Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a formidable advocate for her constituents and a prominent voice in national politics, passed away on July 19. She was 74. Representing Texas’s 18th Congressional District, Jackson Lee’s career was marked by her dedication to social justice, health care, and community development.
By CHRIS DAIGLE The Leader News Contributor
Heights neighbors have always come to C&D Hardware & Gifts at 314 East 11th to find paint and screws, wallpaper and flypaper.
Many of them don’t know this building was once home to a legendary music business led by a giant in country music recording.
“We’ve learned a lot about life in this building before we got here,” says Jim Stratton, owner of C&D Hardware. He and his wife Kathy bought the business in 1999 from Alice Dailey and her mother, Alice Cobb. “People wonder what the ‘C’ and the ‘D’ stand for, and it’s their last names. The business started in 1951 further down West 11th street, next to the railroad tracks. It moved here in the mid 1970s,” Stratton said.
The backstory of the building is made of country music history few
By STEFANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
“My friend, ally, and long-time political partner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, passed from this world and into the pantheon of legendary Texas leaders. For nearly 30 years, she tirelessly represented the people of her congressional district,” Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis said in a statement upon learning of her death. “Through crises and disasters –as well as triumphs – Sheila’s ceaseless and unwavering dedication to those she represented served as an inspiration and source of strength to me in my career. She exhibited this dedication every day through her deeds, actions and accomplishments. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and confidante who leaves behind a legacy of single-minded commitment to our community.”
Born in Queens, New York, on January 12, 1950, Sheila Jackson Lee
places west of Nashville can tell about.
Harold Daily was always looking for something interesting. He worked for the railroad during the Depression. When that slowed
down, he turned to repairing and selling jukeboxes because, even in hard times, people still like to be entertained. In 1933, he started a store in an old building at East 11th and Arlington. He named it South Coast Amusement Company.
Although Daily had never learned to read sheet music or played an instrument, he developed an ear for country music by listening to the music in his juke boxes. During World War II he grew the building and the business into a record store. In 1952, Daily and Jack Starnes started the Starday Records record label. Daily paired artists with songs and supervised recording sessions, now at a studio on Studewood near East 11th, known as Doggett’s Studio. He earned the nickname “Pappy” from artists by the prominence he had in the music business.
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), the agency responsible for publishing the evacuation zones and evacuation routes for the 13-county Houston-Galveston region, urges everyone to get and stay prepared for the 2024 hurricane season by knowing your zip-code-based evacuation zones and the right routes to take in an evacuation.
“Beryl, an early season hurricane for our region, reminded us all how important it is to get and stay ready and safe this hurricane season,” said Francis Rodriguez, principal program coordinator of Incident Management at the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC). “Some of the biggest areas of concern we witnessed last week were evacuation and routes, availability of fuel, driving on flooded roadways, generator safety, and knowing about flood insurance.”
EVACUATION MAP AND ROUTES
“The most important thing anyone can do to be prepared is to know your evacuation zone and the route you will take to get out of harm’s way,” Rodriguez added. The evacuation route map shows you which designated route to take when evacuating. These are carefully planned to get you away from areas with a high likelihood of damage. The state-designated routes are also staffed with first responders and stocked with emergency supplies to aid evacuees along the route. Many gas stations and stores along the routes are prepared with gas, generators, and other essentials in case you have to stop.
“Both the evacuation zone and evacuation route maps are updated each year, and it’s important to check the website for the most current map,” said Rodriguez. “This year’s evacuation route map has changed to include SH-I46 out of Baytown.”
The devastating effects of Hurricane Rita in 2005 serve as a reminder of the importance of an organized evacuation. During the evacuation of Hurricane Rita, there were more than 100 deaths attributed to traffic-related incidents and people being stuck in their vehicles for up to 20 hours. This tragedy underscores the significance of preparing early, leaving promptly when your evacuation zone
Photo by Chris Daigle
Photo courtesy of C&D Hardware Hank Williams and Biff Collie of KNUZ Radio at autograph signing, 1948, at 314 East 11th.
The City of Houston Department of Solid Waste Management (SWM) announces the release of a Storm Debris Collection progress tracker. This tool enables residents to monitor the daily progress of debris collection efforts following the severe weather caused by Hurricane Beryl on July 8 and the May 16 Derecho. Houstonians can access the webpage at bit. ly/HTXStorm to see areas in which trucks are currently working. Users should use the search function that looks like a magnifying
HURRICANE
BERYL, from P. 1
glass to find an address. Additional details below: Yellow areas indicate neighborhoods where crews are currently collecting the first pass. Green areas indicate neighborhoods in which the first pass of storm debris collection is complete. Gray areas indicate neighborhoods in queue for collection that will be assigned as soon as crews are available. Upon completion of the first pass of storm debris collection, SWM will begin a second pass. The combined impact of this year’s natural disasters in the
is called, and following designated evacuation routes to avoid such situations in the future.
In addition to having the current evacuation zone and evacuation route maps, it is important to fill your gas tank in advance of an impending hurricane. “As we recently experienced, fuel can be in short supply following a hurricane or tropical storm,” she added.
FLOODING
Hurricane Beryl was a good reminder that our region is prone to severe flooding with its proximity to the gulf, lowlying areas, and matrix of rivers and bayous. In addition, many primary highways and thoroughfares are designed to serve as detention basins
Houston area is projected to produce more than 4.5 million cubic yards of storm debris. Prior to the July 4th Independence Holiday, the city successfully removed more than 1.7 million cubic yards of debris generated by the Derecho Storm. Over the next 60-90 days, the City will utilize all its available resources combined with supplemental disaster collection contractors to expedite the debris removal operations in neighborhoods throughout the city. The link to the webpage again is bit.ly/ HTXStorm. The City of Houston has launched
during flooding to help reduce the risks of homes being inundated with floodwaters.
“It’s important that drivers exercise caution when driving through floodwaters,” said Rodriguez. “Even if a roadway is not known to flood, it still can be based on the amount of rainfall received and the ability of our drainage infrastructure to drain the water.”
DISASTER EMERGENCY KIT
A key aspect of hurricane preparedness is assembling an emergency kit with essential supplies.
“You can stock up on emergency supplies any time of year – and there is no time like now,” said Rodriguez. “Our hurricane guide contains a wealth of information, both the evacuation zone and evacuation route maps, guidance, and checklists to help everyone pre-
pare for Hurricane Season as well as any other natural disaster.”
If a generator is part of your emergency kit, Rodriguez encourages the safe use of generators.
“It’s important to place generators in an outdoor location where they can exhaust effectively,” Rodriguez added.
H-GAC has a comprehensive hurricane guide available at h-gac.com/ HurricanePrep. In addition, you will find a special publication for older adults and those who are medically fragile, pet boarding information, disaster recovery resources, and funding.
H-GAC Downloadable and Printable Information Sheets For informational downloads, including in Spanish, maps, explainer videos, and more, visit h-gac.com/ HurricanePrep.
Houston Public Library awarded grant
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Houston Endowment has awarded Houston Public Library (HPL) a $200,000 grant for one year to support the relaunch of HPL’s Journey to Citizenship classes, which include “Introduction to Citizenship” and “Civics and Literacy.” These comprehensive seven-week programs are designed for adult learners to master the reading, writing and vocabulary portions of the naturalization exam. Each 90-minute class covers the 100 civics exam questions, including topics on American government and history, rights and responsibilities, and in-
tegrated civics. The classes, available at several HPL locations, are essential for individuals learning the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citaizenship, expanding their knowledge, and building community connections. The program is designed to equip participants with the confidence and knowledge needed to successfully become U.S. citizens. Thanks to this grant, HPL will introduce new citizenship kits with civics flash cards, pocket-sized copies of the Declaration of Independence, an "Introduction to U.S. History" DVD and more. MYLink cardholders can borrow these kits from the library and gain valuable resources to aid their journey toward citizenship. Grant money will also support the hiring of certified citizenship instructors to facilitate the expanded series of classes. In addition to its citizenship classes, Houston Public Library serves as a full-service destination for applying and renewing passports at several libraries throughout the city. Passport services are available at six HPL locations, including the new Walker Neighborhood Library at 11630 Chimney Rock Rd. For more information or to make an appointment, visit Houston Library Passports or call 832-393-
Evacuation
THE TOPICS.
The Lonely Star State
We’re Number One! Tops in the nation! More people moved to Texas last year than moved to any other state. The Houston area alone added 16,100 jobs in May, bringing total employment in the re gion to nearly 3.5 million, a record. The Lone Star State is the best among the 49 others for technology and innova tion. Texas also ranked second for its economy, which is now the eighth-largest in the world -- surpassing Russia, Canada, and Italy. And in quality of life we’re. . . . Oops. Among the 50 states we’re dead last. According to CNBC, for the second year in a row we are the very worst place to live in America. At this point we may get defensive and counter: If we’re so bad, why is it that everyone else wants to come here? People pour in from other states, and along the southern border we have to put up razor wire and rubber duckies to keep them out? Just ask Elon Musk. So there.
Well, I have some good news and some bad news and, as usual, I have a solution. Let’s start with the bad news, but hold your fire. CNBC, a financial network, makes an annual analysis of America’s
a low cost for businesses (and weak labor unions), according to CNBC, making Texas third overall. Virginia ranked as America’s top state for business in 2024 with North Carolina in second place. Texas coming in third in this specific category – doing business -- is actually an improvement over 2023. It goes like this: Texas held the top spot in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2018. But we fell to the country’s sixth-best state for business last year, the first time the state had fallen out of the top five since CNBC began conducting this analysis in 2007. Why aren’t we Number One overall? It’s that qual-
ity of life thing, which businesses heavily consider when looking to relocate or expand their company. CNBC wrote: “Companies seeking to attract great employees like to set up shop in states that offer a great quality of life.” CNBC said we came in dead last in per capita crime rates, health care, child care, environmental quality, worker protections, legal safeguards against discrimination and personal freedom, including reproductive rights. Surveys show half of younger workers “would not live in a state that bans abortion,” and Texas has the strictest abortion ban in the nation. That law needs changing. For infrastructure, we ranked 26th among all states falling from 24th for the category in last year’s ranking. The state also “has power grid issues.” OK, now the good news: All of these problems are solvable. They are man (and woman) made and can be fixed by us. How about crime rates? According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, the national average crime rate is 2,475 per 100,000 inhabitants. The District of Columbia leads with 3,747.
Vermont is lowest at 950. Texas ranks 17th at 1,869. (So how is it we are ranked last? Makes one wonder about these entire rankings.)
I am not sure if Texas’ crime rate rank is influenced by the 260,000 cases the Houston Police Dept. never got around to investigate. Fortunately for us, in January of this year Gov. Greg Abbott vowed, Texas “will work tirelessly to make sure that we eliminate all rapists from the streets.” Unfortunately, that vow was followed by a study that estimated more than 26,000 raperelated pregnancies in Texas in the 16 months since the state outlawed abortion. We must hope Gov. Abbot doesn’t abolish murder, burglary and robberies or the number of those crimes would balloon.
One reason Texas scores last in quality of life is the state “has power grid issues.” That’s a nice way of saying we’re a disaster in coping with disasters. (Did you notice the photograph of CenterPoint’s CEO Jason Wells, taken when we were sweating in the sauna? He was lounging in the CenterPoint offices in front of a thermostat set at 70 degrees.) Does North Dakota have state-
Harris Central Appraisal District reminds property owners of disaster exemption
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Harris Central Appraisal District is reminding property owners who have experienced physical damage to their property during Hurricane Beryl to apply for a temporary disaster exemption.
“This has been a very active year for natural disasters so far,” said Roland Altinger, chief appraiser. “We have had flooding and the derecho in May and Hurricane Beryl in July that may have caused physical damage to many properties in the area. I want to remind property owners that a disaster exemption is available to help owners reduce their 2024
property taxes. “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,” he continued. “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 is not eligible.”
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. Acting Governor Dan Patrick declared the county a disaster area on July 6 for Hurricane Beryl, so the temporary disaster exemption application must be filed no later than Monday, October 21.
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 District, Information and Assistance Division, P.O. Box 922012, Houston, Texas 77292-2012. For further information, contact the HCAD’s information center at 713957-7800 or by using the web form under ABOUT > CONTACT US > ACCOUNT QUESTIONS.
wide blackouts when it freezes? Each winter do Alaskans die in the dark? The Public Utility Commission, ERCOT and CenterPoint Energy were created by Texans and can be changed by Texans. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he will – what else? – create a committee to investigate the Hurricane Beryl power outage fiasco.
CNBC also considered healthcare. Texas leads the nation in the number of residents without health insurance. Why is that? Also a national women’s health organization, The Commonwealth Fund, analyzed data on maternal mortality, insurance access and other factors in all 50 states and Washington D.C. Texas ranked 50th. Next to the bottom. As we Texans like to say, “Thank God for Mississippi.”
Another saying that goes back awhile is: “Texas is heaven for men and dogs, but a hell for women and oxen.” Nothing’s changed, except today we take better care of our oxen. Worker protection was a category where we dropped the ball -we have a history of failure (even though we have the best workforce?), so change the laws. Environmental quality?
Experts, except Republicans, say our increase in devastating hurricanes is due to climate change caused by dirty air. We do our part. The U.S. Energy Information Administration shows Texas is the largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions in the country. Environment America ranks Texas first for toxic discharges into streams, rivers and lakes. So the state’s overall standing was dragged down by its last-place ranking for quality of life, and it doesn’t have to be this way. Most of these problems and solutions could be changed by our lawmakers in Austin. Mark Twain is erroneously credited with saying: “Politicians are like diapers; they need to be changed often and for the same reason.” Hand me a fresh diaper. Ashby ranks at 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. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers now open for residents seeking aid after Hurricane Beryl
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened five Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) locations in Harris County for residents seeking federal aid after the recent disasters in Harris County, including Hurricane Beryl.
