March 2014

On the Cover

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

Fire Department (non-emergency) 281-367-3444

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center 5310 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office 281-297-6500, Business, M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 936-442-7797, Non-Emergency, 24 hours

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (Water)

Montgomery County M.U.D.S., 855-H2O-SAVE (855-426-7283)

Harris County M.U.D. 386, 281-290-6500

Emergency 911

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

The Woodlands Township ended 2013 in excellent financial condition while lowering the tax rate for the fourth consecutive year.

The 2013 Summary of Accomplishments was presented to The Township Board of Directors by the President/ General Manager at the January Town Hall Meeting and can be found online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ summaryofaccomplishments. This presentation noted that the Township Board of Directors took a number of actions in 2013 to improve The Township’s overall financial condition and to assure the continuation of high-quality services.

• The Township property tax rate declined by 7.4 percent for the 2014 budget year to a rate of 29.4 cents per $100 of valuation.

• The Board authorized the early retirement of $14.3 million of outstanding bonds which saves $5.6 million in future interest costs.

• The Township continues to see strong growth in sales tax and room tax revenue which reduces the property tax requirement.

• The Township continues to see strong economic growth in jobs and commercial tax base.

• The Township has no unfunded liability for pension costs.

• The Township Board approved the 2014 budget, maintaining high quality services and providing for enhancements to law enforcement.

Your elected directors, pictured above, and staff are committed to public safety, among other services; providing exceptional customer-friendly services, representing the community as the government for The Woodlands, and providing programs and policies to enhance property values. On behalf of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors and staff members, we’re pleased to report the outlook in 2014 continues to be very promising for the residents and businesses in The Woodlands.

The Woodlands COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

The

Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township

CHAMPIONS STAFF

President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr.

Account Executives Connie Krell

Charlotte Blanco

Cheryl Kirsch

Creative Director Lori Short

Graphic Designers Jami Davis

Charlene Strine

TOWNSHIP STAFF

Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda

Editor Mary Connell

Photo Editor Susan Schneider

Editorial Assistant Amber Parsley

Advertising inquiries, rate requests and change of address/delivery inquiries may be directed to:

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

www.championsprinting.com

Editorial inquiries may be directed to The Woodlands Community Magazine, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX, 77381, telephone 281-210-3800. Editorial deadlines are the 15th of every month, approximately six weeks in advance of publication. The editors reserve all rights to accept or reject any submissions and reserve all rights to edit for clarity and space. The Woodlands Community Magazine is the official information source of The Woodlands Township. Its purpose is to inform Woodlands residents about the activities of the Township and the services provided to them as Woodlands residents. Information from the Township

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

Texas tough Cancer C

Our cancer patients are fighting some of the toughest battles, and Texas Children’s Cancer Center is there to help them in ever y way. Using a family-centered approach, our world-renowned faculty and staff here in Houston put kids and families first –while pioneering many of the now standard protocols for treating pediatric cancer and blood disorders. As a result, we’ve become the largest pediatric cancer center i n t h e

exper tise helps children battle cancer, visit texaschildrens.org/cancer.

Volunteers Township honors at town hall meeting

During the recent Town Hall Meeting, The Woodlands Township honored numerous volunteers for their service to the community. The Township honored Mike Larson for dedication to Neighborhood Services, Deborah Sargeant for her work with the Development Standards Committee, the Montgomery County Master Gardeners Association for work with Environmental Services and the National Charity Roundtable for work with the Parks and Recreation Department.

Groups recognized for their volunteer work included the Bicycle Task Force, Community Emergency Response Team, Development Standards Committee, Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, Residential Design Review Committees, Village Associations and The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau. A complete list of volunteers appears on the facing page.

Please visit the Township’s Web site at www.thewoodlandstownship.tx-gov/ summaryofaccomplishments to find out more about The Woodlands Township’s projects and accomplishments for 2013 and 2014.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors honors its Volunteers of the

Montgomery

Master

Every season brings an opportunity for home/property maintenance.

The Woodlands Township reminds you to:

• Remove mildew/algae from all exterior surfaces.

• Repair and repaint siding.

• Repair and replace broken fences.

• Mow and edge your lawn.

• Edge, weed and mulch all landscape beds.

• Store trash and recycle carts out of sight.

• Remove all loose trash, debris and yard waste.

• Remove pine needles, leaves and debris from roof. Removal will improve the longevity of the roof, reduce fire hazard and discourage pests.

