October 2020

THE

WOODLANDS

WATERWAY ARTS FESTIVAL 2020

The Woodlands Township NOVEMBER ELECTION

October Is Crime Prevention Month

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard,

The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

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

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

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

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

Emergency 911

For

message from the woodlands township board of directors

Township Board Sets Tax Rate and Approves 2021 Budget

In August and September, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors discussed and approved the 2021 budget document that was prepared in accordance with nationally recognized guidelines for budget presentation as established by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

The annual budget guides the Township’s plan for providing services, facilities and amenities to its citizens and visitors, including the Township’s day-to-day operations, capital improvements, principal and interest payments on outstanding debt and reserve allocations. The Township views its planning and operational activities in a strategic manner. Accordingly, the 2021 Budget was prepared with the goal of achieving certain key objectives as defined in the Township’s Vision 2034 Strategic Plan. Those objectives include:

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

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

• Provide funding for enhancements to services as needed and appropriate.

• Maintain and replace capital assets and facilities as necessary.

• Create financial flexibility for changing conditions and opportunities.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors voted to set the tax rate at $0.2231 per $100 of taxable property valuation. This is less than the current rate of $0.2240 per $100 of taxable property valuation. For additional information, or to view the budget meetings and documents, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Gordy Bunch Chairman

Bruce Rieser Vice Chairman

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs Director,

Jason J. Nelson Director,

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Secretary

Bob Milner Director

Jeff Jones President and General Manager

John Anthony Brown Treasurer

The Woodlands COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives

Graphic Designers

Cheryl Kirsch

Jim Callahan

Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations

Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editors

Perry Frank

Shelby Doerries

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

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

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

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

The Woodlands Township November 3, 2020 Election

Positions Available

Four at-large positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will be elected in the November 2020 election, designated as positions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each position is for a two-year term.

Relevant Dates*

October 5, 2020 Last Day to Register to Vote

October 13, 2020............................. First Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance

October 30, 2020 Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance

November 3, 2020 Election Day

*The Texas Secretary of State is the chief election officer of the State of Texas and provides the dates set forth herein. Interested persons are encouraged to visit the Secretary of State’s Election Division website at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/ index.shtml or contact the Secretary of State’s Election Division by telephone at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) to obtain the most current information.

Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/novemberelection for

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival 2020

An Interactive, Online Celebration of the Arts! SHOP. ENGAGE.

The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC), producer of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival for the past 15 years, has pivoted to an interactive, online format for the 2020 Festival, a celebration that is designed to bring the joy of fine art and crafts into the homes of art lovers in our community and beyond.

The festival will kick off Wednesday, October 14, 2020, with a Silent Auction featuring original art donated by festival artists, and continue through the weekend of October 17 and 18, when art from over 200 juried artists will be available for sale. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage for free with artists in their online booths from the comfort of their homes. Musical performances, handson children’s activities, and informative artists’ panels and video interviews will bring the festival up close and personal.

On Friday evening, October 16, the popular VIP Art Dash Party will be transformed into an intimate, virtual experience with an online “happy hour” and raffle for art by Featured Artist

and Naturalist Christina Smith (www.christinasmith.net). Fun, live stream tutorials will include how to best enjoy the online festival, how to engage with artists and collect fine art, how to decorate your home with art, and more.

“In this challenging time, we made the decision to keep people safe by bringing the festival home to them,” said Jenny Carattini-Wright, Executive Director of TWAC. “We have spent many hours researching how to best create an interactive format that will connect our community with our artists and sponsors and make it an experience that will be easy to navigate and fun for all.”

The festival will be free for all to attend!

Follow The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival on social media and visit the website at www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org for exciting details on this new art adventure!

www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org

s summer draws to a close and cooler weather makes its welcome appearance, you may be looking for ways to spend more time outside. The Woodlands offers numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration including more than 200 miles of hiking, biking and jogging trails and pathways for walking, running, inline skating and cycling.

The Woodlands Township recently launched an all-new digital Parks and Pathways map, which can be accessed at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ pathwaymap or through The Woodlands Township 311 app.

While the pathways are a great place to reach your movement goals, explore the beautiful nature of The Woodlands and enjoy a break from months of pandemic-related seclusion, it is also important to observe pathway etiquette to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Guidelines for Pedestrians (Walkers and Runners)

• Stay to the right when you are walking or running.

• Stay alert to your surroundings and be aware of other pathway users.

• Avoid listening to headphones at a high volume which inhibits hearing and awareness of others.

• Listen for audible signals and allow walkers/runners moving at a faster pace to pass.

• Always stay alert at traffic intersections and ensure that car drivers have acknowledged your intent to cross the street. Use the pedestrian light signals at traffic intersections when available.

Guidelines for Rollerbladers

• Stay to the right when you are blading.

• Move in a predictable, forward pattern at a safe speed.

• Stay alert to your surroundings and be aware of other pathway users.

• Wear a helmet and protective gear.

• Avoid listening to headphones at a high volume which inhibits hearing and awareness of others.

• Listen for audible signals and allow others moving at a faster pace to pass.

• Always stay alert at traffic intersections and ensure that car drivers have acknowledged your intent to cross the street. Use the pedestrian light signals at traffic intersections when available.

By Kacie Fuselier Gurney

Mind Your Pathway P’s and Q’s

Guidelines for Cyclists (Bicycle Riders)

• Stay to the right when you are riding on the pathways.

