12-24-22 Edition of The Heights Leader

MKT Spur Connector trail opens in Heights

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The dream to connect two of the Heights and Houston area’s busiest and most popular bike trails has now officially come to fruition.

On Tuesday morning, officials with Houston Public Works and the Houston Parks Board celebrated the completion of the MKT Spur Connector trail link-

ing the MKT and White Oak Bayou Greenway trails in the Heights with a ribbon cutting.

The connector closes a gap between the MKT and White Oak Bayou Greenway trails. It features 850 feet of a 10-foot-wide concrete hike and bike trail, according to the city. Improvements include stormwater upgrades, a retaining wall, and safety railings.

Houston Public Works

director Carol Haddock said the connector is the final missing piece to link users to 17 miles of hikeand-bike trails along the greenway, creating a “more pleasant experience.”

“There are lots of gaps in Houston’s bike network, so it’s always good news when one of them is filled,” Joe Cutrufo, executive director of nonprofit Bikes For Houston, said in a text

Winter Street Studios damaged in Tuesday fire

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A local art studio is reeling after many studios in the complex caught fire and had artwork damaged or destroyed Tuesday morning.

Winter Street Studios at Sawyer Yards caught fire just after 6 a.m. Tuesday, and the community is thinking through what to do in the aftermath. Multiple artists told Houston television station ABC-13 that they believe it was intentional, though the Houston Fire Department officially is still investigating and had not released an official cause of the blaze as of Tuesday afternoon.

All studios have at least some smoke damage, according to a Facebook post from Taylor Clendennen, an artist with the studio, while the report from ABC-13 says a number of pieces and studios have sustained significant damage.

“It’s hard enough being an artist, but to go through this is just unimaginable,” Clendennen wrote. “All the hard work into creating so much amazing and beautiful artwork, just gone.”

According to the Houston Fire Department, crews from stations 15, 6, 8, 17, 19 and 30 first responded to the studios at 2101 Winter St. at 6:17 a.m. on Tuesday.

The department was not able

New urgent care center open on North Shepherd

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The center offers patients ages 6 months and older a wide array of services for non-life-threatening conditions, the release said, such as on-site X-ray services, COVID-19 testing and treatment, and more.

In addition to treating non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, the center also offers sports physicals for kids and flu vaccines.

“Communities and families benefit from expanded access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, when and where they need it,” said Betsy Koickel, M.D.,

Washington Ave., Suite 100.

Contributed photos

Earlier this week, the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s O ce played Santa, dropping o gifts for local students at Garden Oaks, Stevens, Durham, Travis, and Helms elementaries in the neighobrhood.

Contributed photo

Pictured is the new Memorial Hermann Go-Health Urgent Care center on North Shepherd Drive, which opened Dec. 12.

Photo from Facebook A burn trail is pictured at Winter Street Studios in Sawyer Yards, which caught fire Tuesday morning and sustained damage to many studios inside.

Contributed photo

O cials cut the ribbon to o cially open the completed MKT Spur Connector, which links the MKT and White Oak Bayou Greenway trails in the Heights.

Nibbles

Electrical fire damages home in Greater Inwood

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Arson investigators have determined that an electrical issue caused a fire that damaged a house in the Greater Inwood area last week, according to the

Houston Fire Department.

There were no injuries reported in the fire, according to the department, which investigators said caused an estimated $16,000 worth of damage to the home.

Crews from stations 4,

13, 15, 30, 31, 50, 58, and 61 just before 11 p.m. on Dec. 12 responded to a home in the 8500 block of High Mountain Drive to find smoke and fire coming from the garage of a onestory house, according to the department, which was

eventually contained to the garage and attic space.

After the fire was extinguished, the department said arson investigators later deemed the fire accidental and determined that an electrical issue led to the fire breaking out.

City opens local warming centers ahead of cold weather

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

In anticipation of temperatures that are expected to dip into the low 20s and possibly teens later this week, the city of Houston was set to open several local warming centers beginning Thursday afternoon.

Beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday, the city said the Fonde Community Center (110 Sabine St.) in the Washington Avenue area as well as the Moody Community Center (3725 Fulton St.) and the Acres Homes Multiservice Center (6719 W. Montgomery Rd.) will serve as warming centers for area residents.

The city said each center will offer chairs, blankets, water, MREs, PPE, and comfort kits, while the American Red Cross will work with the city

to

to

comfort

Residents who need a ride to a warming center can call 311, according to the city.

BARC Animal Shelter will also provide kennels at the Fonde Center, according to the city, and all service animals will be allowed.

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IndyQuest’s

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

When Jessica Burton and her husband were looking for a home several years ago, little did she know the realtor showing her home would turn out to one day be a coworker.

But she said Creston Inderrieden made such an impression with his help on the home and how involved they were in the community, Burton said, that it became a no-brainer.

The culture at IndyQuest, she said, aligned perfectly with her desire to help people in any capacity that she could. She is a captain for the Breeder’s Greeters at the Livestock Show and Rodeo, and also volunteer with the Junior League. She is also the Sunshine Committee chairman for her garden club and advertising chair for her civic association.

Essentially, she wants to help however she can, no matter what she does. And it is the same, she said, with her career. She started at IndyQuest in 2017, and has not looked back as she strives to help buyer and sellers with every step of a crucial life step.

“I got into real estate with really just trying to help people in some capacity,” said Burton, a Shepherd Park Plaza resident who has been a licensed realtor since 2016. “I really just wanted to find a way to work in a field where I could just help guide people through one of the largest investments of their lives and be in their corner.”

Born and raised in west Houston and now living in Shepherd Park Plaza, Burton has seen the Houston region undergo plenty of transitions over the last couple of decades. And it is exactly the same with her target areas, which include the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Timbergrove, Spring Branch, and more.

“We have such an appreciation for the neighborhood, and I think that’s due to the people we have moving into the community,” she said. “You can see that people really care for their homes and other

people like culture that’s been created in these areas, so they’re wanting to get into it.”

And realtors like Burton are a huge part of that process. She works with both buyers and sellers, she said, with about 60 percent of her business being with those who are purchasing a home. And having been a native and lifelong Houstonian, she believes she is well-suited to fulfill her client’s needs.

From finding the right schools, to making sure they’re comfortable in the neighborhood they choose, she believes she is the one for the job.

“I think just being here and understanding what people are looking for when moving into the area is huge,” she said.

During COVID-19, Burton said there was much rehabbing and refurbishing of older homes, of which she said Houston has an abundance.

And even though the region is coming out of the pandemic, she said that is a trend that is still happening even today.

And even though inventory is still a little low, she said there are still plenty of homes that have multiple offers, showing that interest in moving into the area is still high.

“I’ve seen a lot of people looking into their homes and really figuring out what kind of functionality they

want for their lives,” she said. “They either buy a house that has that criteria or they’re rehabbing it to what they want. I’m seeing a lot of that… People are still actively wanting to move into our communities.”

And as they do, that is where Burton and IndyQuest are there to help. Burton has been a top producer at IndyQuest for the last three years, and has plenty of support as to why.

“She goes above and beyond to ensure the home buying process is seamless, and was a great teacher for us first-timers,” reads one review on Burton’s HAR page where she represented a buyer on 24th Street in the Heights.

Those where she represented the seller during a sale of a home on 26th Street read the same.

“Jessica was great in communicating with us about each step in the process of selling our home,” it said.

And for Burton, that’s what it really is all about. She has always had passion for philanthropy and helping people, she said. Now, she gets to do it every day in her career.

“I just love people, love getting to know them on a personal level and learn what their goals are and their dreams, so I can help them navigate them through that,” she said. “There are a lot of risk factors during a transaction, so just making sure they’re protected through the process is something I really strive to do. I let them know they always have support, because it can be a stressful time for people.”

And she believes she brings a lot to the table, between her passion for people and her desire to never stop learning.

