December 2012

UNWRAP SOMETHING SPECTACULAR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

This season, Market Street will sparkle with four dazzling light shows every night during the holidays. Check MARKETSTREET - THEWOODLANDS . COM for more details and a calendar of events. Shop. Dine. Enjoy Luxury in Lights.

Make Market Street a part of your holiday traditions.

6

8

22

3

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

The Woodlands ToWnship 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

main line

All Offices and Departments 28-20-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and environmental services 8203 millennium Forest, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center

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

oTher service providers

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

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

harris County sheriff’s office 713-221-6000

montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

emergency 9

update from The Woodlands Township on hazardous Trees the

historic 2011 drought in the Woodlands left behind thousands of hazardous trees, in residential yards, commercial properties, all roadways, and parks and open spaces.

the Woodlands township has been actively addressing the removal of hazardous trees throughout 2012, removing 24,684 trees. there are an additional 4,427 trees tagged for removal. In all, the Woodlands township has spent $2,265,136 to remove these trees and has utilized many different contractors. On October 24, 2012, the Woodlands township Board of Directors authorized another $564,000 to remove the 4,427 trees that have already been tagged for removal.

the Woodlands township encourages residents and businesses to remove the hazards presented by dead trees on their properties. the foundation of the Woodlands and its aesthetic appeal of a beautiful forest along with protection of property values is derived from strict covenants on residential and commercial properties. all property owners in the Woodlands are bound by these covenants, including the removal of dead trees, which does not require pre-approval from the Woodlands township. It is appreciated when the Woodlands township is notified.

Please note, dead trees and other items including underbrush must not be discarded into forest reserves, which creates unsightliness and fire hazards. Please dispose accordingly, either by hauling or curbside, depending on the amount of debris.

Whose responsibility is it to remove a dead tree? the answer to this question depends on where the tree is located. For private property, commercial and residential property owners are responsible for removal of dead trees on their properties. For public property, please refer to the table below.

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

Mike Bass Position No. 2 Director

Jeff Long Position No. 3 Director

Nelda Blair Position No. 5 Director

Bruce Tough Position No. 7 Chairman

Peggy Hausman Position No. 6 Vice Chairman

Gordy Bunch Position No. 1 Treasurer

Ed Robb Position No. 4 Secretary

Don Norrell President and General Manager

The Woodlands

C ommuni T y magazine

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

Cham P ions sTa FF

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

Creative director Lori Short graphic designers Jami Davis charlene Strine

T o W nshi P sTa FF

director of Community Relations Nick Wolda editor mary connell

assistant editor elena Smith

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

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

Let Your Light Shine

The lighTs of ChrisTmas are shining brighTly all season long.

The traditions of the season are in full splendor at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. Familiar carols fill the air, and candles glow warmly. We are ready to greet you with a full range of worship and family-focused events. Join us as we celebrate the Christmas season. Visit our website for service times and locations: thewoodlandsumc.org/christmas

December Holi Da y events

For more information on holiday events in The Woodlands, please visit www.holidayinTheWoodlands.com.

The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau presents the third annual Caroling on the Square concert series at Waterway Square. The holiday performances, featuring The Richmond Carolers and The Merry Minstrels, will take place Saturdays, December 1 through 22, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. Special appearance by Santa himself on December 1, 2012, and December 22, 2012. Caroling on the Square is free and open to the public, thanks to generous support from The Woodlands Development Company, State Farm Insurance - Kyle Sherburne and Munday Chevrolet. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, presented by Houston Area Chevy Dealers, is open daily through January 21, 2013, and is located on the northeast corner of Lake Robbins Drive and Six Pines Drive.

admission

Monday–Friday

$9.50 for two-hour skate session

$5 for two-hour skate session for children 5 and under

Saturday-Sunday

$10.50 for two-hour skate session

$6 for two-hour skate session for children 5 and under hours of operation

Regular Hours

Holiday Hours

Enjoy a walk along the fantasyland of magical, lighted toy soldiers, elves, doves, musical angels and snowmen! Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland is open daily through January 21, 2013, from dusk until 11 p.m. This delightful event is located around the perimeter of The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center. Free admission!

Mon–Thurs., 3 to 9 p.m.

Fri., 3 to 11 p.m.

Sat., 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sun., Noon to 7 p.m.

