October 2012

The Cyn T hia Woods Mi TC hell Pavilion

SAT. & SUN. NOV. 10–11

Saturday - 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday - noon–5 p.m.

$8 in advance

$10 at the door

Hair-raising activities include:

FRIDAY OCT. 12

7:30 p.m.

Gates at 6 p.m.

The Pavilion is transformed into an interactive wonderland full of non-stop fun and excitement! The festival features Roger Day & the Mosquito Burrito Brothers, Sing-A-Longs with Barney TM and other great performances, plus arts and crafts, games, hands-on activities, kite flying, parachute races, face painting and more!

Roger Day

coMe in coStuMe FoR A cHAnce to MARcH in tHe GoBLin pARADe!

Great Pumpkin Express FREE

Devon energy Presents

8

on the Cover

With October being Fire Prevention Month, the Woodlands Fire Department joins the National Fire Prevention association in strongly encouraging all residents to plan two ways out of their homes in the event fire or smoke makes the first escape route impossible. see page 6 for more information. Pictured are the Woodlands Fire Department B-shift members from Central station, from left to right, Firefighter steve Crenshaw, Driver / Operator scott Goodenow, Lieutenant russell rice and Firefighter Mike Iacino. Central station will reopen in 2013 in a new

Cover photo by Derrick Bryant

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

The Woodlands ToWnship

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

main line

All Offices and Departments 28-20-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and environmental services 8203 Millennium Forest, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center

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

oTher service providers

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

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

harris County sheriff’s office 713-221-6000

montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

emergency 9

2013 Budget

Using

the Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan as its guide,

The Woodlands Township prepares an annual budget and five-year plan in preparation for setting the property tax rate each year.

thetownship views its planning and operational activities in a strategic manner. accordingly, each year’s budget is prepared with the goal of achieving certain key objectives as defined in the Vision 2034 strategic Plan adopted by the Board of Directors in 2009. those objectives include:

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

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

• Provide enhancements to services as needed and appropriate.

• Maintain and replace capital assets and facilities as necessary.

• Create financial flexibility for changing conditions and opportunities.

a series of five budget workshops were held this past summer. the workshops culminated in the Board voting to propose a 2012 property tax rate of 31.73 cents per $100 valuation, which is .77 cents lower than the 2011 tax rate of 32.5 cents. the Board voted to approve this tax rate and adopt the 2013 budget in late august 2012. the 2012 tax rate is a total of the debt service tax rate of 2.63 cents and the maintenance and operations tax rate of 29.10 cents. revenues generated by the 2012 tax levy are used to fund the 2013 budget. through sound fiscal management, the township has positioned itself well to cope with growth, create a positive atmosphere for economic development and provide flexibility on budgetary issues. the township continues to balance revenues and expenditures, maintain or enhance services, have an excellent bond rating and low debt per capita ratio and maintain appropriate levels of operating, capital replacement, economic development and debt service reserves.

For more information on the Woodlands township budget, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/budget.

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

Mike Bass

Jeff Long

Nelda Blair

Bruce Tough

Peggy Hausman

Gordy Bunch Position No. 1 Treasurer

Ed Robb Position No. 4 Secretary

Don Norrell President and General Manager

The Woodlands

C ommuni T y magazine

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

Cham P ions sTa FF

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

Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Patti Van Horn

Creative director Lori Short graphic designers

Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

T o W nshi P sTa FF

director of Community Relations Nick Wolda editor Mary Connell

assistant editor Elena Smith editorial assistant Terri Jefferies

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

6608 FM 1960 W., suite G houston, Texas 77069 281-583-7661

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

Fire Prevention Week

Have two ways out!

Whenfire strikes, your home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in just a few minutes. It is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds in case your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames.

In an effort to better educate communities throughout the u s. about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, the National Fire Protection association (NFPa ) is promoting “Have two Ways Out!” as the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, October 7 through 13, 2012.

Only one-third of americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. and of the three-quarters of americans who do have an escape plan, less than half actually practiced it. Fire is unpredictable. seconds and minutes can mean the difference between life and death. the Woodlands Fire Department wants to ensure that residents of the Woodlands know what to do if a fire breaks out in their home. Preparation is an important part of being able to deal with an emergency and it is crucial you take steps to prepare your family for the potential of a home fire by having an escape plan and practicing it.

For families with young children:

• Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.

• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. this is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.

• Make sure all adults know to call 9-1-1 in the event of a fire.

• sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape drill with everyone living in your home.

• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and practice the drill twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.

For families with older children/adults:

• Walk through your home and identify two ways out of each room.

• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. this is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped.

• Make sure everyone knows to dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.

• Practice your escape drill twice a year.

Central Fire Station

OF T HE W OODL a NDS

these

new state-of-the-art Central Fire

of the Woodlands. the new facility will house one engine company, one truck company, a Battalion Chief and full-time firefighters on shift 24 hours a day/seven days a week, plus Fire administration, Fire Dispatch and the township emergency Operations Center. square footage is 26,610. Completion date is scheduled for March 2013. the new fire station and administrative offices will be located at 9951 Grogan’s Mill road.

CONDITIONS

Neck and/or Back Pain, Injury

Herniated Disc, Pinched Nerves and Spinal Arthritis

Spinal Stenosis and/or Deformity

Cervical and Lumbar Spondylosis

Cervical and Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Vitals.com.

