Houston is mourning the loss of one of its most recognizable public servants, Congressman and former Mayor Sylvester Turner, who passed away at his home on March 5, 2025, following enduring health complications. Turner, who had dedicated more than 35 years to public service, leaves behind a legacy of leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the
people of Houston and Texas.
A Life of Service and Dedication
Born in 1954 and raised in Acres Home, Turner’s journey from a two-bedroom house shared with eight siblings to the halls of Harvard Law School and eventually the highest offices in Houston government, attests to his unwavering determination. His career began in the Texas House of Representatives, where he served 13 terms advocating
for education, healthcare, and economic equity. In 2015, he was elected Mayor of Houston, guiding the city through some of its most challenging moments, including Hurricane Harvey, Winter Storm Uri, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Turner came out of retirement to serve as U.S. Representative for Texas’ 18th
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
For art lovers and passersby in the Houston Heights, the esplanade of Heights Boulevard has once again transformed into an open-air gallery with the arrival of True North 2025. Now in its twelfth installation, this temporary public sculpture exhibition showcases the work of eight talented Texas artists, offering a dynamic and thought-provoking addition to the neighborhood’s rich cultural landscape. The latest collection of sculptures, which will remain on display from March to December 2025, features works by Elizabeth Akamatsu, Olaniyi R. Akindiya AKIRASH, Amanda Barry Jones, Susan Budge,
Dave Clark, Tim Glover, Felicia Schneider, and Ben Woitena. Each artist brings a distinct creative voice to the exhibition, resulting in an eclectic mix of materials, themes, and forms. Whether strolling the 1.5-mile footpath or simply driving or biking past, visitors can take in the sculptures from various vantage points.
For those eager to learn more about each piece, a QR code at each installation provides access to an audio tour via the “Otocast” app, allowing visitors to hear directly from the artists about their inspirations and processes. Additional details, updates, and insights can also be found at www.truenorthheightsblvd.com.
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Crawfish Festival is back, bringing a day of food, live music, and local shopping to Dan Electro’s , located at 1031 E 24th St. on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This much-anticipated community event promises all-you-can-eat crawfish alongside other tasty bites, a curated vendor marketplace, and great entertainment, all while raising money for local scholarships and community initiatives.
“This festival is a means of escape from our everyday challenges where our community can all get together and simply have a good time,” said James Montalbano, President of the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce.
“This year, we will have the amazing Keith Vivens Trio performing live music, all-you-can-eat savory boiled crawfish with the classic fixings, flavorful boiled shrimp, smoky brisket sandwich baskets, and soothing frozen treats. Additionally, because we are presenting this event at the new and improved Dan Electro’s, there will be a wide variety of beverage options available that will please most everyone.”
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
The Houston Heights dining scene is set to welcome a highly anticipated addition this spring with the opening of Camaraderie, the first restaurant by awardwinning Chef Shawn Gawle. The restaurant, located along the vibrant 11th Street corridor, offers a unique fine-casual experience, blending French technique with contemporary American cuisine in an atmosphere designed to fos-
ter connection over food.
With reservations now open on Resy, diners can experience Camaraderie firsthand when it officially welcomes guests on March 26, 2025.
A Dining Experience Rooted in Craft and Connection
Chef Shawn Gawle, whose impressive culinary background includes roles at Houston’s Goodnight Hospitality, San Francisco’s Quince and Saison, and New York’s Corton, has craft-
ed a menu that celebrates the bounty of American agriculture while honoring the precision of French cooking.
“Our menu is all about celebrating the bounty of American agriculture while respecting the artistry and technique of French culinary tradition,” says Gawle, emphasizing his commitment to high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
Guests can choose from three distinct dining experiences:
Photos by Stephanie Shirley
Photo courtesy of City of Houston
Then-Mayor Sylvester Turner at Houston City Hall.
Photo by Arturo Olmos
Salt Baked Celeriac with Apple Shingles
Coming to a Table Near You:
Paddy’s Day specials
• $14 Irish Mule - Jameson
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Crawfish Festival is its direct impact on the community. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Greater Heights Area Community Fund, which helps provide scholarships to local students as they prepare for college or the military.
The Heights Chamber awards up to 30 scholarships per year, with most students receiving $1,000 to help with tuition at schools like UT and Rice, or as they begin military service. These scholarships are presented at the Chamber’s Education Event in April, with recipients chosen through an application process reviewed by the Chamber’s Education Committee, led by Cindy Reibenstein, who has dedicated more than 15 years to supporting students.
St. Patrick's Day is next Monday, March 17, and local establishments are celebrating the festive, green-beer holiday with elevated brunch and themed-drink specials, live entertainment, and a touch of Irish charm.
Plume
On Sunday, March 16, Plume in The Heights is hosting “Lush & Lucky: A St. Patrick’s Elevated Brunch” beginning at 1 p.m. Houstonians donning their best greens will enjoy an elevated brunch experience that blends elegance and St. Paddy’s magic alongside live performers and a deejay spinning modern beats
Congressional District, vowing to carry forward her mission of justice and equity. According to a Turner family statement, just hours before his passing, Turner had attended the State of the Union Address in Washington, D.C., posting a message to Americans, urging them to protect the most vulnerable and ending with the words: “Don’t mess with Medicaid.”
Tributes Pour in for a Champion of Houston
Turner’s unexpected passing has left a deep void in Houston’s civic and political landscape. Mayor John Whitmire reflected on their decades-long friendship, stating, “We didn’t always agree politically, but we never took things personally,” Whitmire said in a statement following Turner’s passing. “I’ve lost a friend, and our community
with an Irish twist. Guests can indulge in decadent dishes like Irish Cream French Toast, Green Eggs & Ham, and Smoked Pastrami Sliders, and can sip on Irish-inspired cocktails like the Irish Gold Rush, Rose Martini and Tully Colada
• 1100 W 23rd Street, Suite 150, Houston, TX 77008 www.plumehtx.com
Bayou Heights Bier
Garten & Heights Bier Garten
For those looking to greenbeer cheers all weekend long, Bayou Heights Bier Garten and Heights Bier Garten are serving up St. Patrick’s Day specials from Saturday March 15 - Monday, March 17, including:
has lost a true public servant. There will never be another Sylvester Turner. He rose from humble beginnings to meet with presidents, kings, and queens, yet he never forgot where he came from.”
The Texas Democratic Party hailed Turner as a fighter for the vulnerable, with Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa noting, “He was the kind of Texan who worked hard, lived out courage in the face of adversity, and believed that the ties that bind us will always be stronger than the forces that divide us.”
District C Council Member Abbie Kamin, deeply moved by Turner’s passing, described him as a leader who never wavered in his commitment to Houston, even in the face of unprecedented crises. “Despite serving under more federally declared disasters than years in office, he not only led our city—he
Black Barrel, Lime, Ginger Beer, Sage, Butter Wash
• $10 Boilermaker - Guinness
+ Half Shot of Jameson
Black Barrel
• $14 Irish Old Fashioned - Jameson Black Barrel, Guinness Reduction, Angostura, Spices
$7 Green Tea Shot - Jameson
Black Barrel, Peach, Lemon, Smoked Honey
Bayou Heights Bier Garten
• 3905 Washington, Houston, TX 77007
• www.bayouheightsbiergarten.com
Heights Bier Garten
• 1433 N Shepherd, Houston, TX 77008 www.heightsbiergarten.com
Many local businesses also contribute directly to the scholarship fund, making it a true community effort. By attending this event, you’re not just enjoying great food and music—you’re actively supporting the next generation of students in our area.
What to Expect at the Festival
In addition to 750 pounds of crawfish, attendees can expect:
• Live Music: Enjoy the Keith Vivens Trio through-
out the day.
• Shop Local: Browse a vendor marketplace filled with unique finds. Delicious Food: In addition to all-you-can-eat crawfish ($35), enjoy shrimp ($15/lb),brisket sandwiches ($15), and desserts ($5).
• Cold Drinks: A full cash bar will be available at Dan Electro’s.
• Official Crawfish Festival T-Shirts: Available for purchase at the event.
• Convenient Parking & Shuttle Service: Thanks to
united it. He is not known for these events; he is known for how much he accomplished despite them.”
“There are landmark initiatives that stand out in headlines: saving our city from near bankruptcy with pension reform while lowering tax rates for residents year after year; showing us Houston can be the energy capital of the world, grow our economy, add jobs, all while tackling climate change head on; increase affordable housing stock and saving historic buildings while bringing new state of the art facilities, com-
munity centers, and parks to our city; bringing down crime rates, giving law enforcement the tools they need while putting transparency and accountability checks in place, and making strides in criminal justice reform,” Kamin said. “All done while still responsibly addressing the unprecedented events our city has faced. There are
Whether you’re
or
Houston the first city in Texas to ensure equal municipal contracting opportunities for LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Chamber President Tammi Wallace honored his impact, stating, “His leadership, compassion, and steadfast pursuit of justice will continue to inspire us all.” Following Turner’s death, the City lowered flags to half-staff, and City Hall was illuminated in red, white, and blue in his honor.
thousands of things that may not be deemed worthy of a news headline, but to those people whose lives are forever changed for the better, it means everything.”
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce highlighted Turner’s groundbreaking inclusion initiatives, recognizing his role in making
Honoring Sylvester Turner’s Memory Turner’s body lay in state at Houston City Hall on Tuesday, March 11, then in honor at the Texas State Capital in Austin March 1314. Upon the family’s request, no extended ceremony was held.
Funeral services will be held at The Church Without Walls (5725 Queenston Blvd., Houston, TX 77084) on Saturday, March 15, at 1 p.m., officiated by Dr. Ralph West. To watch the service online, visit tcww.org/media/watch-live.
The family has requested that guests wear blue in honor of Turner’s legacy. His pallbearers will be members of his former security detail, a tribute to the close relationships he built over the years.
