March/April 2024

DEAR RESIDENTS OF THE WOODLANDS,

The Woodlands Township is dedicated to ensuring our community stays informed, connected and environmentally conscious. With this commitment in mind, we are announcing exciting changes to The Woodlands Community Magazine. These changes stem from the publisher's dissolution of its agreement with the Township. This shift has allowed us to reevaluate the printing and distribution process.

First, we are transitioning from a monthly to a bi-monthly publication schedule. By printing and distributing the magazine less frequently, we conserve resources and generate less waste, ultimately lessening our environmental impact. This modification aligns with our commitment to sustainability and fosters a culture of environmental responsibility within our community, promoting positive actions toward a greener future for The Woodlands.

Alongside our commitment to environmental sustainability, we have revamped the layout and design of the magazine, ensuring a modern aesthetic that enhances visual appeal and reader engagement. Opportunities to provide additional content have also been identified.

According to our most recent community survey, The Woodlands Community Magazine has long been regarded as the most trusted source for Township information, with 60% of residents citing it as their primary source. We are committed to upholding this reputation and providing residents with timely and relevant updates on Township initiatives, events and services.

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these changes together. We look forward to delivering residents a more sustainable and informative publication in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Monique Sharp

Monique Sharp, The Woodlands Township President & CEO

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEET REGULARLY on the third Thursday and the fourth Wednesday of each month at Town Hall unless posted otherwise. Residents are encouraged to attend.

DR.ANNK.SNYDER Chairman, Position 6 KYLEWATSON Vice Chairman, Position 4

DR.SHELLEYSEKULA-GIBBS Director, Position 5

CINDYHEISER Director, Position 7

MONIQUESHARP President & CEO

LINDANELSON Secretary, Position 2 RICHARDFRANKS Treasurer, Position 3

BRADBAILEY Director, Position 1

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The Woodlands Community Magazine is a bi-monthly publication wholly owned and operated by The Woodlands Township. Content is produced internally by the Township CommunicationsDepartment.Itservesasaprimarydisseminationsourceforgovernment informationforTheWoodlandsresidents.

The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by The Woodlands Township. Articles that appear in The Woodlands Community Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Woodlands Township and do not constitute an endorsement therein. Any publication of The Woodlands Community Magazine is sole property of The Woodlands Township and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way without the permission and written consent of The Woodlands Township.

The publication vendor selected to print and distribute The Woodlands Community MagazineoperatesindependentlyandisnotaffiliatedwithTheWoodlandsTownship.

Editorial inquiries may be directed to The Woodlands Township Communications Department, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX 77381, 281-210-3800, communications@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

COMMUNICATIONSDEPARTMENT

LeaAnnPetersen,DirectorofCommunications

MaryConnell,CommunicationsManager

KacieGurney,CommunicationsProjectManager

PerryFrank,SeniorCommunicationsSpecialist

BarbaraRyan,CommunicationsSpecialist

TamaraBean,SocialMediaStrategist

StevenRomero,VideoProducer

CONTRIBUTINGDEPARTMENTS

BoardofDirectors&President’sOffice

Communications

CovenantAdministration

CustomerEngagement

EnvironmentalServices

Finance&Budget

HumanResources

InformationTechnology

NeighborhoodServices

Parks&Recreation

TownshipSecretary&Records

TheWoodlandFireDepartment

Transportation

VisitTheWoodlands

AldenBridge

Cochran’s

TURNING 50

By Nick Wolda and Mary Murphy, Visit The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS

has been known as a great place to live since it first opened in 1974, but over the past several years, it’s also become well-established as a great place to work, visit, and hold meetings. This is largely due to world-class hotels, attractions, shops and restaurants in the area, along with promotion of The Woodlands as a premiere business and leisure destination.

Tourism was always part of the vision for The Woodlands. One of the first buildings opened in the area was The Woodlands Resort, initially called “The Woodlands Inn.” What began as a 218-room property evolved into an award-winning resort, complete with 400 guest rooms, five dining outlets, two championship golf courses, and an exceptional waterpark with a 1,005-foot-long Lazy River.