1111

The

Office: 281- 880-0700

Email: info@fayazneurosurgery com

Minimally

Graphic Design - Rebeca

Fayaz-Woodlands-ComMag-AD_Layout 1 8/1/12 5:57 PM Page 1

photos show the artist’s rendering (below) and a construction shot (above, right) of the

station

The Woodlands Governance

Township defers Incorporation vote

theWoodlands township’s Board of Directors has completed an 18-month process to proactively examine whether the current governance structure is best suited for the community now and into the future or whether changes need to be made. research has been completed and the results are important to everyone who lives or works in the Woodlands. several meetings and forums were held in March 2012 with residents, service providers and the business community to present the research completed and to gather feedback. In april 2012, a presentation was available on the township Web site that provided a brief history of the governance process, explained the current structure, outlined the decisions that lay ahead and presented the results of the research completed. an electronic feedback form was also available for viewers to provide input.

the feedback received from the forums, meetings and Web site submissions was compiled into a summary report and presented to the Board of Directors in august 2012. Based on the feedback received from the community through the outreach efforts, three potential governance options were considered:

oPTion  – to identify future governance action: retain current township structure as the local governance model while monitoring various community indicators that could signal a need to fine-tune the current governance structure or consider a new form of governance.

oPTion 2 – to pursue legislative changes: immediate or periodic changes in the township’s enabling legislation to adjust or expand the powers currently provided to the township or to amend laws that could impact future governance decisions.

oPTion 3 – to hold incorporation vote in 2014: prepare for an incorporation election on November 4, 2014.

Feedback from the community demonstrates strong support for the continuation of the current township form of government. as such, the Board of Directors adopted a resolution on august 22, 2012, which states:

1. the Board of Directors finds that, absent significant changes in community needs or financial consequences, there exists insufficient community support or a compelling need to pursue incorporation in 2014 or in the foreseeable future and, therefore, an incorporation election should be indefinitely deferred.

2. the Board of Directors of the township further finds it consistent with the directions provided by the community, as set forth in the Outreach report, that the township staff be requested and directed to develop and present to the Board of Directors within 120 days a plan for annually reporting to the Board of Directors on any significant changes in community needs or financial consequences of incorporation that have been properly documented or demonstrated in the preceding annual reporting period in order that the Board of Directors may consider any further actions and the implementation of further or additional community outreach programs in such regard.

the full resolution can be found on the township Web site, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. Click Government then transition and Governance.

Will the Township continue as the local form of governance? Yes.

does this decision change how services are currently delivered? No.

Will there be an incorporation election on november 4, 2014?

No. after deliberation, consultation with the governance consultants, staff and legal counsel, and consideration of public comments, the Board of Directors has determined, absent significant changes in community needs or financial conditions, there is insufficient community support or a compelling need to pursue incorporation in 2014 or in the foreseeable future and, therefore, an incorporation election should be deferred indefinitely.

can The Woodlands hold an incorporation election in the future?

Yes. the Woodlands can hold an incorporation election before November 16, 2057.

can The Woodlands be annexed by the cities of houston or conroe? Based on current agreements, the Woodlands is free from the threat of annexation until November 16, 2057.

how will the governance process continue? the Board of Directors has requested that township staff develop a plan to report annually to the Board of Directors on any significant changes in community needs or potential financial consequences of incorporation so that the Board of Directors may consider any further actions, including a community outreach program.

are there any legislative initiatives that are being considered by the Board of directors for 2013?

Legal counsel has indicated that there are no pressing legislative needs for 2013 and has advised against pursuing changes in the upcoming legislative session.

residents can review the governance options report online by visiting the Township’s Web site at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, click Government, Transition and Governance then reports and studies.

By Lucinda Valdes

Adventures with Urban Wildlife

Rehabilitators with Friends of texas Wildlife, Janette Winkelmann and Lisa Wolling,

team up at the next Walk in the Woods nature lecture to present Adventures with Urban Wildlife on thursday, october 11, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., at McCullough Jr.

High school, 3800 s. Panther Creek Drive.

Promising a funny, sad, challenging and very informative program, the rehabbers will offer insight about wildlife in the Woodlands area. “It is possible to coexist with wildlife, especially in a community like the Woodlands that gives animals a bit of a refuge,” said Ms. Wolling, director of the organization’s Intake Center.

Working 60-hour weeks on a volunteer’s salary, Ms. Winkelmann serves as the organization’s president, mentors rehabbers in training and specializes in caring for fawns. “she has worked tirelessly to keep and expand the group,” notes Ms. Wolling.

the organization’s network of trained rehabilitators has served more than 2,000 birds, mammals and reptiles in the past year including raptors, squirrels, raccoons, deer and snakes. the lingering effects of last year’s drought are still impacting local wildlife. Fall is baby squirrel, raccoon and migrating bird season.

When contacted, trained rehabbers assess the situation by phone, evaluate whether the animal needs help and determine

if the behavior is normal or cause for concern. “We always want to do the very best for the animal to give them the ‘wild’ life that they are supposed to have,” Ms. Wolling said. Callers may be directed to bring the distressed animal to the Center or to a nearby rehabber specializing in the species. Certified by state and federal agencies, trained rehabilitators are volunteers who work long hours to care for wildlife in their own homes, most often covering expenses out of their own pocket.

Informative and entertaining, the speakers will share a close-up view of local wildlife, explain what to do when finding a sick or injured animal and cover nuisance wildlife concerns. a free program of the Woodlands township, the nature lecture series receives support from the Woodlands G.r.e.e.N., Waste Management and Hilton Garden Inn. For more information, call the Woodlands township at 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, click environment then Wildlife.

