The Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (MHRA) has announced a significant milestone in enhancing the community’s infrastructure with the award of an $850,000 federal grant aimed at improving sidewalk safety and accessibility. This funding is part of a Community Project Funding (CPF) request for FY 2024, facilitated by U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher of Texas’ 7th District.
The newly secured funds will be used to upgrade sections of sidewalks that are currently missing, in poor condition, or undersized, the MHRA said in a media statement dated June 25, 2024. The enhancements, it said, are crucial for providing safer connections and better access for community members, including students and children. The grant will specifically cover the construction costs, while the MHRA will locally fund the associated design, survey, environmental, and grant management work.
A recent evaluation by the MHRA reportedly highlighted the urgent need for these improvements, revealing that nearly 25% of sidewalks within and around the district boundaries were either in poor condition or non-existent, and over 40% did not meet current width standards.
The project’s primary goal is to enhance connectivity and access for all users to transit stops, schools, and major activity centers
By CHRIS DAIGLE The Leader News Contributor
“We’re saving a Houston heritage,” says Joey Sanchez, standing at Spring Street Studios amid a parking lot of symbols of a city’s history.
Little noticed by drivers whizzing by every day, many Heights-area curbs have blue tile telling us which street and block we are on. They have been there since at least the early 1920s, some even before that, when Houston’s streets were dusty ancestors of what we have now.
In 2015, Sanchez and his wife were out on a bike ride in Midtown when they noticed the blue tiles at the curbs, and how time has taken a sad toll on them, even being removed as the roads were improved. They saw a call to action: “This is Houston history disappearing,” Sanchez says. Sanchez created a database called the Blue Tile Project which sets out to document all the existing curb names, and invites others to do the same. In
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Interactive Pop-Up Roller Rink
+ Restaurant Inspired by the Iconic Fashion Doll Plans To Paint H-Town Pink
Bucket Listers and Mattel, Inc. are making waves with the Malibu Barbie Cafe. Following the viral success of their New York, Chicago, Miami, and Mall of America® locations, sights are now set on Houston. Fans of the most iconic fashion doll in history will soon be able to experience Barbie like never before. The family-friendly pop-up restaurant and roller rink will be inspired by the groovy beachside energy of 1970s Malibu, a time of carefree sum-
a short time, more than 4000 markers have been identified across Houston. But with anything historic, time is of the essence.
“We’re working with the city to let
mer days when Malibu Barbie was first introduced to the world.
“Bucket Listers is honored to continue partnering with Mattel, bringing Malibu Barbie Cafe down to Houston after sold-out runs across the country,” says Bucket Listers President of Experiences, Derek Berry. “Barbie has proven to be one of history’s ultimate icons, it means so much for us to bring exclusive experiences like this to life for our community. I cannot wait for the city to see what we have in store.”
“We are delighted to announce the opening of Malibu Barbie Café in Houston, bringing a truly unique experience that celebrates the Barbie brand and all she represents to the city.” said Julie Freeland, Vice President of
us come in and replace these as construction goes on. With ramps being put in, the tiles are not replaced, and we don’t know when or where they are disappearing,” Sanchez says. “It’s important we save this fabric of our city.”
Blue tiles were not just used for street tiles early in the 20th century, he explains.
“You’ll see tiles on tombstones and sidewalks in places like Olivewood Cemetery,” he says.
Sanchez notes that by locating and cataloging the remaining tile markers, he learned that they were likely started when Houston roads were widened and improved from shell and gravel pathways, probably in the early 1920s or even earlier.
“Having curbs instead of ditches was a major step back then, and Houston was much smaller then, with the whole city inside today’s Loop 610.”
What becomes clear, however, is that each tile address was made by
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Wes Landry, a long-time resident of the Heights in Houston, has spent over two decades deeply embedded in the city’s vibrant arts scene. His artistic journey, shaped by the support and collaboration of local colleagues and friends, reflects his profound connection to Houston’s cultural fabric.
“Houston is such a vibrant place for the arts,” Landry shares enthusiastically. “I was drawn to it as a student, I received my master’s degree in music from UH, and more than 20 years later, my entire adult artistic life is intertwined with this amazing city. The incredible teachers and friends I’ve met here and performed with have shaped me every step of the way.”
From performing at Opera in the Heights to serving as the Director of Music at St. Mark’s UMC in the Heights since 2014, Landry’s artistic endeavors have been deeply rooted in the local community. His involvement with the Houston Grand Opera (HGO) Chorus for 18 seasons stands out as a significant chapter in his career. It was here that Landry not only honed his craft but also found love, meeting his husband.
One memorable experience that resonates deeply with Landry is the premiere of an evening of songs by Houston composers, set to texts written by local military veterans.
“Many of these folks had never told
Global Location Based Entertainment, Mattel. “At Mattel we are always looking for exciting, new ways to bring the Barbie experience to life. From the décor to the menu, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to celebrate the iconic Barbie style.”
Opening this August in Houston at 8200 Washington Avenue in the Heights through mid-October, the Malibu Barbie Cafe will allow guests to experience the ultimate form of Barbiecore™ dining alongside a groovy roller rink worthy of Barbie herself. Guests can expect a fast-casual menu (created by Master Chef finalist and Chopped Champion Chef Becky
Photo by Chris Daigle
Blue Tile Project creator Joey Sanchez with
Stages appoints local arts powerhouse as new managing director
Gwen Watkins will lead strategic business and audience development initiatives
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Stages is pleased to announce that Gwen Watkins has been named the theater’s new Managing Director. A native Houstonian, Watkins has been working in Houston's vibrant cultural sector for more than 15 years, and possesses a passion to connect the community’s diverse audiences through the arts. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Rice University.
Most recently, Watkins served as the Houston Symphony’s Chief Marketing & External Relations Officer from 2019 to 2024. During her time with the Houston Symphony, Watkins spearheaded transformation within the marketing department. By fostering a culture of experimentation and datadriven decision making, the department evolved into a cohesive, forward-looking and “digital first” team. Notably, in 2022, she negotiated
an entirely pro bono collaboration with a prestigious design agency to execute a rebrand of the organization’s visual identity which garnered national recognition. Under her leadership, Watkins also secured a pro bono project with Boston Consulting Group to develop a robust revenue growth plan that would grow ticketing revenue from pre-COVID levels by 35% over four years, already surpassing year one and two projections. In addition, Watkins was entrusted to take on management of the expansive community engagement and educational activities of the organization, joining this work with the audience development efforts underway within the marketing department.
“My professional journey has provided me with a blend of experience within large, historical arts nonprofits along with an entrepreneurial mindset,” said Watkins. “Central to my leadership approach is a genuine passion for fostering collaborative, supportive teams and recognizing that people are the core of everything we do. I am excited to join a
team where this approach is already intrinsically part of the culture. One of my goals is to further empower the Stages’ team to embody the organization’s incredible culture which will lead to collective success for the theater. Through my role as Managing Director, I intend to continue to reinforce that Stages is a vibrant and inclusive environment where everyone is invited to live more deeply and love more boldly, and embrace what makes us human.”
Earlier in her career, Watkins also served as Associate Head of Marketing & Communications at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) where she managed diverse marketing initiatives in support of the many facets of the institution including its hundreds of thousands of gallery space, tens of thousands of art objects, art school, art house film program, cafes, shops and more. She championed inclusive decision-making processes, ensuring that all aspects of the museum’s marketing efforts resonated with diverse audiences. In addition, she led a multi-faceted and ro-
Free retreat for veterans and caregivers June 29
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Institute for Spirituality and Health and Impact a Hero to Host Free Restorative Retreat For Veterans, Veteran Caregivers, and Veteran Service Officers
The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center (Institute) to host its quarterly Heroic Self-Care: Impact Your Life event on Saturday, June 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. This FREE, day-long restorative retreat for veterans, veteran caregivers, and veteran service officers will teach valuable skills to assist with stress reduction and trauma relief. This event will be held at the Institute, which is located at 8100 Greenbriar Drive, Suite 300 in Houston.
To register please visit, https://www.spiritualityandhealth.org/events/ heroicsummer24.
Participants will learn how to become more aware of their physical and emotional stressors and responses and use ac-
cessible mind-body skills tools to change the way they cope with stressful events. This retreat is a safe space for selfexpression and peer support. This encourages participants to connect with others and to discover their inner capacity to self-regulate in difficult times.
Past Participant Comments:
“I chose to do something for myself by going to this workshop. The small groups were the best part of the workshop for me because I was able to meet people that were like me. I felt heard and seen in the group. Many times, you feel alone being a giver in a world full of takers. This workshop helped me to understand that I am important and there are more people like me out there.”
– Trasa, USN (Vet)
“When registering for this event, I did not know what to expect. Those facilitating the activities were knowledgeable, understanding of the veterans in attendance, and created an atmosphere of camaraderie and trust. I found the small group session to be surprisingly therapeutic even though I consider myself an introvert and
rarely talk about my experiences. I would highly recommend this to any veteran, caregiver, or those working with veterans.” – Robert, USMC (Vet)
The mind-body skills that are taught during this oneday retreat are drawn from the world-renowned Center for Mind-Body Medicine program model. These evidence-based skills have been implemented for communities worldwide to help them heal from the impacts of war, natural disasters, or other community-wide trauma.
The Heroic Self-Care: Impact Your Life program is led by the Greater Houston Healing Collaborative, the anchor program of the Institute’s Center for Body, Spirit, and Mind. This event is provided in collaboration with Impact a Hero.
The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center is an independent, interfaith organization established in 1955. A founding member of the Texas Medical Center, it has introduced and cultivated spiritual awareness and cultural humility in healthcare settings for nearly seven decades.
