H-E-B Opens Long-Awaited Heights Store /
HOUSTON, TEXAS – H-E-B made good on its promise to build a store for Houston’s Heights community by opening its newest multi-level location at 2300 N. Shepherd Drive (at 24th St.) on Wednesday, January 30th. The brand new, 92,000 sq.-ft. store features expansive shopping options, covered parking, and is equipped with elevators and escalators to easily navigate the double-story structure.
“We appreciate all of the support and effort by The Heights community that made it possible for HEB to build here”, said Scott McClelland, H-E-B President Food & Drug. Creating a store that captures the spirit of The Heights was our number one goal. I think we’ve been able to add to the character of the community with this store. It’s as good as we know how to build.”
In 2016, residents who lived within the boundaries that once defined a 104-year-old “dry” area of The Houston Heights voted to repeal the ban on the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption paving the way for H-E-B to build.
Tammy Hager, H-E-B Heights Top Store Leader, will lead a team of more than 388 Partners (employees), many of whom were recruited from three local high schools. “We wanted to give students an opportunity to connect with H-E-B and grow with us,” said Hager.
Hager, a 37-year grocery industry veteran and 15-year H-E-B Partner, has strong ties to the Heights area. She previously lived off 18th Street and regularly enjoyed the T.C. Jester and Buffalo Bayou bike trails while training for longer rides to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Members of her extended family were raised in in Cottage Grove, shopping the store previously located on the H-E-B Heights site and the H-E-B on T.C. Jester.
“In many ways for my family, it’s coming full circle, and we are excited to be a part of the new store,” added Hager. “This neighborhood is very special, it’s like no other in Houston. There is so much history and culture, much like the spirit of H-E-B.”
Announcing the 2019 WHCA Constable Patrol Program /
Since 2011, Woodland Heights Civic Association has administered a Constable Patrol Program, serviced by Harris County Precinct One. Our Constable Patrol Program is a supplemental police force that provides additional safety and security to our neighborhood through the work of two deputies hired to patrol the neighborhood for two 40-hour shifts per week.
Program Benefits:
Vacation watch and lock checks
Home security checks
Ability to link home security alert system to Precinct 1 dispatch vs. Harris county main dispatch
Constable Patrol sign in yard
Increased police presence in neighborhood
New Discounts & Incentives
In 2018, just 415 of the approximately 2000 homes in the Woodland Heights neighborhood funded the entire program. In an effort to grow the program’s participation rate and continue to provide the additional neighborhood security, we’ve arrived at a new fee structure for 2019. The rates are reduced, and include incentives for both early renewal and referring new program subscribers.
2019 Program Rates:
Early-Bird Rate: $300* (Renew before April 1)
Regular Rate: $350 (After March 31st)
Referral credit: $ 25**
*$300 paid by check, $310 if paid online using a credit card.
**Credit for each new subscriber (non-2018 participant) is $25 towards your renewal in 2020.
Now is the time to take advantage of the Early-Bird rate and help keep our neighborhood safe!
Visit https://www.woodland-heights.org/store/constable-patrol to join us in protecting the Woodland Heights.
Questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact: Cody McGregor at security@woodland-heights.org
Seeking Volunteers for a Nominating Committee /
The WHCA general meeting on March 12th is the final meeting of our year. That meeting centers around electing a new Board of Directors. On April 1st that new board takes over for the 2019 - 20 year.
To facilitate that election, the WHCA President is tasked with appointing a nominating committee who are charged with finding candidates to run for the various open directorships. According to the bylaws that committee must be two (2) current directors and three (3) homeowner members.
So it is that we are seeking volunteers to sit on the nominating committee. To sit on this committee you must be a WHCA member and not yourself running for a directorship.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Harry McMahon at president@woodland-heights.org.
Yard-of-the-Month: 1126 Highland /
Brian Walker and Lorenzo Rodriguez have been lovingly tending their garden at 1126 Highland for over twenty years.
With midwinter taking a toll on many yards, theirs stands out as it continues to bloom, now with deep roots and a history surrounding their home. It’s a treat for neighborhood wildlife and insects, with diverse plantings including azaleas, bottlebrush, irises, lilies, lantana, succulents, and hibiscus, as well as the more common crepe myrtles, muhly grass, boxwood, and sago palm. They even incorporated a small yard art hydrant to welcome dogs!
The bricks imprinted with Mexia that make up part of their walkway were salvaged from their home’s original oven. When I asked about a pretty tri-leaf filling around their lilies and azaleas, Lorenzo said “That may be a weed. But it’s nice and grows well, so I left it.” I love that approach, and it’s so pretty.
Stephanie Riceman
WHCA, VP Beautification
WHCA Yard-of-the-Month Sign Missing! /
It seems that the WHCA Yard-of-the-Month signs has gone missing. It's last known perch was 528 Bayland. We need it back! If someone grabbed it, perhaps to prank a neighbor, we'd be happy just to see it returned to where they found it. No questions asked. Michael Graves VP Communications, WHCA
Have you seen this sign? We need it returned.
MextroNext Public Meeting Monday, January 28th /
METRO’s Board of Directors, led by Chair Carrin Patman, is developing a new plan for transit services in the Houston/Harris County region. It will be a forward-looking plan focused on providing more transportation choices to more people.
The planning process has been underway since 2017. The current phase in the process includes a series of public meetings to expose the draft plan for comment. The public meeting nearest to Woodland Heights is as follows:
Monday, January 28 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Fulbright Tower
1301 McKinney
Houston, Texas 77010
For more information about MetroNext see their website.
Councilor Karla Cisneros on Trash & Recycling Collection /
This morning’s email newsletter from District H Councilor Karla Cisneros included the following letter:
January 17, 2019
Dear District H Constituents,
As Council Member representing District H, I want to touch base with you all regarding the spike in missed and delayed waste pick up whether it be recycling or heavy trash. Please know that this spike is not isolated to your neighborhood or even just District H. This is a city-wide problem that has been happening for the last few months, and in an effort to achieve clarity, I have compiled below information regarding the delays and what the Solid Waste Department is doing to resume regularly scheduled recycling and heavy trash pickup.
What is causing the delays?
The City’s fleet of recycling trucks is aging and many sustained damage during Hurricane Harvey. This has led to equipment downtime as the trucks are repaired.
Many homeowners’ garbage and recycling bins were washed away during Hurricane Harvey, creating a backlog of delivery of the new bins.
Solid Waste is experiencing an increase in volume, typical for this time of year, further contributing to delays.
Solid Waste needs new truck mechanics and experienced CDL drivers, of which there are few, due to the nation-wide skilled labor shortage.
What is the City doing to help?
At the end of the summer, Solid Waste will receive 69 new trucks.
City Council voted to approve a recycling collections contract with a private vendor and a rental contract for extra manual collection garbage trucks while we wait for the new trucks to come in this summer.
While there is a hiring freeze for most City of Houston departments, Solid Waste is exempt so that they may hire desperately needed trucks drivers and mechanics. To apply, visit this website.
Solid Waste has staff working overtime on weekends in an effort to get back on schedule.
Mayor Turner’s team is tracking all missed and delayed pickups personally by remaining in communication with Solid Waste, 311 operators, and Council Members.
The Solid Waste Department’s Facebook page updates information on daily routes being picked up each day.
Regularly-scheduled pickups are projected to resume ~60 days.
What can residents do?
Solid Waste is encouraging residents to take advantage of the six neighborhood depositories in the city. For more information on locations and requirements please visit this website.
If your bin is not picked up on your regularly-scheduled day, please report the situation first to 311 and then to my office by calling 832-393-3003. My office will coordinate with the Solid Waste department as well as the Mayor’s office to track and resolve the issue.
Continue to follow social media and the Solid Waste website for updates on when your neighborhood’s pickup will take place.
I understand that this situation is not only inconvenient, but frustrating. My staff and I have been tracking this issue for months and continue to vigilantly advocate for the constituents of District H. We are here to make your communications with the City of Houston more efficient and more transparent, so please do not hesitate to call my office with your issues, be they Solid Waste related or otherwise.
Sincerely,
Karla Cisneros
Council Member, District H
Yard-Of-The-Month: 528 Bayland /
My friend and I have loved this sweet, expansive yard for a while! Watching it transform through seasons only seems to bring out the beauty in its evolution.
Looking over the fence you see nicely manicured space, but what is really cool is all along the sidewalk: an antique water fountain with a little bowl for neighborhood critters to have a drink on hot days, benches for big and little kids to have a rest and meet neighbors, and a thoughtfully designed sidewalk that lofts over giant oak root mounds and also easy for those of us on wheels. It's a lovely merger of urban and wild - how fitting for our Woodland Heights, so close to downtown.
- Stephanie Riceman, VP-Beautification
LITH 2018 Merchandise /
Whew, 2018 Lights in the Heights is just a memory, now. And it still has us smiling — fun times, great folks, huge success! This year’s LITH has been a true labor-of-love, for the 2018 LITH Committee. On behalf of the entire LITH Committee, we want to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who supported LITH, in every way. In particular, Melissa McKee and Beth Allen-Brock send our special thanks to those who purchased LITH and WH branded merchandise. This year, merchandise sales topped $10,800, which generated profits of approximately $4400. Every penny of merchandise sales’ profit goes toward the expenses of 2018 Lights in the Heights.
Thank you, neighbors!!
LITH 2018 Acknowledgements /
Lights in the Heights is the result of a massive amount of work by a volunteer team of neighbors. With the event now well in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to extend a big thank you to the entire team of LITH 2018 Chairs and Volunteers!
Lights in the Heights Co-Chairs
Sharon Greiff
Susan Pennebaker
Lighter in the Heights Chair
Peggy Sparks
Holiday Bash Co-Chairs
Gabe Vick
Bridget Vick
Jason Williams
Kristi Williams
Silent Auction Chair
Lauren Snead
LITH Budget Chair
Melissa McKee
LITH Merchandise Co-Chairs
Beth Allen-Brock
Robyn Klepper
Melissa McKee
Friday Night Lights Chair
Katie McCafferty
LITH Volunteer Coordinator
Claire Getschow
Vendor Contracts, City Permits, Insurance Rider
Melissa Sternfels
Sharon Greiff
Communications Publisher and WHCA Web
Michael Graves
Distribution of Newsletters
Andrea Gorney
Art Direction and Graphic Design
Stella Espinosa
Luminaria Chair
Caroline Johnston
Printing Coordinator, Cookie Chair
Robyn Klepper
Block/Porch Generals
Meagan Mastal
Melissa Sternfels
Band/Porch Coordinators
Meredith Burke
Ward Pennebaker
Kent Brock
Awards Judging Chair
Stephanie Riceman
Luminaria Chair
Caroline Johnston
LITH Web Portal
Mark Sternfels
Thanks also to all volunteers who supported the above chairs with their time, ideas and do-nations.
Houston NFLer Brings 5k to Houston Heights to raise $50,000 for Sickle Cell Charity in Honor of Late Twin Brother /
Click above for the PDF flier.
HOUSTON (November 5, 2018) – As One Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by retired NFL star Devard Darling, will host its 9th Annual Darling Dash 5k sponsored by UT Physicians Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center. The event will take place at 8 a.m. on Feb. 24 at Stude Park in the Houston (1031 Stude Street, Houston, TX 77007.) A growing list of pro athletes, including former Houston Texans’ Chester Pitts, FSU Seminole’s Myron Rolle and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Darrius Heyward-Bey have been invited to be on hand for photos and autographs. This year, the team with the largest number of participants will have VIP access and a tent outfitted with special prizes.
A former wide receiver for the NFL, Darling founded As One Foundation in memory of his identical twin brother, Devaughn, whose death was related to sickle cell disease. The dash will fund As One Foundation’s Operation Hydration. The training program educates student athletes, coaches and staff about the correlation between sickle cell attacks and poor hydration. Proceeds will also go to the foundation’s scholarship program. “I know how terrible it feels to lose someone you love,” said Darling. “It pains me my brother’s death could’ve easily been prevented if we were more informed about sickle cell. Our goal is to prevent tragedies like this from happening through awareness and support.”
Online registration is open at DarlingDash5k.com through race day from $25 to $40 and the first 1,000 finishers will receive medals. The goal is to raise $50,000 and exceed past prior fundraising efforts.
The 2019 Darling Dash marks the 18th anniversary of Devaughn Darling’s death at 18 due to exhaustion and dehydration during football practice. Both Darling brothers carry the sickle cell trait, which can be fatal when paired with physical rigor and lack of hydration.
According to the American Football Coaches Association, sickle cell trait-related deaths lead the causes of death of collegiate football players. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease. The CDC states people with sickle cell disease have less access to comprehensive care than people with genetic disorders such as hemophilia and cystic fibrosis.
ABOUT AS ONE FOUNDATION
The mission of As One Foundation is to educate and increase awareness of sickle cell trait while encouraging youth to achieve their dreams in the face of life’s challenges. On Feb. 26, 2001, Devaughn Darling lost his life due to sickle cell disease coupled with exhaustion during spring football practice at Florida State University. His identical twin brother, Devard Darling, persevered after the tragedy. He became an NFL star, but his most noteworthy accomplishment was founding As One Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring Devaughn’s life while elevating awareness of sickle cell trait. For more information on As One Foundation visit, www.AsOneFoundation.org and @AsOneFoundation on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
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WHCA Statement of Activity November 2018 /
Questions about WHCA finances can be directed to treasurer@woodland-heights.org.
This statement also appeared in the November 2018 printed newsletter.
Friday Night Lights - on Sunday! /
A portion of the family fun originally planned for the FNL event last week has been rescheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, December 16th.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting Woodland Heights at the Norhill Esplanade on Sunday afternoon, December 16 from 3:30-5:30. Neighbors wishing to participate in Operation: Stocking Stuffer can bring an unwrapped, unopened new toy to the event where the donation boxes will be set up. There will be s’mores and the final sale of LITH merchandise for 2018.
Lights in the Heights 2018 Winning Homes /
The LITH judging committee toured the route Thursday evening with the help of Jeff Trevino and his open-air art-mobile. The following are this year’s award winning homes:
MOST COLORFUL – 514 Euclid
MOST FESTIVE – 412 Euclid
MOST CREATIVE – 529 Highland
MOST WATTAGE – 419 Euclid
MOST RELIGIOUS – 402 Byrne
BEST THEME – 309 Euclid
BEST SINGLE COLOR: 530 Byrne
MOST TRADITIONAL – 418 Byrne
PICK OF THE NIGHT – 501 Euclid
HO-HO-HO – 406 Byrne
BEST PORCH – 711 Euclid
BEST BLOCK – 400 Byrne
BEST NOT-QUITE-A-BLOCK – 1000 Euclid / condo complex
MOST MYSTICAL – 713 Byrne
BEST FOSSIL – 428 Byrne
“THE MOST” – 1020 East 7th
MOST HISTORICAL – 518 Byrne
BEST BLOW-UPS – 313 Byrne
BEST ON-4-WHEELS – Decorated vintage truck on 1000 block of 7th
Friday Night Lights 2018 /
Kick off your Lights in the Heights weekend at Friday Night Lights on Friday, December 7 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm on Norhill Esplanade. At this festive event, neighbors can gather around the campfire and toast marshmallows or enjoy dinner from a local food truck under the glow of Jurassic Christmas displays.
Lights in the Heights merchandise will be on sale all night, so be sure to grab your private party signs and keepsakes. Some of our generous sponsors, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights and H-E-B, will also be at the event to spread the holiday cheer.
Enjoy the lights around the neighborhood by hopping on the famed hayride, starting at 5:30. Children can take part in a 30-year-old neighborhood tradition at the craft tent and decorate a luminaria. And while you are enjoying all the fun, keep your ear out for sleigh bells because Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 6:30.
To give back as a neighborhood, Woodland Heights will host a toy drive in coordination with the Lights and the Heights festivities. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Norhill Esplanade on Friday, December 7 from 5-9 pm or Saturday, December 8 from 9 am - 12pm. There will be large donation boxes with the Operation: Stocking Stuffer logo for your gift.
To volunteer to help with FNL please contact katie.m.mccafferty@gmail.com.
