Events

2025 LITH Home Decorating Winners /  by Michael Graves

Thursday night a team of Lights in the Heights Judges (all volunteers) made their way through the neighborhood on a train of golf carts. They stopped here and there to figure out which homes were naughty or nice. The results are in! Everyone is nice, but some were nicer than others so here’s the list of 2025 LITH Home Decorating Winners.

  • Most Crafty – 405 Highland

  • Most Colorful - 809 Bayland

  • Most Creative – 205 Bayland

  • Most Wattage – 2905 Beauchamp

  • Most Traditional – 720 Bayland

  • Best Theme – 3511 Oak Ridge

  • Most Historical – 1116 E. 6 1/2

  • Pick of the Night – 1020 E. 7th

  • Ho! Ho! Ho! – 423 Bayland

  • Most Musical – 629 Woodland

  • Best Movie Theme – 1031 Bayland

  • Best Tree – 912 Woodland

  • Scary Christmas! – 308 Woodland

  • Most Yummy – 814 Woodland

  • Best Single Color – 508 Euclid

  • Best Block – 1000 Woodland

  • Best Team Theme - 413 and 423 Woodland

Winners will get their recognition signs delivered to their homes before tomorrow’s LITH event.

The Gallery

We have assembled a gallery of photos taken by some of the the judges. This currently does not include every winning home. We will try to complete this in the coming days.

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

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

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

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.

Save the Date! LITH Bash /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Save the Date for the he 2025 LITH Bash! Things get busy during the holidays so be sure to put a hold on your calendar for Thursday, November 13!

The historic Heights Fire Station on 12th Street will be the location for this years festivities. We thank the Houston Heights Association for partially sponsoring the event venue costs and welcome their sponsorship!

Volunteers and donations for both the live and silent auctions are needed. In the past, the auction has featured a wide variety of items, for example, a week in a country house, sports tickets, home & yard services, jewelry, photographs or paintings, fine wine, and fine dining gift cards.

The LITH Bash is a fundraiser to help pay for the costs associated with the December LITH event. Funds raised by the Bash and the live and silent auction help cover the cost of permits, security, porta potties, and other items needed to put on the event. If you would like to volunteer or help please contact: bash@woodland-heights.org.

We Have A Winner! 2025 Cloisonne Ornament /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

We have a winner! Max and Margot Robinson are the winners of the 2025 WHCA Cloisonne Ornament Contest. Their winning design reflects WHCA traditional blue and white signature tile design infused with a string of colorful holiday lights.

The design will be featured on a Cloisonne Ornament, which will soon be available in the WHCA store for those who want to get their holiday shopping in early. Please stay tuned to WHCA social media for updates and preview picks of the design. And of course when its available in the WHCA store for you to place your order.

As with the LITH Bash, the sale of LITH merchandise, including the 2025 Cloisonne Ornament, helps fund the LITH annual event held in December. Your purchase of a Cloisonne Ornament and any additional LITH merchandise is greatly appreciated!

2025 LITH Seeking Sponsors /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Calling all local business owners: The most wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching!

The Woodland Heights Civic Association and its wonderful counter part committees have begun planning Lights in The Heights 2025. This year's event will take place on December 13th, 2025.

Lights in the Heights is made possible each year by our wonderful local business sponsorships! If you or someone you know is a local business owner, big or small, and is interested in helping sponsor the event this year, please reach out to Dallas Jagneaux Boyle at sponsors@woodland-heights.org  and visit the link below for all of the sponsor perks!

Business Sponsorship

2026 Home Tour: Call for Historic Homes /  by Michael Graves

"2024 Homes With A Heart" Featured Homes

The Woodland Heights Home Tour is a bi-annual fundraising event for the WHCA. The focus is on showcasing some of the early historic homes of the Woodland Heights neighborhood. In 2024 “Homes with Heart”, featured seven homes which showcased the broad range of Woodland Heights charm found in these old homes.

Currently, the Home Tour Committee is seeking neighbors with historic homes who would like to volunteer their homes for inclusion on the route. The WHCA would appreciate your help in nominating or volunteering your historic home for consideration.

Do you have a candidate? We’d love to hear from you!

If you have a historic Woodland Heights Home and would like to be considered for the 2026 Home Tour, please get in touch with Louise Moss at limoss@comcast.net or Megan Mastal at mmastal@insightspr.com. The Home Tour Committee will begin viewing potential homes in June. The goal is to showcase Woodland Heights' historic charm with homes of various sizes, architectural styles, and décor. All homes need to be original, but renovations and additions are welcome.

