June 2014

It’s Time to Prepare for HURRICANE SEASON

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP Splash More with a Pass

Fourth of July in The Woodlands Emergency

On the Cover

Don’t

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.

Board Message the woodlands township

AnewCostco Warehouse is coming to The Woodlands! This facility will be located on the northeast corner of I-45 and SH 242, and will provide both wholesale and retail sales and contain about 150,000 square feet of shopping space and related parking.

This project is anticipated to attract future business and commercial development within the area and generate a substantial amount of additional sales tax for the Township. This is sales tax that the Township would not otherwise receive if this project were constructed outside the boundaries of the Township.

Under the terms of the proposed agreement, Costco will fund all land purchase, site development and construction costs which are anticipated to total $30 million or more. Costco will also create at least 75 jobs at this site. Costco will be subject to paying property tax and will collect the state and local sales tax on all taxable sales at the site, which is 8.25 percent.

To induce Costco to develop and finance the construction of the project within the boundaries of The Woodlands Township, the Township agrees to provide Costco with a grant of $2.3 million (plus interest) to be funded by sales tax receipts generated at the site.

The amount of sales tax collections that the Township will commit to this project is limited to one-half of one percent of the general sales collected from Costco taxable sales at this site. When the $2.3 million grant is fully amortized by sales tax collections in accordance with the terms of the agreement, the grant will end and all local sales tax from that point will become general receipts of The Woodlands Township. No incentive will be paid to Costco until the facility is open for business and generating local sales tax receipts.

We are extremely excited to welcome the Costco Warehouse Corporation to The Woodlands community. The store is expected to open in November of this year.

June 2014 • Volume 18 • Issue 6

Printed on recycled paper Your smartphone link to this magazine online. 281.296.4100 | www.PanopticIns.com Progressive ® • Safeco® • The Hartford • Foremost® • Dairyland • EncompassTM • Chubb Auto • Home • Life • Health • Business It’s time for lot’s of sun! Don’t forget to insure YOUR FUN!

The

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

Copy Editor Perry Frank

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

A Texa state o Neuroscience Center

At Texas Children’s Neuroscience Center, we think about the treatment of pediatric neurological disorders in our own unique way. From autism to Rett syndrome to epilepsy, our comprehensive approach to the research, innovation, treatment and cure of these and other disorders is unmatched. We’re proud to be here in Houston, and we’re even more proud of the work we’re doing t o h e

mind translates into exceptional care

Splash get more with a season pass

Beat the heat this summer with a Woodlands Township Pool Pass! Purchase of a pool pass gives you access to all Township pools. Did you know The Woodlands Township features 14 pools with a vast amount of amazing amenities for you and your family to enjoy?

• Enjoy the lazy river, two-story flume slide and giant dump bucket at the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

• Take a ride on the three-flume slide at Alden Bridge Pool

• See who can get the biggest splash at Bear Branch Pool

• Check out the sprayground pool at Harper’s Landing

• Hop on the lily pads at Wendtwoods Pool

• Play on the water-covered play structure at Cranebrook Pool

• Swim some laps at Creekwood Pool

• Hit the climbing wall at Sawmill Pool

Pool passes can be purchased at The Woodlands Township Recreation Center, in person at any Township pool, or via phone, 281-210-3950. First-time purchasers will be required to come to The Woodlands Township Recreation Center to take a pass photo and receive a card.

Up for a challenge this summer? See if your family can visit all 14 pools and capture your aquatic experience with a great photo or video! Think you have an amazing experience to share? Send your photo/video with a caption about your experience to recreation@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

DAILY ADMISSION

SEASON PASSES

PUNCH CARDS

The Voyager Pass Now Offers Unlimited Rides on Waterway Cruisers.

Take advantage of all the great things in The Woodlands by purchasing The Woodlands Voyager Pass. This pass gives you season access to all pools, unlimited rides on the Waterway Cruisers, entries to The Ice Rink and rentals from Riva Row Boat House.

BASIC VOYAGER PASS

Includes access to all pools during pool season, three entries to The Ice Rink, three rentals from Riva Row Boat House and unlimited rides on the Waterway Cruisers. ........................................... $75

PREMIUM VOYAGER PASS

Includes access to all pools during pool season, five entries to The Ice Rink, five rentals from Riva Row Boat House and unlimited rides on the Waterway Cruisers. ......................................... $100 Priced per person, residents only, must purchase or renew season pool pass, non-transferrable. Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/voyager.

REGULAR SEASON

June 7 - August 24, 2014

Mondays - Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sundays: 1 to 6 p.m.

