Houston Style Magazine Vol 33 No 49

Jesse Jackson

Kim

Harris County DA Office Honored for Mental Health Program

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg and her office is celebrating their recent recognition by the Texas Association of Counties for their Mental Health Diversion Program during a session of the Harris County Commissioners’ Court. According to their Twitter account, a resolution, sponsored by Pct 3 Com. Tom Ramsey, recog nized the program that has successfully diverted more than 6,000 offenders suspected of low-level, nonviolent offenses to the Judge Ed Emmett Mental Health Diversion Center for treatment instead of jail. Begun in 2018, the program is a community-based alterna tive for law enforcement to route people to mental health services and saves taxpayer money: For every $1 spent on diversion, the county saves $5.54 that would otherwise be spent on associated criminal justice costs. Congratulations to the Harris County District Attorney Office.

COMMENTARY DEMOCRATS MUST RESPOND TO YOUNG VOTERS

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

Chief of Staff Ron Klain hailed the young vote on Twitter, and claimed it was the result of the president who "kept his promises to younger Americans (with action on climate change, student loans, marijuana reform, etc.).

eligibility requirements, he could make the cancellations universal, immediate and automatic.

Dance with the one that brung you," goes the old saw. Dem crats would be wise to absorb its wisdom. In the last election, pundits expected a "red wave," with inflation high, Biden unpopular, and the history of midterm elections. Instead, Democrats were handed the best midterm results of any party since the 2002 midterm when Republicans were boosted by the post-9/11 sentiments.

The source of the Demo cratic surprise isn't a secret. Voters under 40 - millennials and Gen Z - voted Democratic 59 to 41, while voters over 40 favored Republicans by 10 points. These two genera tions will constitute 40 percent of the electorate in 2024. Add the big margins provided to Democrats by African Americans, Hispanics and single women and you have the core of the Democratic coalition. The ones who brought Dems to the dance.

Like all Americans, these voters are concerned about the economy. Young people, African Americans and Latinos will be hit the hardest if the Federal Re serve fulfills its effort to drive the economy into a recession costing the jobs of millions of workers. The passions of these voters are expressed in their movements: Occupy which challenged the stag

gering inequality of this society, the climate movement that demands action on this existential threat, the Black Lives Matter movement that sparked the largest interracial, nonviolent demonstrations in our nation's history, the women's move ments particularly in the wake of the Dobbs decision that stripped women of their right to control their own bodies, the movements against gun violence that grew out of Parkland and the school shootings that seared a generation, the insurgent union organizing that has been propelled by young workers objecting to dan gerous conditions and bad wages.

For years, conservative Democratic pundits and politicians have argued that Democrats were too liberal for America. In 2022, however, exit polls showed abortion ranked second as the prime reason to vote, and those voters went over whelmingly Democratic. Republi cans spent millions charging Demo crats with being weak on crime, but only 11 percent of the population named that issue as a prime factor in their decision, and gun policygun control - ranked just as high, even though very little money was spent on that. Democrats should learn that protecting the rights of people is not only right morally; it is effective politically. White House

Democrats surely bene fited from how reactionary and mean-spirited Republicans have become, but it is time to deliver. For example, student debt plagues young people - and no doubt the promise of student debt relief contributed to their support for Democrats. In the upcoming Dec. 6 Georgia Senate runoff, Sen. Ra phael Warnock has led the fight to cancel student debts while his Republican challenger, Herschel Walker has embraced conservative talking points, saying students just spend their loan money on alcohol, vacations and video games. Young people, I believe, will play a major role in Warnock's coming victory.

Yet, three months after Joe Biden's limited relief on student loan debt was announced, not a single person has received a drop of relief. Republican lawsuits and Trump judges have blocked the program. Not much can get done through the next Congress with the right-wing of the Republican party holding the reins in the House of Representatives. They are even making the election of a Republican speaker difficult. But Joe Biden can use executive authority to act boldly in a range of areas. One of these is student loans. In the face of Repub lican obstruction, he should direct the Education Secretary to cancel student loan debts immediately and permanently. Instead of making bor rowers apply for the program and wend their way through complicated

Similarly, Biden can and should insist that any funding for the government include full funding for lawyers in the National Labor Relations Board, giving them the resources needed to crack down on the lawless behavior of companies like Starbucks and Amazon trying to suppress young workers' efforts to organize. He can raise up reform attorneys general, like Minnesota's Keith Ellison, who are championing sensible criminal justice reforms even while cracking down on gun violence. He can animate the Justice Department to go after voter sup pression and racially discriminatory reapportionment that the Supreme Court refused to review prior to the 2022 elections, and much more.