A Lasting Impact
Turner’s work touched countless lives—from securing pension reform and economic development to ensuring disaster recovery and social justice initiatives. His belief in building for the future, not just for today, resonated in every project he undertook. “He led with his heart, stood firm in his morals and his faith, and never forgot where he came from,” said Kamin.
As Houston and the nation bid farewell to one of its greatest leaders, Turner’s legacy of resilience, compassion, and service will live on in the city he loved and the people he fought for every day.
The Village of the Heights, a shuttle will run between the event and All Saints Catholic Church (215 E. 10th St.).
a longtime Heights resident
new to the area, the Heights Chamber Crawfish Festival is an event that brings neighbors
Photo courtesy of the Turner Family
Sylvester Turner with his family.
Photo by Emily Vitek
Heights Bier Garten serves up various drink specials for St. Patrick's Day.
Our Houston Methodist primary care doctors provide personalized care for you and your family, including physicals, immunizations and preventive health services.
Many of our practices:
• Provide in-person and virtual visits with online scheduling
• Offer same-day sick visits
• Are conveniently located close to work or home
• Accept most major insurance plans
THE TOPICS. Realm of the coin
THE STORE – “That’ll be ten dollars and two cents,” says the clerk. That’s not much if you shop right. My Early Thursday wine and Swamp Slime beer are bar gains. I dip into my pockets. No change. “Here,” says the clerk, taking two pennies from a dish and dropping them into the cash register’s drawer. And once again I see that pennies are virtually worthless. This problem may be solved because President Donald Trump has ordered his administration to cease production of the 1-cent coin.”Let’s rip the waste out of our great nation’s budget, even if it’s a penny at a time,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social site, which was light on details. Actually, Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” trotted out this idea in a post on X last month. Can the President do this on his own? Congress dictates currency specifications like the size and metal content of coins, and the U.S. code gives the Treasury Secretary the authority to mint and issue coins, so a President’s power to abolish any and everything in the federal government is questionable, but tell that to the Department of Education.
Lynn Ashby Columnist
As Houston inches toward spring, many residents start thinking about home projects, vacations, and tax season. But there’s one often-overlooked decision that could save you serious money: switching your electricity plan. March is generally one of the best times of the year to lock in a new rate, and here’s why.
Electricity Prices Are
Often Much Lower in Spring
Texas electricity rates typically follow a seasonal pattern—rising in the peak of summer and winter and dipping in the milder months of spring and fall. That’s because demand for power skyrockets when temperatures are extreme, making wholesale electricity prices volatile. But when the weather is moder-
that eliminating the penny is something a president would “need legislation” for. Yet Trump may have a point. The U.S. Mint made 3.2 billion pennies last year. That’s more than half of all the new coins it made during that period. Every penny costs nearly 3.7 cents to mint. The U.S. Mint repor ted losing $85.3 million in the 2024 fiscal year that ended in September. While we’re at it, we might want to abolish the nickel, too. The nickel costs almost 14 cents to mint. Pennies are the most popular coin made by the U.S. Mint. In the last three decades the Mint has made about 250 billion of them. All coins are supposed to
ate, electricity providers can offer lower prices since grid demand is more predictable and stable.
By signing up for a plan in March, you can avoid the higher summer prices that come with soaring A/C usage. Locking in a rate now could mean significant savings over the next 12 to 24 months.
stay in circulation for about 30 years, so why does the Mint keep churning them out – even when we don’t particularly care paying with them? Because they don’t keep circulating. We keep them in jars, car cup holders, lost between the cushions on our sofas. The bottom of my wife’s purse is full of pennies. If you went on a penny search in your home, car or office, I’ll bet you would turn up a lot of pennies. A conservative estimate is that there are 240 billion pennies lying around the United States — about 724 ($7.24) for every man, woman and child in the nation. Twenty-six years ago, Philip Diehl, then the director of the U.S. Mint, stated that “two thirds of the pennies produced in the last 30 years” — 1969 to 1999 — had “dropped out of circulation.”
Recommendations to get rid of the penny are not new. Forty-eight years ago, in letters to Congress, William E. Simon, then the Treasury Secretary, begged lawmakers to “give serious consideration” to abandoning 1-cent coins as soon as possible. There have been countless attempts in Congress to rid them, but they go against –
one guess – lobbyists paying Congress members.
The situation begins with a small private company in Greeneville, Tenn., called Artazn. For 43 years, Artazn has held contracts with the Treasury Department to manufacture the zinc “blanks” that the Mint stamps into 1-cent coins. (Today our “copper” pennies are actually 2.5 percent copper which covers the coin and the rest is zinc.) These contracts have earned that company more than $1 billion in revenue since 2008 alone. According to the government transparency group OpenSecrets.org, since 2006 Artazn has spent less than $3 million on lobbying Congress members. That’s not much considering the billions doled out by, say, Big Pharma, but enough to keep the zinc flowing.
As an aside, don’t ever buy Republic of Texas coins. There aren’t any, or Texas postage stamps. But they did have paper currency, printed in New Orleans, in amounts of $1 to $500, including a $3 bill. Once I could buy them for $5 apiece. Today, anything early Texanna is hot. A $5 Republic of Texas bill goes for $750. A $50 bill is yours
for only (only?) $1,675. But be careful of counterfeits. OK, where were we? Pennies. Abolishing them makes us turn to alternatives. A nickel for your thoughts. Dimes from heaven. Quarter loafers. A buck saved is two 50 cents earned. This last example brings up a question. When was the last time you paid or received a 50-cent piece? Same for a silver dollar. If we want to abolish a coin, there are two prime candidates. When it comes to paper money, I wonder if cash registers even have a place for $2 bills. We have killed off a coin before. In 1857, the U.S. abolished the half-cent. And other countries have beat us to the punch. New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, and others dropped their lowest-denomination coins years ago. Then there is our reluctant soon-to-be 51st state. Canada got rid of its penny in 2013 because it cost 1.6 cents to mint and had, like its un-neighborly southern neighbor, become essentially worthless. But this is important: Canada eliminated only its physical coin, not the concept of 1 cent. Payment by credit card, debit card, mobile
phone or check — any kind of noncash transaction — is calculated exactly as it was before the penny was abolished. If a bill comes to, say, $20.11, a Canadian paying by credit card will be charged $20.11. A Canadian paying by cash can expect to pay $20.10 but not $20.09 or $20.11. After Canada stopped minting new pennies, it began recycling them for their “valuable” copper and zinc. The fate of the bothersome 1-cent coin is not real high on our worry list. It’s not up there with Gaza, Ukraine, and the demise of Texas’ penniless (oops, excuse me) public schools. But it would mean one less find beneath your sofa pillows. Ashby is penny-wise at ashby2@comcast.net Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents at editor@theleadernews. com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
Beat the Summer Price
Surge
Houston’s brutal summers can send electricity bills soaring, and if your contract ends in the middle of peak season, you may find yourself stuck with high rates. Electricity providers adjust pricing based on market conditions, and summer rates are consistently among the highest of the year.
Switching to a new plan in March means you can lock in a lower rate before prices start climbing in May and June. Plus, if you time your contract length right—such as choosing a 12- or 24-month plan— you can keep your renewal period in these lower-priced months moving forward.
What About Early Termination Fees?
If your current electricity
plan doesn’t expire until later in the year, it’s likely there’s an early termination fee associated with the early cancellation required to switch plans and providers this March.
In this case, you have a couple options: Cancel your plan early and pay the termination fee. In the long run, your savings from securing a March renewal timeframe for years to come will eclipse the cost of the cancellation fee.
Wait until your plan terminates. When it’s time to renew, select a term length that will land your next renewal during March (or October –another ideal month for electricity prices). Many providers offer 3, 6, 9 and 15-month plans that can help you ditch your mid-summer or midwinter plan renewal pattern.
Make the Most of a Competitive Market
Houston is part of Texas’ deregulated electricity market, meaning you have the power to choose your provider. This March, use that power during an ideal time to shop for new rates and secure an affordable rate before highdemand summer months.
By taking advantage of these seasonal price drops, you can avoid overpaying during the long, hot Houston summer. Don’t wait until rates climb—check your options now and lock in a plan that will keep your energy bills manageable all year long.
Sam Luna is a third generation Houstonian with a deep-rooted connection to The Leader area. His grandparents lived in the Heights where they
facilitated educational workshops for seniors at All Saints Catholic Church. He continues his family's commitment to serving the greater good as Director of Product Marketing for BKV Energy - a Texas retail energy provider that strives to educate consumers by operating transparently and without gimmicks. Learn more about Sam Luna at bkvenergy.com/team/samuelluna.
Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents at editor@theleadernews.com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
Flood Control District to host virtual meeting on Arbor Oaks Stormwater Detention Basin
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Harris County Flood Control District invites you to a virtual Community Engagement Meeting about the Arbor Oaks Stormwater Detention Basin project, located just northwest of the intersection Antoine Drive and West Little York Road. Join online to learn key updates, ask questions and provide your input!
WHEN: Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Online at PublicInput.
A Legacy of Public Art in the Heights Launched in 2014, True North takes its name from the compass bearing of Heights Boulevard and has since become a defining feature of the neighborhood’s artistic and cultural identity. This volunteer-led initiative is organized in collaboration with the City of Houston Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments, the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs,
com/C15A, or by phone: call 855925-2801 with Meeting Code: 10955
About the Project
• 68-acre project site located in the White Oak Bayou watershed
• Design plans for a stormwater detention basin are close to being finalized
• Aims to reduce flood risk in the Arbor Oaks and Greater Inwood Forest neighborhoods
• Once designs are final, the project will move into the construction stage
and the Houston Heights Association, which serves as its non-profit sponsor.
Founded by Gus Kopriva and Chris Silkwood, the project continues to be guided by Donna Bennett, Kopriva, Dean Ruck, Silkwood, and Kelly Simmons. Every year, the selection of sculptures is carefully curated based on material, theme, color, and visibility, ensuring an engaging and diverse display of contemporary art. The project is entirely privately funded, made possible through the generosity of art enthusiasts, local businesses, and
• Funded through the 2018 Bond Program, Community Development Block Grants, and other sources Can’t attend? Watch a recording of the presentation after the meeting at hcfcd.org/C15.
Questions? Contact the Flood Control District at 346-286-4000 or fill out the comment form online at hcfcd.org/C15.
MORE INFO: www.hcfcd. org/Activity/Projects/WhiteOak-Bayou/C-15-Arbor-OaksStormwater-Detention-Basin
community supporters who believe in the importance of public art.
An Ever-Evolving Cultural Landmark
The Heights Boulevard esplanade, a designated City of Houston park, is an integral part of the neighborhood’s history. Originally modeled after Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, the boulevard once housed Houston’s first electrified streetcar system, connecting the Heights to downtown. Today, thanks to extensive community efforts and support from the Houston Heights
Association, the esplanade is a thriving green space featuring sculptural gardens, historic pavilions, and one of Houston’s most beloved walking trails.
Each year, True North brings new artistic energy to this historic boulevard, inviting both residents and visitors to experience contemporary sculpture in an accessible, outdoor setting. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply enjoying a walk through the Heights, True North 2025 offers an inspiring way to engage with public art in Houston.
Meet the True North 2025 artists
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Elizabeth Akamatsu –Nacogdoches, Texas
“SATY” – 400 Block
Elizabeth Akamatsu’s sculpture explores the intersection of nature and technology. “SATY” features a spherical form composed of hexagonal shapes, intertwined with orange piping, a material often found protecting underground communications wires. Akamatsu explains, “SATY represents nature’s seed dispersal process, much like how the internet spreads information globally.”
Born in Yokosuka, Japan, Akamatsu holds a BA in painting from California State University, Fullerton, and an MFA from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She has led sculpture programs at Midwestern State University and Sam Houston State University and now works as a full-time artist in Nacogdoches. Her work has been exhibited at Art League Houston, San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, The Silos at Sawyer Yards, and internationally in Italy. She previously showcased “Cumulus” in True North 2022.
Susan Budge – Pattison, Texas
“Cosmic Kachinas” – 600 Block
Inspired by Native American culture, Susan Budge’s “Cosmic Kachinas” is a vibrant interpretation of spiritual figures that provide guidance and wisdom. “Kachina figures symbolize spirits that aid survival in Pueblo culture,” Budge explains, referencing “Koyemsi”, the holy clown, and “Koshare”, a trickster spirit. She hopes her work helps viewers connect with the spiritual and physical worlds.
Budge works in clay and bronze, drawing influence from biomorphism and surrealism. She holds a BFA from Texas Tech University, an MA from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and an MFA from UT San Antonio. Budge’s sculptures have been exhibited at Art League Houston, San Antonio Museum of Art, and Smithsonian Institution, and are included in the permanent collections of New Orleans Museum of Art, Honolulu Museum of Art, and Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
Amanda Barry Jones – Houston, Texas
“Nature Reclaims: Wood Pile” – 800 Block Inspired by the devastating storms of 2024, Amanda Barry Jones’ sculpture reflects the resilience of nature. “Nature Reclaims: Wood Pile” resembles the massive wood piles left behind by hurricanes, but a closer look reveals hidden wildlife— symbolizing how life continues to flourish through destruction.
Barry Jones is a ceramicist and sculptor with a BFA from Lamar University and an MFA from Houston Christian University.
She co-founded Empty Bowls of Southeast Texas and now leads Galveston College’s Art Department. Her work has been shown at Rockport Center for the Arts, The Silos at Sawyer Yards, and Houston’s Redbud Arts Center.
Dave Clark – Tomball, Texas
“P.O.D.S.” – 900 Block
Blending humor with dystopian storytelling, Dave Clark’s “P.O.D.S.” presents a surreal world where viewers must interpret the meaning for themselves. “My sculptures don’t provide answers,” Clark says. “Instead, they challenge societal priorities and encourage thought about potential outcomes.”
Originally from California, Clark earned a BFA from Oklahoma State University and spent 20 years in entertainment design before moving to Texas in 2010. His work has received recognition from Houston’s Visual Arts Alliance, Texas National Competition, and The Kemp Center for the Arts, and has been exhibited at Redbud Arts Center, San Angelo State University, and Houston’s Art Car Museum.
Ben Woitena – Houston, Texas
“Mandatory Dogs” – 1200 Block
A figurative steel sculpture depicting a mother dog and her pup, Ben Woitena’s “Mandatory Dogs” originally appeared at Navy Pier Walk in Chicago. The playful yet structured piece reflects his extensive experience in figurative sculpture, metal fabri-
cation, and stone carving.
Woitena holds a BFA from UT Austin and an MFA from USC, Los Angeles. He led the sculpture department at Houston’s Glassell School of Art for nearly three decades. His large-scale sculptures are part of permanent collections at San Antonio Museum of Art, Houston’s Memorial Park, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Tim Glover – Houston, Texas
“Margy’s Menagerie” – 1300 Block
Tim Glover’s “Margy’s Menagerie” is a whimsical carousel-inspired sculpture, named for his late mother-in-law who encouraged the piece’s original elephant design. The work includes fantastical characters, housed within tubular glass originally used for industrial chemicals.
Glover, who has worked as a Houstonbased sculptor since 1986, taught at Kinder High School for Performing and Visual Arts for over three decades. His work is in Buffalo Bayou Park, METRORail stations, and Washington/Westcott roundabout. He has exhibited at Houston Baptist University, Navy Pier in Chicago, and Art Car Museum.
Felicia Schneider – Houston, Texas
“On Your Mark” – 1600 Block Inspired by strong female archer characters in literature, “On Your Mark” is Felicia Schneider’s representation of a modern, powerful Houston warrior. “Like our city,
she is bold, precise, and unpredictable,” Schneider explains.
Born in rural Oregon, Schneider studied environmental science at UC Santa Barbara before traveling extensively through Africa, South America, and Mexico. After settling in Houston, she developed a passion for welding while working with the U.S. Geological Survey. Her work fuses industrial elements with organic inspirations, reflecting the city’s balance between nature and urbanism.
Olaniyi R. Akindiya AKIRASH –Pflugerville, Texas
“Bright Days Ahead #1” – 1800 Block
A powerful statement on homelessness in Texas, AKIRASH’s “Bright Days Ahead #1” was born from firsthand conversations with individuals living on the streets. He explains, “Homelessness has many causes—job loss, health crises, disasters—but each person’s story is unique.” The piece features lasercut geometric patterns representing the countless unhoused individuals in Texas.
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, AKIRASH holds degrees in biochemistry and fine arts. His work is in the Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Pflugerville Public Library, and Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility. He has exhibited at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Santa Fe Art Institute, and Redbud Arts Center and has received grants from the PollockKrasner Foundation and Mid-America Arts Alliance.
Photos by Stephanie Shirley
“Cosmic Kachinas” by Susan Budge
“P.O.D.S.” by Dave Clark
“On Your Mark” by Felicia Schneider “Nature Reclaims: Wood Pile” by Amanda Barry Jones “Mandatory Dogs” by Ben Woitena
“Bright Days Ahead #1” by Olaniyi R. Akindiya AKIRASH
Elizabeth Akamatsu
Ben Woitena
Amanda Barry Jones
Felicia Schneider
Susan Budge
Tim Glover
Dave Clark
Olaniyi R. Akindiya AKIRASH
True Elevation Church celebrates first anniversary with new building groundbreaking
COMMUNITY REPORTS
True Elevation Church is excited to celebrate its first anniversary on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 3 p.m., marking a year of renewal, growth, and community impact. The celebration will take place at 8448 Green River Dr., and all are welcome to attend this milestone event.
Originally founded as First Church Heights, True Elevation underwent a significant transformation, relocating and replanting in the
Lakewood Community in east Houston to better serve its growing congregation and surrounding neighborhoods. Over the past year, the church has focused on faith-driven community engagement, partnerships, and outreach initiatives that have strengthened the local area.
The event will feature a special worship service, reflections on the church’s journey, and a vision for the future. Distinguished guests, including local leaders and elected officials, will be in attendance
to commemorate the occasion.
“This anniversary is more than just a celebration—it’s a testimony of God’s faithfulness and our commitment to making a lasting impact in this community,” said Pastor Cris Moses. “We invite everyone to join us as we give thanks for the past year and look forward to the future with great expectation.”
Following the service, attendees are invited to enjoy a time of fellowship with food and community connection.
METRO unveils METRONow plan to enhance mobility in the region
COMMUNITY REPORTS
METRO recently unveiled details of the METRONow plan, a comprehensive and collaborative vision to grow ridership and improve mobility for the entire region.
“The new Board of Directors is laser-focused on ensuring all we do ties to ridership and mobility,” said METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. “METRONow is the roadmap to a sustainable, fiscally responsible public transit system. By meeting our customers where they are today, we will make it easy for people to choose METRO.”
The multifaceted plan provides a roadmap for ridership growth, financial sustainability, and the establishment of key priorities that will strengthen the transit culture for the Houston area.
adding microtransit to our service options
“We have challenges, but METRO is on the right track with new leadership and better collaboration with the city and law enforcement than before. Every great city has a viable, successful public transit system,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “I expect METRONow to focus on using resources wisely to build transit that people will use: a cleaner, safer and more efficient system that improves the overall customer experience.”
The Main Dining Room, an intimate, prix-fixe experience ($75 per person) with house-made bread, shareable appetizers, entrées, family-style sides, and dessert
• The Bar & Lounge, offering an à la carte menu with a mix of appetizers ($12-$20), mains ($20-$40), and desserts
• The Patio, where guests can order from the bar & lounge menu at a window counter
A Playful, Seasonal Menu with a Pastry Chef’s Touch
Gawle’s extensive pastry background informs Camaraderie’s approach to savory cooking, with elements of precision and technique woven into dishes like house-made pastas and laminated doughs. The vegetable-forward menu spotlights local ingredients from
METRONow focuses on four initiatives, aimed at enhancing the customer experience:
Strengthening safety and growing security
• Improving cleanliness across the system
Increasing service and reliability
Expanding accessibility
Prioritizing Safety
The safety of customers, employees, and the public is METRO’s top priority. In 2025, the Authority will
Texas farms and Gulf Coast purveyors.
A preview of signature dishes includes:
• Nduja Rolls – Swirling layers of spicy sausage and white cheese sauce, resembling a cinnamon roll, with a vegetarian option featuring piperade and sundried tomato pesto
Salt Baked Celeriac –Roasted salt-baked celeriac, tossed in white miso dressing, topped with shingled apples
Carrot Cavatelli – Carrot juice-based cavatelli, carrot top pesto, mimolette cheese, and turnips
• Dover Sole en Croûte (for two) – Hand-laminated puff pastry-wrapped Dover sole, filled with fish mousse flavored with nasturtium
• Steak & Potato – Texas beef grilled over binchotan, served with pomme dauphine and peppercorn sauce
allocate an additional $7 million for expanded security measures, including
• growing security presence by adding additional officers and substations
• deploying patrols on buses and trains
• upgrading monitoring technology, and installing new lighting and security fencing
ABV options, and shareable cocktails designed to reflect the restaurant’s communal spirit
• A special selection of eau de vie and house-made ingredients further enhance the beverage experience
A
Thoughtfully
Designed Space That
Honors Its Roots Designed by Shaum Architects, the restaurant is housed in a converted metal and woodworking shed, blending warm, familial charm with a modern aesthetic.
To maintain a safe and welcoming environment, METRO is dedicating $2.4 million to cleaning efforts in 2025, including: deploying eight street sweepers and eight all-terrain vacuum trucks adding new cleaning contracts to support a 24-hour rapid response team that attends to bus stops, rail platforms, transit centers and Park & Rides
• partnering with management districts to be more efficient in keeping bus stops and shelters clean, including more frequent emptying of trash cans; and
• providing more consistent landscaping across the system to enhance curb appeal
Increasing Reliability
To improve service and reliability, METRO is committed to helping maintain infrastructure through projects and partnerships dedicated to: repairing hazardous sidewalks, crosswalks, and streets
• expanding customer service hours implementing a new fare system with easier ways to pay, and restructuring routes and schedules to meet growing demand
Boosting Accessibility
• The main dining room features an open kitchen with a natural butcher block countertop, skylights, and custom built-in wood banquette seating. A moveable custom wine storage cabinet doubles as a service station and planter, subtly dividing the dining room from the bar & lounge. The bar area is anchored by a recycled glass bar top, leading to a 400-square-foot covered patio.
• refreshing aging and opening new METRO facilities partnering on a $200 million traffic relief plan for Inner Katy mobility partnering on a $300 million Gulfton revitalization effort, and investing $100 million into mobility solutions at railroad crossings Additionally, METRO is modernizing its fleet and operations by: adding 350 new buses
The Authority is committed to accessibility for all, including: • continuing investment in BOOST routes, including making sidewalks and ramps ADA compliant making more than 700 additional bus stops fully accessible by the end of fiscal year 2025 upgrading signage and lighting, and • offering bike racks on buses and designated bike areas on trains METRONow includes a focus on preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, including prioritizing direct routes to and from our airports. Airport service routes will be permanent fixtures in the METRO system. Collaboration is a key component of the METRONow plan. The Authority will continue to serve as a secondary responder, moving people to safety during emergency events. Learn more at.ridemetro. org/about/plans-projects/ metronow.
The atmosphere will be lively and inviting, featuring an 80s and 90s playlist with a touch of yacht rock, adding to the playful yet refined ambiance.
A Sophisticated Yet Approachable Beverage Program
Camaraderie’s beverage program, led by Wine Director/GM Gillian Malone (formerly of March and 13 Celsius) and Bar Manager Kristine Nguyen (formerly of Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge, and Nancy’s Hustle), emphasizes balance, creativity, and guest-focused service.
• The wine list features everyday favorites and rare discoveries, with a curated half-bottle selection
Cocktails include “mini classics” (scaled-down versions of classic cocktails), low-
• Sustainability is a key focus, with original wood framing and metal wall paneling preserved and reused.
• Sunday: 5-9 p.m. Reservations for the main dining room are recommended via Resy.com ($75 per person, excluding tax and tip). Parties of four are especially well-suited for the shared dining experience.
The bar, lounge, and patio areas serve an à la carte menu, with walk-ins welcome and select tables available for reservation. Guests can also join a virtual waitlist via Resy. com. For larger groups (6+), advance reservations for the lounge and patio can be arranged by emailing blair@ camaraderientx.com.
Location and Parking
Camaraderie is located at 608 W. 11th Street, Houston, TX. Parking is available with entrances on 11th Street and Ashland. As opening night approaches, Camaraderie promises to bring a fresh, community-driven approach to fine-casual dining in Houston, offering a
Photo by Arturo Olmos
Nduja Roll
Google Maps
Formerly known as First Church Heights, True Elevation Church celebrates its move to east Houston with a groundbreaking on a new church home March 30.
Improving Cleanliness
Photos courtesy of Houston METRO
Art Valet: Luis C. Garza’s photographs illuminate Chicano history at MECA
A new exhibition at MECA at TBH Center (East End) offers a rare peek into the activist movements and communities of the 1960s and 1970s through the lens of Chicano photographer Luis C. Garza.
The Other Side of Memory: Photographs by Luis C. Garza features 66 black-and-white silver gelatin prints pulled from Garza’s mostly unpublished archive.
The show kicks off Thursday, March 13, and runs through March 31, free for all.
Born in New York to a family with roots in South Texas and Northern Mexico, Garza landed in Los Angeles in 1965. He turned into a key chronicler of the Chicano civil rights movement, snapping moments of grit and guts. His shots cover everything from Young Lords Party protests and women’s rights marches in New York to the electric activism of L.A. He even nabbed some pics from a 1971 trip to Budapest, Hungary, for the World Peace Conference—yep, where he bumped into Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros.
This isn’t your standard exhibition, all neat and chronological. Curator Armando Durón mixes it up, pairing images to spark odd little connections that make you think twice about memory.
“There is at least one other
side of memory—the road not traveled,” he said, dodging the usual art-versus-documentary line. It’s a visual story you piece together yourself, full of hidden bits.
Garza’s been around—photojournalist, curator, documentarian. He shot for La Raza, that big-deal Chicano mag, and co-curated shows like Siqueiros in Los Angeles: Censorship Defied at The Autry and La Raza for The Getty’s Pacific Standard Time: LA/ LA. This solo gig, put together by Melissa Richardson Banks and CauseConnect: Art That Matters, is hauling his sharp storytelling nationwide.
MECA’s got events lined up: an artist reception Thursday, March 13, from 6 to 9 p.m., a noontime gallery talk Friday, March 14, from noon to 1 p.m., and a La Raza documentary screening Sunday, March 30, 3 to 5 p.m. The East End spot’s open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday,
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.—Sundays are quiet unless something’s cooking. TBH Center’s that old Talento Bilingüe de Houston joint, an 18,000-square-foot arts hub MECA’s run since 2019. Gallery boss Lizbeth Ortiz—she’s behind Houston’s Frida Festival—set this up, and she’s all about boosting Latino artists. Garza’s popping up elsewhere, too. The Houston
Latino Film Festival’s showing Razón de Ser: Luis C. Garza, a short doc on his life, March 13, 7 to 9 p.m. at MATCH (3400 Main St.). It’s $14, or free with a $65 festival pass. Then MATCH Gallery’s got Xicanidad: Past, Present, Futuro a group show with Garza’s work, March 12-16. It opens March 13, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and wraps with talks March 16, 2 to 4 p.m.
For Garza, these photographs aren’t just frozen echoes of the past—they’re a chorus of voices that refused to fade. Until lately, his archive sat quiet, holding the beat of East L.A.’s streets and the South Bronx’s fire. Now, unboxed and unbowed, they sing to new eyes. “This is about giving voice to the stories that shaped us,” Ortiz said, her words a quiet torch. “Garza’s work reminds us of the strength found in resistance and the beauty of our shared history.” With its strange pairings and steady gaze, The Other Side of Memory dares you to look closer—to see not just what was, but what might have been. Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
Bayou City Art Festival selects
Collegiate Art Collective
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Bayou City Art Festival, produced by the Art Colony Association Inc. (ACA), has selected four Houston area college art students to exhibit in the annual Collegiate Art Collective, a unique exhibition featuring one-of-akind artwork from Houston area college art students at the upcoming festival March 29-30, 2025 in Downtown Houston.
Maryam Abdullahi of Houston Community College, Jasmine Bousie of the University of Houston Downtown, Tetzal Cornejo of Rice University, and Ashley Guevara of the University of Houston will debut their artwork while representing their school to showcase and sell their art at Houston's signature art festival.
Bayou City Art Festival offers an outdoor gallery with Houston’s downtown skyline as the backdrop for participating colleges and universities to raise awareness for their school’s art programs and also support and cheer on top college art students. Applications for the Collective open each Fall prior to the Spring festival and college artists over the age of 18 must be enrolled in their school’s art program, submit three
Photos courtesy of Luis C. Garza We Will Not Be Intimidated by Luis C. Garza, Los Angeles, California, 1971
Joyería Mexicana by Luis C. Garza, Los Angeles, California, 1979
Angélica Arenal Siqueiros by Luis C. Garza, Budapest, Hungary, 1971
Raza Gothic by Luis C. Garza, Los Angeles, California, 1974 David Alfaro Siqueiros (#1) by Luis C. Garza, Budapest, Hungary, 1971
