Lights in the Heights is back! This year's event with occur on December 11th and the route will be Byrne and Euclid from Studewood to Beauchamp. Head on over to the LITH page and the Friday Night Lights page for important details.
LITH
LITH 2020 SCAVENGER HUNT /
Welcome to the Lights in the Heights 2020 Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt! Look for the items listed below using your keenest adventure skills! Check your items off as you find them. Please feel free to share your favorite selections with us by sending us a note or picture to LightsInTheHeights@gmail.com. Be mindful that some photos may be showcased on the Lights in the Heights website for your friends and neighbors to enjoy. This way everyone can get a glimpse of the wonderful and inventive decorations they may have missed!!
Dinosaur
A Sign of Peace
Funny or Impressive Leftover Halloween Pumpkin
Flying Pig
Favorite Inflatable
Hanukkah Bear
Snow Man
Candy or Sweets
Nutcracker
Brightest House
Big Christmas Tree
Small Christmas Tree
Large Bow
Something Whataburger Related
Most Decorations
Favorite Cartoon Decorations
3 Favorite Santas
Favorite Holiday Theme
Most Creative
Animals and Wildlife
Once you have completed the hunt, please submit your forms or selections to LightsInTheHeights@gmail.com.
**Please be mindful of private property, traffic laws, personal safety and social distancing practices while completing your hunt. All items are in public view from public spaces and this activity is intended to be completed via public streets, sidewalks and thoroughfares and trespassing on private property is not suggested. If taking pictures, please be sure not to include home interiors, property owners or children outside of your group.
HAPPY HUNTING!!!!
Make sure to tag us and show your Lights in the Height’s spirit at #LITH2020 or #LightsInTheHeights2020!!
2020 Lights in the Heights Winning Homes /
The LITH judging committee judges toured the neighborhood and submitted their ballots for consideration. The following are this year’s award winning homes:
Most Colorful – 901 Omar
Most Festive – 2905 Beauchamp
Most Creative – 311 Euclid
Most Wattage – 614 Byrne
Most Religious - 616 Highland
Best Theme – 3511 Oakridge
Best Single Color – 1020 E. 7th
Most Traditional – 801 Merrill
Most Historical – 3003 Norhill
Pick of the Night – 412 Highland
Ho-Ho-Ho! – 629 Merrill
Most Crafty – 501 Euclid
Best Porch – 922 Bayland
Best Inflatables – 408 Bayland
Best Block - 400 block of Byrne
Most Appreciated* - 3004 Beauchamp
Most Trending* - 3212/3218 Beauchamp
Most Geological* - 428 Byrne
Most Mystical* - 402 Byrne
Most Astronomical* - 312 Bayland
Most Fishy* - 909 Highland
Most Wildlife* - 903 Highland
Most Synchronized* - 1009 Omar
Best Tribute* - 927 Merrill
The houses listed above are all within the Woodland Heights neighborhood. The judges start out with a list of categories that have been used for years, but also designate ad hoc categories* based upon what they find on their tour.
A special thank you to all the wonderful and committed residents of Woodland Heights that make this time of year beautiful and twinkling!
Spirit of LITH 2020 Reminder /
We just want to post a gentle reminder that there’s no organized Lights in the Heights® event this year. What does this mean?
There were no permits pulled for the event because of Covid-19
There will not be extra police presence in the neighborhood
There will not be trash receptacles
There will not be porta potties
There will be no “one way” directional signs for cars or any other no traffic control
City of Houston will be the contact for any noise ordinance complaints
There has not been a coordination with Lyft this year
It’s sad, we know, so we wrote you this poem to cheer you up.
All kidding aside, we really want our neighbors to have a safe and happy holiday season. We’re working to spread the word that we’re not having our traditional LITH event. This includes signage at the esplanade, coordination with local businesses and groups to communicate our plans, notifying the constable over concerns there may be a potential uptick in pedestrian traffic and reaching out to local media as another avenue to share our plans.
-LITH Committee and WHCA
Lights in the Heights 2020 Update /
The “cooler” weather is here and the holiday season is right around the corner! With that, every year, comes the building excitement and anticipation for our beloved Lights and the Heights! Interest and inquiries have been pouring in and the Committee has been hard at work in discussions about how it will be presented this year.
