December 2010

Contents

27

Features

6 holiday events in The Woodlands

0 Learn about the History of the Woodlands

2 Curbside Recycling: now you Can Recycle glass and more

4 holiday Recycling and Trash service

9 Holiday Lighting & Decorating Contest

2 resolve to Get Involved in the Community in 2011

22 Do You Know Who Your Child’s Online Friends are?

on the Cover the colorful tree and fountains at Waterway square highlight the festive holiday season in the Woodlands.

Cover photo by Ted Washington

24 serving Our seniors

25 Montgomery County’s Water supply: rethinking the Way We use It

26 Fire safety Tips

27 the Woodlands Professional Firefighters Go Pink

28 don’t Toss it – donate it!

29 Concert in the Park Fall series: a thank You to all

MOntHLY

3 Message from the Chairman

6 Calendar of events

8 the Woodlands Village news

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

The Woodlands ToWnship

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380 main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

Board Chambers

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

service Center

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

law enforcement and neighborhood services annex 2202 Timberloch Place, Suite 222, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-210-3800

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

Convention & Visitors Bureau

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281-363-2447

oTher service providers

The Woodlands Joint Powers agency (Water) 281-367-1267

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

the holidays are upon us! We are blessed to live in a community that is filled with exceptional people, world-class amenities and premier opportunities. Congratulations to all involved in the extraordinary experiment called “the Woodlands.”

the year 2010 has been nothing short of successful. the Woodlands township saw the completion of the very challenging transition process that resulted in the merger of the former town Center Improvement District and the Community associations of the Woodlands. Heralding the final step of this transition was the change in the format of its board to a fully elected seven-member board. Leisure and travel Magazine included the Woodlands in a list of “america’s coolest suburbs,” and a number of new corporations, stores and restaurants have chosen to relocate to the Woodlands.

Don’t forget to enjoy some holiday-themed fun at the Ice rink at town Center tm (see pages 6 to 8 for schedule and fees). On behalf of the Woodlands township Board of Directors and staff, I would like to wish all of our residents and visitors season’s Greetings and Happy new Year!

Board of d irectors

Nelda Blair Director Tom Campbell Director

Peggy Hausman Director

Bruce Tough Chairman

Lloyd Matthews Vice Chairman

Ed Robb Treasurer

Claude Hunter Secretary

Don Norrell President and General Manager

M essa G e fro M the chair M an

Bruce Tough chairman of the board The Woodlands Township

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

Copy editor elena Smith editorial assistant Terri Jefferies

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

PRINTING & PUBLISHING

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 community 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.

Printed on recycled paper

in The Woodlands H liday Events

Holiday Songs and Holiday Tree at The Fountains at Waterway Square

the Fountains at Waterway square are featuring holiday songs this December, including Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland and Feliz Navidad, along with a 40-foot lighted Christmas tree. Visit www.theFountainsatWaterwaysquare.com for more information.

Sunny 99.1 Family Fun Day at Ice Rink

Join sunny 99.1 and the Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau for a Family Fun Day at the Woodlands Ice rink! the event is scheduled for sunday, December 5, 2010, 2 to 4 p.m. attendees will have a chance to win prizes such as a Family 4 Pack of Ice rink tickets and there will be a special appearance by sunny 99.1’s mascot, ray! For more information about the Woodlands Ice rink, visit www.theWoodlandsIcerink.com or call 281-363-2447.

Book Your Holiday Party at The Woodlands Ice Rink

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

continued on page 8

We e k d a y A d m i s s i o n :

$9.50 for adults & $5 for children 5 and under; includes skate rental

Presented by :

O p e n Da i l y : N o w t h ro u g h J a n u a r y 1 7, 2 0 1 1

Lo c a t i o n : C o r n e r o f L a k e R o b b i n s & S i x P i n e s

H o u r s :

M o n d a y - T h u r s d a y : 3 p m - 9 p m , Fr i d a y : 3 p m - 1 1 p m

S a t u rd a y : 1 0 a m - 1 1 p m , S u n d a y : N o o n - 7 p m

We e k e n d A d m i s s i o n :

$10.50 for adults & $6 for children 5 and under; includes skate rental

• Take lessons from our seasoned instructors.

