November 2017

3R BAZAAR

HOLIDAY ROUNDUP

Lighting of the Doves

The Ice Rink

The Woodlands Township Election

VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

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

Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77389

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

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

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

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

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

Emergency 911

Gordy Bunch Chairman Position No. 1

Brian Boniface Director Position No. 2

John McMullan Vice Chairman Position No. 5

John Anthony Brown Director Position No. 3

Laura Fillault Secretary Position No. 7

Bruce Rieser Director Position No. 4

Ann Snyder Treasurer Position No. 6

Don Norrell President and General Manager

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Creative Director Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Copy Editors Perry Frank

Kacie Gurney

Editorial Assistant Amber George

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

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

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

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ROUNDUP Holiday

By Chelsie Wilson

Jingle Boats

2 p.m., Riva Row Boat House

This fun family adventure will have you wishing for a kayak under the tree this holiday season. Participants in tandem boats will depart from our Riva Row Boat House in search of presents on our local shores. $35 per tandem kayak.

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt

6 p.m., Terramont Park

Come out to Terramont Park for some hot cocoa, cookies and a flashlight candy cane hunt. Be sure to bring a flashlight and your camera for a picture with Santa! Ages 5 and up. $10 resident, $15 non-resident child, $5 sibling discount.

Breakfast with Santa

16: 10 a.m., Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

22: 10 a.m., The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

Includes breakfast, a special craft, holiday music and photographs with Santa. Discounts are available for families of two or three. For all ages. $40 resident family of four, $45 nonresident family of four, $8 each additional family member.

Gingerbread House Making with Santa

1 p.m., Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

Build and decorate a gingerbread house with gum drops, peppermints, frosting and more! Parent participation required. Ages 5 through 12. $20 resident, $25 non-resident, $5 sibling discount.

Movie in the Park – “Elf”

7 p.m., Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park – Amphitheater

Pull out your blankets and lawn chairs for a showing of Elf. Take photos with Santa and create your very own specialty popcorn for the movie. Rated PG. For all ages. $30 family of four, $8 per person.

Feliz Navi-DOG

10 a.m., Bear Branch Dog Park

Bring your fur baby out to Bear Branch Dog Park for a treat hunt and holiday costume contest! Enjoy hot cocoa while your pets socialize, then decorate a stocking for your pooch. $5 per dog.

Brunch with Santa

11 a.m., Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

Includes brunch, a special craft, holiday music and photographs with Santa. Discounts are available for families of two or three. For all ages. $40 resident family of four, $45 nonresident family of four, $8 each additional family member.

Santa’s Workshop

3 p.m., Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

Build small toys and crafts with the elves! Enjoy cookies, music, and hot cocoa by the fireplace. Santa will be there to take photos! Parent participation required. Ages 5 through 12. $20 resident, $25 non-resident, $5 sibling discount.

North Pole Adventure Ft. Flashlight & Candy Cane Hunt

6 p.m., Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

Come out to the Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park for a craft, hot cocoa, cookies and a special flashlight candy cane hunt. Be sure to bring a flashlight and your camera for a picture with Santa! Ages 5 through 12. $20 resident, $25 non-resident, $5 sibling discount.

Pre-registration is required to attend all programs, and spaces are limited, so register today. Registration on event day is not permitted unless space and supplies allow. Please call us at 281-210-3950 to secure your spot. Holiday events will sell out early. If an event is full, please register for the wait list, as additional holiday events may be added to accommodate demand.

Take A Spin At The Ice Rink

The Woodlands Township invites families and friends to enjoy ice skating this season in the new 21,000-square-foot permanent multipurpose facility. The ice rink features ice skating in a main room with lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, tables for parties and concessions. The rink opens for the season on Saturday, November 18, 2017. Grab your friends and get your cheer and chill on at The Ice Rink!. For more details and hours, visit The Woodlands Township website, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/icerink.

Join us Saturday, November 18, 2017, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Town Green Park for the 35th Annual Lighting of the Doves, a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the community’s holiday season. The doves illuminate The Woodlands Town Center, symbolizing hope and peace for the holidays. The Lighting of the Doves Festival features snow play areas, vendor booths, children’s activities and live performances, with the highlight of the events being a special appearance by Santa Claus arriving by sleigh down The Woodlands Waterway® and a fireworks display, weather permitting, at Town Green Park. This event is produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department, and is sponsored by Coca-Cola and The Woodlands Development Company.

Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest

Celebrate the season with the annual Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest! Each village association coordinates their own contest with support from The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Fire Department. To enter the contest, just decorate the outside of your home for viewing by the judges during the month of December. Decorations may be left up for the month, but should not be up longer than six weeks total. There are usually two categories: Best Home in the village and Best Neighborhood in the village. A neighborhood is broadly defined as a few homes located in close proximity, or an entire cul-de-sac or subdivision. Best Home prizes include a yard sign and plaque. A yard sign and other prizes are usually awarded to Best Neighborhood. Members of each village association serve as contest judges. The selection of winners is left to the sole discretion of the judges. Please check your village association’s website for more details about your respective village.

Photo courtesy Panther Creek Village Association

The 2017 holiday season kicks off with the annual Lighting of the Doves Festival at Town Green Park and the opening of the Ice Rink Saturday, November 18, 2017.

