Friday Night Lights /  by Beth Sorensen

Kick off your Lights in the Heights weekend at Friday Night Lights on Friday, December 12 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm on the Norhill Esplanade. Join your neighbors around the campfire and toast marshmallows under the glow of the Jurassic Christmas displays.

Favorite beverages include ... adult brews courtesy Eureka Heights Brewery, a Lights in the Heights sponsor, and hot chocolate for all the kiddos. Music will be provided by The Cosmos Street Band. We’ll have a ‘rockin good time’ listening to the Cosmos cover Classic Rock and Blues hits.

Joe Reyes provides vocals, Big Mo Cavazos and Joe Amador add their voices as well as Bass and Guitar to the mix. Then Johnny Cavazos hits the Drums while Drew accompaniess them all on Keyboards! All combined The Cosmos will fill the esplanades with great sounds that might move you to sing along and take a turn to their tunes under the twinkling holiday lights.

You can pick up your LITH ornaments from the LITH booth - and add to your shopping bag with new purchase of more merch which will be on sale all night, so be sure to grab your private party signs and other keepsakes. Some of our generous sponsors will also be at the event to spread the holiday cheer.

And while you are enjoying all the fun, keep your eyes and ears tuned to hear the sound of sleigh bells which could only mean Santa and Mrs. Claus have arrived! Photos will take place at their booth. They’re expected to arrive at 5:30 pm.

- Beth Sorensen, Director of Security

THERE’S BEAUTIFUL WORK IN PROGRESS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD! /  by Estella Espinosa

WHCA Under the Taylor Street Bridge & Houston Avenue Esplanade

Saturday, October 15th, was a beautiful, busy day in Woodland Heights! If you were driving on White Oak Drive near the Taylor/Watson Avenue Bridge, you may have wondered what the heavy equipment was doing. Well, wonder no more: that was Ryan Taylor’s beautification team, Boy Scout Troop 30, and his Taylor ... crew were busy clearing debris. They hauled out some big piles of branches and rebarb to keep the area clean to avoid it becoming a hazardous area.

“This area becomes overgrown and filled with debris and cast-off items. We’re working to clear that up and prep the ground for planting,” said Ryan Taylor, WHCA Director of Beautification. “Boy Scout Troop 30 has helped clear and prep both Taylor Street and the Houston Avenue Esplanade for wildflower seed planting. We’re hoping for gentle winter rains and Spring blooms.“

FWP at Work at Woodland Park

On the same day, over at Woodland Park, neighbors and volunteers were taking part in a Friends of Woodland Park Cleanup. They had a great turnout and sent out the following shout-out to everyone who helped make their cleanup a success.

“Thank you to the over 125 volunteers who showed up today to clean Woodland Park and to help build and repair Trails! The perfect way to celebrate #TakeAHikeDay! Over 1500 pounds of trash were removed from the park and the bayou! We had over 50 Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and volunteers from all over the Houston area, including the Heights, the Woodlands, Katy, and Humble! Mother Nature thanks you all!”

Watson Street Esplanade - Thank you New Roots Landscaping!

The Watson Street Esplanade got some much-needed sprucing up thanks to New Roots Landscaping. The beautification team volunteers who maintain the esplanade send out a word of thanks to New Roots Landscaping Nursery & Antiques (5117 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009 ) for their help.

“The neighborhood volunteers who maintain the Watson esplanade wish to thank Jim Ruzicka, owner of New Roots Landscaping, and his crew for their recent work at the esplanade. They pulled those never-ending weeds from one end to the other, trimmed back the roses, and returned to spread mulch, all pro bono. With their help the esplanade was looking its amazing best in a few hours. Thank you, New Roots, for your help in keeping the entrance to our neighborhood inviting and welcoming.”

- Estella Espinosa, Director of Communications

CONSTABLE PATROL ADMIN UPDATE /  by Michael Graves

To everyone who subscribes to the WHCA Constable Patrol, thank you for your support. The program provides a pair of Precinct One constables who spend 80 hours/week on patrol in the neighborhood. This helps ensure that everyone who lives here has fast access to law enforcement when it’s needed.

