current trash cart.

• Yardwaste – After February 1, 2012, plastic bags will no longer be accepted.

Green waste can still be bundled or placed in resident-provided containers. If bags are used, they must be compostable bags, available at local stores.

What is staying the same?

Garbage service, using your current trash cart, remains the same. There will also be no changes to the bulky waste pick-up, extra trash tags, or the Township’s Recycling Center. (If you are unfamiliar with the current services, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. Click Residents, then Trash Collection, for details.)

What are the benefits?

There are a number of benefits, the main one being the new cart accommodates an increasing number of items that can be recycled curbside, including large cardboard. The wheels make the cart easier to maneuver, and

the lid keeps recyclables dry and prevents littering. The ability to recycle more means less refuse goes to the landfill, which results in lower costs for the future.

What is the cost?

There is no additional cost to you. The service fee is included in your annual Township tax bill. Many communities charge an additional service fee for garbage and recycling pickup, but The Woodlands does not.

What is the timing?

The transition to the carts will begin in late 2011 and will be completed by February 1, 2012. Information will be posted on the Township Web site and published in The Woodlands Community Magazine in the months preceding the new service. Exact schedules and routes are still under consideration.

CALENDAR

continued from page 17

Wednesday, October 26

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 28

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950 or see page 33.

Ghostly Get-Together 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 16.

Saturday, October 29

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.

Ghostly Get-Together 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 16.

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

Bear Branch Park

5200 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950 or see page 33.

Sunday, October 30

Trick or Treat Trail

Town Green Park

3 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3900

Monday, October 31

Halloween

October

is Crime Prevention Month.

Did you know that in 1984 two crime prevention initiatives began? The Woodlands Watch was created and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) declared October as the official month for recognizing crime prevention.

Here in The Woodlands Township, we promote crime prevention year-round through The Woodlands Watch. This program provides the community with many crime prevention resources and even Watch Coordinator volunteer opportunities in your neighborhood. Working closely with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office – District 6, Harris County Constable’s Office – Precinct 4 and The Woodlands Fire Department, The Woodlands Watch promotes a “sense of community, a safe community through education and partnerships.”

October is also the month we celebrate Halloween. To promote a safe environment for trick-or-treaters and provide crime prevention initiatives you can use all year, The Woodlands Watch would like to suggest all treats and no tricks.

• Make sure your outside lighting works and illuminates your doors and windows;

• Park your cars in your garage with the doors closed and locked;

• Make sure to lock all your doors and windows;

• Remove any obstacles in your yard that someone might trip on;

• Grab your pumpkin and lawn chair and sit outside to greet trick-or-treaters and get to know your neighbors; and

• Always report suspicious activities to law enforcement immediately, as you see them happening.

By John Raybon, Neighborhood Services Manager

What can you do to help keep your children safer?

• Make sure that their costume does not impede their field of vision;

• Make sure that there are no tripping hazards designed into their costumes;

• Always remind your children not to enter a stranger’s car or house;

• Have a parent with young children as they are trick-or-treating; and

• Make sure to check the trick-or-treat candy before your children are allowed to eat it.

Remember, every month is Crime Prevention Month in The Woodlands. For more information about what you can do to help, contact The Woodlands Township and ask for a village liaison at 281-210-3800 or neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Coaches and players know what it takes to win a championship—a team that works together. That’s why we support The Woodlands Watch Team. Neighborhood teams are prepared to win by watching out for one another and sharing information about safety and community resources. Neighbor knowing neighbor is all about keeping our community “safe” at home.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Head Coach Richard Jorgensen of The Woodlands High School Lady Highlander Softball Team and Lady Highlander Pitcher Paige McDuffee, Gatorade National Player of the Year, Ms. Softball USA Texas Class 5A State Title Champions-2011

Photo by Ted Washington

The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau Announces Holiday Events

The Woodlands will once again be a great destination for holiday fun as the 29th Annual Lighting of the Doves, International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW), The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center and Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland all return on Saturday, November 19, 2011.

