December 2014

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

Holiday Roundup

Public

STUDYING THE HUMAN BODY AT ITS PEAK, TO TREAT IT WHEN IT’S NOT. THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRACTICING MEDICINE AND LEADING IT.

As team doctors for professional athletes and performers, Houston Methodist provides expert care to those who push their bodies to the limits. We’re using advanced therapies to get Houston Texans players back on the field faster. With the Houston Astros, we’re pioneering less invasive treatments for shoulder injuries. And by using innovative healing techniques, we’re more effectively treating stress fractures for Houston Ballet’s dancers. Experience we then use to treat everyday athletes with the same elite level of care.

Houston Methodist is coming to The Woodlands in late 2015. To learn more, visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3333

EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH AND WONDER OF CHRISTMAS WITH US THIS YEAR.

Bring your family and invite some friends. We’ve got a place for everybody in one of our ten Christmas services, which run Sunday, December 21 through Christmas Eve. We offer a variety of worship styles in our chapel and main sanctuary, as well as in our newly expanded Loft Worship Center.

Visit thewoodlandsumc.org/Christmas for a full schedule of events. There’s something for everyone to behold this Christmas at The Woodlands United Methodist Church.

2200

281.297.5900 | thewoodlandsumc.org

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

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

Recreation Center 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

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

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers

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

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

Emergency 911

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Board Message the woodlands township

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Election

Four at-large positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors were elected in the November 2014 election, designated as positions 1, 2, 3, 4. Official results are as follows:

Position 1: Gordy Bunch

Position 2: Mike Bass

Position 3: Jeff Long

Position 4: Ed Robb

Each office carries a two-year term, and all four positions are elected at large by voters in The Woodlands Township in both Montgomery County and Harris County. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for the full election details.

Season’s Greetings

The Woodlands Township wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Gordy Bunch

Position No. 1 Treasurer

GordyBunch

Don Norrell President and General Manager

Mike Bass Position No. 2 Director

Jeff Long Position No. 3 Director

MikeBass JeffLong

John McMullan Position No. 5 Director

Bruce Tough

Position No. 7 Chairman

Peggy S. Hausman

Position No. 6 Vice Chairman

JohnMcMullan

BruceTough PeggySHausman Ed Robb Position No. 4 Secretary

The Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

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

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco Cheryl Kirsch

Creative Director Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Photo Editor Susan Schneider

Copy Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Amber George

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

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

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

Howdy partner.

We’re right here in The Woodlands. Get nationally ranked care at Texas Children’s Health Center, Texas Children’s Pediatrics and St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital.

Our Health Centers and Texas Children’s Pediatrics practices offer convenient access to expert pediatricians, subspecialists and therapeutic and diagnostic services.We also partner with St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital to offer newborn care from Texas Children’s specialists.

So when your child needs to see a doctor, come right over.We’re right here in The Woodlands, ready to lend a helping hand.

For maps and information, visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands.

Texas Children’s Health Center – The Woodlands

17198 St. Luke’s Way, Suite 300

The Woodlands, TX 77384 936-321-0808

Holiday Roundup

A Wonderland of Holiday Festivities

The 2014 Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest

Join in the fun of the annual Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest! Each village association coordinates their own contest, including dates and publicity, with support from The Woodlands Township, The Woodlands Fire Department and The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau.

There are usually two categories: Best Home in the village and Best Neighborhood in the village. A neighborhood is broadly defined as a few homes located in close proximity, or an entire cul-de-sac or subdivision. Best Home prizes include a yard sign and plaque. A yard sign and Ice Rink passes will be awarded to Best Neighborhood.

Members of each village association serve as contest judges. The selection of winners is left to the sole discretion of the judges. Please check your village association’s website or the Village News section of this magazine for more details about your respective village.

Holiday Events from the Parks and Recreation Department Register early! Get all the details at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ actionguide. Then see pages 3 to 5 of the Action Guide, or call 281-210-3950.

December 3 to 21, 2014

Tinsel the Township Elf’s Holiday Adventure. Register by December 1, 2014, to guess Tinsel’s location.

December 13, 2014

Christmas in a Kayak. 9 a.m. at Riva Row Boat House.

December 19, 2014

Deck the Halls Christmas Tree Creations. Make ornaments and decorate a take-home tree, starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Recreation Center.

Pajama Pizza Party, featuring the movie Elf, at 7 p.m. at the Recreation Center.

December 20, 2014

Pancakes at the North Pole with Santa and his reindeer, starting at 9 a.m. at Rob Fleming Park.

Gingerbread House Making, starting at noon at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park. Ages 5 to 12.

Milk and Cookies with Santa, including a Christmas story by the fireplace, starting at 3 p.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park. Ages 3 to 12.

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt, starting at 7 p.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park. Ages 6 to 12.

December 21, 2014

Breakfast with Santa, starting at 9 a.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park. Picnic with Santa, starting at 1 p.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park.

Evening with the Elves. Dinner and s’mores around the fireplace with Santa and the elves, starting at 5 p.m. at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park.

Sunny Dayz Drop-in Camps

All-day fun for kids ages 5 to 12 can be found during the holidays at the Sunny Dayz camps at The Woodlands Township Recreation Center. Here kids can enjoy gingerbread houses, snowball fun, visits from Santa and his elves, themed games and activities. The long-time favorites are also back, like dodge ball, ship dock shore, four-square and movies on the big screen.

Christmas Break, December 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 31, 2014, January 2 and 5, 2015, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; $50 per day, $15 per day sibling discount, $100 discount if signed up for all days.

Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland

Another must-see while in The Woodlands is the Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland where visitors can stroll through a fantasyland of magical lighted toy soldiers, elves, doves, musical angels and snowmen from dusk until 11 p.m. Surrounding The Woodlands Ice Rink, Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland is open through Monday, January 19, 2015. Admission is free. www.TheWoodlandsWinterWonderland.com

Holly Jolly Jingle

Ring in the holidays with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s Holly Jolly Jingle, December 4, at 7 p.m. The evening’s musical holiday merriment features a heart-warming celebration. Free seating is generously sponsored by Talisman USA, Woodforest National Bank and KPMG, LLP. Tickets are not required for free seating. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Holly Jolly Jingle features community-filled performances from Conroe ISD high school bands and orchestras as well as the Sam Houston State University orchestra and chorus. Bringing glad tidings are Oak Ridge High School Orchestra, Conroe High School Band and The Woodlands and College Park High Schools Orchestras. Each school performs a holiday medley. Sam Houston State University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Chorus take the stage with sounds of the seasons. Arriving just in time is someone special from the North Pole to start a holiday sing-along that everyone can join in.

Before the concert, frolic in our Winter Wonderland, where kids can play in the snow, visit with Frosty and other holiday characters, make arts and crafts and more. All aboard for a ride on the Candy Cane Express for a merry good time starting at 5 p.m. in the Gold Lot.

Guests are welcome to have a picnic in their seat or on the hill. Keep in mind that beverages cannot be brought into The Pavilion. Sitting on the hill? Lawn chairs also are provided free for this event. Come and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $5 per

vehicle for this and most performing arts events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Guests also may park in any of the five free parking lots on the southwest side of The Pavilion. The free, color-coded lots are connected to The Pavilion by corresponding pathways with signs leading across The Waterway.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s 2014 Performing Arts Season is presented by The Woodlands Development Company and sponsored by Audi of America, official automobile of The Pavilion, Huntsman Corporation, The Pavilion Partners, The Wortham Foundation and Texas Children’s Hospital.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion acknowledges the financial support of The Woodlands Township that is generated by the Event Admissions Tax for its performing arts and educational outreach programs. If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

The Ice Rink

Produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Ice Rink is one of the largest seasonal outdoor ice rinks in the southwest and will again be located at the northeast corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines Drive.

The Ice Rink will be open daily through Monday, January 19, 2015 with operating hours Monday through Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 3 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. The Ice Rink will also be open during Conroe ISD school holidays,

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Weekday two-hour skate sessions are $9.50 for adults and $5 for children 5 and under. Weekend sessions are $10.50 for adults and $6 for children 5 and under. All prices include skate rental fee. Helmet and walker (children’s skate trainer) rentals also are available. A separate kid’s ice rink also will be available for children five years old and under. Besides its regular operating hours, The Ice Rink will host a number of promotions and special skate nights.

This year’s Ice Rink is presented by Planet Ford and in partnership with Texas Children’s Hospital. For information on special pricing, events, promotions and theme nights, call The Ice Rink Hotline at 281-419-5630 or visit www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com.

Photos by Ted Washington

GOOD NEWS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPERS

Park Once and Take the Holiday Shuttle Express

Shoppers, residents, employees and visitors in The Woodlands will find holiday shopping and dining much more convenient than in previous years. The new Holiday Shuttle Express will help to relieve congestion and parking difficulties. Three different shuttle buses circulate every 10 minutes around the Mall and Market Street areas with simplified parking available at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Best of all, the service is free.

This shuttle service is operated independently from the existing Waterway Trolley System. This free service will continue until January 4, 2015, with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Eight stops are on the Holiday Shuttle Express route: the Gold Parking Lot at the Pavilion, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, Waterway Square, Market Street, and North, South, East and West areas of The Woodlands Mall. These vehicles are easily identifiable, and operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ holidayshuttleexpress.

The Woodlands Township Vision and Mission

The Woodlands Vision

The Woodlands, our dynamic hometown within a natural forest, is known for its balance between man and nature. We are a thriving business community and a premier destination for visitors – a place where generations live, worship, work, learn and play.

The Woodlands…

…is a place where we feel safe and secure.

…achieves prosperity by promoting economic development and quality of life.

…cultivates the relationship between urban needs and George Mitchell’s vision of environmental sustainability.

…provides premier services and activities, superior educational opportunities, a diversity of jobs, vibrant public spaces, integrated mobility options, public activities, cultural events and entertainment for all.

…is a place that welcomes everyone from everywhere to grow and thrive.

The Woodlands Township Mission

We fulfill The Woodlands vision by:

• Protecting the well-being and safety of our residents, visitors and businesses

• Achieving the highest standards in service delivery

• Partnering with others to sustain the vitality of our region

• Communicating with our constituents and partners

• Attracting and retaining a talented and innovative staff

• Serving as the community’s political voice

• Powering economic growth through community investment

• Promoting continued vitality of neighborhoods and commercial areas

• Maintaining transparent governance

• Serving as financial stewards of the community’s resources

• Evolving a governance structure to meet our goals

• Promoting sound environmental policy

• Collaborating with community partners to promote public events and cultural activities

www.teethforkidz.com

• Collaborating with community partners to improve mobility throughout The Woodlands

40 FANTASTIC YEARS

October

19th will forever be known as Founders Day in The Woodlands, following the celebration that took place 40 years to the day that the community was founded by George Mitchell. The anniversary celebration was attended by thousands of residents of all ages and featured a variety of free live musical entertainment, art, historic timelines, food, activities, giveaways and fireworks.

