October 2015

On the Cover

The sun sets over Northshore Park during the 40th anniversary celebration of The Woodlands in this photo taken in October 2014. This year, public safety agencies, volunteer organizations and residents will gather in parks throughout The Woodlands in recognition of National Night Out and October as Crime Prevention Month. Please see the articles on pages 6 and 7 for more information and for tips to prevent crime in your neighborhood.

Cover photo by Derrick Bryant, DerrickBryantPhotography.com

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

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

message from the woodlands township board of directors

Township Board Lowers Tax Rate

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors approved the 2016 budget in late August. For the sixth consecutive year, while continuing to use sound fiscal management and show support of economic development, the Board has again lowered the tax rate.

The Township has positioned itself to manage growth of the area while maintaining and replacing capital assets and facilities as necessary. The 2015 tax rate totals 23 cents per $100 of taxable property. This is a reduction of two cents per $100 compared to the 2014 tax rate.

For more information, or to view the budget online, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/budget.

Property Tax Rate per $100 valuation

Bruce Tough Chairman Position No. 7

Jeff Long Director Position No. 3

Ed Robb Vice Chairman Position No. 4

John McMullan Director Position No. 5

Mike Bass Secretary Position No. 2

Peggy S. Hausman Director Position No. 6

Gordy Bunch Treasurer Position No. 1

Don Norrell President and General Manager

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 Cher yl Kirsch

Creative Director Lori Short Graphic Designers Beky Smock Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mar y Connell

Copy Editor Perr y 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.

is Crime Prevention Month October

By Holly Steinke

October is Crime Prevention Month and is a good opportunity to review community policing and crime prevention efforts in The Woodlands. Crime prevention is a group effort and requires the community to take a proactive role in safety. On Wednesday, October 28, 2015, from noon to 1 p.m., please join The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at Watch Talk Wednesday for an overview of Crime Prevention, at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, in meeting rooms 150/152, presented by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, District 6, Crime Prevention Unit Deputy Jason Hopper and Corporal Danny Dickson.

Knowing how to protect yourself and your property, and joining with your neighbors and law enforcement to make your neighborhood safer can reduce the opportunity for crime. Getting involved and taking responsibility for your neighborhood should be your first priority. The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch collaborates with law enforcement to give all residents the tools they need for a safe and secure neighborhood.

For additional crime prevention tips and handouts, or to schedule a neighborhood watch meeting in your neighborhood, please contact The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch at 281-210-3800, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/neighborhoodwatch or email neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Free paint kits from the Township are available for residents to paint house numbers at curbs for easy identification by Sheriff’s deputies and firefighters.

Here are some simple steps that you can take to help prevent crime:

• Get to know your neighbors and join The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch.

• Call 9-1-1 for any life-threatening or property-threatening emergency.

• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement as soon as you see or hear it. To make it even easier, add your law enforcement agency’s number to your cellphone:

- Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office: 936-442-7797

- Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4: 381-376-3472 (Village of Creekside Park)

• Lock the doors to your home and set your alarm.

• Keep your garage doors closed and locked.

• Lock your car and remove your valuables, or store them completely out of sight before you arrive at your destination.

• Don’t open your door to anyone you do not know, including a solicitor.

• When you are out and about, always pay attention and be aware of your surroundings.

• When you arrive at your vehicle, have your keys ready and check the area around your vehicle for safety.

• Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, avoid the situation and ask friends, family or security to accompany you, or call law enforcement when needed.

• Sign up for Vacation Watch with your local law enforcement agency: - Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

• Visit www.mocosheriff.com, click on Crime Prevention, and then click on the Vacation Watch icon or call 936-442-7797 (press option 3).

- Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4

• Visit www.cd4.hctx.net, click on Online Services, then click Vacation Watch, and choose Creekside-Woodlands from the dropdown menu, or call 281-376-3472.

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch launches blog for residents

By Ashley Gravois

For over 30 years, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch has provided award-winning crime prevention programming to all neighborhoods in The Woodlands. To further promote their initiatives, the Neighborhood Watch has officially launched a blog site to provide community members with important program news and reminders, crime prevention tips and resources and details on upcoming Neighborhood Watch events. To follow the blog, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodwatch and choose “Visit Our Blog” from the page menu. Residents are also invited to subscribe to The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch Newsletter, an eNewsletter designed to keep community members informed and updated on important crime prevention initiatives. Those interested in subscribing simply go to www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/neighborhoodwatch and choose “Sign Up for Newsletter” from the page menu.

For more information about The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch, please call 281-210-3800, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/neighborhoodwatch or email neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Neighborhood Watch events give residents the opportunity to get to know law enforcement and safety personnel.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Election

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Candidates

Three at-large positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will be elected in the November 2015 election, designated as positions 5, 6, 7. Ballot positions for candidates who have filed are as follows:

Position #5

John P. McMullan

Amos McDonald

Tom Sadlowski

Position #6

Ann Snyder

Matthew Burton

Chuck Meyer

Paul Brown

Position #7

Laura Fillault

Bruce Tough

Each office carries a two-year term and all three positions are elected at large by voters in The Woodlands Township in both Montgomery County and Harris County.

Voting Eligibility

To vote in The Woodlands Township election, you must be a registered voter in the county of your residence and a resident of The Woodlands Township.

