🐉 Woodlands YMCA Dragon Boat Challenge Crowns 2026 Champions

🏠 Habitat MCTX to Raise the Roof at 2027 Building Hope Gala

🪟 Windows, Windshields and Showers: The Glass Company That Does It All

☀️ Sunny · 94°F / 67°F

A warm, clear Thursday with plenty of sunshine and comfortable evening temperatures on the way.

Source: Vaisala Xweather

The 27th Annual YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge wrapped up September 24-26 at Northshore Park, drawing 76 teams from 56 corporations and organizations across Montgomery County and Greater Houston. Five bracket champions were crowned across the three-day event: Ovintiv (Thursday morning), Repsol #6 (Thursday afternoon), Exxon Global Projects #1 (Friday morning), Entergy (Friday afternoon), and Texpedition Society (Saturday morning). Presenting sponsor for the 2026 event was Repsol.

The fastest heat of the entire competition went to Texpedition Society, who posted a time of 2:12:07. Across five brackets and three days, teams competed on the water in one of the region's most distinctive corporate team challenges, with each bracket's champion earning a spot in the winner's circle for their company or organization.

The event raised more than $170,000 for the YMCA Annual Campaign, supporting programs that serve families across the Greater Houston area. The 28th annual race is tentatively scheduled for September 23-25, 2027 at Northshore Park.

Why it matters: the Dragon Boat Challenge is one of the longest-running community events in The Woodlands, and the funds it generates go directly into YMCA programming that touches thousands of local families. Seventy-six teams showing up for three days is a clear signal that investment in community still runs deep here.

Source/Credits: YMCA of Greater Houston

Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County has announced its 14th annual Building Hope Gala for April 17, 2027, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott. This year's theme, "Raise the Roof," will transform the venue into an immersive build-site experience, celebrating both the completion of a major community project and the progress of a new one. BMW of The Woodlands returns as presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year, with general manager Steven Lutz continuing the partnership.

The 2027 gala celebrates the completion of Cedar Creek, a 129-home community in Conroe developed by Habitat MCTX, while also marking progress at Marble Creek in Magnolia, which broke ground in June 2026. Together, the two communities represent years of construction, fundraising, and volunteer hours from families, businesses, and partner organizations across the county.

Leading the event are co-chairs Kris Gilot and Kim Soderberg. Gilot, who serves as VP of Service Operations and Salesforce Implementation at Insperity, has been a Habitat MCTX supporter since 2021 and brings five years on the gala committee to the role. Soderberg, a REALTOR with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene, co-chaired the 2025 gala. Those interested in getting involved can reach the team at [email protected] or by calling 936-441-4663.

Why it matters: two active communities, 129 homes completed in Conroe, a new build underway in Magnolia, and a gala that has grown into one of the county's signature philanthropic events. This is what sustained community investment looks like over years, not just a single headline.

Source/Credits: Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County

Apple Glass Company has built its reputation by mastering every corner of the glass industry. Located at 26215 Interstate 45 North in The Woodlands, this locally owned business handles residential windows, custom shower installations, auto glass, and commercial construction glazing, all under one roof. Owner David Warren keeps it simple: be ready for whatever comes through the door. "We do all facets of glass, from residential, custom showers, glass replacement, auto, commercial construction glass, basically anything that involves glass," he says.

What sets Apple Glass apart is the structure behind the service. Rather than spreading one crew across multiple specialties, Warren has built dedicated teams for each area: an auto glass crew, a residential crew, and a commercial construction crew. That specialization allows a single company to deliver quality across very different kinds of work. When asked what keeps them busiest day to day, Warren's answer sums it up: "Well, it's kind of all three."

For quotes, Apple Glass takes the information over the phone and gives you a number on the spot. No appointment needed just to get a ballpark figure. Auto glass also comes to you, with mobile installation available throughout The Woodlands area. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reach them at (281) 296-0600.

Why it matters: when a local glass company can handle your windshield, your bathroom remodel, and a commercial build, that is three calls that stay in the community instead of going to a regional chain. Apple Glass has been quietly doing all of it for years.

Thursday, October 8

🗓️ Pop-Up Science: Pumpkin Sprouts | The Woodlands Children's Museum, 4775 W Panther Creek Dr #280 | 10 AM-12 PM | $10 admission | More info

Friday, October 9

🗓️ Hayley Williams with Magdalena Bay & Rico Nasty | Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr | 7 PM | Tickets vary | More info

🗓️ Movie Madness: Scream (1996, Rated R) | The Woodlands Township, 8500 Terramont Dr | Ages 13+ | $5 | More info

Saturday, October 10

🗓️ Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas | Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Dr | 7 AM | $35-$70 | More info

🗓️ Floating Pumpkin Patch | Villa Sport Athletic Club, 4141 Technology Forest Blvd | 12-2 PM | $22 members / $27 non-members | More info

🗓️ Paws n' Pints: Adopt Don't Shop | Ale & Ivy, 305 Sawdust Rd, Spring | 12-3 PM | More info

🗓️ Creepy Crawlies Trunk or Treat | Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center, 2250 Buckthorne Pl | 4 PM | More info

🗓️ Breaking Benjamin with Chevelle, Starset & Kami Kehoe | Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr | 6 PM | Tickets vary | More info

Sunday, October 11

🗓️ Concert in the Park: Chris Kizzia | Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Dr | Free | Food trucks on site | More info

Note: Dates and times are as announced online. Organizers may make changes. Always confirm before heading out.

Got an event coming up? Reply to this email with the details (what, when, where) and we'll get it in front of thousands of your neighbors, 100% free.
(Restrictions Apply)

George Mitchell's original vision for The Woodlands included a very specific economic target: 1.5 jobs per household within the community. That goal shaped the decision to attract major corporate headquarters alongside residential neighborhoods, making The Woodlands unusual among planned communities of its era.

"He's got horns holding up his halo." Acts innocent. Isn't even close.

An alarm clock is a device you set up while fully awake specifically to lose an argument with yourself in the morning.

Why did the math book look sad? Because it had too many problems.

Please consider sharing the The Woodlands Digest with friends and family! Just forward them this email, they can use link below to subscribe.

We want to improve! If you’d like to make a suggestion on how we can improve The Woodlands Digest, please share with us at [email protected]