December 2011

Contents

Features

3 We’ve Moved

6 holiday events in The Woodlands

8 the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau

0 the Woodlands Governance

2 holiday Recycling and Trash service

4 enhanced Curbside Recycling

2 Got Watch? Get Watch! Join the Woodlands Watch

22 toys for tots

23 resolve to Get Involved

24 Recycling Q&a

26 holiday safety Tips

28 The Woodlands history: Why George Mitchell Sold The Woodlands

32 riva row Boat House

on the Cover

MontHly

6 Calendar of events

8 the Woodlands Village news

a Waterway Cruiser glides by holiday scenery at Waterway square in the Woodlands. to find out how you can take a ride on a newly refurbished Waterway Cruiser and view holiday lights in the Woodlands town Center, please visit www.theWoodlandsWaterwayCruisers.com. you may download a buy-one-get-one-free coupon at the site. Cover photo by Ted Washington

www.TheWoodlandsWaterwayCruisers.com

The Woodlands ToWnship

Photo by Derrick b ryant

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

The Woodlands ToWnship

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

main line

All Offices and Departments 28-20-3800

The Woodlands Fire department (non-emergency)

9951 Grogan’s mill road

The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-367-3444

Parks, Recreation and environmental services

8203 millennium Forest, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3900

Recreation Center

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

oTher service providers

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

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

harris County sheriff’s office 713-221-6000

montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

emergency 9

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

To Better Serve The Woodlands Residents

The Woodlands Township Service Center, Board Chambers and Law Enforcement/Neighborhood Services Annex have all moved to one location as of December 5, 2011.

Township phone numbers, e-mail addresses and the Web site address will remain the same.

The new address is 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381.

• Board of Directors Meetings

• General Manager’s Office

• Legislative Affairs

• Law Enforcement/Public Safety Services

• Neighborhood Services/Woodlands Watch

• Covenant Administration

• Home Improvement Applications

• Residential Design Review Committees

• Development Standards Committee

• Finance and Accounting

• Information Technology

• Human Resources

• Parks and Recreation Administration

• Parks and Recreation Development

• Facility and Sportsfield Reservations

• Records

• Community Relations

• Convention & Visitors Bureau

the Woodlands township Board of Directors wishes all of our residents, businesses and visitors and a prosperous new year.

Happy Holidays

Nelda Blair

Tom Campbell

Peggy Hausman

Don

The Woodlands

C ommuni T y magazine

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

Cham P ions sTa FF

President, Publisher James e callahan, Jr. account executives connie Krell charlotte blanco cheryl Kirsch

Creative director Lori Short graphic designers Jami Davis charlene Strine

T o W nshi P sTa FF

director of Community Relations Nick Wolda editor mary connell assistant editor elena Smith

Copy editor Laura Garvey editorial assistant Terri Jefferies

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

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

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

Texas Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in Texas named on the U.S .News & World Repor t’s “Honor Roll” honoring the top 11 pediatric hospitals in the countr y. We’re proud to be your first choice and the right choice , right here , for your child.

Texas Children’s Health Centers along with Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates offer your family convenient access to exper t pediatricians as well as subspecialists and therapeutic and diagnostic ser vices. In addition, Texas Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine brings specialized care for your high-risk pregnancy right to your neighborhood.

Texas Children’s Health Center – The Woodlands

17198 St Luke’s Way

Medical Ar ts Ctr. I, Ste . 300 The Woodlands, TX 77384 936-321-0808

Texas Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine – The Woodlands 17198 St Luke’s Way

Medical Ar ts Ctr. I, Ste . 630

The Woodlands, TX 77384 936-321-1600

Conroe Pediatric Associates

404 River Pointe Dr , Ste 100 Conroe,TX 77304 936-756-8108

Sterling Ridge Pediatrics

6707 Sterling Ridge Dr , Ste A The Woodlands, TX 77382 281-296-2656

TCPA – Medical Plaza

1011 Medical Plaza Dr , Ste 220

The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-296-9119

Woodlands Pediatric Associates

4545 Research Forest Dr , Ste.A

The Woodlands, TX 77381 281-367-5100

caroling on The square returns strolling entertainers and holiday sounds from local artists and choirs are just some of the exciting features families will find as the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau presents the second annual Caroling on the square concert series at Waterway square.

the festive holiday performances will take place on saturday, December 3, 10 and 17, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. Caroling on the square is free and open to the public,

This december at Waterway square

thanks to generous support from the Woodlands Development Company, Munday Chevrolet, Kyle sherburne – state Farm Insurance and Berripop Frozen yogurt. lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.

holiday songs and holiday Tree at The Fountains at Waterway square the Fountains at Waterway square feature holiday songs this December including Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland and Feliz Navidad also, enjoy the 40-foot lighted Christmas tree. Visit www.theFountainsatWaterwaysquare.com for directions.

sunny 99.1 Family Fun days at The ice rink

Join sunny 99.1 and the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau for Family Fun Days at the Ice rink at the Woodlands town Center located at the northeast corner of lake robbins and six Pines Drive.

on sunday, december 4, 11 and 18, 2011, from 2 to 4 p.m., families can enjoy ice skating, exciting prizes and a special appearance by ray, the sunny 99.1 mascot. For more information about the Ice rink, visit www.theWoodlandsIcerink.com or call 281-419-5630.

donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland located next to the Woodlands Ice rink, the Winter Wonderland is open daily in December from dusk to 11 p.m.