Photo by Ted Washington

Photo by Mauricio Ramirez

It’s November, and unless your pool is heated, your family might not get back into the water again until spring break. So, what can you do to safely prepare your backyard pool for a Texas winter?

TIPS FOR SAFELY Winterizing Your Home Pool

By Karl Shaw

DO NOT DRAIN IT!

The Woodlands and the greater Houston area have a high underground water table, so unless you have hydrostatic relief valve(s) in the floor of your pool, do NOT completely drain it. Picture an empty bowl pushed down into a full sink... By draining a pool without giving the groundwater a place to escape, such as through these sort of relief valves, your pool’s now-empty shell can get pushed up from the ground, cracking both pipes and concrete. This can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in diagnostics and repairs (or complete loss).

SAFE POOL COVERS

Simple tarps can easily give way if a person or pet accidentally falls onto them. Instead, consider investing in a pool cover. Specially-designed covers meant to keep people and pets (and critters and debris) out of pools in the winter months can alleviate stress, but only if they are sized and installed correctly. When your pool cover is properly fitted, you should not be able to lift it without removing various bolts or tie-downs. If you are interested in covering your pool for the winter months, look for a reputable company with a local office that will size a pool cover specifically for your home, and let them handle initial installation.

WINTERIZING PIPES

Treat your pool pipes just like those in the rest of your home. If they are outside and holding pressurized, stationary water, give them some insulation for hard freezes (below 25°F for over four hours). If you have the pool system turned off, simply open valves and lids and let the water naturally expand and contract. But if your pool is still circulating, you’re probably safe. Water in circulating pool systems will almost never freeze during a Texas winter so there’s typically no need to act. Contact your pool contractor for specific questions.

POOL CLEANING IN WINTER

If you have a pool cleaning service, consult your rep about the possibility of reducing the frequency of their visits in the coldest months. Direct sunlight and water temperature are major factors in pool chlorine usage and algae growth. The pool will still need routine maintenance, but most service companies will be honest about your ability to safely scale back efforts and then ramp back up in the spring. After all … the “pool guys” deserve some vacation time, too!

The information presented here is purposefully general, and residents should do their own research to find out what is best for them. Pick your favorite search engine and carefully research the terms mentioned here for more information!

&

TIPS FOR Cleaning, Decluttering Greening Up Your Holiday Season

By Kacey Wilkins

The holidays are almost here! Once the season is over, consider these simple steps for a greener, cleaner and less cluttered home.

Reuse and recycle gift wraps

As a reminder, on the first pickup day after December 25, 2017, extra wrapping paper and gift boxes are accepted curbside for recycling. To recycle holiday paper and gift boxes, place in a paper bag or small box next to your recycling cart. The holiday recycling truck is a traditional rear-loading truck, reserved only for recyclables. Please remember:

– NO plastic bags or film (Recycle at local grocery stores.)

– NO Styrofoam™ (Block Styrofoam™ recycles at Precinct 3 Recycling Facility; packing peanuts recycle at local shipping stores.)

– NO bubble wrap (Recycle at local grocery/shipping stores.)

– NO ribbon or decorations

Don’t trash the Christmas tree

The Woodlands Township offers Christmas tree recycling. To prepare the evergreen for recycling, please remove all decorations, lights and tree stands from the tree. Place the tree at the curb on your regular service day. Green trees will be picked up by the yard waste truck as part of your regularly scheduled services. Flocked trees can be picked up

by requesting a bulk order, but cannot be recycled and will be sent to landfills.

Properly dispose of e-waste

If you gave or received new electronics as holiday gifts, you most likely have some old items you’ll want to discard. As electronics often contain toxic materials that will wind up in the waste stream, refrain from dumping your old tablets, computers, cameras, toys and televisions. The Precinct 3 Recycle Center and Best Buy accept electronics for recycling.

Use eco-friendly cleaners

Common household cleaning products contain a variety of toxic and dangerous chemicals. Try eco-friendly cleaners that can be made with household ingredients such as baking soda, white vinegar, vegetable oil and hydrogen peroxide. These eco-friendly concoctions will leave your house sparkling and save you money.

Clothing and shoes

Adopt the one-in, one-out policy, and recycle the surplus clothes clogging your closets. For a list of places to donate, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

By following these tips, your home will be cleaner, greener and more organized.

The Woodlands Township 2017 Holiday Collection Schedule

The only holidays that will affect residential trash and recycling collection in 2017 are Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2017, and Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2017.

There will be no trash or recycling service on these holidays. Waste Management will resume pick up on the day following the holiday. Trash and recycling pick-up for the observed holiday and all subsequent days of the week will be delayed by one day. For instance, Monday service will occur on Tuesday and Tuesday service will occur on Wednesday, etc. Households with Friday service will receive pickup on Saturday. For all other holidays, please place your carts at the curb if it is your regular service day. For a trouble-free pickup, please place carts at curb by 7 a.m., make sure that lids on carts close completely and follow service guidelines. The Woodlands Recycling Center on Research Forest Drive will be open every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., regardless of holidays.

The mission of The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department is to empower informed choices for the sustained health of our community and environment. The department coordinates a wide variety of programs that provide information and resources for healthy, sustainable living. For more information, please visit us online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment or call 281-210-3800.