29th Annual Lighting of the Doves

The 29th Annual Lighting of the Doves will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2011, which officially kicks off the holiday season. Produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, this year’s festival will take place at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, from 3 to 9 p.m., and will be highlighted with the arrival of Santa, interactive booths and games, a snow play area, balloon artists, face painters, inflatables, ice carvers, fireworks and so much more!

Enjoy a festive evening filled with live music and entertainment for the entire family. Don’t forget to greet Santa as he

www.dominair.com

makes his grand entrance in a dazzling, decorated boat along The Woodlands Waterway® to the Celebration Stage. Admission is free and open to the public.

www.LightingoftheDoves.com

International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW)

In conjunction with the 29th Annual Lighting of the Doves, International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW) will also take place along The Woodlands Waterway® adjacent to Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, on Saturday, November 19, 2011, from 3 to 9 p.m.

With its “street fair” atmosphere, iWOW showcases the holiday traditions from a myriad of other countries with exhibits along the banks of The Woodlands Waterway®, adjacent to Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive.

From foods, arts and crafts, to music and entertainment, iWOW is certain to add an international flavor to The Woodlands holiday celebrations. Admission to iWOW is free and open to the public.

www.iWOWinTheWoodlands.com

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, will open daily beginning Saturday, November 19, 2011, at the northeast corner of Lake Robbins Drive and Six Pines Drive. A special preview opening of The Ice Rink will debut on November 12 and 13, 2011, in conjunction with the annual Children’s Festival at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

As the largest seasonal outdoor ice rink in the Southwest, The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center will remain open daily through Monday, January 16, 2012.

The Ice Rink is open Monday through Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 3 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. Weekday tickets are $9.50 for adults and $5 for children ages five and younger, while weekend tickets are $10.50 for adults and $6 for children ages 5 and younger. All prices include a $2.50 skate rental.

www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com

Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland

Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland features illuminated holiday scenes and storybook displays surrounding The Woodlands Ice Rink along the northeast corner of Lake Robbins Drive and Six Pines Drive. Visitors can wander through the fantasyland of magical, lighted toy soldiers, elves, doves, musical angels and snowmen from dusk until 11 p.m.

beginning November 19, 2011, through January 2, 2012. Admission to Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland is free and open to the public.

www.TheWoodlandsWinterWonderland.com

The holiday events in The Woodlands are made possible thanks to the following sponsors: Donoho’s Jewellers, CenterPoint Energy, Coca-Cola, Kroger, Wright’s Printing, The Woodlands Development Company, St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, University of Phoenix, Spectrum, Kyle Sherburne – State Farm Insurance, Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro, The Woodlands

Young Learners Academy, Ace Hardware of The Woodlands, Service King, Planet Ford, BBVA Compass, The Strong Firm Attorneys, CB&I, Bud Light and Sunny 99.1.

For complete information on all holiday events, please visit www.HolidayInTheWoodlands.com or call 281-363-2447.

Follow The Woodlands CVB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ VisitTheWoodlands and Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TheWoodlandsCVB.

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THE WOODLANDS, THE

INSIDE STORY OF CREATING A BETTER HOMETOWN

Art in Public Places

By Roger Galatas

Prior to its grand opening in 1974, The Woodlands Corporation adopted a formal program to provide art in public places throughout the community. That came from a recommendation by Coulson Tough to George Mitchell. Prior to joining Mitchell’s organization, Coulson was in charge of developing facilities at the University of Houston. There he initiated a similar public art program funded by setting aside one percent of the construction costs of new buildings on the university campus. He recommended a similar approach for all commercial buildings in The Woodlands.

Mitchell bought into the proposal and supported it faithfully. But given

the early marketing challenges in attracting commercial users to the new community, he felt that spending one percent of construction costs could drive prospects away. Instead, he agreed to impose an art fund fee of one-quarter percent of the cost of all commercial building construction in The Woodlands, including that undertaken by the company for its own account. In addition, he agreed to add a half-percent of all commercial land sales received by The Woodlands to the fund. To date, slightly more than $6,000,000 has been collected and used to purchase and maintain pieces of art located in public places. Of that amount, The Woodlands Corporation has contributed approximately 55 percent of the total and third parties added 45 percent.