Photo by a nita Wren

Photo by Caryn Brewer

When people encounter abandoned, injured or nuisance wildlife, rehabilitators Janette Winkelmann

and Lisa Wolling

with Friends of Texas Wildlife answer the call. Share the adventure and gain an understanding of the natural behavior of local wildlife at the next Walk

Food & Supply Collection

Donations of the following will be accepted at the lecture to help Friends of texas Wildlife care for animals:

• Dry puppy food

• Dry kitten food

• Birdseed

• Roasted unsalted peanuts

• Paper towels

• office supplies, copy paper, envelopes, stamps

Friends of Texas Wildlife

www.ftwl.org

Wildlife Hotline 281-259-0039

Calls returned from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week

Wildlife Intake Center

Call Wildlife Hotline first for instructions

29615 highland Blvd. (Just off FM 2978), Magnolia

Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and saturday

(left)

(right)

in the Woods Nature Lecture.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Texas Wildlife

Photo by a nita Wren

Walkin ' to school

Is Cool!

By Kathie Gilmore Herrick

2012 Walk to school Dates

Galatas Elementary .....................Tuesday, October 2

Deretchin Elementary .............. Wednesday, October 3

Buckalew Elementary................. Thursday, October 4

Bush Elementary ....................... Thursday, October 4

Glen Loch Elementary .................... Friday, October 5

Ride Elementary ............................ Friday, October 5

Hailey Elementary ................... Thursday, October 11

Lamar Elementary ....................... Friday, October 12

Powell Elementary ....................... Friday, October 12

Tough Elementary.................... Thursday, October 18

Creekside Forest Elementary......... Friday, October 19

Challenge — if you live less than two miles from school, compare how long it takes you to get to school by walking or riding a bike to riding in a bus or car. From door to door, including wait time at the bus stop and in the car line, you may be surprised at how much time each takes. It may not be as far as you think!

take the walk to school pledge and embrace a habit that is cool for you and cool for the planet! Choosing to walk or bike to school at least once a week is easy and enjoyable.

eleven schools in the Woodlands kick off their commitment to a walking tradition from October 2 to 19, 2012. these schools observe International Walk to school month with officially scheduled walk days. But, anyone can walk to school any time!

although 41 percent of all trips made in the united states are one mile or less, fewer than 10 percent of all trips are made by walking and biking, according to www.americawalks.org. adopting alternative transportation for school trips is step one. It only takes 10 minutes to walk one-quarter of a mile or to bike an entire mile.

If you are not going to school, substitute a walk or bike trip to any destination.

the benefits of leaving the vehicle behind start to look even better when you

consider the impact of short trips on air quality. the League of american Bicyclists Web site (www.bikeleague.org) says that “60 percent of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation, before pollution control devices can work effectively.”

even families who live more than one or two miles from school, or those who drop students on their way to another destination, can incorporate a walk routine. simply drive to a location near school (church or shopping center) and walk together from there. Vehicle congestion around schools is one reason why school administrators enthusiastically support Walk to school.

During Walk Month, staff from the Woodlands township and Conroe IsD Police partner to rekindle the spirit of walking to school. For more information, please call the Woodlands township at 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ walktoschool.

Why Walk?

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

• Increases use of pathways and boosts physical activity

• Teaches safe walking skills to children

• Increases neighbor-to-neighbor interactions

• Features eco-values—conservation and clean air

Photos by Jon Krenytzky

Saturday,

10 am – 2 pm

Rob Fleming PaRk at the Village oF CReekside PaRk

from

Sponsored

T OWNSHIP the

Woodlands township has earned two Communicator awards of Distinction for creative excellence: one for the action Guide, a Parks and recreation publication to promote programs of the Woodlands township recreation Center, and one for the Woodlands township Web site, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, the official Web site of the Woodlands township and an online resource for residents of the Woodlands to learn about township services and programs. the site is powered by CivicPlus.

Congratulations to the Woodlands lifeguards! township lifeguards successfully defended their title by recently winning the texas state Lifeguard Championships. this is the fifth year in a row, and sixth year out of seven, that the township has achieved this title.

Front row, from left, Ana Forero, Michelle Nicholson, Caroline Pierce, Emily Murray, Amanda Porter, Sarah Conn. Back row, from left, Aquatic Superintendent Nick Hluza, Cody Due, Austin Mankiewicz, Ashton Johnson, Kent Doerries, Zach Mankiewicz, Brock Gerard, Steve Hill.

From left, Community Relations Director Nick Wolda, Senior Community Relations Specialist Elena Smith, Community Relations Coordinator Terri Jefferies and Community Relations Manager Mary Connell.

national night out Thank you

the Woodlands township offers a very BiG ThanK YoU to all the sponsors, party coordinators and participants in the Woodlands 2012 National Night Out event.

Gold sponsors:

target, H-e-B and silver rock Productions

Bronze sponsors:

Liberty Mutual, Chick-fil-a, First Choice emergency room and Munday Chevrolet

additional sponsors:

Grotto, Berryhill Baja Grill, Potbelly, La Madeleine, tommy Bahama, Cold stone Creamery, Honor trophies and Laser awards, Pizza tonight and Brothers Pizza

Please contact your program specialist directly at 281-210-3800 or e-mail neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for more details.

it’s not too late! Register a national night out Party!

It’s not too late! You can still host and register a National Night Out Party! Visit the township Web site at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and click National Night Out. Host your party and register it by Friday, October 5, 2012, so that the Woodlands gets credit for your event! Your party can be as simple as everyone meeting outside at the cul-de-sac to get to know each other better or planning an elaborate event. Public safety personnel may not be assigned to last minute parties, but you will still have the benefit of getting to know your neighbors and sharing safety tips on your block.

