Home For The Holidays -

This Friday & Saturday!

Recently described by Southern Living as “one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the South’s biggest city,” Houston Heights will once again live up to this reputation when it presents the 2009 Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour “Home for the Holidays” this weekend. Tour hours are Friday, December 4, 6:00 to 9:00 PM and Saturday, December 5, 3:00 to 9:00 PM.

This year’s tour features seven beautiful homes, spectacularly decorated for the holidays. In addition to the homeowners’ treasured collections, area retailers have designed rooms in each home that will be reminiscent of December home design magazine covers.

You may buy tickets during the hours of the tour at the Heights Fire Station at Yale and 12th Streets or at each home for the price of $20. The following retailers in the Heights will sell tickets at a discounted price of $17 through 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 3: Another Place in Time, The Artful Corner, Buchanan’s, Eclectic Home, Koelsch Gallery, and Waldo’s. Shuttle bus rides are included with your ticket and begin and end at the Heights Fire Station where you may park.

Other activities revolving around the tour this year include the following:

The Heights Library Open House - 1302 Heights Boulevard - featuring a marionette performance of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” on Friday at 7:00 PM, Claire Dance Group performing scenes from “The Nutcracker” on Saturday at 2:00 PM, and Santa will take time out of his busy schedule to visit good boys and girls at the Library on Saturday between 3:00 and 5:00 PM. Ernest Washington will play holiday favorites on the piano beginning at 7:00 PM on Saturday, so stop by then for some caroling fun.

Heights Women’s Club Crafts Market - held at the Heights Fire Station during the hours of the tour. HHWC members will sell drinks, sandwiches, desserts, snacks, and wonderful handmade crafts. You will also want to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a beautiful, queen-sized, one-of-a-kind, HWC handmade quilt. All proceeds benefit the HHWC. [See article below.]

Mistletoe Madness - Heights businesses pull out all the stops once again on Saturday, December 5, with this popular event featuring holiday shopping and specials, art, food and refreshments, entertainment, and great eats at local restaurants. Locations all around the neighborhood. [See right column.]

These beautiful homes will be open for the tour:

• The Booth Home at 1132 Rutland - This beautiful Craftsman bungalow was built in 1920 and recently restored with thoughtful period finishes.

• The Watkins Home at 816 Arlington - Located on a rare lot and a half, the owners of this 1920s Craftsman bungalow knew immediately that this was the right house for their major restoration project.

• The Sanchez Home at 832 Allston - Preserving the original charm of this 1919 Craftsman bungalow is what inspired the homeowners to purchase and restore this home.

• Fort Robert at 713 Waverly - Tucked behind the wooden gates and brightly colored stucco wall of Fort Robert lies a serene, Spanish-inspired enclave.

• The Pumpkin House at 1648 Harvard - Bill and Amydell Beardshall’s home was designed after a Queen Anne Victorian and is maintained in the Northern tradition of “painted ladies.”

• The Longstreth-Maloney Home at 537 Cortlandt - The homeowners were delighted to find this Victorian-designed home, styled in the tradition of their hometown of New Orleans.

• The Otto House - This Queen Anne-style home, designed by William A. Otto in 1898, was, amazingly, purchased in 1971 by Mark and Linda Gonzales from its original owner, Maria C. Lucas.

We hope you will be “Home for the Holidays” this weekend!

Spread Some Cheer:
Help With Holiday Food Baskets

Heights Rotary and the Houston Heights Association annually underwrite, prepare, and distribute food baskets to local families in need, chosen by area charities. You can help assemble and distribute the goodies on December 15 and 16.

One hundred baskets (actually sets of six bags) will be assembled on the first floor of the Fire Station on the evening of Tuesday, December 15, starting around 5:00 PM. Volunteers will be assorting bulk groceries among the baskets for two or three hours; come whenever you can.

Delivery starts after lunch (approximately 12:00 noon) on Wednesday, December 16. Come by the Fire Station to pick up a set of bags and the name and address of the family to receive them; if you have a large car or a van, pick up several! Delivery should be completed that afternoon. If you are interested in lunch, BBQ plates are available for $10 (cash only) beginning at 11:00 am.

Please help us make the holidays brighter for local families in need.

Presidential Wrap-Up:
What a Year It Has Been!

by Chris Silkwood, 2009 HHA President

My year as President of the Houston Heights Association is drawing to an end, and I want to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to an incredible HHA Board of Directors. It has been a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of caring professionals who abundantly give of their time and energy to keep our neighborhood great. I would also like to extend the same sincere gratitude to all of the HHA Vice Presidents, Committee Chairs, and the Association’s hundreds of volunteers. Just the other day, I reminded my fourteen-year-old son how lucky we are to be living in such an incredible neighborhood. He’s spoiled of course, in that he has never known anything else, and my hope is that in his own adult life he will seek out a diverse community much like ours where the power of giving back and being in the service of others will prevail.

The HHA accomplishments this year have been astounding - from hugely successful major fundraising events, including the spring’s Home & Garden Tour and Candlelight Dinner & Auction, the summer’s record-breaking Fun Run, the fall’s fantastic Bicycle Rally, and the winter’s celebrated Holiday Home Tour and its inaugural Patron Party. We cannot forget the “just-for-fun” and “educational” events as well, such as the Marmion Park Camp-Out, the annual National Night Out, Restoration/Historical meetings, and numerous Urban Forestry Committee events held throughout the year. The HHA General Meetings were taken to a new level this year, and attendance was at an all-time high.

Our Education Committee has successfully raised funds to provide grants to teachers and classrooms in our area schools and to appropriately honor principals throughout the Heights.

The Land Use Committee has diligently and so importantly worked to preserve the character and historic significance of the community - embracing the past while moving steadily toward our future. We remain hopeful over the proposed rescue and restoration of the beautiful and historic original santuary building of Immanuel Lutheran Church - sitting proudly in the heart of our neighborhood.

The Business Committee is stronger than ever before in their production of the wildly popular White Linen Night, 1st Saturday in the Heights, and Mistletoe Madness, which have brought national recognition to our wonderful and unique neighborhood. A fresh group of business volunteers have stepped forward, and we can expect even more exciting and new happenings in 2010.

The Boulevard Beautification team is continuously planting new trees to replace those that were tragically lost to Hurricane Ike, maintaining the jogging trail for hundreds to enjoy every day, extending irrigation lines, reviving color in designated gardens, and topping it off with truckloads of fresh mulch. I am very excited to announce that before the year ends, we anticipate the installation of three major, large-scale sculptures by the internationally renowned Texas native James Surls in the 400, 900, and 1300 blocks of Heights Boulevard.

The Sponsorship team continues to develop and maintain both consistent and new potential sponsors to underwrite the cost of events and the Association’s significant general operating costs. Even in this year’s difficult economy, this team has managed to raise more sponsorship dollars than ever before.

The Membership Committee has enjoyed a banner year with a tremendous increase in new members - a record-breaking 25%. The Finance Committee holds it all together by keeping us in line with revenues, expenditures, reporting, and auditing guidelines - all the while growing our portfolio for the HHA’s future security. The Constable Patrol Committee is working continuously to extend patrol areas to help keep the neighborhood safe. A new position of Volunteer Chair was created this year to develop new volunteers and maintain the HHA’s enormous volunteer database.

One of the proudest achievements of our Board this year - which has been over a year in the making - is the current process of purchasing the Fire Station (which was previously being leased) from the City of Houston - securing it well into the future as the heartbeat of our community and civic endeavors and a very important income-producing venue. Stay tuned… as exciting restoration plans for this irreplaceable historic Houston Heights landmark are in the works.

The Property Management team keeps our parks beautiful and everything in working condition for citizens to continuously enjoy - including the initiation and oversight for the sturdy new roof on the beloved Marmion Park pavilion. Our Fire Station Coordinator keeps that venue running smoothly for its weekly for- and non-profit events, and our irreplaceable Business Manager keeps her hand on the pulse of everything that is the Houston Heights Association. Our “The Heights” newsletter editor, along with many contributors, has professionally produced a monthly medium that keeps us connected with all of the news and activities in the neighborhood.

In February of each year, we get to extend a special “Thank You” to our extensive list of volunteers with the Volunteer Appreciation and Community Improvement Award Dinner - produced by our past Citizens of the Year. I believe this to be the most significant event of our entire calendar year. During this event, we name our newly selected Citizen of the Year, Corporate Citizen of the Year, and Marcella Perry Award recipient, along with numerous other awards, including awards for significant commercial and residential property restoration and thoughtful and contributing new construction. The evening is a particularly meaningful time to honor all of those volunteers who have been active participants in the present and future planning of the Houston Heights.

With the economic challenges of this past year, we have all experienced or been reminded of the importance of community. Working together, sharing resources, becoming closer to your neighbors, lending a helping hand, being a better listener, saying “thank you” more frequently, more family time, adopting a pet in need of a secure home - the display of compassion are all the things that define a community. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to serve the very best community in all of Texas, and I pledge to remain an active citizen within our Houston Heights Association.

Warm regards,

Chris Silkwood, 2009 HHA President

Spotlight on Heights Business Member: Harmony Electric

We continue with the newsletter feature “Spotlight on Heights Business Member,” this month spotlighting Harmony Electric. You may have noticed that recent newsletter issues have been focusing on a local business. These businesses are drawn from business cards collected at the Houston Heights Association Business Mixer.

Laura and Dennis Virgadamo own Harmony Electric. They are excited to be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Harmony Electric Co., Inc. in 2010. Laura and Dennis take this anniversary opportunity to extend appreciation to their customers, outstanding employees, and the community. They enjoy working on old homes and have assisted with projects for Historic Houston. They specialize in commercial and residential service. Over the years, Dennis has collected many historic electrical devices, which he displays in his office.

Laura and Dennis started Harmony Electric in 1985 out of their home in the Jersey Village area and moved the business to the Heights the next year. After they fought the traffic and tiring commute for five years, the Centennial Museum attracted them to their current home across the street in 1991. This home has been featured on the Heights Holiday Home Tour.

Dennis founded the 17th Street Community garden (an Urban Harvest garden) at 17th and Yale Streets in 2004. Many of you may remember the dilapidated townhomes that preceded the garden. This garden has been recognized with a special Community Improvement Award from the Heights Association. The Virgadamos were recruited to the Houston Heights Association by Melvalene Cohen, Evelyn Bishop, and Clayton Lee. Harmony Electric did the electrical and second floor lighting in the Fire Station and the initial electrical for the World War II Memorial. Laura coordinated entertainment for seven years for the Heights Festival, and Dennis worked on the Heights Bridge project.

Away from Harmony Electric, Laura and Dennis enjoy volunteering for the Miniature Schnauzer Rescue and Opera in the Heights. Laura has served on the Opera in the Heights Board of Directors, the OH Guild, and the Board of Directors of the Houston Heights Association, and she is a past President of the Houston Heights Woman’s Club. They are Marcella Perry Award recipients. They acquired their 1905 house-turned-office at 811 Yale in 1996. It won the Community Improvement Award for Commercial Restoration. Away from the Heights, they enjoy traveling to Italy, where they have traced back to fellow Virgadamo family members.

Some favorite Heights area haunts for the Virgadamos are Java Java, BBQ Inn, Berryhill’s, Triple A, and Yale Grill. Laura enjoys shopping at Ooh la la and the many garden centers.

Next time you need an electrician, please support Heights business member Harmony Electric for your residential and commercial needs. If you’re a business member, remember to come out to the next mixer on January 13.

Urban Forestry Committee’s Halloween Fun And Tree Facts At The Fire Station

Little visitors learned the ‘TRICKS’ for living in tandem with trees, and ‘TREATED’ themselves to some knowledge - and some candy - on October 31 at the Heights Fire Station. Urban Forestry Committee members Diane “Give me those ruby slippers” Easley, Genie “Leibovitz” Mims, Taylor “Born to be wild” Moore, Nicole “Uhura” and John “Make it so” Ridgeway, Kelly “Give peace a chance” Simmons, and their fearless leader and Board member Angela “It’s not easy being green” DeWree handed out treats to approximately 75 little ghosts and goblins (and their escorts). Buchanan’s Native Plants donated 100 beautiful pansies in an assortment of stunning colors, and Taylor Moore and Newton Nursery donated fabulous fall pumpkins to delighted visitors.

Brad Hendricks with the City of Houston Urban Forestry and Barry Ward, Executive Director of Trees for Houston, were on hand to answer questions and hand out booklets with information on our urban landscape and how to register our magnificent trees with the Texas Forestry Service. For information on how to register your cherished tree (either on your property or in the City’s right-of-way), please visit Trees for Houston's Tree Registry page. It’s easy to do and will add a layer of protection to the future of our treasured Heights trees.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
— Dr. Seuss, from The Lorax

Reagan Journalists Turn Tables on Dan Rather

Dan Rather, Reagan Alumni Class of ’49, found himself on the other end of a reporter’s notebook when Reagan HS journalism students recently interviewed him about his long and successful career in the field.

