Lights in the Heights® has teamed up with Lyft, because we care.

We care about your safety.

Don't risk drinking and driving, even a short distance. Take Lyft to the Light up the Night Holiday Bash at 1111 Studewood on November 3 for half off (up to $5) on two rides, with promo code HEIGHTSBASH. Restrictions apply. Click here https://www.lyft.com/invite/HEIGHTSBASH for more info.

We care about your concerns.

We understand that traffic and parking is an issue the night of Lights in the Heights. To help ease the congestion, Lyft will have a dedicated Pick-up and Drop-off location for Lights in the Heights attendees on 600 Pecore at St. Mark's Methodist. Lyft will provide on-site support staff to assist passengers and direct traffic, lighting and displays, seating, and other services at this designated location. Please share this link (https://www.lyft.com/invite/HEIGHTSLIGHTS)with your friends and party guests so they'll get half off (up to $5) on two rides during Lights in the Heights on Dec 8, with promo code HEIGHTSLIGHTS. Restrictions apply.

https://www.lyft.com/invite/HEIGHTSLIGHTS

Lighter-in-the-Heights Update

Many, many thanks to the numerous generous neighbors that donated items to be sold at our Community Sale to benefit Lights in the Heights. We had a huge variety of sale goods and there was something for every shopper.

The sale was scheduled for Saturday, September 29th and got rained out after a short time. Even though the rains came, we made over $900 that first day and another $800 the following day. The rain date was Saturday, October 6th and we publicized again and held the sale all day.

Our grand total is.......(drum roll please) $3,270.85!

In addition, we have several valuable pieces of art that we withheld from the sale. When sold at the coming bash auction we are hoping that these pieces will bring our income up to over $4,000 in support of Lights in the Heights!

In addition to the Community Sale that was graciously hosted by Sharon Greiff at her home, the following neighbors hosted garage sales and donated 20% of their proceeds to the Lights in the Heights fundraising efforts:

• Stephanie Leachman

• Ted Harris

• Steve Pagan

• Kim Lytle

• Linda Ebaugh

• Jenn Jacobs

• Julie Miller

• Debbie Markey

• Robyn Klepper

• and William Zakroff

Thank you for all of your hard work and perseverance through the rain storms and the humidity that followed.

Thanks again to not only the generous donors and to the hosted garage sales throughout the neighborhood that made their homes "Lighter" but to the many neighbors that came out and shopped our sale and made our load of items "Lighter".

And of course, we could not have accomplished the sale without the help of the committee persons and neighbors who came out in the early morning hours and contended with the heavy rainstorms to set up and then move everything back inside and then out again.

Special thanks to Susan Pennebaker, Melissa McKee, Beth Allen-Brock, Megan Mastal, Paul and Frances Chan, Tiffany Tyler, Cathy Courtney, Debbie Hall, Claire Getschow, Judy Hoke-Meschwitz, Jackie Cook, Janice Hoxworth, Anne Edwards, Erin Burnett, Louise Moss, and Carmen Sumrall.

I know there were others who came out and donated their valuable time in the rain, heat, and humidity. Another special shout out to Margot Dimond for providing the widespread publicity. Thanks to each and every one of you. We could not have accomplished this fundraising effort without the team of volunteers!

This is a fabulous giving neighborhood that we live in!

- Peggy Sparks
Chairperson,
“Lighter in the Heights”

Learn Local Charity Open presented by First Imperial Mortgage

October 20, 2018

For Immediate Release:

Learn Local is hosting its third annual golf tournament on November 3, 2018 at Clear Creek Golf Club. The tournament is always a fun outing. The format is a casual, four-person, best ball scramble. All skill levels are welcome and is open to players 16 and up. $100 player fee ($350 for foursomes) includes green fees and golf cart, lunch, 4 drink tickets, 1 entry into the Putting Contest and player swag bags.

All proceeds will once again benefit Hogg Outdoors – a capital campaign to raise funds for enhancement to Hogg Middle School’s outdoor facilities. We are thrilled to share that demolition on the field & basketball court has begun. We hope the work will move quickly and we will have a new basketball court, field and track soon. The new fields will also include new outdoor seating, scoreboard, baseball and softball batting cages, and irrigation to keep the fields green. Once this phase is underway, we will start the design for Phase Two which includes acrylic surfacing on the basketball court and a playground for the students and neighborhood to enjoy.

Learn Local, Hogg families, SPARK, and Heights Community Business Partners have already raised over $140,000 toward the initiative! We still need additional donors to help achieve this vision for Hogg Middle School and for the community. We are very close to meeting our Phase One goals and a successful golf tournament will get us there.

Hogg Middle School is a STEM Magnet and an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program in the heart of the Woodland Heights neighborhood and is a feeder school for nine local elementary schools and Heights High School. Great strides are being made including having a wait list for the first time for the 2017-2018 school enrollment period. The historic school building has undergone renovation and beautification in the last few years and now efforts are being focused on bringing the same rejuvenation to the outdoor facilities. Learn Local is a grassroots non-profit created by community-minded, Heights neighborhood parents who are committed to making Hogg a first-class middle school and the first choice for local children.

Register or donate online at www.learnlocalopen.com

Prizes include Winning team, Closest to the Pin, Women’s and Men’s Longest Drive, Putting Contest and Honesty Award - donated by Liberty Kitchen, Buchanan’s Native Plants, 8th Wonder Distillery and Brewery, Pink’s Pizza, iPadel Houston, Pedras Wine, RIDE Indoor Cycling Studio, Arcis Golf Players Club and more.

Generous Community Sponsors include:
First Imperial Mortgage – Title Sponsor
Marianne and Kenny Terrell of Boulevard Realty – Golf Cart Sponsor
Ashley Day of Circa Realty – Swag Bag Sponsor
Lucas Craftsmanship – Putting Green Sponsor

Hole Sponsors: Caroline Schlemmer, L&B Limited, Bicycle Bungalows, Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Michalson Builders, Monarch Roofing, Nations Construction Management, Peltier Brothers Construction.

Register or donate online at learnlocalopen.com

For more information contact Shea Hill, Tournament Chair.

713-449-1850

tou_shea@yahoo.com

www.learnlocalopen.com

About Learn Local: Founded on September 24, 2013, our mission is to establish a bridge for our children between our successful Heights neighborhood elementary schools and Hogg Middle School, enabling progression within our strong, unique community.

Learn Local is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

And the Winning Bid Goes To …

This year’s Light Up the Night Holiday Bash will feature a live auction of special items:

Cooking class with Jay Francis for you and 5 friends. You'll learn to make a German chocolate cake, almond biscotti, and a surprise dessert. Date to be mutually agreed upon.

Meet with Meek – Renowned artist Bill Meek of Meek Gallery will host you and 20 friends with a wine and lite bites evening at his gallery. Bill will demonstrate his unique glass sculpturing and contouring techniques. Date to be mutually agreed upon.

Wine Lover’s Dream – Your WHCA Board has thoughtfully filled the Little Red Wagon with choice bottles of red and white.

Conroe Lakehouse Get-away for a Week– Relax in this 3-2 Walden lake house on the water. Bring your boat or rent one at the Walden Marina for a scenic cruise of this 30-mile long lake. Lounge on the large porch with a good book, or fish off your dock. Date to be mutually agreed upon.

Holiday Hayride – Celebrate the season by touring the 2018 LITH streets and neighborhood in style on Monday, December 17, from 6 – 8 pm. Departs from Buchanan’s on 11th Street at 6 pm sharp. 15 spots, shared ride. This ride normally books a year in advance, so don't miss out!

Get your ticket soon so that you can be one of the winning bidders!

Light up the Night Holiday Bash
Saturday, November 3, 2018, 7 – 11 pm
Roof-top of 1111 Studewood

Join this unique opportunity!

Holiday Bash Volunteers Needed!

Hello neighbors!

We are looking for volunteers to help make our Holiday Bash a smashing success! It is going to be an awesome event with delicious food and drinks from local vendors, a cool rooftop venue, great silent auction items, and lots of fun neighbors ready to celebrate LITH 2018! We need people to help in the following time slots:

Saturday, November 3rd:

• 3 people to help set up silent auction items from (5pm - 6:30pm at the party venue)

• 2 people to check-in people to the silent auction (7 - 9pm)

• 4 people to help check out guests after the silent auction is over (choose a 9pm - 10 pm or 10pm - 11 pm shift)

• 2 people to be in charge of items that don't get picked up that night

If you’re interested signup using the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B45A5A62EA46-light

For additional information about the Holiday Bash see woodland-heights.org/holiday-bash

Thank you making this year's LITH party a great success!

Coming Events at Trinity Downtown

While Trinity Lutheran Church (Trinity Downtown) isn’t within Woodland Heights, it’s just across the tracks and is offering some fun upcoming events that neighbors might be interested in knowing about. 

Trunks ‘n’ Treats

Looking for a family friendly Halloween event? Trinity Downtown invites you to join the fun at Trunks ‘n’ Treats on Friday, October 26, 2018 from 5pm-7pm at Upbring School, located at 1316b Washington Ave. An entirely free event, festivities include decorated trunks, candy, bounce houses, carnival games, hot dogs, nachos and more!

Trinity Downtown Oktoberfest

Join Trinity Downtown at 800 Houston Ave. on Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 4pm-6pm for an afternoon of German tradition! Brats with all the fixings will be served. Free beer from St. Arnold’s will be poured, and festive steins will be available for purchase. Enjoy a live Oompah band, corn hole and other fun activities. Event admission is free.

Trinity Concert Series Hymn Festival

Trinity Downtown presents the Hymn Festival featuring James Marriott, Director of Musical Arts at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis who will play on Trinity’s recently renovated 50 rank Holtkamp/Reuter pipe organ. The concert will take place on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 2:30pm, 800 Houston Ave and will feature exciting arrangements of many inspiring church hymns. The audience will be encouraged to sing along and will be joined by the voices of the Trinity Sanctuary Choir and the Houston Lutheran Chorale. Admission is free. Freewill offerings are appreciated.

Woodland Park 3rd Annual Scout Clean Up Day

Sunday, November 4th 2-4 PM
212 Parkview St, Houston 77009

Join us as we help to clean up a local treasure. All Scouts, friends, family and neighbors are welcome.

To register your group, please email Lauren Lindsay: mail and complete the online waiver on the FWP website: https://www.friendsofwoodlandpark.org/ All materials provided and fun patches available for purchase. We hope to see you there!

Lights in the Heights Merchandise Now For Sale!

The 2018 edition LITH cloisonné ornament is in production. This year's festive logo was designed by Jacob Gonzales, a student in Hogg Middle School's graphic design program. We've added a second cloisonné ornament this year with the highly recognizable trademarked LITH bulb logo. The illustrations don't quite do these beauties justice. These custom ornaments are handcrafted with 24k gold plated wire outlining the vivid colors of the design. Each ornament comes in a silk covered gift box - perfect for giving and safekeeping.

We also have Holiday Bash tickets, LITH embroidered aprons, printed tea towels, private party signs, and the 30th Anniversary t-shirts available for sale on the website.

Pre-order any of these items and they will be ready for you to pick up at Friday Night Lights on the Norhill Esplanade on December 7. Additional merchandise not sold on our website will be available at FNL including koozies, lighted wands for the kids, and LITH printed cocktail napkins (perfect for your LITH party!)

https://www.woodland-heights.org/store/?category=Lights+in+the+Heights

Healthy East End Week Sept 17-22

Please Join Representative Carol Alvarado for Healthy East End Week September 17 - 22nd. Events include: 

Monday, September 17th
Shoot For Your Goals! Kid's Soccer 6:30pm-8:00pm
Eastwood Park, 5000 Harrisburg Blvd

Tuesday, September 18th
Rock And Stomp! Line Dancing 11:30am-12:00pm
Settegast Park, 3000 Garrow St.

Wednesday, September 19th
Shake It 'Till You Make It! Zumba Class 6:00pm-7:00pm
Mason Park, 541 S. 75th St.

Thursday, September 20th
Just Beat It! Aztec Dance 6:00pm-7:00pm
Ingrando Park, 7302 Keller St.

Saturday, September 22th
Mason Park Bridge Grand Opening
Includes a free 5K run at 8:00am
‘Picnic in the Park’ from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm!
 Live music by Nick Gaitan and Tejas Got Soul Sound System!
Soccer clinic led by the Houston Dynamo.
541 South 75th St

For More Information - 713.649.6563

13th Annual Houston Heights Bicycle Rally & Scavenger Hunt

Grab your bike, helmet, family and friends and get ready to ride! For the 13th year, the Houston Heights Association will host the annual Houston Heights Bicycle Rally & Scavenger Hunt starting and ending at Marmion Park located at 1802 Heights Boulevard. 

Designed as a casual, self-paced ride, the rally is open to riders of all ages. Cyclists may choose between a 20-mile course through the Heights and surrounding neighborhoods, a shorter 5-mile ride designed for children and their adult companions, or the new Stroller and Bike parade — or participate in all three! 

After completing the rides, participants can celebrate at the Post Ride Party with entertainment, door prizes, and refreshments.

The registration fee for the 20-mile ride is $25 through October 4 when online registration will close and $30 for day-of-event registration on October 7. The 5-mile ride is $15 through October 4 and $20 on event day. Online registration is now open at https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Houston/13thHoustonHeightsBicycleRallyScavengerHunt. 

See www.houstonheights.org/event/bicycle-rally-scavenger-hunt/ for more information. 

The HHA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and proceeds from the Bicycle Rally go directly into the Houston Heights community for beautification, restoration, maintenance and education.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with the Bicycle Rally & Scavenger Hunt, please contact co-chairs Sharon Dearman and Carol Welter at bicyclerally@houstonheights.org

Get The Facts On The Upcoming City Referendum Elections

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Mayor Sylvester Turner is hosting a series of town hall meetings to discuss the two city ballot items that will appear on the November ballot. Come learn about the Rebuild Houston and the Houston Fire Union referendum elections on the November 6, 2018 ballot. Details on District H's public meeting are below. For more info click here.

When: Monday, September 10th, 6:30-7:45 pm
Where: Moody Park, 3725 Fulton

Lights in the Heights 2018 Proposed Route

This year the LITH committee, with feedback from residents of Woodland Heights, have selected Byrne and Euclid streets as the official route for the event, with the “anchor” being the Norhill Esplanade. It’s been close to 10 years since these streets have participated and we know that everyone will be excited to see the displays, hear the performers and enjoy the holiday cheer.

A larger, print-ready version of the route map is available for download here.

As plans are finalized with the city, further details about the route will be published in coming issues of the WHCA newsletter.

Questions, concerns or suggestions can be sent by email to lightsintheheights@gmail.com, or by mail to Lights in the Heights, P.O. Box 7754, Houston TX 77270. Please include
your name and contact information.

Lighten Your Load: Lighter in the Heights Community Yard Sale

Do you need to clean out your closet, cabinet or storage shed? We want that stuff for “Lighter in the Heights,” a community garage sale established to defray expenses of Lights in the Heights. The sale date is Saturday, September 29th from 7am - 12 noon, with a rain date of October 6th. There are two ways to assist: 

1. Contribute items in good condition to the Community Sale. 100% of the sale proceeds go to fund LITH. Donations can be dropped off at 2822 Florence, at the corner of Byrne (the flamingo house). For heavier items, please contact me to arrange pick up.
2. Your sale, your stuff, your house, our date. Your address will be publicized along with the date and address of the Community Sale. Donate 20% of your sale proceeds to LITH.

Questions? Contact Peggy Sparks at 713.628.8809 (mobile) or pegysparks@att.net

HMS Student Designs 2018 Lights in the Heights® Logo

The Lights in the Heights Committee has been working for more than three months planning for Lights in the Heights events to be held starting in September.  Having been on the LITH Committee for that long, I am finding myself humming Christmas Carols and trying to remember all the words to my favorite holiday poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clark Moore.  So, I have loosely patterned this on that beloved holiday poem that Moore wrote for his children almost two hundred years ago, in 1822.

‘Twas the week before summer vacation, and all through Hogg Middle School, Students were anxious about final exams and trying to stay calm and cool. Principal Angela Sugarek was watching over students with care,
As their excitement for summer vacation could be heard in the air.
Some students were busy in their Intro Graphic Design class, using the Web And Adobe InDesign to create digital images of what danced in their heads. Art Teacher Connie Sulewski, who directs the Graphics Design Program at Hogg, Called for her class’s attention, “A new assignment,” she said with a nod.
Then in the classroom there arose such moaning and clatter,
Seventh-grader, Jacob Gonzales looked around to see what was the matter?
“You are not required to do this assignment, it’s just for fun,”
Said Ms. Sulewski, “but you could be famous after you’re done.”
Jacob felt Ms. Sulewski was talking directly to him
As she listed items that would have the 2018 logo on them:
“On banners! On letters! On signs and posters!
On aprons! On ornaments! On napkins, even wine glasses!”
Away to a computer Jacob flew like a flash,
So he could start the assignment quickly, after his dash.
When what in his wandering mind did appear,
But the Lone Star of Texas, something Jacob holds dear.
With a wink of his eye and a nod of his head,
“That’s it!  That’s the design they will want!” Jacob said.
He spoke no more words, but went straight to his work,
Drawing a digital image of his logo, then sat back with a jerk,
On his screen, holiday lights made the Lone Star’s shape, 
The words were neon colors, and at the bottom was the date.
With a sense of pride and hope in his heart, 
Jacob submitted his design, so Ms. Sulewski could do her part.
At a Lights in the Heights Committee meeting, Ms. Sulewski presented
30 excellent designs culled from about 100 submitted.
The LITH Committee was astounded at all the designs, and so impressed,
How would they ever choose just one as the best?
This year’s Co-Chairs, Susan and Sharon, took the lead,
After much discussion and input, the Committee finally agreed:
The Lone Star Holiday Lights design was selected for the 2018 logo!
Jacob Gonzales was the winner – a future graphics design pro!

Congratulations, Jacob Gonzales!
The graphic design program at Hogg Middle School offers students comprehensive problem-solving explorations from the conceptual development phase through production of effective design solutions using digital technologies. Graphic design students address concepts of a variety of design problems leading to the execution and evaluation of their solutions, while gaining confidence and proficiency working with digital media.

- Beth Allen-Brock

Dan's House of Hope: Fun Run at Stude Park October 21st

The Buzz About The July General Meeting

Late Breaking Update: Eek! Due to a miscommunication tonight's general meeting has moved from Hogg Middle School to A 2nd Cup Coffee on 11th street. Sorry for the late notice!

---

The July General Meeting of the Woodland Heights Civic Association will take place Tuesday, July 10th at 7pm in the cafeteria at Hogg Middle School, 1100 Merrill. 

The agenda includes:

• David Welch with the Community & Regional Planning Division of the City of Houston Planning & Development Department presenting about the Special Minimum Lot Size and Building ordinances, including information about how the program works, the application and renewal process, and answering questions. 
• All Things Bees in Texas - by Shelley Rice, a WH resident who is a member of Houston Beekeepers Association.

Of course, the WHCA board members will provide updates on their various areas of activity. It's also your chance to pose questions to the civic association board. We hope to see you there! 

LITH 2018: Save The Dates!

Lighter in the Heights

Neighborhood Garage Sales
Saturday, September 29, 2018
7 am - 1 pm

Light up the Night Holiday Bash

Benefiting Lights in the Heights
1111 Studewood
Saturday, November 3, 2018
7 pm - 11 pm

Friday Night Lights

Neighborhood Gathering
Norhill Esplanade
Friday, December 7, 2018
6 pm - 9 pm

Lights in the Heights

Saturday, December 8, 2018
Byrne and Euclid Streets
6 pm - 9 pm

Presented by the Woodland Heights Civic Association.
Details to follow by email and at http://www.woodland-heights.org.
For more info contact lightsintheheights@gmail.com.
Hope to see you at all four events!

Fourth of July Parade Cancelled!

Morning All,

I have been up watching  the radar and the forecasts for about an hour.  Although the thunderstorms have been pushed back a little, the thunderstorm probability for the Woodland Heights is still very high... 79% by 9 AM, 94% by 10 AM and 98% by 11 AM.  Given these numbers and risking err on the conservative side, I have decided to cancel the Fourth of July Parade.  The last thing I want to do is put the folks in our neighborhood in any kind of danger.

- Harry McMahon, President, WHCA

Fourth of July Parade 2018 Status

Given the impending inclement weather on the morning of the Fourth of July, we thought it important to notify the neighborhood on what will occur if there is inclement weather. Unfortunately, in the event of inclement weather, the parade is canceled. We will make the final go or no-go decision early in the morning of the Fourth and post that decision well before the scheduled start of the parade at 9 AM.

- Harry McMahon, President, WHCA

Annual 4th of July Celebration

This 4th of July, join us and your neighbors at the Norhill Esplanade from 9am to 12 noon. Kids are encouraged to bring their decorated ride for the holiday parade! The fun will include the parade, snow cones, games and a bouncy house.

A family neighborhood event open to all, this 4th of July event is sponsored by the Woodland Heights Civic Association.