The 06-01-24 Edition of The Heights Leader

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com

The derecho (meaning “straight” or, at times, “right”) came out of left field, for the most part. Severe weather was expected, but the force of the straight-line winds that hit Houston with 100-miles per hour winds was not. A typically empty conference room at the Houston Office of Emergency Management on N Shepherd filled quickly with local officials from various departments on May 16, however, to coordinate a cohesive response to the devastating

impact of this unexpected weather event.

The facility, which houses both the OEM and the city’s 911 call center, serves as the nerve center for coordinating responses to emergencies, large-scale events, outside threats, and natural disasters.

In short, according to houstontx.gov, the Houston OEM “is responsible for coordinating mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for all emergency events within the city.”

By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor

A Heights artifact may have disappeared in the blink of an eye, but surviving family and friends want its rich history to remain indelible

You don’t have to be a history aficionado to appreciate that for most of the past century, 317 W. 20th was home to two prominent Heights families. These families thread the hearts and history of Downtown Heights. The building may have been razed last month on April 8, 2024, but family and friends want to ensure that its rich, historical significance won’t experience the same obsolescence.

The residence, commonly known as the ‘T.C. Jester House’, once stood approximately one block west of The Heights Church, formerly known as

By RUBENA GRACIA The Leader News Contributor

A new scouting troop for girls is growing quickly and making its mark. Troop 88 (Girls) was started in January 2024. Nancy Zey, Scoutmaster of the new troop, spoke to the Leader: “We started Troop 88 because there were no Scouts BSA troops just for girls in the Heights area, and our sponsor, SPJST Lodge 88, provides a wonderful space to learn outdoor skills. The youth plan and lead the activities with adult volunteers guiding them. Even though Ashley Throckmorton, Julie Miller,

The Baptist Temple. Now it is an empty lot, patiently awaiting development. Structures often come and go, but what really made this house a home

were the vibrant people who lived in it. Members of the T.C. & Sarah May Jester family and Clayton & Libby Lee occupied the residence respectively for the majority of the 1900s and into the early 2000s. Their reputations preceded them. They were two very different families, but both were dedicated to servant leadership. Their lives and contributions played a significant role in the growth of their Heights community and their church community. The way they touched the people they interacted with through the years was just as meaningful and profound, as the building that once housed the architects of these nostalgic memories.

Jane Jester Marmion, the granddaughter of the Reverend T.C. Jester, says the home’s rich history started with her grandfather. Even though her time with him was far too brief,

By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor

In a city known for its vibrant culinary and cultural scene, New Magnolia Brewing Co. stands out not only for its meticulously crafted beers but also for its deep-rooted connection to Houston’s rich beer history. This family-owned brewery in the Heights has quickly become a beloved fixture in the local community, offering patrons a taste of classic European-style brews with a modern twist.

The inception of New Magnolia Brewing Co. is a story of passion, persistence, and a nod to Houston’s brewing legacy. “Back in 2012, there were only a handful of breweries in Houston,” recalls the founder, Shayn Robinson. “We were homebrewing in our driveway, and our friends and neighbors loved our smallbatch beers. Their encouragement led us to experiment more, eventually transforming my garage into a nano brewing facility complete with refrigeration for optimal fermentation control, and a small canning machine.”

This small-scale operation garnered significant local interest, leading to private event engagements and offers of investment. When Robinson and brew partner, John, took a comprehensive look at the craft beer industry and the evolving Houston beer scene, they decided to make the leap. They spent years honing their skills—John earned a Master’s in

and I could not experience the program as girls (Scouts BSA was only for boys until 2019), we love that women can still serve as leaders and role models for our daughters.” She added, “The scouts learn so quickly and are eager to learn.”

The Troop 88 website states: “We are a newly founded girls troop in Houston Heights. The girls will gain leadership and teamwork skills through outdoor activities, community service, and advancement programs.” The program emphasizes youth leadership development, outdoor programs, weekly

Photo by Stephanie

Photo

Photo by Stefanie Thomas Brent Taylor, chief

officer for the Houston Office

Photo by Nancy Zey

Greater Houston Disaster Alliance launches recovery fund for those impacted by severe weather and derecho

COMMUNITY REPORTS

In response to the significant number of households affected by severe weather in recent weeks, the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, a joint effort of Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston, has established the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund to help those impacted by the severe storms, derecho winds, tornadoes, and flooding events that occurred between April 26 and May 17, 2024. On May 18, 2024, President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for these combined events impacting multiple counties, making federal assistance available to support local recovery efforts. All monies raised will complement these efforts and will be distributed as grants to nonprofit partners to provide low-to-moderate income families with emergency financial assistance, home repairs, and assistance

accessing resources services in Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties. The fund has received early support from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation ($500,000) and a $500,000 contribution from Comcast, which will be split into a $250,000 cash donation and $250,000 in-kind.

“The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance was formed so that in times of crisis, there is a swift and efficient response to help those severely impacted begin the process of recovery,” said Stephen Maislin, president and CEO, Greater Houston Community Foundation. “When disaster strikes, it requires a collaborative and coordinated response from the nonprofit, for-profit, public sector and philanthropic community to ensure the most vulnerable in our region get the help they need to start the recovery and rebuilding process.”

With over 35 years of combined experience leading disaster recovery efforts, the Greater Houston Disaster

Alliance was formed by the two regional nonprofits to strengthen year-round overall disaster preparedness and ensure the Greater Houston area has the social service network and systems in place to respond rapidly, equitably and effectively in times of disaster. Through an initial investment from Enbridge and Phillips 66, the Disaster Alliance focuses on maintaining and strengthening yearround disaster preparedness and recovery.

“Outside of times of disaster, we know that 14% of households in our region are struggling on income below the federal poverty line and 31% of households in our region are working hard but struggling to make ends meet. It’s these neighbors who are disproportionately impacted when disaster strikes,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston. “This fund allows us to lift up the most vulnerable who have been impacted by recent weather events

to ensure they can not only recover from the immediate crisis, but also prepare themselves for future disasters.”

Based on data showing areas with high need, the Fund will serve residents of Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties who were affected by the severe weather.

Those who need immediate assistance are encouraged to call the 211 Texas/ United Way HELPLINE, the community’s key 24/7 information source during times of disaster. United Way’s 211 provides callers with the most updated information on assistance with utilities, housing or rental assistance, crisis counseling, access to senior services, information on food pantries in the community and more. Assistance through 211 can also be accessed through the following methods in the event of long wait times due to periods of heavy call volume: • Visit 211texas.org to

search resources online or chat online with a specialist. • Email help@unitedwayhouston.org for assistance.

“We are collaborating to tackle the needs of those impacted by the recent natural disasters that impacted our area. We will work closely with United Way of Greater Houston, Greater Houston Community Foundation and Harris County to recruit the resources necessary to assist with recovery efforts,” said Mayor John Whitmire. "The activation of the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund is an important component in overall recovery efforts, working to connect impacted families with the help they need to rebuild and recover.”

