The WHCA Home Tour is the neighborhood's biggest fundraiser, netting almost $44,000 in 2024, thanks to the many volunteers, local business sponsors, and enthusiastic tour-goers.
If you have a historic Woodland Heights Home you would like to be considered for the 2026 Home Tour, please contact Louise Moss at limoss@comcast.net or Megan Mastal at mmastal@insightspr.com. The Home Tour Committee will begin viewing potential homes in June. The goal is to showcase Woodland Heights' historic charm with homes of various sizes, architectural styles, and décor. All homes need to be original, but renovations and additions are welcome.
Early this fall, we will look for "a few good neighbors" to help on the committee with event planning and management. It's a fun way to meet more neighbors and support your community. If interested, please let Louise or Megan know if you'd like to be part of making it happen. All talents and interests are welcome.
Next spring, we'll expand the volunteer opportunities as more than 150 docents are needed for the home tour weekend - that call will go out in early 2026. Interested in sponsoring? Just let us know! Welcome spring!
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fight Hunger /
Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry
Did you know that right around the corner on Beauchamp Street, many of your neighbors volunteer weekly to package and deliver food to needy families? The Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry (HIM) has been in operation since June 2009, and its volunteer crew has continued without interruption through hurricanes, floods, freezing weather, and even a global pandemic.
"Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry serves families across Houston from a small outpost in the Heights. The Pantry works to respectfully nourish our neighbors in need with food and resources to help improve their lives. Since the Pantry opened in 2009, we have relied on the support of our community to make this happen. We currently serve nearly 200 families weekly, and our volunteers and community donors are critically important to our mission," said Laurie Hardwick, Treasurer of Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry.
Serving Neighbors in Need
The Heights Interfaith Ministries Pantry provides clients a nutritious selection of food items, including non-perishable staples, eggs, fresh produce, basic toiletries, frozen meat, bread and sweets, and other items as available. In 2024, they served (2024 Annual Report.)
9,753 families, a 10% increase over 2023
19% of clients served were new to the Pantry
Distributed over 630,000 pounds of food
Over 335 volunteers provided 9,282 service hours
Served an average of 195 families weekly from across the Houston area
Provided close to 60 pounds of food to each client served
Six member churches (Christ the King Catholic Church, Church at 1548 Heights, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, St. Mark's United Methodist, The Vineyard of Houston, and Zion Lutheran Church) provide operational oversight and volunteer and financial support for the Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry. Second Servings Houston, Kroger, Panera, El Rancho, Starbucks, Apple Spice Catering, and The Kolache Shoppe provide additional partnerships and community support.
Interested in helping?
There are many ways you can become a part of neighbors helping neighbors fight hunger, including:
Volunteering - The Pantry needs over 40 volunteers every week to operate. No prior experience is needed.
Hold a food drive – Ongoing needs include meals in a can (chili, ravioli, hearty soups, etc.), canned beans,
pasta and sauce, vegetables, and peanut butter. Every donation helps!
Make a monetary donation - Your donations help us purchase staples weekly.
To learn more information or sign up, visit the HIM website at himfoodpantry.org
Yard of the Month - 719 Bayland /
Patricia Schaeper has lived in her Bayland Bungalow surrounded by gardens for the last 25 years. Originally from Canada, she was unable to bring any hand-me-down plants with her; however, she did bring her green thumb and Master Gardener Certification.
Her favorite plant stores, Another Place in Time (where she volunteers and the owner is a friend) and Treesearch Farms, have both helped her fill her flower beds with plants she likes. Native plants you'll find in her gardens include Greggi blue mist, wood ferns, and milkweed. Other plants include Peggy Martin roses, Salvias, Carnations of India, Pavonia, Shrimp plants, Camellias, Philadelphias, Cleome, Clivia, Firebush, Meyer lemons, Gardenias, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, and Mallow. For cold-weather plants, she likes tulips, daffodils, peonies, and hydrangeas.
The combination of plants she has in her garden provides an oasis for hummingbirds, woodpeckers, birds, and squirrels.
When asked about the amount of time she devotes to her yard and garden, she says,
"Probably an hour, sometimes more, but who's counting?"
Creature Feature: May 2025 /
Back in 2017, when I was first elected to the WHCA board, it was difficult to get contributions for the newsletter. So, I took it upon myself to create things. One of the things I started was the “Creature Feature.” It combined stories about animals in the neighborhood with a play on the cheesy TV series that ran old scary movies.
May has certainly been a month for creatures hereabouts. Our dog Julio is pretty recognizable. He and I get out to the various parks and pathways where we see all manner of things.
Walking around Woodland Park one day we encountered some kids having soccer practice. One of the kids kicked a ball high into a tree where it got stuck. We were able to use Julio’s long leash to help them shake the branch, recovering the ball.
Veering off into the wooded trails we saw a Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron guarding a nest. The official bird of Houston, they are often found nesting in the oaks along Bayland Avenue.
A few days later, Julio pulled me over to the corner of Bayland and Florence. He was drawn there by a new chicken coop that a neighbor had installed along their fence line. He found the young chickens extremely interesting.
Just this week we encountered a red-eared slider turtle attempting to cross White Oak Drive. This one was a good ten inches across. Since turtles and traffic don’t mix, we relocated the beasty to a leafy spot well off the road. Once recovered from the shock of being handled, he made his into the underbrush.
There are around 2000 homes in Woodland Heights, with lots of people and pets. But we also share the neighborhood with a great many wild things.Take a moment to look around you when you're out on a walk ... and if you spot interesting wildlife send us a photo or two. We'd love to feature them in this newsletter.
WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report /
Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe
April 1 - April 30, 2025 - Total Call: 418
By Beth Sorensen
Hi Woodland Heights neighbors,
Friendly reminder, please call the Constable Dispatch line at (713) 755-7628 to report any suspicious activity or incidents, even if they seem minor - like a wagon or package stolen, or cars being rummaged through.
Reporting helps the Deputies identify patterns and know if similar incidents are happening repeatedly in our area. Even small reports help paint a bigger picture.
Helping Our Youngest Neighbors
If you happened to see 145 first graders walking through the neighborhood on May 1st - no, it wasn’t a parade (though it may have looked like one)! It was the annual First Grade Walking Field Trip to Woodland Park. Travis Elementary and Friends of Woodland Park team up each year to teach students about the park’s hiking trails, butterfly garden, and the local critters that call it home.
Deputy Lemons once again showed his dedication to our community by helping ensure all those excited first graders made it to the park and back safely. He blocked traffic on Houston Avenue so the kids and their chaperones could cross without worry - a small act that made a big difference. Deputy Lemons never hesitates to say yes when asked to assist with school events like this. His consistent presence is a valued part of what makes our neighborhood feel safe and supported.
One parent who attended the trip shared this:
"I had the pleasure of chaperoning the Woodland Park field trip with my first grader, and it was such a fun day. A special thank you to Deputy Lemons who escorted us. His kindness, professionalism, and attentive presence made the trip feel both safe and welcoming for everyone involved."
We’re grateful to have such committed patrol support in Woodland Heights — thank you, Deputy Lemons! And thank you to all our neighbors who contribute to the Constable Program, because of you, we are able to have this increased safety presence.
We'd Like to Hear From You!
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!
WHCA April 2025 Financial Statement /
Welcome to the New WHCA Board Members! /
WHCA Board Elections - Results Are In
The results of the 2025 WHCA Board Elections are in. We thank all the candidates who stepped forward to run for office. Your willingness to serve out neighborhood is what makes Woodland Heights the hometown near downtown that it is.
Here are your new Woodland Height Civic Association Board Members:
Sara Smithey
Secretary
June 2025 - May 2027
Dallas Jagneaux Boyle
Director of Membership
June 2025 - May 2027
Julie Moore
Director of Deed Restrictions
June 2025 - May 2027
Doug Carroll
Treasurer
June 2025 - May 2027
Brian Edmundson
Director of Infrastructure
June 2025 - May 2027
Congratulations to all the new and returning WHCA Board Members we appreciate each one of you.
WHCA Board Elections on May 13, 2025: Meet the Candidates /
WHCA Board Member Elections will take place this next week. We hope to see you all there casting your vote for the open positions. Per the WHCA bylaws only registered members are eligible to vote and only one vote perhousehold is allowed.
Tuesday, May 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church
3606 Beauchamp St.
Houston, TX 77009
If you are unable to attend the meeting you can designate an individual to cast your proxy vote. To cast a proxy vote please download a Proxy Form from the WHCA website. Complete and sign the form and email it to the WHCA Secretary at secretary@woodland-heights.org by Monday, May 12. You can also have your Proxy Designee bring your completed form with them when they come to the Members Meeting.
