In Answer to Your Questions /  by Brian Edmondson

We have a few updates to pass on to questions we've received from neighbors. They are regarding a water leak near the Norhill Esplanade, the repair of the sign and retaining wall at the corner of a greenspace at Houston Avenue and White Oak Drive, and the status of repairs to the bollards and large rocks at the entrance to our neighborhood at the corner of Watson and Usener Streets. Also, you might see new signage around the neighborhood courtesy of Harris County Constable  Alan Rosen, Precinct 1 office.

  • The Water Leak near the Norhill Esplanade - the leak was identified by WHCA board members on February 20, 2025. The board checked the leak that day to see if it was coming from the irrigation system on the Norhill Esplanade. WHCA maintains the esplanade through an adoption agreement with the Houston Parks & Recreation Department. Upon investigation, it was determined the leak was on the City's side of the water meter. That makes it the responsibility of the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department. A Service Request was submitted through the COH 3-1-1 system. Additionally, the WHCA board has informed both Council Member Mario Castillo's Office, District H, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department of the leak and of the filing of the 3-1-1. Both offices have replied that they will keep the repair on their radar and have asked us to keep them informed so they can assist in repairing the leak. We will get back to you on any update we receive.

  • The Retaining Wall Repair at Houston Avenue and White Oak Drive - The Greater Northside Management District holds the contract to maintain the parkette and the signage at this site. The last information we received regarding the repair status indicated that yes, indeed, the GNMD is in the process of getting the signage repaired. The date for this repair has not been released to us at this time; however, we are inquiring again as to a timeline and will advise everyone when we receive that information. Thank you for your patience.

  • The Watson Street Esplanade - On February 13, a two-car collision damaged the bollards and broke the boulders at the entrance sign to our neighborhood at the corner of Watson and Usner Streets. Ryan Taylor, WHCA Director of Beautification, and his team of volunteers are reinstalling the bollards and replacing the boulders in front of the sign. We thank the Beautification team for their quick action and dedication to keeping that esplanade in shape on a regular basis and for their rapid response to deal with the damage from the accident. Just an FYI - they can always use more volunteers and are ready to welcome you to their ranks if you're interested; email beautification@woodland-heights.org.

  • New Signage Comes to Woodland Heights—In response to a request from Beth Sorensen, WHCA Director of Security, the county will install 8 to 10 new signs around the neighborhood. These new signs point out that the area is patrolled by Harris County Precinct 1 Constables. The signage and proposed locations can be found by clicking on the following links: Sample Signage and Proposed Sign Locations.

WHCA Board - Nominations Sought /  by Michael Graves

Elections to be held in May

What/Who is the WHCA?
If you have ever wondered what the WHCA is and who the board of directors is, the answer is—they're your neighbors. The WHCA is a voluntary organization comprised of community members (your neighbors) elected to serve on the board and work together to address common concerns, improve their neighborhoods, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

The WHCA Board comprises nine (9) homeowners in the Woodland Heights neighborhood. The terms for the existing Directors of the Association are staggered, so half of the board is elected every two years. Elections for the board are held during the WHCA Annual Meeting, which is held every year in May. Terms for the new board begin 30 days following the election. There are two requirements for individuals running for the board: 1) candidates must be resident homeowners of Woodland Heights, and 2) candidates must be members of the WHCA.

What Do the WHCA Board Members Do?
We also act as a bridge between residents and local government to communicate information about local issues and services, advocate for improvements that benefit our neighborhood, and organize events and activities to create community and unite neighbors. Board members are neighbors working together, hand in hand, to address community concerns and improve our neighborhood.

  • Represent the interests of the WHCA community to local government and other organizations, for improvemnts and changes that benefit the Woodland Heights neighborhood.

  • This includes advocating for community improvement, safety, beautification projects, and public services. 

  • Regarding safety, the WHCA coordinates the contract with Harris County Precinct 1 for the WHCA Constable Patrol. 