Potential permit needed. Contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800 for help with the application process.

The Woodlands Township is charged with the care and enforcement of the standards and deed restrictions. To learn more about the Covenants, Standards and Deed Restriction enforcement, please call 281-210-3800 or visit the Residents tab at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Seasonal SPRUCE UP

Is the appearance of your home blemished by algae and mildew?

Suggestions for removing algae and mildew from your home:

• A solution of 10 parts water to one part common bleach (strength of mixture can be increased for removal of heavy growth). Be sure to wet foundation plantings first and rinse everything in clean water when done to protect plants from the bleach. Wear gloves and be careful not to come in contact with bleach. Please be aware that high concentrations of bleach may discolor your paint.

• Wipe or scrub with detergent and water.

• There are a number of cleaning products and suggestions for removing these substances from the exterior of the home that can be found and sold at your local home improvement store.

Prevention is always best! Periodic cleaning with a power washer containing water only may help prevent the problem altogether. Remember: Mildew removal may reveal the need to repaint your home. If so, be sure to take the appropriate actions.

Consider the Facts

Trash and recycle carts left out where others can see them:

• Detract from the appearance of the neighborhood.

• Decrease the resale value of homes on the street.

• Impose on the next-door neighbors.

Expect the Best for Your Neighborhood! All trash, refuse or recycling containers may be placed near the street edge no earlier than one day prior to waste collection. Emptied containers must be removed from the street, front yard or driveway by the end of the collection day. Containers must be stored on the owner’s property at all times. All trash and refuse containers must be stored out of public view at ground level from the street, alley or adjacent and surrounding properties at all times except during waste collection.

Note: The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department can provide information on lawn care, irrigation practices, disease prevention and plant selection tailored to this region. Please call 281-210-3800 for more information.

EARTH DAY GREENUP

BE A GREEN BELT GUARDIAN

• Recruiting groups with energetic members, aged 16 and over.

• To target illegal dumping of landscape debris.

• Orientation and tools provided.

• Keeping our forest healthy and safe!

Call The Woodlands Township, Environmental Services at 281-210-3800 for more information.

ATownship tradition, The Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp celebrates the Great American Cleanup on March 29. The event brings the community together to keep The Woodlands beautiful by targeting litter and illegal dumping of landscape debris. Make a difference in our community at GreenUp 2014! Enjoy the outdoors and meet neighbors by joining a pick-up team, bagging waste out of place along pathways, greenbelts and waterways.

Following the cleanup, the entire community is invited to celebrate at Northshore Park with eco entertainment, food and fun. The stage will feature the return of a Woodlands jazz favorite, the Don Slocomb Band.

Event volunteers will be treated to pizza and drinks; food tickets will be on sale to the general public. Discover The Woodlands outdoors with booths, free face painting, and popular kid’s activities from the Ecology Carnival. Experience the new fitness craze—hoop dance with Yvonne Bohanon and the Houston Spin Stars.

A Great American Cleanup event, The Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp is coordinated by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N with support from The Woodlands Development Company, Waste Management, Woodlands Joint Powers Agency, Hilton Garden Inn, BIO Landscape, Nature’s Way Resources and Keep Texas Beautiful. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/greenup or call 281-210-3800 for more information.

Individuals, families, scouts, neighbors, churches, businesses, service clubs and schools are signing up for the Earth Day GreenUp, the community’s annual cleanup and celebration on Saturday, March 29.

Monarch Magic

Each spring, The Woodlands landscape plays a small role in one of nature’s most amazing events—the magical odyssey of the monarch butterfly. Journeying from remote mountain areas in Mexico, monarch butterflies stop in Texas to lay eggs, producing the next generation that will continue the long migration northward. Each fall the wondrous pattern reverses as the butterfly returns to its wintering grounds.

On Thursday, March 20, 2014, at 7:30 p.m., Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Series presents Monarch Magic: Metamorphosis, Mimicry and Migration with Dr. Nancy Greig, director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Monarch butterflies captivate the imagination, according to the botanist and entomologist. “They are spectacular, very showy, easily observed with a wonderful sailing flight,” she said.

Like all butterflies, monarchs depend on plants in all life stages, from egg to adult. Concerns for the future of monarchs focus on the availability of the specific plants, or habitat, that the butterfly requires for survival. While adult butterflies feed at a variety of nectar-producing flowers, monarch caterpillars consume and develop exclusively on Asclepias, plants in the milkweed family. Learn how to help monarch conservation efforts by creating and caring for a Monarch Waystation, a butterfly garden providing the essentials.