Initially, the selection of specific pieces of art and their location was made by an informal committee composed of Mitchell and Coulson Tough with the advice of an art consultant. Later, it became a somewhat more structured committee and included Coulson Tough as chairman and Cynthia Woods Mitchell, a true champion of the arts in our community. They let me participate in committee meetings. The former curator of a major corporate art collection in Houston served as advisor to the committee, but George Mitchell always participated in final decisions or at least Cynthia let him think so. Artists were selected based on their national or regional reputation and exhibits of work in recognized museums.

With a few exceptions, imposition of the art fee was not a major problem with commercial users. Most saw the

contribution as an investment in the community that would accrue to their benefit. However, collection of the art fee was more successful when paid in conjunction with the land purchase rather than trying to collect it after the building was complete. After the land sale we lost some control of the process. Therefore, an estimated building cost was used to calculate the required payment upfront. The Woodlands Corporation retained control over how the art fund was utilized, where art was placed and selection of the artists.

There have been a few exceptions made to collection of the art fee.

For example, public facilities constructed by the county or school district do not pay the fee. Non-profit institutions such as the hospitals do not pay the fee, but they have generally agreed to include pieces of art on their campuses. Several of the very large commercial users have negotiated a lower art fee in exchange for their agreement to also include works of art as part of their building landscaping program visible to the public.

For the most part the selection and placement of works of art have been well received by the community, but there have been some vocal exceptions. One that I recall is the piece installed in the median of Research Forest Drive near the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) campus. It is a modern painted steel sculpture that Coulson had originally planned for placement within a nearby retail center. But George Mitchell suggested to Coulson the roadway leading to HARC’s campus deserved attention of the art program. Since this piece was ready for installation, Coulson moved it

“The Dragon” aka Rise of the Midgard Serpent by Marc Rosenthal was a gift to the community from Cynthia Woods Mitchell. It was installed in 1985.

to the public street location and that is when we started hearing from the nearby community.

As it happened, the art piece was painted a rather bright orange color. Motorists complained that it looked like a confusing traffic barricade. Local graduates of Texas A&M were most vocal because to them it looked like a salute to the University of Texas whose famous school color is burnt orange. Residents called my office, Coulson’s office, and I would guess Mitchell heard the complaints too. The solution we finally agreed upon was to paint the sculpture a dark “Baylor” green so it would blend into the colors of the natural vegetation and become hardly visible to anyone. The complaints went away. But recently the piece has been restored to its original colors and relocated by “current management” to a very visible spot in the median of Lake Woodlands Drive not far from the bridge crossing at the lake. I’m not sure what the public response has been. One purpose of art is to generate interest and this piece certainly does that.

On The Shoulders Of Giants by

Robert Cook was installed in 1989 with the inscription “If

I have seen farther it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” –

A very popular piece of art is “The Dragon,” which was personally acquired by Cynthia Mitchell and donated to the community. The challenge with this very large serpentine piece was finding a place to put it. It was green and red with a resemblance to the Loch Ness Monster suggesting a watery site as a suitable home. We considered several lakes on the golf courses but decided it would be too much distraction for serious golfers.

Finally our planning department suggested a location near “Tea Cup Island” in Lake Woodlands visible from Woodlands Parkway. And that is where the Dragon found a home. It has become a recognizable symbol of The Woodlands for those who travel the Parkway. It has also become a sporting target for graduating high school students who come out in the dark of the night to paint it a different color in celebration of their special day. This prompts a re-paint to restore it to its original form. It will likely never rust because of its many layers of paint. I just hope no accident occurs from student activity.

Isaac Newton

Tea Cup Island is a small circular man-made island near the spillway and dam for Lake Woodlands, and it came about through the imagination of a caffeine-addicted land planner. One day as Lake Woodlands was being designed, a planner set his cup of tea on a paper contour map of the lake. Upon removal, the cup left a circular stain on the map and the planner embellished the drawing with a bulkhead, a bridge, landscaping and an observation tower. It was so attractive we added it to the construction plans for the lake and it is now part of a lakeside park for the community, a companion for the Dragon.