• Relax with a coffee or hot chocolate.

For more information and daily promotions, visit TheWo o dlandsIceRink .com or call 2 8 1 - 4 1 9 - 5 6 3 0

• Book a corporate outing or a birthday party age is no limit Op en Daily : Now

Januar y 3 , 2 0 1 1 Lo cation: Corner of L ake Robbins & Six Pines Hour s: Dusk until 1 1 pm

Enjoy a walk along the fantasyland of magical, lighted toy soldiers, elves, doves, musical angels and snowmen

T h e Wo o d l a n d s W i n t e r Wo n d e r l a n d . c o m

H liday Events

continued from page 6

The Woodlands Ice Rink and Winter Wonderland Still Open

the Woodlands town Center continues to be your holiday headquarters with the season of The ice rink at The Woodlands Town center™ and donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland.

skate at the Ice rink daily through January 17, 2011; located on the corner of Lake robbins Drive and six Pines Drive in the Woodlands town Center.

ice rink admission

Monday–Friday

$9.50 for two-hour skate session

$5 for two-hour skate session for children ages 5 and younger

Saturday–Sunday

$10.50 for two-hour skate session

$6 for two-hour skate session for children ages 5 and younger

ice rink hours of operation

Regular Hours

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.

thanksgiving Day: 1 to 9 p.m.

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

Christmas Day: 2 to 8 p.m.

new Years eve: noon to 1 a.m.

new Years Day: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

enjoy a walk along the fantasyland of magical, lighted toy soldiers, elves, doves, musical angels and snowmen. the Winter Wonderland is open daily through January 3, 2011, from dusk until 11 p.m. With Free admission this delightful event

is located around the perimeter of the Ice rink at the Woodlands town Center.tM Visit www.theWoodlandsIcerink.com to receive $2 off ice rink admission!

The 2010 Holiday Events in The Woodlands are Proudly

Sponsored by:

• Donoho's Jewellers

• Jaguar Land rover Houston north

• CenterPoint energy

• Bud Light

• Waste Management

• Coca-Cola

• BBVa Compass

• Planet Ford

• the Woodlands Development Company

• the strong Firm

• Wright's Printing

• st. Luke's - the Woodlands Hospital

• Fidelity Investments

• university of Phoenix

• spectrum Catering, Concessions & events

• CB&I

• Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro

• state Farm Insurance - Kyle sherburne

• Hodges Paint & Body

• Mellisa ray Insurance

• the Woodlands Young Learners academy

• Cinemark

• Kroger

• Huntsman

• rico’s Grill

• the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center

that takes place sunday, December 5, 12 and 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring festive holiday music performed live! Lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and coolers are welcome. Head down to Waterway square for this fun, familyfriendly event! For more information about Caroling on the square, please visit http://www.thewoodlandscvb.com/ carolingonthesquare.asp.

Caroling on The Square is proudly sponsored by:

Caroling on The Square

Waterway square continues to be a wonderful place for entertainment through the holiday season. Caroling on the square is a Free event series

Learn About the History of The Woodlands

are you interested in local history?

The Woodlands Community Magazine is pleased to announce that beginning with the January 2011 issue, roger Galatas, former president of the Woodlands Development Company, past board member of the town Center Improvement District and now executive advisor to real estate ventures, will share articles derived from his popular book, “the Woodlands,

the Inside story of Creating a Better Hometown,” and other writings. the articles will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how George Mitchell’s community development initiative survived a challenging startup, including a brush with bankruptcy, to become a thriving community with international recognition where people live, work, play and learn. Watch for articles in upcoming issues of this magazine.

