The 07-01-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

For some, the third time’s the charm. And for a local charter school that has been fighting for approval for years, it is the fourth time.

On Friday afternoon, administrators from Heritage Classical Academy announced in an email that the charter school has been earned approval from the Texas State Board of Education to open its doors.

Heritage will open for the Fall 2024 school year, according to the email, after its charter was approved in an 8-6 vote earlier this week in their fourth

“Our team is overjoyed that our voice, and your voice, was heard as we stood for school choice, for giving students who have no choice an option for tuition-free education,” the school said in an email Friday.

Heritage will be a tuition-free public charter school somewhere in the 77092 zip code area of

Houston, though an exact location has not been released. The school will begin with students in kindergarten and first grade classes and would grow each year until it is a full kindergarten through eighth grade school that uses a classical model for learning, according to the school’s website.

Heritage has previously been controversial among state board members because it planned to

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As HISD continues to change and adapt in the wake of its takeover by the Texas Education Agency, superintendent Mike Miles recently named the principals for dozens of campuses that will be New Education System campuses as efforts begin to improve performance and achievement at the respective campuses.

On Tuesday, the district announced those who will be leading 28 schools in the district that have been identified as high priority for the district in terms of reforming and improving the schools’ performances.

Seventeen of the 28 will be returning to their schools, including Highland Heights Elementary School principal Bettina McKinney, who will be back leading the school.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Only a couple miles down the road from Delmar Stadium just west of Highway 290 sits a neighborhood park that is essentially the backyard of a local elementary school – a prime gathering place for the community. And that space recently celebrated upgrades to its green space for the community to enjoy.

Last Thursday, the city of Houston and officials hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of the new and improved Langwood Park at 3975 Bolin Rd., just behind Houston ISD’s Benbrook Elementary School. Part of the city’s ongoing 50/50 Park Partners initiative, the neighborhood park was the fourth to celebrate improvements so far this year.

The 50/50 Park Partners initiative is a collaboration between the city and the Houston Parks Board to provide upgrades and improvements to 50 Houston-area parks. It

was created, the city said, to bring together a public and private partnership to provide funding, in-kind support, ideas, and volunteers for improving selected parks.

“There are a lot of things we can do in this city. But parks and green space get more usage than anything else, and our kids are deserv-

ing of beautiful, upgraded green spaces,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said Thursday. “This is where you spend a lot of your time. If you’re not in school, you can come right on over here to this park.”

A list of the first 22 parks

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As Independence Day nears in Houston and around the region, there are several local restaurants, venues, and more that are preparing to celebrate the holiday in style when it comes next week.

One of the more prominent local venues hosting an Independence Day celebration will be the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, the house museum for American decorative arts

The other positions, HISD said, were filled by HISD leaders selected from other parts of the district, or by external candidates. McKinney will return to Highland Heights for her third year at the school after initially being hired in May 2021. Before coming to the area school, McKinney served as new teacher coach, teacher specialist and assistant principal at Dogan Elementary School. She has also served in similar roles at HISD schools such as Patterson Elementary School, Whidby Elementary School and at Key Middle School.

“Principals are the backbone of the work we must do to make HISD a district that prepares all students to achieve at the highest levels,” Superintendent Mike Miles said of the appointments. “They are talented, courageous educators and I’m excited to support their work.”

The district said the principals hired were hired to help drive “transformation” at their respective schools with regards to aca-

and paintings for the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston at 6003 Memorial Dr. just a short drive from Memorial Park, during a free event next week.

According to the event page, the spot will host its Fourth of July Celebration from 1-5 p.m. and will feature music by Texas Army Fife and Drum Corps, the Lonestar Bluegrass Band, a brass quintet and more. There will also be a chance for attendees to create their own work of art based on fireworks, as well as the opportunity to learn about

the clothing and equipment used by the British and American armies and have the Declaration of Independence read aloud.

Admission to the event is free, and the event is open to the public according to the event page. For more information about next week’s event, visit the event page at mfah.org/calendar/ fourth-july-bayou-bend.

