December 2022

RIDE THE TROLLEYS to Holiday Shopping

JINGLE BOATS ROCK!

HOLIDAY RECYCLING AND TRASH SERVICE

THE

ICE RINK AT THE WOODLANDS TOWN CENTER

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15 Give

16 Vine

16 Fall

18 Jingle Boats Rock

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22 Winter Lawn Care Do’s and Don’ts

23 Woodlands Water Works for You

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On the Cover

Cover photo by John Hibbs

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 at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 281-297-6500, Business, M-F, 8 a.m. to 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 Woodlands Water (Montgomery County MUDs) 855-H20-SAVE (855-426-7283)

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

Emergency 9-1-1

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Election

Four positions on The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, designated as positions 1, 2, 3, and 4, were elected at large by voters in The Woodlands Township in both Montgomery and Harris counties in the November election, held November 8, 2022:

Position 1 Brad Bailey

Position 2 Linda Nelson

Position 3 Richard Franks

Position 4 Kyle Watson

Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/novemberelection for additional election information.

The following positions were not up for election in 2022 and will continue on the Board in 2023:

Position 5 .................. Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs

Position 6 .................. Dr. Ann K. Snyder

Position 7 .................. Bob Milner

Photos of the 2023 Board of Directors will appear in the January issue.

Interested in Running For a Community Office?

The Woodlands community has numerous additional positions coming up for election in February, including the Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/election for more information.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday

FROM THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

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.

Advertising inquiries, rate requests and change of address/ delivery inquiries may be directed to Champions Printing & Publishing, 6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G, Houston, TX, 77069, 281-583-7661.

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.

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executive Jim Callahan

Graphic Designer Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editor Perry Frank

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

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

www.championsprinting.com

THERE’S A BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in The Woodands

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in The Woodlands.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. Your health and safety are our priority. We are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe.

936.270.3333

houstonmethodist.org/cancer-woodlands

Traverse The Woodlands Waterway Pathways Safely

By Kacie

Ascooler weather makes its way to The Woodlands, the Township pathways offer numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration. With more than 220 miles of hiking, biking and jogging trails and pathways for walking, running, rollerblading and cycling, the pathways are a great place to reach your activity goals and explore nature.

While traversing the trails, it is critical to observe pathway etiquette to ensure your safety and the safety of others. The Woodlands Waterway® , in particular, is bordered by both pedestrian pathways and trolley pathways, each with a specific user in mind.

The pathways and the Waterway are unique features of The Woodlands, and the Township encourages you to use them often. Please pay attention to the guidelines below to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for all.

To access the digital pathway map, please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/pathwaymap or download TheWoodlands311 app on your phone.

The Woodlands Waterway® Trolley Path

The trolley path is intended for trolleys and maintenance vehicles only. Traffic of any kind is limited to 10 mph for the safety of all users. It is strongly advised that pedestrians and cyclists refrain from using trolley/vehicle pathways to avoid unintended collisions

or injury. Please always utilize the designated pedestrian pathways located alongside the trolley path.

Guidelines for Bicycle Riders

• Wear a helmet.

• Ride at a safe speed.

• Stay to the right when you are riding on the pathways.

• Wear light-reflective clothing when riding in the evening.

• Stay alert and be courteous of other pathway users, particularly walkers and runners who may move at a slower speed than you.

• Give audible signals if you need to pass and be certain that other pathway users have acknowledged your signal before passing. Avoid passing too closely to pedestrians to avoid collisions.

• Ride in a predictable, forward pattern to minimize the risk of collisions with other cyclists or pathway users.

• Always stay alert at traffic intersections and ensure that car drivers have acknowledged your intent to cross the street.

Please note, e-vehicles (e-bikes, e-scooters, one-wheels, etc.) are not permitted on Township pathways, including The Woodlands Waterway. Motorized vehicles may only be used when medically necessary in accordance

with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Skateboards, bicycles and other similar conveyances are permitted along the Waterway only when they are being used for transportation from place to place. Jumps, tricks, grinding, etc. are prohibited.

Guidelines for Walkers, Runners and Rollerbladers

• Stay to the right when you are walking, running or skating.

• Move in a predictable, forward pattern at a safe speed.

• Wear a helmet and protective gear if skating.

• Wear light-reflective clothing when walking, running or skating in the evening.

• Stay alert to your surroundings and be aware of other pathway users.