Roger Galatas

Curbside Recycling

By Lucinda Valdes

Beginning December 1, 2010, curbside collection for recycling is slated to become a whole lot more! Glass, phone books, additional plastics and aseptic containers will now be collected at curbside for recycling. a premier, single-stream materials recovery facility—the Waste Management Gasmer MrF—is enabling the expanded list of recyclables. state-of-the-art optical scanners and high tech sorting equipment will recover more material than previously possible.

“It is the first of its kind in texas,” noted terry Woodson, director of governmental affairs with Waste Management.

“We are very excited to be rolling out this additional curbside service!” said Lynne aldrich, manager of environmental services for the Woodlands township. “Our community supports recycling in a huge way,” she continued. to accommodate the additional recycling, residents are encouraged to use an open container such as a plastic bin, laundry basket or shopping bag. Containers should be clearly marked “recycling.” Items may be comingled; no sorting necessary! For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call the Woodlands township at 281-210-3900.

Recyclers, like Andra Wilcox, give the additions to curbside recycling an enthusiastic welcome.

Photo by Lucinda Valdes

Photos courtesy Waste m anagement

holiday Recycling and Trash service

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.

o nO plastic bags.

o nO styrofoam.

o nO bubble wrap.

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

Recycling of 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.

disposal of Flocked Christmas Trees

• schedule as bulk/heavy pickup by calling 800-800-5804 or e-mailing houstonservice@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).

Please call Waste Management Customer service at 800-800-5804 for questions or problems. For unresolved service issues or to report leaking trucks or other concerns, please call

The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3900.

There will be no interruptions for trash and recycling service during the month of december 200.

December

Wednesday, december 

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, december 2

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, december 3

Healthcare Provider Renewal CPR Class emergency Training center 9 to 11 a.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

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 4

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market Grogan’s mill Shopping center

8 a.m. to noon

For more information, contact Lorraine richardson at 713-992-5983.

Heartsaver CPR Class emergency Training center 9 a.m. to noon

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

FREE Compost Class

8203 millennium Forest Drive 11 a.m. to noon

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

First Aid Class emergency Training center Noon to 2:30 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

sunday, december 5

Caroling on the Square Waterway Square 6 to 8 p.m.

281-210-3900

Tuesday, december 7

Healthcare Provider CPR Class emergency Training center 6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

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

281-210-3889

Thursday, december 9

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

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

Photo by Jim callahan

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Workshop (If needed)

10001 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 600

The Township board room

7:30 a.m.

281-210-3800

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: Thursday, January 13, 2011

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-5808

saturday, december 

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market Grogan’s mill Shopping center

8 a.m. to noon

For more information, contact Lorraine richardson at 713-992-5983.

Healthcare Provider CPR Class emergency Training center

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

sunday, december 2

Caroling on the Square Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

281-210-3900

Tuesday, december 4

Heartsaver CPR Class emergency Training center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting – Cancelled

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 11, 2011

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 11, 2011

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Wednesday, december 5

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting (If needed)

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Law Enforcement Advisory Council Meeting

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, december 7

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.

sunday, december 9

Caroling on the Square Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

281-210-3900

monday, december 20

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting - Cancelled Next meeting: monday, January 17, 2011

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive

6:30 p.m.

281-210-5808

College Park Village Association Meeting - Cancelled emergency Training center

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, december 2

Healthcare Provider CPR Class emergency Training center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Friday, december 24

Christmas Eve

All Township offices will be closed.

saturday, december 25

Christmas Day

Garbage collection

monday, december 27

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting - Cancelled Next meeting: monday, January 24, 2011

mitchell Library, 8125 Ashlane Way 7 p.m.

281-210-3888

Tuesday, december 28

Healthcare Provider CPR Class emergency Training center 6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5823.

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 25, 2011

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

Friday, december 3

New Year’s Eve

All Township offices will be closed.

upcoming events:

saturday, January 

New Year’s Day

saturday, January 8

FREE Compost Class

8203 millennium Forest Drive 11 a.m. to noon

For more information, call 281-210-3900.

