May 2020

Montgomery County: 936-523-5040

Harris County: 713-634-1110

Statewide Mental Health: 833-986-1919

As

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, The Woodlands, Texas 77381

Main Line

All Offices and Departments 281-210-3800

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

Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services 8203 Millennium Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3800

Recreation Center at Bear Branch Park 5310 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77381 281-210-3950

Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77389 281-516-7348

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

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

Harris County Sheriff’s Office 713-221-6000

Montgomery County Constable, Precinct 3 281-364-4211

Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 281-376-3472

Water Providers Woodlands Water (Montgomery County MUDs) 855-H20-SAVE (855-426-7283)

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

Emergency 911

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

the woodlands township board of directors

Director Brian Boniface steps down to serve in U.S. Army Reserve

Atthe April 9, 2020, Township Board of Directors meeting, Director Brian Boniface announced he was stepping down from the Board due to being called to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve full-time. Director Boniface was called into action for six months by the U.S. Army Reserve to provide aide to areas heavily affected by COVID-19. Director Boniface said, “While this is a challenging time for our community and our nation as a whole, I believe the board needs to be fully staffed to handle the upcoming challenges. It has been an honor and privilege to serve what I consider the greatest community in the world. I want to thank all of our residents for confidence in me and allowing me to serve them for two terms. I would also like to thank the staff, our first responders, and fellow directors. You are at the center of what makes this community great, and may God bless you and keep you safe.”

After the announcement, Township Chairman Gordy Bunch said, “God bless you and keep you safe as you deploy. It is certainly honorable to be in the Reserves, and to be a nurse, you are pulling double duty for hero award this year. I know your family will miss you, and we will miss you. We can’t thank you enough for your service to our community and our country.”

In accordance with the Township’s Enabling Legislation, the Township Board is able to fill the vacancy in Township Board Position 2 by appointment for the remainder of the term, which runs through November 2020. At the April 16, 2020, Board of Directors meeting, The Woodlands Township Board voted to appoint Jason Nelson to fill the term.

Board message continued on page 6.

See in case you missed it on page 7

Woodlands

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

is a monthly publication of The Woodlands Township, in partnership with Champions Printing It is printed and distributed free of charge . 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

James E. Callahan, Jr.

Senior Copy Editor Kacie Gurney

Copy Editors Perry Frank

Shelby Doerries

Editorial Assistant Barbara Ryan

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

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

www.championsprinting.com

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

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

Important Updates Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

During this difficult time, The Woodlands Township has been sharing regular updates regarding COVID-19 in our community along with ways that residents can give and receive support. From donating to local food drives to finding childcare for essential workers, the local community is coming together to make the best of an unprecedented situation. Please note that this information was accurate at the time of publication, but may change due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation. For the latest updates, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ covid19.

Hotlines for Health Questions and COVID-19

Montgomery County: 936-523-5040

Harris County: 713-634-1110

Statewide Mental Health: 833-986-1919

Food Banks

Local food banks are inventorying their resources to ascertain what will be needed in the days to come. Many Township residents have expressed a desire to volunteer or donate; please see the information below regarding those needs.

• Interfaith of The Woodlands remains open to meet the basic needs in South Montgomery County, including Senior Grocery Delivery, Crisis Assistance Services and Food Pantry Assistance. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Curbside services are by phone at 281-367-1230. Donations are being accepted. Please visit www.woodlandsinterfaith.org to learn how you can lend support to Interfaith.

• Montgomery County Food Bank is conducting a virtual food drive.

Please visit www.mcfoodbank.org to learn how you can help.

• Meals on Wheels has coordinated a food drive to stock the shelves. A system is in place to deliver supplies to the most at-risk neighbors, but they need your help to provide the food… because no one deserves to have an empty pantry, especially at times like this. During these times of uncertainty, food insecurity is at an all-time high. An increasing number of seniors are becoming homebound, as the fear of going out and being exposed to COVID-19 continues. Please visit www.mowmc.org to join the virtual food drive.

• Community Assistance Center Serving Montgomery County is currently providing assistance to residents of Montgomery County with financial

assistance for utilities, pre-packaged bags of groceries during Wednesday Markets and is accepting donations. For more information, please visit www.cac-mctx.org.

YMCA Offers Childcare for Essential Workers

Located at 6145 Shadowbend Place, The Y is providing a full day of programming, snacks and meals for the children of “essential personnel,” including medical workers; first responders; select government staff; and grocery store, pharmacy and food distributor employees.

