The Oak Forest Homeowners Association’s (OFHA) wine tasting event, Uncorked, is back for its third year on April 22, bringing together wine enthusiasts, community members, and local businesses for an evening of fun, flavor, and fundraising. The much-anticipated event will take place at the Sonoma Wine and Cheese Garden Oaks location,
offering attendees wine tastings, cheese pairings, door prizes, a wine pull, raffle items, and a silent auction—all in support of the Oak Forest Neighborhood Patrol Program.
Organized by the dynamic duo of Gabriel Perez, OFHA Community Relations Chair, and Deena Alcorta, OFHA Director of Public Relations, the event has become a cornerstone of the Oak Forest community’s annual calendar. The proceeds from Uncorked
directly benefit the Neighborhood Patrol Program, which plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and security in the community.
According to the OFHA website, Oak Forest is the third largest subdivision in Harris County with 5,526+ homes in 18 sections and 24,000 residents.
“As the largest annual fundraiser for OFHA, Uncorked plays a vital role in raising essential funds
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
For more than a decade, St. Julian’s
Crossing Wildlife Habitat has been an urban sanctuary for pollinators and wildlife in Houston’s Oak Forest neighborhood. The brainchild of Lauren Jansen Simpson, a dedicated naturalist and educator, St. Julian’s
Crossing is more than just a home garden—it’s a thriving ecosystem designed to support bees, insects, beetles, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife while educating the community about conservation.
What started as a personal mission to create a sustainable garden after Houston’s drought in 2014 has blossomed into a thriving microcosm on just a few yards of land. With certifications as a Wildlife Habitat from the National Wildlife Federation, Butterfly Garden from the North American Butterfly Association, and Monarch
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Houston coffee lovers have something new to wake up to: Jo’s Coffee has officially arrived in the Heights. The management company Bunkhouse Hotels is the driving force behind this beloved Austinbased coffee shop, known for its signature drinks, breakfast tacos, and community-driven atmosphere. Jo’s has now made its first expansion outside of Austin, opening its doors at 1023 Studewood Street.
This new location, Jo’s Houston, is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a thoughtfully designed space that
Waystation No. 10925 from Monarch Watch, Simpson’s efforts demonstrate how a small urban space can play a vital role in supporting native pollinators. Her garden has become a living classroom for anyone looking to transform their own landscape into a haven for wildlife. Unlike conventional gardens, St. Julian’s Crossing operates without pesticides or herbicides, allowing
blends the brand’s signature style with the charm of the Heights. Featuring a drive-through and a quaint seating area with floor-toceiling windows, Jo’s Houston offers both indoor and outdoor seating, accommodating 25 guests in an inviting space.
Architect Hip.Hop.Design Studio, which previously collaborated with Bunkhouse Hotels, brought the vision to life, incorporating a mix of industrial elements and custom millwork. The interior is accented with terra cotta tile from Austinbased Clay Imports. In addition to vintage pieces such as timeless Tolix Chairs, Bunkhouse Hotels
nature to maintain its own balance. Instead of eliminating pests like aphids, Simpson has embraced them as an essential part of the habitat.
“Like most wildlife habitat gardeners, we find various aphid species on our garden plants. In the past, I used to squish them or hose them off. But over time, I’ve learned why leaving aphids on my native plants can support a web of life in my garden, while allowing aphid populations to be controlled naturally,” she explains.
Aphids, it turns out, are a critical food source for beneficial predators such as lady beetles, lacewings, and hoverflies, whose larvae can consume hundreds of aphids before pupating. Even hummingbirds feed on aphids, proving that a hands-off approach can actually strengthen a garden’s biodiversity.”A healthy garden is a balanced garden,” Simpson says.
stayed close to its Austin roots, sourcing custom interior and exterior furniture from RAD Furniture, a sustainably focused company that was founded down the street from the original Jo’s location on South Congress.
Since its founding in 1999, Jo’s Coffee has been proudly brewing its own signature blend. The Houston location continues that tradition, partnering with La Colombe Coffee Roasters to create Jo’s House Blend, a smooth, medium-roast coffee with hints of milk chocolate, nuts, and honey. Guests can enjoy Jo’s coffee
By CHRIS DAIGLE The Leader News Contributor
The shiny marble stands alone like a guardian on duty forever. Its message is the legacy of a life well lived. A last effort to promise a person’s place in the world. For these 32 stone sentries, the past is frozen in a world that speaks to the future every day. That world is the Vollmer-Niemann Family Cemetery. It’s on Foxwood in Timbergrove Manor with neighbors’ backyard fences meeting right up to it, but in the mid 1800s it was the final resting place for 32 German pioneers, farmers, craftsmen, street planners, and carpenters who picked up everything that would fit into a wagon and risked everything moving west. What could they have been thinking as they plodded across the prairie to an uncertain future? Hundreds of them came to land outside Houston near White Oak Bayou to build a church, build a school, build a community called Vollmer after John Vollmer made the first claim. There were blacksmiths and school teachers from families such as Hillendahl and Sauer, Hilton and Neimann, who worked tirelessly to put this area on the map. Their legacy helped create what we have today. These marble stones tell their stories to today’s curious. Spring Branch exists today because of pioneers like Conrad Sauer, and Henry
Photo
Hillendahl, 1821-1878, the first headstone placed there. The last burial here was Annie C. Hilton, 1888-1985, aged 97 years at the time of her death.
While Hillendahl is the oldest tombstone, the earliest recorded burial was John Ojeman in December 1848, without a tombstone, according to the Texas Historical Commission.
The cemetery has been referred to by various names, including the Vollmer Family Cemetery, Vollmer-Niemann Cemetery, Vollmer-Niemann Family Cemetery, and Eureka Cemetery. Eureka was a community to the south of Timbergrove, close to Washington Road. There are 35 marked graves on the 1.5acre tract, but mystery remains as to some unmarked graves and who they contain.
The story of the cemetery, for only an acre and a half, is immense. But over the decades, details fade, people connected with it pass away. Fortunately, a new generation of neighbors wants to know more. Reen Catanzaro and her husband Louis came to Timbergrove 39 years ago and moved in right next door to the cemetery.
“We didn’t give a thought to being next to a cemetery, except it was pretty convenient at Halloween,” Reen says. “We haven’t seen a change in the property values and our neighbors haven’t, either.”
Reen saw a need to keep up the cemetery, and although it had an owner, he lives out of town and has little interest in the property. Reen had a natural curiosity about getting it certified as a Texas Historical Cemetery.
“When I was involved in 2007, I worked very hard for that certification. Then Hurricane Ike hit us so hard, and things fell by the wayside,” she said. “The damage and destruction diverted my focus elsewhere, and it was all
for our Neighborhood Patrol Program,” said Alcorta. “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a decline in patrol program participation. The Uncorked event has been instrumental in helping us regain momentum and ensure the program’s continued presence in our neighborhood.”
The event’s success is a reflection of the power of the Oak Forest community. Local home builders and businesses contribute through sponsorships and silent auction items. But equally important are the amazing neighbors in Oak Forest. Their enthusiasm for community and support for the efforts of OFHA volunteers make this event truly special. The partnership with
but forgotten. We continued to care for the cemetery but, after so many years, it was clear to me that the city was never going to step up.”
Luckily, Dorree Colson was also thinking about the cemetery. Living on Seaspray near the cemetery, her son Walker is a member of Boy Scout Troop 55 of St. John The Divine Episcopal church. At 15 years old, Walker’s Eagle Scout service project was to improve the Vollmer-Niemann Cemetery.
“Walker was very involved in the research about the graves,” Colson recalls. “In May 2023 we went to the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research in the Museum District. Walker found papers that note several Black slaves and some unknown Yankee soldiers buried in the cemetery. That’s especially interesting.”
Walker asked the librarian about requesting the cemetery transcription, which is a document that lists all the people buried in a cemetery. After several minutes and the librarian checking with several colleagues, they told him that the library had seen a renovation in 2004, and those papers had been thrown out. Walker was quite disappointed as he had hoped to find the identity of the Black slaves and wanted to install a marker in that
Sonoma at Garden Oaks has also been instrumental in the event’s success. They have graciously hosted the event since its inception and continue to offer their ongoing support.
Supporting Community Safety
The Neighborhood Patrol Program is vital to Oak Forest’s safety strategy. Oak Forest residents can opt into this paid membership program becoming “Security Members” and receive benefits such as vacation watch from a trained officer. They also receive a yard sign to display their security member status. Memberships in the security program can be purchased on an annual or
area. Walker had also hoped to identify the fallen soldiers and apply for a marker from the Department of Veterans Affairs, but without the cemetery transcription, the librarians didn’t have ideas for further research. What Walker did find, however, was a reference booklet titled, Vollmer Cemetery, Houston, Texas, compiled by Trevia Wooster Beverly.
The document had a notation that there were several Black slaves and unknown Yankee soldiers buried in the cemetery in 1870, five years after the Civil War and slavery had ended.
“Walker completed his Eagle Scout project to restore the cemetery in April 2024. Along with the research, Walker and his friends were able to clean the headstones and beautify the area,” Colson said. “His project in total took 120 hours to complete. The project cost $1,300 to clean and beautify the gravesites. The cemetery was eligible for the Historic Cemetery Marker on March 27, 2007 when it was listed as a Historic Texas Cemetery worthy of preservation, but nobody had raised the funds to purchase it. Walker was able to raise the $950 in donations from family and friends and ordered the marker in August 2023. It is a long process.”
One of those instrumen-
monthly basis.
Currently, the program provides 12 hours of coverage each day, seven days a week. However, the goal is to return to the pre-pandemic 24/7 coverage, and Oak Forest’s Uncorked is a key element in achieving that goal.
tal in the process of obtaining the long-awaited marker was Chuck Chandler, Harris County Historical Commission State Marker chair. Colson says Chandler was always ready to answer questions and encourage him in his Eagle Scout project.
“Once the County Historical Commission sends authorization by email, they next present the project to the THC Commissioner Marker Team for final review before ordering the marker from the foundry,” she explained.
The need for upkeep at the cemetery, Colson says, is an ongoing challenge.
“We appreciate any help to continue this land’s message of history,” she says.
To volunteer help with cemetery maintenance, please email Colins at dorree@gmail.com.
UNLOCKING
UNMARKED GRAVES
The secret to what’s below ground in a cemetery has been a question for centuries. Why are some graves not marked, where are they, and who’s in there? Until fairly recently, much was left to the imagination. Today, however, we have ways of finding out.
Robert R. Stewart, director of the Allied Geophysical Lab at the University of Houston, says that ground-penetrating radar is a technology that uses radar pulses to search underground. It’s commonly used to find underground utilities, and
“The proceeds from Uncorked are crucial in supporting our Neighborhood Patrol Program,” explained Alcorta. “Funding from Uncorked ensures we can provide more coverage and maintain a safe environment for our residents. By participating in Uncorked, attendees are directly investing in the well-being and security of our community. Every dollar counts, and your support brings us closer to achieving our goal of 24/7 coverage.”
The Railroad Commission of Texas has disposed of equipment and/or hydrocarbons pursuant to Section 89.085 of the Texas Natural Resources Code. Any person with a legal or equitable ownership or security interest in the equipment or hydrocarbons that was in existence on the date the Commission entered into a contract to plug the following well(s) or clean the following leases/ facilities may file a claim with the Commission. Contact the Houston District Office at 713-869-5001 to obtain a claim form.
SMP Code Number: 03-296744
Operator Name: Startap, Inc. (816033)
Lease Name: R.H.L. “A” (24496)
Well Number(s): 6, 7, 23B, 26B, 67B, 86 County: Harris
SMP Code Number: 03-296745
Operator Name: Startap, Inc. (816033)
Lease Name: O.H.A. “A” (24607)
Well Number(s): 1, 23, 2B, 3B, 76 County: Harris
SMP Code Number: 03-231678
Operator Name: Rio Energy (712522)
Lease Name: Hermann Fee (02350)
Well Number(s): 10, 30B County: Harris
in a cemetery setting it’s used to find differences in the soil profile which could indicate a grave.
“GPR has been successful in locating graves in places that are not even cemeteries,” Stewart says. “Usually we get historical data about an area, maybe fly a drone over it, do some tests, and sometimes we find things.”
Stewart says to scan a full acre can cost $10.000.
ABOVE GROUND
The care of monuments above ground can be as involved as below ground. Headstones are made of marble or granite and must be cleaned differently. A D/2 solution available to clean the effects of time and climate, not found on your kitchen countertop at home, is commonly used to get the job done. Irving Miranda at Texas Gravestone Care says that marble and granite are affected by mildew, humidity, time, hot and cold, and much more than interior finishes.
“After a hundred years, even this will fall apart,” says Irving. “For that reason, headstones used to be made about two inches thick, but now they have to be made six inches thick to hold up. And being under a tree can add more mildew and mold to it and doesn’t help it.”
HARRIS COUNTY ARCHIVES
Every day, Barbara Estrada
The initiative reflects a broader philosophy within Oak Forest—that community safety is a shared responsibility. Uncorked offers a tangible way for residents to contribute to this shared goal while enjoying an evening filled with connection and celebration.
This year’s event promises an array of experiences designed to delight and engage. Attendees will enjoy wine tastings with perfectly paired cheeses, have the chance to win exciting door prizes, and participate in a lively silent auction. The organizing com-
looks over thousands of documents at the Harris County Archives near West 34th at Hempstead Road. Her interest peaked when she found original deed documents from 1888, detailing the location and layout of the Vollmer Cemetery. Written by Kate Vollmer herself, the papers were handwritten in cursive for several pages, probably in a wood cabin by candlelight.
“It’s amazing, the detail people went to in those days,” Colson said.
Other documents tell us about the slaves buried there. They were Sam, Jenny, and Bob. It is likely these were family slaves and chose to be buried with the family. The 1860 census shows that Henry Vollmer had three slaves, aged 9, 11, and 40.
In late November, Colson answered the door to see the historic marker had finally arrived. A years-long dream had come true.
After a 3-month wait, February 16, 2025, came clear and cold. Michael Colson mounted the marker in its final spot at Vollmer Cemetery, which was now officially declared a Historic Texas Cemetery. Descendants of the families buried there came to witness, proud of the honor.
“I feel really good that we could show these pioneers that we care, and I think they would be happy that we remembered their lives,” Walkes said.
“This was a great way to earn his Eagle Scout,” Colson said, remembering the effort her son put into the project, “and this is a great contribution to our community.”
As the German settlers made their trails in what is now Timbergrove, they likely never thought their story would resonate 177 years later.
“Everybody’s effort went into this moment,” Reen said. “I’m hoping this inspires others to be curious about history, and it helps us with upkeep of the cemetery.”
mittee is still seeking donations of goods and services from local businesses looking to make a bigger impact and community members. These contributions are vital to ensuring the event’s success and reaching the fundraising goals needed to enhance community safety.
“Just as important,” notes Alcorta, “is community members spreading the word about the event and the importance of the neighborhood patrol program through social media and word-of-mouth. If every security member recruited their non-security member neighbor to the program, we would be closer to where we need to be.”
Oak Forest’s Uncorked is a registration-required event for attendees aged 21 and over. Tickets are still available online priced at $100.00 for non-security members and $90.00 for security members. The event will be hosted by Sonoma Garden Oaks, located at 1227 W. 34th St., on April 22 from 6-8:30 p.m. Community members are encouraged to participate by attending, donating, or sponsoring the event. Email communityrelations@ofha. org or visit ofha.org for more details.
You can’t win if you don’t attend the Uncorked fundraiser.
Submitted photos
One of Oak Forest’s young residents shows off his Security Member yard sign.
Photo by Chris Daigle
Barbara Estrada of the Harris County Archives examines an 1800s land deed of the Vollmer-Niemann Cemetery with Reen Catanzaro and Dorree Colson. These handwritten records are a time tunnel to the past.
Photo by Doree Colson
Walker Colson at Vollmer Cemetery, where he and his Scout troop scrubbed headstones and performed maintenance work for his Eagle Scout project.
One of Houston’s best-loved grassroots fundraising events, Empty Bowls Houston, will return for the 19th Annual event on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Empty Bowls is an international effort to fight hunger, implemented in Houston to benefit the Houston Food Bank. The unique lunch fundraiser is a collaboration between Houston area ceramists, woodturners and artists working in all media and Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Since the inception of the event, Empty Bowls Houston has raised $1,118,012 for the Houston Food Bank. This equates to more than 3.35 million meals for the hungry!
Attendees enjoy perusing the 1,500plus one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted bowls made and donated by Houston area ceramists and craft artists, which are available for a donation to the Houston Food Bank of $25 per bowl (100 percent goes to Houston Food Bank). There are also larger bowls available at higher prices. NOTE: For each $1 donated to Houston Food Bank, THREE meals are provided to the hungry, so each $25 bowl purchased provides 75 meals. The event will be held at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft in both the indoor gallery spaces and outdoor garden. There will be live artist demonstrations outdoors throughout the event, and live mu-
Food Bank set for March 22
sic in the garden. All attendees who purchase bowls will enjoy a salad or wrap from Salata, and hot and iced coffee from Katz’s Coffee.
WHEN: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food served until it runs out!
WHERE: Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main (77002) INFO: www.EmptyBowlsHouston. org
EMPTY BOWLS HOUSTON PREVIEW PARTY
Enjoy light bites, beer and wine, and the first opportunity to purchase Empty Bowls! Ticket sales benefit Empty Bowls Houston and Houston
Center for Contemporary Craft, and all bowl sales benefit Empty Bowls Houston. Event co-chairs are Ashley and Tyler Horne.
WHEN: Friday, March 21, 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main Street, Houston, TX INFO: crafthouston.org/event/ empty-bowls-preview-party-2025
ARCHWAY GALLERY’S EMPTY BOWLS INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION & SALE
WHEN: April 5 – 30, 2025
Opening Reception: April 5, 5 - 8 p.m. (Open to public, complimentary valet parking) WHERE: Archway Gallery, 2305
Dunlavy (77006) Archway Gallery is once again honored to host a special exhibition to raise money for Empty Bowls Houston. More than 30 finely crafted, one-of-a-kind bowls will be displayed along with work submitted by both 2D and 3D Archway Gallery artists. The Empty Bowls artwork will be available through the month of April with proceeds benefiting the Houston Food Bank. There is a special opening reception on April 5 from 5-8 p.m. at Archway Gallery to meet the artists and view these unique works. The bowls may be purchased and taken home the same day! Archway will have Empty Bowls artwork available as well on their website store. For upto-date information, visit www.archwaygallery.com.
Colon Cancer Screenings: Know the Risks
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the leading causes of cancerrelated deaths worldwide. However, the good news is that it is highly preventable and treatable when detected early through screenings.
The National Cancer Institute recommends colon cancer screening starting at age 45 for people with an average risk of colon cancer. If you have increased risk factors, screening should start before then. Risk factors include:
Age - Colon cancer increases with age, and most cases are diagnosed when 50+.
• Family history -- Strong family history of colon cancer or a related genetic condition may increase your risk.
• Personal medical history
– Certain conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and history of colorectal polyps or cancer may increase your risk. The two most common procedures to detect co-
lon cancer are stool-based tests or a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the best to detect polyps and colorectal cancers early. It involves the insertion of a flexible tube with a camera into the colon to examine the entire length
of the large intestine and allows for the detection and removal of polyps or biopsies of suspicious tissue.
“Most colon cancers start as small growths within the colon, known as polyps,” said Dr. Neha Mathur, a gas-
To find a
troenterologist at Houston Methodist. “Early detection is key to removing these polyps before they become cancerous, which can be done during a colonoscopy. If your colonoscopy results are normal and you have no
other risk factors, you will only need to repeat every 10 years.”
Learn more about colon cancer screenings and schedule your colonoscopy by visiting www.houston methodist.org/colonoscopy
Empty Bowls Houston partners with Houston area ceramists, woodturners and artists working in all media. Photos courtesy of Houston Food Bank
Bank.
THE TOPICS.
I do love holidays. Sleep late. Have as many cups of cof fee or Bloody Marys as I want. We all do that on Easter (no matter your religion), Fourth of July, Labor Day, June 14, Thanksgiving, and … wait. June 14? Not Juneteenth? Yes, June 14. That’s President Donald Trump’s birthday. Hats and horns! Break out the champagne! Oh, haven’t you heard? There is an effort to make Trump’s birthday a fed eral holiday. (He was born on June 14, MCMXLVI, and at 78 is the oldest president to take office.) What’s next? Trump’s likeness on Mount Rushmore?
U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York, a Republican obviously, has introduced a bill that would make Trump’s birthday a federal holiday.
“Just as George Washington’s Birthday is codified as a federal holiday, this bill will add Trump’s Birthday to this list, recognizing him as the founder of America’s Golden Age,” Rep. Tenney wrote in a press release. Now, June 14 is also Flag Day, which practically no one knows, but Rep. Tenney does, and is ready. “By designating Trump’s Birthday and Flag Day as a federal holiday, we can ensure President Trump’s contributions to American great-
ing Friday or maybe the following Monday or both. And since another federal holiday, Juneteenth, is only a couple of days later, there is really no point in returning to the post office, passport desk, bank or air control tower only to find yourself leaving again. Besides, who really needs that Social Security check which won’t be coming anyway?
I really like the idea except – hold your tomatoes and stones – I think we have too many holidays as it is. We have 11 official federal holidays. Then there are the unofficial days off like the Friday after Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Our freeways are filled with early departures a day or two before the actual holiday.
And have you ever tried to do business between Christmas and New Year’s Day? Don’t
When holidays fell in the middle of the week it caused problems. If, say, Memorial Day came on a Tuesday, why bother to show up at the Border Patrol watchtower on Monday? To fix that problem and create long weekend holidays, in 1968 Congress rationalized the nation’s calendar to create Monday holidays. The act combined Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays to create Presidents’ Day on the third Monday in February. Further, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day became Monday holidays. Unfortunately, Congress could not move Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. (This year the Fourth of July falls on July 4.) Congress takes off one week every two. We have two special days to celebrate Black Americans: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Juneteenth. We take off two more holidays to honor the living and dead military: Memorial Day and Armistice Day. October 10 is Columbus Day, a sop tossed to our Italian-Americans, but
Indigenous Americans whose ancestors greeted Chris on the beach note that his discovery gave Europeans gold and land, while he gave the locals small pox, VD and destruction of their societies. But they are slowly getting their revenge, as the Cleveland Guardians told the Washington Commanders. Easter always falls on a Sunday, but don’t expect to see your doctor, lawyer or bail bondsman on Good Friday. Two of our holidays stem from the Civil War. The story is that Memorial Day began when Confederate women put flowers on the graves of their fallen husbands and fathers. Today anything Confederate is frowned upon, so we go with this version: The Union Army commander in chief, Gen. John A. Logan, proclaimed May 30, 1868, to be Decoration Day to honor fallen Union (not Confederate) troops. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as “Memorial Day.” And as every Texan knows, Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Gordon Granger, in Galveston on a balcony at Ashton Villa (it’s still there), read the Emancipation Proclamation. Black Texans were free. For years afterwards
the day was marked mainly in Texas, then spread across the nation and now, as we can see, is a national holiday. Incidentally Juneteenth is a portmanteau of the words “June” and “nineteenth.” A portmanteau is two words combined into one, like smog is smoke and fog. An anklet is a bracelet worn on the ankle and Britxit is a stupid mistake made by the British. For years, Texans celebrated Texas Independence Day, March 2, and San Jacinto Day, April 21, with parades, floats, bands and parties. Not anymore. UT Austin marked Texas Independence Day with the Longhorn Band playing on the Mall, and that huge Lone Star flag, the one you see spread out on the field before a football game, was dropped down to cover the Tower. And a cannon (unloaded) was fired down the Mall toward a frat house. One year the frat rats retaliated and, dressed in sombreros, they fired back. It was a lot of fun. Wonder if they still celebrate? I doubt it. The Texas A&M Aggies around the world mark San Jacinto Day with a Muster honoring all the local fallen Aggies over the last year. That’s OK
since no Aggies were killed at San Jacinto. The State of Texas has 22 official and sort of unofficial holidays. This includes Confederate Heroes Day (good luck with that), Cesar Chavez Day and Lyndon Johnson Day. Some state holidays are considered Skeleton Crew Holidays. A state agency must have enough employees on duty to conduct business. If you do work that day, you get to take off some other day. Wait! This
Answers found in this week’s
Lynn Ashby Columnist
Rotary Club of Houston Heights to host Mayor Whitmire at March 14 community luncheon
By KENNETH STALLMAN Special to The Leader
Hear Mayor Whitmire
Speak on His First Year In Office and Challenges and Opportunities For Houston’s Future
Mayor John H. Whitmire will be the keynote speaker at a community luncheon on Friday, March 14, at The Junior League of Houston.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Houston Heights, the luncheon will provide area residents and businesses with
“I never think of my habitat as just a pollinator environment. I started this journey because of my interest in pollinators, but it’s so much broader. By making the garden hospitable to insects, everything that feeds on them thrives here, too. Reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds all benefit.”
One of Simpson’s goals is to inspire others to start their own pollinator garden, no matter how small. Many of the certifications she has earned for St. Julian’s Crossing can be achieved by anyone who meets the necessary criteria, such as providing water sources, eliminating pesticides, and planting native species. These certifications not only raise awareness in the community but also support conservation organizations working to protect pollinators.
Among her most notable certifications is her Monarch Watch Waystation, which provides essential milkweed and nectar plants for migrating monarch butterflies. According to MonarchWatch. org, there are over 49,311 Monarch Waystations registered across North America, all helping millions of monarchs migrate between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The name St. Julian’s Crossing Wildlife Habitat can also be attributed to the
in a variety of ways, including drip, espresso, and signature drinks like the Iced Turbo on draft, a fan-favorite blend of coffee, espresso, hazelnut, chocolate, and cream.
To commemorate its Houston debut, Jo’s Houston features an exclusive new drink called The Bungalow, inspired by the historic architecture of the Heights. This unique creation blends vanilla, cayenne, cinnamon, espresso, and milk, offering a bold and spicy twist on a classic coffee beverage.
The menu at Jo’s Houston goes beyond coffee. A selection of teas, fresh pastries, and the brand’s beloved breakfast tacos are available daily, along with soft liquors, including local craft beers, frosé, boozy tea, and wine. Whether stopping in for a morning caffeine fix, a leisurely afternoon break, or an evening drink, Jo’s aims to be a welcoming space for the Heights community.
The arrival of Jo’s Coffee in the Heights marks a significant milestone for Bunkhouse Hotels.
the opportunity to hear Mayor Whitmire discuss his first year in office and the challenges and opportunities he sees in Houston’s future. In addition to sharing his view of the future of Houston, Mayor Whitmire will address issues identified as important by citizens such as public safety, infrastructure needs, affordable housing, and economic growth. Prior to becoming Houston’s mayor, Whitmire completed 15 years as a State Representative and Senator for District 15, which includes the Heights, Oak Forest and Garden Oaks.
During his tenure as a State Senator, Whitmire took leadership roles in criminal justice, districting, early voting, and public safety.
Registration at The Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, will begin at 11:15 a.m. The event will conclude with questions and discussion before 1:30 p.m.
Individual tickets can be purchased for $75 online at www. rotaryclubofhoustonheights. org/2025-mayor-whitmire.
The Rotary Club of Houston Heights Charitable Foundation, a 501c3 corporation, is spon-
Waystation. Simpson’s website states, “We adopted the name St. Julian’s Crossing Wildlife Habitat for our home gardens in honor of St. Julian the Hospitaller, the patron saint of travelers and innkeepers, because Monarch Butterflies travel through the ‘inn’ of our gardens on their migration.”
Where to Start: Tips for Beginner Pollinator Gardeners
Many people ask Simpson how to start a pollinatorfriendly garden or convert an existing landscape into a
wildscape. She suggests taking small, intentional steps toward using native plants and becoming involved in local organizations that love to spread the joy nature brings. Simpson shares these organizations and a plethora of related information on her Facebook page @St. Julian’s Crossing – Wildlife Habitat. The Native Plant Society of Texas, for example, has Houston, Clear Lake, and Galveston chapters that offer monthly meetings, workshops, and expert guidance on native plant gardening.
soring this event. Any profits from this event will support the foundation’s philanthropic programs.
The Rotary Club of Houston Heights was established in 1939 and has forty-five members. The club is one of 35,000 Rotary International social service clubs representing over 1,200,000 members in 220 countries and geographic areas.
The Heights club supports such important community needs as education, health care, families, literacy, orphan care in the Ukraine, and character building for 400 children in the Heights.
For those ready to get their hands dirty, several upcoming local plant sales offer the opportunity to purchase true native plants:
• Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Spring Plant Sale – March 2122 Visit houstonarboretum. org/plant-sales for details. Going Native in Gardening at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church March 29 Simpson will be speaking at this event about the importance of native plants in urban landscapes. Details at stsumc.churchcenter.com/registrations/ events/2755898
Houston Audubon Society Natives Nursery Spring Plant Sale – April 5 Visit houstonaudubon. org/programs/calendar. html/event/2025/04/05/ natives-nursery-springplant-sale/511539 for details.
St. Julian’s Crossing proves that even a small urban garden can become a thriving wildlife refuge. Whether you start with a single flower bed or an entire yard, making space for pollinators benefits not just the environment, but the entire ecosystem of birds, insects, and mammals that depend on them.
To follow Simpson’s journey and learn more about pollinator gardening, visit her on Instagram @st_julians_ crossing and Facebook @St. Julian’s Crossing – Wildlife Habitat.
“As our first Jo’s Coffee location outside of Austin, this is a huge milestone for us,” said Lisa Bonifacio, President of Bunkhouse Hotels, in a media statement. “Having just opened Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose, and leading into our next project, Hotel Daphne—also in the Heights neighborhood—later this year, it’s clear that we have fallen in love with the Bayou City, and we couldn’t be more thrilled
about sharing our beloved Jo’s brand with Houstonians.”
Jo’s Coffee now operates eight locations, including seven in Austin, such as the original South Congress spot, locations in Downtown Austin, Red River, and South Austin, and even a café inside AustinBergstrom International Airport. Additionally, Jo’s House Blend is served at several Bunkhouse Hotels across Texas, San Francisco, and
now, Houston. Open daily from 7 a.m.7 p.m., Jo’s Houston invites coffee enthusiasts to experience its signature drinks, handcrafted menu, and welcoming atmosphere. For more information, visit www. joscoffee.com or follow them on Instagram at @joscoffee. To grab a cup in person, head to 1023 Studewood Street, Houston, TX 77008, or call 713-701-1557.
Monarch Story, an interactive art installation celebrating Monarch butterflies and their vital habitat. The exhibit, located near the Butterfly Bungalow just north of the Nature Playscape at the Houston Arboretum, is now open to the public and will run through the fall.
Inspired by the need to support Monarch butterflies on their migratory path through Texas, the Houston Monarch Story features striking Monarch sculptures created by artist Michelle Matthews. These larger-than-life sculptures animate the landscape and highlight the importance of conservation efforts for this iconic species. The Houston Arboretum, home to over 600 native plant species, provides an ideal setting for this immersive educational experience.
The Houston Monarch Story is a collaborative effort among the Houston Arboretum, University of Houston Coastal Center, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, Texas Master Naturalist – Galveston Bay Area Chapter, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts. The Monarch sculptures are displayed in a part of the Arboretum’s coastal prairie restoration area, allowing visitors to explore the connection between Monarchs and their native habitat.
The installation is free and open to the public for viewing during regular Houston Arboretum hours, which are 7 a.m. –dusk daily. Visitors can come in one of two entrances: 4501 Woodway Dr. or 120 W. Loop North Frwy.
“The Houston Arboretum is thrilled to host this meaningful art installation, which blends science, art, and conservation,” says Debbie Markey, Executive Director of the Arboretum. “This project underscores our commitment to education by engaging the public in the plight of Monarch butterflies and the importance of preserving native ecosystems.”
The Houston Monarch Story was made possible through the support of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, which awarded a $200,000 grant to the University of Houston Coastal Center for a greenhouse to propagate native plants, including those used in the installation. This facility will also serve as a research hub for seed propagation and coastal prairie restoration.
Volunteers from the Texas Master Naturalists – Galveston Bay Area Chapter played a key role in constructing the greenhouse, growing native plants, and preparing the site at the Arboretum for the installation. Their contributions help ensure a thriving habitat for Monarchs and other pollinators.
Artist Michelle Matthews, a 2023 MFA graduate from the University of Houston, sought to merge art with public education through this project. Her 200-times-larger-thanlife Monarch sculptures authentically capture the butterflies in various stages of flight, emphasizing the need for healthy coastal prairie ecosystems. The sculptures are suspended over native milkweed and nectar plants, illustrating the delicate relationship between Monarchs and their habitat.
Examples of some of the native plants that can be seen near the Houston Monarch Story installation include:
• Acmella oppositifolia - Oppositeleaf Spotflower
• Asclepias incarnata - Swamp Milkweed
• Asclepias perennis - Aquatic Milkweed
Asclepias virdis - Green Milkweed
Coreopsis lanceolata - Lanceleaf Coreopsis
Engelmannia peristenia - Engleman daisy
Liatris pycnostachya - Prairie Blazingstar
Penstemon tenuis - Gulf Coast Penstemon
Salvia azurea - Giant Blue Sage
Tecoma stans var. angustata - Yellow Bells
The public is encouraged to come out and see the sculptures. People might even see real Monarch Butterflies flitting around the Arboretum grounds. For more information about Houston Monarch Story, please visit https://uhcc.uh.edu/ outreach/monarch-story.
ST. JULIAN, from P. 1
JO’S COFFEE, from P. 1
Submitted photo Lite bites, bubbly and a store discount are all included when you host your gathering at Jubilee.
Photo by Christine Mansfield HANC Monarch Story planting and installation
Photo by Evelyn Merz Monarch butterfly at the Houston Arboretum
Photo by Chad Wadsworth
Jo’s Coffee, an Austin staple, has opened it’s first location in Houston at 1023 Studewood St.
Rothko Chapel's Inspirit 2025 Benefit Art Auction March 6-20
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Benefit auction features work by Alex Katz, Shepard Fairey, Trenton Doyle Hancock, and many more
This year, the Rothko Chapel’s annual Inspirit event, which supports the internationally renowned nonprofit’s transformative programming and community leadership, will again feature a benefit art auction. Organized by Houston’s celebrated McClain Gallery, the auction will take place online via OneCause. com from Thursday, March 6 through Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The auction will feature more than 20 museum-quality works – many donated by local, Texas-based artists – ranging in value from $4,000 to $45,000. Featured artists include Shepard Fairey and Trenton Doyle Hancock,
the event’s keynote speakers, as well as Alex Katz, James Drake, Alton DuLaney, John Alexander, Robert Longo, Keiko Moriuchi, Cruz Ortiz, Kiki Smith, Bernar Venet, Bruna Massadas, Bradley Kerl, Elaine Reichek, Walter Schrank, and Charis Ammon.
“The artworks featured in this year’s auction reflect a diverse range of voices and perspectives, each offering a unique exploration of resilience and transformation,” said David Leslie, Executive Director of the Chapel.
“Through these works, we celebrate the profound power of art to inspire dialogue, deepen understanding, and drive meaningful change in our communities.”
“Our goal is to present a diverse array of exceptional works of art at a variety of price points,” said Sharon Graham, Director of the McClain Gallery. “We'd like to provide something that will appeal to every supporter of
the Rothko Chapel, from the seasoned collector to the art world newcomer.”
In honor of the occasion, Houston-based artist Aaron Parazette – best-known for his dynamic word paintings that blend typography, abstraction, and color – has created a special edition of 50 prints, titled Vérité, inspired by the Rothko Chapel. 20 of the prints are
now available for pre-sale for $500 through the Rothko Chapel’s shop, with proceeds benefiting the Chapel.
“As spring approaches, and as I considered our shared time, it seemed like a small moment of truth would be welcome,” Aaron said. “With deep respect for the Rothko Chapel’s dedication to peace and spiritual connection, I cre-
ated Vérité. Color is our universal language, and may truth be with us in any language.”
For a preview of all items, visit https://viewingroom. mcclaingallery.com/viewingroom/rothko-chapel-inspirit2025-benefit-art-auction.
Selected works will be displayed at C2 Art Advisors in Houston for in-person viewing by prospective bidders. A preview reception will take place the evening of Thursday, March 6, at Gallery C2, located at 3306 Mercer Street, 2nd floor. All auction items will be on view at the Chapel’s 2025 Inspirit event on Wednesday, March 19.
The Rothko Chapel’s 2025 auction committee includes Committee Chairs Sharon Graham and Hélène Schlumberger of the McClain Gallery, and collectors and art world insiders including Ben Ackerley, Sanford L. Dow, Alecia Harris, Michael Keegan, Judy Nyquist, Jessica Phifer, C2 Art Advisors, Melissa
Richardson Banks, and Thuy “Tae” Tran.
Presented at The Astorian in Houston, Inspirit – the Rothko Chapel’s biggest fundraising event each year – will gather hundreds of the Chapel’s supporters from across Texas and around the country. Proceeds will support the Chapel’s mission of creating opportunities for spiritual growth and dialogue that illuminate our shared humanity and inspire action leading to a world in which all are treated with dignity and respect.
This year’s event features a compelling conversation with renowned artist and activist Shepard Fairey and multidisciplinary artist Trenton Doyle Hancock, moderated by art scholar Dr. Alvia Wardlaw. Together, they will explore the powerful relationship between art and activism in addressing pressing human rights and social justice issues.
St. Ambrose Catholic School shines at Houston Regional History Fair
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
St. Ambrose Catholic School made history this year as the only Catholic school to represent the Archdiocese’s Catholic Schools at the Houston Regional History Fair in February. Competing against larger public and private schools, including Galveston ISD, Houston ISD, Spring Branch ISD, Awty International School, and The Kinkaid School, St. Ambrose scholars demonstrated their academic excellence in a variety of historical categories.
A Journey from School Fair to Regional Competition
The road to the regional competition began last December when St. Ambrose held its first-ever school-
wide History Fair as part of its project-based learning initiative.
The event showcased a remarkable range of topics, with students dedicating extensive time and effort to their research and presentations.
The success of the school fair led to the decision to register these young
Pet of the Week
Energizer Bunny in Fur: Who says senior dogs slow down? Lulu missed that memo! This golden girl’s energy is off the charts. She’s ready to chase after tennis balls, go on epic sniffing adventures, and prove that age has nothing on her zest for life.
Smarty-Paws Extraordinaire: Einstein in a fur coat? Meet Lulu! This girl’s got brains, and she’s not afraid to flaunt them. She knows more tricks than a magician, from fetching your slippers to balancing treats on her nose. Get ready to be amazed by her canine genius!
Theatrical Tail-Wagger:
Lulu is a true drama queen in the best possible way. Her expressive eyes and tail tell stories of epic squirrel chases, secret missions, and the time she outsmarted the neighbor’s cat. Prepare for a daily dose of canine theatrics and uproarious tales. Party Animal with a Nap Hobby:
Lulu is always down for a good time, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy movie night. But beware, the party animal also enjoys her beauty sleep. Naptime is a sacred ritual, and she takes her role as nap queen very seriously.
Selective Socialite:
While Lulu adores her core family and friends, she’s not one to throw her affections around lightly. She’s a connoisseur of companionship, and winning her heart may take a bit of charm. But once you’re in her inner circle, you’re in for a lifetime of loyalty.
Home is Where the Heart (and Lulu) Is: Lulu is on the lookout for a cozy castle to call her own. She dreams of a kingdom where she can reign as the queen of comfort, surrounded by adoring subjects (that’s you!). Adopt this
historians in the Houston Regional History Fair, where they continued to impress.
At the regional event, St. Ambrose scholars stood out, earning the respect of judges and coordinators for their research, creativity, and presentation skills. Their hard work paid off
with top placements across multiple categories, securing them spots at the upcoming Texas History Day Fair in Austin on April 5.
Award-Winning Projects & Medal Count
• 1st Place – Website Ava F. “Women’s Roles in World War II”
• 1st Place – Group Exhibit Alberto G. & Jackson K. – “Viva Cristo Rey”
• 2nd Place – Historical Paper Cash N-D. – “D-Day”
• 2nd Place – Individual Exhibit Ali C. – “Pearl Harbor”
• 3rd Place – Historical Paper Addisyn R. – “Emancipation Proclamation”
• 3rd Place – Individual Exhibit Miguel A. – “Cesar Chavez”
Join the Lucky 13 Pub Crawl in Oak Forest March 15
2 p.m.
gear at TheCaptainRenaudFoundation.org
Compiled by STEFANIE
THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Did we miss it? Please email info about incoming and outgoing businesses to editor@ theleadernews.com.
GOING: 5050 Acorn Golf (mark your calendar!)
5050 Acorn Golf Driving Range announced its upcoming closure in a Feb. 28 Facebook post by owner Janet Robbins:
“All good things come to an end. After years of rumors, we are here to announce that Fifty Fifty Acorn Golf Driving Range is closing. The owners of the property have decided to move forward with ‘developing’ this little piece of paradise.
We invite everyone to please come see us before our last day which will be Sunday, March 16 and help us go out with a bang. We are hosting a Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, March 8, and are asking the entire community to come out and help make it the best day in our history. It has been an absolute honor and pleasure to be part of this great community and to serve you. We will miss it, and you.”
GONE: Karne Korean Steakhouse
After opening in the Heights a little over two years ago, Karne Korean Steakhouse announced on social media that the White Oak Drive location is closing. The creation of restaurateur Jason Cho and Chef Yurum
“KP” Nam featured prime beef, American and Japanese wagyu, and meats dry-aged in-house and cooked-toorder by tableside hosts, along with an extensive wine list. The business posted on its Instagram page end of February:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Karne at our White Oak location. This sudden closure was unplanned and has been prompted by circumstances
Recognition for Excellence
The outstanding performance of St. Ambrose students did not go unnoticed. A History Fair Coordinator at the Regional Fair shared high praise with the school’s Social Studies teacher, remarking, “St. Ambrose cleaned house at the History Fair today!” With their passion for history and dedication to excellence, these scholars are now preparing for Texas History Day in Austin, where they will once again showcase their research on a state-level stage.
For St. Ambrose Catholic School, this milestone reflects its commitment to academic excellence, critical thinking, and hands-on learning experiences, ensuring that students are not just learning history—but making it.
beyond our control. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the entire Karne team, past and present, for their dedication, exceptional work ethic, and the outstanding service they provided to our guests.
To my fellow restaurateurs, if you come across a former Karne team member, rest assured they will likely be an excellent addition to your team.
I would also like to thank the food writers, critics, and influencers who visited and shared their experiences. Your feedback, support, and exposure played a crucial role in helping us stay open as long as we did.
To all of our guests who dined with us, we are truly honored that you chose to celebrate special moments like date nights, anniversaries, and birthdays with us. We made it our mission to treat each day as a special occasion for every guest.
As a man of faith, I am beyond grateful and feel blessed that I had an opportunity to introduce Korean food and culture at Karne. While this chapter closes for us at this location, stay tuned for the future. We believe we have something truly unique and special that Houston loves,
and it is our goal to open again in the future. In the meantime, I encourage you to support the other fantastic Korean restaurants in Houston, as well as all restaurants in general—we're all working hard to serve you. Cheers!”
GONE: Lola Neighborhood Diner Another Heights staple has shuttered its doors but may be relaunching at another location, yet to be determined. Lola Neighborhood Diner posted the following message on Facebook on Feb. 28: “After 18 years, we’ve made the very difficult decision to close our doors.
To our beloved Heights community, we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve you. We look forward to serving the Houston community again soon in a new location.”
NOW OPEN: Velocity Sim Racing Lounge Velocity Sim Racing Lounge has opened at Sawyer Yards, offering a 5,000-square-foot motorsports-themed social racing experience with 16 advanced racing simulators, a full bar, and a globally inspired food menu. The venue pro-
Photo by Jenn Duncan
Pictured is the main dining room of Karne Korean Steakhouse, which recently closed after a little more than
Submitted images
Left: Radical Peace Collage (Raise the Level (Peace)), 2023, by Shepard Fairey; right: Azaleas on Yellow (from Flowers Portfolio), 2021, by Alex Katz
Submitted photo
St. Ambrose students excelled at last month’s Regional History Fair.
Art Valet: Grove’s Gala: Portraits, pizzazz, and purpose!
After two years of photographing 30 women for her 30 Women Over 30 Portrait Experience, photographer Anna Grove is ready to celebrate, and you are invited.
On March 26, 2025, from 6-9 p.m., The Ballroom at Tanglewood will be the venue for a gallery-style exhibition honoring 30 remarkable women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. This event showcases portraits of the 30 women accompanied by a 44-page commemorative magazine. Details below for both.
When I met Anna Grove in 2016 at her studio at The Silos at Sawyer Yards, I didn’t realize that was her first indoor portrait studio. The space was massive with professional props, backdrops, a wardrobe section, and signs of a hair and makeup area, plus a lounge area for clients—it was impressive, to say the least. When Grove told me about the magazine and event, I knew we had to talk.
Art Valet: Tell us about yourself. Where are you from and how’d you get into photography?
Anna Grove: “I was born and raised in Hungary,” Grove wrote. “Three years after the Berlin Wall came down, I grabbed my HungarianEnglish dictionary (pre-Google Translate era), packed a suitcase, and left for England at the ripe age of 18. I enjoyed West Yorkshire’s hospitality for two years, then moved back home to get a couple of degrees, including a Masters degree in Finance and Economics, and some work experience under my belt.”
“My love for photography started as a child. My parents bought me a small film camera to take with me on school trips. When I got home and got the films developed at the lab, my mom would always shake her head, asking why I wasn’t in any of the photos. When I moved to New York City in 2003, digital cameras were all the rage so I bought one, too, and never looked back. I picked up portrait photography shortly after I moved to Houston in 2011.”
Meanwhile, Grove was and still maintains a professional career and currently she is the Director of Research Administration in Baylor College of Medicine’s Division of Tropical Medicine.
AV: What inspired your shift to indoor portrait photography?
Grove: “Early on, I mostly shot outdoors—family portraits for co-workers or neighbors in Garden Oaks/Oak Forest. My indoor experience was limited until I met Robin and Mark Binder, a wonderful couple who run a wedding venue and host workshops for beginner photographers. Their guidance was a turning point. It gave me the confidence to
bring my sessions indoors, and in 2016, I opened my studio at The Silos. It was a big leap—learning to control light, curate backdrops, and create a space where clients feel at ease. After about two years of experimenting, I found my niche in painterly portraits. I love how they blend contemporary flair with the timeless elegance of the Old Masters. The magic happens with hand-painted backdrops, luxurious designer dresses from my studio closet, and professional hair and makeup by Polished Makeup & Hair, led by Samantha Patel. I guide each client through poses that flatter them, then meticulously retouch the images for that signature painterly look. It’s a process tailored to every individual—because no two stories are the same.
AV: Tell me about the 30 Women Over 30 project. What inspired it, and is this your first time doing something like this?
Grove: “This is my first campaign of this kind, and it’s been a labor of love. Other photographers worldwide do similar projects, often spotlighting women over 50, but I wanted to broaden that to include the 30s and 40s—ages where women are juggling so much, yet still shining brightly. The 30 Women Over 30 Portrait Experience celebrates vibrant, beautiful women living their best lives. The exhibit and magazine feature a 20x30 portrait of each participant alongside a short story capturing their essence. It’s a chance for them to meet, share experiences, and build connections rooted in empowerment. I’ve also tied this to a cause close to my heart—supporting the Star of Hope Mission, which helps women in need with practical support and a fresh start. My inspiration came from seeing women over 30 pour themselves into family, careers, and others, often forgetting their own worth. These sessions remind them they’re stunning, strong individuals. The reveal sessions, where they see their retouched images, are pure joy—tears, gasps, and newfound confidence flood the room.”
AV: How did you pull this together?
Grove: “It’s been about 18 months in the making. Polished Hair & Makeup pampers the women before each shoot, then it’s just me and the client in the studio— sometimes with an assistant
for wardrobe or cleanup. I designed the 44-page magazine myself, with Molly Remes proofreading the text to polish it up. Event planning
isn’t my strength, but friends Charlie and Craig helped me secure The Ballroom at Tanglewood—a dream venue. My boyfriend, Ryan, has
been my rock, troubleshooting tech and logistics. It’s a team effort, but the vision is mine, and I’m thrilled with how it’s come together.”
AV: What’s the most rewarding part of this event?
Grove: “The gala will be the first time these 30 women meet in person, after connecting through a VIP Facebook group where I’ve shared session previews. Watching them see their portraits on display— huge, bold, and celebrated—is incredible. But the real reward is the confidence they walk away with. They stand taller, prouder, eager to share their images with the world. That transformation, that spark— it’s why I do this.”
Join Anna Grove on March 26, 2025, 6-9 p.m., at The Ballroom at Tanglewood for the 30 Women Over 30 exhibition, featuring 30 portraits and a 44-page magazine. Limited tickets are available at go.annagrovephotography. com/gala2025. Details at go.annagrovephotography. com. Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/annagrove. Proceeds partly benefit Star of Hope Mission.
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
Submitted photos
Anna Grove in her studio at The Silos at Sawyer Yards.
Portrait session for 30 Women Over 30 with Anna Grove.
with Anna Grove.
Anna Grove in her studio at The Silos at Sawyer Yards.