There are also several restaurants that are getting into the spirt of the holiday by hosting special

HPARD names Greenspace Management deputy director

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department has named Chris Carroll as Deputy Director of the Department’s Greenspace Management Division, according to a Monday news release from the department. Carroll began his career in 1988 as part of the Greenspace Management team, according to the release, and has served as interim director of the Greenspace Management team since March 2023.

Carroll

Department director Kenneth Allen said in the release that Carroll’s ex-

Man killed in auto-pedestrian crash near area

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A man was killed after being hit by a car while changing a flat tire on Interstate 10 near the local area earlier this month, according to the Houston Police Department.

The man’s identity is pending an autopsy by the county’s medical examiner, according to the police department.

HPD said a black Mitsubishi was stopped in the eastbound of lane of I-10 at 7700 Katy Freeway around 7:35 a.m. on June 17 due to a flat tire. The victim, police said, was a passenger in the car who had gotten out of the car to change the tire. As the man was looking at the tire, the depart-

ment said a white Mercedes Sprinter heading east hit the man as well as the Mitsubishi, causing the Mitsubishi to then collide with a blue Nissan Murano.

The Mitsubishi’s passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, according to HPD, while the driver was taken to the hospital with minor nonlife-threatening injuries.

The Mercedes’ driver showed no signs of intoxication, police said, and was questioned at the scene before being released. No charges have been filed yet related to the crash, according to the department, though HPD said the investigation is ongoing.

perience brings a “boots on the ground” experience that will be invaluable to the department’s continued mission.

“He’s a native Houstonian who loves his hometown and will work extremely hard to make the City and the Parks and Recreation Department better for everyone,” Allen said.

HPARD said Carroll’s plans call for continued improvements to park maintenance, elevating staff, training and development,

boosting equipment acquisitions, as well as building a robust staff that is adaptable and flexible.

“I am looking forward to the challenges of this job in the Houston Parks and Recreation Department,” Carroll said. “I have worked toward this opportunity for more than 30 years.

Houston is my hometown, and I want to lead the effort to make our parks and greenspaces special places of pride for all the Houstonians who visit them.”

One found dead in Acres Homes apartment fire

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Houston fire investigators are working to determine the cause of an apartment fire during which a person was found dead inside an apartment unit in Greater Inwood last week, according to the Houston Fire Department.

The identity of the person found dead has not been released.

According to HFD, crews from stations 4, 13, 15, 30, 31, 56, 63, 67, and Rehab 8 responded within seven minutes to the scene

of a fire at an apartment complex in the 5300 block of West Gulf Bank Road in Greater Inwood.

Crews saw smoke coming from a unit in the twostory apartment building, according to the department, and later would find a person dead inside the unit before extinguishing the fire and calling arson investigators to the scene.

The department said arson investigators are still working to determine what led to the beginning of the fire, which caused an estimated $650,000 in damage to the apartment.

In last week’s front page story about the Great Heights Pie competition, there was an error in the list of judges mentioned in the story, incorrectly listing the late Cleverly Stone. The 2023 judges include chef Levi Rollins (Urban Eats), chef Ellen Levine Schwartz, Mark Pirozzollo (Central Houston Event Professionals), John Frels (Houston Heights Foodies), Phaedra Cook (Houston Food Finder), Alli Jarrett (Harold’s), and David Leftwich (Sugar & Rice, Houston Chronicle, My Table, Food+City and Edible Houston).

The Leader apologizes for the error, as we always strive to bring our readers to the most relevant, timely, and accurate news in our community.

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Former NFL star, Waltrip alumnus headed to HISD Hall of Honor

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

An alumnus from an area high school that spent more than a decade in the National Football League has been selected to be part of the third class of Houston ISD’s Athletic Hall of Honor that will be inducted in the coming weeks.

HISD’s athletic department announced the Class of 2023 inductees last week, with 14 new members set to be inducted in the coming weeks –and the class includes former Waltrip High School football star and NFL wide receiver Keenan McCardell.

McCardell graduated from Waltrip in 1988 before going to college at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV), where he would amass 141 catches for 2,189 yards and 15 touchdowns in three seasons before becoming a 12thround pick of the Washington Commanders (known as the Redskins at the time he was drafted) in the 1991 NFL draft according to Pro Football Reference.

