November 2012

Restoring Trees to Home Landscapes

The 3R BazaaR Recycles More!

About The Woodlands Township

the month of November is a time to give thanks and to honor the men and women who serve in our nation’s military. the Woodlands township is thankful for many things, but in particular for Mr. George Mitchell, founder of the Woodlands. Without his vision and drive, we would not have our beautiful hometown. this month’s cover features a statue of Mr. Mitchell, which is located in town Green Park in the heart of town Center, the location of many of this month’s holiday activities. Cover photo by Ted Washington

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

The Woodlands ToWnship

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

main line

All Offices and Departments 28-20-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and environmental services

8203 Millennium Forest, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center

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

oTher service providers

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

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

harris County sheriff’s office 713-221-6000

montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

emergency 9

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

PLEASE

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

theWoodlands township reminds all residents of the Woodlands to get out and vote on tuesday, November 6, 2012, in the election for u s. President. It is important to exercise your patriotic duty and rights as american citizens to vote for our nation’s leaders.

at the local level, there is not a township election this November, however at the august Board of Directors meeting, the Board considered and adopted a motion to change the annual township Director elections from May to November beginning in 2013. the move necessitates a one-time six-month extension for all positions on the Board. all positions will continue to serve two-year staggered terms, with positions 1, 2, 3 and 4 being elected in even-numbered years and positions 5, 6 and 7 elected in odd-numbered years. this change was made through a one-time allowance in state statute, as passed in senate Bill 100 during the 2011 Legislative session. the township Board hopes that the change to a November election will help increase voter participation in future years, in part because it will coincide with statewide and national election Days, which fall on the tuesday after the first Monday in November.

veterans Day

the flag of america still stands strong, firm and beautiful. the Woodlands township thanks the enormous efforts and innumerable sacrifices made by millions of u s veterans. We salute them in honor.

Mike Bass

No. 2 Director

Jeff Long Position No. 3 Director

Board

Nelda Blair

Bruce Tough

Peggy Hausman

Gordy Bunch

Ed Robb

Don Norrell President and General Manager

The Woodlands

C ommuni T y magazine

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

Cham P ions sTa FF

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

Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Creative director Lori Short graphic designers

Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

T o W nshi P sTa FF director of Community Relations Nick Wolda editor Mary Connell

assistant editor Elena Smith editorial assistant Terri Jefferies

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

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

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

By Lucinda Valdes

the

3R Bazaar

Recycles MoRe! ONE DAY ONLY

Recycling—everything comes back to you!

the Woodlands township will celebrate america recycles Day with the 3r Bazaar on saturday, November 10, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive.

Demonstrating that nothing need go to waste, the 3r Bazaar will feature a compost fair, shred Day and the Buy Recycled Boutique an opportunity for recycling unique commodities, this year’s event will launch alkaline battery recycling along with the annual collection of plastic caps, corks and polystyrene foam packaging.

“We are excited to offer collection of single-use alkaline batteries for one day only. Producer interest in reclaiming metals is developing the market for spent alkaline batteries,” noted Lynne aldrich, manager of environmental services for the Woodlands township.

a competition to collect the most caps and corks will determine which village is Tops in Recycling. according to Ms. aldrich, “the community really got behind the effort last year—kids organized neighborhood collections, the villages were all active, even churches and businesses got involved.” Cork recycling will benefit Christus stehlin Foundation for Cancer research while donations collected at shred Day will support Interfaith Food Pantry.

Visitors to the bazaar will discover how nature recycles naturally at the Compost Fair,

WE RECYCLE

and how fallen leaves, grass clippings and produce scraps provide the ingredients for a home bin. one step at a time, stations will reveal the basics of backyard composting and how to use the finished product to restore and enhance landscapes.

Bring an old t-shirt and create a no-sew fashion accessory. Watch how crafters are super recyclers, repurposing discards into practical items and wearable art.

Gleaned from studios of artisans and small manufacturers, the Buy Recycled Boutique spotlights innovative and trendy gift items made from recycled or sustainable materials. every product has a story, from Green Glass and Green toys™ to jewelry from the Christy Fisher and Jillery collections. the 3r Bazaar and Compost Fair, a How Green is your Village? event, is brought to you by the Woodlands township, the Woodlands G.r e e.N., the Woodlands Development Company, H-e-B, americas styrenics, shred-all texas and Waste Management. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800.

RECYCLing guidELinEs

AlkAline BAtteries

AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volt ONLY; NO rechargeables; NO lead-acid CAps & Corks

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

CORKS: natural and synthetic corks from bottles and jars

expAnded polystyrene

Foam food containers (rinsed)

Styrofoam™ blocks, coolers, sheets, craft cones

Volunteers Camille Dailey (left) and Maria Whitehead show off a few unique pieces from the 3R Bazaar, set for Saturday, November 10, 2012.

Photo by Mary Connell

The Woodlands Township Public Safety Awards

Honoring those who serve.

Saying

thank you to our local heroes.

Twenty-four public safety heroes were recognized recently for going the extra mile to make The Woodlands a safe community as The Woodlands Township hosted the Annual Public Safety Awards with the theme, “Honoring Those Who Serve.”

Held at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center with more than 250 honorees, guests and community leaders in attendance, the event paid tribute to 24 individuals in public safety from The Woodlands Fire Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4. Each honoree was chosen by their respective department for exemplary service and dedication to public safety.

The Township hosts this event each year, along with support and sponsorships from many other businesses and individuals in The Woodlands and South Montgomery County area. “Every one of these individuals ensures the safety and security of residents and visitors of The Woodlands,” said Bruce Tough, Chairman of the Board for The Woodlands Township. “We commend them for going the extra mile in making The Woodlands a safe community.”

Each honoree received a commendation of recognition from United States Congressman Kevin Brady, State Senator Tommy Williams and State Representative Rob Eissler. In addition, each honoree received a commemorative shadow box, clock and pen set, as well as gifts contributed by generous local merchants.

THE AWARDEES ARE:

Battalion Chief Scott Windisch, Meritorious Service Award, for the performance of his duties through exceptional and distinctive accomplishments.

Lieutenant Joshua Smith, Driver Operator Richard Allison, Firefighters Tyler Leach and Joshua Tompkins, Commendation Unit Award, for performing their duties in a commercial fire at a multi-unit apartment complex.

Lieutenant Douglas Adams, Driver Operator Baron Edmiston, Lieutenant Andy Dexter and Firefighter Michael Mims, Life Saving Award, for performing advanced life support and life-saving measures to save the life of an individual.

Lieutenant Douglas Adams, Driver Operator Scott Grimes, Firefighters Joshua Thomas and Paul Taylor, Life Saving Award, for performing rapid trauma assessment measures to save the life of an individual.

Lieutenant Larry Grissom, Driver Operator John Cantarella, Firefighters J. C. Oneto and TJ Moore, Life Saving Award, for performing advanced life support and life-saving measures to save the life of two individuals.

Deputy Tom Conklin, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Community Policing Award, for the performance of his duties through distinctive professionalism, fostering the community policing concept and dedication to duty.

Deputy Amber Harrison, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Commendation Award, for the performance of her duties through proactive education in Rape Aggression Defense (RAD).

Deputy Mike Evans, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Meritorious Service Award, for developing and implementing the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Program.

Deputy Todd McCoy, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Life Saving Award, for providing immediate attention to a 10-month-old baby and performing infant CPR.

Deputy Kenneth Wakefield, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Medal of Honor Award, for his bravery and heroism in confronting an armed bank robbery suspect and subsequent apprehension.

Deputy Trey Weatherford, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Medal of Honor Award, for his bravery and heroism in confronting a presumed armed robbery suspect and subsequent apprehension.

Deputy Mike Jones, Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4, Commendation Award, for thorough and steadfast investigation, clearing 67 burglary of motor vehicle crimes and ultimately arresting four suspects.

Deputy Mike Ruby, Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4, Commendation Award, for thorough and steadfast investigation, clearing 67 burglary of motor vehicle crimes and ultimately arresting four suspects.

Top row (l to r): Lt. Larry Grissom, FF TJ Moore, D/O Richard Allison, Lt. Doug Adams, FF Joshua Tompkins, Dep. Trey Weatherford, Dep. Todd McCoy. Middle row (l to r): Lt. Joshua Smith, FF Tyler Leach, FF Paul Taylor, Bat. Chief Scott Windisch, FF Joshua Thomas, Dep. Mike Ruby, Dep. Mike Evans, Dep. Kenneth Wakefield. Front row (l to r): FF J.C. Oneto, D/O Baron Edmiston, D/O Scott Grimes, FF Michael Mims, D/O John Cantarella, Dep. Mike Jones, Dep. Amber Harrison, Dep. Tom Conklin. Not pictured: Lt. Andy Dexter

T OWNS h IP

The Woodlands Township Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Nunes was recently elected to the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration as a Fellow. The Academy is an organization of distinguished practitioners and scholars committed to the advancement of the park and recreation field.

The Woodlands Township took home awards at the annual Dragon Boat races in late September. One of the Township’s two teams (pictured) won the volleyball contest, and the Township also garnered the best T-shirt award. The winning T-shirt design was created by Township Community Relations Specialist Susan Schneider, pictured far right.

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. – W.T. Perkiser

Happy

from The Woodlands Township! Thanksgiving

Photo by Mary Connell

Photo by Leanna Janisse

MD Anderson provides a full range of cancer treatment options in The Woodlands

If you are facing cancer, it’s comforting to know the world’s leading cancer experts are in your community. The University of Texas MD Anderson Regional Care Center in The Woodlands offers comprehensive cancer services in a compassionate, caring and comforting environment.

From the moment you walk through the care center doors, the team is there to guide you through your journey. Janet Monk, a breast cancer patient who received treatment at MD Anderson in The Woodlands, agrees.

“MD Anderson gave me the tools to understand my journey with breast cancer,” she said. “They made me feel comfortable by arming me with the knowledge and options to make the right decisions.”

Advanced MD Anderson treatment options available in The Woodlands include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and support services. The care center team is made up of highly skilled surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, nurses, dietitians, social workers and physical therapists all working together to customize your care.

It is an honor and privilege to serve in the fight against cancer. I pride myself on getting to know my patients, and their families, on a personal level and building a customized plan to defeat their disease.

Jenny Pozadzides, M.D., Medical Oncologist

SURGERY

Breast surgical oncologist, Loren Rourke, M.D., is board certified, fellowship trained and experienced in the most advanced and minimally invasive surgical techniques. In addition to her advanced training as a surgical oncologist, she has specialized training as a Susan G. Komen interdisciplinary breast fellow.

RADIATION

Knowledgeable and compassionate radiation oncologists, Michelle Ludwig, M.D., and Pamela Schlembach, M.D., work with patients to guide and oversee their radiation treatment. The care center offers intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with linear accelerators equipped with the industries latest technologies. IMRT enables radiation oncologists to deliver a more uniform dose of radiation to various types of cancers, resulting in fewer side effects, such as scarring and burning of the skin.

CHEMOTHERAPY

Angela Coscio, M.D., medical director, Douglas Nelson, M.D., and Jenny Pozadzides, M.D., oversee the medical oncology services, treating a wide variety of solid tumors, leukemia, lymphoma and benign blood disorders. The outpatient chemotherapy services are provided in suites to help facilitate a comfortable environment for the patient.

CLINICAL TRIALS

MD Anderson is a pioneer in clinical research, offering access to many trials, some of which are available at the care center facilities. As the world’s leading cancer experts, MD Anderson physicians use clinical trials to find better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

SUPPORT SERVICES

MD Anderson is committed to helping patients achieve maximum quality of life during and after cancer treatment. The compassionate care team in The Woodlands provides a range of support services, including nutritional counseling, physical therapy, social work, pain management and dermatology services.

The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in The Woodlands is conveniently located on the campus of St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital.

Facebook.com/MDAndersonWoodlands

Patient Janet Monk received breast cancer treatment in her community, which kept her close to her husband, Eldon, and the rest of her family.

The Physician team in The Woodlands includes surgical, radiation and medical oncologists and dermatologist. Pictured from left: Jenny Pozadzides, M.D., Angela Coscio, M.D., Pamela Schlembach, M.D., Loren Rourke, M.D., Michelle Ludwig, M.D., Douglas Nelson, M.D., and Carol Drucker, M.D.

november

Thursday, november 

Residential Design Review Committee meetings*

Friday, november 2

Gorilla Hole The Recreation Center 7 p.m.

281-210-3950

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

saturday, november 3

the Woodlands Fall Flea market Town Center Parking Garage 7 to 10 a.m.

281-210-3976

Grogan’s mill Farmer’s market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

FREE Composting Class 8203 Millennium Forest Drive 11 a.m. to noon

281-210-3800

monday, november 5

Creekside Park Village Association meeting

6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, november 6

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

Wednesday, november 7

Development Standards Committee meeting*

Thursday, november 8

Residential Design Review Committee meetings*

the Woodlands township Board of Directors Workshop

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7:30 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 Trees for Small Spaces

McCullough Junior high School 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

saturday, november 0

Grogan’s mill Farmer’s 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

3R Bazaar Observing America Recycles Day 8203 Millennium Forest Drive 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

281-210-3800

17th Annual Children’s Festival

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ticket required

the Ice Rink Preview opening Corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive

10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com

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

sunday, november 

Veterans Day

17th Annual Children’s Festival

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Noon to 5 p.m.

Ticket required

the Ice Rink Preview opening

Corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive

Noon to 7 p.m.

www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com

Tuesday, november 3

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

Wednesday, november 4

Development Standards Committee meeting*

the Woodlands township Board of Directors meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, november 6

Bloodborne Pathogens Class

Emergency Training Center

9 to 11 a.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

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

saturday, november 7

Grogan’s mill Farmer’s market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to noon

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

the Ice Rink Season opening

Corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive

10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com

First Aid Class

Emergency Training Center

Noon to 3:30 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

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

Donoho’s Jewellers Winter

Wonderland™ Season opening

Corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive

Dusk to 11 p.m.

www.TheWoodlandsWinterWonderland.com

monday, november 9

Grogan’s mill Village Association meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association meeting

Emergency Training Center

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3889

holiday Garbage collection schedule

there will be no waste collection service on thursday, November 22, 2012, in observance of Thanksgiving. Waste collection will be moved to the day following the regular service day. all services are affected. Please refer to the chart below.

regular collection holiday collection

thursday, November 22

Friday, November 23

Friday, November 23 saturday, November 24 normal schedule will resume Monday, november 26, 2012.

Tuesday, november 20

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

Thursday, november 22

thanksgiving Day

All Township offices closed.

Run thru the Woods

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

7:45 a.m.

281-367-9622

Friday, november 23

All township offices closed.

saturday, november 24

Grogan’s mill Farmer’s market

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

www.grogansmillvillage.com

monday, november 26

Sterling Ridge Village Association meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

continued on page 25

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.

www.metroministorage.net

• Direct mailed to over 40,000+ homes

• Best read magazine in The Woodlands

• Most ads cost less than 3¢ per home

MessAge frOM The bOArd

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

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

background

In 2007, legislation was approved to expand the area of the Town Center Improvement District (TCID) from a 1.8 square-mile area to approximately 44 square miles representing all of The Woodlands. This plan for the expansion of Town Center Improvement District boundaries, authorizing a property tax levy and changing the make-up of the Board to a fully elected at-large Board, was approved by voters in November 2007. The name of the Town Center Improvement District was also changed to The Woodlands Township at that time.

In 2008, The Woodlands Township and the Community Associations of The Woodlands entered into a transition agreement that provided for a consolidation of service delivery systems by 2012. This was changed through an amendment to the agreement accelerating the proposed consolidation date to January 2010. In accordance with the Transition Agreement, on January 1, 2010, The Woodlands Township assumed all responsibilities and services previously provided by the Community Associations, including covenant enforcement. The Community Associations have ceased operations and were legally dissolved in August 2010.

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

Each year the Township Board has voted to lower the tax rate from the year before. In August 2012, the Board adopted a 2012 property tax rate of 31.73 cents per $100 of valuation to help fund the Township’s 2013 budget. This is 0.77 cents lower than the 2011 rate and 1.07 cents lower than the original 2009 rate.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors implemented a strategic plan that it uses to define service levels and provide guidelines for the preparation of the annual budget and related five-year plan.

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

• Continuation of existing services – For residents and businesses, the objective is to continue to provide high level services at a reasonable cost. Community growth and inflationary impacts will result in cost increases for certain expenditure categories.

• Community growth – The Township will incur additional costs each year to fund services in newly developing areas. These fixed and variable costs include streetscape maintenance, garbage collection, streetlight utilities, police and fire protection, park and pathway maintenance, covenants, etc. With the new office development in The Woodlands area, residential sales are expected to exceed prior year historical averages.

• Inflationary increases – Many of the cost categories will need to be adjusted each year due to inflationary cost increases. These cost increases relate to contract adjustments, supplier increases, maintenance service increases and overall labor cost increases.

• Revenue base – A challenging aspect of financial management is the estimation of revenue streams. It is important to use conservative revenue estimates to avoid the overstatement of available funding. The three major sources of revenue for the Township are property tax, sales tax and hotel occupancy tax, which comprise 88 percent of all revenue. The remaining 12 percent of revenue includes program revenue, administrative fees and other income.

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

• Expectations – The Board will continually be faced with community expectations for additional or enhanced services. Recent examples include increased law enforcement, sports field additions/expansions, neighborhood entry sign lighting, pathway marking, reforestation and expanded irrigation.

• Community Facilities – Community groups have expressed a need for competitive sports facilities, including expanded sports fields and a competitive swimming facility. The Township recently completed a community-wide Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment to evaluate existing facilities and the potential need for new facilities.

The WOOdLANds TOWNshiP bOArd Of direc TOrs

Peggy s . hausman

Position No. 6 Vice Chairman

e d robb Position No. 4 secretary

gordy bunch Position No. 1 Treasurer

b ruce Tough Position No. 7 Chairman

Mike bass

Position No. 2

d irector

Nelda Luce b lair

Position No. 5

d irector

Jeff Long

Position No. 3

d irector

don Norrell President/ g eneral Manager

VisiON & MissiON

VisiON

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

MissiON

We fulfill The Woodlands vision by:

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

• Achieving the highest standards in service delivery.

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

• Communicating with our constituents and partners.

• Attracting and retaining a talented and innovative staff.

• Serving as the community’s political voice.

• Powering economic growth through community investment.

• Promoting continued vitality of neighborhoods and community areas.

• Maintaining transparent governance.

• Serving as financial stewards of the community’s resources.

• Evolving a government structure to meet our goals.

• Promoting sound environmental policy.

statue of The Woodlands founder george Mitchell in Town g reen Park

LAW eNfOrceMeNT & securiTy

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

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office provides 89.5 total personnel assigned directly to District 6 (The Woodlands). The Woodlands Township pays for 83.5 of these personnel through a contract and the Sheriff’s Office provides six deputies through county funding.

The following personnel are assigned to District 6 in 2012: one captain, one lieutenant, five senior sergeants, one senior traffic sergeant, seven patrol sergeants, one K9 deputy, 67 patrol deputies, one detective, two traffic division deputies, two jailers and 1.5 clerical positions. The Woodlands pays for one detective but has access to many resources within the detective division of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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

Additional Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office personnel are included in the five-year plan for each of the years 2014 and 2016. The budget includes approximately $1.1 million annually for the replacement of vehicles and equipment as well as the purchase of new vehicles and equipment for additional staff.

harris county Law e nforcement

Law enforcement services in the Village of Creekside Park are provided through a contract with the Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4. The current contract provides for three full-time deputy constables. Supplementing the full-time deputy constables, an additional 30 hours of weekly patrol is provided to the residential zone through independent contracts.

To accommodate continued development in the Village of Creekside Park, three deputy constables will be added to the contract in 2013.

Law enforcement celebrates National Night Out

Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol

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

Neighborhood services

Award-winningwww.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov Got WatchGet Watch ad campaign

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

• Fund three additional Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office personnel in 2014 and 2016.

• Fund three additional Harris County - Precinct 4 deputy constables in 2013.

Alpha & Omega Mounted Patrol

The WOOdLANds fire dePArTMeNT

The Woodlands Fire Department employs 158 full-time personnel to provide fire protection, advanced life support emergency medical care, life safety inspection, fire and life safety education, technical rescue, hazardous materials response and emergency dispatch services to The Woodlands Township. These service levels are delivered from eight strategically located fire stations and one emergency training center throughout the community’s 44 square-mile area.

This year marks the completion of a Board initiative expanding the Fire Department’s resources sufficiently to keep pace with the growing residential and commercial population of the Township. Utilizing 2009 bond proceeds, Station 8 became operational in 2011, which addressed the issue of an identified deficiency in emergency response times in certain areas of the Villages of Indian Springs and Panther Creek. Station 7 became operational in 2012 to address new and projected development of the Village of Creekside Park. These actions solidified the continued commitment by The Woodlands Township to provide superior fire protection and emergency medical service levels while maintaining an average emergency response time of five minutes or less to all fire and EMS emergency incidents. The Department also hired an additional 15 firefighters and procured the apparatus necessary to complement the opening of the facility and complete the initiative of four-person staffing on all frontline fire apparatus, which increases safety for citizens and firefighters. These accomplishments essentially provide all necessary resources maintain the current service level standards for the foreseeable future.

Construction of a new Central Fire Station facility is part of the initiative attached to the bond proceeds of 2009. This facility will house two fire units, fire administration, fire dispatch and the Emergency Operations Center. Completion of this project is anticipated for Spring 2013.

By year’s end, the Department will have fully implemented new state-of-the-art technology with a new computer-aided dispatching system, which will allow the Department to better manage not only fire units but also seamless emergency medical response with the Montgomery County Hospital District. This technology will facilitate quicker, safer and more efficient emergency responses to the public.

With the many new enhancements to Department resources, a re-evaluation of the community’s Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating is warranted to further improve the current ISO rating from a 2 to a 1. While an ISO rating of 1 does not result in further reduction of residential and commercial property insurance rates, it does serve as a good economic development tool for the community. Only .01 percent of all the fire departments in the United States have achieved this prestigious level.

On January 1, 2012, staff of The Woodlands Fire Department officially became employees of The Woodlands Township signifying the last step in the transition of Community Associations of The Woodlands to The Woodlands Township.

e ngine 101 and crew in Waterway square

rendering of new central station

central station*

9951 Grogan’s Mill Road,

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

*Opening 2013

station 4

7900 Bay Branch Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77382

station 7

26722 Kuykendahl

The Woodlands, Texas 77379

station 3

9303 Gosling Road

The Woodlands, Texas 77381

station 2 station 5

10100 Branch Crossing Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77382

station 8

11800 Gosling Road

The Woodlands, Texas 77381

1522 Sawdust Road

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

station 6

1100 Windsor Lakes Blvd.

The Woodlands, Texas 77384

e mergency Training center

16135 IH 45 South

The Woodlands, Texas 77385

• Complete rebuild of Central Station and purchase two ladder trucks.

• Continue fire apparatus replacement schedule.

• Evaluate remodel of Station 2 in a future budget year.

PArks & OPeN sPAce reserVes

The Woodlands community has 125 developed parks; 81 have play areas with play equipment. There are two major sports complexes in the community: Bear Branch Sportsfields and Alden Bridge Sports Park. The community has more than 190 miles of pathway that connect neighborhoods to parks, schools, churches and village shopping centers.

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

The age of the Township parks ranges from more than 30 years old to those built in 2012. New parks and pathways in areas encumbered with The Woodlands Association Covenants are provided through a Recreational Facility Funding Agreement with the developer. Per the agreement, The Woodlands Township is required to fund 50 percent of the capital cost of developing new parks and pathways in these areas. Any new park and pathway projects that are not part of the Recreational Facilities Funding Agreement are funded by the Township at 100 percent.

Waterway Maintenance

The Woodlands Waterway ® is a tremendous asset for The Woodlands as it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Waterway also presents numerous opportunities for special events, economic development, programming and public gatherings. This requires a maintenance schedule that consists of landscape and hardscape maintenance, pedestrian lighting, street light banners, bulkhead maintenance, trash and litter removal, nuisance pest control and water quality management. High maintenance standards are critical for the continued attraction of visitors and residents.

The Waterway maintenance operation includes The Waterway, Riva Row Park, Town Green Park, koi pond, The Fountains at Waterway Square and the tree lights and site amenities located in the Town Center area.

Timarron Park sprayground

The Woodlands Waterway ®

recreation center Operations / recreational Programming

The Township operates a recreation center at Bear Branch Park. This facility was constructed in 1992 for recreational programming activities. The staff at this facility also provides recreational programming at various parks and venues community-wide. Many programs can be found in the award-winning Action Guide, a Township publication printed three times a year that outlines the current season’s programs.

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

Aquatics

The Township operates 13 swimming pools located throughout The Woodlands. Resident visits to the pools total about 185,000 for the season. A 14th pool will open in 2013 in the Village of Creekside Park. Approximately 50 percent of the total cost of operating the 13 community swimming pools is funded through user fees.

The Township’s lifeguards consistently garner awards including placing first in the Texas State Lifeguard Competition in 2012. This marks the fifth year in a row, and sixth year out of seven, that the Township lifeguards have achieved this title.

• Add funding to support maintenance of new parks, pathways and amenities including the 14th pool in 2013.

• Projected park build-out in 2015 / 2016.

• Add appropriate staff to accommodate growth in amenities.

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

• Consider funding for new parks/amenities not included in the Recreational Facility Funding Agreement (such as future sports complexes or other facilities identified in the 2011 Parks Needs Assessment).

• Provide major community pool renovations in 2015 and 2017.

rob f leming Aquatic center

Parks & oPen sPaCe reserVes

f iVe-yeAr PLAN direc TiON

Township lifeguards earn several awards including Texas state champions

Award-winning Action guide

cOMMuNiTy MAiNTeNANce

covenants

The Woodlands Township is the successor entity to the Community Associations and provides covenant administration for the properties encumbered with The Woodlands Community Association (WCA) and The Woodlands Association (TWA) Covenants. This program has staff assigned to monitor and enforce covenant standards and support nine village Residential Design Review Committees (RDRCs) and the Development Standards Committee (DSC).

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

Volunteers help a resident with maintenance tasks as part of the community revitalization Program

Approximately 33,800 residential and commercial properties within the boundaries of the Township have WCA, TWA or Woodlands Commercial Owners Association (WCOA) covenants. All properties encumbered with WCA covenant standards are administered by The Woodlands Township. The TWA covenant standards applying to completed single family detached residential properties are administered by the Township. TWA commercial properties and new residential and multi-family properties are maintained by the Developer / Development Review Committee (DRC). Properties encumbered with WCOA covenants are administered by the Developer / Community Standards Committee (CSC). Some properties may also have additional covenants or deed restrictions; these property standards are administered by overlapping property owner associations.

To address the needs of aging neighborhoods, the WCA and TWA created a community revitalization program in 2008 that was carried forward and funded by The Woodlands Township. The Township budgeted $75,000 in 2012 to resolve some of the covenant enforcement issues by working with the residents and partnering with community groups to resolve outstanding violations. Some of this funding allows the Township, through the DSC, to fund quicker enforcement actions and file liens for recovery of expended funds.

Township staff shares information with a resident of The Woodlands at a community i nvolvement d ay

CoMMuniT y M ainTenanCe

streetscape Maintenance

Community maintenance operations are very extensive and consist of maintaining entryways, roadway medians, irrigation systems, open space reserves, ponds and lakes, street lighting, forestry and tree removal programs, reforestation, directional signage, graffiti removal and jumbo cul-de-sacs. Most of the community maintenance tasks are primarily provided through contract and secondarily through staff services.

e nvironmental services / e nvironmental e ducation

Waste collection and recycling services are provided to approximately 32,000 households in The Woodlands through a vendor contract with Waste Management managed by Township staff. The cost of basic garbage and recycling service is paid through the property tax levy; the 2012 rate is $10.10 per month per household. Environmental education such as recycling, composting, litter abatement and household hazardous waste are provided through programs offered to residents and schools.

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

The Woodlands Township provides a recycling center (staffed by Waste Management employees) on Research Forest Drive that is open two days per week. This facility is in addition to the Montgomery County recycling center on Pruitt Road.

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

d rought Management i ssues in 2013 and 2014 / hazard Tree removal and reforestation

Due to the extreme and prolonged drought of 2011, approximately 21,000 trees have been removed to date and tree removal efforts are expected to continue through 2013, and perhaps beyond, requiring possible budget adjustments. The Board approved a fiveyear plan for reforestation that assumes a level annual appropriation.

f iVe-yeAr PLAN direc TiON

• Add appropriate staff to accommodate growth in the community.

• Understand and plan for financial impact of the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) / Montgomery County surface water program.

• Provide increased level of funds for hazard tree removal and reforestation due to environmental conditions.

e nhanced recycling service began in 2012

TrANsPOrTATiON & deVeLOPMeNT grOWTh fuNdiNg

Trolley service

The Woodlands Township currently partners with the Brazos Transit District (The District) to provide and fund trolley service in the Town Center area of the Township. The trolley system provides free transportation to an average of more than 10,000 riders per month. Each partner funds approximately $194,000 for the trolley system operation. The Brazos Transit District receives federal grant funds for their share of the cost operations and the Township matches the grant funds. The current agreement with the Brazos Transit District began on June 1, 2010 and runs for three years ending on April 30, 2013.

Township Directors continue to explore expansion of the trolley system to potentially include additional areas:

• A larger portion of the Town Center area to serve more hotels and businesses.

• Expansion of the present trolley route to include additional stops.

• Service to village shopping centers.

• Seasonal holiday service.

Future system expansion will depend on grant funding, Township matching funds and any potential user revenues from the expanded routes.

changes in Transportation funding d riven by change in federal requirements

Based on the 2010 Census of the U.S. Census Bureau, population increases in Montgomery County have caused new/changed requirements for local public transportation in the county. Based on the 2010 population, the U.S. Census Bureau created The Conroe/Woodlands Large Urban Area. The existing federal funding model (Small Urban Area) will change in recognition of the change in the Census Bureau designation, as required by federal law. The designation change can impact both the annual federal/ state funding amount and use of funds.

The Goodman Corporation, transportation consultant to the Township, is currently determining what the census-related designation change will mean for operation and funding of the Waterway Trolleys, as well as funding and operations of the three Woodlands Park & Ride facilities and Waterway Cruisers (see page 15) . The Goodman Corporation information will be available to guide decisions regarding transportation funding for 2013 and subsequent budget planning.

A five-year transportation plan will need to be developed that recognizes the change in federal/state transportation funding and the partner support The Woodlands Township will offer.

e conomic development

The Woodlands Township funds events and programs of strategic partners in South Montgomery County and the Greater Houston area, including South Montgomery County Woodlands Economic Development Partnership ($125,000), Greater Houston Partnership ($25,000), Center for Houston’s Future ($15,000) and Leadership Montgomery County ($5,000). The development of these strategic partnerships is important to The Woodlands Township to assist in economic development efforts, regional growth, regional transportation planning and transportation system advocacy.

Trolley in Market street

cONVeNTiON & VisiTOrs bureAu ANd cOMMuNiTy reLATiONs

convention & Visitors bureau

The tourism and convention business in The Woodlands is substantial and provides approximately $6.2 million per year in hotel occupancy tax collections. Tourism is also responsible for a major portion of the approximately $34 million collected in sales tax revenue.

Leisure travelers, corporate groups and conventions contribute substantially to The Woodlands economy by spending at restaurants and retail establishments. This generates additional sales tax proceeds and hotel stays (nearly 500,000 room nights a year in 11 hotel properties) that generate hotel occupancy tax. This provides for a healthy business environment and provides sales tax and hotel occupancy tax that reduce the overall property tax requirement. Currently, the major portion of the sales tax and room tax collections are used for property tax relief and debt service.

The Woodlands initial seven percent room tax collections are fully committed to the repayment of the debt associated with constructing The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center, which is unusual in the convention & visitors bureau business. The funding to support the construction of most municipal convention center projects is not generated entirely from hotel occupancy tax collections but also from a property tax commitment or a special tax for convention facilities. In the case of The Woodlands Township, the Convention Center construction cost was funded with a primary reliance on hotel occupancy tax revenues. In 2012, the entire debt service requirement for the Convention Center project will be paid from the seven percent hotel occupancy tax.

Of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) total 2012 budget of $2.9 million, $1.1 million is funded from the two percent supplemental hotel occupancy tax, $0.8 million is funded from sales tax collected by The Woodlands Township and $1.0 million is funded from sponsorships, program fees and other sources of revenue. Approximately 47 percent ($1.4 million) of the budget is used to directly produce events and/or support events that bring both residents and visitors to The Woodlands to enjoy all The Woodlands has to offer. The remaining 53 percent is used in destination marketing, advertising and promotion.

events

The Township will be involved in a number of community events and recreational offerings in 2013. These events provide opportunities for The Woodlands residents and bring many visitors to the

red, hot & b lue festival

area who are attending or participating in the events and most importantly, spending money in The Woodlands. Listed below are a number of major events supported or provided by the CVB.

• The Woodlands Waterway ® Arts Festival

• Fiesta Universal

• Fourth of July / Red, Hot & Blue Festival

• Lighting of the Doves

• International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW)

• The Ice Rink™ at The Woodlands Town Center

• The Woodlands Winter Wonderland

Waterway cruisers

• Waterway Programming:

» Live at Night (Spring and Fall Series)

» Memorial Day Weekend Events

» Movie Night

» Waterway Nights

» Trick or Treat Trail

» Labor Day Weekend Events

» Caroling on the Square

The Waterway Cruisers are operated by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. Funding for the Waterway Cruisers comes from a variety of sources including fares for rides, catering, advertising and sponsorships and transportation grants. Any funding shortfall is funded through an operating reserve that was established by the Township Board with a one-time allocation of the one percent supplemental hotel occupancy tax collected in 2011. When matched with other revenue sources, the reserve should provide the needed operating financial support for the Waterway Cruiser program for a five-year period. The renovation costs for the Cruisers were also funded through these room tax proceeds and no direct property tax funds were used in the renovations.

After the first year of operation in 2011, the CVB Board reviewed operations and determined that a Friday through Sunday schedule (along with holidays), provided the most financially viable operating schedule for the Waterway Cruisers. This new schedule was implemented on January 1, 2012, and the results of the reduced schedule appear to be effective in improving operating efficiencies and reducing operating costs.

In 2011, the CVB Board of Directors awarded Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. a one-year contract that allows Landry’s to provide exclusive catering services and private charters on the Waterway Cruisers. Groups can now experience a seated dinner for up to 20 passengers, or appetizers and cocktails for up to 35 passengers. Catered events on board include company retreats and holiday parties, among others.

Waterway cruisers

community relations

The Woodlands Township initiates a number of ways to bring awareness of its programs and services to The Woodlands residents and the general public including the official Township Web site and The Woodlands Community Magazine

The Woodlands Township’s official Web site, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, has a wealth of information for The Woodlands residents including applications for covenant administration, public meeting videos and governance information. The Woodlands Township contracts with CivicPlus to host the Web site.

In 2011, the multi-award-winning site received almost 300,000 unique visitors, almost 450,000 visits and more than 22,500,000 hits.

Township staff are constantly updating the site to make sure it is current. In 2011, there were more than 22,000 updates made to the site.

The Web site is also a tool people use to communicate with the Township. Almost 3,000 e-mails were received from the contact form in 2011. Also during this time, the Township received almost 1,800 job applications for people seeking employment with the Township.

The Woodlands Township publishes a monthly magazine, The Woodlands Community Magazine, in partnership with Champions Printing and Publishing, Inc. The magazine, mailed to more than 44,000 households, is intended to inform residents of The Woodlands about the activities and services of The Woodlands Township. It consistently rates very high readership (more than 90 percent) according to independent surveys.

Subscriptions and mailing of the magazine are entirely ad-supported; no tax dollars are used in the printing and mailing of the magazine.

In addition, The Woodlands Township provides many top-notch publications including the The Woodlands Parks and Pathways map, The Woodlands Township Recreation Center’s Action Guide and the Splash! brochure.

• Continue existing operations.

• Develop long term strategy for the Ice Rink’s permanent home.

The official Web site of The Woodlands Township www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

The Woodlands community Magazine

PLANNiNg fOr buiLd OuT

The Woodlands is still a number of years away from “build out,” or when it has reached its maximum number of single-family housing units and business square footage. As the community continues to grow, services will have to be expanded to include the newly developed growth areas and increased population. For example, between now and build out:

• Population will increase from 100,000 to 130,000.

• Commercial and industrial square footage will increase from 27.1 million square feet to 37.4 million square feet.

• Residential units will increase from 41,800 to 51,440.

• Parks will increase from 125 to 135.

• Pathways will increase from 190 miles to 205 miles.

• Open space will increase from 3,000 acres to 4,200 acres.

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

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

• Construction management / engineering services for capital projects

• Community-wide special events – sponsorships

• Public art program

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

• Some public works functions / roadway planning / drainage considerations / mobility planning / management of utility easements

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

The Township will need to identify future financial capacity to assume these services. Alternatives to providing the required funding would be to eliminate the service or change existing services to provide capacity.

PLANNiNg fOr fuTure gOVerNANce iMPAcTs

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

The Township’s Board of Directors has been working through a process to proactively examine whether the current governance structure is best suited for the community now and into the future or whether changes need to be made. The Board retained the firm Partners for Strategic Action (PSA) to assist with the governance process. The feedback received from governance forums, meetings and Web site submissions was compiled into a summary report and presented to the Board of Directors in August 2012. After consideration, the Board of Directors determined, absent significant changes in community needs or financial conditions, there is insufficient community support or a compelling need to pursue incorporation in 2014 or in the foreseeable future and, therefore, the Township governance structure will remain in place.

More information about the governance process is available at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/governance.

The Woodlands entry sign

fiVe-yeAr PLAN issues

capital Assets Management / reserve study

The Woodlands Township is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of capital assets, including park amenities, pedestrian pathways, fleet equipment, fire vehicles and equipment, computers, swimming pools / equipment, extensive sprinkler systems, parking lots, fountains and signage. In addition, facilities such as the fire stations, Emergency Training Center, Town Hall, Recreation Center and the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services building require maintenance and potential improvements or replacements. The current net book value of the Township’s assets totals $178 million.

The Township currently has a policy of maintaining a working capital reserve equal to 20 percent of annual operating revenues and utilizing 75 percent of monies generated by favorable budget variances to fund a capital reserve and the remaining 25 percent to fund an economic development reserve.

i ce r ink / consideration of Permanent site

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, which recently concluded its 13th anniversary season, is an established event intended to function as a major tourism generator in the “downtown” area of The Woodlands during the holiday season. The attraction serves as an important marketing tool in the promotion of holidays in The Woodlands. A total of 467,458 skaters have come through The Ice Rink over the past 13 years with annual attendance exceeding 43,000 in three consecutive years. The 2011-2012 season produced a record number of skaters at 48,335. Although the ice rink has used a number of temporary sites in the past (three different sites in 13 years), temporary sites may not be available in the future due to increased development demand. The annual cost to the CVB of constructing and taking down a temporary ice rink structure is approximately $185,000.

A feasibility study was conducted by PGAL for a permanent site on The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion property. The facility is proposed to be used two months per year for the ice rink and the remainder of the time by the Pavilion. Drawings and renderings were produced by PGAL, and the estimated cost of constructing a tent-like structure with permanent flooring and associated site costs is approximately $1.8 million. The Township / CVB approached the Pavilion about constructing and owning a more substantial facility at this site that could be leased to the CVB for two months a year for holiday ice rink purposes. The Pavilion would use the facility during their operating season for private parties, corporate events, weddings and other special events. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Board of Directors is in discussion about owning and constructing such a facility.

federal g rants for development of a Parking ramp Adjacent to e xisting Township Owned Parking ramp

In 2009, a request for federal grant funding consideration was submitted to build a 596-space ramp and multi-model transit terminal in the Town Center. The proposed ramp and transportation terminal would accommodate parking spaces for park-andride commuter services as well as for special events at the nearby convention center and pavilion. The ballpark cost of constructing the parking garage portion is in the $6.5 to $7.0 million range. Grant funding has been identified for about 50 percent of this construction cost.

When this proposed project was brought forward in 2009, there was discussion about placing a park-and-ride facility at a very busy location in the Town Center and the ingress and egress of large buses from this site during concert event times. This facility

The i ce r ink at The Woodlands Town center

is expected to serve as a transportation hub for the Town Center (including trolley service) and should allow the Township to better serve residents and visitors to the area. It will also provide much needed parking for this area on weekends and evening hours. There are a number of contractual use and design issues that would have to be resolved with Brazos Transit District and others. Board approval will be required before moving forward.

In late 2011, the Township entered into an agreement with Brazos Transit District, the Development Company and Mr. Mitchell where all parties funded $20,000 each to complete the planning for this proposed parking ramp project. This planning is still in progress.

f ive year Plan for Athletic f ield e xpansion Projects / f ield i mprovement Projects

The Township completed a needs assessment for parks and recreation facilities. As a result of this study, the Board identified a number of projects that should be included in the five-year capital plan with annual budget appropriations. The Board approved the installation of allweather sports turf to expand the usage at existing sports fields at Bear Branch Sportsfields and Alden Bridge Sports Park and appropriated funding to develop a new sports field complex as soon as a site is obtained.

shared costs with developer and future Transition i ssues

The Woodlands is still three to five years away from residential build out. At build out, services currently funded or managed by The Woodlands Development Company are projected to be assumed by The Woodlands Township, adjusted in scope or eliminated. We expect that the transfer of services will not occur all at once but will occur over a period of years. (See page 17, Planning for Build Out)

In 2009, the Township was provided bonding authorization to fund the 2010 – 2014 projects as provided under the Recreational Facilities agreement and the Town Center agreement. This utilization of existing funding is expected to be completed in 2014 and an additional $4.0 to $5.0 million has been requested to fund these joint agreements for the 2015 to 2017 period.

The existing consent agreement with the Development Company (which references a number of operating agreements) has an end date of May 29, 2014. The consent agreement should be considered for updating in 2013.

There are a number of other matters that should be discussed with the Development Company in the near future in order to initiate an effective transition timing process. These matters relate to the future management of easements, the design review committees and other property ownership issues that affect The Woodlands Township.

future changes that i mpact revenue g rowth and cost e stimates

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

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

Alden b ridge sports Park

AdOPTed 2013 cONsOLidATed budgeT

As adopted by The Woodlands Township Board of Directors in August 2012.

Adopted property tax rate: 31.73 cents per $100 of valuation

2013 reVe Nue by T yPe

* In addition to the revenues identified above, $8 1 million of funding for capital projects will be provided by bond proceeds received in prior years and funds transferred from the capital reserve This results in total revenue sources of $101 7 million

2013 exPe NdiTure by T yPe

Assistant

Constituents

Assistant

Director

Community

Fiscal

Parks

Solid

Records/

The

The Woodlands, Texas Community Facts

source:

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Please

Parks,

The Woodlands Township recreation center

The Woodlands Township Town hall, 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381, 281-210-3800

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 and to our activity and Web site sponsors. thanks to all!

the monthly alden Bridge residents Meeting is scheduled for tuesday, November 13, 2012, at 7 p.m. at the township building, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. our speaker will be Constable ryan Gable. Please join us to welcome him!

our yard of the Month program has run its course for 2012. Congratulations to our last winners, Linda and Joe skinner of auburn Place! We’ll begin again next april, thanks to our sponsors: Lowe’s, the Pavilion and Chick-fil-a. Next up will be the Holiday Lighting & 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.

We continue to welcome additions to our electronic mailing list for village news. Please send your e-mail address to info@aldenbridge.org. your address will not be shared and will be used only to distribute village news. also, please visit our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org, which is updated continuously.

Don’t forget the holiday festivities that begin this month, and have a wonderful thanksgiving holiday!

Submitted by Darla Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

Hope you had a chance to participate in the Cochran’s Crossing Fall Festival that was held sunday, october 21, 2012, at shadowbend Park on Lake Woodlands

Drive. the free event was open to Cochran’s Crossing residents as well as those who live in other villages. Food was catered by Kroger, and there were games such as apple bob, bean bag toss, face painting, miniature golf, football toss and ring toss. the activities also included a petting zoo, pony ride and bounce house. the Woodlands High school Kiwanis Key Club and rotary Interact Club, as well as the College Park rotary Interact Club, helped with the festival.

If you want to keep up-to-date on Cochran’s Crossing, check out the new Cochran’s Crossing Village association Web site. Brian Creighton recently revised the Web site, and we think the fresh, new look will be appreciated. you can find it at www.cochranscrossing. com, where you will find photos from the Fall Festival and a link to our Facebook page. there is also a link on the Web site to send information or comments you believe would be of interest to Cochran’s Crossing residents.

news from the cochran’s crossing village association the drought did not impact our area this year as it did in 2011, but our future water supply remains a concern. at a recent meeting of the Cochran’s Crossing Village association, Bob Dailey from the Woodlands Joint Powers agency provided some details on plans to meet the statemandated goal of reducing ground

water (aquifer) use by 30 percent in the next four years. the main way this will be done is through water transmission lines from Lake Conroe. For Cochran’s Crossing this will mean construction work along the south side of research Forest from 2013 into 2014. there will also be an increase in water rates for the Woodlands, Conroe, and all other participating areas in the county.

also at the meeting, township Director Mike Bass was recognized for his work in bringing Cochran’s Crossing Village association concerns to the attention of the township.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Happy thanksgiving to everyone from the College Park Village association! College Park had a successful National Night out at Harper’s Landing Park for residents who did not have their own block parties. Windsor Hills residents always have a wonderful turnout for their National Night out festivities right in their center square. Many residents also took it upon themselves to invite their close neighbors to a block party, which is a fantastic way to meet those who live around you. thank you for making National Night out a success!

College Park also had our Family Fall Festival/Halloween spooktacular at Harper’s Landing Park. It was wonderful to see all the children dressed in costumes and enjoying the festivities! thank you, parents, for participating in our spookiness! thank you to our board members for all of their hard work in preparing and making the spooktacular spectacular! Way to go, Janet and Cori, for chairing again this year.

College Park is participating in a cork and plastic cap collection at the 3r Bazaar on saturday, November 10, 2012. Visit the College Park Web site

N EWS FROM T h E V illages OF T he W oodlands

at www.villageofcollegepark.com for information on dropping off wine corks and plastic bottle caps that you have been collecting. all villages compete for the highest number collected and the village with the most earns dollars for their scholarship fund.

this is also election month! It is a very important election for President of the united states. Please make sure you Vote.

November is the month for giving thanks to your family and friends and the blessings we receive each and every day. We love to see our businesses flourishing with customers and the shopping season in full force. Be careful on the roads and practice safe shopping. shopping alone at night is not a good idea in any community. Be aware of your surroundings and stay safe!

our last meeting for the year will be on November 19, 2012. stop by and meet your board and get involved for the 2013 year! We encourage all residents to attend the monthly meetings, which are held at the Woodlands emergency training Center just north of the Harper’s Landing entrance off of I-45. We should be aware and involved in what is going on in our community; it makes for a much warmer village when concern is shown.

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Creekside Park

holiday lighting and decorating contest

It’s a great time to start preparing for the annual Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest. there are no registration or entry requirements; Creekside Park residents simply display their lights and/or decorations during the dates of thursday, November 29, through tuesday, December 4, 2012. there are two categories: Best Home and Best Neighborhood. Prizes will be awarded on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.

For more information regarding the details and prizes, please visit www.creeksideparkvillage.com.

save the date

the Woodlands Creekside Park Village association will present the 4th annual Chili Cook-off and Winter Festival on saturday, December 1, 2012, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lodge at rob Fleming Park. there will be fun for the whole family including a chili cook-off, giant snow sledding hill, face painting, kids crafts, train rides, snowman building contest, free food and a Holiday Market.

the Woodlands Creekside Park Village association will also present the “Chilly” Chili 1 Mile Kids Fun run at noon at the rob Fleming aquatic Center.

participate

Monthly association meetings are held the first tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the creekside YMca lodge making it more convenient for residents to attend and participate. Visit www.creeksidepark.com and “like” us on Facebook for all of the latest news and event information.

Submitted by Nancy Decker Lent

Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village association hosted a community event on tuesday, october 2, 2012, to focus on National Night out crime and drug prevention and to celebrate the renovation of sawmill Park. It was a great turnout in which many calories were consumed. If you did not participate, keep in mind for next year.

Grogan’s Mill Village association received a briefing at its regular september monthly board meeting (third Monday, 6:30 p.m. at the Woodlands township, open to all) from James Noack, republican nominee for Precinct 3 Commissioner, concerning installation of continued on page 18

a lden Brid G e

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

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

c ochran’s c rossin G

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Web site www.cochranscrossing.com

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

c olle G e park

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

Web site www.villageofcollegepark.com

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

c reekside park

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

Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com

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

Gro G an’s Mill

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

Questions? Contact your program specialist at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Jim Duke at president@gmva.org.

i ndian s prin G s

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

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

pan T her c reek

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

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

sT erlin G r id G e

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

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

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

a new water main down research Forest and Grogan’s Mill road. Please visit www.sjra.net/grp for more information.

the $6.5 million project to widen Woodlands Parkway between Grogan’s Mill road and east Panther Creek will begin this fall and will take approximately one year to complete. subscribe to the newsletter at www.grogansmillvillage.com for updates on the construction on both the Grogan’s Mill road and Woodlands Parkway projects.

renovation of the pedestrian bridge over Grogan’s Mill road (at sawmill) started in early october. the bridge is getting a facelift including new paint and landscaping.

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

Winners of the Grogan’s Mill yard of the Month for october were sue and tommy eubanks, pictured below. they were the first to build a home on their street.

the eubanks practice being good neighbors by helping maintain the cul-desac on their street.

If you haven’t done so, now is the time to reduce irrigation frequency or to turn your sprinkler system off.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Dana Denton

Indian Springs

community involvement day in rush haven park

thank you to everyone who attended the Community Involvement Day at rush Haven Park! Neighbors gathered together to socialize and hear about crime prevention information, safety tips and other fabulous services provided by the Woodlands township.

holiday lighting and decorating contest 2012 dates

the judging dates for the Indian springs Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest will be Friday, December 7, through sunday, December 9, 2012. For questions about the contest, please check the Indian springs Village association’s news section on Facebook or at at www.indianspringsvillage.com.

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

the Woodlands Fall Flea Market was held on saturday, November 3, 2012, and was a great success thanks to the many vendors, volunteers and the buying public. Big thanks go out to the many volunteers who always make the spring and fall Flea Markets a success. some volunteers arrive as early as 2:30 a.m. and stay until noon when the last vendor leaves. special thanks to Larry Faith, the coordinator and organizer of the flea market, for his efficient and effective leadership during the last 23 flea markets (more than 10 years).

