tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63940473317494669032024-03-13T08:51:41.783-07:00Our Town<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
<u><a href="http://bit.ly/2bR7vn1">Commentary</a>
</u> <u>|<a href="http://bit.ly/4teEQG"> Who</a>
</u> <u>|<a href="http://bit.ly/2qFIjC">Town</a>
</u> <u> |<a href="http://bit.ly/2HSuVC"> Liv'n</a>
</u> <u> |<a href="http://bit.ly/1MfPVB"> Parks</a></u> <u>
|<a href="http://bit.ly/iBjkM"> Trees</a>
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|<a href="http://bit.ly/jPmAC"> Forest</a> </u>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-65335738969515171852012-03-14T12:59:00.000-07:002012-03-14T13:05:03.163-07:00The Woodlands 2012 Spring Flea Market<br /><br />The Woodlands Flea Market this Spring has been scheduled for March 24 at Town Center Parking Garage.<br /><br />Time: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM<br />Location: Town Center Parking Garage<br />Contact: 281-210-3976<br /><br />Tickets for booth spaces will go on sale Saturday, March 3, 2012, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Panther Creek Village Square (near the clock tower). Any booth tickets remaining after that date will be available at The Woodlands Township Service Center, 2801 Technology Forest Blvd, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Note the change of location of the service center since the last Fall Flea Market.<br />
<b>+ <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&rlz=1C1CHPC_enUS392US392&ix=sea&ion=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1023&bih=607&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=map+Panther+Creek+Village+Center,+The+Woodlands,+Texas&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Panther+Creek+Village+Center,&hnear=0x86473147c603385b:0xf1a4808e67c3df5d,The+Woodlands,+TX&cid=15366398216189120150" target="_blank">Map to Panther Creek Village Square</a></b><br />
<b>+ Map to <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Corner+of+Six+Pines+Drive+and+Lake+Robbins+Drive%2C+The+Woodlands+%2C+TX" target="_blank">Town Center Parking Garage</a> </b><br />
<b>+ <a href="http://houston.citysearch.com/profile/map/740860850/spring_tx/woodlands_township_office.html" target="_blank">Map to Township Service Center </a></b>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-50420107841846735632012-02-19T09:03:00.000-08:002012-02-19T09:03:47.923-08:00Trash Cans in The WoodlandsYou are most likely aware by now that we in The Woodlands Texas have a new contract with new services for trash and garbage curbside pickup. You are also aware that we have covenants where we promised to keep garbage cans out of sight <u>except </u>the night before our scheduled pickup until the evening of the pickup day. The issue is that some residents do not have a place to store the new cans away. Most residents have three garbage cans now. One for the garbage fill, one for recyclables and one for recycling yard materials (leaves, cuttings and tree branches). The community watchdogs for the covenants are the RDRC's (elected), overseen by the DSC (government appointed). Due to the storage issue, the DSC has decided to waive the watchdog reporting of trash cans until May 1, 2012. After that date, enforcement will commence once again.<br />
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Acceptable designs of screens is in the process of being defined. If residents install these shields to keep their cans out of public view, they need not apply for approval of the design. Otherwise, custom designed screens will require approval. <br />
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Please wait to report trash can visibility issues until May, when the trash can reporting moratorium is lifted.indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com1The Woodlands, TX, USA30.1658207 -95.461262530.0559942 -95.619191 30.2756472 -95.303334tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-45071542419951463002012-02-19T08:48:00.000-08:002012-02-19T08:48:15.419-08:00Houston Commute ResourceSo you commute to Houston every day from The Woodlands! Maybe you want to have a link that shows the freeways and major roads and the up-to-the-minute status of those roads, including the current traffic speed. You can even put it on your cell phone, but be safe in using it. The data is collected from various sorts and is intended to be current, so you can check before you go out the door whenever you are traveling to Houston.<br />
<a href="http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/layers/" target="_blank">Current Houston Transit Road Conditions </a>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0The Woodlands, TX, USA30.1658207 -95.461262530.0559942 -95.619191 30.2756472 -95.303334tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-56834278426464986622011-10-15T23:09:00.000-07:002011-10-27T18:09:23.358-07:00The Woodlands Texas Wildflower Festival 2011<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBTmTT1HNtBvnPCjPg7ltXu-WOYHIs3s5VTKi8CeAwSFtS42b8r4iJwo1hCMdiLCtVWYTDu-yw8DwCt3MuVFIwL-QPGyuv5_HytQVQOUcp9rsOMOWR5dMsCjamRJxMw6Zt9_IkeCZuDs/s1600/Wildflower+Festival-2691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBTmTT1HNtBvnPCjPg7ltXu-WOYHIs3s5VTKi8CeAwSFtS42b8r4iJwo1hCMdiLCtVWYTDu-yw8DwCt3MuVFIwL-QPGyuv5_HytQVQOUcp9rsOMOWR5dMsCjamRJxMw6Zt9_IkeCZuDs/s320/Wildflower+Festival-2691.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Development Company booth with butterfly nets</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
It is time to start planting wildflowers in Southeast Texas. Each year, we have the privilege to enjoy the Fall outdoors at this family event in The Woodlands, Texas. You never know who or what you will see here, but you do know that it will be enjoyable for all ages - the little tots to young teenagers and adults. It has three basic purposes - (1) an outdoor event for the Fall; (2) an opportunity for businesses and organizations to display their products and services; (3) encourage wildflowers in the community. Each year the Woodlands Development Company partners with other companies and residents to sponsor this and to plant wildflowers in The Woodlands.<br />
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I brought back about eight specifies of wildflowers to plant both in the garden and in a very sunny location in a nearby green area. Each package of seeds has the name of the company or organization who rented a tent booth and the name of the wildflower, with instructions for planting. One prominent booth was of the Township, to promote the new garbage pickup services which start February 1st, 2012. We will have a full sized garbage can for recyclables, like Austin Texas has, and we will no longer use plastic bags for plant refuse. I am elated about these changes in garbage pickup. For plant material, we now will use either our own garbage cans or purchase recyclable bags made for leaves and twigs. Examples can be seen in the video. A complimentary bag was given to each household attending the festival.<br />
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Children walked away with butterfly nets and other little gadgets; adults walked away with a new garbage bag, brochures, business cards, and seeds among other items. Activities included face painting, with a long line of people waiting, juggling, various costumed characters, air machines,a petting zoo, horse rides, hula hoop contests, a wargame area, and a number of other activities for children. It was a great time for all, maybe a little warmer than we would have liked but not bad at all and certainly not what I would call HOT!indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-45508362901554339062011-09-13T18:52:00.000-07:002011-09-13T18:52:50.166-07:00Fall Flea Market in The WoodlandsIt is that time again, when you dust off your stuff in the garage or storage and sell it, so you can have space for more stuff. Personally, I need the space for my car. You can find great bargains here also.<br />
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The Woodlands Fall Flea Market will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011, from 7 to 10 a.m., in the Town Center Parking Garage. The garage is located at the southwest corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins, adjacent to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.<br />
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Tickets are available at The Woodlands Township Service Center, 2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, directly across the street from The Woodlands United Methodist Church, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.<br />
The flea market is a cooperative event with all The Woodlands’ villages participating. The fees for sellers are $50 per booth space, $100 for a vehicle and trailer. There is no fee for buyers. Any proceeds over cost are funneled back into the community in the form of scholarships, grants and other village association projects.<br />
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<b>The Woodlands covenants and deed restrictions do not permit garage sales on residential properties.</b> The flea market provides a means for The Woodlands residents to sell unwanted household goods twice each year, in the Spring and in the Fall. Bargain hunters who buy pre-owned items keep them out of the landfill and lessen their impact on the environment. Buying “recycled” products also preserves the natural resources that are used in the manufacturing of these items.<br />
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For booth space information, please call Larry Faith at 281-681-0036. For general information, please call the flea market information line at 281-210-3976 or Pamela Woods at 281-210-3900.<br />
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</span>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-44629362738767042702011-06-27T17:30:00.000-07:002011-06-29T13:37:31.015-07:00July 4th in The Woodlands 2011The Woodlands Texas will have its July 4th festivities this year as always, and it just gets better every year. This year we are in a drought that takes away the fireworks show, but everything else will be conducted as planned. This is the first time the fireworks show has been cancelled since its inception, about 35 years ago.<br />
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Fireworks are prohibited in The Woodlands. They are also banned in Harris County and Montgomery County this year. This will be strictly enforced by law enforcement in both counties. If someone is selling or firing fireworks in either county, please report them to your local law enforcement agency. We are under an extreme fire warning and signs are posted all over The Woodlands to this effect.<br />
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<b>THE PARADE</b><br />
This is the main event, other than the fireworks. This year’s 4th of July Parade will be on Monday, July 4th. The parade route is approximately 1.3 miles and will begin and end at The Woodlands United Methodist Church on Lake Woodlands Dr.. The parade dates back to the 1970’s. It is organized by an all volunteer group. Last year, the parade had approximately 145 entries and 2,000 to 3,000 participants. This year the committee anticipates 20,000 to 25,000 attending. Roads will of course be closed during the parade. <br />
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PRE-PARADE ENTERTAINMENT<br />
Before the parade starts, Darrel the Fire Juggler, Uncle Sam, Clowns, Spiderman, Scooby Doo, Sponge Bob, stilt walker, balloonist, magician and many more interesting characters will mingle with the crowd. The Woodlands Concert Band will perform from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. in Market Street’s Central Park. They will play the National Anthem to signify the start of the parade.<br />
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GRAND MARSHALS<b> </b><br />
We’re honored to have Kevin Saunders, Paralympian and Stacy Brown, Special Olympian, as this year’s 4th of July Parade Co-Grand Marshals. <br />
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JUDGING AREA<br />
The judges’ stand will be located on the balcony in Market Street across from Central Park, along with the announcers, Nick Wolda, VP Marketing and Public Affairs for The Woodlands Township and Ramon Torres. Two DJ Booths will be located along the route.<br />
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ROAD CLOSURES.<br />
Between 7:30 am and 10:30 am on July 4, 2011 all or portions of roads in the parade route will be closed. The 1.3 mile route begins and ends at The Woodlands United Methodist Church from Lake Woodlands, right on Grogan’s Mill, left on Lake Robbins, through Market Street, left on Lake Woodlands and ending at the church. <br />
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Senior and Physically Challenged Tent: A tent will be set up in front of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Lake Robbins Drive for senior citizens and the physically challenged to obtain respite from the summer heat.<br />
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<div>PARKING<br />
Parking is available in numerous lots along the parade route in The Woodlands Town Center. Please note, if you park in Market Street and also in some of the other parking areas, you will not be able to leave until the parade is over unless there is an emergency.<br />
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BANDASTIC! Annual Marching Band Scholarship Program <br />
What’s a parade without marching bands? To entice bands to march in the parade, the South County 4th of July Committee is hosting the Annual Marching Band Scholarship Program. The committee invites high school and college marching bands throughout the region to participate in the scholarship program. Each band will receive a minimum of $2,000 for their participation. Included this year are: Willis High School, The Woodlands High School, College Park High School and Oak Ridge high school bands!<br />
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HEAT WARNING<br />
The temperature is usually in the 90s on the 4th of July. The committee urges all volunteers and spectators to drink plenty of water before and during the parade. This is the information is courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital. Probably 1/2 gallon per person is sufficient to drink during the parade. The parade cannot provide water so please bring your own.<br />
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Drink plenty of cool water, even more than you think you need, when the weather is hot and humid. (High humidity makes heat injuries more likely, because perspiration does not evaporate from the skin as quickly; this causes the body to cool down more slowly.) Water is best; fruit and vegetable juices are also recommended.<br />
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Drink at least a gallon of liquid a day (about 16 glasses) when the outside temperature is above 90 degrees and you are not in air-conditioned surroundings. This may mean drinking as much as 1 1/2 times as much liquid as your thirst signals you to drink.</div><div><br />
There remains opportunities to volunteer to assist with the parade. <br />
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July 4th Committee’s website: <a href="file://www.4thofjuly.org/">www.4thofjuly.org</a></div>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-78758611488465859412011-06-16T20:29:00.000-07:002011-06-16T20:29:39.428-07:00Woodlands Parkway and Gosling intersectionSometimes, an intersection is just not designed well. In fact, an intersection can be downright dangerous. This is the case of The Woodlands Parkway and Gosling. It is difficult to understand the reasoning behind this design, except it is to keep traffic flowing without regard to the safety of the pedestrian. Let's see what we are talking about.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZ7W3WtSEpIgp0tsO4iEJfGsLHZ6kk7mVKtMEoWIs_c36XU6uK7WNKAaIl5DcgndN4HAttTC5I3tsovCRMOMbmDep5Slszo-mIHLs-86_QZXTHtJOp3eV9yHBYqBMg0k_xoyMpnrBna6V/s1600/Woodlands+Pkwy+and+Gosling+intersection-00067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZ7W3WtSEpIgp0tsO4iEJfGsLHZ6kk7mVKtMEoWIs_c36XU6uK7WNKAaIl5DcgndN4HAttTC5I3tsovCRMOMbmDep5Slszo-mIHLs-86_QZXTHtJOp3eV9yHBYqBMg0k_xoyMpnrBna6V/s320/Woodlands+Pkwy+and+Gosling+intersection-00067.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facing north from the south side of the parkway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We are supposed to be a master planned community where pedestrians are provided amenities with safety. During the development of this intersection, something went awry. Walk with me north on Gosling as many in our neighborhood do, to the Panther Creek Shopping Center on the parkway. The shopping center is about three blocks from the homes on the southern side of the Woodlands Pkwy. As we walk along the pathway, we arrive at the intersection above. Automobiles are turning right. The drivers must look to their left to directly merge with the oncoming traffic, because this turn lane has no ramp to it on the parkway. As a result, it is easy to rear-end the car in front of you as you make this right turn. It is also easy to hit a pedestrian in the marked crossing directly in front of us in this photo.<br />
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For the pedestrian, the first challenge is to cross the turn lane to get to the button to request a crossing. The right turn lane is not regulated in any way by that pedestrian button on the pole. A pedestrian is on his own to cross that lane.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7fl9Ku9RKCU_KlY8txMSYRRyMV2_65WygyLIVmGFpm3puOy3OdEdDnP8Wp9JTwrfturorE4FEXgTRKVNCrfZdgVFfT7JUj0HUC1K2FCiBzhyUdzS9e6hOYWpPCvl7tTk7b8S5GnXHxC2/s1600/Woodlands+Pkwy+and+Gosling+intersection-00068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7fl9Ku9RKCU_KlY8txMSYRRyMV2_65WygyLIVmGFpm3puOy3OdEdDnP8Wp9JTwrfturorE4FEXgTRKVNCrfZdgVFfT7JUj0HUC1K2FCiBzhyUdzS9e6hOYWpPCvl7tTk7b8S5GnXHxC2/s320/Woodlands+Pkwy+and+Gosling+intersection-00068.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing six lanes of traffic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now as we stand on the little island and face to the north, we wait for the pedestrian signal to turn green and give us the number of seconds we are allowed to be in the intersection. This is a challenge also. We feel vulnerable to oncoming traffic from our left. <br />
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Now we are nervously watching out for the cars coming at us from the west. One lane is to turn right onto Gosling and the other for traffic to dart a few feet from our feet. This is the pedestrian island. So the light changes and we are cleared to go. We cross. But wait. When we reach the other side, the reverse configuration requires us to watch for traffic turning right from the east onto Gosling. The speed of the turning automobiles is not necessarily slow either!<br />
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So we finish our crossing after the cars are allowed to interrupt our crossing. The drivers often assume they have the right of way even though we are in the cross walk.<br />
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Coming back with a bag of groceries or other goodies, we now must perform the same crossing in reverse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ35i0NixpVCMakL9DJMX4Rx7F5HKxCnZqvU8vmaNz_ryq6u18lQDhu9-kgRInrpaLuYypZURwmqvAM1XnLaxQn5WIP6mN_Tk_IChNMYwAXKL0_PxggEzoEfXCls2evv2jx6FRcodPCKQx/s1600/Woodlands+Pkwy+and+Gosling+intersection-00070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ35i0NixpVCMakL9DJMX4Rx7F5HKxCnZqvU8vmaNz_ryq6u18lQDhu9-kgRInrpaLuYypZURwmqvAM1XnLaxQn5WIP6mN_Tk_IChNMYwAXKL0_PxggEzoEfXCls2evv2jx6FRcodPCKQx/s320/Woodlands+Pkwy+and+Gosling+intersection-00070.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oncoming traffic towards the pedestrian turning just in time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>First we cross the turn lane to get to the island requesting a crossing towards the south. Now on the island we are confronted with autos coming straight at us and then turning. We press the button. Hurry up! Cars fly by us and more turn into the lane. We hope everyone is paying attention.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2cD5HWzPyYUR-gvkL0_9Y-lcLv9OQBaDlzWsznOc8MDHsfsASsRMi4AnMR-XqmFlP65NgqyTPFny4eyUlOfUU4Ai8gKJeR38TXIrj16e70lvFKx0uJGWHJTvavNC4rtbhgW1GOXKQrEP/s1600/Woodlands+Pkwy+and+Gosling+intersection-00073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2cD5HWzPyYUR-gvkL0_9Y-lcLv9OQBaDlzWsznOc8MDHsfsASsRMi4AnMR-XqmFlP65NgqyTPFny4eyUlOfUU4Ai8gKJeR38TXIrj16e70lvFKx0uJGWHJTvavNC4rtbhgW1GOXKQrEP/s320/Woodlands+Pkwy+and+Gosling+intersection-00073.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traffic whizzing by as we wait<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The wind of the autos moving at 45-60 mph shake our bodies. Sometimes there is even a honk as a driver is nervous about us being so close to the cars as they move by us at high velocity. That makes us even more nervous. Finally, we cross the six lanes to the other island and then cross the other turning lane. Whew, we made it safely once more. A kid on the bicycle passes by us to cross. I am thinking, I bet he is quicker than us and is able to more confidently cross the 8 lanes. Ah ... maybe not.</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Those cars can make anyone nervous, pushing their wall of wind.<div><br />
The commissioner has been asked to look at this intersection to see how it can be made safer. What has happened to the hometown feel anyway? It feels more like a amusement park arcade with the noise, hustle and bustle, not exactly a country setting anymore. Although I have not attempted the Kuykendahl crossing for a while, I suspect it is designed the same. Perhaps it is not used much by pedestrians.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-43647620344157428172011-05-17T18:15:00.000-07:002011-05-17T18:22:41.495-07:00July 4th 2011 Red, Hot and Blue Festival in The Woodlands Texas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UcQpeTbOBliEh0f7Yq_iFiYu3FGjgR1_9Mi2WJOXMPOFv4IWNl8eWDbaGlk_jqoNX2gcxUqRcbYlrSY4M8e1lIhHqQpegLImUBQKcXa9fio4DjuOyeOzAZoMyU4oTz3PsoIK_sQm2qUo/s1600/Fireworks+over+The+Woodlands+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UcQpeTbOBliEh0f7Yq_iFiYu3FGjgR1_9Mi2WJOXMPOFv4IWNl8eWDbaGlk_jqoNX2gcxUqRcbYlrSY4M8e1lIhHqQpegLImUBQKcXa9fio4DjuOyeOzAZoMyU4oTz3PsoIK_sQm2qUo/s320/Fireworks+over+The+Woodlands+.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks over the Waterway </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Woodlands will celebrate the July Fourth weekend this year in an even more grand style than ever, in the tradition of a growing community and town center. As usual, there will be one of the largest firework displays in the greater Houston area, with hot dog and watermelon eating contests, live entertainment, and much more!<br />
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This public event will be the 14th year for the Red, Hot & Blue Festival by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. It will be presented by Ellis & Ellis on Monday, July 4, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Town Green Park and Waterway Square, both located along The Woodlands Waterway®. <br />
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As part of the festivities, organizers of the Red, Hot & Blue Festival will announce winners of the University of Phoenix Little Firecracker Essay Contest, a writing competition for participants ages 5-18. For more details on submission deadlines, contest rules and eligibility, visit the related website. <sup>1</sup> <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">One of the Largest Fireworks Displays in the Houston Area</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span></b><br />
Thousands are expected to gather at dusk for the fireworks extravaganza presented by BBVA Compass. This will be a 23-minute colorful choreographed show. This show also will be simulcast on radio Sunny 99.1. <br />
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Organizers suggest viewing along the The Woodlands Waterway, which offers the best view of the fireworks. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome; however coolers, outside food, and drinks are prohibited in Town Green Park and Waterway Square. <br />
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“What better way to celebrate America than with a community event that just gets bigger and bigger every year!” says Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are excited to be involved in such great activities for our residents and visitors.”<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Make It A Weekend In The Woodlands</span></span></b></div>The Woodlands will celebrate America’s Independence with a complete line-up of events throughout the weekend.<br />
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+ <b>Saturday, July 2</b>: visitors will find live music and strolling entertainment at Waterway Square from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. <br />
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+ <b>Sunday, July 3</b>: gather the family and enjoy an evening under the stars when the Houston Symphony performs its Star Spangled Salute, a free concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion starting at 8 p.m. You don't want to miss the canon salute either!<br />
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+ <b>Monday, July 4</b>: Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza! In the morning, head over to Market Street for the South County Fourth of July Parade at 9 a.m. This year the theme is “Celebrating the American Dream,”. After the parade, beat the heat by visiting one of The Woodlands’ 13 swimming pools for Splash Day from Noon to 4 p.m. at no cost. Later in the evening, go to Northshore Park, located just west of Lake Front Circle on Lake Woodlands Drive, for the "Things That Bike Parade" at 5:30 p.m. Children 14 years and younger are encouraged to bring their patriotically-decorated bike, scooter or wagon and parade around the park. Awards for the most creative entries will be awarded throughout the afternoon. A $5 entry fee is required to participate in the "Things That Bike Parade". Additional decorating materials will be available on-site. Afterwards, enjoy a free live music concert from the local country band Troy Hess & Texas Heartbreakers in the Park. Then before dark, stroll over to the waterway to view the fireworks display.<br />
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“We are turning Town Green Park and Waterway Square into The Woodlands largest community entertainment venue to celebrate our nation’s Independence,” says Nelda Blair, chairman of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. <br />
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Those visiting The Woodlands for the weekend can choose accommodations to suit any taste and budget, including: The Woodlands Resort with its Forest Oasis Waterscape, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel (four-diamond property), or the chic AVIA Hotel at Market Street. A number of limited-service and select-service properties also are available nearby. <br />
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Waterway Cruisers will operate throughout the day on July 4, 2011, however service will stop for the fireworks display. Services will resume after the fireworks have completed. <br />
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For more information, you can find a complete schedule of activities and parking information, maps, or a listing of hotels and pools in the area, visit Facebook or the website. <sup>2,3</sup> <br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">About The Woodlands</span></b> <br />
Located just 30 minutes north of Houston, Texas and minutes from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, The Woodlands is an emerging destination for leisure guests, individual business travelers and groups of all sizes. Visitors to The Woodlands enjoy more than 5 million square feet of world-class shopping, dining and entertainment options, more than 190 miles of hike-and-bike trails, the 1,700-acre Mitchell Preserve, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, which is in the top 5 of outdoor amphitheatres in the world, and kayaking on The Woodlands Waterway, Lake Woodlands and 121 parks. The Woodlands features world-class golf and was the home of the Shell Houston Open for 17 years. The Woodlands also is home to more than 1,500 guestrooms in upscale and boutique properties, select service, limited service, conference and convention centers and a resort.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Resources</b></span><br />
<sup>1</sup> <a href="http://www.thewoodlandscvb.com/redhotblue/little_firecracker.html">University of Phoenix Little Firecracker Essay Contest</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thewoodlandscvb.com/redhotblue/little_firecracker.html"></a><sup>2</sup> <a href="http://www.redhotblue.org/">Red, Hot, Blue Event website</a><br />
<sup>3</sup> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands">Red, Hot and Blue facebook</a>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-18177198529152733952011-05-16T18:58:00.000-07:002011-05-16T19:03:07.829-07:00Ironman debuts in The Woodlands, Texas<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is preparing for their inaugural 2011 Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas race scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2011, in The Woodlands. More than 2,500 athletes are expected to compete in the state’s first ultra-distance event.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Saturday’s race will not only bring an impressive pro lineup featuring well-known athletes in the field like Americans Chris Lieto and Linsey Corbin, but also a list of age-group competitors with a range of backgrounds and experiences, offering spectators an incredible look into the sport. While Texas is the most represented state in this race, there will be athletes from 47 other states and 33 countries from around the world, ranging in age from 18 to 70.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">WTC has been engaged with title sponsor Memorial Hermann, The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau to make sure this inaugural Memorial Hermann Ironman event is one for all to remember. Over the course of 17 hours, athletes will test their physical and mental limits as they race through The Woodlands. As with all competitive sports events, spectators push them on by cheering for them on along their quest to finish the race successfully. Cheer "zones" will be available throughout the course. Parking will be available near the swim start and in parking garages along Waterway Avenue and Lake Robbins Drive.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">In addition to the actual race, WTC will host a world-class event expo at the Ironman Village in the northeast parking lot of The Woodlands Town Center. All athletes, residents and visitors are invited to stop by on Wednesday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Friday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a special Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas Pre-Race Press Conference that is open to the public at the same location on Thursday, May 19, at 11 a.m., featuring top professional competitors and local athletes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas offers a total professional prize purse of $100,000 and 75 qualifying slots for the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship, to be held on Oct. 8 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">About Memorial Hermann</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Memorial Hermann is known for world-class clinical expertise, patient-centered care, leading edge technology, and innovation. Their health care system, with its exceptional medical staff and more than 20,000 employees, serves southeast Texas and the greater Houston community. Memorial Hermann’s 11 hospitals include three hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, with a level 1 trauma center, a children's </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">hospital and a rehabilitation hospital. Also included are three heart & vascular institute locations and eight suburban hospitals. The system also operates an air ambulance, cancer, imaging and surgery centers, sports medicine and rehabilitation centers, outpatient laboratories, a wellness center, a chemical dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a retirement community and a nursing home. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">About World Triathlon Corporation<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is a Tampa-based company recognized for athletic excellence, distinguished events and quality products. WTC's portfolio includes Ironman, Ironman 70.3, 5150 Triathlon Series, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, which have a combined total of more than 180 events worldwide each year. Supported by partners including Ford, Timex, Foster Grant and PowerBar, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world and has been a respected name in triathlons since its inception in 1978.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">About The Woodlands<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Located 42 minutes north of Houston, Texas and minutes from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, The Woodlands prides itself as a preferred location for residence, leisure, and business.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Within the boundary of The Woodlands, there are more </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">than 5 million square feet of world-class shopping, dining and entertainment options, more than 185 miles of hike-and-bike trails, the 1,700-acre Mitchell Preserve, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, one of the top 5 outdoor amphitheaters in the world. Lake Woodlands, and 115 parks provide a variety of outdoor opportunities. The Woodlands features world-class golf. It is home to more than 1,400 upscale guest rooms, conference and convention centers and a resort. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>About The Woodlands Township<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Located 33 miles north of downtown Houston, Texas, The Woodlands Township is the local government for one of the country’s leading master-planned communities. This 28,000-acre residential and commercial development is home to nearly 100,000 residents, more than 2,500 businesses, 185 miles of hike and bike paths, 121 parks and millions of square feet of shopping, dining, entertainment venues and commercial office space. The Woodlands Township is committed to supporting a genuine quality lifestyle for its residents, businesses and visitors.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other sources of information: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. <a href="http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/">www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov</a> - Township Government Website</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.memorialhermann.org/">www.memorialhermann.org</a> </span>- Memorial Heath Care System</div><div class="MsoNormal">3. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.ironmantexas.com/">www.ironmantexas.com</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Texas Ironman Race Event </span></div>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-75211890083224166792010-09-24T06:47:00.000-07:002010-09-24T06:47:01.106-07:00Oktoberfest 2010 in The Woodlands TexasSouth Montgomery County has a new annual German festival starting this year at Town Green Park. It starts today, Friday September 24 from 5PM until 9PM. Saturday: 12:00-9PM, Sunday: 12:00 - 9PM. There will be plenty of beer, dancing, live music and other festivities. This is sponsored by the Woodlands Rotary Club for their local student scholarship grants.<br />
<a href="http://thewoodlandsparks.blogspot.com/2010/09/town-green-park-woodlands-texas.html">Town Green Park</a>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-3032437677281596202010-09-03T19:05:00.000-07:002010-09-03T19:05:38.895-07:00A Walk down the Woodlands Texas Waterway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OigAmlPZKYP0cUewzNyuPX_NMVFzkwunboaf6UcXG1suZQFtNFi5i-LCTNWc6ZAMebHoIhOQyTlYB8vI7mlPMOgm1G-KZ7bMxHJK1JOL0CSC13jUImopjpV__2eON7ZchM8LNYCM4-LE/s1600/IMG_1835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OigAmlPZKYP0cUewzNyuPX_NMVFzkwunboaf6UcXG1suZQFtNFi5i-LCTNWc6ZAMebHoIhOQyTlYB8vI7mlPMOgm1G-KZ7bMxHJK1JOL0CSC13jUImopjpV__2eON7ZchM8LNYCM4-LE/s400/IMG_1835.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Taxi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here in The Woodlands we are known for several things. Unfortunately or not, we now have an image of a commercial center stradling a canal built to mimic in some ways the San Antonio Riverwalk. It is done with a different style, but one with a tourist flavor. When taking a walk down the waterway, it has a unique look and feel. The Woodlands will in turn be mimicked by Sugarland soon, unless of course the economy is not good for them to do so. I have heard that they might pull out of their venture to keep their taxes low in these tough times -a very different approach than of those trusted with tax dollars here. This article is not to criticize that venture nor politics here. It is just the contrary. This is really to point out that we have something that can be enjoyed in the outdoors here. Taking a walk down the waterway can be enjoyable even for those who do not like paying taxes to build this commercial and tourist zone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T6qYF174U0HfGmHnGoYW52WKCaATQqXEwy7sUwVRfQZkMvrsaFBRNbO_C_aH59kbobTQUfhyphenhyphen4wWvIM__uNf2POUpyIqoDmxOwH-SnMrSaev-CNB94HRO9c90B2XcCYJ8r7n_R0uCJsCh/s1600/IMG_1830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T6qYF174U0HfGmHnGoYW52WKCaATQqXEwy7sUwVRfQZkMvrsaFBRNbO_C_aH59kbobTQUfhyphenhyphen4wWvIM__uNf2POUpyIqoDmxOwH-SnMrSaev-CNB94HRO9c90B2XcCYJ8r7n_R0uCJsCh/s320/IMG_1830.jpg" /></a></div>The waterway is actually a long linear park. Its paths are part of the pathway system of The Woodlands parks. This Mallard might as well be in one of the major parks. He enjoys his life right where people walk and run.<br />
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Early mornings are good for a run even in the summer here. The concrete is not shaded like most of our parks, so it gets very hot on the path in the heat of the summer, these ducks have families and are especially evident in the evening. Sitting out on an outdoor restaurant sitting area, you can watch them follow their mamas <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7L9TaYeUsaHf_0lGGqopvRlJzeeoJxvaJiq6GsyQ0QcUh36QbcCpf-COObUwck6EUB1Wy1Ss7njvXAUXueHXHhQbKBWt3bcgyOt1SWNukmgty2TFa5_hlpFLeirap9XPXrYtB758Bshl/s1600/IMG_1831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7L9TaYeUsaHf_0lGGqopvRlJzeeoJxvaJiq6GsyQ0QcUh36QbcCpf-COObUwck6EUB1Wy1Ss7njvXAUXueHXHhQbKBWt3bcgyOt1SWNukmgty2TFa5_hlpFLeirap9XPXrYtB758Bshl/s400/IMG_1831.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Pleasing to the eye, the shoreline is filled with landscaping that presents itself as a garden park in the backyard of large buildings, over concrete and steel.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOd_7pD2qxaJjmw9kHh_jtfHgswGfRP5HDIHLZkK9H5_ivlUmeN-nqiEqTN_4EmcYGaAI4EC4fq6Hf0oyFW_yU8dP8pBkmmc0dPlGn_YvBXhpPSqjeVc-lKv5fyT9MrfOv0w1orIsSzyIn/s1600/IMG_1833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOd_7pD2qxaJjmw9kHh_jtfHgswGfRP5HDIHLZkK9H5_ivlUmeN-nqiEqTN_4EmcYGaAI4EC4fq6Hf0oyFW_yU8dP8pBkmmc0dPlGn_YvBXhpPSqjeVc-lKv5fyT9MrfOv0w1orIsSzyIn/s400/IMG_1833.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3A55vYPiCRsC-hPF4A0A2FGJ-0SywARKHYQ7opfpPf4MC-HflKTaP3V-PSjc30QThrQ1WE98rveCttEOoYEAHR12xrUUgeBDaEnUE-q1apHDfMLVvSM655xAUR8nC2rvuw1NsHDvzTAt/s1600/IMG_1834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3A55vYPiCRsC-hPF4A0A2FGJ-0SywARKHYQ7opfpPf4MC-HflKTaP3V-PSjc30QThrQ1WE98rveCttEOoYEAHR12xrUUgeBDaEnUE-q1apHDfMLVvSM655xAUR8nC2rvuw1NsHDvzTAt/s400/IMG_1834.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My walk on this day took me from the Marriott Hotel across to the southern side of the waterway. Then west under bridges, to the Koi Gardens and to the Riva Row Kayak rental. I did this without much effort during the lunch hour on a fairly hot day in August.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4-aYQj_6hmvUJK9sAGQEv_qmZMnDKm4x_OVKWDiyYHinWEd61HTTRj5zpYMOZPWd4WEZjgFoItVumBRzdJNaqFLBvxR5AXfNCguRD1WLGw0S1Q6ZgUUYdtptP3YDfJLEfjX05GKYa8mB/s1600/IMG_1836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4-aYQj_6hmvUJK9sAGQEv_qmZMnDKm4x_OVKWDiyYHinWEd61HTTRj5zpYMOZPWd4WEZjgFoItVumBRzdJNaqFLBvxR5AXfNCguRD1WLGw0S1Q6ZgUUYdtptP3YDfJLEfjX05GKYa8mB/s320/IMG_1836.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The architecture of these new buildings are pleasant as well. One thing that is apparent to me. It took hundreds of years for the giant Cypress trees along the San Antonio Riverwalk to mature. I don't recall a single Bald Cypress here along the waterway. We do have some Pine trees which grow and mature much much faster, but that does not seem to be the goal here either. Vegetation is more like what is planted in some place like Sugarland. Turning a prairie into a garden makes more sense to me than turning a forest into one. So to me it is apparent that we have a creation that doesn't belong here, but I do inject that it is a nice addition nevertheless - just is disregarding the ecological intent of the area. Gone are the days of placing homes and businesses in the forest. Now the strategy is more about displacing the forest with homes and businesses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8P-3u5BnmPKpdI1PfgAgVtceDcB_Efe8R2YqTs7xNBzOCpKSCI3bP1l9OGrjiV526l-pCF05hFePcXnVAD_x-EX-tkfir1aEfFSmcMNNMjbLNjIUkQrsnBNJCW8gu_GOzHdPZl8GghaG/s1600/IMG_1838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8P-3u5BnmPKpdI1PfgAgVtceDcB_Efe8R2YqTs7xNBzOCpKSCI3bP1l9OGrjiV526l-pCF05hFePcXnVAD_x-EX-tkfir1aEfFSmcMNNMjbLNjIUkQrsnBNJCW8gu_GOzHdPZl8GghaG/s400/IMG_1838.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There is no denying that this walk was pleasant. Maybe you want to get out early some morning and run or walk along the waterway. You'll be glad you did! indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-73910232914413716692010-09-02T13:21:00.000-07:002010-09-02T13:21:46.664-07:00Woodlands Trick or Treat Trail 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDHPpCZHVrKrXbHLkTILPfUQQtJkqFvhyphenhyphenqJApoaF8qPPtQnPCGbH7yUK-zeJbrV6KUeqnofFIrd-E1Scy7jVKxyHLlu03JX6R3PiTnyQtxEou4WdfihrK37LlRKQoMxYNyCvBEYbWVkkL/s1600/Trick+or+Treat+Trail+sponsor+-+BBVA+Compass%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDHPpCZHVrKrXbHLkTILPfUQQtJkqFvhyphenhyphenqJApoaF8qPPtQnPCGbH7yUK-zeJbrV6KUeqnofFIrd-E1Scy7jVKxyHLlu03JX6R3PiTnyQtxEou4WdfihrK37LlRKQoMxYNyCvBEYbWVkkL/s320/Trick+or+Treat+Trail+sponsor+-+BBVA+Compass%29.jpg" /></a></div>BBVA Compass has signed on as the anchor sponsor for the Trick or Treat Trail at Waterway Square on October 10, 2010. <br />
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The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau is introducing this new event as part of the Waterway Square Programming. This is the first year for this company to be the presenting sponsor of a Woodlands event. <br />
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“BBVA Compass is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for the 2010 Trick or Treat Trail at Waterway Square. We look forward to seeing the community get involved and show off their Halloween Best at this year's event,” said Amos McDonald, Senior Vice President and District Retail Executive for BBVA Compass. <br />
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Trick or Treat Trail is scheduled for Sunday, October 10, 2010 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Waterway Square. This free event will have fun for the entire family and attendees are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best and “Trick or Treat” from booth to booth. This is an opportunity to have a safe Halloween for your children. There are other events such as that in Panther Creek to help bring Halloween in safely for our little goblins. <br />
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Other Trick or Treat Trail sponsors at the event include Flaherty’s Flooring America, The Woodlands Development Company, Ace Parking, Munday Chevrolet, Kyle Sherburne – State Farm Insurance, University of Phoenix, Moon Water, and Berripop. <br />
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Free parking is available at the Waterway Square Parking Garage located between Fountain Plaza and Woodloch Court. <br />
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Located along Waterway Avenue, Waterway Square is a one-acre public plaza with unique water features and green spaces that serve as the “centerpiece” of The Woodlands Town Center.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Come experience the excitement of earth, wind and water in a synchronized choreography of motion and sound. For more information on the event and Waterway Square, visit <a href="http://www.thefountainsatwaterwaysquare.com/">www.TheFountainsAtWaterwaySquare.com</a> or call 281-363-2447. Also, follow us on Facebook, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands">www.Facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands</a></span></i>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-739226602159818482010-08-27T09:28:00.000-07:002010-08-27T09:28:00.383-07:00Koi Garden on the Waterway in The Woodlands Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDlJN6W5MElDFzknVAdln8Zu6kvwwRAZxMPzrFNMwIsQG8NbvRh230Jd7WJhE1JBbzyApZXMQyplJaz2hHu9_xNsutrxOvLkxlKTOYqnEQ9Uaf_O38FxIgb6Mse6fTyuPfFTrCYyNif-y/s1600/IMG_1842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDlJN6W5MElDFzknVAdln8Zu6kvwwRAZxMPzrFNMwIsQG8NbvRh230Jd7WJhE1JBbzyApZXMQyplJaz2hHu9_xNsutrxOvLkxlKTOYqnEQ9Uaf_O38FxIgb6Mse6fTyuPfFTrCYyNif-y/s400/IMG_1842.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Nestled among the tall buildings but along the waterway is a little place people often miss. Koi Garden is intended as an amenity for people living in Town Center but is available to anyone walking the paths along the waterway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH66n9zhAq8UbJYz1AaZqZYQC53uJcEHSf53_x6Wm6MEGzm8ogxjbACOOWYV-ff7oVY1ZLpFsSO4fKBtd36d0FPcGeRnFLjEtH3MZ1DU5vGhBnEnapQAv5PLSvwWjHzR9oMlwfIwHSyt5x/s1600/IMG_1845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH66n9zhAq8UbJYz1AaZqZYQC53uJcEHSf53_x6Wm6MEGzm8ogxjbACOOWYV-ff7oVY1ZLpFsSO4fKBtd36d0FPcGeRnFLjEtH3MZ1DU5vGhBnEnapQAv5PLSvwWjHzR9oMlwfIwHSyt5x/s400/IMG_1845.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
On the outside as well as inside, you will find bamboo and water. One of the clues to where the garden is located is to watch for water on both sides of the walking path. The you will also see bamboo growing on the land side of the path. For a tranquil moment at lunch or any other time, this is a good place to stop. Running water bubbling up from a pump-driven "spring" makes the garden more inviting than a pond.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHjeXGTIks1hmcm3_7bnzDXp1L7sWQp3rhF0hPjb0SN3Y7ZFlX0Q44wPiJEKu73Hkm7gEJxmWITAHsQ096c7LAIfP-x5sA9dsbfnLEVNXznuruSoBBJg3avfQ8s0QjNEZidKe9HMBvwfS/s1600/IMG_1865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHjeXGTIks1hmcm3_7bnzDXp1L7sWQp3rhF0hPjb0SN3Y7ZFlX0Q44wPiJEKu73Hkm7gEJxmWITAHsQ096c7LAIfP-x5sA9dsbfnLEVNXznuruSoBBJg3avfQ8s0QjNEZidKe9HMBvwfS/s400/IMG_1865.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There are a few lily pads and blooming lilies at a cross bridge in the garden.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBC8Bv_a1CtXODj16reP1IzbwhPiNpHsse2iydKC8M5ITP4en-mYcE6HI3NdPpZrSf5adyMNiNSHVy7_ZmKSLUyRmozTXlDO_5fekrcAhYcGAavKPHTAdUS-L5FbTwiSdyrZGViZylTheA/s1600/IMG_1864-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBC8Bv_a1CtXODj16reP1IzbwhPiNpHsse2iydKC8M5ITP4en-mYcE6HI3NdPpZrSf5adyMNiNSHVy7_ZmKSLUyRmozTXlDO_5fekrcAhYcGAavKPHTAdUS-L5FbTwiSdyrZGViZylTheA/s320/IMG_1864-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
They are worth a moment to to examine them with the visiting bees.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JSLphUTSbt8UiUH5MCR4sFTcr4fzuMV0qKwcOOxtVUYztZYwaIJn99jT3HNADo7wEudZyZMHkXV8Y7-ZpPXpH6IEvMwoZOglAGWxOk88-8UH-PbWDskmm3TGUeZtcw0palKuxhFcHEdd/s1600/IMG_1862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JSLphUTSbt8UiUH5MCR4sFTcr4fzuMV0qKwcOOxtVUYztZYwaIJn99jT3HNADo7wEudZyZMHkXV8Y7-ZpPXpH6IEvMwoZOglAGWxOk88-8UH-PbWDskmm3TGUeZtcw0palKuxhFcHEdd/s400/IMG_1862.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Of course the main menu are the Koi. There are some large and small ones to sit and watch meandering in the pools of water. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dh8iXiO9wM4CGB-oGQVgJIp6fDl6_-dYkyGqKai0PWP41S5F_2rYxJYtY9XjGOUA3zr1shIjwqL1URqYjbWivFP1mVr6Q7WYNvDeWf2Mtn7H3grTRdrq27ECsazsi95OBpvCECJsX7Bm/s1600/IMG_1847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dh8iXiO9wM4CGB-oGQVgJIp6fDl6_-dYkyGqKai0PWP41S5F_2rYxJYtY9XjGOUA3zr1shIjwqL1URqYjbWivFP1mVr6Q7WYNvDeWf2Mtn7H3grTRdrq27ECsazsi95OBpvCECJsX7Bm/s320/IMG_1847.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25hnWMLgOZeRQUJE-xeAVSeHmfKhkKRjMsQFbmOJXb7YR0MaBnhcJD5OFYYBhmyBhWxVJPhjePbiCa3FObw3Luyh45oT94GovuVzC4VATQfa6QK_EokvjmNCggJqoHOSgDDB2PYDWf1nl/s1600/IMG_1849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25hnWMLgOZeRQUJE-xeAVSeHmfKhkKRjMsQFbmOJXb7YR0MaBnhcJD5OFYYBhmyBhWxVJPhjePbiCa3FObw3Luyh45oT94GovuVzC4VATQfa6QK_EokvjmNCggJqoHOSgDDB2PYDWf1nl/s400/IMG_1849.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Please make sure you follow the rules which keeps this place beautiful and tranquil.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrIqgemH0st8juZBI1l-MfJirGSHV9XZFUSsaDd7nDpHYVzGAVtZCpGSteNVQDgtkmWghx8brVw9N6Tm3EslzBJVL2Bc4k0eH9HKHttss0uDy2VyjsKNb9q6ytpn7OEM0K4O_IuBuxS2A/s1600/IMG_1843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrIqgemH0st8juZBI1l-MfJirGSHV9XZFUSsaDd7nDpHYVzGAVtZCpGSteNVQDgtkmWghx8brVw9N6Tm3EslzBJVL2Bc4k0eH9HKHttss0uDy2VyjsKNb9q6ytpn7OEM0K4O_IuBuxS2A/s320/IMG_1843.jpg" /></a><br />
Then the fish and vegetation will continue to thrive. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9bHMv63wCDxozTBIRJFQzi_Y2mdpi3jpcxhSDb3d1Ui6X0TMihufm_CbvIcH-R6SwLzpyragfXEUBIqK4eP1XcO-tDU7rYxigzFpxVMsV9A2_O5pbwDvY2G_h18krkpb9opzT83x2UAB/s1600/IMG_1867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9bHMv63wCDxozTBIRJFQzi_Y2mdpi3jpcxhSDb3d1Ui6X0TMihufm_CbvIcH-R6SwLzpyragfXEUBIqK4eP1XcO-tDU7rYxigzFpxVMsV9A2_O5pbwDvY2G_h18krkpb9opzT83x2UAB/s320/IMG_1867.jpg" /></a></div>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-27951069439295434052010-08-25T16:32:00.000-07:002010-08-26T09:28:06.162-07:00Riva Row Boat House on the Waterway in The Woodlands TexasKayak rentals can be found right in the woods! It is a service provided by the Woodlands Park and Recreation department of The Woodlands Township (government). Rentals are by the day or by the hour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPU_41zqDJyl4so-78Yy3RgaL2bbs0L_PHITn-oYCmVFj1mvPxhMz49hn3qM83Q6pqV0h2LfDHnX-MeX3ebyVY-wWognhp4N2KRVu_kxzuKTluO49-mlIGQg05R8kStT2kTLR65npwe4u/s1600/IMG_1828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPU_41zqDJyl4so-78Yy3RgaL2bbs0L_PHITn-oYCmVFj1mvPxhMz49hn3qM83Q6pqV0h2LfDHnX-MeX3ebyVY-wWognhp4N2KRVu_kxzuKTluO49-mlIGQg05R8kStT2kTLR65npwe4u/s400/IMG_1828.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>There are basically two types of renters - (1) Recreation, and (2) Fishing. Those who fish usually want to rent the boats for more than an hour and start early in the morning, For that reason, the 9-10 rentals must have reservations. After 10am, it is first come, first serve. Renting for a fishing excursion can be fun, but the kayaks are not equipped for fishing (no rod holders). It is cost effective in that the entire day is rented for only $35 and the boat house is open for 11 hours. For recreation paddling, it costs $15 for the first hour and $5 more each additional hour, but no more than $35. If you are asked to wait for a boat, the attendants will call you when a boat is ready and hold it for you, providing you can return to the boat house within about 20 minutes after the call. If not, they will release it to the next person on the list.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQb5ILVHIYCFc0SMw_g028Vv9jreYoQBVxA22pF0CJZqBXHubn2YNgn3jUw8GjamYUINUWEHoDZq-FY5S7vdBXT7MCiSMnaSnww-XkSxRfH9iidTr8haOmAu4naHqfisnDX5wUZB7NUDx/s1600/IMG_1822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQb5ILVHIYCFc0SMw_g028Vv9jreYoQBVxA22pF0CJZqBXHubn2YNgn3jUw8GjamYUINUWEHoDZq-FY5S7vdBXT7MCiSMnaSnww-XkSxRfH9iidTr8haOmAu4naHqfisnDX5wUZB7NUDx/s400/IMG_1822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXAPlS-RfdTwQxHVqOWP7x2Nz_1oucwRjRAGHXiWYGQ_CpgME0i1oB5UcnpU8jHpMi6Q6Zg2FTUaKjXEgPUyDMWCYQ7JfjVGhIYYSwZMYb_odMlWFYsktK3BxzFFywMii58A02gr3vKBP/s1600/RRBH_dog_kayak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXAPlS-RfdTwQxHVqOWP7x2Nz_1oucwRjRAGHXiWYGQ_CpgME0i1oB5UcnpU8jHpMi6Q6Zg2FTUaKjXEgPUyDMWCYQ7JfjVGhIYYSwZMYb_odMlWFYsktK3BxzFFywMii58A02gr3vKBP/s400/RRBH_dog_kayak.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The boat house also sells drinks - water, soft drinks and a few caffeine helpers. On weekends you can expect the place to be quite busy, especially in the summer and holidays. On weekdays, usually about half of the fleet is out at peak times. Remember fishermen: 9-10 reservations only.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3yCV5KOxxN6STMlv8jyTSMKo5kZTkbTwZJFivmrnzZxAM2k_D_wz1T19XN-Whw_wZ6nuLQ_O1JBOwD_66nptfw1ku31jLtYduWxncGx6sUxW7fVQUcbJVAtFoVwV5HQqITZUupC_QhyphenhyphenU/s1600/RRBH_dog_kayak-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3yCV5KOxxN6STMlv8jyTSMKo5kZTkbTwZJFivmrnzZxAM2k_D_wz1T19XN-Whw_wZ6nuLQ_O1JBOwD_66nptfw1ku31jLtYduWxncGx6sUxW7fVQUcbJVAtFoVwV5HQqITZUupC_QhyphenhyphenU/s400/RRBH_dog_kayak-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Now we have something new! You can take your dog out in the kayak and protect him from drowning by using one of these new pet vests. Thanks to the generosity of The Woodlands Dog Park Club, "we now have the these canine life vests so that kayakers may bring their dogs along for the ride." <br />
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The closest place to park would be the Green Parking Lot or on Riva Row road itself. The boat house facility is not handicap friendly. There is no ramp to get onto the boats that I could see, although it seems one could use the grass to get there if needed. The walkway is purely walkable, definitely not wheel friendly. <br />
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Map to parking(P) and Riva Boathouse(R) : (there is an error in this map. It appears to be Google Earth issue - soon to be fixed). You can find the facility directly across from Town Green Park, on the south side of the Waterway. <br />
<img src="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?%0A&zoom=16%0A&size=400x400%0A&maptype=roadmap%0A%0A&markers=label:P%7C%0A30.159851,%20-95.467498%0A&%0A&markers=color:blue%7Clabel:R%7C%0A30.160101,%20-95.466546%0A&sensor=false" />indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-17276203117834023272010-06-17T14:47:00.000-07:002010-06-18T16:39:21.449-07:00New Sports Event may be coming to The Woodlands - Memorial Herman IronmanToday, Nick Wolda of The Woodlands announced a proposed international Ironman competition event right here in The Woodlands to the Woodlands Board of Directors. Memorial Herman Ironman would, if approved next week, become a major international event with participants from all 50 states and 23 countries. $100,000 would be raised for local charities, mostly for those organizations that provide volunteers to help put on the event. The race would be televised and viewed by some 1.5 million persons over the world. The proposed competition would be held on the third Saturday in May. The run would be here; the swim on Lake Woodlands; and biking in Montgomery County. <br />
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Its economic impact on the community will be $16 million at the event in hotel, services and sales. It will generate more money with the preparations, trials and visits by competitors and news media. This is a great opportunity for The Woodlands, and will give us considerable advertising all over the world.<br />
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It will cost us $30,000 per year for five years. Bret Strong (a triathlon competitor) and Nick Wolda (CVB) helped to negotiate the deal. Hotel room tax and local sales taxes would more than offset the cost.indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-3502882615367268582010-06-10T13:02:00.000-07:002010-06-10T13:05:34.635-07:00Waterway Nights in summer of 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy2Lei6V8dA4NejpEGwVZ7WaGsl_uuZLebC4HEx81rDU_SNJmcKzSuAKNg2KfCmJRfAOikg5ItaKBIhM8o3cGZ4Ds0YFgYoqOwaSsKXeO3EizVPHpm99FP5xga4PfvwTtPwbUzdp2h5Ko/s1600/Children's+Interactive+Fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy2Lei6V8dA4NejpEGwVZ7WaGsl_uuZLebC4HEx81rDU_SNJmcKzSuAKNg2KfCmJRfAOikg5ItaKBIhM8o3cGZ4Ds0YFgYoqOwaSsKXeO3EizVPHpm99FP5xga4PfvwTtPwbUzdp2h5Ko/s400/Children's+Interactive+Fountain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>From outdoor movie screenings to live music, Waterway Square in The Woodlands, Texas will once again become a gathering spot for families as “Waterway Nights”. It will be an entertainment series debuting Friday, July 2 from 6 pm – 8 pm and continues through August 27th, 2010. There will be a variety of entertainers including live musicians, jugglers, face painters, balloonists, caricaturists, and more! Picnics, chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome.<br />
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<b>Waterway Nights</b> is free and open to the public, thanks to sponsors such as The Woodlands Development Company, University of Phoenix, State Farm Insurance – Kyle Sherburne, Munday Chevrolet, Ace Parking, and Berripop.<br />
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Located along Waterway Avenue, Waterway Square is a one-acre public plaza with unique water features and green spaces that serve as the “centerpiece” of The Woodlands Town Center.<br />
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For more information on The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, please visit <a href="http://www.thewoodlandscvb.com/">www.thewoodlandscvb.com</a> or call 281-363-2447.indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-90657796140251146462010-06-06T07:30:00.000-07:002010-06-06T07:34:06.485-07:00July 4th Weekend is just around the corner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBcUnstDQ2knIE93gS0m1j-o0tGCcvea7WYBxY_UKP0IFGGp4xh2EvzaMVLimFysHOoKtczIi3b29zWnAwVN4OaHNdGqinDkWJJYgq8ZxYXZSw9B9tAiIUaS-v1ca2836eQ6eHmJ8LR7b/s1600/Woodlands+July+4th+Parade+2009+Woodlands+Photo+-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBcUnstDQ2knIE93gS0m1j-o0tGCcvea7WYBxY_UKP0IFGGp4xh2EvzaMVLimFysHOoKtczIi3b29zWnAwVN4OaHNdGqinDkWJJYgq8ZxYXZSw9B9tAiIUaS-v1ca2836eQ6eHmJ8LR7b/s400/Woodlands+July+4th+Parade+2009+Woodlands+Photo+-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Before we know it, here in The Woodlands Texas, the sizzling fire of mid summer will reach into our midst and we will want to be outside to be part of it. July 4th promises to be better than ever this year. South County's theme this year is “Only in America”. The Grand Marshall of this July 3rd event will be state senator Tommy Williams.<br />
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The parade begins at 9:00 AM on Saturday, July 3rd and runs through the Market Street area of The Woodlands Town Center. Family members of all ages will enjoy fire engines, clowns, horses, and parade floats. Also featured will be participants in the 5th Annual Marching Band Scholarship Program. Band entries will receive at a minimum $1000 in support of their program. <span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span> <br />
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</div>This parade dates way back to the 1970’s . The South County 4th of July Committee is a volunteer-based organization and is designated as a 501(c)(3) corporation. This year’s committee is headed by Ms. Kelly Dietrich, the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for The Woodlands Township.<br />
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</style>Last year, there were approximately 145 entries with 2,000 to 3,000 participants. This year, the committee anticipates 20,000 to 25,000 in attendance. The parade route is approximately 1.3 miles; it will begin and end at The Woodlands United Methodist Church on Lake Woodlands. Roads on the route will be closed during the parade.
To participate in the Parade or to sponsor this great annual event, you can find additional information on-line at the 4th of July Committee’s website: <a href="http://www.4thofjuly.org/">www.4thofjuly.org</a>.
The parade will be accompanied by other community events in The Woodlands to also commemorate this patriotic holiday:
+ <b>Star Spangled Salute</b> at the Cynthia Woods Michelle Pavilion, July 3rd starting at 8:00 PM.
+ <b>Splash Day</b> at the 13 community pools in The Woodlands, July 3rd from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM.
+ <b>Concert in the Park</b> at North Shore Park, July 4th at 7:00PM.
+ <b>Red, Hot and Blue Festival</b>™ at Town Green Park, July 4th at 6:00 PM.
+<b> Fireworks Extravaganza</b> at The Waterway, July 4th beginning at dusk, approximately 8:30 PMindianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-62953436521237276532010-06-05T18:26:00.000-07:002010-06-05T18:26:01.318-07:00Creekside Outdoor Adventure Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFPq8hXPM3alw5lwMQQQldJWrblrHc38tdqZS58tAeJVQ5MMs6_VhycGJOJ-5vBsq4GROqWr2_NaV4_8PQom6jsniVmCh_o8E6XIJLBnNXgKMVYMroO1a5aBoqEStULVi4Et294I_cXN5/s1600/IMG_0307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFPq8hXPM3alw5lwMQQQldJWrblrHc38tdqZS58tAeJVQ5MMs6_VhycGJOJ-5vBsq4GROqWr2_NaV4_8PQom6jsniVmCh_o8E6XIJLBnNXgKMVYMroO1a5aBoqEStULVi4Et294I_cXN5/s400/IMG_0307.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsURI71xmYqBtvmlzafDtNmGlta0Q9VS6vRatDO7hpQ4fsmzpT-Q-V5pjxgseS9J2uhtEOyFZ8noSZgniKmlnB48xydX-T8H1FVswZiFFTBvs6bqNmZeCsEjRzLlGSBK10ftfL2f_7uLV/s1600/IMG_0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsURI71xmYqBtvmlzafDtNmGlta0Q9VS6vRatDO7hpQ4fsmzpT-Q-V5pjxgseS9J2uhtEOyFZ8noSZgniKmlnB48xydX-T8H1FVswZiFFTBvs6bqNmZeCsEjRzLlGSBK10ftfL2f_7uLV/s200/IMG_0308.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This facility in The Woodlands, Texas, is quite a leap to something different than the other YMCA's. Today, the "Y" had its debut or grand opening of the new facility in the woods. Phase 1 of 2 has been completed and is available for camp adventures. The facility is designed for families, children and adults. Adults might want to schedule the main room for banquets, meetings and the like for business, community events or for various age group socials or meetings. Children will engage in day camp and special interpretive nature outings. Today's festivities are presented as a slide show. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgq7o9zHF1O609ARx4evAhi_I1scrxN1eEZXIRxzmiJyArCtU0aRt6jcqC3ls78PoM5UwrPNaQvMCZvEtRpM0qId7Ks9WAMbv2FqeTOwBQcVdZk8aBp9MiMe2gvg2Tir_fHQp_WUnQ5rL/s1600/IMG_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgq7o9zHF1O609ARx4evAhi_I1scrxN1eEZXIRxzmiJyArCtU0aRt6jcqC3ls78PoM5UwrPNaQvMCZvEtRpM0qId7Ks9WAMbv2FqeTOwBQcVdZk8aBp9MiMe2gvg2Tir_fHQp_WUnQ5rL/s320/IMG_0319.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This climbing tower is really huge. Today, they were limiting it to three children at one time, heavily supervised.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsBnx-ILg9jb_g9nealmNo9Kwn6bcdTyunf3kcYKDEtssVq6ZuaLDxc_BHXPa2VquDn7mcIuvj4Z5VRgXoNuv-ZkFxstjp15TnFo45iwGGb48od2r3BDfW2rZKWZhcYTam9GdO8-ZrMC3/s1600/IMG_0323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsBnx-ILg9jb_g9nealmNo9Kwn6bcdTyunf3kcYKDEtssVq6ZuaLDxc_BHXPa2VquDn7mcIuvj4Z5VRgXoNuv-ZkFxstjp15TnFo45iwGGb48od2r3BDfW2rZKWZhcYTam9GdO8-ZrMC3/s320/IMG_0323.jpg" /></a></div>The camp has several cabins elevated by a railed boardwalk high off the lowlands that are subject to flooding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS9VOXTRHLOlBdJoEBUymLkfpjow6YC4wLvsWhNP6TqZeyQbY5m7UdcdQr15_r_tCyFUUy0kD4bKoOFpigGkNLGpZpKDAp1HShtOX7-50GPKAVD16B984oVt6g-Gy9a98lM73tO45B7J0/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOS9VOXTRHLOlBdJoEBUymLkfpjow6YC4wLvsWhNP6TqZeyQbY5m7UdcdQr15_r_tCyFUUy0kD4bKoOFpigGkNLGpZpKDAp1HShtOX7-50GPKAVD16B984oVt6g-Gy9a98lM73tO45B7J0/s320/IMG_0336.jpg" /></a></div>There are nine tepees, three separate camps slightly elevated off the ground.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcab0ucQ3RHpluj_CgrOXVfNZrcANu22Itv-7HkA1o_MP_ss0_ReDWiqu5wyNiDwTnCRl8Pcaa87Z8wnjZs4rzcYdxBSfHy2C0H6xqgy8ENJmWoF5_kFpo_6Qokrz9cEfVJVG0Wkj4jGXH/s1600/IMG_0331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcab0ucQ3RHpluj_CgrOXVfNZrcANu22Itv-7HkA1o_MP_ss0_ReDWiqu5wyNiDwTnCRl8Pcaa87Z8wnjZs4rzcYdxBSfHy2C0H6xqgy8ENJmWoF5_kFpo_6Qokrz9cEfVJVG0Wkj4jGXH/s320/IMG_0331.jpg" /></a></div>An amphitheater is quite spacious for seating. Today, a young lady was singing for the visitors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLuns6m4WWKThTOxtMbpVbkD70Ntwk9KWr4vBvVx5m0mpWPYyDapgA1Mey7-YP_57t_SMpQQOfI3t6z-EfqSBWHSN3RlpaNApfIlEbguTJLtNJ3cKj8MQwMm3jVY48H2iitlTxlCVmlmS/s1600/IMG_0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLuns6m4WWKThTOxtMbpVbkD70Ntwk9KWr4vBvVx5m0mpWPYyDapgA1Mey7-YP_57t_SMpQQOfI3t6z-EfqSBWHSN3RlpaNApfIlEbguTJLtNJ3cKj8MQwMm3jVY48H2iitlTxlCVmlmS/s320/IMG_0341.jpg" /></a></div>A mist was really cool (literally) on this hot day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NI_52xCfcc0NwXR2LPq4CvKgQhkJ1b9sa0en9zl1ysCtRSre1yfWEpCNOozYpEELPZCM9BgvxKfi-uk8JZYC97BSo1NF6ybxAKRZkgjy8tbHU_Qp1GP8U5G3Gj2pDBVCUNc1_pRUmX5l/s1600/IMG_0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NI_52xCfcc0NwXR2LPq4CvKgQhkJ1b9sa0en9zl1ysCtRSre1yfWEpCNOozYpEELPZCM9BgvxKfi-uk8JZYC97BSo1NF6ybxAKRZkgjy8tbHU_Qp1GP8U5G3Gj2pDBVCUNc1_pRUmX5l/s320/IMG_0357.jpg" /></a></div>The main building is without sectioning, designed for meetings or banquets. Today, it was full of vendor booths and free food and drinks. It has a capacity to hold 250 adults or 500 children. It is available for day rental.<br />
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This facility fits into The Woodlands very well. It has been part of the vision, the master community plan, from the very beginning. Today's opening is however only phase 1. Next to this facility is room to build phase 2 - a complete gymnasium with two sports fields. Akk theyneed is the money to start phase 2. That will come in time. I'm sure residents in the Village of Creekside Park would love to have an exercise facility in their community. All of it is part of the South Montgomery YMCA, so there will be discounts on activities at the adventure park as well as the gym, when it is built. Membership will be shared and interchangeable among the three gymnasiums in The Woodlands. indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-54005014107758318572010-06-02T20:17:00.000-07:002010-06-03T15:19:01.269-07:00The Woodlands High School Graduation 2010It seems each year that the summer bears down on us at this event. Walking from the orange parking lot, I was certainly glad I wore a short sleeve shirt this year. And water! The ice cold water was very popular. Imagine a grade point average of 120. The valedictorian superseded all the rest of his peers in a class of more than 900 with a GPA of 5.20. The salutatorian was not far behind.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXx56GlSfw8BdxzJx0ZeO5hkFqYWqL8pR2euAjpx4A7UnID5YRvdEiu2NJwArw_h78LgXUPW9zWyR6SsisDtGQAL84D7o7W4apI57C-HR8bs7AVIJBRpBCSl8xAjr5WBXAyoErQkJE7uk/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXx56GlSfw8BdxzJx0ZeO5hkFqYWqL8pR2euAjpx4A7UnID5YRvdEiu2NJwArw_h78LgXUPW9zWyR6SsisDtGQAL84D7o7W4apI57C-HR8bs7AVIJBRpBCSl8xAjr5WBXAyoErQkJE7uk/s320/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0236.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As each graduate filed one by one into the pavilion, some were ready with a smile.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfY8uaF8dds71LXxodBVkqAqHzhCMuU0OD0j7H0MFTw6WUjweLTrPDbZdEYNoSGhNQLxMsw-yoimgRAtIUfKodJIDq4g33Alo_q_P9dCPPQn5MueT9OMVMjAXDW7OCUkAhusj1sqfFu5zg/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfY8uaF8dds71LXxodBVkqAqHzhCMuU0OD0j7H0MFTw6WUjweLTrPDbZdEYNoSGhNQLxMsw-yoimgRAtIUfKodJIDq4g33Alo_q_P9dCPPQn5MueT9OMVMjAXDW7OCUkAhusj1sqfFu5zg/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0237.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Teaching staff were enjoying the occasion like Mrs Garcia, a counselor.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOM-QAssKvXibIUFytON9KNywmdDzMVZ7fTGz2RxMvPMQFmnvIRakLzpg_uj8Bu1fwiRTydbjnjOp3JvQYF3KYaZExbVj8e4NSBzXHm8U8ZzPVBwAD_aqct5bAvHcxZhruPXqvVpdnmOA/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOM-QAssKvXibIUFytON9KNywmdDzMVZ7fTGz2RxMvPMQFmnvIRakLzpg_uj8Bu1fwiRTydbjnjOp3JvQYF3KYaZExbVj8e4NSBzXHm8U8ZzPVBwAD_aqct5bAvHcxZhruPXqvVpdnmOA/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some felt the accomplishment and its significance with a thumbs up.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7siEzVtsljAJ_cjDFtGav42lBlpsm91lnS-MtuSvVpRxqEC5PXzRLJ5VIQ2Z8bYIPCCgQAZ-ogsvaKs8qNjTCRP0PXpSBtlnwUzK9jz6HFkbbzY-GwZjTZN1RLwpxyfFS5Cb8mi_reclU/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7siEzVtsljAJ_cjDFtGav42lBlpsm91lnS-MtuSvVpRxqEC5PXzRLJ5VIQ2Z8bYIPCCgQAZ-ogsvaKs8qNjTCRP0PXpSBtlnwUzK9jz6HFkbbzY-GwZjTZN1RLwpxyfFS5Cb8mi_reclU/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0239.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some were even relaxed and enjoying the moment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sW-tl2d1kwyj8HXw5aIkF8Po3twEgdHdfy6CpI7drCcl_jsN4gbV5H5GxYYyHAqtbBtIAp8VULyjXs-yEI1VwBgXPB__81vV3u9dGNKSVnL8d_t-emLxIV3jULgWT13PzIBjsmPIzQjW/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sW-tl2d1kwyj8HXw5aIkF8Po3twEgdHdfy6CpI7drCcl_jsN4gbV5H5GxYYyHAqtbBtIAp8VULyjXs-yEI1VwBgXPB__81vV3u9dGNKSVnL8d_t-emLxIV3jULgWT13PzIBjsmPIzQjW/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0240.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Whoever you were in that mass of graduate city, you were just following the person ahead of you! That gave many the time to look up with a sweet smile.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizztFL8C1MxuHBdd99HhhaVWyh0s_Id5CwFwX9O7_0RD64A5W499qUJq0w_hnhd4BqRKnwRoJYgswZj8ONbH3cLd0-dCdtdkilcXQF862dsTQLUBcZiLPhFR3XppgJ1Xb5Y8SxsgfSZQAU/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizztFL8C1MxuHBdd99HhhaVWyh0s_Id5CwFwX9O7_0RD64A5W499qUJq0w_hnhd4BqRKnwRoJYgswZj8ONbH3cLd0-dCdtdkilcXQF862dsTQLUBcZiLPhFR3XppgJ1Xb5Y8SxsgfSZQAU/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0241.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I caught a Vice-principal or two heading into their huge chamber with their students. After three and sometimes four years with these students, one gets to know them pretty well. Goodbyes are said right here. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXRSO9pGlvDRTD32avSZ5cg04TaLJdftXYKN5LZsJY7D9V8BoUrR8UTIhey6bsiexpcxHYAXLq9ogjpL-72xm2JL1KsaCYVF5KRH9KDSC-s6vZh0RfNzBsnJlnVlwKPFZiET1pinHYpYX/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXRSO9pGlvDRTD32avSZ5cg04TaLJdftXYKN5LZsJY7D9V8BoUrR8UTIhey6bsiexpcxHYAXLq9ogjpL-72xm2JL1KsaCYVF5KRH9KDSC-s6vZh0RfNzBsnJlnVlwKPFZiET1pinHYpYX/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>By now, many had their seats in the pavilion as the tune of the graduation march continued.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj-kckaNEEpxaw4dKwRit5kB5uSqaHUliWBpkDnImPYa4GpVRWBZecqGEBv5MIJAsM0GJxxAI75NPtZ6EsrMCJqvaGptABhSYEmapE8oPjQg2WQG6jXcVngJmOqARvYh_Nvg4FCWjFpFL/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj-kckaNEEpxaw4dKwRit5kB5uSqaHUliWBpkDnImPYa4GpVRWBZecqGEBv5MIJAsM0GJxxAI75NPtZ6EsrMCJqvaGptABhSYEmapE8oPjQg2WQG6jXcVngJmOqARvYh_Nvg4FCWjFpFL/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0243.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some were precocupied with what was to come, finding their names in the list. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kQWbOtNlTktnVJ7cCx4ilBvCJ0yguMm_GlBlqVLbreG5WXTDhzJA5ZNiaEz9TG27StuN1V4PKFYA8fUZExvdYu5Q-_COwri2gfulQTyHl_dcyhQee7at8gxhJQ5rzhsf1UIJVvCbOf8Y/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kQWbOtNlTktnVJ7cCx4ilBvCJ0yguMm_GlBlqVLbreG5WXTDhzJA5ZNiaEz9TG27StuN1V4PKFYA8fUZExvdYu5Q-_COwri2gfulQTyHl_dcyhQee7at8gxhJQ5rzhsf1UIJVvCbOf8Y/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0245.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some were multi-tasking. Congrats and hi just being some of the tasks at hand. Let's get on with it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JY-RZjciN-9DIY4mhEuBF0YkT0rV4qVqyNLTTueBcRyyJceZqpiwSWVttL1_eR_ZbWCaRpZXf-8A8bGHAPQnJdU5ONc4RcWTZYREOd1l0bMRF1qLh0E3fxxejyCTwOP6pYEpMG-PMjzz/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0247-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JY-RZjciN-9DIY4mhEuBF0YkT0rV4qVqyNLTTueBcRyyJceZqpiwSWVttL1_eR_ZbWCaRpZXf-8A8bGHAPQnJdU5ONc4RcWTZYREOd1l0bMRF1qLh0E3fxxejyCTwOP6pYEpMG-PMjzz/s320/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0247-2.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JY-RZjciN-9DIY4mhEuBF0YkT0rV4qVqyNLTTueBcRyyJceZqpiwSWVttL1_eR_ZbWCaRpZXf-8A8bGHAPQnJdU5ONc4RcWTZYREOd1l0bMRF1qLh0E3fxxejyCTwOP6pYEpMG-PMjzz/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0247-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
Introduction of the Salutatorian Amanda Frank. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaETwxWoxm4rqYZGnh2K67KBjmDFB-qLWaELUZqcTBF2o_kD6IsxEW_GOx3Uky5nCDH52ifj7SF29zkfN-47QgcxWMj1PJ5b_DGpOdI3lL9tl35NgW2DBFozh988IzNljpTWsLXDZ6leB/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0249-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaETwxWoxm4rqYZGnh2K67KBjmDFB-qLWaELUZqcTBF2o_kD6IsxEW_GOx3Uky5nCDH52ifj7SF29zkfN-47QgcxWMj1PJ5b_DGpOdI3lL9tl35NgW2DBFozh988IzNljpTWsLXDZ6leB/s320/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0249-2.jpg" /></a></div>Valedictorian Kevin Wang <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY9bb3zxtdCFuiWbQrfudXRWatgz_p2I92czPNKQztGaU5cgmm02wABKWlhhjLy5LxpYf-X3oV76Wr_-Pv9E_f4lzF_vRoTKyGeuB1qH8IbXlmwnzdiY-WAOQNCJrZmTfgduk45XMcJF3/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigY9bb3zxtdCFuiWbQrfudXRWatgz_p2I92czPNKQztGaU5cgmm02wABKWlhhjLy5LxpYf-X3oV76Wr_-Pv9E_f4lzF_vRoTKyGeuB1qH8IbXlmwnzdiY-WAOQNCJrZmTfgduk45XMcJF3/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0250.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXGU6ehFMKAUJ_MTe_3s8Fm-uYz0q7JjnkclGaiS44BDSkpzxvUuDeHtSi-1YdhzthsLKSal6o8E5JSQ8VnMakA0y2Ydaw5WrwAABQR3yO_3DPuqX_A1VdjaKFxTOVf8LZzoqnR5XgV6s/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXGU6ehFMKAUJ_MTe_3s8Fm-uYz0q7JjnkclGaiS44BDSkpzxvUuDeHtSi-1YdhzthsLKSal6o8E5JSQ8VnMakA0y2Ydaw5WrwAABQR3yO_3DPuqX_A1VdjaKFxTOVf8LZzoqnR5XgV6s/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0253.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Then one by one, each graduate recieves their diploma.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDRTU9ZT41nOdIf2U6nZU5NFQQ1IsmaIYYiksCiIcgh8usAdWkp34xnDOlvEpYvu7b6-h8mB1I3OQIBAeW5IsbpkE6KF5crP_WYVfSRhf0Kw5vGkCboErYKvtEdXXO8RYfSdYQL3AJqjN/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDRTU9ZT41nOdIf2U6nZU5NFQQ1IsmaIYYiksCiIcgh8usAdWkp34xnDOlvEpYvu7b6-h8mB1I3OQIBAeW5IsbpkE6KF5crP_WYVfSRhf0Kw5vGkCboErYKvtEdXXO8RYfSdYQL3AJqjN/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0254.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qkKuHdruS9_QAmZ7ZSNVQTjiqqD1Gboo9BdKPvGa0M0wPu9BLi7IlpL4IsetsT56M9tbMiyXzvAFynEpS4LYUkSfsZuOi5nVdR9zGKh42F2O-bRT6VfShddkOQIzqAm-jCH6fuD-ksf-/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qkKuHdruS9_QAmZ7ZSNVQTjiqqD1Gboo9BdKPvGa0M0wPu9BLi7IlpL4IsetsT56M9tbMiyXzvAFynEpS4LYUkSfsZuOi5nVdR9zGKh42F2O-bRT6VfShddkOQIzqAm-jCH6fuD-ksf-/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0267.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The ceremony proceeded rapidly as two were in process at the same time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-W0vo7TmU1BSy8pomYJSAgkVkMnnCyMJmjCcU6ra0JQo984sGJgmqLcLcrZWCMGMfQfHUQoOtnwPt2_Kc70i9o5i6wH2i7lw-4sUXLpT2btJuoALUBmcdbVkyjuwOK3OEBjKnIjeNYWf/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-W0vo7TmU1BSy8pomYJSAgkVkMnnCyMJmjCcU6ra0JQo984sGJgmqLcLcrZWCMGMfQfHUQoOtnwPt2_Kc70i9o5i6wH2i7lw-4sUXLpT2btJuoALUBmcdbVkyjuwOK3OEBjKnIjeNYWf/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0279.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Many nationalities were represented. This young lady getting her photograph taken is from Venezuela.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYUyHuIGphtRZ8Z4AHbM-fAyGtuX2VGt_M47UUFWT5zbjgSYUdqSrHz3tEEnlB4AgZsgONENkRdxgggsWsVfyuPcXEPrIlEPXm8jsctt0MA0KqTrFIF749daa3pMv5O6fbxie8WAGAlUy/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYUyHuIGphtRZ8Z4AHbM-fAyGtuX2VGt_M47UUFWT5zbjgSYUdqSrHz3tEEnlB4AgZsgONENkRdxgggsWsVfyuPcXEPrIlEPXm8jsctt0MA0KqTrFIF749daa3pMv5O6fbxie8WAGAlUy/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Graduates sat in the front rows of course. We were in the back. The video screens help a lot to see what is transpiring. Some guests sat on the grass.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7IGLThRje7eXOK6SEKtbY53TRzPNjXM3IqZcrEyXi8KEPDAV6EFgRH6CAuk62BzE7UiHn0vG91X70QJHCatvduMHDBtk8OnQvjaviR-r_x3A_-OB2UCYIwgm8RJzEM3OhtOC7tz3dDRD/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7IGLThRje7eXOK6SEKtbY53TRzPNjXM3IqZcrEyXi8KEPDAV6EFgRH6CAuk62BzE7UiHn0vG91X70QJHCatvduMHDBtk8OnQvjaviR-r_x3A_-OB2UCYIwgm8RJzEM3OhtOC7tz3dDRD/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0285.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
This could be the last time some of the graduates ever sing the song of their Alma Matar with the excitement of the Scottish beat and bagpipes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFFlYZcEeUMjF6x-D1O1llvSLVeN_5C6nw9DuMZzkVj4cjIIUAZZmmMukLWNewcXvjLqSAlw5OcucSedZ-Vsnnw6slCl4JkUbJ9Vr8CLB9sOIQTus0JEnYWk1r83YWHfki4TrYzM-4g84/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFFlYZcEeUMjF6x-D1O1llvSLVeN_5C6nw9DuMZzkVj4cjIIUAZZmmMukLWNewcXvjLqSAlw5OcucSedZ-Vsnnw6slCl4JkUbJ9Vr8CLB9sOIQTus0JEnYWk1r83YWHfki4TrYzM-4g84/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0288.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />
So ended an excellent class of seniors who broke records, who achieved great feats in sports. Now on to the lock down graduation night, a long standing tradition of a fun filled night and being safe inside all night long, without the risk of alcohol or party drivers on the road. There has never been a loss of life on this night since this tradition began about 1988.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnmParymSP2yCC7ht5IytYZT7pBNRpzmrdAJInWaAi13GzCxb0JwIohrb8YRdjciLCIrWunIiPuIBDh4kezznMftlPkhOwnMYFjau_OAjIh9mQlOzb7qEUSn7vCludtFEOnW7Ydv-zWUh/s1600/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0290-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnmParymSP2yCC7ht5IytYZT7pBNRpzmrdAJInWaAi13GzCxb0JwIohrb8YRdjciLCIrWunIiPuIBDh4kezznMftlPkhOwnMYFjau_OAjIh9mQlOzb7qEUSn7vCludtFEOnW7Ydv-zWUh/s400/20100601-TWHS+graduation+2010-0290-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Put your hands together to celebrate the accomplishments of this class. On towards the next phase of life - college for most.indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-11018945228884093712010-06-02T11:44:00.000-07:002010-06-02T11:44:10.747-07:00New Creekside Park YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center Grand Opening, June 5, 2010The new YMCA, part of the South Montgomery County family of locations in Creekside Park of The Woodlands Texas, will have its adventure center grand opening on Saturday from 4pm to 930pm. There will be pony rides, camel rides, archery, the alpine tower, climbing wall, moon walk, face painting, magic show, hot air balloon, craft fair, strolling entertainers, performing entertainers, door prizes, just a host of activities! There is an native American teepee, outdoor chapel, giant swings, tree houses, boardwalks and more in the center. An outdoor family movie will be shown at 8:15pm. I plan to be there, how about you? <br />
<a href="http://6464%20creekside%20forest%20drive,%20the%20woodlands,%20tx%2077389/">Getting there: Map</a> indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-58710069218426177892010-04-20T10:08:00.000-07:002010-04-20T11:14:12.592-07:00Health and Business Showcase - free on Thursday evening<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBDknF-WMqfgqoP7m5sBORPjrs_zaeZF2Ti-JmQbqOVcSizMNVfrte0veLcKDFnXRbEXolSL_xeHvg-uadgr66yH9UTlsZB8QldM0I-N1iXcDLP0hfxjrjEUU0FY-kviSs0EUJm0W7Ixg/s1600/H&B+Showcase+Flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBDknF-WMqfgqoP7m5sBORPjrs_zaeZF2Ti-JmQbqOVcSizMNVfrte0veLcKDFnXRbEXolSL_xeHvg-uadgr66yH9UTlsZB8QldM0I-N1iXcDLP0hfxjrjEUU0FY-kviSs0EUJm0W7Ixg/s400/H&B+Showcase+Flyer.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><span style="color: green; font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed","serif"; font-size: 22pt;">Health & Business Showcase<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed","serif"; font-size: 22pt;">Thursday, April 22<sup>nd</sup>, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green; font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed","serif"; font-size: 22pt;">The Woodlands Waterway Marriott<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 35pt; text-align: center;"><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">1601 Lake Robbins Dr.</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style="font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">, The Woodlands, TX 77380<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -9pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Complimentary<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
Everyone is invited to visit the booths at this event where the products and services of many local businesses will be displayed. Visitors from any location are welcome. The Woodlands Commentary will be there. The theme will be "Safari". Come by the booth and see what we are doing. <br />
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</style><span style="font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-47182616695181567712010-03-09T13:26:00.000-08:002010-03-09T13:26:49.891-08:00Real Secret to Finding A Job - Seminar OpportunityOn Friday, March 19th, the South Regional Library is hosting a free program titled The Real Secret to Finding a Job, presented by Rick Gillis. The program starts at 9:30 am and concludes at 4:30 pm with a scheduled lunch break. This should be an excellent opportunity if you are seeking a job. <br />
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Mr. Gillis has been involved in the business of employment since 1977 when he was instrumental in introducing the first local employment website to the greater Houston Market. Since that time Mr. Gillis has aggressively studied the practice of job seeking from the perspective of both the employer and employee. Visit his website <a href="http://www.rickgillis.com/">www.rickgillis.com</a> for additional information. <br />
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The first 10 people to register will receive a copy of the presenter’s book "The Real Secret to Finding a Job? Make Me Money or Save Me Money!" In addition, a grand prize drawing will be held at the end of the program for one-on-one counseling for a period of time not to exceed 60 days with Mr. Rick Gillis.<br />
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Space is limited and registration is required. Please either call the library (281) 364 4294 and select option 2 or visit the 2nd floor reference desk and reserve a seat. The library is located at 2101 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 across from Market Street in The Woodlands.indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-63700205974623522012010-03-09T08:51:00.000-08:002010-06-02T16:24:23.539-07:00Should we or shouldn't we be a test bed for technology?Here is our chance to be on the cutting edge. Or not? Google wants to test a concept. Google is looking for a community where they can deploy special fiber optics and switches as an infrastructure to a super wide-band internet. Varying providers would subscribe to this infrastructure, offering competitive services. A gigabit bandwidth (touted to be 100 times faster than any available current service here) is now technically feasible. With the right home or business computer and peripherals, one could leverage this technology for no telling what kind of application! A simple application could be the downloading of a full length movie in five minutes. Another might be to exchange digital medical scans of the human body. Google has issued a formal RFI (Request for Information) to communities, which in turn would respond with a Tender Response. The survey language is not exactly correct, so please understand the process before you respond with your view and understand that the Township would not issue an RFI, they would issue a Tender Response to declare the reasons and applicability for our community to Google Inc. The Woodlands Township has issued an online survey to determine if we should submit the response.<br />