After being drafted, McCardell spent parts of 16 seasons in the NFL with the Commanders/Redskins, San Diego Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. He would total 883 receptions for 11,373 yards and 63 touch-

LANDAN KUHLMANN Editor

downs over the course of his career while averaging 12.9 yards per reception. He named to two Pro Bowls (1996, 2003) and was a part of Super Bowl winning teams with the Commanders/Redskins in 1991 and the Buccaneers in 2003.

Since his playing days ended, McCardell has spent 10 total seasons as a wide receivers coach at both the pro and collegiate level, coaching for the Commanders/Redskins (2010-2011), University of Maryland (2014-2015), Jaguars (2017-2020), and Minnesota Vikings.

This is the third straight class that will see a local alumnus enter HISD’s Hall of Honor. McCardell is set to join Heights/Reagan alumni Craig Reynolds and Joe Tusa and Booker T. Washington High School graduate Eldridge Dickey from the Class of 2021 as well as late Booker T. Washington graduate J.V. Cain, who was inducted posthumously last year.

Most of us that bring you The Leader live right here in your community and we appreciate you reading it every week.

Should I probate or use an a davit?

For The Leader

Acommon question asked is whether inherited property can be transferred with an affidavit. Texas law authorizes two types of affidavits, the “Affidavit of Heirship” and the “Small Estate Affdavit” to transfer property after someone passes away. Before discussing the benefits and drawbacks of these affidavits, it is important to understand the basics of affidavits in general.

What is an a davit?

At its most basic level, an affidavit is simply a description of the deceased person’s property and family tree. The person who signs the affidavit is called the “Affiant,” and by signing, the Affiant swears to the truth of the facts and statements presented in the Affidavit. The statement is usually sworn to after a notary has given the Affiant an “oath,” for example,

“Do you swear under the penalty of perjury that the statements you are making and the documents you are signing are true and within your personal knowledge?”

Should I swear to an affidavit if I’m unsure? These questions asked

of the Affiant are to ensure that the Affiant has personal knowledge of the facts and personally knows that they are true. The requirement means it must be first-hand knowledge and not information learned from secondhand reports. For instance, if the Affidavit states that a person was married three times, but the potential Affiant only knows about one marriage, that Affiant lacks the personal knowledge required to sign the affidavit.

Business Briefs: New cycling spot now open on West 11th Street

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A new cycling option for enthusiasts has now opened its doors to the community in the Heights.

Earlier this month, RYDE, a Houston-based indoor cycling company, held a grand opening in the Heights at 402 W. 11th St.

Inside the nearly 4,600-square-foot studio, a news release said riders will have access to a 45-minute, full-body indoor cycling experience that includes nearly 50 Stages SC2 indoor cycling bikes.

“The RYDE team is dedicated to pushing the limits of what a fitness experience can be,” said RYDE

co-founder Andrew Pappas, who co-founded RYDE with Ashely Gooch in 2015.

“Our new Heights studio is a testament to that commitment, offering an unparalleled, high-energy indoor cycling experience in a stunning, expertly designed space. We are excited to welcome the Heights community to our new home and elevate their fitness journey.”

Classes start at $32, and one-week passes can be purchased for $40. For more information on RYDE and what the Heights studio has to offer, visit the company’s website at letsryde.com/rydeheights-opening/.

New beauty provider set to open at Lower Heights in August

Hair salon The Blow Up Bar, has signed a lease for a 1,700-square-foot space at the Lower Heights District, a 24-acre project located just west of downtown and fronts Interstate 10 between Studemont and Sawyer streets. Located at 2795 Katy Freeway, the beauty provider is slated to debut in August.

The tenant was represented by Andrea Tran of NEXTGEN. Brett Levison of Main Steet Commercial Partners, plus Danny Miller of Gulf Coast Commercial Group, represented the landlord.

Can I transfer property with an a davit?