Voted

SAFE

By Holly Steinke

SHOPPING

for the holidays

Before heading out to the stores to check out the holiday bargains, keep your shopping safe this holiday season with these safety tips from The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch.

• Be sure your vehicle is in good working order before you head out. Have your roadside assistance card with you, if needed.

• Remove extra items from your purse or wallet that you don’t need when you go shopping. Leave extra credit cards, checks, cash, social security card, passport, etc. at home in a safe place.

• Remove packages and other items you need from your vehicle before you go and when you return.

• Look for a well-lit parking space when you get to the store, even if it isn’t dark yet. You may be longer than you think and want to feel safe when you leave.

• Lock your vehicle.

• Be aware of surroundings at all times.

• Be sure that your children are accounted for; have a plan if you get separated.

• Report suspicious activity to store employees or law enforcement, as needed.

• Check to be sure that you have everything before you leave the store and have your keys handy.

• Save your receipts to check against your credit card bill and to make any returns or exchanges go smoother.

• If something doesn’t look right when you are walking to your vehicle, trust your instincts and go back to the store and ask for assistance.

• If you are driving to another store, hide your items in your vehicle before you leave the current store.

• Check your rearview mirrors to be sure that you aren’t followed home.

• Take your items inside, lock up and enjoy your treasures!

FOR ONLINE SHOPPING

• Make sure your computer software is up to date with the latest security features.

• Shop from websites you know.

• If trying a new site, check reviews before going to the site.

• Understand the site’s return policy before making a purchase.

• Watch for secure sites with “https” in the URL screen when paying.

• Consider using a third-party payment service, such as PayPal for payment at an unknown site. Keep copies of your transactions.

By taking these simple shopping precautions, you can help keep yourself, your family and your belongings safe. Happy holidays!

November 2017

Wednesday, November 1

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, November 2

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Frogs and Toads of Houston

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

Rock the Row, presented by Strike Hughes Landing

7 to 9 p.m. 281-210-3800

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

281-210-5808

Friday, November 3

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Dr. 7 p.m.

This event is geared to fifth- and sixth-graders. $7 admittance fee 281-210-3950

Saturday, November 4

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Arts in the Park

Rob Fleming Park 6055 Creekside Forest Dr. 2 to 6 p.m. 281-210-3800

Nature Exploration Walk

Wet-footed Friends: Frogs and Toads

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Dr. 6 to 8 p.m.

Free; registration required. 281-210-3800

Monday, November 6

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

Lonestar College – Creekside Park Center

8747 West New Harmony Trail 7 p.m. 281-210-3889

Tuesday, November 7

Election Day

Please see page 3.

Thursday, November 9

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3886

Rock the Row, presented by Strike Hughes Landing

7 to 9 p.m. 281-210-3800

Friday, November 10

Kid’s Night Out –Superhero Surprise!

6 to 10 p.m.

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch 5310 Research Forest Dr. $30 per child, siblings receive discount.

The Classics Movie Series

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids! The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming 6464 Creekside Forest Dr. 6:30 to 8 p.m. 281-210-3950

Saturday, November 11 Veterans Day

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

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

www.grogansmillvillage.com

3R Bazaar

8203 Millennium Forest Dr.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

FREE Composting Classes

8203 Millennium Forest Dr.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Veterans Day Tribute

Town Green Park

2099 Lake Robbins Dr.

4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

22nd Annual Children’s Festival

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets required, visit www.woodlandscenter.org

Sunday, November 12

Fall Fest

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park

6464 Creekside Forest Dr. 2 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

22nd Annual Children’s Festival

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Noon to 5 p.m.

Tickets required, visit www.woodlandscenter.org

Tuesday, November 14

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 15

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, November 16

Rock the Row, presented by Strike Hughes Landing

7 to 9 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, November 17

Special Township Board Meeting to Canvass Election Results

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Noon

281-210-3800

The Classics Movie Series

Back to the Future

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming

6464 Creekside Forest Dr.

6:30 to 8 p.m.

281-210-3950

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park

5310 Research Forest Dr.

7 p.m.

This event is geared to fifth- and sixth--graders. $7 admittance fee

281-210-3950

Saturday, November 18

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Ice Rink Opens

See page 7.

Lighting of the Doves

Town Green Park

2099 Lake Robbins Dr. 3 to 9 p.m.

Monday, November 20

Sunny Dayz Drop-In Camp (Monday, November 20 thru Wednesday, November 22)

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming

6464 Creekside Forest Dr. 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

281-210-3950

See page 31.

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Thursday, November 23

Thanksgiving Day

All Township offices closed.

Run Thru The Woods

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

7:45 a.m.

281-681-6730

HOLIDAY GARBAGE

COLLECTION

There will be no waste collection on Thursday, November 23, 2017, in observance of Thanksgiving. Waste collection will be moved to the day following the regular service. All services are affected. Please refer to the chart below. The Recycling Center will be open Saturday, November 25, 2017. Normal schedule will resume Monday, November 27, 2017.

Regular Collection Holiday Collection

Thursday, November 23 Friday, November 24

Friday, November 24 Saturday, November 25

Friday, November 24

All Township offices closed.

