february 2013 The Official magazine O f T he w OO dlands TO wnship green StartS Here Snakes A Case of Mistaken Identity what you can do to help Keep your neighborhood safe remember TO VOTe for Village Associations and Residential Design Review Committees Home Improvement Applications 101 Gardening 101: creating a sense of place The woodlands convention & Visitors bureau 2013 event dates
Reserve Online! Visit us at www.metroministorage.net
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Butterflies are attracted to many of the plants and vegetation in the Woodlands. this Monarch butterfly appears to be enjoying a brief stop in the Village of Panther Creek in this photo taken by frequent photo contributor to The Woodlands Community Magazine, John Hibbs. to learn how to attract birds and butterflies to your yard, please see the gardening articles in this issue, or plan to attend one of the gardening events listed. Cover photo by John Hibbs
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine Contents The Woodlands ToWnship is located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX 77381 February 203 Features
remember to Vote
gardening 0: Creating a Sense of Place
the Best Little Vegetable Garden in texas
Warm up to Gardening 0 What you Can do to help Keep your neighborhood safe 2 green starts here
Cover
on the
The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau 203 event dates
Camp ter-ra-Mont
Vote in February for Residential design Review Committees and Village associations
Community election signage Information
texas Climate Issues: Understanding the 2011 Texas Heat Wave
home improvement applications 0
snakes: A Case of Mistaken Identity
Municipal utility District Policy requires Permitting of New Irrigation systems 28 touch-a-truck
summer employment Opportunities 30 township accolades
In the spotlight teen talent show MONtHLy 6 Calendar of events 8 the Woodlands Village News 6 30 5
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1111
The
Office: 281- 880-0700
Email: info@fayazneurosurgery.com
www.fayazneurosurger y.com
2 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
MD
Neurological Surger y Diplomate - American Board of Neurological Surgery Fellow - American College of Surgeons Fellow - Royal College of Physicians and Surgeon of Canada EX P E R I E N C I N G NE C K O R BAC K PAI N? CALL US AT 281- 8 8 0-0700.
Imran Fayaz,
MSc FRCSC FACS
P.A.
Medical Plaza
Drive, Suite 200
Woodlands, TX 77380
Dr. Fayaz invites you to review his patients’ comments reg arding his superior level of care on independent websites such as DoctorsDig.com, Healthgrades.com, RateM Ds.com and Vitals.com.
Graphic Design - Esprit Communications net
Fayaz-Woodlands-ComMag-AD-2013alt_Layout 1 12/26/12 10:25 AM Page 1
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
The Woodlands ToWnship 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381
main line
All Offices and Departments 28-20-3800
Fire department (non-emergency) 281-367-3444
Parks, Recreation and environmental services 8203 Millennium Forest, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800
Recreation Center 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950
oTher service providers
The Woodlands Joint Powers agency (Water) 281-367-1271
montgomery County sheriff’s office 281-297-6500 936-442-7797
harris County sheriff’s office 713-221-6000
montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211
harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472
emergency 9
RememBeR To VoTe!
Nowthat February is here, the first of the elections for community leaders in the Woodlands township takes place. In February, residents and property owners have the opportunity to choose representatives for their Village associations and residential Design review Committees. those elected become part of the fabric of the Woodlands’ network of communication and leadership.
Please see the article on page 20 for more information about the Village association and residential Design review Committee elections, and remember to vote! election Day is saturday, February 16, 2013.
the township will hold a separate election in November for the Woodlands township Board of Directors.
From all of us at the Woodlands township, we hope your year is off to a great start, and we encourage you to become involved in our beautiful community!
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 3
For emergency information specific to The Woodlands, listen to K-Star Country, KVST-FM, the official emergency broadcast partner of The Woodlands Township.
Gordy Bunch
Position No. 1 Treasurer
Don Norrell President and General Manager
Mike Bass
Position No. 2 Director
Board o F d irec T ors
Jeff Long Position No. 3 Director
Nelda Blair Position No. 5 Director
Bruce Tough Position No. 7 Chairman
Peggy Hausman
Position No. 6 Vice Chairman
Ed Robb Position No. 4 Secretary
in The Woodlands Community Elections, February 16, 2013! For more information on Community elections, see page 20. Please remember to
16, 2013
February
The Woodlands
C ommuni T y 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.
Cham P ions sTa FF
President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr. account executives
Connie Krell
Charlotte Blanco
Cheryl Kirsch
Creative director Lori Short graphic designers
Jami Davis
Charlene Strine
T o W nshi P sTa FF
director of Community Relations Nick Wolda editor
Mary Connell
assistant editor Elena Smith
Copy editor
Susan Schneider editorial assistant
Terri Jefferies
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.
The Woodlands Community Magazine is a past recipient of The Communicator Award of Distinction, the Bronze Quill Award of Merit from the Houston Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators and a Merit Award from The Service Industry Advertising Awards.
4 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
February 203 • Volume 7 • issue 2
Printed on recycled paper Your smartphone link to this magazine online.
Sponsors: catherine Falgoust Certified Color Consultant (CfYH) Kathy Huber Chron com and Houston Chronicle Garden Editor Ellen Delap Professional Organizer brandon Lynch Certified Aging-inPlace Specialist (CAPS) LaVerne Williams Houston’s leading green and LEED certified Architect mary scalli Home Staging Professional (ASP) john Ferguson Organic Gardening Professional john johnston Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry Kitchen Professional and Designer MARCH 2 & 3 MARCH 2 & 3 11th Annual 11th Annual w w w.WoodlandsShows.com w w w.WoodlandsShows.com Feature Exhibit by Spring Home & Outdoor See the newest in Masarelli’s Fountains and Garden Statuary, big and small, iconic to whimsical. Take home an original custom made Massarelli’s Fountain, Urn or Garden Statuary! Feature Landscape by stewart Land Designs Feature Exhibit by Keechi creek builders Create your own picture-perfect patio from Belgard Hardscapes! speaker Highlights spend a LittLE time with our home improvement experts and spend a Lot more time Enjoying your home! FREE PARKING! at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott www twitter com/ WoodlandsShow www facebook com/ WoodlandsShows Creative Design Ideas that transform a backyard into a gorgeous Outdoor Living Area! these speaker experts help you gEt inspirED AnD gEt stArtED: randy Lemmon - Popular Host of AM 740 KTRH’s GardenLine (Details on the show website) go to the show website for full speaker schedule and details. sHoW HigHLigHts FountAins & gArDEn stAtuAry LiVE cooKing DEmos ALL DAy! mobiLE DispLAy oF iDEAs outDoor LiVing At its FinEst! DEsign For your primE Cooking Stage snEAK pEEK of The Woodlands Waterway Art Festival featured artist Rick Loudermilk Visit with over 200 Local Home interior and Exterior professionals! Discount coupons on show website — $1 oFF Admission and over 50 special exhibitor offers! Show Hours: Saturday 9 am - 7 pm • Sunday 10 am - 6 pm Ticket Prices: Adults $9 • Seniors $7 • 12 and under Free
for adapting your home to changing and maturing needs This exhibit is jam-packed with ideas!