School Holidays: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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

Christmas Day: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

New Year’s Eve: Noon to 1 a.m.

New Year’s Day: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

holiday Recycling and Trash service

there will be no waste collection services on tuesday, December 25, 2012, or tuesday, January 1, 2013. service will resume on Wednesday, December 26, 2012, and Wednesday, January 2, 2013. everyone who usually has service tuesday through Friday will receive collection on the day following the regular service day. all services are affected. Please see the chart below.

Regular Collection holiday Collection

Monday................................. service uninterrupted

tuesday ................. Wednesday, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2

Wednesday thursday, Dec. 27 and Jan. 3

thursday Friday, Dec. 28 and Jan. 4

Friday saturday, Dec. 29 and Jan. 5

Normal schedule resumes Monday, January 7, 2013.

Remember:

• unlimited recyclables are accepted curbside.

• Break down gift and mailing boxes to fit into recycling cart.

• NO styrofoam™, packing peanuts, plastic bags or shrink wrap in recycling carts.

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

Recycling cut, green Christmas trees

• remove all decorations and lights.

• remove tree stands.

• Place the tree at the curb on your regular service day.

• Green trees will be picked up by the yard trimmings truck as part of your regularly scheduled services.

disposing flocked Christmas trees

• schedule as bulk/heavy pickup by calling 800-800-5804.

• 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 extra service tag; costs $1.75 per tag.

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

• attach one tag per bag.

• each bag must weigh less than 40 pounds.

Please call Waste management customer Service at 800-800-5804 for question or problems. For unresolved services issues, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800.

The horizon of Cooper is changing again with an exciting new construction project in the Lower School. A new 16,000-square-foot facility will open in the Fall of 2013 to house five classrooms, plus a science lab, computer lab and music room.

This expansion will facilitate additional new enrollment openings in Kindergarten through Grade 4. The John Cooper School has been a leader in PK-12 independent

By Holly steinke

For more crime prevention tips or to join The Woodlands Watch program, please contact The Woodlands Township: 28-20-3800 neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

Keep Your Home Safe While You Are Away

Ifyou are headed out, even for just a few minutes, don’t forget to follow normal safety protocol by locking your doors and windows and setting your alarm. taking away the opportunity helps keep your home safe from criminals.

the Montgomery County sheriff’s Office, District 6, Crime Prevention unit also encourages residents to report suspicious persons or vehicles and to advise solicitors through a closed door to leave. Call law enforcement if they refuse to leave. residents should also get to know their neighbors (including neighbors who may live behind you) and the cars they drive. lock back gates, park cars in the garage, have trash cans and newspapers removed daily, use double-cylinder dead bolt locks, use window locks and add glass breakage sensors to alarm systems to help make homes even more secure.

If you are going on vacation, the Vacation Watch program is a great way to keep your home safe by having a deputy check on your home while you are away. to sign up, contact your law enforcement agency by phone or you may sign up on their Web sites:

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

936-442-7797 or www.mocosheriff.com/vacationdbz.cfm

Harris County Constable Precinct #4

(for residents in the Village of Creekside Park)

281-376-3472 or www.cd4.hctx.net/online_forms.php?formID=vacation

Always be sure to call your law enforcement agency if you come home early!

Community Gardeners g rowingvegetables & friends

It’s sometimes difficult to find a backyard spot sunny enough to grow a vegetable garden. since most vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight to grow, residents seeking to have fresh, home-grown produce have found a way to do it…by renting a plot in a community garden.

Currently two community gardens are in full operation in the Woodlands: one at Bear Branch sports Park and the other at alden Bridge sports Park. residents who participate in the garden enjoy buttery swiss

chard, fresh and tasty tomatoes, delicious peppers, collards, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, squash and cucumbers, anything that can be produced in the raised bed plots.

Gardeners not only grow vegetables. they get exercise, have plenty of fresh air and have an opportunity to make friends. Plots at both gardens total 113, and some plots have more than one gardener. Families do adopt gardens, and friends do as well, making the total number of gardeners more than the total number of plots.

By Bob Dailey

a waiting list exists for both community gardens, but people moving out of the area or experiencing life changes regularly make room for new gardeners. Gardeners who are awarded plots are expected to sign a contract with the Woodlands township and attend a short gardening orientation. since January is the contract renewal time, residents should put their names on the list as soon as possible.

