After seeing Happy Earth Compost service at multiple pop-ups in the White Oak and Heights markets on a Sunday, I was excited to sign up.
The process was very smooth and they will deliver what you need to start composting everything from tea bags to those leftovers that went bad last week.
Please give this local service a try and start reducing your waste. As a part of the composting community you can also get free compost for your garden.
- Alaina Hebert, WHCA President
Since 2002, we’ve put a vast effort into Halloween. It started one day when Stella came home with an 8-foot, purple, inflatable spider. I could not just plop this guy down in the yard. That lacked context. So, I dyed some sisal rope and built him a home, in the form of a 20 foot tall, illuminated spider web. A nice backdrop against which to give out candy to the kiddos.
Boo Crew
“Move over cuz you’re standing in my light.”
The fire breathing dragon that I really want!
Spa
Boo Crew
We refill that candy container 3-4 times over the night!
Every year we’d tweak the presentation a bit. We added fog machines and lights. More fog machines. More lights. Better fog machines. Still more lights.
We added music! Loud, but not too loud. Enough skeletons to have our own baseball team. Bigger, badder fog machines with built-in dry ice chambers!
And there were pumpkins. Lots of pumpkins, artfully carved by friends and family.
Stella’s amazing pumpkin carving was met by Philips Hue color changing light bulbs and the amazing Hue Halloween app. That’s a fine solution adding dramatic lights sequenced to scary sound effects!
We did not do this alone. We had help in the form of our regular Beauchamp Street Boo Crew, many of whom came in costume. Some sweet. Others quite frightful.
Many families stop to take pictures of their little ones in the scary scene, with our costumed crew.
The idea is to be scary, but not too scary. We know we’re on target if, on that fateful night, one or two kids around 4 years old are simply too scared to enter our gate. Yes, one or two genuine screams from wee kiddos is the measure of it.
Stella has forbid me getting a fire-breathing dragon. A few years back I thought for sure she’s allow it, since she enjoyed Game of Thrones. But alas, I cannot.
The reward for those who are brave is candy, copious amounts of candy. We are not stingy on either quantity or quality. As my friends at Rodeo Houston always say, “…it’s for the kids.”
The result of all this effort, spanning over 15 years, is that we always draw a huge crowd. In the three hours from 6 – 9pm we are visited by 1500+ kids and their families.
That brings me to the reason for this post. We’ve been thinking about this a lot, and we simply cannot see a way to stage our annual Halloween presentation in a Covid-safe manner.
So this year, we’re just not going to do it quite the same. There’ll be decorations, but no trick-or-treating. Call it a drive-by Halloween. In some respect, not unlike Lights-in-the-Heights.
Every family has to make their own decisions about how to proceed in the era of Covid-19. We thought that sharing our decision about Halloween at this early stage might help others to work through their own thoughts on the matter.
I would like to start off by welcoming Deputy Vest back to the neighborhood. He was out for quite some time due to Covid 19. Here are a few words he wanted to share with our community; “I would like to personally thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers when I was out sick. It means a lot to me and my family.” He also wanted me to add that our community are his eyes and ears of the neighborhood. If you see anything out of the ordinary, please do not hesitate in calling.Thank you and our neighbors for everything you do.
Number to remember:
Precinct one dispatch
713-755-7628
Those not subscribed who call may finally ask them selves, why have I waited so long to sign up?
Activity in our neighborhood for the month of July
Burglary in motor vehicle 1
Criminal mischief 1
Theft other 1
Suspicious person 4
Traffic stop 8
Stolen vehicle 1
Local alarm 1
Margaux Poizat
WHCA, Director of Security
We have some updates on local area projects. Sherry Weesner, president of TIRZ 5 and the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority, gave an update at the last meeting of the Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council on August 18th. The Woodland Heights is part of GHSNC council, with one voting delegate chosen by the WHCA Board (currently Brad Snead).
Here is an overview.
First, the image above is an overview of the TIRZ5 project map, which roughly follows White Oak Bayou, but also reaches along Shepherd/Durham, down Heights Blvd to Buffalo Bayou, and to Memorial Park.
Second, Ms. Weesner gave an overview of completed and ongoing projects that TIRZ 5 was involved in, including the new intersection at Houston Ave and White Oak, and the new trail head at the MKT Trail and Studewood.
Third, she gave an overview of several planned projects along the MKT Trail—along the portion from Heights Blvd to Houston Ave—which are at about 90% design completion, and are planned to start next year. (1) Heights Blvd (between Donovan Park and Heights Mercantile)—installing raised crosswalks and making other safety improvements to slow traffic. (2) White Oak Drive (next to Juiceland/Black Swan)—installing “bulb outs” at the intersection, and perhaps a pedestrian island. (3) Sawyer (next to Target)—redesigning the entire intersection, in conjunction with the developer at the corner, to give the trail priority and to make walking/biking safer. (4) Spring Street—installing raised crosswalks and making other safety improvements.
Fourth, on Heights Blvd South of I-10, they are planning several improvements. They will convert the existing bike lanes into separated bike lanes, and are planning to reconstruct the intersections at Washington Ave and Center St, and connect those lanes to Buffalo Bayou Park. In other words, you should be able to bike safely go from the Heights or White Oak Bayou Trail to the new HEB, and on to Buffalo Bayou Park, on separated bike lanes with priority at the intersections. I believe this project is also at the 90% design stage.
Fifth, they are at 60% design stage on a new connection from the White Oak Bayou/MKT Trails to Memorial Park via a CenterPoint utility corridor. The picture on the right is a little hard to see. But the trail currently ends in the Cottage Grove neighborhood, and you have to zig zag through neighborhoods and across I-10 to get to Memorial Park. This could be a significant connector for the Heights area.
Sixth, she discussed the Shepherd/Durham project, which is expected to start construction in 2022 and take multiple years. There are multiple parts, from different funding sources, but it will eventually stretch between I-10 and 610, as well as South of I-10 between Washington Ave and Memorial Dr. They are also working with Houston Metro, which has a planned Bus Rapid Transit stop planned between Shepherd/Durham South of I-10. Generally, the project will remove a car lane both directions (going from 4 to 3), add a raised bike lane (even with the sidewalk, not the road), lined with trees wherever possible. She said they plan to have two rows of trees along the bike lane where space permits, and one row of trees where space does not permit. The bike lane on Shepherd will be on the East side, and will include “floating” Metro bus stops, similar to what is being installed on Cavalcade. The bike lane on Durham will be on the East side as well because of limited right of way. She also explained that they engaged two engineering firms, both of which concluded that the congestion on Shepherd/Durham is not from amount of car lanes, but from the design of the turns. This project should alleviate that congestion while making it safer for other road users.
Seventh, she mentioned several other projects they are assisting with, in conjunction with the Montrose TIRZ and others, putting bike lanes on West Dallas and Dunleavy, adding connections in the area South of Buffalo Bayou between Shepherd and Waugh
Finally, she discussed a question we raised about TIRZ5’s interest in working with neighborhoods to do small projects. She said TIRZ5 usually gets involved in big projects, but likes to take 1 to 2 small projects a year that can be done quickly. They would like to work with neighborhoods as well, if we can find funding for half or so (and she mentioned other potential sources of funds and grants). The WHCA Board will discuss this, and would like input from the neighborhood, on what types of projects we’d like to see to help us connect to these other projects. For example, we could use this to create a bike/pedestrian crossing at White Oak Dr from our neighborhood so we can access the bayou trails more safely.
So there are a lot of things in the works for the coming years. Please email any comments, ideas, and suggestions to infrastructure@woodland-heights.org.
Brad Snead
Director of Infrastructure
September YOM goes to Larry Hall and Louis Aquino at 529 Euclid. They have a large number of plantings of various varieties. Some native, some not, some fruit bearers, some flowering - you get the picture. Larry and Louis are generous neighbors both in their gardening advice and sharing plants/cuttings. One can usually find "babies" in pots along their sidewalk which they put out for others to take and enjoy.
Larry purchased this home in 2006, when it was clad in turquoise and yellow aluminum siding, and fenced in chain link. Photos from the 1920's, show the bungalow painted the original white with no trees, bushes, garage or sidewalk. It was designed by the same architect as 429 Euclid, which it resembles from the street.
Louis is the "green thumb" behind all of the plants that have been added. Crepe myrtles, Jerusalem Thorn and Hibiscus trees line the Northwood sidewalk. There were grand oak trees in those locations in 2006. There was a drainage ditch along Northwood in 2006, which was changed when major renovations to the storm drainage systems were completed several years ago.
Except for the large red bougainvillea on the east side of the front yard, Louis has selected and grown most of the potpourri of plants we have. Planted on the southwest side of the taller fence, is called the "Flaming Glory", or "Orange Pagoda Flower" . Other plants that have been added include raspberry, white and purple bougainvillea, Esperanza, red and green Coleus, Lantana, "Fire-cracker" bush, Hyacinths, Cuban Gold, Creeping Fig, various ferns and tulips, and miscellaneous bits of color here and there. Larry and Louis didn't start out with any kind of plan - they just bought what they liked as they went along. Lots of potted plants and trees are in the backyard including fruit trees and an avocado tree.
More plantings are coming to accent their new front yard fence. Louis keeps a large bowl out front for neighborhood dogs as well as lots of bird seed.
Note: Questions about WHCA finances can be directed to treasurer@woodland-heights.org
Note: Questions about WHCA finances can be directed to treasurer@woodland-heights.org
Brandon and Kelly Jacob bought the house next door in 1996 and became the third owners of a darling bungalow on a large corner lot. A second story addition in 2016 greatly expanded the home and oriented views to the side yard with designs to build a swimming pool. Instead of a pool, they opted to create several outdoor areas: one with a fireplace, a large pot garden flanked by a fountain, a separate seating area with swings and a fire pit, and the Piece de Resistance is their Treedeck Oasis with its bright yellow chairs!
While the front yard is planted with many heat tolerants like salvia, Little John bottlebrushes, loropetalum, creeping yews, rosemary and more, their attractive stoop is flanked by pots of succulents which makes it all very inviting.
With the heat and social distancing in place, Kelly and Brandon have managed to have a ideal place outside to meet friends, admire the beauty they have created and enjoy the outdoors. Kudos and a Tip of the Trowel to you!
- Allison Hartzell, Dir of Beautification
July YOTM just yells for red, white and blue decor! 607 Gladys fits that bill. Jayne and Pat who are long time residents and tireless volunteers for the neighborhood have a bounty of color along with July 4 whirligigs. Their crepe myrtles, dianthuses, and hibiscus really pop out of the lush greenery in their front yard. Due to COVID distancing, they were not interviewed for this article.
If you have a nomination or suggestion for YOM, please email beautification@woodland-heights.org.
- Allison Hartzell, Dir of Beautification
We have gardening fairies who volunteer their time to weed, water, plant and generally maintain the Watson esplanade that you see as you enter the neighborhood from the south. These neighbors toil away so please tell them thank you if you see them out and about.
WE THANK YOU AND APPRECIATE YOUR HARD WORK TO KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOOD LOOKING GOOD!
Pat Schaper
Pat Rutledge
Dan Rueda
Nicole Wyman
Louise Moss
Also, please give them a wide berth if you see their orange cones out at the esplanade while they are working. Looks great ya'll!!
Please join your neighbors virtually for our July General Meeting. We will be introducing new board members and looking for a new Director of Communications and other volunteers. If you would like to suggest a topic for the agenda, please email president@woodland-heights.org.
Jul 14, 2020 07:00 PM Central Time
This virtual gathering will be conducted using Zoom.
Neighbors seeking to attend must register in advance.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Respectfully,
Alaina Hebert
President, WHCA
Are you concerned about your beloved home falling prey to a wrecking ball? Looking for a way to protect it? An option is to apply for Protected Landmark status. In a nutshell, here are some of the details.
Buildings have to meet three of these general requirements to qualify as a protected landmark:
50 years old or older*
Example of an identifiable architectural style*
Associated with a known architect, builder or craftsman.
Important building to the community or scene of a significant event in the community*
Illustrates how the neighborhood developed or last surviving example in its neighborhood*
Associated with a family or individual prominent in the community.
The four with asterisks are the most common qualifiers. When it says community, it can just be the neighborhood; it does not have to be the whole city.
The ordinance is concerned with structural changes to the house: things like replacing windows and doors, enlarging the openings. Substantial changes. You can also build additions to the house as long as they don’t dominate the historic portion. All these kinds of changes have to be submitted to the preservation office for approval before the work is begun.
At the owners request, Preservation Houston can produce the protected landmark nomination at no charge. Contact Preservation Houston at 713-510-3990 for more information.
Note: Questions about WHCA finances can be directed to treasurer@woodland-heights.org
Travis Elementary-based Brownie Girl Scout Troop 122109 did a socially-distanced food drive for the Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry in May. They created flyers to distribute to their neighbors and collected donated food from porches. The girls were able to collect 16 bags full of canned and dried goods to support the neighborhood food bank. For their next community service project, they are spending the summer writing to seniors who are not able to venture out. Way to go Girl Scouts!
- Melanie Gehman
Like mushrooms after a rain, we see little libraries popping up around the neighborhood. This one, known as Byrne Books, is at 408 Byrne across from the infamous Feel The Byrne lights. I stumbled upon it while our walking the dogs last week.
Imagine a world in the distant future… A world where Covid is a word of the past and hardly spoken. A world in which families go on vacation but do not spend every single moment of the day together. This day will come (of course not soon enough) but when it does ... Who will watch over and protect our neighborhood? Who will come to our rescue? Will it be the raccoons, possums, feral cats, lost parakeets or possibly squirrels? No, it will be our Constables.
Have you signed up? If you haven’t it’s not too late. Act now and for $350 you will receive an up-to-date sticker/sign. This will give our neighborhood a daytime and nighttime constable. You can also request to have your house checked while on vacation. Remember, your subscription is auto renewable now.
I am new to this position and want to hear from you with suggestions or concerns. This program will only be successful if we are all a part of it.
- Margaux Poizat, Dir of Security
Keith Pattillo was long time resident of 308 Woodland, a home that he shared with his dog “Lucky.” I first encountered Keith and his dog while walking our two Labradors, as we often traversed Beauchamp to Woodland westbound. He was always friendly, with a smile and something nice to say.
We typically saw Keith driving around in his old pickup truck with Lucky in the passenger seat. Lucky passed away early in 2018 and Keith joined him in July of that year. His passing was noted by neighbor David Jordan and many others.
Earlier this month The Houston Chronicle published an essay by Mildred Scott, a crossing guard at Travis Elementary School. It details the evolution of her friendship with Mr. Pattillo. It’s a lovely story of hope and kindness. While I cannot republish it here, I offer it as recommended reading.
Thanks to Debbie Hall for bringing it to my attention.
- Michael Graves, Dir of Communications
In a message a few weeks back we noted some recent changes in the WHCA board. I thought it good to introduce these new folks, who have taken up the task of helping WHCA navigate through the coming two years.
Living in and being active in Woodland Heights for over 30 years has given me great insight into the neighborhood and Heights in general. My husband and I worked to pass the original deed restrictions back in the 1980's when we got our start in volunteering for the community.
Our three girls are native Woodland Heighters and all went to Travis. Being a long time volunteer in the local community, including past president of WHCA (2010), as well as an avid gardener, makes Beautification a good fit so I can continue to give back to the neighborhood which has brought me and my family lots of great memories.
