The largest regional national non-profit in North America, Trees For Houston has planted itself in the Kinder Campus on 34th street in Garden Oaks. Established in 1983, this vibrant organization has either given out or planted roughly three quarters of a million trees covering parks, trails, streets and boulevards throughout the bayou city and regional
counties. They work with a multitude of non-profit organizations and plant around 30 to 60 trees at schools each year, at no cost to the schools. Located at 1911 34th Street, this permanent location has helped to evolve educational programs for the community, covering subjects like, understanding the variety of tree species that grow well in our region, proper planting care and soil maintenance, and the importance of pruning.
Classes for Adults and Children
The Kinder Foundation provided Trees For Houston with a Leadership Gift to acquire the property on 34th Street to facilitate housing of offices, an education center with classrooms, and a tree staging area for distribution. The new Kinder Campus provides significant education and outreach programs where the com-
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY
The Leader News Contributor
The City of Houston’s Solid Waste Department (SWD) has been under fire for years, but has never been under such scrutiny as it has been since the 2024 storms, the Derecho and Hurricane Beryl. The SWD’s troubles are certainly not new and were systemic before the storms, but have been exacerbated by the exponential increase in demand.
Collections are typically scheduled for each neighborhood with an assigned weekly day for trash and bagged ‘yard waste’. Recycling is scheduled on the same day, every other week. Depending on location, heavy trash or ‘junk’ has a designated day in even months and ‘tree waste’ is scheduled for the odd months, according to SWD.
Jennifer Woodruff is a former civic club president and resident of Shepherd Forest, a subdivision immediately north of the 610 Loop. When neighbors began reaching out to her regarding delays in waste collection she contacted the Mayor’s Office and city council members. She was reminded repeatedly to have
her neighbors keep contacting 3-11, implying that the squeaky-wheelgets-the-grease cliché might expedite the process, however, Woodruff said that wasn’t the case.
“That is not the response I wanted or expected from my elected officials,” Woodruff said.
3-1-1 calls are recorded to document the concentration of complaints, but when department resources are insufficient, the complaints remain unaddressed and residents become frustrated.
The situation is similar in neighborhoods across the city, as demonstrated repeatedly by local media coverage. Woodruff and many other neighbors were eventually forced to haul their heavy trash to the dump, both for safety reasons and lawn preservation. Woodruff explained in her correspondence that the uncollected trash and debris were far more than an aesthetic detriment:
“We have wet furniture, collapsing
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
With the holiday season in full swing, the challenges faced by children living in poverty in Harris County, including those in the Garden Oaks and Oak Forest areas, become even more apparent. With approximately 16% of children in the region living below the poverty line, organizations like the Junior League of Houston are stepping up to bring much-needed relief and resources. Through their partnerships with nonprofits like Kids’ Meals and B.E.A.R. (Be A Resource), the Junior League is making a significant impact on the lives of local children and their families.
Meeting Basic Needs
During the Holidays
The holiday season can be particularly difficult for families who rely on free or reduced-cost school lunch programs, as children lose access to meals during school breaks. Kids’ Meals, located in Garden Oaks, addresses this gap by providing nutritious food to children and their siblings when school is not in session.
“Kids’ Meals is essential for these children during the holidays,” explained Kelly Hickman, the Junior League of Houston’s 2024-2025 Community Vice President. “The Junior League provides volunteers to assemble lunches and funding to help ensure these children don’t go hungry during a financially strained time of year.”
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Compudopt, a nonprofit organization based in the Houston Heights, is making strides to bridge the digital divide for under-resourced youth, including children and families in the Greater Heights area. Founded in 2007, Compudopt is dedicated to providing technology access and education to communities often left out of the digital economy. Following the power
outages caused by Tropical Storm Beryl in July, Compudopt stepped in to provide no-cost charging stations, internet connectivity, and device access to hundreds of Houstonians. This support enabled Heights families and others affected to stay connected to vital services, educational resources, and loved ones in the aftermath of the storm.
“Compudopt views digital equity from a multitude of lenses, including disaster relief,” said Compudopt CEO
Megan Steckly. “A family’s ability to communicate with their loved ones and receive updates on the status of their home, school, and work is dependent on their connectivity abilities. We’re proud to lend a helping hand and play a small part in the recovery efforts across the city.”
When asked about the challenges communities face in accessing technology after a natural disaster, Steckly
Mistletoe Magic on the Lawn event to benefit Kids' Meals
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Hotel ZaZa Memorial City presents Mistletoe Magic On The Lawn, a charity event in support of Kids’ Meals and Toys for Tots.
