November 2022

A FUN FAMILY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Join us for the first-ever Christmas Fest!

Enjoy train rides, inflatables, music, crafts, food and more. Don’t miss the joy and fun of the season!

Sunday, December 4

2:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Loft Building

Scan the QR code for more information.

The Woodlands Methodist Church

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Treat yourself and join other women for a break to refocus during the rush of the holidays. Enjoy specially prepared desserts, followed by a holiday musical respite, and listen and laugh with author Kelly Minter.

December 1 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Main Building Sanctuary

Ticket: $30 | Limited Child Care Available with Registration

Scan the QR code for more information or to purchase tickets and register for child care.

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

281.297.5900

On the Cover

Cover photo by Perry Frank

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

281-297-6500, Business, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 936-442-7797, Non-Emergency, 24 hours

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

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

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

Emergency 9-1-1

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors

The Woodlands Township wishes you and yours a very

John Anthony Brown Treasurer, Position 3

Bruce Rieser Vice Chairman, Position 4

Gordy Bunch Chairman, Position 1

Jason J. Nelson Director, Position 2

Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs Secretary, Position 5

Dr. Ann K. Snyder Director, Position 6

Bob Milner Director, Position 7 Monique Sharp President and CEO

The Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

Advertising inquiries, rate requests and change of address/ delivery inquiries may be directed to Champions Printing & Publishing, 6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G, Houston, TX, 77069, 281-583-7661.

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

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

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executive Jim Callahan

Graphic Designer Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G Houston, Texas 77069

281-583-7661

www.championsprinting.com

Veterans Day Tribute

By Angela Ellis

Please join The Woodlands Township on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. in Town Green Park for The Woodlands Township Veterans Day Tribute, featuring a presentation of colors, musical performances, keynote speakers and more. A special military care package drop-off booth will be on site to accept donations of recommended items to be shipped to troops abroad. For more information about the Veterans Day Tribute, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ veteransday.

in case you missed it election reminder

Four at-large positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will be elected in the November 2022 election, designated as positions 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Each office carries a two-year term, and all four positions are elected at large by voters in The Woodlands Township in both Montgomery and Harris County. Per the Township’s Enabling Legislation, a Director is not entitled to compensation for service on the Board.

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

For more information, including links to polling locations and results after the election, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ novemberelection.

RELEVANT DATES

November 4, 2022 ........... Last Day of Early Voting by Personal Appearance

November 8, 2022 Election Day

Ballot positions for candidates are as follows:

Position #1:

• Brad Bailey

• Craig Rickard

Position #2:

• Linda Nelson

• Jason J. Nelson

Position #3:

• Richard Franks

• John Anthony Brown

Position #4:

• Steve Lawrence

• Kyle Watson

Photo by Perry Frank

THE WOODLANDS Holiday Events

Lighting of the Doves

By Liz Aguirre

Join The Woodlands Township on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Town Green Park for the 40th Annual Lighting of the Doves, a longstanding 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 live performances and a variety of activities. The festival culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus arriving by sleigh on The Woodlands Waterway and a dazzling fireworks display, weather permitting. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ lightingofthedoves.

This event is produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department and is sponsored by The Howard Hughes Corporation and Texas Children’s Hospital.

The Ice Rink

By Angela Ellis

The Woodlands Township invites you to enjoy ice skating this season beginning Friday, November 18, 2022. The 21,000-square-foot multipurposefacility features ice skating in a main room with lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, concessions and tables for parties. Grab your friends and get your cheer and chill on at The Ice Rink! The Ice Rink is open daily from November 18, 2022, through January 16, 2023, and is located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive on the northeast side of The Pavilion at the corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines. Table rentals and reservations are available for parties or corporate events. Private rink rentals are available before or after normal business hours. The Ice Rink also offers private and group lessons! Book your skate session online at www.thewoodlandsicerink.com.

For additional details, please call 281-419-5630 or email icerink@spectrumfcs.com.