No changes in garbage service this month. Watch this space for information about garbage and recycling service, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Alden Bridge

Happy holidays from alden Bridge! We hope that everyone has a safe and joyous December! Keep it a safe December by being aware of your surroundings while you’re out and about. Keep your car doors locked and don’t leave any of those 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 tuesday, January 11, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the township service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Our speaker will be Karen Hoylman, President of the south Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce. Come by and let Karen fill you in on what’s going on with our Chamber.

It’s time to trim your home and yard for this year’s Holiday Lighting & Decorating Contest! Judges will visit all neighborhoods Monday, December 13, through thursday, December 16, 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 Friday, December 17, 2010, between 6 and 8 p.m.

Congratulations to the the Pawlik family of Whistler’s Bend Circle who won the alden Bridge October Yard of the Month award. Here are Judy Pawlik and one of her yard helpers.

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. 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 2010. 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 8 and 14 so light ‘em up and make us say, “Wow!” super stocking stuffers

Our hats and t’s. 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 on

Submitted by Bill Mara

College Park

the time has come for the epic battle of the neighborhood holiday lights displays. every year, the competition gets hotter and the lights get brighter. Will it be Bowie Bend for another year, Harmony Hollow or will a new front runner take the prize? I am talking about the annual holiday lights competition, which will be judged from December 11 through 13 and awarded on

December 15. every year, we seem to get bigger and brighter neighborhoods and it gets even more competitive when we look at individual homes. If you want bragging rights (and a very colorful yard sign), you simply have to decorate to your hearts content. We will have our elvin judges checking the displays out and miraculously, we may appear on your door step on December 15. the only thing you have to do is turn on your lights!

now that we have reached the end of another successful year, I encourage you to look back and reflect on all that your village association does for us every year. We will be having elections in February and now is the time to decide if you would like to join this rewarding group. every year, the village association provides scholarships, builds and decorates a float for the 4th of July parade, holds annual social events, and provides a forum for residents to address issues. applications will be available at the end of December.

We will not be having a meeting in December in order for everyone to enjoy the holidays with their families. We will look forward to seeing you at our next meeting in January! Happy Holidays from your College Park Village association Board of Directors.

Submitted by Gail

Carney

Creekside Park

holiday lighting & decorating contest: It’s a great time to start preparing for the annual Holiday Lighting &

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

Decorating Contest. there are no registration or entry requirements; Creekside Park residents simply display their lights and/or decorations during the dates of thursday, December 2, through tuesday, December 7. there are two categories: Best Home and Best neighborhood. Prizes will be awarded on Wednesday, December 8, 2010. 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 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off and Winter Festival on sunday, December 5, 2010, 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 new this year, a holiday market.

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

Submitted by

Nancy Decker Lent

Grogan’s Mill

the Farmer’s Market continues every saturday until December 12, 2010, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. Great fresh produce, locally grown, raised and prepared, plus good company. Come and meet your neighbors.

Grogan’s Mill Village association is now on Facebook. to find us, just type our name into the search box. start or join discussions on what is happening in the community, see what events are upcoming and what your neighbors are thinking and saying. also, sign up for our Grogan’s Mill Village association newsletter at www.gmva.org. this will give you current information on community happenings, details on the vendors at the Farmer’s Market and the merchants at our Village Center.

Members of the Grogan’s Mill Village association Board will be out and about in early December searching for the best decorated homes and neighborhoods for this year’s Holiday Lighting & Decorating Contest. Go to www.gmva.org for information and to nominate your own home or that of your neighbor’s.

Due to holiday schedules, there will be no Grogan’s Mill Village association meeting in December. Happy Holidays to all our residents!

continued on page 20

a lden Brid G e

The Alden bridge Village Association (AbVA) meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township Service center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.aldenbridge.org

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Phillip barker at 281-364-1623.

c ochran’s c rossin G

The cochran’s crossing Village Association (ccVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Service center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Nancy becker at 936-321-4264.

c olle G e Park

The college Park Village Association (cPVA) 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 Glen bernstein at 936-273-3274.

c reekside Park

The Woodlands creekside Park Village Association (TWcPVA)

usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the creekside YmcA, 6464 creekside Forest Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-3889.