• Stay alert and be courteous of other pathway users, particularly walkers and runners who may move at a slower speed than you.

• Give audible signals if you need to pass and be certain that other pathway users have acknowledged your signal before passing.

• Ride at a safe speed and wear a helmet.

• Ride in a predictable, forward pattern to minimize the risk of collisions with other cyclists or pathway users.

Always stay alert at traffic intersections and ensure that car drivers have acknowledged your intent to cross the street.

The pathways are a wonderful feature of The Woodlands, and the Township encourages you to use them often. Please remember to adhere to all social distancing measures that are currently in place and to pay attention to the guidelines above to ensure a safe and pleasurable outdoor experience for all.

The Woodlands Township serves as home to more than 200 miles of pathways and trails for walking, running, skating and hiking.

in The Woodlands

Our nationally recognized specialists are finding new ways to outsmart cancer.

From screenings and diagnosis to the most advanced treatments, our leading cancer care is available in T he Woodlands. And, you can be confident that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe — so you can focus on healing, surviving and thriving.

HOUSTON

Photos of 2019 Events

October is Crime Prevention Month

By Marian Montgomery Leck

October is Crime Prevention Month and is a good opportunity to review community policing and crime prevention efforts in The Woodlands. Crime Prevention is a group effort and requires the community to take a proactive role in safety.

Knowinghow to protect yourself and your property, and joining with your neighbors and law enforcement to make your neighborhood safer can reduce the opportunity for crime. Getting involved and taking responsibility for your neighborhood should be your first priority. The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, in collaboration with law enforcement, gives all residents the tools they need for a safe and secure neighborhood.

Here are some simple steps that you can take to help prevent crime:

• Get to know your neighbors and join The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch.

• Volunteer as Neighborhood Watch Coordinator; it’s easy and all materials are provided.

• Call 9-1-1 for any life-threatening or property-threatening emergency.

• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement as soon as you see or hear it. To make it even easier, add your law enforcement agency’s number to your cell phone:

– Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, 936-442-7797

– Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, 281-376-3472 (Village of Creekside Park)

• Lock your car and remove your valuables, or store them completely out of sight before you arrive at your destination. Lock the doors to your home and set your alarm.

• Keep your garage doors closed and locked.

• Don’t open your door to anyone you do not know, including a solicitor.

• When you are out and about, always pay attention and be aware of your surroundings.

• When you arrive at your vehicle, have your keys ready and check the area around your vehicle for safety.

• Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, avoid the situation and ask friends, family or security to accompany you, or call law enforcement when needed.

• Sign up for Vacation Watch with your local law enforcement agency.

– Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Visit www.mctxsheriff.org, click on Community, Crime Prevention, and then click on the Vacation Watch icon or call 936-442-7797 (press option 3).

– Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4 Visit www.constablepct4.com, click on Community Involvement, Services Offered, Vacation Watch Request, and choose Creekside (Woodlands) when filling out the on-line form from the dropdown menu or call 281-376-3472.

For additional crime prevention tips and handouts, or to schedule a neighborhood watch event in your neighborhood, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/neighborhoodwatch or email neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Sign up for more information on crime prevention events and safety tips: Like and Follow The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch on Facebook at www.facebook.com/townshipneighborhoodwatch

Fire Extinguishers 101

By Susan Martin

October is officially recognized as National Fire Awareness month. The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch would like to share with you the following information and tips regarding the use, storage and maintenance of a fire extinguisher.

Most fires start out small and might be extinguished quickly if your extinguisher is close by and you know how to use it. You should have at least one fire extinguisher for each level of the home and at least one of these should be located in the kitchen and the garage.

Your safety is paramount!

Only use a fire extinguisher on small fires. If the fire is growing rapidly, get out and call 9-1-1. In addition, all members of the home who are of responsible age should be taught how to use a fire extinguisher and should know its location.

Ask:

• Is the fire extinguisher accessible?

• Is it charged and in good working order?

• Will it affect this particular type of fire?

• Is it safer to exit and call 9-1-1?

When not to fight a fire:

• The fire has spread beyond its point of origin.

• Your escape path is threatened.

• The area is smoke-filled.

When you fight a fire, remember:

• Keep an exit to your back.

• Follow the recommendations of your fire extinguisher for safe distance limits for extinguishing.

• A typical fire extinguisher has only about 20 seconds of power.

• When the fire extinguisher is empty –get out!

• When you leave the building, do not go back in!

Fire Extinguisher Classifications

A combination ABC type extinguisher is recommended for residential use. It will work for combustible materials such as wood, paper and trash as well as flammable liquids and electrical equipment.

Once you have determined you have the correct extinguisher, use the acronym PASS to extinguish the fire.

P Pull the Pin. This allows you to squeeze the handle to discharge the contents.

Aim at the base (origin) of the fire. Aiming at the middle will do no good – it will just pass through the fire.

S Squeeze the handle. Stand at a safe distance – only close enough for the chemical to hit the fire.

S Sweep the nozzle from side to side until you exhaust the contents of the unit.

Watch the area for reigniting. If the fire is not out, exit immediately and call 9-1-1.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

• The fire extinguisher should be in a location that makes it easily accessible.

• Ensure that nothing is obstructing access to any part of the fire extinguisher.

• Regularly check the pressure dial to ensure that the fire extinguisher is ready for use.

• Verify that the pull pin is properly secured within the handle and held in place by the tamper seal.

• It is recommended that you occasionally shake your extinguisher to keep the dry chemicals active.