More Holiday Events

By Michael Corbett

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department is hosting multiple festive programs to help your family get into the holiday spirit!

• Flashlight Candy Cane Hunts

• Holiday Bingo Breakfast for donuts and bingo

• Gingerbread House Making with Santa

• Milk and Cookies with Santa

• Enjoy an introduction to archery with the Elves and Arrows

• Feliz Navi-Dog

Pre-registration for holiday events is required. Please call 281-516-7348 or visit our online registration page at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ signupforfun to enroll today! Full program descriptions are available in the Action Guide at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/actionguide.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season in The Woodlands at the 40th Annual Lighting of the Doves on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Town Green Park. Photo by Derrick Bryant

Photo by Mauricio Ramirez

By Tamara Bean

A RESIDENTIAL GUIDE TO Seasonal Lights and Displays

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and the holiday season is approaching fast! It is almost time to unpack those boxes full of seasonal lights and decorations. However, before you begin decorating the exterior of your home, there are a few Residential Standards regarding seasonal lighting and displays that you should be aware of in preparation for the holiday season.

When can seasonal lights and decorations be displayed?

It is important to understand that seasonal lights are only considered appropriate during the holidays or “seasonal” celebrations. For this reason, there are conditions for when they should be displayed and when they should be dismantled.

• Winter holiday decorations and lights may be installed no earlier than the first Monday in October and must be removed by January 15 of the following year.

• Winter holiday decorations and lights may be illuminated no earlier than the second Monday in November through January 15 of the following year.

• All other seasonal decorations may be displayed for a period not to exceed three weeks.

Are there any restrictions on lights or seasonal displays?

Seasonal lights must be limited in scope and must not become a nuisance to neighboring properties. Avoid lighting displays that cause too much glare, noise or disturbance to the neighborhood and surrounding properties. That is, don’t attempt displays such as those found in holiday comedy movies. In recent years, animated musical light shows have grown in popularity. Regarding these displays, consider keeping them to a minimal scale and ensure that the audio level is low enough to not disturb surrounding properties or street traffic.

Are permanent seasonal lights permitted?

Permanent programmable lighting systems are allowed given that they comply with the Standards. Permanent

seasonal lights are considered a home improvement and require an application to be submitted for review by a Plan Review Committee. Please visit

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ covenants or contact The Woodlands Township Covenant Administration Department at 281-210-2022 for specific guidelines on permanent seasonal lighting.

Seasonal decorations can be a fun way to celebrate the holiday season. Now that you have a better understanding of the Residential Standards regarding seasonal lighting and displays, you can sit back and enjoy the holidays stress-free!

3R DRIVE-THRU EVENT

The Woodlands Township invites residents to the 3R Drive-Thru, a free and convenient opportunity to recycle select items on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 9 a.m. to noon in The Woodlands High School’s parking lot. Secure, onsite document shredding will be offered while capacity lasts. A donation of five (5) cans of food or $5 per box is suggested to benefit Interfaith Food Pantry. Please note, this event is for residents only, no businesses, please.

Bring extinguished incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL) and LED light bulbs to brighten up the friendly competition between villages for scholarship funds, with awards donated by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. Recycling light bulbs keeps hazardous chemicals, like mercury, out of our environment and reuses valuable material. Please remember, light bulbs do not belong in your curbside cart.

Accepted items: Batteries - Alkaline AA, AAA, C, D and 9V only; block styrofoam: no food containers or cups; disposable razors and packaging; eyeglasses, sunglasses and cases; and lightbulbs – incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL) and LED only. Lightbulbs must be intact, not broken.

No tube lights over four feet; oral care products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and floss containers; plastic bags and film – any plastic film that is clean, dry and stretches; small electronics** (one file box or paper shopping bag per vehicle of laptops, tablets, cell phones and cords only. No TVs or monitors), snack and drink pouches, any brand that comes with a straw or lid, or textiles such as used clothing, shoes, linens, fabric scrap in any condition; secure document shredding (a donation of five cans of food or $5 per box suggested).