3r Bazaar

Celebrate america recycles Day at the 3r Bazaar. saturday, November 10, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is the day to drop off all those keys, plastic bottle caps and corks you have been collecting. Whether you have been collecting for a short time or all year long, we hope to see you recycling at the 3r Bazaar. Collections will be held at the township Parks, recreation and environmental services Facility at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive (next to the Woodlands High school). Can’t make it on November 10? you can drop your caps and corks anytime prior to the 3r Bazaar in the dedicated, blue recycling bin at the Indian springs H-e-B!

every year during Christmas time, the Panther Creek Village association chooses the neighborhood and the individual home with the best Christmas lighting decorations. Last year, tangle Brush was the best neighborhood and terry Covington’s home was the best individual home. according to Panther Creek Village association rules, winners cannot win two years in a row. so this year there is an opportunity for any of the other neighborhoods or individuals in Panther Creek to win. the winning home will get a plaque and the winning neighborhood will receive free tickets to the Ice rink in town Center. Both sets of winners will also get yard signs. this year we will judge the best lighting during the first couple weeks of December, so get your lights up early. though it may seem early to start thinking about lighting, it is a good time for the neighbors to get together to make an effort to win this year.

as a reminder, all residents of Panther Creek are welcome at the Panther Creek Village association’s monthly meetings

Photo by h olly Steinke

Indian Springs Village Association President Amy Lecocq, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit, District 6 Deputy David Borchardt, Patrol Deputy Randy Salazar with District 6, Zone 3, Indian Springs and Lead Park Ranger Bob Bruning greet residents at the Community Involvement Day in Rush Haven Park.

on the second thursday of every month. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are held at the Woodlands township town Hall. the Panther Creek Village association newsletter and Web site are now in operation. Please register with our Web site, www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org, to receive periodic updates about local activities and issues of concern to residents of Panther Creek.

Submitted by Merle Causey

Sterling Ridge

3r Bazaar annual event support sterling ridge by bringing your recyclables and help us win this year’s Village recycling Challenge event saturday, November 10, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at township Parks, recreation and environmental Facility, 8203 Millenium Forest Drive (next to the Woodlands High school)

acceptable recyclables this year include natural corks, caps from threaded neck bottles, plastic jar lids, flip caps from tubes, personal care products and food product bottles and flexible snap-on lids. Please rinse or clean well enough to remove any remaining ‘product’ from the caps. our facility does not have a washline for cleaning caps. Please remove foil, foam or paper liners. (Note: Most caps are not marked with the #5. We can recycle all caps that meet these criteria.)

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

If you are 18 years or older and cannot make it to this event but are interested in providing your above-listed acceptable recyclables to help our village win the recycling challenge, please e-mail our sterling ridge Village association Green Liaison Mr. Gabriel Castillo at myrgab@aol.com. We can arrange a collection of your recyclables at your residence or place of work (must be within sterling ridge limits), from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, until November 9, 2012. the person (18 years or older) arranging the collection must be present at the time of collection.

Submitted by Gabriel Castillo

By Lucinda Valdes

Photo by Linda Crum

Jason McKenzie (below), native plant expert, reveals the botanical riches of east texas at the next Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture, trees for small spaces, on thursday, November 8, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. at McCullough Jr. High school, 3800 s Panther Creek Drive. Past president of the

local chapter of the Native Plant society, Jason McKenzie is one of the youngest members of native plant advocates. He lectures extensively to garden clubs, nature groups and professional organizations.

Nestled beneath the canopy of pines and hardwoods, understory trees grow 15- to 25-feet tall, an ideal size for residential and commercial lots, according to Mr. McKenzie. the trees can be very tough. “they have a lower profile and receive some protection from surrounding structures. With an understory tree, you have a tree that is not going to be an issue in a storm,” he said.

aesthetically, small trees do not disappoint in the landscape. the Mexican oak is his choice for hot, dry sites because it allows more light in for other gardening activities. add herbs and roses, and you’ve created a cottage garden.

“a nursery-grown, native tree can look as beautiful, if not even more beautiful than an exotic ornamental,” states Mr. McKenzie. Flowering dogwood, fringe tree, black cherry, snowbell, Mexican plum, the list of native understory trees with white flowers goes on and on.

Whether sun, shade, drought or boggy—Mr. McKenzie has a recommendation for every landscape challenge. He reveals how to select and care for woodland trees. a free program of the Woodlands township, the event is sponsored by the Woodlands G.r.e.e.N., Waste Management and Hilton Garden Inn. For more information, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Photo by Lucinda Valdes

o sT

The fall and winter season means local plants and grasses go dormant, and little or no irrigation water is needed. To offset the rising cost of water, turn programmable irrigation systems off, and water only as needed.

WE’RE CELEBRATING!

Cooper has been a leader in PK-12 independent school education in The Woodlands for 25 years. We are pleased to announce that will be breaking ground on a 16,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open in the Fall of 2013 that will enable us to increase our Lower School enrollment. Join us on campus to learn more at an upcoming Admission event and experience Cooper for yourself.

Good NeiGhbor

Now

that you’ve met your neighbors at your National Night out party, keep up the good work by being safe at Home. at a recent Good Neighbor Day in Bacopa Bay, McGruff the Crime Dog talked to children about how to stay safe at home. this includes locking doors, setting alarms, securing valuables and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement in your neighborhood. Contact your program specialist at neighbor@thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov or 281-210-3800 to find out more about being safe at Home in your neighborhood.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office .........................

936-442-7797

harris County Constable Precinct #4 (Village of Creekside Park) .......................................

281-376-3472

www.woodlandswellness.com

Active on the Pathways!

We are Thankful For our adopt-a-Path Stewards

alden BRidge Bredehoft Family, Cub Scout Pack 772

Dens 1, 5 and 18, Cub Scout Pack 886, Culp Family, Steve and Judy Easton, St. Anthony of Padua National Junior honor Society

CoChRan’s CRossing Cochran’s Crossing Crew, Creighton Family, Roger howard, Kimmel Family, Woodlands Landscaping

CReeKside FoResT Signature Services Realty

indian sPRings Andra Wilcox and Richard Nieto III, Employees of h-E-B Indian Springs

PanTheR CReeK Boy Scout Troop 777, The Woodlands College Park Reveliers and Cochran’s Crossing

sTeRling Ridge Bell Family, Charles and Donna Moseley

ToWn CenTeR American Legion Post 305, Lady Cavaliers Athletics and Research Forest

Photos by Montrice Williams

Erika Paige, Service Director (top), and Montrice Wilson of H-E-B Indian Springs.

Tuesday, november 27

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

the Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.

Going Green Sustainability Series

Developing a New Water Paradigm for The Woodlands

Public Education Coordinator Bob Dailey

Woodlands Joint Powers Agency

7 p.m.

South Regional Library

2101 Lake Robbins Road

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

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

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

Each village association will coordinate their own Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest, including dates and publicity, with support from The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Fire Department. Check with your village association’s Web site for more details.

By Bob Dailey

Many residents feel that they should irrigate vegetation all year long. the fact is that local plants and grasses, including turf grasses, are generally dormant during the fall and winter months. overwatering in the winter and trying to keep them bright green actually weakens plants, making them susceptible to cold weather damage and the proliferation of weeds. and it’s impractical, expensive and irresponsible to apply the high amounts of herbicides to control large numbers of weeds in the garden caused by overwatering. eventually, plants will suffer from root damage, weed outbreaks and poor color.

For established lawns, little or no irrigation water is needed during this period. In the fall, add about a quarter of an inch of compost to your lawn. adjust programmable irrigation systems to the manual settings. raise blades of mowers to their highest level. Cutting grass once a month or at most every two weeks during winter will also ensure healthier lawns. reducing water consumption is a sensible and beneficial way to offset the rising costs for water.

the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. They may be submitted to The Woodlands Community Magazine, P.O. Box 7859, The Woodlands, TX, 77387-7859. For more information, please call 281-210-3800. Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome. Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or 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 © 2012. 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.

Barney