The March General Meeting of the WHCA will take place on Tuesday, March 20th at 7pm in the cafeteria at Hogg Middle School, 1100 Merrill.
The focus of this meeting will be the election of a new board of directors for the 2018-19 fiscal year. Matt Reynolds, President-Elect in 2017-18, will transition into the role of President for the coming year. All other board positions are up for election.
For the past six weeks the nominating committee has been seeking candidates to run for the board. Those who wish to run for a position must be WHCA members in good standing and submit a completed application form to the nominating committee no later than Monday, March 19th. Completed application forms can be emailed to nominations@woodland-heights.org.
Nominations from the floor of the meeting are not allowed. All WHCA Board members must be current homeowner members of the WHCA, and the VP of Deed Restrictions must also be a licensed attorney.
This meeting is your once a year opportunity to meet the candidates and cast your vote for who you think should help steer WHCA for the coming year. Come let your voice be heard!
Events
Lights-In-The-Heights Toy Drive Revisited /
As you may know, this past year the LITH Gala committee added a toy drive to the event, in support of local families impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Everyone attending the sold out gala brought a toy. The toys collected were contributed to the Houston Fire Department’s Operation Stocking Stuffer.
Further, event sponsor Big Blue Whale Toys & Curiosities on 19th street bested their original offer to match every toy purchased there by people attending the gala, more than doubling-up on the good cheer!
Late in January we received a summary of the results of Operation Stocking Stuffer in 2017. Over forty pages long, it documents everything that went into producing the biggest and most successful toy drive in their history. It includes a specific call-out to the Woodland Heights for the truckload of toys donated as a result of the LITH Gala.
Little League teams will parade In neighborhood March 24th /
Norhill and Michaux will be the main streets for the opening day parade of the Heights-Norhill Little League season. The parade, which will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, features an entry for each team. Players will be wearing their complete uniforms. Traditionally, bands, cheering squads and HPD units are part of the pageantry.
The parade route starts at the corner of Forester and Usener, adjacent to Stude Park (where the league teams compete). The parade will head north on Norhill, turning east on Woodland, before making a turn onto Michaux and heading south, back to Stude Park.
For more information, email Heights.Norhill@gmail.com.
2018 Woodland Heights Home Tour /
Fresh Traditions - plus 3 Bonus - “Teardown Turnarounds.”
Woodland Heights will once again welcome visitors into some of its most charming historic homes during its “Fresh Traditions” biannual home tour March 24-25, from noon to 6 p.m. In addition to five original homes ranging in size and style, the tour will showcase three “teardown turnaround” bonus homes. Once considered unsalvageable, these houses are testament to how a homeowner’s vision and commitment, combined with creative architects and experienced contractors, can rescue even the most neglected house and turn it into a showplace.
Tickets $25 in advance, $30 starting March 23. Purchase today online. Tickets will also be available at a variety of local merchants beginning March 1st.
WHCA January General Meeting Cancelled! /
This most recent bout of cold, freezy weather has resulted in HISD closing all their facilities today. As a consequence, we are forced to cancel the WHCA January General Meeting that had been planned for this evening at Hogg Middle School.
The next General Meeting will be Tuesday, March 20th. That will be the Annual General meeting, which includes the election of a new board of directors for 2018-19.
Be on the lookout for announcements about the Nominating Committee that will shortly be formed to seek candidates for the board. Also, for news about the WHCA Home Tour, which is coming up in March.
Lights in the Heights 2017 Winning Homes Gallery /
Neighbors have once again stepped up, decorating in preparation for Lights in the Heights. As a result, Woodland Heights has once again appeared on numerous lists of best places to see holiday lights in Houston.
The gallery below contains images from all of the winning homes. Judging occurred the evening of Thursday, December 7th, under the direction of Head Judge Robyn Klepper.
Clicking on the large image cycles to the next, or navigate using the strip of images below.
Lights-in-the-Heights Winning Houses /
The following are the judges results. Pictures to follow.
BEST SINGLE COLOR
419 EUCLID
MOST COLORFUL
808 BAYLAND
HO-H0-HO
620 BAYLAND
MOST FESTIVE
405 WOODLAND
MOST CREATIVE
3216 BEAUCHAMP
MOST RELIGIOUS
1108 7th ST
MOST TRADITIONAL
804 EUCLID
MOST WATTAGE
1020 7th ST
BEST THEME
402 BYRNE
PICK OF THE NIGHT
903 HIGHLAND
BEST PORCH
308 WOODLAND
PEACE,LOVE,LIGHTS
927 MERRIL
MOST LUMINOUS
412 EUCLID
#HOUSTONSTRONG
803 OMAR
MOST HOMETOWN NEAR DOWNTOWN
719 RIDGE
JURASSIC LIGHTS
PENNEBAKER ESPLANADE
MOST NOSTALGIC
1105 BAYLAND
BEST NOD TO TEXAN TRADITION
1016 BAYLAND
MOST YEE-HAW
1127 BAYLAND
LITH Children's event at woodland Park cancelled /
The children's event originally planned for this afternoon (Saturday, Dec 9th) at the Woodland Park Community Center has been cancelled. The community center is presently closed as the result of a minor fire earlier in the week.