METRO scraps University Corridor Project
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Based on a financial review, METRO will not proceed with the federal grant application for the University Corridor Project at this time. The Federal Transit Administration has communicated with METRO’s executive staff the agency will not be precluded from applying for funding at a later date, should the project prove to have future financial viability. Additionally, it will not impact other funding opportunities.
Financial estimates for the project in 2019 were aspirational, but the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced ridership and increased costs — variables that were not cal-
culated at the time the project was proposed.
This project, as planned, would put the agency in a position that would financially impact METRO's day-to-day operations and severely limit the ability to implement essential services such as increased public safety, bus frequency, bus and train cleanliness, improved bus shelters, and enhanced sidewalks and roadways since the federal grant does not cover the estimated $1.5 billion liability.
“Our priority is a public transit system that is safe, clean, reliable and accessible,” stated METRO Chair Elizabeth González Brock. “METRO’s decision to not proceed with the federal grant process at
bust storytelling campaign to support fundraising and public awareness of a $450 million capital campaign during her tenure. Furthermore, Watkins produced large interdisciplinary arts events at MFAH to attract new audiences and boost revenue.
“With the exciting recent announcement of Derek Charles Livingston as our new Artistic Director and now with Gwen joining the team as Managing Director, we are thrilled to be going into the new season with new co-leaders who will build on Stages’ amazing legacy in traditional and new ways,” said Board President & Chair Emeritus George C. Lancaster. “Gwen’s passion for the arts in Houston, coupled with her strategic mindset, will contribute significantly to our continued success. Her steadfast commitment to reaching new and diverse audiences will support our goal of maximizing and amplifying our established reputation as an inclusive home for all Houstonians.”
"I am so pleased that Gwen is joining the passionate and talented Stages team as our new Managing Director. Her
years of experience and dedication to the Houston arts community as a marketing expert, combined with her acumen as an administrator and visionary, make her an exemplary choice,” said Derek Charles Livingston.
“Gwen possesses a profound
COMMUNITY REPORTS
H Town Restaurant Group is proud to announce its restaurants have been honored for their outstanding wine programs in Wine Spectator’s 2024 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine. The restaurants are recognized among 3,777 winners from all over the globe as a top destination for wine lovers.
Launched in 1981, the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards represent the world’s only program focused exclusively on restaurant wine service. They are assigned on three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award, with 2,150; 1,531; and 96 winners this year in each respective category.
Caracol has received a Best of Awards of Excellence, and Backstreet Cafe, Hugo’s and Xochi have received Award of Excellence.
Best of Award of Excellence recipients display excellent breadth across multiple wine-growing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation.
Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.
this time is based upon the need to prioritize improved customer and community essential services and will better position the Authority to increase overall system ridership.”
In order to achieve our mission for the region, METRO plans to move forward with proof of concept and more viable infrastructure projects that are part of overall growth and development plans for the entire community, such as the Gulfton Transit and Revitalization Project.
“We will continue to engage with METRO customers, community leaders and key stakeholders as we review the viability of future projects and initiatives,” stated Brock.
“Wine is a big part of the dining experience at our restaurants, and we are very proud of each individual restaurant and the program that its wine
director and managers have built and constantly maintain,” says Tracy Vaught, founder/ owner of H Town Restaurant Group. “My husband Chef Hugo Ortega and I raise a glass to all of the restaurants on a job extremely well done!”
H Town Restaurant Group has been sharing its passion for food, drink and hospitality since 1983. They started small, with a simple bistro in an old home on a picturesque corner in Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood in 1983. Since opening Backstreet Cafe, the family has grown to include Hugo’s, Caracol, Xochi and URBE.
“The restaurant industry is growing and thriving, with restaurant openings surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. To take advantage of the uptick, restaurateurs are re-investing in their wine programs,” says Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. “Restaurants that make wine a priority are what the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards program is all about. I’m pleased to congratulate all 3,777 restaurants for their dedication to wine and exemplary wine lists.” Wine Spectator’s special Restaurant Awards issue becomes available to readers July 9.
Jester House at 317 20th St in the Heights. Leader News Contributor Stephanie Shirley took the initiative to have a small piece of family history preserved for Jane Marmion, T.C. Jester's granddaughter, who has many fond memories of the home on 20th St. The developer agreed.
Photo by Stephanie Shirley
At the request of The Leader News Contributor Stephanie Shirley, Ben Ackerley of Woodlane Partners tasked his construction team with meticulously excavating an address plaque that was deeply embedded in concrete in front of the former TC Jester house.
Photo by Carlie Krueger Shirley (right) recently presented T.C. Jester’s granddaughter, Jane Marmion (left), with the recovered address plaque, the last physical evidence of the home that proudly harbored a wealth of Heights history.
Looking to hire good local people? Leader classifieds get great response and cost less than the
Photo courtesy of Stages
Gwen Watkins
“We are very grateful for the Congresswoman’s efforts in delivering these funds,” said Ann Lents, MHRA Board Chair. “The initiative to provide safe and continuous sidewalk access in the area will improve quality of life in the community and have mobility, health, and economic benefits.”