For more information, please call 281-210-3800.

Photo by Jon Krenytzky

december

saturday, december 

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 10 to 11 a.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

Caroling on the Square Waterway Square 6 to 8 p.m. 281-363-2447

Tuesday, december 4

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 5

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, december 6

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Workshop 2801 Technology Forest boulevard 7:30 a.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.

Holly Jolly Symphony Spectacular The cynthia Woods mitchell Pavilion

7:30 p.m.

Free mezzanine and lawn seating www.woodlandscenter.org

saturday, december 8

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

Caroling on the Square Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m. 281-363-2447

Tuesday, december 

Heartsaver CPR Class emergency Training center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting - Cancelled Next meeting: Tuesday, January 8, 2013

2801 Technology Forest boulevard 7 p.m.

281-210-3886

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

Photo by Derrick bryant

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting – Cancelled

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 8, 2013

2801 Technology Forest boulevard 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Wednesday, december 2

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest boulevard 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Thursday, december 3

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: Thursday,

January 10, 2013

2801 Technology Forest boulevard

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

saturday, december 5

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.

281-363-2447

monday, december 7

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: monday, January 21, 2013

2801 Technology Forest boulevard 6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: monday, January 21, 2013

The Woodlands emergency Training center 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3889

Tuesday, december 8

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

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

Wednesday, december 9

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Friday, december 2

Bloodborne Pathogens Class emergency Training center 9 to 11 a.m.

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

saturday, december 22

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

281-363-2447

monday, december 24

Township Offices Closed

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: monday, January 28, 2013

2801 Technology Forest boulevard 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Tuesday, december 25

Township Offices Closed

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting - Cancelled

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 22, 2013

2801 Technology Forest boulevard 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

upcoming events:

Tuesday, January 

Township Offices Closed

saturday, January 5

FREE Compost Class 8203 millennium Forest Drive 10 to 11 a.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800. www.metroministorage.net

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

holiday Garbage collection schedule

There will be no waste collection services on Tuesday, December 25, 2012, or Tuesday, January 1, 2013. For more information on holiday Recycling and Trash service, please see page 8.

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 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 8, 2013, at 7 p.m. at the township building, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. 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 between Monday, December 10, and Monday, December 17, 2012. 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 tuesday, December 18, 2012, 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 at www.aldenbridge.org.

thanks again to everyone who contributed to our village association in any way during 2012. your support is very much appreciated!

Submitted by Darla Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

the Cochran’s Crossing Fall Festival was a great success due to the work of the Cochran’s Crossing Village association, food donations from Kroger, volunteers from the rotary Interact Clubs at

the Woodlands High school and College Park and the Woodlands College Park Kiwanis Key Club. the township Parks and recreation Department was a great help by providing tables, chairs, tents and generators. More than 600 people attended the Festival and all games, bounce houses, petting zoo and pony rides were busy from start to finish. according to some of the board members, this was the 20th year Cochran’s Crossing Village association has sponsored the Fall Festival and plans are already being made for next year. By popular demand, the board is considering giving kids a chance to wear their Halloween costumes. everyone wearing a costume would be given a special treat.

at the October meeting, the Cochran’s Crossing Village association agreed to put information about the Holiday lighting & Decorating Contest on the Web site. two $50 gift card prizes will be awarded for best home and best street. Visit www.thewoodlandstx.com/ cochranscrossing for details. speaking of the holiday season, the Woodlands Mall will provide free escort services to shoppers who would like assistance returning to their cars.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Hello friends and neighbors! We hope everyone had a Full-filling thanksgiving and a chance to relax and visit with relatives and friends.

Now...on to the December festivities and parties! Please remember when you are out shopping to be aware of your surroundings when you are in parking lots. secure your purses and wallets, and make an effort to shop with someone, or during the day if possible. It does not matter where we live, we can be caught off guard at any time! We have had quite a few robberies this year and the holiday season unfortunately brings out the temptation for shoppers to be approached by strangers.

We hope that everyone has a safe, happy holiday season. Be careful at parties and do not mix alcohol with driving! all of the children will be out of school for Christmas through New year’s Day, and with our texas weather, they will probably be able to play outside. there will NOt be a December College Park monthly meeting. We want you to know, from the College Park Village association, that we wish our friends and neighbors a wonderful holiday season! try to make a New year’s resolution in your household that starting in 2013, someone from your household will attempt to attend a monthly College Park meeting at least once a quarter. We would love to meet all of you and we always have an activity being planned that could really use your assistance or ideas! the meeting is always the third Monday of each month.

Submitted by Johanne

Stanley

Creekside Park

holiday lighting & decorating contest: It’s a great time to start preparing for the annual Holiday lighting & Decorating Contest. there is no registration or entry requirements; Creekside Park residents simply display their lights and/or decorations during the dates of thursday, November 29, through tuesday, December 4, 2012. there are two categories: Best Home and Best Neighborhood. Prizes will be awarded on Wednesday, December 12, 2012. For more information regarding the details and prizes, please visit www.creeksideparkvillage.com.

Ne WS F rom T he V illages o F T he W oodlands

Food furnished by Kroger and served by Interact and Key Club volunteers

save The date:

the Woodlands Creekside Park Village association will present the 4th annual Chili Cook-Off and Winter Festival on saturday, December 1, 2012 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the lodge at rob Fleming Park. there will be fun for the whole family including a chili cook-off, giant snow sledding hill, face painting, kids crafts, train rides, snowman building contest, free food and a holiday market. the Woodlands Creekside Park Village association will also present the “Chilly” Chili 1 Mile Kids Fun run at noon at the rob Fleming aquatic Center.

participate:

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

Submitted by Nancy Decker Lent

Grogan’s Mill

the Grogan’s Mill Village association hosted a National Night Out party, tuesday, October 2, 2012, for all residents of Grogan’s Mill at the newly renovated sawmill Park. an inflatable bounce house, slide and foam pool from lone star Parties, llC, as well as the new permanent splash feature at sawmill Park provided great fun for the children attending.

Free tacos, pizza, ice cream and drinks were provided by the Grogan’s Mill Village association. the delicious food was catered by Fostering Hope Café and Brothers Pizza of the Grogan’s Mill Village Center.

special guests included the Woodlands Fire Department firefighters, who allowed the children to explore their fire engine and the Montgomery County sherriff’s deputy who spoke with residents about safety in our neighborhoods.

a memorial plaque and bench in the playground area of the park was dedicated to former Grogan’s Mill Village association board member and long-time resident, Bill sargent, who passed away in June 2011.

Based on the residents’ responses, this first-time event was a huge success. the Grogan’s Mill Village association has plans to make this an annual National Night Out tradition. extra thanks to Grogan’s Mill Village association Vice President Matt Beasley for his leadership of the planning committee.

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

If you haven’t done so, now is the time to reduce irrigation frequency or to turn your sprinkler system off. Water rates have now increased by 15-20 percent.

m ee T ing i n F o R ma T ion

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Dana Denton 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, 2801 Technology Forest blvd. Please join us! Web site www.aldenbridge.org

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

c ochran’s c rossin G

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

Web site www.cochranscrossing.com

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

c olle G e park

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

Web site www.villageofcollegepark.com

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

c reekside park

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

Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com

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

Gro G an’s Mill

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

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

i ndian s prin G s

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

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

pan T her c reek

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

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

sT erlin G r id G e

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

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

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

V i llage n e W s cont.

Indian Springs

2012 national night out

Many residents throughout Indian springs participated in the 2012 National Night Out neighborhood block parties. these events promote neighborhood spirit and a good community and police partnership. Great job to all who participated!

2012 holiday lighting & decorating contest – indian springs

each year, the Woodlands township supports a Holiday lighting & Decorating Contest for the villages. each village association sets their own contest judging times. the judging dates for Indian springs will be Friday, December 7, through sunday, December 9, 2012. For questions about the contest, please check the Indian springs Village association’s news

section at www.indianspringsvillage.com or find us on Facebook.

thanks to all of Indian springs for a wonderful display of holiday spirit in 2011. the many beautifully decorated homes and neighborhoods continue to impress and delight. the 2011 winner for the Best Home was on lansdowne Circle in the lansdowne neighborhood. Best Neighborhood honors for 2011 went to the Forge Hill Place cul-de-sac in the Idlewood neighborhood. In one of the toughest judging seasons yet, the Indian springs Village association panel created a new Honorable Mention category for 2011, which was given to the Mirror ridge neighborhood. Mirror ridge won the Best Neighborhood award in 2009. the homeowners continue to add to the fun and merriment of this neighborhood each year.

Submitted by Kelly

Sharer

again this year the Panther Creek Village association will hold a contest for the best Christmas lighting and yard decorations. every resident of the village is automatically entered and eligible to win in either the Neighborhood Category or in the Individual Home Category. you have a great chance to win since last year’s winners for neighborhood, tanglebrush, and individual house, 17 Meadowstar Court, are by contest rules, ineligible to win this year.

Judging is done by the area representatives and officers of your Panther Creek Village association the week of sunday, December 8, through sunday, December 15, 2012, from dusk until 9 p.m. so get those lights and decorations up and on! Winners will be decided by tuesday, December 17, 2012, with prizes and yard signs awarded shortly thereafter with much hoopla and celebration!

In the spirit of the season, we will make life brighter for a Panther Creek family that could use a helping hand from neighbors. Interfaith of the Woodlands helps us identify a deserving family. Gifts will be carefully selected to match the family members and will be lovingly gift-wrapped and presented to the family before Christmas on behalf of all the residents of Panther Creek. this is just another example of how we are all working to keep Panther Creek not just a village, but a true community.

your Panther Creek Village association meets the second thursday

Trace Creek Neighborhood Party: Indian Springs Board Member Michael Luman (seated, center) and neighbors are joined by Trace Creek National Night Out Party Coordinator Tammy Smith (seated, second from right) and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Amber Harrison.

Photo by h olly Steinke

Photo by Kelly Sharer

Forge Hill Place in Idlewood - Best Neighborhood 2011 Panther Creek

of the month with the next meeting scheduled for January 10, 2013. the meetings address many community concerns. all residents are eagerly invited to participate with your compliments (we hope), comments, questions or complaints.

at each meeting, the Montgomery County sheriff’s Office gives an update of both suspicious and actual criminal activity in our area. they also share information about their advanced programs for community interaction and crime prevention. Meet the deputies who actually patrol your street. you will be impressed by the quality and dedication of the deputies working to keep you safe.

additional thanks and congratulations are due to the many Panther Creek neighborhoods that participated in October’s National Night Out! It was a fun night for visiting with neighbors new and old. the shadowcreek

neighborhood party on Pineash Court was even selected to participate in the “ID the Burglar” contest.

In addition to the monthly Panther Creek Village association meetings at the Woodlands township, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. (just off New trails), you can keep up to date on village events and issues by visiting www.PantherCreekVillageassociation. org, Facebook.com/PantherCreekVillage or twitter.com/PantherCreektX.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

sterling ridge village association 2012 holiday lighting & decorating contest

Our sterling ridge Village association will celebrate the annual Holiday lighting & Decorating Contest. Judging for best home and neighborhood in our village will take place from Friday, December 14, through Monday,

December 17, 2012. Please be sure to have all your holiday decorations and lights on during these dates between 7 and 9 p.m. If you have any questions about this event, please contact sue young at srevents@sterling-ridge.org.

Big Thanks to all of You

We want to thank residents of sterling ridge and the Woodlands community (especially our great sponsors) for their support during our 2012 sterling ridge Village association and the Woodlands-sponsored events including the Woodlands Marathon, annual sterling ridge Village association BBQ event and Festival, sterling ridge Village association

Haunted House at May Valley and the Woodlands township 3r Bazaar. the sterling ridge Village association wishes all of you a wonderful holiday season and a very prosperous and happy new year 2013!

Submitted by Gabriel Castillo

my Village and me – involvement in my Village

By amy lecocq

Can I?

yes! If you receive this magazine, you are a resident of the Woodlands township and part of a village or the town Center. If you don’t know which village you live in, pay attention to the entrance signs to the villages or ask a neighbor! you may also call the township at 281-210-3800.

How Can I?

• Go to your village Facebook or Web site page and see upcoming events – and then GO to the events and activities!

• attend a village association meeting and find out what is happening in your village and wider community.

• Volunteer to serve on your village board and help set village goals and direction at monthly meetings.

• VOte in your village elections in February – all residents over age 18, regardless of citizenship may vote.

• Consider running for a position in the residential Design review Committee.

Why Should I?

• Meet interesting and fun people of all ages in your village!

• Become better informed about community issues and events.

• support community-wide events such as the 4th of July Parade, National Night Out, Greenup-Cleanup and the Flea Market.

• support village-sponsored events such as barbecues, festivals, swim parties, taste of the Village, Farmers Market.

• Village associations want and need new people – give back to the best place in the world to live!

The

spring 203 action guide

Resolve to get involved in the Community in 203!

the Woodlands township will hold elections for residential Design review Committees and Village associations in February 2013. Watch for more information in upcoming issues of this magazine.

Christmas week schedule:

Other weeks in December:

Hours:

the New year is right around the corner! look for the special insert of the spring 2013 action Guide in the January 2013 issue of this magazine for a listing of upcoming township programs and events, including fitness programs, to help you achieve your goal of getting fit for the new year. Or get a sneak peak now at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/actionguide. 281-210-3965

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/rivarowboathouse

Serving our Seniors Work Day

On saturday, October 13, 2012, approximately 130 volunteers from 14 area churches, schools and companies helped many senior citizens to maintain their homes as part of the serving our seniors Work Day. such work included light yard and home maintenance projects such as grass mowing, flower bed weeding and mulching, removing algae, painting and interior cleaning.

the photo above shows volunteers from rotary Club and Interact of the Woodlands High school, who performed yard and home maintenance tasks for a homeowner in Indian springs. they, as well as the many other volunteers, are to be commended for the terrific job they did and the caring attitude they displayed. serving our seniors Work Days have been held twice yearly since 2007 and aid residents age 60 years and older.

Photo by Keith Weaver

• Direct mailed to over 40,000+ homes

• Best read magazine in The Woodlands

• Most ads cost less than 3¢ per home

Native Beauty A rAre

Dis C overin G Water- W ise n atives

By lucinda Valdes

A softly arching native shrub, coralberry adapts to seasonal and annual variations in rainfall, requiring little supplemental irrigation once established.

Despite seasonal and record droughts, cactus is not the answer for local landscapes. For when rain comes, it comes in typical east texas style—in torrents. a rare native beauty, coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) has a well-earned, water-wise reputation, offering drought tolerance while surviving seasonal and annual heavy rainfall.

at home in the Woodlands, coralberry forms a two- to four-foot high, airy shrub in its natural setting. Coralberry changes with the seasons, bringing color, texture and life to the landscape. the gently arching shrub is most visible when the forest is at rest. Blush pink, berry-like fruits of autumn ripen to vibrant purple and magenta in winter.

When undiscovered by wildlife, fruits persist into spring even as the lime-green foliage emerges. Darkening to blue-green, the delicate leaves grow in pairs, creating a soft, fern-like appearance under the forest canopy.

By late spring and into summer, sweet, bell-shaped flowers cover the stems.

Butterflies, ruby-throated hummingbirds and other pollinators visit the greenishwhite to pink-tinged blossoms.

For drought tolerance, coralberry prefers shade to part shade; a sunnier location increases the need for irrigation. a moist, well-drained site is best in sandy or loamy soil as heavy clay can cause mildew. Dense growth can be encouraged and fruiting increased by cutting the shrub to the ground in late winter. the berried cuttings are lovely in holiday wreaths or floral arrangements. spreading by stolons, coralberry also makes an excellent groundcover. Fibrous roots contribute to its value in erosion control.

Discover the uncommon charm and enchantment of water-wise natives by adding coralberry to the landscape. local nurseries and plant sales specializing in native plants are the best bet for locating coralberry. to receive a resource list that includes native plant sources, contact the Woodlands township at 281-210-3800. also request Plant Focus brochures that showcase water-wise plants for the Woodlands.

Grouped along the thin branches, dainty flowers emerge in spring and provide nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects.

During winter, coralberry lights up the shady garden with clusters of small, opalescent, berry-like fruits called drupes. Rainfall affects the display, producing larger and more plentiful drupes during years with ample moisture.

Photo by Dorothy b rown Thetford/Texas m aster Naturalist

Photo by Joseph m arcus/Lady b ird Johnson Wildflower c enter

Photo by Sally and Andy Wasowski/Lady bird Johnson Wildflower center

iT ’s T ime T o

sT P WaT e R ing

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

For more information, please visit www.wjpa.org.