Coming Soon: Lights in the Heights T-Shirts! /
The recent newsletter hinted at the possible return of LITH T-Shirts. We're happy to report that they are being made!
The LITH merchandise, including the T-Shirts, will be available for sale at LITH events this week. They're also available at "It's a Houston Thing" a pop-up store located at Christian's Tailgate on White Oak Drive starting on Thursday, December 7th.
Community Meeting for Neighborhood Entrance Improvement Project /
Plans have been in the works for several years to make the southeast entrance to the Woodland Heights neighborhood (Houston Ave, White Oak Dr., Quitman) more attractive and to make the connection between the White Oak Bayou Hike and Bike Trail to Woodland Park safer for pedestrians and cyclists. We are proud to say that the proposed project has received city (specifically the Dept. of Public Works) approval, and a public community meeting will be held to present the design early next month.
In partnership with the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ-5, Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), Houston Parks Board (HPB) the Woodland Heights Civic Association (WHCA ), and the Greater Northside Management District (GNMD); the Friends of Woodland Park (FWP) are sponsoring a community meeting for a presentation and discussion of the preliminary design plan. This project is part of the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 5 Capital Improvement Plan.
The meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 4, 2017 at the Woodland Park Community Center at 7:00 PM: 212 Parkview St. one block north of the Houston Avenue and White Oak Dr. intersection.
Won’t you join us to learn about this exciting and significant improvement for the neighborhood?
WHCA November General Meeting /
Want to know what's going on around Woodland Heights? The November General Meeting will be Tuesday, Nov 14th at 7pm in the cafeteria at Hogg Middle School at 1100 Merill.
The major focus of the meeting will be a presentation by Steph McDougal and David Jordan, previewing the City of Houston project to develop historic district guidelines for Woodland Heights. Note that this project is separate and distinct from the prior effort, which focused on Houston Heights.
Steph McDougal from COH will outline the process, which is just getting underway. David Jordan, a WH resident, has been tracking the Historic District Guidelines Project on behalf of WHCA. Together, they will provide valuable insight about the significance of the Design Guidelines, and your ability to have input into their creation.
Only a portion of Woodland Heights is within the designated Historic District. Need to know if your home is included? See the city Historic preservation web site.
The agenda also includes updates from each of the WHCA board members.
The general meetings are your opportunity to hear what's happening, and have your voice heard. We look forward to seeing you there!
More Toys For Houston Kids! /
By now you know that this year's Lights-in-the-Heights Gala features a toy drive. We've partnered with the City of Houston Fire Department's Operation Stocking Stuffer to collect toys for families in need across Houston.
The LITH Gala & Toy Drive is presented by Boulevard Realty, on November 4th, at the fabulous new Elan Heights building at 825 Usener.
Tickets to the Gala are just $75 and an new unwrapped toy.
Your support of the Gala sustains Lights-in-the-Heights, the cities' premier holiday festival, and helps put smiles on children's faces all across the city.
Want to do even more good?
Big Blue Whale Toys & Curiosities on 19th street have offered to match any toys purchased for contribution to the Gala. Visit their shop and choose from their excellent selection of toys and games. Tell them that you're buying them for the LITH Gala and they'll match your purchase! That's two smiles for the price of one! It's a chance to do twice a much good.
What are you waiting for!
Gala tickets are available from the Woodland Heights web site at: https://www.woodland-heights.org/
State of the District Breakfast with Rep. Carol Alvarado /
State Representative Carol Alvarado will be holding a State of the District breakfast on Saturday, October 14th, 2017 at 9:30 am. The event will be held at:
Houston Community College Southeast
Learning Hub Auditorium
6815 Rustic, Bldg D
Houston, TX 77087
Topics to be discussed include:
- The 85th Legislative Session
- Special SessionUpdate
- Transportation Updates
- Crime & Safety Updates
For more information call 713-649-6563 or email district145.alvarado@house.state.tx.us.
The 4th Annual LITH Gala & Toy Drive /
In these extraordinary times of Houston’s recovery, Woodland Heights Civic Association hopes to promote the strength of Houstonians and help get everyone’s life back to normal. Therefore the Lights-in-the-Heights Gala, the event that funds Lights-in-the-Heights, will still go on!
Mindful of the devastation thousands of Houstonians have suffered, we had reservations about diverting fundraising dollars away from Hurricane Relief. So, the LITH Gala will be abbreviated, this year.
Gala tickets have been reduced to $75, and all who attend are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. Toys collected will be distributed to families in need through the City of Houston Fire Department’s “Operation: Stocking Stuffer”.
Hoping to reduce the burden on already stressed businesses, we are eliminating the raffle and silent auction, and limiting our requests for in-kind donations.
The Gala and Toy Drive is presented by Boulevard Realty. We are deeply grateful for their continued support. Other returning sponsors will include Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant, Kagan Cellars, Eureka Heights Brewing Co, and Pennebaker, Inc. All of our sponsors are more than just monetary or in-kind donors; each has shown genuine love for our community. We are profoundly thankful for their support.
The 2017 LITH Gala and Toy Drive will be a gathering of good company, wonderful food and drink, and a joyful celebration of the holiday season! Please join us on Saturday, November 4th, from 7:00 until 11:00, at Elan Heights—825 Usener Street at Watson. Valet parking included in ticket price, gratuity greatly appreciated
Tickets can be purchased in the store at the Woodland Heights web site.
National Night Out 2017 on the Norhill Esplanade /
WHCA celebrates the National Night Out on the Norhill Esplanade, Tuesday, October 3rd from 6-9pm. The event features:
- A trio of food trucks, including; Wokker Texas Ranger & Steel City Pops.
- Beer & wine provided by WHCA.
- Music provided by Pennebakers.
- An opportunity to meet the Constable.
- A chance to meet your WHCA board members.
We hope to see you there!
Two Neighborhood Families Approach to Disaster Relief /
It's been heartening to see communities across the city rise up to help those in need. Here's just one little example, copied from a post on Next Door.
"Hey neighbors! The Craigs and the McConns are having a lemonade and brownie stand this afternoon starting at 2:30. We'll be in front of the Craigs' house at 943 Omar. All proceeds will go to benefit victims of Hurricane Harvey. Please stop by, say hi and get some treats. See you soon!"
Pictured above (left-to-right) are; Mila Craig, Arianna Espana, Hollis McConn & Kellen McConn.
According to neighbor Beth Allen-Brock,"The brownies were delicious!"
Everyone helps in their own way, and every little bit helps.
Post-Harvey: FEMA Guidance on Rumors & Scams /
It was bound to happen. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey there have come to be some rumors and even outright scams with respect to various issues facing people impacted by the storm. Fortunately, FEMA has assembled a web page with some great guidance on these issues.
Here are a couple of key takeaways from this guidance:
Flood Insurance - September 1 Deadline
Rumor: There are reports individuals must file a flood insurance claim before Friday, September 1 because a new Texas law goes into effect that day and all claims filed after Sept. 1 would be negatively impacted.
This rumor is FALSE. (August 30)
Texas State “House Bill 1774,” passed by the 85th Texas Legislature, does not affect flood insurance policies or claims. Flood insurance is provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which was created by Congress through the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. The NFIP is a federal program subject to federal law, so this new Texas state law will have no impact on NFIP policyholders.
Flood Insurance Premiums - Robo-Calls
Rumor: There are reports Texas residents are being told (via robo-call) their flood premiums are past due and in order to have coverage for Hurricane Harvey they need to submit a payment immediately to a website.
This rumor is FALSE. (August 30)
Insurance companies and agents selling flood insurance policies do not use this process to communicate with customers about their flood insurance policies. In fact, if your payment is past due, your insurance company will send you several pieces of mail 90, 60, and 30 days before the policy expires.
If you receive a call regarding your flood insurance policy:
Hang up the phone. Don't press 1 to speak to a live operator or any other key to take your number off the list. Just hang up.
Then contact your insurance agent or insurance company immediately to verify the information. Or call 1-800-638-6620 if you have a policy with NFIP Direct
METRONext Community Open House Thursday, August 17, 2017 /
METRO will be hosting a METRONext Community Open House meeting on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Montie Beach Community Center from 6:00PM – 8:00PM. We want to hear from you!
A Critical Plan for a Changing Region
Population in the greater Houston region will increase from 6 million today to nearly 10 million in the next 20 years. That raises a lot of questions about how we will live our lives and get to places we need to go. METRO wants to plan now for a transportation system that meets the needs of our continually evolving, dynamic and diverse region.
As we embark on the creation of METRONext, the new regional transit plan, we want to know what kind of transit system would best meet the needs of you and your family. Whether you currently use public transportation or not, we want to work with you to find solutions that best serve residents, communities, businesses and visitors. Imagine the future with METRONext.
Get ready for the Lights-in-the-Heights Gala November 4, 2017 /
The LITH Committee is already hard at work on the 30th annual Lights-in-the-Heights, which begins with a fund raising Gala on Saturday, November, 4th at Elan Heights.
Opera invites one and all to visit them at Lambert Hall on August 19th /
Opera in the Heights will host its first Open House in historic Lambert on August 19th from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Lambert Hall is located at Heights Blvd. at 17th Street.
It will also include free live opera performances every 20 minutes, plus a chance to meet Opera in the Heights singers.
The event is free to the public. The Open House will be a chance to experience firsthand the behind-the-scenes magic of Opera in the Heights.
Highlights for the event include giveaways, popcorn, face-painting, social media contest, opera costume dress-up station and photo op, an opera coloring sheet station, as well as breakfast bites from neighborhood eateries. Opera subscriptions and ticket discounts can be purchased during the event. For more information, visit http://www.operaintheheights.org/open-house-2017.
Lambert Hall was formerly the sanctuary for Heights Christian Church, now located on northern portion of block of Heights Blvd. between 17th and 18th Streets.