Click on the Neighborhood Party Guide at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ nationalnightout for more information and invitations for your block.

october

monday, october 

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, october 2

Walk to School (October 2 – 19)

See page 12 for more information.

National Night Out Neighborhood Parties

5:30 to 8 p.m.

See page 15 for more information.

Healthcare Provider CPR/AED Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

Wednesday, october 3

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, october 4

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, october 5

Gorilla Hole Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

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

saturday, october 6

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Heartsaver CPR/AED Class

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to noon

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

Free Compost Class

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

11 a.m. to noon

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

First Aid Class

Emergency Training Center Noon to 3:30 p.m.

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

Creekside Campout (October 6-7) Rob Fleming Park

2 p.m. to 9 a.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950.

Live at Night

The Buck Yeager Band (Country) Waterway Square 6 to 8 p.m.

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

sunday, october 7

Free Concert in the Park Legacy Band (80s and 90s) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3950

monday, october 8

Columbus Day

Tuesday, october 9

Heartsaver CPR/AED Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

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

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Thursday, october 

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Adventures with Urban Wildlife McCullough Junior High School 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

See page 10.

saturday, october 3

One 4 Texas Kids’ Fun Run Race begins in Market Street

7 a.m.

281-210-3800

Memorial Hermann

10 For Texas 10-mile Race Race begins in Market Street 7:30 a.m.

Call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ races for more information.

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon www.grogansmillvillage.com

Live at Night

Route 66 (Variety)

Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

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

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 26.

sunday, october 4

Free Concert in the Park Texas Renegade (Country) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3950

monday, october 5

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting Emergency Training Center

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, october 6

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7:30 p.m. 281-210-3887

www.metroministorage.net

Wednesday, october 7

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, october 8

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Workshop 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7:30 a.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, october 9

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 26.

saturday, october 20

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon www.grogansmillvillage.com

The Woodlands Wildflower Festival Rob Fleming Park

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, contact The Woodlands Homefinder Center at 281-719-6333 or homefinder@thewoodlands.com

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 26.

sunday, october 2

Free Concert in the Park Reflex Band (Motown and R&B) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3950

monday, october 22

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Tuesday, october 23

Healthcare Provider CPR/AED Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

Wednesday, october 24

Watch Talk Wednesdays

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

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, october 26

Jack o’ Lantern Jam Family Carnival The Recreation Center 5310 Research Forest Drive 6 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 26.

continued on page 22

Garbage collection no changes in garbage service this month.

Alden Bridge

Happy October from alden Bridge! Please join us on tuesday, October 9, 2012, at 7 p.m. at the township building, 2801 technology Forest Blvd., for our monthly residents meeting. Watch our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org, for announcement of our guest speaker for that evening.

Boo! When the Halloween decorations start to appear, send your nominations for the “spookiest House” in alden Bridge to info@aldenbridge.org. We’ll award the winner a couple of days before Halloween. We have a lot of fun judging this contest and are always amazed at how our residents get into the spirit of Halloween!

The 2011 Spookiest House in Alden Bridge was the Throckmorton home on N. Acacia Park Circle. Pictured, left to right, Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein, Theresa Wagaman and children of the Alden Bridge Village Association, winning homeowners Mr. and Mrs. Throckmorton, Count Dracula and Wolfman.

Our most recent Yard of the Month winner was the avery family of thistle Brook in taylor Point. Congratulations to them on a job very well done! that program has been put to bed until May 2013, when we’ll begin awarding again. thanks to the residents who nominated the beautiful yards that we’ve been proud to honor and to our sponsors for this program, Lowes, Chick-fil-a and the Pavilion.

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 info@aldenbridge.org. 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

Cochran’s Crossing

Once again the Cochran’s Crossing Village association will hold its Fall Festival on sunday, October 21, 2012, from 1 to 4 p.m., at shadowbend Park. the activities include a petting zoo, pony ride, bounce house, apple bob, bean bag toss, face painting, miniature golf, football toss, coke ring toss and pumpkin pond. Kroger will cater the festival. We will ask other organizations for assistance in addition to volunteers from Cochran’s Crossing Village association. Due to the Festival, we have moved the October meeting of the Cochran’s Crossing Village association to tuesday, October 16, 2012. remember, we always have a portion of the agenda set aside for resident comments. streetscape maintenance has been a major topic at recent meetings.

Here are a few more notes of interest:

• When Marti Meerscheidt moved from Cochran’s Crossing, a vacancy was created on the Cochran’s Crossing Village association. Larry Perry has been unanimously appointed to fill that position.

• Here is another reminder of the National Night Out on tuesday, October 2, 2012. Check your neighborhood and see if a party is planned. If not, consider organizing a block party.

• although we should soon be out of hurricane season, a recent presentation at a Cochran’s Crossing Village association meeting concerned steps that should be taken in preparation for a storm. KVst (99.7) will have a focus on Conroe and the Woodlands in case of an emergency. Check with Veronica Hernandez-Mena

at the Woodlands township for more information and emergency document bags. the Woodlands township will also hold group meetings for those interested.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Happy Fall to all! Fall means colors change and cooler weather! We hope all of our children are enjoying their new school year and that we keep them safe and happy. Please, when driving through our neighborhood streets, drive slowly, because cooler weather also brings the children out to play after school!