Early Voting for The Woodlands Township Voters

Montgomery County:

Early Voting Dates and Times

• Monday, October 19 - Saturday, October 24, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Monday, October 26 - Wednesday, October 28, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Thursday, October 29 - Friday, October 30, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Early Voting Locations

Any qualified Montgomery County registered voter may vote at any one of the six Montgomery County Early Voting locations during the early voting period. The closest site in proximity to The Woodlands Township is noted below; however, the full list is available online at www.MontgomeryVotes.org or by calling the Montgomery County Elections Office at 936-539-7843.

South County Community Building 2235 Lake Robbins Drive

The Woodlands, 77380

Harris County: Early Voting Dates and Times

• Monday, October 19Friday October 23, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Saturday, October 24, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

• Sunday, October 25, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

• Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Early Voting Locations

Any qualified Harris County registered voter may vote at any one of the 41 Harris County Early Voting locations during the early voting period. The two closest sites in proximity to the Village of Creekside Park are noted below; however, the full list is available online at www.HarrisVotes.org or by calling the Harris County Election Information Line at 713-755-6965.

Champion Life Centre

3031 FM 2920 Road Spring, 77388

Tomball Public Works Building

501B James St. Tomball, 77375

Election Day for The Woodlands Township Voters

Voting Hours for All Polling Sites

on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For a complete list of Election Day polling sites, visit the election website for the county in which you reside at www.MontgomeryVotes.org or www.HarrisVotes.org, or visit The Woodlands Township Website, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/elections.

Haunted Haunted

Happenings Happenings

The Wicked Wonderland Family Carnival

By Pamela Woods

This year, the Township will host The Wicked Wonderland Family Carnival from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2015, at Rob Fleming Park, located at 6055 Creekside Forest Drive in The Woodlands, 77389. Live stage performances, entertainment, inflatable games and trick-or-treat game stations will make for great family fun, so don’t forget your treat bags!

The evening wraps up with the Hotel Transylvania movie in the park that begins at 8 p.m. Stage performances and movie are appropriate for all age groups and are free. Games and concessions are available for a fee.

For more information, please email The Woodlands Township Recreation Center at recreation@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281.210.3950

The Forest of Phobias

What are you afraid of? Your worst fears have come to life in the forest of phobias. Come check out the haunted trail if you dare...

An annual tradition for the last 12 years, The Haunted Trail takes place again at Bear Branch Park, 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands 77381, from 8 to 10 p.m. Fridays, October 23 and 30, and Saturdays, October 17, 24 and 31, 2015. This year’s theme is Forest of Phobias, where you can make your way through a trail full of your greatest fears. The Haunted Trail is recommended for children ages 9 and older. Admission is $8 per person and entry ticket sales stop at 9:30 p.m.

Volunteers are needed! Sign up to be an actor, survey taker, tour guide for the trail or to assist with games and concessions at the carnival. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ volunteer to sign up!

Tricks for a Safe Halloween

Why not start a new tradition in your neighborhood? Greet your trick-or-treaters outside! Grab your pumpkin, candy and lawn chair and set up in your driveway to hand out your treats. This not only provides for a safer environment for the neighborhood goblins, but gives you an opportunity to visit with your neighbors!

Tricks for a Safe Halloween

Children should trick-or-treat with an adult. If kids are mature enough to be without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and go in a group. Teach children to never go into a stranger’s house unless an adult is with them.

If children are trick-or-treating without an adult, have them carry a cellphone and check in often. Inform them to only go to houses with porch lights on.

Costumes should be made of light colors. Consider adding reflective tape to costumes or bags. Glow sticks help children be seen by drivers. Parents should carry a flashlight to lead the way.

By Marian Leck

When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent falls and other bumps in the night. Also, make sure that costumes are flame-retardant. Costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

Try makeup instead of a mask that could obstruct a child’s vision. When choosing makeup, look for ingredients that are labeled, “Made with U.S. approved color additives,” “Laboratory tested,” or “nontoxic.”

When driving on Halloween, be especially alert for children. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways. Remove any distractions from your vehicle so you can concentrate on your surroundings. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of a vehicle.

Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering.

Jack-o’-lanterns are fun, but can present a fire hazard if left unattended. Instead, use a glow stick or flameless candle for illumination.

Sixth Annual

Trick or Treat Trail

Sunday, October 25, 2015

3 to 6 p.m.

Town Green Park and along

The Woodlands Waterway®

Featuring trick-or-treating, costume contests, activities and more!

Join The Woodlands Township at 7 a.m.

on Saturday, October 10, 2015, for the One 4 Texas Kids’ Fun Run and at 7:30 a.m. for the Memorial Hermann 10 For Texas 10-mile race at Market Street. The Memorial Hermann 10 For Texas 10-mile race, certified by USA Track & Field, and One 4 Texas Kids’ Fun Run are produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department and Luke’s Locker. Participants enjoy a Texas-sized party with fun for the whole family. The 10-mile race is capped. The One 4 Texas Kids’ Fun Run is sponsored by Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.

The race start and finish is located at Market Street. Hydration stations will be located at the start and finish lines as well as along the race course. A dedicated ambulance service will be staged midway on the course and bike medics along the course.

For more information or to be a spectator, please visit www.thewoodland stownship-tx.gov/races.

Photos by Lance Phegley

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.

I Walk, YOU Walk, WE ALL

Walk to School

By Kathie Gilmore Herrick

It takes about 10 minutes to walk a quarter of a mile or to bike an entire mile. Walking to and from school is an easy way for kids and parents to be physically active each day and explore the natural environment on the way. Plus, recent studies in Denmark have demonstrated a link between walking to school and concentration skills!

Despite the many advantages, typically fewer than 25 percent are regular walkers, even among kids living within a mile of their school, according to www.walkbiketoschool.org.

Another benefit of walking and biking to school with our children is the opportunity to instill basic safety skills along the route. Young pedestrians and cyclists may even grow up to be safer drivers because they will be more aware of walkers and bicyclists. Knowledge of the rules gives children confidence and helps them develop independence.

Get started by joining your school’s event. Twelve elementary schools will observe International Walk to School month with officially scheduled walk days.

A long-term goal is to minimize the cars in the car rider lane every day! Even for families who live too far to walk the entire distance to school, it is still possible to be involved by driving to a church or shopping center near school and walking from there. Vehicle congestion

TIPS for Walking Safety:

around schools is one reason why school administrators enthusiastically support Walk to School.

In the words of the National Wildlife Federation Eco-school movement, “If you can walk to school, do it; if you can’t walk, bike; if you can’t bike, take the bus or carpool...and if you carpool, don’t idle the car in the drop-off/pick-up line.”

During Walk Month, staff from The Woodlands Township Bike The Woodlands Coalition, Conroe ISD Police and Harris County Precinct 4 Constables Office partner to rekindle the spirit of walking to school. For more information, please call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ walktoschool.

Kids under the age of 10 should never walk or bike alone. Neighbors can take turns walking a group of kids to and from school. Make sure every child knows every adult in the group. Adults walking with children can model the following skills:

• Stay aware! Avoid distractions.

• STOP, LOOK, LISTEN at every edge or curb.

• Look LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT and go only when there are NO cars.

• Cross at crosswalks or corners. Avoid crossing between parked cars and in the middle of the block.

• Watch for cars pulling in and out of driveways and neighborhoods.

• When crossing streets, teach kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them at corners and crosswalks.

Walking Since

Ride Panther Creek Thursday Oct 1, 2015 2005

Lamar Grogan’s Mill Friday Oct 2, 2015 2001

Powell Cochran’s Crossing Friday Oct 2, 2015 2004

Galatas Cochran’s Crossing Tuesday Oct 6, 2015 2003

Deretchin Sterling Ridge Wednesday Oct 7, 2015 2010

Glen Loch Panther Creek Thursday Oct 8, 2015 2005

Hailey Grogan’s Mill Thursday Oct 8, 2015 2004

Bush Alden Bridge Friday Oct 9, 2015 2003

Buckalew Alden Bridge Friday Oct 9, 2015 2003

Creekside Forest Creekside Park Tuesday Oct 13, 2015 2009

Timber Creek Creekside Park Wednesday Oct 14, 2015 2013

Tough Sterling Ridge Thursday Oct 15, 2015 2011

Walking to school is a great way for parents and students to spend time together and start the day.

Riding bikes to school makes for a good morning exercise and a way to enjoy the natural beauty of local neighborhoods.

Photos by Kathie Herrick

Join us for an Open House Reception

Houston Methodist Primary Care Group

Thursday, OcTOber 15

4:30-6:30 P.m.

6704 sTerling ridge rd., suiTe a The WOOdlands, Tx 77382

We’re celebrating the official opening of our new location in The Woodlands!

Shilpa

MD Internal Medicine

Meet and greet with Dr. Shilpa Vaidya

Tour our beautiful Sterling Ridge facility

Enjoy an evening of hors d’oeuvres and community networking

Learn more about our primary care services

Enter for a chance to win prizes, giveaways and more!

For more information, call 281.737.2611. houstonmethodist.org/pcg

Vaidya,

is also Fire Prevention

Thursday, October 1

Walk to School (October 1 – 15)

See page 14 for more information.

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, October 2

Gorilla Hole Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

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

Saturday, October 3

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

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

Creekside Campout (October 3-4)

Rob Fleming Park Noon to 9 a.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950.

Live at Night Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, please call 281-363-2447.

Sunday, October 4

Free Concert in the Park Russell Boyd (Variety Piano Man) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3950

Monday, October 5

Last Day to Register to Vote in November 2015 Election

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting

6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m. 281-210-3889

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors

Special Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 11:30 a.m.

281-210-3800

Thursday, October 8

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3886

Friday, October 9

Kid’s Night Out! Recreation Center 6 to 10 p.m. 281-210-3950

Saturday, October 10

One 4 Texas Kids’ Fun Run Race begins in Market Street 7 a.m. 281-210-3800

Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas 10-mile Race

Race begins in Market Street 7:30 a.m.

Call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/races for more information.

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place 8 a.m. to noon www.grogansmillvillage.com

Live at Night Waterway Square 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, please call 281-363-2447.

Sunday, October 11

Woodlands

Tuesday, October 6

National Night Out Neighborhood Parties 5:30 to 8 p.m.

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

Wednesday, October 7 Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Free Concert in the Park Gary Michael Dahl Band (Jazz) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3950

2nd Annual Jack-O-Lantern Challenge

Carving begins at 5:30 p.m. with judging at 6:30 p.m. Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 281-210-3950

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

October

Month. Pictured above, The

Township Cadet Firefighter James Shannon visits with a young resident after a tour through one of The Woodlands Township’s fire stations during a recent kickoff event for National Night Out.

Photo by Susan Martin

Monday, October 12

Columbus Day

Tuesday, October 13

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Thursday, October 15

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Alligators of Southeast Texas: The Apex Predator of an Urban Wilderness McCullough Junior High School

3800 S. Panther Creek Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, October 16

The Wicked Wonderland Family Carnival

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Dr.

4 to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 10.

Saturday, October 17

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Gardening 102 Tasteful Landscapes

2801 Technology Forest Blvd

9 a.m. to noon

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

Taste of the Village

Indian Springs Village Shopping Center

Noon to 4 p.m.

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

The Forest of Phobias Bear Branch Park

5310 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 10.

Monday, October 19

First Day of Early Voting by Appearance – November 2015 Election

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Wednesday, October 21

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, October 22

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

9 a.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, October 23

Last Day for Ballot to Arrive by Mail

– November 2015 Election

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

The Forest of Phobias

Bear Branch Park

5310 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 10.

Saturday, October 24

The Woodlands Flea Market

7 a.m.

Town Center Garage

281-210-3976

www.woodlandsfleamarket.org

The Woodlands Farmer’s Market

at Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com.

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

The Forest of Phobias

Bear Branch Park

5310 Research Forest Drive

8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 10.

Sunday, October 25

Trick or Treat Trail

Town Green Park and along

The Woodlands Waterway ®

3 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Tuesday, October 27

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, October 28

Watch Talk Wednesday

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Noon to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, October 30

Last Day of Early Voting –November 2014 Election

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

The Forest of Phobias

Bear Branch Park

5310 Research Forest Drive 8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 10.

Saturday, October 31

Halloween

The Haunting at Bear Branch Park

The Forest of Phobias

Bear Branch Park

5310 Research Forest Drive 8 to 10 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3950, or see page 10.

Alden Bridge

Happy autumn from Alden Bridge! Are you planning your National Night Out neighborhood parties? Don’t forget that October 6, 2015, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. is the time to lock your doors, turn on your lights, and go outside and meet your neighbors. The Woodlands is an even safer and more enjoyable place to live when we all know our neighbors and look out for each other.

Volunteers are needed to represent Alden Bridge at the Fall Flea Market, to be held at the Pavilion garage October 24, 2015. All village associations share in the profits if we meet our quota of volunteers, and our share goes directly to our scholarship fund. Please contact info@aldenbridge.org for additional information. This is a Saturday morning event, so you’ll still have all afternoon for your own use, plus you get first look at all the goodies being offered for sale!

When the Halloween decorations start to appear, send your nominations for the “Spookiest House” in Alden Bridge to info@aldenbridge.org, no later than Sunday, October 25. We’ll award the winner October 30, 2015. We have a lot of fun judging this contest and are always amazed at how completely our residents get into the spirit of Halloween!

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

and we’ll elect three at-large Directors. Don’t forget to take advantage of early voting from October 19 through 30, 2015.

Please visit our website, www. aldenbridge.org, to keep up with the latest news of our village or like us on Facebook. We also continue to welcome additions to our electronic mailing list for village news. Please send your email address to info@aldenbridge.org. Your address will not be shared and will be used only to distribute village news. Have a safe month and a very happy Halloween!

Submitted by Darla D. Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

October 18: That’s a date to circle on your calendar. It’s the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association’s Fall Festival from 1 to 4 p.m. at Shadowbend Park. As reported last month, this free event is for all residents of The Woodlands and features free food and a wide variety of games. Older kids will find more activities this year than in the past, including a rockclimbing wall.

The Cochran’s Crossing July board meeting took place at Fire Station #2 on Gosling Road, where the village board learned about special equipment the Fire Department has on hand to confront dangerous situations. Four firemen and two paramedics staff the station on a 24/7 basis.

During the July board meeting, support for a 50-meter Olympic Trials Pool was discussed. Representatives of swim teams made the presentation and detailed the funding and need for the facility.

Cochran’s Crossing future board meeting will feature a discussion of covenants.

There is not a board meeting in December, and the October meeting will be October 13 to provide additional time to prepare for the Fall Festival. All other meetings are held the fourth Tuesday evening of each month at 7 p.m. in the Township meeting rooms.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Welcome to fall, and so the fun begins…be sure to note these important October dates on your calendar this month.

National Night Out parties are the perfect way to connect with your neighbors and meet residents in your family of neighborhoods of Harper’s Landing, Windsor Hills and Grogan’s Forest. Plan a National Night Out party on your street or neighborhood, or come by Harper’s Landing Park October 6 for our annual National Night Out party. Check out The Woodlands Township website for details on how to host and register your party. It’s very important to register your neighborhood party so that we can have a full count of how many residents within College Park participate in National Night Out activities.

Our Township Board of Directors election is coming up November 3, 2015,

Remember, all board meetings are open to the public and residents have an opportunity to bring matters of interest to the board for discussion and action. At a number of board meetings Cochran’s Crossing residents have voiced questions and concerns with the covenants that are part of the governance structure in The Woodlands. In response to this interest, a

The Woodlands Flea Market takes place Saturday, October 24, in Town Center Parking garage on Six Pines Drive. If you are interested in setting up a space to sell your treasures, you can purchase your space beginning October 3, as we will man the vendor ticket sales table in the Panther Creek Shopping Center, or you can get your vendor tickets after October 3 at the Township office located on Technology Forest Boulevard. If you are not selling your own household items, then perhaps you will want to shop for discarded treasures and bargains. Come early though, because the best things

Residents are invited to send nominations for the Spookiest House in Alden Bridge by October 25, 2015. Pictured here are last year’s winners, the Hollisters of Autumn Branch.

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

always go quickly! We can always use volunteers to help with the Flea Market. This activity is supported with volunteers from all the village associations in The Woodlands and supports our scholarship programs.

Finally, our most anticipated fall event in College Park is the Fall Festival/ Spooktacular. You do not want to miss the Halloween Spooktacular, October 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. in Harper’s Landing Park. We will have games, prizes, a trackless train (hay ride), an inflatable bounce house and the always popular costume contest with prizes for most creative, most beautiful and scariest costumes! Plus good food, lots of fun and camaraderie, and candy. Your elected College Park board of directors will also be on hand to talk to you about College Park Village and what is going on in our neighborhoods. Come by and meet your board members and let us know how we can support your quality of life in our village.

As we prepare for the holiday season, please stay in touch to learn more about our holiday fun. Visit our village website for more details on these and future activities at www.villageofcollegepark.com.

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Grogan’s Mill

Did you know that all profits from the The Woodlands Farmer’s Market, solely sponsored by the Grogan’s Mill Village Association, are returned back to our community? Our most recent gift was a $3,000 donation to Interfaith of The Woodlands.

The Farmer’s Market held the 2015 Back-to-School Celebration August 15, 2015. There was a bouncy house, face painting and other activities at this popular annual event. With cooler weather, fall veggies are here, along with fresh meats, coffee, breads, other delicious foods, doggie treats and many crafts. Join

us for a Halloween celebration Saturday, October 31, with a vendor costume contest and lots of tricks and treats for the kiddos. Check us out at www.facebook.com/ GrogansMillVillageAssociation or at our website at www.grogansmillvillage.com.

The village association held its annual Splash Day party at Sawmill Park in August. Approximately 250 people attended the event and enjoyed the foam pit, swimming pools, splash pad, games and visits with representatives from the sheriff’s and fire departments. Food for the event came from our local Grogan’s Mill Village Center restaurants: Brother’s Pizza, Chef Chan’s, Fuddrucker’s and Taco USA.

MUD 2 residents are urged to vote their position on the proposed merger of MUD 2 and MUD 40 (Panther Creek). Early voting starts Monday, October 19, with the actual election at local polling places on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

The September Yard of the Month winners are Bob and Nancy Werner. Residents of the Log Run neighborhood since 1981, the Werners created a front and back yard that are both visually delightful. Their home is shaded by a large red oak that was planted by the couple in 1985 to honor their parents. The Werners have purposely utilized plants that attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. Congratulations! The couple has received the $50 Randall’s gift card and the coveted Yard of the Month sign.

The village association continues researching the development of an agingin-place community in Grogan’s Mill and surrounding areas. A newsletter will be developed for those who sign up and indicate their interest in joining or volunteering. Learn more about this project at www.grogansmillvillage.com.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Dana Denton

MEETING INFORMATION

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. October meeting is cancelled.

Website www.sterling-ridge.org

continued on page 20

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

Indian Springs

Taste of the Village – October 17, 2015

Everyone is invited to this free family festival. Join your friends and neighbors in Indian Springs, October 17, from noon until 3 p.m. in the Indian Springs shopping center (southwest corner of Woodlands Parkway and Kuykendahl). Taste free food from local business, hear live music and have fun with bounce houses, face painting, balloon artistry and other walking entertainers. Lloyd Matthews, who has co-chaired the event from its inception 11 years ago, says, “I love this event because the children enjoy the variety of entertainment, and the adults love the variety of free food and seeing their kids’ enthusiasm. Community and public safety information is also available for the adults. Everyone is happy!”

The Taste of the Village is co-sponsored by the Indian Springs Village Association, H-E-B and Regency

Development Company in cooperation with business establishments located in the Indian Springs Village Center and Woodlands Crossing. The event showcases merchandise and services for the businesses that are participating. More than 4,500 people are expected to attend, rain or shine. Please plan to join us for an afternoon of fun in the village! For more information, please visit www.indianspringsvillage.com.

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

Join with your neighbors for the 32nd Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, October, 6, 2015. Your Neighborhood Watch Coordinator will be preparing for your party. Get more information at www.TheWoodlandsTownship-TX.gov. This is a fun way to meet new neighbors and revisit with old friends, while

promoting safety and sharing valuable community resource information.

The Fall Flea Market this year will be held Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 7 to 10:30 a.m., at the Town Center Garage on Six Pines Drive, so you have plenty of time to prepare as seller or as buyer and just in time for early Christmas shopping. This Woodlands tradition brings together your neighbors and vendors from across Texas to provide you one extravaganza of bargains. From antiques to household items, from clothes to cars, from crafts and art objects to furniture, it’s all here. Check it out at www.WoodlandsFleaMarket.org.

Several members of The Woodlands Township (positions 5, 6, and 7) will be up for election on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Nearly a dozen candidates will be presenting themselves at the Panther Creek Village Association meetings as they seek your vote for these three positions. Come see who they are and bring your questions. The meetings are informal and allow you a real chance to learn and to be heard. Notice: You must be a registered voter by October 2, 2015, to be eligible to vote.

On Saturday, September 19, 2015, Panther Creek residents gathered to hop onto the luxury coach that transported them to watch the Astros! If you missed this fun event, look for it again next year about the same time.

Your Panther Creek Village Association meets the second Thursday of each month at The Woodlands Township building, just off New Trails Drive, at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd, at 7 p.m. All residents are welcome. If you moved into The Woodlands to be part of a “Real Home Town,” your village association is one of the best places to get involved without getting overloaded. Show up, share your ideas and issues, and get help in solving neighborhood problems. Visit us anytime at

www.PantherCreekVillageAssociation.org. Find out who your area representatives are. They are here to serve you.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

October temperatures are the soothing antidote to the blistering summer we had in The Woodlands. And what a month to be a resident of Sterling Ridge village!

For starters, we just celebrated at Cranebook Park the Ninth Annual Barbecue Challenge and Kids Festival. Which neighborhood cook teams took home top honors for their brisket, ribs, pulled pork and beans? Log on to our Sterling Ridge Village website (www. sterling-ridge.org) to find out all the winners and check out photos from this year’s extravaganza. You will find that the Sterling Ridge Village website is a great resource to keep up with all the comings and goings in our community.

Of course, October finishes with a flourish as we celebrate Halloween. Residents can take advantage of so many local spooky events from Hocus Pocus Pops (October 23 at The Pavilion) to The Forest of Phobias (Fridays, October 23 and 30 and Saturdays, October 17, 24 and Halloween Night, October 31, at Bear Branch Park) to the Trick or Treat Trail (October 25 at Town Green Park).

A reminder from your Sterling Ridge Village Association board to stay safe this Halloween. Authorities recommend you choose a trick-or-treat route in advance and have your children wear light colors or reflective items on their costumes, as well as carry flashlights or glow sticks.

Safety is not only an issue for those ghosts and goblins running through the lawns in search of treats but for all of us out driving on the streets. Drivers are asked to reduce their speed in the village residential areas and parents are asked to keep inexperienced drivers off the streets if possible on this special night.

Our next Sterling Ridge Village Association board meeting is Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township Building (2801 Technology Forest Blvd.), and as always, the public is invited to attend.

Submitted by

Dan Sousa

Alligators of Southeast Texas

By Lucinda Valdes

Alligators of Southeast Texas:

The Apex Predator of an Urban Wilderness will be the captivating topic of the next Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, October 15, 2015, in the L.G.I. Lecture Hall at McCullough Jr. High School, 3800 South Panther Creek Drive.

Living fossils, alligators inhabit freshwater ponds, rivers, marshlands and swamps from Corpus Christi along the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Ocean as far north as the Carolinas. The public is fascinated by the big, powerful, aquatic predator, according to Mark Kramer, stewardship coordinator at Armand Bayou Nature Center.

“People think of alligators as living, ferocious dinosaurs,” he notes. Rather

than dangerous, the field biologist finds the reptile to be a “pretty good-natured animal…that has struggled.” Survivors that have recovered from the brink of extinction, alligators play a vital role in the ecosystem.

In addition to covering human safety, Mr. Kramer will provide an ecological overview of the biology, place in the ecosystem and recovery of alligators. A free program of The Woodlands Township, Walk in the Woods Nature Lectures are funded in part by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Waste Management and Nature’s Way Resources.

For more information, please call 281-210-3800, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/wildlife.

“The Spring Creek area provides a habitat that is conducive for alligators and other wildlife,” says Township Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Nunes. “If you see one on public lands, contact the Parks Department who will work with Texas Parks and Wildlife to determine if the animal poses a threat.”

Please report sightings to The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800.

On the brink of extinction in the 1960s, alligators are a success story, having made a complete recovery by 1987. This beautiful specimen was recorded at Armand Bayou Nature Center in Pasadena, TX.

Recipient of the 2015 Terry Hershey Bayou Stewardship Award, Mark Kramer (standing) leads a group of nature enthusiasts on an ecology tour of Armand Bayou via pontoon boat.

Photos courtesy of Armand Bayou Nature Center

in the Concert Park Enjoy

the cooler evenings to close out the fall Concert in the Park series. Located at Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, the popular music series will have a festive pumpkin-carving contest and two great concerts to close out the fall concert series.

October 4, 2015, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Russell Boyd (Variety Piano Man)

October 11, 2015, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Gary Michael Dahl (Jazz)

Also enjoy the Second Annual Jack-O’-Lantern Challenge! Who can out-carve the other pumpkin carvers in The Woodlands? Carving begins at 5:30 p.m., judging begins at 6:30 p.m. during the concert intermission.

Admission is free, and blankets, lawn chairs, coolers and pets are permitted.

Preparing

Winter your lawn for

October is one of the best months to prepare your yard for winter. It’s also one of the best times to prevent diseases.

By Bob Dailey, Master Gardener

Compacted Soils

Most of the lawns in The Woodlands are sodded over compacted soil. St. Augustine and other warm season grasses thrive in soil that is alive; full of active organisms that create a soil food web, which is necessary for deep root systems and healthy, disease-resistant plants. A good way to discover whether or not soil is compacted is to drive a sixinch screwdriver into the soil. If it cannot penetrate more than a few inches, the soil is compacted. If it goes up to the hilt, the soil may be healthier.

