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.
Craig and Katherine Vollmers, residents of Woodland Heights for over 18 years, get yard of the month for their corner lot at 404 Bayland. Although it is one of the few lots on lower Bayland with only one mature oak tree, it is rimmed with crepe myrtles. It has several lovely wisteria vines, Aztec grass, liriope, and azaleas for year round interest and color. There is also a beautiful mature sycamore tree in full fall color thanks to that dusting of snow the Woodland Heights received on December 8th.
Woodland Heights and surrounding neighborhoods are home to numerous animal species: both family pets and wild critters. The Texas Department of Health Services (TDHS) issued a health alert Nov. 30, 2017, dealing with the connection between animals and people. This alert is relative to increased incidents of flea-borne typhus in the Dallas and Houston areas.
Here is advice from the experts:
Flea-borne typhus is rarely fatal; however, it can be lethal. “Since 2003, eight deaths have been attributed to flea-borne typhus infection in Texas. When left untreated, severe illness can cause damage to one or more organs, including the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. ... Prompt antibiotic treatment is recommended; treatment should not be delayed pending diagnostic tests,” warns TDHS.
Typhus is easily treated in the early stages. People of all ages can be infected, but over 25 percent of cases occur among those between the ages 6 and 15.
For more information (it’s very clinical), visit http://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/releases/2017/HealthAlert-11302017.aspx
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
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.
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.
As of December 2nd the limited edition Lights-in-the-Heights cloisonné Christmas ornaments are completely sold out! Only 75 were produced.
Delivery of the ornaments is expected about a week before Christmas. Once the goods have arrived, Jan Rynda Greer, LITH Committee Chair, will provide pickup details to everyone who purchased an ornament.
The latest WHCA newsletter is a LITH Special Edition with all the details about LITH. It has been printed. Distribution by the team of volunteer block captains happened over the past few days.
If you didn't receive a copy you can click here to download a color PDF version.
Questions or comments about the newsletter can be directed to: communications@woodland-Heights.org.
Questions concerning the WHCA finances can be directed to treasurer@woodland-heights.org.
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?
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!
Questions about the organizations finances can be directed to treasurer@woodland-heights.org.
A recently completed study funded by the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (aka City of Houston TIRZ 5) presents options for the natural restoration of Lower White Oak Bayou. These options are alternatives to the present concrete lining. The area studied (“project area”) is defined on the map as the area along White Oak Bayou between Taylor/Watson and Hogan.
The restoration project would require between $30 million to $60 million, and could require many years to complete.
In its press release describing the report, the Flood Control District states:
“All options resulting from the study include removal of the partial concrete lining in this reach of White Oak Bayou. The study evaluated alternatives based on their potential for reducing flood risks, as well as their benefits for the environment, recreation and economic uplift. The cost and potential timeline for each alternative also were evaluated. (Alternatives that would increase flood risks were not considered.)”
Next steps for any longer-term project stemming from the study would include identifying stakeholders to participate in, and to fund, a future restoration project.
For more information, visit http://hcfcd.org/press-room/current-news/2017/10/study-compares-options-for-lower-white-oak-bayou-channel-restoration.
When the Little Free Library on the corner of Highland and Michaux (946 Highland) opened for service in 2014, the first books donated came from the collection of the library’s founder, Laura Meadows. Her title in the Little Free Library movement is “steward.”
The Little Free Library movement began in 2009. Today, there are some 50,000 Little Free Libraries in the U.S., and in 70 other countries. In addition to Laura’s library, there are two others within the boundaries of Woodland Heights, with others located in nearby neighborhoods.
The operating concept of the libraries is simple: “Take a book. Leave a book.” Stewards like Laura operate the exchanges and maintain the libraries’ premises (usually, but not necessarily, a wooden box). Laura’s library is decorated for Halloween and has recently undergone roof repairs and a refreshing paint job inspired by the Jackson Pollock technique.
Creativity and innovation by way of community involvement have kicked in for Laura’s library. When she sorts donations, she finds not only books, but other objects as well, especially toys. “It’s become like a toy exchange,” she said. Toys that have been donated range from GI Joe dolls, stuffed animals and toy vehicles to finger puppets. People sometimes leave videos. Donated books have not been limited to English. There have been books donated in Spanish, French and Korean, among other languages.
In the sorting process, Laura sets aside materials that are not suitable for placing in a Little Free Library. She does not circulate books of a religious nature or X-rated publications, for example.
When someone leaves an actual library book belonging to a public library (we cannot refer to such a book as a donation), Laura tries to get the book back to its proper place. Books belonging to Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library systems have turned up in her library, as have books from other states.
Due to the volume of donations, Laura has added “an annex” (a box on her front porch) to house classics. An anonymous library supporter installed a set of steps to help small kids reach the library’s entrance. Big kids like to visit the library, too. “Skateboarders stop on their way to wherever they’re going and check out the library,” Laura said.
Children’s books are donated and withdrawn in greatest quantity. Weekly circulation (book turnover) is normally 20 to 30 units. “But occasionally, I get an entire library.” That happened when a woman donated the library that had belonged to her recently deceased mother.
Anyone may take a book from her library, but what you may not do is request a “hold,” a service provided by Houston Public Library. If you are hoping to find a favorite title or genre, it will be up to you to visit the Little Free Library frequently.
Little Free Library is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to promote a sense of community, reading for children, literacy for adults and libraries around the world. Most Little Free Libraries are placed in front yards, parks, gardens and other easily accessible locations. They are built to withstand weather and to hold 20 to 100 books. To learn more, visit littlefreelibrary.org.
P.S. - In the pictures you'll notice a small stool. This was donated by a patron of the little library. They needed it to get access to the books, and felt that other might appreciate it as well. It's become a permanent feature of the installation.
Beautifully done garden at Kurt and Jackie’s bungalow at 707 Wendel. The purple plumes if the salvia leucantha with it’s silver foliage is beautifully offset by several different native grasses and fox tail ferns. Lantana and moss rose add more color. All of their plantings have low water needs which is perfect for our Texas heat.
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.
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.
Gala tickets are available from the Woodland Heights web site at: https://www.woodland-heights.org/
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:
For more information call 713-649-6563 or email district145.alvarado@house.state.tx.us.
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.
The very attentive among you may have noticed that the most recent Yard-of-the-Month story differs from past YOTM stories. It's the first showing of a new Yard-of-the-Month sign.
The WHCA wanted to let the neighborhood know that our old Yard of the Month sign for the neighborhood, which served us so well for many years, has finally given up the ghost. The new design is based upon an arts and crafts drawing featuring the Dard Hunter rose that was so popular at the turn of the century when our neighborhood was built.
If you have any ideas about homes to be considered for Yard-of-the-Month please send your suggestions to beautification@woodland-heights.org.
Yard of the month goes to Eric and Bianca at 931 Bayland for their sculpted shade garden. It is filled with English ivy ground cover, mature well trimmed live oaks, and artfully arranged river stones, sand stone pavers, and gravel. The curved front sidewalk and cleverly constructed raised beds only add to it's Zen simplicity.