Independence Day: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Alden Bridge Pool

• Bear Branch Pool

• Cranebrook Pool

• Falconwing Pool

• Harper’s Landing Pool

• Ridgewood Pool

• Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

• Sawmill Pool

• Windvale Pool

• Wendtwoods Pool

• Shadowbend Pool (under construction)

Mondays - Saturdays: Noon to 6 p.m.

Sundays: 1 to 6 p.m.

• Creekwood Pool

• Forestgate Pool

• Lakeside Pool

A message from The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department

WATER SAFETY at the

14 TOWNSHIP POOLS

In 2013, The Woodlands Township had 195,795 patrons visit the pools. Ever wonder who is ensuring the safety of those patrons? Don’t worry! The highly experienced and trained staff from The Woodlands Township Aquatics Division is.

DID YOU KNOW that The Woodlands Township employs more than 300 lifeguards each summer? Approximately 315 seasonal aquatic staff were trained during the 2013 season, and of those 315 lifeguards, 24 were certified in Lifeguarding and Waterfront, 16 in Lifeguarding, Water park, and Waterfront, 65 in Lifeguarding and Water Park, 56 in Emergency Oxygen and all 315 in basic Lifeguarding.

DID YOU KNOW that The Woodlands Township lifeguards performed more than 40 rescues in 2013?

DID YOU KNOW that Township lifeguards go through more than 35 hours of training during the spring and summer? The Township trains lifeguards in a variety of certifications (Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, AED, Waterfront, Water Park, and Emergency Oxygen) to ensure their

skill set is ready to meet the needs of pool patrons.

DID YOU KNOW that the Township lifeguards have won the State Lifeguard Championship in six out of the past eight years? The Township lifeguards also won the North Texas Guard Games Lifeguard Competition, Texas Super Guard Lifeguard Competition, and The Texas Guard Shoot Out Lifeguard Competition in 2013.

I chose the MD Anderson close to me

When I had

cancer, the world’s leading care was right here.

Emergency Preparedness Community Event

Residents and businesses in

The Woodlands are invited to attend The Woodlands Emergency Preparedness Community Event on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at The Woodlands Township Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard, sponsored this year by Entergy. Attendees may drop in any time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to visit with various agencies about emergency preparedness and pick up handouts and giveaways. Speakers and demonstrations will be scheduled prior to the event.

Sallie Rainer, president and CEO of Entergy Texas, expressed what a good fit the company’s sponsorship is with the event. “Many of us are in the business of being prepared for and responding to hurricanes and other emergencies,” she said. We look forward to a day spent with many of our community partners where we can network with one another and the public about a subject that is important to all of us.”

Attendees will be able to drop by any of the tables during the event to visit with representatives and pick up free handouts. In addition, planned presentations include weather emergencies and hurricane predictions for 2014 from National Weather Service Lead Forecaster Scott Overpeck, information about CERT from The Woodlands Community Emergency Response Team, water safety from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary,

The Woodlands Watch from Township Neighborhood Services staff and more. Also, emergency preparedness videos for the Houston region will be shown during the event. A schedule of presentations will be posted to The Woodlands Township Web site in early May.

“I have always said the true first responders are our citizens,” said The Woodlands Fire Department Chief Alan B. Benson. “The better they can prepare and sustain, the quicker we can restore our community back to normal.”

Learn what steps that you and your family should take to be prepared for a hurricane or any emergency. Find out how to make an emergency plan, prepare an emergency kit, stay informed in an emergency and how to get involved in the community. Learn how you and your neighbors can work together. Find out where information will be available in The Woodlands before, during and after an emergency. Information will also be available for businesses.

“An important piece of any emergency plan is working together and utilizing all of your resources,” says Township Director of Law Enforcement Marian Leck. “Don’t wait for an emergency to get to know your neighbor!”

Please join us for this fun and informative event! Emergency preparedness activities for the whole family will be available, so join us and Get Ready!

Planned participants are:

• The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services Department

• The Woodlands Fire Department

• Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

• District 6 Crime Prevention Unit

• Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4

• Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management

• National Weather Service

• The Woodlands Community Emergency Response Team

• Montgomery County Hospital District/ Medical Reserve Corps

• Montgomery County 9-1-1

• Montgomery County Search and Rescue

• H-E-B/Indian Springs

• Home Depot

• American Red Cross

• CenterPoint Energy

• Entergy Texas, Inc.