Dr. Nancy Greig reveals the magic of monarch butterflies, their life cycle, migration and threats at the next Walk in Woods Nature Lecture hosted in the L.G.I. Lecture Hall at McCullough Junior High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Dr. A free program of The Woodlands Township, the series is sponsored by The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Hilton Garden Inn and Waste Management.

Muddy Trails 5K/10K/Little Muddy Kids 1-mile Fun Run/2K-9 Fun Run

The courses will wind through the beautiful George Mitchell Nature Preserve, located on 1,800 acres adjacent to Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park. Weather conditions in Houston during April vary, so participants should train accordingly. The chip-timed races (5K and 10K) are recommended for participants ages 10 and older. The Little Muddy Kids’ One-Mile Fun Run is recommended for children ages 5 and up. There is also a 2K-9 fun run to do with your dog! The post-race party will include crawfish plates and live Zydeco music. Concessions will be available.

Volunteers and crawfish teams are also needed. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/races.

Great Ways Work Together…

To have a crime committed, there needs to be desire of a criminal to commit a crime; ability to commit the crime; and the opportunity for the crime to be committed. Residents and businesses have control over opportunity in the basic Crime Triangle. By taking away the opportunity for a crime to occur, the crime can’t occur. Here are some basic tips that you and your neighbors can use to help take away the opportunity:

Always use the locking devices on your home, vehicle and bicycle.

Desire

OPPORTUNITY

Did you know that residents play an important role in crime prevention?

Always close and lock your garage door (whether you’re at home or away).

Always set your alarm.

Do not leave items in your vehicle (especially in plain view).

Get to know your neighbor and work together for a safe neighborhood. Be observant.

Report suspicious activity immediately.

To learn more about these tips, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ neighborhoodservices or call 281-210-3800 to schedule a Watch Meeting with law enforcement for your Woodlands Watch neighborhood on Safe at Home, Personal Safety, I.D. Theft and more.

Also, according to the National Crime Prevention Council, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design has a goal “to prevent crime by designing a physical environment that positively influences human behavior. The theory is based on four principles: natural access control, natural surveillance, territoriality, and maintenance.”

If you’d like to try something new in your neighborhood to help keep your neighborhood safe, how about getting your Woodlands Watch neighbors together to work on the maintenance principle by cleaning up at your village’s Earth Day GreenUp event? It’s a good way to get your neighbors involved, and by keeping your neighborhood clean, you will show others that you pay attention and care about your neighborhood, thus deterring crime. For more information on the event, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/greenup.

2014 march

Saturday, March 1

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

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

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Live at Night

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 281-363-2447.

Sunday, March 2

FREE Concert in the Park Quiet Company Band

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

Tuesday, March 4

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, March 5

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, March 6

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Saturday, March 8

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ 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.

FREE Compost Class

8203 Millennium Forest Drive

10 to 11 a.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

Arts in the Park

Rob Fleming Park

2 to 6 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

Live at Night Waterway Square 31 Waterway Square Place 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 281-363-2447.

Sunday, March 9

FREE Concert in the Park Buck Yeager Band (Country) Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

Tuesday, March 11

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 Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-5808

Alden Bridge Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3886

Thursday, March 13

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Saturday, March 15

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

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.

Live at Night

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 281-363-2447.

Sunday, March 16

FREE Concert in the Park

Yelba (Latin Variety Band)

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

Monday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

College Park Village Association

Annual Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-3889

Tuesday, March 18

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext 1731.

Wednesday, March 19

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, March 20

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 9 a.m.

281-210-3800

Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture

Monarch Magic

McCullough Junior High School, L.G.I. Lecture Hall

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, March 21

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, March 22

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

The Woodlands Spring Flea Market

Town Center Parking Garage

7 to 10 a.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3976.

Camp Ter-Ra-Mont, March 22-23

Terramont Park, 8500 Terramont Drive

12 p.m. to 9 a.m. 281-210-3950

Live at Night

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 281-363-2447.

Sunday, March 23

FREE Concert in the Park Easy Money Band

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

Monday, March 24

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Garbage Collection

Tuesday, March 25

Healthcare Provider CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

To register, please call 281-210-5820 ext 1731.