Meet the Candidates
The following neighbors have stepped up to run for a position on the WHCA board. They will be at the meeting on Tuesday. This is a brief synopsis of who they are and why they would like to serve on the board.
Nominees for Secretary
Sara Smithey
I live in Woodland Heights with my family. I have two young boys who attend the local elementary school, and through my involvement with the PTA, I’ve come to truly appreciate the value of investing in our community.
The more engaged I’ve become, the more I’ve seen how a strong, connected neighborhood contributes to the overall safety and happiness of living in this area. I am interested in the secretary position, due to my strengths in organization and streamlining communication.
I would love the opportunity to build upon the current processes where needed. I have much respect for those who’ve contributed to making Woodland Heights such a special place, and I’d love to have a more active role in supporting and strengthening our community.
Angela Sanz
Woodland Heights is more than a neighborhood, it is incredible community in the heart of Houston.
Over the past 5 years as a Woodland Heights homeowner, I have followed everything the WHCA does to keep our neighborhood safe and organized and have admired the flawless execution of events like Lights in the Heights and the Tour of Homes.
I am at a point in my life where I have the bandwidth to get involved and give back to our community and I believe I can make an impactful contribution to the WHCA board.
As a Secretary my primary goals would be to drive and facilitate the achievement of the WHCA's strategic objectives, provide tools to boost board effectiveness, and foster relationships with members by upholding transparency in reporting and communication
Director of Deed Restrictions
Danielle Garcia
I am running for a position on the WHCA Board because I believe that you should be an active member of your community. I have served and continue to serve on the board of various organizations that care for first responder families, the Hispanic Community, my church and so on.
My family recently moved into the neighborhood and instantly fell in love with its old charm and small-town feel. Woodland Heights is such a special community, and I want to be sure I do my part to keep it that way.
My hope is that you will provide me with the opportunity to use my time and abilities in a meaningful way as the Deed Restrictions Board Member for 2025-2026.
Julie Moore
I have loved this neighborhood for over 10 years and have lived her now for 1 year. Now that I live here, I would love the opportunity to help keep it beautiful and charming.
I have years of experience dealing with contractors and permitting. An interest in keeping the neighborhood charming, beautiful and sought after.
I am interested in furthering the WHCA position and direction for the betterment of our community and would love the chance to be directly involved in our neighborhood.
We are in our forever home and have 3 young children who we hope to keep this neighborhood wonderful for! We are also at Travis Elementary where I am in the PTA for neighborhood and family involvement.
Director of Membership
Karen Stowers
Having lived in the Woodland Heights since 2007 on Highland Street I have loved being a part of the neighborhood.
With so many new residents moving to our neighborhood, I would like to be a part of welcoming them and be a point person for membership for our Civic Association.
Dallas
Jagneaux Boyle
I fell in love with Woodland Heights when I was a kid and my dad bought and restored a historic home on Bayland. We participated in Lights in the Heights and I knew I wanted to return to the neighborhood as an adult, own my own home here, and get involved in the events.
As a younger homeowner and new parent, I think that I can help to reach the younger demographic in the neighborhood and get them involved sooner. I’m a naturally social person and have held several leadership positions in college and in law school that are centered around membership and bringing folks together to participate.
Finally, as a lawyer, written communication and organization of complex to-do’s are a strength of mine.
Director of Infrastructure
Brian Edmondson
(Incumbent Returning)
Brian brings experience as a professional civil engineer working with and for those governmental entities that serve the Woodland Heights community.
He has been a member of the Woodland Heights community for 10 years and has served as the Director of Infrastructure since 2023. He looks forward to fostering continued investment in our community with appropriate regard to community values.
Treasurer
Doug Carroll
(Incumbent Returning)
Doug moved to the Woodland Heights in 2018 and has been the treasurer since 2019.
He is a wealth advisor with Mariner Wealth Advisors in Houston and works with local families on investment management, retirement planning, and tax planning.
As the WHCA treasurer, he manages annual IRS reporting, insurance policies, collection of revenue, andpayments for all the organization's expenses.
Following the meeting we will have some time to meet the new board members, thank all the outgoing board members for their service, and socialize. We'll bring some snacks and beverages for everyone to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday and thank you in advance for participating and voting for the new board members!