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<b>Added update - 3/16/02010 </b><br />
Some additional information that might help to understand the Google proposal:<br />
There are many comments being made in Twitter right now about broadband service. The activity is like an alert to everyone on the internet, a wildfire informing people about the FCC National Broadband Policy. I have read some of this and noted a few interesting pieces of information. While Google is seeking a 1-gigabit solution, the FCC is seeking a super wideband solution only for institutions. The FCC vision is to have 100,000,000 homes running at 100 mbs by about 2015 or 2020. Today 35% of households in the USA are without broadband service. I ran some tests on my own computer and will share. I also will give you a link to some interesting and useful information. I subscribe to a low end AT&T broadband service. My computer communicates at about 2.9 mbps for downloads using the standard ping test of Speedtest.net to Austin. <a href="http://www.speedtest.net/">Click here to see Speedtest data and run their test on your computer. </a><br />
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A good article on the subject can be found at Gizmodo.<a href="http://gizmodo.com/5493878/fcc-submits-ambitious-national-broadband-plan-100mbps-in-100-million-homes?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29&utm_content=Twitter"> Click here to view that article</a>. It is generally thought that the Google test will not fully realize a 1-gigabit and may actually fall far short of that, but it still should be faster than what the top end is by current providers. Computers may not be able to move data fast enough in the infrastructure, and there will likely be latencies at various places in the network.<br />
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<b>Added update 06/02/10</b>:<br />
Would you like to know the vote that got us into the submission? First I have to say that the driving force behind it appears to have come from the Indian part of the community. These are often the people brought here to do IT work for companies specializing in IT. Many are here on special work visas. So what, you ask? Well, think about it. They cannot vote to elect our government, but they could influence the spending of great sums of money. Why is that? you ask. Because only 8% of our registered voters vote! Now let's take a look at the numbers for us being a test bed. We had 1000 illegitimate votes in the Google participation questionaire. That is, there was one or more persons who at least tried to <b style="color: #cc0000;">stuff the ballot box</b>. Fortunately, this was known because of security checks within the database. Removing those and only those wrongful votes, we had 137 residents participate. 100 of those voted "yes", saying let's participate in this project. I can't tell you how many were registered voters, but my guess is much fewer than the 100 voting "yes". Fortunately, I do not believe Google will want to put us into their plan. 100 interested persons in a 90,000 resident community doesn't sound like a good investment. What continues to bother me is the decision of the township to continue even under this total uninterested community. It echos a bit like an empty chamber - the May 8th elections, doesn't it?<br />
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<b>Commentary</b><br />
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I do not like the idea of again disturbing the earth on our roadways and working out right of ways for another vendor as a test of technology. Our response would be due March 28th. Although some businesses may have a real application, current available services should suffice for some time to come. For example, we can have telephony via internet now. We can have normal files loaded and uploaded quickly by high speed internet providers now. We can listen to music. We can watch movies. The normal resident has plenty of services from multiple providers now. Let's let some other community experiment with new technology and we can see how it pans out over the next five or so years. My experiences in information technology says never to take up a solution for an unknown problem or application. For one, the first deployments are often quick to be antiquated by following releases. I can't say what might go wrong, and I doubt anyone else can either. <br />
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We have bigger fish to fry in The Woodlands. If we have time to partner with technology companies for such endeavors, we probably need to trim budgets. I see no valid reason for this community to be on the leading edge of technology. I do not believe it would have any financial impact whether we do this now or later (if it pans out). Perhaps institutions will find good uses for such technology, but in my opinion, it will be a long time before residents need it. <br />
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<b>Added 03/20/2010 </b><br />
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Very significant to the township survey is the lack of information. We are asked for our opinion when we are not given sufficient detail to have an opinion. Do we want to participate in this when we don't know what is to be required of us? For example, how much digging can we expect in our yards? Are we going to have a repeater in our yards? How well tested is this technology? If we are going to participate, do we lose our current service? What if the service is not reliable? Are we committing to the service now or will we get a chance in the future to request it and not have the consequences of having it installed in the neighborhood (killing trees, etc)? What exactly are the risks? My questions are only a start for the questions to be answered by the provider that should be asked and be published before asking residents such questions. Asking us if we want to participate is ridiculous without this information. Sugarland wants to participate, but they don't know either. I would like responsible leaders here communicating to responsible residents, all thinking about the quality of life for the whole. <br />
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I said "no" to the survey because of the lack of information that would make me comfortable to participate. My assessment it that this is a high risk venture like any field test. <br />
<a href="http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/forms.aspx?fid=66&admin=1"><br />
Township Survey Link</a> <br />
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What do you think?indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-88653765744861786892010-03-07T17:40:00.000-08:002010-03-09T05:09:49.547-08:00Spring 2010 Woodlands Flea Market Garage SaleTwice every year, people are looking forward to our large Flea Market (garage sale) - Spring and Fall. This year, there was a problem with contracting the parking garage, so it will be later than usual. The process will be similar this Spring but later than planned. It is now scheduled for April 17th and will again be conducted in Town Center, starting early in the morning. Vendors, residents and shoppers alike will be notified officially soon.<br />
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<b>Update March 09, 2010 </b><br />
Tickets for vendors will go on sale Saturday, March 20, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at the Panther Creek Village Center. Prices remain the same at $50 for residents of The Woodlands, $75 for non-residents and $100 for commercial vendors.indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6394047331749466903.post-32228466823766933542010-03-03T15:04:00.000-08:002010-03-03T15:05:32.727-08:00Elected Officials honored by Economic Development Partnership<div class="MsoNormal"><style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MyRKz-9ZBiVIcN1TNs9qWA9Ef0bVJqj7l53jFZxPILYaYlpzdtg8XiluyvwWYO2QynAUYbdt-S71KQfarYqELMLngD1aDkchwpv34SHE-uEsVcYtZMKhZHDfkNscvvcZuGzxYuPeRzUF/s1600-h/politicians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MyRKz-9ZBiVIcN1TNs9qWA9Ef0bVJqj7l53jFZxPILYaYlpzdtg8XiluyvwWYO2QynAUYbdt-S71KQfarYqELMLngD1aDkchwpv34SHE-uEsVcYtZMKhZHDfkNscvvcZuGzxYuPeRzUF/s200/politicians.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The South Montgomery County Woodlands Economic Development Partnership (EDP) held its 12th annual Elected Officials Reception at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center on February 16th. For the past 12 years, the EDP has taken great pride in expressing their appreciation to elected officials at the local, county, state and federal levels. “We are excited to have an opportunity to personally thank our elected officials for their dedication to making our area prosper. Our officials are pro-business and work towards making a strong economic environment for our area by encouraging job growth for our local businesses,” said Gil Staley, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership. Photograph left to right are </div><div class="MsoNormal"><style>
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</style><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">Representative Rob Eissler, Texas House of Representatives, Marsha Williams, Senator Tommy Williams’ Office, Congressman Kevin Brady, United States House of Representatives, Dr. Ed Robb, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, and Bruce Tough, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors.</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">This year the EDP Platinum Level Sponsors, Petroleum Wholesale, The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center, and The Woodlands Township thanked the elected officials for their assistance and support in helping make local businesses and organizations successful. <br />
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Several elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels were in attendance at the reception. <br />
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Special thanks go to the sponsors of this event, who made hosting this reception possible. <br />
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The Economic Development Partnership generally promotes the economic development of South Montgomery County through supporting existing businesses and the recruitment of new businesses that can bring job opportunities and capital investment to the area. <br />
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The EDP is a public and private partnership with 42 funding partners active in the organization. For further information on the EDP and information about the local business community, visit <a href="http://www.edpartnership.net/">www.edpartnership.net</a> or call 281 363-8130.<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>indianspringsguyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039507565333544019noreply@blogger.com0