Award Winning Bag It Documentary Viewing

George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library

8125 Ashlane Way 7 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, March 26

Watch Talk Wednesdays 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Noon to 1 p.m.

281-210-3800

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, March 29

The Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp

See page 10 for schedule 281-210-3800

continued on page 21

www.metroministorage.net

No changes in garbage service this month. Watch this space for information about garbage and recycling service, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

Got the volunteer spirit? We need you to represent Alden Bridge at the Village Flea Market coming up at the Pavilion garage. All village associations share in the profits if we meet our quota of volunteers, and our share goes directly to our scholarship fund. For additional information, please contact info@aldenbridge.org. This is a morning event, so you’ll still have all afternoon for your own enjoyment, plus you get the first look at all the great stuff for sale!

Congratulations to the winners of the village association elections! We appreciate your participation in the election process. We’ll introduce our 2013-14 board at our next village association board meeting on Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. at the Township Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard. Watch our Web site and newsletter for news of this month’s guest speaker. All residents are invited to join us.

Midnight on March 21 is the deadline for receipt of completed applications for Alden Bridge scholarships, so don’t let this opportunity slip by. Applications can be obtained from school counselors or by downloading from our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org – click on the “Scholarships” tab. Alden Bridge resident students going on to higher education in 2014 are eligible to apply, and we’ll award several $1,000 scholarships. We also have scholarships earmarked for students who have chosen to attend Lone Star College, so if you’re in this group check on those also.

Save the date! Our biggest event, the Spring Festival, will be held on Saturday, April 19. More information to come next month.

Please send your e-mail address to info@aldenbridge.org so we can add you to the mailing list for our monthly e-mail newsletter and visit our Web site, www.aldenbridge.org, for news of Alden Bridge and The Woodlands.

Submitted by Darla Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

By now, Cochran’s Crossing readers may be aware of the renovation construction at Shadowbend Park. Last year, the Cochran’s Crossing Village Association board meeting with the most participation from residents involved the effort by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department to identify elements that are priorities to residents. As Kelly Dietrich, assistant director for the department, commented, the input was “invaluable in creating a sense of quality space that residents will enjoy, along with preserving the park.”

The park will have upgrades to the pool, restroom and pavilion, a new playground, tennis gazebo and sprayground and expansion of the tennis parking lot. Although the park, with the exception of the multi-purpose field and basketball court, will be closed to the public during construction, it will re-open in June.

This process is an example of the way the Village Associations, working in cooperation with the Township, can play a significant role in maintaining the positive features that are an important part of living in The Woodlands.

Among other matters discussed at recent Cochran’s Crossing Village Association meetings have been front yard sign standards and the reforestation project which will involve more seedlings to increase the survival rate of trees that are planted. The village board is also working to develop an Arts Enrichment Program that will benefit schools in the Cochran’s Crossing area.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Hello to all, from the College Park Village Association!

This time of year is when we all start seeding the lawns, cleaning out garages, and spring cleaning everything in general. The sunshine and warmer weather get in our bones and give us more energy for sure! The weather also encourages us to get outside with activities, festivals, picnics, etc.

Watch for activities and events in this magazine edition. Also refer to our College Park Web site for information of activities planned for our village.

College Park will be planning the annual Spring Fling in April, and the College Park Web site will confirm the date for you. We are always in need of volunteers for our activities, and we look forward, as always, to seeing new faces at our monthly meetings to sign up to help and to bring new ideas!

Please save clean plastic caps and corks for our annual contest of recycling between the villages. If we bring in the highest number, our village wins scholarship dollars for our College Park Village students who apply!

Thank you to all of the residents who live in College Park, for making it a safe and enjoyable place to live! Keep an eye out for each other’s property and any concerns you have, regarding safety or issues; we encourage you to share at our monthly village meetings.

Our monthly meetings are always the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, 77381. Please come and sit in on one of our meetings and get to know the College Park village board and share ideas and concerns!

Grogan’s Mill

It is with great sadness that the Grogan’s Mill Village Association reports the loss of our village president on December 27, 2013, after a valiant battle with cancer. George van Horn was not only a great leader, but was a pillar in The Woodlands community with many friends. He will be missed. The village association is determining the most fitting memorial to honor his service to the community.

