Yard of the Month: 922 Bayland /
July Yard of the Month goes to 922 Bayland! Marcy and Scott Pryor have so much WOW!! going on in their yard. Woodland Heights residents for seven years, they have taken advantage of almost every inch of the front to plant beautiful vignettes, beds and gorgeous planters. Flowering sky vines are being trained up steel cables around the porch and a new arbor is going in at the front sidewalk. Full disclosure: that adorable puppy is mine who had to put up with me taking photos for a few minutes!
Tip O’ The Trowel to Marcy and Scott! Looks fantastic!
- Allison Hartzell, Director of Beautification
WHCA Committee Positions /
The WHCA is looking for volunteers for the following committee positions. If you are interested, please reach out to communications@woodland-heights.org.
Newsletter Leader
Primary responsibilities include:
Coordinate submissions of newsletter content from Directors and members of the community
Prepare and send monthly Newsletter
Manage newsletter sponsors
Ad-hoc graphic design support (minimal)
Approximate time commitment = 4-6 hours per month
Webmaster
Primary responsibilities include:
Administration of WHCA website updates and changes
Ensure timely addition of news and calendar items
Assist with Web Store (membership and merchandise)
Assist with web-related initiatives (minimal)
Approximate time commitment = 4-6 hours per month
Yard of the Month: 604 Omar /
Yard of the Month - Tip of the trowel for June goes to 604 Omar. This yard has recently gone through a transformation adding zoysia grass, beautiful potted arrangements and bright new flower beds. Homeowners, Lisa, Matt and their precious baby girl, Eloise now have a gorgeous landscape to look at while they are enjoying their front porch visiting with neighbors or playing in the front yard! Looks fantastic guys!
- Allison Hartzell, Director of Beautification
WHCA STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY APRIL 2021 /
WHCA FINANCIAL STATEMENT
4/1/2020 TO 4/30/2021
WHCA SECURITY REPORT - April /
Our neighborhood continues to make me smile. There is something to be said about kids biking to school. People walking in the streets and biking in the streets. We kind of have the six degrees of Kevin Bacon in our community. You meet new people and you will find they know someone you know. This keeps our community secure and close knit.
We are lucky to have the means to have a constable program. We not only have one, but two shifts. However, we are still lacking the number of subscribers required to maintain two patrols. We will always have our connections and neighbors to look out for us but do we want to lose a constable shift? Sign up and spread the word. https://www.woodland-heights.org/store
-Margaux Poizat, Director of Security
security@woodland-heights.org
On behalf of Deputy Vest:
School is almost out.
Make sure your cars are locked and valuables are not visible.
Remember we have vacation watch.
Please call the dispatch with anything, no matter how big or small.
Yard of the Month: 931 Ridge /
Yard of the Month - May goes to the Sloans at 931 Ridge. Their colorful front yard is bright and lovely. A combination of junipers, decorative kale, snapdragons, pentas, pansies and more provide an eye catching burst of beauty to the passerby. Melinda and Chris's meticulous renovation provides a seamless transition for the original bungalow into a 2 story charmer. The view from the front including their precious daughter is just icing on the cake!
Tip O' the Trowel to the Sloans!!
- Allison Hartzell, Director of Beautification
Summer Road Trip Readiness /
Is Your Car Road Trip Ready?
A Checklist for Peace of Mind
With summer just around the corner, a lot of us are looking forward to a well-deserved vacation. For many people this means a great, American road trip!
Before hitting the open road, make sure your car is road trip ready with these tips:
1) Plan Your Route and Pit Stops
Be sure your favorite spots have reopened so there are no last minute surprises. Also be sure to check that you have up-to-date registration and insurance paperwork in your glove box.
2) Perform Scheduled Maintenance
Refer to your owner’s manual to see your car’s list of scheduled maintenance listed by age of car and/or mileage. Be sure you are up-to-date to avoid unwanted surprises.
3) Top Off Fluids
Check all fluid levels: oil, coolant, brake, and windshield-washer fluids. As applicable, also inspect the power-steering and transmission fluid levels. Be sure to get an oil change if you are due.
4) Check Tire Pressure & Tread for each Tire
Be sure to check the spare too! Follow your vehicle’s manufacturer recommended tire pressure, found on the front door jamb or in your owner’s manual. It’s also a good idea to check for signs of abnormal or uneven wear, cuts, or sidewall bulges.
5) Change the Air Filter and Cabin Filter
Clean filters help the engine run better, and increase air quality. A filter that is overdue to be changed can increase your fuel cost by 10% and can add stress to other vehicle components.
6) Buy New Wiper Blades and Fill the Washer Fluid
Windshield wipers typically last about 6 months, if they are a few months old consider replacing before a long trip.
7) Check Your Lights
Be sure to check that your headlights, fog lights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are all working properly, and that the lenses are clean.
8) Check Your Battery
Check terminals and cables for corrosion, and that the battery is securely attached to the vehicle.
9) Get a Road Trip Inspection
One of the easiest, and best, ways to have peace of mind before a road trip is to bring your vehicle to a trusted automotive repair shop to have all systems inspected. Some things your technician can inspect are the radiator and hoses, brakes, belts, suspension, A/C, and check engine light.
10) Have Fun, Drive Safe, and Enjoy Your Road Trip!
By Chris Shute - Owner of Open Road Automotive located at 400 West Crosstimbers St., Houston, TX 77018. They can be reached at (832) 409-6621
Friends of Woodland Park Update /
Lights Out for Birds Until May 7: Thank you to all our neighbors who have observed Lights Out Nights to help our birds safely migrate. Please continue to turn off non-essential exterior lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. to help create a safe migratory space for our bird population.
Save the Dates: Friends of Woodland Park will host our Annual Meeting in the park on Wednesday, May 19th at 7 p.m. Agenda and more details to follow but please BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair.)
We will also be hosting a virtual Happy Trails and Hot Dogs in conjunction with National Children’s Day on June 13th. Family friendly activities and more details to come.
So Many Birds: Our April birding event was incredible, with over 50 species recorded. The list is so long you need to visit our Facebook page to see them all: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfWoodlandPark/ If you would like to join in the fun, our next birding event will be Saturday, May 15 at 7:30 a.m. All are welcome.
Trash Bash Wrap-up: We had over 100 people join us to clean up trash for our Annual Trash bash, so thank you to all the neighbors, families and Scouts who turned out, even in the rain. The amount of trash that was removed was incredible, and all the animals that inhabit Woodland Park thank you, too.
For more information or to join Friends of Woodland Park, please visit our website: https://www.friendsofwoodlandpark.org/membership
- FWP Board
WHCA SECURITY REPORT - MARCH /
Security Report
If it wasn’t for COVID, I probably wouldn’t be in this board position. I don’t like talking in front of people I don’t know. I find it difficult sometimes to get my point across without too much emotion. :) Surprisingly, Zoom made it easier. I’m embarrassed to say I never went to an in-person general meeting before I was on the board. I had my opinions and felt strongly about them, however I did nothing. So I guess I'm making up for some lost time. I have been in this position for almost a year. My first communication in the newsletter started with "Be someone…. be someone who participates in this program…. be someone who tells their neighbors the benefits of having two constable shifts…. be someone that lets the program coordinators know what needs to improve." Thank you to those of you who have been someone who believes in the mission of this program and the benefits it brings to our neighbors and families. There's still work to do, but it's been a year full of progress and lots of familiar and new, friendly neighborhood faces. Thank you to all who have come out to see us!
Sign up now at:
https://www.woodland-heights.org/store
-Margaux Poizat, Director of Security
security@woodland-heights.org
Below is our March Security Report:
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
WHCA STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY MARCH 2021 /
WHCA FINANCIAL STATEMENT
3/1/2020 TO 3/31/2021
Houston E-Scooter Safety /
Within the last couple of years, app-driven e-scooters have rolled into our urban landscape and have changed the way Houstonians navigate around town. They provide a cheap way to commute quickly and are conveniently dockless.
Companies such as Bird, Lime, and Skip have made it easy for riders to zip around sidewalks and streets. But, the recent spike in ER visits has doctors worried that these helmet-free e-scooters aren’t worth the risk.
Are Electric Scooters Legal in Houston?
Yes, it is legal to ride electric scooters on Houston roads that have a speed limit of less than 35 miles per hour. In addition, you do not need insurance, a license or registration to ride and operate an e-scooter in Texas. Helmets are not required but encouraged.
Ride At Your Own Risk
The distribution of E-scooters in Houston seemed to happen overnight. This swift entrance has given lawmakers, drivers, and locals little time to prepare. Bird (the ringleader of the movement) makes it very clear to riders that they're on their own in the event of an accident or injury.
That means your car insurance policy may not cover you if you are in an accident.
According to Birds agreement, “Your automotive insurance policies may not provide coverage for accidents involving damage to this vehicle. To determine if coverage is provided, you should contact your automotive insurance company or agent.” This explicit warning also shows that if you are in an accident, your insurance company might not cover your injuries because you are signing a liability waiver.
Common E-Scooter Injuries
Every day, more and more people are being sent to the emergency room due to e-scooter related injuries. Here are a few of the most common injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Neck Injuries
Broken Bones
Catastrophic Injuries
Paralysis
Amputation
Take The Bike Lane & Avoid Sidewalks
Pedestrian advocates argue these dockless e-scooters pose a threat to sidewalks. Since there's no designated place to park these bikes, many people tend to leave them in the middle of the sidewalk.
This is a major safety concern for people who are in wheelchairs, bicyclists and joggers. In 2019, Texas lawmakers attempted to pass Senate Bill 549, which would have placed a statewide ban on sidewalk use.
Wear a Helmet & Avoid Road Obstructions
A recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that “2 percent of e-scooter riders interviewed reported wearing a helmet, whereas 66 percent of the bicyclists receiving emergency treatment said they had worn one.”
This study highlights that in order to avoid a catastrophic accident, helmet use, avoiding cars and pedestrians, and providing well-maintained surfaces for travel, would reduce injuries among e-scooter riders.
Health officials and these major scooter companies are working toward enforcing regulations and combating safety issues. For example, Bird offers free helmets to riders from their website (you just have to pay the shipping fee).
Tips For Safe Riding in Houston
Avoid riding at night and always make sure your lights are working.
Ride in the bike lanes when possible.
Before going on a trip, make sure you check that your brakes are properly working, your handlebars aren’t loose and your tires are in good condition.
Only one rider per-scooter. Doubling up riders will only double your chance of an accident.
Avoid a slip and fall injury, don’t ride in the rain or on damp ground.
Be on alert for road hazards such as small curbs, potholes and sewers.
Minimize all distractions and keep both hands on the handlebars at all times.
Never operate an electric scooter under the influence.
Don’t use your phone, camera or anything that could distract you while riding.
Follow The Rules of The Road
Electric scooters don’t seem to be going anywhere. In fact, the expansion is happening at a rapid rate. It’s clear that these major companies and local councils need to come together to find a safer alternative to operating electric scooters around our roads.
The spike in injuries is a major cause for concern. The lack of regulation poses a great threat to pedestrians and drivers. Always be cautious when riding around on your E-scooter. Follow the rules of the road.
Author Bio
Alana Redmond is a legal content writer and consumer safety advocate that works with Milano Legal Group, a local personal injury law firm that specializes in Houston car accidents.
WHCA SECURITY REPORT - FEBRUARY /
Security Report
Thank you to all our current subscribers to the constable program who came to see us and pick up their 2021 stickers! Come see us for the next sticker pick-up at Active Passion on April 24th from 10am-2pm! If you want to make a morning of it, Active Passion will be hosting their Earth Day plogging event.
If you have any questions or concerns email Margaux Poizat at security@woodland-heights.org.
Sign up now at:
https://www.woodland-heights.org/store
-Margaux Poizat, Director of Security
Below is our February Security Report:
WHCA STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY FEBRUARY 2021 /
WHCA FINANCIAL STATEMENT
2/1/2020 TO 2/28/2021
T-shirts and tanks available for pre-order /
These items will be available online in the general store until April 30th for pre-order. Available 10-14 days after pre-order closes.
TXDot inner katy managed lanes project /
TXDOT’s comment period for the Inner Katy Managed Lanes Project closed today and we would like to share the comments provided by the WHCA to TxDOT on our neighborhood’s behalf.
K9 Health Open House /
One of our newsletter sponsors has moved and is having an open house to celebrate! See below for info.
K9 HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER OPEN HOUSE
Specializing in Hydrotherapy since 2006
Please join us to Celebrate the opening of our New Center at Bellaire. Stalls spread apart for social distancing, Prizes, Demonstrations of Hydro Suite & Julie Speaks Dog Training. Enjoy food & drink while you visit with us and tour the facility. Book any Session and receive 20% discount.
12:30 till 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 21st
We’re excited to show you our facility and what we can offer to your pet. Come have some fun, feel free to bring a neighbor or friend. 6734 Larkwood Drive Houston, TX 77074 Located off Bellaire on Highway 59 South.
Curbside Tree Project with Trees for Houston /
The WHCA is pleased and excited to announce that we are bringing back the Curbside Tree Project for late April in partnership with Trees for Houston. Homeowners will be able to select a tree of their choice for their yards from a selection available in our webstore. The WHCA will coordinate tree ordering, delivery and planting! A menu of trees is forthcoming but we will have a selection such as Live Oak, Bald Cypress, Loblolly Pine, Pecan, Red Maple, Shumard Oak, Redbud, Water Oak, Cedar Elm and possibly more.
Trees will be 15 gallon, 6-8' tall with approx. 1 1/2" caliper.
Trees will be delivered by WHCA volunteers, and we will be organizing additional volunteers to assist with some of the tree planting.
Pre-payment will be required.
Tree purchasers will be responsible for watering and maintaining the tree(s). Donut rings which replenish naturally except in really dry weather will also be available for purchase.
The total cost to the homeowner for the tree, donut ring and materials (soil, mulch, stakes, tree guard) will be approximately $100.00.
If you know of anyone who wants to participate but cannot afford to do so, please let us know and the WHCA will work with them.
Please consider making a donation to help cover tree grants for neighbors.
We'd like to get an understanding of the level of interest in the Curbside Tree Project, so if this sounds like something you would participate in, please check out the survey from our email campaign:
Curbside Tree Project
Trees benefit the neighborhood in so many ways from shade, bird and animal habitat, improving air quality, flood protection, improving the value of your home and more! Many trees in Woodland Heights were planted as curbside trees in the 2000s. I have 2 gorgeous live oaks and one huge magnolia in my own yard that were part of the earlier Curbside Projects.
- Allison Hartzell, Director of Beautification
Friends of Woodland Park Update /
Friends of Woodland Park would like to thank everyone who helped to clean up our park in November and December. We had over 100 people participate, including local Heights Girl Scout troops 122195, 122229, 122202, 122036, 122333, 122007, 122251, 122285, 122286, 125076 and 25001. Troop 122286 had the largest group with a total of 26 participants and won a cupcake party from Friends of Woodland Park. We were also grateful to have a group from the Friends of PJ Library come and do a family cleanup in January. We welcome any groups who are interested in helping us keep the park clean and maintained. If you have any additional photos, please send to photos@friendsofwoodlandpark.org so that we can recognize you and your team.
March 20, 2021: Monthly Bird Survey - Join a representative from the local Audubon Society on a bird walk. Meet at the community center (212 Parkview) at 7:30am. Long pants and closed toe shoes are advisable; please bring binoculars if you have them. No experience required.
March 25-28, 2021: Trash Bash -Trash Bash® is the largest, single-day waterway cleanup in Texas, and we are excited to include Little White Oak Bayou in Woodland Park. Trash Bash® 2021 has been reimagined, but we hope you will join us to "Clean It Like You Mean It!"®. The event will include educational videos, small personal cleanups, and more. Go to http://www.trashbash.org/2021-trash-bashreg.html to learn more and sign up!
We are also interested in hearing from our younger birders and would love to post any bird or wildlife photos taken by any park visitors 18 and under. We are happy to help identify any plants or wildlife you see in the park, and also recommend the iNaturalist app. Please send pictures to photos@friendsofwoodlandpark.org with your name and any questions you have.
Did you know that Moody Park and Woodland Park are connected by trail? On February 1st, the FWP board hiked from Woodland Park to Moody Park along banks of Little White Oak Bayou (LOWB), and then back through Hollywood Cemetery. This hike took several hours at a leisurely pace, with time for discussing some of the landmarks and concerns about the park. We also observed multitudes of birds, including hawks, cormorants, woodpeckers, egrets, herons, and kingfishers to name a few. FWP continues to lobby for a maintained trail connection between Woodland Park and Moody Park. Connectivity and clean-up between our public green spaces is key to preservation, community feel, and public access. A map of our journey is posted now on our Facebook page.
If you have not checked out our kiosk in the park lately, you will find a list of the most recent birds spotted at the park, as well as a little history of the park. You can also find the most recent bird list on the ebird app at https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1995953
Looking to stay up to date on Woodland Park? Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfWoodlandPark/ or visit our website: https://www.friendsofwoodlandpark.org/
If you have concerns about the park, please raise them on the City of Houston 311 or you can contact social@friendsofwoodlandpark.org . The community center is managed by Julia Soto of the Houston Parks Department, and you can contact her at julia.soto@houstontx.gov .
-Friends of Woodland Park Board
Yard of the Month: 605 Omar /
What a month this is for yard of the month! While most of the neighborhood hovers in a monotony of various shades of brown, the Guyres at 605 Omar were able to have color survive through snowmegeddon! A couple of these photos are pre-Uri but the cheerful pansies along the front fence made it through. The Guyres will have the rest of the yard whipped back into shape quickly as you can find the entire family doing yard work most weekends. The color on the porch in those handsome chairs is the adorable Guyre family. They are long-term residents of Woodland Heights and have been active in the neighborhood, especially with the Learn Local program at Hogg and community service.
-Allison Hartzell, Director of Beautification