National Night Out is October 2! the College Park National Night Out celebration will be at Harper’s Landing Park from 5:30 to 8 p.m. It is an important event for the residents of each village to participate in their own neighborhood activities on this night. You will have a wonderful opportunity to meet your neighbors, share crime prevention and safety tips and enjoy snacks and drinks. It’s always a fun event. We all have to watch out for each other as neighbors and we emphasize that you always report suspicious activity you may notice in your area. sharing at least your phone number with your neighbors always helps!

College Park will also have a Fall Festival/ spooktacular event at Harper’s Landing Park on saturday, October 27, 2012. Mark your calendar and please refer to the College Park Web site for more details including times and activities.

Don’t forget to save wine corks and plastic bottle caps! each year we participate in the 3r Bazaar Village Challenge to see which village collects the most caps and corks. the winner earns money for their village; we use our winnings to help build our scholarship fund. We take pride in helping students in our village!

Have a safe and happy Halloween! Please don’t forget to attend our monthly meetings. We always have a sheriff’s deputy

N EWS FROM THE V illages OF T he W oodlands

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

give a monthly report and periodically have guest speakers. Our October meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2012, at the Woodlands emergency training Center that is past the Harper’s Landing entrance off I-45. the monthly meeting is always the third Monday of each month. Our Web site is www.villageofcollegepark.com.

Submitted by Johanne

Stanley

grogan’s Mill

the Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market Coordinator Katerina Graham recently resigned the position to pursue her own dream of becoming a small, independent organic farmer. We miss her and wish her well, and look forward to the day when we can welcome her back as one of our organic produce vendors. Katerina was an amazing coordinator and will be hard to replace, so we were fortunate to find another bundle of energy and enthusiasm, our new Coordinator tracy sagehorn. under Katerina’s excellent tutelage, the market hasn’t missed a beet (pun intended). tracy is a relative newcomer to the Woodlands, moving here with her husband, steve (a government contracting consultant), and son, Cole (age 4) from alexandria, Virginia. tracy graduated from Michigan state university with a degree in advertising. she has been a farmer’s market enthusiast for as long as she can remember and it didn’t take her long to find the Grogan’s Mill Village Farmer’s Market. she was so impressed with the variety of vendors and their products that when she learned that Grogan’s Mill Village association was looking for a new coordinator, she jumped at the opportunity. Grogan’s Mill Village association had several highly qualified candidates to choose from, making this a

really tough decision. Congratulations to tracy and all our best wishes to Katerina.

With fall vegetables now abounding along with the many other locally produced flowers, olive oils, breads, sausages, honey, soaps, plus much more, you now have abundant reasons to visit and get acquainted with tracy. also, bring your corks and bottle caps (don’t forget to remove the liners) for recycling. We hope to see you every saturday, rain or shine, at the Grogan’s Mill Village Center, at the corner of Grogan’s Mill road and south Millbend, from 8 a.m. to noon. Check the Grogan’s Mill Village association Web site at www.grogansmillvillage.com for the latest information on vendors and products. On the same Web site you can also subscribe to Friday’s weekly Farmer’s Market e-blast newsletter.

Owners Cathy and David Couch, winners of the september Yard of the Month, have lived at their Wild Ginger home for five years. Cathy and David, with the help of Cathy’s mother, transformed the yard from a forest wilderness into a beautiful setting with tall stately trees, along with beds of beautiful flowers and bushes. the Couches have successfully achieved having something in bloom all year round. We’ll wrap up this program next month, but will return next april to begin another season highlighting beautiful yards lovingly tended by the green thumbs of Grogan’s Mill residents.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Dana Denton

continued on page 20

a lden Brid G e

The alden Bridge Village association (aBVa) usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.aldenbridge.org

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

c ochran’s c rossin G

The Cochran’s Crossing Village association (CCVa) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.cochranscrossing.com

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

c olle G e park

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

Web site www.villageofcollegepark.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village association President Ted Stanley at 936-321-5996.

c reekside park

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

Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com

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

Gro G an’s Mill

The Grogan’s Mill Village association (GMVa) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com

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

i ndian s prin G s

The Indian Springs Village association (ISVa) usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or Village association President amy Lecocq at 832-244-9585.

pan T her c reek

The Panther Creek Village association (PCVa) usually meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

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

sT erlin G r id G e

The Sterling Ridge Village association (SRVa) usually meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.sterling-ridge.org

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

Tracy Sagehorn

V i llage n e W s continued

Indian Springs

the Indian springs Village association invites all residents of the Woodlands to the 8th annual taste of the Village on saturday, October 20, 2012, from noon to 4 p.m. the taste of the Village is a free family event with great food to sample and fun activities for adults and children. this annual community event showcases restaurants and businesses from the Indian springs and Woodlands Crossing shopping centers.

In 2011, more than 5,000 visitors from throughout the Woodlands strolled through about 40 booths under two large tents, and we anticipate the same number of attendees and participants this year. the event will be held rain or shine.

entertainment includes the live music of the Ogres band (1 to 4 p.m.), excerpts from the John Cooper school production of Bye Bye Birdie, two inflatables for the kids, face painters, balloon artist Michael Crayton and many walking entertainers. Public education for all ages will be available through equipment provided by the Montgomery County sheriff’s Office and the Woodlands Fire Department. Information will also be available from Indian springs Village association, the Woodlands township and the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. Four-legged friends in attendance will include Hap, the Montgomery County sheriff’s Office drug dog and one of the alpha & Omega mounted patrol horses. a raffle will be held, with all proceeds benefiting the Indian springs Village association scholarship Fund, which enables us to fund five $1,000 scholarships to college-bound Indian springs high school seniors. this year, Indian springs Village association will

give away two iPads, a Pandora (or similar) bracelet donated by Wickander Works, two $250 gift certificates from H-e-B, three “foursome” rounds of golf including members for a day at the Performance Center donated by Canongate Golf Club (valued at $320) and a ticket to the signatures luncheon featuring Kathryn stockett, author of “the Help.”

taste of the Village is sponsored by Indian springs Village association, H-e-B and regency Development Company in cooperation with business establishments located in the Indian springs Village Center and Woodlands Crossing shopping Center. Please plan to join us for an afternoon of fun in the village!

