The 12-23-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

Inside Today: Two arrested in separate weekend crashes Page 2

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Shepherd restaurant hub shuttered Kroger has lost its taste for ‘ghost kitchen’ MIX

By Charlotte Aguilar For The Leader It seemed like a great idea on the heels of the pandemic lockdown — a single site featuring more than a dozen popular restaurant concepts, offering simple digital ordering with mix-and-match selections for pickup and delivery. “Ghost kitchens” (also known as kitchen centers or virtual

food halls) promised the chance for a picky family or group to get fried chicken, sushi, kebabs, barbecue, bibimbap, burritos, bruschetta and burgers from recognizable eateries in one order.

But after less than two years, Kroger and Kitchen United have ended their partnership and closed their prototype “MIX” location at the supermarket at 1035 N. Shepherd Dr. in the Heights and all other grocery locations.

Neither Kroger’s Houston-area office nor Kitchen United’s headquar-

ters in Pasadena, Calif., returned calls, but a manager at the Heights store confirmed that the operation — the first in a Texas Kroger, opening in February 2022 — shuttered last month and that all equipment in the large kitchen and service area had been removed. How the space will be used has not been announced, he said, but the assumption is that it will be some sort of prepared food service.

That goes along with the comSee MIX P. 4

SANTA’S GLITTER TRAIL Your neighborhood living room in The Heights Serving coffee, tea, wine, beer, savories and sweets 7 am to 9 pm daily.

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INSIDE.

Rescue focuses on bunnies, rabbits

Page 2

Photo by Rubena Gracia

Antique shop at 8th Street.

Page 3

Discover Heights Boulevard during the holidays

By Rubena Gracia The Leader News Contributor

Check your holiday trash schedule

Page 3

Water bill relief may be in sight

Page 4

Ideas for Christmas tree disposal

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THE INDEX. People ���������������������������������������2 Topics ����������������������������������������5 Classifieds ���������������������������������7 Local Culture �����������������������������8

We Olive & Wine Bar takes a final bow

By Rubena Gracia The Leader News Contributor

713-434-6923

HISD adds school days to calendar

Photo from Kroger/Kitchen United

This ‘ghost kitchen’ at the Kroger on North Shepherd in the Heights has been closed, as the grocer ended its partnership with Kitchen United.

Sometimes, the best way to experience a neighborhood is on foot. It’s easier to notice things that otherwise fly by in a blur while you’re driving and paying attention to traffic. Many homes along the boulevard, as well as businesses, shops, restaurants, and cafés, are decorated for the holidays, and clever details are often best seen up close.

The cooler weather during the holidays provides a good time to walk on the Heights Boulevard esplanade, officially the Paul Carr Jogging Trail Park. It covers 1.8 miles from Hamilton Middle School at 20th Street to the entrance of the Heights near 4th Street and is especially beautiful around Christmas time, when the boulevard is resplendent with holiday lights. On weekends, one can often see three generations of a family taking a stroll.

Among the many wonderful shops and restaurants along 19th Street in the Heights, We Olive and Wine Bar has become a favorite with area residents. It is bittersweet to announce that the shop’s last day is Sunday, Dec. 31.

We Olive offers a wide variety of items from the U.S., including artisan olive oils, balsamic vinegars and tapenades, gift baskets, gourmet foods, sampler gift boxes, accessories, and wine from small production, boutique wineries. There is also a happy hour with food service.

Asked about the closing of We Olive, co-owner Luis Rabo shared his thoughts with The Leader.

“Amber and I are so grateful for the 6+ years of support from all our neighbors around 19th Street, the surrounding communities, and the numerous organizations that chose to host events at our location,” he said. “We’ve had the honor of being a part of so many memories over the years – like birthdays, first dates, baby showers, and anniversaries...and White Linen Night parties.

It’s a tremendous gift knowing that We Olive was a place that will be remembered with a lot of love.”

Rabo added that We Olive, like many businesses since COVID, had a difficult time dealing with increasing costs while also getting by on inconsistent sales that didn’t bounce back to the levels of preCOVID times.

“When the time for lease renewal came, we needed to make a business decision that made sense and decided to close,” he said. “As for the future, Amber will continue her work in an HR See WE OLIVE P. 4

Photo by Rubena Gracia

Entrance to The Heights at 4th Street.

The trail offers many things to discover. There are benches, two gazebos, and water fountains sprinkled along the trail. Donavan Park for children is located at 7th Street, and Marmion Park is at 18th Street. You will find three churches and the Heights Branch of the Houston Public Library. The

Heights Victorian Rose Garden at 20th Street is planted and cared for by the Heights Garden Club, with roses donated by the Antique Rose Emporium.

There are two plazas on either side of 11th Street – the Houston Heights See HEIGHTS BLVD P. 4

Photo by Stills by Garcia

A difficult pandemic and post-pandemic time is leading to the closure of We Olive & Wine Bar on 19th Street in the Heights.

Grace United Methodist’s Food Pantry: A four-decade legacy of community service

By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor Nestled in the historic Houston Heights, Grace United Methodist Church, or Grace in the Heights as it is known to its congregation, has been a steadfast pillar of community support since its inception in 1905. What began as the Home Missionary Soci-

ety of Houston Heights, founded by a small group of women, has evolved into a multifaceted community hub with a deep commitment to serving its neighbors. Today, Grace in the Heights proudly carries forward its rich legacy, embodying the spirit of their motto: “We are Family by Choice, Neighbors

by Call, and Legacy for the Future!”

Grace’s journey has seen numerous

shifts, from its initial worship services in various locations to establishing a permanent sanctuary in 1906. At the heart of Grace’s community outreach is its food pantry, a vital resource operating for four decades. Located at 1230 Yale Street, the pantry serves as a lifeline for those facing food insecurity.

Every Thursday, from 2-4:30 p.m., the pantry’s doors swing open, welcoming

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individuals and families from all walks of life.

The pantry’s commitment to inclusivity is commendable. Unlike many food pantries, Grace’s facility is not restricted by zip code, ensuring that anyone in need can access its services once a month. A simple ID or bill is the See FOOD PANTRY P. 4

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Two alleged impaired drivers jailed in separate fatal weekend crashes

By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com It was another deadly weekend along the Interstate 10 corridor near the Heights area.

In each case, an alleged drunk driver was taken into custody -- one an underage teen, according to Houston police.

Hunter Cameron Villasana, 17, was charged with intoxication manslaughter in the 182nd State District Court in connection with a crash in the 7700 block of Katy Freeway at around 11:25 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15.

Houston Police Department Vehicular Crimes Division officials said Villasana was driving a black Mercedes GLK350 eastbound when he attempted to turn northbound onto Silber Road at an unsafe speed. He allegedly struck a curb and hit a woman who was sleeping on the median before crashing into a wall. Police said Villasana tried to flee the scene but was detained by a witness to the accident. HFD first responders reportedly pronounced the victim, who has not been identified, dead at the scene.

Harris County records show Villasana has since been re-

Photos provided by HPD)

leased from Harris County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

The second crash occurred only about 2 hours later, only a short distance away. HPD responded to the 8000 block of the Katy Freeway around 1:40 a.m. in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 16.

"The driver of a gray Dodge Ram tow truck was traveling westbound near the above address and saw a Chevrolet Equinox and a Mercedes A220 involved in a minor

crash," police said in a media release. "The wrecker driver stopped to provide assistance for the two drivers who were standing outside their vehicles. At that time, a gray Jeep Wrangler traveling westbound struck the rear of the Dodge pickup truck. The Jeep continued and struck the rear of the Mercedes and then struck the driver of the Equinox."

