the Pop-Up Co-Op has quickly become a beacon of female entrepreneurship in Houston, providing a dynamic platform for women-owned businesses to thrive. Located in the M-K-T development on N. Shepherd, this boutique serves as a creative hub where shoppers can discover a carefully curated selection of apparel, home décor, jewelry, accessories, and art. What makes the Pop-Up CoOp truly special is
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Train enthusiasts and history buffs are in for a treat as the iconic Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operational steam locomotive, makes a stop in Houston just south of the Heights on October 6, 2024. The stop is part of the “Heartland of America Tour,” an eight-week journey spanning 10 states that began in late August from Cheyenne, Wyoming. The locomotive, which stretches an impressive 132 feet and weighs 1.2 million pounds, will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Houston Amtrak Station, located at 902 Washington Ave. Admission to view Big Boy is free and open to
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Moms Demand Action (MDA), a national grassroots movement, is making significant strides in promoting public safety measures that protect communities from gun violence. Founded by Shannon Watts in response to the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, the organization has grown into a powerful force, with a chapter in every state and Washington, D.C., as well as over 200,000 supporters in Texas alone.
Shannon Watts started Moms Demand Action as a simple Facebook group to raise awareness about gun violence. The group quickly transformed into a nationwide movement, drawing in mothers, fathers, students, and concerned citizens all fighting for gun reform. The organization, now part of Everytown for Gun Safety, advocates for stronger gun laws and community-driven efforts to encourage responsible gun ownership.
Liz Hanks, a Heights resident and MDA volunteer, shared her personal story of how she became involved. Hanks first encountered the reality of gun violence prevention when she was living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Hiking with a group for new moms, Hanks was front
RUBENA GRACIA
Elementary School. Because of a shortage of volunteers, he has been on the waiting list for a Big Brother for nearly two years. Hanet said she had wanted to volunteer as a Big Sister herself before experiencing several unexpected personal challenges. Her mother and stepfather are now both elderly and in poor health. Alex’s father, who was not an involved parent, passed away last year. Her own father passed away long ago. When asked what she hoped her son could achieve from the program, Laura said, “I’d like him to learn that there
are good men in the world and have someone, a volunteer who is a male (he gets enough of mommy) to teach him things, build a relationship, and help him learn to trust.” She hopes that more capable and honorable men will step up to volunteer for the program.
BBBS provided information about their organization: “Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring organization, creates and supports oneto-one mentoring relationships that
THE PEOPLE.
Heights businesswoman honored at Women in the Fast Lane of STEAM Luncheon
Janine K. Iannarelli, founder and president of Par Avion Ltd., was recently recognized at the 2024 Women in the Fast Lane of STEAM Luncheon and Style Show hosted by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce as a role model in the aviation industry. The event honored 46 women for demonstrating leadership, community engagement and support of women.
Iannarelli has more than 35 years of aviation industry experience. Established in Houston in 1997, Par Avion specializes in buying and selling business and private aircraft for a global customer base. The firm also provides consulting services regarding acquisition and ownership. In addition to her role at Par Avion, Iannarelli serves on the board of directors of Heritage Aviation, a full service Fixed Based Operator/ Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (FBO/MRO) headquartered in Burlington, Vt.
“Our Annual Women in the Fast Lane of STEAM Luncheon celebrates visionary women who are making significant strides in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math careers. These trailblazers push boundaries, re-
Aviation Association’s Associate Member Advisory Council which represents over 500 globally based members.
Iannarelli routinely serves as a speaker and mentor for women, young professionals, and youth organizations. She is also recognized as a reliable source on aviation topics, sharing her insights and perspectives for local, regional, national, and international media outlets. A longtime mentor with Women in Aviation, International, and the NBAA, Iannarelli volunteers her time to coach and guide up and coming young professionals.