Earlier this year, after much consideration, the board increased the subscription price to $420/year to address rising program costs. In point of fact, the price had not changed since 2019. Our understanding at the time was that neighbors who subscribed to the program would simply renew at the new rate. Unfortunately, this has not turned out to be the case.

New subscriptions are being processed correctly at the new rate (yeah!) And given the attention the program has received at recent meetings, we’ve seen an uptick in new subscribers.

That said, existing subscriptions that auto-renew are being renewed at the old rate. This is both unexpected and entirely beyond our control. It’s an aspect of how our web host handles auto-renewing subscriptions. As a consequence, we have not yet realized the additional revenue necessary to fully fund the Constable Patrol Program.

We have crafted a plan to address this problem. After your Constable Patrol subscription auto-renews, you will receive a message from WHCA inviting you to cancel your subscription and sign up again at the new rate. When you do this, we will ensure that your renewal at the old rate is refunded. In this manner, over the course of a year, everyone will transition to the new rate.

As this process rolls along, Beth, Doug, and I will be available to answer questions and help people go through the transition. We know it’s an inconvenience. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Thank you for your continued commitment to help keep Woodland Heights safe!

- Michael Graves, President
president@woodland-heights.org

NEW WHCA CONSTABLE PATROL DEPUTY /  by Beth Sorensen

Join us in extending a hearty welcome to our new WHCA Constable Patrol member - Deputy Ryan O’Shay. He recently joined the neighborhood patrol.

“I am looking forward to keeping the community safe and getting to know the residents of the neighborhood. I believe that a good relationship with residents leads to improved safety for the entire community.”

Deputy O’Shay brings a wealth of experience to our community, including a 15-year career in law enforcement. He was on the Joint Terrorism Task Force West (JTTF West), Intelligence Unit, Gang Interdiction, and Commercial Vehicle Interdiction. He also served as an Animal Cruelty Investigator with the Houston SPCA before joining the Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct One.

His tips for improving Neighborhood Safety include:

  • Report suspicious activity early—even small details can help deputies identify patterns.

  • Use official channels such as non-emergency lines and community apps to stay informed.

  • Get to know your neighborhood deputy when possible; familiarity helps both sides communicate more effectively.

When not at work you might find him playing the saxophone, guitar, or bass guitar.

- Beth Sorensen, Director of Security

WHCA HOME TOUR COMING SPRING 2026 /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

2026 Woodland Heights Home Tour debuts in March. As we wrap up 2025 with Lights in the Heights and festive holidays, the Woodland Heights home tour committee is well along in planning for the spring event. Six historic Woodland Heights homes and one “special feature” will welcome visitors the weekend of March 27-29, 2026.

“I love our neighborhood!” said Louise Moss, home tour committee co-chair. “As usual, we had an abundance of great homes to choose from, and the challenge was to select ones that showcase the diversity of Woodland Heights charm, mixing and matching size, style, décor and more.”

Homes range from a one-bedroom condo with loads of charm in the converted Woodland Heights Baptist Church to an original William Wilson home lovingly preserved and from a small Craftsman bungalow, thoughtfully expanded to an original home with lofty ceilings and a charming attic conversion, there should be something for everyone’s taste.

As a special bonus, neighbors can tour the old Masonic Lodge at 114 Byrne, now housing law offices that renovated with the goal of retaining much of the building’s history. This site will serve as the location for ticket pick-up.

“From neutral palettes with pop to pastels shades to more traditional colors, visitors will have a hard time choosing a favorite decor,” said Peggy Sparks, co-chair. “Thanks to our amazing neighbors who generously open their homes to visitors for this tour, the WHCA’s major fundraising event.”

Tickets will go on sale In January, $30 in advance, $35 weekend of, with the Friday night happy hour preview $50. Interested in sponsoring? Contact Stacie Cokinos at stacie@cokinosdesign.com. Want to volunteer? Reach out to Louise Moss at limoss@comcastnet.

- Meagan Mastal, Co-chair WHCA Home Tour

PET OF THE MONTH - HOWARD THE TORTOISE (NO HARE) /  by Brian Edmondson

Our Pet of the Month is a 25-year-old female Leopard Tortoise named Howard who has been part of the our family since our college days up in College Station.

Since those early days, she’s moved seven times and seems to enjoy moving about as she’s become a bit famous for one habit...