Take-All Patch

Take-all patch is a fungal infection that has destroyed or seriously damaged many yards in The Woodlands. Takeall fungus attacks grass in the cool winter months, but doesn’t show itself until spring or summer. Indications are yellowing patches in the lawn, which grow bigger and then turn light brown as the summer wears on. By the time it is noticed, the damage has already been done. Take-all patch fungus exists in the soil here. It may also be present in new sod, and can be carried from yard to yard by lawn maintenance companies. Irrigating for too long with too much water, compacted soil and soil that has a higher pH gives fungi like take-all patch an opportunity to flourish. Take-all flourishes when the soil pH is above 6.5.

Aerate in mid-October

Plant roots and the organisms that support them need air and water to survive. If the soil is hard and compacted, air and water cannot penetrate, and root systems become short and stunted. Feeble roots cannot fight off diseases like takeall patch or brown patch or insects like chinch bugs. A number of aeration devices

exist, from power aerators to hand-operated ones.

Add organic material in mid-October immediately after aerating. Organic material offers a plethora of benefits to the soil. Also known as compost, it suppresses lawn diseases like take-all patch, helps the soil retain nutrients, decomposes toxins that may exist in the soil, builds soil structure and greatly increases the soil’s water retention capabilities, thus requiring less irrigation water.

Checking the pH of the Soil

Everyone should have their soil tested. There are a number of soil test laboratories available, including the Texas A&M Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory at Texas A&M. Take-all patch and other fungal diseases become active when the soil pH reaches 6.5 or above. Sulfur will help lower the pH of the soil, inhibiting fungal disease outbreaks. October is also a great time to put down sulfur. It’s available in pellet or powder form and is very inexpensive. Follow the instructions on the package.

Fertilize

October is a good time to fertilize. Use an organic, slow-release fertilizer instead of a non-organic one with high salts. Salts kill beneficial soil organisms and increase alkalinity of soil.

Planting Winter Rye

Unless a love for higher water bills and a desire to damage St. Augustine lawns drives someone to planting winter

rye, homeowner’s should shy away from this option for a number of reasons. First, winter rye requires an awful amount of water. Besides indicating a cavalier attitude about water conservation, sowing winter rye actually helps increase a homeowner’s monthly sewer bill. Since that bill is calculated on an average of winter month usage (the MUDs assume those are the lowest water use months), using more water in the winter pushes up sewer bills for the entire year. Additionally, St. Augustine requires a winter dormancy. Watering while the grass is dormant creates a great deal of problems.

Remember that the Odd/Even Defined Irrigation Schedule is still in effect. Water no more than an inch a week, and less if it rains.

Jim Faulk uses a mechanical spreader to distribute compost on a yard in The Woodlands.

Photo by Cliff Roe Photography

POWER

We count on electricity for heat, food and medical needs. Many gas appliances even need electricity to run. A power outage is an emergency that often follows another emergency — like a hurricane, tornado or winter storm. That makes it even more important to be prepared in advance.

Have flashlights ready in an easily accessible place and check batteries in flashlights and radios.

When the lights go out, the safest way to provide emergency lighting is with flashlights or battery-powered lanterns. Keep flashlights with fresh batteries in several places throughout your home and check them for proper operation regularly. Always keep a supply of extra batteries. Think about buying a rechargeable flashlight. Batteries might be hard to find in a disaster.

POWER OUTAGE SAFETY:

• Discard food if the temperature in your refrigerator exceeds 40 degrees for more than two hours.

• Stay away from downed power lines and anything they are in contact with, such as fences or buildings.

• Never drive over downed power lines; they may be energized.

• Never use charcoal or gas grills inside a structure. You may be

overcome by carbon monoxide.

• If you must use candles, be sure to use them safely. Never leave candles burning unattended.

Create a power outage plan; decide what you can do before, during and after a power outage to minimize the effect on your household.

BEFORE THE POWER GOES OUT:

• Fill empty space in freezer with containers of water. Frozen water will displace air and keep food cold longer. Remember to leave space in containers for ice to expand.

• Have at least one phone with a handset cord in your home. Many cordless phones will not work in a power outage.

• If you have an automatic garage door opener, learn how to use the manual release and open your garage door manually.

• Try to keep your car’s gas tank at least half full. Many gas stations will not be in operation during a power outage. Fill up your tank if a major storm is predicted.

• Make sure you have a car or lighter plug cord for your cellphone.

• If you use special health care equipment like oxygen generators or dialysis equipment, notify your power company.

AFTER THE POWER GOES OUT:

• Unplug major appliances and electronics. When the power comes back on, there may be power spikes that can damage large appliances or delicate electronics.

• Do not open refrigerators or freezers any more than necessary. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four hours; an unopened freezer will keep food frozen for approximately 24 hours.

• Use a battery-powered radio to stay informed.

www.facebook.com/TheWoodlandsCERT

www.twitter.com/WoodlandsCERT

www.teethforkidz.com

Although hurricane season is almost over, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant not only in October, but all throughout the year with necessary supplies.

Every home should have a ready kit with the following supplies:

• One gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation

• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First-aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Filter mask or cotton T-shirt to help filter the air

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener and utensils if kit contains canned food

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Important family documents

• Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers, and medication and food for pets.