• Montgomery County Amateur Radio Emergency Services

• Interfaith of The Woodlands

• Montgomery County United Way/ MC-CARES/HelpOurCounty.org

• United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

• Montgomery County Sheriff Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association

• First Choice Emergency Room.

Friday, July 4, 2014

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Town Green Park and along

The Woodlands Waterway®

The

Starting at Dusk!

Best viewing at Town Green Park and along The Woodlands Waterway®

Thursday, July 3, 2014

* Houston Symphony’s Star Spangled Salute

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – 8 p.m.

Friday, July 4, 2014

* 4th of July Parade Market Street – 9 a.m.

* Splash Day Activities

All 14 pools in The Woodlands – Noon - 4 p.m.

* “Things that Go” Bike Parade Northshore Park – 4:30 p.m.

* Concert in the Park Northshore Park – 5:30 p.m.

* Red, Hot & Blue Festival Town Green Park and along

The Woodlands Waterway® – 6 p.m.

THE WOODLANDS OFFERS

CELEBRATION the Ultimate 4th of July

Celebrate America’s independence IN THE WOODLANDS ON JULY 4, 2014, AT THE 17TH ANNUAL RED, HOT & BLUE FESTIVAL and the Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by BBVA Compass. As one of the community’s signature events, the festival will feature live music, children’s activities and vendors capped off with a 20-minute spectacular fireworks show, simulcast on Sunny 99.1 FM. It is produced by The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The festival will be held in Town Green Park and along The Woodlands Waterway. Families can enjoy hot dog and watermelon eating contests, face painting, strolling performers, games, inflatables, arts and crafts, concessions and more from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Due to construction at Waterway Square, all festival activities will be located in Town Green Park and along The Woodlands Waterway. Waterway Square will not serve as a Festival location for this year’s event. Visit www.redhotblue.org for the most up-to-date information about festival activities and fireworks locations.

Leading up to the Red, Hot & Blue Festival, families can spend an evening under the stars at the Houston Symphony’s annual Star Spangled

Salute, a free concert at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Thursday, July 3, starting at 8 p.m.

The next day, the Fourth of July celebration begins bright and early with the South County Fourth of July parade at Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Drive, starting at 9 a.m.

After the parade, cool off at Splash Day from noon to 4 p.m. at any of 14 pools in The Woodlands. Later, bring the kids to Northshore Park, west of Lake Front Circle on Lake Woodlands Drive, for the “Things That Go” Bike Parade and Decorating Contest at 4:30 p.m. Children 14 years and younger are invited to parade their patrioticallydecorated bike, scooter or wagon around the park with awards presented throughout the afternoon. The Concert in the Park will follow

in Northshore Park at 5:30 p.m. Beginning at 6 p.m., families can head over to Town Green Park and along The Woodlands Waterway for the annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival. After a welcome from Dana Tyson with Sunny 99.1, the Bud Light Stage will feature live music from Josh Fuller, Dirt & Diesel and Nobody’s Fool.

On the Talisman Energy Stage, Jay Rodriguez with Sunny 99.1 will welcome the crowd followed by live music performances by The Level One Band and Will Makar & The Redline.

In addition to live music at the Red, Hot & Blue Festival, kids can enjoy bungee jumping, bubble runners, a water slide, inflatables and vendor booths. The Woodlands Children’s Museum will offer free arts & crafts for the kids. The H-E-B hot dog and

watermelon eating contests start at 6:30 p.m. in Town Green Park. To participate in the eating contests, attendees can sign up at the Eating Contest Tent located near the north entrance of Town Green Park.

Parking and Other Information for the Red, Hot & Blue Festival

Parking is available in the Waterway Square Parking Garage between Fountain Plaza and Woodloch Court, and in the Town Center Parking Garage on Six Pines Drive, the 24 Waterway Square Parking Garage, the corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins

Drive, and the corner of Waterway Avenue and Woodloch Forest Drive. Handicap parking is available in the South Regional Library west of Town Green Park on Lake Robbins Drive. Prices vary.

Coolers, outside food and drinks are prohibited in Town Green Park during the Red, Hot & Blue Festival.

The Woodlands Waterway Cruisers will operate on The Woodlands Waterway on July 4, 2014 until 8:45 p.m.

The cruisers will resume regular operating hours on Saturday, July 5, 2014, at 11 a.m. For more information on the Fourth of July

activities and The Woodlands, go to www.redhotblue.org, www.VisitTheWoodlands.com or call 281-363-2447.