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

It’s time again for the Woodlands Fall Flea Market. It is an opportunity to buy some good bargains and to sell those things for which you no longer have much use. some of the items on sale seem brand new and truly can be bought for a song compared to the original price. Who doesn’t like a deal!

the Woodlands Fall Flea Market will be held on saturday, November 3, 2012, from 7 to 10 a.m., in the town Center Parking Garage located at the southwest corner of six Pines Drive and Lake robbins Drive. the flea market is free to the buying public.

each month at the Panther Creek Village association meeting, the Montgomery County sheriff’s Office reports on the activities of the prior month. sgt. Paul Cassidy, who normally makes the report, always emphasizes the importance of the support from the community. He has pointed out the importance of residents reporting suspicious persons or cars in their neighborhoods. recently, three open burglary cases were solved when someone called in to report a suspicious car in the neighborhood. Without the action of someone in the community it is certain this felon would have continued stealing. If you see something that seems suspicious, please call 9-1-1.

also, sgt. Cassidy reminded us of the importance of keeping garage doors closed. since many garages are attached, an open garage is an easy entry into your home.

a simple thing like this, which many of us forget, might discourage the burglar.

Submitted by Merle Causey

Sterling Ridge

The haunting at May valley Manor! It’s finally here! this Halloween, be prepared if you dare to come to our sterling ridge 3rd annual Haunted House! 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 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?

When: saturday, October 27, 2012

time: 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Where: May Valley Pavilion in May Valley Park

Cost: $5 donation per entry (last ticket sale is 9:45 p.m.)

age appropriate: 9 years and older please

3r Bazaar annual event

When: saturday, November 10, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: the Woodlands township Parks, recreation and environmental Facility, 8203 Millenium Forest Drive (next to the Woodlands High school)

Mark your calendars! support sterling ridge by bringing your recyclables and helping us win this year’s Village recycling Challenge! acceptable recyclables include caps from threaded neck bottles, plastic jar lids, flip caps from tubes, personal care products, food product bottles and flexible snap-on lids.

For more information about this event, please contact the Woodlands township at 281-210-3800.

Submitted by Gabriel Castillo

Photo by Erika Bondy Pratt

THE WOODLaNDS Fall Flea Market

saturday, november 3, 202

7 to 0 a.m.

Town Center Parking garage

the Woodlands Fall Flea Market will be held saturday, november 3, 2012, from 7 to 10 a.m., in the Town center parking Garage located at the southwest corner of six Pines Drive and Lake robbins. tickets for booth spaces will go on sale saturday, October 13, 2012, from noon to 4 p.m., in the Panther Creek shopping Center. any booth tickets remaining after that date will be available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Woodlands township, 2801 technology Forest Boulevard.

the flea market is a cooperative event with all the Woodlands villages participating. the semi-annual event is run entirely by volunteers. a small fee is charged to sellers to defer flea market expenses. there is no admission fee. any proceeds over cost are funneled back into the community in the form of scholarships, grants and other village association projects.

the Woodlands covenants and deed restrictions do not permit garage sales on residential properties. the flea market provides a means for the Woodlands residents to sell unwanted household goods. additional information may be obtained by calling the flea market hotline at 281-210-3976.

Calenda R continued

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 26.

saturday, october 27

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com.

Healthcare Provider CPR/AED Class

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Gardening 102 Free Seminar

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

9 a.m. to noon

Please call 281-210-3800 for reservations.

Jack o’ Lantern Jam Family Carnival

The Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Drive

6 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 26.

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 26.

sunday, october 28

Trick or Treat Trail

Town Green Park and along The Woodlands Waterway®

3 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

See page 26.

Tuesday, october 30

Healthcare Provider CPR/AED Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

Wednesday, october 3

upcoming events:

Friday, november 2

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

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

saturday, november 3

The Woodlands Fall Flea Market

Town Center Parking Garage

7 to 10 a.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3976.

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com.

Free Compost Class

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

11 a.m. to noon.

281-210-3800

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Farmer’s Market

the Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market, produced by the Grogan’s Mill Village association, is held every saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Grogan’s Mill shopping Center at the corner of south Millbend and Grogan’s Mill road. the market is open year-round. For more information, including a list of vendors, please visit www.grogansmillvillage.com.

Feast of Artisans Farmer’s Market (two locations)

seasonal, local fruits and vegetables, texas wine, local honey, free range chicken eggs, grass fed and Kobe beef, other meats, breads and other baked goods, orchids and other plants, Indian food, bath sundries, art and more!

the Woodlands Mall (in the alcove between Barnes & Noble and anthropologie)

1201 Lake Woodlands Drive, the Woodlands 77380

Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m., through November 21, 2012

esprit International school 4890 W. Panther Creek Drive, the Woodlands 77381

Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m., through December 21, 2012

water supplies

e nsuring reliable, long-term for Montgo M ery County

Important Information from The San Jacinto River Authority

Water has been increasingly in the news – especially the impacts of the historic 2011 drought – and residents are more aware than ever of the critical role that water plays in our lives. at this time, Montgomery County is completely dependent on groundwater for its municipal water supply, and rapid population growth and continuing economic development has led to a steady increase in water demand that has virtually overwhelmed the county’s groundwater supply. In 2009, the demand in the county exceeded the available supply by approximately 30 percent causing the Lone star Groundwater Conservation District to adopt groundwater use restrictions that go into effect in January 2016.

to avert a water supply crisis and create a long-term solution for Montgomery County, the san Jacinto river authority (sJra) has created a Groundwater reduction Plan (GrP) and offered participation to all large water suppliers in the county. More than 130 of them – representing 80 percent of the water used in the county – joined the GrP.