Gro G an’s Mill

The Grogan’s mill Village Association (GmVA) meets on the third monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township Service center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Deborah Sargeant at 281-292-5341.

i ndian sP rin G s

The Indian Springs Village Association (ISVA) meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township Service center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President ron Kostelny at 281-362-8677.

Panther c reek

The Panther creek Village Association (PcVA) meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Service center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive. Please join us!

Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

Questions? call your village liaison at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President everett Ison at 281-298-9524.

s terlin G r id G e

The Sterling ridge Village Association (SrVA) 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 281-210-3888 or Village Association President Phillip Givens at 281-419-9331.

the proud winners of the Grogan’s Mill October 2010 Yard of the Month are Debbie and James tawse (not pictured) who reside on timberjack Place. their front yard layout is beautiful. Plantings include sago palms, palm trees, roses, petunias and small spider ferns bordered by monkey grass. Congratulations to the tawses.

Submitted by Bruce Cunningham and Franklin Palmer

Indian Springs

the Indian springs Village association will not meet in December in deference to the holiday season. Our next meeting will be held at its regular time on tuesday, January 11, 2011.

Submitted by Ron Kostelny

Panther Creek

the holiday season is here. Winter is approaching. trees are changing color and preparing for cooler weather. With the change in the landscape, now is the time to brighten neighborhoods with lights and decorations for the holiday season.

the annual Holiday Lighting & Decorating Contest will be held throughout the Woodlands. Volunteer teams will be judging houses and neighborhoods in Panther Creek Village and dates will be announced on our Web site. awards will be presented to the winning homeowner and neighborhood, so decorate your house and neighborhood to show you’re competitive and holiday spirit.

there will not be a meeting of the Panther Creek Village association in December. Meetings will resume in 2011 on the second thursday of each month. the next meeting is scheduled on January 13, 2011, 7:30 p.m., at the Woodlands township service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive.

have a happy holiday season!

Submitted by Everett Ison

Sterling Ridge

as we approach the wonderful holiday season, allow me to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season and update you on the many milestones

your village association has accomplished. the association affairs are governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors who reside in the Village of sterling ridge. they give of their time and talents to improve our quality of life.

Financially, the association is in a very strong position and growing. the treasurer has projected an ending bank balance of more than $7,200. We provide detailed current and historical financial records on our Web site for your convenience (www.sterling-ridge.org). We have increased our revenue sources by offering sponsorship opportunities at our community events and on our Web site. these business sponsorships directly impact the quality of the events and we appreciate their support very much.

For the past several years, we have contributed thousands of dollars in support of our PtO at both Deretchin and Coulson-tough elementary and plans are to continue to do so. We host several special events each year, including the very successful annual BBQ Challenge and Kids Festival, as well as many other events and activities through the year.

several new programs have been initiated, such as star (serving to advance the ridge). this program is designed to build a database of 100 volunteers to support the efforts and activities of your

Pictured above left to right: Franklin Palmer and Jim Upham. Photo by Anne Upham

2010 SPC CroSS Country ChamPS

association. the program only requires a commitment of five hours a year. If you have not signed up to help, please do so today. Just visit our Web site and click on the link below the star

also initiated this year is our Web sponsorship program, which allows area businesses to support the association and receive a listing on our Web site. I hope you are receiving our monthly electronic newsletter. this free subscription is one of the easiest ways to learn about events, activities, important information and much more. You don’t want to miss it. Go to our Web site and complete the “contact us” form. simply request to be added to the e-database and provide your e-mail address. We also increased our public relations activities through our “Meet & Greet” program and our PtO liaisons.

On the administrative side we restructured our insurance to save hundreds of dollars and revised our bylaws to be more streamlined and easier to understand. this is just a short summary of the many achievements of the sterling ridge Village association. as you can see, your board of directors is working hard for you. Please come by a meeting one day and show them your appreciation. We meet the 4th Monday of each month at the Mitchell Library on ashlane Way at 7 p.m. (no December meeting). Peace & Blessings,

Phillip Givens, President Sterling Ridge Village Association

Resolve to Get Involved in the Community in 2011

The Woodlands Township will hold elections for residential Design review committees and Village Associations in February 2011. Watch for more information in the January 2011 issue of this magazine.

There’s only one number one.

And we’re right here for you.

Do you know who your child’s online Friends are?

By anne spaulding

eTexas Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in Texas named on the U.S.News & World Report’s “Honor Roll” honoring the top eight pediatric hospitals in the country.We’re proud to be your first choice in pediatric health care.And you can find the expertise you’ve come to expect from us right in your neighborhood.

Texas Children’s Health Centers offer your family easy access to our therapeutic and diagnostic services as well as our pediatric subspecialists, while Texas Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine brings expert maternal fetal care close to home.

Texas Children’s Health Center – The Woodlands

17198 St. Luke’s Way

Medical Arts 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 Arts Ctr. I, Ste. 630

The Woodlands, TX 77384 (936) 321-1600

Texas Children’s Pediatric Associates (TCPA) makes health care convenient for your family with four locations in The Woodlands area.

Conroe Pediatric Associates

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

TCPA – Medical Plaza

1011 Medical Plaza Dr., Ste.220

The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 296-9119

Sterling Ridge Pediatrics

6707 Sterling Ridge Dr., Ste.A

The Woodlands, TX 77382 (281) 296-2656

Woodlands

Pediatric Associates

4545Research Forest Dr.,Ste.A

The Woodlands, TX 77381 (281) 367-5100

veryone is doing it. Moms, dads, a few savvy grandparents, businesses, churches – even the White House and Buckingham Palace – but especially teens are doing it. It is networking by using online social media sites, such as Facebook and Myspace. Posting online is a popular and effective way to provide information to and keep in touch with friends, family, customers, parishioners and constituents. But as recent news stories have proven, social media sites can also be used by bullies and predators.

“be their friend on Facebook, but be their parent in real life.”

Cheryl shaffer, victim specialist with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Dorcy riddle, task force officer with the FBI, provided information about the dangers of using these sites at a recent Watch Talk Wednesday presentation hosted by the Woodlands township.

Victim specialist shaffer and task Force Officer riddle noted that using social media sites can give posters a sense of being detached from the people reading their posts, resulting in social barriers being ignored online. this is especially true for young people, who tend not to be developmentally mature enough to comprehend consequences. as a result, too often teenagers – and even younger children – post comments and photographs they would never say or show to someone directly. unfortunately, an action that takes just seconds can have results that last indefinitely. an image can follow a person forever, damaging academic, social and employment opportunities. that is why Ms. shaffer and Ms. riddle emphasized how important it is for anyone using social media to understand that anything posted

can be passed on to countless readers. adult predators are constantly trolling the internet in search of victims. One of Dorcy riddle’s responsibilities with the FBI is to go online portraying herself as a teenager. It takes her on average just one and a half minutes to connect with predators online in some chat rooms. Predators not only portray themselves as teens with the hope of convincing a naïve teenager to meet them, but they can also resort to “sextortion,” which is online blackmail.

Ms. shaffer and Ms. riddle urged parents to be more aware of what their children are doing online. rather than ban their children from using these sites, they suggested that parents teach them what type of information is appropriate to post and what can happen if they post information that is too personal. they recommended that parents consider the following:

• Know your children’s online passwords.

• Check your child’s e-mails and cell phones frequently.

• Purchase software that filters online sites that can harm your children.

• Don’t let children have computers in their bedrooms. Computers should be kept somewhere visible.

• encourage your children to tell you if something they see online disturbs them.

• Make sure your children understand not to be online friends with people they don’t know personally and that they should never give out personal information.

• explain to your children that they should never personally meet someone they first meet online.