Can’t make it to 3R Recycling DriveThru? For a list of local recycling outlets for other materials such as electronics,

By Zoe Killian

batteries, paints, pharmaceuticals and more, please scan the QR code below. The 3R Recycling Drive-Thru is hosted by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department and sponsored by Chevron Phillips Chemical, H-E-B, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Waste Management, Alspaugh’s Ace Hardware and Woodlands Water. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/3rdrivethru or contact enviro@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3800.

**This service for residents only. Proof of Woodlands address (driver’s license or utility bill) is required.

Bring used incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL) and LED light bulbs to the 3R Drive-thru and participate in the competition between villages for scholarship funds, with awards donated by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.

Thanksgiving Holiday Waste Schedule

Inobservance of the Thanksgiving holiday, The Woodlands Township reminds residents that there will be no solid waste collection services on Thursday, November 24, 2022. Curbside service will resume on Friday. These schedule changes impact all collections—trash, recycling, yard trimmings and bulk pickup. Please see the chart below to determine your service day:

REGULAR SERVICE DAY

Monday, November 21, 2022 ......................

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Friday, November 25, 2022

HOLIDAY SERVICE DAY

interruption

interruption

interruption

Friday, November 25, 2022

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Standard service schedule will resume on Monday, November 28, 2022. The Woodlands Recycling Center on Research Forest Drive will maintain its standard schedule: Open on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 26, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For trouble-free service, please keep streets clear of parked cars to allow trucks to safely access carts. Place carts at the curb before 7 a.m. and ensure cart lids close completely. Failure to follow all service guidelines will result in items being left at the curb. The only holidays that affect residential trash and recycling service are New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/holidaytrash for additional information.

To report a missed pickup or schedule bulk pickup, please contact Waste Management Customer Service at 800-800-5804 or cssatex@wm.com. For information about waste services, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

H liday Safety Tips

By Holly Steinke

When Shopping

• Take along only your essentials. Remove extra credit cards, extra cash and important documents from your wallet or purse before you shop.

• Remove packages and valuables from your vehicle before departing and when you return home. Don’t make your vehicle a target for burglary of motor vehicle.

• Make a quick check of your vehicle before you leave. Make sure you have gas or an electric charge, air in the tires, etc., to ensure you get where you are going and back.

• Look for a visible parking spot near the door if you can. Park in a well-lit area if you might return to your vehicle after dark. Be sure the door you choose to park by will be unlocked if you plan to stay until closing.

• Don’t leave children or animals in the car! Even in cooler months, cars can heat up fast.

• Lock your vehicle and set your alarm. Take a picture of where you park to help you find your vehicle quickly after a long day of shopping.

• Be aware of your surroundings while walking to and from the store. It’s not the time to check your phone for the latest bargain. Take a friend along to help you keep an eye on your items –it’s safer and more fun!

• Have a plan for your children if you get separated. Let them know what you want them to do or where you want them to meet you, depending on their age.

• Save your receipts. Use your receipts to later verify the amount of your credit

purchases and make returns and exchanges easy.

• Have your keys handy and make sure you have all your items when you leave the store. You don’t want to be distracted when walking to your vehicle.

• If something doesn’t seem right when you are walking to your vehicle, go back to the store. Ask security to walk you to your vehicle.

• If you are driving to another store before heading home, be sure to hide your items in your vehicle before you leave the current store. That way someone won’t be able to see your items in your car when you get there.

• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement, or the store, if appropriate.

For an emergency – call 9-1-1 Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 936-442-7797, option 3

Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct #4 – 281-376-3472

When at Home

• Lock your doors, windows and garage doors, even when you are home. Locking the doors may prevent an unexpected intruder from breaking and entering.

• Set your home alarm and ensure your family and guests know how to arm and disarm it. An alarm should be registered with the county in which you reside.