The LITH Chairs and the Civic Association Board have agreed that postponing all the live events would be the most socially responsible thing to do. Protecting the neighborhood and our wonderful residents is being prioritized this year.
However! The event will still be there in spirit since we’ll have the house awards and will also be supplementing with several social media and social distancing endeavors that we’re ironing out over the next few weeks.
We’re excited to redesign the event to fit the current climate and are looking forward to getting creative! If anyone would like to submit an idea, or be involved, please reach out to Ashley Allison or Karen Stowers at lightsintheheights@gmail.com.
2020 Online Merchandise Sale /
Although the Covid Pandemic has changed the way we are doing everything, we are all looking for the reassurance of familiar and simpler things. This year, Lights in the Heights will be simpler with no planned gatherings. But the WHCA wants to keep the beloved LITH tradition alive with familiar items for sale on the WHCA website. All orders will be through the WHCA Store Page and you can arrange contact-less pick up of your merchandise purchases. More details about contact-less pick up will be announced.
Fearing the Pandemic would delay production of the popular and collectible tree ornaments, our Merchandise Committee started planning the hand-painted ornaments in February. The 2020 Lights in the Heights cloisonné ornament was designed by a Hogg Middle School student in the Graphic Design Program during the 2019 spring semester.
NEW for 2020, is the Woodland Heights ornament! The glass bulb has the familiar blue and white tiles spelling Woodland Heights with Houston, Texas on the opposite side.
Cloisonné LITH ornaments sell for $45 and glass WH ornaments sell for $30.
2019 Lights in the Heights ornaments are on sale! The 2019 cloisonné ornament is $35, some have slight imperfections. Complete your collection of LITH tree ornaments while supplies last.
More Lights in the Heights swag is still available!
The original LITH bulb-logo has been beautifully embroidered on a white cotton apron for $25.
Red drink koozies, with the bulb-logo printed in gold, make great stocking stuffers. A pack of 4 sells for $10.
Although there will not be a 2020 Lights in the Heights T-shirt, the iconic 30th anniversary T-shirt is available for $10, in unisex sizes.
2019 Lights in the Heights T-shirts are available in limited quantities for $10, in men’s and ladies’ sizes.
In addition to the NEW Woodland Heights tree ornament, we have NEW Woodland Heights paper cocktail napkins. The 5-inch-square, white napkins are printed with the familiar blue tiles spelling Woodland Heights, with Since 1907 and Houston, Texas below. A pack of 50 sells for $15.
The popular Woodland Heights cookie jar is available, while supplies last. We do not plan to re-order and we have 5 in inventory. It sells for $50.
All profits from merchandise sales benefit our neighborhood through the Woodland Heights Civic Association.
In these uncertain times, we wish you and your family joy through the fall and holiday seasons,
WHCA Merchandise Committee
Beth Allen-Brock
Melissa McKee
Robyn Klepper
LITH Merchandise: An all-time favorite is back! /
An all-time favorite is back! This year’s Tree Ornament is hand-made of cloisonné and has golden bells surrounded by holiday lights. Order one for your collection today—they usually sell out before Lights in the Heights!
Back by popular demand is the Woodland Heights cookie jar! The 10” ceramic jar is glazed white, with the Woodland Heights Blue Tile Logo and the words “Since 1907”. This popular jar will be a great year-round addition to your kitchen.
Pre-order these LITH items and more: https://www.woodland-heights.org/store
Questions? LITHmerchandise@gmail.com.
LITH 2018 Merchandise /
Whew, 2018 Lights in the Heights is just a memory, now. And it still has us smiling — fun times, great folks, huge success! This year’s LITH has been a true labor-of-love, for the 2018 LITH Committee. On behalf of the entire LITH Committee, we want to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who supported LITH, in every way. In particular, Melissa McKee and Beth Allen-Brock send our special thanks to those who purchased LITH and WH branded merchandise. This year, merchandise sales topped $10,800, which generated profits of approximately $4400. Every penny of merchandise sales’ profit goes toward the expenses of 2018 Lights in the Heights.
Thank you, neighbors!!
LITH 2018 Acknowledgements /
Lights in the Heights is the result of a massive amount of work by a volunteer team of neighbors. With the event now well in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to extend a big thank you to the entire team of LITH 2018 Chairs and Volunteers!
Lights in the Heights Co-Chairs
Sharon Greiff
Susan Pennebaker
Lighter in the Heights Chair
Peggy Sparks
Holiday Bash Co-Chairs
Gabe Vick
Bridget Vick
Jason Williams
Kristi Williams
Silent Auction Chair
Lauren Snead
LITH Budget Chair
Melissa McKee
LITH Merchandise Co-Chairs
Beth Allen-Brock
Robyn Klepper
Melissa McKee
Friday Night Lights Chair
Katie McCafferty
LITH Volunteer Coordinator
Claire Getschow
Vendor Contracts, City Permits, Insurance Rider
Melissa Sternfels
Sharon Greiff
Communications Publisher and WHCA Web
Michael Graves
Distribution of Newsletters
Andrea Gorney
Art Direction and Graphic Design
Stella Espinosa
Luminaria Chair
Caroline Johnston
Printing Coordinator, Cookie Chair
Robyn Klepper
Block/Porch Generals
Meagan Mastal
Melissa Sternfels
Band/Porch Coordinators
Meredith Burke
Ward Pennebaker
Kent Brock
Awards Judging Chair
Stephanie Riceman
Luminaria Chair
Caroline Johnston
LITH Web Portal
Mark Sternfels
Thanks also to all volunteers who supported the above chairs with their time, ideas and do-nations.
Friday Night Lights - on Sunday! /
A portion of the family fun originally planned for the FNL event last week has been rescheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, December 16th.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting Woodland Heights at the Norhill Esplanade on Sunday afternoon, December 16 from 3:30-5:30. Neighbors wishing to participate in Operation: Stocking Stuffer can bring an unwrapped, unopened new toy to the event where the donation boxes will be set up. There will be s’mores and the final sale of LITH merchandise for 2018.
Lights in the Heights 2018 Winning Homes /
The LITH judging committee toured the route Thursday evening with the help of Jeff Trevino and his open-air art-mobile. The following are this year’s award winning homes:
MOST COLORFUL – 514 Euclid
MOST FESTIVE – 412 Euclid
MOST CREATIVE – 529 Highland
MOST WATTAGE – 419 Euclid
MOST RELIGIOUS – 402 Byrne
BEST THEME – 309 Euclid
BEST SINGLE COLOR: 530 Byrne
MOST TRADITIONAL – 418 Byrne
PICK OF THE NIGHT – 501 Euclid
HO-HO-HO – 406 Byrne
BEST PORCH – 711 Euclid
BEST BLOCK – 400 Byrne
BEST NOT-QUITE-A-BLOCK – 1000 Euclid / condo complex
MOST MYSTICAL – 713 Byrne
BEST FOSSIL – 428 Byrne
“THE MOST” – 1020 East 7th
MOST HISTORICAL – 518 Byrne
BEST BLOW-UPS – 313 Byrne
BEST ON-4-WHEELS – Decorated vintage truck on 1000 block of 7th
Lights in the Heights Route Map /
You can click on the map image above to download a PDF copy of the reference route map.
We’ve had a lot of feedback concerning the traffic congestion and the fact that some of our streets are practically impossible to have two-way traffic flow with parking on both sides. To alleviate this, we are trying something new this year; one-way traffic flow with parking on both sides for the majority of our east-west streets. Bayland, Pecore and White Oak will remain two-way streets.
Also, all of Norhill with the North side blocked off but allowing for East/West traffic on Bayland.
Bike Houston will be providing secure bike parking at the North end of the Norhill Esplanade.
Please! Please! Do not block driveways!
Better yet, if you need a ride into the neighborhood, use Lyft! This year we are proud to partner with Lyft to help you get to and from Lights in the Heights safely. Share the promo code HEIGHTSLIGHTS with your friends and party guests, and they will receive 50% off (up to $5) of two rides during Lights in the Heights.
Lyft is operating an official, fully-staffed pickup and drop-off station at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 600 Pecore.
https://www.lyft.com/invite/HEIGHTSLIGHTS
Otherwise, very limited parking is available in the neighborhood, including at Vineyard Church, Zion Church (fee applies), Woodland Park, and Stude Park.
Sharon Greiff, LITH Co-chair
LIGHTS IN THE HEIGHTS DECORATIONS JUDGING – Thursday December 6th! /
The judging committee will be rolling down the route Thursday evening on the 6th, so make sure to have your decorations lit if you would like to participate. If you’re ON the route, you’re automatically in the running.
If you’re OFF the route, you’ll need to nominate your house or your neighbors by emailing robyn.klepper@nadel.com so the judges can be sure to include you in the competition.
This year there will also be a BEST BLOCK competition (on-route only), so get busy stringing up those lights with your neighbors! Good luck to you all!
Calling all Bakers! Porch Cookies needed for Lights in the Heights. /
LITH committee is needing volunteers to help with cookie baking. The cookies are a long-standing tradition provided to the houses that volunteer their porches for the night’s live entertainment along the official route. Be a part of the tradition and fire up those ovens! Cookies will need to be delivered between December the 6th and the 7th – any time of the day.
If you can help out, please email robyn.klepper@nadel.com to sign up for more details.
Holiday Bash Volunteers Needed! /
Hello neighbors!
We are looking for volunteers to help make our Holiday Bash a smashing success! It is going to be an awesome event with delicious food and drinks from local vendors, a cool rooftop venue, great silent auction items, and lots of fun neighbors ready to celebrate LITH 2018! We need people to help in the following time slots:
Saturday, November 3rd:
3 people to help set up silent auction items from (5pm - 6:30pm at the party venue)
2 people to check-in people to the silent auction (7 - 9pm)
4 people to help check out guests after the silent auction is over (choose a 9pm - 10 pm or 10pm - 11 pm shift)
2 people to be in charge of items that don't get picked up that night
If you’re interested signup using the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B45A5A62EA46-light
For additional information about the Holiday Bash see woodland-heights.org/holiday-bash
Thank you making this year's LITH party a great success!
Lights in the Heights Merchandise Now For Sale! /
The 2018 edition LITH cloisonné ornament is in production. This year's festive logo was designed by Jacob Gonzales, a student in Hogg Middle School's graphic design program. We've added a second cloisonné ornament this year with the highly recognizable trademarked LITH bulb logo. The illustrations don't quite do these beauties justice. These custom ornaments are handcrafted with 24k gold plated wire outlining the vivid colors of the design. Each ornament comes in a silk covered gift box - perfect for giving and safekeeping.
We also have Holiday Bash tickets, LITH embroidered aprons, printed tea towels, private party signs, and the 30th Anniversary t-shirts available for sale on the website.
Pre-order any of these items and they will be ready for you to pick up at Friday Night Lights on the Norhill Esplanade on December 7. Additional merchandise not sold on our website will be available at FNL including koozies, lighted wands for the kids, and LITH printed cocktail napkins (perfect for your LITH party!)
https://www.woodland-heights.org/store/?category=Lights+in+the+Heights
Lights in the Heights 2018 Proposed Route /
This year the LITH committee, with feedback from residents of Woodland Heights, have selected Byrne and Euclid streets as the official route for the event, with the “anchor” being the Norhill Esplanade. It’s been close to 10 years since these streets have participated and we know that everyone will be excited to see the displays, hear the performers and enjoy the holiday cheer.
A larger, print-ready version of the route map is available for download here.
As plans are finalized with the city, further details about the route will be published in coming issues of the WHCA newsletter.
Questions, concerns or suggestions can be sent by email to lightsintheheights@gmail.com, or by mail to Lights in the Heights, P.O. Box 7754, Houston TX 77270. Please include
your name and contact information.
HMS Student Designs 2018 Lights in the Heights® Logo /
The Lights in the Heights Committee has been working for more than three months planning for Lights in the Heights events to be held starting in September. Having been on the LITH Committee for that long, I am finding myself humming Christmas Carols and trying to remember all the words to my favorite holiday poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clark Moore. So, I have loosely patterned this on that beloved holiday poem that Moore wrote for his children almost two hundred years ago, in 1822.
‘Twas the week before summer vacation, and all through Hogg Middle School, Students were anxious about final exams and trying to stay calm and cool. Principal Angela Sugarek was watching over students with care,
As their excitement for summer vacation could be heard in the air.