For more information about emergency preparedness, please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800, or visit the Homeland Security website at www.ready.gov.

Township Accolades

Township Parks and Recreation Director Chris Nunes earns national recognition

TheNational Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently selected The Woodlands Township Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Nunes to receive the National Distinguished Professional Award.

Each year, NRPA National Awards are presented to individuals and agencies across the U.S. to honor their efforts, both professional and personal, in the field of parks and recreation.

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Director Chris Nunes recently earned the National Distinguished Professional award from the National Recreation and Park Association.

The National Distinguished Professional Award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the field through their leadership, research, advocacy, community outreach and program development.

A full list of NRPA National Award winners is available at www.nrpa.org/nationalawards.

Flea Market

TheWoodlands Fall Flea Market will be held

Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 7 to 10:30 a.m. at the Town Center Parking Garage. The garage is located at the southwest corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive, adjacent to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

The Flea Market is free to the buying public. For those wanting to sell at the Flea Market, tickets for booth spaces will go on sale Saturday, October 3, 2015, from noon to 4 p.m., next to Randall’s in the Panther Creek Village Center.

Any booth tickets remaining after that date will be available beginning October 5, 2015, at The Woodlands Township Main Office at 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Vendor tickets are priced at $50 per booth space.

Each booth space consists of two parking spaces and allows entry for two vehicles. A vehicle and trailer require the purchase of two booth spaces at $100. The purchase also allows entry of one additional vehicle. Trailers are limited to a maximum bed length of 12 feet. The maximum height limit for vehicles, trailers and loads is seven feet. There will be no space for vehicles exceeding this height limit.

There will be a charity truck and dumpsters to collect unsold merchandise after the Flea Market.

For more information, please visit www.woodlandsfleamarket.org or call 281-210-3976.

Photo by Mary Connell

Tasteful Landscapes

with Edibles and Herbs — Gardening 102

By Lucinda Valdes

Adding

edibles—vegetables, fruit trees and herbs—to the landscape is more than a gardening fad for foodies. Culinary plants can be beautiful, practical and healthy additions to the home and business landscape.

On Saturday, October 17, 2015, from 9 a.m. to noon, Gardening 102 will present the free seminar, Tasteful Landscapes.

In a refreshing approach, two recognized experts and gurus of edible gardening, Dany Millikin and Ann Wheeler, will provide inspiration and tools to add veggies, fruit trees and herbs to traditional landscapes.

Co-owner of Edible Earth Resources, Mr. Millikin is on the cutting edge of organic food production. Focused on

research and education, Mr. Millikin has a passion to see more folks growing their own vegetables and fruits. From patio containers to garden beds, edibles can be quite beautiful in the landscape, adding texture, shape and taste. Dany Millikin shares how to grow your own edibles in the presentation, Adding Edibles to the Landscape, during the seminar.

Ms. Wheeler, former owner of Log House Herb Farm, will present Herbal Companions: Attracting Beneficial Insects to the Garden. “I’ve never met an herb that I didn’t want to grow,” she says. Ms. Wheeler will share how to bring natural balance to the garden by adding herbs that attract beneficial insects.

Space at the free seminar is limited. To reserve a seat, please register online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ gardeningevents. The class will be held at The Woodlands Township Board Chambers, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

For more information, please call the Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800.

A regular on KHOU’s Great Day Houston, Dany Millikin loves growing anything that can be eaten. Mr. Millikin will share the methods and varieties to make gardening ventures a success. Herbal curator and herb garden consultant to Arbor Gate Nursery, Ann Wheeler is a regular presenter at Festival Hill’s annual Herbal Forum.

Photo by Dany Millikin

Photo by Ann Wheeler

Interfaith All Stars

bring good deeds to the community

By Keith Weaver

Agroup of teenage volunteers known as the Interfaith All Stars perform yard and home maintenance tasks, including yard mowing and trimming, flower bed weeding, mulching, power washing and gutter cleaning. This project is another in a series

of volunteer Work Days which involve a partnership between Interfaith of The Woodlands and The Woodlands Township. The goal of these Work Days is to assist the elderly and medically challenged in the community with maintaining their properties.

Members of the Interfaith All Stars recently helped a homeowner with a variety of yard and home maintenance chores.

Photo by Keith Weaver

2015 Village Recycling Challenge

Each year, The Woodlands Township hosts an America Recycles Day event—the 3R Bazaar—to expand recycling horizons!

The annual Village Recycling Challenge calls on residents to save a specific hard-to-recycle item. The friendly competition among The Woodlands’ eight villages provides rewards for individuals as well as villages.

This year’s focus is oral care products. Yes, your old toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes and floss containers can have a new life!

Besides the Recycling Challenge, there will be many other opportunities

at the 3R Bazaar to recycle beyond the curb! Please call 281-281-3800 for more information, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

By Kathie Herrick

Terracycle™ Colgate Oral Care Brigade at the 3R Bazaar Saturday, November 14, 2015

The Woodlands Township Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Facility 8203 Millennium Forest Drive (next to The Woodlands High School)

• Bring old toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes and floss boxes from any manufacturer.

• Save at home.

• Enter drawing for prizes.

• Help your village win scholarship dollars! Who will be the most dazzling village in 2015?

www.wiredes.com