As the installation of the new water pipeline along Grogan’s Mill Road continues, we ask that you please make an effort to support our merchants in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. Most have been hard hit by the disruption caused by this construction. Some have suffered a loss of up to 30 percent of their normal business. Since the road

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

closures may go on another couple of months, we hope you will continue to support Randalls along with all of the smaller businesses in our center. Thank you!

With February elections completed, check www.grogansmillvillage.com for village election results. Also, one or two additional vacancies may be available on the village board. If you would like to be considered for appointment, let any village board member know of your interest, why you would like to serve, and any other information that would help your nomination. We also encourage residents of Grogan’s Mill to attend our monthly meetings, held the third Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., 77381. Public comments and involvement in village activities are always welcome.

Spring is fast approaching with the Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market looking forward to another record season with not only the number of vendors, but also the continuing growth of weekly customers. Check our Web site or newsletter for upcoming special children’s days and holiday theme events. If you’ve never been, come visit and see what you’ve been missing! Profits from the market go to support Grogan’s Mill schools, the Interfaith Food Pantry, college scholarships for graduating Grogan’s Mill high school seniors, and other worthwhile community projects. If you don’t receive our weekly Farmers’ Market e-blast, sign up on our Web site under the Farmer’s Market tab.

In early March, the Grogan’s Mill Village Association meets for its annual Planning Retreat when the upcoming year’s programs and budget will be determined. We are always interested in what projects the residents would suggest their board undertake each year. For instance, currently being considered for the 2014/2015 Fiscal Year is a neighborhood cul-de-sac revitalization program. Please submit suggestions and comments to vicepresident@gmva.org. Please check our Web site near the end of the month for a listing of our proposed budget for the coming April 1, 2014, through March 31, 2015, fiscal year.

Indian Springs

Scholarship Applications Due

As a voluntary elected village 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. These scholarships honor those who have chosen to serve their community, though the type of service is not limited in any way. Other factors, including academics, will be considered only secondarily. Applications will be available in March. Please see the Indian Springs Web site, 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 (or home schooled) or recent high school graduate

• Plan to attend an institution of higher learning (2- or 4-year or vocational) in fall 2014.

Call for CERT Volunteers

The Woodlands Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is hosted by The Woodlands Fire Department and the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management. The CERT program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

continued on page 20

MEETING INFORMATION

ALDEN BRIDGE

The Alden Bridge Village Association (ABVA) usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.aldenbridge.org

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Steve Leakey at 281-419-3468.

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association (CCVA) usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us! Web site www.cochranscrossing.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3887 or Village Association President Stuart Schroeder at 936-273-0419.

COLLEGE PARK

The College Park Village Association (CPVA) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 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.

CREEKSIDE 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 Becker at 832-559-7004.

GROGAN’S MILL

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association (GMVA) usually meets on the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Web site www.grogansmillvillage.com

Questions? Contact your program specialist at 281-210-3887.

INDIAN SPRINGS

The Indian Springs Village Association (ISVA) usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Web site www.indianspringsvillage.com

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-5808 or Village Association President Amy Lecocq at 832-244-9585.

PANTHER CREEK

The Panther Creek Village Association (PCVA) usually meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Please join us!

Web site www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

Questions? Call your program specialist at 281-210-3886 or Village Association President Everett Ison at 281-298-9524.

STERLING RIDGE

The Sterling Ridge Village Association (SRVA) usually meets the 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 Anthony Fasone at 281-419-9331.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT is currently welcoming Indian Springs volunteers and all those from our village who are interested in learning more about the program.

Information regarding upcoming CERT classes can be obtained at www.twcert.com.

Galatas Elementary Donation

The Indian Springs Village Association is pleased to once again support our neighborhood elementary schools. Funds raised at village events, such as Taste of the Village, are put back into our community through scholarships for our high school seniors and donations to our local elementary schools. A $500 donation was made to Galatas Elementary School to provide their kindergarten through fourth grade students with educational materials that will be utilized in their classrooms. Indian Springs village board member Veronica Williams presented the check to Galatas Principal Denae Wilker and Assistant Principal Candace Mathis.

Submitted by Kelly Sharer

Panther Creek

2014 has begun with much activity at Panther Creek Village Association. Come join us for the many events and participation opportunities that will be going on this year. You can always check for them at

www.PantherCreekVillageAssociation.org and in this magazine.

We also regularly get reports from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department and village board members who also sit on community boards such as Parks and Recreation, Community Safety, and Residential Review.

Congratulations and thanks are due to all who turned out in February to vote for your representatives on the Panther Creek Village Association and the other community boards.

This association serves you as your first line of contact with the many agencies and governmental organizations that make The Woodlands work. Your input is needed to make sure that our hometown continues to do its best for you and your family. Come be an active voice in your community at our monthly meetings held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at The Woodlands Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., 77381. We’ve been discussing schools, traffic, taxation, county and Township issues.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Live at Night

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 281-363-2447.

Sunday, March 30

FREE Concert in the Park

Swing Thing

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

Upcoming Events:

Friday, April 4

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, April 5

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

Grogan’s Mill Shopping Center

8 a.m. to noon

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Muddy Trails Bash

Rob Fleming Park

6055 Creekside Forest Drive

3 to 8 p.m.

281-210-3800

Live at Night

Waterway Square

31 Waterway Square Place

6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, call 281-363-2447.

Sunday, April 6

FREE Concert in the Park

The Fab 5

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800.

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

Is there a dog in your neighborhood that barks at all hours of the day and night? Is there a cat that is destroying a neighbor’s garden? If there is such a pet in your neighborhood, inform the pet’s owner of the offense. He or she may not be aware that the offending animal is his or hers. And, on the other hand, if your neighbor should approach you to say that

please, be a

Pets can give their owners lots of fun and comfort, but can also be a source of nuisance for the neighborhood.

your dog’s barking is affecting others, at least consider the possibility that it could be true. The next step is to consider a constructive solution to the dilemma.

Last but not least, please pick up after your pet. Pet waste bags are easily purchased and used. Plastic newspaper and grocery bags can also be used to pick up after your pet and then placed

in the trash. Always be mindful that leashes are required once the animal leaves your property.

Don’t let your pet spoil the natural beauty of The Woodlands for someone else. Take every opportunity to be a responsible pet owner. It shows pride in your community as well as respect for your neighbors and love for your pet.

SUMMER

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Woodlands Township is accepting applications for 2014 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.

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 6 to 12 years old 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 previous 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, Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive or 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. For additional information or to apply online, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Save Money On Your Landscape: INSTALL DRIP IRRIGATION

A message from The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency

Mostof the landscapes in

The Woodlands are irrigated by sprinkler systems. A significant amount of this water evaporates before it gets to the roots of the plants, or it stays on leaves, making them susceptible to fungal infections. Because of varying heights of landscape plants, the water from some sprinklers is blocked from reaching all the plants. Misdirected water often ends up running down the street. Sprinklers for landscape plants are inefficient, wasteful and costly to homeowners and businesses. During hot days, evaporation lost from irrigation sprinklers can be as much as 30 percent of the water used.

A much more cost-effective and efficient approach to watering landscape plants is drip irrigation. Once a highly complicated and arduous process, the industry has made significant advances toward making drip irrigation extremely affordable, easy to install, easy to use and easy to repair. Drip irrigation systems can be retrofitted to your existing sprinkler systems as well.

• Since the water drips down into the soil and goes directly to the roots, the benefits are impressive:

• Plants grow and flower better.

• Plant diseases are significantly reduced.

• Soil moisture is kept at a more constant level.

• Increased irrigation efficiency and water conservation.

• Lower water bills.

• Easy design, installation and operation of the system.

• Low cost to purchase and install.

• The systems are aesthetically pleasing.

Homeowners can either install the systems themselves or have an irrigation contractor do it. Plenty of “how-to” information is available from home improvement stores and irrigation supply companies. The Internet also provides hundreds of do-it-yourself articles and videos for designing and installing drip systems.

Taking Care Of Your Pet XYLITOL TOXICITY IN DOGS

Most people know that chocolate can kill a dog. A growing problem, according to pet poison control hotlines, is xylitol, a sugar substitute which has increased in popularity in the last decade. Xylitol is 100 times as toxic as chocolate. It is found in toothpaste and mouthwash, candies, some baked goods, but the worst culprit by far, is sugar-free gum.

Dogs are attracted to sweetness. Their bodies cannot recognize that xylitol is not sugar, and ingestion of a few pieces of gum can send them into hypoglycemia within minutes. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include weakness, depression, lethargy, staggering, tremors, seizures, and coma. Vomiting may be induced, dextrose given by IV, and liver protectant drugs administered to prevent further damage.

Seizures can follow, and even liver failure within a few days, if treatment is not given immediately. The window of time to prevent catastrophic outcomes is very small. Grab the dog and call the vet or emergency vet on the way (these numbers should be on speed dial!)

In some common brands of gum, two pieces are enough to send a 45-pound dog into liver failure.

It will take several days of observation and tests to know whether the dog will survive, in serious cases.

Gum left in purses or pockets within reach of pets is an invitation to disaster. If you must chew a gum containing xylitol, keep it out of your pet’s reach. Please share this information with others for the sake of their best friends.

SPRING BARK! is transitioning to the fall and will be called The Woodlands Barktoberfest! slated for October 18, 2014. Visit www.lsawl.org for more information.

• 5 aside soccer

• Much ball contact

• Fast and easy to learn

• Very safe rules

• Great exercise

Practices:

• Equal playing time

• Play every position

• Balanced / coed teams

• No tryouts

• Special kids included

Coach will call by April 9 at the latest.

One Practice Per Week. Visit FFPS.org for more practice information.

• Trophy to every player

• Only players keep score

• Positive coaching

• Positive parent education

• Everyone is respected

Games:

First Game: April 12

Last Game: May 31

All 8 Games on Saturday at Woodlands High School - 9th Grade located at Woodlands Pkwy. and Branch Crossing.

Adopt-a-Path Stewards!

ADOPT-A-PATH STEWARDS WHO FILED A LOG ACTIVITY REPORT

SEPT-OCT-NOV-DEC 2013

41 groups + 518 volunteer hours + 3038 gallons of trash

1841 pounds (per Keep America Beautiful one 33-gallon bag is estimated to weigh 20 pounds) OR 15.0 cubic yards of trash (1 cubic yard=202 gallons)

ALDEN BRIDGE:

Claude and Peg Hunter, Cub Scout Pack 772, Dens 1, 5, 18, Cub Scout Pack 886, Cub Scout Pack 889, McCanns, Reeder Family, St. Anthony of Padua NJHS, Steve and Judy Easton, TWHS Business Professionals of America, Pierce McBride for Woodlands Christian Academy

COCHRAN’S CROSSING:

Boy Scout Troop 772, Cochran’s Crossing Crew, LSC-Montgomery Mavericks, Robert and Nancy Rodd, Roger Howard, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Thomas Family, TWHS Science National Honor Society, Woodlands Landscaping, Wyatt Hall for Woodlands Christian Academy

COLLEGE PARK:

Bay Chapel Ct. Bandits, Sohn-Yim Family

GROGAN’S MILL:

American Legion Post #305, Caveney Family, Montgomery Co. Area School at Home M.A.S.H.

INDIAN SPRINGS:

Andra Wilcox and Richard Nieto III, Cosculluela Family, Team Hans, Woodlands India Association

PANTHER CREEK:

Grimes-Hanlin Family, Klein Family, Mothers of The Woodlands, Rowing Club of The Woodlands Juniors, Stubblefield Family

STERLING RIDGE:

Bell Family, Burton Family, Charles and Donna Moseley, Girl Scouts of Deretchin K-6

RESEARCH FOREST:

The Woodlands College Park Reveliers, Houston Advanced Research Center, Ron Keichline and colleagues at Huntsman, Woodlands Rugby Club

Thismonth, make sure that you know how to respond safely when instructions are given to evacuate or take shelter. In a disaster you may be asked to either evacuate or shelter in place. In the excitement of an emergency, it can be difficult to focus on what you are doing. Know what to do to keep your family safe. Practice your tornado and fire safety plans. If your family has practiced, they will be more comfortable doing it if an emergency actually happens. Choose one of the following things to do this month to become better prepared:

Identify the best storm shelter in your home and practice getting to the shelter with your family. Choosing the best place in your home or workplace to shelter from a tornado isn’t always easy. Many newer buildings don’t have a really good shelter area. Use these rules of thumb to find the best tornado shelter possible:

• Stay away from windows and skylights.

• Shelter “down and in”—put as many walls between yourself and the outside as you can. Think of the ceiling as a wall.

• Avoid rooms with large ceiling expanses.

• Find an area large enough for everyone to stay comfortably for at least 45 minutes.

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, be prepared to protect your family and your property. Cover windows with plywood or hurricane shutters when a hurricane warning is issued— don’t use tape. If you are advised to evacuate, do so. Otherwise, stay inside and away from windows until the storm has completely passed.

Learn how to safely shelter in place. In an emergency like a chemical spill, you may be told to “shelter in place.” This means to make the place where you are a safe place to stay until the danger has passed. Shelter-in-place orders are

plan throughout the year and to “stay informed and be ready”

given when it would be dangerous for you to go outside.

What to do in a hazardous materials incident. The first thing to do when a chemical spill or similar event occurs is to get information. Turn on the television or radio to find out if your area is affected and what steps to take. Never call 911 to get information about an emergency. Only call 911 if you are injured or need assistance.

If you are told to shelter in place, you should close all doors and windows and shut off fans and air conditioners. Take your family to a room with as few doors and windows as possible. You may be told to put towels, tape or plastic sheeting around the cracks of the windows and doors. Follow emergency instructions carefully. Make sure you take a battery-powered radio with you so that you will know when the danger has passed. Power in your area may be shut off during the incident.

The Woodlands Community Magazine Earns MarCom Gold Award

The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals recently honored The Woodlands Community Magazine with a MarCom Gold Award in the 2013 international awards competition. The magazine earned the award in the Magazine/Special Edition category for the October 2013 issue, which featured a 16-page insert, About The Woodlands Township

The magazine’s purpose is to inform residents about the activities and services of The Woodlands Township, and it consistently rates very high readership (more than 90 percent) according to independent surveys. The editorial staff is represented by The Woodlands Township Community Relations Department with the majority of information and photographs contributed by Township service departments. The October cover photo was submitted by resident and volunteer John Hibbs. Layout and design were created by staff at Champions Printing for the magazine and Township staff for the inserted booklet.

The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly by The Woodlands Township in partnership with Champions Printing & Publishing and mailed to all households within the Township boundaries at no charge to the Township or residents. The printing and mailing is completely supported by advertising.

MarCom Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. The competition judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

Winners were selected from more than 200 categories in seven forms of media and communication efforts with winners ranging in size from individual communicators to media conglomerates and Fortune 500 companies. There were more than 6,500 entries from throughout the United States, Canada and several other countries in the 2013 competition.

All concerts are free and held at Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, 77381.

Important Notice: By submitting letters, photos and other materials to The Woodlands Community Magazine (TWCM) you agree that the materials submitted will become the property of TWCM and will not be returned. You also agree that TWCM, its assigns, and the publisher, have been granted the non-exclusive right to use and /or reproduce the materials in any manner and for any purpose. You also agree that you have made no other considerations for the use of any submissions unless authorized in writing by TWCM and the Publisher. 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

Presenting Sponsor:

for the Whole Family!

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 9 a.m.

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

FEE: $40 resident family of four, $45 non-resident family of four, $7 per additional family member

Dinner with the Ducks

Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 5 p.m.

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

FEE: $40 resident family of four, $45 non-resident family of four, $7 per additional family member

The Bunny Bash

Featuring the Flashlight Egg Hunt

Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 5 p.m.

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

FEE: $20 resident child, $25 non-resident child

Kayak Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 9 a.m.

Riva Row Boat House

FEE: $45 resident pair, $50 non-resident pair

Brunch with the Bunny

Sunday, April 19, 2014 at 11 a.m.

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park

FEE: $40 resident family of four, $45 non-resident family of four, $7 per additional family member

Don’t forget your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny!

Pre-registration is required for all events.

To register for spring programs, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and click Register for Rec Programs, call 281-210-3950 or stop by The Woodlands Township Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

most of east Texas, and specifically in The Woodlands, irrigating lawns is not necessary until at least April. If there is adequate rainfall during April, May might be a better choice to turn on systems. And remember, water no more than inch or less a week and less if it rains.

a fun day of performances ranging from vocal to dramatic, at the beautiful Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park.

Browse the on-site art fair by local artists displaying fine artworks and original hand crafted items available for purchase. The wide variety of items

Saturday, March 8, 2014, 2 to 6 p.m. at Rob Fleming Park in Creekside Park Arts, entertainment and family fun in your own backyard

for sale will include original paintings, as well as handmade jewelry, pottery, artisan foods, children’s toys, clothing, hair pieces, woodwork and much more!

Be sure to visit the KidsZone – designed just for kids and including fun activities for all ages! Concessions will be available for purchase.

Arts in the Park is a free, family-friendly event, which has been growing in size every year! The event is set for Saturday, March 8, 2014, from 2 to 6 p.m.

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