Cycling Into the 4th - WHCA Kids Bicycle Parade /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Our neighborhood came alive on the 4th as we all joined in the celebration. The annual 4th of July Kids Bicycle Parade on the Norhill esplanade was a vibrant display of our community spirit, with free watermelon, face painting, popsicles, and waterloos adding to the festive atmosphere.

Our newest board member, Dallas Jagneaux Boyle, and her husband, Travis Boyle, played a pivotal role in coordinating this first event in her new tenure as  Director of Membership. Their dedication and hard work made this a successful event. We look forward to seeing more of their efforts in the upcoming months as they continue to bring new events to our neighborhood meetings. Stay tuned!

Our parade was led by a unique feature, a 1930 Ford Coupe, driven by Charles Philpott, a proud member of the Restorer Model A Ford Club of America.  This vintage automobile, a cherished part of his family's history, has been in their possession for an impressive 65 years. To learn more about this vintage automobile, visit the July 4th newsletter in the WHCA Newsletter Archives.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to parade pace setters Travis and Michael Graves, who led the parade behind Charles, with a celebratory flag runner to keep all the kiddos safe and behind the Ford Coupe. Their voluntary efforts and dedication made the event a success. They did a great job, so kudos to them for their run.

Our WHCA Constable Patrol Precinct 1 Deputies, Jacob Lemmons and Amanda Suggs, played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of our little ones. Their diligent work in making sure the kiddos knew the safety rules before the start of the parade, and their continuous efforts during the event, made sure everyone had a safe and enjoyable ride.

LITH 2025 Ornament Designs Deadline Tuesday, July 1, 2025 /  by Michael Graves

July 1st is just a few days away, but you still have time to turn in your entry for the 2025 LITH Ornament Design Competition!

The winning design will be featured on LITH signs, posters, letters, T-shirts, and the Official LITH Cloisonne Ornament! In keeping with tradition, the artist’s name will be included on the underside of the ornament and mentioned on the card that comes with it.

So get your pens, pencils, crayons, computer skills (whichever you choose) out and design your entry today! Then, email your submissions to LightsInTheHeights@gmail.com by July 1, 2025 

4th of July Kids Bicycle Parade Friday, July 4, 2025 /  by Michael Graves

The WHCA 4th of July Kids Bicycle Parade is one week away! This annual event will be held at the Norhill Esplanade. It is open to all kids in the neighborhood. Parents and kids are encouraged to decorate their bicycles in their favorite colors to take part in a parade around the Norhill Esplanade. The WHCA Constable Patrol will be on hand to assist with parade festivities and ensure everyone's safety. 

Please join our community celebration of American Independence at the Norhill Esplanade on July 4th.  Kids can decorate their bikes to join the parade, and families can stay afterward to enjoy the music and refreshments.

There will be free popsicles; watermelon and Waterloos; along with face painting; and some red, white, and blue glow sticks for all the kiddos. We hope to see you there!

Calling All Razorbacks! Hogg Alumni Assistance Requested! /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

By Melanie Gehman

A call is going out to all Hogg Alumni to help with the planning and celebration of Hogg Middle Schools 100th Anniversary! The Hogg Centennial Planning Committee is looking for Alumni who would like to join in the planning for this celebration. They are also looking for any memorabilia, photos, and memories you may want to share to make the event one to remember.

If you would like to help please email Ms. Chance at mchance@houstonisd.org. Show your Razorback Pride and pitch in to help make the Centennial a wonderful one!

FWP - Volunteers Needed Happy Turtle, Trails, & Hot Dogs /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

By Estella Espinosa

Happy Trails and Hot Dogs is an annual community picnic and historic Woodland Park. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Set up begins at 9 a.m. take down goes from 1-2 p.m. Details about the shifts are described below. Sign up for a shift or two at Volunteer Houston. 
 
Hot dogs, ice cream floats and lemonade are provided to all volunteers.

