July 4th Parade In The Woodlands - Images tell the story

If you have never desired to venture out in the heat to see the parade, you are invited to view the photographs from this year's parade. Otherwise, if you did not go, you should have been there. It was definitely scorching hot, but in the shade, it was at least tolerable. I was at the judges stand and want to say to that storekeeper who opened her doors for us to feel her air conditioning - THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Most of the time I was out in the sun taking these photographs and when I got a break, I would go to her door! Ahhhhhhh!

If you took your children there, you may find a photograph of one or more or yourself. Now that I am thinking about it, I don't remember seeing that 40 something guy with his balloons. OK guy, maybe I was a little rude in saying you looked a bit old for them, but I was only kidding .... I think. They sure were colorful and trying to give them to the kids just didn't work. I clicked that button on the camera.

The beautiful faces that I sought to put inside of that camera! There were many. I got a few as you will see when you go to the link at the end of all these words. This is America and our children know it! I like to go just to see them enjoy this holiday. It lifts my faith in the future of our nation. I hope you take your children out to it next year. You will enjoy it, as well as the kids. Some people come on their bicycles, some in their cars and a few on motorcycles. If you arrive early enough, there is plenty of nearby parking. Some folks enjoyed the shade on Lake Woodlands and others in Market Street. Take an umbrella, chairs and a blanket for the little ones and don't forget the water.

The sergeant traditionally leads the parade. He moves his motorcycle in figure 8's. I always get a kick out of his enthusiastic participation. There are another traditions I like, notably the fire department and their sirens, the high school bands, the patriotic music by the orchestra before the parade starts, the cleaning guys in tuxes, the limos, the antique cars, the Volkswagon Club ... you will see all of this in the photos.
This year had a special tribute to the soldiers about to leave for duty in the middle east and the emotional farewell of their loved ones in the VIP section. The parade stopped for quite a while for this activity. I enjoyed every second of it. Hats off to the organizers and countless hours of volunteers along the parade route and administratively who made this such an excellent event.
We had several special persons in the parade this year. There was a World War II veteran, several pageant winners and one very special pageant winner who we are all routing for - Bonnie Hubert preparing to compete in the Mrs International Pageant in just a few days.

Now comes the song and dance! Indian Springs Guy is pleased to announce that Indian Springs won the best float prize this year. Yep, we beat the other villages out this year. If I gloat too much longer, I think I will get a call from Sterling Ridge ... so enough be said, but let me slip in a photo of the winning float ... just in case yo have not seen the work of our friend and neighbor in Indian Springs - Mr. Richard Stromatt.
So what village will try to outclass Indian Springs in 2010? We shall see. Hometown challenge!

See many photos of the event at:
The Woodlands July 4th 2009 Parade

New Fire Department Service

Another service has been added to our fire department. This comes as a result of emergency planning, a training grant and a new truck called "Attack 101".

The Woodlands Fire Department recently purchased this new mini-pumper with funds provided by The Woodlands Township. It is equipped with economical apparatus to give firefighters about everything they need for almost any small emergency, all in one compact package. Whether answering a first response call or combating smaller incidents such as car fires, Attack 101 will be contributing to the safety and rescue of residents and visitors to The Woodlands.

“Attack 101 allows us to effectively handle emergency incidents in limited access areas, such as along The Woodlands Waterway,” said Fire Chief Alan B. Benson. “The new mini-pumper has put a great deal of capability and flexibility in our hands.”

Built on a Ford Super Duty F-550, Attack 101 has a certified 500-gpm pump, four-wheel drive and storage space for vital equipment including medical supplies. The custom designed mini-pumper was built with a special air ride suspension feature, enabling the vehicle to be lowered for entry into low-clearance areas such as parking garages, or raised to effectively clear rough terrain.

“Funding of the new Attack 101 was necessary for the urban growth we’re experiencing in The Woodlands,” said The Woodlands Township Chairman Nelda Blair. “We always have to be prepared in emergency situations and we’re very fortunate to have such a proactive fire department serving The Woodlands Township. This is a great example of why The Woodlands is such a special place for residents and businesses.”

Attack 101 will operate out of Central Fire Station, 9951 Grogan's Mill Road, serving the villages of Grogan’s Mill and Panther Creek and The Woodlands Town Center. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandsassociations.org. The Woodlands Fire Department business line is 281.367.3444. For emergencies, please call 911.

Photo: Attack 101 is the newest addition to The Woodlands Fire Department. (Standing, l to r) Fire Chief Alan Benson, The Woodlands Township Chairman Nelda Blair, The Woodlands Association President Joel Deretchin and Deputy Chief Wayne Walker. (Kneeling l to r) Lt. Scott Windisch, Firefighter Josh Thomas and Captain David Parker.

What Would it Take for You to Start Over?

A local agency is asking for groups, clubs, or businesses to sponsor a family fleeing violent homes. Their plight is serious. They need your support. Can you help?

"Most often the question people ask most about victims and issues of domestic violence is: 'Why don't they leave?' referring to the number of times a victim may go back to their battering environment," Donna Wick said, director of outreach and communication for the Women's Center. "The question really needs to be: How do they leave?"

The emergency shelter provided by the Montgomery County Women's Center provides emergency shelter, counseling support and case management for some who never thought they would be in a shelter environment. For those wanting to move beyond the pain of their past, there are many obstacles to overcome.

"When women come into our shelter, they are provided a basic program with resources to assist them in getting a job, childcare, a place to live and so much more," Jill Evans said, residential program manager for the agency. "But for many of these women, they are in dire need of the basic needs to just set up their home and family."

The Montgomery County Women's Center needs items for women that have made the life-changing decision to leave their batterer. They now need to set up their home and family. The needs are specific to "starting over" and beginning their life again, free from abuse.

Items needed

• Full-size and twin-size mattresses and box springs,
  
• Bed frames for full and twin beds, clock radios,
  
• Blankets, pillows, mattress covers, sheets, towels, shower curtains with liners and rings,
  
• Baking-ware (cake pans/cookie sheets), hand mixers, mixing bowls, pot holders, toasters, coffee pots,dish sets for 4 and 8, flatware, dish towel sets, and drinking glasses.
  

"We know the list of needs is extensive, but we are counting on the generous spirit of local community organizations and area businesses that could take this on as an internal project to set up just one family coming out of shelter to live a life free from abuse and suffering," Wick said. "Inch-by-inch it's a cinch and if groups gather together then we can accommodate these survivors and turn them into "thrivers". As a community, as an organization, or as a civic club - you can make a dramatic difference in a family's life needs to live in a safe, secure, and violence-free home. We here at the center are hoping to rally groups together so that these families can 'help them help themselves'."

The agency does ask that any donated item be in like-new condition and the agency cannot take items that are ripped, torn, stained, or broken. For more information or to coordinate your assisting gift for a family in true need, call Donna Wick at (281) 292-4155 ext. 228.

The MCWC serves victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, support services and legal advocacy. All services are offered free of charge. The 24-hour crisis hotline is (936) 441-7273.

Images of an Evening when The Woodlands had a TEA Party in Creekside Park Village

Tonight, residents in the Creekside Park Village are justifiably upset that the parking plan for so many people attending the Woodlands TEA Party in Rob Fleming Park flunked. People were even parking on Gosling. People parked on the grass, in development areas, everywhere one could physically park. People poured in continuously at the same time as others left to put the kids to bed or whatever.

My very rough estimate was about 1200 had attended, however the sponsors of the event estimated that 7000 attended.³ Residents could not hardly get from one place to another to shop, to get home, to do what they needed to do in the evening. It was a serious village traffic jam! I could tell in advance that this would attract many people to the park. Everyone and their brother were seeking directions to the park today.

The message was clear and loud, as it was broadcast from the beautiful park pavilion. "Enough taxes", "Stop spending my grandchild's money", "I am not a communist",... It was a clear-cut attack on Obama and socialism. Over and over the staff there played their cards with questions like "do you think that was extremism?"

The speech writers made somewhat of an attempt to deliver a message that was non-partisan but that was not achieved from what I heard. There was no doubt in my mind that the message was anti-Obama and pro-Republican. There was also significant heckling of congressman Kevin Brady from the back of the crowd when Mr Brady was delivering his message.

Overall, with the music, speeches, banners, flags, signs and attendees, I enjoyed seeing and hearing "America speaking".

Families were there in their entirety, with babies and children. Dogs were there and I suspect some families from the village were doing their normal dog walks amidst all of the hoopla. While the theme has basic merit, the delivery was simply like a typical political rally, lots of rhetoric without much substance. There was a march of signs that would pass by the video camera which was streaming live images to the internet.

I was glad to see this band playing. That gave us an occasional break from the speeches.

"I'm not a communist" on the dog's shirt.

The people came in droves, which indicated a high interest in taxation/spending issues now facing our country. There were no rebel flags and nothing to indicate a tie with any other change or circumstance of "today". Instead, the gathering while I was there was tame, with only the heckling while Mr Brady spoke, to interfere with the event.
This helicopter was probably the news media, but I could not see any emblems. It stayed for about 10-15 minutes, obviously filming the event.








This was certainly a peaceful protest, but it was also a call for voters to begin taking an active role in the elections, of course through the organizations affiliated with those sponsoring the TEA party.
People were putting tea bags into a large bucket near the back. I understand they later made tea with it.

Related links

¹Woodlands Tea Party - history in the making?

²Woodlands Tea Party website
³Woodlands North Houston Tea Party Society

Julius Caesar Playing here in The Woodlands

We do have fine art and entertainment right here. Julius Caesar coming March 27,2009. Click here for more details and more plays. . Julius Caesar runs from March 27 through April 5, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. (no show on April 3) and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at $25 for regular patrons, $20 for seniors age 55 and over; and $15 for students. For groups of 10 or more, all tickets are $15. To make your reservation, call (832) 592-9697, Ext. 2.

Lighting of the Doves 2008 - costumes galore

Russian symphony performer who played traditional Russian songs

Line waiting to experience the ice slide on an inner tube.

Santa Cow (I suppose. We weren't formally introduced.)

Across the waterway from the park. Lights were lit about everywhere in the park to give the place a festive feeling.

A variety of cultural presentation by dance were performed by dance schools and folkloric groups such as this one. Native costumes to celebrate Christmas highlighted the festivities, representing the diversity of culture present in The Woodlands residents and businesses.

Derechin Elementary School ornament trees.

The skating rink

And the familiar Christmas tree

Russian folkore

Japanese booth, one of many countries represented in booths. There were several South and Central American countries represented also.

You know this guy, our own Puffy Pine Cone with his Santa helper's hat

One of the international dance schools present

Another dance school

The 100 foot ice slide

The ice sculpture activity

It was international night in The Woodlands with the grand displays of talent from afar. As The Woodlands celebrated the arrival of a new Christmas season, many joined to witness the fanfare which included celebrities such as Hayes Carll and Grupo Batachá. The fireworks display seemed to be everywhere to those inside and outside of the Town Green Park next to the Pavilion.

This year the ice skating rink has moved to the Waterway at Six Pines on the southern end of the park. The presentation inside and outside looks much the same as in past years.

Derichin Elementary displayed trees of international ornaments from each grade. Congrats children on your work. You did a fine job.

Santa came all decked out landing aboard a boat on the waterway. This is always very popular with the kids, but this year seemed to attract the adults equally.

Based on observations, I would estimate that there were 1000+ cars parked in the two designated parking lots. Add to that those who parked on the streets nearby, one would probably double that number. There is no doubt that thousands of people attended. Traffic was quite congested late in the evening, around 5-6PM and there were many people in the park. The skating rink did not seem full but certainly busy. This is a great family event and it is free except for parking, food and drink and some of the special attractions like the ice skating rink and the ice slide.

Colombia







Chile

A trip aboard the Trolley

In the summer and winter, the Woodlands trolley system is a really good idea! After parking at the mall to go eat lunch today, I needed to take my first trip on a trolley to get to Market Street. I had parked a long way from where I was located and found the stop. Then I said to myself - "it would really be dumb for me to walk all the way to the car and then find a parking spot at Market Street and then walk a long way again. Of course I had the alternative to use Valet Parking, but I do not like other people driving and parking my truck. Guess what? The trolley was AIR CONDIITIONED!!!!!!! I felt really lucky. The trolley arrived within five minutes after my arrival at the Trolley Stop, and the bus driver was really nice. I gave him a business card for this blog, and presto, we talked all the way to Market Street. It was a pleasant drive. We went on the road behind the hotel along the waterway and behind the park. It was scenic and tranquil. Although I had to face the sun again when I exited the trolley, I felt plenty refreshed by the time I arrived at the restaurant in Market Street.

There were two trolleys operating, each heading in a different direction. Our driver said that normally it takes him 20 minutes to make the full trip, but sometimes he transports someone needing a lot of help on and off the trolley. That can add another 5 minutes. Our trip was quick with few passengers.

On the way back, the same driver and some kids with their mom were on the trolley. The children got to ring the bell on the trolley. I waited about 12 minutes this time out in the sun. The kids had a grand time. One thing you can do to ready yourself to be congratulated on your knowledge about our dear state, is to know what the state insect is. Our driver kept us all entertained with questions and facts along the trip back to the mall.

I do encourage residents and visitors alike to use this system. Tip the
driver for his added value. Mine was really good.

A couple of issues became apparent. It sure would be nice to sit under shade and have a fan or something to cool you off while waiting for the trolley. It would also be helpful if we knew how long we may need to wait. If I was working with a schedule, I might have gone and grabbed a drink at the local salon first, but then again, a cold lemonade would have really been the cat's meow at that particular point in this particular day!