Musical groups Subdivided and School of Rock warmed up the crowd for Township Chairman Bruce Tough, who read a proclamation to formally declare Founders Day. “As we celebrate The Woodlands’ 40th birthday, we are truly grateful for this beautiful community and George Mitchell’s vision and tenacity in creating it,” Mr. Tough said. “By establishing Founders Day, we hope Mr. Mitchell’s vision will forever live with The Woodlands.”

Hosted by the Township and The Woodlands Development Company, the 40th Anniversary event also featured a variety of speakers and community

leaders. “The Woodlands went beyond the live-work-play-learn fundamentals to add environmental preservation and social consciousness to the mix as evidenced by the forests that line major thoroughfares shielding homes and businesses,” remarked Alex Sutton, co-president of The Woodlands Development Company.

Also co-president of The Woodlands Development Company, Tim Welbes added, “The Woodlands has achieved its goal of creating a hometown for residents. It has realized these successes by staying true to its original vision of environmental preservation, the creation of jobs and recreation and people-centered development.”

Hometown success story Will Makar then took over the stage to delight the crowd with more music until dusk, when The Woodlands Development Company Marketing Manager Lorrie Parise led the crowd in singing, “Happy Birthday” to The Woodlands. The singing was immediately followed by a 12-minute fireworks show over Lake Woodlands and more music from Will Makar to wrap up the event.

By Perry Frank

Photo by Derrick Bryant

Photos by Susan Schneider

Student Art Project Winners

At the 40th Anniversary celebration, students in The Woodlands contributed to the event with an art project to express how they envision The Woodlands in the next 40 years. The project was created and executed by Because Art Matters, a nonprofit educational outreach program for residents of Montgomery County and the neighboring region.

Anadarko Petroleum generously sponsored the project with $7,000 in cash prizes to the students who were judged to have the best work for the occasion. More than 170 students participated in the project, and awards were given for both Visual Arts and Literary Arts of 250 words or less.

“In sponsoring The Woodlands Township’s 40-year celebration school competition, we hope the next generation rises to the challenge in imagining their own unique and inspired vision of what our community could be in the year 2054,” said Bobby Reeves, executive vice president, general counsel and CAO for Anadarko Petroleum Corporation.

Visual Arts Winners:

Kindergarten – 4th Grade

1st place: Ashtin Sweep

2nd place: Onice Ewherido

3rd place: Mark Mahlmann

5th – 8th Grade

1st place: Spencer Johnson

2nd place: Chloe Pascual

3rd place: Chris Vlaha

9th – 12th Grade

1st place: Martha Ortiz

2nd place: Allison Durkin

3rd place: Amanda Lattimer

Literary Arts Winners:

Kindergarten – 4th Grade

1st place: Riley Bunch

2nd place: Brooke McMullan

3rd place: Mallory Suess

5th – 8th Grade

1st place: Zakary Villarreal

2nd place: Abby Turco

3rd place: Inez R. Alvarez Ward

High School

1st place: Ben Mueck

2nd place: Sanjana Ramesh Babu

3rd place: Katherine Milian

The trees are still fluffy and green and Puffy the Pinecone is still widely seen.

– Abby Turco

“In

“I see The Woodlands maintaining its thriving community status for years to come, while keeping its natural look and beauty.” – Zackary Villarreal

“We will still have the celebrations with fireworks and music for people to listen to.” –

“The Woodlands will also be the front runner for conserving energy.”

– Inez Alvarez Ward

The Woodlands forty years from now there will be buildings miles high.” – Brook McMullan

Ashtin Sweep

Mark Mahlmann

Onice Ewherido

Chloe Pascual

Chris Vlaha

Mallory Suess

Martha Ortiz

Spencer Johnson

Allison Durkin

Amanda Lattimer

Riley Bunch

By Paula Paciorek By y Paula Paciorek

THE WATER-WISE VILLAGE CHALLENGE: PLEDGE TO TURN THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM OFF

Every year starts with the opportunity to adopt a New Year’s resolution. As an incentive to conserve our water supply, the residents and villages of The Woodlands are invited to participate in the Water-Wise Village Challenge by pledging to “turn the sprinkler system off” beginning December 1, 2014.

And what better way to start planning your resolutions early this year than by pledging to conserve our water supply!

For several decades, Texas has experienced acute and prolonged droughts which have resulted in dwindling water reserves forcing communities to place a heavy overreliance on groundwater.

To alleviate the current groundwater demand, water providers are planning

to introduce surface water from Lake Conroe to The Woodlands. This will help mitigate the ongoing water balance deficit while meeting the current population’s water demands. However, high population rates anticipated in Texas indicate that by the year 2060 population is expected to double.

The future availability of our water resources will depend on the residents’ efforts to conserve water, to ensure that the water that is “conserved today” becomes a big portion of our “future water supply.”

One of the easiest ways to conserve water is by “turning the sprinkler system off” during winter. Turf, particularly St. Augustine grass (widely adopted in The Woodlands), goes dormant during

winter and does not require any watering during this time.

The goal of this challenge is for each resident to submit a pledge to conserve water. The pledge can be accessed online through the following link: www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ waterconservation. Each pledge submitted will provide a village (associated with the participant’s address) with a “point” for the competition.

The water-wise village winner will be announced at WaterFest on May 9, 2015. All residents are invited to take part in this challenge (one pledge per household). We hope that you will resolve to take this pledge early this year and begin conserving our water supply today!

To further advance pediatric care in The Woodlands.

The Promise campaign will support construction of Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands — bringing a dedicated pediatric hospital to some of the fastest-growing communities in the nation.

texaschildrens.org/promise

Holiday Recycling and Trash Service

There will be no collection services for garbage, recycling or yard waste on Thursday, December 25 or Thursday, January 1. Curbside service will resume on Friday. Households that usually have service Thursday and Friday will receive collection on the day following the regular service day. All services are affected—trash, recycling, yard trimmings and bulk pick-up. Please see the chart.

Regular Collection Holiday Collection

Monday, Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 ..............................................................service uninterrupted

Tuesday, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 ..............................................................service uninterrupted

Wednesdays, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 .......................................................service uninterrupted

Thursdays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.....................................................Fridays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2

Fridays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2, Saturdays .....................................................Dec. 27 and Jan. 3

Regular pick-up schedule will resume Monday, January 5, 2015.

Remember Recycling Guidelines!

• Collapse gift and mailing boxes to fit into RECYCLING cart.

• If you have a large number of boxes, please call to schedule bulky item recycling for the second Monday or fourth Friday of the month, or take them to area recycling centers.

• NO Styrofoam™, packing peanuts, plastic bags or shrink wrap are accepted in curbside 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 from tree.

• 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 of Flocked Christmas Trees

• Flocked Christmas trees must be landfilled.

• Schedule as bulky pick up by calling Waste Management at 1-800-800-5804.

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

Extra Household Waste

• Requires purchase of a pink, extra service tag.

• Attach one tag per bag.

• Cost: $1.75 per tag

• Each bag must weigh less than 40 pounds.

• Purchase tags from The Woodlands Township offices, Kroger (Cochran’s Crossing, Alden Bridge and Sterling Ridge) and Randalls (Grogan’s Mill and Panther Creek).

The Woodlands Recycling Center— Research Forest Drive

• Will have regular hours (4 to 7 p.m.) Wednesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 31.

• Will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please call Waste Management Customer Service at 800-800-5804 for questions or problems. For unresolved service issues, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800.

december

Tuesday, December 2

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

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

281-210-3889

Wednesday, December 3

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Special Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 11:30 a.m.

281-210-3800

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, December 4

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, December 5

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 6

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ 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.

Tuesday, December 9

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 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Thursday, December 11

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 9 a.m.

281-210-3800

Ad Hoc Transportation Committee Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 2 p.m.

281-210-3800

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting - Cancelled 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Friday, December 12

Kid’s Night Out 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Woodlands Township Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Drive $20 per child, siblings receive discount

Photo by Ted Washington

Saturday, December 13

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Christmas in a Kayak

9 a.m.

Riva Row Boathouse 281-210-3950

Monday, December 15

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

Tuesday, December 16

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

Wednesday, December 17

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Friday, December 19

Deck the Halls Christmas Tree Creations

The Woodlands Recreation Center

4:30 p.m.

281-210-3950

Pajama Pizza Party

Featuring: Elf

The Woodlands Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

Saturday, December 20

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Pancakes at the North Pole with Santa and his reindeer

The Lodge at Rob Fleming

9 a.m.

281-210-3950

Heart Saver CPR/AED 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.

Gingerbread House Making

The Lodge at Rob Fleming

Noon

Ages 5 to 12. 281-210-3950

Milk and Cookies with Santa

The Lodge at Rob Fleming

3 p.m.

Ages 3 to 12. 281-210-3950

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt

The Lodge at Rob Fleming

7 p.m.

Ages 6 to 12 281-210-3950

Sunday, December 21

Breakfast with Santa

The Lodge at Rob Fleming 9 a.m.

281-210-3950

Picnic with Santa

The Lodge at Rob Fleming

1 p.m.

281-210-3950

Evening with the Elves

The Lodge at Rob Fleming

5 p.m.

281-210-3950

Monday, December 22

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Tuesday, December 23

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 28, 2014

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard

7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule

There will be no waste collection on Thursday, December 25, 2014, in observance of Christmas Waste collection will be moved to the day following the regular service. All services are affected. Please refer to the chart below.

Regular Collection Holiday Collection

Thursday, December 25 .......................Friday, December 26

Friday, December 26 ........................Saturday, December 27 Normal schedule will resume Monday, December 29, 2014.

Wednesday, December 24

Christmas Eve

Township Offices Closed

Thursday, December 25

Christmas Day

Township Offices Closed No Trash and Recycling Service

Thursday, December 25

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, January 1

New Year’s Day

Township Offices Closed No Trash and Recycling Service

Saturday, January 4

FREE Compost Class

8203 Millennium Forest Drive 10 to 11 a.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

PLEASE REMEMBER

The Woodlands Covenants require that trash and recycling carts must be stored out of public view. Leaving trash carts out longer than necessary detracts from the curb appeal of neighborhoods and becomes an eyesore. Trash and recycling receptacles may be placed at the curb on the day prior to trash pickup and should be removed from the curb by the end of the day of trash pickup.

The Woodlands Township will hold elections for Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations in February, 2015. Watch for more information in the January issue of this magazine.

Alden Bridge

Alden Bridge wishes you a very happy holiday season! We hope that everyone has a joyous December. Keep the holidays safe by being aware of your surroundings while you’re out and about. Keep your home and car doors locked, don’t leave any of those holiday packages visible in the car when you go shopping, and don’t forget to utilize Vacation Watch if you’re planning to be out of town during the holidays.

Due to the holiday season, we have no monthly board/residents meeting in December. Our next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on January 13, 2015, at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Our speaker will be Gil Staley, CEO of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership. Gil’s updates are always interesting as he tells us about new businesses coming to our area.

It’s time once again to trim your home and yard for the annual Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest! Judges will view all Alden Bridge homes from December 8 to 15, 2014, 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 our village. Winning homes will be awarded on Wednesday, December 17, between 6 and 8 p.m.

Why not consider serving your community through a position on our village association board? Committed volunteers are definitely needed. Filing for board and RDRC positions begins in late December for the February election. Alden Bridge will elect 10 at-large area representatives for two-year terms, plus five RDRC members for one-year terms. You can obtain the needed information and filing forms from the Township website when they become available.

We continue to welcome additions to our electronic mailing list. Please send your email address to info@aldenbridge.org. Your address will not be shared and will be used only to distribute our electronic newsletter. Also please visit our website, www.aldenbridge.org, and our Facebook page.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed to our village association in any way during 2014, and special thanks to all of our event and program sponsors. Your support is very much appreciated!

Submitted

by

Darla D. Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

This year the Cochran’s Crossing Fall Festival helped celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Woodlands. It happened the same day that the village associations gathered at Northshore Park to highlight their history. The festival helped celebrate the opening of Shadowbend Park which received an extensive updating of the pool, pavilion, grounds and lighting.

Perhaps the best way to describe the Fall Festival was the comment from a five-year-old as she was leaving:

“I think that was the best party I’ve ever been to.” Brian Creighton, vice president of the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association, provided a more detailed description: “The thing that is so positive

about the Festival is that for more than 20 years it represented the true spirit of The Woodlands. It is a neighborhood event, it is free, it includes food and it has plenty of games and activities for young children through teenagers to enjoy.”

The board was assisted in the festival by more than 150 members of Oak Ridge High School Key Club, Rotary Interact Clubs of The Woodlands and College Park High School. They all played an active role in running games, bounce houses and serving food. The Kroger store at Cochran’s Crossing Center provided food for those who attended. Other sponsors included PhysiciansER, located at Gosling and Research Forest (only a few scrapes and bruises to treat), Jo Anne Johnson and Associates Realty with the “selfie” booth, and Township Director Mike Bass.

In addition to the Fall Festival, the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association participates in many other community activities. Environment, education, community safety, mobility and Township relationships are a few of the interests that are part of the meetings.

The village board meets every month but December at 7 p.m. in the Township meeting rooms. There are 18 board members elected each year, and the elections will be held early in 2015. If you are a resident of Cochran’s Crossing with a community spirit, consider running for the board.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Happy holidays to everyone from The Village of College Park! We hope you are enjoying family and friends and making it the best of the happiest season of the year. Good food, shopping, entertainment, etc., are all available for everyone right here in The Woodlands.

2014 winners of the Spookiest House in Alden Bridge: the Hollisters of Autumn Branch Circle.

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Our retailers and restaurants are abundant to us here in The Woodlands, and Christmas season is always beautiful.

We will not have a meeting for the month of December, but will eagerly start up in January, 2015. We hope that some of you make a New Year’s resolution to either inquire about becoming a board member for College Park or that you will attend a monthly meeting to keep informed about our village and volunteer to help with our fulfilling activities we sponsor all year long.

In closing, we are all so thankful for the hard work that has taken place this year in The Woodlands to make it a bigger and better place to live. The amenities are fantastic, with more on the way, and we all need to explore all of them.

Happy holidays and eat, drink, and be merry! Be patient with the traffic when you are out shopping, and be safe and shop with a partner. Enjoy the children while they are out of school and keep them safe.

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Grogan’s Mill

The Woodlands 40th anniversary Founder’s Day Celebration, held at Northshore Park on October 19, was a wonderful opportunity for residents to remember (and in many cases, learn for the first time) the history of our community. Each Village Association had their own display highlighting the important events that occurred in their areas as The Woodlands developed. With an estimated 5,000 attendees partaking of the free music, food and beverage, trivia contest, kid’s activities and gifts, residents truly enjoyed celebrating the heritage of our hometown on such a beautiful day. The Grogan’s Mill Village Association tent was

especially busy as residents received free sling backpacks and bottles of bubbles and glow necklaces for the kids. Almost every village board member was present and contributed time representing The Woodlands’ First Village. A special hat’s off to long-time board member, Pat Goodpastor, who did most of the advanced preparation. The Grogan’s Mill trivia question was, “Who was the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal Winner who trained at facilities in Grogan’s Mill?” The answer, of course, was Laura Wilkinson who did her high dive platform training at the former Woodlands Athletic Center.

MEETING INFORMATION

The following weekend, the Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market celebrated our second annual Halloween Fest. With plenty of activities for the kids as well as a costume contest for the vendors, it was another fun event for the entire family.

With cooler weather, there remains a bounty of fresh vegetables and other Texas-made consumables at the Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market. Look for unique local handmade craft and gift items during our December market days. And don’t forget, our year-round market is closed just one Saturday each year to allow our vendors to spend the Christmas and New Year’s continued on page 22

ALDEN BRIDGE

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! Website www.aldenbridge.org

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

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Website www.cochranscrossing.com

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

COLLEGE PARK

The College Park Village Association (CPVA) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Website www.villageofcollegepark.com

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

CREEKSIDE PARK

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

Website www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Nancy Becker at 832-559-7004.

GROGAN’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! Website www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? Contact your program specialist at 281-210-3887.

INDIAN SPRINGS

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!

Website www.indianspringsvillage.com

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

PANTHER CREEK

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! Website www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

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

STERLING RIDGE

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! Website www.sterling-ridge.org

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or contact Village Association President Anthony Fasone at sr_twa@hotmail.com.

Farmers’ Market young artists!

holidays with family. This year, our dark date will be December 27. If you don’t receive our weekly Farmers’ Market e-blast, sign up on our website (www.grogansmillvillage.com) or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/GrogansMillVillageAssociation.

The association will again provide Holiday decorations on all entrance signs into our village for the holiday season. Decorations for this year will include all four entrance signs, including the one at Grogan’s Mill Road and Woodlands Parkway, which is now back in place after last year’s road construction.

REMINDER: The Residential Design Review Committee and Village Association Election Day will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2015. We have seven board representative positions open during this election. Filing for the election begins on January 2. More information will be available at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov in late December or early January.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Dana Denton

Indian Springs

The Indian Springs Village Association will again be participating in The Woodlands 2014 Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest. The two categories will be best home in Indian Springs and best neighborhood in Indian Springs. Winners of the best home will receive a yard sign and a commemorative plaque. Winners of best neighborhood will receive a yard sign and ice rink passes. Judges will be in the area

December 5 through 8, and the winners will be announced on December 9, 2014. Happy Holidays and good luck!

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

As we all know, the holidays are upon us. Here are a few helpful reminders from your Panther Creek Village Association. Very shortly, members of your village association board will be driving by your home looking for a home and neighborhood to be awarded the coveted Best Holiday Decorations Awards. So, if you have been procrastinating, please get those decorations up now. This year additional attention will be given to cul-de-sac streets with small islands that you decorate. Look for a picture of the best house and best neighborhood in an upcoming issue.

If you will be traveling outside The Woodlands over the holidays, do remember to first call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department at 936-760-5800 or go online and click on the Vacation Watch icon at www.mocosheriff.com. Then, while you are gone, deputies will give your home special attention. Enjoy your travels reassured by the knowledge that no home on the watch list was burglarized while the residents were on vacation over the many years that this service as been provided.

This season also generates added refuse, so please take advantage of our added services for trash and recycling. Your Waste Management questions about Christmas tree disposal and other issues can be answered at 800-800-5804. See page 16.

Township, local and statewide elections were last month. Thank you, if you voted. If you did not vote or are not registered, please visit www.co.montgomery.tx.us/election for more information.

You are welcome to learn more about Panther Creek events and issues at our monthly meetings, held the second

Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org.

Submitted

by

Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

We held our Seventh Annual Barbecue Challenge and Kids Festival on September 13, 2014. It was a great day for everyone, including our seven neighborhood cook teams! This year our teams were from Artist Grove, Queenscliff, Degas Park, Rembrandt Way, Fontera, Pepperdale and Claire Point. They had their smokers going all night at Cranebrook Park for the competition. And the winners for Best Brisket and Best Pulled Pork are: Team Claire Point; Best Ribs and the Best Beans: Team Pepperdale; The “Presidents Award” for best booth theme and overall good food points: Team Degas Park.

We had fantastic sponsors and a great association team under the direction of Sue Young who put on this grand event. Please check out our website for more information at www.sterling-ridge.org.

Holiday Lighting Contest

This year the village association will be looking for the best “WOW” decorated home and the best neighborhood (or collection of homes) in our village. If you are hoping to be noticed for all your hard work and just love decorating for the holidays, please be sure to have your lights on for our judging teams from December 12 through 15, 2014. We will award the winners on Thursday, December 18, 2014.

Submitted by Sue Young

HOLIDAY

GREENERY

By Kathie Gilmore Herrick

www.REDACU.com

The forest floor beneath the forest canopy provides the ideal shaded, sheltered, dependably moist niche favored by ferns. Nestled in our woods are numerous native fern species that can supply texture and color and a natural continuum for a shady wooded landscape. Most grow dormant and turn brown as the growing season wanes. Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), as its name implies, remains green throughout our winters and northward to snowy climes.

Closer inspection reveals another possible origin for the common name; the divided part of the fern frond—each pinna—is shaped like a tiny Christmas stocking! This holiday analogy makes a useful identification tool in the wild. More significantly, the somewhat shiny, emerald green fronds provide essential year-round wildlife cover close to the ground.

Among ferns, the Christmas fern with mature relatively upright fronds up to two feet exhibits a clumping rather than a spreading growth habit. In the landscape, this feature makes it more suited to planting in clusters of twos and threes as an accent rather than a groundcover, according to native plant gurus, Sally and Andy Wasowski. You can even enjoy the long-lasting quality of the cut fronds in indoor floral arrangements.

It isn’t just that ferns require water to live; they depend upon water to reproduce. Christmas fern, like all ferns, does not have seeds as do flowering plants and

conifers, rather they reproduce by spores that need water to continue their life cycle and ensure the shuffling of genetic material. The spores themselves are barely visible, dust-like particles contained in brown, dot-like structures—sori—on the underside of the fertile fronds. The arrangement of the sori is another feature that distinguishes the many fern species. In the genus Polystichum, to which Christmas fern belongs, the sori are found in many polys, rows stichos

Do not overlook ferns in the restoration of your forest retreat. What better season to add long-lasting holiday greenery to your landscape and to your centerpiece!

K t athiie G Gillmore H Herr ic i k

Photos by Dan Tenaglia

Recalling that the pinnae resemble tiny Christmas stockings is a handy feature for field identification!

Having experienced difficult moves in the past, Angela knew that her relocation to The Woodlands could make even the simple things like finding a park frustrating for her family. She decided to join a women’s Bible study at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, and the community she discovered eased her family’s transition. Angela had found her home.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion thanks all the children and families who attended the 19th Annual Children’s Festival in early November and the sponsors who made it possible!

Major Sponsors:

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Audi of America

ExxonMobil

FMC Technologies

The Humphreys Foundation

Texas Children’s Hospital

Xfinity

The Villager

Festival Sponsors: Accenture

A ramark Sports & Entertainment

Children’s Memorial Hermann

The Woodlands

Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation

Galaxy FBO

Huntsman

LINN Energy

MedSAFE

Newfield Exploration

Strike LLC

TETRA Technologies

Festival Supporters:

Century 21 Realty Partners

EMI

Fidelity Investments

Herzstein Foundation

Kinder Morgan Foundation

Live Nation

Maryann T. Seaman

The Pavilion Partners

The Woodlands Township

Peggy & Ray Wilcox

Woodforest National Bank

By Lou DePadova

FIRST AID

This month, make sure that you are prepared to give first aid while waiting for an ambulance.

An emergency can happen at any time and any place. Many public places have a first aid kit, oxygen, or an AED (automated external defibrillator) to treat people. These items can only save lives if someone knows how to use them. Actions you take in the first few minutes after an injury or other medical incident may save someone’s life.

Choose one of the following things to do this month to become better prepared:

• Know what to do while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

Call 911 instead of trying to take an injured or ill person to the hospital yourself. It seems like waiting for an ambulance will make it take longer to get help, but ambulance crews can start providing care as soon as they arrive. They can get the patient to the hospital quickly, legally, and more safely.

• Make or buy first aid kits for your home and car.

Ready-made first aid kits are available at most department stores or your

www.twcert.com

www.facebook.com/TheWoodlandsCERT

www.do1thing.com

local American Red Cross chapter. These kits come in a variety of sizes and prices. You can also make your own kit from supplies you probably already have around the house.

• Take training in first aid, CPR, AED, or pet first aid.

Helping others in a medical emergency isn’t as hard to learn as you might think. Knowing how to apply a bandage, identify the signs and symptoms of shock, perform CPR or use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) can save a life.

First responders may not be on the scene for five minutes or more. It is up to individuals like you to be ready to help someone who is injured. The person whose life you save may be someone that you love.

www.twitter.com/WoodlandsCERT

www.pinterest.com/twcert

Be Part of The Woodlands Township Aquatics Team

Do you enjoy being outdoors, staying active, swimming, working with your friends, and caring for others? Do you want to earn some money? If so, then The Woodlands Township has a job for you!

The Woodlands Township is now hiring lifeguards, swim instructors, swim coaches, lifeguard leadership positions, and more. Our lifeguard team consists of over 350 team members from The Woodlands area so chances are good that you already know a lot of us from school, sports, or just hanging around the neighborhood! We have tons of great incentive programs and staff outings, travel to lifeguard competitions, lead the excitement on Splash Day on the Fourth of July while decorating the pools and getting into fun costumes, and then we have an end of season party!

We are hiring all seasonal positions for our lifeguard team such as:

• Lifeguards

• Head Guards

• Pool and Zone Supervisors

Our Programs unit is also hiring and looking for:

• Swim Instructors

• Swim Coaches

• Recreation Specialist (seasonal)

Aquatics Programs reach more than 2,000 participants each year through Learn-to-Swim classes, private swim lessons, and competitive and recreation swim teams. We are looking to hire more than 40 swim instructors, 9 swim coaches, and six recreation specialists in 2015. If you’ve ever thought about being a lifeguard or swim instructor, then we want you to be a part of our team.

By Karl Shaw

Come and have a positive summer and build lasting memories!

All team members must be at least 16 years of age, unless otherwise stated, and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen. Leadership team members must successfully complete an extensive background check.

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DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES

The Springdale • $920,000 5 bedrooms, 5½ baths, 2-story, 3-car garage

g COVENTRY HOMES

Visit Liberty Branch, a neo-traditional neighborhood that recreates the feeling of a small town within the forests of the Village of Creekside Park. Here you’ll find a range of home styles that have the charming curb appeal of early Americana, but with all the 21st Century features you need and want. Tree-lined streets lead to two nostalgic parks, two new elementary schools, and the highly-anticipated Creekside Park Village Center - with HEB Creekside Market now open. Come tour the new model homes by Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, J. Kyle Homes and Palmetto Homes, priced from the $300s - over $1 million.

TOWNSHIP HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL T O W NSHIPHOS

By Perry Frank

Public Safety Awards

The Woodlands Township honored 19 public safety heroes for going the extra mile to make The Woodlands a safe community as The Woodlands Township hosted the Annual Public Safety Awards with the theme, “HONORING THOSE WHO

SERVE.”

Held on October 25, 2014, at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center with more than 275 people in attendance, including honorees, guests, and community leaders, the event paid tribute to 19 individuals in public safety from The Woodlands Fire Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4. Each honoree was chosen by their respective department for exemplary service and dedication to public safety.

Receiving a Life Saving Award for their outstanding assistance to mitigate two large bilateral blood clots in the lungs of a 43-year-old female patient who was home alone were members of Engine 101 of The Woodlands Fire Department:

• Lieutenant Chris Berg

• Driver Operator Kenny Baumbach

• Firefighter Kevin Hoffart

• Firefighter Paul Taylor

Receiving a Life Saving Award for saving the life of a 75-year-old male whose heart was in ventricular fibrillation were members of Engine 102 of The Woodlands Fire Department:

• Lieutenant Michael Helmcamp

• Driver Operator Troy Coleman

• Firefighter Eric Hendrix

• Firefighter Justin Bumpass

Receiving a Commendation Unit Award for the resourceful management and direction of the fire crew, law enforcement, EMS, bystanders and parents of an 11 ½-year-old female with a closed femur fracture were members of Engine 102 of The Woodlands Fire Department:

• Firefighter Ricky Smith

• Lieutenant Jason Hearnsberger

• Driver Operator Justin Royall

• Firefighter Eric Hendrix

Receiving the Community Policing Award for continued professionalism and commitment to community oriented policing in Harris County Precinct 4 was:

• Deputy Constable Bryan Frasier

Receiving the Commendation Award for distinctive commendable actions for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office were:

• Detective Chris Ansley

• Crime Analyst Tori Lowe

The Woodlands Township honored 19 men and women at the 4th Annual Public Safety Awards at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center on October 25, 2014. Back Row (Left to Right): Sergeant Kenton Ford, Deputy Steven Ortiz, Firefighter Kevin Hoffart, Detective Sergeant John Schmitt, Firefighter Paul Taylor, Lieutenant Chris Berg, Lieutenant Michael Helmcamp, Firefighter Ricky Smith Front Row (Left to Right): Deputy Constable Bryan Frasier, Crime Analyst Tori Lowe, Detective Chad May, Detective Chris Ansley, Detective Melanie Bivens, Driver Operator Kenny Baumbach, Driver Operator Justin Royall, Firefighter Eric Hendrix, Firefighter Justin Bumpass, Driver Operator Troy Coleman. Not pictured: Lieutenant Jason Hearnsberger.

Photo by Karen Elaine, Ray Sakers Photography

• Detective Melanie Bivens

• Detective Chad May

Receiving the Medal of Honor for distinctive professionalism and dedication to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office were:

• Deputy Steven Ortiz

• Sergeant Kenton Ford

The Woodlands Township hosts this event each year, along with support and sponsorships from many other businesses and individuals in The Woodlands and South Montgomery County area.

This year, the major sponsors were Black Forest Ventures, Kroger, Joiner Architects, The Woodlands Development Company, Woodforest National Bank, Physicians ER, Alpha and Omega, Harvey, CB&I and ReMax The Woodlands and Spring.

“Every one of these individuals ensures the safety and security of residents and visitors of The Woodlands,” said Bruce Tough, Chairman of the Board for The Woodlands Township. “We commend them for going the extra mile in making The Woodlands a safe community.”

The event was also generously sponsored by First Southwest Company, Lone Star College – Montgomery, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, Waste Connection, Palermo Real Estate Advisors, The Blair Firm, P.C. and The Woodlands Area EDP.

• Detective Sergeant John Schmitt

Left to right: Firefighter Justin Bumpass, Chief Wayne Walker, Driver Operator Troy Coleman, Lieutenant Michael Helmcamp, Firefighter Eric Hendrix and Bruce Tough.

Photo by Perry Frank.

It’s time to talk seriously about the price of water

Water may be the most essential utility delivered to The Woodlands each day. It meets stringent standards for drinking and also provides essential sanitation needs. It is a critical resource for fire suppression and routinely supplies needed irrigation for yards and gardens. Paradoxically, water is, for some water users, the least valued utility.

Rapid population growth and excess lawn irrigation has severely reduced groundwater supply, and the aquifers residents depend upon for drinking are declining at an alarming rate. The alternative is using water elsewhere – in our case, Lake Conroe. However, the cost of bringing treated surface water from Lake Conroe to The Woodlands and other parts of Montgomery County is a $500 million project.

Globally, Americans pay less for water than people in most other developed countries. In The Woodlands, the cost

of water for a typical customer is $61.50 per month, while monthly expenses for electricity and telephone are around $150 each per month. Paying significantly less than a penny per gallon for water makes wasting water easy.

Additionally, aging water and sanitary sewer systems need to be rehabilitated. This is occurring throughout the country. In the city of Houston, city planners estimate that 22 billion gallons of water is lost annually through outdated and aging systems. Locally, we have identified around $30 million in repair and rehabilitation needs over the next five years for our water and wastewater systems.

The bottom line is that water will never be as cheap as it is now. Throughout the U.S., water prices have risen faster than the cost of living, and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. A number of water experts, like the Alliance for Water Efficiency, strongly recommend

by Bob Dailey

conservation as a way for water users to keep their water costs low.

In fact, The Woodlands was one of the first communities in Texas not in a Stage 2 drought scenario to set up a proactive water conservation project. The Defined Irrigation Schedule, in effect now, can lower customer water bills, if followed. The municipal utility districts and The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency urge residents to conserve water and keep use in check. Turf irrigation should use no more than an inch per week during peak summer periods. Other times, especially if it rains, use even less. Turn off sprinklers in fall, winter and early spring. Use soil conservation best practices and consider native and adapted plants in landscapes.

For more information on water conservation in The Woodlands, please visit www.wjpa.org and www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ waterconservation.

Thank you to all who participated in the National Night Out Food Drive!

The Woodlands Township collected more than 1,200 pounds of food to benefit the Interfaith Food Pantry.

Pictured are,

Cindy Harlan - Interfaith Food Pantry Volunteer, Kristin Pternitis – Program Coordinator for The Woodlands Township, Dr. Ann Snyder – President & CEO Interfaith of The Woodlands, Brad Finger – Program Associate Interfaith of The Woodlands, and Lucy Gomez – Manager of Family Services Interfaith of The Woodlands.

16TH ANNUAL

Daddy Daughter DINNER DANCE

Rock around the clock with this year’s Sock Hop theme! Dads grab their blue suede shoes, daughters put on a poodle skirt, then everyone shakes, rattles-n-rolls! Awards for best dressed and most creative outfits, every girl receives a special gift. Registration begins November 10; ticket sales close Monday, February 2, 2015. Seating is assigned, please let us know your seating requests.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

Ages: All

Fee: $110 pair, $50 per additional sibling until January 12

$125 pair after January 12, $55 per additional sibling $50 to reserve a table for 10

DADDY DAUGHTER DINNER DANCE SPOTLIGHT SEATING

Make sure this night is extra special for you and your group! Reserve a table of 10 around the dance floor. Fee includes special activities and surprises!

Fee: $50 Table of 10.

REGISTRATION OPEN!

This event sells out quickly — reserve your place today!

www.ForumAtTheWoodlands.com

left to right: