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September 2013

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SEPTEMBER 2013
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP
THE
Arts in the Park The Woodlands Township Remembers
Solutions
Founder George P. Mitchell Woodlands Landscaping
National Night Out 2013

On the Cover

This month, The Woodlands Township remembers founder George P. Mitchell, pictured, who passed away in late July. Please see the articles on pages 3 and 6 through 9 for Township memories and reflections on Mr. Mitchell. Cover image of Mr. Mitchell courtesy of the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation.

FEATURES 3 In Honor of George P. Mitchell 6 The Woodlands Township Remembers Founder George P. Mitchell 10 Township Accolades 12 National Night Out 2013 14 Just Do One Thing: Be Informed 15 Emergency Notifications 21 Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture: Dazzled by Dragonflies 22 Post-Season Pool Schedule 22 San Jacinto River Authority CONTENTS THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP is located at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX 77381
September 2013
23 Water Fee to Increase 50¢ per 1,000 Gallons 24 Green Your Garden at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions 25 Arts in the Park 26 Keep Your Emergency Supply Kits Ready 28 Welcome to The Woodlands Township Tennis Academy 29 Labor Day Weekend at Waterway Square 30 YMCA Dragon Boat Challenge 30 Water-wise Gardening Events 31 Concert in the Park MONTHLY 16 Calendar of Events 18 The Woodlands Village News 31 12 25 SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 1 21
2 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013 www.paddingtonbritishschool.com

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

The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (Water) 281-367-1271

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

Emergency 911

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

IN HONOR OF GEORGE P. MITCHELL

The Woodands Township Board joins the entire Woodlands community in remembering The Woodlands founder George P. Mitchell, honoring his life and celebrating his dream that became The Woodlands.

In late July and early August, Township flags flew at half-mast in his honor. Please see the feature on pages 6 through 9 as the Township reflects on all that Mr. Mitchell has meant, and will continue to mean, to The Woodlands.

Woodlands Township adopted its 2014 budget and set the 2013 tax rate at its August 22, 2013, Board meeting. For a schedule of meetings, or to view the 2014 budget in its entirety, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 3
For Gordy Bunch Position No. 1 Treasurer Don Norrell President and General Manager Mike Bass Position No. 2 Director Jeff Long Position No. 3 Director Nelda Blair Position No. 5 Director Bruce Tough Position No. 7 Chairman Peggy Hausman Position No. 6 Vice Chairman Ed Robb Position No. 4 Secretary The
4 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013 The Woodlands COMMUNITY MAGAZINE The Woodlands Community Magazine is a past recipient of The Communicator Award of Distinction, the Bronze Quill Award of Merit from the Houston Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators and a Merit Award from The Service Industry Advertising Awards. The Official Magazine of The Woodlands Township CHAMPIONS STAFF President, Publisher James E. Callahan, Jr. Account Executives Connie Krell Charlotte Blanco Cheryl Kirsch Creative Director Lori Short Graphic Designers Jami Davis Charlene Strine TOWNSHIP STAFF Director of Community Relations Nick Wolda Editor Mary Connell Photo Editor Susan Schneider Copy Editor Terri Jefferies Advertising inquiries, rate requests and change of address/delivery inquiries may be directed to: 6608 FM 1960 W., Suite G Houston, Texas 77069 281-583-7661 www.championsprinting.com Editorial inquiries may be directed to The Woodlands Community Magazine, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX, 77381, telephone 281-210-3800. Editorial deadlines are the 15th of every month, approximately six weeks in advance of publication. The editors reserve all rights to accept or reject any submissions and reserve all rights to edit for clarity and space. The Woodlands Community Magazine is the official information source of The Woodlands Township. Its purpose is to inform Woodlands residents about the activities of the Township and the services provided to them as Woodlands residents. Information from the Township takes precedence over information submitted by any other source. September 2013 • Volume 17 • Issue 9 The Woodlands Community Magazine is a monthly publication of The Woodlands Township, in partnership with Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. It is printed and distributed free of charge to residents of The Woodlands The printing and distribution of The Woodlands Community Magazine are supported entirely by advertising revenue. Please patronize the advertisers whenever possible, and tell them you saw their ad in this magazine and appreciate their support. Printed on recycled paper Your smartphone link to this magazine online. www.twfg.com |281- 367-3424 |800- 596-8934 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive, Suite 4020 The Woodlands, TX 77380 Place1st of R 2013 Rely on the Best Insurance Agency or Agent Auto Home Health Life Business Number One Agency in TheWoodlands ToCareforYouandYour Insurance. Richard “Gordy” Bunch Founder, President & CEO #1 Texas Agency Personal Lines Insurance FEMA National Award Winner Top 100 Agency in USA Pledge of Performance Member

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP REMEMBERS FOUNDER

GEORGE P. MITCHELL

On October 19, 1974, The Woodlands celebrated its official grand opening, with founder George Mitchell and his “dream team” hopeful that they had created a new hometown that would grow and thrive to become a place where someday thousands would live, work, play and learn. On July, 26, 2013, at the age of 94, George Mitchell finished his incredible life, a true American story of hard work, ingenuity and perseverance. Today, his vision of a hometown encompasses nearly 110,000 residents, 2,000 businesses, more than 200 miles of hike and bike trails, eight million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment, numerous private and public schools and a university center, a world-class performing arts center and many other amenities and accomplishments.

Volumes have been written about The Woodlands and its visionary founder. The Woodlands was only one of his many ideas and contributions to the world. While The Woodlands Township could not hope to include full information about Mr. Mitchell in a magazine article, we invite you to read more about his life and achievements at the Web site of the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, www.cgmf.org. On the pages presented here, you may learn a little about The Woodlands history, and recognize that many parts of the life we enjoy here in The Woodlands were made possible through the vision, planning and foresight of Mr. George P. Mitchell. continued on next page

6 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013
Image courtesy of the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation
SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 7
Mr. Mitchell, standing, discusses plans for The Woodlands at a meeting at The Woodlands Conference Center. A drawing on a napkin in 1972 shows the vision of Town Center, what is now The Woodlands Mall, Market Street and Waterway areas. Mr. Mitchell, right, reviews a map of The Woodlands on the hood of a car at what is now the intersection of I-45 and Robinson Road. Second from left is Coulson Tough, future president of The Woodlands Community Association and father of current Township Chairman Bruce Tough. Photo contributed by Coulson Tough

1920

1944

First of 10 children is born

1950

1918

Born in Galveston, Texas

1930

1940

1942

Married Cynthia Woods

1960

1964 Begins assembling land that becomes The Woodlands

1970

1974

1961 Forms Mitchell & Mitchell Oil and Gas Corp.

1990

Cynthia Woods

Mitchell Pavilion opens

2000

1980

1982

Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) opens, dedicated to environmental issues and sustainable growth

2000-2010

Numerous gifts to science, medicine and the arts

2009

2010

Cynthia Woods Mitchell passes away 2013

Receives HistoryMaking Texan Award from Texas State History Museum

After the Community Associations transitioned to The Woodlands Township, Founder of The Woodlands George Mitchell, center, received a proclamation from The Woodlands Township in January 2010 declaring April 29, 2010, as Cynthia Woods

Mitchell Day, following Cynthia’s passing in late 2009. The Woodlands Township Chairman at that time, Nelda Luce Blair, left, presented Mr. Mitchell with the proclamation, along with Township President and General Manager Don Norrell at The Woodlands Township meeting on January 27, 2010. Mr. Mitchell has always been beloved in The Woodlands. Even after he sold The Woodlands, The Woodlands Community Association presented him with a key to the hometown in 1998, shown here with thenWoodlands Community Association President Peggy S. Hausman.

