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Saturday, March 14, 2026 • Vol. 71 • No. 10
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Heights Neighborhood Library marks 100 years with centennial celebration this Saturday “For 100 years, Heights Neighborhood Library has been a gathering place for curiosity, creativity, and community,” said Sandy Gaw, library director for Houston Public Library. “This centennial isn’t just about looking back, it’s about celebrating those who shaped this space and welcoming the next generation of readers, learners, and neighbors who will carry its legacy forward.” The free, family-friendly event will feature historical displays, interactive activities and opportunities for visitors to share their own community memories con-
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
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INSIDE.
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market SPRING returns after four years
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A century after first opening its doors, the Heights Neighborhood Library is preparing to celebrate 100 years of serving as a hub for learning, history and neighborhood connection. Houston Public Library will host a centennial celebration at the historic Heights branch on Saturday, March 14, from 1 to 4 p.m., inviting residents to reflect on the library’s legacy while exploring its modern services and programs.
nected to the library. Guests can also attend a Heights history presentation examining how the library has evolved over the decades. Younger visitors will be able to participate in a special birthdaythemed storytime, along with games, crafts and other activities. Food trucks will also be onsite during the celebration. For generations, the Heights branch has served as a neighborhood gathering place, providing access to books, technology, research assistance and commuSee LIBRARY P. 2
Photo courtesy of the Houston History Research Center
Undated image of the Heights Neighborhood Library
ALL EYES TURN NORTH!
True North unveils 2026 sculpture exhibition
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
Pet of the Week: Meet Peewee -- gentle by nature, playful at heart!
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Coming to a Table Near You: Seasonal menus, spring specials, and community givebacks
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Save the Date: See what’s happening in the neighborhood and around town
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The True North Heights Boulevard Exhibition is bringing creative inspiration and culture to The Heights again this spring for its 13th consecutive year. The project is comprised of one nonprofit organization, 34 underwriters, nine talented artists, and eight unique sculptures. Over the last 13 years, True North has partnered with more than 104 artists from across Texas and beyond to transform Heights Boulevard into a living, breathing artistic canvas for nine months out of every year. The boulevard has faced its share of weather-related challenges; disastrous droughts, fatal freezes and, most recently, a one-two punch delivered in 2024 by the derecho and Hurricane Beryl. But The Heights is resilient and True North is committed to delivering this artistic showcase to the city and the Heights community year after year. The True North team includes Chris Silkwood, Kelly Simmons, Dean Ruck, Donna Bennett and Gus Kopriva, bringing their collective artistic, design and business expertise to every project. Even as one
Woodland Heights Home Tour returns March 27–29 featuring six historic homes By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com Six historic homes will open their doors to the public later this month during the 2026 Woodland Heights Home Tour, offering visitors a glimpse inside one of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods. The annual event, themed “Crossing the Threshold,” will take place Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29, from noon-5:30 p.m., with a preview Happy Hour scheduled Friday, March 27, from 5-7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Woodland Heights Civic Association, the tour highlights homes of varying sizes, styles and décor throughout the historic Woodland Heights neighborhood. In addition to the featured homes, a former Masonic Lodge turned law office will serve as a special feature and ticket location during the tour.
Historic Homes on the Tour
This year’s lineup showcases six residences reflecting the neighborhood’s architectural character and evolving history.
504 Woodland, “Original Wilson”
Photos by Stephanie Shirley
Photo by Kelly Simmons
Installation of the muchanticipated True North Heights Boulevard annual exhibition is well underway, consisting of nine talented artists and eight unique sculptures.
The True North Heights Boulevard team (L to R): Donna Bennett, Dean Ruck, Kelly Simmons, Chris Silkwood, and Gus Kopriva.
exhibition is ongoing, they are planning ahead for the next. The organization works See SCULPTURE P. 2
Built in 1910 by William Wilson – the neighborhood’s original developer – this three-story American Foursquare with its original Queen Anne/Free Classic details is a City of Houston protected landmark. A 2007 remodel added 17 feet to the back of the home while maintaining the historical integrity throughout, including salvaging now-unavailable red pine flooring for the expansion. The backyard features a giant oak that spans many neighboring houses and is estimated to be approximately 400 years old.
520 Omar, “Light and Bright”
Built in 1909, remodeled in 1999 and refreshed by the current owner last year, this home retains the character and many features of the original, including pocket doors, window frames and workable transom windows. A new addition See TOUR P. 5
Memorial Park Conservancy breaks ground on Memorial Groves project By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com City of Houston municipal courts launch new jury management system
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Construction is underway on a major new addition to Houston’s largest urban park. Memorial Park Conservancy announced March 6 that work has begun on Memorial Groves, a 100-acre project that will reimagine a section of Memorial Park along West Memorial Loop Drive while honoring the park’s World War I history.
Project donors, conservancy leadership, board members, design team representatives and elected officials gathered for a private groundbreaking ceremony to mark the milestone. “Today is a defining moment for Memorial Park,” said Chris Ballard, president and CEO of Memorial Park Conservancy. “We are proud to realize Memorial Groves as a project that honors the Park’s historic roots while creating vibrant new spaces for reflection, recreation,
and learning that will inspire and serve Houstonians for generations to come.”
Honoring Camp Logan’s Legacy
Established in 1924, Memorial Park was named in honor of the roughly 70,000 soldiers who trained at Camp Logan, a U.S. Army training camp in Houston during World War I. The Memorial Groves project See MEMORIAL P. 3
Photo courtesy of Memorial Park Conservancy
Memorial Park Conservancy broke ground on 100-acre Memorial Groves project
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