Implementing this plan and developing reliable, long-term water supplies for future generations requires the construction of a treatment plant near Lake Conroe as well as 55 miles of water transmission lines to deliver 24 million gallons of high-quality, treated water each day. the development of new water supplies and pipelines is expensive, but it’s an investment in our future that we can’t afford not to make. By partnering with other water users from across the county, the project will be more efficient, and the cost will be shared equitably by all.

Over the years, we have all tended to take our abundant water resources for granted. We turned on the faucet and the water was there when we needed it. the drought taught us some valuable lessons about what happens when it doesn’t rain and about the importance of having a diverse

portfolio of water supplies. the sJra’s GrP project will ensure a reliable supply of surface water to supplement our groundwater

supplies, but it’s up to all of us to work together to conserve. For more information, please visit www.sjra.net/grp.

L ANE CLOSURE INFOR M ATION

for Memorial Hermann 10 For Texas Race October 13, 2012

Estimated lane opening times

n 7:50 a.m.

n 8:10 a.m.

n 8:30 a.m.

n 8:50 a.m.

n 9:10 a.m.

n 9:30 a.m.

n 9:50 a.m.

n 10:10 a.m.

n 10:30 a.m.

n 10:50 a.m.

Avoid Del ays, Use Al te rna te Routes

TRAFFIC INFORMATION

The outside lane of the following streets will be closed to automobile traffic beginning at 6 a.m. to accommodate runners.

Lake Robbins before Grogan’s Mill. Open at 7:50 a.m.

Ramp on Woodlands Parkway Open at 8:10 a.m.

Woodlands Parkway past Panther Creek. Open at 8:30 a.m.

Woodlands Parkway before Gosling Open at 8:50 a.m.

Woodlands Parkway past Falconwing Drive. Open at 9:10 a.m.

Lake Woodlands Drive between Cochran’s Crossing and Golden Sage. Open at 9:30 a.m.

Sat u rd ay, Oc tober 13, 2012

at Ma rket Street in T he Wood la nd s 10 -mile race Tex a s-sized pa r t y

Plus t he fi f t h a nnua l non-competitive K id s ’ Fun Run !

Produ ced b y

Lake Woodlands Drive between Golden Shadow and Shadowbend. Open at 9:50 a.m.

Lake Woodlands Drive after W. Panther Creek Drive, almost to Split Rock Road Open at 10:10 a.m.

Lake Woodlands Drive at Lakeside Drive. Open at 10:30 a.m.

Finish line - Market Street Open at 10:50 a.m.

rogan ’ s Mill Road between Woodlands Parkway and Lake Woodlands Drive (except thru traffic). Closed from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. Follow detour.

Woodlands Drive, eastbound between Grogan’s Mill Road and Six Pines. Closed from 7:25 to 7:40 a.m.

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park “ DoomsDay Hospital”

Patients check in but they don’t check out!

Dates: Fridays, October 19 and 26, 2012 and saturdays, October 13, 20, 27, 2012

time: 8 to 10 p.m.

No tickets sold after 9:30 p.m.

location: Bear Branch Park, 5200 research Forest Drive

Cost: admission $8 for Haunted trail

recommended for children ages nine and older. Parental discretion is advised.

Save $1 on haunted trail admission with your gift of a canned food item (maximum $3). Discount does not apply to the family carnival. All food donations will benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry

JaCk o’ lantern Jam

enjoy spooky games, yummy treats and a magic show at this family carnival. Don’t forget your costume for the contest! Bring a camera!

Dates: Friday, October 26, 2012, and saturday, October 27, 2012

time: 6 to 9 p.m.

location: the Woodlands township recreation Center, 5310 research Forest Drive

Cost: $7/child, children under six months admitted free

triCk or treat trail

trick or treating, activities, a costume contest and more!

Date: sunday, October 28, 2012

times: 3 to 6 p.m.

location: town Green Park and along the Woodlands Waterway®

produced By:

presented By:

sponsored By:

REMINDER: Make Sure Your Family is Prepared for the

Woodlands township Board of Directors encourages all residents to remain diligent about emergency preparedness. Plan what you and your family will do should a disaster strike our area.

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

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

• Fully redundant power

• Locally owned and operated

• North Houston and Conroe coverage

• Local news, weather and traffic

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

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

Temporary Central Station and Administration Office

29955 I-45 North, shenandoah 77381

Station 2: 9303 Gosling road the Woodlands 77381

Station 3: 1522 sawdust road the Woodlands 77380

Station 4: 7900 Bay Branch Drive the Woodlands 77382

Station 5: 10100 Branch Crossing Drive the Woodlands 77382

Station 6: 1100 Windsor Lakes Boulevard the Woodlands 77384

Station 7: 26722 Kuykendahl road the Woodlands 77375

Station 8: 11800 Gosling road the Woodlands 77381

emergency supply Kits

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

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

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

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

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

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

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

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener and utensils if kit contains canned food

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

• important family documents

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

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The Woodlands Wildf lower Festival to Bloom at Rob Fleming Park

the Woodlands Development Company (tWDC) and the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau have stepped up as presenting sponsors for the Woodlands Wildflower Festival, an annual tradition set for saturday, October 20, 2012 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park, according to susan Vreeland-Wendt, director of marketing for tWDC. the Brickman Group, Ltd., a professional landscape service company with a branch office in the Woodlands, is the participating sponsor.

residents will be able to collect a variety of free wildflower seeds, distributed by local businesses in the Woodlands, including the texas Bluebonnet, Black-eyed susan, scarlet Flax and the Drummond Phlox. Displays of native plants,

environmental exhibits and booths with nature-related gift items for sale add to the event. Children will enjoy free giant inflatable rides, a free petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and balloon artists. Lovable mascot of the Woodlands, Puffy Pine Cone, will pose for free photographs with children from 11 a.m. until noon along with Bridgeland Bill, the mascot of the Woodlands’ sister community, Bridgeland.

the official Wildflower Festival poster and t-shirt, selected from the annual Wildflower Festival contest, will be available at the booth of the Woodlands Lions Club. Proceeds from the event benefit Lions Club charities. the Lions Club provides services for the blind and visually impaired, and assists youth and senior citizen programs.

Pictured is a family enjoying an exhibit from Butterfly Enthusiasts of Southeast Texas.

Withwit and wisdom, homegrown gardening experts—Cherie Foster Colburn and Mark Bowen—provide a guide to making landscapes more attractive, vibrant and sustainable at Beyond Basics, a free Gardening 102 seminar on saturday, October 27, 2012, from 9 a.m. to noon.

an award-winning garden author and landscape designer, Ms. Colburn shares tips to create a garden that glows even if it’s full of shade and one that shines after the sun goes down. Her recipe for a

24/7 landscape features four-o-clocks and fireflies. add a few simple ingredients and eliminate a few others, like mosquitoes, to create a landscape that can be enjoyed around the clock.

appealing to novice and seasoned gardeners, Mr. Bowen reveals fun, costeffective techniques to move landscapes beyond beautiful. “Landscapes should be useful too. they can provide habitat for wildlife, food for people and plants that help improve local ecology.” notes

Bringing your garden out of the shadows

Cherie Foster Colburn, landscaper and awardwinning garden author, reveals how to bring your home’s other room—the outside one—out of the shadows on Saturday, October 27, 2012.

By Lucinda Valdes

Mr. Bowen, horticulturist and author of regional gardening manuals, Habitat Gardening for Houston and Southeast Texas and Naturalistic Landscaping for the Gulf Coast.

space is limited; to reserve a spot for the free program and book signing, register online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ gardeningevents. the class will be held at the Woodlands township, 2801 technology Forest Drive, the Woodlands 77381, or for more information, please call 281-210-3800.

your landscape your Way, naturally

Horticulturist and well-known garden author, Mark Bowen provides green tools for creating your landscape your way using native and useful plants at the next Gardening 102 seminar, Beyond Basics.

Photo by Robert Dailey

Residents of The Woodlands can learn to make organic compost at the Compost – Can You Dig It? class, taught by experienced master gardeners. The class is held at The Woodlands Township Parks, Recreation, and Environmental Services office, 8203 Millennium Forest Drive (next to The Woodlands High School) on the first Saturday of the month through March, from 10 to 11 a.m. Drawings are held at each class for prizes! Compost classes are sponsored by Texas Agrilife Extension, Waste Management and the Texas Master Gardeners (Montgomery chapter).

saturday, november 0, 202

0 a.m. to 2 p.m.

8203 millennium Forest dr.

• recycle caps and corKs

– Caps: threaded, rigid plastic, such as caps from shampoo, detergent, water, soda, juice and other bottles; flip-top caps from tubes and bottles; and large lids from peanut butter and other jars.

– Corks: natural and synthetic corks from bottles and jars.

• recycle single use alkaline batteries (one day only)

– aa, aaa, C, D and 9V only

– NO rechargeable or lead acid batteries

– Producer responsibility is coming from Corporation for Battery recycling (CBr) www.recyclebattery.org

• Buy recycled Boutique

– trunk show of unique products made from glass, plastic, paper, metal and other recycled materials.

• shred Day

– secure, on-site shredding of personal documents.

– Cost is five canned goods or $5 for each bank box; benefits Interfaith Food Pantry.

a Texas/america Recycle day event! www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov 281-210-3800

202 Concert-in-the-Park series

sunday evenings at northshore Park 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive • FREE aDMISSION

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

Fall 202 – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

october 7 Legacy Band (80s & 90s)

october 4 Texas Renegade (Texas Country) october 2* Reflex Band (Motown and R&B)

*Jack o’ Lantern Challenge

Think you can out-carve the other pumpkins in The Woodlands?

Pumpkins will be judged at 7 p.m. Fee is $8 and includes carving supplies and pumpkins while they last! all ages are welcome.

Presented by Stage Sponsor

Co RR e CT ion

to Last Month’s Fall Action Guide

Please note that the date listed for the Trick or Treat Trail in the Fall action Guide (inserted in the september 2012 issue of this magazine) was printed incorrectly. the correct date is sunday, October 28, 2012. see page 26 for more information about this event.

For more information about changes to township programs and events, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ actionguideupdates or call the Woodlands township recreation Center at 281-210-3950.

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

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