• If your child receives a nude photo online or on their cell phone, make sure they delete it.

• If you suspect your child has been approached by a predator, call local law enforcement immediately. You can also contact the Cyber tip Line at 1-800-843-5678 or at www.cybertipline.com.

For more safety tips, go to www.netsmartz.org or www.fbi.gov.

By combining the expertise of Texas Children’s Hospital with the high level of care offered by St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, you can expect the best, right in your backyard.

Our services include:

• The expert neonatologists who provide care at Texas Children’s Hospitalmanage and staff the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, offering the best possible care for your newborn.

• The same physicians who provide pediatric emergency care at Texas Children’s Hospital are also caring for your children at the St. Luke’sThe Woodlands Hospital emergency room, 24 hours a day.

• When your child needs inpatient care at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, the premier pediatricians who provide care at Texas Children’s Hospital are there to manage care through the Pediatric Hospitalist Program.

• Texas Children’s nursing leadership is on-site to provide expert managementof newborn and pediatric services at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital.

• An experienced consultant from the Texas Children’s Lactation Program is available at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital to provide lactation support and care to breastfeeding mothers and their infants, no matter where the baby was delivered.

• A Texas Children’s child life professional is available at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital to help your child and family cope with the stress of hospitalization.

We’re proud to offer Texas Children’s Hospital services at:

17200

s e RV ing o u R s enio R s

By Keith Weaver

More than 146 volunteers from 13 local church, school, corporate and family groups participated in the October 2010 serving Our seniors work day event sponsored by Interfaith of the Woodlands.

Many Woodlands area seniors living in single family homes, apartments or assisted living/nursing homes received assistance with light maintenance tasks inside or outside their residences.

serving Our seniors events are held semi-annually with the next work day scheduled for early March 2011. For more information about volunteering, please call Interfaith of the Woodlands at 281-367-1230 and ask for senior services.

Members of College Park High School’s Interact Club were among the many volunteers at a recent Serving Our Seniors work day event held in the Village of Panther Creek. Pictured,

front row, left to right, Abby Craig, Ruben Balli and Christine Chin. Back row, Kelsey Ferris, Matt Zelinski and Quincy Ogutu.

Fire SafetyTips

With colder weather, it is time to think about fire safety in relation to heating our homes. First, the most important aspect of home fire safety is making sure that every home has a working smoke detector, and that these detectors are checked monthly and batteries are changed annually. second, here are some tips that may be used during the next few months of cold weather.

Carbon monoxide alarms are easy to install and can save lives. they do not take the place of smoke alarms, however, having one is the next step to a safe environment in the home. any open flame heater creates carbon monoxide gas and if your heating devices in the home are not functioning properly, this gas can be deadly. they are becoming more affordable, more effective and if you have a flame operated heating device in your home, indispensable.

space heaters

• Dust and lint may have accumulated in the space heater. Be sure to clean them thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner.

• Gas space heaters need to have the flame adjusted to blue in order to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide build up.

• Caution children not to stand too close to a space heater to warm up, as their clothing could catch fire.

• Give space heaters their space! Be sure that all combustible material is away from the heater, at least three feet in all directions.

holiday decorating

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.

• use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

• replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

• use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Central heaters

• Clean or replace the furnace filter.

• Clean the entire furnace area using a vacuum to remove dust and lint.

• Be sure to remove any brooms, boxes, magazines, newspapers or any other combustible material stored in the heater area.

Fireplaces

• Inspect the fireplace and chimney at least once a year. Look for cracks in the firebox, flue and chimney. also check for build up of soot and creosote inside the flue.

• Open the damper enough to allow the smoke and gases to escape up the chimney.

• never start a fire with gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid.

• always keep a good-quality metal fireplace screen in front of the fireplace whenever it is being used to prevent burning logs from rolling out or embers from flying out.

• Keep a three-foot area in front of and to the sides of the fireplace clear of any combustibles including logs, kindling wood, paper, rugs, clothing or furniture.