Garden Oaks based nonprofit Kids’ Meals will receive 100 percent of proceeds from each ticket purchased, and as a special ‘thank you’ from ZaZa, those who bring an unwrapped book or toy in support of Toys for Tots will be awarded three raffle tickets as appreciation for brightening the holiday for those less fortunate.
In support of a great cause, you can expect to celebrate
this magical evening on the lawn with festive delights like boozy hot chocolate, gourmet mac & cheese bar, and a s’mores station!
Please note: Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
WHERE: Hotel ZaZa Houston Memorial City at 9787 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 5-9 p.m. WHY YOU CAN’T MISS THIS: Each ticket purchased will benefit Kids’ Meals, and each book or toy donated will support Toys for Tots.
INFO & TICKETS: www. hotelzaza.com/houston-memorial-city/happenings
THE PEOPLE.
Celebrate the season with the Houston Heights Association’s "Toys & Joys"
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Dive into the holiday season with festive cheer at the Houston Heights Association’s December monthly meeting, titled "Toys & Joys." The event will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Heights Fire Station (12th and Yale Street, Houston, TX 77008).
This annual holiday gathering promises a mix of generosity, music, fun, and community spirit.
Highlights of the Evening: Be Generous: Toy Drive
The event features the annual partnership with Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen’s Toy Drive, led by chair Tera Starr. Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys and gifts to the Fire Station on Monday, Dec. 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The "Constable Elves" will pick up the donated items
during the meeting to distribute to children in need.
Meet District C Council
Member Abbie Kamin Council Member Abbie Kamin will make a special appearance to present her vision and updates for the upcoming year.
Holiday Music
Thanks to the HHA Education Committee, attendees will enjoy festive performances by talented students from schools in and around the Heights.
Dress Up: Ugly Sweater Contest
Show off your favorite holiday attire by participating in the Heights Ugly Sweater Contest—perfect for spreading some lighthearted holiday fun!
Enjoy Refreshments
Families can indulge in a hot chocolate bar for the kids,
along with adult and familyfriendly refreshments.
Connect with the Community
This is a great opportunity to meet new neighbors, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate the season together in the heart of the Heights.
The League also partners with B.E.A.R., an organization that supports children in CPS custody by providing basic supplies like clothing, toys, and toiletries. Volunteers from the Junior League shop for and stock the BEAR warehouse, ensuring that children removed from their homes have what they need to ease the difficult transition.
“Our collaborations with Kids’ Meals and B.E.A.R. bring much-needed resources and love to children during the holidays,” said Hickman. “With consistent funding and over 3,400 volunteer hours combined, the Junior League compounds the good that
munity can learn about the dos and don’ts of tree planting, general horticulture, and ecology.
Arborist Barry Ward said many Houstonians are not originally from our area and may not understand what kind of trees grow best in the city. Ward provides a blueprint utilizing what he calls the three R’s of sustainable and healthy horticulture..
“The three R’s are, the Right Tree, the Right Location and Regular Maintenance,” Ward explained. “Success in this combination goes a long way in sustainability and maximizing tree life.” The education center at Trees For Houston, built with funding from the Bauer Foundation, benefits anyone who may not be familiar with our climate, and through proper tree care can ensure healthy, happy trees with long life spans. A common
these agencies can do in our community.”
Addressing the Unique Challenges of Poverty
Children living in poverty face an array of obstacles that make it harder for them to thrive. From a lack of basic necessities like food and shelter to the instability caused by frequent moves, these challenges can disrupt their education and overall well-being.
“When children are living in poverty, life is simply more difficult for them,” Hickman said. “Our organization aims to fill the gaps so they can have a healthy and productive childhood.”
The Junior League raises funds through annual events, including their renowned Charity Ball, and online do-
subject of interest is the importance of pruning trees properly. Pruning correctly is vital to any tree maintenance program, especially considering the area’s recent experience from wind storms that can not only damage trees, but may contribute to disruption of our power grid.
“Whenever there is safety involved, one should prune immediately.” Ward explains. “However, certain species need to be pruned at certain times of the year.”
Most shade trees can be pruned in the winter season when they become dormant, however one needs to be mindful of the techniques of pruning and how much to prune. For those bigger trees on your property, it is important to have a welltrained and certified arborist to tackle the job as most lawn maintenance crews are not certified.
The Many Benefits of Reforestation
After the 2011 drought, Trees For Houston, in conjunction with the Memorial Park Conservancy, replanted between 4,000 to 5,000 trees in Memorial Park. Outside of a heavily forested area like
nations. This funding, paired with their dedicated volunteer hours, ensures that local nonprofits can continue their vital work year-round.
A Year-Round Commitment
While the holidays highlight the importance of community support, the Junior League remains committed to serving children in need throughout the year. Their consistent presence provides a sense of reliability and hope for organizations and families alike.
“Junior League members are honored and humbled to give back to those in our community who face significant challenges,” Hickman said. “We consider it a privilege to help children access
WHERE: Heights Fire Station, 12th and Yale Street For more information, visit houstonheights.org.
Bring your holiday spirit and your generosity to this family-friendly celebration. Everyone is welcome!
more resources and improve their quality of life.”
To learn more about the Junior League of Houston’s initiatives or to make a donation, visit their website at www.jlh.org/support. Together, they are
Memorial Park, reforestation in the city proper is different. When considering narrow strips of land like on esplanades or sidewalks Trees For Houston will plant what is called a linear forest.
“There are thousands of miles of esplanades in Harris county so it’s hard to retrofit a forest in one big clump, within a small footprint.” Ward explains. “So we have to figure out where the land is so we can jumpstart a linear forest in these narrow spaces.”
Planting trees within the city contributes to keeping the city a little bit cooler and the air a little bit cleaner. All urban areas with an enormous footprint of concrete
create what is called, the Urban Heat Island Effect, when the absorption of incident radiation from the sun heats the concrete and then releases the heat back up into the air. Trees For Houston will take into consideration an area’s air heat profile to determine the quantity of trees needed to reduce air temperatures.
“In an urban area, when you don’t have anything green, you can get a 3 to 5 degree increase in air temperature.” Ward explained.
Aesthetics and design continuity are additional guidelines Trees For Houston consider when planting in different parts of the city. Soil content is
an important measure when regarding what kind of trees will thrive in various types of soil composition. In fact, the list of considerations before planting seems never ending, spatial footprints, ease of continued maintenance, proper drainage, and potential blockage of right of ways are just a few more items to check off the list to ensure successful reforestation.
“There are a bunch of tangential infrastructure concerns that need to be considered before throwing a tree into the ground.” Ward said.
Trees For Houston utilizes local tree farmers for the acquisition of their inventory. They work closely every
year with the farmers to discern what they need to plant and what they want to give away. Every year they improve their outlook on what species does well and what doesn’t. These crops are delivered annually to Trees For Houston, and go out for the public to enjoy, a continued effort to help keep the bayou city green and beautiful. Trees For Houston is a non-profit 501 and relies entirely on donations from corporate sponsors and community donations. For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or about horticulture classes available year-round, please visit their website at www. treesforhouston.org.
Submitted photo Trees For Houston works with a multitude of non-profit organizations and plants around 30 to 60 trees at schools each
Submitted photo
Junior League volunteers prepare lunches at Kids’ Meals located in Garden Oaks.
Submitted photo
“Toys & Joys” is organized by the Houston Heights Association in partnership with Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen’s Toy Drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys and gifts to the Fire Station on Monday, Dec. 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the Best Hospital in Texas for 13 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report and recognized on the Honor Roll eight times — with 10 nationally ranked specialties. For more than 100 years, we have provided patients with the highest quality care, the most advanced technology and the best patient experience.
THE TOPICS.
His rebarbative behavior caused only an irenic repar tee. Or, in plain English: His annoying behavior caused only a calm put down. How about: It was a susurrus leg erdemain, a diaphanous pule. Again, in plain English: A mumbled deception, a trans parent whine. Those two examples contain legitimate words, but nobody uses them. So let’s talk about words. I like some words, don’t like some and feel uncomfort able with others. I know what these last ones mean, but I just don’t feel at ease using them like perambulates. Why not just say travel or walk through? Why say breviloquent when I could say brusque or terse? How about hubris? It means excessive pride or self-confidence or arrogance. When was the last time you heard anyone say hubris? Once there was a letter to the editor accusing me of my hubris. I had to look it up to see if it was a compliment or a repartee.
I know what myriad means (countless, infinite, multiple) but I prefer to say unending. Same for acumen (awareness, brilliance, shrewdness), but I’ve never used it. I like ennui.
It’s a French word pronounced
Lynn Ashby Columnist
we have, or don’t have. Here in Texas we could say, “It’s a slow moving, rather murky stream.”
The French would say, “It’s a bayou.” Prairie is the French word for meadow. According to Theodore Roosevelt: “We have taken into our language the word prairie, because when our backwoodsmen first reached the land (in the Midwest) and saw the great natural meadows of long grass… they knew not what to call them, and borrowed the term already in use among the French inhabitants.” From the Spanish, we have rodeo (not row-DAY-oh, that’s a drive in Beverly Hills), vamoose and, of course, every dish on a TexMex menu.
Winston Churchill said “Broadly speaking, the short words are the best, and the old words best of all.” He told the British Parliament in the worst of World War II, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” Short, simple, understandable. The term had been used before, but Churchill’s use made it famous. Incidentally, the toil part seems to have been left out, but that didn’t stop a rock band from using the term for
If we don’t have a word for something new, we create one. Time magazine takes credit for what to call our smoke and fog: smog. I’m uncomfortable with salient (most noticeable or important). Again, the word is around, but I don’t use it. We can figure out what an unfamiliar word means simply the way it is used in context. “His wandering speech was totally galimatias.” We can rightfully figure out the speech was confused or an unintelligible talk. It was gibberish. This brings us to gobbledygook, which means the same thing, and is based on a noise like that of a turkey’s gobble. The first known use of gobbledygook was in 1944, and was supposedly coined by U.S. Rep. and
Marine Maury Maverick, yes, of that family.
By one count, there are 171,476 different words in the English language, although the Oxford University Press, sort of the bible of our tongue, lists 600,000 words. That’s nothing compared to other languages. The Koreans have 1.1 million. The Portuguese have 818,000 and the Finns come in at 800,000. The Scots have 421 words and expressions for snow. According to Microsoft Bing, in 2013, The Economist reported most adults have a vocabulary range of about 20,000-35,000 words. They learn almost one new word a day until middle age, then their vocabulary growth stops. In August 2016, UPI.com did another study which found almost twice that number: Most U.S. adults have a vocabulary of more than 42,000 words, and English speakers acquire a vocabulary of about 48,000 words by age 60. Incidentally, each year the aforementioned Oxford University Press declares its Word of the Year. For 2024 the winner is – get ready -- brain rot. It is defined as a person’s mental or intellectual deterioration due to consuming too much online content consid-
the leader Puzzlers.
ered to be trivial or unchallenging. The winner is chosen through a combination of public voting and expert analysis. Brain rot edged out other finalists, including demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. Moving on, some words don’t mean what they should mean. Penultimate should mean the absolute ultimate instead of next to last in a series of things; second to last. Jettison should mean to jet, speed, go faster instead of abandon, discard or dump. Nonpareil means having no equal; peerless, but shouldn’t it be nonparallel? I don’t like nonplus -- dazed or confused. It’s a non-plus, thus a minus, right? Limpid doesn’t mean a limp or walking with a halt, although it should mean that and not pure or lucid. To find different meanings we have the thesaurus which gives us synonyms, similar words and antonyms. Once Texas Monthly gave a Bum Steer Award to a West Texas teacher who told his/her students that a thesaurus was a prehistoric animal, but it sounds that it should be. I never say antediluvian (of or belonging to the time before the biblical flood). It doesn’t
come up much in my conversations, and I don’t like screed. It sounds like fingers on a blackboard. Pithy sounds like you have a lisp. Existential is overused. An existential crisis, an existential threat. The word is affirming existence, having being in time and space. Existential is as meaningless as my favorite empty phrase: Comprehensive immigration reform. During COVID-19 the word protocol was beaten to death. It should have worn a mask. Is anyone else tired of woke? I think most Americans are fed up both with the term and people who are. They’re the type who use angst, doppelganger, whom and antediluvian. So that’s my take, opinion and toil. Churchill would approve. Ashby is wordy 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
Answers found in this week’s Classified section
cardboard, piles of debris, and other garbage that is making our neighborhood look decrepit,” she told city officials in an email on Nov.12. “We have rodents and other small animals taking up residence in couches left for weeks on end. The stench from moldy household items is becoming a nuisance.”
Woodruff said the following day she received a response from SWD that gave a vague description of the delays and referenced the status for ongoing schedules for deployment. The email made very little sense to a lay person, she said, and provided no concrete expectations for problem resolution. The email from SWD was followed by a second message indicating that SWD heavy trash collection was running approximately a week and a half behind. But in Woodruff’s case, the heavy trash in her Shepherd Forest neighborhood was already overdue for collection by nearly a month. Some of the trash, she said, had already been sitting at the curb since August. The subdivision was scheduled for heavy trash pick-up on Oct. 17. Collection finally occurred for both junk and tree waste on Nov. 25.
“It feels like we’ve had the same continuing issues since the first storm,” Woodruff said. “It’s been enough of a problem that an overwhelming number of neighbors are commenting on our Shepherd Forest neighborhood page.”
The waste problem in the City of Houston is not just limited to heavy trash collection. Branch and tree refuse was not collected
on its scheduled date in September, either, according to some Shepherd Forest neighbors. Similarly, weekly trash collection and bi-weekly recycled waste collection also experience delays citywide. When a federal holiday occurs, most residents are under the impression that it will be picked up on the following day. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Often, if waste collection is scheduled on a holiday, subsequent collection may not occur until the next scheduled pick-up or beyond. This proved devastating during the storms, as rotting and decaying food and trash remained in receptacles in heat upwards of a hundred degrees for an extended period of time. The residents who actually reached out to 3-1-1 were not always given accurate information and expectations were seldom set, adding another layer of distrust in city services. Many affected communities have expressed concern and even outrage about city services, after being referred to public relations officers within the COH departments.
Addressing the Crisis with SWD Director Mark Wilfalk
The Leader had a conversation with Mark Wilfalk, the Director of the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Department, to discuss these issues. Wilfalk came to the city of Houston three years ago from his most recent position as Director and Chief of Operations with Tampa’s Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management. This has been his area of expertise for several decades.
“This didn’t just start. The real ‘storm’ with the SWD happened long before the Derecho and Hurricane Beryl and, certainly, long before my arrival,” Wilfalk said. “We have a deeper systemic issue that needs to be resolved.” When asked if the resolution was more rooted in politics or finance, he responded, “It’s a combination. It’s definitely financial, but politics will eventually work its way into the process; there’s no doubt about that.”
This is the second administration Wilfalk has worked under in Houston, and he was quick to say that this one is a little different.
“With Whitmire’s administration, he realizes that we need more resources. And, that’s what we are working to address right now; adding more resources to the department, so that they can function and meet the needs of the city,” he said. “Right now it’s quite simple; the demand outweighs the city’s capacity to provide services.”
In discussing resources, The Leader asked for clarification as to whether Wilfalk was referring to human resources (labor) or capital resources (equipment). The answer is, both.
“The department is easily understaffed by more than 60 individuals. We have budgeted 480 positions and that number should be 545, at the very least,” Wilfalk said. “Collectors need adequate time to recuperate and it’s certainly not safe to drive extensively in the dark.”
There is also the issue of the department’s dated fleet and equipment. Consistent and effective maintenance is absolutely critical to
functionality, Wilfalk said. And, the addition of human and capital resources will require extensive funding. Most of the public is unaware that only the minimal container lease fees in the monthly bill actually flow to SWD. The nominal revenue generated cannot begin to offset expenditures, Wilfalk said.
Wilfalk concedes that public communication and customer service also need improvement.
“We have to be more effective in providing realistic estimates and timelines to the public regarding service. For example, during the week of Thanksgiving and the week of Christmas, there is no scheduled recycling collection,” he said. “Therefore, it will not be collected later; it will be collected on the next scheduled pick-up cycle.”
Although SWD has been proactive in making those announcements to the public through super neighborhood networks, social media, and other avenues, Wilfalk said many residents didn’t receive it Thanksgiving week and likely won’t receive it Christmas week. Residents scheduled during those weeks will put their cans out, he said, only to become frustrated when receptacles remain uncollected for additional weeks.
COH Solid Waste also has a helpful email/text message alert service specific to each resident’s address that includes what will be picked up and when, expected delays or re-collections, even the acceptable waste to be included in each category, but residents need to proactively sign up for the alerts.
Wilfalk also shared additional plans to improve
communication and reduce frustration. In the next couple of weeks his department is going to move to a platform that operates much like it did during the storms. People will be able to log on to the website and verify realtime collection information, when needed. When asked about his expectations for implementation, he felt confident that they’d make great strides in the next 30 days and should be up and running by 2025.
Wilfalk shared that currently, SWD is picking up heavy junk trash and tree debris simultaneously in one collection (as just occurred with Shepherd Forest on the 25th). The schedule has always been established as alternating months for heavy junk trash and tree waste collection in the past, but a lack of resources currently doesn’t allow for separate pickups.
Funding Challenges and Future Plans
When further pressed on the funding issue, Wilfalk said:
“The solid waste budget is a hundred million this year. That may sound like a lot, but given the size of our operation and the fact that we’re the 4th largest city in the U.S., it’s underfunded by $25-30 million at minimum. And, without funding it becomes impossible to update your fleet and equipment, much less hire and maintain the quality employees needed.”
Wilfalk believes Houston Mayor John Whitmire understands the critical role of the SWD. He said the mayor is dedicated to evaluating the efficiencies within other city offices and departments to look at whether a reallocation
of funding is warranted, before passing the cost on to residents.
“Several weeks ago, the mayor and I rode out to look at some communities together,” he said. “We looked at debris issues, but he was also focusing on the broader picture, like water leaks and dilapidated housing.” Wilfalk said what they say during their tour of neighborhoods was concerning and that Whitmire acknowledged the need for additional funding for SWD.
At the end of the day, however, Wilfalk believes an appropriate fee structure, similar to what other solid waste departments throughout the state have in place, will likely have to be implemented to modernize Houston’s solid waste service.
“Modernizing is not just about delivering on-time services,” Wilfak said. “it’s about making the city look nice, for its residents and outof-town guests alike, during the holidays and throughout the year.”
He further addressed rumblings about the possibility of ‘privatizing’ the system. Wilfalk worries that this option could be far more costly in the long run than a program operated by the city.
“My recommendation is for residents to contact their elected officials,” he said. “Not simply to report or complain, but to get them to engage in deeper discussions about funding, And then, we’re getting somewhere.”
To sign up for SWD service alerts and reminders, download the app HTX Collects on your phone or visit houstontx.gov/solidwaste/ htxcollects.html.
By ADAM CONTRERAS Founder/ Portfolio Manager/ Equity Analyst
Interest rates are one of the most important yet misunderstood factors in personal finance and the broader economy. They influence everything from credit cards to mortgages to stock market investments. Let’s break it all down so you can make smarter financial decisions.
Understanding the Basics of Interest Rates
At its core, interest is the cost of borrowing money. Different loans come with different rates: Credit Card Debt: Credit cards typically have some of the highest interest rates, often 20% or more. For example, the APR (annual percentage rate) on many cards can reach 29.99%, even if you have an excellent credit score, as some companies maximize profit in a high-rate environment.
Car Loans and Mortgages: These tend to have lower rates because they’re secured loans (backed by the car or house). But even a 1% difference in a mortgage rate can mean tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
remarks, “One of the biggest challenges we see in technology access stems from household income disparities, directly impacting families’ ability to afford reliable internet and devices. Today, digital access is essential, and this becomes even more critical in the wake of natural disasters. After such events, technology access enables quick response and recovery, connecting people to crucial services, information, and aid.
Compudopt’s mission has grown beyond disaster relief, focusing on providing access to devices, training, and skills development. The organization’s impact was especially visible this summer, as it distributed over 15,000 no-cost devices across Houston and expanded partnerships to support digital access for families in need. Compudopt recently received over $1 million in funding from organizations including Shipt, Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, and the Moody Foundation to advance its efforts in bridging the digital divide locally.
The organization’s long-term vision is to not only address the current gaps
The Hidden Lifeline: Hardship Agreements
Did you know that credit card companies often have hardship agreements? If you’re in a federally declared disaster zone—like during hurricanes, derechos, or other emergencies—you may qualify for temporary interestfree loans or reduced payments. These options aren’t widely advertised, but they exist to help those in need. Contact your lender and reference the federal disaster declaration to explore your options.
The Federal Reserve’s Role in Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve (or “the Fed”) is the bank’s bank, created after the Great Depression to
stabilize the economy. Though it operates independently of the federal government, the Fed has significant influence over the economy through its control of interest rates.
Why Lower Interest Rates? When the economy struggles, the Fed lowers rates to make borrowing cheaper. This encourages spending and investment, particularly in the stock market, where people buy ownership stakes in businesses.
Why Raise Interest Rates? When inflation rises, the Fed increases rates to make borrowing more expensive. This slows down spending and cools inflation. However, high rates also redirect investment from stocks to safer, higher-yield savings options, impacting the stock market.
Why This Matters to You
Everyday decisions, like buying a car, choosing a credit card, or refinancing a mortgage, hinge on interest rates. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Do the Math: Whether it’s a car loan or a mortgage, break down how much of each payment goes toward principal versus interest. A loan with a higher rate
in technology access but also anticipate emerging needs in an increasingly digital world. “As Compudopt expands its reach through strategic partnerships, our long-term vision is to not only bridge the current digital divide— defined by access to basic technology and connectivity—but also to stay ahead of emerging gaps,” Steckly explained. “Today, access to a computer and reliable internet is fundamental, but tomorrow’s divide may center around advanced skills, such as using AI and other evolving technologies.”
Steckley continues, “Additionally, we will continue to ensure our solution is multi-faceted and adapts to meet the emerging needs of our community members. This includes evolutions in telemedicine, financial skill building, and workforce, particularly in communities with fewer higherpaying jobs available locally. Many under-resourced communities already face barriers to essential technology, and as digital skills become critical for future jobs, Compudopt’s role in equipping individuals with these tools will be essential. We’re dedicated to evolving our programs to ensure that all communities are prepared for the tech-driven future.”
can cost thousands more over time.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on federal policies. There’s talk of capping credit card interest rates at 10% under the next presidential administration. This could transform borrowing costs.
Leverage Opportunities: If you’re in a disaster zone or experiencing financial hardship, reach out to your lenders. Federal disaster declarations often trigger flexible repayment options, but you have to ask for them.
The Big Picture Understanding interest rates empowers you to make better financial decisions. It’s not just about knowing the terms of your loans—it’s about understanding how the Fed’s policies ripple through the economy and your wallet. The more you educate yourself, the better prepared you’ll be to navigate whatever comes next.
Adam Thomas Contreras is a resident of Inwood Forest and the founder of Contreras & Associates LP. He can be reached via email at Adamcontreras@proton.me.
In addition to its broad mission,
Compudopt recently hosted a Women in Tech event at the University of Houston, designed to inspire local sixth to eighth-grade girls to explore careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). The event featured hands-on workshops in areas like coding, app development, and droning, along with a keynote from U.S. Army Veteran Tramashika “Miss T.” DeWalt. As a special gift, each attendee received a free drone from the Northeast Houston Redevelopment Council and a laptop from Compudopt.
One Heights student expressed her excitement, saying, “Receiving a laptop and a drone makes me feel like I have the tools to follow my dreams in tech. I can start learning new skills at home and work toward a future career.”
Compudopt’s local impact continues as it equips young people with the digital skills and confidence to navigate a technology-driven future. For families in The Leader’s distribution area interested in receiving services from Compudopt, donating devices, or learning more about volunteer opportunities, visit compudopt.org.
House fire in Lazybrook/ Timbergrove leaves two firefighters with minor injuries
COMMUNITY REPORTS
A house fire in the Lazybrook/Timbergrove area caused significant damage and left two firefighters with minor injuries on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. The blaze broke out around 4:36 p.m. in the 6600 block of Cindy Lane.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the side of a singlestory home, with strong winds exacerbating the fire's intensity. Crews quickly initiated an offensive attack and conducted a thorough search of the residence, confirming that no occupants were inside.
Efforts focused on controlling the fire in the attic and extinguishing flames that had spread to a portable building in the backyard. Firefighters also ventilated the roof to manage the smoke and heat while CenterPoint Energy was called to assist at the scene.
Despite their efforts, the fire caused an estimated $340,000 in damage. However, quick action by the 53 firefighters who responded saved an estimated $185,400 worth of property.
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the response. One firefighter suffered a burn, while another injured their knee. Both were evaluated onsite and transported to the hospital for treatment.
Submitted photo
Compudopt has extended its services to include education in tech-driven skills.
Adam Contreras, Founder/ Portfolio Manager/ Equity Analyst
Art Valet: Calm, Cool, and Creative: The journey of Jo Edwards
Calm, cool, and collected is a phrase that could describe the art or the artist, Jo Edwards. As she told me in a phone call, though, calm, cool, and collected was what she was seeking when she started painting.
Edwards’ paintings feature a mix of flowers, seascapes, and her personal favorite: trees. She specializes in impasto, a technique where thick layers of oil paint are applied to canvas, revealing visible brushstrokes or knife marks.
She paints her florals using thin layers of oil paint, creating a luminous effect on the petals.
Edwards was born in Eagle Lake, Texas, but spent her formative years in Maracaibo, Venezuela, when her father got work there. She told me she felt very fortunate to have grown up in that environment. She moved back to the States when she turned 18 to continue her education and worked in real estate until she closed her office in 2010.
Edwards was always artistic growing up, but it wasn’t until the early 1990s that she took a watercolor class — hoping to find a stress reliever from real estate and reconnect with her artistic side.
Though her first visions of
painting were vibrant and serene, she kept leaning toward photorealistic work, which she said was very stressful.
I believe we met during her realistic phase when she attended the First Saturday Arts Market around 2009. Her work was intensely realistic, I recall.
To get back to basics, Edwards went on a painting retreat where free-flowing creativity and playfulness changed her outlook. After the retreat, Edwards was reviewing artist videos online using the impasto method, and she thought, “I can do that.”
Buying art supplies is expensive, and not wanting to be a collector of her own art, Edwards attended her first art market in Seabrook, TX. To her delight, people liked and bought her art. She’s been a full-time artist since then.
Another leap forward in painting came for Edwards in
2020. With time on her hands due to the closure of many art shows, she began her floral series. Shifting from the heavy texture of impasto, she embraced a layering technique, using multiple thin washes of color to create her luminous compositions.
Today, Edwards has paintings at various galleries in Texas and attends First Saturday Arts Market regularly. In addition to where to find her art out in the world, her art can be viewed and purchased on her website: https://www. texasgalgallery.com.
Here’s where you can find her and her art locally: Fidelity National TitleHeights 1512 Heights Blvd., through the end of December.
• First Saturday Arts Market
December 7, 11–6 p.m., 540 W. 19th St. Art in the Woods
December 14, 10–4 p.m., 25200 Grogan’s Park Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
Second Annual I Love 11th Festival returns this weekend with expanded activities and community spirit
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Second Annual I Love 11th Festival is back and bigger than ever!
Taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon-6 p.m., the festival will transform 11th Street from Shepherd to Michaux into a vibrant celebration of local businesses, music, art, and innovation.
Building on the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural event, which welcomed over 2,500 attendees, the I Love 11th Neighborhood Festival continues to spotlight community pride. Last year’s festival featured a City of Houston proclamation, an Exceptional Public Service Award, and recognition of a
BikeHouston honoree. This year’s event kicks off with a 5K run, hosted in partnership with Eureka Heights and Houston Run Clubs, and continues with activities for all ages throughout the day.
Highlights of This Year’s Festival Include:
Four Markets: Offering a variety of unique goods and experiences for festival goers to explore.
Watercolor Arts Society Plein Air Painting: Live painting demonstrations by talented local artists. Nuro Autonomous Vehicle Showcase: A hands-on look at cutting-edge technology as Nuro demonstrates their locally tested Vehicle.
Community CALENDAR
Stay up-to-date and submit your own events online at www.theleadernews.com/site/community_calendar.html
RYDE Electric Shuttle Service:
Fully electric shuttles will transport attendees, bridging gaps in microtransit around Houston.
Toy Village with Santa and Fire Truck: Returning platinum sponsor
A New Leaf will host the popular Toy Village, featuring Santa and a fire truck for family fun
Extended Festival Reach: Thanks to the involvement of Hogg Middle School and Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) on Michaux, the festival’s footprint will extend to even more of the community.
Additional Features: Spotlighting Local Businesses: Celebrate and support the shops,
gyms, bars, salons, restaurants, services, and more that make 11th Street thrive.
25+ Live Music Performances:
A full day of live entertainment, cofunded by the Houston Professional Musicians Association and the Music Performance Trust Fund.
Brass Procession: Join the celebratory 1 PM brass procession at the WWII Memorial, a highlight of the festival.
Giving Back to the Community: Proceeds will benefit Friends of Lawrence and Milroy Parks, ensuring continued improvements and support for these vital community spaces. The festival wouldn’t be possible
without the support of our 40+ sponsors, including A New Leaf, Bespoke & Bungalow Revival, NURO, MAM, Constable Alan Rosen’s Office, Kido, Illuminate Heights, and Tim Surratt with Greenwood King.
This year, we are excited to announce Councilmember Abbie Kamin as the honorary chair. Her leadership in securing $750,000 for improvements to Lawrence and Milroy Parks underscores the festival’s dedication to enhancing our neighborhood. Get Your Tickets: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/2024-i-love-11thneighborhood-festival-tickets-92880 3806187?aff=oddtdtcreator or visit ilove11th.org
Submitted photo
Joy (sold) - Oil on Canvas 24 x 30 by Jo Edwards
Submitted photo Artist Jo Edwards surrounded by her paintings.
Photo by Ana Guzman
Jo Edwards talks art with visitor in her art booth.
Submitted photo Standing Out - Oil on Canvas by Jo Edwards