The Woodlands ice rink location and parking

the Ice rink is located at the northeast corner of lake robbins and six Pines Drive. Parking is available at the town Center Parking Garage on six Pines Drive.

ice rink hours of operation

Monday - thursday .................. 3 to 9 p.m.

Friday 3 to 11 p.m. saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. sunday noon to 7 p.m.

Holiday Hours

school Holidays ........... 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Christmas eve ................ 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Christmas Day 2 to 8 p.m. new year’s eve noon to 1 a.m. new year’s Day 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ice rink admission

Monday – Friday

$9.50...................... two-hour skate session

$5.... two-hour skate session ages 5 and under

Saturday and Sunday

$10.50.................... two-hour skate session

$6 two-hour skate session ages 5 and under

Skate sessions start and run every two hours, beginning at time of daily opening. A two-hour skate session includes a 15-minute rink maintenance break.

Book your holiday party at The ice rink Book a corporate outing, holiday party or birthday party today at the Ice rink! For reservations, call 281-419-5630.

WE’VE MoVEd!

Our new location beginning in December 2011

280 Technology Forest Blvd.

The Woodlands, TX 38

Our phone numbers will remain the same.

Phone: 281-363-2447

Fax: 281-210-3499

info@thewoodlandscvb.com

www.VisitTheWoodlands.com

www.Facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands www.Twitter.com/TheWoodlandscVb www.YouTube.com/TheWoodlandscVb

The Woodlands CVB Wins Seven Pinnacle Awards from IFEA

the Woodlands CVB has won seven Pinnacle awards from the International Festival and events association (IFea), the premier association supporting festival and event professionals worldwide. the awards are considered the most prestigious recognition in the festival and events industry.

Special Delivery! Letters to Santa Will Reach The North Pole on Time, Thanks to Ace Hardware of The Woodlands

Worried your letter to santa won’t make it to the north Pole on time?

Don’t fret, ace Hardware of the Woodlands, 10720 Kuykendahl road, will ensure every letter reaches santa’s front door.

Kids are encouraged to drop letters addressed to santa in the big mailbox inside the ace Hardware of the Woodlands through December 25, 2011. no postage necessary!

“It’s a little known secret that we are part of santa’s team. Just look at our red ace Hardware aprons,” said Christine rowland and owner of ace Hardware of the Woodlands.

Pictured from left, Wright Tilley, 2011 IFEA World Board Chair and Kelly O. Ingram, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau Business Development Specialist.

Dennie and Christine Rowland, Ace Hardware of The Woodlands Owners; and Kelly Ingram, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau Business Development Specialist

Come to the Manger

Let Your Heart Find Christmas

Service of Lessons & Carols

Advent Luncheons

Christmas Musical: Starry Night

CHRISTMAS EVE Robb Chapel

Main Sanctuary

CHRISTMAS DAY services

Center

The Woodlands Governance

articles in The Woodlands Community Magazine this summer reviewed the history of governance in the Woodlands. Key elements of future governance for the Woodlands are the regional Participation agreements (rPas) entered into with the Cities of Houston and Conroe that prevent annexation of the Woodlands and allow residents to determine their own future governance structure within the next 50 years. While voters overwhelmingly approved the change in governmental structure to become the Woodlands township in 2007, the rPas provide the opportunity to

change the current governance structure, including the option to incorporate as a municipality after May 29, 2014.

as this date approaches, the township’s Board of Directors has initiated a process to proactively determine if the current governance structure is best suited for the community now and into the future or whether changes need to be made. over the course of the last several months, the project team has been preparing a “gap analysis,” an evaluation of the effectiveness of existing service delivery and the potential future need for expanded and/

or new services and governing tools as the community evolves. additionally, the Board requested that preliminary financial analyses be completed so residents and stakeholders can better understand the financial implications of municipal incorporation. the results of these analyses will be shared with residents early next year in a series of meetings and public forums. you are encouraged to look to upcoming issues of The Woodlands Community Magazine for event information and details on how you can contribute to this important discussion on future governance.

and clicking on Government then Transition and Governance,

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There will be no trash and recycling service interruptions for the month of December 2011.

RememBeR:

• unlimited recyclables are accepted at curbside.

• to recycle holiday paper and gift boxes, place in a paper bag or small box next to your recycle bin.

• the recycling truck is a traditional rear-loading truck, reserved only for recyclables.

– no plastic bags.

– no styrofoam™.

– no bubble wrap.

Failure to follow guidelines will result in items being left at the curb.

ReCyCling gReen ChRistmas tRees

• remove all decorations and lights from the tree.

• remove tree stands.

• 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.

Disposing of floCkeD ChRistmas tRees

• schedule as bulk/heavy pick up by calling 800-800-5804 or e-mailing southtxcallcenter@wm.com.

• Call at least two working days before your regular service day.

• Flocked Christmas trees must be landfilled.

extRa householD Waste

• requires purchase of a pink tag for extra service.

• one tag per bag.

• Cost: $1.75 per tag.

• each bag must weigh less than 40 pounds.

• Purchase tags from the Woodlands township offices, the Woodlands township recreation Center, Kroger (Cochran’s Crossing, alden Bridge and sterling ridge) and randalls (Grogan’s Mill and Panther Creek).

enhanCed Curbside Recycling

arriving at your curb soon! Begin using your recycling cart as soon as it is delivered. Place your recycling cart at the curb by 7 a.m. on your service day. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3900.

aseptic Packaging

• milk, juice and soup cartons

• empty and rinse well

#, 2, 3, 4, 5, 

Rigid Plastic Containers

• empty and rinse well

• no plastic bags

aluminum cans

• empty and rinse well

Tin cans

• empty and rinse well

Clean paper products

• magazines, newspaper, phone books

• office and school paper, junk mail

• paperboard

• Cereal boxes, tubes, etc.

