November 2014

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

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

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

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

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

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

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

Emergency 911

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Woodlands Township will honor military veterans of The Woodlands at a Veterans Day Tribute event on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, at 4:30 p.m. at Town Green Park. All residents are invited to honor the military veterans who have recently returned home to The Woodlands, as well as all veterans who have bravely served our country in years past. This tribute will honor all branches of service and recognize the sacrifices made to protect and serve our great nation. The Woodlands Township wishes you

Gordy Bunch

Position No. 1 Treasurer

Don Norrell President and General Manager

Mike Bass Position No. 2 Director

Jeff Long Position No. 3 Director

John McMullan Position No. 5 Director

Bruce Tough

Position No. 7 Chairman

Peggy S. Hausman Position No. 6 Vice Chairman

Ed Robb

No. 4

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

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Creative Director Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Photo Editor Susan Schneider

Copy Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Amber George

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 two 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.

Howdy partner.

We’re right here in The Woodlands. Get nationally ranked care at Texas Children’s Health Center, Texas Children’s Pediatrics and St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital.

Our Health Centers and Texas Children’s Pediatrics practices offer convenient access to expert pediatricians, subspecialists and therapeutic and diagnostic ser vices. We also partner with St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital to offer newborn care from Texas Children’s specialists.

So when your child needs to see a doctor, come right over. We’re right here in The Woodlands, ready to lend a helping hand.

For maps and information, visit texaschildrens .org/woodlands .

Texas Children’s Health Center – The Woodlands

17198 St. Luke’s Way, Suite 300

The Woodlands, TX 77384 936-321-0808

Fireworks, international foods and performances, holiday light displays and the largest seasonal outdoor ice rink in the southwest once again will come to The Woodlands as the 32nd Annual Lighting of the Doves, 8th Annual International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW), The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center and Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland return on Saturday, November 22, 2014.

www.HolidayinTheWoodlands.com

Holiday Roundup

A Wonderland of Holiday Festivities

32nd Annual Lighting of the Doves

The 32nd Annual Lighting of the Doves Festival will kick off the 2014 holiday season in The Woodlands on November 22, 2014, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. where live entertainment, interactive booths, games and more make for great family fun. Guests can enjoy a snow slide, snow play area, inflatables, children’s arts and crafts, strolling entertainers and fireworks.

Produced by The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, the celebration will feature a special appearance by Santa aboard a decorated sleigh on The Woodlands Waterway®. The free event will be held at Town Green Park (2099 Lake Robbins Drive) and is open to the public. For details, please visit www.LightingoftheDoves.com.

8th Annual International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW)

In conjunction with the Lighting of the Doves Festival, International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW) will celebrate its eighth year on Saturday, November 22, 2014, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. along The Woodlands Waterway adjacent to Town Green Park. At iWOW, attendees can celebrate the cultural diversity represented

in The Woodlands with booths presenting holiday traditions from around the world. Check out the iWOW World of Holiday Trees and enjoy international foods, arts and crafts, music and entertainment. Admission to iWOW is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.iWOWinTheWoodlands.com.

The Ice Rink

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, presented by Planet Ford in partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital, opens daily Saturday, November 22, 2014, through Monday, January 19, 2015, at the northeast corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines Drive. A special preview opening of The Ice Rink will take place Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16, 2014. Produced by The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Woodlands Ice Rink is the largest seasonal ice rink in the southwest and is open to the public. Offers and coupons are available at www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com.

Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland

Another must-see while in The Woodlands is Donoho’s Jewellers

Winter Wonderland, where visitors can stroll through a fantasyland of magical lighted toy soldiers, elves, doves, musical angels and snowmen from dusk until 11 p.m. Surrounding The Woodlands Ice Rink, Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland is open Saturday, November 22, 2014, through Monday, January 19, 2015. Admission is free. To find out more, please visit www. TheWoodlandsWinterWonderland.com.

Holiday Events from the Parks and Recreation Department Register early! Get all the details at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ actionguide. Then see pages 3 to 5 of the Action Guide, or call 281-210-3950.

December 3 to 21, 2014

Tinsel the Township Elf’s Holiday Adventure. Register by December 1, 2014, to guess Tinsel’s location.

December 13, 2014

Christmas in a Kayak. 9 a.m. at Riva Row Boat House.

Watery Winter Wonderland, featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Decorate a swim cap or inner tube with your favorite Whooville

Photo above by Ted Washington

The 2014 Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest

Each village association coordinates its own contest, including dates and publicity, with support from The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Fire Department. There are typically two categories: Best Home in the village and Best Neighborhood in the village. A neighborhood is broadly defined as a few homes located in close proximity, or an entire cul-de-sac or subdivision. Best Home prizes include a yard sign and plaque. A yard sign and Ice Rink passes will be awarded to Best Neighborhood. Members of each village association serve as contest judges. The selection of winners is left to the sole discretion of the judges. Please check your village association’s website for more details. Please see page 23 for village association websites, listed under Meeting Information.

character, have fun in the pool and a visit with Santa. 7 p.m. at Creekwood Pool.

December 19, 2014

Deck the Halls Christmas Tree Creations. Make ornaments and decorate a take-home tree, starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Recreation Center.

Pajama Pizza Party, featuring the movie Elf, at 7 p.m. at the Recreation Center.

December 20, 2014

Pancakes at the North Pole with Santa and his reindeer, starting at 9 a.m. at Rob Fleming Park.

Gingerbread House Making, starting at noon at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park. Ages 5 to 12.

Milk and Cookies with Santa, including a Christmas story by the fireplace, starting at 3 p.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park. Ages 3 to 12.

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt, starting at 7 p.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park. Ages 6 to 12.

December 21, 2014

Breakfast with Santa, starting at 9 a.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park.

Picnic with Santa, starting at 1 p.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park.

Evening with the Elves. Dinner and s’mores around the fireplace with Santa and the elves, starting at 5 p.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park.