• Avoid listening to headphones at a high volume which inhibits hearing and awareness of others.

• Listen for audible signals and allow walkers/runners moving at a faster pace to pass.

• Always stay alert at traffic intersections and ensure that car drivers have acknowledged your intent to cross the street. Use the pedestrian light signals at traffic intersections when available.

Fuselier Gurney

Photo by Karl Shaw

Ride the Trolleys to Holiday Shopping

By Tamara Bean

It’sthe most wonderful time of the year and shopping for gifts and spending time with the family are some of the many perks of the upcoming holiday season. Traveling in and around The Woodlands can be overwhelming when it comes to dealing with crowded parking lots and increased traffic. The Town Center Trolleys are here to help ease the stress and provide you with a safe and reliable means of transportation for your holiday shopping needs. The best part is that the trolleys are completely free to ride and available for prime shopping days such as Black Friday and Christmas Eve.

The Town Center Trolley service operates seven days a week. Residents and visitors can conveniently park their vehicle at public parking locations along the 4.1-mile route, including The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, Town Center, The Woodlands Waterway and Hughes Landing, and then hop on board to the next destination. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m., and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. No service is available on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s.

Interested in catching a ride from Hughes Landing to the Waterway? There’s an app for that. People can download the mobile app “Ride Systems” for easy access to information on estimated arrival times, location, stop information, nearby attractions and more with their cellphone. Once the app is open, select “Woodlands Township” as the primary location, and then it will show you the Trolley’s route. The great thing about the app is that it takes the guesswork out of when and where to catch a trolley and alleviates extended wait times between stops. For more information on the Town Center Trolley and other transportation services, please visit our website at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/transportation, or www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/trolleys.

Don’t spend your time this holiday season searching for that one “perfect” parking space amongst an endless sea of vehicles. Instead, enjoy a scenic ride along The Woodlands Waterway while you carry on your holiday shopping stress-free, courtesy of The Woodlands Town Center Trolley service.

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center

By Liz Aguirre

Glide into the holiday season at The Ice Rink! Enjoy indoor ice skating at the 21,000-square-foot facility, located at the intersection of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive. Open daily through January 16, 2023, and on holidays! The Ice Rink is available for private parties and corporate events, and offers table rentals as well as private and group skate lessons. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandsicerink.com or call 281-419-5630.

Photo by Mauricio Ramirez

in case you missed it

$ 75,000 The Woodlands Township was Awarded

By Joy Klumpp

Earlier this fall, you may have noticed the six-week-long voting campaign for the 2022 Niagara Perk Your Park Contest sponsored by Niagara Water’s charitable program, Niagara Cares, in partnership with National Recreation and Park Association. Park agencies from all over the United States submitted proposals; The Woodlands Township was one of 10 finalists selected to compete for funds to “perk” the George Mitchell Nature Preserve.

In October, the official announcement was made that The Woodlands Township won first place and will be awarded a $75,000 grant! Emphasizing how passionate the community is about creating new outdoor opportunities, this project set a record with 26,000 votes. Last year, the top five projects combined accumulated that number of votes.

Thanks to all who voted, the George Mitchell Nature Preserve will

receive a bird blind overlooking the pond near the west trailhead. This structure will allow visitors to observe birds without being seen, encouraging them to behave naturally and providing great opportunities for photographs. Efforts are underway to create a design that allows for unobtrusive wildlife viewing while providing a gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts to learn and be curious about the world around them.

Thank you to all who took the time to like, share, vote and support this exciting addition to the George Mitchell Nature Preserve.

Tips for a Greener Holiday Season’s

By Zoe Killian

greetings cards and packages fill our homes and warm our hearts during the holidays. Consider these tips to reduce the amount of holiday tidings that could end up in the landfill.

Recycle gift wrap.

Put your wrapping paper to the test. If you crush it into a ball and it stays that way, it is likely recyclable. If it is metallic, textured or glittered, it is not. Plain paper, cardboard, paper bows and tissue paper are recyclable. Velvet, plastic bows and ribbons are not recyclable and belong in the trash cart.

Recycle unusual items.

Find new recycling opportunities for items that cannot be recycled in your curbside cart. Used electronics, batteries, Styrofoam, light bulbs, eyeglasses, mattresses and more can all be recycled locally at participating locations. Please download the Recycle More Guide for a complete list of locations and phone numbers at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ recyclemore.