One piece of art that seems especially appropriate for The Woodlands is entitled “On The Shoulders Of Giants.” Inscribed on its base is a quote from Isaac Newton – “If I have seen farther, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” We can all relate to that.

Roger Galatas

Roger Galatas is the former president of The Woodlands Corporation and the author, with Jim Barlow, of the popular book, The Woodlands, The Inside Story of Creating a Better Hometown. For more information, please visit www.rgiwoodlands.com.

Photos courtesy of The Woodlands Corporation/Ted Washington

Mirage II by Ben Woitena was originally installed on Research Forest Drive at the entryway to the former HARC campus and was recently moved to its Lake Woodlands Drive location.

Returning to Stressed Landscapes

By Lucinda Valdes

The Woodlands Township is taking reservations now for Reviving Weather Weary Landscapes, a free, Gardening 102 seminar scheduled for Saturday, October 29, 2011, 9 a.m. to noon.

promotes water-thrifty techniques to fortify landscapes for the climate extremes of East Texas. Discover how water-wise methods, plant selection and timely pruning reduce plant stress.

Topics and Speakers

Landscaping

Chris LaChance, WaterSmart Program for Water-wise Gardens

Heidi Sheesley, TreeSearch Farms and Protecting

When and How to Do It!

Linda Crum, Master Gardener and Master Composter

Space is limited; to reserve a spot for the free program, please call 281-210-3900. The class will take place at The Woodlands Township, Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Building II, 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands. For more information, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and click Environmental.

Photo by Lucinda Valdes

Are you ready for HURRICANE SEASON?

Tips To Stay Informed

A great source of information is the Homeland Security Web site located at www.ready.gov.

Visit The Woodlands Township Web site, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Sign up for News Flashes under E-News Signup.

Sign up for WoodlandsAlert at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and click WoodlandsAlert Signup. Be sure to select your preferences, which you may update at any time. Prior to an emergency, you may want to add your cell phone number or change your information so that you can receive messages when you are out of your usual routine.

Sign up for advance weather warnings for our area by visiting www.mc911.org and click CodeRED.

Sign up for a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training class.

Contact Rachel Mitchell at The Woodlands Fire Department at 281-367-3444.

TheHauntingat Bear BranchPark presents

Call The Woodlands Township to schedule a Get Ready – The Woodlands presentation, which includes the basic steps to get prepared for an emergency as outlined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Join The Woodlands Watch and schedule your presentation today by calling 281-210-3800. Watch television newscasts.

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

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. Fridays,

In the event ALL communication efforts fail, residents may go to one of the seven fire stations located in The Woodlands. The Woodlands fire stations will have updates and information available for residents.

FALL 2011 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sunday Evenings at Northshore Park

2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

October 2

Akina Adderly (Jazz and Soul)

October 9

Swing Thing (Country Swing)

October 16

Miss Leslie & Her Juke Jointers (Country)

October 23

Fab 5 (British Invasion)

Bring your lawn chairs, a picnic and the whole family for an evening of fun!

Concert in the Park is a program of The Woodlands Township. For information, please call 281-210-3900, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

SPONSORED BY

www.championspediatric.com

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

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

Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or

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Firefighter Achieves Goal

The Woodlands Firefighter Neil Acord made The Woodlands Fire Department history and completed his associate of applied science (AAS) degree in nursing, receiving the designation of registered nurse (RN). He completed more than 65 hours (two years) of classes and received his degree from Lone Star College. Firefighter Acord has been with the department since November 2005. Prior to joining the fire department, he was an EMS supervisor for the Montgomery County Hospital District. “This was a natural progression for me in furthering my knowledge and understanding of patient care. I feel I can now better serve the residents and visitors of The Woodlands,” says Acord of his accomplishment. He will continue his duties at The Woodlands Fire Department, and on his days off will work in the Emergency Department of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. Congratulations to Firefighter Acord on this great accomplishment!

Photo by Judy Kowis