Area beer gardens celebrate Oktoberfest
COMMUNITY REPORTS
define excellence, and inspire future generations,” commented Suzan Deison, chief executive officer, founder, and president of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce. “We are honored to recognize Janine as one of our remarkable 2024 role models. Janine has consistently shattered glass ceilings in the highly competitive, male-dominated aviation industry, paving the way for countless women to follow. Her unwavering dedication, innovation, and leadership not only open doors, but also empower the next generation
of women leaders to soar to even greater heights,”
Iannarelli is a longtime member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), and Women in Aviation, International. She has held a number of leadership roles throughout her career including having served as Chair of the Texas Governor’s Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee. Iannarelli currently serves as the Chair of the European Business
“I am honored to be recognized by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce as one of the 2024 role models. I am a steadfast proponent of inspiring and supporting future leaders in the aviation industry and in other STEM related fields. A career is built not just on skill, but also upon opportunities and good guidance. I am humbled that my accomplishments have inspired others,” Iannarelli said.
To learn more about Iannarelli, click here. For more information about Par Avion Ltd., please visit www.paravionltd.com.
Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival in the world, is being celebrated right here in Houston at Heights Bier Garten on Saturday, Oct. 5, and at Bayou Heights Bier Garten on Saturday, Oct. 12. These two Houston beer garden destinations are encouraging area residents to grab their Bavarian and Lederhosen outfits and join the festive fun with live music, contests, games, and more. Costumes are highly encouraged and there is no cover for both events.
HEIGHTS BIER
GARTEN: 3RD ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST ON SATURDAY, OCT. 5
With doors opening at 11 a.m., Houstonians can celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest and enjoy a day full of music, delicious food, and friendly competition. The Monicas will take the stage with live music from 6-10 p.m. Games and prizes take place from 3-6 p.m. including:
6 p.m. -
Lederhosen & Dirndl Contest Located at 1433 N Shepherd Dr, reservations are encouraged and can be made at Resy. com or visit www.heightsbiergarten.com.
Located at 3905 Washington Ave, Bayou Heights Bier Garten encourages arearesidents to enjoy some Oktoberfest flights and food specials and bring their furry friends for Weenie Dog Races beginning at noon. At 2 p.m., games and prizes will take over with a Weenie Tossing Contest, Stein Hoisting Contest, and Costume Contests. Goodtime Muffin will perform from 3-6 p.m. For more information, please visit www.bayouheightsbiergarten. com.
River Oaks. It turned out that my first failed business was a blessing in disguise to start something new,” she remembered. “I learned a lot while navigating the first business and how difficult it is for a new business to begin with endless overhead expenses. Through my experiences and obstacles, I wanted other entrepreneurial women to have the opportunity to showcase and test their collections with a pop-up instead of taking on the financial burden of owning a storefront in their early phases of business.”
What started as a shortterm pop-up with a few friends quickly blossomed into a permanent space, providing opportunities for women to grow their businesses without the heavy financial burden. Since then, the Pop-Up Co-Op has hosted over 160 brands, designers, and artists, with 45 women currently showcasing their work.
CURATING A DIVERSE COLLECTION
The Pop-Up Co-Op’s collection remains fresh, diverse, and innovative, thanks to Carbajal’s approach to selecting the businesses and artists featured. She actively seeks out items that can’t be found in every boutique, ensuring that the co-op stands out in the crowded Houston retail landscape.
“I bring in around 2-4 new brands every month and host trunk shows for Houstonbased businesses on the weekends,” Carbajal said. “I look for items that are fun and unique.”
Among the exciting new collections in the store this season are Fishwife, an ethically sourced premium seafood company; Furbish Studio’s holiday needlepoint pillows and ornaments; and Larney + Babs pop-culture nesting dolls featuring icons like David Bowie, Snoop Dogg, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton.
Local brands and artists also have a prominent place at the co-op, showcasing the vibrant creative community in Houston. Current Houston brands and artists include: Tutu & Lilli (Apparel
Designed + Made in Houston, TX.)