Improved access to METRO bus routes is another key component of the project, connecting residents to essential services and key
regional destinations such as Downtown and Uptown Houston. The project will also integrate with the nearby Shepherd/Durham Major Investment Project and existing shared-use paths and trails like the MKT and White Oak Bayou Trails. The MHRA plans to move forward with the design and construction phases promptly upon receiving the City of Houston’s authorization to use the grant funds.
hand and had to be made when the cement was fresh, a feat unheard of today.
“Imagine setting one inch ceramic tiles one by one in wet cement all day long, and getting it right, in the summer heat...and craftsmen doing that over 4000 times across the city. That’s dedication,” Sanchez says.
To learn more about the MHRA and its projects, visit memorialheightstirz5.com. Page
their stories,” Landry recalls.
“By setting their stories –which are funny, tragic, and uplifting—to music, we were able to present them to the public in such an honest and open way. Music created the space for these stories to be told. That’s the role of art in any community-- to tell stories in all kinds of ways so we can better know one another.”
Landry’s educational background includes a Bachelor and Master of Music in Vocal Performance, with his master’s degree from the University of Houston and his bachelor’s from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Despite his extensive experience, this year marks his first performance with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston, where he will be playing the role of Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd in “Ruddigore” at Cullen Performance Hall.
In addition to his performances, Landry’s “day job” involves juggling multiple parttime roles as a professional musician. He has sung several roles at Opera in the Heights, performed with professional choral groups like Cantare Houston, and participated in musical theater productions at Main Street Theater and St. Luke’s UMC’s Summer Stock. At St. Mark’s UMC, he sings weekly services and directs the choir, while also maintaining an active teaching studio.
Landry’s passion for live theater is evident in his description of the real-time feedback from audiences.
“Live theater is so much about a conversation between the stage and the audience,”
Some of the address tiles were inexplicably installed upside down, a mystery that Sanchez nor anyone else can answer. The corner of Crosby at Andrews in Fourth Ward is only one example. It begs the question of why some-
one would devote all that time and energy to turn the letters and numbers on their heads? Some, in River Oaks, are misspelled......or are they? Is the map wrong or is the tile wrong? We may never know. With all this documenting of blue tiles across the city, how about making new ones? Enter Eric Maier, also an enterprising fan of blue tiles, with an idea: instead of the usual spray painted addresses on curbs, adapt new blue tile techniques with the methods of 100 years ago to bring this art to everybody? In 2018 after much trial and error, Curb Appeal Blues was born.
he explains. “We really do feel when we’re able to genuinely engage an audience in what we’re saying, and we can adapt what we’re doing based on what they’re sending our way. It’s a unique kind of rush to be aware of that many people going on a journey with you!”
Adding another dimension to his artistic repertoire, Landry has recently ventured into narrating audiobooks, combining his love of theater and reading. “I’ve got a half dozen books out at the moment and am always working on more titles,” he says. Landry’s journey in the arts, deeply influenced by the Houston community, pays homage to the city’s vibrant
cultural landscape. As he prepares for his upcoming role in “Ruddigore,” audiences can look forward to witnessing the talent and passion Landry brings to every performance.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see Wes Landry in action
Brown) emphasizing all day friendly fare, delicious desserts, and a variety of drinks.
The pop-up will also come complete with exclusive merchandise and a variety of signature interactive activities for fans to play in between trips around the rink. Each roller skate rental ($1) will be donated back to the Cafe’s charity partner, Girls INC. Special events, like Cupcake Decorating Classes, Paint Parties, and 21+ Skate Nights, will also be offered.
Tickets for the restaurant ($25 each and includes food + merch credit) will be available exclusively at Bucket Listers. Join the waitlist at bucketlisters.com/experience/malibu-barbie-cafehouston and receive first notification of tickets going on sale. Follow @barbiecafeoffical for all the latest news and details. Get ready to paint the town pink at Malibu Barbie Cafe!
at Cullen Performance Hall on July 20-21, and again July 2728. Tickets are available online at www.hgns.org/tickets, with prices ranging from $49 to $94, plus handling fees. Be sure to purchase early to get the best seats.
H-Town Rewards shop local pilot program scheduled
to end July 15
“We had so much response to the Blue Tile Project, and people were asking how they could get into the act. We create tiles for sidewalks, businesses, doorways, and homes.” Maier says. Now he has had requests for blue tiles in countertops and in floors. His business takes him to Dallas, Nacagdoches, and points all across Texas. “We do this from a 300-squarefoot place in Spring Branch,” he says. There has been talk with the Norhill Association about restoring the gray cement posts on many street corners in older neighborhoods. “Maybe there should be
a Gray Pillar Project down the road, but not right now,” Sanchez says. The Blue Tile Project has evolved from a bike ride in Midtown in 2015 to a vision to enhance a little piece of Houston’s history one ceramic tile at a time, and make it available to everybody. “That’s the whole idea, to bring the blue tiles back to the Bayou City” Sanchez says. “It’s pride -- pride in your street, pride in your home, pride in everything that is Houston.” For more information on the Blue Tile Project visit bluetileproject.com or email eric@ihearthouston.com. in Houston’s rapidly growing and densifying Heights neighborhood.