Saturday, November 25

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

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

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Tuesday, November 28

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3887

Wednesday, November 29

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m. 281-210-3800

Thursday, November 30

Going Green Sustainability Lecture Air Quality Issues Facing Montgomery County Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) 8801 Gosling Road 7 p.m.

www.thewoodlandsgreen.org

*For up to date listings, including American Heart Association Heartsaver and First Aid classes, please visit the Township calendar located at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call the office at 281-210-3800.

SCHEDULE CHANGES THIS MONTH

REMEMBER: The Woodlands Covenants require that trash and recycling carts must be stored out of public view.

Leaving trash carts out longer than necessary detracts from the curb appeal of neighborhoods and becomes an eyesore. Trash and recycling receptacles may be placed at the curb on the day prior to trash pickup and should be removed from the curb by the end of the day of trash pickup.

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

It’s almost time for Thanksgiving, so we’d like to thank everyone who donated their valuable time, talents, goods and services this year in support of the Alden Bridge Village Association. Many people and organizations deserve recognition for sponsoring and assisting with our events and programs. Thanks to everyone who attended. We appreciate all that you’ve done.

Your vote definitely counts, so please vote in The Woodlands Township Board of Directors election on November 7. Three director positions will be filled based on your votes, and there is one contested position. Early voting began on October 23 and runs through November 3. We’d love to see voter turnout improve for these elections, so please participate in this process.

The monthly Alden Bridge Village Association board/residents’ meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 14, at 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest. Our guest speaker has not been identified yet, so watch our website, email newsletter and Facebook page for that information. Please join us!

Stop by and see us at the 3R Bazaar at the Township’s Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Millennium Forest facility on November 11, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual Buy Recycled Boutique will be there – it’s a great place to start your Christmas shopping. This year’s village challenge involves collecting CD/DVD disks, jewel boxes and cases – and I’ll bet you have some to contribute. We earn money for our scholarship fund based on the amount that we collect, so please bring these to the Alden Bridge booth. You can also recycle batteries, eyeglasses, clothing…and there will be a shred truck on site. Oral care products – old toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes and floss containers – will be collected for

recycling by Girl Scout Cadette Troop 11953.

We completed this year’s Yard of the Month program with the award to Cliff Clark of S. Belfair Place in Ashley Green. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, and thanks to everyone who sent us nominations! We’ll begin again next April. In December, we’ll have the annual Holiday Lighting and Decorating contest – and there should be plenty of lights and decorations in the stores right now to help you prepare! We always have beautiful decorations in our village.

Have you signed up for our email newsletter? It’s easy; just send your email address to info@aldenbridge.org and you’ll receive Alden Bridge news every month. Your address will not be shared and will be used only to distribute village news. Also please visit our website, www.aldenbridge.org, which is updated continuously, and connect with us on Facebook!

Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of the holiday festivities this month. The Lighting of the Doves – bringing Santa and the holiday spirit to The Woodlands – will be held on November 18, 2017, at Town Green Park. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Submitted by Darla D. Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

As a reader of The Woodlands Community Magazine, you are aware that the July Cochran’s Crossing article featured the Astros and the trip to one of their games. We felt they set the example for teamwork and enjoying the game of baseball. It was clear to us (even though they lost the game we attended to Cleveland) this would be a historic year for the team.

We were right in May and as of this article’s submission, the Astros have just won their Division. Now, once again,

we are looking ahead. We can’t project what will happen in the playoffs and if the Astros will win “the big game against the other league” (at least that’s what Mattress Mack calls it). But we can say that all the comments made back in May have been true throughout the season. Win or lose, the Astros have set an example that can be applied in many other times and places.

Speaking of examples, Cochran’s Crossing has been the site of multiple National Night Out Events, and the Village Association also participated in the annual Community Safety Expo. Zack Lowe, Phil Greger and Steve Perry took the lead for Cochran’s Crossing in this event. In September, Capstone neighborhood along with The Woodlands Township’s Neighborhood Watch held a National Night Out event. Beverly Fennessy and Bert Wagner represented our village.

By the time you read this, the Fall Festival will be completed. Planning was headed up by Dabney Wisenbaker, assisted by Jennifer Kraus, Sef Farias and Cynthia Kessinger and the rest of the Cochran’s Crossing board. Of note were the new games that were introduced by Steve Perry. (Steve was also the originator of the frozen pop treat conveyance that was introduced at the 4th of July parade.)

This year’s Fall Festival can be cited as the best in the more than 20 years of this event and as having more activities for all ages than any past year. The Fall Festival is also a success due to the volunteer support from the Rotary Interact Clubs from The Woodlands and College Park High Schools. They help run the games without excessive delays. Kroger at the Cochran’s Crossing Shopping Center came through again this year with water and hot dogs for all.

Don’t forget Christmas and outdoor lighting displays. Cochran’s Crossing

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

residents have outstanding seasonal displays. If you want to have your home recognized as best in the area, enter it for judging. There are opportunities for individual homes and homes that are entered as a group. Contact Village President Stuart Schroeder at 936-273-0419 or aggiebob@consolidated.net and give us your address.

Here’s another reminder about Village digital sponsorships. They help raise money for educator grants and scholarships. Last year 61 grants were awarded to teachers of schools serving Cochran’s Crossing elementary students. Each year scholarships are available to high school students. There are two levels of support involving recognition on our website, Facebook, Nextdoor network, and the Cochran’s Crossing newsletter. Call Beverly Fennessy at 713-898-0436 for more information.