Children, ages 1 - 12 years old are eligible to register. The program runs Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

and features games, arts and crafts, STEAM and literacy activities. Register online at www.ymcahouston.org/ essential-personnel-child-care. Financial assistance is available.

Guidelines For Social Distancing On Pathways and Trails

For pedestrians using the pathways, please remain a minimum of 6 feet apart. Be sure to stay to the right, watch for other pathway users, be especially alert when running and listen for audible signals and allow faster pathway users to pass freely.

For bicyclists using the pathways, please give audible warnings when passing pathway users, ride at a safe

speed, helmets are recommended and be sure to ride straight ahead.

For rollerbladers on pathways, blade at a safe speed, helmets and protective gear are recommended, blade straight ahead and listen for audible warnings and allow faster pathway users to pass freely.

The White House, CDC and FEMA launch comprehensive Coronavirus (COVID-19) website Visit www.coronavirus.gov to access important up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 including how to prepare and protect yourself, what to do if you think you are sick, a new website and app with a COVID-19 screening tool and much more.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

A MESSAGE FROM TOWNSHIP CHAIRMAN GORDY BUNCH

OnFriday, March 20, 2020, The Woodlands Township Chairman Gordy Bunch created a video message of encouragement to residents of The Woodlands. The message is a reminder that, while this situation may be unique to many in the community, this is not something that is completely unprecedented.

“I received an email from one of our residents who is in his eighties. He was quick to remind me that in his lifetime he has lived through the Depression, World War II, measles, polio, and while quarantine may be new to our generation, it’s not new to his,” Chairman Bunch states. He goes on to remind residents, “…our forefathers, the greatest generation, have come through all these things in the past and our country has landed on a solid footing on the other side of crisis before.”

The message is a reminder that we, as a community, have endured Hurricane Harvey and other flooding events, and while this may be unique, this is something that we have come through in the past and we will come through this together.

COVID-19 Consumer Tip Sheet

Scams related to the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, are rapidly increasing as the public health emergency develops.

Scammers are targeting older adults and those with serious long-term health conditions who appear to have a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. Fraudsters are attempting to bill Medicare for sham tests or treatments related to the coronavirus and are targeting individuals to illegally obtain money or Medicare numbers.

What Can You Do to Stop COVID-19 Fraud?

• Do not give out your Medicare number to anyone other than your doctor, health care provider, or other trusted representative.

• Protect your Medicare number and treat your Medicare card like a credit card.

• Never provide your Medicare number to anyone who contacts you through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

• Be cautious of anyone who comes to your door offering free coronavirus testing, treatment, or supplies.

• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know, which could put your computer or device at risk. Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer are up to date.

• Be cautious when purchasing medical supplies from unverified sources, including online advertisements and email/phone solicitations.

• Ignore online offers for vaccinations. If you see ads touting prevention

products or cures for COVID-19, they are most likely a scam.

• Do your homework before making a donation to a charity or crowdfunding site due to a public health emergency. Be particularly wary of any charities requesting donations by cash, by gift card, or wire transfer.

• Be alert to “investment opportunities.” The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning people about online promotions, including on social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19 and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result.

What Does Medicare Cover in Relation to COVID-19?

• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers COVID-19 tests when ordered by your doctor or health care provider on or after February 4, 2020.

• Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations, including extra days in the hospital for patients who had to stay longer under COVID-19 quarantine.

• There is no vaccine for COVID-19 at this time; however, if one becomes available, Medicare will cover it.

• Medicare also recently expanded coverage of telehealth services to enable beneficiaries to access a wider range of services from their providers without having to travel to a facility. – This includes access to doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers.

– During this emergency, there are also more options for the ways your providers can talk with you under this provision.

• For Medicare questions, contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at SHIPTAcenter.org or 1-877-839-2675.

Other COVID-19 Resources

• Administration for Community Living: ACL.gov/COVID-19

• Senior Medicare Patrol National Resource Center: www. smpresource.org/Content/MedicareFraud-Schemes/COVID-19-Fraud

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov

• Federal Trade Commission: FTC.gov/coronavirus

• Medicare: Medicare.gov/medicarecoronavirus

How Your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Can Help

Your local SMP is ready to provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT your concerns. SMPs and their trained volunteers help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care fraud. Your SMP can help you with your questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. It also can provide information and educational presentations.

Texas Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

www.smpresource.org or call 888-341-6187.