Sunny Dayz Drop-in Camps

All-day fun for kids ages 5 to 12 years old can be found during the holidays at the Sunny Dayz camps at The Woodlands Township Recreation Center. Here kids can enjoy gingerbread houses, snowball fun, visits from Santa and his elves, themed games and activities. The long-time favorites are also back, like dodge ball, ship dock shore, four-square and movies on the big screen.

Thanksgiving Week, November 24, 25, 26, 2014, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; $50 per day, $15 per day sibling discount, $25 discount if signed up for all days.

Christmas Break, December 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 31, 2014, January 2 and 5, 2015, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; $50 per day, $15 per day sibling discount, $100 discount if signed up for all days.

Holly Jolly Jingle

Ring in the holidays with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s Holly Jolly Jingle December 4 at 7 p.m. The evening’s musical holiday merriment features a heart-warming celebration. Free seating is generously sponsored by Talisman USA, Woodforest National Bank and KPMG, LLP. Tickets are not required for free seating. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Holly Jolly Jingle features community-filled performance from Conroe ISD high school band and orchestras as well as the Sam Houston State University orchestra and chorus.

Bringing glad tidings are Oak Ridge High School Orchestra, Conroe High School Band and The Woodlands and College Park High Schools Orchestras. Each school performs a holiday medley. Sam Houston State University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Chorus take the stage with sounds of the seasons. Arriving just in time is someone special from the North Pole to start a holiday sing-along that everyone can join in.

Before the concert, frolic in our Winter Wonderland, where kids can play in the snow, visit with Frosty and other holiday characters, make arts and crafts and more. All aboard for a ride on the Candy Cane Express for a merry good time starting at 5 p.m. in the Gold Lot.

Guests are welcome to have a picnic in their seat or on the hill. Keep in mind that beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion. Sitting on the hill? Lawn chairs also are provided free for this event. Come and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per vehicle for this and most performing arts events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Guests also may park in any of the five free parking lots on the southwest side of The Pavilion. The free, color-coded lots are connected to The Pavilion by corresponding pathways with signs leading across The Waterway.

by Courtney Galle

Children are invited to come out and play as The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is transformed into a giant playground filled with fun and adventure. The 19th Annual Children’s Festival, presented by ExxonMobil, takes place November 8 and 9, 2014. Admission is $8 per person in advance or $10 per person at the door. Children age 2 and under are free of charge.

Kids are in for the time of their lives with performers on multiple stages, characters strolling around and activities located all around the venue.

There’s surely something for each child to enjoy. This year’s Pepsi Main Stage performers include Choo-Choo Soul’s “With Genevieve!” and Junie B. Jones’ “Jingle Bells Batman Smells.” The Octonauts™, a crew of eight adorable animals, explore the ocean in search of adventure and fun! Captain Barnacles

Fun & Adventure All Rolled Into One Giant Party

Bear and Kwazii Kitten are available for a meet-and-greet photo op both days.

Throughout the Pavilion, children will enjoy hands-on arts and crafts, games, costumed characters, sciencerelated activities, wild adventures, health and fitness games, a train ride, bubble runners, bumper boats, a coloring contest, an instrument petting zoo, hat making, brain teasers, kite flying, parachute races and much more. There’s so much excitement surrounding Children’s Festival you won’t want to miss it. For information about Children’s Festival, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org or call 281-364-3010.

This admission fee includes every show and activity for the day. Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office

Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com , by calling 800-745-3000, or on the day of the event. Picnics are welcome, but beverages cannot be brought into the venue. Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per vehicle for this and most performing arts events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Guests also may park in any of the five free parking lots on the southwest side of The Pavilion. The free, color-coded lots are connected to The Pavilion by corresponding pathways with signs leading across The Waterway.

What’s the best gift you ever gave?

This year, start a meaningful new tradition by donating to Texas Children’s Hospital on behalf of a loved one, or by asking that a gift be made in your name.

Your donation will help fund important hospital initiatives, including the construction of the new Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands. What more precious gift is there than knowing you have changed the lives of children and women in your community?

Visit texaschildrens.org/give and make a wish come true this holiday season.

Recycling Guidelines

ONE DAY ONLY!

ALKALINE BATTERIES: AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volt ONLY. NO rechargeables. NO lead-acid

CAPS: rigid plastic, twist-off caps and lids from bottles and jars, no liners.

CORKS: natural and synthetic corks

CLOTHING & SHOES: Clean and usable condition

EYEGLASSES: glasses, frames and cases

Shred

Focus on UseRe

at the 3R Bazaar!

By Lucinda Valdes

Reduce...reuse…recycle…rebuy!

With an emphasis on reuse, The Woodlands Township celebrates America Recycles Day with the 3R Bazaar on Saturday, November 15, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive. An opportunity to explore reuse and to recycle unique commodities not accepted curbside, 3R Bazaar is a community tradition! This year’s event focuses on collecting alkaline batteries, eyeglasses, clothing and shoes. For the convenience of residents, TriStar Shredding will provide on-site shredding of personal papers and documents. The suggested donation of five canned goods or five dollars per bank box or bag will benefit Interfaith Food Pantry.

Donate eyeglasses, frames and cases to Lions Recycle for Sight. The program accepts prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses and plastic and metal frames. Children’s glasses are especially needed.

Returning for the third year, Salvation Army will collect usable clothing and shoes in addition to clean textiles. Crafters are super recyclers, repurposing discards into decorative items and wearable art. Bring an old T-shirt and learn how to create fashion accessories at the No-Sew Boutique.

A How Green is Your Village? event, The 3R Bazaar is brought you by The Woodlands Township with sponsorship from The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., The Woodlands Development Company, H-E-B, Waste Management, Garden Hilton Inn and TriStar Shredding. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 for more information.