Simply put, no. The affidavit does not actually transfer the property, but it is a document that a third party may rely on to transfer or convey property to the heirs listed in the Affidavit. Whether a third party relies on the affidavit determines its utility. Many title companies rely on the Affidavit of Heirship to transfer title in a home sales transaction. And the Texas DMV recognizes Affidavits of Heirship as a means for

transferring title to a motor vehicle. Sometimes banks will accept Small Estate Affidavits because they are accompanied by a court order, but not always. Most financial institutions prefer to deal with only an estate representative who has been explicitly authorized by the Court. This is an individual who has received “Letters Testamentary” (if there was a Will) or “Letters of Administration” (if there was no Will), which can only be issued through formal probate proceedings.

Benefits and drawbacks of transferring property without probate

If a third party is willing to accept an affidavit, that’s great. An affidavit can be a simple and cost-effective way to transfer property. But it is important to understand the risks. When property is transferred without probate, creditors of the estate may sue the heirs directly. In addition, omitted heirs can

also sue for their fair share.

So, when a person dies with debt, or with a complex family situation, a formal probate is the best solution to protect heirs from any creditor claims and provide order to family dynamics.

If you have any questions about how to transfer the property of your loved one, please consult with Jennifer Solak at 713-588-5744 or jennifer@solaklegal.com.

The information in this column, which was sponsored by Solak Legal as part of The Leader Expert Series, is intended to provide a general understanding of the law and not legal advice. Readers with legal questions should consult attorneys for advice on their particular circumstances. Jennifer Solak provides legal advice for families and businesses and may be contacted at jennifer@solaklegal.com or 713-588-5744.

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Jennifer Solak provides legal advice for families and businesses and may be contacted at jennifer@solaklegal.com or 713-588-5744.

Photo courtesy Lower Heights District

The Lower Heights District development, pictured, is set to welcome a new beauty provider next month.

Photo from Facebook

cycling enthusiasts a spot to utilize.

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use a curriculum devel-

marked for improvement – two in each city council district – was announced in 2019. Turner said Langwood Park, part of District A, was the fourth park to celebrate improvements so far this year. In January, city council approved funds for additional parks including Love Park in the Heights, while Forest West Park was on the list initially released in 2019.

“This park is so exciting, and I’m just thrilled that we’re able to do this. We have some really great projects coming up in this area,” said council member Amy Peck, whose District A includes Langwood Park. “…. Out of all those things, this park is really going to be the game changer in this area, and it’s so exciting.”

Upgrades to Langwood Park included a resurfaced walking trail that circles the park and improved drainage and detention to mitigate flooding, the city said, along with ADA-compliant playground with new play equipment and surface and an improved picnic area.

Also part of the nearly $995,000 project for the neighborhood spot was a new exercise station with shade sail, a resurfaced and restriped parking lot, and new LED lighting.

“These improvements bring new life to this community gathering space,” said Matt Nielson, the COO of the Houston Parks Board.

And what’s more, Peck said that the

way the new amenities and project turned out is a testament to the amount of work and care that went into creating a perfect place for families, children, and community members to spend as much free time as they want. No matter how they choose to utilize the improved park, she said, the result was well worth the investment.

oped by Hillsdale College, a conservative college in Michigan, according to a 2022 story from the Texas Tribune. However, Van der Pol claimed the previous rejections were largely because a swath of board members were opposed to the concept of charter schools. Charter schools in Texas receive all their funding from the state, which has raised some opposition to the concept. But overall, there are now nearly 200 such options around the state. Van der Pol said the school fell one vote short of approval from

the 14-member board last year and did not fall strictly along party lines. And this year, the support indeed flipped in their favor.

“At long last, we can begin providing a great educational classical option to parents and their children living in 77092, 77088, 77018, 77091 and beyond,” van der Pol said Tuesday. “We will be the first public school with a classical curriculum in this area of Houston.”

emy held a “capacity interview” with the TEA last month before going before the SBOE on Wednesday.

And at long last for administrators, their plans are full steam ahead.

“There was a lot of work put into this playground, and into this entire park. There are so many people here because they support you and support our communities,” she said Thursday. “Every time you come to this park and look at it, remember how much your community supports you in everything that you’re doing.”

bbbutchers.com/posts/ fourth-of-july-dinner-service for more information or to make a reservation.

Bobcat Teddy’s Icehouse, 2803 White Oak Dr., is also hosting a special celebration from noon-7 p.m. with live music by Goodtime Muffin and along with burgers and hot dogs. All of that leads up to various fireworks celebrations around the city, including the city’s Freedom over Texas celebration along Allen Parkway in downtown

demic achievement and career readiness, among other things. In the most recent accountability ratings by the TEA, Highland Heights received an “unacceptable” rating (below a “C” rating) for a fourth straight year, and is among several HISD schools in similar situations.

And HISD said those who have been appointed as principals and any subsequent hires will be aimed at helping schools improve on multiple fronts – not just for the sake of accountability ratings or scores,

Houston that will feature country star Chris Young as well as six-time Grammy Nominee and American Music Award winner Yola, and Soul/ R&B/Funk band TMF Formerly of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.

Admission to the event is $10 for those ages six and older, and free for children five years old or younger. For more information on the 2023 Freedom over Texas celebration and to buy tickets, visit houstontx.gov/ july4/.

but to help them be prepared for their careers and lives beyond graduation.

“These principals will shape the future of their schools and prove what is possible for all students in HISD,” the district said.

“These leaders will become the instructional leaders at their campuses, grow and maintain a campus culture that supports all students to achieve at high levels and access the skills and capacities that will prepare them for the year 2035 workplace and world.”

It has been a long process in hopes of getting approval for Heritage.

For the fourth time in four years, leaders from Heritage Classical Acad-

“Many of our proudest moments through this journey have involved each of you and seeing how as a community we rose together to request better for our children now and in the future,” the school said in the email. “We cannot wait to continue this work with you now and in the future.” events and offering special menus on the holiday. B.B. Lemon, 1809 Washington Ave., will offer brunch from 11 a.m.3 p.m. and dinner from 5-9 p.m. featuring its traditional brunch menu and cocktails as well as Wagyu burgers and hot dogs while DJ Mohawk Steve will provide live entertainment during dinner hours. Sister concept B.B. Butchers and Restaurant is offering a deal of Wagyu hot dogs from 4-10 p.m. as part of a special Fourth of July dinner deal. Go to

Langwood from P. 1

Photo from Houston Parks and Recreation Facebook Pictured is some of the new playground equipment at Langwood Park.

Time to pop the campaign

THE TV – “Ron DeSantis raised taxes in Florida for food, gas and almost everything else.” “While in Congress, Ron DeSantis voted to cut Social Security payments and Medicare coverage.” No doubt we will soon see: “Ron DeSantis wants to strangle kittens and clean out your refrigerator with the help of ISIS and the woke Democrats.” In small print at the bottom of the TV screen we are told the ads are paid for by MAGA. So Donald Trump is already campaigning against his closest rival for the GOP presidential nomination. Stand by for counter ads from Ron DeSantis: “Do you want a convicted criminal in the Oval Office?” and: “Donald Trump – endorsed by Stormy Daniels.” Wait till Joe Biden gets started: “Donald Trump (or whoever the GOP nominates) is a pervert, card-carrying commie and likes to gesticulate in public.”

We have 17 months – 17 months! -- before the next elections on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November of 2024. Are you ready for the mindnumbing onslaught? But there is a sunny side to all of this and, as usual, I shall answer your usual question: “What’s in it for me?” First, we must remember that politics and campaigning have always been a part of our American culture. But campaigns, particularly presidential campaigns, have become longer, more expensive and more in our face. James A. Garfield in 1880, Benjamin Harrison in 1888 and William McKinley in 1896 mostly sat on their front porch and reporters would come around now and then to ask questions. That’s my kind of presidential campaign.

Today we have chartered jets and buses, bands, huge rallies and, of course, countless TV ads. What has changed? “Money is the mother’s milk of politics,” it is said, and we are drowning in mother’s milk. Political spending in all the 2020 federal elections – for Congress and the presidency -- totaled $14.4 billion, more than double the cost of the record-breaking 2016 elections. Spending in the 2020 presidential race alone was $6.6 billion. In the congressional races, donors also generated record spending, capping off with the all-time most expensive Georgia Senate runoffs. Remember those blood baths in the Peach State where the outcome determined which party would control the Senate?

The pols know where to raise and spend their campaign funds. When it comes to raising money, Texas is every officeseeker’s ATM. We will see all the presidential candidates and even outof-state congressional office-seekers coming here,

showing your candidate really won.

The problem with your efforts to sway voters is that most Americans have already made up their minds. Every poll tells us that voters’ views about who they like for president are set in concrete.

funds? That leaves out Texas. We are such a solid red state that there is no point in either party bothering with us.

OK, where does all that money go? Mostly to TV ads. In the 2020 elections, total political advertising spending in all the races reached $8.5 billion across TV, radio and digital media. In the presidential race alone, more than $1 billion was spent on TV ads. But, again, the pols know where to dole out the cash: the battleground states. Almost $9 out of every $10 spent on TV ads in the presidential race were invested in Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Arizona. Among the top recipients, Florida got $257.5 million and Pennsylvania received $195.7 million. And Texas? A lousy $7.3 million. Now we make our move. Get into the campaign money biz. It’s easy and you can be a little bit, or very, loose with silly matters like keeping records of your donors, who gave you how much and what you did with the funds. Campaign laws are notoriously weak and rarely enforced. To get in on this billion-dollar cash cow, let’s start with Joe Biden. Put up “Biden in ‘24” signs in your front yard and invite your neighbors over for a fund raiser. Offer some cheap wine and stale cheese, then make a brief speech about all the good things Joe has done in office. It might be a brief speech, but you’re preaching to the choir. Sell student loan forgiveness certificates. How about instant citizenship documents? I would hold the fund-raiser in my own house for my neighbors but I hate to drink alone.

Or you can work the other side and hold a “Trump in ’24, ‘28 and Forever!” rally, tickets at, say, $400 a head. Auction off Hunter Biden’s laptop. It’s not the real laptop, of course, but who will know? Or hold a sale of top secret documents you got from a bathroom at Mar-A-Lago. Set up a card table in your yard and start selling orange hair dye. If these get-richquick schemes don’t work, open a campaign consulting firm for losers, specializing in overturning elections, dragging out court cases and sending Congress fake documents from “state electors”

If you are a Biden backer, you are woke, young, eat kale and are a college grad. Also, you are not so much for Biden but you really hate Trump. As for the Trump backers, after all the scandals, lying, Capitol riots and outrageous efforts to overturn the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, (“I just want to find 11,780 votes.”) and you still support Agent Orange, then no one is going to change your mind. When Trump said, “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and wouldn’t lose any voters, ok?” he was right on target, so to speak.

But if everyone has already made up their minds who to vote for, why spend billions of dollars trying to influence their vote? That doesn’t matter, you just need to get your share. Buy a TV station in Florida. Don’t worry, if all else fails, Mexico will pay for it.

Ashby campaigns at ashby2@comcast.net

THE LEADER PUZZLERS.

Art Valet: The big indoor art market returns

artists love creating on site, so look for impromptu painting, metal bending and assemblage.

I have not confirmed any live music yet, but that’s not unusual for regular markets either. You might say, we’re just happy to have air conditioning at this point.

I have an announcement to make. BAM! the Big Art Market I put on last summer is back. It took a hot minute (isn’t everything hot?) but the same location was confirmed a few weeks ago.

BAM! Art Market is Aug. 12 from noon-7 p.m. inside the Silver Street Studios Warehouse, 2000 Edwards St.

To recap, I own two outdoor art markets and since about 2006 we’ve had evening markets doing the summers. For various reasons, mostly heat and location, last year we decided to do away with the outdoor summer markets. The success of BAM! was enough to convince us we made the right choice.

The event space is part of Silver Street Studios and has about 20,000 square feet of open floor space. At a couple stories tall our tents are dwarfed inside, even with close to 100 exhibitors.

Why tents indoors? Many of the artists only show their work at markets and festivals, so their only way to display art is part of the sturdy tent frames. Some may choose to go “topless” and wave that phrase all day like a tired joke.

Last summer local artists Caroline Truong created art onsite, and Laura Aurealis built and installed a floating forest near the entrance. Though there are no plans for installations this year,

The two art markets are different.

First Saturday Arts Market, founded in 2004 and still located in the Heights at 540 W. 19th St., leans toward the finer art mediums or what many consider traditional art. As the market enters its 20th year, it remains the longest running monthly outdoor art market in Houston.

The Market at Sawyer Yards (2016), takes place on second Saturdays on Art Alley by The Silos at Sawyer Yards. The 7 year old market features artisan handmade goods, crafts, folk art, prepared and cottage foods.

What makes both markets truly unique, is they are both curated by the attending exhibitors. Both markets return to their regular hours and locations SeptemberMay.

A growing roster is on the website https://firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/ and if you follow the markets on social media, we post previews of the artist’s latest nearly every day. Stay cool out there, and I’ll look for you at BAM!

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at https://ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.

Nibbles and Sips: Benny Chows open on Washington Avenue

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A local hospitality group is bringing a new concept to the area with a Cantonese twist as they expand their footprint in the neighborhood.

Berg Hospitality Group was set to open Benny Chow’s, an American Chinese food concept, at 1818 Washington Avenue on Wednesday according to a news release from Berg. It is the 10th restaurant Berg has opened in Houston and the fourth neighborhood concept, joining B.B. Lemon (1809 Washington Ave.), B.B. Butchers and Restaurant (1814 Washington Ave.) and Trattoria Sofia (911 W. 11th St.) in the area.

A native New Yorker, the news release said Berg Hospitality founder and CEO Benjamin Berg calls upon his early experiences with Chinese food to offer Houstonians what he hopes is a novel dining experience.

Among notable dishes on the menu will be the Smoked Brisket Egg Roll and Holy Trinity Fried Rice – which boasts a nod to the Hill Country BBQ culture with Brenham and Houston-based Truth BBQ spot’s brisket along with Chinese sausage and housemade char siu porkas - well as General Tso’s Chicken, an American Chinese food staple served as a tempura-fried half chicken “Some of my first and favorite dining memories were made in Chinese restaurants in New York,” Berg said. “I want to give Houston those same moments but put a Texas-touch on it with a localized, ingredient-rich menu that they

can experience in a luxe and exciting atmosphere.”

Benny Chows will be open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Houston Restaurant Weeks returning Aug. 1

A popular Houston area foodie event is coming up on another rendition, and a host of restaurants in the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and Washington Avenue areas will be participating. Beginning Aug. 1 and running through Labor Day on Sept. 4, Houston Restaurant Weeks will

celebrate its 20th anniversary, according to a news release.

For over a month, Houstonarea diners will be able to dine out for a cause as select restaurants will serve specially priced, multi-course menus, with proceeds benefitting the Houston Food Bank. Among those taking part this year are B.B. Butchers and Restaurant and B.B. Lemon on Washington Avenue and d’Alba (3715 Alba Rd.) in Garden Oaks, as well as BB’s Tex-Orleans (2701 White Oak Dr.), Dak and Bop (1805 W. 18th St.) and Harold’s Restaurant, Bar, and Terrace (350 W. 19th St. Suite C) in the Heights and many more.

HRW was founded in 2003

by correspondent and philanthropist Cleverley Stone.

It is now carried on by her daughter Katie, as Cleverly passed away in 2020. Participating restaurants will make donations based on their HRW sales, according to the release.

“As Houston Restaurant Weeks enters its 20th year of dining out for a cause, Houston Food Bank is grateful for the continued support of the Cleverley Stone Foundation,” said Brian Greene, president/ CEO of Houston Food Bank. For more information and a full list of participating restaurants, visit houstonrestaurant-

weeks.com/.

Photo by Ana Guzman

Returning artist MaryAnn Lucas, right, shows the detail in her art.

Photo by Jenn Duncan Berg Hospitality owner Ben Berg, left, stands with Benny Chows executive chef Shirong. Benny Chows was slated to open on Washington Avenue earlier this week.

Photo by Ana Guzman

Susana Vazquez, right, of Migaloo Chocolatier completes a sale at BAM.

Photo by Ana Guzman BAM! Art Market returns Aug 12, noon - 7 p.m.