  • In addition, the Association oversees the event committees that produce the following annual events: Fourth of July Celebration, Lights in the Heights, and its accompanying LITH BASH and Friday Night Lights, as well as the biannual Home Tour.

Why Should I Be A Board Member?

You might ask. Here are five reasons we hope you will consider and help you decide Yes - I want to run for the WHCA Board.

  1. You want to make a difference in your community and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

  2. You want to get involved and enjoy meeting new people.

  3. You have a positive mindset and enjoy solving problems.

  4. You want to help shape the future of your community and use your planning skills to accomplish this.

How do I Apply Or Make a Nomination?
If this sounds like something you or someone you know who is a WHCA member and resident and would like to be a part of the WHCA Board, please email president@woodland-heights.org expressing your interest or nominations for a WHCA board position.

Submit your nomination now!

Beautification Update /  by Ryan Taylor

By Ryan Taylor

The start of this year has been filled with a lot of work for Beautification volunteers. We thank each and every one of our neighbors who take time out of their busy days to pitch in to help keep our neighborhood and its greenspaces clean and tidy!

Norhill Esplanade - A shout-out to Adam Linder for volunteering to refill the dog waste bags on the Norhill Esplanade. The WHCA purchases the bags, but we appreciate Adam's help filling the containers. Just a note to all doggie parents who use the bags and the Norhill Esplanade—please remember to pick up after your furry friends and dispose of their waste at home. The esplanade is one we all use, and it's much nicer when there aren't any surprises lying around in the grass."
A note regarding the water leak near the Norhill Esplanade. The board checked the leak on February 20, 2025, We determined it is not coming from the sprinkler system on the esplanade, it is on the COH side of the water meter and we have reported it via 3-1-1. We are working to get COH Public Works and Engineering to make the repair as it is on their side of the water meter and something they are responsible for fixing (we can't make the repair for them since it's on their side of the meter). We submitted the Service Request via 3-1-1 and have informed both our Courncil Member Mario Castillo, District H and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department of the problem and the submitted Service Request. They are support us in trying to get this repair made. We will keep you informed when we know more.

Historic Marker - The historic marker that used to be located at Travis Elementary at the corner of Beauchamp and Highland is temporarily in storage. It was moved before the renovation of that corner of Travis Elementary's play area. If you have never had a moment to read the sign, it details some of the historic roots of our neighborhood. Mark it as a good read for future reference once we've relocated the signage to a new spot in the neighborhood. We'll update you on that location shortly.

Ley Plaza, Woodland Park, Watson Esplanade - Many thanks to Pat Rutledge for winterizing the Ley Plaza & Woodland Parks sprinkler systems and Watson Esplanades before last month's freeze. We did not have any burst pipes or missing sprinkler heads because of his volunteer work. (The problem we're currently experiencing at the Norhill Esplanade is not part of our irrigation system. We checked our system the day one of our board members spotted it. The leak is actually on the COH side of the water line, and we've submitted a 3-1-1, as per COH policy, for repairs. In addition, we've alerted both Council Member Castillo's Office and Houston Parks and Recreation Department so they are aware of the problem. Both have responded and are working with us to address this problem. As we learn more, we will pass that information on to you. Thanks for your understanding).

Holiday Lights - Before I forget, thank you to Louise Moss for working on getting all the holiday lights picked up and packed up for next year. It's a seamless process that many may not notice as they go about their daily lives – but organization and dedication are the keys to making something work so smoothly. Louise has a great talent for both and I'm sure she'd appreciate having some apprentices to help so she can pass on her knowledge to them.

Wildflowers Growing - Just in case you think we forgot about the Houston Avenue Main Street Esplanade, and you're thinking it's looking a little ragged. Be assured we have not; wildflowers are growing there, and signage will be coming soon. So bear with us as things grow …  Spring is just around the corner.

Volunteers Always Welcome - It takes a village to handle things, and we appreciate all the volunteers who keep things going. If you'd like to join the WHCA Beautification Crew of volunteers, we'd love to have you! Individuals, businesses, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, etc., are welcome. You just need to be willing to take the time, dig in, and enjoy volunteering to make a difference in our neighborhood. It'll be fun and rewarding and a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends.

If you're interested in joining our crew, email me at beautification@woodland-heights.org.

Creature Feature - Hummers Are Coming! /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Spring signals the beginning of bird migration for many migrating species. One of the smallest birds is the Bee Hummingbird; it is only found in Cuba, so we will not see this little guy in Houston. But several other little green jewels will fly back from their winter home in the south to Houston and beyond. For people who like to plant their gardens and set up extra feeding sites for the little hummers, the Spring Migration for hummingbirds usually can be as early as January or February in some areas. However, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends having your feeders up by the Ides of March or March 15th.

Hummingbird watching is a great way to relax and sit out on your front or back porch with a favorite beverage to watch the little guys and gals jockey for ownership of your hummingbird feeders. According to the Cornell Lab's All About Birds, there is no need to use red dye in your feeders. Instead, try the Audubon Society's recipe for making your own nectar to help supplement the little bird's food supply. It's a pretty easy recipe; your reward is seeing the hummies sitting around your feeders and enjoying a great long drink from them.

Some hummingbird FAQs for you to ponder over

  • The hummingbird family is very large, with 366 species and 112 genera.

  • Fewer than two dozen species venture into the United States and Canada, and only a few remain year-round.

  • Hummingbirds are members of the family Trochilidae. They are among the smallest birds, with most species in the 3"-5" range.

  • Many hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America or Mexico and migrate north to their breeding grounds in the southern United States as early as February. Later in the spring, they migrate to areas further north, even into Canada.

  • The first migratory arrivals in spring are usually males.

Want to learn more about hummingbirds? Here are some sites you might like to visit:  available at the following resources

WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report /  by Beth Sorensen

01/01/2025 - 01/31/2025
By Beth Sorensen

If you have already registered as a WHCA Constable Patrol member, thank you for supporting this service. If you are not, we invite you to join by clicking the button below and help make Woodland Heights a safer community.

Have you had a positive experience with our Constable that made a difference in your life or the safety of our community? We want to hear about it! Whether it was help during an emergency, assistance with a concern, or simply their presence making you feel secure, your stories matter.

Please share your story with us by emailing security@woodland-heights.org. Your experiences help highlight the Constable's important role in keeping Woodland Heights safe and thriving.

Thank you for taking the time to share your gratitude and support!

Announcing the February 2025 WHCA Member's Meeting /  by Michael Graves

Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m
Zion Lutheran Church
3606 Beauchamp St,
Houston, TX 77009

With Guests:

  • Precinct One Constable Allen Rosen

  • COH District H Council Member Mario Castillo

  • Precinct One Deputy Constable Jacob Lemmons

  • Precinct One Deputy Constable Amanda Suggs

  • HPD Representative

Thank you for your patience as we worked through the rescheduling of the February Members Meeting. As previously indicated, the topic of the meeting is the WHCA Constable Patrol and issues of neighborhood security.

About the Constable Patrol Program

The WHCA Constable Patrol was established in 2011. The program provides two Precinct One Constables dedicated to Woodland Heights, to supplement existing law enforcement services. It is a supplemental patrol that is paid for through subscriptions by residents.

For some years the revenue raised by Constable Patrol supporters has not fully covered the cost of contract. WHCA subsidized the program with funds raised by the association's special events (the bi-annual Home Tour and Lights in the Heights). This has become unsustainable. We currently have no choice but to increase the price of subscriptions to meet the escalating cost of the program. This is the first price increase since 2019!

This member's meeting is firstly to explain the current status of the program, it's cost and benefits, and chart a path forward. We'll be announcing a new price for Constable Patrol subscriptions effective April 1, 2025.

At present, only 472 of 2000 homes in Woodland Heights support the Constable Patrol Program. Given this fact, we are also be seeking community support to grow the number of Constable Patrol subscribers. With more homes supporting the program, it can be expanded, and additional measures considered to enhance neighborhood security.

Neighborhood Security More Broadly

Some weeks ago there was an incident that has alarmed and upset many neighbors. This warrants a more general discussion of neighborhood security. With this in mind, we have invited an array of guests from law enforcement and local government to inform our discussion. We anticipate an animated, respectful, and informative Q&A session.

Please note: While this is a officially WHCA Member's Meeting, all Woodland Heights residents are welcome.

Have you seen this man? /  by Michael Graves

UPDATE/WANTED: Photo of Carlos Jose Ayala Morales, 43, now charged with felony attempted indecency with a child in an incident in the 800 block of Omar St. on Jan. 27

Tips about his whereabouts? Call Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS for a reward up to $5K.

Help detectives ID this suspect wanted for inappropriately grabbing & touching a female, 7, in the 800 block of Omar St. just after 3 p.m. on Monday (Jan. 27).

The male was also seen on foot on Reagan and Watson Streets nearby. Any residents who have any video, please contact our detectives at 713-986-3300.

Know his ID? Call Crime Stoppers of Houston 713-222-TIPS for a reward up to $5K.

President's Report - January 2025 /  by Michael Graves

Recently, I’ve heard it said that the past week feels like a month or more. It certainly has been odd, with more snow than I’ve seen since I arrived here in 1998. As January comes to a close, I find myself looking forward to 2025 while also casting one last look back at the final word on Lights in the Heights 2024.

Looking Forward - District H Townhall Meeting Update
Council Member Mario Castillo, District H, held a town hall meeting at the Woodland Park Community Center on Saturday, Jan. 25th. This is the second in a series of meetings that he's arranged. The purpose of the meeting was to review initiatives and accomplishments in 2024, detail plans for 2025, and garner feedback from the community.
 
The council member mustered significant support from various city, regional, and state services. Many tables were set around the room, with people available to answer questions. These included Houston 311, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on I-45 and I-10 projects, COH Solid Waste Management, METRO, COH Department of Neighborhoods (DON), COH Fire Department (HFD), Houston Land Bank, The Harris County Area Agency on Aging, Friends of Woodland Park (FWP), COH BARC, and the Houston Parks & Recreation Department.
 
The presentation lasted a solid 90 minutes, including a spirited question-and-answer session. It covered more than I can address here, but I will mention a few highlights that stand out to me.

When traffic calming was implemented in Woodland Heights in 2016, White Oak Drive and Houston Avenue were considered significant feeder streets. We were not allowed to deploy traffic cushions on those roads. In 2024, CM Castillo worked with a neighbor on White Oak Drive to recategorize that street. As a result, it's now possible to consider traffic calming measures along White Oak Drive in the future.

Pedestrian safety is to be improved along Houston Avenue. The new crosswalks at Parkside Drive and North Street were described previously. The council member showed a work-in-progress design for a new pedestrian island planned for the crosswalk at Bayland Avenue. This will significantly help people walking to & from Travis Elementary School.

Representative Garcia took a few minutes to address federal issues at the gathering. She offered some interpretation of some things resulting from the recent spate of executive orders from the incoming president. She noted a "red card" that's available that details a citizen's rights when dealing with an immigration enforcement agency like ICE.
 
She further noted that a recent White House pause on federal funding may impact some major construction projects (I-45) involving federal funds. That received a small round of applause from the audience.

The Q&A session was lively. The single largest concern appeared to be trash collection, including heavy trash and tree waste. The council member explained the constraints faced by the solid waste department (staffing and equipment shortages). Mr.Richard A, Nguyen from Solid Waste noted they are just as frustrated as residents. They work seven days a week with equipment often beyond its intended lifespan.
 
Given the difficulty of sticking to a fixed schedule, it's worth monitoring the COH Solid Waste social media channels. These typically have schedule updates. The HTX Collects app for smartphones is also useful.

There was a question about the $240M deficit in the city budget. CM Castillo noted that's "a big number." Also, a pair of studies are underway that will (hopefully) provide some guidance on how to address the matter.
 
One thing is clear to me: CM Castillo is busy. His first year in office was definitely ambitious. The next may be less frantic but hopefully just as productive.

Michael Graves

Major Infrastructure Projects Impact Woodland Heights /  by Michael Graves

Our historic neighborhood, nestled in the crook of I-10 and I-45 at the first freeway exit from downtown Houston, is entering another transformation chapter. Over recent decades, Woodland Heights has experienced dramatic changes through rapid redevelopment and a flourishing local business scene. Major infrastructure projects will reshape our transportation boundaries over the next decade.

TxDot Map of Katy Corridor Construction Project.

White Oak Bayou I-10 Elevation Project.
Construction has begun on the $400 million I-10 White Oak Bayou elevation project along our southern boundary. Phase one started this month by reducing westbound I-10 from five lanes to three between I-45 and Studemont. The Taylor Street exit and entrance ramps are now closed, with detours via Sawyer Street and Washington Avenue.

A significant highlight of this project is the reconstruction of the Houston Avenue bridge, a longtime pain point for our community. Long-term residents will recall the frequent bridge strikes by oversized vehicles, each incident requiring emergency repairs and causing major traffic disruptions. The new design will position Houston Avenue beneath the I-10 main lanes, the goal is to eliminate these bridge strikes and their associated delays.

For trail users, portions of the MKT Trail and White Oak Bayou Greenway under I-10 are temporarily closed. TxDOT has established marked detour routes and added new infrastructure, including a switchback trail at Studemont and a wider sidewalk along the eastbound feeder road south of I-10. While periodic trail closures may occur during construction, both trails will remain accessible throughout the project.

Key Impacts and Timeline

  • I-10 White Oak Bayou Project: Now through late 2028

  • Lane reductions and intermittent closures: Through late 2027

  • Houston Avenue bridge reconstruction: Mid-2025 through late 2027

  • New trail features: Studemont switchback trail and wider sidewalks along I-10

  • I-45 NHHIP: Construction reaching our western boundary in 2028, continuing through 2033

As a neighborhood that has successfully navigated significant changes over the past decades, we will adapt to these infrastructure improvements while maintaining our strong community bonds. The Woodland Heights Civic Association will continue to advocate for our neighborhood's interests throughout these projects.

Courtesy TxDOT website https://its.txdot.gov/its/District/HOU/lane-closures

Did you know you can check traffic conditions or lane closures among other options in your area you can visit TXDot's Advanced Traffic Management System (ITS - intelligent transportation system) page on their website. Here you can zoom in on the map to see specific areas close to your neighborhood or in other areas across the state where TxDot cameras or located.

Brian Edmondson

LITH - The Final Wrap Up /  by Michael Graves

Lights in the Heights - The Bottom Line
It can take some time for the dust to settle, receipts to be submitted, and checks to clear. In the December issue I hinted that Lights in the Heights 2024 looked to be close breaking even. That would have been a big improvement, since it’s been run at a loss the past few years.

Now that all the accounting is in, I’m very happy to report that LITH 2024 actually made $1,950! Yes, it’s cast off the red ink! This is critically important since proceeds from special events support other WHCA activities, including the Constable Patrol Program.

Further, we look forward to even better results in 2025 resulting from our new partnership with the White Oak Entertainment District; EZ’s Liquor Lounge, Christian’s Tailgate, Bobcat Teddy’s Ice House, Little Woodrow’s Heights, and Onion Creek Coffee House Bar & Lounge.

Many thanks to the Lights in the Heights Committee Chairs Lauren Snead and Ashley Allison, the Porch Bands Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Frey, and especially our newly minted group of Sponsorship Wranglers Josh Shaner and Brad Snead who pinched in to help me with this effort. It takes a number of dedicated individuals to lock down all the details and get this event going. All your work is truly appreciated!

Friday Night Lights
In the December edition of the newsletter we somewhat spaced out and neglected to highlight Friday Night Lights. For those of you without kids, this is the event that’s held the Friday before LITH on the Norhill Esplanade. A family-focused event for just the neighborhood, it doesn’t draw the large crowd of the main event on Saturday.

This year’s event once again featured Santa & Mrs Clause backed by the White Oak Bayou Band. Boy Scout Troop 30 (the 3T0) was there fund-raising with holiday wreathes. Memorial Hermann Greater Heights was there, and Eureka Heights was pouring holiday themed beer. It's A Wrap and Wokker Texas Ranger food trucks was on-site for those who got hungry. WHCA Precinct 1 Constable Patrol provided security and support. Many thanks to the Norhill Families for their sponsorship of the Dinosaur Display Lights.
 
Neighbors were able to pickup WHCA merchandise ordered online. And there was some serious production of s’mores over the fire pit. Thank you to Pat Walzel for assembling all the s'mores kits!
 
The event started out on the damp side, with rain in the mid-afternoon while everything was being setup. Happily the rain cleared, allowing the event to go forward. Some quick-thinking volunteers provided tents for band, so no musicians were electrocuted over the course of the evening.
 
A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in staging this event. In particular, Beth and Carl Sorensen and Alyssa Holub.

Upper East Side Beautification /  by Michael Graves

As of the posting of this newsletter on January 31, 2025, there are now only 48 days left until Spring! Something many of us may be wishing for. The Vernal or Spring Equinox to return (in the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox is called the vernal equinox, because it signals the beginning of Spring (vernal means fresh or new like the Spring).

In anticipation of Spring and in the hopes of enhancing the entrance from Main Street and I-45 would be a more inviting one if it greeted residents, guests, and others into our neighborhood. Last November, following the adoption, Boy Scout Troop 30 (the 3T0) pitched in to help Director of Beautification Ryan Taylor and his crew prep the Upper East Side Houston Avenue Esplanade and scatter wildflower seeds at the site. Rain came the following week – something we were not sure would happen, so that was a pleasant surprise and a very helpful one as baby bluebonnets are now growing. Here’s hoping we get more along with a variety of wildflowers joining them. Something we can all look forward to now that the snow has melted – let’s see what February brings.

Soon two signs will grace the esplanades - one indicating WHCA is maintaining the esplanades with the permission of the Houston Parks & Recreation Department. And the other sign like the one at the top of this article to remind everyone that there are seeds working hard to make flowers when Spring comes.

Estella Espinosa

WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report - December 2024 /  by Michael Graves

By Beth Sorenson

If you are already registered as a WHCA Constable Patrol member, thank you for supporting this service. If you are not, we invite you to join by clicking the button below and help make Woodland Heights a safer community.

For December 2024, the Constable Patrol reported the following activity.

Have you had a positive experience with our Constable that made a difference in your life or the safety of our community? We want to hear about it! Whether it was help during an emergency, assistance with a concern, or simply their presence making you feel secure, your stories matter.

Please share your story with us by emailing security@woodland-heights.org. Your experiences help highlight the important role the Constable plays in keeping Woodland Heights safe and thriving.

Thank you for taking the time to share your gratitude and support!

Snow Day! Snow Day! /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

A once-in-a-lifetime event – measurable snowfall in Houston, Texas. That is what we’ve just experienced, and hopefully, it was a good experience for everyone. Some dates to consider as you put January 21, 2025 down in your family history books for telling tales about when you experienced snow in Houston. For a really interesting article Houston’s Great Snow of 1895 visit  Space City Weather.  

Historic Houston Snow Dates (Houston Public Media)

  • Feb. 14, 1895 — 20 inches (This was before the NWS began keeping records, but multiple newspapers from the time reported 20 inches of snow in the area, according to Space City Weather.)

  • Jan. 22, 1940 — 3 inches

  • Feb. 12, 1960 — 3 inches

  • Jan. 30, 1949 — 2.6 inches

  • Dec. 23, 1929 — 2.5 inches

  • Jan. 12, 1973 — 2 inches

  • Dec. 22, 1989 — 1.7 inches

  • Feb. 2, 1980 — 1.4 inches

  • Dec. 10, 2008 — 1.4 inches

With afternoon temperatures well above freezing, and even some sun, the snow has been melting. All the resulting water will be transformed into nice, smooth ice by the hard freeze expected overnight tonight. This has the potential to make Wednesday morning very dangerous on the roads.  

Yard of the Month - 1101 Highland /  by Michael Graves

Jane Nelson and Deb Richardson have lived at 1101 Highland Street since May 1991. They enjoy sitting on their front porch when the weather is good so they can see their front porch and greet neighbors who pass by.

Their garden includes sage, Burford hollies, planted soon after they moved in in 1991, hawthorns, foxtail ferns, dwarf azalea, esperanza, an orange tree that has never given us oranges, amaryllis, liriope edges the beds, and wedelia, which keeps their front easement full of yellow flowers when it's in bloom.

The Amarillys and Oaks on their property hold a special place in Jane and Deb's hearts.

"Our amaryllis plants are from bulbs obtained from Deb's late mother's yard in the early 90s. The amaryllis bloom in the spring each year and have remained prolific in bulb production, so we have been able to pass along bulbs to friends and family."

The Oaks date back a century to the original home's owner. "One great feature of our yard is the stately oaks on the east side along Norhill. We had the good fortune to meet the granddaughter of our home's original owner, who planted the oaks back 100 years ago!"

With the help of a gardener, their yard provides continuous enjoyment for the couple.

"We see bees, butterflies, lizards and squirrels. The squirrels typically ensure that we never have red berries on our hollies. We love ixoras and have tried repeatedly to plant them. Unfortunately, they proved too tropical for our care and were repeatedly killed by freezes. Currently, we have chosen hardier plants, such as the hawthorns and wedelia, as recommended by our gardener."

Deb continued, "We're not at all proficient! Jane's late mother was a Montgomery County Master Gardener who advised us on plant selection and care. Now, however, primary credit goes to our gardener, Hector Rodriguez, who visits every other week."

Deb likes being outdoors and puttering in the yard/garden. Jane enjoys looking at the garden. Deb spends a few hours weekly keeping the yard looking neat. It is maintained primarily by Hector.

"Our current inspiration is a mix of choosing beauty and hardiness! Our favorite plants are the amaryllis because they connect to our loved late mother/ mother-in-law and our past."

Deb concludes by saying, "Being chosen as YOM is a lovely recognition! We're pleased to have been asked!"

New Year Resolutions /  by Michael Graves

As we embark upon yet another trip around old Sol, I'm casting a quick look over my shoulder at the recent past and trying to imagine goals for the Woodland Heights Civic Association's future.

With much effort by many people, we did (I think) a good job with Lights in the Heights 2024. Everyone on the committees involved worked very hard. We worked to spread the effort amongst a larger group than usual. That meant there were some new people involved. I'd like to recognize those who are new or taking on new tasks.

Relatively late in the year, Alyssa Holub took over handling LITH/WHCA merchandise. While the transition was a little uneven, we did sell out of cloisonné ornaments, and almost everything was delivered before the holidays. (True story: I can recall going to Jan Greer's house to pick up our ornament late in January one year!)

In addition to the committees, the WHCA board was more directly involved than in recent years. I would especially like to thank Stephanie Frey for taking on the challenge of coordinating bands and porches. Stephanie truly stepped up to fill a notable hole and did an excellent job. In so doing, she documented the process so we have a good grasp of the task in the future.

Finally, a new committee was created to seek out new sponsors for the event. This resulted in sponsorship by "The White Oak Entertainment District," which is the name we gave to a collection of bars and restaurants along White Oak near Studewood. They became our partners, offering the LITH crowd somewhere to go when the event wound down at 9 p.m.

That effort came together quite late in the planning process. Next year, with this new partnership already established, we’re hopeful that it will be even more fruitful.

While the final numbers are not yet tallied, it looks like Lights in the Heights may be close to break-even this year. If so, that reverses a COVID-era trend that was simply unsustainable.

Looking ahead, we can see a busy time. There are many new issues before us, some pressing, others still off on the horizon. There are definitely changes coming to the Constable Patrol Program.

There are several improvements to infrastructure planned for the coming year. Some of these were detailed in the last printed newsletter.

It won’t be long before we need to elect a new members to the WHCA Board. By design, half of the board is elected each year. This presents an opportunity for those who have an interest in what goes on in the neighborhood to take an active role in directing those efforts.

There are also larger structural matters in play. The WHCA board is working on a revision of our bylaws to clarify and adjust some areas which may be outdated from when the bylaws were last addressed. Further, we may have an opportunity to restructure in a way that will change our tax status. That has the potential to make fund raising considerably easier.

Our neighbors to the west, the Houston Heights Association, are reportedly working on the creation of a new “Greater Heights Management District.” This has the potential to impact all the neighborhoods in Super Neighborhood 15, including Woodland Heights. We don’t know much about it as yet, but we’ll surely being tracking their progress very closely.

There’s just so much potential that remains untapped. There’s much to be done. Won’t you come join us? It’s going to be fun.

Lights in the Heights 2024 Winners /  by Michael Graves

November WHCA Newsletter: Lights in the Heights and so much more! /  by Michael Graves

The November 2024 edition of the WHCA newsletter is a printed issue. A troop of volunteers is hand delivering one to every home in the neighborhood this week. We do this to ensure that everyone knows all the details about Lights in the Heights 2024.

But that’s not all it contains! There are numerous other stories and news from the neigborhood:

  • Help Wanted: WHCA Board seeks a Vice President

  • Woodland Heights Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers

  • Constable Patrol Recovers Stolen Goods

  • Recap of November Member’s Meeting & Social at Maven Sawyer Heights

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  • Yard-of-the-Month: 509 Woodland

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Yard of the Month - 1132 Highland /  by Michael Graves

Longtime residents Brook Ward and Jason Stark lived on Euclid Street before moving to Highland four years ago.

"We moved in September of 2020.  We previously lived on Euclid St.  We have two boys who are now grown.  When they went away to college, we decided to downsize," said Brook. "We are not too picky about what plants we like.  It's important to us to have something that we can easily maintain, and that looks good.  Of course, color is important and we look to add colorful seasonal plants to the base we already have."

While they appreciate the front porch and yard, most of their time is spent in the pool area, which they have landscaped with potted plants. In the front, we enjoy the porch, which includes the flower beds on either side.

"We had a huge side yard that was perfect for adding a pool. So now, we have two options when we want to be outside. We can sit on the front porch swing and enjoy our garden, or we can choose to sit out by the pool and enjoy a little more privacy."

Their garden includes some natives, but they worked to match the plants in their yard with ones that match the Houston climate. While they had a good base of plant knowledge, to begin with, they worked with a landscape artist to provide them with help on what plants were year-round and which ones were seasonal to fill out their garden.

"Salvia, Lantana, Yucca, Vinca, Cherry Laurel, Verigated Ginger, Potato Vine, Pencil Cactus, Begonias, Oleanders, Foxtail Ferns, Ligularia, Canna, boxwood bushes, and a few we can't remember the names," Brook continued.

Regarding who has a green thumb, Brook says, "I wouldn't say we are proficient. Jason tends to have a greener thumb and is also creative. He enjoys designing and piecing together several plants into one pot, like the large pot to the right of our porch and pots by the pool."

Brook and Jason's garden does not take many hours to maintain, and they pull weeds and trim back plants as needed.

"The favorite thing would be planting. It's rewarding to see the final product. My least favorite would be adding soil and mulch. It can be backbreaking and quite messy. We enjoy getting outside and working in the yard when we have nice weather. In the summer, not so much!."

In terms of having their yard recognized as WHCA Yard of the Month, Brook remarks,

"It feels great! We pride ourselves in keeping an organized and clean house and that extends to the garden. We walk a lot in the neighborhood and have the opportunity to see other yards. We often comment on how good someone's yard looks. So it's nice to know that our yard has been noticed and adds beauty to our community."