All village meetings are open and, with the exception of December, are held each month. Although the October meeting is held earlier in the month due to the annual Fall Festival, the meetings are normally at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday at the Township meeting rooms. For information, call Gary Conwell, board secretary, at 281-387-6986.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

College Park will participate next month in the Holiday Lighting Contest. Board members plan to be out and about in the neighborhoods of College Park in the early part of December to find the best light display in our village. Start planning and get out your holiday decorations soon.

Township elections are this month, but remember that the elections for the Village Associations representatives are in February. Filing begins in December for positions on the RDRC and the College Park Village Association

board. Plus, we currently have two board member positions open if you are an interested resident. For filing information, go to The Woodlands Township website in January.

We hope you have been saving your old CDs, CD packaging and boxes. Our next village challenge is to save these items as part of the America Recycles Day event on November 11, 2017. The three villages with the most collected will receive cash that we use toward college scholarships for high school seniors living in College Park Village. How many of these items can your family recycle?

This recycling day celebration is at the Township’s Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services facility at 8203 Millennium Forest, which is right across from The Woodlands High School practice fields. If you have never visited this event, make this the year to do so. There are many activities for young and old alike to get creative with recycled materials. Come away with a hand-made project. While the children are happy making something, the adults can shop the 3R Bazaar. You can find jewelry, glassware and other items all made from recycled materials. It is quite interesting even if you just want to “window” shop.

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Creekside Park

Greetings, Creekside Park Village! November is here and the end of the year is almost upon us. The residents of Creekside Park Village were challenged in the past months by the flooding and damage caused by Harvey. However, with compassion for our fellow neighbors and the support of our community, we have come through this disaster as a stronger community. The holiday season is a great time to reflect on how a community, whose residents support each other and

continued on next page

MEETING INFORMATION

ALDEN BRIDGE

Alden Bridge Village Association usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.aldenbridge.org

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.cochranscrossing.com

COLLEGE PARK

College Park Village Association usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.villageofcollegepark.com

CREEKSIDE PARK

Creekside Park Village Association usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Lone Star College - Creekside Center, 8747 West New Harmony Trail.

Website www.creeksideparkvillage.com

GROGAN’S MILL

Grogan’s Mill Village Association usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.grogansmillvillage.com

INDIAN SPRINGS

Indian Springs Village Association usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Website www.indianspringsvillage.com

PANTHER CREEK

Panther Creek Village Association usually meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

STERLING RIDGE

Sterling Ridge Village Association usually meets the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Website www.sterling-ridge.org

Water-Wise Village Challenge

By Teri Macarthur

Consider not watering your grass for the winter. Your lawn will thank you. The Water-Wise Village Challenge is underway now. Learn more about making your lawn healthier, saving water and helping your village earn scholarship funds by visiting www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/WaterConservation.

The mission of The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department is to empower informed choices for the sustained health of our community and environment. The department coordinates a variety of programs that provide for healthy, sustainable living. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment, or call 281-210-3800.

VILLAGE NEWS continued

their community, makes a difference to the residents who were affected by the storm and makes Creekside Park Village a great place to live. Thank you to all who assisted residents in evacuating during the storm and to those who volunteered their time and donated items to those in need after the storm. A special thank you goes out to our first responders for their perseverance during the storm and after, assisting residents in need and keeping our village safe.

In September, The Creekside Park Village Association Board held its annual Pool Party at Wendtwoods Pool in Timarron. Despite the late date, due to weather, around 100 residents attended this great event. Thank you to our sponsors and vendors for making events like these possible.

Ready, set, go! The Creekside Park Village Association Board will again conduct the annual holiday decorating contest in December. Awards will be presented for best house and best street. We hope many residents will participate to encourage the holiday and community spirit that is Creekside Park Village! Full details of the contest will be posted in November on our Facebook page and the website. Residents, start your decorating!

Look for more information and happenings in Creekside Park Village on our Facebook Page or on our website at www.creeksideparkvillage.com. We look forward to seeing you at our monthly meetings held the first Tuesday of every month, except when noted, at Lone Star College - Creekside Park. Till next time.

Submitted by Lisa Purtell

Grogan’s Mill

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association Board sent a letter to the Township asking them to approve tax relief for residents whose homes have been flooded. The county will reappraise flooded homes in the near future, and we asked that taxes from the effective date of flooding until the end of the year be based on the new valuation.

Approximately 40 homes were flooded in Grogan’s Point, mostly from waters overflowing Spring Creek, Panther Branch and Bear Branch.

Our board approved an additional $1,500 donation to Interfaith for flood relief, raising our contribution to $4,000 for the year. (A $2,500 contribution was made to support the Food Pantry.)

Jim Stinson, general manager of The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (WJPA) will speak at the village meeting on November 20, 2017 (6:30 p.m. at the Township Building) to explain the relationship of the various water agencies that supply our water, the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA), Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District and the WJPA. He will also discuss what is being done regarding flooding and drainage. We will also receive a report on the September 28th Drainage Task Force Meeting by one of the Task Force members.