“There is so much need in Harris County after Hurricane Beryl and the other two disasters we’ve been through recently, but the good news is that help is here. I’m so glad that our community is already applying for this assistance that does not have to be repaid, and we are working hard to spread the word. Thank you to President Biden and FEMA for helping us get these crucial recovery resources out into the community as quickly as possible. Right now our community needs all the help we can get, and so I also encourage anyone who is able to help out their neighbors by volunteering,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. FEMA has already received more than 315,000 applications for Individual Assistance for Harris County residents affected by Hurricane Beryl.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FEMA AID (INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE):
Residents affected by Hurricane Beryl, the derecho and/or the San Jacinto River flooding can apply for direct financial assistance from the federal government under FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program to cover the cost of support like home repair and temporary housing at any of the DRC locations. People who have damage from more than one of the recent disasters will need to submit a separate application for each disaster.
People can visit any of the Disaster Recovery Center locations below to apply for direct FEMA aid:
• Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX, 77091
• Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center: 16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston, TX, 77084 Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center: 6402 Market St, Houston, TX 77020 Spring Spirit: 8526 Pitner Rd, Houston, TX 77080
• Leon Z Grayson Community Center: 13828 Corpus Christi St, Houston, TX 77015
People can also apply for aid by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-FEMA or by downloading the FEMA app. Anyone can find the closest DRC location to them using gfema.gov/drc.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SBA LOW-INTEREST DISASTER LOANS:
The Small Business Administration has also opened two Business Recovery Center (BRC) locations in Harris County for businesses seeking low-interest disaster loans, which are designed to help cover the cost of economic loss during a disaster. Businesses can visit any of the Business Recovery Center locations below to apply: Trini Mendenhall Community Center: 1414 Wirt Rd, Houston, TX 77055
• University of Houston-Downtown (UHD): Room B106, 1st Floor, 320 North Main St, Houston, TX 77002
People can also apply for SBA loans online at www.sba.gov/ disaster or calling 800-659-2955. Please visit www.readyharris.org for more information on hours and parking at DRC and BRC locations. Additionally, people who need more information about DRCs or people who are interested in volunteering to help those affected by Hurricane Beryl can call 2-1-1.
moved to Houston in the 1970s. She earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and began her career in public service shortly thereafter. Her tenure in politics was deeply rooted in the Houston Heights, where she maintained an office and closely engaged with the community.
EARLY POLITICAL CAREER
Jackson Lee’s political journey began on the Houston City Council, where she served from 1990 to 1994. Her tenure was characterized by her advocacy for affordable housing and crime reduction programs. In 1994, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, succeeding Congressman Craig Washington.
CHAMPION FOR CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Throughout her nearly threedecade career in Congress, Jackson Lee was known for her unwavering commitment to civil rights and social justice. She played a crucial role in advancing legislation aimed at protecting the rights of minorities, women, and marginalized communities.
As a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Homeland Security, Jackson Lee was instrumental in shaping policies that addressed pressing national issues. She was a vocal supporter of the Affordable Care Act, advocating for expanded access to health care for all Americans.
Jackson Lee also introduced numerous bills focused on health care, criminal justice reform, and disaster relief. One of her notable achievements was her work on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which provided critical protections and resources for survivors of domestic violence.
ADVOCATE FOR THE 18TH DISTRICT
Jackson Lee’s dedication to her constituents in the 18th District was unwavering. She was known for her accessibility and hands-on approach, regularly holding town hall meetings and community events in the Houston Heights and surrounding areas.
“Sheila was always there for us, whether it was a neighbor-
hood issue or a national crisis,” said longtime Heights resident Maria Gonzalez. “Her door was always open, and she fought fearlessly for our community.”
Jackson Lee’s efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey were particularly impactful. She worked diligently to secure federal aid for Houston, ensuring that affected residents received the support they needed to rebuild their lives. Her office in the Heights became a hub for coordinating relief efforts and distributing resources to those in need.
Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton said he remembers Jackson Lee as a steadfast advocate for labor and their families.
“Her tireless efforts and indomitable spirit made her a voice for the voiceless and a defender of the marginalized,” he said. “She fought relentlessly for the rights and well-being of the people she represented, always putting the needs of the ‘little person’ at the forefront of her agenda. Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s bravery in her battle with cancer was a testament to her strength and resilience. We will feel her absence deeply, but her legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”
Education was another cornerstone of Jackson Lee’s legislative agenda. She championed initiatives aimed at improving public education and expanding opportunities for youth. She supported increased funding for schools in underserved areas and advocated for programs that provided scholarships and finan-
cial aid to minority students.
MAKING JUNETEENTH A
NATIONAL HOLIDAY
One of Jackson Lee’s most celebrated accomplishments was her successful campaign to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday. Recognizing the importance of commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, she tirelessly advocated for the recognition of June 19th, known as Juneteenth, as a federal holiday. Her efforts culminated in President Joe Biden signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in 2021.
“This holiday will serve as a powerful reminder of our nation’s journey towards freedom and equality,” Jackson Lee said at the time. “It honors the enduring spirit of African Americans and acknowledges the ongoing
Jackson Lee served her Houston constituents to the very end of her life. Only days before her death, on July 12, she wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, requesting an investigation into CenterPoint Energy on behalf of the people of Houston following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Beryl. Her proactive stance underscored her unwavering dedication to the welfare of her constituents.
OFFICE STATEMENT
FOLLOWING HER DEATH
In a heartfelt statement, Jackson Lee’s office expressed gratitude for the support received during her battle with cancer.
“The staff of the 18th Congressional District of Texas’ District and Washington, DC offices extend our thanks to those who sent cards, letters, flowers, well wishes, and prayers during Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s battle with cancer. She was brave and singularly focused on the needs of her constituents throughout her career, including during her convalescence. We are grateful for her example of putting people first—regardless of their station in life, ethnicity, faith, opportunities, or lack thereof, because the only
consideration was the needs of the person asking for help.”
The statement highlighted her efforts to aid unlawfully detained U.S. persons, combat bribery targeting U.S. companies abroad, and address cancer clusters in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens. “Because of her tenacity today, the EPA is conducting deep soil samples in the area to understand the cancer threat and to report findings to residents.”
The office praised District Director Yuroba Harris for managing constituent services and emphasized the Congresswoman’s dedication to continuing essential services during hurricane season.
“Her final message to her Chief of Staff, Lillie Coney, and her District Director was to see that the Washington DC Offices continue the work during this Hurricane Season to act as liaisons with the deployment of all assistance to constituents and assist in the work of FEMA, SBA, and Red Cross.”
LEGACY AND IMPACT
Jackson Lee’s passing leaves a significant void in the Houston Heights community and the broader political landscape. Her legacy is reflected in the numerous bills she sponsored, the communities she uplifted, and the lives she changed.
Jackson Lee is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, and their two children. The family has requested privacy during this time and has expressed
gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.
UPCOMING ELECTION AND SUCCESSOR
The filing deadline to replace the late U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee on November’s ballot is August 10, 2024. The race to become the next Democratic candidate for the 18th U.S. Congressional District of Texas is heating up. State Representative Jarvis Johnson confirmed his candidacy during a phone call on Monday afternoon with local news outlet KPRC 2. As of press time, no other candidates had confirmed their intention to run. Funeral arrangements are being made, and a public memorial service will be held in Houston to honor her life and legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to organizations supporting civil rights, education, and disaster relief, causes that Jackson Lee championed throughout her career.
Her office in the Houston Heights will remain open temporarily to assist constituents and ensure a smooth transition as the community and the nation mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant. Houston Mayor John Whitmire on Monday extended the highest honor of lying in state at Houston City Hall to Jackson Lee’s family, in recognition of the congresswoman’s significant contributions to the City of Houston and her dedicated service to her constituents. The family accepted.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s family, staff, and friends. This is a time for unity across Houston as we honor her life and legacy. Although we were opponents in the recent mayoral race, we shared a long history of collaboration spanning over 30 years. Despite our different styles, we consistently worked towards the same goals, advocating for the issues that matter most to Houstonians,” said Mayor Whitmire.
“Holding dear the memory of those who pass before us is the greatest homage we can pay to those we love,” Ellis said. “And I know Sheila Jackson Lee will dwell fondly in our memories for years to come.”
First "Volcano" Ramen concept now open
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Houston’s Kazzan Ramen & Bar is second US location
Kazzan Ramen & Bar, which originated in Osaka, brings innovative “volcano” ramen to Houston, marking its second location in America and first in Texas. Located at 191 Heights Boulevard, the 3,600-squarefoot restaurant features an inviting outdoor patio, full bar, and an open-kitchen concept designed to provide an immersive dining experience for all guests. The full-service restaurant and bar features a new style of ramen with thick noodles and vegetables, served in a 350-degrees Celsius hot stone bowl, topped off with the hot soup and poured in a cylindrical top in front of the guestcausing the steam to rise from the lid resembling a volcanic eruption. Guests will choose
their ramen flavor—Shio, Shoyu, Karamiso, Sukiyaki, Curry, or Veggie Tantan. A variety of toppings such as Nitamago (marinated egg), Chashu (braised pork), and extra noodles are available to customize your ramen experience. Apart from ramen, Kazzan offers other traditional Japanese dishes including an array of appetizers and sides like Kushikatsu skewers, Chicken Karaage, Yaki Gyoza, Yodare Chicken, Black Pepper Edamame, Sauteed Brussel Sprouts, and more. Other popular menu items are the Spicy Creamy Fried Shrimp, Beef Don, Fried Chicken Wings, and Hot Stone Japanese Rice dishes with meat and vegetarian options of fried or curry rice. For dessert, a must-try is the Kazzan Ice—Kakigōri, shaved ice available in three different flavors, Mango, Matcha and Strawberry, topped with sweet
condensed milk. Our restaurant’s broth is carefully crafted in a traditional Japanese fashion, which is full of calcium and collagen from our bonebased broth. We also have vegetarian options such as our vegetable-based ramen. Local entrepreneur Lianne Chang is the proud owner responsible for bringing this brand new concept to Houston. This new venture
is a significant milestone for Chang, who owns multiple Shipley Do-Nuts and Charleys Cheesesteaks locations across the city, making Kazzan Ramen & Bar her first full-service restaurant and bar. Chang’s restaurant business was built from the ground up beginning in 1995 and is still run by her family. "We are incredibly excited to bring Kazzan Ramen & Bar to
Houston," said Lianne Chang, owner of Houston’s Kazzan Ramen & Bar. "Houstonians will love trying this new and unique style of ramen with our dynamite lineup of specialty cocktails. We look forward to making Kazzan Ramen part of the Houston community and sharing our passion for great food." The bar service will feature specialty cocktails and mocktails created by Ilin Yang, most recently at Aya Sushi and Travelers Table. Cocktails such as Ube Bae made with Takagawa Awamori, Batavia Arrack, Lime Juice, Ube Syrup, Guava Juice garnished with nutmeg zest and dehydrated purple yam; Mount Boujee
foreground,
Beef Sukiyaki Kazzan-style Ramen with original tonkotsu broth
Photos by Traci Ling
Kazzan Ramen & Bar features a trendy interior
THE WEEKEND.
Thrills around town for July 27-28
3-5:30 p.m. Where: 1031 E. 24th St.
What: Hunter Walkup performing live with new original music Cost: $5 Info: danelectrosheights. com/events/hunterwalkup
MIXOLOGY 101 – MAKE THREE CRAFT COCKTAILS
Who: Adults 21+
When: Saturday, July 27, 8-9:30 p.m.
Where: Hampton Inn & Suites – 5820 Katy Freeway What: Hands-on cocktail making experience with Exquisite Taste Mobile Bartending Cost: $45-$53 Info: eventbrite.com
techniques while creating your own canvas. Bring your own chair/blanket Cost: $8.24 Info: eventbrite.com
What: Dog and kid friendly bingo with beer/wine/pizza and prizes
Cost: Adults 21+, $45; kids 6-20, $15; kids under 6 and pups are free
Info: eventbrite.com
LUXURY CANDLE MAKING WORKSHOP
Who: Ages 18+
When: Sunday, July 28, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Asch Building – 825
Studewood St.
What: Blend and pour your own 12 oz. candle. All supplies provided.
Cost: $55
Info: eventbrite.com
HEIGHTS MERCANTILE FARMER’S MARKET
Who: All ages
When: Sunday, July 28, 9
a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: 714 Yale St.
What: Farmer’s market featuring local vendors, coffee, baked goods, honey, etc.
Cost: Free
Info: heightsmercantile.com/ events
H-E-B to support Communities in Schools of Houston with school supply donations
Area can donate any amount to ensure all students are ready for a great school year, regardless of their economic situation.
Funds will go to Communities In Schools of Houston, which served students in 163 schools in six school districts and Lone Star College during the 2023-24 school year.
who
dents and
to
them. Since back-toschool costs can be difficult to meet for some families, CIS of Houston and HEB are ensuring students have what they need to be successful in school. The program is statewide for CIS affiliates.
Customers shopping online or in store between July 31 and August 27 at HEB locations in the Greater Houston
“We are proud to collaborate on our back-to-school drive with HEB, which has been a generous partner to CIS of Houston for many years,” says Lisa Descant, CEO of Communities In Schools of Houston. “It’s so important for students to start the school year on the right foot with all the needed supplies. With our own fundraising drive and the boost from HEB’s pointof-sale donations, CIS students, who are generally from underserved communities, can be
assured they won’t be lacking when school begins.”
“CIS of Texas is excited to see HEB and Communities In Schools join together to help at-risk students in Texas succeed in school,” says Elizabeth Johnston, Director of Network Development for Communities In Schools of Texas. “This campaign allows all students at our high need campuses to have access to free school supplies throughout the school year. Students need to be resourced with what they need for school before they are ready to learn. School supplies are a big part of helping students engage in school and feel prepared to learn.”
CIS places at least one fulltime Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver direct services – coun-
seling, academic support and health and human services.
CIS also provides students and families with tailored referrals to community resources, while collaborating with more than 300 community partners, including volunteers, social service agencies, mental health providers, educators and companies like HEB to help students stay in school and thrive. Across Texas, CIS served over 127,000 students in the 2022-2023 school year with one-on-one case managed services and impacted the lives of over one million students in the 1,550 campuses where they operated. There are 27 local CIS affiliates in Texas surrounding students with a community of support to ensure they stay in school and achieve in life.
“New singers would come to me, introduce themselves, and call me Pappy,” Daily told news outlets at the time. “They just thought that was my name.”
The list of artists discovered and managed by Pappy Daily is enormous. The most prominent was George Jones. Just out of the military, Jones became a star while recording here in Houston. Roger Miller was discovered working in a hotel as a bellhop. The list of fame includes Benny Barnes, Frankie Miller, and J.P. Richardson, the “Big Bopper”, a fixture of the 1950s with his hit, “Chantilly Lace”. In 1958, this was Pappy’s biggest seller. “Everyone thought these records were made in Nashville. They were made here in Houston.” Richardson said back then.
Pappy always said no one can tell a flop from a hit until the record is out.
“There are no experts in the business, just a lot of people who think they are,” Daily quipped. “I was never an expert. Other people’s opinions are valuable to me.” Daily said his only talent was his ears. His ability to listen and
Houston area since 1982. Over the years, there have been literally dozens of faith and community-based organizations that have stepped up to the cause for the express purpose of supplementing and complementing these efforts in Houston.
Though many share the same end goal of reducing food insecurity, each has a different mission and methodology in place to accomplish this.
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO FOOD SECURITY
While each of those organizations is a valuable cog in the wheel that drives the fight against hunger here in the Houston area, there is an inspiring nonprofit that is making a noticeably remarkable difference. While many programs and pantries tend to provide narrowly-defined selections of non-perishable food resources, there is a nonprofit that dedicates itself to the arduous task of providing nutritious, fresh, foods of choice to those in need, while simultaneously addressing the overwhelming issue of food waste.
In 2015, Second Servings, the nonprofit brainchild of Barbara Bronstein, was established to specifically address both. They serve the entire inner-loop and beyond in Houston, but it was fascinating to learn what tremendous things they and their partners are doing right here for our neighboring residents in need.
“Second Servings’ successful infrastructure resembles an intermediary, as we don’t bank or store the food, we are the go-between, if you will; the facilitator between matching excess food with those who will benefit from it most,” said Amber Chestnut, in charge of Marketing, Volunteers and Special Events for Second Servings. It is the strong community partnerships with donors, recipients and volunteers that define their success.
GENEROUS DONORS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Donations to Second Servings come from numerous sources. Grocery stores, the most likely donor candidates, provide one of the greater and more consistent resources. Lauren Talley, Senior Specialist for Community Giving and Engagement at Whole Foods Market, said they have partnered with Second Servings since 2018, when they began picking up food donations from their stores.
“Since then, our partnership has grown to providing monetary donations through our Community Giving program, our store team members volunteering at their ‘Pop-Up Grocery Stores’ and partnering to host food distribution events for the community, including our Mobile Pantry event, and most recently, hosting a ‘Stuff the Van’ event to celebrate our donation of a refrigerated van to Second Servings through our ‘Nourishing Our Neighborhoods’ program,” Talley said. Launched in 2020, this initiative aims to expand the capacity and capability of community-based food rescue organizations across the U.S. and Canada to move food from where it’s available
see if he thought a record would be a winner. He garnered 37 plaques and many trophies on his wall that testify to his success. The winning songs are old, but still memorable.
“Walk through this world with me”, “My father’s voice”, “She thinks I still care”. Other apparent flops made good, too. A young guitar player named Willie Nelson recorded here, but Pappy didn’t think much of him at first. Nelson recorded “What a way to live” and “Man with the blues” in 1960. Willie Nelson’s launchpad to fame was the Esquire Ballroom on Hempstead Highway, and the rest is history.
Pappy said, “Not everyone is as lucky as Willie Nelson or Roger Miller. Both changed from country and western and went on to be stars. Some people will go 10 or 20 years to make it in this business. It reminds me of an addiction -- they’ll keep going on though they never make it”. By the end of 1958, Daily had sold his interests in Starday Records and started his own local record label, D Records. The idea was that this label would serve as a regional farm team
to where it’s needed most. To date, Whole Foods Market has donated 50 of these refrigerated food rescue vehicles, including to two organizations in Houston: Second Servings and Harmony House.
Second Servings currently picks up from five Whole Foods Market store locations weekly, and from some stores 4-5 times a week. According to Talley, “So far this year, they have rescued more than 50,000 lbs. of food and product donations from our stores that have been distributed throughout the community. The types of food donations include everything from grocery and whole body products to perishables like produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods and dairy. Just this week, we worked with Second Servings to donate fresh fruit for a food distribution event they are helping host for families in need after the recent hurricane.”
Donors are not relegated to retail grocers. They are composed of many alternate sources, such as restaurants, caterers and wholesalers, as well. Two such donors in our community include The Heights Catering and Gordon Food Services, who both actively partner with Second Servings. Chef Brian Daoud, The founder of The Heights Catering, has been in the food service industry with restaurants and caterers for over 23 years. Renowned as an expert in the industry, he has also owned and sold a restaurant of his own and has run The Heights Catering for the last eight of those years.
Daoud and his assistant Vanessa Ruiz take pride in their ability to offer a diverse and delicious range of culinary experiences for the community. However, Ruiz said that people don’t realize how much food goes to waste in the catering business.
“Even though numbers are carefully estimated for large events, it’s never an exact science and there are often so many leftovers of gourmet preparations that would be criminal to throw away, especially when there are so many people in need. When we are left with an overage from an event, we call Lisa Miller, the Second Servings Food Partnership Manager, and the organization will move mountains to both pick up the surplus food and get it delivered immediately to people who will truly benefit from it,” Ruiz said. “Without Second Servings, so
for Mercury Records, George Jones’ producer. By this time the record store at 314 East 11th was a center attraction for appearances by Hank Williams, the Big Bopper, Roger Miller, Willie Nelson, and George Jones, whose albums sold there in the hundreds.
This new label released
music, he didn’t know a G chord from an E flat, but he recognized what would sell,” said one unidentified steel guitarist who played on sessions for years. “I guess that’s what it takes”. After Pappy died in 1987, his two sons Bud and Don Daily took over the D Records catalog. “He would put out a record on just about anybody if they wanted to get into it badly enough,” said Don Daily. “Overall, Pappy probably lost money on D Records, but then something would pop up and start selling.” Autograph sessions at the record store made artists come alive to the public. “Before J.P. Richardson marketed ‘Chantilly Lace’ at the store, everyone thought he was black,” Don Daily said.
hundreds of sides in the next two decades. Most were hardcore Texas honky-tonk of the sort Nashville doesn’t make anymore. But the D Records catalog also included Rockabilly and Gulf Coast Rock and Roll to Western Swing, Cajun, TexMex, and Polka. “He didn’t have an ear for
much prepared food would be lost.” She added, “We love working with them, because they are a responsive, dependable and wonderful partner to work with.”
Gregorio Martinez manages the Gordon Food Service facility on Antoine. He said, “The family company has been in business for over 125 years and has over nine stores in the Houston area.” Gordon Food Service is primarily wholesale but sells to the public, as well. Needless to say, there was an abundance of food that was going to waste before the Second Servings partnership. Because they have such large quantities of perishables, including frozen and fresh foods, the partnership allows them to circumvent spoilage, a natural casualty of the business. According to Martinez, “The team at Second Servings is made up of really great people and I’m proud to work with them.”
EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY WITH FRESH FOOD CHOICES
Second Servings’ efforts benefit so much of Houston as they hold 40-50 of the events monthly in addition to direct donation deliveries. The Leader was interested to learn how their efforts impact our local community. Several local recipients are facilities that fall under the purview of The Housing Corporation. THC’s vision is to deliver and manage affordable housing for seniors, the homeless, veterans and in-
dividuals with special needs. Several of those properties are right here in the community; Heights House, Heights Towers and Independence Heights Apartments. Linda Holder is the Executive Director at THC and has been there for 41 years.
The donors provide the food, the volunteers man the tables and the residents arrive for a food shopping adventure, armed with bags and shopping carts. They are given the opportunity to stroll through and choose the foods they really want and need. There is a sense of dignity afforded in providing choice and discretion in food selection, as opposed to being handed a pre-filled donation bag or box, without regard to preferences or needs.
“There is nothing comparable to Second Servings. Our families look forward to them coming and appreciate all that they do, especially with the ‘Pop-Up Grocery’ events that they hold regularly,” said Holder. That statement appears to be a unanimouslyshared sentiment. Karen Davenport, Property Manager of Independence Heights Apartments said, “The donations are overwhelming, but Second Servings’ ‘Pop-up Grocery Stores’ are amazing. The tenants love them and actually schedule their routine grocery shopping around them, never knowing what wonderful finds they will encounter. They get to choose from a wide assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, specialty breads, dairy and
Pappy’s grandson David Daily tells the story of George Jones from 1959. “He was recording ‘Why, Baby, Why’ and after several dozen takes the engineer asked which one to use. Pappy said to use the first one because he’s more sober in that one,” David Daily said.
The next time you visit Cactus Records on South Shepherd, say a little thanks to Don and Bud Daily for creating the first music super store
desserts.”
The Heights Tower manager on 19th, Hope Aguirre, said, “Second Servings is a true blessing. Prices for basic fresh vegetables and meats have sky-rocketed for everyone, but lower-income residents have been hit particularly hard. We have 230 residents over eight floors, so we have to alternate four floors each month. Residents from unassigned floors will actually line up, in case there are leftovers!”
Carolyn Thomas, manager of the Heights House at the end of Heights Blvd. said that Second Servings hosts these events at her facility on a monthly basis, as well, and echoes those sentiments. “Our residents get so excited when they come. Aside from the incredible food choices and obvious financial benefits, they feel that their needs are being acknowledged and embraced. We have ten floors and allow them to shop in our community room, one floor at a time. They relish the visits from Second Servings and the interaction with the volunteers leaves them feeling loved and supported.”
RAPID RESPONSE AND VOLUNTEER EFFORTS
Several scheduled venues for these events were canceled or postponed during the week following Hurricane Beryl, due to pervasive power outages. However, The Leader was fortunate enough to be able to view one that was spontaneously added on Friday following the storm. The ‘PopUp Grocery’ took place in the clubhouse of the Settegast Heights Village apartments in northeast Houston, another lower-income property that benefits tremendously from Second Servings. Volunteers began trickling in between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. and then a large Second Servings refrigerated van arrived around lunch time. The van was strategically packed with an incredible mix of fruits, vegetables, eggs, proteins, desserts and artisan breads. It was all hands on deck to get the donations unboxed, unpacked and displayed attractively. Simultaneously, residents began lining up with bags and carts. It was like watching the residents walk into a small specialty market, without worry about expense and it was obvious that it brought so much joy to the residents. The donors source the food, Second Servings manages the logistics of picking up the food and delivering it to those needing it most. Lisa Miller, the Food Partnership Manager for Second Servings, is responsible for identifying the donor surpluses and making certain they are distributed in the most effective way possible. Miller said, “It’s really a team effort. I coordinate the donations and our head of logistics, Max Curry, executes.” The magic really happens during the moments when they have to redirect on a moment’s notice. She added, “The hurricane is a perfect example. With so many grocers and restaurants without power, we mobilized rapid spontaneous pick-ups and deliveries to rescue over 40,000 pounds of food throughout the week. Since we are dealing with perishables, the ability to respond rapidly is critical to our success and is something we are really
in 1975. That shifted the record store out of 314 East 11th and it was leased to Alice Dailey, a name that has nothing to do with the Pappy Daily empire, and her mother, who moved C&D Hardware from 720 West 11th.
“That’s a question we get a lot,” said Jim Stratton. “Who is the C and who is the D.” Perhaps Pappy Daily’s most enduring artist still performing is a previous unknown named George Strait. After finishing college in 1978, Strait gained a following and was invited to record several singles he wrote, including “That don’t change the way I feel about you” and “I can’t go on dying like this”. However, the songs never achieved wide appeal and Strait almost gave up until he signed with MCA records in 1981. A living legend in country music was launched in a small studio on Studewood Street. Another trivia is that Pappy Daily’s grandson Mike Daily has been a steel guitar player with George Strait from the beginning. Jim Stratton takes a long look around his store that began as a brick building at Arlington and East 11th.
“Oh, if these walls could talk,” he said.
proud of.”
The previously unscheduled pop-up on the Friday following the storm was one such example of that rapid response. But, even more profound was the way Second Servings expeditiously mobilized to partner with the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center to provide a drive-thru distribution event for those affected by Hurricane Beryl simultaneously on that very same day.
Second Servings is doing a miraculous job in the Houston area. But, like all great nonprofits, its success is contingent on volunteer resources to bring it all together. That base manifests itself in several forms. Many of the donors share their employees to help with the pick-up and deliveries and many recipients have their own staff and tenants contribute to the events. An old saying goes, “Any endeavor is only as successful as the talent driving it.” And, one of the important talent resources behind Second Servings is Food & Faith Collaborative, an impressive faith-based organization created to serve its community. Since their partnership with SS began in 2022, they have ridden along with the Second Servings vans that make donation pick-up, unload the deliveries and set-up and service a number of monthly ‘Pop-Up Grocery’ events. Food & Faith Collaborative was established to assist in supplementing Second Servings’ volunteer force. It is led by Philip Tannenbaum and his strong personal desire to wipe out food insecurity. The program is not a 501(c) (3); it is simply a faith-based contingency of volunteers that donate their time for the betterment of the community. Before retiring, he had worked closely with the social determinants of health. In explanation he shared, “80 percent of your health is actually determined outside of the healthcare system. That includes things like financial insecurity, housing insecurity and more importantly, food insecurity.” He had amassed a substantial volunteer labor base, but didn’t have the food donation or transportation resources. “I needed the food and Second Servings needed the people,” Tannenbaum said. And, as fate would have it, Second Servings had the structure in place for the donations and the logistics, but would benefit from the additional volunteer manpower. The partnership was, by all accounts, a match made in heaven and continues to grow. When asked what he and his team deemed significant about the relationship with Second Servings Tannenbaum shared, “I think what my volunteers find most rewarding is having direct contact with those who are benefitting from their efforts; actually seeing the benefits and pride, as well as, receiving the thanks, blessings and appreciation. We understand that some of these individuals have as little as $400 a month to live on. That usually means having to make the hard choices between food, medicine or even caring for family and pets. It is that direct impact that makes this whole process extremely unique.” For more information about Second Servings, please visit secondservingshouston.org.
Photo courtesy of C&D Hardware
Hank Williams signing autographs in 1948 at H.W. Daily Records at 314 East 11th St., what is now C&D Hardware. In back, left to right: Jerry Jerico, Ben Christian, Hank Williams. In front: Biff Collie, KNUZ Radio.
Photo by Amber Chestnut, Second Servings
Following Hurricane Beryl, Second Servings partnered with the Rockets to distribute food and water at the Toyota Center.
Photo Courtesy of Whole Foods Market
Jurassic Quest dinosaur event unleashes epic Houston homecoming in July
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Visit the age of the dinosaurs when the continent’s most popular can’t-miss prehistoric adventure migrates to NRG Park July 26-28
North America’s most popular interactive dinosaur event, Houston-based Jurassic Quest®, has been thrilling millions of guests for over 10 years, and families will soon get the chance to walk among the nation’s biggest herd of photorealistic dinosaurs when it visits NRG Park July 26-28!
This three-day event thrills with unforgettable adventure, transporting families through 165 million years of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to roam among true-to-life versions of the creatures that once ruled the Earth. Loved by millions, Jurassic Quest is filled with hands-on activities, education and fun for kids of all ages:
• Lifelike, scientifically-accurate dinosaur herd (some move and roar!)
Live dinosaur shows all day
• The largest rideable dinosaurs in North America Interactive science and art activities including a giant fossil dig
Real fossil exhibit featuring T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and a life-size dino skull
• “Tricera-tots” soft play area for our littlest explorers Bounce houses and inflatable attractions
Photo opportunities, face painting, and more!
Other Highlights: Catch the one-of-a-kind interactive Raptor Training Experience regularly throughout the day,
and meet and pet the sweet interactive baby dinosaurs, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops. Take your family on “The Quest,” a self-guided scavenger hunt-style activity where budding paleontologists can become Jr. Dinosaur Trainers, and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help of a fun and factfilled video tour featuring our
star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Prehistoric Nick and Park Ranger Marty (available onsite and on your phone via QR code).
The Jurassic Quest Herd: Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research
about how we understand dinosaurs looked and moved.
Admission: Tickets available online
GENERAL ADMISSION includes access to the dinosaur exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and live dinosaur shows. Guests can upgrade to KIDS ULTIMATE TICKETS for the best value for ages 2-10, adding unlimited access to stationery and walking dinosaur rides, fossil dig, and dinosaur themed inflatable attractions (individual tickets also available onsite). Note: maximum weight for rides is 140lbs. Free entry for children under 2. Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted. Contact the venue for accessibility features. Where: NRG Park: 1 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77054
When: Friday, July 26Sunday, July 28, 2024 Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
From the towering T.rex to the sky-scraping Spinosaurus to learning about lesser-known species, intricate details and lifelike movements provide an unparalleled level of realism that captivates children and adults alike. From the largest predators to playful baby dinos, dinosaurs are grouped in realistic scenes with others in their eras, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed Earth millions of
St. Ambrose Catholic School welcomes new principal
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
St. Ambrose Catholic School is excited to introduce Raul Saldivar as its new principal. With two decades of experience in education, Saldivar brings a deep commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth. He officially began his role at St. Ambrose Catholic School on July 1, 2024, and has already expressed his enthusiasm for joining the St. Ambrose community.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you to our community at St. Ambrose Catholic School and Parish,” Saldivar said in his welcome message. “It is a humbling calling to serve as the next principal at
St. Ambrose. I am excited to be joining such a dedicated faculty, staff, and community that make this place an opportunity for our scholars to grow in their academics and faith.” Saldivar's extensive background includes roles as a
classroom teacher, magnet coordinator, assistant principal, and principal apprentice within Houston ISD. His track record is marked by significant achievements, including leading the transformation at DeBakey High School for Health Professions with initiatives like 9th-grade common practices, a campus-wide honor code, and character education. He emphasized his commitment to the holistic development of each student, stating, “I bring with me 20 years of experience in education, with a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual formation every day. I am committed to the development and personal growth of every scholar, teacher, and staff
member at St. Ambrose. I will ensure that our scholars will continue to grow academically as active faith-based learners, critical thinkers, and socially as effective communicators in a 21st-century environment.”
Saldivar’s leadership style is grounded in fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment. He is dedicated to upholding the school’s Catholic values and ensuring that students not only excel academically but also develop strong moral character.
“As Catholic members, we strive for educating our scholars with wholesome values at the forefront,” he said. “The main goal for our scholars is to graduate from our school knowing what it means to be a Catholic and to continue to
grow in the ability to respond to the demands asked of them.
Part of our educational philosophy is that self-discipline is taught as the means to obtain the high standard of moral integrity we set for our scholars.
Everything that is done at St. Ambrose is a commitment to the development of the ‘total person’ of each scholar.”
Saldivar invites current and prospective families to explore the school’s offerings. “To our current and prospective families, I invite you to explore our website and encourage you to visit and join us on a tour of our beautiful campus. I’d like to share the opportunity for you to observe first-hand a quality, Catholic education taking place at St. Ambrose Catholic School.”
Saldivar’s family are lifelong Catholics and parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church. He enjoys spending time with his wife Kimberly and their two sons, Raul and Joaquin. They are avid wildlife enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and birding excursions, and are passionate about baseball, often cheering on the Astros.
St. Ambrose Catholic School looks forward to the leadership and vision that Saldivar will bring to the community. His dedication to fostering academic and spiritual growth promises a bright future for the school. For more information about St. Ambrose Catholic School and upcoming events, please visit the school’s website or contact the school office.
Submitted photo Raul Saldivar
Photos courtesy of Jurassic Quest
A child takes a ride on the carnotaurus at Jurassic Quest.
Art Valet: “Clothing optional” inspires artists
Hello, Art Valet readers! Did you miss me? With no art markets this summer, I took a little time off for a few personal projects. I thought for my return, I should at least start with something attentiongetting, and Archway Gallery delivered that to my inbox.
Archway Gallery will present Drawn From Life , Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 from 5–8 p.m. The exhibit features works created in or inspired by weekly life drawing sessions. It has been curated by a team of Archway artists including Trudy Askew, Cecilia Villanueva, and Maryam Lavaf. An artists' talk is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Archway Gallery is located at 2305 Dunlavy, Houston, TX 77006. Complimentary valet parking and light refreshments are available.
For the uninitiated, life drawing is a fundamental exercise in learning to draw the human figure. Clothing optional, which makes for great discussions for student artists. I have vague recollections of life drawing being a hot topic as a freshman college art student. I’m sure the conversations revolved around rumors of who modeled the year before and who may be on the stage in upcoming classes.
What I do remember well is shopping in a men’s clothing store for a winter coat, and the salesmen and I hit it off like old friends. As our banter moved toward how
Mitch cohen Art Columnist
we knew each other in such a small town, our connection hit me like a bag of rocks. My face would have made a great study in color theory class as it turned every shade of red. The man standing before me, unrecognizable, fully clothed, and to my horror, was a life drawing model in my art class! Houston area artists have supported a life drawing program at Archway Gallery since 2014. Each week artists gather in the Gallery, for the time-honored tradition of learning from the human form. Artists choose to work from short poses in the front gallery, or one-hour poses in a separate area. These independent study sessions allow artists to supplement their creative work and education with figure drawing practice, engendering a flow of ideas, information, and inspiration in an art-filled environment.
Participants are a mix of professionals in all fields, students, retirees, and full-time artists. No membership is required, and costs are moderate to enable frequent visits. Originally scheduled only once a month, the life drawing sessions have grown in
Daigle
Pleased to Meet You: It’s past time to introduce The Leader writers who make it all happen every week. We’re proud of the team we’ve assembled. Our writers love their community and are passionate about the people and stories within it. Each one of them is deeply immersed in the Heights/Garden Oak/Oak Forest area. Say hello when you see them out and about!
HI, I’M CHRIS.
My photojournalistic training is coming into its own again, and just in time. I did content for two other outlets for some years but they just faded out, so I had no place to put anything, Nevertheless, I pursued stories hoping an opportunity would come, and ironically, it’s the Leader, where I started my career
in 1978 while still in college learning my craft. I grew up in Timbergrove, with a curiosity about the area around me; that’s just part of how I’m made. The goals for the Leader are the same as the goals for me – to
popularity and now occur every Sunday morning from 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. The Gallery opens for business at 1 p.m.
In conjunction with the exhibition, a Figure Drawing Marathon will be held in the Gallery on Sunday, Aug. 11. The regularly scheduled life drawing session will be held as usual from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and will roll on for 12 hours until 10 p.m.
Models are nude during the regular session hours, but during the Gallery’s open business hours, 1-5 p.m., models will be clothed. Starting at 5:30 p.m., nude models will once again pose for artists. Pose times will be varied in the second and third sessions.
The cost to participate in each session is a nominal $20. Patrons and artists who drop in during business hours and
create something interesting to other people that might make someone smile and distract from this crazy world, if only for a short time. That’s what I learned looking at LIFE Magazine and learning from others that came before me. In 1976, the great photographer Paul Gittings walked into the room and said something that changed my life. Among other things, he told us, “The reason we are here and we are doing this is to leave a trail.” My drive to do that in print has been in hibernation these last years, but the effort to make a mark on the world has not. The places and people that my camera and notepad have taken me could fill books, and I’m so fortunate to have volumes of things to show for it. I once had the chance to visit with Dan Rather years ago, and he said another thing that changed my life: “A story’s not worth anything unless you can get it out.”
The vibrant energy be-
choose to participate are welcome. Session Two is appropriate for all ages, and the gallery maintains a supply of art materials should they be needed. Light refreshments will be served throughout the day.
Professional artist models for the morning and evening nude sessions will be paid as usual at an agreed hourly rate. Volunteers who wish to sit for the clothed sessions are sought, with the promise of an hour or more of glory and, perhaps, a drawing or two of themselves to take home.
For more information, visit ArchwayGallery.com or call 713-522-2409.
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com
hind what we do is borne of curiosity, but it’s the pride of creating something that reaches out through paper and print. My vibrant energy was kindled 50 years ago by a journalism instructor named Sunshine Overkamp. She told us that sometimes people want to talk to you, and sometimes you want to talk to people. Her most memorable expression was, “Read the paper”. Although she never explained it, I became consumed with how LIFE Magazine would structure a story versus a local newspaper. I discovered the “angle” or reason a story is written. The style of National Geographic would vary from the style of the Los Angeles Times, and you tailor your angle to establish where you are taking the reader, and a good article is meant to take the reader on a journey of discovery.
Over these past 50 years, it’s been a journey of discovery for readers, and for me. Thanks for the memories.
REPORTS
Calling all young actors ages 5-13 to be considered for Rob Melrose’s magical adaptation of the heart-warming holiday classic.
WHAT: Alley Theatre is holding auditions for children between the ages of 5 and 13 to be considered for roles in Alley Theatre’s 2024 production of A Christmas Carol. Those wishing to audition must be available for rehearsals and performances October 22 through December 29, 2024.
REQUIREMENTS
Children must be between the ages of 5 and 13 and may not be members of AEA or SAG-AFTRA. Children auditioning
should be prepared to sing one verse a cappella from a traditional holiday song such as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” or “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Children should also prepare an age-appropriate short monologue, story or joke. Total material prepared should not exceed two minutes. WHEN: 1:30–5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1 and 3:30–7:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. By appointment only. Parents may schedule their child by emailing contact information (name, phone number, the child’s name and child’s age) to auditions@alleytheatre.org.
WHERE: Alley Theatre at the Meredith J. Long Theatre Center – 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002 Alley