Donate gently used household items.

Give a second life to your clean, gently used clothing, housewares, toys, furniture and appliances by donating to local charitable organizations. Items should be in good, usable condition. Please see The Woodlands Donation Guide at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/donationguide for a list of local organizations accepting donations. Many organizations offer pickup.

Have a recycling dilemma?

Please see the article on The Woodlands Township Environmental Services blog, “Recycling Dilemmas for Online Shoppers.” If you cannot locate information about a particular item, please call The Woodlands Township Environmental Services for guidance at 281-210-3800.

Sometimes Christmas falls short of the ideal celebration we imagine it should be. We burn the turkey, we grab whatever is left for last-minute gifts, and we put an angel atop a half-decorated tree and call it done. We give up hope that we will have the picture-perfect holiday. Then we remember that first Christmas with no room in the inn, a manger for a bed and animals for the guests. In the midst of that imperfection, Jesus Christ, our perfect hope, was born.

This holiday season, we invite you to join us at The Woodlands Methodist Church as we discover It’s (Not Always) a Wonderful Life: Real Life Meets Real Hope. Bring your friends and family and celebrate a perfectly imperfect Christmas with us.

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

• Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along in the Sanctuary

• Community Night of Carols at Northshore Park

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

• Family Christmas service and live Nativity

• Special needs family worship

• Traditional candlelight worship

• Casual/contemporary candlelight worship

• Worship for those who are grieving

Services are in person and online. Scan the QR code for a full schedule of services and events.

Alden Bridge

It’s the most wonderful time of year – time to judge holiday lights! Yes, it’s time again for the Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest, and Alden Bridge has some of The Woodlands’ most beautifully decorated homes. If you see a neighbor or a home in Alden Bridge that looks like a winner, send your nomination with the address and name (if known) to abvainfo@gmail.com. Judges will review the nominations December 10 to 16 (all nominations due by December 10, 2022). Be sure to leave your lights on every night so we don’t miss your hard work! We’ll select one Best Home winner and one Best Neighborhood winner. Awards will be presented to the winners on December 18, 2022.

We wouldn’t have a village association without a group of great volunteers, and we have several seats available on our Alden Bridge Village Association board. It only requires a limited amount of time each month. The great thing is, you learn firsthand what’s going on in your village and you act as a representative to share that information with your neighbors and friends in Alden Bridge. If interested, send us an email at abvainfo@gmail.com and we’ll tell you more about the opportunity as well as schedule a time to meet.

We truly have one of the best places to live during the holidays. We always stress safety, but especially this month, when so many things are tempting to criminals, stay alert. Stay safe and be aware of your surroundings while you’re out and about. Use the Sheriff’s Department Vacation Watch if you’re taking a holiday vacation, and don’t forget to lock your house and car doors. Don’t leave any packages visible in the car when you go shopping. As you know, most of our car burglaries occur when parked cars are left unlocked!

Our most heartfelt thanks goes to everyone who contributed to our village association in any way during 2022, with special thanks to all of our event and program sponsors! Your support is

much appreciated, and we look forward to working with you again in 2023. We have a very active sponsor program, and if your business would like to sponsor us (money goes to scholarships), please contact abvainfo@gmail.com.

Joining our electronic mailing list allows you to receive our monthly newsletter – just send your email address to abvainfo@gmail.com. We promise not to share your address. Also, please visit our website, www.aldenbridge.org, and like our very active Facebook page.

We take a break from our monthly board/residents meeting in December. The next meeting is set for 7 p.m. on January 10, 2023, at the Bay Branch Fire Station, 7900 Bay Branch Drive.

Here’s to a joyous holiday season!

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

College Park

Greetings from your College Park Village Association! We hope that you’re all having a safe and fun holiday season so far! It’s so nice to drive around our neighborhoods and see all the classy decorations that people put up in their front yards.

Please be aware of the flu season and don’t hesitate to wear your mask when in close gatherings. Also, a reminder when you’re out shopping to make note of where your car is and be cognizant of your surroundings when approaching your car.

Happy holidays to you all and a prosperous new year! Our monthly College Park board meetings are on the third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. and our residents are welcome to attend our meetings with any of their concerns.