• Keep motion cameras charged and ready. Camera notifications may alert you to someone on your property.

• Consider motion lights for your driveway. It’s best to park in your garage, but if you do have a vehicle in the driveway, the light coming on automatically may deter someone from trying to get into your vehicle.

• Trim shrubs and trees back carefully for better visibility to your home. Make sure you can see if someone is hiding behind them.

• Encourage your family not to open the door to solicitors or anyone they don’t know. Speak to the person at the door, so they know someone is inside. Potential burglars typically don’t want anyone home if they are planning a break-in.

• Discuss with your older children what to do in different scenarios and when to call 9-1-1. Make sure they understand what an emergency is, such as a life-threatening emergency.

• Have important phone numbers in your cellphones. Have written numbers by any home phones also.

• Check your blinds. Tilt blinds so that people can’t see you or your valuables inside.

• After the holidays, turn boxes inside out for recycling. Don’t show others what new valuables you have.

• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

For an emergency – call 9-1-1

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 936-442-7797, option 3

Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct #4 – 281-376-3472

For more safety tips, please contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800, visit us at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/neighborhoodwatch or email neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Please follow at www.facebook.com/townshipneighborhoodwatch.

A Swan Ride

in November is a Time to Remember

By Edward Zimmel

November is a time to give thanks, and the mild temperatures and impeccably manicured green spaces of The Woodlands are enough to make anyone thankful.

Our community is graced with a wide range of enjoyable outdoor activities to bask in the cool fall air and none more beloved than taking a swan ride on The Woodlands Waterway®.

Riva Row Boat House maintains a fleet of 10 swan pedal boats that cruise the upper Waterway. The upper Waterway stretches from the turning basin behind Town Green Park all the way to Lake Robbins by Allison Tower (formerly Anadarko Tower).

A tree-lined canal winds between these points of interest with restaurants and other businesses, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, art benches and plenty of other sights to serve as the perfect backdrop. A leisurely swan cruise takes about 50-55 minutes and serves as a picturesque outing for any family, couple or group of friends.

In addition to the swans at Riva Row Boat House, beginning this fall, the Township is pleased to present

Swans at the Mall. Shorter experiences of about 30 minutes now depart from our exciting new location in the turning basin right next to Mall Ring Road from Thursdays through Sundays. Grab your food to go, or visit us while you wait for a table, and enjoy a pleasant pedal on board one of our six swan boats located in the middle of it all. Swans at the Mall offers guests an opportunity to cruise for the quartermile trip to a scenic view across the water from the Lake Robbins Bridge. Reservations are not required at either location but are highly encouraged. Weekends remain the most popular time throughout the fall with swan boats selling out frequently. To make a reservation and explore various watercraft options, please visit www.rivarowboathouse.com.

For more information, please call 281-210-3965 or email boathouse@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Swans at the Mall

Next to Mall Ring Road at Woodloch Forest Drive 281-210-3965

Thursday through Sunday: Open Afternoons and Evenings

Closed Monday through Wednesday

Riva Row Boat House 2101 Riva Row 281-210-3965

Thursday through Monday: 9 a.m. to Sunset

Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Daily Rental Rates

Swans at the Mall

$15 for first 30 minutes

Swans at Riva Row Boat House

$30 for first hour

Lifejackets are included in all rentals. All vessels are $5 for each additional hour when purchased prior to your adventure. Late returns will be charged the full rate for additional time. Waivers must be signed and on file for all watercraft occupants.

Photo by Erica Flocke

10am-5pm 12pm-5pm

Dive into fun with The Octonauts Live!

Join us for two days of fin-tastic family fun featuring PJ Masks meet and greets, hands-on activities, art projects, toddler fun, active adventures and SO much more!

All activities + live performances for just $10 a ticket!

Featuring student musicians from Conroe ISD!

Alden Bridge

This month’s village association board meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. All are welcome to attend.

