Questions about the organizations finances can be directed to treasurer@woodland-heights.org.
Flood Control District unveils options that would replace concrete lining of White Oak Bayou /
A recently completed study funded by the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (aka City of Houston TIRZ 5) presents options for the natural restoration of Lower White Oak Bayou. These options are alternatives to the present concrete lining. The area studied (“project area”) is defined on the map as the area along White Oak Bayou between Taylor/Watson and Hogan.
The restoration project would require between $30 million to $60 million, and could require many years to complete.
In its press release describing the report, the Flood Control District states:
“All options resulting from the study include removal of the partial concrete lining in this reach of White Oak Bayou. The study evaluated alternatives based on their potential for reducing flood risks, as well as their benefits for the environment, recreation and economic uplift. The cost and potential timeline for each alternative also were evaluated. (Alternatives that would increase flood risks were not considered.)”
Next steps for any longer-term project stemming from the study would include identifying stakeholders to participate in, and to fund, a future restoration project.
For more information, visit http://hcfcd.org/press-room/current-news/2017/10/study-compares-options-for-lower-white-oak-bayou-channel-restoration.
Little Free Library on Highland: Inspiration and creativity in a box /
When the Little Free Library on the corner of Highland and Michaux (946 Highland) opened for service in 2014, the first books donated came from the collection of the library’s founder, Laura Meadows. Her title in the Little Free Library movement is “steward.”
The Little Free Library movement began in 2009. Today, there are some 50,000 Little Free Libraries in the U.S., and in 70 other countries. In addition to Laura’s library, there are two others within the boundaries of Woodland Heights, with others located in nearby neighborhoods.
The operating concept of the libraries is simple: “Take a book. Leave a book.” Stewards like Laura operate the exchanges and maintain the libraries’ premises (usually, but not necessarily, a wooden box). Laura’s library is decorated for Halloween and has recently undergone roof repairs and a refreshing paint job inspired by the Jackson Pollock technique.
Creativity and innovation by way of community involvement have kicked in for Laura’s library. When she sorts donations, she finds not only books, but other objects as well, especially toys. “It’s become like a toy exchange,” she said. Toys that have been donated range from GI Joe dolls, stuffed animals and toy vehicles to finger puppets. People sometimes leave videos. Donated books have not been limited to English. There have been books donated in Spanish, French and Korean, among other languages.
In the sorting process, Laura sets aside materials that are not suitable for placing in a Little Free Library. She does not circulate books of a religious nature or X-rated publications, for example.
When someone leaves an actual library book belonging to a public library (we cannot refer to such a book as a donation), Laura tries to get the book back to its proper place. Books belonging to Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library systems have turned up in her library, as have books from other states.
Due to the volume of donations, Laura has added “an annex” (a box on her front porch) to house classics. An anonymous library supporter installed a set of steps to help small kids reach the library’s entrance. Big kids like to visit the library, too. “Skateboarders stop on their way to wherever they’re going and check out the library,” Laura said.
Children’s books are donated and withdrawn in greatest quantity. Weekly circulation (book turnover) is normally 20 to 30 units. “But occasionally, I get an entire library.” That happened when a woman donated the library that had belonged to her recently deceased mother.
Anyone may take a book from her library, but what you may not do is request a “hold,” a service provided by Houston Public Library. If you are hoping to find a favorite title or genre, it will be up to you to visit the Little Free Library frequently.
Little Free Library is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to promote a sense of community, reading for children, literacy for adults and libraries around the world. Most Little Free Libraries are placed in front yards, parks, gardens and other easily accessible locations. They are built to withstand weather and to hold 20 to 100 books. To learn more, visit littlefreelibrary.org.
P.S. - In the pictures you'll notice a small stool. This was donated by a patron of the little library. They needed it to get access to the books, and felt that other might appreciate it as well. It's become a permanent feature of the installation.
Yard-of-the-Month: 707 Wendell /
Beautifully done garden at Kurt and Jackie’s bungalow at 707 Wendel. The purple plumes if the salvia leucantha with it’s silver foliage is beautifully offset by several different native grasses and fox tail ferns. Lantana and moss rose add more color. All of their plantings have low water needs which is perfect for our Texas heat.
More Toys For Houston Kids! /
By now you know that this year's Lights-in-the-Heights Gala features a toy drive. We've partnered with the City of Houston Fire Department's Operation Stocking Stuffer to collect toys for families in need across Houston.
The LITH Gala & Toy Drive is presented by Boulevard Realty, on November 4th, at the fabulous new Elan Heights building at 825 Usener.
Tickets to the Gala are just $75 and an new unwrapped toy.
Your support of the Gala sustains Lights-in-the-Heights, the cities' premier holiday festival, and helps put smiles on children's faces all across the city.
Want to do even more good?
Big Blue Whale Toys & Curiosities on 19th street have offered to match any toys purchased for contribution to the Gala. Visit their shop and choose from their excellent selection of toys and games. Tell them that you're buying them for the LITH Gala and they'll match your purchase! That's two smiles for the price of one! It's a chance to do twice a much good.
What are you waiting for!
Gala tickets are available from the Woodland Heights web site at: https://www.woodland-heights.org/
State of the District Breakfast with Rep. Carol Alvarado /
State Representative Carol Alvarado will be holding a State of the District breakfast on Saturday, October 14th, 2017 at 9:30 am. The event will be held at:
Houston Community College Southeast
Learning Hub Auditorium
6815 Rustic, Bldg D
Houston, TX 77087
Topics to be discussed include:
- The 85th Legislative Session
- Special SessionUpdate
- Transportation Updates
- Crime & Safety Updates
For more information call 713-649-6563 or email district145.alvarado@house.state.tx.us.
The 4th Annual LITH Gala & Toy Drive /
In these extraordinary times of Houston’s recovery, Woodland Heights Civic Association hopes to promote the strength of Houstonians and help get everyone’s life back to normal. Therefore the Lights-in-the-Heights Gala, the event that funds Lights-in-the-Heights, will still go on!
Mindful of the devastation thousands of Houstonians have suffered, we had reservations about diverting fundraising dollars away from Hurricane Relief. So, the LITH Gala will be abbreviated, this year.
Gala tickets have been reduced to $75, and all who attend are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. Toys collected will be distributed to families in need through the City of Houston Fire Department’s “Operation: Stocking Stuffer”.
Hoping to reduce the burden on already stressed businesses, we are eliminating the raffle and silent auction, and limiting our requests for in-kind donations.
The Gala and Toy Drive is presented by Boulevard Realty. We are deeply grateful for their continued support. Other returning sponsors will include Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant, Kagan Cellars, Eureka Heights Brewing Co, and Pennebaker, Inc. All of our sponsors are more than just monetary or in-kind donors; each has shown genuine love for our community. We are profoundly thankful for their support.
The 2017 LITH Gala and Toy Drive will be a gathering of good company, wonderful food and drink, and a joyful celebration of the holiday season! Please join us on Saturday, November 4th, from 7:00 until 11:00, at Elan Heights—825 Usener Street at Watson. Valet parking included in ticket price, gratuity greatly appreciated
Tickets can be purchased in the store at the Woodland Heights web site.