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Indian Springs

The primary purpose of the Indian Springs Village Association is to promote the health, safety, common good and welfare of the residents of the Village and to aid, benefit and promote plans and recommendations relating to the physical, social or cultural

development of The Woodlands. In order to ensure our residents are informed of events and efforts affecting them, we’ve enhanced our website and social media presence.

For the website, found at www.indianspringstx.com, we added several new features like Community Announcements on the home page which includes latest news, upcoming events/projects and a link to report a concern. We also included sections that discuss the Indian Springs Village Association board and focus on Village Activities and Resident Information. You can find board meeting minutes, agendas, ByLaws and Articles of Incorporation in the “About Us” section. For the “Activities” section, you can stay abreast of details related to the Taste of the Village, Community Service Scholarship, Holiday Lighting Contest and more. If you are looking for details on emergency preparedness, transportation, general announcements, or useful community links, then the “Resident Info” section can help.

Since a numerous number of residents are on Facebook and Instagram, we have expanded our presence there by sharing pertinent neighborhood events, general information, pictures and announcements. You can either use the active buttons on our website or at facebook.com/IndianSpringsVillage/ or instagram.com/indianspringsvillage. With our social pages, board members, residents and others can share relevant information in the Township and surrounding communities. This generates additional awareness and knowledge of items affecting our village. Facebook and Instagram posts include announcements related to traffic impacts due to weather or community events, volunteer opportunities and reminders about meetings with elected federal, state and local officials. We also took advantage of Meta’s advertising capabilities. To grow our scholarship fund for 2022 Indian Spring graduates, we needed more visitors to our annual

Taste of the Village fall festival. By sponsoring targeted advertising, we informed more residents informed about the free food, free performances, vendors and family fun at the event.

We invite you to check out our resources and of course, provide meaningful feedback on how we can better serve you and your neighbors.

Submitted

by Michael

Saucier

Panther Creek

The holiday season is a great time to be living in The Woodlands. Congratulations to the shoppers and sellers who snapped up the bargains and holiday goodies at our semi-annual Woodlands Flea Market. Our next bargain hunters’ dream event will be held in the spring.

Moving into the holiday season, it is time to be putting out those colorful lights, wreaths and other decorations. Panther Creek Village Association board members will drive by every home in Panther Creek to find both the prizewinning house and the prize-winning neighborhood.

Many other holiday events are listed at www.TheWoodlandsTownshipTX.gov/calendar and on the 2022 Action Guide at www.TheWoodlandsTownshipTX.gov/actionguide. Family fun events include Sunset & Smores on December 2, a Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt on December 9, and on December 10, have milk and cookies with Santa at 1 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. The following Saturday, December 17, continue feasting at Donuts with Santa.

The days of summer camp have passed, but parents can still get a bit of escape from the season’s frenzies as the youngsters frolic at Sunny Dayz Holiday Camp weekdays from December 17 through December 30, 2022.

Panther Creek Village Association board meetings resume the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township headquarters. Y’all come.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Plan Your Fun in The Woodlands with the Spring Action Guide

The Spring 2023 Action Guide Guide launches online on December 5, 2022, at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/actionguide. Program registration opens on December 12, 2022. For assistance or questions about programs, please email recreation@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3950 or 281-516-7348.

Seasonal Decorations and Lighting Guidelines

The Woodlands Township asks residents to remember the following guidelines to remain within The Woodlands Residential Standards for outdoor holiday decorating.

• Winter holiday decorations and lights may be illuminated from November 15 through January 15 of the following year.

• Decorations and lighting may be installed no earlier than October 1 and must be removed by February 1 of the following year.

• All other seasonal decor may be displayed for a period not to exceed three weeks. Decorative lighting bulbs must be of a low wattage to not cause an impact to an adjacent property. Strands of lighting should also be limited in scope and not cause an adverse impact to adjacent properties.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covenants

Give Blood, Give Life

By Cindy Strawn

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services invites you to donate blood and give the gift of life this holiday season. The Gulf Coast Blood Center needs 1,000 donations every day of the year to serve the patients of our region.

DEC 15

Thursday, December 15, 2022, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Woodlands Township Town Hall 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

To register, please visit www.commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_ schedule/340329. Donors will receive a choice of various items as a thank-you.