Photos by Jon Krenytzky

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 Board of Directors Election

CANDIDATES IN BALLOT ORDER

Four at-large positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will be elected in the November 2014 election, designated as positions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each office carries a two-year term, and all four positions are elected at large by voters in The Woodlands Township in both Montgomery County and Harris County. Ballot positions for candidates who have filed are as follows:

Position 1 Gordy Bunch

Position 2 ........... Ron Mullins, Mike Bass

Position 3 ...............................Ryan Elkins

Jeff Long, David Cassidy

Position 4 Jim Meszaros

Sharon Lavery, Ed Robb, Walter Boyd

A link to the results will be posted at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

VOTING ELIGIBILITY

To vote in The Woodlands Township election, you must be a registered voter in the county of your residence and a resident of The Woodlands Township.

EARLY VOTING

Montgomery County Dates & Times

Monday, October 20 – Friday, October 24, 2014, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, October 25, 2014, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 26, 2014, Noon to 5 p.m.

Monday, October 27 – Friday, October 31, 2014, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Montgomery County Polling Sites

Any qualified Montgomery County registered voter may vote at any one of the seven Montgomery County Early Voting Polling locations during the early voting period. The closest sites in proximity to The Woodlands Township are listed. See the full list at www.MontgomeryVotes.org or by calling the Montgomery County Elections Office at 936-539-7843.

South County Community Building

2235 Lake Robbins Drive

The Woodlands, 77380

George and Cynthia Woods‐ Mitchell Library 8125 Ashlane Way

The Woodlands, 77382

Harris County Dates & Times

Monday, October 20 – Friday, October 24, 2014, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 25, 2014, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 26, 2014, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday, October 27 – Friday, October 31, 2014, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Harris County Polling Sites

Any qualified Harris County registered voter may vote at any one of the 41 Harris County Early Voting Polling locations during the early voting period. The two closest sites in proximity to the Village of Creekside Park are listed. See the full list at www.HarrisVotes.org or by calling the Harris County Election Information Line at 713-755-6965.

Champion Life Centre

3031 FM 2920 Road Spring, 77388

Tomball Public Works Building

501B James St. Tomball, 77375

ELECTION DAY

Voting Time for All Polling Sites

Tuesday, November 4, 2014, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Montgomery County Polling Sites

Precinct 3: The Woodlands High School 9th Grade Campus, 10010 Branch Crossing Dr, The Woodlands, 77382

Precinct 4: Copperwood Apt. Building, 4407 S Panther Creek Dr, The Woodlands, 77381

Precinct 6: Deretchin Elementary School

11000 Merit Oaks Dr, The Woodlands, 77382

Precinct 31: Shenandoah Municipal Complex 29955 I-45 N, Shenandoah, 77381

Precinct 32: Wilkerson Intermediate School

12312 Sawmill Rd, The Woodlands 77380

Precinct 3: South County Community Building

2235 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands 77380

Precinct 45: Timber Lakes/Timber Ridge Fire Station, 3434 Royal Oaks Dr, Spring, 77380

Precinct 48: Sally K. Ride Elementary School

4920 W Panther Creek Dr, The Woodlands, 77381

Precinct 49: David Elementary School

5301 Shadowbend Pl, The Woodlands, 77381

Precinct 56: Montgomery County Hospital

District EMS Station, 250 Harper’s Landing Blvd, The Woodlands, 77385

Precinct 58: Lone Star College System, 5000 Research Forest Dr, The Woodlands, 77381

Precinct 59: Powell Elementary School, 7332

Cochran’s Crossing Dr, The Woodlands, 77381

Precinct 61: Community Christian Church 10801 Falconwing Dr, The Woodlands, 77381

Precinct 62: Collins Intermediate School

6020 Shadowbend Pl, The Woodlands, 77381

Precinct 67: Lamar Elementary School

1300 Many Pines Dr, The Woodlands, 77380

Precinct 69: Barbara Bush Elementary School

7420 Crownridge Dr, The Woodlands, 77382

Precinct 70: The Woodlands Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Dr, The Woodlands, 77381

Precinct 71: Buckalew Elementary School

4909 W Alden Bridge, The Woodlands, 77382

Precinct 75: Windsor Hills Homeowners’

Association Club House, One E Windsor Hills Circle, The Woodlands, 77384

Precinct 78: Galatas Elementary School, 9001

Cochran’s Crossing Dr, The Woodlands, 77381

Precinct 79: Glen Loch Elementary School 27505 Glen Loch Dr, The Woodlands, 77381

Precinct 81: Mitchell Intermediate School

6800 Alden Bridge, The Woodlands, 77382

Precinct 84: South Montgomery County Fire Station #1, 335 Volunteer Lane at Budde, Spring, 77380

Harris County (Village of Creekside Park) Polling Site

Precincts 914, 1029: Creekside Forest Elementary School, 5949 Creekside Forest Dr, The Woodlands, 77389

The mosT aggressive TreaTmenT for The mosT aggressive breasT cancer. ThaT’s The difference beTween pracTicing medicine

and leading iT.

At Houston Methodist, we provide the only program in Texas dedicated to treating triple negative breast cancer, the most deadly form of the disease. By studying the DNA of each patient’s tumor, we are able to pinpoint the genetic mutation causing the cancer to grow, to then match it with the most effective drug available. Giving triple negative breast cancer patients not just a personalized treatment plan, but the hope for recovery.

Houston Methodist is coming to The Woodlands in late 2015. To learn more, visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3333

The Woodlands was planned as a diverse community where people could “live, work, play, and learn.”

From its inception in 1974, The Woodlands has pioneered the blending of nature with modern development practices, creating a new standard in the quality of community development. George Mitchell, the founder of The Woodlands, sought an alternative to the traditional suburban development prevalent at the time. His long-range vision was to create a sustainable, complete community, not just shelte r provided in the typical bedroom suburb. His foresight led to a new kind of community development which included the infrastructure, land uses, institutions, organizations, and services needed to sustain and enhance a community over time.

The Woodlands was planned as a diverse community where people could “live, work, play, and learn.” The strategy included a variety of housing types and price ranges for people of all ages, office, retail, and community services such as schools, parks, religious institutions, libraries, and health care. Economic, environmental, and “human” objectives were included in the planning of this new community concept and treated with equal importance. All three elements needed to be developed in order for the community as a whole to be successful and sustainable over time.