Prior to the launch of the Disaster Alliance in 2023, Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston collaborated with City and County leadership to address urgent community needs prompted by the CO -

VID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri.

“My heart goes out to all those affected by these devastating disasters. During times like these, the strength and unity of our community in Harris County becomes our greatest assets. There are ways that all residents in Harris County can support. For those willing and able to volunteer, you can call 713-533- 3190 or visit volunteerhouston.org. If you can contribute financially, your donation to the Severe Weather and Derecho Recovery Fund is invaluable. This fund will help us distribute relief funds to local nonprofits quickly so they can start helping folks rebuild as soon as possible. Thank you to the United Way, the Greater Houston Community Foundation and all those who are helping us recover,” said Judge Lina Hidalgo. For more information on the Severe Weather and Derecho Relief Fund and how to donate, visit www.disasteralliance.org/derecho.

Harris Central Appraisal District reminds property owners

COMMUNITY REPORTS

The Harris Central Appraisal District is reminding property owners who have experienced physical damage to their property during the recent windstorms that swept through Harris County to apply for a temporary disaster exemption.

“The recent severe windstorms and flooding earlier this month have caused physical damage to many properties in the area, and I want to remind everyone of the disaster exemption that is available to help those owners reduce their 2024 property taxes.” said Roland Altinger, chief appraiser. “State law lets the individual owner apply for the temporary disaster exemption for physical damage to improvements (structures) on their property, and to business personal property used for the

production of income.

“While damage to a house or other structure from a falling tree is eligible for exemption under this particular law, damage that occurred only to trees or shrubbery caused by the disaster isn’t eligible,” Altinger added. The Texas Tax Code allows a qualified property that is at least 15 percent damaged by a disaster in a governor-declared disaster area to receive a temporary exemption of a portion of the appraised value of the property. Qualified property includes real property such as homes and buildings, certain manufactured homes and tangible personal property used for the production of income for a business.

The property owner must apply for the temporary exemption no later than 105 days after the governor declares a disaster area. Texas Governor

Greg Abbott amended the previous declaration naming the county a disaster area on May 20, so the temporary disaster exemption application must be filed no later than September 3, which is extended because of the Labor Day holiday. The disaster application form can be found online at www.hcad.org under FORMS > ALL FORMS > General Information > Form 50312, Temporary Exemption for Property Damaged by a Disaster. The form should be mailed to the address in the top left of the form, which is Harris Central Appraisal

The

Center and the Planning and Development Department are expediting the permitting and plan review process. The accelerated services will help the community repair their homes and properties without delays. The following expedited permits will restore structures to their original footprint:

• Weatherheads for restoring power to a home or property. Not all properties require these devices.

Those seeking permits should ensure the repairs comply with their neighborhood’s deed restrictions.

Customers can help ensure the efficiency of the process by submitting permit applications through iPermits and contacting the permitting section to provide their eight-digit project number and project address. Not all structural repairs require permits. Customers can perform the following work without permits: Tarping.

• Replacing wooden and

al fences less than 8-feet-

• Roof repairs for re-roofing and roof overlays. Minor Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) repairs

Summer camp ideas to suit every age group

By LISA MORALES

The Leader News Contributor

As the school year winds down and summer approaches, parents and guardians begin the search for the perfect summer camp to keep their children engaged, active, and learning. Here are some summer camp ideas tailored to different age groups to ensure every child has a summer to remember.

Preschoolers (Ages 3-5):

Imagination and Exploration

For the youngest campers, a summer camp should focus on creativity, play, and basic social skills. Camps for preschoolers often emphasize themes that stimulate the imagination and include plenty of hands-on activities.

Nature Adventures: Camps that explore local parks and nature reserves can help preschoolers learn about the environment while enjoying outdoor play. Activities might include nature walks, simple scavenger hunts, and introductory gardening.

Arts and Crafts: Creative camps that offer painting, drawing, and craft projects allow young children to express themselves and develop fine motor skills. These camps often have themed weeks, such as “Under the Sea” or “Dinosaurs.”

Storytime and Drama: Camps that incorporate storytime sessions, puppet shows, and beginner’s drama activities can help preschoolers develop their language and storytelling skills. These camps encourage imaginative play and early literacy.

Elementary School (Ages 6-10):

Fun and Discovery

Children in this age group are curious

and eager to learn new things, making it a great time to introduce more structured activities that balance education and fun.

STEM Camps: Camps focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can include exciting experiments, basic coding, and building projects. These camps foster problem-solving skills and a love for science.

Sports Camps: From soccer to swimming, sports camps help children develop physical skills, teamwork, and healthy habits. These camps are ideal for energetic kids who love to stay active and competitive.

Cultural Camps: Camps that introduce different cultures through cooking, music, and traditional crafts can broaden a child’s worldview. These camps might explore a new country each week, providing a global education experience.

Middle School (Ages 11-13): Skills and Friendships

Middle schoolers are at a stage where they are exploring their interests more deeply and starting to form lasting friendships. Camps for this age group should balance skill-building with social interaction.

Outdoor Adventure Camps: These camps offer activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and canoeing. They are perfect for building resilience, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors.

Creative Writing and Journalism: For budding writers, camps that focus on storytelling, poetry, and even producing a camp newspaper can be very rewarding. These camps help enhance writing skills and encourage creative expression.

Robotics and Technology: Camps that delve into robotics, app development, and advanced coding can spark a lifelong interest in technology. These

camps often include hands-on projects that culminate in a final presentation or competition.

High School (Ages 14-18):

Leadership and Specialization

For high school students, summer camps can be an opportunity to develop leadership skills and delve deeply into specific interests, potentially influencing future educational and career paths.

Leadership Camps: These camps focus on developing leadership skills through team-building activities, public speaking workshops, and community service projects. They prepare teens for future leadership roles in school and beyond.

College Prep Camps: Camps that offer SAT/ACT prep, college essay writing workshops, and campus tours can be invaluable for students preparing for college. These camps often include sessions with admissions counselors and financial aid experts.

Special Interest Camps: Whether it’s performing arts, advanced STEM topics, or culinary arts, special interest camps allow teens to explore their passions in-depth. These camps often feature professionals from the field, providing mentorship and insight into potential career paths.

Selecting the right summer camp can provide children and teens with enriching experiences that combine fun, learning, and personal growth. By choosing a camp that matches their age and interests, parents can ensure their kids have a summer filled with memorable adventures and newfound skills.

For a list of a variety of summer camps in the Houston area, visit houstonsummercamps.com.

Houston Grand Opera to present free summer programming for children

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Company teaching artists will share music, stories, and enriching activities with young people in community spaces throughout the city

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is proud to announce plans to present a variety of arts programming for students in grades Pre-K-2 throughout Houston this summer. Families are invited to join company teaching artists in spaces including Levy Park, Children’s Museum Houston, and branches of both the Harris County Public Library System and Houston Public Libraries.