Lights in the Heights Route Map /
You can click on the map image above to download a PDF copy of the reference route map.
We’ve had a lot of feedback concerning the traffic congestion and the fact that some of our streets are practically impossible to have two-way traffic flow with parking on both sides. To alleviate this, we are trying something new this year; one-way traffic flow with parking on both sides for the majority of our east-west streets. Bayland, Pecore and White Oak will remain two-way streets.
Also, all of Norhill with the North side blocked off but allowing for East/West traffic on Bayland.
Bike Houston will be providing secure bike parking at the North end of the Norhill Esplanade.
Please! Please! Do not block driveways!
Better yet, if you need a ride into the neighborhood, use Lyft! This year we are proud to partner with Lyft to help you get to and from Lights in the Heights safely. Share the promo code HEIGHTSLIGHTS with your friends and party guests, and they will receive 50% off (up to $5) of two rides during Lights in the Heights.
Lyft is operating an official, fully-staffed pickup and drop-off station at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 600 Pecore.
https://www.lyft.com/invite/HEIGHTSLIGHTS
Otherwise, very limited parking is available in the neighborhood, including at Vineyard Church, Zion Church (fee applies), Woodland Park, and Stude Park.
Sharon Greiff, LITH Co-chair
The WHCA newsletter for November 2018 is here! /
The WHCA newsletter for November 2018 has been printed and is now finding its way to your door. Our cadre of volunteer block captains are busy distributing this last printed edition of the year, which includes everything you need to know about Lights in the Heights.
Want to get a little ahead of thing ni planning for the big weekend? You can download a PDF copy right now.
Book Review: A history of the Woodland Heights and Surrounding Communities by Omar Holquin, Jr. /
Want to catch up on Neighborhood History? Check these out these titles.
Recollections: a history of the Woodland Heights and Surrounding Communities by Omar Holquin, Jr.
This lovely and informative book was published as part of the Centennial Celebration of the Woodland Heights in 2007. Many of the contributors to this neighborhood history continue to live here and may be your next door neighbors.
The contents of this book include a history of the area before it was developed by the Wilson Company describing notable sites like Beauchamp Springs School, the Klunkert Farm, and the Bayland Orphanage. We all might be living in Beauchampville, not Woodland Heights if William A. Wilson had not selected this prime location for his real estate enterprise.
The neighborhood looked very different at the turn of the century. What we now know as Woodland Park had a hotel, beer garden, 50 foot roller coaster, plus a pair of ostriches purchased by school children through a collection of pennies. Containing pictures of early settlers, businesses, and other landmarks, this book is a historical gem.
It is for sale on Amazon (of course) and also at www.createspace.com/3582355 if you would like a copy for your shelf.
Yard-of-the-Month: 3002 Norhill /
Shawn & Dominique Rodgers, at 3002 Norhill, love supporting local businesses and love planting their own plants each season. Everything in their yard was sourced this past Spring from Buchanan’s Native Plants on 11th Street. Dominique spent several days researching to pick out just the right plants. They wanted hardy perennials that were heat and cold tolerant, drought resistant, good with full and partial sun areas of the yard, and ones that would mix well together for visual and textural appeal.
So far they have done the job, including:
Fox Tail Ferns
Monkey Grass
Regular Mondo Grass
Bronze Ajuga - ground cover, perennials (along the flower bed borders) - these are some of their favorites.
Queen Anne Lily of the Nile - perennial - around the base of the trees. These grew beautifully in their back yard, so transplanted to the front yard.
All Summer Gardenias - perennial (in the large pots.)
Baby Gem Boxwoods - perennials (in the medium sized pots) and regular boxwood in all the flower beds.
Black & Blue Salvia - perennial - around the street post and in the main flower beds. The bees & butterflies love these.
Salvia Amistad- perennial - in the main flower bed.
Angelonia - in the main flower beds
Cora cascade polka dot Trailing vinca - in the bed to the left of the house.
Graffiti White Pentas - perennial - all over the yard.
Zebra Hydrangea - on the porch in pots.
Living on the Norhill Esplanade means they have front row seats to the festivities every December, and are looking forward to celebrating with their neighborhood again this year!
- Stephanie Riceman, VP-Beautification