Some students were busy in their Intro Graphic Design class, using the Web And Adobe InDesign to create digital images of what danced in their heads. Art Teacher Connie Sulewski, who directs the Graphics Design Program at Hogg, Called for her class’s attention, “A new assignment,” she said with a nod.
Then in the classroom there arose such moaning and clatter,
Seventh-grader, Jacob Gonzales looked around to see what was the matter?
“You are not required to do this assignment, it’s just for fun,”
Said Ms. Sulewski, “but you could be famous after you’re done.”
Jacob felt Ms. Sulewski was talking directly to him
As she listed items that would have the 2018 logo on them:
“On banners! On letters! On signs and posters!
On aprons! On ornaments! On napkins, even wine glasses!”
Away to a computer Jacob flew like a flash,
So he could start the assignment quickly, after his dash.
When what in his wandering mind did appear,
But the Lone Star of Texas, something Jacob holds dear.
With a wink of his eye and a nod of his head,
“That’s it! That’s the design they will want!” Jacob said.
He spoke no more words, but went straight to his work,
Drawing a digital image of his logo, then sat back with a jerk,
On his screen, holiday lights made the Lone Star’s shape,
The words were neon colors, and at the bottom was the date.
With a sense of pride and hope in his heart,
Jacob submitted his design, so Ms. Sulewski could do her part.
At a Lights in the Heights Committee meeting, Ms. Sulewski presented
30 excellent designs culled from about 100 submitted.
The LITH Committee was astounded at all the designs, and so impressed,
How would they ever choose just one as the best?
This year’s Co-Chairs, Susan and Sharon, took the lead,
After much discussion and input, the Committee finally agreed:
The Lone Star Holiday Lights design was selected for the 2018 logo!
Jacob Gonzales was the winner – a future graphics design pro!
Congratulations, Jacob Gonzales!
The graphic design program at Hogg Middle School offers students comprehensive problem-solving explorations from the conceptual development phase through production of effective design solutions using digital technologies. Graphic design students address concepts of a variety of design problems leading to the execution and evaluation of their solutions, while gaining confidence and proficiency working with digital media.
- Beth Allen-Brock
WHCA September General Meeting & LITH Neighborhood Forum /
The Woodland Heights Civic Association has bi-monthly General Meetings. The upcoming meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 7:00 PM in the Hogg Middle School cafeteria.
This meeting will have the added dimension of offering a Neighborhood Forum to discuss the plans for the 31st annual Lights in the Heights festival. The upcoming Meeting and Forum, like most of our General Meetings, is open to all who wish to attend, whether or not they are Members of the Association.
The Association’s Board of Directors and related committee members will be on hand to entertain all discussion points as they pertain to the LITH festival. The goal is to provide a platform for all those wishing to express comments or concerns about the LITH events as outlined in this newsletter.
We understand in such a diverse neighborhood as ours, perceptions and expectations can vary, but it is our hope this forum will foster a constructive dialogue amongst neighbors. The Board will listen to those varied opinions, learn from our neighbors and, if appropriate, act on comments or criticisms from the stakeholders in the neighborhood.
Of course, the LITH Neighborhood Forum will be part of our regularly scheduled General Meeting and subject to the Association Bylaws. If you are curious about those Bylaws, they are all on the Association website at https://www.woodland-heights.org/bylaws/.
To be heard you must attend. Please plan to attend.
Harry McMahon, President
Woodland Heights Civic Association
LITH 2018: Save The Dates! /
Lighter in the Heights
Neighborhood Garage Sales
Saturday, September 29, 2018
7 am - 1 pm
Light up the Night Holiday Bash
Benefiting Lights in the Heights
1111 Studewood
Saturday, November 3, 2018
7 pm - 11 pm
Friday Night Lights
Neighborhood Gathering
Norhill Esplanade
Friday, December 7, 2018
6 pm - 9 pm
Lights in the Heights
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Byrne and Euclid Streets
6 pm - 9 pm
Presented by the Woodland Heights Civic Association.
Details to follow by email and at http://www.woodland-heights.org.
For more info contact lightsintheheights@gmail.com.
Hope to see you at all four events!