• Cardboard, clean glass bottles and jars

• Brown, green, clear

• empty and rinse well

• no ceramics, pyrex,® windows or mirrors

not accepted

• no plastic sleeves

• no pizza boxes

• no food stained items

• no plastic bags

• no styrofoam™

• no yard trimmings

• no hazardous waste

december

Thursday, december 

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Lone Star College-University Center at Montgomery Information Fair 3232 college Park Drive 4 to 7 p.m.

For information, call the Student Services Office at 936-273-7510 or 281-618-7140.

Friday, december 2

Gorilla Hole

The Woodlands recreation center 7 p.m.

281-210-3950

This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.

saturday, december 3

Caroling on the Square Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m. 281-210-3900

Tuesday, december 6

Healthcare Provider CPR Class emergency Training center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting 6464 creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m. 281-210-3889

Wednesday, december 

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, december 8

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s mill Shopping center 8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

FREE Compost Class 8203 millennium Forest Drive 11 a.m. to noon

No reservations necessary. For more information, call 281-210-3900.

Next meeting: Thursday, January 12, 2012 2801 Technology Forest boulevard 7 p.m. 281-210-3886

saturday, december 0

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market Grogan’s mill Shopping center 8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Healthcare Provider CPR Class emergency Training center 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731

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

*For calendar updates, visit the Calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Photo by Jim callahan

Caroling on the Square

Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

281-210-3900

Tuesday, december 3

Heartsaver CPR Class emergency Training center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 10, 2012

2801 Technology Forest boulevard

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 10, 2012

2801 Technology Forest boulevard

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Wednesday, december 4

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest boulevard

10 a.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, december 6

Bloodborne Pathogens Class emergency Training center

9 to 11 a.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Gorilla Hole

The Woodlands recreation center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.

saturday, december 

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s mill Shopping center

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

Heartsaver CPR Class

emergency Training center

9 a.m. to noon

To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

First Aid Class

emergency Training center

Noon to 3:30 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Caroling on the Square Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m. 281-210-3900

monday, december 9

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: monday, January 16, 2012

2801 Technology Forest boulevard

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association

Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: monday, January 16, 2012

www.metroministorage.net

Tuesday, december 20

Healthcare Provider

CPR Class

emergency Training center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

sunday, december 25

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 24, 2012

2801 Technology Forest boulevard

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

upcoming events:

sunday, January 

monday, december 26

Township Offices Closed

Sterling Ridge Village Association MeetingCancelled

Next meeting: monday, January 23, 2012

mitchell Library, 8125 Ashlane Way

7 p.m. 281-210-5808

Tuesday, december 2

Healthcare Provider

CPR Class

emergency Training center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext. 1731.

Garbage Collection

monday, January 2

Township Offices Closed

saturday, January 

FREE Compost Class

8203 millennium Forest Drive

11 a.m. to noon

No reservations necessary. For more information, call 281-210-3900.

Alden Bridge

Happy holidays from alden Bridge! We hope that everyone has a safe and joyous December! Keep it a safe holiday season by being aware of your surroundings while you’re out and about. Keep your home and car doors locked and don’t leave any holiday packages visible in the car when you go shopping.

Due to the holiday season, we skip our monthly residents meeting in December. our next meeting is scheduled for January 10, 2012, at 7 p.m. at the new township location, 2801 technology Forest Boulevard. our speaker has not been announced yet, but we’ll be sure to spread that news via our e-mail newsletter and Web site, www.aldenbridge.org.

It’s time to trim your home and yard for this year’s Holiday lighting & Decorating Contest! Judges will visit all alden Bridge homes December 12-18, 2011, so turn on your lights every night during that period. We’ll choose one Best Home and one Best neighborhood or group of homes in alden Bridge. Winning homes will be awarded on Monday, December 19, 2011, between 6 and 8 p.m.

We continue to welcome additions to our electronic mailing list. Please send your e-mail address to info@aldenbridge.org. your address will not be shared and will be used only to distribute village news. also please

visit our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org. Have you seen the extensive selection of alden Bridge merchandise that is available through our Web site? Check it out for some terrific holiday gift ideas!

thanks again to everyone who contributed to our village association in any way during 2011. your support is very much appreciated!

Submitted by Darla Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

you know what we mean. It’s that special eye-popping, mind-blowing pizzazz that separates prize winners from the merely spectacular! that’s what our judges will be looking for as they comb Cochran’s Crossing in search of the very best in holiday lighting and decorating. We’ll be coming by between December 12 and 16, 2011, so light ‘em up and make us say “Wow!”

super stocking stuffers. our hats and ts. they’re good looking, top quality and bargain priced. For info call Jim at 936-321-2715 or Bill at 281-298-5733.

Visit our Fan Page or log in to www.cochranscrossing.com

Submitted by Bill Mara

College Park

the holidays are quickly approaching, and we have finished our wonderful thanksgiving dinner. Black Friday has passed, and our thoughts are turning to preparing for the upcoming holidays. now is the time to search through all your decorations and lights and to find all those new light strings you picked up after Christmas last year. It’s time once again for the annual Holiday lighting Contest!

the village elves will be running around checking your yards for signs of Christmas, and the final judging will be the weekend of December 11, 2011. then it is time to listen for signs and sirens on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, to see if santa will be rewarding you with a beautiful yard sign. there is no need to preregister for the contest; simply turn your lights on, and the elves will do the rest. College Park Village association will be judging for Best Home and Best neighborhood. It will be stiff competition, so start planning now.

there will be no meeting this month. We will have our next meeting in January. this is also the time to consider running for election to the village association board. We will have nine area representative positions opening up as well as the vice-president and treasurer positions. If you have attended any of the functions sponsored by the Village, then you might enjoy being a part of the planning.