“... her escape attempts, her most notable getaway was in 2012 while we lived in Sunset Heights, when a former zookeeper found her outside a gate accidentally left open, and cared for her for a month.”

That’s actually how we found out that Howard was actually a girl – but by then – the name Howard was here to stay.

In 2022, a second Leopard Tortoise, Leo, needed a home. Howard approved, and since Leo’s arrival, she’s laid dozens of eggs. Together Howard and Leo have become proud parents to more than 30 baby tortoises who have successfully hatched and many have been adopted by various Woodland Heights neighbors.

Howard, loves her sunny front yard (a great nest area) and with her who can’t help but love face brings a warm and lively energy to the household. During the hot summer months, her favorite time of the year, she can be seen patrolling the driveway. At 55 pounds, she is full-grown and remains a beloved (and energetic) member of ourfamily.

If you meet Howard, be sure to watch your toes if you like red polish – apparently she has a particular fascination with redpainted toenails, even though she’s strictly a vegetarian.

- Brian Edmondson, Director of Infrastructure

SAVE THE DINOSAURS FROM EXTINCTION! /  by Estella Espinosa

Since 2008, the Norhill Esplanade has hosted an unlikely array of prehistoric creatures, glittering and shining along its perimeters, all ready to celebrate LITH. These creatures, Brontosaurus, winged Pterodactyls, and more, have become a cherished part of our community, bringing joy and wonder to the holiday season.

Now, some may say, these creatures are not necessarily creatures you’d expect to see taking to the skies with Rudolph. But here in the Woodland Heights, they do. Taking to the trees to spread their unique and whimsical version of Holiday magic to everyone’s delight.

These unlikely prehistoric Santa’s helpers are made possible by the creative talents of Ward and Susan Pennebaker, who have gifted the neighborhood and its youth with a priceless present celebrating the love of the artistic, creative, quirky, and whimsical to brighten the holiday season. And along the way, they have brightened their neighbors’ lives and inspired them to embrace the uniqueness of Woodland Heights, keeping it a ‘Big Little Community.’

Evolving With the Times

Neighborhood legend says that the first dinosaur, a giant Brotasaurus made on a chicken wire base, took its first steps onto the esplanade around 2008. It was a family project, concocted between Ward, his son Andrew (Drew), and his college roommate James. Little could they imagine at that time that this first giant reptile would leave such lasting giant footprints in the hearts of so many of their neighbors.

Since then, the dinosaurs have evolved. Shedding their chicken wire armature for more lightweight and durable skeletal structures and upgrading their incandescent lights to LEDs. But despite their upgrade efforts, the Norhill Esplanade Dinosaurs are once again facing a crisis.

The increasing costs of maintenance, storage, and repairs could trigger a mass extinction event for these beloved creatures. Their popularity has created a need for professional assistance with their upkeep and deployment. Up to now, Norhill neighbors have stepped up - quietly funding the effort to keep the Dinosaurs glowing every LITH.

Saving the Dinosaurs from Extinction

Now, the WHCA is joining the Norhill neighbors’ efforts, and we’re inviting you to join us as well by contributing to the ‘Save the Dinosaurs from Extinction’ fund. Your donation to this newly created fund can keep the dinosaurs walking among the Norhill trees every LITH. You can make your contribution to the effort at the WHCA store.

It’s a great way to say thank you for the delight these creatures have brought throughout the years. It’s also a great way to continue sparking the imagination and delight in a child’s eyes during the Holiday season.

Help Save The Dinosaurs!

There are various donation levels you can make to the fund for the care and feeding (tongue-in-cheek) of the dinosaurs. We hope you’ll take a moment to visit the WHCA store and make a contribution.. We hope you’ll take a moment to visit the WHCA store and make a contribution.

- Estella Espinosa, Director of Communications

WELCOME TO THE WORLD! /  by Beth Sorensen

Let’s all join in the celebration as we welcome the newest member of our WHCA family, Ms. Isibel Kate! She is the precious addition to the family of our Constable Patrol Deputy Lemmons and his wife.

Isibel was born on October 20th and was joyfully welcomed by her mom, dad, and older sister. The family is in good spirits and is taking some well-deserved time to help Ms. Isibel adjust to her new world.

Deputy Lemmons will return from paternity leave following the holidays. In the meantime, Precinct 1 is covering his shift to ensure our WHCA Constable Patrol is sustained.

Congratulations and best wishes to Deputy Lemmons and his family!

THE 2025 LIGHTS IN THE HEIGHTS BASH /  by Lauren Snead

The Lights in the Heights Fundraising Bash was a huge success and a ton of fun! We are thrilled to announce we raised around $11, 000 from that night alone. These funds, with additional business sponsorships, will fund our 2025 Lights in the Heights, including costs for security, street closures, port-a-potties, street cleaning, and more.

We had a great turnout! A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and supported the event. We’re especially grateful to our sponsors. Without them, this night would not have been possible. Thank you to the Historic Heights Association for generously underwriting half the venue cost, to Gabby’s for donating amazing food, to Mutiny in the Heights, Eureka, and Christian’s Tailgate for providing drinks, and to Cooper’s Orthodontics for supplying our koozies.

Everyone enjoyed the photo booth, thanks to Mirror Mirror Magic Mirror! A heartfelt thank-you to the WHCA board for their support, their efforts, and their presence at the Bash. In particular, thank you the WHCA president, Michael Graves, for his constant support and willingness to help!

This incredible night happened because of our amazing volunteers! A huge thank you to Nikki Hanley and her event planning expertise! Thank you to Amanda Dinitiz, Ashley Allison, Jim Chambers, Christa White, and Christina Thiele. Our volunteers didn’t just get things done, they made the work genuinely fun and enjoyable. We are so grateful for each of you.

For us, the Bash marks the start of the holiday season. We hope you enjoy this time with friends, family, and neighbors. Have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you on the streets of Lights in the Heights!

- Lauren Snead & Danielle Garcia, LITH Bash Co-chairs

Wildflower Planting Sowing Seeds for Spring /  by Ryan Taylor

Last year, the WHCA adopted the Houston Avenue Esplanades near Main Street from the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. We had an idea, that instead of simply maintaining the esplanade by mowing it, which we're happy to say our new landscaping crew is doing a great job of that since this fall, back to our idea. We thought we'd plant the first esplanade in wildflowers so in the spring they would create a great entrance to our neighborhood.

We had a good show of blooms on that esplanade for a first years planting. However, we know it could be better and we're well aware that it takes a little while, good rain, and persistence to create a beautiful wildflower display and we're working on that. 

So to keep up with the persistence part (and hoping for rain this winter into spring) WHCA Beautification Director Ryan Taylor with the help of Boy Scout Troop 30 will be out seeding the esplanade with wildflowers on November 15th. Wildflowers like to be seeded in the fall for a spring bloom. 

If you see them on the esplanade, first slow down and keep them safe, and then honk your horn to say THANK YOU to everyone that's out planting seeds for the spring. 

If you want to know more about the wildflower planting and how you can support the effort and other beautification efforts across our neighborhood, email beautification@woodland-heights.org. Ryan would love to hear from you! 

If you want to learn more about planting wildflowers in your own yard here's a great article from .... for you from Texas A&M Agrilife Today 

An Update From Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority /  by Estella Espinosa

The Greater Heights Strategic Connections Plan is in its second round of public engagement, and community input is needed to identify specific streets, trails, and intersections where improvements can make the most impact.

In Round 2, we’re asking residents to help pinpoint priority locations for mobility improvements.

From now until November 16, visit mhraconnects.com/map-my-needs to mark locations where you’d like to see changes that improve safety, connectivity, and access.

Community feedback is essential to creating a plan that reflects local needs. Please share this opportunity with your neighbors.

Presidents Report October 2025 /  by Michael Graves

Halloween is now upon us, marking the start of the holiday season. Tonight, we deal with the pressing matter of candy distribution to crowds of kiddos. It's one of our favorite things to do. It's lots of fun to see the kids and their parents in their costumes every year. It's also really nice to see the kids, all grown up with their own families, coming by. Last year, we had someone drive in from Spring to bring their little boy in to let him see the Halloween she grew up with. That was extra special!

Once they are dispatched, all thoughts turn to the Lights in the Heights Bash. Looking back, we’re not always very clear at describing the BASH. So, I shall try again.