With cooler weather finally here, you need to visit the Farmer’s Market! The Market has cool vendors with a huge range of fruits, vegetables, food, crafts, pet treats, coffee and much more. Grab a friend and stop by on Saturdays to shop our 30-plus vendors. Doing our part for the environment, the market is phasing out the use of plastic bags. Bring your own or buy our bags emblazoned with the Farmer’s Market logo for $1. Check out the website each Friday for details, www.grogansmill.org, or you can sign up for our weekly email blast. Profits from Farmer’s Market vendor fees are returned to the community through various philanthropic contributions, school donations, scholarships and community programs.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Bruce Cunningham

Indian Springs

Warm wishes to all for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. The Indian Springs Village Association gives thanks for all those who have served and for those continuing to serve. Happy

Veteran’s Day! We welcome residents to attend our monthly meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at The Woodlands Township. Come and learn more about what we do. We are a volunteer organization and thrive by the generosity of those residents who provide their time and talents to their community. Elections occur in February and are administered by The Woodlands Township. Indian Springs will once again be participating in The Woodlands annual Holiday Lighting and Decorating contest. Judges will be in the area December 8 to 11. They will be awarding prizes for Best House and Best Neighborhood (or group of homes). Winners will be contacted by December 15 and will be announced on our website

www.indianspringsvillage.com.

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

Many Panther Creek volunteers turned out on October 28, 2017, to make the Fall Flea Market event a big success. Residents and vendors from across the state brought thousands of bargains for residents of The Woodlands to browse through and buy. After the holidays, you can start thinking of the items you may wish to offer for sale or look for at our spring Flea Market. For details and dates, check www.WoodlandsFleaMarket.org.

Before you know it, it will be time to start stringing up those Christmas lights and putting up the decorations. It is time again for the Panther Creek Village Association Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest. Every resident of the village is automatically entered. You have two categories in which to win, the Neighborhood Category and the Individual Home Category. Our expert judges will be coming by early to midDecember to marvel at your spirit and creativity. After scoring and comparing their picks, they will be awarding prizes and recognition. To give everyone a real chance, last year’s winners are not eligible to win this year. Pictured is our

Best Decorated Home award winner of 2015, done entirely by the homeowner.

Thank you to the many Panther Creek residents who have already signed the Water-Wise pledge cards. It is not too late to sign if you have not already. Your neighbors are helping us contend for a monetary prize that will be credited toward the Panther Creek Village Association scholarships for the coming year. Help save water and help a deserving student by signing up now via your Panther Creek Area Representative listed on our webpage.

If you are going to be gone for a few days during the holiday season, you can have the Montgomery County Sheriff

Department deputies give your home special attention while you are gone for two to 30 days. Since the program began years ago, no home on the Vacation Watch List has been broken into while the residents were gone. How often do you see a 100 percent effective anti-crime program? Take advantage of this free service by completing the form on the Crime Prevention tab at www.mctxsheriff.org

Your Panther Creek Village Association invites you to join in to have your say, ask questions and participate in your community the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township building at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. You can also visit us online at www.PantherCreekVillageAssociation.org

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

It is time for Sterling Ridge residents to show off their inner Clark

Griswold with the Holiday Lighting and Decorating contest. The Sterling Ridge Village Association board members will be out judging your holiday displays the week of December 10, 2017, with awards for Best Home and Best Neighborhood handed out on December 18, 2017.

Continue to protect your vehicles by turning on your outdoor lights, locking your vehicles, not leaving any valuables in your vehicle and reporting any suspicious behavior to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office by calling 936-442-7797 (press option #3).

Finally, the Sterling Ridge Village Association will elect new board members in February 2018. Those interested in running for a board seat should visit The Woodlands Township website, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, in January.

Submitted by Amy Wilkinson

Christmas

Fallen Leaves Make Rich Compost

By Ann Hall

Creating rich, organic compost in your own backyard is an easy task when fall leaves are available. Fallen leaves are a perfect material to collect for home

composting. Filled with nutrients, leaves are a free source of organic matter and an important ingredient to be added to your compost bin. In order to speed

decomposition of leaves, particle size is important. Shredding fall leaves cuts them into small pieces, making it easier for decomposers to begin their work. For an efficient shredding process, leaves can be raked into long rows in your yard and then mowed with a lawn mower. A bag attachment on the mower will collect the shredded leaves for composting.

Shredded leaves provide stored brown material to be used as needed for composting. Often, homeowners have an abundance of leaves and are willing to share them with neighbors. Creating compost with leaves and other yard trimmings is one method of recycling and an easy way to make your own organic soil amendment. Place shredded leaves in a holding bin or pile. Add to your compost bin with appropriate amounts of green material (grass clippings, spent

Photos by Ann Hall

plants, vegetable scraps and other similar materials). Pine needles are also a type of brown material useful for composting. Pine needles will require a longer amount of time for decomposition.

To learn more about backyard composting, join Montgomery County Master Gardeners at one of the three “Fast Track” Composting Classes on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at 8203 Millennium Forest during the 3R Bazaar. High quality collapsible CE Shepherd compost bins will be available for sale at a reduced price.

The mission of The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department is to empower informed choices for the sustained health of our community and environment. The department coordinates a wide variety of programs that provide information and resources for healthy, sustainable living. For more information, please visit us online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/environment or call 281-210-3800.

Recycle Beyond the Curb at the 3R Bazaar

By Zoe Killian

Join The Woodlands Township in celebrating America Recycles Day! The Woodlands Township Environmental Services is hosting the annual 3R Bazaar on November 11, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive.