Have a wonderful holiday, and we wish you a happy and healthy new year!

Submitted by Gail Carney

Creekside Park

holiday lighting & decorating contest

It’s a great time to start preparing for the annual Holiday lighting & Decorating Contest. there are no registration or entry requirements; Creekside Park residents simply display their lights and/or decorations from thursday, December 1, through tuesday, December 6, 2011. there are two categories: Best Home and Best neighborhood. Prizes will be awarded on Wednesday, December 13, 2011. For more information regarding the details and prizes, please visit www.creeksideparkvillage.com.

save The date

the Woodlands Creekside Park Village association will present the 3rd annual Chili Cook-off and Winter

Ne WS F r O m T he V illages OF T he W oodlands

The Alden Bridge October Yard of the Month winners are the Stranges of Wooded Brook in the Meadowbrook neighborhood. Kendrick Skipper (far left) and Darla Bell (far right) of the Alden Bridge Village Association presented the award to Pat Strange and his two sons.

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

Festival on saturday, December 10, 2011, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the lodge at rob Fleming Park. there will be fun for the whole family including a chili cook-off, giant snow sledding hill, face painting, kids crafts, snowman building contest, free food and a holiday market.

the Woodlands Creekside Park Village association will present the Inaugural “Chilly” Chili 5K race at noon at the rob Fleming aquatic Center. participate

Monthly association meetings are held the first tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at the Creekside yMCa lodge making it more convenient for residents to attend and participate. Visit www.creeksideparkvillage.com for all of the latest news and event information.

Submitted by Nancy Decker Lent

Grogan’s Mill

the Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market continues its eighth consecutive successful season, and will now be held every saturday morning year-round with the exception of December 24 and 31, 2011. Check the Grogan’s Mill Village association Web site at www.grogansmillvillage.com for details. your favorite vendors have returned along with some new additions. If you want information on becoming a vendor, please visit our Web site, www.grogansmillvillage.com, for applications. Home gardeners are welcome to sell surplus produce in the Gardener’s Corner. again, see the application online for specific instructions.

Centerpoint energy will be building new power lines to support the new exxon Complex adjacent to I-45 and the Hardy toll road. some residents of Grogan’s MIll are concerened about the proposed location of the lines. For more information on the subject, please visit the Grogan’s Mill Web site.

Construction has begun on a Dairy Queen at the corner of Grogan’s Mill road and south Millbend Drive. this new addition to our village center is expected to open by the end of the year. also, construction of a new apartment complex on south Millbend Drive, at the location of the former Woodlands athletic Center, is well underway with a spring 2012 opening anticipated. there will be no monthly Grogan’s Mill Village association meeting scheduled during December. We invite you to submit all your comments and questions to our Web site or join us at our next meeting on Monday, January 16, 2012. your Grogan’s Mill Village association wishes all a very happy holiday season.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and

Dana Denton

Indian Springs

indian springs village association logo design - presentation of awards Dr. Don stockton, Conroe IsD superintendent of schools, recently attended an Indian springs Village association meeting for the presentation of awards for the logo design contest. Grand prize winner Grant Davis, an eighth-grade student at McCullough Junior High, received a certificate plus a $350 donation for his school. runner-up Katie Wolfe, a ninth-grade student at the Woodlands High school, received a certificate plus a $150 donation

continued on page 20

a lden Brid G e

The Alden bridge Village Association (AbVA) usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township. Please join us!

Web site www.aldenbridge.org

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Steve Leakey at 281-419-3468.

Co C hran’s Crossin G

The cochran’s crossing Village Association (ccVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township. Please join us!

Web site www.cochranscrossing.com

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Stuart Schroeder at 936-273-0419.

Colle G e park

The college Park Village Association (cPVA) usually meets on the third monday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at The Woodlands emergency Training center. Please join us!

Web site www.villageofcollegepark.com

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Ted Stanley at 936-321-5996.

Creekside park

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

Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Nancy Decker Lent at 617-721-6939.

Gro G an’s Mill

The Grogan’s mill Village Association (GmVA) usually meets on the third monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township. Please join us!

Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Deborah Sargeant at 281-292-5341.

i ndian s prin G s

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

Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Amy Lecocq at 281-298-1476.

pan T her Creek

The Panther creek Village Association (PcVA) usually meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township. Please join us!

Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President everett Ison at 281-298-9524.

sT erlin G r id G e

The Sterling ridge Village Association (SrVA) usually meets the fourth monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the George and cynthia Woods mitchell Library meeting room, 8125 Ashlane Way. Please join us!

Web site www.sterling-ridge.org

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Phillip Givens at 281-419-9331.

Katie Wolfe, Dr. Don Stockton, Grant Davis

for her school. the board would like to thank all Indian springs student artists who participated in the contest for their talent and dedication. additional photos and details can be found at the Indian springs Village Web site, www.indianspringsvillage.com.

donation to Glen loch elementary Indian springs Village association President amy lecocq and Board Member eric thomas (shown above) presented a $500 check to Glen loch elementary Principal Cassie Hertzenburg and Pto President tonia rolle Jones on Monday,

october 10, 2011. the donation will be used to purchase books for the accelerated reader program at the school.