And speaking of attending, how would you like a great volunteer opportunity…being a board member for our village association? We have several open positions, and it truly only requires a limited amount of time each month. The great thing is, you learn firsthand what’s going on in your village and you act as a representative to share that information with your neighbors and friends in Alden Bridge. If interested, send us an email at abvainfo@gmail.com and we’ll tell you more about the opportunity as well as schedule a time to meet.

Our big event is only a few days away, and we can’t wait! We hope you’re planning on joining us for the Alden Bridge Fall Festival on Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lakeside Park. Bring the whole family and treat yourselves to food, games, a DJ, a rock wall and much, much more. We want to see everyone out to enjoy a great time. The best part: it’s free for all to attend!

The Woodlands Township Veterans Day Tribute will be held Friday, November 11, 2022, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Town Green Park. Please join us as we honor the military men and women who have served our nation. You are invited to The Woodlands Township Veterans Day Tribute featuring a presentation of colors, musical performances, keynote speakers and more! A special Military Care Package Drop-Off Booth will be set up during the Veterans Day Tribute to accept donations of recommended items to be shipped to the troops. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ veteransday.

Celebrate America Recycles Day at the 3R Recycling Drive-Thru on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Woodlands High School parking

lot, 6101 Research Forest Drive. This event celebrates the importance of recycling in our community and offers a free opportunity to recycle select items that cannot be recycled in curbside carts. This year’s Village Recycling Challenge item is incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL) and LED light bulbs. No tube lights over 4 feet. Light bulbs must be intact, not broken. This friendly competition awards funds for our scholarship fund for our Alden Bridge students. Please place bulbs in a separate box and label with your village’s name or tell the volunteer when you drop off. For the complete list of accepted items, please see the 3R Drivethru article on page 8 of this issue.

And before you go, if you have a graduating senior in the household, make sure to be on the lookout next month for details of the Alden Bridge Village Association Scholarship guidelines and application information. Each year, we award scholarships to some deserving young residents of our community—stay tuned.

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

Happy Thanksgiving, Alden Bridge!

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

Grogan’s Mill

In lieu of a holiday lighting contest, the Grogan’s Mill Village Association Board allocates money each year to decorate our village signs for the holidays. Starting soon, you will see the Grogan’s Mill Village signs adorned with decorated garlands so that the whole community can enjoy.

Are you aware that the our village association publishes two email newsletters each month? They contain information important to you and the community. You can get them by scanning the above QR code.

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market is still offering varied deals on fruits, vegetables, honey, olive oil, crafts, food and more at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., rain or shine, at 7 Switchbud Place in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. Bring your own bags to save on plastic. Check out our website at www.grogansmill.org/fmabout or look us up on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/WoodlandsFarmersMarket. Profits from Farmer’s Market vendor fees are returned to our community through various philanthropic contributions, schools, scholarships and community programs.

Submitted by Jennifer Robinson

Indian Springs

Dust off your reindeer, get your decorations out of the attic and fire up the auxiliary power to energize your millionbulb Christmas light strings, because it is time to don your house with enough holiday cheer to enrage the Grinch. The Indian Springs Village Association will award the Best House and the Best Neighborhood based on an individual family’s effort and a coordinated effort by a neighborhood.

In 2021, the Indian Springs Holiday Lighting and Decorating competition hit all new levels when more homes and areas stepped up to the challenge and displayed an incredible amount of elf-culture. Last year, the Best Home holiday decorations went to Ed Woodward on Forge Hill while the Best Neighborhood holiday decorations went to Wild Yaupon Circle.

Judging normally occurs during the second week of December, so start your over-the-top holiday projects now so you and/or your neighborhood are in the running for the annual bragging rights. Prizes for this year’s contest are still being determined, however, past prizes have included several tickets to The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center and gift cards, as well as a yard sign that winners can use as proof that they are not on Santa’s naughty list. We look forward to witnessing the immense creativity

that Indian Springs residents possess. So, get your blueprints, jigsaws, glitter paint and flood lights, and get moving on those Norman Rockwell-inspired streetscapes. Please see the article at right for information on lighting and decorating displays, including limits in scope and timeframe.