The point is that the White House and Democrats should be clear about championing the con cerns of those who voted them into office and delivering to the extent possible. This can go on even as Democrats build their economic contrast with Republicans who have no plan to deal with inflation or with recession other than to cut taxes on the already rich. Young voters are not apathetic. They are already more active politically than their predecessors were at the same age. They face a fearful future and are looking for fundamental reform. They are looking for who will pro vide that. Democrats would be wise to respond.

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this Newspaper or by email at: jjackson@rainbowpush.org

President Joe Biden speaks during a news conference a day after the midterms

Gigs for

HOUSTON RESIDENTS CAN AGAIN DRINK TAP WATER AFTER CITY LIFTS BOIL-WATER NOTICE

By Sneha Dey, Texas Tribune

Houston residents are safe to use and drink tap water again after the city lifted its boil-water notice early Tuesday morning for all customers.

"Customers should flush their water system by running cold-water faucets for at least one minute, cleaning automatic ice makers by making and discarding several batches of ice, and running water softeners through a re generation cycle, & a news release from the public works department said.

Nearly all of the city’s 2.2. million water customers were under a

boil-water notice from Sunday at 6:40 p.m. through early Tuesday after a pow er outage at a water treatment plant. Two transformers at Houston’s East Wa ter Purification Plant went offline about 10:30 a.m.

Sunday due to a ground fault, prompting water pressure levels to drop below required minimum levels. The outage was caused by the city’s equip ment, according to CenterPoint Energy, which delivers power to the city of Houston. Low water pressure allows contaminants to enter drinking water.

On Sunday, water levels at most of the city’s monitoring sites were below minimum regulatory levels for less than two minutes.

City officials have said there is no evidence of contamination and that the boil-water notice was issued as a pre cautionary measure. Still, at least four area school districts closed Monday in response, and water customers were told to boil water for at least two minutes be fore preparing food, drinking, bathing or brushing teeth. The city collected water samples Monday morning and sent it to

a Houston lab. On Tuesday morning, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality reviewed the water samples and agreed to rescind the water boil notice. Residents have criticized Hous ton officials for poor communica tion about the power outage and the boil-water notice. The city began mak ing calls to residents around 6:40 p.m. Sunday, several hours after the power outage. But many residents reported not receiving a notification from the city until late in the night.

Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) will now offer health care coverage options for Medi care-eligible individuals in 38 new

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

counties, as well as add multiple low er-cost plans in 2023.

This expansion allows BCB STX to offer Medicare Advantage Pre scription Drug (MAPD) plans to nearly 4 million eligible residents in 148 coun ties — now covering 58% of Texas’ 254 counties. The 2023 expansion follows 2022’s record buildout.

New counties include: An derson, Aransas, Bowie, Calhoun, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, DeWitt, Franklin, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Hudspeth, Hunt, Jackson, Kaufman, Kleberg, Lamar, Maverick, Morris, Na cogdoches, Panola, Potter, Randall, Red River, Rusk, Shelby, Smith, Starr, Titus, Tom Green, Upshur, Uvalde, Victoria, Wood, Young and Zapata.

“We’re excited to announce Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is expanding access and building on our commitment to quality, cost-effec tive and equitable health care in the communities we serve, particularly in rural and underserved areas,” said James "Jim" Springfield, BCBSTX president. “Year over year, the growth of Medicare Advantage brings more choices and coverage so we can meet diverse health needs across Texas.” The expansion is not just geographic. For 2023, BCBSTX is offering new products and services to best serve the specific needs and life styles of the growing Medicare popu lation in Texas. Many BCBSTX Medi care Advantage (MA) plans provide

additional benefits beyond traditional Medicare, including dental, vision and prescription drug coverage at a variety of price points, including options with $0 monthly premiums.

New options for 2023 include an Open Access PPO plan, as well as a Medicare Advantage-only PPO plan with a Part B premium reduction benefit designed with U.S. military veterans in mind. For cost-conscious consumers, BCBSTX will offer two HMO plans with a Part B premium reduction ben efit, as well as a PPO plan with Part B premium reduction benefit.

James "Jim" Springfield, BCBSTX president

Over the past few years, The Black Man Project has toured the coun try, hosting conversations focused on the Black male experience in con temporary society, engaging more than 100 men in Los Angeles, CA, Seattle, WA, Tulsa, OK, and New York, NY. This winter, The Black Man Project will launch free group therapy for Black men to create a safe space for men to share openly, begin their wellness journey and build community. The upcoming Black Men Healing sessions will take place at The Black Man Project studio in Houston’s Third Ward community located at 2502 Division St., Houston, TX 77004, on December 10, 31, and on January 7, 2023.

