Information to Know!

The Woodlands Community Policing Program:
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services to The Woodlands. Because the County does not provide the level of service residents of The Woodlands have requested, the Community Associations of The Woodlands contracts with the Sheriff’s Office to provide a pro-active Community Policing Program. Beginning in 2007, at a cost of about $2.4 million a year, the Associations fund 30 deputies, corporals, and sergeants who patrol The Woodlands, answer calls for service, and perform some follow-up investigations. Also included in the contract is the cost of fully-equipped patrol cars with “The Woodlands” marked above the front wheels, and bicycles so that the deputies can spend some time patrolling the parks and pathways outside of their cars. Sheriff’s Office District 2 deputies funded by Montgomery County also support The Woodlands.

The Woodlands patrol deputies are assigned to patrol zones, or beats, within The Woodlands. Sterling Ridge is in Zone 5, but Zone 5 consists of everything west of Kuykendahl, including Carlton Woods and parts of Indian Springs and Alden Bridge. A Community Policing Report is prepared each month, and that report lists all of the calls for service in The Woodlands, including those initiated by the deputies on patrol. The Community Policing reports can be viewed at
http://www.thewoodlandsassociations.org/site/welcome/default.aspx?page=217
I encourage you to review a few of these reports, and I particularly call your attention to pages 12 and 13 of each, as these pages summarize the crimes handled by both Woodlands contract and County funded deputies for each zone.

I have had the opportunity to get to know the sergeants and some of the deputies in our Community Policing program, and I am enrolled in the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, which teaches civilians about the Department. I also went on a ride-along with one of our sergeants just a couple of weeks ago. The experience drove home for me the value of our program. I am very impressed with the professionalism of the Sheriff’s personnel and the level of enthusiasm for the Community Policing Program. Because of the increased number of deputies in The Woodlands, and because the deputies are assigned to The Woodlands, and to zones within The Woodlands, they are able to get familiar with the area and arrive at locations very soon after calls are received from residents, rather than running from one side of the district to the other.

The deputies and supervisors in The Woodlands Community Policing Program have a lot of knowledge about criminal activity in the area and are happy to share information with the residents to help prevent crime. To that end whenever possible a supervisor or deputy attends Village Association meetings to share information and answer questions from residents. The Sterling Ridge Village Association usually meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 PM, usually at the Mitchell Library on Ashlane Way. I encourage you to attend. My monthly e-mails detail the date, time, and location, and that information is also at www.sterling-ridge.org, and in The Woodlands Community Magazine. (There is no meeting in December.)

Shots Fired Behind Archwyck:
Below is the contents of a Woodlands Watch Network Message that was distributed to Watch coordinators in Sterling Ridge:

This message is to inform the residents of Sterling Ridge Village of the facts surrounding the Law Enforcement activity in their Village last night. The following information is from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (M.C.S.O.).

On 10/29/07 at 2143 hrs (9:43 PM), M.C.S.O. deputies were dispatched to S. Archwyck in The Woodlands reference to a bullet that was fired into a home and lodged in the wall. The caller advised that the rifle slug came very close to striking a female caring for her infant in the home and there were still shots being fired in the woods adjacent to the neighborhood.

When units arrived on scene to establish a perimeter the shooting was still occurring and appeared to be coming from a high powered rifle south of the residence. The incident commander authorized calling out a helicopter and the M.C.S.O. SWAT Team to aid in the search. H.P.D. helicopter responded as well as a H.P.D. SWAT-K9 unit, and multiple M.C.S.O. deputies.

At about 0200 (2:00 AM) hours the on scene commander authorized a M.C.S.O. SWAT tracking team to be deployed into the woods in an attempt to locate the suspect(s). They tracked three suspects back to a deer hunting camp on a 33 acre deer lease. The three males were detained without incident. In plain view were several high powered hunting rifles and the males admitted to shooting the rifles at a target in the same direction of the home(s). The three individuals were all arrested and charged with Felony 3 Deadly Conduct.

According to an October 31, 2007 story in The Courier of Montgomery County, the third degree felony charges are punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. One of our Sergeants explained to me that in Montgomery County it is legal to discharge a firearm on a tract of land of at least 10 acres, but only if precautions are taken to ensure that the bullet does not leave the property. In this case, the individuals doing the shooting obviously did not take such precautions.

Shopping Area at Woodlands Parkway and FM 2978:
Having seen some e-mails that have been circulating, I also asked the Sergeant about incidents occurring in the shopping area at Woodlands Parkway and FM 2978. He filled me in on the following incidents of which he was aware:

Around March of this year, there was a purse stolen in the parking lot, and soon after that, deputies went to talk to all of the employees of the store and explained what suspicious activity to look for and to call the Sheriff’s Office if they saw any suspicious activity.

There have been instances of panhandling, but the Sergeant said that the store manager attempts to run off panhandlers when they are reported. The Sergeant said that in one panhandling incident, a rumor circulated that the customer had been robbed, when in fact she had just been approached and asked for a handout.

There are occasionally shoplifters caught in the store.

About a month and a half ago, there was a fight in which two men were arguing with a third, and a fourth man got involved, striking the first two. No charges were filed, as only the fourth man (who was the first to strike anyone) remained on the scene.

Most Common Criminal Activity in the Area:
At the Sterling Ridge Village Association meeting in September, one of the Sheriff’s Corporals told us that the most common crime in the area is burglary of motor vehicles, meaning stealing things out of parked cars. Please do not leave expensive items in view in your car, and by all means, lock your car, and if possible, store it in your garage.

Chili Cook-off: Date Set!!

November 3, 2007

That's the date for this year's Galway Gang Chili Cook-off!!

Will Chef John be able to regain his crown?

Will Marvelous Maria make it two years in a row?

Will the Deputy ever be even recognized?

These questions, and more, will be answered!

Be There!

Cruise Time!!

The Galway Gang is going cruising!!

DJ Paul and Superstar Kristin invite all the Galway Gang for a cruise!

If you would like to join them, here are some of the details:

Date: Sunday, February 17,2008 to Sunday February 24, 2008

Sailing from: Galveston

Ship: Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas

7 nights with stops in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Prices: From as low as $699 a person depending on room choice.

For a tour of the ship, or pictures of the rooms or details on the cost for your choice of room, simply log onto the website:www.rccl.com and you can find everything you want.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to call Kristin.

Hope to see you on board!!!

Chili Cook-off!

The annual Galway Gang chili cook-off is fast approaching!

Will Maria win again?

Or, will Chef John regain his culinary crown?

Will Deputy Tim finally be recognized for his efforts?

Will Sheriff Bruce be able to keep the crowd under control, especially that Born to be Wild duo?

The cook-off will be in early October at the Brewmeister's, so, start fine-tuning those recipes!

See you there!

Traffic Cameras

Folks!!!!!

We now have live camera feeds of traffic in The Woodlands! See: http://www.mctraffic.org/mctraffic.html.

Also, these cameras can also capture those folks running red lights!

Watch it! (or them!!!)

4th Festivities!

For those that missed the hometown parade, here are a couple of shots of the Sterling Ridge folks. Our own Queen Mum was on the float, the prez walked along side and the Mayor and 1st lady rode the hot radical trikes!

Send us more photos to share!!!!

Tiny Tim and the Gigantis Collassius Pumpkin Curcurbita Pepo

Unbelievable!!!!

The Ward Boss decided that the garden across the way needed a little spunk added. Thank goodness that the Sherriff and the P.I. identified the culprit. This vine may take over all of Galway! The residents on Dresden Place hope you are able to keep it over there!

Brewmeister in the News!

Ok folks, check out the link! Some great quotes from our brewmeister, Pat! Just click on the title and it should take you to: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/woodlands/news/4863888.html. A great article in the Chronicle web site.

Poltergeist on Dresden Place?