“We are delighted to share the joy of storytelling through words and music with young Houstonians in spaces across our boundless city,” says HGO General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor. “Serving families seeking high-quality art and culture is central to our mission at HGO. As a mom myself, I’m always looking for opportunities for my girls to have fun, interact with their peers, and experience something truly special.”

“The Harris County Public Library is thrilled to partner once again with HGO

to offer youth programming as a special part of our 2024 Summer Reading Program,” says Jennifer Schwartz, HCPL Senior Programming Services Manager. “Our collaboration with HGO has allowed us to bring the transformative power of the arts to children, many of whom would not have had access to it otherwise. Studies show that arts and music programs such as those offered by HGO help children to develop and enhance social skills, regulate emotions, and can have a significant impact on academic success. These offerings are among our most popular and anticipated by kids and parents alike.”

The company will be offering two types of programming as part of this initiative. Sing! Move! Play! (SMP) celebrates opera’s greatest hits through action-packed workshops filled with singing, rhythmic movement, and creative play, while sharing music from classic operas. Featured music includes: The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart’s timeless comedy masterpiece Neapolitan Songs, favorite Italian art

songs • Carmen, Bizet’s ever-popular opera Italian Classics, opera’s greatest hits Storybook Opera (SBO) brings children’s books to life through song as HGO

Are you summer camp ready?

Help your camper live their best life this summer with these seven tips

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Summer camp season is around the corner! Kids across the Houston area are heading to overnight and day camps over the next three months, ready to soak in its many social, physical, and mental lasting impacts.

Despite camp’s well-documented benefits, injuries and illnesses do happen. Peter Dagher, lead nurse practitioner at Memorial Hermann-GoHealth has seen his fair share.

“Sending your kids to camp with all the necessary safety knowledge and supplies will help ensure a safe and memorable summer for your campers,” says Dagher. “Simple preparation can make sure that the stories they bring back from summer camp all have happy endings.”

Here are seven ways to prepare your campers to live their best, healthiest and safest life this summer: Manage medications prior to drop off. Review the camp’s medication protocols and complete all authorizations or forms prior to drop off. Start your camp clearance forms early and ensure all medications and allergies are clearly documented. Talk to camp directors and counselors about your child’s allergies and medication needs. At drop off, confirm counselors have all prescriptions, overthe-counter medications, inhalers or EpiPens.

Load ‘em up with sunscreen. Children can sunburn in as little as 10 minutes. Getting more than five sunburns over a lifetime doubles a person’s risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. This makes sun protection incredibly important. Double-check backpacks to ensure campers have UVA/UVB sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and preferable sunscreen that is zinc oxide based. Apply a base layer before drop off, and work with camp leaders to ensure they reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating or showering. A rash guard shirt, shorts or body suit with UPF is another great way to protect against sunburn.

If your child comes home with a sunburn, soothe it with methods recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), such as:

• Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy or use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream;

• Avoid “-caine” products, such as benzocaine; Allow blisters to heal without popping them; Give your child more water, a cool bath or shower, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce swelling, redness and discomfort.

Repel bugs with DEET and proper clothing. Insect repellent can prevent itchy, uncomfortable insect bites. It also helps prevent insect-borne infections like Lyme disease and the West Nile and Zika viruses. Children under age 10 should not apply insect repellant on their own. DEET is not approved for infants under two months. Show older kids how to apply it over sunscreen, avoiding their eyes and mouth. Have them carefully spray DEET onto their hands first and rub it onto their exposed skin. Remember to apply in a well-ventilated area, and that a little goes a long way. DEET 10% works well for about two hours and DEET 20-30% will last about five hours. Only apply once a day.

Campers should wear light-colored, lightweight long sleeves and pants to avoid bites. Ensure they check for ticks after hiking or playing in long grass. Treat insect bites at home with acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain, hydrocortisone cream or an over-the-counter oral antihistamine to alleviate itching, and ice to reduce swelling.

Teach plant safety. Engage kids by showing them images of poison ivy, stinging nettle, giant hogweed and other plants that should not be touched. Gamify it by creating flash cards and seeing how many they can get right. Ensure your child knows to tell a counselor if they think they touched or ingested a poisonous plant. According to the AADA, children should go to an emergency room immediately if they develop:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing; A rash around one or both eyes, the mouth, or the genitals or a rash on most of their body

• Facial swelling; Itching that gets worse or makes it impossible to sleep;

• A fever. Mild rashes can be treated with oral antihistamines— not creams, as they can worsen the rash and itching. Also try: Washing the skin and clothing;

• Letting blisters heal without popping them;

• Taking short, lukewarm baths; Applying calamine lotion or a hydrocortisone cream and a cool compress.

teaching artists present an engaging and enjoyable introduction to opera for students. Featured books include:

• The Armadillo’s Dream by HGO chorister Dennis Arrowsmith, about an armadillo with opera-star dreams (available in English and Spanish versions)

• The Three Little Pigs, a classic fable Opera Cat by Tess Weaver, about a cat and her opera-diva owner

Bilingual Agua/Agüita and Fuego/ Fueguito by Jorge Argueta, about water and the natural world Westward Ho, Carlotta! by Candace Fleming, about an opera singer who follows her dreams out West

Ruby’s Chinese New Year by Vickie Lee, about a girl who gets a gift to her grandmother with help from the animals of the Chinese Zodiac

• Lula the Mighty Griot by former Houston Poet Laureate Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, about a girl who defends her village from ravenous alligators

Your location (free for Children, Grades Pre-K-2): July 22 @ 11 a.m.: Oak Forest Neighborhood Library, SMP/The Magic Flute For more information, visit HGO.org/ Community-and-Learning.

Practice water safety. Remind campers never to enter the water unless a counselor or lifeguard is present. Instill the importance of life jackets. Even the most advanced swimmers must wear a floatation device when fishing, boating or jet skiing. Get your camper swimming lessons before camp begins. Always remember the ABCs of swimming:

• Adult supervision: Always have adult supervision who is within 10 seconds of reach of any child.

• Barriers: Be sure the pool is surrounded on all four sides by a fence that is at least five feet high to avoid any climbing and has a self-closing gate.

• Clear and clutter-free: Ensure clear and clutter-free areas both inside and outside the pool for unobstructed views and quick reach.

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): This is very important to learn in the event of any emergency. Keep them hydrated. Kids should drink five to eight cups of water per day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Drop them off with a full tank by ensuring they drink a big glass of water or milk with breakfast. Double-check that they have a full water bottle in their backpack. Confirm with camp leaders they will have extra water for refills throughout the day. If you have younger kids, send them to camp with a water bottle that has time markers to remind them when to drink water. If your child has a fever, vomiting or flushed appearance, your child may be experiencing heat exhaustion or heatstroke, and you should see a provider immediately. Prepare them emotionally. Have conversations with your campers so they are mentally, physically and emotionally ready, especially for kids going to sleepaway camp. Choose camps that align with their interests and let your kids be part of the decision. Have open conversations with your child and ask them how they are feeling. Discuss the camp activities so your child knows what to expect and gets familiar with the new routine.

Photo by Melissa Taylor

The Houston Grand Opera will present free summer programming for children throughout the city this summer.

she remembers him fondly as a charismatic man, who always remained humble. Dr. Jester, ‘Paw Paw’ to Marmion, was born Thomas Cleveland Jester in Camp Hill Alabama in 1884 and attended college in both Pennsylvania and Alabama. After college, he attended seminary in Fort Worth, Texas in the early 1900s. It was there where he met the woman who would become his future wife, Sarah May Richardson. After earning his PhD in Theology, he ministered at several churches, before being called to the Baptist Temple in the Heights in 1927.

Built on public service

The following year he constructed a lovely brick home for his family, just a block from the church in Downtown Heights. He began a preaching career that spanned over two decades. He became a pillar of the community, for both his town and his church. He served as pastor to the Baptist Temple church until his death in 1950. During that time the church expanded exponentially in its service and reach.

“And, he did so much more. In 1947, he gave a sermon titled ‘A Forward Look’, where he outlined his plans and dreams for new education building for the church,” shared Edward Crowell, Executive Director of the Heights Church, formerly the Baptist Temple. Construction of the new building began in 1948 but, unfortunately, Jester died before getting to see its completion. It now proudly displays his memorial dedication.

“The building that was completed in the early ‘50’s is as strong and resilient, as the man it was dedicated to,” said Crowell.

Jester’s contributions far exceeded those to his church.

“He was inspirational in the charge to bring a Baptist college campus to Houston and nearly ten years after he passed, his vision was realized with the charter of Houston Baptist University”, said Marmion. In addition to serving on numerous convention, charity and hospital boards in Houston, he was also a member of the planning commission in Houston. In the 1940s he was instrumental in the passage of a plan to widen areas of White Oak Drive to reduce traffic and congestion. All of his hard work and effort led to subsequent expansions being named ‘TC Jester Blvd’

Within the first 10 days after the derecho, for example, the Houston OEM, alongside multiple city departments, was instrumental in coordinating the following:

More than 3,700 calls for service to HPD and more than 21,000 for Fire & EMS

Contacted nearly 3,000 people who pre-identified as having a disability, access or functional need; this includes more than 1,000 individual phone calls and more than 800 in-person wellness checks.

More than 15,000 meals served and more than 15,000 people served at ice and water distribution centers

More than 23,000 calls to 3-1-1

• Roughly 1,000 people using our facilities as cooling centers

• More than 300 overnight stays at 3 American Red Cross shelters in Harris County - will stay open until the need is gone.

• Direct humanitarian response at many senior and vulnerable living communities, where thousands of people faced challenging conditions

Behind the scenes

Only a week earlier, shortly after the severe flooding that occurred in the city’s northern portions, The Leader decided to pop in for a tour. After all, this seat of high-level decision-making is located right here in the community. We wanted to know what goes on behind the metal fence, beyond the security stations granting or denying entry.

Brent Taylor, chief communications officer for the Houston OEM, hosted us just days before the derecho would strike and leave a path of destruction in its wake. He wouldn’t go home for several

in his honor. Sarah May Jester, ‘Ms. May’ was a community force in her own right, according to Marmion. She spent her teenage years in Honey Grove, TX, dubbed the ‘sweetest town in Texas’ and attended University of Texas for a period. Fortunately, she felt a calling to attend the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she eventually met and married her true love, T.C. Jester. For many years, she served as a member of the Women’s Missionary Union, was a charter member of the American Daughters of the Revolution and authored two books on the early Christian church. However, her most rewarding and remembered role was that of Superintendent of Sunday Schools at Baptist Temple for nearly a quarter of a century.

“She loved her faith and she loved her Lord,” added Marmion.

More than a house: Part of a legacy

The Jesters’ only son and Jane Marmion’s father was Dr. Albert William (Bill) Jester, born in 1921. He chose a different path. After spending time in the U.S. Navy he attended medical school and became a radiologist. He had successful practices over the years in both Crosby and Houston, the latter for Heights Hospital and Hermann. At Hermann in the medical center, he met his future wife, Mildred Kerr, a nurse and started his family. They moved multiple times between Houston and Crosby. After his mother was moved into care, they purchased the T.C. Jester house from her and lived there between 1953 and 1958, before moving back to Crosby.

From visiting and living in the T.C. Jester House so many times over the course of the years, Jane Marmion still has vivid childhood memories.

“I can remember the house in detail”, she said. And, she proceeded to paint a picture of it, room by room, including the narrow study her

days until the worst part of the crisis was managed.

Security at the Houston Emergency Center is stringent. A tall metal fence surrounds the Houston OEM to protect against unauthorized access. Visitors must state their business and show identification to obtain entry.

“We handle sensitive information, from police data to emergency response resources,” Taylor explained.

“During emergencies, this building becomes a hub for city, county, regional, and federal support, necessitating high security to protect both data and personnel.”

Inside the 911 Call Center

The 911 call center is an impressive setup. In the vastness of a dimly lit room, banks of desks are arranged in rows, with civilian call takers clustered in the center, and police and fire dispatchers positioned on either side.

“We have a capacity for up to 125 personnel at a time, handling around 3,000 calls daily,” Taylor said. “During major incidents, call volumes can spike to 8,000-10,000 calls a day.” In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, he added, Houston’s 911 call center took approximately 100,000 calls in a single weekend.

The center offers multilingual support in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and can access additional language services for other languages. The call center’s efficiency is critical always, and especially during crises, tracking metrics like call hold times and response times to ensure swift assistance.

Emergency Operations and High-Level Planning Next stop, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) upstairs, where high-level decisions are made during crises. “Whether it’s severe

grandfather built upstairs for reflection and sermon-writing, to the shed in the backyard where he exercised his creative talent for craft art. She even recalls her grandmother’s planters lining the front steps, filled with asparagus plants. “That house was where I first learned to cook at age nine,” said Marmion. “Back then, the kitchen felt massive, but in retrospect, the kitchen and the rest of the house were probably not as big as they once seemed as a little girl.” The house mirrors the larger-than-life memories she carries for her family. As she recollects and reminisces about the T.C. Jester House and all of its rich history, she hopes it will never be forgotten. In closing, she shared how much she has grown to appreciate “the spiritual legacy inherited from her grandparents.”

A new era

Every grand home deserves a second life and Clayton and Libby Lee provided it. Clayton Floyd Lee was born in 1921 in The Heights and lived here until his death in 2002. His father died while he was in high school, entrusting him with the family business, Clayton Lee Plumbing, one of the earliest master plumbing services in Houston. He served in the U.S. Navy in the mid-‘40s and then returned to Houston. He became known as ‘Mr. Heights’ in the community because of his visibility and public service.

Anne Sloane, a dear friend of Clayton and Libby, is a historian, author and long-time resident of the Heights. She and so many others remember how Clayton took every opportunity to “reach out to anyone who would listen and selflessly share his faith,

friendship and time”.

He advocated on behalf of the community with the City Council, was a charter member of the Heights Association and a life-long member of the Rotary Club, which was near and dear to his heart.

”He never missed a weekly meeting and even attended local meetings, wherever he happened to be traveling,” said Laura Virgadomo, a very close, longtime family friend.

“He was so passionate about Heights Rotary, he convinced me to join, I was only the second woman to do so.”

He and other alumni from his high school led the charge to raise private donations and commission the WWII Memorial located at Heights Blvd. and 11th Street. Today, their former John H. Reagan High School WWII Memorial Association (which he had served as President for many years), along with the Heights Rotary Club, maintain the site. In the 1970’s he married Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Weatherford, who extraordinarily enough, had also been raised in The Heights. Though several years apart, they actually attended the same elementary, middle and high schools. More importantly, both were longterm members of Baptist Temple. It was the second marriage for both of them. So, when they rediscovered each other, it was the stuff of fairytales, Virgadomo reflected.

“It was one of the greatest love stories ever,” she added with a heart-felt smile. Libby Lee, or ‘Ms. Libby’ to her neighbors, sang in the choir for over three decades and was a dedicated member of the “Lifeline” Sunday school classes, as was Clayton. Additionally, she served in the Houston Heights Woman’s Club, the Houston Heights Women in Rotary and the Houston Heights Association, the latter alongside Clayton. They educated and entertained their community neighbors for years with boundless passion and enthusiasm.

In 1968, the renovations on the T.C. Jester house began, followed by additions in 1970 and 1974, breathing new life into this historic homeplace. It was a massive, yet worthwhile undertaking. Though the home had been stately in its day, the make-over was quite dramatic. It became a showplace with a new slate roof, beautiful stained glass throughout and a memorable mirrored antique soda fountain, retrieved from an old drugstore in Elkhart. It was on home tours, included in festivals and hosted many

weather or large events like the college football championship, this is where city supervisors and directors come together to make critical decisions,” Taylor said.

We walk through long hallways with offices before Taylor leads us to the nexus of operations – a large conference room with 10 supersized screens displaying and monitoring various cameras throughout the city, weather information, flood and traffic maps, and areas in which individual homeowners reported issues following the recent floods. This is the room where city leaders meet before and after major events, accompanied by county, regional, state, and federal personnel as needed.

“These tools help us coordinate responses efficiently, from managing freeway traffic to tracking flood levels in real-time,” Taylor said. During significant events, the EOC monitors media and downtown cameras to ensure public safety and manage crowds effectively.

Taylor explained that in advance of a hurricane threatening the city, the EOC follows a 120-hour timeline to prepare and respond effectively.

“We start with notifications, and move to resource allocation, employee readiness, and shelter setup, ensuring we’re ready to respond as soon as the storm hits,” Taylor said. “We have a saying in emergency management: Ninety-five percent of our work is Blue Sky Day, and it all builds toward the five percent when we know the skies will be gray.”

Public Understanding and Preparedness

Emergency management is often misunderstood, according to Taylor.

“People don’t realize that our job is mostly about coordination, not direct response,” he said. “We ensure first responders have what they need, while we plan for worstcase scenarios to mitigate impacts on the community.”

Taylor emphasized the importance of public preparedness.

“Individual and family preparedness is crucial,” he said. “Knowing where to go, having a plan, and having essential supplies can make a significant difference during emergencies.”

We’ve all heard it many times. A lack of prepared-

community galas. It stayed in the Lee family until just after Libby’s passing in 2013. Unbeknownst to many, in her will, she had stipulated that neighboring Dr. and Sylvia Herrera have the first right of refusal on the house, when it was sold by the heirs in 2014. They were not only special friends and neighbors, but Dr. Herrera had cared for both her and her husband.

“We bought the property for both added parking space and expansion room for our growing wellness practice,” said Sylvia Herrera. They looked into whether there was a historical designation before the purchase and were surprised (as most were) that it had never been applied for. Four years later, they sold their nearby clinic building in 2018, but retained the T.C. Jester house for administration until this year. As the taxes and cost of upkeep were becoming unmanageable, they were approached by Ben Ackerley of Wood Lane Partners, the development company building the new Hotel Daphne on 20th and agreed to sell, as did the remaining owners on the block. Then in April 2024, T.C. Jester House was razed to the ground.

Memories, and a memento

The only remaining visible evidence of the Jester’s and Lee’s residency is an address placard, embedded in the remains of the brick walkway to the former home. Ackerley has generously agreed to extract it and gift it to Jane Marmion. Given that she is the last living heir to the T.C. Jester family and the house that was so much a part of its legacy, Marmion said she was genuinely moved by the gesture. Still, change can be very challenging for a close community. Anne Sloane has a lot of reservations and apprehension about the way The Heights is evolving and summarized it this way:

“People moving in just don’t have the same love for the preservation of history,” Marmion said. She is temporarily staying just blocks away from the former T.C. Jester House and shared that she saw something poignant recently that caused her both pause and consternation.

“I looked down and noticed a nearby doormat with familiar words that once had profound meaning to me; ‘The Heights...where history lives’ emblazoned on it,” she said. Then she added with a sense of sadness, “Things are so different now. I just don’t feel like this is true anymore.”

ness can acerbate issues

when it comes to planning and response – the prepared can become part of the solution; the unprepared part of the problem.

Volunteer Coordination and Donations

Volunteers play a vital role in recovery efforts, but coordination is key, Taylor said.

“Self-deployment can create additional risks. We work with groups like VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to ensure volunteers are used effectively and safely,” he explained. Donations, too, need to be managed carefully. “Financial contributions are often more helpful than physical items, which may not meet the immediate needs of those affected.”

In other words, donating your old workout bench following a disaster is not the right time.

Alert Systems and Hurricane Preparedness Taylor highlighted the importance of Houston’s official notification system, AlertHouston.

“Residents can sign up for alerts via phone, text, or

email. For life-threatening incidents, we use wireless emergency alerts, the same technology as Amber Alerts.” We asked Taylor how he feels about predictions that the 2024 hurricane season will be extreme, and many residents experiencing forecast fatigue. After all, alerts warning of active hurricane seasons are beginning to fall flat after years of subsequently uneventful summers in the Houston region. When making hurricane season forecasts, however, meteorologist aim to predict the number of named storms, not necessarily direct hits to the mainland. With June 1 marking the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, Taylor advised against complacency.

“Even if a hurricane doesn’t hit Houston directly, it can still have severe impacts. Look at Hurricane Harvey – it was a tropical storm by the time it hit Houston, but parked over the city and dumped an incredible amount of water,” he said. “The scale and unpredictability of such events mean we must always be prepared.”

Taylor’s insights shed light on the extensive planning, coordination, and public cooperation required to manage emergencies effectively. The Houston Emergency Center stands ready to protect and serve the city, backed by a dedicated team and comprehensive strategies for any crisis that may arise.

For more information – including resources and preparedness guidance -- please visit houstonoem.org/. To sign up for AlertHouston, go to houstonemergency. org/alerts. To join a group volunteering time or donations following a disaster in the area, visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster website at nvoad.org.

T.C.

Photo by Stefanie Thomas

The Houston OEM conference room fills with city leaders and their state and federal counterparts in advance of, and following, a crisis.

Photo by Stephanie Shirley A commemorative brick is the last testament to the families that lived in 317 W. 20th.

Photo courtesy of the Heights Church Archives

T.C. and Sarah May Jester at Baptist Temple, circa 1940s.

Photo courtesy of Laura Virgadomo

Clayton and Libby Lee in front of 317 E 20th at a gala they sponsored for the Heights Centennial a half a century later in 1991.

THE TV – “A county school board in Virginia decided this week to change the names of two schools.” This is on NBC evening news? Who cares?

Wait. “Following the death of George Floyd in 2020, the Shenandoah County School Board voted to change the names because they were named after Confederate generals.” Now the schools’ names are being changed back to their original titles. This is, indeed, news because Shenandoah is the first coun ty in the nation to roll back changes made to institutions bearing Confederate names. Wonder is such moves will catch on?

THE TOPICS.

A statue of limitations

It will take a lot of catching-on because we have gone through a spasm of namechanging to erase four years of our history. Statues have been either toppled or put in storage. Military bases have been renamed including Texas’ own Fort Hood, named for Gen. John Bell Hood who led Texas troops in the Civil War. After a few victories in Tennessee his soldiers sang, to the tune of “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” “You can talk about your Beauregard and sing of General Lee, but the Gallant Hood of Texas played Hell in Tennessee.” Then there were the non-

needed a name change.

You will recall recently when we discussed the USS Chancellorsville. It was a guided-missile cruiser, but unfortunately the warship was named after a Confederate Civil War victory. So the Navy changed thename. But if we are going to only name our warships after victories, what about the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan? The USS Alamo and the USS San Jacinto might ruffle some feathers, but fortunately both ships were scrapped. The changes go on and on. Statues of Gen. Robert E. Lee were removed along with those of other Confederate leaders, and even those statues on Southern courthouse squares of the common

Rebel soldier were removed. In January a bronze memorial to Confederate soldiers was removed from Arlington National Cemetery. The irony is that before Arlington was a cemetery, it was the home of one Robert E. Lee. The grounds of the Texas state capitol contain several monuments to the Confederacy. Why, after almost 160 years, do we suddenly have this indignation? Douglas Brinkley, a noted author and Rice professor, says of such movements, “They are allowed a 21st-century moment.”

This brings us to a question of honoring our heroes. The British honored Benedict Arnold with a brigadier general’s commission and an annual income of several hundred pounds, but no statue. I do recall seeing a plaque on the wall of Westminster Abbey in London honoring Major John Andre, Arnold’s gobetween with the British. We honored Andre by hanging him. Bill Cosby was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W. Bush in 2002. In 2018, Cosby was convicted of aggravated indecent assault. He was imprisoned until his conviction was vacated. Due to those allegations, numerous awards and honors have been rescinded,

THE WEEKEND.

Cost: Free, RSVP to receive free gift + 25% off any ticket and gift shop purchases Info: doodlelandhtx.square. site/product/grand-openingcelebration-rsvp/71 BLOOMFEST BY NEW MAGNOLIA BREWING CO.

and activities

Who: Adults & families –Ticket holders must be 21+ When: Saturday, June 1, noon-8 p.m. Where: 1616 Bevis St. What: 60 Beers, food, art, and music Cost: $40-$125 Info: newmagnoliabrewingco. ticketsauce.com/e/bloomfest-2024/tickets

TRAIL MIX AT M-K-T Who: All ages

When: Saturday, June 1, 10-11 a.m.

Where: 600 N. Shepherd Dr.

What: An outdoor music and magic variety show for kids

Cost: Free Info: themkt.com/events

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO AT HEIGHTS THEATER

Who: Adults When: Saturday, June 1, 8 p.m. Where: 339 W. 19th St.

What: Alejandro Escovedo in concert with guest Will Johnson Cost: $24-$416

including the Kennedy Center Honor. Duke University would not give President Richard Nixon, a graduate of its law school, an honorary degree or let his Presidential library be built on campus. Then, in 1961, Nixon turned the tables, rejecting a degree when the offer was renewed. Sports stadiums and arenas are named for the highest bidder. (Who or what is UH’s TDECU?) The University of Houston Cougars also changed the name of their basketball arena to the Fertitta Center after Tilman gave the school $20 million towards reconstructing the place. It was formerly the Hofheinz Center. He got a bronze statue out front. Or a name can be changed due to unforeseen circumstances. Remember Enron Field? Sports teams retire jersey numbers and if that player is later found to be guilty of some nefarious crime, that jersey can be quietly removed from the rafters. Then there is O.J. Simpson and his Heisman Trophy. Actually there are two. One went to O. J. and another went to his alma mater: USC. The school’s trophy was taken from its place of honor, then moved back, then stolen. Now it’s back, but O. J.’s

trophy was auctioned off for $255,000.

Which leaders today will be honored later on? There probably won’t be a Greg Abbot public school, but maybe several charter schools will bear his name. Perhaps we will see a Ken Paxton Law School or the Dan Patrick Demagogue Academy. The Texas A&M Department of Self-Inflicted Wounds? UT may have a plaque dedicated to the Unknown Demonstrators. Not many Plan Parenthood clinics will be named for a majority of our U.S. Supreme Court justices. How does the Rudy Giuliani Hair Dye Beauticians School sound? The Trump Presidential Library & Porn Payoff Center will be open only to adults, and we can only imagine what its gift shop will sell. But back to renaming those schools in Virginia. Stonewall Jackson High School became Mountain View High School. Ashby Lee Elementary School, named after Gens. Turner Ashby and Robert E. Lee, became Honey Run Elementary School. I am glad to see Gen. Ashby got top billing because he and I are of the same family, but I am not a direct descendent because he never mar-

ried and had no children we know of. Turner was a dashing Confederate cavalryman in the Shenandoah Valley. His second-in-command was his younger brother, Capt. Richard Ashby, aka Captain Dick. Dick was killed after he was stuck under his dead horse during a fracas and bayoneted to death by Union soldiers. I guess they didn’t take prisoners in those days. Turner was fatally shot soon afterwards. Today on a hill in Winchester, Va. there is Stonewall Cemetery. In it is a large, gray marble tomb inscribed, “The Brothers Patton,” George’s grandfather and granduncle. Two spots over is another large gray, marble tomb, “The Brothers Ashby,” above crossed cavalry sabers. I wonder if it’s still there? Ashby is still named ashby2@ comcast.net

Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents at editor@ theleadernews.com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.

Info: theheightstheater.com/ events/alejandro-escovedo

ELEMENTS OF CONTRAST MULTI-SENSORY ART EXHIBITION

Who: All ages

When: Saturday, June 1, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Heights Church –230 W. 20th

What: A collaborative exhibition featuring seven female artists showcase a diverse range of styles, mediums, and perspectives, all united by the exploration of contrasting elements and enticing the viewers senses.

Cost: Free Info: glasstire.com/ events/2024/05/23/ elements-of-contrast-a-multisensory-exhibition

THE BLEACHERS AT WHITE OAK MUSIC HALL

Who: All ages

When: Saturday, June 1, 7:00 pm

Where: 2915 N. Main St.

What: Live music performance on the lawn with guest

Samia Cost: $70 Info: whiteoakmusichall. com/shows/tm-event/ bleachers

DJEDITES & FRIENDS REGGAE TAKEOVER AT DAN ELECTRO’S

Who: All ages

When: Sunday, June 2, 2-5:30 p.m. Where: 1031 East 24th Street What: Reggae performances by a variety of musicians

Cost: $10 cover Info: https://www.danelectrosheights.com/events/

Brewing Arts, while Robinson gained hands-on experience in the industry.

Honoring Tradition

In 2018, the serendipitous discovery of the story of the original Magnolia Brewery, which operated in Houston from 1895 until it was destroyed by a flood in 1935, provided the perfect name and historical connection. “We trademarked New Magnolia and set out to establish a brewery that pays homage to Houston’s brewing past,” explains Robinson.

In 2020 New Magnolia began brewing beers from the handwritten recipes of Frantz Brogniez. Brogniez curated beer recipes for the original Magnolia Brewery from 1911-1920 and won the number one beer in the world with his Southern Select. New Magnolia is presently brewing that award winning recipe from 1911.

New Magnolia Brewing Co. is renowned for its clean, balanced craft beers, achieved through a meticulous brewing process that starts with water chemistry. To truly achieve clean beer, a brewery must start with the water they have, then purify and filter that water down to a neutral baseline, adding back the key minerals and organics specific to the beer they are brewing. Robinson explains how this process works by saying, “If we brew a German Pilsner, we duplicate the water profile from Pilsen, Germany, import European grains and hops, and brew that German Pilsner to the standards found in Germany.” This precise approach ensures that every beer, from German Pilsners to

meetings, community service, and advancement.

Zey’s daughter and two other friends, all in third grade at the time, were the first girls to join the Cub Scouts in the Heights/ Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area. The girls are now older youth leaders and teach new scouts. There are two other female troops farther south and farther northeast that are linked to boy troops, but this troop only has female members. Zey said, “Julie Miller was the den leader of the 5 girls who ‘crossed over’ from Cub Scout Pack 88 to form the nucleus of Troop 88. She has been instrumental in turning Troop 88 from an idea into a reality.”

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was founded in 1910 in Silver Bay, New York, and quickly became the largest youth organization in the United States. In order to become more inclusive, BSA opened the Cub Scouts to girls in 2018, and in 2019, the Boy Scouts was also opened to girls. The organization is currently called Scouts BSA, but in February 2025 will officially rebrand to Scouting America. Scouts are ages 11-17, and everyone can aspire to become an Eagle Scout, which is the top rank. The troop is part of the

Vermont-inspired Hazy IPAs, offers an authentic experience.

Crafting Community Community is at the heart of New Magnolia Brewing Co., evident in events like Bloomfest, an annual beer festival and anniversary happening featuring live music, elevated culinary options, and artisan vendors. The event, happening June 1st, will have 20+ breweries in attendance. The event is open to the public, but tickets are needed to make the day flow seamlessly. The brewery’s large indoor seating area, two family-friendly outdoor decks, and a 40-foot bar encourage patrons to connect over a shared love of beer.

Regular events, such as a weekly Run Club and a large member-based Brew Club, foster a sense of camaraderie. The Brew Club not only participates in brewery events

but also supports the wider Houston craft beer community. “We take great pride in talking with our patrons about beer making and letting them shape our taproom offerings,” Robinson notes.

New Magnolia Brewing Co. also takes pride in blending nature, science, and tradition in its brewing process. “Beers and the breweries that make them each have a unique ora and mystique, through which an experience takes shape and becomes embraced and ultimately shared. My entire universe revolves around the connectivity this brewery brings to the neighborhood and beyond,” reflects Robinson, a Heights resident for 13 years.

WHAT: Bloomfest 2024

WHEN: June 1, 2024, noon-8 p.m.

WHERE: 1616 Bevis Street,

Sam Houston Area Council –one of the largest in the U.S. – and the Lone Star District that serves our area. She explained that Girl Scouts USA, which holds the annual cookie sale, is a completely separate organization. Pack 88 originally met at a church in the Heights and now meets at the SPJST Lodge 88. The separate girl and boy troops of Pack 88 meet in the same place, have the same meeting times, and share some adult leaders and outings. For families with both girls and boys, this is very practical.

Houston 77008

DETAILS: 60 different beers from award winning breweries across Texas, live art showcases from Houstonbased artists, live music, and exciting culinary concepts from local chefs

COST: General admission tickets start at $40 and include five beer tickets

TICKETS: newmagnoliabrewingco.ticketsauce. com/e/bloomfest-2024/tickets

With its dedication to quality, community, and history, New Magnolia Brewing Co. is not just a brewery; it’s a testament to Houston’s evolving craft beer landscape and a cherished local institution. New Magnolia Brewing Co. is located at 1616 Bevis St. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook @newmagnoliabrewing. Bloomfest has dedicated Instagram and Facebook pages @bloomfesthtx

… It’s fun with a purpose.”

Women leaders have been welcomed into the organization, and mothers of scouts are invited to attend meetings and events. Nancy also wants to urge other girl troops to form. Currently, the Sam Houston Council has 340 boy troops and 326 girl troops and within the Lone Star District, there are 14 scouting troops for boys and 3 for girls.

pout with the first leaders and scouts in the troop. One of the three girls who was in the first Cub Scout group baked a cake in a Dutch oven. The girls experienced a “frost point” the campout, which means the temperature was below freezing. The girls woke with a smile and made breakfast. They are resilient.

The SPJST Lodge 88 in the Heights is the charter organization of Troop 88. SPJST Lodge sponsors a wide range of family-oriented activities and community service projects, such as food drives, and assist hospitals, nursing homes, and police and fire departments. The Lodge is proud of its Czech heritage, but membership is open to everyone.

Ryan Grant is the liaison between the Lodge and the Troop. In late November 2023, Nancy and Ashley began talking to Ryan about starting a girl troop, and it began on January 9, 2024, with five 5th-grade girls. The troop has grown and now has 14 scouts ages 11-15. Nancy acknowledged the hard work involved and said, “We are starting a troop that is actively recruiting and mentoring future leaders.

Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are adult volunteers responsible for programming and teaching skills. In addition to Nancy, the Scoutmaster, the troop has three female and one male Assistant Scoutmasters. Ashley Throckmorton, the troop’s committee chair, serves as the quartermaster, organizing infrastructure such as equipment, tents, cooking gear, and other supplies, and is responsible for renewing the annual recharter agreement. Many other fathers and mothers serve as leaders in the troop. The troops are youthled organizations, which means that parents coach and observe the youth leaders.

The troop has been involved in many outdoor events. On January 19-20, 2024, Troop 88 traveled to the Kickarillo-Mischer Preserve Park, which allows camping for scouting groups, to hold its Founding Ceremony and the first cam-

In March 2024, there was a Camporee at Camp Tellepsen, near Navasota, with all Lone Star District troops, where scouts competed at their skill and knowledge levels in activities such as first aid, tying knots, building a fire, and identifying trees and plants.

In April 2024 at Camp Strake, the Sam Houstonarea camp near Cold Spring, Troop 88 participated in the “Zombie Preparedness Training” campout, where one of their scouts won a prize for her efforts. Scouts also earned Pioneering merit badges. The troop will visit Camp Strake again for its first summer camp -- a week-long event in July. The First Court of Honor was held on Tuesday, May 14, at the SPJST Lodge. This was a formal recognition ceremony, the capstone of the first semester. This event is held three times a year – at the end of the fall semester and spring semester, and in the summer. Rankings and badges are given, and there is a family dinner. This event builds relationships and a sense of community. Nancy said, “Scouting creates better people and citizens. It helps scouts to be prepared in life.” A Community Garden conservation event and a Junior Canoe Training Class are planned for June. The troop is also involved in service projects. In March 2024, the troop participated in the regional Trash Bash event to clean the Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve (formerly known as West 11th Street Park), a 20-acre park located at 2400 West 11th Street. On June 2, the SPJST Lodge 88 will hold its annual Homecoming, and older Lodge members who are unable to attend regularly will be encouraged to participate. Troop 88 will volunteer to assist with this event. Nancy said, “It is important to give back to the charter organization.” She also joined the SPJST Lodge in March. Regular meetings of Troop 88 (Girls) are Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. at the SPJST Lodge 88, located at 1435 Beall St. Houston, TX 77008. For more information, please visit the website at troopwebhost.org/ Troop88Houston/Index. htm or send an email to info@troop88houston.org.

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Brewing Co.

The taproom at Magnolia Brewing Co. Yes, well-behaved pups are welcome.

Photo by Nancy Zey Kickarillo-Mischer Preserve, January 20, 2024, Founding Ceremony at first campout with the first leaders and scouts in Troop 88.

Texas Music Festival opens June 4: Orchestral stars of tomorrow converge in Houston

COMMUNITY REPORTS

The festival, in its 33rd year, features three weeks of concerts showcasing 150 young musicians from across the globe, including free concerts every week

The Texas Music Festival (TMF) kicks off on June 4 at the University of Houston, with nearly three weeks of not-to-be-missed performances (including several free concerts!), a competition for young stars-in-the-making, and a recital by internationally acclaimed pianist and UH alumnus Kenny Broberg who, less than a decade after graduating from UH’s Moores School of Music (TMF’s home), has already performed on some of the world’s most prestigious concert stages on four continents. This year’s line-up also sees the return of three of the festival’s most beloved conductors who have

literally conducted thousands of TMF musicians over the decades: Frank Anton Krager, Carl St. Clair, and Hans Graf.

BY DAY

TMF is one of the nation’s premier summer training programs for young orchestral musicians. Winning out against nearly 200 other musicians for a coveted spot in the program, this year’s 93 Orchestra Fellows (participants) hail from 16 different countries and attend some of the most prestigious music schools in the U.S., such as Manhattan School of Music, Eastman, Peabody Conservatory, New England Conservatory, Oberlin, Vanderbilt, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and all the major Texas music schools.

BY NIGHT

Houstonians are invited to enjoy over a dozen con-

certs and recitals showcas-

ing TMF’s young musicians playing alongside some of today’s most accomplished performers. AND since many of the concerts are FREE and ticketed shows start at just $16, the festival is an ideal place for families to hear great music and escape the Houston heat.

“Most young musicians don’t get to delve into works by composer Anton Bruckner because of the difficulty and the sheer numbers required, but with the high caliber of this year’s Fellows, we’ll be celebrating his 200th birthday by performing and recording his setting of Psalm 146 with 130+ musicians during our opening weekend,” said Alan Austin, TMF’s general and artistic director. “Only one other orchestra in the entire U.S. has ever performed the piece, so we’re proud to be staging the

Southwest premiere. We’ll return to Bruckner during our closing weekend, with his epic 9th symphony, led by a conductor well-known and well-loved in Houston, Hans Graf.”

“This festival gives Houstonians a taste of today’s up-and-coming talent from around the world,” said Brian Chin, director of the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, where TMF is based.

“It’s rare that audiences get to experience so many highquality performances in just a few short weeks, and it’s a testament to the festival’s legacy that orchestras all over the map count TMF alumni among their ranks.”

Highlights of the 2024 festival include:

The second year of the Sharon Ley Leitzow Piano Series (June 6, 13, 20), featuring recitals by inter-

nationally renowned pianists Vadym Kholodenko, Kenny Broberg, and William Wolfram.

The Festival Orchestra’s debut at Jones Hall (June 8), during the Houston Symphony’s Richard Strauss celebration. A treat for local audiences, as well as for attendees of the American League of Orchestra’s national convention, which is in downtown Houston this year. Being heard by dozens of orchestra managers from across the U.S. could be a career launchpad for the Fellows.

• The second annual Cynthia Woods Mitchell–Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition (June 9), which gives Houstonians a chance to pick their favorite musician on their way to stardom!

Return of the College Piano Institute, which provides the same pre-professional level

training for

Each summer, TMF Fellows spend three weeks in Houston in daily rehearsals, private lessons, master classes, and concerts. They learn from the festival’s faculty, performers, and conductors, who are at the top of their fields. This rigorous experience helps them hone their craft and opens doors for their careers. In addition to outstanding musicianship, some TMF participants have unique side pursuits/careers: among this year’s are figure skating, Rubik’s Cube speedsolving competitions, baking wedding cakes, watchmaking, aviation, pottery, cardistry (performing card tricks), manga, mixed martial arts, filmmaking, and rock climbing. For more information about Texas Music Festival, visit uh.edu/kgmca/music/ events/festivals/tmf

ots

Help us tell the fun, interesting, exciting, quirky, cool, unique, beautiful stories of our community in pictures! Send your photos from around the Heights/GOOF area to editor@theleadernews.com. Please include a brief description and the name of the person who should be given photo credit. Current, high-resolution, unaltered photos only, please (except for cropping and brightness). No professional or studio photos. Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Monday for that week’s print edition of The Leader.

By JOHN “GUSTY” GUSTAFSON Special to The Leader

In an area where various homeless had been hiding out and some leaking sewage had been pooling into the street...“YOU DESERVE A GOOD LIFE”?

I stopped and snapped this

Pianists as for the Orchestral Institute Fellows.

Photo by Jeff Grass

The Texas Music Festival features an orchestra series, a piano series, a chamber music series, competitions, and more.

70 Years and Counting

Happy 70th wedding anniversary to John and Dorothy Artz from your adoring family. They are incredibly proud and love you dearly!

Photo by John “Gusty” Gustafson, May 25, 2024