Ruddigore shows at Cullen Performance Hall in July
Tickets to Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston’s July production of Ruddigore (or The Witch’s Curse) at Cullen Performance Hall at the University of Houston, featuring Heights resident Wes Landry as Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, are now on sale to the public. Two performances are set for Saturday evenings (July 20 and July 27 at 7 p.m.), while two are Sunday matinees (July 21 and July 28 at 2:30 p.m.).
Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston, the city’s longestrunning opera company, has presented several Gilbert and Sullivan works over the years, including HMS Pinafore, Princess Ida, The Mikado, The Yeomen of the Guard, and The Pirates of Penzance, with Ruddigore’s last run in 2007. Serving as stage director for Ruddigore is opera veteran Buck Ross, who is Professor Emeritus and founder and former director of the Moores Opera Center at the University of Houston. Noted conductor Eiki Isomura, who leads Houston’s Opera in the Heights, takes the reins for the second year as music director. Joseph Rawley once again returns as artistic director/chorus master. Ross and Isomura are certain to bring a unique take on the operetta, which is not as well-known as many of the other Gilbert & Sullivan productions (The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado), but has much to offer to the eyes and ears of audience members. Once again, noted set designer Jodi Bobrovsky will display her creativity as audiences get to see stunning digital scenery, evoking ghosts and a Halloween mood.
“I’m excited to work with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston to acquaint audiences with this rarely produced operetta, which I would characterize as ‘Jane Austen meets Young Frankenstein,’” says Ross. “The gothic elements, infused with a sense of humor, will bring a level of madness in the best possible way. The costumes are Regency era, the score is first class and for the first time the company will experiment with digital scenery. I predict audiences of all ages will be enamored of this fun and spooky period piece. ”
“Ruddigore is an ensemble tour de force with many fun character roles,” continues Ross. “The stage at historic Cullen Performance Hall will come alive with a plethora of large personalities, singing, dancing and acting in this send-up of Victorian melodrama. Projected surtitles will ensure that the audience easily follows the fast pace of the operetta.”
Ross went on to say that he considers his involvement akin to “homecoming week.” “During my UH tenure with Moores, I worked closely with many of the cast members, including Richard Paul Fink (Sir Roderic Murgatroyd), Wes Landry (Robin), Lisa Borik Vickers (Rose), Thomas O ‘Neill (Richard) and Johnny Salvesen (Adam),” says Ross. “We have a wealth of operatic talent in Houston, and Ruddigore is such a great vehicle to showcase that talent with infectious music that allows the singers to exercise their vocal gifts.”
“I have a lot of affection for Ruddigore with its wealth of great roles and a score featuring some of the best showstoppers in all of G&S,” says Isomura. “The spooky music of the ancestors, especially the aria ‘When the night wind howls,’ is powerfully evocative. And of course, G&S is known and loved for rapid-fire patter songs, and Ruddigore features a patter trio ‘My eyes are fully open’ that is like the Major General’s (The Pirates of Penzance) song times three.
“On a personal note,Ruddigore was my first-ever experience with opera in any form,” continues Isomura. “I played one of the ancestor ghosts in a junior production in the sixth grade. It’s just one testament to Gilbert and Sullivan’s gifts that 30 years later, it’s come back to me mostly memorized and feeling every bit as fresh as it did then.”
The Plot
COMMUNITY REPORTS
App users have been informed that effective July 15, 2024, the City of Houston and Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) will officially end the HTown Rewards shop local pilot program and the H-Town Rewards app will be deactivated.
“The City of Houston and OBO continually seek innovative and creative ways to support and help Houston’s small businesses thrive. The H-Town Rewards Program has been one of these ways and since its launch in November 2023, has provided a boost to local businesses in under resourced communities,” the message stated.
“The H-Town Rewards App has provided a platform for Houston area businesses to market their products and services and for users to not only support local small businesses, but to discover the myriad of merchants in our wonderful city – all in one place.” No reason was given for the discontinuation of the program.
Program, please see the below Frequently Asked Questions.
FOR BUSINESSES
Key Details for Business
Owners:
Final Date for Accepting
FOR USERS Action Needed: All H-Points will expire on July 15, 2024. If you still have H-Points in your wallet, you must redeem them by no later than 11:59 pm on July 15th. To assist you with any questions you may have as we transition to the sunset of the H-Town Rewards Shop Local
H-Points: Please ensure that your business is prepared to accept H-Points up until 11:59 pm on July 15, 2024. This will be the last day customers can use their points at your establishment.
Unused H-Points: Any
H-Points not redeemed by customers by the closure date will be returned to the City of Houston.
Update Your Staff: Please inform your staff about the upcoming changes, ensuring they
are ready to assist customers in redeeming their H-Points smoothly until the program’s end.
Final Transactions: Prepare to process any last-minute redemptions of H-Points before the final deadline. The H-Town Rewards Program has provided a valuable platform for promoting local businesses and fostering community engagement. We hope that the program has delivered beneficial exposure and increased patronage for your business. Businesses will be paid within the first week of July.
Support and Questions: Please email h-townrewards@ colu.com.
A satirical take on the Victorian melodrama genre, Ruddigore’s zany plot has it all--ghosts, witches, curses, disguises, and reluctantly wicked villains who try to make off with the fair maiden. All of the Baronets of Ruddigore are under a curse enacted by a witch long ago--each of the successive Baronets must commit some kind of a crime every single day, or else they will die in agony.
Robin Oakapple has been living as a farmer for years, working up the courage to ask the beautiful village maiden Rose Maybud for her hand. However, he is keeping a secret--he is actually Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd, the Baronet of Ruddigore who has been hiding in disguise while his younger brother Despard assumed the title--and the curse. Betrayed by his foster-brother Richard, Robin is discovered and must now commit a crime every day in order to appease the curse--and the ghosts of all his ancestors’ past, who are unhappy with his attempt to
his
must somehow find a way to lead the honest life he loves-but how? Audiences will find out when they come to see Ruddigore. Tickets can be purchased online at www.hgns.org/tickets.
LANDRY from P. 1
BARBIE CAFE, from P. 1
shirk
title. Robin
Submitted photos Wes Landry (foreground) at St. Mark’s UMC in the Heights.
Photo by Pin Lim
Dennis Arrowsmith as Sir Despard Murgatroyd and Thomas O’Neill as Richard Dauntless.
Submitted photos
Malibu Barbie Cafe
Wes Landry (right), Pasquale
THE ALLEY – It’s not here, nor there. I go from back door to back door up and down my alley checking my neigh bors’ garbage cans, and they are getting suspicious. Am I a Dumpster diver looking for slightly-used-but-still-service able coffee pots or leftover linguini? No, don’t laugh, but I am looking for my garbage can. Someone took it. This is not a big deal, and I don’t have the nerve to report the loss to the police. Besides, my complaint would probably end up in a warehouse along with the other more than 264,000 crime reports the HPD can’t find the time to investigate.
THE TOPICS.
Garbage in, garbage out
Lynn Ashby Columnist
What happened is that after that unexpected typhoon (or derecho, we all learned a new word) that ripped through Houston on May 16, I went out my back door to fetch my garbage can and it was gone. It probably was blown down the alley. Maybe the garbage collectors thought my container looked so dilapidated that they performed a mercy killing and tossed it in, too. This brings up the question of how do you get rid of an unwanted garbage can? Put it in your
tainer, a tall, square thing with a lid. Anyway, my neighborhood, Morbid Meadows, does not use the City of Houston garbage collectors, but a private company, Garbage of Eden, Inc. I called it and asked for a new can. They were out of stock. There must have an organized ring of can thieves, just like those gangs that slip under your car and steal your catalytic converter. Garbage of Eden, Inc. recommended that I buy one at Lowe’s or Walmart. I shopped for a can that reflected my taste and talent, maybe an orange-andwhite one sporting a “Hook ‘Em Horns” logo or a camou-
flaged can with a “Semper Fi” on the side. I had to settle for a can that I hoped would pass inspection by the HOA’s Taste
In my old neighborhood, Running Rats Acres, every can was the same: big and black, designed so that the truck, with a big fork, could pick up the can and dump it in the truck. One man, one dump. My new neighborhood, thanks to an unexpected move caused by Hurricane Harvey, has a different and modern method. A guy running alongside grabs the can and dumps it into the back of the truck. Science is wonderful.
We don’t like to discuss garbage, but it’s important. We bemoan our fate when the power goes off, the water no longer waters, and you can never find a cop when you need one. But we take our garbage pickup for granted, and are alarmed when it’s not collected. This reminds me of the New Yorker who suffered a garbage strike. So he put his trash in nice boxes, a bow around them and left the parcels in his car parked on the street. Sure enough, the next morning they were gone.
We all have garbage in common, be you a billionaire or a mere millionaire. No doubt Buckingham Palace and the White House have cans filled with their unwanted refuse, although of a higher class. Whatever your status in life, you generate a lot of that stuff. The average person in the U.S. produces 4.9 pounds of trash per day, which amounts to about 147 pounds of trash per person per month, or 1,788.5 pounds per year. Overall, the U.S. produces 268 million tons of trash annually. That makes us by far the Number 1 garbage producer in the world. The world’s Number 1 producer of garbage per person is Canada, higher than Bulgaria in second place. The U.S. comes in third in per person garbage producer. We might quickly mention recycling, which we apparently don’t care for. As of 2018, on average, each American recycled only 1.16 pounds of waste that year. Paper and paperboard products make up the largest percentage of all the materials: 23.1 percent, but that percentage is dropping. Why? Because we no
Meredith O’Donnell Inc. leases industrial space in Lazybrook/Timbergrove area
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Diversified professional services and investment management company Colliers has announced the successful lease of a 10,533 square foot industrial space located at 7420 Wynnpark Drive in the Lazybrook/Timbergrove area. The landlord was represented by Boone Smith of Stream Realty. The tenant,
Meredith O’Donnell Inc., was represented by John Parsley and Jeff Peltier of Colliers.