The 31-year-old male driver of the Equinox was reportedly rushed to the hospital, where

he died the following day. Release of his identity is pending. Police said no other person was injured in the crash.

Asya Marshall, the driver of the Jeep Wrangler, has been charged with intoxicated assault with a vehicle in the 177th State District Court.

Harris County District Court records show Marshall, 32, of Katy, has a previous 2019 DWI conviction. She is being held in Harris County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

Houston Rabbit Resource makes a difference for Thumper

By Holly Beretto The Leader News Contributor When Heights resident Edith W. (name withheld by request) got involved with Houston Rabbit Resource as a volunteer, little did she know it would lead to her becoming the mom to three bunnies.

“I always wanted a bunny and I have always intended to adopt one rather than buy due to all the thousands of rabbits being abandoned every year,” she said. “I felt that by getting involved with HRR, I would be making a difference by helping rescue and foster rabbits of my own.”

Making a difference is exactly what Houston Rabbit Resource is all about, according to founder and executive director Nancy Martin, who launched the organization at the beginning of 2021. She'd worked with another rescue organization for a decade and a half, and had the idea that by branching out, she could help more rabbits.

“Rabbits are the third mostdumped pet, after dogs and cats,” she said. “And Houston is so huge, it seemed like another rescue might help allevi-

ate the problem.”

She initially thought that if Houston Rabbit Resource could save between 10 and 15 rabbits in the first year, it would be a win.

“We were fostering 75 in the first 10 months,” she said. “But for every one we take in, there's six to 10 still out there.”

Most of the rabbits getting organization assists have been originally bought from breeders or a pet store, likely as a gift for children at Easter time.

“But people have no idea what they're getting into when they adopt a rabbit, so they dump them,” Martin explained.

Because those bunnies have been domesticated, they don't fare well in the wild. Rabbits are prey animals, serving as a good food source for larger mammals and birds of prey.

“They suffer really cruel fates,” Martin said.

So, Martin and her team of volunteers step in. Houston Rabbit Resource currently has more than 50 rabbits in its care. Some volunteers do what's called “foster in place”.

“Maybe they've found a

Every-bunny could be happy in a caring adoptive or foster home.

Submitted photo by HRR

This is Astrid. She was surrendered and had to have a leg amputated due to a severe fracture. She is now available for adoption. She is an incredibly sweet and friendly bunny.

bunny and they call and ask what to do,” Martin offers as an example. “If possible, they'll take care of the rabbit until we can find space for it.”

Then there are regular foster homes, families or individuals who foster a rabbit until it's adopted and then foster more.

Edith W. began as a foster volunteer.

“We meant to adopt our first

b u n n y, Titan, so we decided to do a foster to adoption program under HRR,” she said.

“We ended up adopting our second bunny, Potato, as she and Titan got along very well on their first meeting.

Our third bunny, Bonnie, was initially a foster that we took on initially temporarily. However, we fell in love with her strong personality and sense of adventure and eventually adopted her.”

In order to foster or adopt, Houston Rabbit Resource requires prospective bunny parents to fill out an application and take a bunny basics class. Foster parents receive all the things they need to help a rabbit thrive, from food and other supplies, to paid-

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for vet visits, where rabbits are spayed or neutered and otherwise looked after. Houston Rabbit Resource stays in touch with its adoptive families, too, checking in from time to time to see that all is going smoothly.

“When you foster, you provide the love,” said Martin, who notes the typical foster stay is six months.

Generally, a foster will look after one rabbit, or possibly a bonded pair – two rabbits who are a couple or litter mates and don't require much more energy than a single rabbit.

Experienced fosters can take on more.

If something goes awry, Martin emphasizes her organization will take bunnies back, no questions asked.

In January, the group is hosting a social event. It's designed for fosters and bunny adopted families, but any-

Submitted photo

one who wants to learn more about Houston Rabbit Resource is welcome.

“We are more than a foster or adoption agency,” said Martin. “We help people adopt and we help save rabbits, but we also help those who already gave rabbits without any questions, and we provide information.”

There's no doubt that rabbits are work. They need a lot of space to exercise and families with children need to teach kids how to best interact with them. The rewards of bunny companionship, however, are worth it.

“Bunnies have such strong personalities and interesting interactions, and it's been such a joy to see our three bunnies grow together,” said Edith W..

“We love it when they 'binky' -when they flip through the air like acrobats because they're so happy.”

Harris County Commissioners Court adds $4M to county’s Eviction Legal Aid Program Community Reports Harris County Commissioners Court recently approved investing an additional $4 million for the Housing and Legal Services Fund Program that helps prevent people from being evicted from their homes. The additional funds will bring the total to $9 million the county has invested in the program since 2021.

“Everyone in Harris County deserves safe, healthy, affordable and stable housing,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis said.

“But thousands of our neighbors are at risk of losing their homes through eviction. This was a problem before 2020 and became a crisis in the pandemic. Since March 2020, landlords have filed at least 220,800 evictions in Harris County courts.”

The additional funds include $2 million to a group of legal aid providers through Lone Star Legal Aid and $2 million to Neighborhood Defender Service for eviction prevention services, including representing renters in court.

In 2021, the county invested $1 million in the Eviction Defense Coalition – Lone Star Legal Aid, Houston Volunteer Lawyers and South Texas College of Law – who collectively served 12,000 households facing eviction. In September 2022, another $4 million was invested using American Rescue Plan Act funds for the initiative.

The eviction crisis hits families especially hard, with the greatest predictor of an eviction being the presence of a child in the home. Ellis said it would be irresponsible to ignore this crisis.

“Although this investment won’t meet the extraordinary demand for eviction legal services, it will help thousands of people stay in their homes” Ellis said. “I appreciate the legal service providers who have stepped up, the housing advocates who have pushed Harris County to lead, and Housing and Community Development for helping to make this initiative possible.”

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HISD School Board approves district of innovation plan From Community Reports Plan includes longer school year; HISD to seek input on 24-25 academic calendar in January The Houston Independent School District (HISD) will become a District of Innovation (DOI) after the School Board approved the DOI designation tonight. The vote was 8 in favor, 0 opposed. HISD has been one of the only school systems in the state without DOI status.

Systems with the designation are exempt from certain statutory requirements and have greater flexibility in the way they conduct district operations to support students. HISD’s DOI Committee developed its plan as part of a broader effort to ensure every student has a high-quality education and graduates prepared for the modern workplace and world.

“HISD is a District of Innovation,” said Superintendent Mike Miles. “We are making the bold changes required to improve instruction and help students develop the competencies they will need to succeed in the future. Having the DOI designation is long overdue and will allow us to accelerate our work in important ways. I want to thank the

School Board for its vote tonight. In addition, I’m grateful to the District Advisory Committee for approving the measure, the DOI Committee for developing a thoughtful plan, and our staff and community for supporting Houston’s kids every day.”

Exemptions in the DOI plan fall within the following areas: high-quality instruction, modern staffing, and improved schools. One key exemption allows the District to begin the school year before the fourth Monday in August, making it more feasible to implement an extended academic calendar.

Research indicates students benefit from more time in school. HISD plans to propose that the first day of school for the 2024-2025 academic year be no earlier than August 7 and no later than August 14.

“As a mom of three children in HISD, I know that my kids and those across the District will benefit from the longer school year,” said Celeste Barretto Milligan, co-chair of the District Advisory Committee and a former HISD teacher.

“Most importantly, we know kids benefit from more time in excellent instruction. Extending our school year means HISD will no longer start be-

hind—all of our neighboring districts begin the school year earlier. Our calendar will now reflect the instructional time we need to recover learning loss and better position our students to compete for the same academic and workforce opportunities as students in surrounding districts. Not only that, but families who don't have resources to invest thousands in summer camps or family trips will have a safe place for their children to learn, have regular meals, and to connect with their teachers."