FWP - Volunteers Needed Happy Turtle, Trails, & Hot Dogs /
By Estella Espinosa
Happy Trails and Hot Dogs is an annual community picnic and historic Woodland Park. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Set up begins at 9 a.m. take down goes from 1-2 p.m. Details about the shifts are described below. Sign up for a shift or two at Volunteer Houston.
Hot dogs, ice cream floats and lemonade are provided to all volunteers.
Set Up - put up pop-up tents, move tables and chairs from inside the building outside, set up tables and chairs, unpack vehicles, other tasks as needed
Cook hot dogs - help with manning the grills cooking the hot dogs, help with serving food, make sure food service area is always clean, other tasks as needed
Root beer floats - help with assembling root beer floats and serving them, make sure root beer float tent is always clean, other tasks as needed
Merch tent - help set up merchandise, keep the area tidy and merchandise orderly, help guests with questions about merchandise for sale and how to purchase it using a QR code, other tasks as needed
Tear down - bring all tables and chairs back to building, collapse tents, load vehicles for off site storage, collect trash bags, other tasks as needed
Recap: Super Neighborhood 15 Council Meeting, April 15, 2025 /
Since rejoining the WHCA board last summer, I’ve only been to a couple of SN15 meetings. I was particularly interested in the meeting scheduled for April 15th since the agenda held a couple of promising items. What follows is a recap of what happened, and perhaps just a significantly…what didn’t happen.
The Greater Heights Management District
The planned agenda included a presentation by the small group of neighbors who were working on the idea of a Greater Heights Management District. I was very interested in then project. Back in January, I’d seen an early presentation given to the Montie Beach Civic Club. This is what inspired me to present some background information to the WHCA member’s meeting in March.
Not much was known about the project, which was at it’s core a very small group. I saw significant merit in the idea. I appreciated that it needed to be more fully fleshed out, so that something more clearly defined could be presented to a larger audience. In fact, I had hoped to be allowed to help in the effort.
Alas, the lack of good information caused the online rumor mill to work overtime. In particular, there are a few threads on Next Door where people, with no knowledge of the matter, vented about imagined harms.
Faced with such criticism before they even broke cover, the organizing group decided to disband the project. So, there was no presentation. I for one am disappointed. It was good idea. There was an opportunity to be engaged in shaping the effort to address the needs of the neighborhood.
I appreciate that there are a diverse range of opinions hereabouts. But it’s just not smart, civil, or kind, to reach for the pitchforks before you have a concrete idea about the project details. This is why we can’t have nice things.
The 11th Street Safety Project
The state of 11th Street was the other item on the agenda. There is some concern that Mayor Whitmire may intend to reverse the improvements that were implemented in 2021. Since becoming mayor he’s had several similar projects changed or reversed, most recently Austin Street in midtown, which was done without any notice or opportunity for public comment.
Kevin Strickland, chair of SN15, had prepared a letter to the mayor and city council. This letter expresses support for the project and the new state of 11th Street, with the bike lanes. He invited Chris Parma from Walk & Roll Houston to present an overview of the project, from inception to post-installation analysis.
This was followed by some questions from, and discussion amongst, the council members. It was noted that a couple of civic associations were working on their own letters. I note WHCA has supported the project from it’s inception. In fact, you can still find a video of one of the public meetings on our web site. It was actually our March 2019 Members Meeting.
Next came Q & A from the audience. Emmanuel Nunez, organizer of I Love 11th Street, rose to offer support for the project. He noted that a reinvigorated community along 11th street was the basis for the festival he has organized for the past two years.
With strongly held views on both sides of the matter present, the Q & A was quite animated. Some questioned the details of the study methodologies used to evaluate the project. Others voiced concern for traffic on neighboring streets. Numerous voices were heard.
The agenda item concluded with the super-neighborhood council voting to send the letter.
Other Items
Staff from CM Castillo’s and CM Kamin’s offices made short presentations. They noted a listening session about 11th Street planned for 10am Saturday, April 26th at the Vineyard Church. RSVP is recommended.
- Michael Graves, President, WHCA
Historic Woodland Heights /
By Estella Espinosa
Recently, as we were considering sites to relocate the Woodland Heights Historical Marker in Travis Elementary's playground area, we received an email from a neighbor, offering the site in front of his home as a potential site. While the marker had already been relocated by then, we appreciated his offer as his home was the site of one corner of what used to be the entrance gate to Woodland Heights. At the same time, his suggestion sparked the idea of a continuing storyline about the history of the Woodland Heights neighborhood. To start that line off, we'll begin with the gates, which used to be the entrance to the neighborhood.