Bring the family to learn how fun and easy it can be to reduce, reuse and recycle beyond the curb. The 3R Bazaar is the perfect opportunity to refresh your recycling knowledge, support your village and enjoy eco-friendly festivities. Witness these efforts in action as we promote the zero-waste practice at the event.

REDUCE Further your knowledge in the fight to reduce waste and increase diversion from the landfill. Visit participating booths to learn about the many different items that are destined for recycling, not wasting in a landfill.

REUSE Participate in expanded collection opportunities to reuse and recycle beyond curbside with local businesses and charitable organizations. Residents are

invited to donate usable clothing to The Salvation Army and eyeglasses to the Lions Recycle for Sight program.

RECYCLE This year’s Village Challenge features the collection of CD, DVDs and jewel cases (with the paper inserts separated) in partnership with The CD Recycling Center of America. Each village will receive scholarship funds provided by Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. for volunteering at collection booths, and additional funds based on the amount their village collects. Girl Scout Troop 11953 will continue collecting used toothbrushes, empty toothpaste containers and floss containers for the Oral Care Brigade® Terracycle program. Give new life to used products by taking them to our many collection booths.

Join forces with the Super Recyclers!

Find your creative outlet at the No-Sew Boutique.

Photos by Jon Krenetzky

Refresh your knowledge to regularly recycle often and recycle right all through the year. Educational displays will rouse residents to properly recycle plastic bags and test their recycling skills with the aid of The Super Recyclers – The Woodlands’ Recycling Squad! Watch nature’s way of recycling by enjoying one of three outdoor compost classes offered at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Residents are welcome to bring personal papers and documents for shredding through Southern Shred. Suggested donations for the shred service are five canned goods or five dollars per bank box to benefit Interfaith Food Pantry.

REPURPOSE Bring your worn T-shirts to upcycle into fashion accessories or dog toys at the No-Sew Boutique. Explore other creative outlets to breathe new life into waste and turn trash into treasure.

REBUY Complete the cycle by shopping at the award-winning Buy Recycled Boutique. Hosted by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., the boutique is in its 17th year of showcasing products created from

recycled or sustainable materials. Every product has been gifted an extended life! From Green Toys™ to jewelry, view the current lines from new and favorite manufacturers. All products are made in the United States or certified Fair Trade. Learn more ways to complete the cycle with The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. at the Buy Recycled Boutique.

RESIDENTIAL SHRED DAY

– NO LIMIT –

Boxed or bagged personal documents

5 cans of food or $5 per bank box benefits Interfaith Food Pantry

RECYCLING GUIDELINES

– ONE DAY ONLY –

ALKALINE BATTERIES

AA, AAA, C, D and 9 volt ONLY NO rechargeable; NO lead-acid CLOTHING AND SHOES

Clean and usable – Salvation Army

Unusable – Simple Recycling

SMALL ELECTRONICS such as cell phones and radios

EYEGLASSES

A How Green is Your Village? event, The 3R Bazaar is brought to you by The Woodlands Township with sponsorship from The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Waste Management. For more information or inquiries to be involved in next year’s event, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or contact the Township’s Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800.

Prescription, reading and sunglasses, plastic and metal frames; cases

FLIP FLOPS

ORAL CARE PRODUCTS

Used toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes and floss containers

THE VILLAGE CHALLENGE

CD, DVDS AND JEWEL CASES

CD, DVDs separated from jewel cases and paper inserts

Adopt-a-Path Stewards Make a Difference Every Day!

By Zoe Killian

Adopt-a-path stewards activity report May to August 2017

40 groups + 216 volunteer hours

+1,379 gallons of trash

836 pounds

7 cubic yards of trash

14 curbside trash carts

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. – ELIZABETH

ANDREW

Thank you to all adopt-a-path volunteers for your stewardship and commitment to keeping The Woodlands beautiful. If you are interested in adopting a path of your own, please call 281-210-3800, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/AdoptAPath.

Ariel and Nicole enjoy playing games while cleaning their pathway. Photo by Tünde Devitt

NOTE: Per Keep America Beautiful, one 30-gallon bag is estimated to weigh 20 pounds, and one cubic yard=202 gallons.

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP honors PARK RANGERS at badging ceremony

The Woodlands Township Park Rangers’ mission is to assist all visitors by providing information, direction and support that will enrich their recreational experience and provide a pleasant, safe environment that promotes community harmony and the benefits of parks and recreation.

A Park Ranger must complete 1,000 patrol hours and 60 hours of classroom training to reach this point of accomplishment signified by the completion of the uniform – the Park Ranger Badge.

Among those honoring the Park Rangers are (pictured above left to right), Don Norrell, Angel Nicks, Susan Welbes, Jonathan Potts, Charles Bownds, Tip Fuller, Morgan Gainer, Marvin Pierce, Zac Rigsby, John Powers, Chris Nunes and John McGowan.

Ranger Jonathan Potts (inset photo,

receives his badge from Township General Manager Don Norrell at the Park Ranger badging ceremony in September.

left)

Photos by Perry Frank

What’s in a name ... Gets a New Identity BROWN PATCH

By Bob Dailey

The fungal plague that makes big splotches of yellow and brown in your yard, formerly known as Brown Patch, is now known as Large Patch – at least here in southeast Texas.