The Woodlands came together as a community to honor and pay tribute to Mr. Mitchell at a memorial service that included the Texas A&M University Singing Cadets and the Houston Symphony, held at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in August.

and George Mitchell Foundation. Timeline adapted from

8 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013
The Woodlands opens. A special stamp on an envelope from ‘74 shows that The Woodlands had become a real hometown. Image contributed by Coulson Tough Images of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell shown above are courtesy of the Cynthia
information on www.cgmf.org.

THOUGHTS ON GEORGE MITCHELL from The Woodlands Township’s Board of Directors

“I was just an impressionable young man in college when I first met Mr. Mitchell and had the great honor to experience his vision for The Woodlands. His life and legacy will never cease to inspire. George Mitchell had a dream of a hometown where thousands of people would live, work, play and learn. We have been so fortunate to live that dream, along with nearly 110,000 residents and 2,000 businesses who call The Woodlands home and who benefit from Mr. Mitchell’s original dream and his hard work every day.”

The Woodlands Township Chairman, Bruce Tough

“We owe so much of what we have to Mr. Mitchell. We have always looked to him for his vision and his leadership. I remember meeting him for breakfast during the transition of developer-control to resident-control of The Woodlands Community Association, and he always emphasized that The Woodlands should be a hometown for everyone. The Woodlands is his vision, and we will always do our best to maintain it.”

The Woodlands Township Vice Chairman, Peggy S. Hausman

“George Mitchell changed my life. We moved to this new hometown January 1978. Little did Bev or I know at the time that we would spend our entire adult lives in The Woodlands. Four generations of our family live here now - all of us benefitting from Mr. Mitchell’s vision. I am so grateful that early on I became acquainted with this great man. At each stage of our church’s development, George Mitchell stepped forward with generous support. And I’m so proud that he endorsed my candidacy for Township Board and contributed financially to my campaigns. His generosity and vision are an inspiration.”

The Woodlands Township Secretary, Ed Robb

“My wife and I moved to The Woodlands based on the vision laid out by Mr. Mitchell. I know he should be proud of and comforted that his vision, legend and legacy will forever be memorialized by The Woodlands’ success. The Woodlands Township board has approved celebrating The Woodlands 40th anniversary next year as a founders day celebration. I look forward to including community activities that uphold his vision and educate everyone on The Woodlands history. It takes eight Villages to make The Woodlands Township and one George Mitchell to create it.”

The Woodlands Township Treasurer, Gordy Bunch

“Mr. Mitchell’s commitment to building and maintaining sustainable societies and communities, something from which The Woodlands has derived benefit, is unparalleled. Mr. Mitchell’s far-reaching vision and research in planning The Woodlands was impressive for a businessman of his time. Forty years later, we still benefit from this vision, one our Township government must preserve for the future generations of those living in The Woodlands.”

The Woodlands Township Director, Mike Bass

“During my teenage years, locals referred to the developing area in southern Montgomery County as “Mitchell’s Folly.” This was because the size of the dream was incomprehensible to the everyday person. But, then, George P. Mitchell was no ordinary man. It takes a special type of imagination, desire, visualization, goal-setting and even a little pipe-dreaming for the mind’s eye to see a hometown in harmony with nature for thousands of families in the middle of a former family sawmill that many considered just an East Texas swamp. Not only did Mr. Mitchell see it, but he convinced some very intelligent people to get on board with his dream and make it happen. I am one of the lucky ones who was witness to the vision from the beginning, and who now lives, works and plays in my hometown of The Woodlands, thanks to the visionary designer George Mitchell.”

The Woodlands Township Director, Nelda Luce Blair

“When we were looking for a place to live after being in California for many years, we took a look at The Woodlands. We had always heard about the careful attention to detail in planning and wanted to find such a place where our investment in a home could rise in value over time. We found it in The Woodlands. However, the pleasant surprise was finding a community that cared about its residents and businesses. This was the vision of Mr. Mitchell, to create a community that cared for itself. His vision created one of the most special places on earth. We’re blessed to live here, in a community created by such a visionary founder. We want to continue this spirit given to us by Mr. Mitchell and ensure the high quality of life you can enjoy in The Woodlands.”

The Woodlands Township Director, Jeff Long

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 9

The Woodlands Township Town Hall building recently earned a LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification is recognized as the premier mark of achievement in green building.

TOWNSHIP

Township Town Hall earns LEED Gold certification

The U.S. Green Building Council uses the LEED certification system to rate building sustainability. The twoyear certification process awards points in seven categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation in Design and Regional Priority Credits. The total points awarded determines the level of certification: Certified (40 – 49 points), Silver (50 – 59 points), Gold (60 – 79 points) or Platinum (80 points or more). The Town Hall building is currently rated 62 points out of a possible 110, achieving the Gold level. LEED-certified buildings cost less to operate by reducing energy and water usage. Certification also increases the property value of the building.

“The LEED Gold certification is a credit to the design team of Kirksey Architects, Damon Palermo and Township staff,” said Township Assistant General Manager John Powers. “While this team

was cognizant of the benefits of LEED principles, they were focused on the functionality and operations of the public building for high-quality resident services and employee performance. They were also focused on saving money through the re-use and re-purposing of the existing fixtures and materials, and energy efficiency for longterm savings to the taxpayers. Achieving a Gold rating is a welcome surprise.”

The Township purchased and renovated the Town Hall building, located at 2801 Technology Forest Boulevard to consolidate four different office locations into one facility, thereby reducing costs and increasing operational efficiencies. During the renovation, most of which occurred in 2011, the Township replaced outdated water fixtures with low-flow fixtures and auto-sensor lavatories. These fixtures save more than 40 percent of water use in comparison with typical office buildings.

Many existing light fixtures were re-used, and any new lighting was selected to be as energy efficient as possible. More than 75 percent of all computer equipment and appliances used throughout the building are Energy Star rated. The installation of HVAC systems and water heating systems were thoroughly inspected by an independent building efficiency agent to prevent energy inefficiencies. The majority (78 percent) of the construction debris generated during the renovation was diverted from the landfill. Doors, hardware, moveable partitions and cabinets were re-used from the existing building, saving money and natural resources. Low-emitting paints, adhesives, sealants, flooring and Green Guard Certified furniture were also used to ensure indoor air quality.

For the latest news and information on The Woodlands Township government, please call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

10 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013
The Township certification team, pictured above, holds the LEED Gold plaque that is displayed in the Town Hall building. Left to right: Township Information Technology Director William Pham, Township Assistant General Manager John Powers, Township President Don Norrell, Kirksey Architecture representatives Melissa O’Neil and Julie Hendricks and Damon Palermo of Palermo Corporate Real Estate Advisors. Photo by Susan Schneider

A Special Invitation to The

Woodlands Residents from The Woodlands Township & Public Safety Agencies

National Night Out 2013

Saturday, September 21, 2013 • noon to 3 p.m. Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

Children of all ages are invited to join local law enforcement and public safety personnel at the Public Safety Expo coordinated by The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services Department. Get up close and personal with public safety personnel and equipment from local, state and federal agencies, and learn about what they do.

• See Homeland Security’s MRAP tank

• Climb inside an ambulance, fire truck and patrol car

• Explore the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office or ICE Mobile Command Units

• Try on SWAT and FBI gear

• Watch live Narcotic, Explosive and Apprehension K-9 demonstrations

• Meet real crime scene investigators and Texas Rangers

NEW THIS YEAR: See what can really happen on the texting-while-driving simulator

This unique event provides an afternoon of fun for kids and adults alike to explore public safety apparatus, watch live law enforcement K9 demonstrations, try on S.W.A.T. and firefighter gear and meet real Crime Scene Investigators and Texas Rangers. The kids will enjoy face painting, a bounce house, crafts and hanging out with McGruff the Crime Dog.

Admission is free. Bring your camera and curiosity for an afternoon of fun at the Public Safety Expo! H-E-B will supply hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments to complete the celebration. Free parking and shuttle will be available across from Northshore Park (9320 Lakeside Blvd). Eco

Taxi will be available to help safely shuttle residents to the park entrance.

Then, on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, neighborhoods throughout The Woodlands are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “30th Annual National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event. National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships, and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Residents are encouraged

to gather between 5:30 and 8 p.m. on their street or in a nearby park to meet neighbors and local public safety officials. How a neighborhood celebrates is up to the people who live there; it can be something as simple as popsicles for the kids or a fullblown potluck dinner. Bringing neighbors together is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime. Local law enforcement and The Woodlands Fire Department will briefly visit with residents of many of those neighborhoods who register their party with The Township. To register a party, residents should call 281-210-3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ nationalnightout.

12 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013

Food Drive: The Township will host a food drive to benefit Interfaith Food Bank. Nonperishable food items collected at your National Night Out party can be dropped off directly at Interfaith between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Wednesday October 2, 2013, through Friday October 4, 2013. Please make sure to mention National Night Out when giving your donation to Interfaith.

Say Thank You: At their neighborhood event, residents are encouraged to create a thank you poster for deputies and firefighters. All neighborhood posters will be given to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County Constable Precint 4 and The Woodlands Fire Department in a special presentation.

• Make a poster showing your appreciation!

• Pick up poster board Tuesday, September 17, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Turn in posters by Monday, October 14, at the Township Office.

Lights, Camera, Action! Enter a creative photo from your National Night Out neighborhood party by Friday, October 4. Photo entries must include at least one of the following: National Night Out logo, law enforcement representative and/or apparatus, The Woodlands Fire Department firefighter and/or vehicle. There will be one grandprize winner and one first-prize winner from each of the eight villages.

I.D. the Burglar Village Challenge: A burglar, along with a “good guy”* will be escorted by a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy to your neighborhood party. Your neighborhood must then work as a team to help identify the burglar! Any neighborhood interested must register by September 17, 2013. One party from each village will be drawn from the parties registered to participate in the challenge. The selected parties will be notified and given the materials to participate. *Good guys are members of the Montgomery County Sheriff Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association.

National Night Out celebrates Police - Community Partnerships. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4’s commitment to Community Policing must include youthe community. For more information on these National Night Out events, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and click on National Night Out or call 281-210-3800.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 13
PAID ADVERTISEMENT

JUST DO ONE THING

BE INFORMED

This month, make sure everyone in your household can receive, understand, and act on information received in an emergency. Getting correct information during an emergency is the key to taking safe action. Someone in your household may not be able to receive, understand, or act on emergency information. Think about what special needs your household may have. Take action now to make sure everyone in your family will be safe in an emergency.

Choose one of the following things to do this month to become better informed:

1. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do when they hear emergency warnings.

Some communities may have outdoor warning sirens (also called tornado sirens) to warn you in an emergency. Some communities have other ways of warning residents. They may call by phone, or send text messages or e-mails with emergency information. Talk to family members about what to do when emergency information is given. Residents of The Woodlands can sign up for the following warning and information services:

Woodlands Alert

CodeRED Weather Alert System

Greater Harris County 9-1-1

Emergency Network (GHC 9-1-1) ...................................

www.woodlandsalert.org

http://cne.coderedweb.com

http://ghcens.onthealert.com

National Hurricane Service Email and SMS Alert System

http://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNWS/subscriber/new?preferences=true

Nixle .....................................................................................................

2. Get a NOAA Emergency Alert Radio.

www.nixle.com

Weather can change very quickly. Severe weather may strike when people are sleeping or unaware of the forecast. This can be deadly if people do not seek a safe shelter. A NOAA emergency alert radio (sometimes called a weather radio) can turn itself on when an emergency alert is issued and warn you at any time - day or night.

Emergency alert radios can also be used to warn about other emergencies, such as a chemical spill. With the Emergency Alert Radio, you will be warned about dangerous situations in time to take shelter or other safe action.

Every home should have an emergency alert radio, just the way all homes should have a smoke detector. They can be purchased at stores that sell electronics or online. Prices start at about $20.00. Most run on batteries or have battery back-up.

3. Make sure everyone in your household can communicate in a disaster.

If you don’t speak English well, or if you use an assistive device to speak or hear, make a plan now. Make sure you can get and give information in a disaster.

Communities may give information by television or radio, by automated phone call, text messages, e-mail, or by sounding outdoor warning sirens. Police or fire may use loudspeakers to give information as they drive through the streets. Responders or volunteers may go door-to-door to talk to people directly.

If you think you may not be able to understand emergency information, identify someone (or more than one person) that you can contact for help in an emergency. Have more than one way to get in touch with them. Keep their contact information with you.

Remember, emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. In this column each month, TWCERT will publish a different step to help individuals, families, and businesses to prepare for all hazards, and become disaster resilient. We encourage you to follow the plan throughout the year and to stay informed and be ready by following us on the web (www.twcert.com), Facebook or Twitter for more timely preparedness tips.

The Woodlands Community Emergency Response Team (twcert.com) brings you the Do One Thing (do1thing.com) topic for September

– Be Informed. Created by a team of professionals with extensive experience in emergency management, Do One Thing is a 12-month preparedness program that focuses on different areas of emergency preparedness each month. You can jump in anytime, and you don’t have to do things in any order. It’s as easy as this:

1. Read each month’s topic

2. Select one of the easy “Things to do”

3. Do that one thing!

Make a Plan

Water

MONTHLY TOPICS

Sheltering

Food

Work, School and Community

Unique Family Needs

Family Communication Plan

Get Involved

Be Informed Power

Emergency Supplies

First Aid

14 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013

Emergency Notifications

Receive emergency notifications from Montgomery County 9-1-1 or Greater Harris County 9-1-1 on your cell phone. Calls from this free service may come any time of the day or night.

• Montgomery County residents can sign up by visiting www.mc911.org or calling 936-523-5900

• Residents of Creekside Park in Harris County can sign up by visiting www.911.org or calling 832-237-9911.

Other emergency preparedness information resources:

• Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ emergency for a number of resources.

• For basic hurricane preparedness for your family, please visit www.ready.gov.

• For county emergency information, visit www.mctxoem.org for Montgomery County or www.readyharris.org for Harris County.

• To monitor approaching tropical storms or hurricanes, visit the National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

• Sign up for e-mail alerts from the Regional Joint Information Center through Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management at www.readyharris.org.

• To sign up for WoodlandsAlert messages and WoodlandsAlert community information messages, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and click WoodlandsAlert Signup.

• K-STAR 99.7 FM will broadcast emergency information specific to The Woodlands.

• For more emergency preparedness tips and information specific to The Woodlands, please visit www.thewoodlandstownshiptx.gov/getready.

• To schedule an emergency preparedness presentation, please contact The Woodlands Watch, a program of The Woodlands Township, at 281-210-3800 or e-mail neighbor@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

In the event that ALL communications fail, The Woodlands Fire Department stations will have emergency information for the community.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 15

september

Pink skullcap, Scutellaria suffrutescens, grows only 8 to 15 inches tall with small evergreen leaves resembling thyme. Find pink skullcap and other water-wise selections at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions on Saturday, September 28. (See page 24)

Sunday, September 1

Labor Day Weekend Celebration 6 to 9 p.m. Waterway Square 281-363-2447

Monday, September 2

Labor Day

Township offices closed No trash and recycling pickup

Tuesday, September 3

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

Creekside Park Village Association Meeting 6464 Creekside Forest Drive 7 p.m. 281-210-3889

Wednesday, September 4

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Thursday, September 5

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Friday, September 6

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center 7 p.m.

281-210-3950

This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.

Saturday, September 7

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

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

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center www.grogansmillvillage.com

Target Car Seat Check and Fingerprint Day

Target Parking Lot 1100 Lake Woodlands Drive 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 281-210-3800

Sunday, September 8

FREE Concert in the Park Josh Fuller Band (Country) Northshore Park

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 281-210-3800

Tuesday, September 10

Heartsaver CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m. 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, September 12

Residential Design Review Committee Meetings*

Panther Creek Village Association Meeting 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m. 281-210-3886

16 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013
calendar updates and complete listings, visit the Calendar at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
For
Photo by Lucinda Valdes

FREE Walk in the Woods

Nature Lecture

A Dazzle of Dragonflies! McCullough Junior High School, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive

7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Saturday, September 14

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

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

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center www.grogansmillvillage.com

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

Arts in the Park

Rob Fleming Park

2 to 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Live at Night

Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

281-363-2447

Sunday, September 15

Concert in the Park Hope Cassity (Country)

Northshore Park

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Monday, September 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, September 17

National Night Out Supply and Registration Day

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

281-210-3800

Healthcare Provider CPR Class Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

Wednesday, September 18

Development Standards Committee Meeting*

Mini Compost Classes

The Woodlands Mall

Between Barnes & Noble and Anthropologie

4 to 8 p.m.

281-210-3800

Thursday, September 19

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

9 a.m.

281-210-3800

Friday, September 20

Gorilla Hole

The Recreation Center

7 p.m.

281-210-3950

This event is geared to 5th and 6th graders. There is a $7 admittance fee.

Garbage Collection

Saturday, September 21

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

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

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Heartsaver CPR Class

Emergency Training Center

9 a.m. to noon

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

First Aid Class

Emergency Training Center

Noon to 3:30 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

National Night Out Public Safety Expo

Northshore Park

12 to 3 p.m.

See page 12.

Live at Night

Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

281-363-2447

Sunday, September 22

Concert in the Park

Gary Michael Dahl Band (R&B/Jazz)

Northshore Park

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

281-210-3800

Monday, September 23

Sterling Ridge Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

7 p.m.

281-210-5808

Tuesday, September 24

Healthcare Provider CPR/AED

Renewal Class

Emergency Training Center

6:30 to 10 p.m.

281-210-5820 ext. 1731

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association Meeting

2801 Technology Forest Blvd. 7 p.m.

281-210-3887

Wednesday, September 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, September 28

Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market

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

Grogan’s Mill Village Shopping Center

www.grogansmillvillage.com

Woodlands Landscaping Solutions

8203 Millennium Forest Drive 9 a.m. to noon

281-210-3800

Live at Night Waterway Square

6 to 8 p.m.

281-363-2447

No changes in garbage service for August. There will be no pick-up on Labor Day (Monday, September 2, 2013). Neighborhoods that usually receive collection on Monday will have their service delayed by one day. All subsequent routes for the rest of the week will also be delayed by one day. Friday’s route will receive service on Saturday. All solid waste services are affected. Regular service will resume on Monday, September 9, 2013. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/holidaytrash.

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

www.metroministorage.net

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 17

NEWS FROM THE VILLAGES OF THE WOODLANDS

Alden Bridge

Greetings once again from Alden Bridge! September is usually one of our hottest months, so continue to keep cool in our community pools! The pool at Alden Bridge Park will be open on weekends through September 29, but the Lakeside Park and Windvale pools closed after August 25.

The monthly Alden Bridge Residents Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 10, at 7 p.m. at the Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Our guest speaker will be Chris Nunes, director of The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department. Residents are encouraged to attend our meetings. Please bring us your questions, your praise and your problems! You can also send your concerns to info@aldenbridge.org.

Our last Yard of the Month winner was the Baker family of Millport Drive in Millport. Congratulations to them on a beautiful job of landscaping – plus lots of tomatoes! We’ll award our last Yard of the Month winner for 2013 on the first of September, so if you read this in time, send in your nominations to info@aldenbridge.org

information. This is a Saturday morning event, so you’ll still have all afternoon for your own use, plus you get first look at all the goodies being offered for sale!

We may still have tickets available for our annual bus outing to Minute Maid Park on Saturday, September 28 – come watch the Astros play the New York Yankees! Tickets are $21 each and include round trip bus transportation from our village center. Please contact info@aldenbridge.org to inquire about availability.

We continue to publish our monthly e-mail newsletter of village news. Please send your e-mail address to info@aldenbridge.org to join the mailing list. Your e-mail address will not be shared and will be used only to distribute news of Alden Bridge.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend and a September to remember!

Cochran’s Crossing

Volunteers are needed to represent Alden Bridge at the Fall Villages Flea Market. All village associations share in the profits if we meet our quota of volunteers and our share goes directly to our scholarship fund. Please contact info@aldenbridge.org for additional

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association once again participated in The Woodlands 4th of July Parade. Featured this year were the Association’s scholarship winners: John Grogan and Caroline Dubose. They will both be starting college this month at Texas A&M.

The village association recently welcomed Paula Gomez as the program specialist employed with The Woodlands Township to assist with good communications between the Township and the Association.

Be sure to watch for our Fall Festival. It’s tentatively scheduled for Sunday,

October 13. Last year, nearly 1,000 residents of The Woodlands had a great time at this event.

Cochran’s Crossing Village Association has continued its interest in the update and upgrading of Shadowbend Park. The objective is to make it a “Signature Park.” With the approval of the Township Board, planning and related work will now move ahead and the project should be completed in the Fall of 2014. Elements that will be addressed include improving the pool and building, repairs, spray features, additional shade, expanded play area, additional parking, and greater accessibility to the pavilion in the park. Hundreds of Cochran’s Crossing residents completed surveys and submitted recommendations. As work on the park is carried out, the board will monitor the project and provide periodic updates.

Currently, Cochran’s Crossing Village Association is reviewing ways to be of assistance to area schools in our area. One plan is establishment of an enrichment program that involves music, art, health or nutrition. This will be coordinated with the schools based on their schedules. Since it is difficult to hold off-campus activities, they will be held at the schools.

Cochran’s Crossing encourages residents to make the board aware of suggestions that will improve our community. There is always an opportunity for resident input at monthly board meetings. They are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Township Town Hall.

College Park

Hi there, everyone! Well, our summer heat is almost over! We hope you all enjoyed your summer months and vacation from school. There is still time to enjoy your neighborhood park amenities, and soon there will be more comfortable weather to enjoy activities going on

18 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013
Alden Bridge Village Association Treasurer Melanie Bush, right, presents a scholarship to Katie Langston who will attend Lone Star College - Montgomery.

EVENTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

around our great community! Please take the time to read this magazine and your weekly Villager newspaper to learn the dates of upcoming events in The Woodlands.

The next big event that we hope every resident will get involved in is National Night Out on October 1, 2013. The Public Safety Expo is the kickoff for National Night Out and will be on September 21. Please refer to our Web site to review the time and place, or see page 12. We hope you and your neighbors all get involved and get to know each other. It really gets everyone to watch out for each other’s residences. You never know when you will need your neighbor!

Be safe on the roads. Remember, with school semester beginning, there is a lot more traffic in the morning and afternoons! Also, please be patient with the road construction going on in our area. College Park will have the Highway 242 flyover completed as soon as they can. It will be a great relief for our residents of Harper’s Landing when it is complete! Traffic will flow so much more efficiently.

Please remember our monthly College Park meeting is always the third Monday of each month. Our meeting location is at The Woodlands Township building at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, TX. This is a repetitive paragraph that is always at the end of this segment each month... but we have not increased our attendance record with new residents. Please attend our meetings, meet the College Park board, and bring any ideas or concerns you might have.

Grogan’s Mill

Grogan’s Mill Village Association is making arrangements to again host a Village-wide National Night Out “Party in the Park” on Tuesday, October 1. For the second year, our event will be held at Sawmill Park with free food and

beverages, games and activities for the children, and the opportunity to meet your fellow residents and village association board members. The Sheriff’s and Fire Departments will come by to give safety tips and let the kids take a turn sitting in the driver’s seat of the big fire truck. Great photo opportunity, Mom and Dad! Check our Web site at www.grogansmillvillage.com for more information.

MEETING INFORMATION

The Grogan’s Mill Village Association board members Virginia Dellinger, Dana Denton, Sara Bissig and Pat Goodpastor, had a great time decorating Sara’s Eco Taxi (www.gogreenecotaxi.com) and participating in this year’s 4th of July Parade. The “Parade of Stars” theme gave inspiration to the entry saluting the “Stars of Texas.” With a steady pace along the parade route, as well as a nice breeze, this year’s parade will go down as one of the most comfortable…and fun! A special thanks to Jimmy Bissig for his driving and technology contributions.

The Grogan’s Mill Farmers’ Market is now offering FREE WiFi for all customers. Stop by the Market Booth to get the code. Five fresh produce vendors are among the 30+ merchants who sell every Saturday, rain or shine, 8 a.m. until noon, at the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. Check the Grogan’s Mill Village Web site for the latest info on vendors and products and to subscribe to Friday’s weekly e-blast newsletter. We also welcome our new Market Coordinator, Dennis Ubeda, an

continued on page 20

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 Decker Lent at 617-721-6939.

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 or Village Association

President George van Horn at president@gmva.org.

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.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 19

experienced Farmers’ Market vendor in both California and Texas. Dennis has already initiated several new practices making the market even more enjoyable for our customers and our vendors (hello, free WiFi!). Stop by the Market Booth and get acquainted with Dennis.

September 13 at The Woodlands Township, 281-210-3800. This is a great way to meet new neighbors and to share in the hometown atmosphere that makes The Woodlands so special. Registration, supplies, and ideas for activities can be picked up at Township offices, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. on Tuesday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Everyone is invited to get into the swing of things on September 21 at the Public Safety Expo which will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at Northshore Park where sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and medical response teams will share useful information and exhibit equipment and vehicles to young and old.

The National Night Out neighborhood parties will be held on Tuesday evening, October 1 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. This is a great community event helping promote neighborhood safety, security, and good old fashioned neighborliness. So call, go online, www.TheWoodlandsTownship-tx.gov, or see page 12 for all the details.

On September 28 a bus load of avid Panther Creek baseball fans will travel into Houston to watch the Astros play the New York Yankees. Win or loose we will be having a great time at the ballpark then be chauffeured back home tired but having a good time. Now is also a good time to start preparing for the Fall Flea Market. Whether you have treasures that need to move on to new homes or just enjoy shopping for great bargains, or even doing some early Christmas Shopping, this great event is always fun for all.

coming up on Saturday, September 14. Cooking teams from various neighborhoods in the Village of Sterling Ridge will gather at Cranebrook Park on Friday evening, September 13, and camp out cooking brisket, ribs, pulled pork and beans. Then on Saturday, Sterling Ridge residents come and sample the BBQ while judges pick winners. We are also planning music and many attractions for kids including a bounce house, face painting, pony rides, snow cones and more! This is a free event and the Sterling Ridge Village Association even provides the meat for the BBQ! It is not too late to sign up a cooking team! Get a neighborhood team together and contact Sue Young at texastwirlers@yahoo.com.

Submitted by Bob Leilich and Dana Denton

Panther Creek

The kids may have headed back to school, but Panther Creek Village activities are just heating up. Join your neighbors at any of several village events as the weather cools off a bit. This fall will be the 30th year for the National Night Out neighborhood parties. Find out who is holding a block party where you live, or host your own by calling the helpful coordinators by

The Panther Creek Village Association is your community organization. All residents are invited to the monthly meetings held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at The Woodlands Township, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. Come voice your community issues and hear from the officials, and personnel who work here to make The Woodlands your hometown.

Submitted by Paul Gebolys

Sterling Ridge

September is our busiest month in Sterling Ridge! The 7th Annual Sterling Ridge BBQ Challenge and Kids Festival is

We also need your help! The Sterling Ridge Village Association’s bylaws provide for a 15-member Board of Directors, but we presently have only eight Board members. We often are unable to hold official meetings because with such few Board members we do not have present the fiveperson quorum provided in the bylaws. Meetings are generally held the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Woodlands Township building, 2801 Technology Forest Drive. Meetings are informative and include reports from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and The Woodlands Township. From time to time, other speakers are invited to share information. Recent participants have been CenterPoint Energy, the San Jacinto River Authority and The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department. More Board members would allow us to do more for the residents of Sterling Ridge. Besides the annual BBQ Challenge, there are also opportunities to participate in The Woodlands Marathon Village Cheer Challenge, Earth Day GreenUp, the 3R Bazaar and other events. These events are good for the community and also allow us to raise money which we have in the past donated to the PTOs of elementary schools in the area. If you are a resident of Sterling Ridge and would like to get involved in your community, please contact President Anthony Fasone at sr_twa@hotmail.com or watch the calendar and come to a meeting.

Submitted by Anthony Fasone

20 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013
Diane and Larry Berry of Huntsman’s Horn (above) get the nod as our July Yard of the Month winners. The Grogan’s Mill August Yard of the Month winners are Claire and Robert Linder of Eagle Court (above) Congratulations to all!
VILLAGE NEWS cont.

DAZZLED BY

Dragonflies

ADazzle of Dragonflies with Forrest Mitchell and James Lasswell launches the fall programming for Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Series on Thursday, September 12, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. at McCullough Junior High School, 3800 South Panther Creek Drive.

Growing to mythical size during prehistoric times, dragonflies today still emerge from a watery nursery, taking to the sky on iridescent wings. The collaborative researchers and co-authors of A Dazzle of Dragonflies, will reveal the beauty and fascinating behaviors of these agile fliers with huge compound eyes. The program will spotlight the insect’s aquatic nymph stage with a live video feed. “Since most species of dragonflies spend the majority of their lives as aquatic nymphs, we like to introduce this stage,” Dr. Mitchell explains. “Some nymphs take years to become adults!”

Learn about water gardening to attract dragonflies and how scientists are using the species to monitor water quality. The evening will include a door prize drawing and book signing. Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture is a free program of The Woodlands Township with sponsorship from The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N., Waste Management and Hilton Garden Inn.

For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or contact The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3800.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 21 281.296.4100 | www.PanopticIns.com Travelers • Progressive ® • Safeco ® • The Hartford • Foremost ® Dairyland • Encompass TM • Chubb Contact us today for your free, multi-carrier insurance quote. Coverage That Eliminates the Unexpected Commercial
Photo by James Lasswell Forrest Mitchell James Lasswell The Neon Skimmer is often found perched atop horsetail, pickerelweed and other thin, spiked vegetation.

The Woodlands Township Pools Begin Post-Season

Post-Season Weekend Use

Alden Bridge, Bear Branch, Cranebrook, Ridgewood, Forestgate, Harper’s Landing, Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, Sawmill, Wendtwoods Pools

August 31-September 1,

September 7-8, September 14-15,

September 21-22, September 28-29, 2013

Saturdays noon - 6 p.m.

Sundays 1 - 6 p.m.

For complete

Post-Season Weekday Use

Bear Branch Pool

August 26-30, September 3-6, 2013

Monday through Fridays 1 - 6 p.m.

Closed Wednesdays

Labor Day, September 2, 2013

All pools will be open

Labor Day, Monday noon - 6 p.m.

please visit the Township Web site at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools

22 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013
information and fees,

GRP Water Fee to Increase 50¢ per 1,000 Gallons

The Woodlands residents will see an increase on their September water bill of $0.50 per 1,000 gallons. The increase is part of the Groundwater Reduction Plan (GRP) pumpage fee to help fund the surface water delivery system to The Woodlands residents and other parts of Montgomery County.

The Woodlands is only part of the system. The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District has mandated that pumping from aquifers be reduced 30 percent by 2016. The Woodlands MUDs, The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency and the San Jacinto River Authority have committed to meet the mandate. A total of 85 participating utilities throughout the Montgomery County, including the 11 MUDs in The Woodlands, are collecting the GRP fee to help fund the surface water delivery system. The system will include a treatment plant near Lake Conroe and 55 miles of water transmission lines. These lines will deliver 24 million gallons of quality surface water every day. This additional surface supply will allow reduced pumpage from the aquifer supply to meet the mandate.

Residents are now paying $1.25 per 1,000 gallons of water used. September water bills will increase to $1.75 per 1,000 gallons. In September of 2014, GRP fees will increase to a stable $2.25 per 1,000 gallons for the first phase of the surface water delivery system. In 2011, and each year thereafter, the WJPA has informed residents of the escalating fee structure.Rapid population growth and excess landscape irrigation are driving the conversion to surface water. Residents are urged to follow the Odd/Even Defined Irrigation Schedule. Water turf grass no more than one inch per week – including rainfall. For more information, visit www.wjpa.org.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 23
WJPA.ORG

WOODLANDS LANDSCAPING SOLUTIONS

YOUR GARDEN

Discover easy-care techniques to keep your landscape green and conserve water at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions, a free garden event on Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive.

The gardening gurus and landscaping experts will share tips for installing new landscapes and reviving stressed ones. Learn water-wise, sustainable methods to keep lawns and gardens vibrant through the seasons and weather extremes of East Texas. Booths feature current trends—edible landscapes, pollinator gardening and heirloom plants. Gaining in popularity for charm and ease of care, habitat gardens add life to the landscape by

Add edibles to your landscape with sage tips and plants for vegetable and herb gardens.

enticing hummingbirds, butterflies and songbirds. Learn the essentials from Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Bluebird Society and Butterfly Enthusiasts of Southeast Texas.

The Irrigation Station will demonstrate how to deliver water to parched landscapes with drip irrigation and small-scale rainwater harvesting. For tips on troubleshooting your irrigation system, visit with Bob Dailey at The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency booth. Hands-on demonstrations by Montgomery County Master Gardeners will teach plant propagation techniques and the basics of backyard composting. Bring diseased plants and plant pests in a clear plastic baggie to receive a free

diagnosis and treatment plan at the Plant Clinic. The highlight of the event, the plant sale, will feature water-thrifty perennials, vines, shrubs and understory trees. Chris Wiesinger, the “Bulb Hunter” will return with heirloom bulbs for southern gardens while The Herb Cottage will sell culinary herbs, vegetable starts, plants for butterflies and open-pollinated seeds. An outdoor garden event, Woodlands Landscaping Solutions is organized by The Woodlands Township and sponsored by Montgomery County Master Gardener Association, Waste Management, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Hilton Garden Inn. For information, call 281.210.3800 or visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ gardeningevents.

Showcasing the right plants in the right place, this water-wise landscape has curb appeal! Develop your green thumb with tried and true methods and resourcess.

Meet

24 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013
Donna Mossier and Cinda Hitchcock greet visitors at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions. Photo by Lucinda Valdes Photo courtesy of Southern Bulb Company Photo by Linda Crum
and learn
to add
to
with easy-care bulbs.
Chris Wiesinger, the “Bulb Hunter,”
how
seasonal color
your landscape
*One bin per household. Proof of Woodlands residency required. Photos by Jon Krenytzky
Searching
Ask the experts at Woodlands Landscaping Solutions! 50% OFFCompost Bins ompost 1DAYONLY*
Is your lawn stressed? Considering drip irrigation?
for something that blooms in the shade?

Arts, Entertainment & Family

Fun In Your Own Backyard

Enjoy a day of performances ranging from vocal to dramatic at Arts in the Park in The Woodlands, Saturday, September 14, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Rob Fleming Park in Creekside Park. This community event is FREE and has everything from entertainment including local theatre and community group performances to a kidzone, where kids can explore their creative side! The Fall 2013 theme is Trip Around the World, featuring entertainment, crafts and visuals inspired from a variety of cultures around the world. Local artisans will be on site exhibiting their handmade art including woodwork, painting, crafts, jewelry, kids clothing, toys and more. Attendees are able to purchase fine and original work produced by these local artists. The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department promotes and encourages arts and humanities through class offerings throughout the year. The Arts in the Park program is a culmination of this program as it allows multiple avenues of the arts in one festival-like setting. Visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/

actionguide to view the current Action Guide for all programs and activities, or call 281-210-3800 for more information. Interested in being an art vendor or performer? Please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/artsinthepark.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 25
Saturday, March 1, 2014 Marathon • Half Marathon • Marathon Relay • 5K • 2K thewoodlandsmarathon.com

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KITS

Assembling a basic emergency supply kit will put everything you need in one place. Your emergency preparedness kit should include at least these most basic supplies. Include plenty of drinking water along with these recommended supplies to include:

• 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, and pet food.

26 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013
Emergency Preparedness Program The Woodlands
REMEMBER, IT’S HURRICANE SEASON Keep Emergency Supply Kits Ready HOCUS POCUS POPS Ticke T s can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. www.woodlandscenter.org 281-363-3300 Join us for this “spooktacular” Halloween event featuring tricks, treats and enchanting music. Daddies, mummies and little ghosts and goblins can dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Pre-concert activities in the plazas begin at 6 p.m. $15 orchestra seating FREE mezzanine and lawn seating sponsored by Friday, Oct. 11 7:30 p.m. / Gates at 6 p.m. Hous T on symp H ony Hair-raising activities include: • Radio Disney’s Graveyard Smash Dance Party 6-7:15 p.m. • Pumpkin decorating & games with H-E-B • Halloween crafts & grab bags • Meet H-E-Buddy & other “terrorific” characters! WCM 7.5 x 4.75” Jude Studios jdollar@judestudios.com HOCUS POCUS POPS

Produced by

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FEATURING LIVE MUSIC FEATURING LIVE MUSIC

Sa turdays

September 14, 21 & 28

October 5 & 12 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 27 PARKING COSTS VARY
ww w VisitTheWoodlands c om

Welcome to The Woodlands Township TEnnis Academy

Come Rally with The Woodlands Township!

The Woodlands Township offers a myriad of options for tennis players of all ages and skill levels which range from leagues, group lessons, ZATs, Champs, Private PE, mixers, drills, private lesson, tournaments and camps. Whether you are picking up a racquet for the first time or are a competitive player, you will find a program with us!

The Township has a well-rounded team of tennis instructors with exceptional tennis experience. Instructors have played and coached at the highest levels: former USTA-ranked players and collegiate players, coaches with international experience, USPTA-certified with 15+ years experience and many who speak multiple languages. A few of the programs offered include:

• Township Ladder Leagues are offered each season for women’s, men’s and mixed doubles.

• A full palate of drills, cardio and instruction for adults is offered for all skill levels, along with private instruction. Cardio Tennis is a new program that is aimed at targeting tennis fitness and is an exceptional hour of hitting hundreds of balls while constantly on the move!

• The Junior Development Recreation Program is a tiered program offering training for young players at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.

• Zats & Champs – Junior Development Master Program is a unique comprehensive program offered to the most dedicated players who want to take their game to the next level.

With 74 Woodlands tennis courts there are always courts available to pick up a game. The majority of the lessons, leagues and drills are organized at the larger tennis complexes such as Bear Branch, Shadowbend, Creekwood, Sawmill and Lakeside Parks.

Take advantage of this great sport and contact The Woodlands Township Recreation Center at 281-210-3950 or tennis@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, and we will help create a personal experience that will be both rewarding and fun! For more information visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/tennis.

28 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013 Join us in CELEBRATING OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY AND BEING VOTED #1 RETIREMENT COMMUNITY IN THE WOODLANDS! And The Forum at The Woodlands opened its doors. THE YEAR WAS 1988… INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE Pet Friendly The Woodlands encompassed 23,000 acres with just over 25,000 residents. 23 of those acres became a beautiful Retirement Community which is now known as The Forum at The Woodlands. 5055 West Panther Creek Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77381 281-367-3170 www.ForumAtTheWoodlands.com Assisted Living License #030266, #000722 ©2013 Five Star Quality Care, Inc. Times may change, but you can always count on The Forum at The Woodlands as your most caring senior community nestled in a forest setting with beautiful lake views.
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Fireworks, Live Music, Entertainment, and More!

Celebrate Labor Day in The Woodlands with two fun-filled nights of fireworks, live music, children’s activities and more on Saturday, August 31, 2013, and Sunday, September 1, 2013, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Waterway Square.

The festivities kick off Saturday with the eclectic sounds of The Marlin Bando Band from 6 to 7:20 p.m. followed by The Elroys, playing the latest in rock and alternative sounds from 7:40 to 9 p.m. Immediately following the concert performances, the night sky will come alive with a dazzling fireworks display.

The fun continues Sunday with the classic rock sounds of Soulshine, from 6 to 7:20 p.m. Closing out the weekend celebration is local rock, pop and alternative trio Cold Shot from

7:40 to 9 p.m. Fireworks once again will fill the night sky immediately after the second concert. Plus, families will enjoy strolling entertainers as well as a number of vendors offering fun and games. Both fireworks shows will start

at approximately 8:55 p.m., weather permitting. Labor Day in The Woodlands is free and open to the public, thanks to The Woodlands Development Company, Kyle Sherburne – State Farm Insurance, Kroger, The Woodlands Resort &

Conference Center, Bud Light, Wright’s Printing, Munday Chevrolet and Gigi’s Cupcakes.

Families can bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets and coolers. Paid covered parking is available at the 24 Waterway Parking Garage, located at corner of Fountain Plaza and Lake Robbins Drive, the Waterway Square Parking Garage, between Fountain Plaza and Woodloch Court, and the surface parking lot along the corner of Waterway Avenue and Timberloch Place. Labor Day attendees will also find limited, free curbside parking along Lake Robbins Drive, Waterway Avenue, Waterway Square Place and Timberloch Place. For more information, call 281-363-2447, or go to www.VisitTheWoodlands.com

Memorial Hermann Medical Group welcomes board certified physician Neha Shah to the new Sterling Ridge Village Center location. Among the many conditions she treats, her special interests are in preventive medicine and women’s health.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 29 Neha
Shah, M.D. Family Medicine
Call 713.897.7244 or schedule online at mhmg.memorialhermann.org Our Newest DOctOr will see YOu NOw. Sterling Ridge Location Now Open! Now conveniently located in your neighborhood! 10333 Kuykendahl, Suite D The Woodlands, TX 77382 (at the intersection of Kuykendahl and Lake Woodlands Drive)

www.acadianroofing.net

“I wanted a caring and friendly

“When it was time to find help for Dad I made the best decision for all the right reasons.”

for Dad, with personal attention and a great quality of life. I found it all right here, where Assisted Living is designed individually for those who need some help with the activities of daily living. People like my Dad. Since he moved in, he’s discovered a renewed sense of energy. I couldn’t ask for anything more – and neither could Dad.”

If you have a loved one that needs great care personalized just for them, call (281) 292-4600 to schedule your visit today.

Tinvited out to

15th Annual YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge scheduled for September 26 through 30, Northshore Park and Lake Woodlands. Admission is free for spectators. For more information, please call 281-367-9622 or visit www.ymcadragonboat.org.

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/gardeningevents

Thursday, September 12, 2013 • 7:30 p.m.

McCullough Jr. High, 3800 S. Panther Creek Dr. FREE Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture A Dazzle of Dragonflies!

Forrest L. Mitchell & James L. Lasswell

Saturday, September 28, 2013 • 9 a.m. - noon 8203 Millennium Forest Dr. Woodlands Landscaping Solutions A water-wise gardening FREE event!

Saturday, October 5, 2013 • 10 - 11 a.m.

8203 Millennium Forest Dr. FREE Compost Class • Bins available

Saturday, October 12, 2013 • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

AgriLife Extension Office: 9020 Airport Rd., Conroe Fall Plant Sale

Montgomery County Master Gardeners

Saturday, October 26, 2013 • 9 a.m. - noon 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.

Gardening 102: Yesterday’s Plants for Today’s Water-wise Gardens

Michael Shoup, Antique Rose Emporium

Dr. Dave Creech, Mast Arboretum FREE program. Reservations required.

30 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013
Independent Living • Assisted Living Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Lake Robbins Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380 Facility Number: 104849 brookdale.com www.villagewoodlands.com
2323
environment
Service Mark for The Village at the Woodlands Waterway is owned by Bridgewood Houston Property Company, Houston, TX. 20503-ROP01-0813 MRM
community
YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge Presented
he
is
the
by Aon HEWITT water-wisegardening events

Enter The 24th Annual GE Run Thru the Woods Directed by the YMCA

Thanksgiving Day

November 28, 2013

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands Town Center, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Texas

New for 2013!

Dri-Fit Shirts

1 Mile Children’s Race

For ages 12 and under

5 Mile Run

(USATF Certified)

Presented by St. Luke’s Performance Medicine

3 Mile Run

Open to all ages!

3 Mile Family Walk

Presented by Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation

For More Information Call 281-367-9622

Complimentary Pancake Breakfast for all participants provided by The Egg & I Proceeds benefit: Charities of South Montgomery County

Register online at www.RunThruTheWoods.org

A popular family tradition of music and fun, now in its 20th year.

September 8 Josh Fuller Band (Country)

September 15 Hope Cassity (Country)

September 22 Gary Michael Dahl Band (R&B/Jazz)

October 6 Will Makar (Pop/Rock)

October 13 Fondue Monks (Texas Funk)

October 20 The Guppies (Classic Rock)

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/concertinthepark for more activities including The Woodlands Township Family Fun Challenge with a different theme each week.

Produced by The Woodlands Township and presented by:

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 information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards or call the office for specific information.

Copyright:

Cooper has been a recognized leader in PK-Grade 12 college preparatory, independent school education for 25 years. The 2013-14 school year opened with record enrollment and a new Lower School facility. Join us at an upcoming Admission event and experience Cooper for yourself.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 31
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Houston Texas 77069. Copyright © 2013. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher or The Woodlands Township.
The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly in Houston, Texas, U.S.A. by Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., 6608 FM 1960 West,
G,
SUNDAYS, 5:30 - 7:30 P.M., NORTHSHORE PARK, 2505 LAKE WOODLANDS DR.
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FALL 2013 FREE CONCERT SERIES

alz.org/walk • 800.272.3900

any such claims regarding its content should be addressed directly with the advertiser. The Publisher retains exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and or misprints in this publication, Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. Under no circumstances shall The Publisher, The Woodlands Township be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to the liabilities stated above. Articles, cartoons, and photographs in this magazine express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CP&PI or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. Space does not always permit a full description of provisions of The Woodlands Covenants or Residential Development Standards being discussed. This magazine does not replace or alter The Woodlands Covenants or

or

of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher or The Woodlands Township.

Copyright

2013.

Published by CHAMPIONS PRINTING & PUBLISHING 281.583.7661 www.usapaella.com www.donpbaker.com www.total nish oors.com www.SterlingMechanicalCares.com www.watercresslandscape.com 4Sisterscleaning.com 32 THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2013 www.greentexaschemdry.com 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
U.S.A. by Champions
& Publishing, Inc.,
FM 1960 West, Suite G, Houston Texas
Residential Development Standards. Always refer to the Covenants or Standards
call the office for specific information. Copyright: The Woodlands Community Magazine is published monthly in Houston, Texas,
Printing
6608
77069.
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