First, a little background, in 1907, the William A. Wilson Realty Company created a new "streetcar suburb" in Houston called Woodland Heights. They offered 600 lots for sale, ranging in price from $300 to $750, complete with many amenities, including piped water, sewers, graded streets and sidewalks, and green space planted with shrubs, oaks, and sycamores.
Mr. Wilson added entry gate piers at the Houston Avenue and Bayland intersection, right where the Houston Electric Company's streetcar terminated before returning to downtown. The gates framed the entrance to Woodland Heights on what was then and is today one of the subdivision's premier streets.
The neighborhood began to fall into disarray in the sixties, and the original deed restrictions lapsed during this time. However, in 1988, legislators passed a state law that allowed homeowners to reactivate lapsed deed restrictions and determined neighbors took advantage of this opportunity to reactivate their lapsed deed restrictions (which include things like Minimum Building Line (MBL) ordinances, which regulate front setback, and lot size ordinances In 2011, the Woodland Heights Historic District was approved by the City of Houston, its footprint is slightly different from the Woodland Heights neighborhood boundaries.
Over one hundred years later, while the entrance gates have long gone, many of the original Wilson homes, some now over 100 years old, offer their spacious porches, proximity to downtown, and abundant green spaces that made this "streetcar suburb" attractive to the first residents are still offering up the charm to today's residents who chose to live in Woodland Heights this 'small town near downtown since 1907' that so many chose to live in.
For preservationists, architectural enthusiasts, and homeowners who enjoy these old homes, this is an added bonus to living in the Woodland Heights.
2026 Houston Home Tour Call for Home Entries /
By Megan Mastal
The WHCA Home Tour is the neighborhood's biggest fundraiser, netting almost $44,000 in 2024, thanks to the many volunteers, local business sponsors, and enthusiastic tour-goers.
If you have a historic Woodland Heights Home you would like to be considered for the 2026 Home Tour, please contact Louise Moss at limoss@comcast.net or Megan Mastal at mmastal@insightspr.com. The Home Tour Committee will begin viewing potential homes in June. The goal is to showcase Woodland Heights' historic charm with homes of various sizes, architectural styles, and décor. All homes need to be original, but renovations and additions are welcome.
Early this fall, we will look for "a few good neighbors" to help on the committee with event planning and management. It's a fun way to meet more neighbors and support your community. If interested, please let Louise or Megan know if you'd like to be part of making it happen. All talents and interests are welcome.
Next spring, we'll expand the volunteer opportunities as more than 150 docents are needed for the home tour weekend—that call will go out in early 2026. Interested in sponsoring? Just let us know! Welcome spring!
Yard of the Month - 915 Omar /
Kristen Bannister and Gareth Jones
Kirsten Taylor, Gareth Jones, and their son Arran have lived at 915 Omar for 14 years.
“When the house was built in 2010, we had St. Augustine grass edge to edge. We ripped much of it out and have been experimenting with a wide variety of plants and trees ever since…”
Today, their garden includes many native plants, including Eastern Purple Coneflower, multiple varieties of Black-eye Susans, Autumn Sage, Fall Aster, Esperanza, Bluebonnet, Rockrose, Coreopsis, Indian Blanket, Mealy Sage, and Milkweeds.
“Wildflowers are my favorite plant – they show up throughout the year on their own schedule and location and pleasantly surprise us with incredible colors…bluebonnets, blanket flowers, salvias. My new discovery plant is the almond verbena – it smells magical, loves full sun, and brings in a huge crowd of bees.”
Kristen continues, “I love being outside. I’m a geologist, but I have an office job…so maybe that’s how I discovered gardening. My favorite part of gardening is seeing new plants pop up. My least favorite part of gardening is seeing the damage from a hard freeze and waiting for signs of life to signal that all will be okay again. I have some poppies that came from my grandmother. My mom sends me seeds every year, and I believe many of those came from her mom – calendula, poppies, phlox of sheep, sunflowers.”
While they both have a few favorite spots in their garden, they especially like the small flagstone patio in the backyard with its bubble fountain surrounded by different plants and the surprising results of their front garden.
As with many gardeners in our neighborhood, Kristen enjoys having Buchanan’s and Joshua’s close by. But her gardening inspiration comes from “all of you who put time and energy into your yards—so many of my plant choices came from visually exploring the gardens of this neighborhood. Some of you have even brought me extra plants or seeds from your yard, and I enjoy hoping I can make you smile by watching your plants grow in my yard.
“It’s how I wind down after a long work week – I can easily spend 3-4 hours at a time and not even realize it. I’ve learned through making many mistakes – and forgiving plants – and friends and family offering advice (and praise) and even sharing plants with me. My grandmother was a prolific gardener. She could grow anything and had a bright green thumb – perhaps she shared a bit of her talent with me.”
Another advantage of native plants in such a beautiful garden, “We are frequently visited by monarchs, Gulf fritillaries, and black swallowtails. We have lots of bees and ladybugs. Birds frequent the water fountain in the backyard, and in winter, we put out suet seed rolls for them.”
And in terms of Houston’s extreme weather and gardening, “Generally, most of what you’ll find seems to survive, even if above ground completely dies back. For things that survive with minimum maintenance, I’d suggest any of the plants you’ll find in the front by the street.”
As for being recognized as April's Yard of the Month, Kristen says, “This neighborhood is brimming with outstanding gardeners. It feels amazing to be recognized – thank you!”
Lemonade Day Houston - May 17th /
Every little thing you do sends ripples through the universe … sometimes the ripples are good and continue beyond your imagination. One such ripple for me started in 2007, in a previous life when I worked for the Houston Parks & Recreation Department. A colleague of mine and I were asked to meet with Michael Holthouse with Prepared 4 Life. He had an idea for a program to empower youth through lemonade stands that he wanted to begin with the parks department’s support. The idea was to recruit young people to set up little “businesses” to sell lemonade. Prepared4Life would provide all the materials and instructions to help these young entrepreneurs learn how to own and run their own business, a lemonade stand. I
n that first year, there were about 2,700 young people setting up their lemonade stand businesses across Houston. Today, the program continues and has grown to over 55,000 young people in Houston alone. The program is now running in 2 countries with over 1.5 plus million young people learning how to own and run their own business. Along the way, they learn how to become future business leaders, volunteers, social advocates, and volunteers for the world they will one day be in charge of.
Lemonade Day will be on May 17th this year, and your child, with your help, can participate. All young people who register receive free materials to teach them the lessons of Lemonade Day (like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community.) What they learn from the experience is something they can use throughout their life, including goal-setting, problem-solving, and gaining self-esteem critical for future success. Plus, they get to keep the money (though they are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some as well).
If you and your child are interested in participating in Lemonade Day, you can find out more information and register by visiting https://local.lemonadeday.org/houston. If your child decides to set up a lemonade stand, let us know. We’ll be sure to let the neighborhood know where their stand is so everyone can drop by to help support them.
In that first year, there were about 2,700 young people setting up their lemonade stand businesses across Houston. Today, the program continues and has grown to over 55,000 young people in Houston alone. The program is now running in 2 countries with over 1.5 plus million young people learning how to own and run their own business. Along the way, they learn how to become future business leaders, volunteers, social advocates, and volunteers for the world they will one day be in charge of.
Lemonade Day will be on May 17th this year, and your child, with your help, can participate. All young people who register receive free materials to teach them the lessons of Lemonade Day (like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community.) What they learn from the experience is something they can use throughout their life, including goal-setting, problem-solving, and gaining self-esteem critical for future success. Plus, they get to keep the money (though they are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some as well).
If you and your child are interested in participating in Lemonade Day, you can find out more information and register by visiting https://local.lemonadeday.org/houston. If your child decides to set up a lemonade stand, let us know. We’ll be sure to let the neighborhood know where their stand is so everyone can drop by to help support them.
Highland Street Truck Thieves Caught Thanks to AirTag and Constable Patrol /
Reader’s Story Contribution By Anne Galbraith
We've been collecting stories about how the WHCA Constable Patrol impacts the neighborhood. Here is one from a neighbor on Highland, who, after multiple stolen trucks on that street, followed her neighbor's lead, signed up for the Constable Patrol, and invested in an AirTag as well.
"YEAH, SO THE F150 GOT STOLEN. Second truck now. They got in via an iPad, and an app that runs code until it hits your truck, then pulled that wire on the last photo, and recoded the ignition so they could drive it. My key no longer worked. I tracked this one with the AirTag I had hidden in the truck. I gave the constables the location; they were parked there waiting for us. The thieves parked it before the next crew of a**holes picked it up. It looks like kill switches are about to be installed in both trucks," - Anne Gallbraith.