Submitted by Mike Ranc and Michael

Saucier

Panther Creek

Details on upcoming Township activities can be found at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar. For starters, you and your family can enjoy a fun night of bingo at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive for $5 per person on Friday, November 4, 2022, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Attend the Panther Creek board meeting on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Learn more about the many civic services benefitting you and add your comments and requests for additional information.

On Friday, November 11, 2022, join fellow patriots at the Township Veterans Day event at Town Green Park. The event begins at 4:30 p.m.; more information can be found at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/veteransday.

Save your light bulbs and unusual recyclables for the 3R Drive-Thru event on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 9 a.m. to noon in The Woodlands High School’s parking lot. Enter the parking lot from Millennium Forest. Hint: the biggest delay is usually at the very beginning of the event. Bring light bulbs, batteries, eyeglasses, small electronics, Styrofoam and more. For a small donation of canned goods or $5, you can have your old papers shredded, too.

Just in time for Christmas shopping, The Woodlands Flea Market takes place on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 7 to 10 a.m. This event offers a wide range of shopping for treasures and bargains and is not to be missed!

Submitted

by Paul Gebolys

Holiday Lighting andDecorating

The Woodlands Township contest

Celebrate the season with the annual Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest. Most of the village associations coordinate 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.

There are usually two categories in each participating village: Best Home and Best Neighborhood. 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 with your village association for more details about your respective village contest.

Please remember that winter holiday decorations and lights may be illuminated no earlier than the second Monday in November through January 15 of the following year. Seasonal displays must also be limited in scope and not become a nuisance or annoyance to the neighborhood. Please see page 7.

By Megan McNairn

Fall in Lovewith Leaves

It’s time for cool mornings and pumpkin spice everything. While nothing says fall like fallen leaves, sometimes they can feel like a bombardment. If you’re thinking there has got to be a better way to deal with those leaves than hauling bag after bag to the curb, you’re right.

The best place for leaves is right on the ground, raked under your trees and shrubs or mowed into the lawn. This returns nutrients back to the soil and provides shelter to caterpillars and other overwintering insects. Come spring, these insects will get to work as natural pest control in the garden and serve as food for baby birds. This native mulch also suppresses weeds and holds in soil

moisture, making it a great return for “leaving the leaves.”

If all your landscape beds have a three- to four-inch layer and you still have leaves, here are some good options:

• Start or feed a compost pile.

• Heap up six to eight inches in a corner along with branches and hollow stems for a simple insect hotel.

FREE Backyard Composting Class

The first Saturday of the month, November through March at 10 a.m.

The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department 8203 Millennium Forest Drive

No registration is required.

• Stockpile to put around tender shrubs as insulation over the winter.

One place leaves don’t belong is in the stormwater system. Don’t blow leaves into the drain, it’s illegal! Stormwater flows untreated into local waterways and all that extra debris depletes oxygen, reducing water quality for fish, dragonfly naiads and a host of other aquatic organisms.

After a rain, check for needles, sticks and other debris that may be lodged in driveway culverts and drain inlets near your house. Keeping the stormwater system clear reduces flooding. It also prevents formation of small, stagnant puddles ripe for mosquito breeding.