Shop 1988 (Curated
Contemporary + Vintage Apparel + Upcycled China)
Kimono Zulu (Vintage Kimonos)
Nicolle Dhimes (ArtistCanvas to Silk Scarves)
• Traci Ling (Artist/ Photographer)
• La Planta (Botanical Resin
Artist)
Tyler Darling (Artist + Portrait Painter)
Aster + Bone (ArtistEthically sourced handpainted deer skulls)
Meribeth Privett (Artist)
• Marta Clegg (ArtistEmbellished Crosses)
Michelle King (Artist)
Beyond just a shopping experience, the Pop-Up Co-Op has become a hub for creativity, art, and female empowerment. Carbajal sees spaces like the co-op as essential to the broader movement of female entrepreneurship.
“I hope that spaces like the Pop-Up Co-Op inspire others to tap into their creative side and urge them to bring their ideas to fruition,” she said. “So often, people talk about their ideas; they just need to take the steps to do it!” By providing a platform for female-owned businesses to thrive and by offering a supportive, collaborative environment, the Pop-Up Co-Op is making a lasting impact on Houston’s creative and entrepreneurial scene. As the co-op grows, Carbajal remains committed to her original mission: to support and empower female entrepreneurs while offering Houston shoppers something unique and creative.
For those looking to explore what the Pop-Up Co-Op has to offer, the boutique is located at the M-K-T development at 600 N. Shepherd. Visitors can browse the latest collections and support the dreams and aspirations of inspiring female entrepreneurs and artists.
For more information, visit their website at thepopupcoop.com or follow them on Instagram @thepopupcoophtx for updates on new arrivals, trunk shows, and events.
Submitted photo
The Pop Up Co-Op currently shows the work of 45 women artisans.
Submitted photo
Janine Iannarelli, founder and president of Par Avion Ltd., was recently honored at the 2024 Women in the Fast Lane of STEAM Luncheon and Style Show hosted by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
Photo by Emily Vitek
The community is invited to celebrate German culture and traditions at the 3rd Annual Oktoberfest 2024 at Heights Bier Garten.
Adolph Gonzalez, Jr., a U.S. Marine Veteran, a member of LULAC, a 32nd degree Mason Shriner, and a resident of Forest Pines went to be with Jesus on September 11, 2024 at the age of 90. His loving memory is carried on by his ex-wife, Mary Elisa Gonzalez, twin children, Mary-Alice and Adrian (wife Anahi), youngest son, Anthony (wife Blitz) and grandson, Jacob.
THE TV – “Forty-two percent of union members prefer Harris and of those, 28 percent are Blacks who live in battleground states and 9 percent are…” “A new poll shows Ted Cruz is 49 percent and Colin Allred is trending upwards with 45 percent among college educated shepherds and…” “Pundits cite a poll among…” Enough! It is an election year and we are awash with polls, particularly of the presidential persuasion. Are they accurate? Do they really matter? Who cares? Well, let’s look at the avalanche of these polls and make up our minds as to whether we should grab the remote and change to the Rat Catchers Channel.
These days we constantly see network newscasts with a pollster pushing buttons beside a map lighting up one state or another to show that the polls are “trending” (that’s the buzz word) upward or downward compared to a similar poll taken the week before or maybe that morning. In the presidential election, voters are trending like mad. The Democrats were doomed to defeat with poor Joe (“Octogenarian”)
THE TOPICS.
Figuring out polls apart
Biden while Donald (“Septuagenarian”) Trump was dusting off his “2024” plans to deport 12 million im migrants and fire every fed eral worker who didn’t wear a MAGA cap. Well, as we know, Joe was made to walk the podium and Kamala Harris headed the ticket. Up went the Dems’ chances. Now, ev ery breathless map-pointer on TV is telling us that Harris is trending upward among Alaskan Hispanics, both of them. At the same time, Trump is trending downward with Alaskan surfers, but he explains it’s low tide. It is often said the only poll that counts is the one on Election Day. Still there are dozens, if not scores, of polls —the number of organizations that conduct national election polls more than doubled between 2000 and 2022—but the most quoted are those done by The New York Times and Siena College, CNN, 538, Quinnipiac University, the Marist Poll and each TV network hires its own polling company. They all generally come up with the same results and, thankfully, some news programs give us, in effect, a poll of the polls. Each poll has “a margin of error.”
Lynn Ashby Columnist
ing. And we have exit polls, but they aren’t much good since they tell us what has already happened. In the past there have been some real polling bombs. Perhaps the best known is the 1948 presidential race between Harry Truman and Thomas Dewey. Every poll showed Dewey the winner. The Chicago Tribune even ran a huge three-word headline: “Dewey Defeats Truman,” which Truman proudly held aloft for the photographers.
More recently we have the polling debacle of 2016. I could not find a single poll that called Trump ahead of Hillary Clinton. Two observers, after checking the polls,
put Hillary’s chances of victory at 99 percent. My favorite toe-stubbing was by the New Yorker . It loved Hillary because she checked all the right boxes: a woman thriving in a man’s world, a liberal, and she was from New York. In one article prior to the election, they ran something like “when Clinton takes office.” If I had been the editor handling that story I would have changed it to some weasel words like “might take” or even “should take.” Then in the off-year elections of 2022 a “red tide” would propel the GOP into victory. It was more like a blue wave. To rectify these glitches in hopes they still get the business – polls are very expensive – the pollsters have changed the way they operate. Phone calls on land lines don’t count as much since so many people have changed to iPhones. Also, people lie to the pollsters, and the best example is what is called the “shy Trump effect.”
After the 2016 missed call, observers speculated that Trump supporters might have been reluctant to say they were voting for Trump – then did. And polls only tell us which candidate the voters prefer –
the popular vote. In the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections the national popular vote winners (Al Gore and Hillary Clinton) lost the election in the Electoral College to George W. Bush and Trump. So most voters said they were going to vote for Gore and Hillary, and they did exactly that. The polls were correct, but it didn’t matter due to the – roll of drums – Electoral College where our president is actually chosen, no matter who we want. These recent errors have turned many off believing in polls, but still they come at us. Why? There is no alternative. It’s all the office-seekers have. The polls determine where they campaign or need to. It’s where they spend their money. (Notice how, compared to battleground states, we see very little local – as opposed to national -- presidential campaign ads here in deep red Texas.)
What’s the difference between a poll and a survey? I think a survey is used by businesses who ask, “What kind of car do you drive?” “Where would you like to take a vacation?” You would not take a poll to determine people’s choice of soup. But sometimes politicians take a survey to see
how to stay in office. Years ago my congressman, Bill Archer, a decent Republican conservative, would send out a survey: “Do you support owning a gun in self-defense if a mad communist breaks into your home and threatens you with a bloody axe?” “Should we protect the oil and gas industry from those who would destroy our economy?” “Should we abolish the Defense Department?” I never heard of the results of those surveys but I can guess.
To solve this predicament of what polls tell us, one poll found that if Trump loses, most voters (me) feel we will be embroiled for months to come with charges of voter fraud. Stand by for next January 6.
Ashby polls 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 at editor@theleadernews. com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
Greater Houston Partnership looks at region’s demographic changes
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Editor’s Note: In its “Economy at a Glance” report for October, the Greater Houston Partnership - the regional chamber of commerce - discusses the latest edition of the annual American Community Survey released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The main body of the report is presented here with permission. Find the full report at houston.org.
Each fall, the U.S. Census Bureau releases the American Community Survey (ACS), its annual snapshot of the nation’s economic, demographic, housing, and social characteristics.
By examining ACS data over time, one can see shifts in the population. In the first of a three-part series, this newsletter will examine ACS data for ‘13 and ‘23 and discuss the changes in Houston over that time. The November issue will focus on how Houston compares to the nation’s major metros. And the December issue will examine the differences in the 10 counties that comprise the Houston metro area.
RACE AND ETHNICITY
Houston’s Asian, Black, and Hispanic communities have grown substantially over the past 10 years while the white
population has remained relatively unchanged. The region has also seen a surge in residents self-identifying as being of more than one race, a trend that is more common than it was a decade ago.
Hispanics comprise the largest racial/ethnic community in the region. However, no single group constitutes a majority of Houston’s population. It’s been that way since the late ‘90s. The demographic shifts that began in Houston 30 years ago are filtering through the rest of the nation. Houston’s racial/ethnic composition today reflects the direction in which the U.S. is headed.
FOREIGN-BORN POPULATION
Individuals born outside the U.S. represent a record share of the region’s population. Ten years ago, the foreign-born comprised 22.6 percent of all area residents. Today, they comprise 24.8 percent. For the nation, foreign-born people represented 14.3 percent of the population in ‘23, down from 15.0 percent in ‘13.
Houston’s foreign-born population grew by more than 435,000 over the decade. Our foreign-born population now exceeds the total populations of 12 states (Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New
Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming) and the District of Columbia.
Well over half (62.1 percent) of Houston’s foreignborn residents came from Latin America, 25.8 percent came from Asia, 6.6 percent from Africa, 4.2 percent from Europe, 1.1 percent from North America, and 0.2 percent from Oceania.
Nearly two-thirds (59.5 percent) of Houston’s foreignborn entered the U.S. prior to ‘10 while the remainder (40.5 percent) entered after ‘10.
LANGUAGE SPOKEN AT HOME
Among residents five years or older, 40.5 percent speak a language other than English at home, with 29.5 percent speaking Spanish, 5.1 percent an Asian/Pacific Islander language, 3.7 percent an IndoEuropean language, and 1.7 percent another language.
AGE Houston has grown older. In ‘13, the region’s median age was 33.6 years. In ‘23, the median was 35.7. By comparison, the median for the U.S. was 39.0 last year.
GUEST COLUMN: ERCOT, CenterPoint, and Electricity Providers: What Houstonians Need to Know
By SAM LUNA Director of Product at BKV Energy
When you open your electric bill, you might wonder where the different charges come from and what roles various organizations, like ERCOT, CenterPoint, and your energy provider, play in delivering your power.
While they all contribute to keeping your lights on, their responsibilities—and the costs they generate— are distinct. Understanding how they operate and impact your bill can help you make informed decisions to lower your electricity spending.
ERCOT: THE GRID OPERATOR
ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, is responsible for managing the Texas power grid. ERCOT doesn’t sell electricity. Instead, it coordinates generation and transmission of electricity to ensure the grid remains stable and that supply meets demand. ERCOT operates independently from any retail provider and is regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC).
Though you won’t see
one of 25 locomotives built to haul heavy freight over the Wasatch Mountains between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. After being retired in 1961, it was restored in 2019 and returned to service to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
“This is a rare opportunity
an ERCOT charge on your bills, their role in balancing supply and demand can impact prices during times of high demand, such as July and August when air conditioners are running at full blast across Texas.
CENTERPOINT: HOUSTON’S TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION UTILITY (TDU)
CenterPoint is Houston’s Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU), which means they are responsible for maintaining the poles, wires, and infrastructure that deliver electricity to your home. When you experience an outage, need to report a downed line, or have issues with your meter, CenterPoint is
to witness a piece of American rail history in action,” said Union Pacific in a statement.
“We encourage everyone to take advantage of this stop and see Big Boy up close.”
While the locomotive is on display, Union Pacific reminds the public to prioritize safety.
Visitors are advised to stay at least 25 feet away from the tracks and avoid trespassing in restricted areas. Big Boy No. 4014 will
who to call.
Unlike with ERCOT, you’ll see CenterPoint’s costs directly on your bill under “TDU delivery charge.” This includes both a flat monthly fee and a perkilowatt-hour charge.
RETAIL ELECTRICITY
PROVIDERS: YOUR ENERGY PLAN
Retail electricity providers (REPs), like the one you choose to buy your electricity from, are the companies that compete for your business in the deregulated Texas market. They offer a variety of plans with different pricing structures, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and time-of-use options.
Charges from your REP are separate from TDU fees. The main cost to pay attention to from your REP is the “energy charge,” which is listed in cents per kWh. In Houston, you’ve got the power to choose, and this is where you have the most control over your energy bills.
HOW TO SAVE DESPITE RISING TDU FEES
Although CenterPoint’s delivery charges are beyond your control, you can still make a significant im-
depart Houston on Monday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. to continue its journey to Bryan, Texas. For those looking to track the train’s route, Union Pacific has provided a Steam Locomotive Tracking map on its website at www.up.com/heritage/ steam/schedule/index.htm.
Don’t miss the chance to experience this colossal piece of rail history during its brief stop in Houston!
and center when a friend’s child came home from her first day of kindergarten to tell a story of how her class had practiced hiding in a closet. The teacher explained they had to hide and be quiet if a “bad person” ever entered the school.
Hanks was deeply concerned. “The idea of having a lockdown drill on the first day of school didn’t sit well with me,” Hanks shared. “As a mother of a 2-year-old at the time, I started researching gun violence prevention, particularly in schools. I wanted the data surrounding this phenomenon and I wanted to understand what was happening in schools.”
When Hanks and her family moved to the Heights, she connected with the local Moms Demand Action chapter. Through her research, Hanks found MDA to be one of the few organizations that didn’t just take donations but created a platform for volunteers to get involved with gun safety. She began volunteering in 2019, focusing on legislative work aimed at improving gun safety in Texas. Hanks found a new purpose in the work she was doing, and it expanded her understanding of the larger issues at play.
“Working on gun violence prevention also means addressing issues that surround gun violence, like domestic
Cigna Sunday in the Park kicks off the fall season at Love Park
violence, women’s rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Hanks said. “It opens your eyes to other systemic problems that intersect with gun violence.”
Some people don’t consider issues surrounding gun violence until it impacts them personally. “The thing about gun violence that is so disconcerting, explains Hanks, is that if you wait for it to touch you personally, you have been shot or your child has been shot, or someone you love saw someone be shot. These events are so traumatic that I don’t know that you can come back from that and be the person you were before.”
In Texas, MDA faces several challenges, particularly concerning school safety. One of the most prominent concerns revolves around House Bill 3 (HB3), which requires every school campus to have an armed guard. Several school districts outside of HISD, which has its own police department, cannot afford the $100,000 price tag per officer. The HB3 mandate is currently not funded by the state, leaving outlying areas trying to comply with the law while keeping staff and children safe on campus.
HB3 was passed on the premise of keeping children safe in school, but there is no data showing that more guns on school campuses make kids safer. Hanks remarks, “In fact, there are countless instances where unsecured
pact on your energy spending by switching to a plan with a lower energy charge. Comparing retail providers’ offerings and selecting the right plan can lower your average price per kWh, helping to offset the increase in TDU fees and reducing your bills.
For most homeowners and renters, fixed rate plans without base charges, usage fees, time-of-use terms, and bill credits are the best option.
The key to saving? Always check the Electricity Facts Label and look for a lower energy charge. Don’t get distracted by “free this” and “free that,” or bill credits that only apply when you use a specific amount of power.
By staying informed and educating yourself, you can secure lower electric bills even with increasing CenterPoint fees.
Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents at editor@theleadernews.com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
ignite the power and promise of youth. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, BBBS carefully pairs children (“Littles”) with screened volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, such as educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships.”
Some children in the program are facing adversity, some need another adult role model, and some are children from military families. Volunteers are not intended to be parental figures, but are asked to provide mentoring and a little extra support. Both volunteers and children typically find the experience rewarding.
All potential volunteers are asked to complete an online inquiry and a volunteer application. This helps BBBS to know more about volunteers and their motivation. Next is an interview by video conference, although in-person interviews are available. This allows volunteers to
weapons have resulted in unintentional shootings. It’s shocking and quite disturbing to learn how often someone in charge of a campus gun, be it staff, teachers, or officers, don’t secure their weapon appropriately.”
MDA has received reports of elementary school children finding guns in bathrooms and an instance where children had to help a security guard who shot himself in the leg.
Another issue the organization is focusing on is the lack of comprehensive background check laws in Texas. Despite polling showing that 85% of Texans support measures like universal background checks and red flag laws, these proposals face strong resistance in the Texas legislature.
MDA advocates for these prevention measures and continues to raise awareness about responsible gun ownership, including the importance of storing firearms securely to prevent accidental shootings, particularly in schools.
As the 2024 election approaches, Hanks stresses the importance of voting for “Gun Sense” candidates who are committed to gun violence prevention. She encourages Texans to research candidates who support sensible gun laws and to make gun safety a priority when casting their ballots. When elected officials who are committed to gun safety have the green light to fund community violence
talk about their professional background, hobbies, and interests, and discuss their expectations. A 2-hour online training session follows to cover volunteer responsibilities and crucial information about youth development and safety. Once accepted, volunteers are then paired with a Little in their community and meet with the prospective child and their parent/guardian to determine the suitability of the match. There are different ways to participate. Volunteers can meet their Little 2-4 times each month to engage in an independent activity that the child would enjoy. Activities do not need to be elaborate. The BBBS Central Texas website offers a list of 150 activity suggestions at www.bigmentoring.org/150-activity-ideas.
• Bigs can be paired with a high school student in a BBBS partner school to provide weekly online mentoring and prescheduled in-person events every 4-6 weeks. Bigs can meet their Little onsite at their school during a non-core class, at lunch, or after school.
Lauren Johnson, Development Manager–Marketing and Communications for the BBBS Lone Star–Greater Houston chapter, announced this year’s charity gala, called “An Evening for Potential,” which will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at the Corinthian Houston on Fannin Street. The gala, hosted by community leaders Dilanka and Nadhisha Seimon, seeks to raise muchneeded funds for an ambitious goal – to significantly expand its program and serve 13,000 more children over the next five years. Tickets for the event are nearly sold out. Donations are always welcome, and people can participate in the online silent auction. All funds raised will support BBBS programs. Visit the gala website –AnEveningForPotential.org –for more information. Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lone Star – Greater Houston, is located at 1003 Washington Ave. near the northwest corner of downtown Houston. Find more information, make a donation, enroll a child, or become a Big volunteer by visiting the website at www. bbbstx.org/houston or calling 888-887-2447.
interrupter programs that focus on breaking the cycle of violence, they can bring gun violence down without ever having to talk about regulating firearms.
“If people voted on this issue for just one election cycle, we could make a significant difference in the Texas legislature,” Hanks said. “We could pass laws that make our communities safer and protect our families from gun violence.”
With over 25 local groups across Texas and millions of supporters nationwide, MDA is a powerful force in the fight for safer communities. Their work demonstrates that change is possible through grassroots activism, as they continue to push for progress in gun safety legislation.
Hanks concludes with a simple, powerful message: “We shouldn’t have to wait for gun violence to touch us personally before we take action. Together, we can make a difference.”
MDA offers a platform for concerned citizens to get involved in gun violence prevention efforts. For more information on how to join, support, or learn about the group’s advocacy efforts, visit the following links: Moms Demand Action upcoming events page: momsdemandaction.org/events. Easiest way to join: text ‘READY’ to 64433. To find a Gun Sense candidate in your area visit gunsensevoter.org.
BIG BOY, from P. 1
Infographic courtesy of Union Pacific
MDA, from P. 1
BBBS, from P. 1
Sam Luna, Director of Product at BKV Energy
Chefs For Farmers celebrates Texas (and Heights area!) culinary excellence at Autry Park
Waffles. His presence at Chefs For Farmers added a playful and sweet element to the event. Field & Tides, another local favorite, served up Grillades and Grits, a dish that brought Southern comfort food to life. Chef Travis Lenig, who opened Field & Tides in The Heights in 2017, showcased his culinary expertise honed over 28 years, delighting attendees with his well-executed Southern fare. Lenig’s journey from executive chef roles in high-end restaurants to opening his own space in the Heights is a testament to his love for serving his community.
MORE THAN JUST A FOOD FESTIVAL
“Chefs For Farmers is about more than just good food,” said one attendee. “It’s about celebrating the local farmers who make it possible for chefs to create such amazing dishes. It’s a reminder that supporting our local farms is essential for sustaining the culinary community.” As Chefs For Farmers continues to grow in popularity, the event remains dedicated to its mission of creating a community-focused celebration that honors both chefs and farmers. With the Heights represented so strongly at this year’s event, it’s clear that Houston’s food scene, particularly in this vibrant neighborhood, is thriving.
For those who missed the event, Chefs For Farmers promises more curated events throughout the year in both Houston and Dallas, each highlighting the incredible talents of Texas chefs and the farmers who support them.
Beyond the impressive dishes, Chefs For Farmers emphasizes the importance of supporting local agriculture. Each participating chef is given a stipend to spend with a partner farm, ensuring that the ingredients featured in the festival are sourced locally and sustainably. The festival aims to foster connections between chefs and the farmers who provide them with fresh produce, meats, and dairy, all while educating the public on the importance of supporting local farms.
Photo by Lisa Morales
The VIP area at Chefs For Farmers
Recently I visited with my favorite nonagenarian artist friend, the unstoppable Carolyn Bertrand Hodges. At 97 years, “Miss Carolyn” has a lot to say and she told me she’s not done here yet, but close. I was summoned to hear an idea she had and to bring a notebook.
For those unfamiliar, Hodges is a lifelong artist and Houstonian who introduced herself to me during the first year of my art market 20 years ago. She told me at the time she had read about my market and wanted to give me something. Hodges handed me a thick blue envelope that contained a proposal she had written and presented to Houston’s City Council some time back for an art park and creative public community center.
After many more visits to the market we began phone conversations. That’s when I realized she was dropping some incredible insights I had to share with others. I wrote a series of articles based on our conversations. We also visited galleries, museums and a multitude of coffee and dessert shops. Thinking back on that proposal as I drove over, I wondered what she might have up her sleeve this time. Her proposal in that thick blue
folder described a sprawling art community with studios, galleries and site-specific art installations. Does that sound familiar to you? Sawyer Yards today, perhaps?
Turned out that Miss Carolyn wanted to divulge a bit about her history with the community where she still lives—whether you call it the Sixth Ward or Sawyer Yards, depending on who’s talking.
Her recollections are older than me and more accurate than I could describe what I did last weekend! She described neighborhoods, houses and businesses that are just a memory now. Her family visits to Glenwood Cemetery, and even how that has changed.
That was just visit number one; I hope to give you more soon, and I do need ahem, permission! I left with the
CALENDAR
feeling that while everything changes, Houston, unfortunately, is not a nostalgic city.
As I prepare for the October First Saturday Arts Market this weekend, I recall how our first location, at Kaplan’s Ben-Hur department store, was replaced with mid-rise apartments. The current location has four multi-story properties across the street and a fifth is coming immediately to our east.
I remember a multitude of ‘casualties to progress’
in this gentrifying neighborhood. The one thing that hasn’t changed is art. Everyone needs it and the artists that attend First Saturday Arts Market are always happy to part with theirs for the greater good. I always tell the artists, “Your art looks better on other people’s walls!” Or fingers, necks, earlobes, tables etc. All mediums are available. Learn more about the 3 dozen artists attending this Saturday on the website https://firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/.