Dining Out Without Dining In

Shopping Locally While Maintaining Social Distancing is Encouraged

A Message from Visit The Woodlands

Local small businesses have been a part of many birthdays, anniversaries, everyday celebrations and needs. During the time of social distancing, many have completely changed the way they do business. From offering personal shopping appointments via video and no-contact porch deliveries, these businesses are doing their best to keep their doors open (while closed) for our community.

It’s vitally important to our small businesses and to our local economy that The Woodlands community continues to support them during this time.

To view a list of local businesses that are currently open, please visit www.visitthewoodlands.com/shoplocal

Many restaurants in The Woodlands are also open for business and offering carryout, curbside pickup, and even delivery! Please also consider purchasing gift cards for the restaurants you would like to patronize in person once we are no longer social distancing. It’s a great way to help them and their workers at this time.

For those who are comfortable with dining out (without dining in) please visit our list of restaurants at www.visitthewoodlands.com/eatlocal.

If you need ideas to keep busy at home, head to www.visitthewoodlands. com/athome, where you will find coloring activities, recipes and more.

It’s vitally important to our small businesses and to our local economy that The Woodlands community continues to support them during this time.”

Bruce Rieser, Chairman of the Board, Visit The Woodlands

Ifadrought started this summer...

What is a drought, and what does that mean for residents and the environment?

The Texas Water Development Board posts weekly updates on drought conditions throughout the state. At the time of this writing, our area is currently categorized as “abnormally dry.” As the weather warms, our community may see more severe drought conditions develop. So what does that mean for our daily lives, and how can we be ready?

Should we move from abnormally dry to moderate drought, our region would experience some damage to crops, pastures, streams, reservoirs and wells, some water shortages could develop, and voluntary water restrictions could be requested.

During these initial stages of drought, The Township’s primary water supplier, Woodlands Water Agency, prioritizes actions to conserve available water, protect the supply, and protect and preserve public health and safety. Residents would be asked to voluntarily limit the amount of water used. In parks with the highest usage, watering once a week continues and planting programs continue. In lower-use parks, plantings are

curtailed since they would need regular watering to get established. Pond levels are allowed to drop to 50 percent before refilling to a maximum of 85 percent. Fountain operations are reduced to a few hours per day.

If conditions degrade into severe drought, Woodlands Water Agency will increase their irrigation monitoring and request that residents limit water use. Crops and pasture loss are likely and watering of plants, trees, vegetated medians and common areas would be limited. Reforestation and planting projects cease. All parks are affected, including reduced watering of nonmultipurpose fields. Pond levels are allowed to drop to 50 percent before refilling to 70 percent. Fountain operations are further reduced and some eliminated.

Woodlands Water Agency and other important agencies decide on official drought procedures, however, residents can act now and lessen the impact by using water wisely in their homes and landscapes. It is always a good idea to

conserve water whenever possible. These best practices ensure an adequate amount of water will be available in the future if and when drought conditions should occur. For helpful information on water conservation and tips, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ waterconservation and www.woodlandswater.org.

OUTSMARTING CANCER in The Woodlands

Our nationally recognized specialists are finding new ways to outsmart cancer.

From screenings and diagnosis to the most advanced treatments, our leading cancer care is available in The Woodlands. We offer personalized guidance and support, so you can focus on healing, surviving and thriving.

158,000 and Counting

In2019 alone, the diligent crew captured 158,757 mosquitoes, representing 33 of the possible 44 species found in The Woodlands. One in five of those mosquitoes were sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services for disease testing.

Over 30,000 mosquitoes were collected from across the Township

last year and tested for West Nile virus (WNV). If you feel like you didn’t hear much about WNV last year, you’d be right - none of these mosquitoes tested positive for the disease. The prevalence of WNV varies year-to-year due to many factors including temperature, precipitation, humidity, bird population and human activities. Each element is dynamic, which

makes predicting the disease incidence difficult for any given year. That’s why ongoing monitoring of the local mosquito population is critical for understanding the relative risk of mosquito-borne disease as each season evolves. The Woodlands Mosquito Team sets traps from May to November that target the primary carrier of WNV in our area, Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito), and sends them in for testing. The greater the incidence of WNV in mosquitoes, the greater the risk of contracting the disease from a mosquito bite. This data drives all subsequent decisions regarding targeted treatments and public education.

The mosquito team needs your help. Keep your yard free of standing water that breeds mosquitoes and learn more by visiting thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ MosquitoInfo.

To report a mosquito concern or schedule a Be Mosquito Free presentation, please contact The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, or call 281-210-3800.

May 2020

The lights in The Woodlands Town Center have been turned to blue to show support to medical personnel.

Please visit the Township’s online calendar for the very latest information on Township events and cancellations regarding The Woodlands Township Board of Directors meetings, Development Standards Committee and Residential Design Review Committee Meetings, Village Meetings, The Woodlands Farmer’s Market and many other Township-related activities that are usually listed here.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar

NO CHANGES IN GARBAGE SERVICE THIS MONTH

There is no expected interruption of trash, recycling and yard waste pickup on Monday, May 25, 2020. All residents will receive service on their regular service day for the week of the Memorial Day holiday. The Precinct 3 Recycling Center will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/calendar for updates.

INCORPORATION 101

Statement from Chairman of the Board Gordy Bunch

On March 25, 2020, the Township Board had planned to discuss the next steps in the Incorporation Study process, particularly community engagement forums and a public education process. During the meeting, Chairman of the Board Gordy Bunch shared the following statement, which was later approved by the Board of Directors.

“I am and the Board are acutely aware the COVID-19 crisis is one of the many variables that alters timing for governance transition options.

“Incorporation has never been on a ballot and there has not been any commitment to add it to this year’s ballot either. Over the past two and a half years, the Board has spent a great deal of time studying Incorporation; however, it is time for the Board to refocus its energy on the crisis at hand. We all have a common enemy with the COVID-19 virus and all efforts and attention should be spent rallying the community towards those efforts.

“Based on the uncertainties created by the current international health crisis, I am recommending that the Township Board of Directors defer the incorporation planning process at this time. The excellent work on incorporation planning that has been completed to date can be utilized in the future when circumstances warrant the restart of the public communication process.

“The Township has completed the studies and financial analysis associated with Incorporation planning. These studies have resulted in a comprehensive operating and financial model that will serve The Woodlands well when incorporation is considered by the community.

“I propose that we work with the Novak Consulting Group to ensure we have a finished plan that can endure as a living executable plan, that can be easily updated annually by future boards.

“At this time, I propose that we defer the public forums and other

THE WOODLANDS VISION

The Woodlands, our dynamic hometown within a natural forest, is known for its balance between man and nature. We are a thriving business community and a premier destination for visitors – a place where generations live, worship, work, learn and play.

community engagement items that would be better suited for a time when the Board is interested in considering a ballot initiative. A future Board can complete the community engagement process prior to calling for a ballot initiative. There are too many unknown headwinds facing our country today and in the near future. Our community is not just reeling from the COVID-19 business closures, layoffs, event cancellations, stock market crash but also decades lows for oil and gas that creates a compounding impact on our local economy.

“I appreciate the time and effort that the Board has put into this planning process over the past two and a half years, and the excellent work performed by our consultants and municipal legal counsel, with support from staff. This comprehensive study has put us in an excellent position for future consideration, once our community has recovered and a future Board determines that the time may be right for our community to weigh in at the polls.”

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

May greetings from Alden Bridge!

Please understand that everything in the immediate future is tentatively scheduled while we follow the pandemic recommendations and guidelines. Please continue to check our website and Facebook pages for frequent updates to scheduled events.

The Alden Bridge Yard of the Month program is up and running again. This year’s first winner has just been awarded and an amazing front yard will be chosen every month through September. We need nominations submitted from all Alden Bridge residents, so look around your area and send us the address of yards you think could be the best in the village – it could even be your own! Send your nominations for June’s award to abvainfo@gmail.com by Monday, May 18. We’ll judge during that week and award the winner on June 1. In addition to being recognized with a yard sign, the winning homeowner will receive some surprise gifts.

Did you know that Alden Bridge has a monthly email newsletter? It’s a convenient way to keep up on what’s going on in Alden Bridge. To be added to the mailing list please send your email address to abvainfo@gmail.com. Your address will not be shared and will only be used to deliver news of our village. Between newsletters, please check our website, www.aldenbridge.org, or participate in our active Facebook page. We aspire to be a valuable resource for our residents, so please reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Happy Memorial Day to all!

Submitted by Stephanie Ruediger

College Park

It is POOLOOZA time again! Residents of College Park are annually invited to join the College Park Village Association at Harper’s Landing Pool

and Pavilion. This year’s event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 1 to 4 p.m., however please visit the College Park Village website at www.villageofcollegepark.com or our Facebook page to find out the latest information on any cancellation or postponement of this event.

Looking further ahead, in November we celebrate America Recycles Day. Start saving your alkaline batteries. Set them aside to be turned in at the November recycling event and Village Challenge. The Village with the most collected will be awarded cash prizes that we use to fund our college scholarship program. Please visit our website at www.villageofcollegepark.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ CollegeParkVillageAssociation for up to date information.

Submitted by Marti Meerscheidt

Creekside Park

Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and Spring is bursting forth all around Creekside Park Village. This is the time of year to enjoy all that Creekside Park Village has to offer, including the new entrance to the George Mitchell Preserve in Creekside Park West. Creekside Village continues to grow with these recent additions:

• Avanti Italian Bistro

• Lovebeans Coffee House

• Baja Sur Fresh-Mex Tequila Bar (coming soon to the Cinepolis movie complex)

• Two new fitness concepts that will offer a variety of classes targeting strength, agility, flexibility and balance (coming soon): Yoga 6 and Row House

The Winter Festival and Chili Cookoff Festival was held on Saturday, January 25th, at Rob Fleming Park, hosted by our local H-E-B. It was a great

success. The winner of the chili contest was “Fire in the Hole.” We appreciate all the teams that participated in the Chili Cookoff event this year. Please support our local sponsors who helped make this annual event possible:

• Event Partner: H-E-B

• Platinum: Beth Ferester/Lovebeans

• Gold: Howard Hughes

• Silver: CenterPoint, Refuge Bourbon Bar & Steakhouse, Crossroads Square, Woodforest National Bank

• Bronze: Cinepolis

The Creekside Village concert series provides family fun and enjoyment for all. Tentative dates for Spring 2020 include: May 6, 13 and 20. A “Best-inClass” 7-Eleven is being built on the corner of Kuykendahl and Creekside Forest and plans are to open May or June 2020.

The Creekside Village pool party is being planned for June 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please follow our Facebook page or website listed below for updates.

If you are traveling during the summer months, remember to sign up for vacation watch with our great Precinct 4 Constables at www. constablepct4.com/vacation-watchrequest.html. If you are staying in The Woodlands, look for updates to events and happenings on our Creekside Park Village Facebook page or our website, www.creeksideparkvillage.com

Grogan’s Mill

Be better prepared for any emergency with the Smart911 app. By signing up, you can share lifesaving information about your household with 9-1-1 and receive targeted emergency alerts. When you call 9-1-1, your Smart911 Safety Profile displays on the 9-1-1 screen. The 9-1-1 call takers can view your addresses, medical information, home information, pets

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

and vehicles, and emergency contacts. You can provide as much or as little information as you like. This additional information enables 9-1-1 and first responders to send help fast.

Smart911 can also keep you informed of weather, traffic, and other emergencies by sending emergency alerts from the National Weather Service and local public safety agencies. You can select the types of notifications you want and how you want to be notified. Smart911: Information worth sharing. Sign up today, at www.smart911.com.

We encourage you to connect with your neighbors on NextDoor.com. This is Grogan’s Mill Village specific.

As of this writing, The Woodlands Farmers Market is closed through April 30, 2020. Check out our website at www.grogansmill.org/fmabout or look us up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ WoodlandsFarmersMarket to be up-todate on how to connect directly with vendors and when the market will reopen.

The Grogan’s Mill Village Center needs your support. Most businesses in the center are still open for business. We urge you to support these businesses if they have goods and services that you need. Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ GrogansMillVillageAssociation/ to get updates.

Submitted by Andrew Coakley and Jennifer Robinson

Indian Springs

New Village Board MemberJ.P. Garcia

Juan Pablo Garcia (JP Garcia) joined the Indian Springs Village Association Board last month. He and his wife moved to The Woodlands from upstate New York back in 2017. After renting for a year, they became homeowners when they fell in love with the concept of The Woodlands. They have been fortunate to live in

Mexico, Wisconsin, Chile, Massachusetts, New York and now the Houston area. They have never seen a community as great as The Woodlands and feel blessed to set roots here.

In the middle of a conversation with his next door neighbor, JP mentioned interest in volunteer work to help the community. She invited him to attend a town hall meeting where he learned about the board of his village, the activities they organize and how they can always use help from residents. He encourages anyone who would like to help to strongly consider joining the association.

Taste of the Village

October 3, 2020, Noon to 3 p.m.

Mark your calendars now for the 14th Annual Taste of the Village to be held on October 3, 2020, in the Indian Springs Village Shopping Center from noon to 3 p.m. This annual family event features live entertainment, free food samples and kids activities for a fun-filled afternoon. For more information on the event, sponsorship opportunities and reserving a booth, please contact michael.arendes@ indianspringsvillage.com.

Falconwing Park Renovation

Falconwing Park has been identified for renovation due to the park’s age (1989), centrality to the community, available space for additional amenities and condition/layout of the park. As part of the design process, input from the public will be gathered from the Indian Springs Village Association as well as an online survey, to include feedback, such as:

• Attendance to the park; what are your first impressions?

• What have you seen in other parks, in this community and others, that might fit this park and area?

• Are there newer types of recreation we have discussed recently that may fit into the park?

continued on next page

VILLAGE WEBSITES

ALDEN BRIDGE

www.aldenbridge.org

COCHRAN’S CROSSING

www.cochranscrossing.com

COLLEGE PARK

www.villageofcollegepark.com

CREEKSIDE PARK

www.creeksideparkvillage.com

GROGAN’S MILL

www.grogansmillvillage.com

INDIAN SPRINGS

www.indianspringsvillage.com

PANTHER CREEK

www.panthercreekvillageassociation.org

STERLING RIDGE

www.sterling-ridge.org

• What improvements will enhance the use of the park for the next 30 years?

For more information, please visit our website www.indianspringsvillage.com

Submitted by Michael Saucier

Panther Creek

This Spring has seen residents of Panther Creek adjust to many changes. We have seen in past years, droughts, forest fires, and floods, but the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has impacted every household in Panther Creek Village. I would like to extend a big thank you to our national, state and local levels of government as well as the residents that have taken care to avoid exposure and possible spreading of the virus.

As we move on, let me share a wonderful program of your Panther Creek Village Association – our scholarship program. Your community support and participation in our village events make this possible. Each year the Panther Creek Village Association awards a scholarship to an outstanding local high school student planning to pursue higher education. This scholarship is based on academic excellence, artistic or athletic talent, participation in extracurricular activities, community service and financial need. It is intended to recognize and encourage a spirit

of community involvement and good citizenship among high school students residing in the Village of Panther Creek.

Scholarships are open to all high school students who are residents of Panther Creek Village at the time of application, regardless of the high school attended. Applicants must be graduating seniors in good standing at their high school who plan on attending either a two-year or four-year college, or a vocational or technical school. Applications will be available from your school guidance counselor or at www. panthercreekvillage.org.

Our village is much more than a boundary on a map; we are a community. Only with your participation and contribution does this community prosper and grow.

Your village association is always here to help with community issues and to keep you updated about the wonderful opportunities available here in The Woodlands for you and your family. Please visit us online at www.PantherCreekVillage.org or on Facebook @PantherCreekVillage.

from two local elementary schools to its February board meeting, and after informative presentations, voted to donate a total of $4,900 to the schools. Coulson Tough Elementary School was presented with a check for $2,400, and Cedric Smith Elementary School was presented with a check for $2,500 by the Sterling Ridge Village Association board.

The funds received by Coulson

Tough Elementary will be used to purchase a set of Google Expeditions

Virtual Reality (VR) Glasses. These VR glasses will allow teachers to guide their students through a collection of 360° scenes and 3-D objects while highlighting interesting sites and artifacts. Smith Elementary informed the board that the increased enrollment of the school has made it necessary to expand its playground. This year, Smith will use the funds to purchase new playground equipment for younger children.

Calling all BBQ Pit Masters! Prepare your best secret sauces, spices and rubs and show off your smoking skills at our 14th Annual Sterling Ridge Village BBQ Challenge and Kids

Texas TreeVentures

Summer Events

Camps

Aquatics

Tennis Fitness

Enrichment

Preschool Youth

Due to the interruptions from the Coronavirus outbreak, the print version of the Summer ACTION GUIDE will not be included in the May edition of The Woodlands Community Magazine. With many of the events and activities changing dates and availablities, please view the link below for the most updated information.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/actionguide

New Resident Tool Kit

Welcome to The Woodlands! The New Resident Tool Kit, located on the Township website, includes information about the Board of Directors, contact information for local services and agencies, printable brochures and rack cards, interactive maps, links to Township programs and more. The Township invites you to utilize the New Resident Tool Kit and to keep in touch with the Township through the website and social media accounts.

FEMA Extends Flood Insurance Renewal Premiums Grace Period

FEMA continues to take proactive steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic and to help serve its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) customers who may be experiencing financial hardships. The agency is extending the grace period to renew flood insurance policies from 30 to 120 days. To avoid a lapse in coverage, there is typically a 30-day grace period to renew National Flood Insurance Program policies. However, due to the widespread economic disruption arising from this pandemic, FEMA recognizes that policyholders may not meet the standard deadline. This extension will allow additional time for policyholders who may be struggling financially to pay insurance premiums and ensure their policies are not cancelled for nonpayment of premium due to circumstances beyond their control.

If a policy has an expiration date between February 13, 2020 and June 15, 2020, then the NFIP insurer must receive the appropriate renewal premium within 120 days of the expiration date to avoid a lapse in coverage. Likewise, if a policyholder receives an underpayment notice dated between February 13, 2020, and June 15, 2020, then the NFIP insurer must receive the additional premium amount requested within 120 days of the date of the notice. Policyholders who need additional time to pay their premiums, beyond the 120-day extension, should contact their agent or insurer to inquire about other options the insurer may offer for premium payment.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of External Affairs, Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Division at 202-646-3444 or FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov.

WATER SAFETY TIPS

Now that temperatures are rising, families will be interested in water activities to find a reprieve from the heat and have some fun. Please keep these water safety tips in mind.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in the United States for children ages 1 to 4 years and the third leading cause of unintentional death in children and adolescents ages 5 to 19 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Texas unfortunately leads the nation in drowning related deaths. For each child who drowns, four others will suffer brain damage from submersion injuries. Remember—do not allow any unsupervised children near a pool, and

if a child is suddenly missing, check the pool immediately!

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch and Aquatics Division encourage you to incorporate several of the safeguards listed below into your water safety plan.

Provide Close and Constant Supervision

Many children drown while supervising adults are distracted or turn their attention away from the pool for just a moment. Others have no idea their child is even near the pool. Drownings have occurred even with adults present. Do not assume someone else is watching those that are in the water.

• Always stay within arm’s reach of infants and toddlers.

• Designate a Water Watcher to monitor the pool.

• Eliminate distractions such as checking or talking on your phone or reading.

• Non-swimmers should wear an approved life jacket when in or near the water. Do not rely on water wings to keep a child from drowning.

Protect Pools and Spas with Barriers

• Ensure the pool is completely surrounded by a childproof barrier with a self-closing and self-latching gate. The gate should open outwards.

• Fences should not have foot or handholds that could be used to climb.

• Exterior door and the pool gate should be equipped with alarms.

• Baby pools should be drained after each use and stored upside down.

Rules and Safety Education

• Young children should make eye contact with the supervising adult or Water Watcher and ask permission to enter the water.

Stay in Touch with The Woodlands Township

The Woodlands Township Website

The Woodlands Township website includes press releases, department information, an events calendar, emergency resources and more.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

To prepare for an emergency, the Township encourages residents to visit the Emergency Resources page on the website.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency

To receive notifications from the Township during an emergency, please subscribe to Community Emergency Notifications. To receive regular notifications when news is posted to the Township website, please subscribe to Newsflash. Subscribers may receive alerts by email, text or both. Both options can be found on the Township website on the Notify Me page.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme

Talk of the Township e-Newsletter

The e-newsletter is sent weekly via email and includes upcoming events, Board updates and more. During an emergency, it may be used to communicate messages to residents. Please subscribe on the Notify Me page of the website.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/notifyme

Follow Us on Social Media

The Woodlands Township has multiple social media channels to follow:

• www.facebook.com/thewoodlandstownship

• www.facebook.com/townshipparksandrec

• www.facebook.com/townshipneighborhoodwatch

• www.twitter.com/thetownshiptx

• www.twitter.com/townshiptransit

• www.instagram.com/thetownshiptx

• www.linkedin.com/company/thewoodlandstownship

The Woodlands Community Magazine

The magazine is mailed monthly to residents of The Woodlands and is posted on the Township website.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/magazine

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/stayinformed

How and When Were MUDs in The Woodlands Formed?

SECOND PART OF A THREE-PART SERIES

Eleven municipal utility Districts (MUDs) provide water, sewage, drainage, and flood control in The Woodlands. The Woodlands Water Agency administers 10 of the MUDs. The eleventh MUD serves Creekside and May Valley and is outside the jurisdiction of Woodlands Water.

Dates MUDs were formed

1967 – Timberlake Estates MUD (Name changed to The Woodlands MUD 2 in 1973)

1971 – Montgomery County MUD 6

1971 – Montgomery County MUD 7

1976 – Montgomery County MUD 36

1976 – Montgomery County MUD 39

1977 – Montgomery County MUD 39

1978 – The Woodlands Metro MUD (Town Center)

1978 – Montgomery County MUD 40

1982 – The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency

1983 – Montgomery County MUD 47

1984 – Montgomery County MUD 60

1985 – Montgomery County MUD 67

2016 – Montgomery County MUD 2 and Montgomery County Mud 40 merged to form The Woodlands MUD 1.

2019 – The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency changed its name to The Woodlands Water Agency, also known as Woodlands Water.

There were originally 12 MUDs in The Woodlands. The history of the development of The Woodlands MUD 1 is a little complex, but it is an example of how MUDs evolve and co-operate in The Woodlands.

In June 1967, before The Woodlands formed, The Texas Legislature created the Timberlake Estates Municipal Utility District in Montgomery County. That changed in February 1973, when the Texas Water Rights Commission (now the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) ordered the name be changed to The Woodlands MUD 2, technically making it the first MUD to serve The Woodlands.

In 2016, The Woodlands MUD 2 and Montgomery County MUD 40, merged to become The Woodlands MUD 1. The merger of these two MUDs was also a first in The Woodlands and saves approximately $60,000 in direct expenses and staff time, giving staff more time to concentrate on other matters. The successful merger of these two MUDs may be a model for future consolidations as MUDs pay off the bonded debts.

Muds in The Woodlands are not numbered consecutively. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality assigns a number to each new MUD in a county when it is formed. For instance, Montgomery Count MUD 8 was formed in 1972 – less than a year after the formation of our own MUD 7. MUD 8 provides water for a portion of Walden on Lake Conroe.

This article was provided by Woodlands Water. For more information, please visit www.woodlandswater.org.

Fast Facts

• Texas has an average of two to three deaths per year from snake bites, compared to six for insect bites and eight for lightning strikes.

• 17 species of snakes are common in The Woodlands. Only three are venomous: copperhead, cottonmouth and coral snake.

• Only venomous snakes have fangs. Nearly half of all reported bites from a venomous snake are “dry”, meaning no venom is injected.

What do they look like?

• Southern Copperhead: Tan to light orange body, with darker markings that resemble a Hershey Kiss, making copperheads very well camouflaged on forest floors, two to three feet long when mature.

• Western Cottonmouth (aka water moccasins): Stout, thick-body ranging from dark, grayish-brown to black, two to three feet long when mature.

• Texas Coral snake: Brightly colored pattern of red, yellow and black rings. Small head and slender body usually 30 inches or shorter.

What do they eat?

• All snakes are strictly carnivorous. Depending on the species and size of the snake, its prey will vary. Mice, rats, frogs, birds, squirrels, rabbits, lizards, insects, snails, eggs, scorpions and smaller snakes are all a part of their diet. Aquatic snakes, like cottonmouths, also eat fish, crustaceans and amphibians.

• Their venom is used to subdue prey rather than for self-defense.

What eats them?

• Their largest predator is humans. Millions of snakes are killed each year due to a deep fear of these usually harmless creatures. It’s most likely that a snake you encounter in The Woodlands is helping you out by controlling pests and has no interest in attacking you.

• Natural predators include badgers, weasels, bobcats, mountain lions,

hawks, falcons, egrets, eagles, hogs, domestic cats and pigs. Larger snakes and reptiles will prey on smaller snakes.

Why do we need them?

• Snakes are an integral component of the ecosystem. These predators are invaluable for their role in keeping prey populations balanced.

• By reducing the rodent population, snakes also reduce the spread of disease carried by rats and mice such as hantavirus, lymphocytic chorio-meningitis and salmonellosis. In general, snakes are shy creatures, preferring to hide in underbrush, rock piles, trees or on the forest floor. During the summer months most will take refuge from the intense heat during the day and hunt at night. Their daytime activity will increase during cooler months and will hibernate during the coldest stretches of the year.

Want more information?

There are a lot of myths regarding the management of snake bites. It’s important to seek proper medical care for any injury or bite. For preventative measures you can use around the home and other wildlife safety information, please visit The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Blog and learn how to live in harmony with our serpent friends.

Learn more at The Woodlands Township’s environmental blog, www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/environment, choose Visit Our Blog.

The Woodlands 311 is the official mobile app for The Woodlands Township. The app is a free, easy-to-use platform for community members to stay in touch with the Township.

✓

Submit Service Requests

Service requests, such as reporting broken streetlights, are easily submitted by completing a short description of the issue. Attach a photo or let your phone record the exact location to help pinpoint the problem.

✓ Track Your Requests

Track the progress of your request through the mobile app or on the Township website.

✓ Access Township Information

Use the in-app widgets to find important information about Township services, events, public facilities and more.

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