Many of you may know my dog better than me, Chuck and I stroll the neighborhood multiple times a day though our walks are getting shorter and shorter as he hits his golden years. We will be perusing yards for Yard of the Month on our walks! Please feel free to drop me an email if you have suggestions or want to nominate a Yard of the Month.
I was born and raised in New Orleans and moved to Houston in 2001, to eventually purse my Nurse Anesthetist degree. I crossed paths with my husband who was here for an engineering internship. The Heights always drew me in because of the resemblance to my home town. So this is where we choose our home in 2007.
Our children have attended the neighborhood schools from the time they were four years old. My daughter will be starting her last year at Travis Elementary in the fall and my son will start his second year at Hogg Middle School.
In my spare time I like to tinker. I enjoy making jewelry, collecting/restoring antiques and playing the piano. I’m excited for this new role in our community.
The nominating committee is continuing to seek candidates for several positions that will be filled at the Annual General Meeting in July. For details please contact Alaina Hebert at whcavolunteer@googlegroups.com
It was mid-April when the Friends of Woodland Park received an email from Keith Williamson asking two questions: 1) are box turtles native to this area, and 2) are nutria actively controlled to protect the park or simply left alone. Our response to the nutria question was that there is not an abundance of nutria in this area and the natural predators keep their numbers in balance.
The inquiry about the box turtle (see Keith’s photo taken at Woodland Park) required an online search which resulted in learning that box turtles in Texas are declining in number and need to be protected.
Do you know…
Box turtles often live for 50 or more years.
Box turtles may live for nearly 10 years before they mate and lay eggs.
The number of eggs laid by female turtles is relatively few and many eggs are eaten by predators.
Very few baby box turtles reach adulthood due to being eaten.
Most of the box turtles sold in stores have been taken from the wild.
About half of the box turtles taken from the wild for the pet trade do not survive due to filthy conditions and lack of food and water before being placed in a pet store.
Turtles bought at pet stores or flea markets are probably in ill health.
So how do we protect box turtles other than not running over them with our vehicle when they are crossing the road? If you can safely pull off the road and rescue the turtle there are several things to keep in mind.
Pick up the turtle and move it off the road in the direction in which it was heading. (The turtle may try to cross the road again if it’s moved to the wrong side of the road.)
Don't take the turtle to another location unless you feel it’s not safe where you found the turtle. Turtles will try to find their old "neighborhood" and need to remain in the same vicinity.
Don't take the turtle home for a pet. If you take a female turtle home, it will be removed from reproductive potential for possibly 40 years.
If you find a box turtle when out for a walk in the woods or a bicycle ride, take a photo to share with your friends but please leave it where you found it (if in a safe place) after you’ve taken time to marvel at Nature’s wildlife with whom we share our world.
Please enjoy the trails at Woodland Park and let us know if you have questions or wish to share photos of wildlife you’ve seen there.
Louise Moss
Friends of Woodland Park
www.friendsofwoodlandpark.org
With the pandemic, we have spent more time at home and some residents have had more time to indulge in various hobbies or passions. One such activity for a group of Heights residents has been baking, particularly bread, and particularly sourdough bread.
A few months ago, a local bread baker, Jan Ford Young, had the idea of giving away sourdough starter to get others into bread making. She posted on Next Door and the requests literally poured in. To date, Jan has given away 107 jars of sourdough starter from her back porch.
As it turns out, not everyone who took the starter knew how to use it. Jan created a Facebook page which allows her to post bread pictures, links to bread tutorials, recipes, and a forum for other bakers to share their successes, failures, and get advice. Jan has basically become a Mother Hen to Heights bakers and we thank her for that service.
If you are interested in baking, join the group. As it turns out there is a lot to learn about bread culture and it is fun. Looking at a fresh baked loaf that you baked yourself makes you feel slightly euphoric.
To check out the Facebook Group, go to Facebook and search for Houston Heights Bread Club. You can contact Jan directly via email: Jan.young@icloud.com. She is happy to share a starter with you, but she may need a jar in return. Happy baking. You can do this.
- Debbie Hall