“I spend a large amount of time educating myself on what’s happening in real estate. Because there’s so many layers to it,” she said. “I’m still learning things every day and getting to meet people. It’s so enjoyable for me.”

Jessica Burton

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The sales downturn continued for local sales markets in the Leader area last month for the majority of area neighborhoods, though one did buck the trend for a second consecutive month according to the most recent data from the Houston Association of Realtors.

According to the HAR data, only one area code, 77091 (Greater Inwood/ Acres Homes) experienced a year-over-year spike in November home sales last month. All other zip codes (77092, 77008, 77018, 77007, and 77009) saw November sales dips ranging from around 7 percent to more than 50 percent according to the data.

The 77092 zip code (Kempwood/Langwood/ Central Northwest) was the only market to have its average November home price drop yearover-year, while Independence Heights (77009) saw its median home price dip from last November. Year-to-date, buyers are paying more for a home across all markets compared to the same point in 2021. 77018

In the zip code comprising much of Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, Central Northwest, and Independence Heights, November saw the largest percentage dip among local neighborhoods. There were 36 homes sold in this zip code last month, according to HAR data, down 58.7 percent from the 87 sales in the area the previous November.

edge of area paces local November sales markets

It is 21.9 percent behind its 2021 pace year-todate, with 687 sales so far this year as opposed to 880 in the same period last year.

Pricing-wise, the zip code’s average price skyrocketed 31.3 percent up to $651,561 in November; the average buyer is paying 13 percent more ($597,090) through the end of the month compared to the same time in 2021. Year-overyear November median price is up 24 percent to $482,500, and yearto-date has jumped 12.9 percent to $480,000. 77091

To the north, the section encompassing much of Greater Inwood and Acres Homes was the lone area zip code to see a year-over-year November sales jump, nearly doubling its output from the previous year. Agents closed on 30 sales here last month, compared to 17 sales in November 2021. The area has seen consistent sales upticks throughout the year, and as a result is 31.6 percent ahead of last year’s pace with 325 homes sold so far as opposed to 247 at the same point in 2021.

On a pricing front, year-over-year average home price has gone up 13.7 percent ($323,574) compared to last November, and the average home is costing 16 percent more for buyers ($321,204) compared to the same point last year. Year-over-year November median home price was up 9.7 percent last month to $342,400, while the year-to-date figure has spiked 17.5 percent to $334,888.

77092

On the western edge of the coverage area including Kempwood, Langwood, and part of Central Northwet, there was a slight dip in home sales. There were 13 homes sold in this zip code last month, ever-so-slightly down from the 14 homes sold there in November 2021. On the whole, the zip code has seen 8.9 percent fewer houses sold through the end of the month, with 265 sold so far this year compared to 291 sales through the same period last year.

This was the only zip code to see a yearover-year November dip in sales price, with the average buyer paying 14.9 percent less for a home here last month ($304,192) compared to the same month in 2021. Year-to-date, buyers are paying slightly (1.6 percent) more so far this year at $343,176 than at the same point last year. Median prices went up 1.5 percent year-overyear in November to $305,000, while the area’s year-to-date median home price has remained stagnant at $320,000.

77008

Moving on down to the Greater Heights, there were 53 homes sold there last month – a 45.9 percent year-over-year November downturn from the 98 homes sold in the area last year. Overall, 968 homes have come off the market in the Heights through the end of November, representing a 19.9 percent decrease from the 1,208 that had been sold through the same period in 2021.

The average buyer

paid 20.9 percent more ($738,417) for a house the Heights compared to last November according to HAR data, while the year-to-date average home price has risen 10.1 percent up to $675,909 through the end of November compared to 2021. The November median home price rose 16.7 percent up to $605,000 in this area, while the figure has spiked 10.1 percent compared to the same point last year up to $572,500.

