Rainbow Hunt Gallery: The Hunted and the Hunters /
Events
WH Rainbow Hunt-Harper Hatfield Reporting /
I am Harper Hatfield and I am a 9 year old 4th grader at Travis Elementary.
Last week, some brilliant people organized a rainbow scavenger hunt to spread a little cheer around the neighborhood during this dark time. You can enjoy this event by riding a bike, driving around in the car or even just taking a stroll down the street! This is a great experience to have fun with our community and see everyone’s amazing art work while still being safe and socially distanced.
It was so exciting to see all of the different rainbows the kids created and displayed. We spotted painted rainbows, crayon rainbows, flag rainbows, sidewalk chalk rainbows and even a pinata rainbow! But, my mom and my favorite was definitely the rainbow made of streamers, with Kermit the Frog sitting on a balcony and holding a poster that said “the lovers, the dreamers and me” (pictured above.)
It was the perfect excuse to pull my mom and myself out of the house, get some fresh air, exercise and see our beautiful neighborhood. I had so much fun making my rainbow art so I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next time!
Thank you!
Harper Hatfield
Morrison St.
Woodland Heights
Great Rainbow Hunt Official Rules /
First: observe all safety guidelines, and safe social distancing at all times. You know what to do. (In other words, don’t be getting us into trouble with Mayor Sylvester, County Judge Lina or Principal Day!)
Second: walk, skip, ride, scooter, saunter, skate or stroll your way through our neighborhood, keeping track of how many Rainbows you can find (within the boundaries of the Woodland Heights, which is generally I-10 to the South, Studewood to the West, Pecore to the North and I-45 to the East).
Third: if you didn’t take a picture, did it really happen? Take lots of photos! And if you are into that whole social media thing, please tag us!
Fourth: once have finished your Great Rainbow Hunt, please email the WHCA at communications@woodland-heights.org or, better yet, post on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WoodlandHeightsCivicAssociation/. Please tell us who was in your search party, the total number of Rainbows your search party found, and the address(es) of your very favorite Rainbows. Please also include any photographs that we can share.
Fifth: at all times, at all times, be aware of your surroundings and again, please pretty please be safe. Also see, Official Rule 1, above.
FINALLY: You are a winner! Collect your family’s prize from the purple bucket on the porch at 714 Euclid (March 25 through the 30th, and until we run out) generally between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm OR, please let us know your address for prize drop off.
***Note that all prizes were pre-packaged and have also been placed in paper bags, by gloved hands. Before handling, please take all appropriate measures to ensure both your and your family’s safety. Again, see Rule 1.***
The City of Houston’s COVID safety guidelines can be found here: https://houstonemergency.org/covid19/
The CDC’s COVID guidelines can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprotect%2Findex.html
Introducing The Great Rainbow Hunt /
Following from the success of the city-wide ☘️Shamrock Hunt☘️, the Woodland Heights Civic Association cordially invites you and your family to participate in the 🌈 Great Rainbow Hunt!
Similar to the Shamrock Hunt, neighbors are asked to place a rainbow (or two, or three, or twenty) of their choosing, in their windows, on or before Tuesday, March 24th.
🌈Paint it. 🌈Color it. 🌈Print it out. 🌈Macrame it. Whatever! Then, on Wednesday, March 25th, the 🌈 Great Rainbow Hunt will begin.
Additional details will follow, including how YOU or YOUR FAMILY can win a prize for locating the most 🌈s (within the boundaries of the Woodland Heights Civic Association).
Also, be on the lookout for the WHCA’s announcement of a neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt, which will be aimed at our younger neighbors, as well as the upcoming 🌞Great Sunshine Hunt, the 🌼 Great Flower Hunt, and other family-friendly-social-distancing-activities.
Questions? communications@woodland-heights.org. And, if you aren’t already a WHCA member, please consider joining us by visiting our website at https://www.woodland-heights.org/membership
P.S. - an easy way to add rainbows to your home is to use these Rainbow Windows Clings, available on Amazon.com.
An Approach to Social Distancing on St Patrick's Day /
Here’s an image to get your started!
Seeking Volunteers for Home Tour 2020 /
The Home Tour Committee is seeking volunteers to work as docents the weekend of Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. Docents guide tour-goers through their assigned home. Docent Shifts are three hours long; noon to three and 3 to 6. It’s very easy to do and it’s fun.
Volunteers will be given a ticket to the home tour so they can see the other homes.
Registration Ending Soon for Minute Maid Grand Slam For Youth Baseball! /
Boys and Girls Ages 4 - 18
No experience necessary
Minute Maid Grand Slam For Youth Baseball is a community outreach partnership of the Houston Astros, the Astros Foundation, and Minute Maid. Team shirts, baseball caps, and baseball supplies for league and instructional play are provided.
Houston Parks and Recreation Department staff organizes and oversees league play or instructional play opportunities based on number of youth registered at each site. Parents: Volunteer coaches are needed. Training is provided. Please complete Volunteer Application at your closest Community Center.
Registration: January 2 - February 14, 2020
Locations: HPARD Community Centers, visit www.houstonparks.org for locations
Ages: 4 - 18
Cost: Free
Program Dates: February 24 - April 4, 2020
Times: Weekdays after-school and Saturdays
More Info: 832-395-7261
FWP: Wild & Scenic Film Festival /
The Citizens’ Environmental Coalition has connected individuals and organizations within the Greater Houston environmental community for almost 50 years. On January 28 & 29, join the Friends of Woodland Park at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour, hosted by the CEC. At the River Oaks Theater, enjoy two nights of different, short films. We especially think you'll like the movie A New View of the Moon, which reminds us why dark, unobstructed skies and a sense of curiosity are important. Tickets and sponsorships available at cechouston.org.
Lights in the Heights 2019 Winning Homes /
The LITH judging committee toured the route the evening of Thursday, Dec 12 with the help of Jeff Trevino and his open-air art-mobile. The following are this year’s award winning homes:
Most Colorful - 1020 East 7th
Most Festive - 412 Highland
Most Creative - 402 Omar
Most Wattage - 946 Highland
Most Religious - 616 Highland
Best Theme - 803 Omar
Best Single Color - 937 Omar
Most Traditional - 714 Merrill
Most Historical - 949 Omar
Pick of the Night - 903 Highland
Ho-Ho-Ho - 405 Highland
Most Crafty* - 917 Omar
Best Porch - 823 Omar
Best Inflatables - 909 Highland
Best Block - 400 block of Highland
Kids Choice* - 904 Omar
Most Edible* - 501 Euclid
Most Patriotic Christmas* - 602 Highland
Best Not Quite A Block* - 3000 block of Beauchamp
Most Mystical* - 1021 Omar
Most Existential* - 910 Omar
Rookie of the Year* - 710 Redan
Best Use of The Force* - 304 Bayland
400 Block of Highland: Best Block Panaramic Photo (click to see larger.)
Houses are either on the official route or nominated by neighbors for consideration. The judges start out with a list of categories that have been used for years, but have the ability to name ad hoc categories* based upon what they find on their tour.
Last year marked the first time the judges saw neighbors loft light strings that spanned the roadway for an entire block. It was part of what made everyone Feel The Byrne, winning them Best Block. This year the neighbors on the 400 block of Highland took the lesson, and to good effect. Does this mean that this is the new normal?
Best Not-Quite-A-Block: 3300 Beauchamp (click to see larger.)
Also, this editor would like to add one more. While not officially recognized by the judges, 406 Byrne with its “Santa 2020” theme deserves special recognition. In fact, the judges generally agreed that the 400 block of Byrne, while quite distant from the official route, still brought their A-game.
All photos by Michael Graves. Most taken using Google Pixel using “Night Sight.”
LITH Merchandise Pickup /
Did you miss picking up your LITH merchandise last Friday? If you were unable to pick-up your pre-ordered Lights in the Heights merchandise last Friday, additional pick-up dates are December 16, 18 and 19, from 2:30 until 6:30, at 529 Omar Street, or by appointment —call Beth Brock at 713-569-9277 to schedule.
Reminder: Guests who need a ride to WH for LITH can get a Lyft discount /
For the second year in a row, we are proud to partner with Lyft to help you get to and from Lights in the Heights safely. Share the promo code LIGHTSRIDE with your friends and party guests, and they will receive 50% off two (2) rides (up to $4 per ride) during Lights in the Heights. Otherwise, very limited parking is available in the neighborhood, including at Vineyard Church, Zion Church (fee applies), Woodland Park, and Stude Park.
About Lights in the Heights Merchandise /
Web pre-sales for LITH merchandise have ended. If you didn’t have a chance place your order, all remaining in stock items will be available for sale on a first come, first served basis at the Norhill Esplanade during Friday Night Lights, this Friday from 5-9pm.
If you did place an order, your items will be available for pickup at Friday Night Lights.
Lights in the Heights Route Map with Performers /
Now that the list of performers for LITH has been locked down, we can offer a new version of the route map. This one page map includes a list of all the performers, and the address where each will be appearing. This should help you plan your route or find a specific performer.
Lyft Party Host Program /
** Note that the deadline for this program has now passed **
Lyft is also generously offering a Woodland Heights Resident / Party Host Program for those hosting parties or residing in the neighborhood. Lyft will provide up to 50 households a set of exclusive promo codes to be shared with their friends, family and party guests.
Residents must opt-in to the program, at which point they will be contacted by Lyft with instructions and codes. Lyft will be donating a portion of the proceeds from every ride to the WHCA in support of the neighborhood!
This promotion includes the following:
Each WH resident will receive 10 promo codes
Each promo code is valid for $15 in ride credit (up to $7.50 on 2 rides)
Valid Friday, December 13 at 12:00pm until Sunday, December 15 at 12:00pm
If you wish to participate, please visit the link below and enter code lyftlights.
Lights in the Heights Judging /
The team of judges tour the neighborhood on Jeff Trevino’s unmistakable art car.
Each year, the LITH committee hands out awards for a range of decorating categories, from most wattage to most traditional. This year judges will be rolling down the route the evening of Thursday, December 12th. Make sure to have your decorations lit!
If you’re ON the route, you’re automatically in the running. If you’re OFF the route, nominate your home (or a neighbor’s) by emailing robyn.klepper@nadel.com so the judges know to include you in the competition.
Good luck to you all!
Everything You Need To Know About LITH 2019 /
Yes, everything you need to know about LITH 2019 is in the November issue of the WHCA newsletter.
Over 2000 copies have been printed and are being hand-delivered to WH homes by our team of volunteers. Delivery started December 1st and will hopefully be completed by December 10th.
Not into paper? You can download a PDF version right here.
Get your LITH merchandise before it's gone! /
Hello friends and neighbors,
The cool weather is here, reminding us that the holidays, and thus Lights in the Heights®, are just around the corner!
NOW is time to purchase your official 2019 Lights in the Heights merchandise, before online sales close on December 8 at midnight!
We have a brand new hand-crafted cloisonné ORNAMENT for 2019. (Did you know this year's logo was designed by Oli Bayse, a middle school student in Hogg's graphic design program?)
We have T-SHIRTS this year! They come in a 50/50 cotton/poly blend in both men's and ladies' sizes.
And back by popular demand is the Woodland Heights ceramic COOKIE JAR. (It would make such a great gift!)
We also have party ESSENTIALS like cocktail napkins, aprons, private party signs, and MORE.
Quantities are LIMITED, so go online now to reserve yours!
https://www.woodland-heights.org/store
ALL merchandise will be available for pickup at Friday Night Lights on the Norhill Esplanade on December 13, from 5-9pm.
Thanks for supporting LITH and WH!
Melissa and Beth, merchandise co-chairs
Need Holiday Decorating Help? /
Live along the Lights in the Heights route and would love to light up the night with your home, but untangling light strings gives you nightmares? Or, more seriously, age, injury or illness makes decorating a challenge? Santa’s elves, otherwise known as the LITH committee, may be able to help.
Volunteers will again be providing assistance to those who can’t do the decorating themselves. Send an email to lightsintheheights@gmail.com to be considered. Please indicate if you have lights or need them supplied. Also send us a message if you have extra lights or other decorations you’d like to donate, or if you’re willing to help with the decorating.
Calling all Bakers! /
LITH committee needs volunteers to help with cookie baking! This long-standing tradition provides cookies to the houses that volunteer their porches for the night’s live entertainment along the route.
Whether you can provide one dozen, five dozen, or more: be a part of the tradition. Cookies will need to be delivered between Dec. 12th and 13th. Please email robyn.klepper@nadel.com to volunteer or for more details.
Friday Night Lights 2019 /
Kick off your Lights in the Heights weekend at Friday Night Lights on Friday, December 13 from 5:00 - 9:00 pm on Norhill Esplanade. At this festive event, neighbors can gather around the campfire and toast marshmallows or enjoy dinner from a local food truck under the glow of Jurassic Christmas displays.
Lights in the Heights merchandise will be on sale all night, so be sure to grab your private party signs and keepsakes. Some of our generous sponsors will also be at the event to spread the holiday cheer.
Enjoy the lights around the neighborhood by hopping on the famed hayride, starting at 5:30. Children can take part in a 30-year old neighborhood tradition at the craft tent and decorate a luminaria. And while you are enjoying all the fun, keep your ear out for sleigh bells because Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 6:30.
To give back as a neighborhood, Woodland Heights will host a toy drive in coordination with the Lights in the Heights festivities. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Norhill Esplanade on Friday, December 13 from 5-9 pm. There will be large donation boxes with the Operation: Stocking Stuffer logo for your gift.
To volunteer to help with FNL please contact katie.m.mccafferty@gmail.com.