By Tamara Bean

Invasive Vine Removal and Reforestation

“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department has been working this fall in a communitywide effort to preserve The Woodlands’ natural forest reserves, pathways, rightsof-way, greenbelts and neighborhood parks through an extensive 240-day vine maintenance and reforestation program. The program, which runs annually from October through March, focuses on eliminating invasive vine species and reforesting areas of The Woodlands that are in dire need. Over the course of the program, invasive vine species will be removed, and 3,000 trees will be planted in approximately 125 designated priority sites.

Invasive vines are also known as “alien” species that are introduced either accidentally or intentionally from outside of their native (natural) environment. These invasive species spread throughout the community and if left uninhibited, will out-compete and hinder the growth of other native species. As these vines grow, they rob nutrients from the soil, block sunlight and smother their native host. They can even have an impact on native wildlife that depend on indigenous trees as a source of food and shelter. The Woodlands is particularly vulnerable

to these invasive vines due to its vast number of trees and fast-growing development. Reforestation is vital in maintaining the natural habitat and aesthetics of The Woodlands community. The goal is to plant at least two times the number of trees that are removed each year. Approximately 60,000 trees and seedlings have been planted over the past several years.

The Woodlands Township needs your help in reporting invasive species. Check out HARC Research’s The Quiet Invasion (www.galvbayinvasives.org), a helpful guide to easily identifying Japanese climbing fern, air potato vine, pepper

- ANCIENT CHINESE PROVERB

vine and other foreign species. Use The Woodlands 311 app to report the location of the vine in question to The Woodlands Township. Residents are encouraged to submit requests for reforestation sites through the 311 app or by calling The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department at 281-210-3800. The Woodlands Township receives on average 75 percent of their replant sites from resident requests.

You won’t want to miss out on The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation upcoming community events starting in February 2023: Arbor Day and the Annual Tree Planting.

Jingle Boats Rock!

By Edward Zimmel

Anotherlong year is winding down, ‘tis the season for family fun. The time has come to hold our loved ones near and revel in all the time-honored holiday traditions. The Woodlands Township’s exciting slate of holiday programs and events truly holds something for everyone. The Riva Row Boat House has just the right Yuletide celebration for any kayaking or outdoor enthusiast.

Our Jingle Boats event brings holiday cheer to children and adults by the boatload. Here the joy of collecting gifts from under the tree is extended through an idyllic stretch of canal.

Jolly elves await along The Woodlands Waterway to hand out presents for all the good girls and boys. A special visitor from the icy North awaits on the docks for your return to Riva Row! Get your camera ready to snap everlasting memories as your child meets everyone’s favorite holiday hero.

Pre-registration is required for this one-hour holiday event, which is recommended for children ages 10 and under with an accompanying parent or guardian. Our tandem kayaks typically accommodate two riders. Children under 42 inches tall can ride in the middle of

2022 Events

Wednesday, December 14 • 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 17 • 9 to 10 a.m.

Sunday, December 18 • 9 to 10 a.m.

Wednesday, December 21 • 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

a tandem kayak with a parent on both sides, if needed. Otherwise, registration assumes one child and one parent per kayak. Keep in mind that being on the water means your clothing may get wet.

Jingle Boats is held exclusively at the Riva Row Boat House. The registration fee of $45 includes a kayak for two, life jackets, paddles, plenty of presents and boatloads of fun. To make a reservation and explore our other activities, please visit www.rivarowboathouse.com. For more information, please call 281-210-3965 or email boathouse@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Holiday Hours, December 18-23: Last boats out approximately one hour before sunset unless specified otherwise. Riva Row Boat House will be open from Sunday to Thursday (Lakes Edge Boat House will be open Sunday only). Both locations will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and close at 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day. $45 per tandem kayak. Waivers must be signed and on file for all watercraft occupants. Life jackets and paddles are included in all rentals. Start times for this program are firm.

NEW HOMES in THE WOODLANDS HILLS

By Angela Ellis

2023 RACES

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR TOWNSHIP’S SIGNATURE RACES

Registration is now open for the signature races offered by The Woodlands Township: Muddy Trails 5K, Run and Done 3.1, Woodforest Bank TRI – The Woodlands, Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas and Glow and Go 5K. All five races will be capped to ensure participant safety and are expected to reach capacity, so early registration is advised.

The Muddy Trails 5K will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023, and features a chip-timed 5K trail run sanctioned by USA Track and Field (USATF). Following the race, stay for the post-race party at Rob Fleming Park featuring zydeco music, the Muddy Bowl Crawfish Cook-Off and a KidZone with crafts and activities.

