July 1st is just a few days away, but you still have time to turn in your entry for the 2025 LITH Ornament Design Competition!
The winning design will be featured on LITH signs, posters, letters, T-shirts, and the Official LITH Cloisonne Ornament! In keeping with tradition, the artist’s name will be included on the underside of the ornament and mentioned on the card that comes with it.
So get your pens, pencils, crayons, computer skills (whichever you choose) out and design your entry today! Then, email your submissions to LightsInTheHeights@gmail.com by July 1, 2025
Events
4th of July Kids Bicycle Parade Friday, July 4, 2025 /
The WHCA 4th of July Kids Bicycle Parade is one week away! This annual event will be held at the Norhill Esplanade. It is open to all kids in the neighborhood. Parents and kids are encouraged to decorate their bicycles in their favorite colors to take part in a parade around the Norhill Esplanade. The WHCA Constable Patrol will be on hand to assist with parade festivities and ensure everyone's safety.
Please join our community celebration of American Independence at the Norhill Esplanade on July 4th. Kids can decorate their bikes to join the parade, and families can stay afterward to enjoy the music and refreshments.
There will be free popsicles; watermelon and Waterloos; along with face painting; and some red, white, and blue glow sticks for all the kiddos. We hope to see you there!
Calling All Razorbacks! Hogg Alumni Assistance Requested! /
By Melanie Gehman
A call is going out to all Hogg Alumni to help with the planning and celebration of Hogg Middle Schools 100th Anniversary! The Hogg Centennial Planning Committee is looking for Alumni who would like to join in the planning for this celebration. They are also looking for any memorabilia, photos, and memories you may want to share to make the event one to remember.
If you would like to help please email Ms. Chance at mchance@houstonisd.org. Show your Razorback Pride and pitch in to help make the Centennial a wonderful one!
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
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.
April - Go Fly A Kite /
In my past life, I flew many kites—many different kites—small kites, large kites, kites with one, two, or four strings, kites that stayed still or danced in the air, and even some that were used for fighting! Kites are a novel way for both young and old to get outside and engage with one of the most awesome forces of nature.
Kite flying can be a very calming activity. Or not! Depending upon the kite and the wind, it can be very sedate. Or require constant vigilance to keep the kite aloft. It can demand an intensity of focus that forces you to set aside the day's worries and concentrate on the task.
I once worked as a staff editor for Kite Line, the world's leading kite magazine at the time. To this day, I remain a card-carrying member of the American Kitefliers Association. This is how I know April is National Kite Month, which is also one of Houston's best times of year.
If you're looking for something novel to do, get yourself a kite and find a wide-open space in a nearby public park. In fact, ping me, and I may join you.
By the way, our local kite club is the South Houston Area Recreational Kiters (aka S.H.A.R.K.) They most often get together down on the beach in Galveston or at Sylvan Rodriguez Park in Clear Lake. Kites Unlimited in Galveston is the nearest kite store.
Lemonade Day An Entrepreneurial Experience /
Since 2007, young people have taken lemons and turned them into more than just lemonade—they've been turning them into an entrepreneurial experience. One that aims to empower youth through learning programs that teach them how to start, own, and run their own businesses. The sweet success began in Houston and has grown from 2,700 kids to 55,000 kids in Houston alone.
Originally founded by Michael Holthouse to empower youth to become tomorrow's entrepreneurs, the program has expanded to become a national program. However, throughout the years, its goal has remained the same. Every child interested in becoming a Lemonade Day entrepreneur registers and receives free materials that teach them the lessons of Lemonade Day. They learn how to create budgets, set profit-making goals, serve customers, repay investors, and give back to the community. All while acquiring goal-setting and problem-solving skills and gaining self-esteem. They get to keep the money they make while being encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some.
For more information on Lemonade Day, visit https://local.lemonadeday.org/houston. If your child will be setting up a lemonade stand in the Woodland Heights neighborhood, be sure to send us a note. We will get the word out via WHCA social media, andemailcommunications@woodland-heights.org.
LITH - The Final Wrap Up /
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.
Lights in the Heights 2024 Winners /
Oh My Gourd! /
Halloween and Thanksgiving, holidays that bring to mind Jack O' Lanterns , pumpkin pie, and yes pumpkin lattes (though I'm not sure how much pumpkin is actually in that latte). So how many pumpkins are grown for these holidays? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in 2022 the U.S. produced 1.2 Billion (that's Billion with a B) pounds of pumpkins every year!
This week you may see a number of Jack O' Lanterns sitting out on porches to welcome trick or treaters. But did you know this Halloween staple traces it's origin to an old Irish Myth and was originally carved from vegetables like turnips and beets to ward off 'Stingy Jack' and other wandering evil spirits. Check out the link to read about the myth - migh make for some spooky tails this Halloween-and who knows maybe you'll be inspired to carve up a turnip or two.
And while you may think the pumpkin is a vegetable, according to botanists. the pumpkin is actually a fruit. That's because it is a product of the seed bearing structure of flowering plants - while vegetables are the edible part of plants like leaves, stems. roots, bulbs, flowers, and tubers.
Finally, one more fun pumpkin fact - pumpkins can be called both a gourd and a squash - no matter what you call it a pumpkin is part of the Cucurbitaceae family which includes a very large family of fruit. The Cucurbitaceae family include over 900 species of food and ornamental plants, including pumpkins to honeydews to spaghetti squash to cucumbers to watermelon to those decorative gourds.
Regardless of what you call them vegetable or fruit pumpkin or gourd - the question arises - what do you do with all the leftovers from Halloween and Thanksgiving? Here's some ideas for what you can do when the holidays are over:
Compost - remove candles, inorganic decorations, and seeds,then break up into smaller pieces and add to your compost pile.
Bury Your Pumpkin - dig a shallow hole in your garden, add your pumpkin, cover it with dirt, then let nature take its course.
Seeds - you can clean and roast your seeds for a tasty treat or let them dry and add them to your bird feeder.
4th Annual Pumpkin Compost DropOff - the COH Solid Waste Department is holding their 4th Annual composting of retired pumpkin drop off from Nov 1 - December 6, 2024. Visit the link above for details.
Lights in the Heights 2024: Call for Porches! /
Dear Byrne, Euclid & 7-1/2 Street Neighbors,
This December, Lights in The Heights (LITH) will be celebrating its 37th year as an annual Holiday Season tradition organized by the Woodland Heights Civic Association. Traditionally scheduled for the second Saturday in December, this year LITH will take place on the evening of December 14th. Byrne, Euclid and 7-1/2 streets are the streets which have been chosen for the official route for LITH this year.
During the celebration your streets will be closed to vehicular traffic so that neighbors, and visitors to our neighborhood, are able to walk these streets while enjoying the lights, decorations and music along the route. As per tradition, outdoor music is allowed from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. that evening and neighbors on the official route are asked if they would like to volunteer their porches to host performers.
We invite to let us know if you would like to volunteer your porch to host performers for this event. The LITH Entertainment Committee has a list of volunteer performers that we can pair up with willing hosts. These performers are volunteering their time and talent at no cost to perform for LITH.
If you prefer to arrange a performer of your own, we ask that you let the committee know as well. Knowing what homes are planning on hosting their own performers will help the committee arrange music to avoid one type of music overshadowing another so all the performers can be enjoyed by everyone walking the official route.
Thank you for supporting LITH!
The LITH Entertainment Committee
EntertainmentLITH@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATES! FWP - Annual Meeting October 10 Plus Halloween Concert October 17 /
Friends of Woodland Park - Annual Meeting
The Friends of Woodland Park will be holding their Annual Meeting, on Thursday, October 10, inside the Woodland Park Community Center, 212 Parkview. There will be a Meet and Greet at 6 pm, followed by a members meeting with a report of accomplishments of the past year and future plans.
The guest speaker for the evening will be Ranger Woodard with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, who will explain Urban Park Ranger responsibilities as well as what issues, wants, and needs he has for Woodland Park.
Friends of Woodland Park - Halloween Themed Concert!
You are invited to a family-friendly concert hosted by the Friends of Woodland Park on Thursday, October 17, 6-7:30 p.m., in the community center at Woodland Park. Jo Bird, the Fiddle Witch, is our guest musician and will provide the entertainment. Wear your Halloween costume – kids and adults. There will be candy, decorated cookies, and Halloween-themed coloring pages for the kids. We will also enjoy several flavors of popcorn.
Jo Bird was born and raised in Pasadena, TX, where she grew up playing in the public school orchestra. She moved to Houston to perform and compose music for Two Star Symphony, Pecos Hank, I Am Mesmer and Fiddle Witch and the Demons of Doom in addition to many other musical groups and various projects. She has been residing in Galveston, TX, since 2019 performing her solo works for Art Walk, private events and many other random happenings.
Come join us at your park in our wonderful neighborhood!
Support LITH - Auction Items Needed! /
The Lights in the Heights Bash is not just a fun-filled evening, it's a crucial part of our fundraising efforts. The proceeds from the event help cover expenses such as city permits, street closures, police presence and security, porta-potties, and other necessary items to hold the event.
Your participation and support at the Bash are vital to the success of the event. We invite you to mark your calendars for this annual event and buy your tickets when they go on sale online. Early Bird ticket sales will begin at the WHCA Store on October 1 ($75) for one week only, and regular pricing will apply after that.
LITH is a community-driven initiative that relies on your support. The proceeds from the LITH Bash help cover essential expenses such as city permits, street closures, police presence and security, porta-potties, and other necessary items to make the event a success. Your support is vital to the continuation of this beloved community tradition.
As part of the Bash, there will be an Auction to raise additional money to cover costs associated with LITH. The LITH Committee is seeking your help securing auction items for the Bash. If you are a business or individual with connections and resources, a history of charitable giving, and a love for LITH, your help could make a significant difference and play a crucial role in the event's success!
Auction items like gift baskets, tickets to sporting or entertainment events, date night experiences, etc., are always welcome! If you love giving parties for kids or adults, you could offer to host a party as a donation. Let the LITH Committee know what you'd like to give to support LITH. Your donation and support will be recognized in multiple ways throughout the LITH season, and depending on the level of giving, your name could be featured on banners and signage for the event, the WHCA newsletter, social media posts, and more.
Ready to support LITH and donate an auction item? It's simple. Just email us at bash@woodland-heights.org. We appreciate and thank you for your support in advance for your donation, and continued support of the WHCA and Lights in the Heights!
2024 LITH - Join The Fun /
Lights in the Heights - Brief History
It all began on December 12, 1987, when the first Lights in the Heights event was held. The streets of Woodland Heights were adorned with 'luminarias', transforming the neighborhood into a magical 'Winter Wonderland '. Residents were invited to join in by adding luminarias to their streets, driveways, and porches, creating a mesmerizing display of light. The event also featured holiday entertainment and refreshments on the Norhill Esplanade, marking the start of a cherished tradition.
According to the WHCA 1989 November December newsletter, that first event drew 20,000 people to the Woodland Heights neighborhood to see the luminarias lighting up the participating streets and homes. The name we have all come to know the event by, "Lights in the Heights," appears to have been added in 1989, a testament to our community's enduring spirit and commitment to creating memorable experiences.
2024 LITH Schedule
This year, on December 14, our neighborhood will hold its 37th Annual Lights in the Heights. This year's featured streets will be Byrne, Euclid, and 7 1/2th Streets. They will be closed to vehicular traffic and become vibrant hubs of community activity. Neighbors and visitors alike are invited to stroll through the illuminated streets and enjoy the vibrant displays and holiday cheer.
Click to see larger image
2024 LITH Event Schedule
Friday, November 15 - LITH® Bash
Early Bird Ticket Sales Begin Oct 1st
Eureka Heights Brewing - 941 W 18th St, Houston, TX 77008Week of December 8 - 12 House Decorating Competition
Featured streets and nominated homes are eligible to competeFriday, December 13 - Friday Night Lights - Norhill Esplanade
Neighborhood-only eventSaturday, December 14 - Lights in the Heights®
Featured streets - Byrne, Euclid, and 7 1/2th Streets
What LITH Committee and Volunteers Do
Lights in the Heights is more than just one night of festivities. There is the annual Ornament/Logo contest, coordination with the City Special Events Office to close certain streets and redirect traffic down adjacent streets for safety, judging homes to award prizes for everything from the Most Wattage to the best holiday-themed, planning and setting up Friday night lights (this event is for residents only), and the big finale of the public Saturday event Lights in the Heights.
Volunteers and neighbors like you donate their time to do all the planning and hard work for this event. Planning for the event begins in the summer and continues up to and after the event itself. The LITH Committee is always looking for neighbors who would like to assist in making sure all the details that go into making this event a success; your involvement is crucial to the success of Lights in the Heights.
Did I mention another item the LITH Committee is responsible for? That would be fundraising to cover the cost of putting on LITH. The annual ornament contest provides the logo for the ornaments, t-shirts, and other merchandise sold through the WHCA store, but additional fundraising is where the Lights in the Heights Bash comes into play.
National Night Out - October 1st /
"Won't you be my neighbor?" Neighborhoods mean many different things to a lot of different people…ranging from a place denoted by boundary lines to a group of homes that are close to each other with people who may or may not know each other. The Woodland Heights, a neighborhood with a rich history dating back to 1907, like Houston has evolved over the years. With many neighbors working from home or choosing to live in the Woodland Heights for the schools and amenities offered by living inside the loop there are neighbors who may not have a moment to take advantage of their front porches or chat across their fences to meet their neighbors.
Today, we're inviting you to come out and meet some of your neighbors, friends, and future friends on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, for the WHCA National Night Out from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on the Norhill Esplanade.
Thanks to Joann Lammons with Sotheby's Realty, a fellow Woodland Heights resident and realtor, for generously sponsoring Dippin' Dots as a sweet treat for the kids! When asked why she contributes to the WHCA National Night Out event, Joann responded,
"I am proud to be a member of the Woodland Heights Community. It brings me back to my roots of uptown New Orleans with like architectural styles, legendary live oaks, walk-ability and wonderful neighbors. I love to support NNO as it honors our brave law enforcers and offers joint community programs for safety awareness. Not to mention a fun excuse for gathering our community!"