Over the years, The Woodlands Resort also welcomed some of most famous names in golf history, as it was the site for the Houston Open for 17 years and now the PGA Champions Tour Insperity Invitational.

It continues to draw golfers, conference-goers, and leisure travelers alike, and was named as one of the Top Resorts in Texas by Travel + Leisure in 2022.

Of course, this is just one of the attractions that brings travelers to The Woodlands. Tourism got a kick-start in the 1990s, when The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion opened in August 1990. This was shortly followed by The Woodlands Mall opening in October 1994, where 86,000 people lined up to get in and start shopping. People continue to travel from around Texas and the Houston region to visit The Woodlands Mall – and now, Market Street – for exceptional shopping.

A key moment in the history of the development of the Town Center was the creation of Town Center Improvement District, known as TCID, through a legislative process at the state level. TCID was created to enhance public safety for a future growing Town Center as well as provide economic development tools for public/private partnerships. TCID is the predecessor to The Woodlands Township which continues to have public safety and economic development as top priorities.

Photocourtesyof TheWoodlandsResort

In 1999, the development of The Woodlands Waterway began. The 1.8-mile-long water feature is a differential advantage to other planned communities in Greater Houston and has since become an activity hub and the anchor for two exceptional hotels. The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, which was built in 2000, was named the #1 Marriott in North America twice in the last 10 years. The Westin at The Woodlands officially opened in 2016 and quickly became another fan favorite for business meetings along The Woodlands Waterway.

Another key moment in The Woodlands history was the creation of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2006. The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau(dba: Visit The Woodlands) is the official destination managementorganization responsible for promoting The Woodlands to drive demand for both hotel and retail tax collections.Its mission is to establish The Woodlands, Texas as a beautiful, lively, and welcoming destination recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for first-class business, convention and leisure travel.

In the 2000s, the development of Market Street, Town Green Park, multiple hotel properties (now totaling 14) and the expansion of The Woodlands Mall outdoors created a vibrancy not seen anywhere in the Greater Houston area. With top-notch hospitality attractions and meeting spaces, tourism continued to increase in The Woodlands.

Seeing an opportunity for economic growth, in 2016, The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau rebranded its name to Visit The Woodlands and moved its focus away from festivals to focus on tourism sales and marketing strategies.

Since then, The Woodlands has seen a great increase in hotel occupancy tax collections and sales tax collections. In the past 10 years, Hotel Tax Collection has grown from $6.5 million in 2013 to an impressive $9.6 million in 2023. This keeps property taxes low for the residents and businesses of The Woodlands, as sales tax and hotel tax collection make up between 55 to 60% of the overall Township budget.

It is estimated that more than 20 million people come through the Town Center each year for shopping, dining, hospitality and entertainment. In 2022, alongside leisure travel, over 2,050 professional meetings and events were held and generated $21.6 million in overall room revenue.

Today, 70,000 people work in The Woodlands in approximately 2,600 businesses. In total, The Woodlands has 11.4 million square feet of retail space and 12.4 million of commercial office space. When The Woodlands was first established, there was a vision for a thriving economy, seen in the plan for the Town Center and Village Centers. This has become a reality – one that will continue to grow and flourish in The Woodlands for years to come.

George Mitchell, founder of The Woodlands, discusses the master planned community in the early days with Ed Lee, former CEO of The Woodlands Corporation

ON THE COVER

PhotoprovidedbyHowardHughes

E A P A R T O F O U R H I S

Anniversary Photo Book

Here's your chance to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of our beloved community in a coffeetable-style book set to release in 2024! The Woodlands Township is calling on all shutterbugs to submit up to three photos that capture the essence of our vibrant community.

We encourage you to explore various facets of The Woodlands, from community events and festivals to the serene beauty of our nature parks, trails and wildlife. Let your creativity shine as you focus on architecture, the dynamic building landscape, the iconic skyline, public art, Lake Woodlands, The Woodlands Waterway, Waterway Square, Hughes Landing and more!

Your photographic eye will play a creative role in telling a visual narrative that reflects the heart and soul of our community.

Enter online in three easy steps:

Select up to three photos to submit.

Go to TheWoodlands.com/50th-anniversary.

Fill out the form and submit.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of The Woodlands legacy, contributing to a visually stunning coffee table book that will be cherished for years to come. So, gather your best shots, embrace the diversity of our community, and let your photos tell the story of The Woodlands in 2024!

Join us for a wonderful experience along The Woodlands Waterway™ and in Town Green Park to witness the talent of over 200 fine artists and craftsmen. Shop for one-of-a-kind paintings, pottery, unique apparel, jewelry and more. The event also features live music from the Stella Artois Main Stage, Books On The Green celebrating the literary arts, kids' art activities, local food, craft beer and fine wines.

A team of judges and the members of The Woodlands Arts Council board have chosen Regina Lyubovnaya, an oil painter from Los Angeles, as the Featured Artist of the upcoming festival. Discover Regina's beautiful and timeless paintings which are sought after by collectors around the world.

The Woodlands Arts Festival is a significant fundraiser for The Woodlands Arts Council. We are grateful for our dedicated volunteers, community partners, art lovers and sponsors, including Visit The Woodlands, The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy, The Woodlands Township, Howard Hughes, Stella Artois, Woodforest National Bank, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and Martha Turner Sotheby's, that we are able to continue to impact our community.

The festival's proceeds contribute to ongoing education and outreach initiatives. The Woodlands Arts Council has given back over $1.4 million through our student art scholarships and microgrant programs in the last 19 years. Thank you for helping us make art matter and continuing to support this incredible tradition in our community.

Follow The Woodlands Arts Council on social media and visit the website for tickets and details about the festival online

ELECTRIC SCOOTERS &

The Woodlands Township’s commitment to fostering a tranquil and safe environment extends to our pathways, where we uphold a steadfast rule: no motorized vehicles allowed. This includes electric scooters and bikes. As residents of this lush and pedestrian-friendly community, it's our responsibility to adhere to this regulation.

The Township’s regulation to prohibit motorized vehicles on the pathways is rooted in a desire to maintain the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using the pathways. The only motorized vehicles permitted on the pathways are approved maintenance vehicles and wheelchairs or scooters necessary for the physically disabled.

As we traverse the pathways of The Woodlands, let's remember to be considerate and mindful of our fellow residents and visitors. Whether walking, jogging or cycling, let's embrace a spirit of patience, courtesy and awareness, ensuring that everyone can share in the tranquility and beauty of our outdoor spaces.

By John Geiger, Woodlands Water

The story of residential water consumption in The Woodlands last year is a bit of a mixed bag.

On the positive side, monthly household water use averaged 10,200 gallons. Thanks to our community’s water conscious mindset and a Defined Irrigation Schedule (started in 2013), that represents a 33% drop in consumption over the past 12 years!

On the flip side, a steady 10-year long decline has reversed itself the past two years: consumption is up 18% from its low point in 2021. So, what happened? Well, drought happened. Climate has a direct bearing on household water use – the drier it is, the more we run our sprinklers and re-fill our pools. And 2022 and 2023 delivered some pretty tough summers: less than nine inches of rain fell each year between June 1 and September 30. Normal precipitation during that stretch is 32 inches. In response, households used 32% more water the past two summers compared to the previous six-year average

A cooler, wetter summer in 2024 should help return household consumption to 2021 levels, provided we continue to value water and use it wisely indoors and out.

DID YOU KNOW?

Our use of treated surface water from Lake Conroe allowed us to avoid heightened watering restrictions during the past two droughts.

This article was provided by Woodlands Water and applies to customers of Woodlands Water.

M A R C H E V E N T S

MARCH 16

GROGAN’S MILL FARMERS MARKET

March 16, 23, 30, 2024

Grogan's Mill Shopping Center

The Woodlands, TX 77380

MARCH 16 W N

March 16, 23, 30, 2024

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

The Woodlands, TX 77380

MARCH 21 R S

March 21, 28, 2024

Hughes Landing

1725 Hughes Landing Blvd.

The Woodlands, TX 77381

MARCH 21 B D

March 21, 2024 |

The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

The Woodlands, TX 77381

MARCH 23 GREENUP CLEAN UP

March 23, 2024

Selected Parks throughout The Woodlands. Walk-up registrations are welcome.

MARCH 29 TOWNSHIP OFFICES CLO

Township offices will be closed on March 29 in observance of Good Friday. Trash and recycling services are not impacted by these closures.

MARCH 30 RUN AND DONE 3.1

March 30, 2024

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsor upcoming events with The Woodlands Township, from the Signature Race Series to community festivals and seasonal concert series! The Township Parks and Recreation department produces a variety of premier events every year.

Showcase your business and reach thousands with the unique opportunity to promote your brand. Sponsorship opportunities of varying levels within the events offer companies the ability to engage the community through onsite event presence (booth space and signage), advertising entitlements and much more. Sponsorships are available for several events, such as Waterway Nights and Rock the Row concert series, Arts in the Park, The Woodlands Township’s Signature Races, the Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza, Memorial Day and Labor Day Festivals, Trick or Treat Trail, Lighting of the Doves and numerous other programs and events.

SIGN

GROGAN’S MILL FARMERS MARKET

* Grogan’s Mill Farmers Market is every Saturday in March and April.

FOR THE VERY LATEST INFORMATION ON TOWNSHIP-RELATED ACTIVITIES.

Companies can now register for booth space at The Woodlands Township’s annual Memorial Day Event and Red, Hot & Blue Festival, where restaurants, retailers and other businesses can reach thousands of families who attend the signature holiday events in The Woodlands.

The Memorial Day in The Woodlands event will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Town Green Park. For more information and to view the vendor application, please visit: thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/memorialday

The Red, Hot & Blue Festival in The Woodlands will be held on Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 6 to 10 p.m. at various parks throughout The Woodlands. For more information and to view the vendor application, please visit: thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/fourthofjuly

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

OR AN EMERGENCY?

A P R I L E V E N T S

APRIL 04 ROCK THE ROW SPRING SERIES

April 4, 2024

Hughes Landing

1725 Hughes Landing Blvd.

The Woodlands, TX 77381

APRIL 06 WATERWAY NIGHTS

April 6, 2024

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

The Woodlands, TX 77380

RGENCY PAREDNESS

April 13, 2024

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS

RD OF CTORS MEETING

March 18, 2024 | 6 p.m.

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

The Woodlands, TX 77381

APRIL 0

GREAT TEXAS BIRDING CLASSIC

April 20, 2024

Lakeside Park

5001 S. Alden Bridge Dr.

The Woodlands, TX 77389

APRIL 24 BOARD OF EETING

MOONLIGHT PADDLE AT RIVA ROW

6 p.m.

The Woodlands Township

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

The Woodlands, TX 77381

The Woodlands, TX 77380

VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES

TEXAS TREEVENTURES CELEBRATES

F I V E Y E A R S O F S O A R I

By Clay Latimer, Texas TreeVentures

S S

IN THE HEART

of our community, Texas TreeVentures has been a beacon of adventure for five incredible years. From conquering high ropes challenges to creating lasting memories, we’re thrilled to mark this milestone with our amazing patrons. Join us in celebrating half a decade of thrilling experiences, outdoor camaraderie and the joy of reaching new heights. As we reflect on the journey, we are grateful for the support of our community and look forward to many more years of elevating the spirit of adventure together. Cheers to five years of Texas TreeVentures and countless more treetop triumphs ahead!

Speaking of birthdays... Imagine soaring into a new year of life surrounded by nature and high-flying adventures! Whether you are turning six or 60, Texas TreeVentures offers a unique birthday party experience amidst the treetops. Gather your friends, climb, swing and create lasting memories. Make your birthday celebration extraordinary with us – where the thrill of high ropes meets the joy of special occasions. Book your treetop birthday bash and let the adventure begin.

EASTER MONDAY - APRIL 1

Exciting News! We will be open on Easter Monday, April 1, 2024, to make your celebrations even more special. Join us for a day filled with joy and thrills. Hop on over and celebrate with us! We will be closed on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.

LIGHTS, HEIGHTS, AND BITES - APRIL 12

Experience the magic of the night and a tasty treat at Texas TreeVentures’ Lights, Heights and Bites! Navigate our treetop obstacles and enjoy an illuminated night of thrills and then enjoy a delicious bite when your climb is over. Book your ticket now for a night you won’t forget.

ARBOR DAY GROW IN THE PARK - APRIL 26

This Arbor Day, we’re taking the celebration to new heights –literally. Get ready for a night of arboreal knowledge and adventure at our Treevia Night. Challenge your wisdom at Texas TreeVentures while enjoying treetop thrills. Join us for an exhilarating blend of facts and adventure – it's Treevia like never before!

SPRING IS THE PERFECT TIME

T O T A K E A B O A T R I D E O N T H E W A T E R W A Y

By Joseph Magnan

Spring is here, and the Riva Row and Lakes Edge Boat Houses are ready to welcome you with a shower of adventure. With the season changing from winter to spring, our hours are changing as well. Riva Row will operate on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last boat rental at 4 p.m. For our Lakes Edge location, we will be operating on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with our last boat rental at 4 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, both locations will be operating from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last boat rental at 5 p.m.

The swan pedal boats at the mall location will operate Friday through Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. Spring is perfect season to embark on a journey along the serene Waterway and explore the 200-acre marvel of Lake Woodlands. Discover the wonders of unique wildlife and breathtaking natural scenery at every twist and turn.

Whether you seek an invigorating workout or a peaceful cruise, the lake offers the perfect space for all. With the weather being perfect this time of year, there is no better time to come out and try out our crafts. Remember to dress comfortably with the weather, apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated with plenty of water for your excursion.

Keep an eye on our spring programs including the popular Starlight Swans that operate the first Friday of every month, the array of lights that is Moonlight Paddle, our annual Kayak Egg Hunt that the kids always love, and introducing our new Read'n Row program where literacy meets adventure! Whether you are a fan of the sun, or a night owl, Riva Row has something for everyone.

Photo

S U M M E R F U

Recreation

Make the most of your summer with a plethora of activities and programs offered by The Woodlands Township’s Parks and Recreation department. Be on the lookout for our Summer Action Guide, available online soon with program registration opening on Monday, April 8, 2024. You will want to explore the guide for comprehensive details on all our offerings.

Searching for an engaging way for your child to spend their weekdays? Sunny Dayz Camp awaits at Bear Branch and Rob Fleming Recreation Centers With daily pool sessions, exciting field trips, special guests, and a variety of activities, children aged 6 to 12 can bond with peers in an unmatched summer experience. Teens aged 13 and up can partake in Rob Fleming’s Teen Camp or Bear Branch’s Counselor-inTraining program. Additionally, specialized day camps focusing on sports, art or STEM are available.

Beat the Texas heat with our various aquatics programs that spread across 14 area pools. From swim lessons to competitive swim teams and lifeguard programs, there's something for every skill level. Encourage your child to show their competitive edge in our Junior and TAAF summer swim teams or get a head start developing job skills in the junior lifeguard program. Fitness and aerobics classes are also offered at area pools for the ultimate low-impact workout training. Kick back and relax after all that exercise at the ever-popular family luau and Dive-n-Movie event.

As always, the fun doesn’t stop in the summer for our beloved athletic and adult enrichment programs. Tennis and pickleball ladder leagues return to the courts this summer for those looking to enjoy some friendly competition. Our vast slate of tennis and pickleball lessons provides opportunities for all ages to learn more about their chosen net sport.

If team sports are more your speed, our perennial favorite 7v7 soccer league gives adult athletes eight match weeks and a playoff experience that won’t be forgotten. We host contracted leagues and lessons that range from softball, basketball, volleyball, flag football and everything in between. With dance classes, Tai Chi and more enrichment programs, we offer so much more than just sports!

PASSES POOL ONSALE

Are you ready for this summer? Pool season starts on May 11, 2024. Make sure to purchase or renew your season pass now to get the most value. Not sure if the season pass is right for you? We have calculated the value of it for you.

Ages 2 and under: A pass pays for itself after one visit.

Ages 3-64: A pass pays for itself after six village pool visits, and after only four visit to Rob Fleming Aquatic Center.

Ages 65 and up: A pass pays for itself after two village pool visits and after only one visit to Rob Fleming Aquatic Center.

Additionally, season pass holders gain faster pool access at the gate, free access to our Dive-n-Movie, free popsicles at all Pop at the Pool events and Free Red, Hot and Pool entry.

RESIDENTS

2 years and under: $8

3-64 years: $45

Seniors (Ages 65 years and up): $20

Additional Family Passes (In addition of purchase of four full price passes; immediate family only): $20

NON - RESIDENTS

2 years and under: $30

3 years and up: $150

No additional family member or senior discount.

POOL RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN NEW this year – enjoy our morning rental options ideal for younger children. Exclusively available at Bear Branch, Cranebrook, Falconwing, Shadowbend and Windvale.

Saturdays 7:45 to 9:45 a.m. at Bear Branch, Cranebrook, Falconwing, Windvale; 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. at Shadowbend

Sundays 10 a.m. to noon at all locations

Burglary of Motor Vehicle is one of the most preventable crimes, and we urge you to take proactive steps to safeguard your belongings and prevent becoming a victim. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office has provided valuable tips to help protect yourself and your vehicle from potential theft:

Secure Parking

Remove Valuables

Lock Up

Secure Keys and Garage Remote Report Suspicious Activity

Enhance your security measures when out and about by snapping a quick photo of your surroundings or noting the parking lot pole number, especially in unfamiliar areas or crowded places like malls or events. Leverage smartphone tools such as iPhone Maps “Parked Car” feature or various apps on the Google Play store for Android users to expedite locating your vehicle, minimizing the chance of being targeted by criminals.

By incorporating these straightforward yet impactful strategies into your routine, you actively contribute to thwarting vehicle burglaries and safeguarding your possessions. Remember, staying alert is key to staying safe.

Ensuring the proper functioning of smoke detectors in your homes or businesses is of utmost importance. Despite 92% of U.S. homes having smoke detectors installed, a concerning one-third of these detectors do not operate effectively. The primary cause of smoke detector failure is often attributed to dead or missing batteries.

LOCATION:

For wall-mounted detectors, position them 12 inches from the ceiling. For ceiling-mounted detectors, ensure they are at least 12 inches away from any wall.

In spaces with high-pitched ceilings, place detectors three feet from the highest point.

Avoid installing smoke detectors near windows, doors, air registers or ceiling fans.

Have at least one smoke detector on each level, with a minimum of one outside each sleeping area and one within each sleeping.

MAINTENANCE:

Change the battery twice a year or when you hear chirping. Recommended intervals are in the spring and fall when adjusting your clock for daylight saving time.

Test your smoke detectors monthly to confirm proper functioning.

Vacuum the vents in the detector at least once a year to remove dust and debris.

Always adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations.

The National Fire Protection Association suggests replacing your battery-operated detector every 10 years for optimal performance and safety.

SAFEGUARD YOUR CAR

N E W S F R O M O U R V I L L A G E A S S O C I

ALDEN BRIDGE

Submitted by Greg Sherlock

Congratulations to all the winners of last month’s village association elections! Thanks for voting in this important election. We introduced our 2024 board members and elect officers at our annual organizational meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Our next monthly meeting is planned for Tuesday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are scheduled at the Township office complex, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Feel free to join us and, as always, if you have a concern or question, you can send us an e-mail at abvainfo@gmail.com.

March 15, 2024, was the deadline for submitting scholarship applications. These will be evaluated soon so we can announce our 2024 winners for our annual Alden Bridge Village Association Scholarship Program. It’s no easy feat to select the winners since each one has contributed so much to our community, as well as having performed significant academic accomplishments. Our scholarship recipients will be announced at our May board meeting.

The 2024 Alden Bridge Yard of the Month program is getting ready to bloom again, and our first award will be made the beginning of May. Every month we solicit residents’ nominations for the best front yard in our village, so please look around and send us the address of a yard that you believe fits that description. Board members view the nominations, select a winner, and the winner receives prizes and the honor of our beautiful sign planted in their front yard for a month. Send your nominations to abvainfo@gmail.com no later than

Monday evening, April 22, 2024. And there’s no rule against nominating your own yard, so if you’ve been working hard on it – go ahead, nominate yourself!

We have open seats on our village board. Meetings only require a limited amount of time each month. As a board member you learn firsthand what’s going on in our village and act as a representative to

COLLEGE PARK

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Hello everyone from your CollegePark Village Association board members! We hope everyone is enjoying sunshine and getting their spring cleaning done.Easter is earlier this year so let’s get our lawns and flowers started! Easter time is a happy time for families and friends to get together.

College Park will have their annual Sundae in the Park on April 14, 2024, at Tapestry Park from 1 to 3 p.m. Come and join us. Have a few treats and introduce yourself. You can also sign up for our emails to keep you informed of College Park events and dates, including our College Park Poolooza coming up in May.

In closing, please be careful in parking lots of business establishments.Many new people are coming to The Woodlands and traffic is only getting heavier, so please be aware and give yourself enough time to get where you’re going.

Our monthly College Park meetings are every third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at The Woodlands Township. Please join us! Happy Easter and have a wonderful Spring!

GROGAN‘S MILL

Submitted by Jennifer Robinson

It is with great sadness that we let you know that Bruce Cunningham, a dedicated volunteer and leader within our community, passed away in February.He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Bruce was such a beloved friend to so many and his impact on those around him was incredible.Bruce Cunningham was a cofounder of The Woodlands Farmers Market and had a great impact on shaping it to what it has grown to today. He will be deeply missed.

at 1 p.m. at Saint Simon and Jude's Catholic Parish.In Bruce's honor, The Woodlands Farmers Market closed one hour early that day, so that vendors and volunteers were able to attend the service.

We would like to share an excerpt from his obituary that captures his dedication to our community. “In 1989, Bruce made his way to The Woodlands, Texas, and it was here that he expanded upon his passion for civic engagement and community service. He was an active community leader, with an impressive roster. He was an eight-time president of the Grogan's Mill Village Association Board, where he served for 20 years. He was a six-time president of the MUD Board, where he served for 12 years. He co-founded The Woodlands Farmer's Market in 2008 and remained a manager until 2023. In 2015, he co-founded and served on the board of Aging in Place, a nonprofit that supports senior citizens who want to remain in their homes, in lieu of senior living facilities. Recognized as a Hometown Hero in 2016, the title could not be more appropriate.”

As a reminder, the Grogan’s Mill Village Association holds its monthly board meetings at 5:30 p.m. on the third Monday of the month.The public is invited, and we hope you will attend.Meetings are always announced in the Grogan’s Mill Village Association newsletter. You can sign up on our website at www.grogansmill.org

At The Woodlands Farmers Market on February 17, 2024, there was a table set up with a condolence book for wellwishers to leave their memories of Bruce.The book was filled with touching tributes by the end of the market that day. Mass was held on March 2, 2024

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association will be awarding scholarships this spring.Scholarships are open to all graduating high school seniors and current college students who are residents of Grogan’s Mill at the time of application.Applicants must also be in good standing at their school at the time of application. Applicants may attend either a two- or four-year college or vocational school. Applications may be obtained from school guidance counselors, our website, www.gmva.org,or from any Grogan’s Mill village board member.Completed applications must be receivedby March 28, 2024.