Designs
By Lucinda Valdes
Gardenin G 101:
c rea T in G a s ense o F p lace
although great for inspiration, most gardening books and magazines recommend cultural practices and plants that do not work in east texas landscapes. Plants that thrive on winter freezes, mild summer temperatures and moderate rainfall cannot survive the summer heat, mild winters and torrential rains of the texas Gulf Coast.
Providing a guide for working with nature to achieve an easy-care landscape for the Woodlands, local experts Gary Clark, Kathy adams Clark and Brenda Beust smith will be featured speakers at Creating a Sense of Place, a free Gardening 101 seminar on saturday, February 16, 2013, from 9 a.m. to noon.
a professional nature photographer and an award-winning author respectively, Mrs. adams Clark and Mr. Clark, will team up to present Attracting Birds and Butterflies to Your Backyard. the recent drought creates new opportunities in the landscape according to Mrs. adams Clark. “Habitat opened up. With more sun, you can grow different things,” she says.
adding the right plantings and providing water turns ordinary backyards into sanctuaries for birds and butterflies. “If you have the right habitat, you get so many butterflies,” the photographer notes. red salvias are indispensible plants for the Woodlands, she says. “they are so easy to grow. they attract butterflies and even hummingbirds. anybody can grow them!”
Dispensing gardening advice with a good dose of southern charm, Mrs. Beust smith will share The 10 Commandments of Lazy Gardening. a nationally published writer, her tips take a distinctive regional approach, such as not growing “northern” plants in the middle of the Gulf Coast’s tropical summer.
“It is a good time to start thinking about what to plant,” says Kathy Adams Clark. She appears with husband Gary Clark presenting Attracting Birds and Butterflies to Your Backyard at the next Gardening 101 seminar, Creating a Sense of Place.
easy care methods and resisting the lure of labor-intensive, exotic plants summarize Mrs. Beust smith’s approach to gardening. “If you put in a whole yard of azaleas, you are asking for trouble,” she said. Instead, the Lazy Gardener recommends plants that “love our heat and humidity, require very little water and demand very little maintenance.”
to enjoy a morning with the gardening experts, please register at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/gardeningevents. the free program and book signing will be held at the Woodlands township, 2801 technology Forest Blvd. For more information, please call 281-210-3800.
Web
Brenda Beust Smith is a former Houston Chronicle reporter and columnist still giving Lazy Gardener tips in a blog on the paper’s
site. She presents 10 Commandments of Lazy Gardening on February 16, 2013.
Photo courtesy of Brenda Beust Smith
The Best Little Vegetable Garden in Texas
War M Up T o Gardenin G
By Lucinda Valdes
By Bob Dailey
spring comes early in the Woodlands. and with the arrival of warmer temperatures, many people’s eyes and hearts turn to raising healthy and nutritious vegetables in their own gardens. although gardening appears simple, (“Just put a seed in the soil and it will grow,” some say), there are new as well as time-tested techniques that can make anyone look like a pro.
Explore your gardening passion at free classes offered by The Woodlands Township this spring. Discover water-wise techniques, habitat gardening or growing your own vegetables. Both novice and seasoned gardeners will gain valuable knowledge. Please check registration requirements.
Backyard Composting
saturday, February 2, 203, and saturday, march 2, 203
0 to a.m. New Time!
8203 millennium Forest drive
Free class, no registration required
Compost is the easiest way to improve soil’s capacity to retain moisture. Learn how to make compost in your own backyard from the experts—Montgomery County Master Gardeners! Drawing for free bin at every class!
Gardening 101—Creating a Sense of Place
saturday, February 6, 203
9 a.m. to noon
280 Technology Forest Boulevard
Free class, registration required
Learn to work with nature to add life to your landscape and avoid gardening pitfalls. With beautiful photography, Gary Clark and Kathy Adams Clark reveal the natural beauty of East Texas backyards while Brenda Beust Smith offers tried and true tips for creating an easy-care garden in The Woodlands. Includes book signing.
Novice gardeners sometimes look at the possibility of gardening and feel daunted by imagined difficulties. seasoned gardeners want to learn about new techniques, new varieties of vegetables that do well here, product innovations and interesting information about gardening.
Old pros and newcomers can learn about gardening at “How to Have the Best Little Vegetable Garden in texas,” a three-hour seminar presented by horticulturalist, author and lecturer tom Leroy.
the event will take place saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Woodlands township, 2801 technology Forest Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to noon. although the event is free, seating is limited and reservations are required. sign up today at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ gardeningevents.
How to Have the Best Little Vegetable Garden in Texas
saturday, march 2, 203
9 a.m. to noon
280 Technology Forest Boulevard
Free class, registration required
Learn vegetable gardening from the ground up with Tom LeRoy, horticulturalist and gardening author. Discover the best vegetables and varieties for spring and summer gardens in our region, and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce at your table. Includes book signing.
Where Have All the Hummingbirds Gone?
Thursday, march 7, 203
7:30 p.m.
l.g.i. lecture hall, mcCullough Jr. high school
3800 s. Panther Creek drive
Luring the diminutive bird to the garden is not difficult according to Mark Klym, co-author of Hummingbirds of Texas. Learn habitat needs, nectar sources, plants and feeders to transform your landscape into a hummingbird garden. Includes book signing.
New! Register for free gardening events online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ gardeningevents or call 281-210-3800. FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 7
Photo by Bob Dailey
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2013 TheWoodlandsMarathon.com
Woodlands Marathon is going to be bigger and better in 2013.
The Woodlands Marathon Traffic Guide.
The
2013
For the official 2013 traffic guide visit TheWoodlandsMarathon.com
Vehicular lane closures on the following streets will be in effect from 6:00am-1:30pm to accommodate runners.
Vehicular lane closures on the following streets will be in effect from 6:30am-8:30am to accommodate runners.