One other suggestion from Anne is, "Report street lights that are dead. The one outside of our house has been dark for months. EVERYONE should check their poles with street lights to ensure they are lit. Get the pole number that is tagged onto the pole and report the outage via a call to CenterPoint or by using their online portal at https://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/pages/changeservicearea.aspx?requesturl=/en-us/residential/services/electric-utility/outage-center/street-light-outages."
And the WHCA Constable provided follow up after the incident, stopping by to personally meet with Anne regarding the incident and how to be pro-active about safety,
“We discussed different ways to keep the neighborhood aware of criminal activity in order to protect ourselves and others. He was very motivated and responsive!”
WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe /
Hi Woodland Heights neighbors,
Here’s our most recent security report. As always, we want to keep our community informed and safe. Friendly reminder, please call the Constable Dispatch line at (713) 755-7628 to report any suspicious activity or incidents, even if they seem minor—like a wagon or package stolen, or cars being rummaged through. Reporting helps the Deputies identify patterns and know if similar incidents are happening repeatedly in our area. Even small reports help paint a bigger picture.
Please note: We've seen an increase in truck thefts in our neighborhood, as well as across the Houston Heights area.
Helpful Tips to Prevent Truck Theft (and theft from trucks):
Always lock your doors – Even in your driveway.
Remove valuables – Don’t leave bags, tools, or electronics visible inside.
Hide or remove key fobs – Thieves often target trucks with push-button start and nearby key fobs.
Use a steering wheel lock – A simple but strong visual deterrent.
Consider GPS tracking, a kill switch, or a hidden AirTag – AirTags have recently helped recover two stolen trucks in Woodland Heights.
Park smart – If possible, park in well-lit areas or in a garage. Backing into your driveway can also make theft harder.
Install security cameras or motion lights – These are a great deterrent and can help capture important footage.
Thanks to everyone for staying alert and keeping Woodland Heights a safe and connected community!
WHCA March 2025 Financial Statement /
WHCA Board: Help Wanted /
Spring is here. Though it’s already April, I’m reminded of the March Hare from Alice in Wonderland. Yes, it’s definitely rabbit season. Time is short! There’s much to be done. To be honest, we need some help!
More specifically, we’re still seeking a few neighbors to fill positions on the WHCA board of directors. The board is comprised of nine neighbors, all members of the WHCA, who guide the activities of the civic association.
Each position has a specific role, and a two-year term. Only around half of the board is elected each year, ensuring a rolling continuity of management. This year we have five positions to be filled;
Treasurer*
Secretary
Director of Infrastructure*
Director of Membership
Director of Deed Restrictions
Happily, two of the existing board members* are intending to return, leaving us three positions that must be filled. The election will be held at our next Member’s Meeting, Tuesday, May 13th at Zion Lutheran Church.
Most people are blissfully unaware of what the WHCA does. A lot of it is behind-the-scenes. I could go on a length about how we spend our time, and why it’s important. I’m sure that would be as dull for me to write as it would be for you to read.
I’ll keep it simple. If you love this neighborhood…would like to see it protected, thrive and prosper…we need your help to see it done.
All it takes is a willingness to engage. No experience necessary. On-the-job training is available. In fact, there’s a very impressive group of neighbors who have previously served. They continue to believe in the organization, providing help and advice when called upon. We have a depth of history, what we’re trying to address is the bench.
Interested? A nomination form is available on our web site. If you have questions, please get in touch. I’d be more than happy to talk with anyone who genuinely wants to help. I’m available at president@woodland-heights.org.
Update on Short Term Rental Regulations - Committee Meeting Monday, April 7th /
The following message was received from the office of CM Castillo via SN15. It pertains to new regulations that may impact short term rental, such as Air B&B, in the City of Houston. If you have concerns about such potential rules, here’s your chance to get informed about what’s coming.
I know parts of your Super Neighborhood are disproportionately impacted by Short Term Rentals (STRs). An ordinance to better regulate STRs came before City Council today but was tagged. It will now go before the Quality of Life Committee on Monday, April 7th for further discussion.
Attached is the language that will go before the Committee. If anyone from your Super Neighborhood would like to speak on the item, here are the details:
Speakers can sign up by emailing atlarge1@houstontx.gov.
The item won’t be first on the agenda, so folks may want to plan accordingly. Once the final agenda is released, the At-Large 1 office can help with more specific timing if people reach out.