Both patches are caused by the same fungus: Rhizoctonia solani. But there are two different strains of the fungus. One affects cool season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, rye grass and fescues, none of which we should have planted in our lawns here in The Woodlands. This cool season disease is now called Brown Patch.

The second strain, Large Patch, affects St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia and other warm season grasses. Large Patch usually affects grass in the winter, but most often the damage isn’t visible until spring. Somewhat circular patches that are yellow, tan or straw-brown initially are 2-3 feet in diameter, but they can grow to 10 feet or more in diameter, hence the name “large patch.” Sometimes, several Large Patch infections will grow together, causing an even bigger problem.

Large Patch will infect the grass in the fall and winter when soil temperatures go below 70°F, but it usually doesn’t become evident until things warm up again in the spring. This disease is caused by excess nitrogen (too much fertilizer), poor soil drainage (compacted

soil), closely mown grass and, of course, over-irrigation. Taking care of these four problems will go a long way toward preventing Large Patch.

If you do recognize Large Patch in the lawn before spring, it’s probably best to do nothing until the grass starts to green up. If remedying the situations above hasn’t worked, there are organic methods to slowing and eliminating most of the infection. Copper bonide and several bacteriologic strains may help.

However, remember that Large Patch is forever present in the soil. Improper soil and lawn practices such as cutting grass too short, over-irrigating the lawn, applying too much fertilizer and poor soil drainage are prime reasons for fungal attacks on the lawn. Planting winter rye is another reason. Warm season grasses need one inch or less of water per week to thrive. If it rains, then it needs even less. And warm season grasses are dormant and turn yellow in the winter, so they usually don’t need to be watered at all.

If you do suspect you have Large Patch, the best thing to do it to have it identified by an expert. Michael Potter, the Montgomery County horticulture agent for the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe, Texas, 77303, is a turf grass specialist and can diagnose the problem.

Photo courtesy of Young-ki Jo, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Texas A&M University.

holidaysDURING THE HOLIDAYS HOME SAFETY

By Holly Steinke

The shopping has started, the kids are almost out of school, the holiday movies and songs are playing, houses of worship are preparing, your house is decorated and should be a great place for family and friends to gather, but don’t forget safety! The Woodlands Township wishes you safe and pleasant holidays. Take a few moments to plan ahead for safety. Safeguard your family and home this holiday season by following our home safety tips!

• Lock your doors and windows to your home and garage every time you leave, even for short times. Lock up when you are inside, to avoid items being taken from an open garage.

• Set your alarm and make sure that your family knows how to use it and that visitors know what to do if they accidentally set it off.

• Be sure your outside lights are working and consider motion detector lighting which turns on automatically when someone approaches.

• Get to know your neighbors and call in suspicious activity to law enforcement at the numbers below, when you see something happening. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

• Trim shrubs to allow visibility to windows and doors to make sure no one is hiding there.

• Encourage your family not to open the door to solicitors or anyone they don’t

know and to speak to them through the door. If older children will be home alone, make sure they know what to do in various circumstances and when and how to call 9-1-1.

• Post important numbers for your family by the phone or enter them in their cell phones.

• If you arrive home and something doesn’t look right, don’t go inside. Call 9-1-1.

If you’ll be away...

• Let a trusted neighbor know where you’ll be and how to reach you.

• Leave a key with a trusted neighbor, but don’t hide a key, since burglars usually know all the best hiding places.

• Ask your trusted neighbor to pick up your mail, packages and fliers left for you, if you will be away.

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

In Montgomery County Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office www.mctxsheriff.org. Click on Vacation Watch at the bottom of the home page and then on the Vacation Watch Form link or call 936-442-7797.

In Harris County Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4 www.cd4.hctx.net. Click on Community Involvement > Services Offered > Vacation Watch Request and select Creekside (Woodlands) from the dropdown menu or call 281-376-3472.

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

Thanksgiving Break Camp COMING TO THE RECREATION CENTER

By Baze Giersch

The Woodlands Township will offer Sunny Dayz Thanksgiving break camp for children ages six to 12 years old Monday, November 20, 2017, through Wednesday, November 22, 2017, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive. Enrollment options and fees are $125 for 3 days and $50 daily per child. Sibling discounts are available.

Campers will enjoy fun-filled games and activities including crafts, gym games, trips to the park, movies, special snacks and more!

For more information or to register, please call 281-210-3950 or email recreation@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Experience the fall season at our first annual Fall Festival with live music, inflatables, crafts, face painting, a petting zoo and much more! Fee: $5 per person entry, children 6 months and under free For sponsorship opportunities, please contact specialevents@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

MAKING TIME FOR YOUR MAMMOGRAM MAY ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE.

At Houston Methodist Breast Care Centers, scheduling your mammogram online is an important first step for early detection. It’s easy, and — with eight locations across the Greater Houston area — more convenient than ever.

Our Breast Care Centers offer:

• Specially trained breast imaging radiologists

• Advanced technology in a spa-like atmosphere

• Access to our breast specialists at Houston Methodist Cancer Center

Visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care and schedule your mammogram at a location near you.

TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER • BAY AREA • BAYTOWN • SUGAR LAND THE WOODLANDS • UPPER KIRBY • WEST HOUSTON • WILLOWBROOK