The Natural Environment

Paramount in The Woodlands plan was to respect the natural ecosystem including the natural forested environment and natural drainage system. Preservation of the natural forest environment has been accomplished through several means:

• Maintain approximately 25 percent of the community’s land area in forest preserves, parks, lakes, golf courses, and other types of open space.

• Maintain forest preserves along major roadways.

• Maintain the greenbelts along natural streams.

• Establish building setback lines around the perimeter of properties.

• Establish landscape standards within properties.

• Develop maximum land coverage percentages for different land uses and locations.

• Establish the legal means to develop and enforce these goals through the Covenants, Development Standards, Development Criteria established for each parcel prior to sale, restrictions related to land use, density and other factors contained in recorded deeds, and by monitoring and enforcing the standards through the various design review committees.

While the standards have been refined and improved over the years, all of the above remain intact from the original vision. The natural drainage concept includes several elements:

• Preserve existing stream beds.

• Construct open swales instead of concrete-lined channels.

• Construct a water detention reservoir system which detains the increase in runoff resulting from development.

• Locate arterial roadways on ridgelines along natural drainage divides.

Community Structure and Development Program

The vision for The Woodlands called for a complete community with a major employment center or Town Center surrounded by residential villages, thereby allowing residents to live and work in the community. Based upon the 2012 Resident Survey by The Township, nearly 0.6 people per household work in The Woodlands with an average one-way commute of five miles. The goal has been to provide at least one and one-half jobs (held by both residents of The Woodlands and non-residents) per dwelling unit at completion of development.

The economics of land development dictates, with rare exceptions, “rooftops first” followed by commercial development and employment. Accordingly, the residential villages developed first in a counter-clockwise fashion around continued on next page

the future Town Center, in order to provide the supporting population and facilities needed to support a true downtown.

The residential villages are designed to have a small town feel in a forested setting. They are characterized by several planning concepts:

• Villages are bounded by major thoroughfares, stream beds or other physical boundaries where possible.

• Each village is of sufficient population to support a supermarket–anchored village center within two miles of most dwellings.

• Village centers are programmed to accommodate most of a family’s daily needs.

• The variety of retail and professional office uses contained in each village center allows and encourages residents to visit several destinations during a single trip (for example, supermarket, drugstore, gas, cleaners, bank, hardware store). This makes destinations convenient and efficient to access.

• Villages are divided into smaller neighborhoods, each with its own identity, and often include small parks programmed to fill the needs of the surrounding neighborhoods.

• Villages contain a variety of housing types and price ranges.

• Community services such as schools, neighborhood parks, religious institutions, and day care centers are often grouped together to enhance the ability for shared parking and shared facilities.

• A hierarchical system of parks provides for a variety of recreational activities programmed and located for optimal use by residents.

• An extensive hike and bike system connects homes to schools, parks, shopping, and other community facilities within the villages and connecting to the Town Center.

Visionary leadership has enabled the Town Center to become a vibrant, urban, mixed-use, pedestrian and transitfriendly downtown regional center. Today, over 75 percent of the sales tax receipts come from visitors to The Woodlands.

• In addition to office and retail, the area includes urban residential, cultural/entertainment, and recreation uses which result in a 24-hour activity environment.

• While the signature forest preserves line major thoroughfares such as Woodlands Parkway, Lake Woodlands Drive, and Research Forest Drive, once one enters the core of Town Center, a more urban streetscape is juxtaposed to the “suburban” villages. Buildings are located closer to streets. Sidewalks, street trees, and other pedestrian amenities are provided within the street rights-of-way.

• Shared parking opportunities are utilized where possible (i.e. the Pavilion uses the vacant office parking lots on Timberloch Place at night during a concert; Cinemark shares a parking garage with an office building because they

operate at “off-peak” times and use the same parking spaces at different times during the day.

• Structured parking and street parking are prevalent.

• Public urban spaces are created, such as at Market Street, where the buildings frame the park. In the future, Waterway Square will also be completely framed as the new hotel offices, and restaurants are constructed.

• Parking garages are “wrapped” with active uses such as retail or other commercial uses along the street in order to enhance the pedestrian experience.

The ultimate development program for The Woodlands has remained consistent throughout the life of the project even though the project area has increased in size over the years through land acquisitions. A Community Facts sheet published every year for the last 30+ years includes statistics for current development as well as projections for the ultimate development of The Woodlands. These projections have included many categories such as number of dwelling units, population, total non-residential square feet, and number of employees. In all of these categories, the current 2014 projections are consistent with the projections prior to 1997 when Mr. Mitchell sold The Woodlands. (The document can be viewed at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov under About Us/ Community Facts.)

Mobility

In contrast to most other developments, the mobility system is planned for the ultimate development of The Woodlands.

• The land required for the widening of roads or the construction of grade-separated intersections has already been dedicated to Montgomery County, thus saving time and the expense to acquire additional land at the expense of the taxpayer.

• Major thoroughfares are designed as landscaped parkways with limited curb cuts for private driveways. This concept allows for more efficient thoroughfares, and enhances the ability to synchronize traffic signals and improve traffic flow.

continued on page 18

Today’s Woodlands Town Center remains true to the original, hand-drawn plan for The Woodlands Metro Center, drawn on a napkin in 1972 during a brainstorming session.

The Woodlands Vision - continued

• Medians are at least 30’ wide to allow for dual left turn bays where needed, while retaining a landscaped nose at the intersection.

• The design of village centers as “nodes” located at the intersection of major roadways (as opposed to lining major roadways with “strip retail”) results in more efficient roadways.

• Major thoroughfares are located on topographic ridge lines. This reduces the potential for flooding of major roadways during major storm events, thus improving access for residents and emergency vehicles.

• An extensive hike and bike system connects homes to schools, parks, shopping, and other destinations within the villages as well as to the Town Center.

• Alternative transportation modes include three Park & Ride lots, which provide residents an alternative to driving to downtown Houston, the Medical Center and other locations.