2011 holiday lighting & decorating contest attention all holiday enthusiasts! Indian springs residents who wish to enter the Holiday lighting & Decorating Contest need only have their lighting and decorating complete by sunday, December 11, 2011. a yard sign and plaque will be provided for Best Home. a yard sign and Ice rink passes, courtesy of the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, will be provided for Best neighborhood. Please check our Indian springs Village association Web site for additional details.

Panther Creek

the Fall Flea Market was held in september. this was much earlier than usual but there was a good turnout.

Panther Creek supplied a good number of volunteers for the project. Volunteering can be a lot of fun even if early in the morning. one of the really great things to see were the young volunteers from various schools who were there to help vendors unload their cars and trucks. as soon as the vendors drove into their allotted spaces the young people were there, in numbers, to help out. It is great to see that people so young have already begun to volunteer to help their community. the flea market functioned like clockwork due to all the volunteers and the guidance and direction from larry Faith, who has been involved with the flea market for many years.

at our last Panther Creek Village association meeting, the Montgomery County sheriff’s office reported on their activities for the month. one thing always emphasized is that the sheriff’s office appreciates the support of the community, especially when people call them about “suspicious people or situations” in the neighborhoods. the sheriff’s office checks out these reports and finds citizen awareness a very valuable tool. It was reported that there had been one burglary

of a motor vehicle behind a closed garage door. Many of us assume that the closed garage door is safe enough, but a knowledgeable thief can open a garage in six seconds. Go to youtube.com and search for “breaking into a garage.” you will be amazed at how simply and quickly a burglar can open a garage door. other videos at that site show ways to make garage doors more difficult to open. every year during the holiday season each village chooses the best decorated house and neighborhood. the Panther Creek Village association will be judging best house and neighborhood again this year, so be sure to decorate your house early. there will be no Panther Creek Village association meeting in December. the next meeting will be thursday, January 12, 2012, at 7 p.m., at the township building. every Panther Creek resident is welcome to attend the meeting. the Panther Creek Village association wishes everyone a happy, healthy, safe holiday season and prosperous new year.

Submitted by Merle Causey

Sterling Ridge

Water Wise Tips for Fall/Winter season this year’s cruel summer season in texas is finally behind us, but finding ways to use water wisely around our house should be something we do year-round. Here are a few helpful tips on how to use our precious water resource more efficiently:

1. adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.

2. If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.

3. We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.

4. rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.

Submitted

by

Gabriel Castillo

Puffy Pine Cone®

ever since being magically transported from the enchanted forest to The Woodlands, i always dreamed of becoming a part of The Woodlands Watch team. i am amazed at the police-community partnerships and how they work as a team to keep our hometown safe. neighbors work together by sharing information they can use to keep their homes and community a safer place to live. Just as strong roots keep our trees healthy and stable, neighbor knowing neighbor means our community and neighborhoods maintain a strong support system through The Woodlands Watch.

i, puffy pine Cone, lovable Mascot of The Woodlands, invite you to branch out and join The Woodlands Watch. let’s all continue working together to keep our hometown a safe community!

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Please donate new, unwrapped toys at any of these convenient sites in Montgomery County.

Collection

Last year, needy children in Montgomery, Walker, liberty, Polk, san Jacinto, trinity and Grimes Counties received more than 15,000 new, unwrapped toys donated by generous residents. according to Commandant Bob Costanzo of u.s. Marine Corps eastex Detachment #779, safe convenient official collection centers will be located at all Montgomery County libraries in Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, new Caney, Willis and the Woodlands. In addition, many local merchants, businesses and real estate offices have drop-off/collection boxes in their offices/stores. Please donate new, unwrapped toys at any of these convenient sites in Montgomery County. the last days for pickup of toys at official collection centers will be December 15 and 16, 2011, when Marines from the Marine Corps league eastex Detachment will pickup toys and deliver them to the salvation army and society of samaritans for sorting and distribution before Christmas. If a social organization or business with whom you are affiliated desires to participate, just call Bob Quinn at 936-890-2843 or Harry Bruce at 936-856-6257.

Resolve to geT involveD

in the Community in 2012!

The Woodlands Township will hold elections for residential Design review committees and Village Associations in February 2012. Watch for more information in the January 2012 issue of this magazine.

www.helpourcounty.org

Connecting you to volunteer and donation opportunities in Montgomery and liberty Counties. don’t wait, get involved today!

this site was created by the leadership Montgomery Class of 2007 and originally maintained by Interfaith of the Woodlands. the site is now maintained by Montgomery County united Way. thanks to the vision of the class, this site helps to create lasting partnerships between the business community and volunteers with all non-profit organizations in liberty and Montgomery Counties.

Recycling Q&A

New and Improved Recycling Service Begins In 2012

What is changing?

the Woodlands township Board of Directors recently selected an option for future waste and recycling collection with service scheduled to begin in 2012. a new solid waste contract with Waste Management is expected to take effect at that time. the new option provides significantly improved recycling services with the least cost and least impact to residents, while taking into account that waste disposal costs will increase over the long term.

here are the changes:

• Recycling – the existing 18-gallon recycling container will be replaced with a green 96-gallon container with a yellow lid, a handle and wheels. this is the same size as the current trash cart.

• Yardwaste – after February 1, 2012, plastic bags will no longer be accepted. Green waste can still be bundled or placed in resident-provided containers. If bags are used, they must be compostable bags, available at local stores.