“We are thrilled to have represented the tenant in securing a space that perfectly aligns with their operational requirements,” said John Parsley of Colliers. “This lease is a testament to our commitment to delivering tailored real estate solutions that drive value
for our clients.” The property at 7420 Wynnpark Drive offers prime industrial space ideal for warehousing, distribution, or manufacturing operations. Located in one of Houston’s most soughtafter industrial corridors, the facility provides excellent access to major transportation routes, enhancing operational efficiency and logistical capabilities for the
tenant. Meredith O’Donnell Inc. is a supplier of fine furniture with a showroom at nearby 7159 Old Katy Rd. Jeff Peltier of Colliers added, “The demand for quality industrial space in Houston continues to grow, and we are proud to be at the forefront of meeting this demand through strategic leasing transactions like this one.”
longer use paper for notes, messages and such, turning instead to computers, iPhones and iPads.
When I was a lad, my father bought a home incinerator which was installed on the covered back porch. It was a white box about half the size of a refrigerator, and needed a smokestack, so workers put in a big vent which required a hole in the roof. It was a major undertaking – and didn’t work, which is probably why you never heard of home garbage incinerators. This brings us to the Holmes Road Dump. The city built a giant incinerator there which was not only going to burn our trash but generate electricity. Like our home fire, it never worked, was deemed by the feds to be a smoky health hazard and was shut down in 1974
Each town around Houston has its own rules and schedules. The City of Houston handles about 400,000 curbside residents. In any town, the process can get more complicated than we might assume. There is residential pickups. Recycling. Holiday schedules. Curbside pickup for bulk waste
and tree waste. I had a huge painting of the Old Man and the Sea which I inherited. I put it out with my regular stuff and, sure enough, they took it. I suppose some trash collector also collects large paintings. They won’t pick up motor oil. Don’t put out your old computer until you wipe it clean of your threating emails to your member of Congress. That garbage man may be an FBI agent. At one time the Worry of the Month was disposable diapers, which seemed to be filling up our landfills. Young folks, if you ever had to deal with washing and
Send your Houston Heights area weekend event announcements (who, when, where, what, cost, info) to editor@theleadernews.com for consideration for inclusion.
BREAKFAST BOOTCAMP AT STUDE PARK
Who: Adults
When: Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m.-noon Where: 1031 Stude What: Workout suited for all levels followed by a madeto-order breakfast by Chef
Edwin
Cost: $30 Info: eventbrite.com
LOLLIPOPS CANDY MAKING AT PAPABUBBLE
Who: Adults
When: Saturday, June 29, 3-4:30 p.m. Where: 927 Studewood St.
What: Hands-on candy class making lollipops of all shapes and sizes. Keep what you make.
What: Learn about the mosaic essay, explore workable practices and draft several short pieces
Cost: $55 members - $70 nonmembers – Also available via Zoom Info: houcalendar.com/ event/writing-creative-nonfiction-the-mosaic-essay
LEVEL 0 – INTRO TO IMPROV AT STATION THEATER
Who: Adults
When: Saturday, June 29, 7:00 – 7:30 Where: 2219 Crockett St.
its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
#C2
What: 30-minute improv class Cost: Free Info: houcalendar.com/ event/level-0-free-intro-toimprov-class/2024-06-29/ MANREADY MERCANTILE 10 YEAR STORE ANNIVERSARY
Who: Adults When: Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: 321 19th St.
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Oak Forest-based Trees For Houston, the region’s leading tree advocate, has reached a milestone with a record 101,000 trees and understory species planted in 150 Houston-area zip codes during the 2023-24 planting season, which runs from October to April. These were distributed at 473 tree plantings and 165 tree giveaway events. This success is due in part to the increased accessibility and visibility of Trees For Houston through the new Kinder Campus, and the Chevron Tree
Nursery, in addition to strong community partnerships.
Trees For Houston (TFH) continues to be the leader in urban tree planting throughout the Greater Houston region. Within the last three years, Trees For Houston has increased tree planting and distribution numbers from 26,000 to more than 100,000 trees and understory trees.
This exceptional growth was achieved because of the organization's ability to expand tree-growing efforts, execute projects from concept to completion, collaborate with community partners for widespread access to free trees, and maximize philanthropic support with flexible and diverse programming efforts.
“Having a permanent home now with our own dedicated tree nursery has been a game changer for Trees For Houston in our ability to better serve the Greater Houston Area with many more trees distributed and put in the ground,” says Barry Ward, Trees For Houston Executive Director. “Our reach is wide, with trees going to diverse entities and individuals in surrounding regions. We are indebted to our donors, corporate partners and volunteers who’ve enabled us to serve these communities in such an impactful way.”