• The Town Center Pedestrian/Transit Corridor, commonly known as “The Waterway” envisioned in 1972 allows for alternative transportation modes to connect major destinations within the Town Center and can be expanded in the future to serve other locations.

Community Support Services, Institutions, Organizations and Events

From the outset, Mr. Mitchell realized that the “human” or “software” side of a community was as important as the “bricks and mortar” or “hardware” side. It was important to develop the community services, institutions, and organizations that maintain and enhance the quality of life in The Woodlands. Over the years, his vision has resulted in the creation of many such organizations, events and partnerships.

• The Community Associations and the Town Center Improvement District have merged to form The Woodlands

Township which provides community services, develops and maintains community amenities, provides staff support for the Design Review Committees and provides many other community functions.

• Design Review Committees develop design standards for the community, provide design review, monitoring, and enforcement of these standards.

• Education – Schools that are part of the Conroe Independent School District, Tomball ISD and Magnolia ISD; Lone Star College (LSC) - Montgomery, LSC - University Center and Sam Houston State University – The Woodlands Center; and private schools such as the John Cooper School

• Medical – Memorial Herman The Woodlands Hospital, CHI St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital, CHI St. Luke’s Health – Lakeside Hospital, Texas Children’s, Houston Methodist and others

• Special Districts – The Woodlands Road Utility District, Municipal Improvement Districts, and Town Center Owner’s Association

• Interfaith of The Woodlands - Developed the first resident directory, fosters the formation and growth of religious denominations, and provides social services within the community

• The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

• The Friendship Center

• The Woodlands Arts Council

• The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Partnership

• Special events – Fourth of July, Lighting of the Doves, Arbor Day, Wildflower Festival, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

• The Woodlands Art Fund funds public art throughout the community from a percentage of commercial land sales and building construction costs.

november

Saturday, November 1

The Woodlands Fall Flea Market Town Center Parking Garage 7 to 10 a.m.

281-210-3976

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

FREE Composting Class 8203 Millennium Forest Drive 10 to 11 a.m. 281-210-3800

Monday, November 3

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting 6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, November 4

Election Day

See page 10.

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

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

Wednesday, November 5

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Regular Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 4 p.m.

281-210-3800

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, November 6

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, November 7

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center 7 p.m.

This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders; $7 admittance fee 281-210-3950

Saturday, November 8

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

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

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

19th Annual Children’s Festival

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ticket required.

Sunday, November 9

19th Annual Children’s Festival

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Noon to 5 p.m.

Ticket required.

Tuesday, November 11

Veterans Day Event

Town Green Park 4:30 p.m.

Heartsaver CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m. 281-210-5820 ext. 1731

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, November 13

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

9 a.m.

281-210-3800

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m. 281-210-3886

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Purple Martins McCullough Junior High School

3800 S. Panther Creek Drive

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

Friday, November 14

Kids’ Night Out

6 p.m. to.10 p.m.

The Woodlands Township Recreation Center 5310 Research Forest Drive

$20 per child, discount for siblings.

Saturday, November 15

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

3R Bazaar

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 281-210-3800

Heartsaver CPR Class Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to noon 281-210-5820 ext. 1731

The Ice Rink Preview Opening

Corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive

10 a.m. to 11p.m.

www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com

First Aid Class

Emergency Training Center

Noon to 3:30 p.m. 281-210-5820 ext. 1731

Sunday, November 16

The Ice Rink Preview Opening

Corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive

Noon to 7 p.m.

www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com

Monday, November 17

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

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

College Park Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7:30 p.m. 281-210-3889

Tuesday, November 18

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

Wednesday, November 19

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, November 21

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center

7 p.m.

This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders; $7 admittance fee. 281-210-3950

Saturday, November 22

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland Season Opening

Corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive

Dusk to 11 p.m.

www.TheWoodlandsWinterWonderland.com

The Ice Rink Season Opening

Corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive

10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com

Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule

There will be no waste collection on Thursday, November 27, 2014, in observance of Thanksgiving. Waste collection will be moved to the day following the regular service. All services are affected. Please refer to the chart below.

Regular Collection Holiday Collection

Thursday, November 27

Friday, November 28

Friday, November 28

Saturday, November 29

Normal schedule will resume Monday, December 1, 2014.

Lighting of the Doves

The Woodlands Waterway®

3 to 9 p.m.

www.LightingOfTheDoves.com

iWOW (International Winter on the Waterway®)

The Woodlands Waterway®

3 to 9 p.m.

www.iWOWInTheWoodlands.com

Monday, November 24

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

281-210-5808

Tuesday, November 25

Bicycle Class

Bicycling Skills 123

Rob Fleming Park 6055 Creekside Forest Drive

9 a.m. to noon

281-210-3950

Bicycle Class

Traffic Skills 101

The Recreation Center 5310 Research Forest Drive 9 a.m. to noon

281-210-3950

Healthcare Provider CPR/AED

Renewal Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

continued on page 33

PLEASE REMEMBER

The Woodlands Covenants require that trash and recycling carts must be stored out of public view. Leaving trash carts out longer than necessary detracts from the curb appeal of neighborhoods and becomes an eyesore. Trash and recycling receptacles may be placed at the curb on the day prior to trash pickup and should be removed from the curb by the end of the day of trash pickup.

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

Since this is the traditional month for thanks, we’d like to honor everyone who has donated their valuable time, talents, goods and services this year in support of the Alden Bridge Village Association. So many people and organizations deserve recognition for assisting with our events and programs – and thanks to everyone who attended our events. Thanks to all!

Please don’t forget to vote in The Woodlands Township Board of Directors election on November 4, 2014. Four director positions are depending on your vote. See page 12 for more information.

We could use your participation in collecting caps and corks for our village! Bring these to the Alden Bridge booth at the 3R Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 15, 2014, at the Parks and Recreation facility on Millennium Forest Drive. The village that collects the most by weight wins a donation to their scholarship fund. There’s more information in the Environmental Services section of the Township website.