President's Report - March 2025 /
After some drift, the WHCA is transitioning to a more normal cadence for member meetings. These would normally be the second Tuesday of odd-numbered months (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sep, and Nov) Recently, a requirement to gather specific guests to address important topics has forced some flexibility in scheduling. That had the knock-on effect of pushing this most recent meeting later in the month. Be that as it may, we had a good turnout at this week’s meeting, once again held in the Great Room at Zion Lutheran Church.
Friends of Woodland Park
The Friends of Woodland Park occupied the top of the batting order. They presented their 15 for 15 Project, an ambitious project that details the launch of 15 projects they will launch this year as part of FWP's 15 Anniversary Celebration.
Jennifer Oslind, FWP Board Member, led the presentation by recalling Woodland Park's significant role in her life in Woodland Heights. Her presentation is one that many residents can relate to, as so many residents use the park with their families.
Pat Rutledge, Treasurer and founding FWP member, noted that FWP was created as a result of the success of the WHCA Centennial Committee in raising funds for park improvements. He went on to describe the design of the Great Lawn, which is part of the park's Master Plan. The 15 for 15 projects work in conjunction with the Woodland Park Master Plan and vary in terms of fundraising and completion timelines.
However, the goal of all 15 projects is to improve the park for residents and visitors. Notable projects include the establishment of a Great Lawn (Phase 1), which would involve relocating picnic tables, benches, and grills to a shadier section of the park while creating a central open space for events and programming and adding landscape improvements.
Kelli Fereday, FWP President, further detailed additional projects that are part of the 15 for 15 Project, including improved signage and a historical marker for the park, a bayou overlook project designed to study the feasibility of "Bird Watching Platform" accessed from Houston Ave side of the park to allow more people the opportunity to visit the natural areas of the park without having to navigate stairs and trails, this study would include design and cost estimates for construction, and a Trash Weir Feasibility Study to address the installation of a weir system to catch debris from the bayou before it washes into the park along the waterways.
There are several other projects on the Friends of Woodland Park's 15 for 15 Project list, and they will be launched throughout the year. Stay tuned in to FWP for more information and to become involved in helping them improve Woodland Park for the entire neighborhood. For more information, visit FWP 15 for 15.
2026 WHCA Home Tour
Louise Moss spoke at the evening's meeting to send out a call to those with historic homes who would like to be considered for the 2026 WHCA Home Tour. This bi-annual event is the leading fundraiser for the WHCA and is an exceptionally popular event, drawing neighbors and visitors from across Houston to admire the iconic old homes.
The Home Tour planning committee is seeking nominations and will begin viewing potential homes in June of this year. All homes need to be vintage, with renovations and additions welcome.
Additional opportunities to help with the committee on event planning and management will open up in the fall, and volunteers and docents for the Spring event will be sought in early 2026. If you are interested in having your home considered for the tour, please contact Louise Moss at limoss@comcast.net or Megan Mastal at mmastal@insightspr.com.
Constable Patrol Update
Beth Sorenson arranged to have Lieutenant McClerkins and Deputy Constable Suggs update members on the status of the WHCA Constable Patrol and the types of activity they have seen recently in the neighborhood. The deputies noted several activities, including a porch pirate and a suspicious vehicle they'd been watching in the area.
However, they noted that it would be more helpful if neighbors consistently reported issues they face, even if the incident is small. For example, a package stolen from a porch. Reporting the incidents to Precinct One Dispatch allows them to cross-reference events occurring in other neighborhoods in addition to Woodland Heights. This allows the Deputies to build a stronger case against individuals they catch and can help in identifying criminals who visit multiple neighborhoods.
The deputies stressed how important it is that even minor crimes are reported to the authorities. A porch pirate caught on camera here in Woodland Heights may match similar incidents in other neighborhoods. Citing a pattern of criminal activity makes for a stronger case against the thief.
Who You Gonna Call?
In a real emergency, please dial 911 (life and death situations).
Call the constable dispatch office for anything less urgent, such as something damaged or stolen or minor fender benders! They’ll respond faster, and they can file the police report that you need for insurance purposes. That number is Precinct One Dispatch Office at (713) 755-7628
If you wish to remain anonymous while making a report, call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (713) 222-TIPS.
The remainder of the meeting consisted of WHCA Directors reporting on topics that are mostly detailed elsewhere in this issue. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.