December 2015

EXPERIENCE THE WARMTH AND WONDER OF CHRISTMAS WITH US

Bring your family and invite some friends to one of our 13 Christmas services, which run Sunday, December 20 through Christmas Eve. We offer a variety of worship experiences to choose from:

• Traditional candlelight worship

• Casual / contemporary candlelight worship

• Children’s worship

• Special needs worship

• Worship for those who are grieving

There’s something wonderful for everyone this Christmas at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. Find our full schedule of services and events at thewoodlandsumc.org/christmas

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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

the woodlands township board of directors ELECTION

Three positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, designated as positions 5, 6, 7, were elected at large by voters in The Woodlands Township in both Montgomery and Harris counties in the November election. Unofficial results as of press time are as follows:

Position 5: John McMullan

Position 6: Ann Snyder

Position 7: Laura Fillault

The following positions were not up for election in 2015 and will continue in 2016:

Position 1: Gordy Bunch

Position 2: Mike Bass

Position 3: Jeff Long

Position 4: Ed Robb

Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/election for the full election results or www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/board for more information.

Photos of the 2016 Board of Directors will appear in the January issue.

Interested in running for a community office?

The Woodlands community has numerous positions coming up for election in February. The Woodlands Township will hold elections for Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations in February, 2016. Watch for more information in the January issue of this magazine for filing and other information.

The Woodlands Township

wishes you and yours a safe and

The Woodlands, listen to K-Star Country, KVST-FM, the official emergency broadcast

of The Woodlands Township.

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 Beky Smock

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Copy Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Amber George

Social Media Ashley Gravois

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

Anthony is the exper t in poolside super-heroing.

We are the exper ts in pediatric cardiolog y. When Anthony’s hear t failed, he came to Texas Children’s to receive cutting-edge , life-saving treatment. Now that he’s back on his feet – and back to his usual, charming self – he needs specialized follow-up care that he can’t find just anywhere . Why are we bringing our world-renowned pediatric exper tise and more than 20 pediatric subspecialty ser vices to The Woodlands?

S o A n t h o ny c a n f o c u s o n t h e m o re impor tant things in his life…like rescuing that damsel in distress .

Learn more at texaschildrens.org/woodlands.

Holiday Roundup

Holiday cheer is in full swing with a wide variety of events to make for a festive season for all to celebrate. Holiday light displays, fireworks, food and the largest seasonal ice rink in the Southwest are just part of the magic of the 2015 holiday season.

The Ice Rink and Donoho’s Jewellers Winter Wonderland at The Woodlands Town Center

Enjoy a stroll through a magical fantasy land of lighted toy soldiers, elves, snowmen and musical angels from dusk until 11 p.m., every day through Monday, January 18, 2016.

Holiday Activities

from the Township Parks and Recreation Department

Families will find plenty to do together this holiday season at The Woodlands Township! Choose from a variety of activities to find just the right fit for a busy family schedule.

Saturday, December 12, 2015

CHRISTMAS IN A KAYAK

Have some fun in the sun with Santa! Join Santa on a kayaking adventure to Northshore Park for a present hunt. Riva Row Boat House rules apply to this program. All children must be accompanied by an adult in the kayak. 9 a.m. at Riva Row Boat House, 2101 Riva Row

Friday, December 18, 2015

DECK THE HALLS –CHRISTMAS TREE CREATIONS

Gather the family for festive fun! Make ornaments and decorate a take-home four-foot tree! Includes hot cocoa and snack. 4:30 p.m. at the Township Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park 6055 Creekside Forest Drive

PANCAKES AT THE NORTH POLE, 9 a.m.

Join Santa and his reindeer for a pancake breakfast! Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, a holiday craft and photo with Santa.

GINGERBREAD HOUSEMAKING, Noon

Build and decorate a gingerbread house with gum drops, peppermints, frosting and more! Requires parent participation.

MILK AND COOKIES WITH SANTA, 3 p.m.

Have milk and cookies with Santa, hear a Christmas story by the fireplace, decorate cookies and make a holiday plate.

FLASHLIGHT CANDY CANE HUNT, 7 p.m.

Don’t miss this great holiday hunt! Enjoy candy canes, hot cocoa and special presents from Santa. Be sure to bring a flashlight!

Sunday, December 20, 2015

at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, 9 a.m.

Join Santa for a catered breakfast by the fireplace, including breakfast, holiday music and photographs!

MILK AND COOKIES WITH SANTA, 1 p.m.

Have milk and cookies with Santa, hear a Christmas story by the fireplace, decorate cookies and make a holiday plate.

EVENING WITH THE ELVES, 5 p.m.

Join Santa and his elves for dinner and s’mores by the fireplace.

FLASHLIGHT CANDY CANE HUNT, 7 p.m.

Don’t miss this great holiday hunt! Enjoy candy canes, hot cocoa and special presents from Santa. Be sure to bring a flashlight!

For complete details on the holiday activities offered by the Township Parks and Recreation Department, please refer to the Action Guide, available online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/actionguide, or call 281-210-3950.

2015 Holiday Lighting 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 and The Woodlands Fire Department.

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 for more details about your respective village. See page 19 for village contact information.

Sunny Dayz Drop-in Camps

All-day fun for kids can be found during the holidays at the Sunny Dayz camps. Here, they’ll enjoy gingerbread houses, snowball fun, visits from Santa and his elves, themed games and activities. The longtime favorites are also back, like dodge ball, ship dock shore, four-square and movies on the big screen.

December 21 - 23, 28 - 31, 2015; January 4, 2016

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ages: 5 to 12 years

Location: The Woodlands Township Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive.

Fee: $50 per day, $15 per day sibling discount $100 discount if signed up for all days.

Please call 281-210-3950 for more information.

Holly Jolly Jingle

Enjoy performances of holiday classics and popular carols while frolicking in the Winter Wonderland of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion at the 2015 Holly Jolly Jingle. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 3, 2015, and is free for all to enjoy, thanks to the generous sponsorships of Talisman USA, Woodforest National Bank and KPMG, LLP. At the pre-concert activities beginning at 6 p.m., guests can visit with Frosty and other holiday characters, play in the snow, listen to carolers sing, make arts and crafts and much more! The Candy Cane Express will also be available for rides in the Gold Lot beginning at 5 p.m.

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 may also park in any of the five free parking lots on the southwest side of The Pavilion. The free, colorcoded lots are connected to The Pavilion by corresponding pathways with signs leading across The Waterway.

Relieve Stress: Take the Holiday Shuttle Express

FINDING OUT WHO IS

&

Shoppers, residents, employees and visitors will find holiday shopping and dining in The Woodlands a little more convenient this year with the Holiday Shuttle Express. Three different shuttle buses circulate every 10 minutes around the Mall and Market Street areas with simplified parking available at the Gold Lot next to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The free service will run through January 3, 2016, with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

There are six stops on the Holiday Shuttle Express route this year: the Gold Parking Lot at the Pavilion, Market Street, The Ice Rink, Tinseltown Movie Theatre and the North and South areas of The Woodlands Mall. The Holiday Shuttle Express vehicles are easily identifiable and operate daily from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

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

Nice Naughty

Theweek after the holidays, it’s easy to see on garbage day just how nice we have all been during the year. If the overflowing carts of trash and recyclables are a testimony to good behavior, there are very few naughty ones among us. But, our trash habits are not so nice. No bah hum bug here—we really can be good to the environment without abandoning our holiday traditions. Thoughtful gift giving can help reduce the volume of trash and make the holidays a more environmentally friendly time of year.

As you shop, consider items like tickets to movies, plays, performing arts and sporting events as a way to provide an enjoyable experience without producing waste. You will please everyone on your list, regardless of age, with gift certificates to favorite eateries—and there are lots of great places right here in The Woodlands. Or, give a gift that goes on giving throughout the year with a membership to the YMCA or a local fitness center. For those who already have everything, give a gift of service— a massage, manicure, baby-sitting, yard care or maid service.

If you want to give that special someone something more tangible, consider the many attractive and unusual recycled content items that are available both in stores, through mail order catalogs and on the Internet.

By Lynne Aldrich and Lucinda Valdes

Many items, from fashionable clothing to trendy decorator items and objects d’art, are made from recycled materials. Keep recycling working while sending holiday cheer.

Now to the wrappings … consider using a whimsical, reusable tea towel or cloth napkin to wrap a whole set of cloth napkins or theme gift. Dinner napkins are a practical, reusable gift, and there are no wrappings to take to the curb. Also reusable, fabric gift bags are a lovely holiday tradition and another way to reduce waste.

With thoughtful gifts that reduce waste, it is fun and easy to make being nice to the environment a part of your family’s holiday tradition.

‘Twas the Day After

Christmas

By Lynne Aldrich

‘Twas the day after Christmas and all through our town

A multitude of mystified people were found; It was clear that the families had all been so good That Santa had lavished the whole neighborhood; But now what to do with all the old loot

They clearly could not just give it the boot; Useable clothes, toys and housewares can have new life

Just make a donation, helping someone in strife.

Don’t Toss It

Donate It!

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

Trash Service

Recycling and Holiday

There will be NO WASTE COLLECTION services on Friday, December 25, 2015, or Friday, January 1, 2016. Service will resume on Saturday. All services are affected.

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 the recycling bins. 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

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

For question or problems

• 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.

• 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).

Please call Waste Management Customer Service at 800-800-5804. For unresolved services issues, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800.

Find out more about THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP Neighborhood Watch

By Holly Steinke

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch is known for its award-winning neighborhood watch program in residential areas, and also has crime prevention and safety education programming for all neighborhoods in The Woodlands, including apartments, senior, campus and business communities. Crime prevention initiatives are tailored to meet the needs of each specific neighborhood.

1Senior neighborhood programming promotes crime prevention through quarterly or monthly meetings for senior citizens. Meetings and events are held with public safety personnel at local senior complexes or at meeting locations throughout The Woodlands. Senior citizens can learn about personal safety, fire safety, 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, medical emergencies and more at watch meetings geared for them. There is also a senior medical lecture from January through October. Please call 281-210-3800 for details.

2Apartment neighborhood programming promotes crime prevention through quarterly meetings with apartment managers throughout The Woodlands and offers crime prevention education opportunities, such as watch meetings or Good Neighbor Days for residents at their apartment complexes. Ask your apartment manager if any upcoming events are scheduled for your complex.

3Business neighborhood programming promotes the neighborhood watch concept at the commercial or office level, provides crime prevention opportunities and creates a partnership between businesses, law enforcement and other organizations that represent business interests. Please call 281-210-3800 to find out what programs might be best for your business.

4Campus neighborhood programming promotes crime prevention education for youth and open communication between students, administrators, campus and community police. Campus meetings and Law Enforcement Safety Day have been a great way for junior high schools in The Woodlands to share safety with their students. Students also have a chance to volunteer in the community. Personal safety, tobacco, emergency preparedness and alcohol awareness activities have also been held at Lone Star College–Montgomery.

For more information on any of these programs or to schedule a program in your neighborhood, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800 or email neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Students and administrators have the opportunity to get involved in crime prevention at meetings and events like Law Enforcement Safety Day.

Public safety meetings and events for seniors are held on a regular basis at a variety of locations throughout The Woodlands.

System Pledge to Turn

Residents of The Woodlands are once again encouraged to help conserve water resources by turning off sprinklers and leaving them off until April 15, 2016. Turf, particularly St. Augustine grass (widely adopted in The Woodlands), goes dormant during winter and does not require any watering during this time.

For several decades, Texas has experienced prolonged droughts that have resulted in dwindling groundwater reserves. Growth in population has exacerbated the problem. To alleviate the current groundwater demand, water providers are now using surface water from Lake Conroe to supply The Woodlands.

The future availability of our area’s water resources will depend on residents’ efforts to conserve water today. Water that is conserved today becomes a big portion of our future water supply.

By Lynne Aldrich

The goal of the Water-Wise Village 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 the village associated with the participant’s address with a “point” for the competition.

After signing the pledge, residents are encouraged to obtain and display the free yard sign, “This Yard is Helping to Conserve Our Water Supply” (see photo), available at the Environmental Services Department of The Woodlands Township, to further promote water conservation efforts.

The Water-Wise Village winner will be announced in May 2016, during Drinking Water Week activities. All residents are invited to take part in the Water-Wise Challenge, although only one pledge per household will be counted.

December 2015

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

For AHA Heartsaver and First Aid classes, please visit the Township calendar located at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Tuesday, December 1

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

6464 Creekside Forest Drive

7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Wednesday, December 2

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, December 3

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, December 4

Gorilla Hole

The Woodlands Recreation Center

7 p.m.

This event is geared to 5th, 6th and 7th graders; $7 admittance fee

For more information, please call 281-210-3950

Saturday, December 5

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

Thursday, December 10

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

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

281-210-3800

Friday, December 11

Kid’s Night Out

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Woodlands Township Recreation Center

5310 Research Forest Drive

$30 per child, siblings receive discount

Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule

There will be no waste collection on Friday, December 25, 2015, in observance of Christmas. Waste collection will also be affected on Friday, January 1, 2016, in observance of New Year’s Day. 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

Friday, December 25, 2015

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Normal schedule will resume Monday, December 28, 2015.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Normal schedule will resume Monday, January 4, 2016.

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.

Photo by Susan Schneider

Saturday, December 12

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 8 a.m. to noon www.grogansmillvillage.com

Christmas in a Kayak 9 a.m.

Riva Row Boathouse 281-210-3950

Wednesday, December 16

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Friday, December 18

Deck the Halls Christmas Tree Creations

The Woodlands Recreation Center 4:30 p.m. 281-210-3950

Saturday, December 19

Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s 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

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 20

Breakfast with Santa

The Lodge at Rob Fleming 9 a.m. 281-210-3950

Milk and Cookies with Santa

The Lodge at Rob Fleming 1 p.m.

Ages 3 to 12 281-210-3950

Evening with the Elves

The Lodge at Rob Fleming 5 p.m. 281-210-3950

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt

The Lodge at Rob Fleming 7 p.m.

Ages 6 to 12 281-210-3950

Monday, December 21

Sunny Dayz Drop-In Camps (Monday, December 21 thru Wednesday, December 23), (Monday, December 28 thru Thursday, December 31) and Monday, January 4

The Woodlands Township Recreation Center

7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 281-210-3950

Thursday, December 24

Christmas Eve Township Offices Closed

Friday, December 25

Christmas Day

Township Offices Closed No Trash and Recycling Service

Upcoming Events:

Friday, January 1

New Year’s Day

Township Offices Closed No Trash and Recycling Service

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

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

We love the holidays in The Woodlands and hope that everyone has a joyous December! There’s more to do than we can possibly list here, so make sure your holidays are 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. January 12, 2016, at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Our guest speaker will be Gordy Bunch of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau. We’re looking forward to learning more of that group’s plans for 2016.

It’s time again to trim your home and yard for the annual Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest! Judges will view all Alden Bridge homes December 7 to 15, 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 Wednesday, December 16, between 6 and 8 p.m.

Have you ever considered serving your community by joining us on our village association board? Committed volunteers are definitely needed! Filing for board and RDRC positions begins in late December for the February 2016 election. Alden Bridge will elect nine 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 the time comes.

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 2015. Special thanks to all of our event and program sponsors! Your support is very much appreciated.

Submitted by Darla D. Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

For over 20 years, Cochran’s Crossing has held a Fall Festival for residents of The Woodlands. The 2015 edition at Shadowbend Park in October had more activities, served more hot dogs, and had an attendance of 2,000, which was greater than any prior year.

This year the festival also included a commemorative presentation for Bill Mara, the longtime Cochran’s Crossing secretary who passed away several years ago. A stone with a descriptive metal plate has been installed in the park to recognize the many years of service Bill gave to The Woodlands and the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association. The Woodlands Township Board Chairman Bruce Tough presented the details in a proclamation that declared October 18, 2015, Bill Mara Day in The Woodlands. Bill’s wife, Jo Ann, and son John, his wife Sandy and grandson Matt were on hand for the ceremony. They were joined by current

Cochran’s Crossing President Stuart Schroeder and Past President Nancy Becker who led the association for many years while Bill was secretary.

The success of the festival was due to the hard work of the Festival Committee, headed up by Dabney Wisenbaker, Jennifer Graff and the support of the association’s board of directors. The event could not have been held without the financial support of the Township and participation of sponsors, particularly Kroger in Cochran’s Crossing Shopping Center. Kroger provided, prepared, and helped serve the hot dogs and drinks for the festival.

Music from a DJ added to the festival feel. Periodically, there were drawings for items provided by the sponsors, including BBVA Compass Bank, Costco Wholesale, Honey Bee Ham, Jo Anne Johnson & Associates Real Estate, Karate Inc. of The Woodlands, Kidville, Marble Slab Creamery, PediaQ, Sheryl’s Hallmark, Starbucks, The Woodlands Township and Woodforest Bank. Overflow parking was provided at David Elementary and Impact Church.

A major role was also played by the Rotary Interact Clubs of College Park

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (in bright T-shirts) gathered to honor the memory of Bill Mara, along with Township Chairman Bruce Tough and Bill’s family.

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

and The Woodlands High Schools, as well as the Gingham Girls Organization from Knox Junior High School. These volunteers staffed the games and activities which ranged from ring toss to climbing walls, photo booth, fortune-telling, face painting, apple bobbing, water splash, blow-up slides, petting zoo, pony rides and sack races. And it was all free.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Board members of the College Park Village Association will be patrolling our village neighborhoods of Harper’s Landing, Grogan’s Forest and Windsor Hills starting December 9, 2015. We are looking for the 2015 winners for the best decorated home and best decorated neighborhood or street. Turn on your holiday lights starting December 9 to be included in The Woodlands Holiday Lighting and Decorating contest. You will be joining all your Woodlands neighbors in one of our oldest holiday traditions. Winners will be announced during the week of December 13, 2015, upon the conclusion of the judging. A Holiday Lighting yard sign will designate the winning home and neighborhood.

If you are contemplating a New Year’s resolution, consider this: why not register to be a candidate for your College Park Village Association Board of Directors? Elected board members serve one-year terms, and elections are held each year for all seats. To file as a candidate, go to the Township web site and download an application. Filing begins in December for the 2016 elections in February.

We look forward to seeing you out and about in the New Year at one of the many College Park Village Association functions.

Submitted by Marti Fox Meerscheidt

Grogan’s Mill

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association has finished another busy year with many projects continuing, such as The Woodlands Farmer’s Market and several new ones undertaken during the 2015 calendar year. For instance, The Grogan’s Mill Village Association donated a garden tower, soil, plants and volunteers to Wilkerson Intermediate School to engage students to learn how the fruits and vegetables they enjoy are grown. Sara Bissig, village board and Farmer’s Market committee member, was the driving force behind this project.

continued on page 20

MEETING INFORMATION

Please contact the Towship Office or your Village Association to confirm meeting times in December.

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 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 936-271-0587.

CREEKSIDE PARK

The Woodlands Creekside Park Village Association (TWCPVA) usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings in October and November will be held on the first Monday 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 Mike Arendes, Mike.Arendes@IndianSpringsVillage.com.

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 first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 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.

Students at Wilkerson Intermediate School enjoy the garden tower, soil and plants donated by the Grogan’s Mill Village Association.

VILLAGE NEWS continued

The board embraced the concept with a donation of $1000 earmarked for the project. Sara worked with Wilkerson Principal Ms. Daw and Science leader Ms. Park to coordinate the project. In early October, 60 students helped plant vegetables, herbs, and flowers in the garden tower.

Gardening with children is not a new concept; children have been gardening for food for thousands of years. However, school gardens are about more than gardening for food; they are about using the garden as an opportunity to teach children about fresh fruits and vegetables, supplement classroom instruction, and spending more time outdoors.

The Wilkerson students are responsible for adding compost to the worm bin enclosed in the tower and watering the plants. Later in October, students and Ms. Park harvested and tasted lettuce, mustard greens, dill, sage and other herbs. The students are looking forward to harvesting cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage in the next few weeks.

The “Aging in Place” program continues to pick up steam, especially after a recent interview with board member Bruce Cunningham in the Houston Chronicle. The concept has expanded from Grogan’s Mill

to encompass the entire Woodlands. Members of the founding committee presented the basics of “Aging in Place” to other village associations at their November meetings. More volunteers are needed, so get more information by emailing Bruce at bruce.cunningham@gmail.com.

The village association has again sponsored festive holiday decorations on all of the entry signs into our village. This year’s decorations have been refurbished by our decorating partner, Eric Evans of “A Light to Remember.”

Finally, the village association wishes all our residents a very Happy Holiday Season! There will be no village association meeting in December, and we hope to see you in the New Year.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Dana Denton

Indian Springs

Taste of the Village

The 11th annual Taste of the Village was held October 17 in the Indian Springs shopping center. Over 3,000 people came out and

enjoyed free food tastings, live music, walking entertainers, bounce houses, face painting, balloon art, community and public safety personnel and vehicles and more. We would like to thank all the Indian Springs businesses as well as Vintage Reserve Band, Class Act Productions, The Woodlands High School Interact kids, Boy Scout Troop #1945, McCullough Junior High Campus Watch, all the public safety organizations and all of you who volunteered to help out and make this a great family event. The event was co-sponsored by the Indian Springs Village Association, H-E-B and Regency Development Company, in cooperation with participating Indian Springs business establishments.

Holiday Lighting

Happy Holidays to everyone from Indian Springs! Will your house be merry and bright this year? Our judges will be out and about December 4 to 6 looking for festive holiday decorations in all of the Indian Springs neighborhoods. We are happy to once again be participating in the annual Holiday Lighting and Decorating contest sponsored by The Woodlands Township. Prizes will be awarded for Best Home and Best Neighborhood (or group of homes), and winners will be contacted December 8, 2015.

Vacation Watch

If you plan to travel over the holidays, why not take advantage of Vacation Watch through the Montgomery County

Ed Woodward displays his creations as the 2014 Holiday Lighting and Decorating contest winner for Best House in Indian Springs Village.

Photo by Kelly Sharer

Sheriff’s Office? Vacation Watch allows law enforcement patrol deputies to assure that your home is secure and that it has not been burglarized.

Call (936) 442-7797 or complete the online Vacation Watch request at www.mocosheriff.com/vacationdbz.cfm.

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

We had much to be thankful for this year and on Thanksgiving Day, so now the holidays are in full swing. 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 street 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 neighborhood islands that you decorate. Look for a picture of the Best House and Best Neighborhood award winners here in February.

If you will be traveling outside The Woodlands over the holidays, do remember to first call the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (936-760-5800) or scroll to the bottom of the website and click on the Vacation Watch icon at www.mocosheriff.com.

While you are gone, deputies will give your home special attention. Enjoy your travels reassured by the knowledge that over the many years that this service has been provided, NO home on the watch list was burglarized while the residents were on vacation. This season also generates added refuse, so please take advantage of the added trash and recycling services (see page 10). You are welcome to learn more about Panther Creek events and issues at our Panther Creek Village Association monthly meetings, held the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., and by visiting www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Waterbills can sometimes be confusing to residents. There are four cost components for each water bill.

First is total water used. The second is sewer volume, the third is the Surface Water Conversion (SWC) fee (formerly the GRP fee) and fourth is the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) fee.

Here’s a way to figure out your water bill:

How to read your for lowering your water bill

• The first thing one has to know is that there is a base charge for fixed expenses related to water and sewer service availability. That charge is $5 for water and $10.50 for sewer. This is a fixed monthly charge which all residential customers pay.

• Next come “tiers,” or what is referred to in the water industry as an inclining block rate (the rate increase is based on higher volume use). These tiers are designed to encourage water use efficiency and cover increased costs required to meet higher volume demands, usually in summer months. (Please see chart for a list of tiers and charges).

• The charge for usage between 1,000 gallons and 3,000 gallons is $1.70 per 1,000 gallons. If a resident uses 3,000 gallons, the water charge would be $1.70 X 3 = $5.10. Add the base charge of $5 and the resident’s retail water-use component of the bill would be $10.10.

Water Bill

By Bob Dailey

• Sewer costs must also be added. Currently, 10 of the 11 MUDs served by The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (WJPA) have a base charge of $10.50 (that includes up to 3,000 gallons usage; higher volumes are $4.50 per 1,000 gallons). A resident who uses 3,000 gallons would pay $24 in sewer charges. The bill now comes to $28.41.*

• The third charge is the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) charge, which is $0.005 times the sewer and water charge ($28.41 X $0.005 = $0.14). The bill is now at $28.55.

• The final charge on the bill is the Surface Water Conversion fee, which is currently $2.47 per 1,000 gallons. A resident who uses 3,000 gallons would pay $7.41, which brings the bill to $35.96.

However, if the resident uses 6,000 gallons, 3,000 of those gallons move into the next tier, which charges $2.80 per 1,000 gallons. Then their water charge would be $18.54. That includes the base charge plus $1.70 per gallon for the first 3,000 gallons of water, plus $2.80 for 3,000 gallons in the next tier. Add the sewer base ($10.50) plus 3,000 gallons at $4.50 per gallon and the sewer component is $24. The total bill goes up to $42.54. The TCEQ fee is $0.21, which brings the bill to $42.75. Add to this the Surface Water Conversion Fee of $2.47 per 1,000 gallons ($2.47 X 4) and the total bill will be $52.63.

Conserving water during the winter months will establish a cap on sewer volumes for the coming summer months. Summer sewer volume is based on average water use during December, January and February. For instance, if a resident used 16,000 gallons of water during August, but their average usage during the three winter months was only 4,000 gallons, then that resident would be charged no more than 4,000 gallons of sewer per month during the rest of the year.

Residents should not irrigate during the winter. That means not over seeding with winter rye. Winter rye needs a lot of water to survive, but this boosts water usage during the winter, making average sewer rates higher.

Install drip irrigation in ornamental beds. It’s inexpensive and easy to install. And it saves a lot of water. It is recommended to plant more native plants and plants which are adapted to our region. These plants generally can exist on much less water than exotics.

Remember that the Odd/Even Defined Irrigation Schedule is still in effect for all 11 MUDs served by the WJPA.

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

Know what to do while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. Call 9-1-1 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 a hospital quickly, legally and more safely.

1. Stay on the line with 9-1-1 and follow emergency instructions.

2. Stay calm and try to keep the patient calm.

3. Don’t move a patient who was injured in an automobile accident or fall, or who was found unconscious.

4. If the patient is cold, cover them with a blanket.

www.facebook.com/TheWoodlandsCERT

FIRST AID

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

5. Don’t give an injured person anything to eat or drink (unless instructed by the 9-1-1 dispatcher).

6. Have someone watch for the ambulance and show the crew how to get to the patient. This is especially important in an apartment or office building, or if your address is hard to see from the street.

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

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

www.twitter.com/WoodlandsCERT

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.pinterest.com/twcert

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TOWNSHIPAccolades

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to The Woodlands Township for its 2015 budget. The award represents a significant achievement by The Woodlands Township. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meet

the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the Township had to satisfy nationally established guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines assess how well an entity’s budget serves as:

• a policy document

• a financial plan

great gifts for less

• an operations guide

• a communications device

The budget document must be rated “proficient” or “outstanding” in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

“We are very excited to receive this award from the Government Finance Officers Association,” said Monique Sharp, Township Assistant General Manager – Finance and Administration.

“Our staff has done an excellent job of producing a budget document that meets the rigorous guidelines of the GFOA. We would also like to thank the Board of Directors and the President/General Manager of the Township for directing a budget process that produces an informative and effective document.”

Township Finance Department members display the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 2015, as presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. Pictured are, left to right: Terri Jefferies, Hilary Madison, John Bruce and Patti Graham.

Photo by Perry Frank

A Curious Conifer

By Kathie Gilmore Herrick

Not your typical conifer, Taxodium distichum —whose soft vibrant spring green leaves turn coppery red in fall—is a study in contrasts and extremes. Deciduous conifers are rare, and this one stands alone among native conebearers. Bald cypress, as it is commonly called, commands attention twice each year. We notice it first in spring, when the bright yellow-green new leaves emerge, and again now, as it sports a “brazen blush” before the leaves fall. Other features contributing to this conifer’s novelty are leaves that are more like feathers than needles and the round brownish-purple cones.

In fact, this is no ordinary tree. It is capable of growing on the harshest of sites in standing water with poor aeration. The bald cypress, often quite tame in home landscapes, is the very same tree of the Gulf Coast swamps draped in Spanish moss, displaying buttressed (wider at the base) trunks and “knees.” These peculiar conical structures growing from the tops of the lateral roots are more likely to form on trees in areas with sustained

flooding. However, the “knees” have been observed on ornamental trees as well. While a proposed role of the “knees” in aeration has never been verified, a more likely function may be to help anchor the tree since each knee is associated with extensive roots. The “knees” and the trunk combine to make the bald cypress almost hurricane-proof.

Even more remarkable is its resilient genetics and longevity. The dinosaurs

may well have walked among ancestors of present-day bald cypress trees some 65 to 225 million years ago. Trees of vanquished virgin forests have been reported to be nearly 1,000 years old, over 100 feet tall and eight feet in diameter. Consider the response of the fast-growing bald cypress to pampered conditions in full sun in an irrigated yard. Attaining even half those statistics, the results certainly have magnificent potential!

Bald cypress trees create this striking holiday panorama—their coppery red needles against the backdrop of evergreen loblolly pines.

Photo by April Proudfit

The pyramidal shape of the airy crown is characteristic of younger trees. This grouping at the edge of Lake Wedgewood is an ideal landscape sighting for the cypress tree. However, their versatility is their virtue. Next time you visit Panther Creek Shopping Center, take note of the cypress trees lining the walk.

Photo courtesy of Marilyn Kircus, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Notice:

The Woodlands Township is updating its communication platforms in order to engage with residents on a more consistent basis. The Township will be disabling its WoodlandsAlert messaging system at the beginning of 2016 and encourages residents to sign up for other communication channels, including social media, newsletters, blogs and emergency alerts, via the Social Networking webpage on the Township website. Not on social media? There are other options as well to stay informed.

Please visit:

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/stayinformed.