The Lights in the Heights Bash is a classic fund-raising party. This year it’s to be held the evening of Thursday, November 13th at the Old Heights Fire Hall on 12th Street. The party will feature food from Gabby’s BBQ and drink from Eureka Heights and Mutiny in the Heights.

There will be both silent and live auctions, featuring numerous things of interest donated by neighbors and local businesses. Some items are small, while others more significant. Last year, I lucked out on a hefty gift card from Credence, Levi Goode’s new upscale eatery.

The largest item auctioned last year was a private hayride through the neighborhood, pulled by Ulf’s Andresen’s antique Porsche tractor. Which by the way is up for auction again this year - can't think of a better way for you and your family to view the neighborhood in lights as part of a new family tradition. Be sure to get your bid in early for this item!

This year, Stella and I are donating tickets to enjoy Le Chef Club at Culinary Institute Lenotre. CIL, just over yonder, is one of the finest Culinary Arts Schools in the country. Le Chef Club is their program of casual weekend classes. The lucky winners will spend a Saturday morning (you're choice) learning to cook some great cuisine (or pastries!) in a professional kitchen, then enjoy the fruits of their efforts for lunch. We’d done this a dozen times, and every time is great fun.

If you have something you’d like to donate, it’s not too late! Email bash@woodland-heights.org with your idea.

All proceeds from the Bash support the main event, which is the 38th Annual Lights in the Heights on Saturday December 13th. As was announced previously, the route will be Bayland and Woodland Streets. Our entertainment committee is amassing volunteer performers to be matched to porches /yards along the route. If you’d like to volunteer your yard or porch please reach out to Stephanie Frey at EntertainmentLITH@gmail.com.

An event of this size would be impossible without the generosity of many sponsors. We are very happy to announce that Memorial Hermann Greater Heights is returning as a Gold sponsor of the event.  We’re grateful for their support these many years. That said, we are most definitely still in need of sponsors! Details are available on our web site or contact me directly at president@woodland-heights.org.

Paws Up - Meet Angus & Pantera /  by Estella Espinosa

There are many pups and kitties looking for homes, and here in our Woodland Heights community, we have several neighbors making a significant difference by helping them find their forever homes. Alaina Herbert, past president of the WHCA, is one of our neighbors who, along with her husband Ryan, dedicates their time and energy to fostering dogs in search of their fur-ever homes. Their efforts have a profound impact on the lives of these doggies, and we can't thank them enough for all they do. It's ruff out there sometimes, and they need a little helping paw to reach out and help them connect with the right home.

So we thought this month's Paws Up - Pet of the Month is a special thank you to all our neighbors who choose to help by fostering. It's a collective effort, and each one of us, by lending our time and energy, is part of a larger cause to support pups who need a little extra help to find a home they can call their own with their forever families.

First, we have Angus! He's a 4 year old cockapoo with a spunky personality and his favorite thing to do is getting the zoomies! He's ready to zoom into his new home and bring joy and lots of fun to a new fur-ever family who are looking for a small pup to make their home complete! If you would like more information about adopting Angus contact Alaina.hebert@gmail.com.

Would you like to have your pet (dog, cat, goldfish, etc) featured in next month's newsletter as Pet of the Month - just send in their details to communications@woodland-heights.org. This column is just our way of recognizing the many different family member companions that live in our community. 

Next, we have Pantera! She's a beautiful 6 month old, spayed, Shepherd mix who loves playing with her stuffies in the most comfortable spot she can find. Currently being fostered she's looking for her own special home where she can grow with her new special family. If you're looking for a new fur-baby to make your home complete you can apply to adopt Pantera from Three Little Pitties at https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/6880f3417895860c4101a615.

Yard of the Month: 601 Woodland Street /  by Ryan Taylor

Stacie Cokinos and Pam Radford enjoy the ‘sip and stroll’ garden paths surrounding their home at 601 Woodland. Purchased in 2016, the home underwent a yearlong renovation before they move in in 2017.

“The original house was so overgrown, it was difficult to see the house through the growth!’ Stacie commented, “ I love the layout and the little paths. We call it a “sip and stroll”, for its fun to explore the small garden paths sipping coffee or wine, depending on the time of day. Our front yard is small, and from the picket fence to the house there is no grass, it’s all garden beds. The paths give the small yard a purpose.”

The garden is filled with Angel trumpet, periwinkle, pentas, milkweed, camilla, azalea, salvia, Mexican heather, juniper, agapanthus, foxtail fern, and amaryllis purchased at nearby garden centers Joshua’s, Another Place in Time, Houston Garden Center, and Buchanan's. Peggy Martin, Belinda’s Dream, and Cinco de Mayo roses round out the display of blooms to be found along the paths.

“I have fond memories gardening with my grandparents, and I find “working the earth” to be restorative and grounding,” Staci continues. “Along the pathways you’ll find 6 decorative encaustic tiles from my great grandmother’s house that are part of the stone pathway.”

Amongst the native plants … ‘‘My surprising stars are the juniper bushes, from Uri through the heat dome, they are a constant source of vivid green and structure. Periwinkles are the summer hit.”
 
Staci chooses easy to maintain colorful and heat tolerant plants for her garden, “I used to have lantana, which did provide pretty pink and yellow color, but they grew so big it was a chore to keep them tame."
 
Her garden choices attract butterflies, bees and birds which Staci enjoys seeing through her office window overlooking the surrounding garden. As with many gardeners, her least favorite part of gardening is the weeding.

“I love watching things grow and bloom, except for the weeds. Spring and fall, I spend 2-4 hours in the garden (more if I can manage!) But summer, maybe 15-30 minutes weekly.”

Her favorite plant helps her connect with her neighbors.

“My angel trumpet! It blooms profusely summer and fall, and is a fun conversation starter with neighbors passing by."
 
When asked how it feels to be selected as yard of the month, Staci responded,  

“I am thrilled! There are many beautiful yards in the neighborhood and is exciting to be called out. I like the community aspect of working in the yard, enjoying sweet conversations and greetings with neighbors and their dogs passing by.”

311 Delivers a Hole-in-One Week /  by Michael Graves

As is my habit, Julio and I went out for our morning walk on Thursday, August 21st. In the morning we take a short walk. We travelled north on Beauchamp to West Norma, turning east and proceeding to Houston Avenue. There we turned south and continued on our merry way.

In the morning Houston Avenue is very busy with people making their way to work & school. As we passed 3311 Houston Avenue we heard a terrible sound. A small car going southbound at quite a clip slammed into a large pothole. It made us both jump!

As the traffic cleared we looked at the pothole. I took a picture of it intending to open a 311 case on the matter when I got home. I knew better than to do that from my phone. In the past the 311 app had trouble uploading pictures. And a picture was definitely warranted in this case.

Arriving at my desk a short while later, I visited the 311 web site and reported the pothole. The process was easy. “Pothole” was literally the second of the quick links on the page. The 311 system responded with an email acknowledgement a few minutes later. Then I went on about my day.

The surprising part comes exactly a week later. The afternoon of Thursday, August 28th I got a call from an unknown number. A young man calling said he was reaching out in reference to the pothole I had reported. He was seeking a little more exact guidance as to the location. I was only too happy to oblige. It was just a few yards south of 3311 Houston Ave, on the east side of the southbound lane, in front of an empty lot.

The young man told me he’d found it and would proceed to patch it right then and there! He agreed it was the sort of thing that would cause a Honda Civic or Toyota Carola some serious grief.

There are a lot of things wrong is the world. So, it’s notable, and worth sharing, when things go right! In this case, the city’s 311 system worked as promised. The problem, admittedly a small one, was addressed in just a week.

WHCA/Boy Scout Troop 30 Flag Program Update /  by Estella Espinosa

Holiday Flag Program - Round One

The WHCA Boy Scout Troop 30 Flag Program kicked off this past Labor Day, thanks to all our first-round subscribers! Great work by Boy Scout Troop 30 on their inaugural first run! Well done and many thanks from the WHCA!

You can help support the Boy Scouts' efforts by signing up to be a subscriber to the Boy Scout Holiday Flag Program. The next Holiday, Flag Day, on the schedule will be in commemoration of Veterans Day.

 Armistice Day / Veterans Day History

In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day to commemorate the end of fighting on the Western Front of 'The Great War' (World War I, 1914 - 1918). During his address he stated, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The date, time, and hour are central to the date chosen for this recognition, as it commemorates the time when hostilities finally ceased, the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month," 7 months after the Treaty of Versailles was signed.