Fireworks Prohibited IN THE WOODLANDS NEIGHBORHOODS

The Woodlands Township Fire Department reminds all residents that The Woodlands Covenants strictly prohibit the sale or use of home fireworks and sparklers of any kind in The Woodlands. The Woodlands is situated in a beautiful forest, and with dry weather conditions, one errant spark could severely damage our community. If you feel the holidays are not the same without a firecracker or two, please come out and enjoy The Woodlands Fourth of July Red Hot & Blue Festival, and Fireworks Extravaganza at Town Green Park and along the Waterway, professionally produced by The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau. You will not be disappointed! For more information, please contact The Woodlands Township Fire Department at 281-367-3444 or The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau at 281-363-2447.

FAMILY NEEDS

This month, be aware of and prepare for your family’s unique needs. Choose one of the following things to do this month to become better prepared:

Talk with family members to identify your household’s unique needs.

What kinds of things can members of your household not be without for 72 hours? Here are some examples of things that can create unique needs for your family:

• Infants and young children

• Prescription medication (keep a three day supply with you)

• Health-related supplies (For example, diabetics need insulin syringes, alcohol wipes, and glucometer supplies)

• Assistive devices (glasses, canes, etc.)

• Pets

Talk to your kids about what to do in a fire, a medical emergency, or a disaster. Make sure they know where emergency supplies are kept, how (and when) to call 9-1-1, and who to call if they can’t reach you in an emergency.

If you or someone in your household has a disability, create an appropriate evacuation plan.

• Make sure you are signed up for any emergency notification systems your community offers. If you use a cell phone, you may have to sign up separately.

• Paratransit services may not be available once a disaster happens. Talk to your paratransit provider now to find out what services they can provide if evacuation is ordered.

• If these services aren’t available, arrange for someone else to pick you up. Make sure they will come for you UNLESS you tell them not to. If you can’t evacuate, call 9-1-1 to let them know your location.

• Talk to your local Red Cross chapter or other organizations who provide emergency sheltering in your community. If you have a service animal, talk to your shelter about what they can provide for your animal.

Make a plan to make sure pets are taken care of in a disaster. Consider asking a trusted neighbor to check on your pets if you can’t get home because of a disaster or emergency. You may also ask them to take your pets with them if an evacuation is ordered while you are not home.

Remember, pets are not allowed in most emergency shelters. Talk to your local animal control agency or humane society about options for sheltering your pet in a disaster.

MONTHLY TOPICS

Make a Plan

Water

Sheltering

Food

Work, School and Community

Unique Family Needs

Family Communication Plan

Get Involved

Be Informed Power

Emergency Supplies

First Aid

june

Tuesday, June 3

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

Wednesday, June 4

The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Special Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 11:30 a.m. 281-210-3800

Development Standards Committee Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 5:30 p.m. 281-210-3973

Thursday, June 5

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Saturday, June 7

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine)

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center 2230 Buckthorne Place www.grogansmillvillage.com

Heartsaver CPR/AED Class Emergency Training Center 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Emergency Preparedness Community Event 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 281-210-3884

Regular pool season hours begin. See page 6 or visit www. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

First Aid Class

Emergency Training Center

Noon to 3:30 p.m.

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

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

7 to 9 p.m. 281-363-2447

Tuesday, June 10

Heartsaver CPR / AED Class Emergency Training Center 6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

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

Indian Springs Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-5808

Thursday, June 12

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Ad Hoc Transportation Committee Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 2 p.m. 281-210-3800

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3886

Saturday, June 14

Flag Day

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine)

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center, 2230 Buckthorne Place www.grogansmillvillage.com

Heartsaver CPR Class Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to noon

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

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

7 to 9 p.m.

281-363-2447

Sunday, June 15

Father’s Day

Monday, June 16

Grogan’s Mill Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

6:30 p.m. 281-210-3887

College Park Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3889

Tuesday, June 17

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, June 18

Development Standards Committee Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

5:30 p.m. 281-210-3973

Thursday, June 19

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 9 a.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, June 21

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine)

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center, 2230 Buckthorne Place www.grogansmillvillage.com

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square

7 to 9 p.m. 281-363-2447

Dive-in Movie

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

8:30 p.m.

For more information, call 281-210-3800. Admission is $5 per person (ages 3 and younger are free).

Monday, June 23

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Tuesday, June 24

Healthcare Provider CPR Renewal Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

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

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, June 25

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, June 28

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine)

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center, 2230 Buckthorne Place

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Good Neighbor Days

Fire Station 5

10 to 11:30 a.m. 281-210-3800

Good Neighbor Days Fire Station 8 1 to 2:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Waterway Nights

Waterway Square 7 to 9 p.m.