For more tips, please visit The Woodlands Township Environmental Services blog by scanning the QR code or email enviro@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

By Zoe Killian

Thank you to the Adopt-A-Path volunteers who help keep our community clean and green. Removing litter from our green spaces reduces pollution in waterways, protects wildlife and keeps our community beautiful. Want to help us keep The Woodlands beautiful? Join the Adopt-A-Path program! To find an available pathway near you, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/adoptapath. For more information, please call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800 or email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Adopt-a-path Volunteers May through August 2022

ALDEN BRIDGE

Alison Loughlin Real Estate Agent, Bredehoft Family, Claude Hunter, In memory of Abuelita Gladys Rodriguez, Julia and Owen’s Grandma Jo, Molly, Fritz and Pickles, Peter K Valles, Steve and Judy Easton, Stronger To Serve, The Estep Family, The Fisher Family, The Geiger Family, The Karl Family, The Otto Family, The Reeder Family, The Rosta Family, The Sullivan family, The Woodlands Christian Academy Interact Club

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

73 GROUPS + 624 VOLUNTEER HOURS

1,207 gallons of trash 805 pounds

You can organize your own litter cleanup any time. Please call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department to reserve equipment for your group at 281-210-3800.

Cochran’s Crossing Crew, College Park High School HOSA, Girl Scout Troop 108045, National Charity Roundtable (NCR), NCL Texas Laurels, Roger Howard, The Gunden Schmucker Family, The Herrick Family, The Kimmel Family, The Rhoad Family, The Winningkoff Family, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.

COLLEGE PARK

Bay Chapel Ct. Bandits, The Hanley Family

CREEKSIDE PARK

Ken Conner, SEA Kohoutek, The Benedict Family, The Cater Family in memory of Ann Moszkowicz and Sharon Cater, The Dixon Family, The Hawkins Family, The Trabue Family, The Zielinski Family

GROGAN’S MILL

Girl Scout Troop 108001, Jamie and Friends, NCL Grand Lillies, Stronger To Serve, The Gooding Family, The Houston Family, The Vela-Barnes Family

INDIAN SPRINGS

Andra Wilcox, Devitt Family, Team Hans, The Ellison Family, The Schapiro Family

PANTHER CREEK

Anderson/Wang, Bannon Family, Barnes Family, Bike The Woodlands Coalition, Clayton & Diane, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Rowing Club of The Woodlands, The Grimes-Hanlin Family, The Redmon Family in memory of Louise Lisiewski, The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church

RESEARCH FOREST TownshipFuture

STERLING RIDGE

Halverson Family and Friends, Kathy Hancock, NCL Texas Laurels, Pilot Project - Tandi Hodges, Sterling Pointe Neighbors, The Newman Family, The Slocum Family, Valsangkar Group

Photo by Lisa Houston

Volunteer Chuck Houston enjoys maintaining a pathway in Grogan’s Mill.

NEW HOMES in THE WOODLANDS HILLS

Explore The Woodlands Pathways from Your Phone

The Woodlands Township is home to more than 220 miles of pathways suitable for biking, walking, running and exploring our natural surroundings. In addition to a printed pathway map, the Township offers an interactive digital map that is accessible directly from your phone or mobile device.

name or address.

Explore the pathway system by bike using the

Explore the various features at parks such as

Three Ways to Access the Map

Download TheWoodlands311 app for your community members to stay in touch with The Woodlands Township. The is viewable via the app.

You may also access the on your phone, tablet/desktop or other mobile device by scanning the QR code or via the link below. w w

Explore the map and features tools such as the Legend, tracking enabled). Explore The Woodlands parks,

-tx.gov/pathwaymap

Water Prices in The Woodlands Remain Some of the Area’s Lowest

By John Geiger, Woodlands Water Agency

a year when the price of seemingly everything jumped through the roof, water, our most precious resource, remains a bargain. Water and sewer rates in The Woodlands are currently more than 20% below average for regional providers. Rates will remain low for the coming year. On October 1, the average tax rate levied by the 10 Municipal Utility Districts (MUD’s) administered by Woodlands Water Agency dropped 3.5% from the previous fiscal year.

General Manager of Woodlands Water Agency Jim Stinson notes, “We feel Woodlands Water customers receive a tremendous value given our highly reliable system. We had zero boil water notices or outages during the past two hurricanes and the big freeze of 2021, and our water quality is superior, with all MUDs meeting or exceeding all EPA standards. We’re proud we can deliver this level of service at a rate lower than most communities.”