By David Borchardt, Montgomery County sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Deputy

Leck

Many of you will remember one of the most exciting times when you were a child was when your parents bought a new household appliance because, without fail, it would come in a very large cardboard box that would provide endless hours of fun.

thirty years ago a new television set qualified as a household appliance because it was often incorporated into a piece of furniture the size of a small car—it was a two-fer: you got to watch the super Friends in color aND from inside your very own homemade Hall of Justice.

things have changed a little, though. televisions are smaller, and you don’t need a forklift to steal them anymore. Consequently, the boxes are smaller with limited play value, and they often end up on the curb the very next day.

around this time of year, the number of boxes with the trappings of Christmas morning still stuck to them increase exponentially and therein can cause concern: do you need to see what’s inside the box to know exactly what you’re getting at the store? No, and neither do burglars.

they can tell by what’s on the curb on trash day just exactly what you

Memories

In the end, taking a few extra moments to break down cardboard from gifts by folding it and concealing it inside your recycling container, will keep you from attracting attention from a would-be burglar.

got for the holidays, or for your birthday, and what’s inside your house at that very moment, particularly if your recycling bin is overflowing with boxes from the latest and greatest small and incredibly easy to lift portable electronic devices.

the recent implementation of the 96-gallon recycling containers in the Woodlands not only offers you more capacity to be kind to Mother earth, but also prevents you from advertising what’s inside your house to everyone cruising your neighborhood. here are a few tips to keep a low profile:

• Following the holidays or a birthday, break down all boxes and put them completely inside your recycling container. avoid having boxes or packaging for high-value electronics visible from the street. Keep the lid to your recycling container closed. If you don’t have room, keep some of the packaging until next recycling day or take it to a recycling center yourself.

• Be aware of who’s in your neighborhood. In the wee hours of the morning before your weekly

garbage collection, “trash pickers” cruise the streets looking for items they might rescue from the landfill and turn for profit. While the sheriff’s office has never had any issues with these folks, it’s important to know someone is, indeed, looking at what you throw out.

• Immediately record information on your new electronics including brand,

Photo by m arian

model, serial number, color and approximate value. should something end up stolen, law enforcement can input the information you saved into national and regional databases for police and pawn shops, which increases the chances of recovery. Keep this list in a safe place where it can be retrieved easily.

• Keep in mind some electronics manufacturers keep the serial number in the memory of the device and not inscribed on the outside case. Consider adding your own identifying marks and recording those as well.

In the end, taking a few extra moments to break down your cardboard from gifts and purchases, folding it and concealing it inside your recycling container, will keep you from attracting attention from a would-be burglar.

Or, if you have any really big boxes, bring them to my house: I’ll be building a cardboard fort in my living room for watching football.

 

 

       

 

    

 

TWRC Wildlife Center opens Facility in The Woodlands

By Dr. tina Dow

the

tWrC Wildlife Center has recently opened a wildlife intake facility in the Woodlands. established in 1979, tWrC has worked with volunteer wildlife rehabilitators to save thousands of birds, mammals and reptiles that have been orphaned or injured. the Houston facility, located on Hammerly Blvd., alone sees more than 6,000 animals annually! If you find a wild animal in distress you can help by contacting tWrC at 713-468-8972 or visit the Woodlands facility at 1118 Pruitt road, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

1118

Free compost class in The Woodlands

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Saturday, March 2, 2013

10 to 11 a.m.

• Drawing for a free compost bin and other prizes.

• reduced prices on compost bins for residents of the Woodlands township. (One bin at promotional price per household.)

• No reservations necessary.

• 281-210-3800 for more information.

To WNS h IP

congratulations

The Woodlands convention and Visitors bureau (cVb) for bringing home three awards from the International Festivals and events Association (IFeA) Pinnacle Awards! The cVb was presented

a gold award for best event/organization Newsletter and two silver awards for best Sponsor Follow-up reports for the memorial Day and Labor Day celebrations and the red, hot & blue Festival. Pictured are Kelly Ingram, business development specialist with The Woodlands cVb, as she accepts the award from Andrew Vandepopulier with haas & Wilkerson, sponsor of the IFeA Pinnacle Awards.

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