April in Houston—the air is thick with pollen, the weather can't decide what mood it's in, and at least one of your neighbors is currently babying their brand-new tomato garden. I’ve got my fingers crossed that we’ll all be enjoying homemade salsa very soon!
If you’re craving some garden inspo, carve out time this weekend to enjoy the 2025 Spring Home & Garden Tour. This year’s tour features six stunning Heights homes, each with gorgeous yards and landscaping that are sure to spark ideas (and probably a little porch envy). Our fabulous event chairs, Laura Ruppert and Kendra Bridges, have once again done an amazing job of curating a lovely experience. Grab your tickets here and take the tour at your own pace—you’ll be
glad that you did!
Included with this month’s letter, I’ve added a sweet photo from our March General Meeting, where the HHA partnered with the Heights Garden Club for their annual Seed Swap. Pictured: my youngest son Declan, our lovely friend Dee from the Garden Club, and Declan’s new cactus that now graces our back porch.
I’d love for you to join us on Monday, April 14 at the historic Houston Heights Fire Station for our next General Meeting. This time, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with a special panel discussion featuring some of the incredible local legends who helped shape this charming neighborhood. So, join us on the 14th at 6:30pm for “A Look Back at The History of The Heights”!
In addition to serving as your 2025 HHA President, I also have the joy of pastoring Village Heights, a local church right here in the neighborhood. So, while I’m handing out springtime invitations, I’d love to invite you to Easter in the Park—a joyful afternoon at Marmion Park, gathered around our beloved gazebo.
On Saturday, April 19 from 12-2pm, there will be eggs hidden throughout the park for kiddos to hunt, sweet treats to share, yard games to enjoy, and plenty of neighborhood fun for everyone! This casual, picnic-style event is another wonderful way to celebrate the start of a new season and enjoy the community we love.
However you choose to enjoy the springtime here in the Heights, I hope it's filled with sunshine, connection, and a little bit of dirt under your fingernails. And, as always, I look forward to seeing you soon!
Love & Blessings,
Hannah White
2025 Spring Home & Garden Tour: This Weekend!
Explore six stunning homes in the Houston Heights on TODAY and TOMORROW during the 2025 Spring Home & Garden Tour! From a restored 1898 Queen Anne to a chic Craftsman with a pool, each stop blends historic charm with unique design. Enjoy custom floral installations by Freedom Floral and tour at your own pace—walk, bike, drive, or use the free shuttle from the Fire Station, 107 W. 12th Street. Tickets are $35 and support neighborhood preservation. See you on the tour!
Ready to take your Mahjong skills to the next level? Join us for Mahjong 102, designed for those who’ve learned the basics and are eager to dive deeper into strategy and gameplay. We’re offering two sessions: the first on Sunday, April 7 at the historic Houston Heights Fire Station, and the second on Wednesday, April 10 at Party Baby, 6203 Edloe Street. Come to one or both to strengthen your skills and prepare for the upcoming Mahjong Tournament on Thursday, April 17. A big thank you to That's aMAHJzing! for continuing to lead these fun and educational classes!
Join us Monday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Houston Heights Fire Station, 107 W. 12th Street, for a special evening celebrating the rich history of the Houston Heights. This unforgettable program features local legends and storytellers, including Terry Burge (former owner of The Leader), Michael Wiesenthal (son of Harold of Harold’s Men’s Wear), Martin Kaplan (Kaplan’s-Ben Hur), Paul Carr (namesake of the Paul Carr Jogging Trail), and Jane Jester Marmion, granddaughter of T.C. Jester. Hosted by the Houston Heights Association as part of our 50th anniversary, this gathering is a must for anyone who loves the history, heritage, and heart of the Heights.
Houston has notoriously light-polluted night skies (Bortle Scale 8 or 9). But even with the night-time lights in the 4th largest city in the US – a clear dark sky holds many, many wondrous things that can be found. At this time of year, the Constellation Orion is clearly visible with just your own eyes (with its very identifiable 3-star “belt”). It is in the southern sky and makes its way after sunset from the southeast to the western sky. With a little help from a telescope, within this magnificent constellation is the well known “horsehead nebula” (IC 434 or B33) and the flame nebula (NGC 2024) – and you can see them from our own backyards in the Houston Heights. Here is such a digital picture of the Horsehead and the Flame, that I took on March 5, 2025, from my backyard in the Heights! The Horsehead Nebula – so named for its distinctive shape as viewed from our earth, was first discovered in 1888 and is 1,375 light years away. The Flame Nebula, also
named because of the shape it resembles, is 1,350 light years away. The bright star (partially shown) in this image near the flame nebula is Alnitak, and is the eastern most bright star you can see with the naked eye in “Orion’s belt.”
Amazing that this can be viewed from our own Houston Heights. Happy spring, hope for clear skies, and don’t forget to look up!