While still relatively low, Woodlands Water rates did absorb an increase starting in 2016 when the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) implemented a Groundwater Reduction Plan (GRP). The GRP converts a portion of the water SJRA supplies The Woodlands (and other communities in the region) from groundwater to surface water from Lake Conroe.

Surface water costs more to deliver than groundwater in the short term. In the long-term, it presents a significant cost savings. Overreliance on groundwater pushes the supply further and further away, making it more expensive to capture and deliver over time.

Excessive pumping of groundwater also causes the soil to physically compact, permanently reducing its ability to store water and causing subsidence –the gradual sinking of the land surface. As the land surface subsides, flooding increases in frequency and severity, the

Water, Sewer and Tax Rates for Area Water Providers

impacts of which are understood all too well in SE Texas.

Beginning September 2022, The Woodlands implemented an annual 50/50 water production “blend” – 50% groundwater, 50% surface water. The goal was established in 2020 by the Woodlands Water Board of Trustees and is based on data that determined a 50/50 blend to be the optimal level for abating subsidence, maintaining groundwater quality, and conserving groundwater levels for future generations.

Smart water use is another key factor in sustaining the community’s water supply and keeping monthly water bills low. The biggest step homeowners can take is to turn off the automatic sprinkler system and leave it off until spring. This represents thousands of gallons and hundreds of dollars of savings per household. It’s also healthier for our St. Augustine lawns, reducing fungal disease and strengthening the root system.

For more information about water rates, usage, and conservation, please visit Woodlands Water Agency at www.woodlandswater.org.

Figures as reported on Oct 3, 2022.

*Fees are based on 10,000 gallons of water monthly, 6,000 gallons of sewer monthly and surface water fee charges (if any).

**Ad Valorem Taxes are based on published rates for water providers.

***WWA’s tax rate is the average MUD tax rate plus the Township tax rate for a comparable rate with the others listed.

Note: Woodlands Water serves MUDS 1, 6, 7, 36, 39, 46, 47, 60, 67 and Woodlands Metro Center.

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

Talk of the Township

By Kacie Gurney

The Woodlands Township publishes a weekly email newsletter, Talk of the Township, that includes information about The Woodlands Township Board of Directors meetings, events and festivals, and details about services, programs and facilities managed by the Township. Talk of the Township is published on Fridays. During times of emergency, Talk of the Township is also used to communicate updates from the Township, local agency partners and news media.

To sign up for Talk of the Township and receive weekly emails, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme.

The Woodlands Photography Club Annual Contest Winners Exhibition and Open House

The winners of the 2022 Woodlands Photography Club Annual Contest will be on display on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., at the Glade Cultural Center, 2000 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands, TX 77380. The event is open to members, guests and visitors who enjoy outstanding photography. For more information, please email TWPCannualcontest@gmail.com.

official e-Newsletter of the woodlands township

COVID-19 TESTING SITES

in The Woodlands

The Woodlands Township is a host location for COVID-19 testing provided by Curative, Inc.

The Bear Branch location is by appointment only. Walk-ups are welcomed at the Rob Fleming location. The entire Curative test is performed without having to come into close contact with others. Curative representatives wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and The Woodlands Township asks that participants wear a mask while at the testing location.

For assistance with lab results, please email support@curative.com.

The Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park through December 31, 2022

5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Register at https://book. curative.com/sites/33756

The test is a self-administered Rapid PCR nasal swab. Results from tests administered at Bear Branch are typically available within an hour.

The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park through December 31, 2022

6464 Creekside Forest Drive The Woodlands, TX 77389

WALK-UPS WELCOMED or register at https:// curative.com/sites/25566.

THERE’S A BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in The Woodands

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in The Woodlands.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. Your health and safety are our priority. We are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe.

936.270.3333

houstonmethodist.org/cancer-woodlands