The monthly Alden Bridge Residents’ Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2014, at 7 p.m. at the Township building. We’ll receive the law enforcement update from the Sheriff’s Department. Please join us!

Our Yard of the Month program has run its course for 2014. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and thanks to everyone who provided nominations! We’ll begin again next May, thanks to our sponsors: The Pavilion, Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s. Next up will be the Holiday Lighting and Decorating contest, and there should be plenty of lights and decorations in the stores right now to help you prepare! We always have beautiful decorations in our village. Details to come.

We continue to welcome additions to our electronic mailing list for village news. Please send your email address to info@aldenbridge.org. Your address will not be shared and will be used only to distribute village news. Also please visit our website, www.aldenbridge.org, which is updated continuously.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the holiday festivities that begin this month and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Submitted by Darla D. Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

Fall Festival

This year’s Fall Festival had many new games for kids of all ages. Of course, the petting zoo and pony rides were back as were the bounce houses and slides. Once again, Kroger, our long-time sponsor, was back with food and water for those who lined up to be served by the Rotary Interact Clubs from College Park and The Woodlands High School as well as the Key Club from Oak Ridge High School. Returning again to provide first aid services was PhysiciansER.

Also at the Fall Festival of particular note was a ceremony marking the placement of a memorial bench and plaque recognizing Bill Mara, who was a long-time village association board member and great supporter of The Woodlands and Cochran’s Crossing. Bill’s passing left a big void that no one has been able to fill.

Opera Anyone?

Once again, as part of our community spirit effort, the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association will participate in making live, streaming videos of the Metropolitan Opera available to area high schools. Last year, one opera was made available, and based on the interest and success this year we will be able to participate in making additional operas available to students

from The Woodlands and College Park High Schools. (And according to Susan Tinsley, the chairperson for the effort, a ballet might be added).

Keeping Wildlife Safe

Norma Cortina with 911 Wildlife Rescue let the association know that trapping is old technology, and there are better ways to control wildlife. Don’t make your yard an open invitation to critters. In fact, you can contact her at 713-287-1911 for a free inspection. For example, those bird feeders can be a buffet for raccoons. But who knew opossums are actually beneficial animals?

Board Positions Open

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association board is an active organization that meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month (except December) at the Township meeting rooms. There are several board positions available. These are all open meetings. We work to keep The Woodlands as a whole, and Cochran’s Crossing in particular, a great place to live.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Happy November to all of The Woodlands residents from The Village of College Park! We hope you are all enjoying the holiday season and of course the weather. It is very exciting to sit outside and not have those crazy mosquitoes to worry about…

The Woodlands National Night Out in October was fantastic. College Park is improving every year with neighborhood block parties to meet and greet neighbors and share important information so that we can all look out for each other. College Park’s residents of Windsor Hills always celebrate with the majority of their neighborhood, gathering

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

together in front of their country club. Also, our residents of Grogan’s Forest focus on block parties where they share information and have fun. Most of College Park residents live in Harper’s Landing and gather at Harper’s Landing Park, where this year we had a live band, food, drinks and a traditional cake for everyone.

Our annual October Spooktacular in Harper’s Landing Park was a huge success and just gets better every year. Our board members are all so dedicated in their volunteer work to help in any way they can to make sure village residents have the best of each event we sponsor. There were games galore and great Halloween decorations at the park’s gazebo. The children all had their great Halloween costumes on and the top three received prizes.

Now it’s on to Thanksgiving and families and friends sharing wonderful times together. We hope all that travel to visit loved ones have a safe trip!

November will be the last month of the year for our monthly board meeting. It will be the third Monday of November, and we hope to see some new faces. Our College Park board is short two members, and we would really appreciate any volunteers who would like to attend our meetings and consider becoming a board member. It is wonderful to help your community and residents by learning about our village and The Woodlands and helping with our annual events.

Have fun and be safe. Enjoy your families and your time together. Refer to our website for any updates for College Park.

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Creekside Park

Mobility and water have been hot topics in Creekside Park this summer

and heading into autumn. Our village association has hosted speakers on both topics as a way of making sure residents are informed and actively participating in efforts to ensure our future.

As we head into the last part of 2014, we look forward to progress on the Kuykendahl Road bridge and other improvements, and some continued discussion of possibilities for widening Gosling. If you attend the November Village Association meeting, be sure to bring any final caps and corks – those items you remove from bottles before you put them in the recycling bins every week – because it’s almost time to turn them in and hopefully earn some money for our village scholarship fund.

It’s never too early to mark your calendar for the best community event of the year: The Creekside Park Annual Chili Cook-Off and Winter Festival on January 17, 2014, at the Rob Fleming Park Lodge. Details about how to enter the contest, and times of various activities, will be posted on our village website (www.creeksideparkvillage.com) as well as our Facebook page (www. facebook.com/creeksideparkvillage).

The Facebook page has also been a great place to watch and learn about progress on the Creekside Park Village Center – our shopping and meeting area. If you “like” Creekside Park, be sure to “like” our Facebook page!

Submitted by Stephanie Weiss

Panther Creek

Summer is gone and the full swing of fall and winter events is under way. November brings the Fall Flea Market and the Township Board elections. Have you been on our bike and walk pathways lately? A number of residents and organizations in Panther Creek have adopted sections for special care. You too continued on next page 30

MEETING INFORMATION

ALDEN BRIDGE

The Alden Bridge Village Association (ABVA) usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Website www.aldenbridge.org

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

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

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

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

COLLEGE PARK

The College Park Village Association (CPVA) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Website www.villageofcollegepark.com

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

CREEKSIDE PARK

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

Website www.creeksideparkvillage.com

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

GROGAN’S MILL

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association (GMVA) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Website www.grogansmillvillage.com

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

INDIAN SPRINGS

The Indian Springs Village Association (ISVA) usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Website www.indianspringsvillage.com

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

PANTHER CREEK

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

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

STERLING RIDGE

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

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

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

4:30 p.m.

Town Green Park

2099 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77380

Temporary Relocation of Fire Station No. 2

TheWoodlands Township’s Fire Station No. 2, located at 9303 Gosling Rd., is being completely renovated and temporarily relocated to the City of Shenandoah’s fire station, located at 29955 I-45 North. Fire Engine 102 and the Hazardous Materials Unit will remain at this temporary facility until the completion of the project, which is anticipated in the spring of 2015.

By utilizing Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) to slightly adjust the response districts of Station Nos. 1, 4 and 8, the temporary location will provide adequate response coverage in Fire Station No. 2’s district, still maintaining the community standard of responding to all emergencies in five minutes or less, on average.

Renovation of The Woodlands Township’s Fire Station No. 2 has begun.

Artist’s rendering of the new Station No. 2. Completion is expected in mid-2015. Rendering courtesy of Joiner Architects.

Having

She decided to join a women’s Bible study at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, and the community she discovered eased her family’s transition. Angela had found her

discovering the world of

Taking two years to

Purple Martins

By Lucinda Valdes

Aerial Insectivores — Discovering the World of Purple Martins presents Mary Ann Weber, education director for Houston Audubon Society, in an evening devoted to the migratory songbird on Thursday, November 13, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. at McCullough Jr. High School.

Appreciated for their beauty, song and capacity for consuming large numbers of insects, purple martins are a member of the swallow family. Each year waves of the gregarious bird migrate to this country from South America to breed. In Texas and other parts east of the Rockies, the bird is totally dependent upon human-provided housing to raise their young. Even during the time when natural nesting sites were still abundant, the custom of hanging hollowed out gourds to attract purple martins began with Native Americans hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years ago. Today, purple martin landlords still hang dried natural or plastic gourds. Conventional, multi-unit houses are made of aluminum or wood. Learn how to be a successful purple martin landlord — the nuance of attracting purple martins, the type of housing preferred, where to place them, predator control and problem management. Discover more about the purple martins when Ms. Weber reveals the amazing species’ natural history and adaptations for survival.

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture, the free presentation, will be held in the L.G.I. Lecture Hall at McCullough Jr. High School at 3800 South Panther Creek Drive. For more information, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

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

Photos courtesy of The Purple Martin Conservation Association, Copyright 1999-2013.

acquire, the glossy, purple/black plumage of the male gives the species its name. Wooden apartment-style housing and modern plastic gourds provide access for easy cleaning and can be placed on porches to protect from rain.

Harvest of Homes

Along with a harvest of new homes and designs, the Village of Creekside Park will soon feature retail, dining and businesses at the highlyanticipated Creekside Park Village Center. Students attend acclaimed schools that are part of Tomball ISD. Recreation is abound at the 1,700acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve, Rob Fleming Park and Aquatic Center, the new Wendtwoods Park and Pool, the Creekside YMCA and Lake Paloma. Discover the everyday pleasures of being close to nature in the Village of Creekside Park!

Darling

4

5

Highland

5

VILLAGE NEWS continued

can keep these charming assets safe and beautiful for your children and yourself. Contact the Parks and Recreation Dept. at 281-210-3800 for more details.

A different kind of Walk in the Woods will be had on November 13, 2014, at McCullough Junior High at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening to learn about the beautiful “machines” that eat mosquitoes. They are called purple martins and you can entice them to live in your yard. Come learn how to enlist their help before next mosquito season.

If you are going to be gone for a few days and thus unable to watch the purple martins, you can have the Montgomery County Sheriff Department deputies give your home special attention while you are gone for two to 30 days. Since the program began years ago, no home on the Vacation Watch List has been broken into while the residents were gone. How often do you see a 100-percent effective anti-crime program? Way to go, deputies! Take advantage of this free service by filling out the form on the Crime Prevention tab at www.mocosheriff.com

The Woodlands Township Board has been dealing with the topic of care and upkeep of the many cul-de-sac islands in The Woodlands. If yours is over 3,400 square feet, it is the responsibility of The Woodlands. But most cul-de-sac islands in Panther Creek are smaller and thus are the responsibility of the residents for upkeep. Some neighborhoods have installed plantings, benches, and meeting areas. One neighborhood distributed wildflower seeds to the children to plant and care for. To find out about Panther Creek happenings, visit us online at www.PantherCreekVillageAssociation.org.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

I chose the MD Anderson close to me

- Gary Truver, Jr.

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

My team of experts focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Three months after I completed treatment, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. MD Anderson was there for both of us. Having MD Anderson in our community kept me close to my wife and three boys, and my mom close to her grandsons. I chose the MD Anderson close to me. Find Your MD Anderson today.

The Woodlands Township Honors Five Park Rangers

The Woodlands Township Park Rangers travel The Woodlands parks and pathways looking for opportunities to lend helping hands to residents while protecting the community’s natural resources. The Township recently honored five rangers during a special badging ceremony. Each ranger had obtained more than 80 hours of training and more than 1,000 patrol hours.

“This is a great honor for the park rangers, along with The Woodlands Township, as the rangers bring years of experience to the parks and recreation department and to the community,” said The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Director Chris Nunes. “We are the eyes and ears of the Township Parks and Recreation Department,” said Supervisor James Birdwell, who heads

up the specially trained team. “We are a visible presence of the department and we’re able to educate the public about our park facilities, open space reserves, recreation and the services of the Township.”

The rangers work closely with local law enforcement and safety personnel, as well as conservation agencies. They attend special events such as Concerts in the Park, Earth Day GreenUp, Good Neighbor Days to help educate and inform the public about local park and pathway rules and regulations.

The rangers are on duty daily from early morning to late evening, seven days a week, acting as ambassadors to visitors of The Woodlands parks and pathway system that comprises more than 130 parks and more than 200 miles of pathways. As stewards of the parks and pathways, they are on the lookout not only for violations of park rules or would-be vandals, but also for unsafe conditions. Rangers will address maintenance concerns to the grounds and facilities that could pose an immediate problem to residents, such as fallen branches or pathway obstructions.