INDIAN SPRINGS

Submitted by Michael Saucier

The Indian Springs Village Association would like to welcome Michael Vesely, Krupa Patel and Christina DesRoberts as our newest board representatives. In addition, we would like to congratulate Aimee Logan Pearce and Fred “Tripp” McOmber on their elections to the roles of Vice President and Treasurer, respectively.Congratulationsare also in order for Mike Ranc, Richie Spurlock, and CJ Heinrich who were re-elected into their roles of board representatives. Finally, we want to thank Kelly Sharer for her years of service on the board. Her service and friendship to the community was an incredible donation to all of our wellbeing.

If any Indian Springs residents are looking to be more informed or get involved, we urge you to join us and attend the Indian Springs Village Association’s monthly meetings. As a volunteer service organization, our board’s sole purpose is to ensure our village is the perfect place to live. Please join us at our next meeting (normally the second Tuesday of the month) at The Township Town Hall building public meeting space.

Mark your calendars now for the 19th Annual Taste of the Village to be held on October 26 in the Indian Springs Village Shopping Center from noon to 3 p.m., located at the southwest corner of Kuykendahl Road and Woodlands Parkway. The event is co-sponsored by the Indian Springs Village Association, H-E-B, and Regency Centers in cooperation with participating local business establishments and is free to attend. This annual family event features live entertainment, free food samples, multiple activities for kids and a fun filled afternoon. For more information on the event, sponsorship opportunities and reserving a booth, please visit our website at www.indianspringstx.com

The Indian Springs Village Association is proud to support our outstanding public schools.The funds raised through our village events, such as the Taste of the Village in October and multiple Township sponsored events throughout the year, are used for scholarships for our

Indian Springs high school seniors and donations to our neighborhood schools.

This year, donations will be made to Glen Loch Elementary and Galatas Elementary. Typically funds are used for enhancement of classroom libraries and accelerated reading programs that can improve vocabulary and increase reading comprehension on a variety of books.

STERLING RIDGE

Submitted by Robbye

Schwarzkopf

Spring has sprung and the Sterling Ridge Village Association has been busy! There's a lot going on and to look forward to in the next few months.

All our scholarship winners will be announced on April 12, 2024, for both university and trade/vocational school attendees. They will be presented the award at our May 2, 2024, meeting.

The Kids Fishing Tournament is coming up on April 27, 2024, at Pepperdale Park from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's free for children up to 12 years old. Don't worry about not having fishing gear because we have some for you to borrow and even the worms! It's a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. You can sign up at the park or online at our website www.sterling-ridge.org

The 2nd Annual Sterling Ridge Village Association’s Golf Scramble is in the works for July 10, 2024. This event is a fundraiser for our elementary school grants and student scholarships. It may be a tad warm on in July, but we are working on some fun ways to stay cool. Keep checking the website for information on how to sign up or to be a sponsor.

As always, residents are welcome to come to our meetings on the first Thursday of the month. The meetings are held at the Re/Max officeat 6620 Woodlands Parkway.

There are no changes in trash and recycling service in March or April.

For more information about Waste Management services visit thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/holidaytrash

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

by following The Woodlands Covenants and Residential Development Standards.

Covenants and Standards are vital for maintaining our community's character and quality of life as they:

Promote environmental excellence. Preserve architectural quality and design integrity. Prevent neighborhood deterioration and uphold property values.

These guidelines apply to all properties in The Woodlands and homeowners may need an application for any construction, alteration or repair project The Township Covenant Administration department is here to help you with the permit process. Contact their office to discuss repairs and whether an application is needed

Neighborhood Criteria set additional regulations specific to each area. All improvements must comply with both the Standards and Neighborhood Criteria.

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