The Run and Done 3.1 will be held Saturday, April 9, 2023, along The Woodlands Waterway. This chip-timed 5K course will wind throughout the Waterway providing a scenic route and fun, enjoyable atmosphere fostering friendly competition. This event will be sanctioned by USATF with awards provided to the overall male and female age groups.

The Woodforest Bank TRI – The Woodlands will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Northshore Park. This event, which is USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned, will host a field of athletes ranging from beginners to nationally ranked triathletes. This sprint distance triathlon is composed of a 500-meter open-water swim, a bike course winding through The Woodlands and a 5K run. The Woodforest Bank TRI concludes with a festive award party featuring live music, food and fun at Northshore Park.

The Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Northshore Park with a 10-mile chip-timed race, the 3.1 Armadillo Run 5K and the One 4 Texas one-mile kids’ fun run. The USATF-

sanctioned event ends with a Texas-sized post-race party with live music and fun for the whole family.

The second annual Glow & Go 5K will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, along The Woodlands Waterway. Glow and Go 5K is a USA Track and Field (USATF) sanctioned event. The chiptimed 5K course will encompass the full length of the Waterway, and runners are encouraged to dress in their best glow costumes in the spirit of Halloween! The 5K race is open to runners of all abilities and recommended for participants ages 10 and older.

Be sure to register early to ensure your spot in any of the Township’s Signature Races!

Photos by Race Shots

Tips For Recognizing and Protecting Yourself From Scams and Fraud

By Cindy Strawn

Don’t let your guard down during the holidays or in the New Year for potential scams. Make sure you know how to recognize a scam or fraud.

There are many types of scams/fraud but most of them have the same basic features to avoid. Examples:

• The scammer may contact you and pretend to be from a bank, a charity, a utility, a business, IRS, Social Security or another government agency.

• They may want your personal information, account numbers, access to your computer or your money.

• They may say it’s to help you or a family member: avoid arrest, avoid deportation, pay unknown bills, fix your computer or help with medical expenses.

• They may say they want you to act right away without checking with anyone.

• They may want you to pay with a gift card or wire transfer or send excess money back from a money order.

What can you do to prevent it?

• Do not answer calls from people you do not know; if it is important, they will leave a message.

• Don’t provide unknown callers with any personal information. If you think their information might be real, you can hang up and call them at a number you know to be true (not the one they provide).

• Do not click on email links or text messages that you are not expecting.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers these consumer tips at www.ftc.gov in their “How to Avoid a Scam” brochure:

• Block unwanted calls and filter unwanted text messages.

• Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect. Legitimate organizations won’t call, email or text to ask for your personal information, like your Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers.

• Resist the pressure to act immediately. Legitimate businesses will give you time to decide. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer.

• Know how scammers tell you to pay. Never pay someone who insists you pay with a gift card or by using a money transfer service. And never deposit a check and send money back to someone.

• Stop, think before you act, and talk to someone you trust. Before you do anything else, tell someonea friend, a family member a neighbor about what happened. Talking about it could help you realize it is a scam/fraud.

For more safety tips, please contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800, visit our website at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx. gov/neighborhoodwatch or email neighbor@ thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Please like and follow The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch on Facebook at www.facebook. com/townshipneighborhoodwatch.

In

Winter Lawn Care Do’s & Don’ts

To the uninitiated, a yellowing or browning lawn in the fall can be cause for alarm. Not to worry, that “discoloring” is a visual cue that your turf is doing just what it’s supposed to do - going dormant.

dormancy, a warm season grass like St Augustine, which most of us have, will focus its energy on the root system, causing the leaves to discolor. Rest assured, the grass is still alive. In fact, the roots are hard at work digging deeper into the soil to access water and nutrients.

The best thing you can do to promote a lush, green lawn come spring is to allow it to do its thing. That means cut the watering.

Watering during the cool months (November through March) not only disrupts the dormancy process, keeping roots from strengthening, it leads to fungal infections. Humidity and wetness, particularly in cool

temperatures, is a primary cause of fungal infections. You won’t see the damage at first since the grass is dormant. But you will, once growing season arrives - in the form of yellowing patches. And the issues spiral from there. In short, a green lawn in winter is likely a sign of problems ahead.

Eliminating winter watering not only saves headaches, it saves money, too, year round. Sewer bills are calculated by the average water used by a customer in December, January and February. That average sets your monthly sewer charge.