77009

On the eastern edge of the Heights and the Northside/Northside Village area, agents saw 37 homes come off the market here last month. That figure is a 28.8 percent year-over-year-downturn in the zip code compared to the 52 homes sold last November. There have been 533 homes sold in the area so far this year, 14.3 percent less than the 622 sales through the same point last year.

Pricing wise, yearover-year average November prices were up 23.5 percent to $622,234 while year-to-date average price has jumped 12.9 percent up to $573,148 through the end of the month. Median home price figures dropped 8.8 percent year-over-year in November to $410,000, though the year-to-date figure is up 6.5 percent to $469,000.

77007

On the southern edge of the area, the zip code encompassing Washington Avenue/Rice Military, 39 homes came off the market in November. That figure represented a 53 percent year-over-

year-downturn in the zip code compared to the 83 sales in November 2021.

On the whole, there have been 779 sales in the area so far this year, 20.8 percent less than the 983 sales through the same point last year.

Pricing wise, yearover-year average November prices went up

slightly (0.5 percent) to $652,754 while year-todate average price has jumped 10.7 percent up to 658,396 through the end of the month. Median home price figures spiked 19.6 percent (up to $580,00) year-overyear in November, while the is up 11.8 percent to $531,000 year-to-date.

THE TOPICS.

Last week we looked at some of those Texans who made 2022 so, uh, special: Gov. Greg Abbott and his vow to abolish rape in Texas, U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert wondering why only Republicans were singled out for prosecution when lying to Congress or the FBI, and who banned the Bible. But there were too many to fit in one listing. Before Texas Monthly steals our list for its annual Bum Steer Awards, let’s take up where we left off. Like Attorney General Ken Paxton who ran away from his home in a truck – driven by his wife -- to avoid being served a subpoena. Then there was former President George W. Bush. In a speech at his presidential center in Dallas, Bush condemned the “decision of one man to launch a wholly unjustified and brutal invasion of Iraq.” He quickly corrected: “I mean, of Ukraine.” Bush promptly muttered under his breath, “Iraq, too.”

When Californian Philip White purchased a $3 bottle of Texas Pete hot sauce at a supermarket in Los Angeles last September, he believed he was buying a

message Tuesday afternoon. “We’re grateful to Mayor Turner, Houston Public Works, and the Houston Parks Board for getting the job done.”

From downtown, the White Oak Bayou Greenway trail runs northwest along Interstate 45 and I-10 before proceeding west through Stude Park.

The trails had previously ended at Studemont Street, but the connector now extends it to the west – through the existing green space along the north side of White Oak Bayou – for about 850 feet until it meets the MKT Trail, which runs northwest to southeast in that part of the Heights.

“The completion of the MKT Spur Connector represents a safer and

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

misled by “false advertising” and filed a class action lawsuit against T.W. Garner Food Co., the makers of Texas Pete. According to an annual survey conducted by Restaurant Business Online, Taste of Texas’s gross food and beverage sales rang in at $23,180,522 last year, which landed it at the Number 14 slot in the nation, just a little below Commander’s Palace in New Orleans. Speaking of eating and drinking, who sold the most booze in Houston? In alcohol sales from Jan. 1 until Dec. 9, 2022, the Number 1 seller was Ojos Locos Sports Cantina, with sales of $17,638,327, but they have several locations.

more equitable transportation network for all users,” Haddock said.

The Spur branches off the MKT Trail northwest of the MKT Bridge over White Oak Bayou, connecting to White Oak Bayou Greenway underneath Studemont Street.

For months, instead of crossing that bridge to get south of I-10 into the Sawyer Yards area, or vice versa, cyclists and pedestrians have been forced to take detours that significantly prolonged their route or forced them off the trail and onto the roadways.

“Today we’re celebrating another milestone for safety and accessibility now that two of District C’s most popular trails are connected,” said Dis-

the medical director for Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care. “We feel fortunate to serve the families, young professionals and residents who live and work in Greater Heights, and we look forward to expanding our partnership with Memorial Hermann across the Greater Houston area.”

The release said Memorial Hermann-GoHealth centers are open to serve new patients who don’t have a Memorial Hermann provider as well as existing patients who might need immediate or urgent care outside of regular business hours. It also provides the community with a more affordable option for safe and efficient care outside the emergency room, according to the release.

Widescreen monitors allow patients to follow along as providers update their charts, the release said, while integrated electronic medical records can be accessed by caregivers across the Memorial Hermann network.

The new Heights urgent care center is a partnership between Memorial Hermann and GoHealth, an on-demand platform that operates over 200 on-demand care centers throughout the country through partnerships with healthcare providers in Texas, New York, Oregon, California, Delaware, Michigan, Maryland, and more. It now has seven total locations in the Greater Houston region.

“Memorial Hermann’s commitment to delivering highquality care coupled with GoHealth’s advanced technology and expertise in the urgent care space will provide patients of all ages with the best possible health care experience,” said Dr. Michael Bublewicz, Chief Medical Officer, Memorial Hermann Health System Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care.

Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

to release details on how much property was saved or damaged as a result of the fire as of Wednesday morning.

But for artists whose work was inside the studio, there is likely no dollar amount that could be put on what the works represent and the effort that went into creating them.

Clendennen said she had much of her work with her at a show in Austin, but others were not so lucky.

She said there was art from two exhibitions that was lining the walls inside the studio corridors

“Please keep our artists in your thoughts, prayers, or what have you,” she wrote Tuesday. “Send us some happy and healing vibes. The Winter Street art community is going to need it right now.”

The Leader will stay on top of this story and share any opportunities the community has to support the studio’s artists.

In February 2019, Donald Trump held a large rally at the El Paso County Coliseum coinciding with another event where Beto O’Rourke appeared. Weeks later, O’Rourke held another rally in El Paso where he announced his run for president. But while O’Rourke paid back the city for the security it provided, Trump didn’t pay his tab. The billionaire, whose political war chest boasted well over $100 million, owed the city $569,204 for transportation, security and a 21-percent late fee. In 2020, the city hired a law firm to try to collect, the city spokeswoman said, but so far $0 has been collected.

Retirees Kathleen and George Rowe regularly fed ducks in Bridgeland, a master-planned community in Cypress. For their generosity, the couple was sued by their homeowners association. If they are found in violation and cannot pay the duck bill, so to speak, the fine could be up to $250,000, and the Rowes may be subject to foreclosure of their home.

Now let’s turn to sports. Astros win! Our boys of sum-

trict C council member Abbie Kamin, who serves that part of the Heights.

“Residents can be more comfortable walking, running, and biking, enjoying our trails and green-spaces without being forced on busy streets.”

The connector trail has been a vision since the middle of 2021. But that vision is now complete, and two of the Heights’ most bustling hike and bike trails will forever

mer won the World Series, and did so even without banging on a trash can –which the national media mentioned in countless articles about the triumph. Five days after winning the World Series, the Astros fired general manager James Click. He was offered a oneyear contract and raise from his $1 million salary, but he turned it down in pursuit of a longer contract, and was dismissed after going public with his grievances at meetings about his future with the franchise.

This brings us to – who else? -- Jim “Mattress Mac” McIngvale. Long an intense Astros fan, Mac got into an obscenity-filled shouting match (on TV) in the Philadelphia Phillies stadium with apparently an equally intense Phillies fan. But Mac had more than a fan’s interest: He reportedly bet $10 million that Houston would win the series, which they did in six games. He made $75 million. Also, the Gallery Furniture founder already had $1.5 million bet on the Cougars to win the national championship before he dropped another $1 million at 8-to-1 odds.

be linked as one in helping cyclists, walkers, and joggers traverse the city’s trails.

“We are thrilled that construction is now com-

Maybe Mac should have stuck to sports. He bet heavily that Alexandra del Moral Mealer would defeat incumbent Lina Hidalgo for Harris County judge, with huge donations and TV ads. Alas, Mealer lost to Hidalgo who referred to Mac as “that furniture salesman.” After the election, Mac took out a full page in the Houston Chronicle to blast Hidalgo and refer to himself as an “icon.”

Before we leave baseball, the Sugar Land Skeeters are no more. Now they are the Space Cowboys. That’s the name the Astros picked in their rebranding of the team’s Class AAA affiliate.

At first I didn’t like the new name, but tomorrow’s Astros finished with a record of 7375. Not bad. Question: Has any other town had two major teams both finish in last place? The Houston Texans wound up the 2021-2022 season in the cellar with a 4-13 record and are looking to do worse in 2022-2023.

The Texans fired Coach David Culley after one season, the first one-and-done head coach in team history.

Culley was the fourth head coach in franchise history after Dom Capers, Gary Ku-

plete on this critical trail connector between MKT Trail and White Oak Bayou Greenway,” said Beth White, President and CEO of Houston Parks

biak and Bill O’Brien. With the Texans again in last place, the current coach, Lovie Smith, should be filling out his resume. Then we have Houston Rockets. They finished last season with a woeful 17–55 record. Like our pro football team, our pro basketball team tanked to the bottom. What ever happened to James Harden? Our college football teams didn’t do much better. The UH Cougars’ Coach Dana Holgorsen got a contract extension with a hefty raise, then his team went a mediocre 7-5. We have a lot of Aggies and Longhorns around Houston, who had high hopes for their pigskin players. Alas, even with their multi-million dollar head coaches, the Horns went 8-4 and the Aggies finished 5-7. Oh, and Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard has been suspended indefinitely without pay following his arrest for assault after a woman told Austin police he had strangled her.

Ashby is one year older at ashby2@comcast.net

Board. “This connection is an essential piece in creating a safe, continuous path along one of the most used Bayou Greenways in Houston.”

Booker T. Washington finding midseason stride

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As the Booker T. Washington Eagles have embarked on a follow-up to last year’s record-setting season, they hit a few bumps in the road early on. However, the Eagles appear to have found their stride as the season moves along.

The Eagles are coming off of a 3-1 week last week, including winning two of their three games at the Houston ISD Tournament Dec. 1517. Booker T. Washington moved to 8-5 on the season, and remains a perfect 4-0 in District 21-4A ahead of Monday’s game against Furr.

Prairie View A&M commit Kenneth Lewis had a season-high 27 points and eight rebounds for the Eagles in a 65-55 win over Bellaire in the HISD Tournament on Dec. 16. Chris McDermott had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds against Bellaire, while Andre Walker II had nine assists and nine rebounds. McDermott also had 24 points and 17 rebounds in a 62-52 win over Lamar on Dec. 15, while Odis Carter Jr. had 10 steals and Samuel Johnson grabbed 12 rebounds.

Carter Jr. also had a season-high 28 points and six steals in the Eagles’ 82-75 loss to Clear Falls on Saturday, the fourth time this season the junior has eclipsed the 20-point mark in a game.

Elsewhere in public school

action, the Heights Bulldogs split four games last week, beating Lamar 45-40 in their District 18-6A opener on Dec. 12 before going 1-2 at the HISD Tournament. Gabriel Alvarez averaged 14.8 points per game for the Bulldogs (7-7, 1-0) in the four games, including 17 points in a 48-21 win over Alvin on Dec. 16 and another 18 points in a 67-40 loss to Klein Cain on Dec. 15. Allen Rainey also scored 13 points of his own against Alvin.

Waltrip also split four games last week, losing 10259 to Madison on Dec. 14 before going 2-1 at the HISD Tournament, losing 68-63 to Baytown Lee on Dec. 15 before defeating Northside 67-29 on Dec. 16 and taking down Galena Park 66-46 on Dec. 17. The Rams are 5-7 overall and 3-1 in District 9-5A play entering Tuesday’s matchup against Sterling.

The Scarborough Spartans dropped all three games last week, falling to 0-10 on the season. Orion Harvey had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds in an 81-49 loss to Sam Houston on Dec. 15, while Javon Williams

added 10 points.

On the private school side, the St. Thomas Eagles split a pair of games last week to move to 10-1 overall on the season. They suffered their first loss of the season with a 57-50 defeat at the hands of Westbury Christian on Dec. 15 before bouncing back with a 59-48 win over St. Thomas Episcopal on Dec. 16.

Girls

The Waltrip Lady Rams won both games last week, eking out a 47-46 win over Galena Park on Dec. 14 before cruising past Milby 6133 on Dec. 15. The Lady Rams are 7-3 overall and 3-3 in District 9-5A entering Monday’s district matchup against Sharpstown.

Heights’ Lady Bulldogs fell in both games last week, losing 67-25 to El Paso Chapin on Dec. 15 before dropping a 56-36 decision to Bellaire on Dec. 17. The Lady Bulldogs are 5-9 overall and 0-2 in District 18-6A ahead of Tuesday’s game against Westside.

Booker T. Washington dropped a 60-22 decision to Madison on Dec. 15, losing their sixth straight contest to drop to 1-9 on the season.

IN MEMORIAM

Martin Victor Cattoni left this life too soon on Monday, July 25th in Ashburn, Virginia. Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Martin Cattoni and Loly Boettner Cattoni, Martin is survived by his adoring siblings, Ruth Cattoni, John Cattoni and Katy Cattoni. Loving nephews Cash, Gage, Cannon, Juan Victor and Juan Martin, and great nephews Taetum and Kayson. He also leaves the love of his life, Karen Hokanson and numerous cousins and relatives in Asuncion, Paraguay to mourn his loss. Martin attended St. Vincent’s, Strake Jesuit, UT Austin and graduated from University of Houston, and received his MBA from Widener University. He made many friends wherever he went living in Boston MA, Newark DE and finally Ashburn VA. to his Houston friends and family. He was extremely adventurous and went on numerous diving and cycling trips all over the world and loved exploring new things; Maldives, Fiji, Egypt, Europe, many places in the Caribbean and all over the United States. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed music, dancing, trying new things (skydiving, parasailing and more), movies, cooking and most of all will be remembered for his sense of humor and intelligence. He was our rock after our parents passed away when we were so young. Martin was always there for us and we all depended on him and loved him deeply. We will remember his genuine smile, zest for life and the joy he spread in his 65 years making this world a better place for all who knew him. Martin, we will always, always remember you.

Photo by Matthew Blue

Booker T. Washington forward Kenneth Lewis dunks the ball during a game against North Forest last season. Lewis scored 27 points in a win over Bellaire last week, and he and the Eagles appear to be finding their groove.

Martin Victor Cattoni March 2, 1957 – July 25, 2022

Art Valet: Community rallies after arson destroys art studios

MITCH COHEN Art Columnist

An arsonist entered studio C7 at Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street, early Tuesday morning, and set off a firebomb after allegedly robbing that studio.

The fire destroyed the studio, the adjoining studios with shared walls and caused extensive heat and smoke damage to the 2 story building and many of the studios. HFD was treating this as an arson and crime scene at the time of this writing.

Social media was a buzz all day Tuesday as artists reported the news and shared photos of the devastation. The section of the building with the most damage was cordoned off while investigators worked and checked for structural damage.

It was heartbreaking to see photos and watch videos as the day progressed, I know most of the people that have studios there and I know all the artists put their heart and souls into creating.

Holly Nowak shares her studio with three artists, Chrissy Doolen, a metal artist, Nicole Bolinger, a glass artist, and Stephanie Barker, a painter.  It was Nowak’s early morning post on Facebook that caught my attention.

In a phone call, Nowak told me that someone (she doesn’t know who) sent her a photo (about 5 a.m.) of her studio door with fire billowing out and asked if that was her studio. It appears that the art in their studio was completely destroyed.

More photos were shared all day as artists arrived to check on their art and studios.

The smoke and soot seems to have made it to all parts of the building.

A recent exhibit that featured artwork from artists all over the Sawyer Yards campus was installed on the Winter St. Hallways just last month. The heat was so extreme in some areas I was told that the art melted.

Can you help? Yes.

Fresh Arts, an arts nonprofit, has office space just down the hallway from where the fire was located.  Fresh Arts Executive Director, Angela Carranza, said in an email that a fundraiser will be in the works soon to help artists. She said the Houston Arts Alliance Disaster Services has already opened a relief fund for artists affected.

Resources for artists affected by the fire and other disasters can be found here: https://ready.haatx. com/ (Hat tip to Randall Kallinen for the link.)

Robyn Crowell, Founder and Director of Heights Church Artifex, 230 W. 20th, and her resident artists are planning an art supply drive with donations to be dropped off at Heights Church.

As dates and times are announced, I’ll update this article and announce them on my webpage ArtValet.com.

I was looking for a feel good story this morning to share with you here, I certainly didn’t expect it to come about in this horrific way; people coming together to help in time of need. Be thankful for who and what you have, now. I am very thankful to witness the outpouring of love, and offers of help.

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

Nibbles and Sips: Urban South hires new director of operations

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Craft beer lovers might soon have some new flavors on the way, as a brewery with local ties has recently hired a new director of brewing operations.

On Dec. 15, Urban South Brewery announced that the company has hired Chris Rakow as the new director of brewing operations. He will oversee all brewery operations including R&D and recipe formulation and brewing staff in all company facilities, including Urban South – HTX in Sawyer Yards at 1201 Oliver St.

Rakow has more than 14 years of brewing leadership experience in the craft beer industry in New Jersey, Vermont, and Louisiana according to the brewery.

“It is rare to be a part of a growing brewery in the industry at the moment, and I am fortunate to have this opportunity,” Rakow said. “I look forward to managing multiple locations all while unifying the breweries and maintaining their individuality. I’m excited to work with the team and to be able to show my skills and formulate delicious recipes for customers to enjoy.”

To find out more about Urban South, visit their website at UrbanSouth.com or follow Urban South – HTX on social media @urbansouthhtx.

Gypsy Poet now open in Heights

Earlier this month, woodfired pizza spot The Gypsy

Poet had a soft opening in the former Fegen’s space in the Heights at 1050 Studewood St. It is the second Houston-area location for the pizzeria, joining an existing spot at 2404 Austin St. in downtown.

The spot offers eight different types of pizza such as the Fancy Backpacker, Sicilian Journey, and Pepperoni Mad-

ness, according to its website, as well as several types of salads.

For more information on Gypsy Poet, follow them on social media @thegypsypoetstudio or visit the restaurant’s website at thegypsypoet.us.

Wild Oats hosting Muppets Christmas

brunch

A local restaurant at the Houston Farmers Market is giving the community a chance to enjoy a Christmas lunch with a touch of nostalgia this weekend.

On Christmas Eve Day this Saturday, Underbelly Hospitality concept Wild Oats will host its Muppets Christmas

Carol Brunch at the restaurant, 2520 Airline Dr. in the Houston Farmers Market.

Community members can come enjoy a Muppets-themed lunch including Al-Gonzo’s Texas meat and cheese board, pickled leek stuffing, whipped potatoes, and Miss Figgy pudding while watching the Muppets Christmas Carol movie.

There will be two seatings, according to the event page, one each at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Tickets are $50 per person for adults and $35 per person for kids, and can be purchased at resy.com/cities/hou/ venues/wild-oats/events/ the-muppet-christmas-carollunch-2022-12-24.

Contributed photos

HFD puts out a fire set by an arsonist at Winter Street Studios on Tuesday morning.

Contributed photo

Fire reflects o the glass doors from studio C6 at Winter St. Studios.

Contributed photo

Chris Rakow is the new director of brewing operations for Urban South Brewing, the company annoounced Dec. 15.

Photo from Facebook

The Fancy Backpacker pizza, pictured here, is just one of the options now being fired up at The Gypsy Poet.