What is staying the same?

Garbage service, using your current trash cart, remains the same. there will also be no changes to the bulky waste pick-up, extra trash tags, or the township’s recycling Center. (If you are unfamiliar with the current services, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. Click residents, then trash Collection, for details.)

What are the benefits?

there are a number of benefits, the main one being that the new cart accommodates an increasing number of items that can be recycled curbside, including large cardboard. the wheels make the cart easier to maneuver, and the lid keeps recyclables dry and prevents littering. the ability to recycle more means less refuse goes to the landfill, which results in lower costs for the future.

What is the cost?

there is no additional cost to you. the service fee is included in your annual township tax bill. Many communities charge an additional service fee for garbage and recycling pickup, but the Woodlands does not.

What is the timing?

the transition to the carts will begin in January 2012. Information will be posted on the township Web site and published in The Woodlands Community Magazine service days will remain the same for all residents. Most carts are expected to be delivered on regular service days. old recycling bins will be picked up if they are at the curb on that day. once you have received the new cart, you may begin using it.

What can be recycled in the new cart?

Full recycling information is available at the township’s Web site. Current items accepted curbside are:

• aluminum cans, such as those for carbonated drinks.

• aseptic containers (coated cardboard) such as those for juice, soup and milk cartons, ice cream cartons.

• Cardboard, flattened.

• Glass: brown, green and clear jars and bottles.

• Paper: office, school, junk mail, newspaper, magazines, catalogs.

• Paperboard: cereal, cracker, toothpaste boxes; tubes and paper rolls.

• Phone books.

• Plastic: rigid bottles, cups and containers #1 through #7. (look for the recycling symbol on the product.)

• steel and tin cans, such as those for canned meats and vegetables.

Please remember to rinse any food or drink containers before recycling.

What is not accepted curbside?

• no plastic bags of any type.

• no ceramics, Pyrex® , windows or mirrors.

• no foil or pie pans.

• no plastic sleeves.

• no styrofoam™ containers.

how can I recycle what is not accepted curbside?

the Woodlands township is always working to have more items accepted curbside. oversized items can continue to be scheduled for a bulk pickup directly with Waste Management at no additional charge. In addition, many charitable organizations provide pick-up and drop-off for items that are still serviceable. For other items not on the curbside recycling list, check with Precinct 3 recycling Complex and southwest recycling for scrap metal and many other bulky items for recycling. Precinct 3 recycling Complex accepts clean styrofoam™ and other expanded polystyrene and household products. the township’s recycling Center is also open two days per week. Please check the township’s Web site for additional information and options on recycling items that are not accepted curbside, including the Donations Guide and the Recycle More Guide

What are the rules?

all trash, refuse and recyclables (except bundled limbs and branches) must be placed in containers as noted above. all trash, refuse or recycling containers may be placed near the street edge no earlier than one day prior to waste collection. emptied containers must be removed from the street, front yard or driveway by the end of the collection day. Containers must be stored on the owner’s property at all times. Containers must be stored out of public view at ground level from the street or alley or adjacent and surrounding properties at all times except during waste collection.

Does it matter how the carts are placed on pickup day?

yes! Place both wheeled carts at the curb or street-end of your driveway, with the opening side facing the street, and the wheels and handle facing the house. remember to keep at least four feet between the carts so that the automated arm of the trash and recycling truck can pick up each cart.

What if I have a concern about storage and screening?

If you do not want to store the carts in your garage, please call the Woodlands township Covenant administration Department at 281-210-3800 for suggestions on how best to store and screen the carts at your property. options may include fencing, lattice or landscape screening using plants.

What if I don’t want the new recycling cart?

the Woodlands township hopes that you will enjoy the mobility and size of the new cart and find more things to conveniently recycle, however, if after 90 days, you still do not want the cart, please call the township at 281-210-3800, and the cart can be removed from your home at no charge. If, at a later date, you should decide that you want to re-order the cart, a fee will apply.

What if I have more questions?

Please contact the Woodlands township environmental services office at 281-210-3900 or e-mail environmentalservices@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. For more information on the Woodlands township, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Photo by Laura Garvey

The new recycling cart has wheels and a yellow cover.

Holiday

safety Tips

By John raybon, neighborhood services Manager

December is here, and you know what that means: shopping, parties and traveling to grandma’s house. Before you get too caught up in the season’s festivities, take a minute to consider these tips to make this holiday season a safe and enjoyable one.

When you are out shopping, be aware of your surroundings. Park in a well-lit location and always lock your vehicle. If possible, remove shopping bags and gifts from your vehicle. If not, make sure they are stored out of sight. never leave valuables in plain view. Keep your purse closed and carry it near your body, not dangling by the straps. avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.

When going out for the evening, leave on a couple of lights and a radio or tV so that it appears someone is home. always make sure to lock your doors and windows when you leave, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Make it a habit to turn on your security alarm when you leave your house, even when going for a short walk. While everyone loves to see a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, do not place your gifts where they can be easily seen from outside your home.

If you are going to be traveling during the holiday season, place the lights in your home on an automatic timer to give the impression that someone is home. Make

sure at least one of your neighbors knows how to reach you. ask them to watch your home and park in your driveway from time to time. stop your mail and newspaper delivery. newspapers piled up on the driveway tell everyone that no one is home. and make sure you request a Vacation Watch from the Montgomery County sheriff’s office at 936-442-7797 or Harris County Constable Precinct 4 at 281-376-3472.

on trash day, remember not to put uncut boxes in the recycling that advertise your new gifts, especially items such as tVs and computers. Cut up the boxes first so it is not obvious from the street what new items are now inside your house.