Now spend a little of the money you’re saving on a topdressing of compost. Compost feeds your lawn

naturally by providing key nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium — as well as micronutrients. The organic matter in compost enhances the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water and it hosts microorganisms that help with uptake of nutrients and minerals.

Add a ¼ inch of compost to your lawn any time of the year except when the ground is frozen. Pro tip: aerate before composting for even better results.

Finally, save some time and your back: mulch your leaves rather than raking. Mow them over a few times until the pieces are the size of a dime or less. They’ll decompose quickly and deliver vital nutrients to the soil.

By John Geiger

Woodlands Water Works For You

Goodnews…with winter at our doorstep, you’ve got another four months before you need to consider turning on your automatic sprinklers. That makes now the perfect time to inspect and tune your system so it’s ready to go. More good news: Woodlands Water Agency (WWA) makes this process easy and free. The Woodlands Irrigation System Evaluation Program, the “W.I.S.E. Guys,” will send a licensed irrigation expert to your home at no cost to evaluate your system’s performance, identify leaks and optimize your controller settings to eliminate waste and improve the health of your lawn.

W.I.S.E. Guys is just one of the many services offered by WWA that saves you money while also being good stewards of our most precious resource.

REBATES: Get a 50% rebate applied to your water bill for purchases of native plants, rain sensors, ET Smart Controllers, drip irrigation parts and installation, and rain barrels.

WATERSMART: Get the most out of your new smart water meter with the WaterSmart online portal. Use it to better understand your usage, find leaks, and get alerts to unusual or high-water use. It’s a powerful and easy-to-use way to save money and water.

WEEKLY IRRIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS: Take the guesswork out of watering your lawn. Have WWA’s Weekly Irrigation Recommendation sent right to your inbox each Monday morning to know just how much water your lawn needs that week. You’ll also get timely lawn and landscaping tips, updates on local happenings and important water-related news.

ONLINE RESOURCES: WoodlandsWater.org has LOTS of great resources on lawn care, native landscaping, rainwater harvesting, organic gardening, attracting bees and butterflies to your yard and much more.

Find out more about the services and resources available to you through Woodlands Water at www.woodlandswater.org.

Holiday Recycling and Trash Service

By Zoe Killian

For trouble-free service this holiday season, please keep streets clear of parked cars to allow trucks to safely access carts, place carts at the curb by 7 a.m., and ensure cart lids close completely. The Woodlands Recycling Center at 5402 Research Forest Drive will be open regular hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, December 24, and Saturday, December 31.

What to do with extra bags of trash?

Purchase pink tags for $1.75 each from Kroger (located in the Village Centers of Cochran’s Crossing, Alden Bridge and Sterling Ridge) or The Woodlands Township offices. Affix a tag to the top of each bag and place bags on the curb next to your cart. Each bag must be under 40 pounds.

Tree Recycling – Unflocked Trees Only

Remove tree stand, all decorations and lights. Place the tree at the curb on your regular service day for collection by the yard trimmings truck.

Trees free of decorations may also be deposited at the Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive and Research Forest Park & Ride, 3900 Marsico Place. These trees will be chipped and used as flooring at Texas TreeVentures.

Flocked Christmas Tree Disposal

Flocked Christmas trees must be landfilled. Schedule bulky trash pickup by calling Waste Management Customer Service at 800-800-5804. Call at least two business days before your regular service day.

To report a missed pickup or schedule bulk pickup, please contact Waste Management Customer Service at 800-800-5804 or cssatex@wm.com.

There will be no interruption in solid waste services during the Christmas and New Year holidays. All services will occur on their regularly scheduled service day including trash, recycling, yard trimmings and bulky trash pick-up.

Important Notice: By submitting letters, photos and other materials to The Woodlands Community Magazine (TWCM) you agree that the materials submitted will become the property of TWCM and will not be returned. You also agree that TWCM, its assigns, and the publisher, have been granted the non-exclusive right to use and /or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. For more information, please call 281-210-3800. Photographs may be submitted, and are encouraged, for publication either within the magazine or on the cover. There is no payment for photographs featured either within the publication or on the cover. Both amateur and professional slides and photographs, featuring Woodlands people and scenes, are welcome. Disclaimer: The Publisher, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. (CP&PI), and The Woodlands Township assume no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this

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