281-363-2447

Upcoming Events

Friday, July 4

Fourth of July Events

See pg. 12 for details.

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

Garbage Collection

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

Alden Bridge

This month’s Residents Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. All residents are invited to attend and bring us your questions and concerns. As of this date our speaker has not been scheduled, but watch our website for updates.

We’re very proud to announce the winners of our three $1,000 scholarships for 2014! Divya Kompella (College Park), Andrew Proctor and Catherine Wythe (both of The Woodlands High School) are all outstanding in terms of scholarship and community/school involvement. There were so many deserving applicants and choosing just three was very difficult. Best wishes to all Alden Bridge students graduating this year!

Save the date! Alden Bridge will again participate in the village’s trip to Minute Maid Park for the Astros game at 7:10 p.m. on Friday, August 29. We’re playing the Texas Rangers that evening. Tickets are $22.00 each and the price includes round trip transport by bus from our village center. Contact us at info@ aldenbridge.org if you’d like to purchase tickets. We always have a great turnout and a great time!

We’re seeking nominations for our Yard of the Month award. Please send your choices for best front yard in the village to info@aldenbridge.org. Each monthly winner receives tickets from

the Pavilion, goodies from Chick-fil-A, a gardening book from Lowe’s, and a yard sign recognizing all the hard work that goes into creating an award-winning yard. Nominate those neighbors who work hard in their yard every weekend (or yourself)!

Our electronic newsletter is distributed monthly to more than 800 households. To subscribe, please send your e-mail address to info@aldenbridge.org. This information will not be shared and will be used only to disseminate news of our village. Between newsletters, please check our Web site (www.aldenbridge.org) for up-to-date information.

Submitted by Darla Bell

Cochran’s Crossing

Start the summer off with a splash on June 7, 2014, at the annual Cochran’s Crossing Pool Party. This party will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bear Branch Pool. Giveaways and free Kona Ice will be included.

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association recently provided choir students from The Woodlands and College Park High Schools with tickets to a live streaming Metropolitan Opera performance of La Boheme at Cinemark Market Street. This was part of a Met Opera series that is periodically brought to The Woodlands by Cinemark. A well-

known, popular opera, La Boheme was composed by Giacomo Puccini and first performed in 1896.

Cochran’s Crossing board member, Susan Tinsley, coordinated the event. “Often there are not sufficient funds for encouraging an interest in the arts in our schools,” Tinsley said. She pointed out that giving students the chance to attend an opera is one way the Association is able to help fill this void. According to Tinsley, “The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association will be looking to provide more support in the future.”

Stuart Schroeder, president of Cochran’s Crossing Village Association, added that during the year, the association awards scholastic scholarships to students from the high schools as well as grants to elementary teachers in the Cochran’s Crossing area for worthy activities that lack sufficient funds.

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

During the past year, the association has monitored construction and communicated concerns related to the water transmission project. The association was significantly involved in recommendations for the Shadowbend Park renovation and is looking forward to its reopening later this month. In addition to the Fall Festival set for October 19, 2014, this might also be a location for next year’s Pool Party.

There was also significant association support of The Woodlands community in the Green Up event. Individual volunteers from the Cochran’s Crossing area and organizations such as Cub Scout Pack 883 and Galatas Elementary provided hundreds of participants.

The Cochran’s Crossing Village Association represents the interests of approximately 15,000 residents in The Woodlands. Open meetings are held at 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Township meeting rooms located at 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard.

Submitted by Gary Conwell

College Park

Happy summer to all of our village residents, throughout The Woodlands, from College Park! It is hard to believe it IS summer already! The students will be out of school enjoying their summer, along with their families. We hope you all enjoy outdoor activities and take the time to visit your neighborhood pool at your village park.

The Fourth of July parade is always something to look forward to. Check with your village to find out details of any activity your village is participating in for the parade. As for College Park, it was discussed at our March meeting that we, as a village, may not have a float this year in the parade, but a tent decorated for College Park, and cheer on and enjoy the parade this year. It is a lot of hard work on our float every year and with the heat, it may be the year that we are not in the parade.

Check our website and newsletter for details. Of course, the Red, Hot and Blue festival with fireworks is always amazing here in The Woodlands. It is bigger and better every year!

We hope that you all enjoy your families and have wonderful vacations! Please look through this magazine for all of the activities happening. Also our local newspaper, The Villager, will keep you posted on upcoming events.

Be safe, and patient, with our traffic and construction. All of the construction workers on our streets and infrastructure should be commended for all of their hard work in the weather that they have to endure!

Take care, and we hope to see you at one of our monthly College Park meetings!

Submitted by Johanne Stanley

Grogan’s Mill

With improved traffic on Grogan’s Mill Road, south of Woodlands Parkway, it is now easier to get to the Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning. June is the peak time for fresh, organic farm products. Check our website or newsletter for your favorite vendors and other info about special events. If you don’t receive our weekly Farmers’ Market e-blast, sign up on our website (www.grogansmillvillage.com) under the Farmers’ Market tab.

Kicking off our 2014 monthly award for the Yard of the Month is April’s recognition of Nancy Hussey. Her large colorful yard is highlighted above. Nancy has lived here since July 2010 and has a passion for gardening, as evidenced by this beautiful yard.

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.

*June meeting moved to June 17.

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.

*Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the May meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014.

VILLAGE NEWS continued from page 19

For the month of May, the Grogan’s Mill Village Association Yard of the Month award goes to Craig and Terrie Lee on West High Oaks, where they have lived since their sons graduated from college five years ago. The Lees love their home because it reminds them of the storybook cottages in Carmel, CA. The yard was in poor condition when they moved in so they started from scratch. Terrie enjoys flowers and working in the yard. She wants her yard to be a happy place for all who visit.

If you think you (don’t be bashful) or a neighbor might qualify for a Yard of the Month, let any board member know (see our website). ‘Tis worth a $50 gift card from Randall’s, plus gives you the right to proudly display the Yard of the Month sign for 30 days.

Grogan’s Mill Village Association budgeted $16,000 at its April planning meeting for the coming fiscal year. Planned expenditures include $4,000 for schools, $3,000 for scholarships, $3,400 for community events, $1,000 for Interfaith, and $1,000 for a Veterans Memorial. President Dana Denton also presented a list of village 2013 accomplishments, which can be found on the village website.

New flood plain maps have been published by the Federal Environmental Management Agency and are available on the FEMA website (http://maps. riskmap6.com/TX/Montgomery).

Some new areas are included, and some areas that had been in the flood plain have been removed. When using these maps it is best to enter the address you are interested in, and under the ‘Preliminary Flood Insurance Map’ choose just one item: “Flood Hazard Area.”

PinPoint Commercial is building a new 75-acre community of residential one- and multi-family homes and retail businesses on Sawdust Road at the sharp bend near Sawmill. You can find their plans on the PinPoint website (www.pinpointcommercial.com/ woodland-creek.html).

by

Indian Springs

The Indian Springs Village Association is pleased to recognize our 2014 Community Service scholarship winners and assist in furthering their education with $1,000 scholarships. This village is certainly fortunate to have received applications from so many incredibly qualified Indian Springs students. It was with great difficulty that the selection committee chose the winners. Due to the high number of amazing applicants, our board has increased the number of scholarship recipients from five in 2012 to seven in 2013 and 2014. Our selection committee felt that the following seven students stood out and were truly inspiring: Spencer Chapman, Patricia D’Arezzo, Laura Densmore, Molly Garrison,

Madeleine Miller, Angelina Pavlich and Sana Saboowala.

The types of community service varied, but the dedication of these young leaders to their community was truly impressive. We applaud the families for guiding them on their journey, but also know that these students ultimately made their own choice to pursue this path. In a community such as The Woodlands, so many activities compete for students’ free time. We thank them for their service thus far and look forward to seeing great things from them in the future.

Panther Creek

The Panther Creek Village Association will kick off the summer with several events. The annual Flag Day Picnic will be held at Ridgewood Park on Interfaith Drive Saturday, June 14, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a very popular free event for young and old. Our master chefs will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers to go with the ice cold sodas and snacks for all to enjoy. There will be special activities and treats for all including the Ridgewood Park pool that will be open to all for free. There will be a special Flag Day display

with veterans from the VFW to share information on flag history and etiquette. So bring the kids, bring the neighbors, and most importantly, bring yourself.

Join the celebration and parade on the Fourth of July. The parade route will start and end at The Woodlands United Methodist Church with parking in the Town Center area. Bring your lawn chairs, sit back and enjoy the show. Look for the Panther Creek Village Association panther riding in style!

Save a spot on your calendar for the annual outing to watch the Houston Astros play that other baseball team in Texas at Minute Maid Park. On Friday, August 29 we’ll board a comfortable bus at the East side of the Panther Creek Shopping Center for an enjoyable trip that is included with your ticket price. The $22 ticket price includes admission to the park, seating with other Panther Creek fans, and luxurious transportation to and from the ball park. The 55 available tickets are going fast so call Mary Bootz at 281-296-9960 for more information and your reservation.

A special thanks to the many Panther Creek residents who helped put on another successful Flea Market March 22. Whether you are a bargain hunter or have items you’d like to sell, start planning for our Fall Flea Market. Additional information can be found at www.WoodlandsFleaMarket.org.

Your Panther Creek Village Association meets the second Thursday of each month at The Woodlands Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd, at 7 p.m. All residents are welcome to come and hear reports from local law enforcement, community events, and issues that affect you. You’ll get reports on many of the community service activities going on including monthly reports by Mrs. Veronica Hernandez-Mena on the actions of The Woodlands Township Board that affect you. Resident comments are welcome. This is a great place to get your concerns addressed.

It’s Time To Prepare For HURRICANE SEASON

THIS MONTH IS THE BEGINNING OF THE FIVE-MONTH HURRICANE SEASON. The Woodlands Township Board of Directors urges all residents to be prepared by planning what you and your family should do if disaster strikes.

Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/emergency for additional information and resources. Thinking about it now will help you decide what to do later.

During an emergency, for information specific to The Woodlands, listen to K-Star Country, KVST 99.7 FM, official emergency broadcast partner of The Woodlands Township.

• Fully redundant power

• Locally owned and operated

• North Houston and Conroe coverage area

• Local news, weather and traffic

• Listen live daily at 99.7 FM or online at kstarcountry.com.

For more information about emergency preparedness, call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800 or visit the Homeland Security Web site at www.ready.gov.

PUT YOUR EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT TOGETHER NOW

Assembling a basic emergency supply kit will put everything you need to get by in one place. Recommended supplies to include are:

• One gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• First aid kit.

• Whistle to signal for help.

• Filter mask or cotton T-shirt to help filter the air.

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

• Manual can opener and utensils if kit contains canned food.

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.

• Important family documents.

• Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers.

WATER-WISE IRRIGATION CLASS

Water-wise irrigation maintains optimum soil moisture and results in less water lost to evaporation, runoff and wind. Water-wise irrigation includes drip irrigation systems which deliver water in a slow and precise manner directly to the plants’ roots.

Compared to conventional sprinkler systems, drip irrigation conserves water, reduces the incidence of pests and fungal diseases spread by water, and discourages weeds since water delivery is targeted to landscape plants. Drip systems can be adapted to include micro sprinklers and micro sprayers which distribute the water over a wider area where low volume overhead irrigation is needed.

Together these systems are also known as low flow, low volume, trickle or micro irrigation. The class will be delivered as a classic DIY class in that it’ll take you through a simple step by step process. Installation is simple, and no glue or special tools are needed.

We invite you to join with us to conserve water by learning how to install your own water-wise irrigation system! Three different dates are available. Reserve your seat for this class by calling 281-210-3800, or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ gardeningevents.

ANCHOR CLUB VOLUNTEERS ASSIST RESIDENTS

Over the past month, volunteers from the Anchor Club at The Woodlands High School have performed yard maintenance work for two elderly Grogan’s Mill Village residents as part

of Montgomery County United Way’s Days of Caring Program. The Woodlands Township partners with United Way on these projects as part of its Community Revitalization Program. The homeowners

involved, as well as the Township and the United Way, appreciate these teenagers who gave of their time on a weekend to help maintain properties.

Good Neighbor Days at The Woodlands Fire Stations

Stop, Drop and Roll on into your local fire station and meet the firefighters who work to keep you safe.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get an up-close look at fire apparatus, rescue units and the station where it all happens. Children can meet our friendly firefighters, learn about fire safety, smoke alarms, and 9-1-1 communications. Law enforcement will also be on hand to meet with residents. Also, get valuable crime prevention and emergency preparedness information from a Neighborhood Services Program Specialist.

Mark your calendars and don’t miss the fun!

Common An Extraordinarily

Whendoes common become extraordinary? Right now such a moment is playing out at woods edge, in roadside ditches, within light dappled woods and along fence rows and bayous—as elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) blossoms. The broad white, lacy flower clusters are so plentiful that we are inclined to take the lush shrubs for granted.

While far from mundane in their peak season, elderberries are among those “plants that are just too common for people to prize,” in the words of a native gardening guru, William Fontenot. An unfortunate assumption, he says, because the commoners “often turn out to be Cinderellas in cultivated situations.”

This commoner will perform royally in soggy areas of your landscape. Rapid growth makes up for elderberry’s deciduous character. With adequate moisture, the plant colonizes by underground stems to form a dense rounded screening shrub in summer. Pruning stems at their base will force more compact growth and preserve the form.

The pinnately (feather-like) compound opposite leaves lend an almost tropical appearance to the plant while furnishing cover for wildlife.

Elderberry continues to flower sporadically into July, with each umbrella-shaped flower cluster yielding an equally large mass of

purple-black, berry-like fruits. The ornamental value of the fruit is frequently short-lived because nearly 50 species of birds feast on the food source often before the fruit is ripe! Natural history records describe elderberries as a staple in pioneer pantries, both dried and for medicinal purposes. Recipes for wines, jellies, pies and even flower fritters are still in use today. And rightly so, elderberries have more vitamin C per unit weight than oranges or tomatoes.

The common beauty unfolding in our woods is an inspiration for a woodlands landscape. Perhaps your corner of the woods holds the glass slipper for a native Cinderella.

Another Success!

Thanks to all of you who made the Shadowcreek Community Involvement Day Event a success on Saturday, April 12, 2014! More than 45 residents attended the event, dropping off paint, speaking with staff members and collecting information regarding services offered by the Township. At this event, we collected 55 gallons of latex paint for recycling! Also, sponsors, H-E-B and The Home Depot, were in attendance, and the refreshments and information they distributed was very much appreciated.

Neighbors stop to visit and learn more about The Woodlands Fire Department.

Local businesses are much appreciated sponsors of Community Involvement Days.

A delicious restaurant in the west Woodlands.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

30420 FM 2978, The Woodlands, TX 77382 (281) 292-2583

at the end of Woodlands Parkway, turn right

Tequilas, Margaritas, and delicious Latin-inspired food 24 Waterway Ave, The Woodlands TX 77380

Woodlands’s best bagels since 1994.

4775 W Panther Creek Dr The Woodlands, TX 77381

Be WATERWISE Be WATERWISE

 Make sure that you have a working spring lever shut-off valve or rotating shut-off nozzle for handheld hoses.

 Avoid mist sprayers. Mist sprayers increase evaporation rates.

 If you’re using a hose-end sprinkler, don’t leave it unattended for too long a period. Watch for water running off into the street.

 Move the sprinkler as needed to assure water is percolating into soil and the top layer is not saturated, preventing water from getting deep into root system.

 If you must leave a sprinkler unattended, attach a simple and inexpensive timer to the hose bib.

 Most hose-end oscillating sprinklers are equipped to select the width and distance of the watering area on the sprinkler. Adjust settings to avoid/minimize overspray onto paved areas.

 Make sure garden hose connections to the house hose bib and the sprinkler are secure with proper rubber washers to stop leaky connections.

 Water early in the morning and late evenings to avoid evaporation loss.

 Water only when needed and no more than one inch per week during the peak summer months. If it rains an inch that week, don’t water at all.

BEING OUTDOORS

DURING SEASON

Whetherpicking up the mail, walking the dog or dining al fresco, take a few precautions to help safeguard you and your family when out of doors this mosquito season.

Covering up to protect yourself from being bitten is rule number one.

“When it comes to mosquitoes, what you wear does make a difference!” said Lynne Aldrich, manager of Environmental Services for The Woodlands Township. Deter mosquitoes and avoid bites by wearing long, loose, light-colored clothing. Long sleeves and long pants are ideal.

Nix the aftershave and perfume, and make mosquito repellent your new fragrance of choice.

“Considering the length of time that you will be outside, choose the least toxic

product that works for you,” Ms. Aldrich suggests. The Centers for Disease Control recommends repellents that contain DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin or IR3535. Follow package instructions, applying only to exposed skin and clothing. Repellent should never be applied to cuts, wounds or rashes. And, for their safety, please keep repellents out of children’s reach.

Know your enemy! Enjoy your yard by timing outings to sidestep the biters. Avoid being out of doors from dusk to dawn when disease-carrying mosquitoes are most active.

“Mosquitoes are weak flyers,” notes Ms. Aldrich. She recommends using oscillating fans on porches, decks and gazebos to keep air moving and blow mosquitoes away. Ms. Aldrich offers one

final, little known tip: inspect and repair leaky tanks on gas grills!

To learn more about protecting yourself and family from nuisance mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ mosquitoinfo. To schedule a mosquito presentation for your neighborhood, group or club, contact Lynne Aldrich at laldrich@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3926.

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