Parents be sure to come early to National Night Out as Dippin' Dots are available while supplies last.
In addition, the It's a Wrap food truck will be on site with its popular wraps ready for purchase. Guli Essa. The owner of It's a Wrap began her food truck career in 2011 when the retail store she was managing decided to close and gave her two days' notice. Instead of wondering what her next step would be, Guli followed her dream of owning her own business. Since then, she's been rolling out healthy food varieties that reflect what she likes to eat. The name of the truck is a nod to her LA roots and the movie business where "when you finish a movie, you say, 'it's a wrap." She's also carried the theme a little further by naming all her wraps after movies or something related to movies.
So, bring your lawn chairs, get your kids a Dippin' Dot, buy a wrap from It's a Wrap food truck, and enjoy a fun-filled night out with your neighbors while celebrating National Night Out.
What is National Night Out?
National Night Out was the brainchild of Matt A. Peskin from Philadelphia, but its success is a testament to the power of community. In 1970, Mr. Peskin was a volunteer working with the Lower Merion Community Watch program in cooperation with the Lower Merion Police Department. He patrolled his neighborhood, assisted in patrol dispatch, and ran the program's newsletter. In search of new content for the newsletter, he went to surrounding neighborhoods for assistance and noticed the need for a shared platform to connect citizens interested in safer neighborhoods. This was the seed for the next step in the development of the program that would become National Night Out.
In 1970, he established the National Association of Town Watch to provide community watch groups with information, resources, and assets to stay informed, interested, involved, and motivated within the community. Then, three years later, in 1984, the NATW organization held the first National Night Out with the simple goal of increasing participation in local crime prevention efforts by uniting entire communities for a single night. That first night, 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states participated. Today, communities celebrate National Night Out events on either the first Tuesday in August or the first Tuesday in October to take into account the difference in weather temperatures across the entire country. We opt for the first Tuesday in October here in Houston due to our weather temps!
What is the goal?
At the National Night Out program's core is the goal of connecting neighbors, promoting community, and raising awareness about police-community partnerships. For us, it's a chance to strengthen the bonds within our Woodland Heights neighborhood and show our support for local law enforcement by uniting our community on this one night in the hopes of uniting it for the future.
Water Works Festival on Saturday /
Houston Public Works is celebrating the 27th Annual Water Works Festival this Saturday. The free festival is a celebration of all the ways water impacts our lives. There will be family-friendly activities, raffles, giveaways and more! Details here.
When: Sat, May 7th, 10am-2pm
Where: Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Ln
East End Street Festival this Saturday /
The 2022 East End Street Fest is a celebration of art, music and heritage in East End Houston. Come and enjoy performances by various Mexican and Chicano artists during Cinco de Mayo week. There will be dance performances, kids activities, and a car show. Admission is free! Follow this link for more details.
When: Sat, May 7th, 12-6pm
Where: 2600 Navigation Blvd
Volunteer Fair for High School Students /
Leonel Castillo Community Center will be hosting a Volunteer Fair for high school students who are looking to connect with agencies and organizations that need volunteers for the summer. This event will be held outdoors and snacks will be provided as well as other fun activities.
When: Sat, May 14th, 3-7pm
Where: Leonel Castillo Community Center, 2101 South St
Bike to Work Day - Friday, May 20 /
Bike to Work Day is Back!
Join us for the first in-person Bike to Work Day (BTWD) in two years. We're celebrating National Bike Month in May by bringing back our annual bike ride to Downtown Houston on Friday, May 20, at 7:15 a.m.
This year’s bike ride will begin at the visitor center at Buffalo Bayou Park at Lost Lake, 3422 Allen Parkway, with riders departing promptly at 7:30 a.m. The ride will end at the Hermann Square Reflection Pond at City Hall.
If you can't join us, we challenge you to ride your bicycle to work on May 20 or another day during Bike Month.
Take a picture and tag the Houston Bikeways social media with the hashtag #BTWD2022.
To help make your ride safe and enjoyable, we’ve listed some safety tips below. We’ll also be crowdsourcing some tips on biking on social media, so be sure to follow us and join the conversation.
April Member Meeting Tuesday, April 12, 6-7pm /
https://www.woodland-heights.org/calendar-1/2022/3/8/whca-bi-monthly-member-meeting
Agenda
Houston Public Works will make a brief presentation on the North Main Bike Lane Extension, which will run from West Cottage to Airline.
WHCA will talk about our Curbside Native Tree Program.
We will be accepting nominations for board for May elections.
Pickup your 2022 Constable Patrol Sticker or your 100+ club sign.
There will be an open forum at the end.