If there is a stranger at the door, do not open it. remember, criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts or flower arrangements or go door-to-door requesting donations for non-existing charities. never open the door unless you know who the person is on the other side.

If you want to donate to a charity, directly contact an organization you know and trust. the end of the year is a good time to update – or create – your home inventory. take photos or make videos of valuable items. Keep the purchase receipts with the photos for insurance purposes. note descriptions and serial numbers. engrave your driver’s license number on valuable items. you can borrow an engraving kit from the Woodlands township for free. By taking a few simple precautions you can say no to crooks and help ensure that the holidays are a safe and happy time for you and yours.

For more information on how you can keep your neighborhood safe through the holidays and year round, contact the Woodlands township at 281-210-3800.

The Woodlands, The InsIde sTory of c reaTI n G a Be TT er h ome To W n

Why George Mitchell Sold The Woodlands

By roger Galatas

By 1996, George Mitchell had been engaged in the Woodlands for a great portion of his professional career. He had acquired the land, fostered the development vision, assembled the development team, invested emotional capital and placed his personal wealth at risk to get the community underway and help it survive several very tough financial spots. the project had then moved into a profitable position and was nationally recognized as a development success, so why would he elect to sell it? In large measure because Wall street did not fully value a public company that was half energy and half real estate with an individual shareholder, in this case, George Mitchell, holding about 50 percent of the corporate stock.

so in 1996, the board of directors of Mitchell energy & Development Corp., parent company of the Woodlands Corp., insisted it was time to get out of either the

land or energy business to enhance the value of the company. Mitchell went along with the decision, despite the fact he personally owned enough shares in the company to give him voting control of the board and might have been able to overrule that decision.

“I didn’t want to sell the Woodlands,” Mitchell said in a 2004 interview.

“the Woodlands is a great project and I was very proud of it. and of course I had done a lot of work in energy, and they both were very exciting, very interesting. But I hated to sell the Woodlands, not only because it’s more visible, but also it probably has a greater affect on (people) compared to what I accomplished in energy.”

But at that time Mitchell could not sell the energy portion of Mitchell energy & Development Corp. because of a number of lawsuits pending in Wise County in north texas, the site of the major natural

gas production that put this company in the big time and him on the list of the 400 richest americans. the suits claimed that Mitchell’s gas wells were polluting the water wells of many residents and demanded as much as $200 million in damages. later, Mitchell prevailed in the suits as the courts found his company’s activities were not responsible for any pollution. But in 1996, with those suits hanging over the company, the energy portion of Mitchell energy was diminished in value. no one wants to buy a lawsuit. “I couldn’t sell the energy company,” Mitchell said. “so I had no choice but I had to sell the Woodlands.”

sale of The Woodlands

George Mitchell, his shoulders slumped, walks away from the news conference in which he announced the sale of The Woodlands Corporation. The only remorse Mitchell ever expressed about The Woodlands was the decision to sell it. Mitchell still has an emotional ownership in the community’s success, and freely offers encouragement and advice to the new owners.

Mitchell, whose wealth was substantial, might have bought the Woodlands himself from Mitchell energy. But there were severe constraints on doing so. Much of his wealth was tied up in stock of the company named for him. He would have had to sell enough stock to come up with the price –the Woodlands was sold for $543 million –or borrow against it. and while Mitchell remained quite active, he was not getting younger. He had 10 children. no one lives forever and dying in the united states without good estate planning meant much of his wealth could go to the u s. government in estate taxes. tying up a substantial part of his wealth in largely illiquid land just didn’t make sense. Mitchell once told me that if he had been 50 years old in 1997 he would not have sold the Woodlands Corporation. the company hired the investment bank, Goldman sachs, to help evaluate the properties and implement a plan to dispose of company-owned real estate assets within the Woodlands. We had a large number of diverse assets – ranging from country clubs, a mortgage company, to a title company; undeveloped land to developed land to office buildings and retail centers. a host of these assets were subject to leases, contracts liens and loans. the properties outside

Photo courtesy houston chronicle

the Woodlands were also diverse but simpler in terms of ownership. We sold the non-Woodlands assets separately, not through a financial advisor but with our own resources using appraisers and industry standards to establish values.

the sale of non-Woodlands assets included 30,000 acres of timberland in Montgomery County, the san luis Hotel in Galveston, several resort developments on the west end of Galveston Island and a 3,000-acre property near steamboat springs, Colorado, that Mitchell had hoped to develop into a resort community. We sold the non-Woodlands assets before we closed on the Woodlands.

While the other real estate assets were sold in multiple transactions to separate buyers, the Woodlands was a package deal. Its assets included:

• approximately 14,000 acres of undeveloped land in the master planned community.

• the Woodlands executive Conference Center resort and the Woodlands Country Club with four golf courses.

• total or partial interest in 1.4 million square feet of office space, a million square feet of research technology space and 2,300 apartments.

• Partial ownership of Mitchell Mortgage Company and stewart title Company of Montgomery County.

• easement use fees and a realty sales operation.

• Woodtrace, a proposed 2,850 masterplanned residential golf community in northwest Houston.

• Certain financial assets, contracts and leases.

• the franchise value of a nationally recognized, successful master-planned community.

• an experienced team of professionals within the Woodlands Corporation.

• a going business with positive cash flow.

Goldman sachs prepared a confidential memorandum offering the Woodlands for sale. It was released to potential buyers in March of 1997. It anticipated the Woodlands would be sold for cash, but also said a stock sale might be arranged, subject to favorable tax rulings and the financial strength of the acquiring entity. Following the bidding process one prospect would be chosen with whom it would negotiate.

the Crescent real estate equitiesMorgan stanley partnership had the higher bid and it sent in a team of executives for the

45-day due diligence period. that very short time of 45 days came from Mitchell. as the time approached for the closing, CrescentMorgan stanley identified a number of issues about deferred maintenance and other matters. they viewed those as a valid reason to either extend the period for due diligence or adjust the price. George Mitchell held the line. there would be neither. Mitchell didn’t want to sell anyway and he was not about to reduce the price to accommodate the sale. Despite several calls from Crescent, the closing did occur at the original offer price and it closed within the time frame set forth in the agreement.

a good case can be made that George Mitchell sold the Woodlands at exactly the wrong time. the cash sale price was $543 million, and the sale generated an after-tax loss of $67 million for Mitchell energy. Chalk up that loss to two significant reasons: (1) the sale occurred prematurely with respect to financial maturity of the Woodlands’ assets. subsequently reported profitable returns to Crescent and Morgan stanley bear out this circumstance; and (2) George Mitchell’s charitable nature and his belief that the community deserved contributions to make it a better place, such as the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, funding and land grants to the Houston area research Center, the John Cooper school, the university Center and other institutions. these contributions (investments) by Mitchell created value that could be recovered over time from future sales, but no current income to the company and therefore added little value to the sale. But the loss generated by the sale of the Woodlands was more than offset by a significant increase in the market value of Mitchell energy stock.

upon the closing of the sale to Crescent-Morgan stanley our management team had several objectives. We wanted to

introduce the new owners to the community and reshape our operations to achieve their objectives. We felt we had to reassure the community that George Mitchell’s vision was intact and reinforce our network of relationships with regulatory agencies, elected officials and community leaders. and finally we knew if we were going to accomplish these objectives we needed to establish our credibility with the new owners.

Crescent-Morgan stanley kept most of the existing management team at the Woodlands when it completed the sale. the new owners put in place a financial bonus program for key employees who would stay for several years. this worked for a time, but gradually a number of key employees moved on. By late 2003, many positions were filled by new employees.

Change in the way the Woodlands operated did come, but gradually. land use covenants, development plans, existing regulatory approvals, contracts with third parties and agreements with homebuilders and contractors required a measure of stability. also Crescent and Morgan stanley understood the value of George Mitchell’s vision. they did not, necessarily, share his passion. they saw the Mitchell vision as a vehicle to achieve the financial goals of their investors and shareholders, but they chose a somewhat different approach to achieving it.

It was important for residents to understand that the sale of the Woodlands involved only its name and corporate assets, not the assets of the community such as the Pavilion or its governmental structure. these remained beyond the direct control of Crescent and Morgan stanley. residents continued to raise their families, buy and sell homes, educate their children and enjoy community amenities. Businesses continued without interruption. Community volunteers and the institutions

continued on page 30

George Mitchell’s $543 million sale of The Woodlands Corporation is reported in the Houston Chronicle.

they supported continued to weave the tapestry of community fabric just as they had done under the ownership of George Mitchell. this human element provided continuity as the company and its assets went from one owner to the other. residents actually became more alert to even minor changes. they became more active protectors of George Mitchell’s vision.

even though the transition to new ownership had been challenging, Crescent and Morgan stanley pursued development initiations already planned under the Mitchell ownership and launched new initiatives. anadarko, Chevron/Phillips, u s oncology and the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center opened in town Center; the Woodlands Waterway® advanced as a major commercial amenity. the Carlton Woods Country Club opened; homes sales increased; new public schools opened and a new hospital was constructed. so, from a development standpoint, the community has made significant progress since the sale in 1997. Credit goes to the new owners, the team

of company professionals and community leaders for the successful progress.

While I am convinced that had Crescent and Morgan stanley started the Woodlands in 1974, instead of George Mitchell, it would have been a failure, it’s equally clear that during their ownership starting in mid-1997 they were successful in creating value, generating a profitable cash flow and providing capital to advance elements of Mitchell’s vision.

Editor’s note: The Woodlands Development Company is currently owned by The Howard Hughes Corporation. This article marks the last in the series about the history of The Woodlands. A special thank-you to Roger Galatas for sharing his insight on the history of The Woodlands with The Woodlands Community Magazine.

Roger galatas

Roger Galatas is the former president of The Woodlands Corporation and the author, with Jim Barlow, of the popular book, The Woodlands, The Inside Story of creating a better hometown. For more information, please visit www.rgiwoodlands.com.

Correction: Last month’s name Game article included a photo of event attendees, but not all were identified. The photo description should have read as follows: In July 1983, the formal opening of cochran’s crossing, the third residential village built in The Woodlands, was attended by roger Galatas, bill cochran, Joel Deretchin, rev. Don Gebert, ed Lee, montgomery county commissioner Weldon Locke, George mitchell, State representative Jim Turner and montgomery county Judge Jimmy edwards. The Woodlands Community Magazine regrets the error.

For information, call 281-210-3965 or e-mail boathouse@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/RivaRowBoathouse

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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. They may be submitted to The Woodlands Community Magazine, P.O. Box 7859, The Woodlands, TX, 77387-7859. For more information, please call 281-210-3800.

Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome.

Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands