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OCTOBER 2014
T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E W O O D F O R E S T O W N E R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N
DEERBOURNE RIDGE a new section coming in Woodforest!
NEW PLAYGROUNDconcept drawinginside!
PET MATTERS
www.thepropertysource.com
www.childandfamilyeyecare.com
TICKETS: $8 advance/$10 doorChildren age 2 and under are free. Ticket price includes all activities.
Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
WCM and Woodforest 8.375 x 10.75” + .125”bleed [email protected]
November 8 & 9 Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 12-5 p.m.
Junie B. Jones“Jingle Bells, Batman Smells”
OCTONAUTS™
Meet & Greet Photo Op
www.woodlandscenter.org 281-364-3010
Choo-Choo Soul“With Genevieve!”
OCTONAUTS™ Meomi © 2014 VSP Ltd.
www.woodlandsbraces.com
DISCLAIMER: All articles, information, website addresses and cartoons in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. or its employees. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles, information, website addresses and cartoons submitted by others.
The editor and/or governing entity of this publication has approved the use of all articles and information within this publication. Champions Printing & Publishing, Inc., is not responsible for any of the content within this publication and disclaims and denies any and all liability therefor.
The publisher assumes no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties, representations, claims, or endorsements made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims or demands regarding its content must be taken up with and are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The publisher retains the exclusive rights to the acceptance or denial of all advertising copy.
The publisher 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, the publisher 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 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.
The publisher is not liable for ANY DAMAGES for failure of the Post Office or subdivision representatives to deliver the newsletter in a timely manner, so long as the publisher has delivered the newsletters to said delivery point by the contracted date.
PRESIDENT, PUBLISHERJames E. Callahan, Jr.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESCheryl Kirsch Connie Krell
Charlotte Blanco
CREATIVE DIRECTORLori Short
GRAPHIC DESIGNERSJami Davis
Donna Moody
6608 FM 1960 W., Suite GHouston, Texas 77069
OCTOBER 2014
Table of ContentsDEVELOPER NEWS
6 WOODFOREST JUST KEEPS GROWING
COMMUNITY NEWS
8 PET MATTERS – A REMINDER FROM THE HOA
10 UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
11 Woodforest Golf Club Junior Academy
12 FOREST ISLAND PARK PHASE 2
14 Renu’s Recipe of the Month
SCHOOL NEWS
16 MONTGOMERY COUNTY ISD
17 CONROE ISD
AREA NEWS
18 HALLOWEEN IN OUR AREA
19 Texian Heritage Festival
20 YMCA Operation Backpack
22 NATIVE BEES IN TEXAS GARDENS
The Official Publication of the Woodforest Owners’ Association
Woodforest is a monthly publication of the Woodforest Owners’ Association in partnership with Champions
Printing & Publishing, Inc. It is printed and distributed free of charge to residents of Woodforest.
© 2014 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Magazine StaffEDITOR
Lauren Luca
Magazine DeadlineThe deadline for the November issue was September 20.
The deadline for the December issue is October 20.
Submit content by email to [email protected]
AdvertisingFor information on this and
other neighborhood publications, please call
281-583-7661.
OCTOBER 2014 5
DEVELOPER NEWS
Woodforest Development 101 Elk Trace Parkway Montgomery, TX 77316 www.WoodforestTX.com
936-447-2800
WOODFOREST DEVELOPMENT TEAM
VIRGIL YOAKUMGeneral Manager
SHANNON LEAGUEDirector of Marketing
EVERETT COVERDELLConstruction Manager
FAITH BAILESMarketing Manager/ Realtor Relations Director
TERRY REESEBuilder Contracts Manager
MELISSA FENTONAdministrative Assistant
HOMEFINDER LODGE HOURS OF OPERATIONMonday- Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Sunday 12 noon - 5:30 p.m.
LARRY D. JOHNSONPresident, Chief Executive Officer
W. DOUGLAS GOFFSenior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
MICHAEL J. SMITHSenior Vice President, Director of Land Development
L. MICHAEL COXSenior Vice President, President Johnson Development Services
5005 Riverway Drive, Houston, TX 77056713-960-9977
6 OCTOBER 2014
WOODFOREST Just Keeps Growing!Development in Woodforest is moving south, with construction of a new neighborhood beginning next month.
Deerbourne Ridge is being developed south and east of the Kinderwood neighborhood. The first phase of Deerbourne Ridge will include 60- and 70-foot homesites, and planned builders are D.R. Horton, Highland Homes, Lennar, Perry Homes and Village Builders. The builders will offer a variety of home designs in the neighborhood, with sizes up to 4,200 square feet. The builders have not yet announced pricing.
A model home village is planned for Deerbourne Ridge and new soccer fields will be built just south of the neighborhood. The construction start of both the model home village and soccer fields has not been determined.
Students living in Deerbourne Ridge will attend schools in the Conroe Independent School District, including the newly opened Jean E. Stewart Elementary, Woodforest’s first on-site school.
Deerbourne Ridge is just part of the new development planned in Woodforest through the remainder of the year. The development has released about 300 homesites to builders this year and plans to deliver 300 more by year’s end. Builders have started more than 315 homes in the community during 2014 and more than 215 homes have closed in Woodforest this year.
Pet MattersA REMINDER FROM THE HOA NOW THAT FALL IS UPON US and the weather is becoming more pleasant, most of us will be outside more often and taking our pets walking with us. To most, pets are members of the family; we sometimes forget that our best friend won’t snap at us but may snap at an unfamiliar face. Montgomery County law and your Governing Documents state that when your pet is outside the confines of your property, it must be leashed and under the direct supervision of a responsible person.
Also, should your pet need to relieve itself, please be prepared to immediately clean up after your pet. All persons walking dogs within Woodforest should carry some means to pick up what their pet left behind. This includes picking up from sidewalks, parking areas, parks, and other areas where pedestrians walk and not allowing your dog to relieve itself on your neighbor’s lawn. This can be very upsetting to the homeowner receiving the unwelcome deposit.
Thank you for your understanding.
WOODFOREST Pet Liaison Volunteers
Dog Park Social GroupRESIDENT LESLIE REDHEAD HAS SPEARHEADED THIS DOGGY SOCIAL
group to help residents and their dogs get to know each other! They met starting last month and will continue to do so until further notice. They meet Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m., weather permitting, at the Woodforest Dog Park. Parking for the dog park can be accessed by turning into the fire station area and making your first right down the gravel road into a dirt/gravel parking area and, of course, you can also walk to the area with your doggy buddy from your home.
Woodforest Owners’ AssociationBOARD OF DIRECTORS
VIRGIL YOAKUM President
SHANNON LEAGUE Vice President
TERRY REESE Secretary Treasurer
FirstService Residential Management Team(Manages Woodforest OA)
SYD TALLEY Director of Developer Services
WARREN BUEHLER Senior Manager
LAUREN LUCA On-Site Community Manager [email protected] Direct Line: 936-588-2302 For Messages: 936-447-2800
Hours of OperationMonday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
713-932-1122 • 800-932-9449
FSR WOODFOREST ON-SITE MANAGER HOURS
Visiting Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 - 5 p.m.
8 OCTOBER 2014
COMMUNITY NEWS
JO 832-833-0165
STACEY 936-499-9353
AMY281-323-8872
DORINDA936-697-9070
We’re In Your NeighborhoodOVER 30 BRANCHES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
INCLUDING THESE BRANCHES IN YOUR AREAInside 1488 Kroger
6616 FM 1488Magnolia, TX 77354
(281) 465-5114
Inside Lake Conroe Walmart18700 State Hwy 105 W
Conroe, TX 77356(281) 448-5008
Montgomery Trace20821-A Eva Street
Montgomery, TX 77356(936) 538-1475
Woodforest Plaza6875 FM 1488, Suite 100
Magnolia, TX 77354(281) 465-5515
VISIT OUR WEBSITEwww.woodforest.com
FOLLOW US@AskWoodforest
FIND US/WoodforestBank
COMMUNITY NEWS
WOODFOREST Social Group LeadsWOODFOREST WINE SOCIETYBill [email protected]
MORNING PLAY GROUPJennifer [email protected]
RUNNINGJeneca [email protected]
GUITAR PLAYING/MUSICJim [email protected]
BUNCO (55+)Kay [email protected]
MORNING FITNESS- YOGA AND MARTIAL ARTSRenu [email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE FORESTChristopher [email protected]
HOMESCHOOLING GROUPRachel [email protected]
MORNING BOOK CLUBSheri [email protected]
FOOTBALL FAN GROUPMary [email protected]
WOODFOREST SOCCER SOCIAL GROUPFish Creek Football ClubContact/Lead: Jeremy [email protected]
DOG PARK SOCIAL GROUPWoodforest Dog ParkContact/Lead: Leslie Redhead
COMMUNITY NEWS
10 OCTOBER 2014
UPCOMING
Community Events
WOODFOREST DOGGY SOCIALTUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS8:30 a.m. at Woodforest Dog Park
NATIONAL NIGHT OUTOCTOBER 7Plans TBA
TRAIL OF TREATS AND TAIL OF TREATSOCTOBER 2511 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Devon Playfield
WOODFOREST GOLF CLUB NEW CLUBHOUSE
WOODFOREST GOLF CLUB Junior Academy
WOODFOREST GOLF CLUB’S PGA Professionals are continually striving to grow the game of golf. We are now in the fourth year of our Junior Academy program. This year we have added another level to our program called the Elite series. The Elite series is for students ages 11-14, and is designed to give the older juniors an on- course experience with some tournament play. With this approach; our juniors will be better prepared when it is time to play for their middle or high school teams.
The Woodforest Junior Academy is not a seasonal, one-time-a-year program. With the fall and spring series, along with the summer camps, juniors can experience golf throughout the year. The players are taught all facets of the game along with an on-course experience. Our goal is to offer a fun learning atmosphere in all the camps. Our
golf professionals’ goal is to instill a desire in the students to continue to learn the skills of the great game of golf.
Woodforest also offers junior clubs from US Kids, the number one manufacturer of junior clubs. These clubs are lightweight and designed for your young golfer’s specific height. Stop by our new golf shop and see our assortment of junior clubs, apparel and a wide variety of other junior golf accessories.
The Woodforest Junior Academy is directed by Woodforest Golf Club’s Head Professional, Jon Baacke. Jon has over 10 years of experience in teaching and developing the game of young golfers. Jon provides a fun and exciting technique to help develop the students’ talents. For more information on the Junior Academy, please contact the golf shop at 936-588-8805 or email [email protected].
For information regarding Woodforest Golf Club, please call 936-588-8805 or visit www.woodforestgolf.com.
OCTOBER 2014 11
The Woodforest
Junior Academy
is not a seasonal,
one-time-a-year
program.
With the fall and
spring series,
along with the
summer camps,
juniors can
experience
golf throughout
the year.
12 OCTOBER 2014
COMMUNITY NEWS
Forest Island Park PHASE 2NEW PLAYGROUND RENDERING
We hope to start construction sometime in October.
Custom products shown are conceptual only.
OCTOBER 2014 13
WOODFORESTPatrol OfficersHOW DO I REACH THE PATROL OFFICERS?
Please call the Non-Emergency Montgomery County Sheriff ’s Department at 936-760-5871,
but call 911 if it is an emergency.
WHO ARE THE PATROL OFFICERS? Captain Michael White, Deputy Janie McCown
and Deputy Brian Davis
HOW OFTEN ARE THEY HERE? They patrol the community 40 hours per week
14 OCTOBER 2014
COMMUNITY NEWS
Renu’s Recipe of the MonthQuinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is a healthy
grain-like seed that has the highest nutritional
profile and cooks the fastest of all grains.
It has been grown and consumed for about 8,000 years on the high plains of the Andes Mountains in South America. The Incas were able to run such long distances at such a high altitude because of this powerful seed.
Quinoa is high in protein and fiber and makes a fantastic alternative to rice, couscous or any grain.
Characteristics:
1. Gluten-free; easy to digest2. Contains all eight amino acids to make it a complete protein3. Strengthens the kidneys, heart, and lungs4. High in B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, and vitamin E5. Ideal food for endurance
To save time, cook a lot of quinoa at once, and eat it as leftovers. Quinoa can be reheated with a splash of nut milk for breakfast porridge; you can add dried fruit, nuts, and cinnamon for a sweet treat. Add finely chopped raw vegetables and dressing for a cooling salad, or add chopped, cooked, root vegetables for a warming side dish. Store dry, uncooked quinoa in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly-closed glass jar for up to one year.
Rainbow Quinoa SaladBEFORE COOKING, QUINOA MUST BE
rinsed to remove the toxic (but naturally occurring) bitter coating, called saponin. Saponin, when removed from quinoa, produces a soapy solution in water. Quinoa is rinsed before it is packaged and sold, but it is best to rinse again at home before use. Place quinoa in a grain strainer and rinse thoroughly with water.
To cook quinoa, place 1 cup rinsed quinoa in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Let it cool down to room temperature before making the salad.
Ingredients:Salad:3 cups cooked quinoa½ cup red cabbage, chopped2 celery stalks, chopped½ bell pepper (red, yellow, orange or green
– whatever you have on hand), chopped1 carrot, sliced into rounds2 scallions, sliced into rounds½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut into halves½ cup chopped parsley or cilantro
Dressing:¼ cup organic extra virgin olive oil2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and/or
lemon juice½ tsp. sea saltA pinch of black pepper or cayenne (optional)1 tsp. maple syrup (optional)
OCTOBER 2014 15
Directions:Mix all the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a smaller bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss well. Adjust the seasoning. Leftovers will last in the refrigerator for up to five days. Experiment with different combinations of vegetables and dressings of your choice.
Visit www.RenuYourLifeLLC.com and check out her blog for more recipes.
WWW.JOHNCOOPER.ORG ONE JOHN COOPER DRIVE, THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS 77381 • 281.367.0900
Nurturing a Love of Life, Learning, and the World Around UsEstablished in 1988, The John Cooper School is a recognized leader in PK-12 college preparatory
independent school education. Cooper combines traditional educational practices with innovative programs to teach students to think, analyze, create and take responsibility for their world.
admission tours – september 9, october 15 or call to schedule
Reserve Early!Signatures Author Series
November 7Food Network’s Tyler Florence
Celebrating 10 years of bringing noted authors to the greater Houston area.
27th Annual JCS Golf Tournament
October 27Woodlands Country Club
Raffle for 2015 Jeep WranglerRegistration and Sponsorships Online
16 OCTOBER 2014
“Growing in Numbers... Bears Moving Forward!”
WELCOME TO THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR! I continue to be excited each and every year as school begins, and this year is no exception. Our wonderful students, our supportive parents, and our eager staff rejuvenate and inspire me to do the very best possible for our school community.
This year, the Montgomery High motto is “Growing in Numbers... Bears Moving Forward.” On August 25, we welcomed the largest student body in the history of Montgomery High School. This historic growth places us in the highest division of academic and extracurricular competition in the state of Texas. We are ready! Last year was another banner year for our school as we earned sixth place in the coveted statewide UIL Lone Star Cup. The MHS 21st Century High School Technology Project continues to move forward and we have added Project Lead the Way to our curriculum. Our students have experienced great success in our expanding Dual Credit Program. Yes, we are moving forward with our desire to excel and our commitment to create an atmosphere of success for our students.
Please consider joining our PTO. They continue to support our students and staff in exciting and unique ways. Thank you for allowing us to work with your students. I invite you to come to Montgomery High School to observe our continuous improvement, to help us become the best high school in Texas, and to support the finest student body in the nation. The Montgomery High teachers, administrators, and staff look forward to welcoming our students this year. Our hope is that this is the best year your child has experienced. If I can help in any way, feel free to call me at 936-597-3123 or visit the Montgomery High School website at www.misd.org and go to the high school page.
Sincerely,Phil Eaton, Principal, Montgomery High School
WE JUST RECEIVED
GREAT NEWS…
Montgomery High School is named one of the best high
schools in America for the 2nd year
in a row!
SCHOOL NEWS
www.shaggiedogsalon.com • 832.934.2033
Montgomery ISDMONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL
BACK TO SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2014 17
Conroe ISDACT Scores CONTINUE TO RISE ABOVE THE STATE AND NATIONAL AVERAGESCONROE ISD CONTINUES TO EXCEED the State and National averages in ACT scores. The District had 1,290 seniors from the 2014 graduating class take the exam.
The District composite average is 23.5, with the State and National averages being 20.9 and 21.0 respectively. Conroe ISD’s average increased by 0.2 percentage points, while the State remained the same as last year and the National average increased by 0.1 points.
Dr. Curtis Null, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, notes, “These results are the product of the hard work of our students and teachers. CISD’s focus on producing students who are prepared for college and post-secondary success contributes to our continued improvement in ACT scores.”
For more information on college readiness, please visit the CISD College Readiness webpage at http://ready.conroeisd.net/.
www.r ios fenceco .com
Scholarships FOR STUDENTSTHE CONROE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION (“CEF”) grants scholarships to Conroe ISD graduating seniors who seek careers in teaching kindergarten through high school. CEF awards one-time scholarships in the amount of $500 or $1,000 toward tuition, fees and books during the student's first semester in college. CEF also awards some multiple semester renewable scholarships for a maximum of eight consecutive semesters of college study, so long as the student pursues a K-12 education or teaching degree as a full time student (passing a minimum of 12 hours per semester) and meets the academic criteria (maintaining a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.)
CEF has pledged over $300,000 in college scholarships to Conroe ISD students.
18 OCTOBER 2014
AREA NEWS
OCTOBER 25-26, 10 A.M.-6 P.M.
Octoberfest
In parking lot of Big Lots shopping center: 365 Sawdust Road, Spring. Arts and crafts show sponsored by Happy Garren Productions. Free admission. www.happygarrenproductions.com
NOVEMBER 7-9, FRI.-SAT. 9 A.M.-6 P.M.; Sun. 10 A.M.-5 P.M.
61st Annual Gem, Mineral, Jewelry and Fossil Show
Humble Civic Center. Educational displays and demonstrations, vendor booths, kids activities sponsored by Houston Gem and Mineral Society. $8/adults, kids 10 and under admitted free. www.hgms.org
OCTOBER 18, 9 A.M.-3 P.M.
Timber Lakes Baptist Church Craft Show
1540 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands. Craft show sponsored by Timber Lakes Baptist Church Ladies’ Ministry. Free admission. 281-363-9358 or www.TLBCTX.org
OCTOBER 18, 10 A.M.-3 P.M.
Autumn Fest at The Woodlands Christian Church
1202 North Millbend, The Woodlands. Craft show sponsored by Disciples Women’s Fellowship of The Woodlands, sponsored by Christian Church. Free to the public, vendor space $30. www.twcc.org
OCTOBER 25, 9 A.M.-4 P.M.
Pumpkin Fest
2403 Rayford Road, Spring. Fall festival sponsored by Faith United Methodist Church. No admission fee to festival. $10 wristbands for most kids’ activities.www.faithumcspring.org or 281-367-7776
OCTOBER 25, 9 A.M.-4 P.M.The Woodlands Fall Market and Fair
6363 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands. Fall festival with craft vendors, children’s activities and Pumpkin Patch sponsored by Christ Church United Methodist. Free admission. www.cc-um.org/the-woodlands-fall-market-fair-2014
Halloween IN OUR AREA
OCTOBER 2014 19
www.BradburyBrothers.com
GOT NEWS? GET THE WORD OUT
The Woodforest magazine encourages articles and pictures from residents and from neighborhood groups, clubs and organizations. Please submit your article to the editor at [email protected] by the newsletter deadline if you would like to publicize your upcoming activities, invite participation in your club or just recognize an achievement or honor. Photos are always welcome and should be sent as separate attachments in jpg files in as high a resolution as possible for good quality images.
Texian HERITAGE FESTIVALWhere Texas History Comes to Life!
October 18FERNLAND HISTORICAL PARK780 CLEPPER • MONTGOMERY, TEXAS
Booming cannons, dramatic Texas Independence battle reenactments, a Texian Army Tent Encampment, and Native American dancers are among the highlights planned for the Texian Heritage Festival at Fernland Historic Park in Montgomery, the third weekend in October.
From everyday Civil War era dresses of Texas women to the most elaborate of uniforms and antebellum gowns, and dozens of pioneer activities, the festival will piece together our native history, explore the daily lives of early settlers on the frontier, and capture a glimpse of the living history and culture of Texas during the 1800s.
These pioneer-themed events will be featured from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Fernland Historical Park in Montgomery, and admission is only $3. Children five and under are free. Free parking!
We are still accepting vendors for the event, and welcome inquiries online at TexianHeritage.org. Booth fee is $100, with no revenue sharing. Booths will be assigned on a first-registered basis. While vendors are not limited to handmade items, we will not accept mass-produced, imported items, and prefer handcrafted, home-cooked, pioneer-style and original items. Sponsors and vendors are encouraged to visit the TexianHeritage.org website or contact Margie Taylor at [email protected] for additional information.
Fernland is located in the Buffalo Springs development area, at 780 Clepper, across from Montgomery Elementary School. This historical park has four cabins from the 1800s – Hulon House of the Civil War era; Jardine Cabin, one of the oldest log structures in Texas; Crane Cabin, built by Confederate Civil War veteran Nickolas Crane; and Arnold Simonton House, focal point within Fernland, and one of the oldest houses in Montgomery County.
20 OCTOBER 2014
AREA NEWS
YMCA Operation Backpack SETS A NEW RECORD
To date, more than 1,000 backpacks packed to the brim with school supplies were collected at the South Montgomery County YMCA! This is a 20% increase over last year.
AS SCHOOLS PREPARED TO WELCOME STUDENTS BACK, the 10th annual YMCA Operation Backpack set a new record of total backpacks donated and, more importantly, the number of children served who were prepared for the new school year. To date, more than 1,000 backpacks packed to the brim with school supplies were collected at the South Montgomery County YMCA! This is a 20% increase over last year.
Backpacks were distributed at the Back-to-School Celebration on August 16, hosted by Faith Bible Church in The Woodlands. Students served ranged in age from Pre K-12th grade.
“Faith Bible Church has been blessed to host the YMCA Operation Backpack event for the past two years,” stated Ethan Collins, Missions and Local Outreach Pastor. “It has been a blessing to our church family to participate in this small way. To see the generous support from our community, local service organizations and the Y staff and volunteers is heartwarming. As our church continues to look for ways to have an impact in our community, the YMCA has given us an absolutely fantastic platform to serve through. We praise God for his faithfulness and for the partner He has provided our church family in the local YMCA.”
Due to the generosity of the community, the remaining backpacks filled with school supplies were dropped off at Title 1 schools in South Montgomery
W W W . A L L I A N C E P O O L S . N E T
OCTOBER 2014 21
County as well as all the CISD elementary and flex schools the week prior to the first day of school. School administrators distributed the supplies to children and families in need, ensuring that every child had the basic supplies needed to be successful.
As they say, it takes a village to raise a child. YMCA Operation Backpack continues to be so successful due to our community partners! Thank you to all our community partners for their support as collection sites, donors and volunteers:Re/Max The Woodlands and Spring, Chick-fil-A Alden Bridge, Woodforest National Bank, Raising Cane’s, Crossroads Baptist Church, First Choice Emergency Rooms, Homefinder Center, Luke’s Locker, Excelerate Energy, Huntsman, Coldwell Banker United Realtors, Faith Bible Church, Afren, Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Post Oak Bank, Insperity, Skeeters, BB&T, IHS, Christian Brothers Automotive, Connect 2Health Wellness, Anadarko Land Department Interns, Maersk Line, Joyful Life Church, Avana Sterling Ridge, Aveda Institute, Walgreens, H-E-B, National Charity League, Y Bright Life Program and Children’s Books on Wheels.
The Y strengthens the community, one child at a time.
22 OCTOBER 2014
The honeybee
(Apis mellifera) is
our best-known
species, brought
here by Europeans
almost 400 years ago.
Due to agricultural
intensification,
pesticide use,
disease and parasites,
honeybees have
declined precipitously
since the 1950s.
According to Cornell University entomologist Bryan Danforth, native bees are two to three times better pollinators than honeybees, more abundant than previously thought and not as susceptible to the colony collapse disorder that has devastated honeybee numbers.
HOW CAN GARDENERS HELP? Native bees have two basic needs gardeners can provide: food in the form of nectar and pollen and a suitable place to nest and lay eggs. Ideally, grow a wide array of herbs and shrubs that offer a succession of flowers from March through November in Montgomery County. Texas native plants are preferable, as these evolved with the bees and thrive in the state’s climate. Add as much variety as possible in shape, size and color to suit bees’ preferences. For information, see www.pollinator.org.
For additional information on this topic or for answers to other gardening questions, contact the Montgomery County Master Gardener Association at 936-539-7824 to speak to a Master Gardener, or visit us online at www.mcmga.com. Visitors are welcome to stop by the Texas AgriLife Extension office at 9020 Airport Rd. in Conroe.
AREA NEWS
Native Bees in Texas GardensDespite all the buzz about declining honeybees, little attention has gone to the 4,000 species of native
bees in North America, as many as 500 of which reside in Texas and provide most of the pollination for
native and agricultural plants.
www.MIRRORGALLERY.com
Suzy Briseño, Montgomery County Master Gardener
WHY IS POLLINATION SO IMPORTANT? Plants ensure future generations by developing seeds that contain genetic material from both parents. Most grasses and many trees rely on wind to spread their pollen, but most fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants depend on insects–butterflies, moths and wasps, but primarily bees–to move their pollen from flower to flower. Insects’ reward is nectar at the base of the flower, and as they burrow to drink, they brush against the pollen-bearing parts (anthers) coating themselves with the sticky grains they then carry to and deposit on the next flower. After fertilization, seeds form, typically contained in an edible package (gardeners’ reward).
WHAT MAKES NATIVE BEES SUCH GREAT POLLINATORS? Two traits make native bees pre-eminent pollinators: First, their purpose in visiting flowers is to collect pollen to feed their offspring. Their hairy bodies are especially good pollen traps, and over the course of one day, a female may visit several hundred flowers, leaving pollen behind as she goes. Second, native bees tend to be very selective, carrying pollen from flower to flower of the same species ensuring their survival.
www.lxpools.com
For information & reservations call 936-588-8800 or visit us at www.woodforestgolf.com