  • Set Up - put up pop-up tents, move tables and chairs from inside the building outside, set up tables and chairs, unpack vehicles, other tasks as needed

  • Cook hot dogs - help with manning the grills cooking the hot dogs, help with serving food, make sure food service area is always clean, other tasks as needed

  • Root beer floats - help with assembling root beer floats and serving them, make sure root beer float tent is always clean, other tasks as needed

  • Merch tent - help set up merchandise, keep the area tidy and merchandise orderly, help guests with questions about merchandise for sale and how to purchase it using a QR code, other tasks as needed

  • Tear down - bring all tables and chairs back to building, collapse tents, load vehicles for off site storage, collect trash bags, other tasks as needed

Lemonade Day Houston - May 17th /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Every little thing you do sends ripples through the universe … sometimes the ripples are good and continue beyond your imagination. One such ripple for me started in 2007, in a previous life when I worked for the Houston Parks & Recreation Department. A colleague of mine and I were asked to meet with Michael Holthouse with Prepared 4 Life. He had an idea for a program to empower youth through lemonade stands that he wanted to begin with the parks department’s support. The idea was to recruit young people to set up little “businesses” to sell lemonade. Prepared4Life would provide all the materials and instructions to help these young entrepreneurs learn how to own and run their own business, a lemonade stand. I

n that first year, there were about 2,700 young people setting up their lemonade stand businesses across Houston. Today, the program continues and has grown to over 55,000 young people in Houston alone. The program is now running in 2 countries with over 1.5 plus million young people learning how to own and run their own business. Along the way, they learn how to become future business leaders, volunteers, social advocates, and volunteers for the world they will one day be in charge of.

Lemonade Day will be on May 17th this year, and your child, with your help, can participate. All young people who register receive free materials to teach them the lessons of Lemonade Day (like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community.) What they learn from the experience is something they can use throughout their life, including goal-setting, problem-solving, and gaining self-esteem critical for future success. Plus, they get to keep the money (though they are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some as well).

If you and your child are interested in participating in Lemonade Day, you can find out more information and register by visiting https://local.lemonadeday.org/houston. If your child decides to set up a lemonade stand, let us know. We’ll be sure to let the neighborhood know where their stand is so everyone can drop by to help support them.

In that first year, there were about 2,700 young people setting up their lemonade stand businesses across Houston. Today, the program continues and has grown to over 55,000 young people in Houston alone. The program is now running in 2 countries with over 1.5 plus million young people learning how to own and run their own business. Along the way, they learn how to become future business leaders, volunteers, social advocates, and volunteers for the world they will one day be in charge of.

Lemonade Day will be on May 17th this year, and your child, with your help, can participate. All young people who register receive free materials to teach them the lessons of Lemonade Day (like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community.) What they learn from the experience is something they can use throughout their life, including goal-setting, problem-solving, and gaining self-esteem critical for future success. Plus, they get to keep the money (though they are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some as well).

If you and your child are interested in participating in Lemonade Day, you can find out more information and register by visiting https://local.lemonadeday.org/houston. If your child decides to set up a lemonade stand, let us know. We’ll be sure to let the neighborhood know where their stand is so everyone can drop by to help support them.

April - Go Fly A Kite /  by Michael Graves

In my past life, I flew many kites—many different kites—small kites, large kites, kites with one, two, or four strings, kites that stayed still or danced in the air, and even some that were used for fighting! Kites are a novel way for both young and old to get outside and engage with one of the most awesome forces of nature.

Kite flying can be a very calming activity. Or not! Depending upon the kite and the wind, it can be very sedate. Or require constant vigilance to keep the kite aloft. It can demand an intensity of focus that forces you to set aside the day's worries and concentrate on the task.

I once worked as a staff editor for Kite Line, the world's leading kite magazine at the time. To this day, I remain a card-carrying member of the American Kitefliers Association. This is how I know April is National Kite Month, which is also one of Houston's best times of year.

If you're looking for something novel to do, get yourself a kite and find a wide-open space in a nearby public park. In fact, ping me, and I may join you.

By the way, our local kite club is the South Houston Area Recreational Kiters (aka S.H.A.R.K.) They most often get together down on the beach in Galveston or at Sylvan Rodriguez Park in Clear Lake. Kites Unlimited in Galveston is the nearest kite store.

Lemonade Day An Entrepreneurial Experience /  by Michael Graves

Since 2007, young people have taken lemons and turned them into more than just lemonade—they've been turning them into an entrepreneurial experience. One that aims to empower youth through learning programs that teach them how to start, own, and run their own businesses. The sweet success began in Houston and has grown from 2,700 kids to 55,000 kids in Houston alone.

Originally founded by Michael Holthouse to empower youth to become tomorrow's entrepreneurs, the program has expanded to become a national program. However, throughout the years, its goal has remained the same. Every child interested in becoming a Lemonade Day entrepreneur registers and receives free materials that teach them the lessons of Lemonade Day. They learn how to create budgets, set profit-making goals, serve customers, repay investors, and give back to the community. All while acquiring goal-setting and problem-solving skills and gaining self-esteem. They get to keep the money they make while being encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some.

For more information on Lemonade Day, visit https://local.lemonadeday.org/houston. If your child will be setting up a lemonade stand in the Woodland Heights neighborhood, be sure to send us a note. We will get the word out via WHCA social media, andemailcommunications@woodland-heights.org.

LITH - The Final Wrap Up /  by Michael Graves

Lights in the Heights - The Bottom Line
It can take some time for the dust to settle, receipts to be submitted, and checks to clear. In the December issue I hinted that Lights in the Heights 2024 looked to be close breaking even. That would have been a big improvement, since it’s been run at a loss the past few years.

Now that all the accounting is in, I’m very happy to report that LITH 2024 actually made $1,950! Yes, it’s cast off the red ink! This is critically important since proceeds from special events support other WHCA activities, including the Constable Patrol Program.

Further, we look forward to even better results in 2025 resulting from our new partnership with the White Oak Entertainment District; EZ’s Liquor Lounge, Christian’s Tailgate, Bobcat Teddy’s Ice House, Little Woodrow’s Heights, and Onion Creek Coffee House Bar & Lounge.

Many thanks to the Lights in the Heights Committee Chairs Lauren Snead and Ashley Allison, the Porch Bands Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Frey, and especially our newly minted group of Sponsorship Wranglers Josh Shaner and Brad Snead who pinched in to help me with this effort. It takes a number of dedicated individuals to lock down all the details and get this event going. All your work is truly appreciated!

Friday Night Lights
In the December edition of the newsletter we somewhat spaced out and neglected to highlight Friday Night Lights. For those of you without kids, this is the event that’s held the Friday before LITH on the Norhill Esplanade. A family-focused event for just the neighborhood, it doesn’t draw the large crowd of the main event on Saturday.

This year’s event once again featured Santa & Mrs Clause backed by the White Oak Bayou Band. Boy Scout Troop 30 (the 3T0) was there fund-raising with holiday wreathes. Memorial Hermann Greater Heights was there, and Eureka Heights was pouring holiday themed beer. It's A Wrap and Wokker Texas Ranger food trucks was on-site for those who got hungry. WHCA Precinct 1 Constable Patrol provided security and support. Many thanks to the Norhill Families for their sponsorship of the Dinosaur Display Lights.
 
Neighbors were able to pickup WHCA merchandise ordered online. And there was some serious production of s’mores over the fire pit. Thank you to Pat Walzel for assembling all the s'mores kits!
 
The event started out on the damp side, with rain in the mid-afternoon while everything was being setup. Happily the rain cleared, allowing the event to go forward. Some quick-thinking volunteers provided tents for band, so no musicians were electrocuted over the course of the evening.
 
A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in staging this event. In particular, Beth and Carl Sorensen and Alyssa Holub.

Lights in the Heights 2024 Winners /  by Michael Graves

Oh My Gourd! /  by Michael Graves

Halloween and Thanksgiving, holidays that bring to mind Jack O' Lanterns , pumpkin pie, and yes pumpkin lattes (though I'm not sure how much pumpkin is actually in that latte). So how many pumpkins are grown for these holidays? According to the United States  Department of Agriculture, in 2022 the U.S. produced 1.2 Billion (that's Billion with a B) pounds of pumpkins every year!

This week you may see a number of Jack O' Lanterns sitting out on porches to welcome trick or treaters. But did you know this Halloween staple traces it's origin to an old Irish Myth and was originally carved from vegetables like turnips and beets to ward off 'Stingy Jack' and other wandering evil spirits. Check out the link to read about the myth - migh make for some spooky tails this Halloween-and who knows maybe you'll be inspired to carve up a turnip or two.

And while you may think the pumpkin is a vegetable, according to botanists. the pumpkin is actually a fruit. That's because it is a product of the seed bearing structure of flowering plants - while vegetables are the edible part of plants like leaves, stems. roots, bulbs, flowers, and tubers.

Finally, one more fun pumpkin fact - pumpkins can be called both a gourd and a squash - no matter what you call it a pumpkin is part of the Cucurbitaceae family which includes a very large family of fruit. The Cucurbitaceae family include  over 900 species of food and ornamental plants, including pumpkins to honeydews to spaghetti squash to cucumbers to watermelon to those decorative gourds.

Regardless of what you call them vegetable or fruit pumpkin or gourd - the question arises - what do you do with all the leftovers from Halloween and Thanksgiving? Here's some ideas for what you can do when the holidays are over:

4th Annual Pumpkin Compost DropOff -  the COH Solid Waste Department is holding their 4th Annual composting of retired pumpkin drop off from Nov 1 - December 6, 2024. Visit the link above for details.