It was renamed Veterans Day by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 and is now dedicated to service members of all wars.

You can find more information on Veterans Day at the following links:

HOLIDAY FLAG PROGRAM DATES
Don't miss this opportunity to support Troop 30 and WHCA. Subscribe today.

  • Veteran’s Day – November 11, 2025

  • President’s Day – February 16, 2026

  • Memorial Day – May 25, 2026

  • Flag Day – June 14, 2026

  • Independence Day – July 4, 2026

  • Labor Day – September 7, 2026

We deeply appreciate your support for Boy Scout Troop 30 and the WHCA. Your contribution makes a significant difference in our community. To subscribe and for payment information, visit www.woodland-heights.org or click on the button below and subscribe today!

For more information on Boy Scout Troop 30 or 3TO visit their website. 

WHCA Boy Scout Troop 30 Flag Program

Cars & Coffee: Sunday October 12th /  by Estella Espinosa

Your invited to come out for CARS and COFFEE on the Norhill Esplandade October 12, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Meet some of your fellow car enthusiasts over a cup of coffee and admire the lineup of cars. Or you can be a part of the show with your favorite ride as one of those featured around the esplanade.

Either way, it's a great way to meet your neighbors and share an early morning. Want more details or have question call Jessica Bodensteiner at 281-744-2903.

Here's a look at some of the cars from past CARS AND COFFEE events.

2025 LITH Route Announced /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

The LITH Event Route has been provisionally approved by COH Special Events. That means we're one step closer to getting things ready for this year's Lights in the Heights event, scheduled for the second Saturday in December, which this year is Saturday, December 13th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Mark your calendars!

So you know the traffic flow we're putting up the proposed route map and also sending out a SHOUT OUT to all the houses along the route - we're looking for Porch Volunteers along the route of Bayland and Woodland. As always LITH is a time for people to stroll the streets and listen to the sounds of music coming from porches along the route. 

To volunteer your porch to host a band (the band is free - they're volunteering for LITH just like you) email Stephanie Frey at  EntertainmentLITH@gmail.com. She'd love to hear from you!

President's Report: September 2025 /  by Michael Graves

September is a busy time of year. Kids are well and truly back to school, after school activities have ramped up. The September Member’s Meeting of the WHCA was held at 7pm on Tuesday, September 9th at Zion Lutheran Church, on the very same day as the Travis Elementary Open House. Even so, there were around 20 neighbors in attendance.

This particular meeting featured a presentation on the future of Stude Park. The presentation was lead by Sherry Weesner, President of the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ5) with help from a team of designers and landscape architects from SWA Group. The presentation was followed by an animated Q&A session.

Greater Heights Strategic Connections Plan
Timeline & Area

Sherry opened by introducing the Greater Heights Strategic Connections Plan. This is an effort to identify ways to improve mobility across a broad swath of the Northeast part of the city. Stude Park, with its walking trails and bike paths, is a significant piece of that larger puzzle

Stude Park Survey - SWA Group

Transitioning to a focus on Stude Park, she introduced Scott McCready, Olivia Pinner and Adam Scott of SWA Group. TIRZ5 has contracted SWA Group to study Stude Park, survey the community about ideas for improvements, and assemble some design ideas for the future. The SWA team are current or past WH residents, so they have some insight into how important the park is to the neighborhood.

The team from SWA presented a range of idea for ways to improve the utility of the park. Their presentation addressed many different perspectives and use cases. The best of these will be woven into a long term vision plan that will guide the evolution of the park into the future.
 
We’re still at the beginning of a years-long process. At the time of this meeting over 300 people had already completed the initial public survey. That effort remains ongoing until November 14th. We encourage everyone to complete the short, survey, adding their perspective to the many who love the park.

*PS – Congratulations to SWA Principal, Scott McCready, who was recently name the “2025 Best Friend of Woodland Park" for his continuous commitment to seeing the park improved over many years.

*PPS - Had I known just how engaging this discussion was going to be I would have arranged to have the meeting recorded. We’ve done this on occasion in the past, when there’s a topic of broad interest to the neighborhood, like Street Safety Improvements.