Vehicles on or near the race course may experience delays from 6:00am-1:30pm. We recommend the following:
PilatesLLC Studio A COLLEGEPARKDR GOSLING RD ALDEN WOODSDR GREEN BRIDGEDR COCHRAN’SCROSSINGDR WEN ART I L S D R EPANTHERCREEKDR NPANTHER CREEKDR WOODLANDSPKWY SHADOWBENDPL NEDLOG S H ADOW CIR LAKEWOODLANDSDR RESEARCH FOREST DR ALDENBRIDGEDR F A L CONWING DR INTERFAITHDR TECHNOLOGY F DVLBTSERO LAKESIDEBLVD KUYKENDAHLRD ORG G AN ’SMILLRD S I X P I NES DR WPANTHERCREEK DR FLINTRIDGEDR N S W E Mar ch 2 , 2 0 1 a.m
The Woodlands Marathon Boston Q ualifier START FINISH Restrooms Water Station Mile Marker Route Run Direction Relay Exchange Point 1 14 1 14 2 15 3 16 4 1 5 18 2 0 8 21 9 22 10 23 11 24 12 25 13 26 6 19
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TRAFFIC
RESIDENTIAL
NOTIFICATION
Have you ever wondered why some homes or neighborhoods seem to be targeted by burglars and others are not?
What Can You Do to Help Keep Your Neighborhood Safe?
By Holly steinke
Here are some tips to help keep you out of a criminal’s spotlight:
• Put away your trash, recycling and green waste bins on your trash day.
• Pick up newspapers and fliers left on your property, even if they aren’t ones that you requested.
• Lock your doors and set your alarm.
• Don’t open your door to strangers, including solicitors.
• Keep your yard maintained; mow and edge lawns.
• Fix broken lights; consider adding motion lights and photoelectric lights.
• trim your hedges below the window line and at the base to avoid creating a hiding place.
• trim tree branches up about six feet, so that you can see under them and clearly see doors and windows on your property.
• Clear accumulated pine needles and leaves off your roof and driveway.
you may also help your neighborhood by reporting problems when you see them. to reach the Woodlands township regarding the items below, please call 281-210-3800 or fill out a Service Request online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
• report streetlight outages to the Woodlands township, Parks and recreation Department, and they will report and track the repair request.
• report needs for repair to entry median signs, entry sign lights, pathways or parks to the Woodlands township, Parks and recreation Department.
• Join your neighbors in picking up trash in or near your neighborhood. register for the Woodlands Greenup event on March 23, 2013 at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/greenup.
• report unmaintained or vacant homes to the Woodlands township, Covenant administration Department, for evaluation and action, if deemed necessary.
• Paint your address on your curb for easy identification by public safety personnel. Paint kits are available for free for a one-week checkout from the Woodlands township, Neighborhood services Department, to residents of the Woodlands. the tips above are just some of the things that you can do to help keep your neighborhood from becoming a target of crime. Please continue to report any suspicious activity that you see in your neighborhood to your local law enforcement agency when you see it happening—it really does work!
• Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
• Contact the Montgomery County sheriff’s Office at 936-442-7797.
• Or, for residents of Creekside Park, contact the Harris County Constable Precinct #4 Office at 281-376-3472.
For more crime prevention ideas, to join the Woodlands Watch program or to schedule a Watch Meeting or Good Neighbor Day for your neighborhood, please contact the Woodlands township, Neighborhood services Department at 281-210-3800 or neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
0 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
By Lucinda Valdes
gReen sTaRTs heRe
Our Great American Cleanup Event!
Green starts here—the slogan for the Great american Cleanup— highlights the value of volunteerism, personal action and responsibility in maintaining a healthy, vibrant community. the Woodlands will once again join Keep Texas Beautiful and communities across the nation, targeting litter on pathways, along waterways and in greenbelts during the earth Day Greenup on saturday, March 23, 2013.
impacts the aesthetics of our community and harms wildlife.”
Individuals, families, scouts, neighborhoods, businesses, service clubs and schools are already signing up to take part in the cleanup and celebration that will follow. Pre-registration is encouraged, especially for groups. Participants will receive gloves, bags, instructions and an assigned pick-up area. a limited number of trash grabbers will be available to groups that pre-register. all are invited to the post pick-up party and celebration with food, music and booths from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Northshore Park. Pick-up volunteers will be honored guests, receiving free pizza and drinks along with the 2013 event t-shirt. the general public may purchase pizza and drinks.
geTTing Clean on liTTeR
• When out, 83 percent of us dispose of litter properly in a trash or recycling container.
• 3,274 communities in Texas held Great American Cleanup events in 2012.
• 113,357 volunteers contributed 552,033 hours cleaning up their communities.
• More than 18 million pounds of waste was collected.
• The presence of litter in a community takes a toll on quality of life, property values, and housing prices.
Stats obtained from Keep Texas Beautiful and Great American Cleanup Manual
Focusing close to home, the Woodlands Great american Cleanup event provides an opportunity for residents of each village to enjoy the outdoors, meet their neighbors and take ownership of their space. “Our community and the environment are the biggest winners,” notes Kathie Herrick, adopt-a-Path coordinator. “even the smallest litter, like cigarette butts and candy wrappers,
register for the earth Day Greenup 2013 now at www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/greenup. For more information, call 281-210-3800.
the Woodlands earth Day Greenup is coordinated by the Woodlands township with support from the Woodlands G.r e e.N., the Woodlands Development Company, Waste Management, americas styrenics, H-e-B and Woodlands Joint Powers agency.
eaRTh day
gReenuP 203
• Pre-register by March 16, 2013, at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ greenup
• Saturday, March 23, 2013
– Check-in at area parks: 8 to 10 a.m.
– GreenUp: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
– Celebrate at Northshore Park: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
2 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
Connect with neighbors and the outdoors by joining or leading a cleanup crew bagging trash from streets and streams. You gather your friends, and we provide gloves and bags!
The Woodlands CVB 2013 eVenTs
phone: 281-363-2447
e-mail: info@thewoodlandscvb.com
Web site: www.VisitTheWoodlands.com
Follow us on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands
Follow us on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/TheWoodlandscVB
Follow us on YouTube, www.YouTube.com/TheWoodlandscVB
SPRING SERIES
Saturdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2013
April 6, 20, 27, 2013*
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Waterway square
Featuring Live Music
*Live at Night will not be held on April 13 in observation of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival.
Saturday & Sunday, May 25 & May 26, 2013
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Waterway square
Featuring Fireworks,** Live Music, Vendors, Children’s Activities and More
Saturdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2013
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Waterway square
Featuring Live Music and Strolling Entertainers
Thursday, July 4, 2013
6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Town Green park and along The Woodlands Waterway®
Featuring Fireworks**, Live Music, Vendors, Strolling Entertainers, Kid’s Activities and More
Saturday & Sunday, August 31 & September 1, 2013
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Waterway square
Featuring Fireworks,** Live Music, Vendors, Children’s Activities and More
fall S ERIES
Saturdays, September 14, 21 & 28, 2013
October 5 & 12, 2013
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Waterway square
Featuring Live Music
Sunday, October 27, 2013
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Green park and along The Woodlands Waterway®
Featuring Trick or Treating, Costume Contests, Children’s Activities, Vendor Booths and More
Saturday, November 23, 2013
3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Town Green park and along The Woodlands Waterway®
Featuring Snow Play Areas, Live Music, Ice Carvers, Vendors, Kid’s Activities, Santa, Fireworks** and More
Special Preview Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, November 16 & 17, 2013
northeast corner of lake robbins and six pines drive
Open Daily
Saturday, November 23, 2013 through Monday, January 20, 2014
Featuring Ice Skating and Holiday Light Displays
Saturdays, December 7, 14 & 21, 2013
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Waterway square
Featuring Holiday Carolers
4 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
** Weather permitting. All events and dates subject to change.
Get away from it all... without leaving The Woodlands!
2 p.m., saturday, march 23, 203, until 9 a.m., sunday, march 24, 203
Terramont Park • 8500 Terramont Drive, The Woodlands, 77382
$125 for family of four; $30 per additional member. Includes dinner, breakfast, snack and all activities. Activity number 6069.103 Register early to secure your family’s spot!
The Woodlands Township Recreation Center 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 77381 www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov • 281-210-3950
go on a camping safari at Camp Ter-Ra-mont, family camping experience!
“Party Like an animal” PJ Party safari scavenger Hunt • toboggan race Movie under the stars • s’mores
Outdoor Crafts • Good Food need a tent and sleeping bags?
Four sleeping bags and a tent: $100, $25/each additional bag. tent only: $60
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 5
february
Friday, February
Gorilla Hole
The Recreation Center 7 p.m.
281-210-3950
This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.
saturday, February 2
Grogan’s Mill farmer’s Market Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 8 a.m. to noon
www.grogansmillvillage.com
fREE Compost Class
8203 Millennium Forest Drive 10 to 11 a.m.
For more information, call 281-210-3800.
Tuesday, February 5
Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext 1731.
Creekside Park Village association Meeting
6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m.
281-210-3889
Wednesday, February 6
Development Standards Committee Meeting*
Thursday, February 7
Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*
Walk in the Woods Nature lecture Identifying Backyard Snakes McCullough Junior High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive 7 p.m.
281-210-3800
saturday, February 9
Grogan’s Mill farmer’s Market
Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center 8 a.m. to noon
www.grogansmillvillage.com
Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext 1731.
Daddy-Daughter Dinner Dance
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center
5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Advance registration required. For more information, please call 281-210-3950.
monday, February -5
Community Elections
Convenience Voting
The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 281-210-3800
Tuesday, February 2
Heartsaver CPR Class Emergency Training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext 1731.
Indian Springs Village association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 7 p.m.
281-210-5808
alden Bridge Village association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 7 p.m.
281-210-3886
Thursday, February 4
Valentine’s Day
Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*
6 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
Su N M ON Tu ES W ED T H u RS F R i S AT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
*For calendar updates and complete listings, visit the calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
Panther Creek Village association Meeting
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard
7 p.m.
281-210-3886
Friday, February 5
Bloodborne Pathogens Class
Emergency Training Center
9 to 11 a.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext 1731.
Gorilla Hole
The Recreation Center
7 p.m.
281-210-3950
This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.
saturday, February 6
Election Day in The Woodlands
The Woodlands Township
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
281-210-3800
Grogan’s Mill farmer’s Market
Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center
8 a.m. to noon
www.grogansmillvillage.com
Gardening 101
Creating a Sense of Place
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard
9 a.m. to noon
To register, call 281-210-3800.
Heartsaver CPR Class
Emergency Training Center
9 a.m. to noon
To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext 1731.
first aid Class
Emergency Training Center
Noon to 3:30 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext 1731.
monday, February 8
Grogan’s Mill Village association Meeting
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard
6:30 p.m.
281-210-3887
College Park Village association Meeting
Emergency Training Center
7:30 p.m.
281-210-3889
Tuesday, February 9
Healthcare Provider CPR Class
Emergency Training Center
6:30 to 10 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext 1731.
Going Green Sustainability Series
Texas Climate Issues:
Understanding the 2011 Texas Heat Wave John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas State Climatologist
South Montgomery County Library
7 p.m.
See page 23.
Wednesday, February 20
Development Standards Committee Meeting*
law Enforcement
advisory Council Meeting
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard
6:30 p.m.
281-210-3800
Thursday, February 2
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard
9 a.m.
281-210-3800
saturday, February 23
Grogan’s Mill farmer’s Market
Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center
8 a.m. to noon
www.grogansmillvillage.com
Touch-a-Truck
Rob Fleming Aquatic Center parking lot
9 a.m. to noon
281-210-3950
monday, February 25
Sterling Ridge Village association Meeting
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 7 p.m.
281-210-5808
Tuesday, February 26
Healthcare Provider CPR Class
Emergency Training Center
6:30 to 10 p.m.
To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext 1731.
Cochran’s Crossing Village association Meeting
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 7:30 p.m.
281-210-3887
Wednesday, February 27
Watch Talk Wednesdays
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard
Noon to 1 p.m.
281-210-3800
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 6 p.m. 281-210-3800
upcoming events:
Friday, march
Gorilla Hole
The Recreation Center
7 p.m.
281-210-3950
This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.
In the Spotlight Teen Talent Show Waterway Square
7 to 10 p.m.
281-210-3950
saturday, march 2
Grogan’s Mill farmer’s Market
Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center
8 a.m. to noon
www.grogansmillvillage.com
How to Have the Best little Vegetable Garden in Texas
2801 Technology Forest Boulevard 9 a.m. to noon
For more information, call 281-210-3800.
fREE Compost Class
8203 Millennium Forest Drive
10 to 11 a.m.
For more information, call 281-210-3800.
saturday, march 23
Earth Day GreenUp
Visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/greenup to register
*Please visit the calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for listings, or call the office at 281-210-3800.
Garbage collection
No changes in garbage service this month. Watch this space for information about garbage and recycling service, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 7
FM 1960 • 281-775-4406 www.BMWofHoustonNorth.com
I-45 North at
Alden Bridge
It’s time to think about the next school year already! If you or someone you know will begin higher education in 2013, please consider applying for one of the alden Bridge scholarships. all graduating high school students residing in alden Bridge are eligible. see your high school counselor for details and applications, and don’t hesitate to compete for one of these! scholarship forms also can be obtained by downloading from www.aldenbridge.org/scholarships or by writing to alden Bridge Village association, attn: scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 7343, the Woodlands, tX 77387-7343.
your voice counts in our village association elections! alden Bridge will elect 10 at-large area representatives for two-year terms, plus five residential Design review Committee members for one-year terms. Convenience voting is available February 11-15, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the township building, 2801 technology Forest Boulevard. election Day is saturday, February 16, 2013, and polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the township building. Please vote!
this month’s residents meeting will be held on tuesday, February 12, 2013, at 7 p.m. at the Woodlands township, 2801 technology Forest Boulevard. Our speaker has not been announced yet, so please watch our Web site and newsletter for this information. all alden Bridge residents are welcome. Please join us!
Submitted by Darla Bell
College Park
We hope everyone is doing well and ready to enjoy the wonderful month of February! the weather is still nice and crisp, and we get a little break from spending a lot of time on our yards! More time to spend with your families doing something fun around Market street, having picnics at our wonderful parks and getting out and walking on our neighborhood trails.
Please be aware of our children in the neighborhoods getting on and off the school buses. the kids are in the middle of their spring semester and working hard. One thing that we all need to be aware of is the speed of the school bus drivers through our streets! yes, they are on a time schedule, but do not hesitate to report any of them speeding!
activities that are going on in the community are in this magazine. Please look over the schedule and try to get involved with things going on that are of interest to you.
Be safe and healthy, and don’t forget to show your Valentine that you’re thinking of them!
Our monthly meeting is always the third Monday of the month. Please take the time to look at our College Park Web site to be aware of any location changes! the College Park Village association discussed and voted to move our monthly meetings to the township building every month. as of this print, we have not changed from the Woodlands emergency training Center. Please check www.villageofcollegepark.com before attending the February meeting.
Submitted
by
Johanne Stanley
Grogan’s Mill
each March the board of the Grogan’s Mill Village association holds an annual “planning retreat” when the proposed projects and programs for the upcoming year are discussed. Once these are determined, then the budget for the 2013 fiscal year will be set. If you have suggestions for future programs or a project that you would like to be considered, please e-mail any board member at www.grogansmillvillage.com or plan to attend the meeting in person. as with all Grogan’s Mill Village association meetings, the planning retreat is open to all Grogan’s Mill residents. Please check our Web site for the specific date, time and location.
We invite all residents to become involved with what happens in your village. the election of Village association board members and representatives to the residential Design review Committees for all villages will be held on saturday, February 16, 2013. early voting will take place the week prior. read about Grogan’s Mill Village and residential Design review Committee candidates at our Web site (above). Both early and election day voting will take place at the Woodlands township building, located at 2801 technology Forest Blvd. For exact times and more information, please go to www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ februaryelections.
Because of the warm and wet fall this past year, the Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market has abundant amounts of fresh squash, locally grown tomatoes, beets, potatoes, leafy greens, eggplant and many other fresh items. the popularity of the market continues to increase with new vendors
8 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
N EWS FR o M THE V illages o F T he W oodlands
joining us as we grow our customer base. If you haven’t been to the market lately, come out and explore what’s available this time of year. We hope to see you every saturday, rain or shine, at the Grogan’s Mill Village Center, corner of Grogan’s Mill road and south Millbend, from 8 a.m. until noon. Check the Web site at www.grogansmillvillage.com for the latest information on vendors and products. On the same Web site, you can also subscribe to Friday’s weekly Farmer’s Market e-blast Newsletter.
If you’re looking for a part-time job opportunity, or know someone who is, stop by the Grogan’s Mill tent at the market for information. several of our vendors are looking for representatives to sell for them on saturday mornings at the Farmer’s Market.
Submitted by Bob Leilich and Dana Denton
Indian Springs
Bridging ceremony
Join us on saturday, February 2, 2013, at the trailhead to the George Mitchell Preserve off of Flintridge. We will leave the Indian springs side of the preserve and meet up with our Creekside neighbors at the fabulous new bridge that now connects our neighborhoods. Visit our Web site, indianspringsvillage.com, for more details, or “like” us on Facebook.
elections
Please consider taking the time to vote for your Indian springs Village association representatives. all voting for the residential Design review Committees and Village associations will take place at the Woodlands township located at 2801 technology Forest Blvd. Convenience voting begins Monday, February 11, through Friday, February 15, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. election Day voting is saturday, February 16, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the following positions are up for election this February:
President secretary
Five at-Large representatives
2013 community service scholarships
as a voluntary, elected board, one of our functions is to recognize and promote good citizenship and community service by awarding multiple scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each. this scholarship honors those who have chosen to serve their community, though the type of service is not limited in any way. applications will be available in March. Please see the Indian springs Web site at indianspringsvillage.com for further details.
to be eligible for the Indian springs Village association community service scholarship, the applicant must:
• Currently reside in the Village of Indian springs.
• Be a graduating high school senior (including home school) or recent high school graduate.
• Plan to attend an institution of higher learning (2- or 4-year or vocational) in fall 2013.
Submitted by Kelly Sharer
a lden Brid G e
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! Web site www.aldenbridge.org
Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Steve Leakey at 281-419-3468.
c ochran’s c rossin G
The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!
Web site www.cochranscrossing.com
Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Stuart Schroeder at 936-273-0419.
c olle G e park
The College Park Village Association (CPVA) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Emergency Training Center. Please join us!
Web site www.villageofcollegepark.com
Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Ted Stanley at 936-321-5996.
c reekside park
The Woodlands Creekside Park Village Association (TWCPVA) usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Creekside YMCA, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive. Please join us!
Web site www.creeksideparkvillage.com
Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3889 or Village Association President Nancy Decker Lent at 617-721-6939.
Gro G an’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! Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com
Questions? Contact your program specialist at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Jim Duke at president@gmva.org.
i ndian s prin G s
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! Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com
Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Amy Lecocq at 832-244-9585.
pan T her c reek
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! Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org
Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Everett Ison at 281-298-9524.
sT erlin G r id G e
The Sterling Ridge Village Association (SRVA) usually meets the fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.sterling-ridge.org
Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Phillip Givens at 281-419-9331.
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 9
m ee T ing i n F o R ma T ion
eV en T s in you R nei G h B orhood
Photo by Kelly Sharer
VoTe!
Voting for all residents and property owners on all polling dates for the February Residential Design Review Committee and Village Association elections will be held at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.
Convenience voting:
Monday, February 11, through
Friday, February 15, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
election day:
Saturday, February 16, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More information regarding elections can be found on The Woodlands Township Web site, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3800.
eleCTion ResulTs
The Residential Design Review Committee and Village Association election results will be posted at The Woodlands Township Town Hall after 10 p.m. on election night. To view the election results online after verification, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
Note: The Woodlands Township Board of Directors election, which will be held in November 2013, follows a different process.
Vote in February for Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations
It’s
time to vote for your village leaders on the Residential Design Review Committees and Village Associations. the complete list of positions up for election is as follows:
All Villages – Residential Design Review Committee
• up to five residential Design review Committee members to be elected for each village, all serving one-year terms. this includes two committees for villages such as Indian springs and Grogan’s Mill, which are divided into two geographic areas based on Covenant imposition.
Village Associations
the following village association positions are up for election in February 2013:
grogan’s mill Village association
• seven at-Large area representatives (two-year terms)
Panther Creek Village association
• Vice President (two-year term)
• secretary (two-year term)
• six at-Large area representatives (two-year terms)
Cochran’s Crossing Village association
• 18 at-Large area representatives (one-year terms)
indian springs Village association
• President (two-year term)
• secretary (two-year term)
• Five at-Large area representatives (two-year terms)
alden Bridge Village association
• 10 at-Large area representatives (two-year terms)
College Park Village association
• President (two-year term)
• secretary (two-year term)
• Nine at-Large area representatives (one-year terms)
sterling Ridge Village association
• eight at-Large Village Directors (two-year terms)
Creekside Park Village association
• President (two-year term)
• secretary (two-year term)
• events Chair (one-year term)
• six at-Large area representatives (one-year terms)
20 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 2 www.woodlandswellness.com We recycle! REcycLiNG It’s not waste, it’s a resource! For more information, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ environment or call 281-210-3800.
Communi T y le CT ion
S IGNAGE I NF o RMATI o N
February Residential Design Review Committee and Village Association Elections
For the February election of residential Design review Committees and Village associations offices, all of which are non-governmental elections, the owner of a lot may display one political sign promoting a candidate for each office or issue on the ballot on his or her residential or commercial lot. the sign(s) may be displayed beginning the 90th day preceding the regular election day and must be removed within 10 days following the day of the election. a two-sided sign is considered one sign.
In addition, the non-governmental election signs must be in good repair and aesthetically pleasing in keeping with the character of the community. the signs must not be lighted, accompanied by music, sound, balloons or streamers, or be distracting to motorists. the yard signs are not to exceed six square feet in area, and cannot exceed five feet in total installed height (including the mounting post). signs are not permitted in public road rights-of-way.
During early voting, two election signs promoting each candidate or issue on the ballot may be placed at least 25 feet from the building entrance at the early voting polling site during the 24-hour period preceding the day early voting begins and must be removed within 24 hours following the day early voting ends. In addition, a marker noting 25 feet from the polling site entrance will be made to limit electioneering in the entry area.
On election Day, signs may be placed at the polling place 24 hours before the day of the election and must be removed within 24 hours following the day of the election. signs are not permitted in the public road rights-of-way.
Generic voting signs displayed during the convenience voting period and on election Day are signs installed by the Woodlands township. these signs do not advocate or support a particular candidate or issue.
Governmental Elections
For governmental elections conducted by the county, state or federal government (including primary elections) or by any political subdivision of the state
(including the November 2013 election of township Directors), the owner of a lot may display one political sign promoting a candidate for each office or issue on the ballot on his or her residential or commercial lot. the sign(s) may be displayed beginning the 90th day preceding the regular election day and must be removed within 10 days following the day of the election or runoff election. (listed below.)
In addition, the political signs must be ground-mounted, and not attached in any way to plant material, traffic control devices, light standards, trailers, vehicles or other existing structures or objects. Political signs cannot exceed four feet high by six feet wide, and cannot exceed five feet in total installed height (including the post, if any). signs must not contain any offensive language or graphics, or display anything deemed offensive, must not be lighted, accompanied by music, sound, balloons or streamers. signs must not be portable or distracting to motorists. a two-sided sign is considered one sign. signs cannot be placed in public road rights-of-way.
For complete information regarding the sign standards for elections in the Woodlands, please call 281-210-3973.
22 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
www.paddingtonbritishschool.com
Texas Climate issues:
UNDERSTANDING THE 2011 TEXAS HEAT WAVE
“This is what we have been looking for in team sports. Good positive people who care about kids, not scores.”
Cas Frost, Clear Lake
“FFPS lives up to its name. FFPS has the right philosophy.”
Phil Bradshaw, The Woodlands
“This was my son’s first season and he is deaf. FFPS not only taught him soccer, but accepted him for who he is.”
Tiffany Quick, Cy-Fair
Texas State Climatologist
John Neilsen-Gammon
In February, texas state Climatologist John Neilsen-Gammon will walk through some of the science behind what’s happening with our weather, looking specifically at the 2011 heat wave. He will illustrate how researchers use computer models to better understand climate and its changes. His lecture is part of the Going Green sustainability series organized by the Woodlands township G.r e e.N. and sponsored by the Woodlands township. the lecture will be held at 7 p.m., February 19, 2013, at the south Montgomery County Library, 2101 Lake robbins Drive, 77380.
Professor John Nielsen-Gammon is on the faculty at texas a&M university. He was appointed state Climatologist in 2000 by Governor George W. Bush. His research includes jet streams, heavy rain, sea breezes, air pollution, data assimilation, and drought monitoring and forecasting.
For more information, please contact Cinda Hitchcock at 281-363-2723 or www.thewoodlandsgreen.org.
*
Practices - One Practice Per Week Coaches will call players to schedule first practice by April 10 at the latest. Practice times and location determined by the coach and team. One practice per week. Visit FFPS.org for more practice information.
All Games Played at Woodlands High - 9th Grade
Woodlands High School - 9th Grade located at Woodlands Pkwy. and Branch Crossing.
Teams
Team formations are always fair and balanced by ability, size, age and grade. Only ONE friend request allowed per player. Visit www.ffps.org for more information. FFPS is a parent involved program. Coaching is rewarding, easy, and fun in FFPS, too!
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 23
gReen susTainaBiliTy seRies
going
SIGN UP EARLY AND SAVE $5! Register at FFPS.ORG NEW! 2 PAYMENT PLAN For more info go to FFPS.org or call 800.828.7529 (PLAY) FUN FAIR
4-year-olds must turn 5 by 12/31/13 Join 15,000 players in 22 leagues in the Houston area. every child to feel as a valued at their level of performance by using positive reinforcement and unconditional acceptance by the Coach and parents so every child of any ability can have a positive memory. Houston!!!
One Pymt 2 Pymt Plan ea 00 ea ea
Payment Plan: Note: Applications received after March 18 are not guaranteed placement – first-come, first-serve basis only.
2
Applications 101 Home Improvement
By susan schneider
Thinking about a home improvement this year?
Here are some pointers on how to apply.
In the midst of the excitement of planning a home improvement, you might not remember that you need to have a permit before you begin any construction. Many homeowners don’t realize that even some simple improvements require a permit; things like water fountains, small arbors, flagstone paving, as well as some interior remodeling. Fences, roof replacements and some window and door replacements also require permits.
Covenant administration Department, at 2801 technology Forest Boulevard, the Woodlands, texas 77381. this department helps homeowners and contractors complete applications and also answers their questions about deed restrictions, known as the Woodlands township Development standards and commonly called “the standards.” Covenants, standards and applications are all available online at www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/covenants.
Completing the upper portion of the application is very simple; just fill in the blanks with the property and contractor information. If the work isn’t being contracted, leave that part blank. If you don’t happen to know your property’s legal description, don’t worry, township staff can look it up for you.
property information, just complete the portion of the application that asks for the type of shingle and the shingle color, sign and submit it. exterior paint color changes are also easily completed. attach color samples of the proposed new paint colors to the application, fill in the blanks regarding which color goes where, sign and submit. applications for window and door replacements, or other exterior aesthetic changes to the home may need brochures or pictures of the proposed changes included with the application form. attaching photos and brochures helps the review Committee understand more clearly what is being done to the home and how it will look when finished.
One of the benefits of having a permit is that it creates a record of the improvements to your home. a permit establishes when something was built and also that the improvement passed safety inspections at the time of construction. this can be helpful information to people who may purchase your home in the future.
the place to go to apply for a permit is the Woodlands township
the remaining sections of the application pertain to the details of the project. Completing an application before construction begins can actually help with project planning.
some applications are quite simple to complete. all roof replacements now require an application before the roof is installed, and it’s probably the easiest one to submit. after completing the upper portion with the owner and
Many applications require a marked copy of the property survey. Property surveys are usually included with the documents homeowners receive when they purchase a home. tree removal applications need to have the location of the trees proposed for removal marked on the survey.
Fence applications also require a marked survey. side and rear fences are usually located on the property lines of the lot; the property lines are the outermost solid lines indicating the
24 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
edges of the lot. It’s easy to confuse property lines with other lines on surveys, such as easements and building lines. Building lines and easement lines are usually dashed lines that are inward from the solid property line. Most fence applications only need the completed application and the marked survey in order to be submitted to the Woodlands township. However, if the proposed fence design is not one of the styles noted in the standard, additional information such as drawings or brochures describing the fence may be needed.
an inspection by an approved inspector may be needed for some projects. the inspection ensures that a project is safe and meets the applicable building and safety codes. Fences with pools, bodies of water more than 24 inches deep, new construction larger than 200 square feet and some remodeling projects are a few of the applications requiring a refundable compliance deposit and inspection.
When applying for new construction, or remodeling that adds more than 200 square feet of living space to a lot, three sets of sealed plans must be included with the application and survey. the sealed plans need to include elevation drawings of the front, both sides and rear of the proposed improvement as well as a floor plan and details as to how a structure attaches to another structure. sealed plans help demonstrate that the project will meet safety and building codes, and will also be compatible with other construction in the neighborhood.
While providing so much information may seem like a lot of trouble, being prepared beforehand and allowing plenty of time for the application process will definitely make your project run more smoothly. Just remember that the Woodlands township is ready and willing to answer questions and assist homeowners with their applications. For more information, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 25
Wishing you and your loved ones Personalized, all-encompassing insurance Travelers Safeco The Hartford MetLife Progressive® Contact us today for a free, multi-carrier insurance quote. 281.296.4100 | www.PanopticIns.com 24 Waterway Avenue, Suite 900 The Woodlands, TX 77380 Home Auto Life Health a happy, healthy 2013.
A cASE OF MiSTAkEN iDENTiTy
By Lucinda Valdes
Venomous snake or harmless species? Attracted by insects, frogs and rodents seeking water, snakes are more active after rain events. Learn easy tips for identifying backyard snakes on Thursday, February 7, 2013, at 7 p.m., in the Nancy Bock Auditorium at McCullough Junior High School.
each spring as native reptiles stir from winter hibernation, chance encounters with snakes increase. the vast majority of local snakes are quite harmless, according to Mike Howlett, herpetologist and project manager with Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Department.
Due to mistaken identity, harmless species are too often destroyed. “Most people can identify a ribbon or garter snake. But, when they see a little texas brown snake, they think: baby copperhead!” the herpetologist explains.
When stumbling across a coiled snake, “the best protection is education,” Mr. Howlett maintains. an expert in snake behavior, he is a master at teaching adults and children quick and easy ways to distinguish our area’s venomous snakes from harmless ones. He emphasizes recognizable traits that are easily recalled during a surprise meeting. the southern copperhead’s characteristic pattern of distinctive dark bands is an accurate and quick way of identifying the species.
Being able to recognize venomous species calms nerves and protects harmless snakes from becoming casualties.
Like all reptiles, snakes play an important role in maintaining the balance of nature. “If people eliminate all snakes, we will see a drastic increase in the rodent population,” Mr. Howlett cautions.
skilled predators, snakes help control populations of small animals with high reproductive rates. rats, mice, frogs, toads, scorpions, spiders, centipedes and smaller reptiles are mainstays of the snake’s diet.
On thursday, February 7, 2013, at 7 p.m., Mike Howlett presents Identifying Backyard Snakes in the Nancy Bock auditorium at McCullough Junior High school, 3800 s. Panther Creek Drive. appealing to all ages from elementary students to adults, the informative and entertaining lecture also covers safety issues and features live contained specimens. the free program is the first offering in the spring lineup for A Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Series organized by the Woodlands township with sponsorship by the Woodlands G.r e e.N., Hilton Garden Inn and Waste Management. For more information, please call the Woodlands township at 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
26 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
Herpetologist Mike Howlett offers a harmless corn snake for close inspection.
Photo by Lucinda Valdes
iRRigaTion sysTems
By Bob Dailey
under a January 1, 2013, policy adopted by the Woodlands Municipal utility Districts (MuDs), all new irrigation systems installed in the Woodlands must be permitted, whether installed by a licensed irrigator or by the property owner.
Licensed irrigators are required to have valid photo identification, a state irrigation license and general liability insurance of $300,000. Property owners who wish to install their own systems are not required to be licensed or insured. the system cannot be operated until an inspector approves the completed job.
Failure to comply may result in fines imposed by the Municipal utility Districts.the new policy includes specifics on installation of new systems, as well as specifics on use of reclaimed water. “the new policy reflects the intention of the MuDs to ensure uniform quality, restrict the work of unlicensed irrigation installers, and to limit water waste from improperly installed irrigation systems,” said Jim stinson, general manager of the Woodlands Joint Powers agency, the central management agency for the 11 MuDs that currently serve the Woodlands in Montgomery County.
specifics for the new policy can be found at www.wjpa.org.
“It was a beautiful run through the woods.” “CB&I
“Just a great vibe, lots of energy, lots of fun.”
should
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 27 THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP Muddy Trails Bash • CB&I TRI - The Woodlands Triathlon • 10 For Texas
TRI is a model
sprint
Houston
of how a
triathlon
be put together. My favorite race in the
area.”
Muddy Trails Bash 10 for Texas
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/races
M U nicipal UT ili TY d is T ric T p olic Y r eq U ires p er M i TT in G o F n e W
Children of all ages are welcome to join the Woodlands township for big trucks, flashing lights, big wheels and loud noises at the free touch-a-truck event at the rob Fleming aquatic Center parking lot on saturday, February 23, 2013, from 9 a.m. to noon. this unique event provides a morning of fun for kids and adults alike to climb on trucks and heavy equipment, check under the hood and learn what makes them go!
Other activities include a “construction zone” for kids and a giant sandbox. Bring your cameras and curiosity for a morning of fun at touch-a-truck! the rain-out date is scheduled for saturday, april 20, 2013.
Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 9 a.m. to noon
Rob Fleming Aquatic Center parking lot
6055 Creekside Forest Drive
28 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
E MPL o YMENT oPP o RTUNITIES
the Woodlands township is accepting applications for 2013 summer seasonal positions in the Parks and recreation Department. available positions are lifeguards from $8.25/hour, swim coaches from $8.50/hour and water safety instructors from $10.25/hour. training classes for positions will be provided at a reduced rate to successful candidates.
aquatic recreation specialist from $13/hour (april through mid-July), will oversee swim team practices and all meets, as well as overseeing other programs. summer Camp positions (must be age 18 or older) from $9.50/hour. Counselors will help coordinate and organize recreation programs and activities for children ages 6 to 12 attending summer camp (June, July and august) at the recreation Center.
Pool Pass recreation aide, $7.25/hour (april through July), will process new and renewal membership pool pass applications for the Woodlands neighborhood pools. experience should include cash handling, report reconciliation, heavy customer service and basic computer skills with heavy data entry. Must be available to work a flexible schedule to include days, evenings and weekends.
all team members must be at least 16 years of age, unless otherwise stated, and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen. Leadership team members must also successfully complete an extensive background check. applications may be obtained from the Woodlands township Parks, recreation and environmental services Building, 8203 Millennium Forest Drive or recreation Center, 5310 research Forest Drive.
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 29 You have friends here. You just haven’t met them yet. You know the feeling. From the moment you meet, it’s as if you’ve known each other forever. That’s how it is for new residents at The Village at The Woodlands Waterway. In no time they make fast friends and share endless hours of fun and laughter, and they are thrilled to do so in a beautiful community humming with personality and activity around every corner. Looking to make some fast friends? Then make a quick call to The Village at The Woodlands Waterway at (281) 292-4600. Independent Living Personalized Assisted Living Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care 2323 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380 Facility Number: 104849 www.brookdaleliving.com www.villagewoodlands.com
For additional information or to apply online, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
To WNSHIP
Congratulations to The Woodlands Fire Department! The Department’s Station 7, located at 26722 Kuykendahl Road, 77375, was recently recognized with a 2012 Station Style Design Award from Fire Chief Magazine. The Woodlands Fire Department’s first station in Harris County, Station 7 opened in February 2012 and services residents of The Woodlands in Creekside Park, Indian Springs and Sterling Ridge. The 12,100 square feet station has three apparatus bays, living quarters, eight dorm rooms, an administrative office, a conference/study room, a work room, a decontamination room and a physical wellness area. It is equipped with a fire engine, a brush pumper, a rescue boat and a Cypress Creek EMS unit. The architect of the facility was Joiner Partnership, Inc. and the contractor was Teal Construction Company.
30 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013
Wildlife Rehabilitators Wanted
Doyou have a passion for wildlife?
Have you ever wondered how you could help orphaned or injured animals?
tWrC Wildlife Center is always looking for dedicated individuals to train as Wildlife rehabilitators. as the 2013 baby animal season is well underway, the need for more help is essential to ensure no animal in need gets turned away. For more information on how you can help, please contact the tWrC Wildlife Center by calling 713-468-8972, on the Web at www.twrcwildlifecenter.org, or visit the Woodlands facility at 1118 Pruitt road, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FEBRUARY 2013 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine 3 www.myersplumbingservices.com
Friday, march , 203 7 - 0 p.m. Waterway square, The Woodlands, TX 77380 Free Admission! hot chocolate and popcorn will be sold. make sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs! in the spotlight Teen Talent show is a program of The Woodlands Township. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov 281-210-3950
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
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 nonexclusive 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. They may be submitted to The Woodlands Community Magazine, P.O. Box 7859, The Woodlands, TX, 77387-7859. 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 magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information. copyright: The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. by Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., 6608 FM 1960 West, Suite G, Houston Texas 77069. Copyright © 2013. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher or The Woodlands Township.
www.residencedoctor.com www.usapaella.com www.wiredes.com 32 The Woodlands CommuniTy magazine FEBRUARY 2013 www.SterlingMechanicalCares.com Published by Champions Printing & Publishing 28.583.766
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