The Kinder Campus officially opened to the public in October 2023 when 130 tree supporters, including city, county and state officials, came out for the official ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new $9 million Kinder Campus, featuring the Kyle and John Kirksey Center and the Bauer Education Center, an indoor/outdoor space. Additionally, the Chevron Tree Nursery is housed at 1911 W. 34th Street in the Oak Forest area, with easy access to Loop 610.
The Leader is excited to partner with local no-kill shelter Friends For Life to feature an adoptable pet every week. To view all adoptable animals, fill out an adoption application, show your support
Trees For Houston is a national model for innovative and economically effective urban forestry organizations, with close to 800,000 trees planted since 1983. It is a major player in the City of Houston’s Resilient Houston strategy and Houston Climate Action Plan, which has a goal of planting 4.6 million trees over 10 years. The trees provided by Trees For Houston will help restore, protect and enhance our ability to capture and store carbon and help reduce flooding.
Photos courtesy of Friends For Life
THE PEOPLE.
Heights-based Mission Success joins Squash and Education Alliance, prepares for Junior World Squash Championships
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Heights-based nonprofit Mission Success (formerly known as Mission Squash) is proud to announce its recent membership in the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA), a move that promises to bring unprecedented opportunities for the youth served by the organization. This partnership comes as Houston prepares to host the prestigious Junior World Squash Championships in July, an event that will spotlight the finest junior squash talent from around the world.
Founded in 2011, Mission Success has been dedicated to providing comprehensive academic support, squash instruction, mentoring, and travel opportunities to students from 6th through 12th grade. Participating students have excelled, gaining admission to elite schools and universities, and the organization's unique partnership with the Houston Independent School District has established them as a pioneering force in the community.
“Joining SEA is a transformative step for Mission Success,” said Maggie Trendell, executive director of Mission Success. “The resources and network pro-
vided by SEA will enable us to enhance our programs and broaden our impact, creating even greater opportunities for our students both locally and internationally.”
SEA, established in 2005, is the governing body for a network of organizations that combine squash, academics, and mentoring for over 2,500 students from underresourced communities. The addition of Mission Success marks SEA’s expansion into the Southwest, reflecting the
organization’s growth and commitment to fostering educational and athletic excellence.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mission Success into the SEA family,” said Tim Wyant, executive director of SEA.
“Their innovative partnership with Hogg Middle School and Houston ISD exemplifies their dedication to making a lasting impact on the lives of Houston’s youth.”
The upcoming Junior World Squash Championships
will provide a unique platform for young athletes to compete at the highest level, showcasing their skills and dedication. The event, coupled with the organization's new affiliation with SEA, positions Mission Success at the forefront of youth development in Houston.
For more information about Mission Success and its programs, please visit missionsuccesshouston.org. To learn more about SEA, visit squashandeducation.org.
Retired Lazybrook psychiatrist pens book delving into Donald Trump’s psyche
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Who Can Truly Understand Donald Trump’s Mind?
A Psychiatrist Offers His Perspectives
Retired physician, psychiatrist, and psychoanalyst Dr. Peter A. Olsson believes Donald J. Trump is often misunderstood. The former president is also frequently resented, despised, and feared, though he is begrudgingly respected by his political enemies.
“I have never formally interviewed or clinically examined Donald Trump, nor have I done a formal mental status examination. However, I have observed his political, verbal, and nonverbal behavior,” says the author. “I have read his books and many of my colleagues’ observations, opinions, and theorizing. Like all of us, Donald Trump has flaws. The tragic flaw of his personality is an obsession with winning at any and all costs. One truth that should be important for Donald Trump is that you can learn from defeat.”
What are Dr. Olsson’s candid opinions?
The psychological study in his book attempts to be fair and balanced. The author believes that Trump is disliked by many, yet traditional applied psychoanalytic theorizing or academic political science approaches don’t give an accurate picture of the presidential candidate. His elusive verbal style is evocative and provocative. It can also be called defiant, bombastic, and emotionally hyperbolic.
Trump’s controversial approach to politics, political campaigning, and governing has driven medical and political experts to distraction over the years. Now is the time to read this important analysis of the man in the headlines who could once again become president. No matter where the reader falls on the political spectrum, Donald Trump’s Dominant Mind, Tragic Flaw, and Psychological Blind Spot promises to offer interesting insights.
Peter A. Olsson, M.D., grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, near where Donald Trump grew up. After medical school and psychiatric-psychoanalytic training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, he practiced and taught psychiatry and psychoanalysis in Houston for 25 years, and then taught for 20 years in New Hampshire. This is his 17th book.
“A book for our times. Learn the truth behind Donald Trump’s rhetoric. Written by a retired psychiatrist, this book really is ‘fair and balanced.’ ” Lynn Eddy, VP of Acquisitions, Strategic Book Publishing
