Events

Registration Ending Soon for Minute Maid Grand Slam For Youth Baseball! /  by Lori Bigler

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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 /  by Lori Bigler

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 /  by Lori Bigler

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:

  1. Most Colorful - 1020 East 7th

  2. Most Festive - 412 Highland

  3. Most Creative - 402 Omar

  4. Most Wattage - 946 Highland

  5. Most Religious - 616 Highland

  6. Best Theme - 803 Omar

  7. Best Single Color - 937 Omar

  8. Most Traditional - 714 Merrill

  9. Most Historical - 949 Omar

  10. Pick of the Night - 903 Highland

  11. Ho-Ho-Ho - 405 Highland

  12. Most Crafty* - 917 Omar

  13. Best Porch - 823 Omar

  14. Best Inflatables - 909 Highland

  15. Best Block - 400 block of Highland

  16. Kids Choice* - 904 Omar

  17. Most Edible* - 501 Euclid

  18. Most Patriotic Christmas* - 602 Highland

  19. Best Not Quite A Block* - 3000 block of Beauchamp

  20. Most Mystical* - 1021 Omar

  21. Most Existential* - 910 Omar

  22. Rookie of the Year* - 710 Redan

  23. 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 /  by Lori Bigler

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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 /  by Lori Bigler

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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.

Lyft Party Host Program /  by Lori Bigler

** 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.

https://woodlandheightspartyprogram.splashthat.com/

Lights in the Heights Judging /  by Lori Bigler

The team of judges tour the neighborhood on Jeff Trevino’s unmistakable art car.

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!

Get your LITH merchandise before it's gone! /  by Lori Bigler

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?)

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We have T-SHIRTS this year! They come in a 50/50 cotton/poly blend in both men's and ladies' sizes. 

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And back by popular demand is the Woodland Heights ceramic COOKIE JAR. (It would make such a great gift!)

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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? /  by Lori Bigler

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.

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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! /  by Lori Bigler

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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 /  by Lori Bigler

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.

Do your friends need a Lyft to Lights in the Heights? /  by Lori Bigler

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), Hogg Middle School (fee applies), Woodland Park, and Stude Park.

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.

https://woodlandheightspartyprogram.splashthat.com/

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Lyft Hot Chocolate Station

A Lyft hot chocolate truck will be on the Norhill Esplanade during the event from approximately 5:00-9:00 pm (or while supplies last). Visitors who show a Lyft receipt reflecting a ride to Lights in the Heights will receive one (1) free hot chocolate. For those without a Lyft receipt, hot chocolate can be purchased with a $2 cash donation, which will go directly to WHCA.

Lights in the Heights Bike Parking, A.K.A. Bike Valet /  by Lori Bigler

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To get around traffic, encourage your friends and guests to leave their cars at home and arrive by bicycle to enjoy Lights in the Heights. BikeHouston will be providing free monitored bike parking on the Norhill esplanade at Bayland Street starting at 6:00 pm and ending at 9:00 pm Saturday December 14, 2019.

Bike valet is for visitors on bikes who want to experience Lights in the Heights on foot. It’s simple. Your friends and guests can ride their bikes to the Norhill esplanade at Bayland Street. Volunteers will check their bike in and provide a claim check.

Make sure your guests pick up their bikes before 9:00 pm when BikeHouston packs up and goes home.

Travis Elementary Girl Scouts are collecting new toys for the Star of Hope “Christmas Toy Store” /  by Lori Bigler

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The Travis Elementary Girl Scouts are collecting new toys for the Star of Hope “Christmas Toy Store” as part of their holiday service project. The Girl Scouts will be on a caroling hayride through the neighborhood to collect donations from your porch from 3-5 pm on Saturday, Dec. 7.

If you would like to donate, please email Melanie Gehman (Girl Scout Leader and WH Resident) at Melanie.Gehman@gmail.com with your address by Thursday, Dec. 5. 

 The Star of Hope is especially in need of baby toys and art supplies for all ages. To learn more about their mission, please visit: https://www.sohmission.org

 Thank you for supporting your neighborhood Girl Scouts. We will see you again in January when cookie sales start!

 - Melanie Gehman

You're Invited to the Ribbon Cutting at White Oak Drive & Houston Ave. /  by Lori Bigler

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The Friends of Woodland Park (FWP) are proud to report that the traffic intersection improvements at Houston Ave. and White Oak Dr., including the new community park, have been fully completed, and a dedication celebration has scheduled.

Please join us on Saturday October 26th from 2-3 PM for refreshments and community fellowship.

FWP’s original master plan (envisioned and drawn by Scott McCready and others from SWA Landscape Architects) showed a streamlined, safer, more beautiful intersection at this busy and confused juncture. It has been an FWP goal to implement this vision as the Houston Ave./White Oak Dr. intersection is the southern entrance to Woodland Park and our Woodland Heights neighborhood.

But it was the hard work and 100% funding from Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ-5 and the City of Houston that made it a reality. Additional thanks are due to our District H City Council Member Karla Cisneros for her significant involvement and financial contributions for the extension of the bike lanes to Spring St. and the Bayou Greenway hike and bike trail.

Our community is fortunate to have and enjoy this new neighborhood amenity. So please come to the dedication and help us show our appreciation.

Super Neighborhood Candidate Forums this Week! /  by Lori Bigler

This just in!

Dear SN22 Colleagues and Friends,

Super Neighborhood 22 (along with several other Super Neighborhoods) will host three forums this week—At-Large (Positions 1, 3, and 5), and Districts C and H. Please see the Eventbrite invitations below for more details including schedule breakdown, and candidate information for each forum. 

Questions were developed around the following topics of interest—Civic Engagement and Transparency, Super Neighborhood Initiative and Planning, Infrastructure, Quality of Life, and Budgeting and Economic Development. 

All three forums will be held in MECA's Auditorium. Food and drinks will be provided at each event. Free on-street parking is available.

Monday, October 14: At-Large (Positions 1, 3, and 5) Eventbrite  

Food provided by the Orlando Sanchez Campaign for Houston City Controller from Shandy's Cafe on Memorial Drive; food available at 6:00 PM. 

Forum will begin at 6:30 PM.

Tuesday, October 15: District H Eventbrite

Food will be available at 6:30 PM; graciously donated by Chatter's Cafe & Bistro, and Southwell's Hamburger Grill.

Forum will begin at 7:00 PM.

Thursday, October 17: District C Eventbrite

Food will be available at 6:30 PM.

Forum will begin at 7:00 PM.

Location:

MECA Auditorium
1900 Kane Street
Houston, Texas 77007

Free on-street parking is available.