Certain HISD staff members and stakeholder groups—including the Teacher Advisory Committee, all principals, the District Advisory Committee, and leaders from all four geographic divisions in the District—will have the opportunity to provide feedback on proposed calendar options in mid January. HISD will then request input from all staff and families more broadly. They will be able to express their thoughts on calendar options beginning on or around January 19.

All calendar options will adhere to guidance in the DOI plan that the 24-25 academic year be no more than 180 instructional days. The District plans to submit the final pro-

posed calendar to the School Board on February 8.

Other exemptions in the DOI plan will give HISD the flexibility to: Implement more Districtand division-based professional development so all teachers have greater access to high-quality training from instructional experts and opportunities to collaborate with their colleagues across HISD. Without a waiver from the state, hire high school teachers who do not hold a certification. This will allow HISD to fill vacancies in positions that are hard to staff and will help give all students a consistent classroom teacher. (The exemption does not apply to teachers for special education, bilingual education/English as a second language, and prekindergarten. Those certifications cannot be waived.)

Implement alternate minimum attendance requirements for class credit for eligible high school students. Requirements will align attendance and course credit policies to content mastery where appropriate, and recognize students’ participation in out-of-school work or learning opportunities that may also count for credit to graduate.

Expand postsecondary pathways for students by giving juniors and seniors more excused absences to visit colleges and universities, trade schools, and military programs before graduation.

Handle instances of vaping and similar offenses at a student’s home campus, through counseling or other measures outlined in the District-wide, Board-approved Code of Student Conduct, as opposed to automatically enrolling the student in a disciplinary alternative educational program.

Improve student performance overall; close existing gaps; and attract, develop, and retain high-quality teachers by creating a rigorous teacher appraisal system for implementation in the 2025-2026 school year. The system will be (a) informed by local context and aligned to specific school and District goals and (b) streamlined to reduce administrative burden so principals and teachers can focus on coaching and instruction.

There are many exemptions for which a district may apply that are not included in HISD’s DOI plan. Members of the DOI Committee—who were appointed by the Board and bring a diverse set of experi-

ences and perspectives from across the District—worked to identify those exemptions that will make the greatest impact in HISD’s effort to boost student achievement.

The process involved touring schools; hearing from HISD Board members and programmatic leaders; soliciting and responding to feedback from the District Advisory Committee; and meeting as a group over eight convenings to craft and refine the plan.

In addition, the Committee took steps that are not required as part of the process to help ensure the HISD community understands how the plan will affect students and educators. These steps included drafting—for each proposed exemption—a section outlining the rationale and benefits; specific implementation guidance to explain how the exemption will be applied in schools; and a snapshot of districts that have adopted the same exemption.

The Committee worked with HISD leadership to ensure alignment and a commitment to the implementation guidance. In the coming weeks, the District will revise policies to align with the provisions in the DOI plan.

Collection and facility schedule for Christmas holiday and New Year’s Day From Community Reports

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2023:

In observance of the City of Houston’s Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, collection services will be interrupted.

Please note the changes to the curbside recycling schedule listed below:

Monday’s garbage, yard waste, and 4th Monday’s junk waste routes will be serviced.

All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices will reopen.

Please note Monday and Tuesday’s A-Week curbside recycling will be serviced on your next regularly scheduled collection day.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023:

Residents will receive normal garbage, yard waste, recycling, and 4th Friday junk waste services. All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices will be closed.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023:

Tuesday’s garbage, yard

waste, and 4th Tuesday’s and 4th Wednesday's junk waste routes will be serviced.

Please note Monday and Tuesday’s A-Week curbside recycling will be serviced on your next regularly scheduled collection day.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023:

All collections services will resume regular schedule.

facilities will be closed.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2024:

All Monday’s garbage, yard waste, and 1st Monday’s tree waste will be serviced. All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers and administrative offices will reopen.

Please note Monday and Tuesday’s B-Week curbside

recycling will be serviced on your next regularly scheduled collection day.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024:

Tuesday’s garbage, yard waste, and 1st Tuesday’s tree waste will be serviced.

Please note Monday and Tuesday’s B-Week curbside recycling will be serviced on your next regularly scheduled collection day.

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024: (NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024:

CITY HOLIDAY: No Collections on New Year’s Day. All

All collections services will resume regular schedule.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2023 (CHRISTMAS DAY):

CITY HOLIDAY: No Collections on Christmas Day. All facilities will be closed.

Monday and Tuesday’s A-Week curbside recycling will be serviced on your next regularly scheduled collection day.

Monday and Tuesday’s B-Week curbside recycling will be serviced on your next regularly scheduled collection day.

Page 4 • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • The Leader

MIX, from P. 4

secured more than $175 million in backing from companies such as Kroger and the parent firms for Burger King and Circle K markets to expand nationwide, and at one time had more than 200 locations. It’s only one of several companies and others such as Wendy’s, Applebee’s and celebrities such as Guy Fieri and George Lopez, to find the concept’s pandemic luster dimmed as diners felt comfortable to return to inperson dining.

The Heights kitchen was the second in the U.S. It opened with 15 restaurants sharing facilities for unified ordering, including Fuddruckers, Buca di Beppo and Burns Original BBQ. By the time it closed, the only marquee names were Buca di Beppo and Frenchy’s Chicken, which the Heights manager said seemed to account for most of the orders.

Many of the listed names were, in fact, mere “concepts” which had never operated brick-and-mortar locations but were created purely for delivery services, sources in the restaurant industry have told The Leader.

ments of Kroger CEO Randy McMullen on a conference call about company earnings recently, where he said the MIX ghost kitchen concept was well liked but not widely used. “We test a lot of different things, and we’ll move onto the next version of it,” he said, calling “food-away from-home…a huge growth opportunity for us.”

Kitchen United reportedly

Photo from Frenchy’s Chicken on Instagram

Store customers could order takeout from several restaurants at the MIX counter inside the Kroger store, or a mix-andmatch order could be ordered from and delivered by a number of delivery services.

HEIGHTS BLVD, from P. 4 World War II Memorial and the Clayton Lee Plaza, which are maintained and cared for by the Rotary Club of Houston Heights, and the Carl and Melvalene Cohen Plaza. Utility cabinets are painted by Mini Murals Houston, and sculptures are provided by True North from March to December. There is a bed and breakfast in a renovated Victorian home near 10th Street. Opera in the Heights and the Houston Saengerbund are located between 17th and 18th Streets.

If you are walking on the jogging trail, remember to stay to the right to leave space for the runners and dog walkers. At intersections, carefully watch for cars traveling east to west. If a driver stops and waves to let you pass, be sure

to wave back! If you walk after dark, wear an article of lightcolored or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight for good measure.

While the Houston Parks and Recreation Department provides more difficult maintenance involving safely removing dead trees and mowing, regular monthly maintenance of the esplanade is provided by a small group of local volunteers from the Houston Heights Association – the Boulevard Beautification Committee. Additional volunteers are often needed for specific weekend projects, such as planting trees and spreading mulch. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jim Bennett at blvd@houstonheights.org.

WE OLIVE, from P. 4 leadership role while I want to continue working in the small- to medium-sized business world, in a support role helping other small business owners or franchisees manage and grow their business.”

Loyal customers of We Olive were disheartened to learn that the shop is closing its doors. Margaret Ferenz, President of the Heights Woman’s Club – Evening Group, offered her appreciation.

“We’re saddened to see treasured member Amber Rabo’s store We Olive depart from 19th Street. The Rabo’s are fervent supporters of the Houston Heights Woman’s

Club (a century-old area nonprofit) from donating wine to several events to hosting our annual tacky Christmas sweater happy hour and fundraiser for Communities in Schools,” Ferenz wrote in an email to The Leader. “We Olive exemplified how unique and special the Houston Heights community is, and their store was a gathering place for all. We wish them all the best in the years to come.”

We Olive is located at 249 W 19th Street Suite B, just west of Yale Street. You can find more information, including hours of operation for

Photo by Molly McCown

We Olive & Wine Bar is closing its doors to customers Dec. 31, 2023.

both the shop and the kitchen and wine bar, at their website – weolive.com/houston/. We Olive will be open Christmas

FOOD PANTRY, from P. 4 only requirement for those seeking assistance. Grace’s food pantry goes the extra mile to support the homeless by offering pop-top cans and tear-open pouches for those without a permanent address.

Additionally, hygiene items are distributed to ensure the basic needs of every client are met.

Margaret Woodruff, Susan Artz, and Becky Marsh are the core volunteer team that makes the food pantry magic happen.

“We develop relationships with our regulars who update us with what’s happening in their lives,” Marsh said.

“Sometimes, the folks who come by for food also just need someone to talk to. We can provide conversation and encouragement, as well as canned goods.”

Marsh continues, “Our clients all have different stories.

We have had folks who needed help because of the Hollywood strikes (those affected weren’t just millionaires), and refugees from Ukraine. Luckily, one of our volunteers speaks Russian!

We’ve even had a family come by when they were on their way home from the hospital with their newborn.”

Going beyond the church walls, Grace’s food pantry outreach program extends

to local elementary schools Love, Burrus, and Heights. According to the website No Kid Hungry, childhood hunger is easily one of the most pressing issues in schools today.

Food insecurity affects concentration, memory, mood, and motor skills, all of which a child needs to be able to be successful in school. To date in 2023, Grace’s food pantry has distributed 1,839 bags of food, nourishing 811 families with elementary school children in need.

Leonor Hernandez, Director of Family Ministries, takes great pride in Grace’s food pantry.

“A beautiful fact about our pantry is that some clients give back,” she said. “They donate money and supplies periodically. We go full circle with giving and receiving. The amount of money or products does not matter; the process of helping others matters most.”

Food donations are always needed and can be delivered to the church campus from 9-5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Individuals and companies alike can donate. The most needed items are chili, peanut butter, and canned or dry beans. The pantry accepts all non-perishable canned items, bagged plastic utensils, hygiene items,

Submitted photo

Grace United Methodist has operated a food pantry in the Heights for more than 40 years.

Donations of dry and canned goods are always needed.

bottled water and juice, and canned or dry milk.

Beyond its outreach programs, Grace United Methodist Church offers a range of educational and worship opportunities. Sunday School classes for adults at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings cater to a diverse audience, fostering open discussions about faith and life topics. Children’s classes utilize art, science, and drama to impart lessons and Bible stories.

The church’s commitment to engaging different age groups is further exemplified by the Young Professionals Group Sunday School. This group, meeting on Monday

Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stop by and find a gift for the foodie in your life, or perhaps a treat for yourself. nights at 7 p.m. at Heights Bier Garten, provides a platform for open discussions about faith and life topics for adults aged 25-45.

Besides food pantry donations, volunteer opportunities abound at Grace. Thanksgiving food boxes were recently created in collaboration with Girl Scout Troop 122292. For those interested in broader community engagement, Grace offers volunteer opportunities in programming, including Messy Church—a monthly program for kids and families, festivals, and community outreach activities.

Recognizing the changing communication landscape, Grace United Methodist Church has embraced technology to ensure accessibility.

Live streaming services are available on YouTube each week, allowing individuals to participate in worship from the comfort of their homes.

Grace in the Heights, located at 1245 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008, can be reached at (713) 862-8883 or visited online at graceintheheights.org. For specific information about the food pantry, contact Leonor Hernandez at family@graceintheheights.org. For general inquiries, the business office can be reached at info@ graceintheheights.org.

City of Houston approves sweeping ordinance changes to address high water bills From Community Reports Following months of public input and careful review by Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Public Works (HPW) and the City of Houston's Legal Department, City Council today approved historic changes to assist customers with unusually high water bills.

"Today's action removes the structural hurdles that prevented Houston Public Works from adjusting unusually high water bills. Because we have improved the ordinances, the department can be more responsive in the future," Turner said. "We do not want to assess people for what they are not using; people should only pay for the water they use at home or business. By making the changes, we also are improving the appeal process for customers and giving employees more flexibility. The changes are meaningful, and we are taking a holistic approach to address concerns raised by our water customers."

“Houston Public Works is committed to providing accurate water bills for the more than 500,000 City of Houston water customers every month.

We are pleased to move forward with changes that will bring relief to the most vulnerable Houstonians, including our senior citizens,” said Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock.

The following changes are effective immediately: Following months of public input and careful review by Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Public Works (HPW) and the City of Houston's Legal Department, City Council today approved historic changes to assist customers with unusually high water bills.

"Today's action removes the structural hurdles that prevented Houston Public Works from adjusting unusually high water bills. Because we have improved the ordinances, the department can be more responsive in the future," Turner

said. "We do not want to assess people for what they are not using; people should only pay for the water they use at home or business. By making the changes, we also are improving the appeal process for customers and giving employees more flexibility. The changes are meaningful, and we are taking a holistic approach to address concerns raised by our water customers."

“Houston Public Works is committed to providing accurate water bills for the more than 500,000 City of Houston water customers every month.

We are pleased to move forward with changes that will bring relief to the most vulnerable Houstonians, including our senior citizens,” said Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock.

The following changes are effective immediately: 1) 47-74 – Ordinance a customer can apply for a maximum of two leak adjustments per year. Remove the two times per year allowance and allow customers additional relief should multiple leaks occur in one year more than twice.

2) 47-74 – Allows customers adjustment to their water bills at a 50% rate once proof of a leak repair is provided.

Incentivize Citizens -100% for customers repairing 30 days after the leak began, 75% for repairing within 60 days after the leak began and standard 50% after 60 days.

3) 47-74 – Customers get 50% credit on excess water usage on both water and wastewater charges. 100% credit on excess wastewater charges.

This is based on the idea that a customer water leak usually doesn’t go back through the sewage system.

4) 47-74-1 – Leak Balance Remaining must be greater than $2,000.00 and $250 for elderly customers who meet the eligibility criteria in section 3662 (1) of this Code. Reduce the leak balance remaining amount from $2,000.00 to $1,000.00 and $250.00 to $100.00 for eli-

gibility qualifiers.

5) 47-75 – Qualified account for ULB adjustment can only be adjusted down to 150% of average water use. Lower customer adjustment amount from 150% to 125% of the monthly average water usage 6) 47-75-1 an ECA adjustment a. any billed amount in the excess of five times the average monthly bill b. account may be reduced by up to $4,000.00 for one occurrence. c. does not exceed a twomonth timeframe.

Changes to this section as follows: a. any billed amount in excess of two times (2x) the average monthly bill b. account may be reduced by up to $10,000.00 for one occurrence. c. does not exceed two billing cycles.

7) 47-61,47-63 - Customers are charged a minimum monthly base fee where a water meter is present because the City must reserve that capacity for the customer. The base charge includes water and wastewater. To avoid charges, a customer is required to pay for a private plumber to remove the meter, cap the line, and then cancel the account (cost approximately $1500).

Offer the customer an option to have the meter locked for a one-time fee estimated to be $150, and once the customer account is charged for lock, all base charges will be removed from the account. This change provides a less expensive option for the customer to remove monthly base charges.

8) Benefits of signing up for e-bill. Provide and promote a $.50 discount for each bill for paperless customers.

9) Long-term estimations have resulted in high catchup bills of up to 24 months.

Codify Houston Public Works' current practice by not back billing for more than 3 months for residential customers.

Fresh Arts announces Its 2024 gala at Silver Street Studios:

The Wonder Ball

From Community Reports The one-of-a-kind annual event raises critical funds needed to advance its mission Fresh Arts, a Houston nonprofit that empowers local artists through its resources, skill-building programs and community connections, is excited to announce its 2024 gala, The Wonder Ball. The gala will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 from 6:30-11:30 p.m. at Silver Street Studios.

Fresh Arts is ready to take Houstonians down the rabbit hole and into a wacky wonderland of art and imagination!

Event chairs Eva Sagisaka and Morgan Holleman, Erika Mei Chua Holum, Rachelle Maldonado, Matt Manalo, and Merry and Palmer Schooley invite party goers to get lost in a world brimming with creativity and curiosity, where the only limit is their own silliness. This is where Houston art lovers let their hair down and revel in the wild, wonderful and off-the-wall. Top donors and underwriters will be treated to a whimsical feast, fit for the Mad Hatter himself!

Just like Alice's adventures, the night will be unforgettable and enchanting. Honorees for the evening are Ruby Rivera, founder of Texas Salsa Congress, and Theresa W. Chang,

a Houston-based commissioner serving on the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Fresh Arts galas are well known as the philanthropic party of the year. Still, this year's Ball introduces an exciting addition—the Wonder Ball Dinner Party featuring dishes by local favorite Hungry’s, celebrating 45 years of fresh fare. The Dinner Party, exclusively available to underwriters, sponsors and Dinner Party Ticket Holders, promises a themed seated dinner accompanied by live entertainment, an exclusive live auction and early bidding access to the silent art auction. Fresh Arts is also partnering with Janice Bond of ART IS BOND Contemporary Art Gallery to revamp the Art Auction with a curated selection of affordable pieces highlighting the talent of local artists.

The night will continue to unfold with an epic dance party featuring interactive games and captivating arts performances. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the thematic art showcase by expressing their creativity through party attire and costumes that evoke a sense of 'wonder.'

Gala proceeds, comprising 15-20% of Fresh Arts' operating revenue, empower the

nonprofit to champion local artists by commissioning new public art projects in the Arts District, offering year-round artist resources, and hosting multi-disciplinary professional development programs such as artist summits, residency programs, and a fiscal sponsorship program.

“The annual Fresh Arts Ball is an ever-evolving event with changing themes, but this year we’re excited for the opportunity to turn it up a notch with the Wonder Ball Dinner Party," said Angela Carranza, executive director of Fresh Arts. “Since curiosity plays into our theme this year, it is really the perfect time for us to explore a new aspect of the gala that will only add to such an otherworldly, storybook experience. Mark your calendars and don’t be late for this very important date!”

Notable gala sponsors also include PaperCity Houston, Art Attack, Fleato, LALO Tequila and Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Bar & Pizza.

To learn more about sponsorships and underwriting opportunities, please visit fresharts.org/wonder-ball. Individual Dinner Party and Dance Party tickets will go on sale in late December 2023. For media inquiries, please contact Bianka Curvey at bianka@ likemindstalk.com.

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Through tornadoes, more, Farmers has be The Leader • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 5 rebuildin people start to think about all the For over 80 years, we’ve cared enough For over 80 years, we’ve cared enough to think about the very worst. at Farmers, that’s wh to think worst.

Forabout overthe 80very years, we’ve cared enough totornadoes, think about the very worst. last Through tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, andyears.

Through earthquakes, hurricanes, and 80

THE TOPICS. In one year and out the other What a year it was. Our politicians worked together to hammer out a compromise to make a better America. Our president was honored by all and led a country free from debt and division. Our troops were safe and our own world was at peace. Texas and Houston were devoid of any upsets and political disharmony. Of course that was the year 1790.

The year 2023 was slightly different, particularly here in the Lone Star State. So let’s take a look at these past 12 months and be glad they are in our rearview mirror.

First, however, some good news: 2023 is over. Gov. Greg Abbot jumped out of an airplane. Luckily, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick didn’t pack his parachute. Dickinson High School created a 28-foot mum for the school’s homecoming game.

R’Bonney Gabriel, the first Filipina Texan to win Miss Texas USA and Miss USA, received a new title: Miss Universe. The Many Stars State: Gen. Eric M. Smith, commandant of the U.S. Maine Corps, is a Texas Aggie. Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is a Texas Tech Red Raider. And note what did not happen: no hurricanes.

In sports, TCU made us all proud as the first Texas college football team to play for the national championship.

Then the Horned Frogs humiliated Texas by losing to Georgia by a play-off record 65 to 7. Damian Lillard of the Trail Blazers scored 71-points in Houston’s 131-114 loss.

What a state Washington State is in: When Astros Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch in a game in Seattle, a Mariners fan leapt to his feet for a standing ovation while cheers could be heard throughout the stadium.

Houston went through coaches like Kleenex. The Texans fired their head coach as did

Lynn Ashby Columnist

the Houston Cougars. The Rockets replaced their coach with Ime Udoka who had been fired a few months earlier by the Boston Celtics for what the team deemed an improper relationship with a staff member.

This brings us to Texas A&M University, which made national headlines by kicking off Jimbo Fisher and having to pay him $76.8 million. Then there was the hiring and firing of a famed Black journalist and scholar, Dr. Kathleen McElroy.

She was ruled un-Aggie by some deep-pocket former students because she had worked for 20 years at The New York Times. Then there is the embarrassing story of A&M professor Joy Alonzo who was placed on administrative leave after she was accused of making a personal attack against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

We’re Number 1! Houston had the greatest number of postal service employees attacked by dogs. Fifty-seven postal service employees were bitten by dogs in 2022, according to the USPS’ Dog Bite National Rankings. Lawn Love reports Houston is the most prepared to fight zombies with 18 hunting gear stores and 60 ammunition stores. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was named fair/rodeo of the year by the Academy of Country Music Honors. More people moved to Houston last year than any other U.S. city, based on Penske Truck Rental bookings. Houston led for the second year in a row.

We’re almost Number 1: The data firm Altrata, which defines a person around the world who is ultra-wealthy as someone with at least a net worth of $30 million, ranked Houston as 15th on the list, with 4,420 ultra-wealthy individuals. Dallas ranked 14th with 4,686 ultra-wealthy individuals. Not 2023 But Interesting: Based on 2021 data compiled by the federal government, Rep. Sylvia Garcia’s 29th Congressional District, which includes much of east Houston, had the most reported roads blocked by trains in the nation, 1,376. That is more than double the second-most blocked region. The AntiDefamation League reported that in 2022 Texas was home to more than 525 hate crimes out of 6,751 nationwide, the highest total the organization has ever recorded. This represented a spike of roughly 60 percent in Texas compared with the previous year.

Maybe That’s Why She Lost: Mayoral candidate U.S. Rep Sheila Jackson Lee aired a 30-second TV ad on ABC, CBS and NBC affiliates telling viewers “vote on or before December 7th.” But the runoff election was on Dec. 9.

A United Airlines flight from Houston bound for Amsterdam instead had to make an emergency landing in Chicago to remove an unruly passenger -- who was reportedly angry he wasn’t able to have his first choice of an in-flight meal. A Southwest Airlines flight from Atlanta to Houston was delayed for an hour due to flight attendants refusing to allow the pilots to take off until whoever spilled their fried rice in the plane’s aisle admitted to it and cleaned it up. But, nobody on board admitted to spilling the food.

In Austin, four former aides to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued him for $3.3

million, claiming they had been fired in retaliation for reporting him to authorities for alleged corruption crimes.

Paxton wanted the state to pay. The state refused. All told, Paxton’s legal troubles have cost Texas taxpayers $6 million.

Gov. Abbott tweeted an article about Garth Brooks getting booed off stage. The story described how Brooks, who has been a target of rightwingers, was performing in the Texas city of Hambriston when “patriots” booed the country music legend mercilessly before he finally left after just two minutes. Spoiler alert: The city of Hambriston doesn’t exist, and the article was a completely fake. Gov. Abbott wins our Five Strikes and You Should Be Out Trophy after repeatedly trying to get the legislators to funnel taxpayer dollars to private schools. Conservative Christian state Rep. Bryan Slaton was expelled from the Legislature after finding he engaged in “inappropriate sexual conduct” with a 19-year-old intern who previously worked in his office.

Quote of the Year (who needs a Books category): New HISD superintendent Mike Miles said, “I’d rather have a high-quality teacher getting paid a lot, than have a librarian doing what, checking out books?”

If you survived 2023, it was a good year.

Ashby is into 2024 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. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

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1. Domestic cat 6. Picasso’s mistress Dora 10. Bounces over water 14. Calculators 15. Jeopardized 17. Voice of Dory 19. Guided 20. Ribonucleic acid (abbr.)

21. Evenings prior to 22. French river into Ghent 23. Inspires wonder 24. Sacred bull of Egypt 26. Am. sable 29. Liquid body substances 31. Singer Nat King 32. Expression of disgust 34. Oil cartel 35. Mentums 37. City of Danao island 38. Place of refuge 39. Fancy ottoman 40. 20th Hebrew letter 41. Alleviating 43. Tangles 45. London gallery 46. Pouchlike structure 47. Citizen of Copenhagen 48. Swiss river

49. Denotes three 52. Treatment for addicts 56. Inheritable by rules 57. Stalin’s predecessor 58. N. Mexico artist colony 59. Initials of 1st American woman in space 60. Afrikaans

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1. Far east weight unit 2. Competent 3. Bare or unadorned 4. Bridge building degree 5. Other side of yang (Chinese) 6. Personal manners 7. Am. Mountain Guide Assoc.

8. Imitate 9. Acts of reclamation 10. Most critical 11. Brews 12. Foot (Latin) 13. South Dakota 16. Hero-worship 18. Removes moisture 22. NY Hamptons location (initials) 23. Egyptian god of life

24. Sporting venue 25. Campaign funding group 27. Plural of 30 down 28. Captures 29. Turf 30. Fencing sword 31. Cost, insurance and freight (abbr.)

33. Expression of bafflement 35. Frames of reference 36. Very large 37. Old TV screen tube 39. Keyboard instruments 42. Governments 43. Fashion designer Jacobs 44. Carrier’s invention 46. Cruise 47. Art ____ style of design 48. From a distance 49. Rock singer Turner 50. Churn 51. Hotels 52. Genetic info carrier 53. Irritate 54. Also on the option key 55. Steeped beverage 56. Indicates position

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Thank you for your gift As we get ready to create precious memories with family and friends, there's a distinct sense that Christmas isn't just a day on the calendar; it's a feeling that fills the air.

Like many of you, I find myself reflecting on the magic of the season. This year, after having had the privilege to work with many of you for the past three months, the spirit of Christmas feels especially comforting to me. I am reminded of the incredible stories that have unfolded within this community throughout the year, many of which happened before my time here – stories of resilience, generosity, and the unwavering human spirit.

Here, the spirit of Christmas isn't confined to a single day; it's a collective energy that unites us in a shared sense of joy, compassion, and goodwill.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this holiday season has been witnessing the generosity that flourishes in the Greater Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and the many neighborhoods within and around. From food drives that ensure no family goes without a festive meal to local businesses opening their hearts and resources to those in need, our community exemplifies the true meaning of giving. It's a testament to the kindness that resides in the hearts of our friends and neighbors, a reminder that, even in the midst of life's challenges, we find strength in unity.

Our local schools and community organizations contribute to the festive spirit, organizing events that bring people of all ages together. From cheerful holiday concerts to art fairs that showcase the talents of our residents, these gatherings not only add joy to the season but also create lasting memories that bind us.

And then there are the unsung heroes among us — the

Stefanie Thomas Editor

editor@theleadernews.com

volunteers who dedicate their time, the teachers who inspire our children and have adapted to new ways of educating, and the local leaders who work tirelessly to make our small towns within a big city a better place.

Their efforts remind us that a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, transforming our community into a place of love and support. In a time when headlines often highlight the trials we face, it's heartening to witness the countless acts of caring that define this area.

Neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming friends, and a collective effort to uplift those who need it most.

As we exchange gifts and share festive meals, let's not forget the greatest gift of all – the gift of connection. In a world that sometimes feels divided, Christmas provides a unique opportunity to bridge gaps, heal wounds, and build bridges of understanding. To those who may find themselves facing challenges this Christmas, know that you are not alone. This community stands beside you, offering support, empathy, and the collective hope for a brighter tomorrow. Please reach out.

So, as we prepare to close the pages of another year, let's carry the warmth of the holiday season into next year. May the spirit of Christmas inspire us to be kinder, more compassionate, and ever hopeful. Thank you for sharing the wonderful gifts of community, and time, with me. Wishing each and every one of you a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and magic.

Local business is our business.

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Show them the money. Houston ISD teachers are getting significant pay raises.

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Big art, small studio. An artist with ties to the Heights will display her work on Almeda Road.

Page 6

City moving forward with traffic plan for 11th

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Protected bicycle lanes are coming to 11th Street in the Heights, where drivers will have fewer lanes to maneuver along one of the neighborhood's most popular thoroughfares.

That is by design, according to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who announced Tuesday that the City of Houston will move forward with its long-debated plan to transform traffic on 11th Street in the interest of safety and to make the road more multimodal.

Bike lanes will be added on

both sides of 11th between North Shepherd Drive and Michaux Street, where there will be one vehicular lane in each direction with a center, left-turn lane along the stretch between Yale and Studewood streets. The plan also calls for bike lanes along Michaux between 11th and Stude Park to the south as well as protected crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections such as 11th and Nicholson Street, where the Heights Hike-and-Bike Trail crosses 11th, and Michaux and White Oak Drive.

There now are two vehicle lanes in each direction on 11th

between Shepherd and Michaux, and no center turn lanes.

"With four lanes for cars, the street encourages fast driving," Turner said in a 4-minute, 30-second video released by his office.

"That speed results in 10 percent more crashes than the average road across the state of Texas.

Those crashes are at nearly every intersection between Michaux and Shepherd. Eleventh Street is not safe for the neighborhood."

David Fields, the chief transportation planner for the city, said Photo by Adam Zuvanich construction is estimated to start A cyclist waits to cross 11th Street at its intersection with NicholSee 11th Street P. 5

son Street. The City of Houston is adding protected bike lanes on 11th and reducing the number of vehicle lanes.

Quite a hoot

Bullet train project in limbo with CEO’s resignation

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The yearslong effort to construct a high-speed railway between Houston and Dallas appears to have stalled, at least for the time being.

Carlos Aguilar announced last weekend in a LinkedIn post that he had resigned as CEO of Texas Central, the Dallas-based company behind the quest to connect the state’s two largest cities with a bullet train. His departure comes as the Texas Supreme Court considers a case that will determine whether the company has the legal authority to exercise eminent domain - likely a critical factor in its ability to acquire the land needed for the proposed railway - and amid questions about the project’s financial viability.

Carlos Aguilar “While I could not align our current stakeholders on a common vision for a path forward, I wish the project the Photo by Mark Lear greatest success and remain convinced An eastern screech owl named Owlouette loves on Beaker, one of her offspring, in the backyard of Oak Forest resident Mark Lear. of the importance of this venture for the safety and prosperity of all Texans,” Aguilar wrote. “... Texas and the U.S. deserve the best transportation options and I am convinced that in time, these will become a reality.”

By Adam Zuvanich Texas Central did not respond to a azuvanich@theleadernews.com Tuesday email seeking comment, nor did representatives of a Dallas-based There are loving displays of care and affection, inspirapublic relations firm that has worked for tional moments and harrowing scenes that can end up bethe company. A call to the phone numing upsetting. Eating is a big part of the action as well, with ber listed online at texascentral.com, the stars of the show making the most of the ingredients cited as a hotline for the bullet train they have available. project, was answered with a recording There’s also an eclectic soundtrack, with rustling, ratthat said, “The number you dialed is not tling, whinnying and hooting. in service at this time.”

Owl-watching becoming popular pastime

Page 6 • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • The Leader

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Compiled by Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON CEREAL PARTY

Who: Families When: Saturday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m.-noon Where: Houston Toy Museum, 321 W. 19th St. What: Screening of classic holiday favorites like Flintstones, Smurfs, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and more. Enjoy a milk and cereal buffet Cost: Adults - $14 museum admission. Kids get in free if they're wearing their holiday pjs.

Info/sign-up: eventbrite.com ELEANORA’S FARMER’S & ARTISAN MARKET

Who: Families When: Saturday, Dec. 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: 2120 Ella Blvd.

What: 30 vendors selling quality produce, cheeses, meats, baked goods, art, textiles, flowers and more in the parking Cost: Free Info/sign-up: eleanorasmarket.com THE GRAND OL’ CHRISTMAS SHOW WITH BLUE WATER HIGHWAY

Who: Adults When: Saturday, Dec. 23, 8 p.m.

Where: The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. What: Will Hearn’s Grand Ol’

Christmas Show returns for a special 20th anniversary tour presentation at The Heights Theater in Houston. Featuring the Dirty River Jazz Band and Americana standout - Blue Water Highway.

Cost: $32 and up Info/sign-up: prekindle.com FREE YOGA ON THE LAWN

Who: Adults When: Saturday, Dec. 23, 1011 a.m.

Where: M-K-T Market, 600 N. Shepherd What: Outdoor Yoga, weather permitting Cost: Free Info/sign-up: themkt.com A BAVARIAN PIG ROAST

Who: Adults When: Saturday, Dec. 23, 4-11 p.m.

Where: King’s BierHaus, 2044 E T C Jester Blvd.

What: Pig roast, keg tapping, and Christmas movies Cost: $25 for pig roast plate Info/sign-up: facebook.com CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICE

Who: Families When: Sunday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.

Where: St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. What: Special needs worship service Cost: Free

Info/sign-up: allevents.in CHRISTMAS EVE AT GRACE

Who: Families When: Sunday, Dec. 24, times vary Where: Grace United Methodist Church, 1245 Heights Blvd.

What: Stories & Carols at 11 a.m., Communion at 6 p.m., Cost: Free Info/sign-up: allevents.in

Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40

Ministries for All Ages Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor

Join us for Services in English or Spanish

Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

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2003 W. 43rd St. ◆ 713-686-8241 ◆ s t s u m c . o r g

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HEIGHTS MERCANTILE FARMER’S MARKET

Who: Adults & families When: Sunday, Dec. 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: 714 Yale St. What: A rain or shine market created to encourage the local community to interact with their local producers and get to know where their food is coming from.

Cost: Free Info/sign-up: heightsmercantile.com YOGA & MIMOSAS

Who: Adults When: Sunday, Dec. 24, 9:30 a.m.

Where: Jane & Co., 1229 Heights Blvd.

What: 45-minute yoga class followed by sip and shop with a mimosa Cost: Free Info/sign-up: facebook.com NEVER MISS A STORY THELEADERNEWS.COM

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Come worship with us during this wonderful season celebrating the birth of our Lord!

Christmas Service Christmas Eve ServiceEve4:30 PM Saturday Christmas Day AM Service 10:00 PM AM Sunday 9:00 and 7:00 For unto us a child is born,

Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Preschool

unto us a Son is given.

Isaiah9:6 Isaiah 9:6

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The Leader • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 7

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Page 8 • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • The Leader

Art Valet: Holiday cheer and airing of grievances The publication date this week of The Leader just happens to fall on “Festivus,” a fictional (I hope) holiday popularized by the TV sitcom “Seinfeld.” If you don’t know it, look it up.

As holidays go, there are traditions to follow such as gathering together, meals shared, exchanging of gifts is common and especially stories from the past year. Festivus follows suit with additions and one glaring exception, the “airing of grievances.”

The airing of grievances takes place during the meal when the speaker shares with everyone else, all the ways in which another disappointed them over the past year.

Can you imagine the mayhem that might follow? What in the world does this have to do with art? Well let me tell you, I have some grievances to air about artists and the art world and I’m ready for my turn at airing of grievances, so sit down!

Artist statements. Often, before I’ve even met an artist I (really, subjected to) read their artist statement. An artist statement should be a brief

Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

description of their art that may describe the process of creation and what the artist wishes to convey to the viewer with their work.

How can that be messed up? By adding long, multisyllable words that require the use of a thesaurus and dictionary; a master of arts in literature would be helpful too.

Here’s an example of a fictional artist’s statement, “As intermittent derivatives become clarified through diligent and critical practice, the viewer is left with a hymn to the limits of our future.”

You lost me at intermittent, kid.

That is from a website that auto generates statements as a bit of mockery, but according to their own commentary, people are taking it seriously

now. For a good time, grab a box of tissues and visit artybollocks.com.

By the way, I am not certain I’ve ever written an artist statement for myself. Ha. Tents, and the weights that never keep them grounded. As an observer you might think nothing of the tents that artists and vendors offer their wares from at the millions of pop-up markets across this amazing city. Let me tell you, those tents are always a topic of conversation with those camped out under them.

As the guy "in charge,” I’m more interested in what keeps those 100 square foot potential motorless, wingless kites anchored to the ground. Believe me, they fly high and far and I’ve had the displeasure of chasing after tents (my own, ahem) as they make their escape, often leaving a wake of destruction in their paths.

The aforementioned tent I had to chase still had the disc weights attached to the legs. Those unassuming disc weights terrorized all the pursuers and one attacked me in the shoulder!

My grievance now is on the

A couple strolls a canopied art market. They may not know the danger they're in.

stores that sell our temporary canopies. The thing is, a tent needs a minimum of at least 100 pounds total to hold it down. The stores sell a box of weights that weighs less than the average 3-year-old.

I’m a stickler for artists having weights on their tents.

Artists are creative, and the

lengths some go to for the appearance of having weights can be funny.

Alas, it appears my verbosity may qualify me to work for Arty Bollocks instead of writing this column because I’ve run out of space. Perhaps I’ll revisit this topic in the future.

Whatever your plans are

Photo by Omar Ochoa

over the next week, I thank you for reading, and this far too, and wish you happiness, joy and a healthy, prosperous new year.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com.

How to sustainably dispose of a real Christmas tree From Community Reports Recycling, mulching, wildlife habitats provide good options For many people, nothing can compare to the smell, look and ambience of a real Christmas tree. And when the holidays are over, there are several eco-friendly ways to dispose of or recycle that ornamental piece of holiday tradition.

Alison Baylis, Texas A&M Forest Service regional urban ecologist, said utilizing real Christmas trees is something people do out of tradition, but each tree also represents an environmentally and economically friendly choice. Tree farms provide the same benefits as urban and natural forests. They clean air, provide soil stabilization and sequester carbon.

Buying real trees also supports local economies. According to the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association, 175 Texas Christmas tree farms produce over 200,000 trees each year.

However, once the tree has served its purpose of bringing light and beauty into a home for the holidays, many trees end up in a landfill as their final resting place. Baylis said there are several ways to use the tree

to add value elsewhere rather than discarding it as trash.

“Even though trees are a renewable resource, we should opt to recycle or dispose of them in a way that helps the environment and gives our trees a second life,” said Baylis. “Recycling Christmas trees can reduce our carbon footprint and support a more sustainable holiday season.”

The following are some ways to sustainably dispose of Christmas trees: Recycle Real trees are biodegradable, and many communities have tree recycling programs.

Check with your local city or municipality, local waste management company, a nearby garden center or conservation organization to find out if Christmas tree recycling, whether curbside pickup or a drop-off station, is available in your area. Recycling trees is recommended over burning them to help prevent wildfire danger.

Mulch The most common recycling option is chipping Christmas trees into mulch, which can be used for a variety of needs around homes and

with shelter. By tying bird feed, orange slices, popcorn and other bird-friendly treats to your tree, you can enjoy the view as birds fill the branches.

Fun family crafts Keep the holiday spirit alive after Christmas by using parts of Christmas trees to make fun family activities such as “tree cookies” and coasters. Cut the trunk of your tree to make coasters or other decorative accent pieces in your home.

Go a step further and let kids paint the trunk “tree cookies” for one-of-a-kind artwork.

Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Michael Miller

Make sure all ornaments, tinsel and decorations are removed before disposing of a real Christmas tree.

yards. Mulch can be placed around the base of trees and gardens as an insulator to help plants withstand cold temperatures and prevent soil erosion and compaction.

Tree limbs are a great way to insulate garden plants, and some cities even have free mulch available after the holiday season.

Pond and wildlife habitat Place Christmas trees in yards, nature landscapes or in bodies of water to create a habitat for wildlife. When trees are sunken into water bodies, they increase the complexity of the aquatic habitat. Woody debris provides a place for aquatic species to flourish, which increases overall biodiversity. In creeks and rivers,

woody debris also helps to slow the water flow rate during flash floods, which helps prevent erosion on streambanks.

If you do not have a pond or lake on your property, contact local officials to see if there is a suitable body of water to properly dispose of your tree.

You can also set your tree in your yard, creating a wildlife habitat and providing birds

Know before you dispose As the joy of having a Christmas tree in your home ends this season, use one of the many ways to sustainably dispose of your tree to prevent it from ending up in a landfill. Make sure to remove all decorations, such as ornaments, lights and ribbon. If the tree is sprayed with flocking or fake snow, it should not be recycled.

For more information on how to sustainably recycle your Christmas tree, contact your Texas A&M Forest Service district office. Visit https://tfsweb. tamu.edu/ContactUs/ to find contact information.

Three nonprofits receive grants to address family homelessness in Houston region From Community Reports The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County (CFTH), the lead agency to The Way Home Continuum of Care, today announced an approximately $1.6 million investment in Houston’s ongoing work to address family homelessness with grants to three key local partners: The Beacon (ca. $323,000); Bread of Life, Inc. (ca. $892,000); and Wesley Community Center (ca.$426,000).

The funds come from a larger $5 million grant to CFTH from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund, announced in November 2022. Launched in 2018, the Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to leading organizations on the frontlines that are employing compassionate, needlemoving work to help families move from unsheltered homelessness and shelters to permanent housing with the services they require to achieve stability.

“We are thrilled to be able to award these grants to our partners,” said Mike Nichols, President & CEO of CFTH. “Our homeless response system and partners have been focused for more than a de-

cade on permanent housing with supportive services as the answer to homelessness.

Thanks to the Day 1 Families Fund, the awards CFTH makes to these three partners will drive innovation and accelerate connection to services for families experiencing homelessness. However, it is still crucial that local governments step up to provide public funding. Private philanthropy alone can’t solve homelessness.”

A committee of CFTH staff selected The Beacon; Bread of Life, Inc.; and Wesley Community Center because of the sustainability of their programs and their focus on supportive services that keep families housed over the long term. Project funds will be used to assist families currently experiencing homelessness – unsheltered or sheltered – to help them regain housing through diversion, an employment pathway program, and/ or social enterprise.

With the grant, The Beacon will be working to engage families with minor children who are experiencing unsheltered or sheltered homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness. Their work will be focused on providing intensive case management and involv-

ing families in exploratory conversations to identify realistic options to regain housing.

In addition, other supportive services will be available including legal aid and help with obtaining state issued IDs to ensure access to housing and employment.

During the 12-month grant period, The Beacon anticipates serving 96 families with minor children and successfully preventing 48 of those families from further falling into homelessness. This work will be accomplished with the addition of a diversion specialist and resource support specialist made possible by this grant.

These new positions will work closely with the existing frontline staff and legal team at The Beacon to ensure that each family’s needs are understood and addressed.

“The Beacon is so honored to be recognized as an agency doing compassionate, needlemoving work in our community with this generous grant award from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund,” said Becky Landes, Chief Executive Officer of The Beacon. “We are poised to play an integral role in helping families regain safe, stable housing, and achieve well-being through carefully

planned and executed diversion services.

While this work will be brand new for The Beacon, we know that many families with minor children are already reaching out to us because of our well-known reputation for helping people in crisis. All too often, these are families newly homeless or on the brink of becoming homeless. Our program staff have learned to triage these instances, but this funding will truly galvanize our ability to keep families stably housed.”

The Bread of Life, Inc. Academy provides vocational training and pathways to employment for adults who have experienced hardship and are seeking to transform their lives through education and career development. In addition to vocational instruction, life skills, and career coaching, the academy provides wraparound services, helping address unmet needs that may prevent students from completing the program and moving toward new opportunities. At the conclusion of their training, students will be eligible for certification as a phlebotomist, community health worker, or IT associate, propelling their income poten-

tial forward and providing a steppingstone to financial security for their families.

With this funding, Bread of Life, Inc. plans to start a new initiative called Project H.O.P.E., to bridge the gaps in mental health services and address the urgent needs of students in The Academy requiring healing, outreach, prevention, and education.

“Individuals who have experienced foster care or incarceration — and those who are from marginalized communities — are often more likely to experience mental health symptoms and tend to be less likely to get appropriate care and treatment,” said Dr. Ryan Harris, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Bread of Life, Inc. “We are grateful unmet mental health needs will no longer be a barrier for students in The Academy who are seeking to transform their lives. This funding will provide needed therapeutic interventions by licensed professionals to promote health and well-being for our students.”

Wesley Community Center will help community members who are leaving homelessness train for new careers while receiving wraparound services

such as childcare, transportation assistance, income assistance, and mental health services. Wesley's work has always centered around helping the whole person, and these additional resources will make it easier for clients to reach their goals by removing the stumbling blocks that sometimes prevent success.

“This grant will help provide transformative services at Wesley Community Center,” said Amy Corron, President & CEO of Wesley Community Center. “We are so grateful for this opportunity, allowing us to provide families with employment and supportive services, and, for the first time, paying stipends to help offset the opportunity cost of spending weeks and months in training. This is a game-changing opportunity for many families who can’t take time off work to train for a better job. We are excited to pilot this expansion of our services.”

The grant-funded programs will run through Nov. 30, 2024.

Anyone experiencing homelessness who is interested in receiving services should contact the Coordinated Access email inbox run by CFTH at ca@homelesshouston.org.

Send your story of interest to: news@theleadernews.com