Left to right: Don Norrell, Chris Nunes, John Burnett, John Tindall, Dick Forrester, Jeff Cogburn, Ray Whitmire and John Powers.

CALENDAR continued

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, November 26

Watch Talk Wednesdays

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Noon to 1 p.m. 281-210-3800

Thursday, November 27

Thanksgiving Day

All Township offices closed.

Run Thru The Woods

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 7:45 a.m. 281-367-9622

Friday, November 28

All Township offices closed.

Saturday, November 29

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

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

TOP TEN

MISTAKES GARDENERS MAKE IN THE WOODLANDS

By Bob Dailey

Landscape mistakes can be time-consuming and ultimately costly. Correcting some of these mistakes may sound counterintuitive, but understanding and avoiding very common errors helps create healthier and more attractive lawns and gardens.

Some common mistakes are as follows:

Overwatering

Overwatering encourages shallow root systems, stresses plants, wastes water and increases a plant’s susceptibility to disease and pests. Watering every day is one of the largest mistakes. Most plants (including lawns) go dormant during the fall and winter. And even though the Odd/ Even Defined Irrigation Schedule is still in effect, irrigation systems should be turned off during this time.

Overfertilizing

Too much fertilizer can cause real problems in the landscape. Chemical fertilizers may kill beneficial microbes in the soil, actually encourage disease and require extra water.

Kill All Those Bugs

The goal is to get the unwanted pests under control and the good ones encouraged. Using too much pesticide also kills beneficial soil organisms.

Misdiagnosing a Problem

Know thine enemy. Search the internet for answers or use the local master gardener hotline (936-539-7824) to identify the problem and possible solutions.

Non-Native or Non-Adapted Plants

Azaleas – yes. Palms – no. Contact The Woodlands Township’s Environmental Services office for color brochures of native and adapted plants.

Right Plant But Wrong Place

Think and plan before planting.

Not Preparing Soil Before Planting

Healthy soil = nutrients and beneficial microorganisms = healthy plants.

No Mulch

Mulch helps the soil retain moisture, keeps soil at a more constant temperature and discourages weeds.

Planting At The Wrong Time

Plant trees in the winter when they are dormant. Don’t re-sod in the winter.

Short-Term Thinking

How big is that little sapling going to get in five or 10 years? How much space will the one-gallon esperanza need in a couple of seasons?

Overwatered compacted soil.

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M Soil and Crop Sciences Laboratory.

World Champions in ROBOTICS

The Township Board of Directors recently honored the Texas Torque Team 1477 from Conroe ISD, based at The Woodlands College Park High School, who are the 2013 Robotics Competition World Champions.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

This month, make sure to remember important items that may be overlooked when leaving your home in a disaster.

By Lou DePadova

Gather your emergency supplies in an accessible place.

Have a “go bag” ready if you have to shelter in place or evacuate. Your “go bag” can be part of your emergency kit, just make sure it is in a bag or easy to carry container and that it is easy to locate.

Stash some cash in case ATMs and credit card machines are not useable in a disaster.

Many things that we take for granted are not available when there is no power. ATM machines may not work. Grocery stores and other businesses may not be able to accept your credit or debit card. Cash could be the only acceptable means to make a purchase. Some experts say you should have at minimum $150 in cash stashed away. Realizing this may not be possible for everyone, any amount is good to start with. Take $1 a week and place it in an envelope in your emergency kit. In just a little time, you will have some cash stashed away for use in emergencies.

Create an emergency supply kit for your pet, your car and your workplace or school.

Disasters can strike when you are away from home. If your office or school does not have an emergency kit, offer to help make one. The kit should include: first aid supplies, flashlights or light sticks, building emergency procedures, building maps showing evacuation and shelter areas, pens or pencils, signs with the words “need help” and “all clear” and a clipboard with class or staff names.

Make or buy an emergency kit for your car. If you travel with your pet regularly, make sure that you have an emergency kit for your pet as well. Some items for your car kit are: a small first aid kit, flashlight or light sticks, flares or reflective cones, a blanket, cell phone charger, jumper cables, bottled water, nonperishable snacks, and a “help” flag or brightly colored cloth that can be tied to the antenna.

Active on the Pathways

Adopt-a-Path stewards who filed an activity report May-August 2014

41 groups + 296 volunteer hours + 1,731 gallons of trash 1,049 pounds*

8.6 cubic yards of trash**

The equivalent of 17 of our curbside trash carts.

The

ALDEN BRIDGE Alison Loughlin, Cub Scout Pack 889, Reeder Family, Steve and Judy Easton, Vizzari Family, World Class Travel

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

Boy Scout Troop 772, Cochran’s Crossing Crew, Creighton Family, Girl Scout Troop 11351, Kimmel Family, LSC-Montgomery Mavericks, Robert and Nancy Rodd, Roger Howard, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Woodlands Landscaping

COLLEGE PARK Bay Chapel Ct. Bandits

GROGAN’S MILL American Legion Post #305, Barbara Little and Bobby Henry, Caveney Family, Molly Anne and Robin Davis, Montgomery County Area School at Home, Myers Family, Gary Jackson, Scott Marzano

INDIAN SPRINGS Andra Wilcox & Richard Nieto III, Team Hans

PANTHER CREEK Grimes-Hanlin Family, Klein Family, Rowing Club of The Woodlands, Sally K Ride Elementary

STERLING RIDGE Bell Family, Burton Family, Charles and Donna Moseley, Devitt Family, Resident of Player Manor, Slocum Family, Stockhausen Family, Texas Laurels NCL

RESEARCH FOREST Houston Advanced Research Center, Ron Keichline and Huntsman employees *per

Cochran’s Crossing, Kimmel Family

Important Notice: By submitting letters, photos and other materials to The Woodlands Community Magazine (TWCM) you agree that the materials submitted will become the property of TWCM and will not be returned. You also agree that TWCM, its assigns, and the publisher, have been granted the non-exclusive right to use and /or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. For more information, please call 281-210-3800. Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome. Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of