The students met Rather when he emceed the HoustonWorks USA’s black-tie gala held at the Hilton-Americas Houston on Saturday, October 31. The organization invited the Reagan students to attend their 25th anniversary celebration because of Rather’s connection to the school and the journalism field.

HoustonWorks, founded by former Mayor Kathy Whitmire, provides job placement and training for more than 900,000 job-seekers annually. Over 800 local and national stars attended the gala, including actors Brett Cullen and Keesha Sharp and R&B singer Regina Bell. During the evening, the students also met with Whitmire, Houston Sheriff Adrian Garcia, and Farouk Shami, founder of the CHI Corporation.

Prior to the big night, Reagan journalism teacher John Corson “discussed the event at length and had the students prepare for their interview with Mr. Rather.”

Like true journalists, the students were not bashful with their questions -“How did you become involved in the field? What is your proudest personal/professional accomplishment? What advice would you give a young person that is interested in your field? How has the field of journalism changed over the years you have been involved?”

So, did Rather actually get his start in journalism and news reporting during his years at Reagan? These questions and others are answered in the students’ article in the mid-November issue of the Reagan Statesman. For a copy of the Statesman, please contact John Corson at jcorson@houstonisd.org or the school office, 713-865-4400.

Third Annual Victorian Holiday Tea

The Houston Heights Woman’s Club proudly announces the dates and time for the third annual Victorian Holiday Tea. This year’s Co-Chairs are Rosina Chevalier and Melvalene Cohen. The tea will held on Sunday, December 13, in the clubhouse located at 1846 Harvard from 3:00 till 5:00 PM.

The high tea will feature a general theme of imaginatively decorated tables. Each table will be lovingly arranged by a club member with her own china, silver, crystal, linens, flowers, and creative flair. Members enjoy dressing in Victorian costume complete with hats to keep the mood festive and fun. Anyone attending is encouraged to dress up too if you wish.

Most of you who have attended this event in the past know you can expect elegant buffet items such as tea sandwiches, ladyfingers, scones, and cookies. Proceeds from the tea go directly to the general maintenance and upkeep of the Historic Heights building where the club meets.

This year, reservations will be available ONLY by RSVP with your check made payable to Houston Heights Woman’s Club. No phone or email reservations can be accepted this year. Please mail your check with the name(s) of the attendee(s) to HHWC Holiday Tea, Post Office Box 7782, Houston, Texas 77270-7782. The cost is $20 for HHWC members and $25 for non-members.

RSVP by December 9. For more information, contact Melvalene Cohen at 281-685-8444 or Rosina Chevalier at 713- 636-9819.

Calendar of Events for December-January 2009

HHA headquarters: The Fire Station is on the corner of Yale and 12th Streets.

Community Calendar

Events planned by other community organizations.

Every Wednesday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Historic Houston’s salvage warehouse is open. Call 713-522-0542 or visit their web site www.historichouston.org.

Every Monday, 7:30 to 10:00 PM, Houston International Folk Dancers introductory lessons at Oddfellows Hall, 115 E. 14th.

December 5 (7:00 PM) and 6 (11:00 AM), St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 600 Pecore presents a traditional outdoor Nativity pageant. Large cast, accompanying musicians, elegant costumes, friendly beasts, “angels”; no fee, no sermon.

December 19, 9:00 to 10:00 AM, the City of Houston Bikeway Program presents the MKT Rails to Trails Ribbon Cutting at 2424 Spring Street. For more information, contact Dan Raine at 713-837-0136 or daniel_raine@cityofhouston.net. Postponed from October.

January 28 through February 6, Opera in the Heights presents Giuseppe Verdi’s Un Ballo In Maschera at Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. “Ballo in Maschera - love and politics - they cannot mix. Despite good intentions, this ill-fated combination can only spell a bad ending. One of Verdi’s greatest masterpieces.” Visit www.operaintheheights.org for more information.

Future History

February 28, Awards Dinner

April 9-11, Spring Home Tour

June 5, Heights Fun Run

October 3, Bicycle Rally

December 3-4, Holiday Home Tour

At The Fire Station

Events at the Historic Houston Heights Fire Station, 12th and Yale

Every second Monday, 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and every fourth Monday, 8:00 AM to noon, the City Council District H Satellite Office is open.

Recycling Dates Rejoined Garbage Pickup

The City of Houston Solid Waste Department announced that curbside recycling in the Heights and Heights II areas moved to Thursdays starting in November. Most of the HHA coverage area is on the “Thursday B” schedule, which started on November 12. Our calendar listings now show the new common dates in our area.