• never leave a fire unattended. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving your home or going to bed.

• never burn charcoal in a fireplace. Charcoal gives off deadly carbon monoxide gas that can fill a room and overcome the occupants.

• never cook in a fireplace. Grease from the food can build up inside the flue and catch fire.

• never burn more than two or three natural logs at one time.

• artificial logs made of compressed sawdust and wax should be handled differently than natural logs because they generate more heat. Burn only one artificial log at a time and do not burn an artificial log with natural logs.

• always make sure fireplace ashes are placed in a metal container. never place hot embers in a combustible container such as a trashcan. allow ashes to cool thoroughly before disposing of them. there are many potential problems when we are heating our homes during the cooler months. If you need professional assistance with heating equipment preparation, look in the Yellow Pages under “Heating Contractors” or “Chimney Cleaning.” With a little caution, we can all remain safe and healthy during the fall and winter season. For more information, please contact the Woodlands Fire Department at 281-367-3444. Information in this article provided by the national Fire Protection association.

The Woodlands Professional Firefighters Go Pink

for

at Central Fire

with

going towards

cancer research.

The Woodlands Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 3846 and The Woodlands Fire Department, with the support and cooperation of The Woodlands Township, went pink for breast cancer awareness month. Throughout the month of October, all on-duty firefighters wore pink uniform shirts as part of the Care Enough to Wear Pink Campaign. T-shirts were also available

purchase

Station

proceeds

breast

Pictured left to right: Driver/Operator Raymond Muse, Lt. James Hanson, Lt. Doug Adams, Driver/Operator Richard Allison, Firefighter Justin Bumpass, Firefighter Neil Acord, Firefighter Manuel Adler and Battalion Chief Bob Moore.

Photos by Judy Kowis

‘Twas the Day After Christmas...

By Lynne aldrich

‘twas the day after Christmas and all through our town a multitude of mystified people were found. It was clear that the families had all been so good that santa had lavished the whole neighborhood. But now what to do with all the old loot; they clearly could not just give it the boot! useable clothes, toys and housewares can have a new life –Just make a donation, helping someone in strife!

Don’t Toss It – Donate It!

give a second life to your clean, gently-used housewares, clothing, books, toys, furniture and appliances by donating them to local charitable organizations. items should be in good, useable condition. drop off donations during listed times, or call for pickup.

Fall series a Thank You to all

thanks to Munday Chevrolet, our Presenting sponsor of the Woodlands township Parks and recreation Department fall series of Concert in the Park. thanks to all the bands that came out and entertained us and thanks to Liberty Mutual, our stage sponsor. We appreciate everyone involved in this event and look forward to next year’s concerts.

Stage

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 Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information.

Red Cross emergency Backpack Winners

Peggy Krysiak

, Panther Creek village

presents Bobby torguson, Woodlands Watch coordinator, with a red Cross emergency Backpack. Ms. torguson won the backpack by hosting an emergency Preparedness Meeting for her neighbors in the Village of Panther Creek. alden Bridge village liaison Veronica HernandezMena

Clovergate subdivision,

an emergency Preparedness Meeting

the Village of alden Bridge. Please

neighbors

Woodlands township at 281-210-3800 to schedule a “Get ready” the Woodlands emergency Preparedness Meeting for your neighborhood and enter your name for a chance to win a red Cross emergency Backpack.

Taste of the Village

residents enjoyed the 6th annual taste of the Village event held saturday, October 16, 2010, presented by the Indian springs Village association and H-e-B. all Woodlands residents were invited to enjoy free culinary delights from local restaurants, live entertainment, face painting, balloon makers and numerous walking entertainers. Public education was provided by the Woodlands Watch, Campus Watch, safety Bug, the Woodlands Fire Department and Montgomery County sheriff’s Office.

Photo by Susan Golden

(top right)

liaison

(bottom right) presents a red Cross emergency Backpack to Haleh Liittjohann of

who won the backpack by hosting

for her

in

contact the

Photos by holly Steinke