• If you use the extinguisher for any reason, you will need to replace it.

Fire Extinguishers Cannot and Should Not Replace the Fire Department

Call 9-1-1. You do not want to waste valuable time if you are unable to successfully stop the fire with the extinguisher. Even if you believe the fire is out, the fire department should still come to check it out. Fires can smolder and sometimes reignite later.

PLANT FOR POLLINATORS

Village Challenge Ends December 1, 2020

By Amber Barnes

There’s still time to register your pollinator garden with The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department. This new village challenge began June 1, 2020, and encourages Township residents to support pollinators by registering their landscape or garden as a “Pollinator Garden,” sharing what actions they have taken to protect bees, butterflies, moths and many more pollinators.

Registered gardens provide for the basic needs of pollinators, including food, shelter, water, and a chemicalfree space in which to thrive. If you’re looking to start a garden, the registration form makes a great reference guide. You’ll find specific examples of each resource and why they’re important.

Registrations submitted through December 1, 2020, will be included in the 2020 Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge. Each registration earns a point for your Village Association. Program sponsors, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Project PolliNation, will contribute scholarship money to the three Village Associations with the most points. The garden registration form can be found at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/plantforpollinators. Submit your completed form online or email to enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

More than 100 residents have registered their pollinator gardens as part of the village challenge

The Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge raises awareness about the importance of pollinators and how to help them, including reducing pesticides and planting native plants. Many pollinators, including monarch butterflies, have seen a significant decline in the last few decades due to overuse of pesticides and herbicides and loss of habitat. Participating in the Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge helps ensure a reliable supply of food and shelter for pollinators in The Woodlands.

For more information about the Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge, please visit www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ plantforpollinators, or contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800.

Safely Dispose of Expired and Unwanted Drugs in 2020

Take the first step! You can safely dispose of unwanted and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to prevent accidental overdose, theft/misuse and accidental ingestion. Here are some options that you can use in our area:

1. Take the medications to a free National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a drive-up/drop-off event on October 24, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., only while the DEA is on site. Due to social distancing, you will drive up, remain in your vehicle and drop off your medications in a box. The event will be hosted by The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd, 77831. DEA representatives will be there to empty and monitor the boxes. Look for updated information to be posted on The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch Facebook page at www.facebook. com/townshipneighborhoodwatch and on The Woodlands Township website calendar at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

2. Take the medications to a free DEA approved year-round drop-off kiosk location (visit

https://takebackday.dea.gov and search by zip code for the closest location to you, which may not be in The Woodlands.)

3. Check with your pharmacy to see if they offer other disposal options; these may require a fee.

4. If the above options don’t work for you, follow the directions on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) website, www.fda.gov/consumers/ consumer-updates/where-and-howdispose-unused-medicines.

Also, be sure to follow the directions on the medicine’s label before disposal, since some medicines, like fentanyl, have specific instructions for disposal. Also, remember to mark out your name and prescription number before disposing of the containers. Here are some websites for more information about drugs and the dangers they may cause when not used as prescribed:

• Get Smart About Drugs

DEA site

www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov

• Just Think Twice

DEA site

www.justthinktwice.gov

To safely dispose of sharps (needles), visit Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

By Holly Steinke

at www.tceq.texas.gov/publications/ gi/gi-418.html and click on one of the Disposing of Syringes from Households: Do’s and Don’ts links for instructions on safely disposing of your sharps.

Please take the time to rid your home of unused and unwanted medications – you may save a life!

For more information about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, call 281-210-3800 or visit our website at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/610/Neighborhood-Watch.

Drop-off kiosk at a DEA approved collector site. Check https://takebackday.dea.gov for the closest location to your zip code.

October 2020

Please

Township’s online

for

very latest information on Township events and cancellations regarding The Woodlands Township Board of Directors meetings, Development Standards Committee and Residential Design Review Committee Meetings, Village Meetings, The Woodlands Farmer’s Market and many other Township-related activities that are usually listed here. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar

Photo by Perry Frank

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

Happy October from Alden Bridge! Hooray! It’s time for pumpkins, colored leaves and candy corn.

This month’s village association board meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 7 p.m. Meetings are scheduled at the Township office complex, 2801 Technology Forest, although, as of this writing due to the pandemic issue, our meetings have been held virtually. Follow the Alden Bridge Village Association page on Facebook or our website, www.aldenbridge.org for updates. If you are interested in attending our meetings while they are being held virtually, especially if you have a public comment or concern, please send us an email at abvainfo@gmail.com.

Our July Yard of the Month winner was the Kinney family on Plum Crest Circle N. Karen and David truly proved they have a green thumb, with a mix of greenery and flowers.

Again, we want to say “job well done” to all our Alden Bridge neighbors who kept busy in the garden this year!

And while in the garden, another reminder that The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department announces a new Village Challenge. As part of the Plant for Pollinators Program, residents who register a garden between now and December 1, 2020, will earn a point for their village. The top three villages will be awarded a cash donation for their village scholarship fund. As pollinators face a serious

population decline, due to habitat loss, pesticide and herbicide use and climate change, planting a pollinator garden is one way you can support bees, butterflies and many more pollinators. View www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ plantforpollinators for more information on the Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge or to register your garden.

Next month, let’s celebrate America Recycles Day at the 3R Bazaar: Recycling Drive-thru edition. 3R Bazaar celebrates the importance of recycling in our community and offers free opportunities to recycle items that cannot be recycled in curbside carts. Mark your calendar for November 14, 2020, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Township Parks and Recreation complex at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive. Support your Alden Bridge Village Association by bringing Batteries (Alkaline AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) for free recycling. Participating villages will receive a scholarship donation based on the amount collected on the day of the event. Please bag or box items separately by category and place them in your trunk or back passenger side seat for safe access by volunteers. If you have documents for shredding and food pantry donations, a volunteer will remove these from the vehicle and also take them to the appropriation location.

Early voting for The Township Board of Directors election is from October 13 through October 30, 2020, and Election Day will be November 3, 2020. We’ll elect four at-large members of our Board of Directors. Please make your voice heard through your vote. These people represent you in matters that affect the quality of life here as well as use of your assessment dollars.

And last but certainly not least— BOO! We’ll award this year’s “Spookiest House in Alden Bridge” at the end of the month, and we always have some really spooktacular Halloween decorations in our

village. Help us choose the best by looking around and emailing your nomination to aldenbridgeyom@gmail.com – no later than October 21, 2020.

Between issues of this magazine, don’t forget our website, www.aldenbridge.org, Facebook page, or email newsletter as ways to keep up with the latest news of our village. If you don’t receive the email newsletter, send your email address to abvainfo@gmail.com so you can be added to the mailing list.

Have a safe month and a very happy Halloween!

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

College Park

The College Park Village Association continues to hold our monthly meetings via Zoom.

At our August 17, 2020, meeting, we decided to cancel our fall activities. These include our ever-popular Halloween Spooktacular and National Night Out plus our Sundae Social, usually held in April but that we had hoped to hold in the fall. We miss being out and about with our residents.

Plant for Pollinators Village Challenge: Do you plant your garden to invite pollinators? If you do, you are invited to register your pollinator garden in The Woodlands Township Village Challenge. Amber Barnes from The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department attended the August meeting of the College Park Village Association. She explained that pollinator populations are in decline. The non-profit Project Pollinator and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. are sponsoring this village challenge to bring awareness to this ecosystem and to encourage residents to learn more about creating an environment that supports pollinator species. A point is earned for each registered garden. The top three villages will be awarded cash. At the

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

time of writing this article there were 100 gardens registered in the Township and College Park was in fourth place.

To register your garden, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ plantforpollinators.

For those of you who are challenged to identify the names of your plants, you can download a free app named iNaturalists. You snap a photo and it gives you information about the plant. It is part of a citizen science project. Another resource to access is The Woodlands Township Environmental Services blog which is located as a link at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment. Register your pollinator garden until December 1, 2020, to earn points for College Park.

Even if you don’t garden, you should log on to the site. There is a wealth of nature-based educational information. Perhaps your family is looking for an outside adventure this fall. You could sign up to adopt a pathway.

Also, at our August meeting, Jim Stinson from Woodlands Water gave a comprehensive presentation about the water meter upgrade project. 34,000 residential and commercial meters will be replaced beginning August 24 in Harper’s Landing. Meter readers will no longer need to travel to your yard to read the new meters. Chad Nobles from Ameresco joined us. He is representing the company that is doing the meter replacement work. The new meters are accurate. Mr. Stinson warned that some residents may see a bit of an increase in the water bill due to the higher accuracy of the meter. It uses ultrasonic high-resolution technology. There are no moving parts to break down; no repair. Door hangars will be placed on your residence 3 – 5 days ahead of your installation. Installation will take about 30 minutes at each house. You may not have water for about 15 minutes of that

30-minute time frame. Installers will wear yellow vests and have a photo ID when they come to your door between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the designated day. After MUD 39 (Harper’s Landing), next in order will be MUD 1, 7, 67, 60, 47, 46, Metro, 6, and MUD 36. For frequently asked questions, go to Woodlandswater.org/ami. One of our Board members asked why fluoride is still in our water. Mr. Stinson explained that fluoride is not an additive in our water supply; it occurs there naturally. He offered to return to speak to us about what’s in our water. He advised that to remove fluoride would be costly.

Keep saving batteries for the America Recycles event and Village Challenge on November 14. The event has been converted to a drivethrough model at a new location this year at The Woodlands High School parking lot. Notice, this is a Village Challenge, so when you get there, locate the College Park booth and drop off your batteries with us. Details at The Woodlands Township website under the Environmental Services link www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/3rbazaar

Please visit our website at www.villageofcollegepark.com for updates and information. Sign up online for the College Park Newsletter.

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Creekside Park

As businesses begin to reopen from the COVID-19 pandemic, Creekside Park Village continues to grow with additional options for entertainment in our area:

• Baja Sur Fresh-Mex Tequila Bar coming soon to the Cinepolis movie complex Two new fitness concepts coming that will offer a variety of classes targeting strength, agility, flexibility and balance: – Yoga 6

– Row House

ALDEN BRIDGE

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

www.cochranscrossing.com

COLLEGE PARK www.villageofcollegepark.com

CREEKSIDE PARK

www.creeksideparkvillage.com

GROGAN’S MILL

www.grogansmillvillage.com

INDIAN SPRINGS

www.indianspringsvillage.com

PANTHER CREEK www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

STERLING RIDGE

continued on next page

A “Best-in-Class” 7-Eleven has been built on the corner of Kuykendahl and Creekside Forest and will soon be open to the public.

We are excited that the following amenities are available in Creekside Forest:

• TreeVentures has re-opened, with limited capacity.

• Be sure to visit the George Mitchell Nature Preserve with your families. There are two entrances to the preserve, Ann Snyder Road on the west side, and on the east side you can enter the trails behind the Rob Fleming Recreation Center. There are miles of nature trails for everyone to enjoy.

• The Cinepolis movie theater opened July 31, 2020, with a mix of classic movies and new releases.

Additional information for our village:

• The long awaited project to widen the Gosling bridge is now in the design phase, which is expedited to last 8 months before going out for construction bids.

• Mosquitos tested positive for West Nile virus in all villages. There was significant amount of activity, with 70 percent of zones in all villages returning positive samples.

• Please note that the Creekside Village pool party has been cancelled for this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Howard Hughes Corporation has announced the installation of a new custom sculpture in Creekside Park Village Green that represents a modern approach to nature. Be sure to visit this sculpture with your family.

Reminder to all to be careful of young children at play or traveling to and from schools.

As a reminder we are still in hurricane season. Please be prepared to protect your families and property should one come through our area of the Gulf Coast.

If you are traveling, do not forget to sign up for vacation watch with our great Precinct 4 Constables. If you are staying

in The Woodlands, look for events and happenings on our Creekside Park Village Facebook page or our website, www. creeksideparkvillage.com. Till next time…

Submitted by Carol Radice

Grogan’s Mill

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association presented their ‘Community Contributor Award’ to United States Postal Service employee, Kenneth Haskett, to the applause of a socially distancing group of some of his many admirers from the village. The Grogan’s Mill Village Association board will give $200 in the name of Mr. Haskett to the charity of his choice.

Mr. Ned Chapman, Grogan’s Mill president, said the award was created to recognize those who make our village the great place it is to live, those who give above and beyond what is expected of them as a neighbor or worker.

Grogan’s Mill board member Virginia Hill said Mr. Haskett immediately came to mind when the search began for award nominees. She also said, “As a USPS employee, Kenneth has been delivering mail in Grogan’s Mill Village for over 30 years. Pretty much anyone you talk to on his route knows him and has a tale to tell of his kindness, assistance and thoughtfulness. Grogan’s Mill is the oldest village in The Woodlands with a large aging population, and he has been especially helpful to them. Icing on the cake, he is a graduate of The Woodlands High School!”

Mrs. Wendy Adams, another longtime resident of the village commented, “Mr. Haskett has always been there for all: the young and old, infirm and recuperating, new and long-time residents,

rain or shine, hot or cold, he is always there with his calm demeanor, kind word and a helping hand. In these times of constant change, social anonymity and everyone in a hurry, it’s rare to experience someone like Kenneth. He’s a treasure, and we are all grateful to the village board for acknowledging that.”

If you know of someone that contributes to our community of Grogan’s Mill Village and you feel deserves the next Community Contributor Award, please send us an email at president@ gmva.org. Please let us know who the community contributor is and what they are doing for our village.

The COVID-19 pandemic meant that schools needed to add unexpected items to their supply lists at the last minute before the school year started. Items schools let us know they needed to purchase included breakaway lanyards for students, scan tags to aid in car rider pickup, and acrylic dividers for the registrar’s office. Because of this, the Grogan’s Mill Village Association decided to send $2,500.00 grants to the 4 schools within the Village in the fall this year rather than waiting until spring. The Grogan’s Mill Village

Grogan’s Mill Village Association School Liaison Emily Hoppel, right, presents a check to Wilkerson Intermediate Principal Carlton Todd, on behalf of the association.

Grogan’s Mill Village Association School Liaison Emily Hoppel, right, presents a check to Knox Junior High Principal Donnie Daw, on behalf of the association.

Association wishes all school staff, teachers, students, and families a safe and successful school year.

Bring your used alkaline (nonrechargeable) batteries, from your home, workplace, friends, and families. We narrowly missed being in first place last year. We’re now up to over 1,000 pounds and counting! You can bring them to the Farmer’s Market where we will hold them until the challenge officially begins. The village could win up to $1,000 which we use to support schools and student scholarships in Grogan’s Mill.

With cooler days a few weeks away the The Woodlands Farmers Market is still offering hot deals on fruits, vegetables, honey, olive oil, crafts, food, and more at the Woodlands Farmer’s Market. The market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon, rain or shine, at 7 Switchbud Place in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. Bring your own bags to save on plastic. Check out our website at www.grogansmill.org/fmabout or look us up on Facebook at www. facebook.com/WoodlandsFarmersMarket.

Profits from Farmer’s Market vendor fees are returned to our community through various philanthropic contributions, school donations, scholarships, and community programs.

Submitted by

Andrew Coakley and Jennifer Robinson

Panther Creek

This year’s Panther Creek Village Association scholarships have been awarded to two local outstanding young ladies who have exhibited outstanding qualities of scholarship, community involvement and character. There were several worthy candidates from area schools. The village board carefully considered each one before the final selection.

This month we recognize scholarship recipient, Maria “Tori” Victoria CostaRiesgo, a graduate of The Woodlands High School. Inspired by the example set by her parents, Tori was a member of the JROTC. In addition to her academic

excellence, she participated in volunteer work helping victims of Hurricane Harvey through the Red Cross distribution of needed items. Strong in her faith, she contributed to the growth of others as a youth leader at her church, and as a member of the choir, she enriched church services for the entire congregation. She has already begun the next step in her education at Lone Star College where Tori will prepare for a career in the fields of nursing and medicine.

You can help support such students by encouraging every student and by planting flowers. Yes, by planting flowers and registering with the Plants for Pollinators challenge at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/1460/ Register-Your-Garden. When you do so, you will not only be helping to sustain the bees and butterflies that are essential to our environment for food and floral production, but you will also be earning points for your Panther Creek Village Association, that will help us earn additional funds for our scholarship program.

Please join us also at our monthly meetings of your Panther Creek Village Association. We are always there to help with community issues and with information about the wonderful opportunities you have to participate in keeping The Woodlands a “real hometown.” Visit us online, on Facebook, and best of all, in person or via Zoom, if we are social distancing, 7 p.m., the second Thursday of each month at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Panther Creek Village Association congratulates scholarship winner Maria “Tori” Victoria Costa-Riesgo.

Doggy Fun

With the weather finally starting to cool off, fall is the perfect time of year to bring your furry friend out on the water to join in on a sociallydistanced, water-based adventure! Just imagine floating peacefully on the lake, breathing in the fresh air, with your furry best friend right by your side. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you plan to kayak with your pup.

Start with a well-trained dog.

Kayaking can be intimidating to many dogs, so it’s best to start with a dog who listens well. If your dog is very sensitive to outside stimulus, then it may be best to leave them at home. There are many directions out on the water, and Lake Woodlands is not meant for swimming, so it is imperative that your dog listens to you well.

Make sure your dog is comfortable around water.

If your dog has never seen a large body of water before, it’s best to acclimate them before getting out on the lake.

at the Boat Houses

By Erica Dunn

Take them on a walk near the lake and let them investigate the atmosphere on their own. Let them get used to the other pets, ducks, rowing boats, wind and the occasional pontoon boat.

Come prepared.

Anything can happen while out on the lake, so it’s best to always be prepared. A few things you want to be sure you have before leaving home are: leash and collar, treats, water for yourself and your dog, a towel (or three) and doggy waste bags.

Plan accordingly.

Even without a dog this topic is important. Dogs are more sensitive to heat than people, so plan your trip during cooler parts of the day. The plastic of the kayak and the wooden dock can burn their paw pads if it is extremely hot outside. Check the weather forecast using a reliable source before you head out the door. If there is a chance for thunderstorms, it’s best to plan your outing for another day.

Doggy lifejackets of various sizes are available at both Riva Row Boat House and Lakes Edge Boat House and renters are also welcome to bring their own pet lifejackets. The boat houses have various types and sizes of kayaks, and staff will help you decide which one will be the most comfortable for you and your pup. Dogs are only allowed on our standard kayaks at this time. Only documented service animals are allowed on the stand-up paddleboards, water bikes, pedal kayaks or swan boats. Other pets such as brave cats, well-behaved pigs and mindful ferrets are also happily welcomed at the boat houses if they’ve got a signed Pet Waiver on file.

Kayaking with your dog can be a rewarding way to bond with your forever friend. Boat house staff members love to see them, so plan on bringing your pup next time you visit!

For more information on boat house hours of operations and to find our human and/or pet waivers, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ rivarowboathouse.

Take your kayaking experience to the next level by bringing along your furry friend for the day! Both Township boat houses welcome your well-behaved pets for fun on the water.

Save Water with Rainscaping

If you’re considering a rain barrel for your landscape, why stop there? Think big! Think rainscaping. This ancient concept is enjoying a modern resurgence in suburban landscapes. It employs a combination of elements to slow, spread, and sink rainwater that falls on your property. Stop watching the rain run through your yard and down the street; put it to use instead. Your plants and trees will love you for it! They much prefer rainwater to chlorinated tap water. Why not give them what they want to be healthier? No need to redesign your whole yard to make the rain work for you. Using some simple strategies will have you on your way to an effective

alternative to traditional irrigation systems, saving you time, water and money.

Mix and match elements to suit the needs of your space:

• Create a rain garden: native plants and flowers planted in a small depression that temporarily holds rainwater runoff.

• Design with native trees and shrubs that thrive in our climate.

• Hold rainwater for irrigation during a dry spell with rain barrels or other vessels.

• Direct water away from the house to flower beds and fruit trees with swales.

• Create patios and pathways that allow water to soak through to the soil.

By Megan McNairn

• Incorporate soil amendments that allow your landscape to withstand drought.

Make better use of our abundance of rainwater. Join The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department and explore the value of rainscaping through a virtual workshop on Saturday, November 7, 2020, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Learn how to scale elements for the size of your yard or project area. Figure out how to determine the optimum depth for your swales. Get advice on selecting plants and trees that flourish in our challenging climate and are most suitable for rainscaped yards.

By Amber Barnes

Opossums

Opossum or possum, however you pronounce it, we’re talking about one cool marsupial. Prehensile tails and opposable thumbs equip them for skillful climbing. They help rid our lawns and woodlands of grubs, ticks and other damaging insects, clean our roadsides of disease-spreading carrion, and they make great parents, to boot. Read on for more cool facts about our neighbors whose origins trace back more than 65 million years!

Fast Facts:

• The only marsupial (pouched mammal) in North America

• Male opossums are called jacks and females are called jills. Babies are called joeys.

• ‘Playing possum’ is a real defense used to confuse a possible predator.

What do they look like?

• Up to 30 inches long and weigh about 15 pounds

• Cone-shaped nose with a pink tip, hairless ears, short legs and a long hair-less tail.

• Fur color is variable from pale gray to black.

What do they eat?

Opossums are omnivores who eat primarily animal matter such as insects, earthworms, small mammals, snakes, birds, fruits and vegetables. If available, they will dine on pet food, garbage cans and bird feeders.

What eats them?

• Predators include owls, coyotes, hawks, snakes, foxes and feral cats.

• An estimated 19 million opossums are killed by vehicles every year in the United States.

Why do we need them?

Opossums are extremely beneficial to the environment. They eat a variety of critters considered pests or vermin by clearing your yard of roaches, mice and rats. In one season an opossum can consume about 5,000 ticks, helping minimize tick-borne diseases such Lyme disease. They are also known to eat carrion which minimizes disease in the environment.

Want more information?

Need help removing an opossum, found an injured or abandoned opossum, or looking to learn more about these unique creatures? Please visit the Environmental Services Blog for more information on opossums and resources for safe encounters with wildlife at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment and choose Visit Our Blog.

As they grow, offspring emerge from the mother’s pouch and will cling to the mother for up to two months as they continue to develop.

Do You Believe in the Pet Waste Fairy?

Here’s the scoop on pet waste.

Based on national averages, dogs in The Woodlands produce about 27 tons of waste per day*. Most of us are diligent about picking up after our pets, but not all. Too many feel it will just disappear or perhaps someone else will clean it up – the pet waste fairy?

But here’s the problem with that fanciful thinking. Dog waste contains E. coli and other harmful bacteria. When left on the ground, rain washes the bacteria into the nearest storm drain, which then empties directly into a waterway, unfiltered and untreated.

The bacteria-laden water continues to progressively larger streams, rivers and lakes and eventually works its way to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. According to the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s 2020 Basin Report, one of the most significant water quality issues in our region is elevated levels of bacteria in our local waterways. High bacterial

concentrations may cause gastrointestinal illnesses or skin infections in swimmers or others who come into direct contact with the water. The contamination can also lower oxygen levels, harming aquatic life. The 2020 Basin Report notes that almost 65 percent of Spring Creek is listed as impaired by high bacteria levels, primarily from dog waste. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) set the acceptable level of bacteria in waterways as 126 colony forming units (cfu) per deciliter (dL). On average, Spring Creek levels are between 350 and 800 cfu/dL (levels spike from runoff after rainfall). Each of the Spring Creek tributaries within The Woodlands - Lower Panther Branch Creek, Willow Creek, Bear Branch Creek and Lake Woodlands - is listed as an impaired waterway because of bacteria. Responsible pet owners don’t rely on a pet waste fairy. When we pick up after our dog, we do our part to

By Teri MacArthur

protect the environment and keep our water safe for swimming and fishing. Give a hoot, scoop the poop and dispose of it properly.

Bacteria Impairments and Concerns

DOCUMENT SHREDDING

Secure on site document shredding

Residential only, first come first served

Recommended 5 cans of food or $5 per box benefits

Interfaith Food Pantry

FREE 1-DAY DRIVE-THRU RECYCLING

Residents only, no businesses Bag or box items by category and label batteries.

BRING THESE ITEMS ONLY

Batteries - Alkaline AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V labeled with village name

Eyeglasses and cases

Snack pouches and drink pouches (empty)

Styrofoam packing (no food containers or cups)

Textiles

DRIVE-THRU EVENT ENTRANCE

8203 Millennium Forest Dr.

Saturday, November 14, 2020 9 a.m. to noon

RECYCLING DRIVE-THRU

By Zoe Killian

Saturday, November 14, 2020, 9 a.m. to noon

Join The Woodlands Township in celebrating America Recycles Day at the 3R Bazaar: Recycling Drivethru edition. 3R Bazaar celebrates the importance of recycling in our community and offers free opportunities to recycle items that cannot be recycled in curbside carts. This year’s event is drive through only from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday November 14, 2020 in the parking lot of The Woodlands High School (enter from Millennium Forest Dr). Refer to the list below for accepted items and guidelines. Free recycling is offered only for residents, no businesses.

The safety of volunteers, staff and residents is the highest priority. All volunteers and staff will wear face coverings when working or driving through the line. Participants are required to wear a face covering while items are being removed from the car.

Please bag or box items separately by category and place them in your trunk or back passenger side seat for safe access by volunteers. A volunteer will open the trunk, hatchback or rear side passenger door to remove items. If you have

documents for shredding and food pantry donations, a volunteer will remove these also from the vehicle and take them to the appropriate location.

This year’s Village Recycling Challenge item is Alkaline AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V batteries. This friendly competition awards funds for scholarships to Villages with the highest participation, donated by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. Please label your batteries with your Village’s name or tell the volunteer when you drop off.

Residents are encouraged to bring their batteries to the 3R Bazaar for a one-day collection or visit Precinct 3 Recycling Facility, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Best Buy, The Home Depot or Lowes Home Improvement for recycling yearround. By choosing to recycle your used batteries, you help preventing toxins, such as mercury, from leaching into ground water.

For event updates and more information, contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-281-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/3Rbazaar.

FALL LAWN CARE

By Tori Fluellen

As the weather begins to cool and your St. Augustine grass transitions into dormancy, the fall is the best time to repair the damages brought by the summer season. Proper maintenance done during the fall will allow your yard to produce the healthiest, most luscious green grass in the spring. Here are a few handy tips for your fall lawn care routine.

When mowing, it is ideal that your grass length stays around 2-2 ½ inches high, and to avoid cutting more than one-third grass blade at a time. Doing so allows the sunlight to penetrate the crown of your grass and stimulate the root growth.

Also, running grass clipping through a mulching mower is suggested.

Fertilization is another way to protect your lawn as the chilly weather begins to roll in. Woodlands Water recommends a slow-release organic fertilizer. Although your grass is transitioning into its dormant stage, the root system is still growing and needs to store nutrients.

It is also important to water slowly using a cycle/soak pattern. This process will ensure that the moisture is absorbed into the soil, reducing water waste and overwatering. Fungal diseases such as Large Patch and Take-All Root Rot are also a result of overwatering.

Since all warm-season grasses (St. Augustine, Bermudagrass, and Zoysia) go dormant during the winter, they require little or no water. Woodlands Water suggests that you turn off your programmable controller from October to March.

Aeration can be one of the best ways to revitalize your lawn. The main goal is to break up the soil and improve the amount of oxygen and nutrients your grass receives. After aerating, spread organic compost over the lawn about 1/4 inch deep. This process can also help facilitate the intake of fertilizers, proper irrigation, rainfall, and prevent compaction.

Note: This article was provided by The Woodlands Water Agency, www.woodlandswater.org.

SUICIDE PREVENTION: COMMUNITY HELP EXPO

In a county-wide effort to increase public awareness surrounding behavioral health, the Behavioral Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force (BHSP): Montgomery County will be hosting a Community Help Expo on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Lone Star Expo Center, 9055 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77303.

The goal of the Community Help Expo is to showcase resources and to encourage healthy conversations and community surrounding this issue. The event will feature keynote speaker Kevin Hines, multiple breakout sessions for parents, teens and professionals, along with a resource fair and an art exhibit.

Save the date and look for additional information in the coming weeks at www.facebook.com/bhsptaskforcemc.

A leader in PK-12 independent school education. Traditional and innovative educational practices teach students to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifetime learners.

The Township is currently evaluating all upcoming programs and events related to COVID-19, and identifying any modifications that may be necessary to safely produce the event as scheduled.

Please note all events are subject to local, county and/or state orders which may require programming changes to comply. This could include but is not limited to implementing additional sanitization and cleaning procedures, social distancing plans, rescheduling or postponing and/or cancellation of the event entirely.

Please visit the calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for more information.

Register Now for Fall Programs with The Woodlands Township Concert In The Park

Concert in the Park is a popular family tradition of music and fun for all ages! Concerts are held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays at beautiful Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381. Come out this fall and enjoy the remaining dates of this free concert series, featuring the following acts for October:

OCTOBER 11

Flashpoint (Variety)

OCTOBER 18

Route 66 Band (Variety)

OCTOBER 25

Morgan McKay (Country/Blues)

Join us at Northshore Park before the Concert In The Park series concludes! For questions, please call 281-210-3950 or 281-516-7348.

Fall is here, and The Woodlands Township offers a wide variety of events and activities in the Fall 2020 Action Guide, available at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ actionguide. All programs and activities will closely adhere to current safety standards and social distancing practices to ensure responsible recreation.

Seasonal events, family game nights, camps, Texas TreeVentures climbs, boat house programs and more can be found in the Fall 2020 Action Guide. Due to the growing popularity of many of these programs, early registration is encouraged. Programs are also available to non-residents for an additional fee.

Please note that the Fall 2020 Action Guide is available solely in a digital format as a result of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. To allow for greater flexibility, the digital guide is geared

toward keeping information current and for easy online registration. Simply click on your area of interest in the guide at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ actionguide and go straight to the program registration page along with detailed information and updates. Register for all programs online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ signupforfun, by calling 281-516-7348 or 281-210-3950, or in person at either of The Woodlands Township Recreation Centers.

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, TX, 77389 281-516-7348

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park

5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, TX, 77381 281-210-3950

Due to COVID-19, Township Parks and Recreation facilities, programs, services and events are subject to change, modification and/or cancellation to ensure compliance with respective State of Texas, Montgomery County and/or Harris County declarations and/or Township Board of Directors.

For assistance with registration, please call 281-210-3950 or 281-516-7348.

For more information about The Woodlands Township, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

The Fall 2020 Action Guide is packed with programs and events for a fun-filled fall. The guide is available online now at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/actionguide.

Photo by Derrick Bryant

Rock the Row Fall Series

By Liz Aguirre

Free Summer Concert Series at Hughes Landing continues Thursdays, October 8 through November 12, 2020. Featuring live music, happy hours and specials at Restaurant Row. Blankets, lawn chairs and coolers permitted. Glass is prohibited. Produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by The Howard Hughes Corporation.®

Those planning to attend the concerts should practice social distancing, refrain from gathering in large groups and continue following all guidelines established by the CDC when in public spaces and around others outside of your household. Please note all concert dates are subject to cancellation, pending local, state and federal Orders or Declarations.

Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.

OCTOBER 8: A Sure Thing (Variety)

OCTOBER 15: Sol Flair (Top 100/Alternative/Classic Rock)

OCTOBER 22: Midnight Release (Variety/Dance)

OCTOBER 29: Flashpoint (Variety)

NOVEMBER 5: OMG (Variety/Pop/Rock)

NOVEMBER 12: Designated Driver (Country)

for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information. Copyright: The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. by Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., 6608 FM 1960 West, Suite G, Houston Texas 77069. Copyright © 2020. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher or The Woodlands Township.