Image by Brian Richard, Houston Heights resident and HHA Board Member
Ride METRO's All-Electric
Community Connector
METRO’s new Community Connector service makes getting around easier, greener, and more accessible than ever. These free, all-electric shuttles operate Monday through Friday and provide convenient connections to METRO bus stops, rail stations, and other key destinations—perfect for commuting, errands, or exploring your neighborhood without the hassle of driving or parking. Current service zones include Downtown (7 a.m.–7 p.m.), Second Ward, Third Ward, and The Heights beginning on Monday, April 7 (7 a.m.–5 p.m.), with service in the Near Northside coming soon. Rides are on-demand and easy to schedule through the Ride Circuit app, and if you require a fully accessible vehicle, METRO offers curb2curb support—just call 346-228-7986. Whether you’re walking, biking, or hopping on board, the Community Connector is your flexible, eco-friendly link to the city. Scan the QR code or visit RideMETRO.org to check routes, view maps, and book your ride today.
District C Rain Barrel Sale Reserve Yours for Just $10!
Council Member Abbie Kamin is bringing back the District C Rain Barrel Program this spring! For a limited time, District C residents can purchase a 50-gallon Ivy rain barrel for just $10—perfect for conserving water and reducing runoff at home. Only one barrel per household is allowed, and supplies are limited to 150, so don’t wait! Purchased barrels must be picked up on Saturday, April 19, 2025, between 9:00am-12:00pm at IBEW Local 716, 1475 N. Loop West. Be sure to complete your purchase within 5 business days of receiving the link to keep your spot.
Mark your calendar for Friday, April 12 from 10:00am–11:00am and enjoy TWO charming Heights garden tours—just steps apart! Visit 721 Algregg Street and 718 Algregg Street, right across the street from one another, for a relaxed, back-to-back experience filled with spring blooms, creative landscaping, and garden inspiration. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore two beautiful outdoor spaces in one easy stop!
718 Algregg Street
Bright, bold, and full of personality, Carolyn’s garden is a joyful reflection of her artistic spirit. Since planting her first beds in 2018, she’s filled the space with vibrant blooms like Julia Child and Drift roses, Giant Rudbeckia, and a show-stopping Peggy Martin Rose that climbs the length of her fence. Painted sunflowers on the steps, a mural, and pops of yellow everywhere add to the charm. Stroll through her backyard “Althea Forest” and soak in a garden full of creativity, color, and heart!
721 Algregg Street
Dee’s garden is a vibrant blend of renewal, creativity, and natural charm. After Hurricane Beryl brought down two grand pecan trees, the front yard transformed into a sunny haven with fresh plantings and colorful blooms. The expansive 2,500 sq. ft. side yard offers shady respite beneath crepe myrtles, where you’ll find four fountains, three birdbaths, and raised veggie beds growing carrots, green beans, and sweet peas—plus blueberry and raspberry bushes. A rich variety of plants like desert roses, plumerias, echinacea, Rose of Sharon, and succulents fill the garden with color and texture. In the back, a greenhouse built in 2018 shelters tender plants from winter freezes. Birds, butterflies, and even the occasional screech owl bring this peaceful garden to life, making it a true backyard retreat.
April 2025 Yard of the Month - 811 Arlington Street
Deirdre McDowell has transformed her once bare yard into a blooming haven for birds, bees, and butterflies. Designed by Deirdre herself, the garden features colorful azaleas, roses, herbs, sweet peas, and a wide variety of perennials and annuals. A little free library, bench, and wrought iron fencing add charm, while her passion for gardening shines through in every detail. Congrats to Deirdre—and thanks to Joshua’s Native Plants & Garden Antiques for the gift card donation!
The latest installment of the True North Sculpture Project is now open—featuring eight extraordinary Texas artists whose works challenge, inspire, and captivate. From Elizabeth Akamatsu’s vibrant conduit-and-steel bloom to Olaniyi R. Akindiya’s bold take on homelessness through geometric steel forms, this year’s lineup bridges raw material with rich meaning. You’ll find mystical symbolism, natural resilience, whimsical storytelling, and deep cultural reflection—all along the Heights Esplanade.
Join the Houston Heights Association and the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center for a community Blood Drive on Tuesday, April 22, at the historic Houston Heights Fire Station, 107 W. 12th Street. Just one donation can save up to three lives—it’s a powerful way to give back and support those in need. Walk-ins welcome, or schedule your appointment in advance. Let’s come together and make a difference!
We’re adding something fun to the newsletter—a new jigsaw puzzle featuring a snapshot from around the Heights! Each edition, test your observation skills and unwind with a digital puzzle that celebrates the charm of our neighborhood. Whether you're a puzzle pro or just looking for a relaxing break, it's a great way to connect with the community in a whole new way.
Ready to play? Click below and start piecing it together!!
Support neighborhood safety by joining the Heights Constable Patrol Program—a key initiative that provides dedicated law enforcement presence in our community. Members get access to extra patrols and can review monthly crime statistics to stay informed. Help keep the Heights safe and secure—join today and track the impact each month!
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