As reported on May 26th, there was an incident on Dresden Place that was reported to the Sheriff by the Private Investigator. Seems that the rains had washed away enough of Madam Prez's organic pile to expose a few bones. The Sheriff quickly responded to mark off the area. Turns out Madam Prez purchased a burial mound by mistake. The main question now, what happened to the bones? Seems that they have disappeared! Where will they show up? When will they show up? Is there a poltergeist experience going on? There are many questions remaining that our Private Investigator and Cub Reporter will be on the look out to answer. Stay tuned! And if you notice anything unusual around, please let us know!

Latest Happenings

Tiny Tim and the Gigantis Colossius Pumpkin Curcurbita Pepo

Well, there has been a situation that has occurred over on Galway. Seems that there is a rather large vine growing down at 3 Galway. Pictures of it all are available for viewing at the bulletin board at the Dresden cul-de-sac.

Organic Dirt

So, madam prez, where did you exactly purchase that organic spread? Sure looks like an old burial mound, especially now that the rains have washed off enough to expose the bones!

Sure glad that the sheriff came along to mark the scene. Understand that the private investigator is looking into it. Plus the new cub reporter has some pictures. Can't wait to see where this leads!

Video

XL Juan, our neighborhood advocate, has captured some images of the Easy Rider terrorizing the latest Galway Gang Gathering. If we ever figure out how to add video to this site, we will have it up and running. Until then please see XL.

Reminder to Pet Owners!

Latest from The Woodlands Community Association:

Be A Responsible Pet Owner- In recent months, the Community Associations have received number complaints about pet waste in the parks, pathways and in community member’s front yards. Pet waste is more than smelly and unsightly- it is a health risk to the environment, pets, people and children. Animal waste contains disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals and nutrients that when not properly disposed of impedes landscaping efforts and can wash down storm drains contaminating our local drinking water. Please be reminded that it is a common courtesy to pick up after your pet. Your actions set example for others. Tell friends and neighbors about the ill effects of animal waste on the environment and encourage them to clean up after pets.
Chris Nunes, CPRP
Director of Parks and Recreation
Community Associations of The Woodlands
8203 Millennium Forest Drive
The Woodlands, Texas 77381
Phone 281.210.3906
Fax- 936.273.4995
Cell- 936.672.3907

Email - cmnunes@catw-tx.org

Falsely Accused!!!!!
Neither the mayor nor the first lady imbibed on Saturday night! Deferred judification!!!! (Check the bulletin board for further information.)


Astro Tickets!
These will go fast! Only $11 each for July 7th. The Village of Sterling Ridge Community Assocation is picking up the tab for the bus! Check with the prez for further information!!

Correction

New Date for Sterling Ridge Meeting
The Sterling Ridge Village Association meeting has been moved up a week for the month of May. So, it will be on May 21st at 7:00 at the Mitchell Library.

See you there!

New Neighbors

Party Time!
It's time to get to know some new folks in Galway! On Saturday, May 5, Tim and Diane will be hosting all of us to get to know all of us. See the bulletin board at the Dresden Place cul-de-sac for more information.

Market Street Farmers' Market
For those of you who like to support our local farmers, the Market Street Farmers' market is now open every Saturday morning. Right now you can find zucinni, yellow crook-neck squash and various greens. Green tomatoes should be showing up soon with the red tomatoes and corn arriving around the end of May/early June.

Jazz Concerts
The free jazz concerts have begun! Every Thursday evening at 6:30 down at Market Street there are free concerts. Tour guy, Pete, has some info, so, ask him about it all. Maybe we all can meet there sometime?

Next Sterling Ridge Meeting
The next scheduled Sterling Ridge meeting is May 28th. Yes, it is Memorial Day. The meeting starts at 7:00 over at the library. That is only a mile away on Ashlane Way, across from the YMCA. Come on out and hear about what is going on!

Astros Game - July 7
Speaking of Sterling Ridge, let's see how many of us from Galway can help fill the bus for the Astros Game on July 7th. Talk to our prez, Stacey, about it. She has the details!

Got something to say?
Let me know! Send info to: galwaymayor@aol.com

Howdy

Ok Gang, we now have a blog!

If you have something to contribute, just send it along to the Mayor (galwaymayor@aol.com) and I will do my darnest to get it posted!