“This series was inspired by my own story growing up with incarcerated parents, struggling to find my identity in sometimes violent, tumultuous environ ments. It's also influenced by the people and their stories I’ve captured over the

years through the organization," said Brian Ellison, Founder of The Black Man Project. Research shows that only one-in-three African Americans who need mental health care receive it.

“We’ve spent years asking men to be vulnerable, and this is my way of supporting them during their healing journey. It’s my responsibility to pro vide tools once someone has opened the door to engage. We do a disservice to communities when we simply empower

them; this is our work in action,” Ellison added. Licensed Professional Counselor Femi Olukoya will guide the sessions, operating from his belief that every client deserves peace and freedom to be their authentic self. The series will kick off with an intro session focused on accountability, and thereafter, the session topics will include grief, father figure issues, trauma, coping skills, an ger management, and sessions dealing with the inner child.

“We’re addressing issues that we commonly see within Black house holds, and we hope to normalize conver sations like this taking place wherever we gather, beyond this space,” said Ellison.

According to Mental Health America, Black men are particularly conscious of stigma when seeking help from an expert such as a psychologist. For that reason, The Black Man Project offers year-round programming and events focused on health and wellness, such as a gardening session, in-school programming with youth, a podcast, and an upcoming wellness festival. The events are hosted by The Black Man Project and funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund. Registration for the Black Man Healing sessions is open now at theblackmanproject.com.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM MEDICARE

Brian Ellison, founder of The Black Man Project. Photo Credit- The Black Man Project

IN AMERICAN MEDIA OWNERSHIP

everal months ago, I co-wrote an op-ed with my long-term friend and national media colleague, Jim Winston. Our commentary emphasized why "Diversifying American Media Own ership Must Become a National Priority." Now after the results of the high turnout of communities of color and young voters in the recent Mid-Term Elections across the United States, it is time once again to reiterate the relevance and importance of ensuring an increase in the multiracial diversification of owner ship of radio and TV broadcast stations as well as all other media platforms including print and social media. The multimedia publishing and communica tions industry is a trillion-dollar business Yet the disparities and inequities of ownership of media industry businesses by persons of color remains I know some of you would ask me why I am speaking up and out about other persons of color to own media businesses in America in addition to African American ownership of me

in

Leadership

dia businesses. There is, I assert, only one clear answer. If you are, as I am, for equality, equity, and believe in the oneness of all humanity, then we must practice what we preach. This is why I am publicly and forthrightly supporting the efforts and leadership of Soo Kim, founder and managing partner of Stan dard General. Kim is an effective and outstanding Korean American business leader, and he is on record supporting greater Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in our nation’s media ownership landscape.

As the racial demographics of our nation continue to diversity, Amer ican media must intentionally become more representative of that growth. One reason is because diversity is simply good for business. Another reason is be cause it is right, and it is just to include the very people on which one's busi ness success depends. But perhaps the ultimate reason is because the greatest issues of our day - economic inequity, health disparities and systemic racism -

pure and simple - will be best impacted when addressed by a multiplicity of people of all races. Kim has announced an application for a $8.6 billion major media merger by acquiring TEGNA, a company owning 64 television stations coast to coast. Kim turned many heads with his description of a vision of "new partnership models to get diverse viewpoints and perspectives on the air and to make sure people have the resources to do it.”

One need only to review the lead ership of major media networks in America to see that there are far too few that are owned or led by people of color. This makes Soo Kim's vision and leadership timely, inclusive, and progressive. This is the kind of media ownership that is exactly what our nation needs at this “transformational” moment. Current TV broadcast industry ownership stats reveal a pattern that favors incumbent owners who are primarily White males –less than 2% of U.S. TV stations are owned by minorities – if the FCC and the DOJ block this deal, it would signal that the broadcast industry continues to be

exclusively reserved for White male incumbent players. I support and join with Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) in her letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that commends and endorses the proposed merger between Standard General and TEGNA. Strickland stated to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosen worcel, “I share your longstanding goal of expanding voices and minori ty ownership in this sector, and the merger would be a critical step in that direction.” We also note with apprecia tion that FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, a strong advocate for equity in the communications industry, ob served last year, “Majority ownership of full power TV stations significantly worsened for Asian American owners (from 9 full power TV stations in 2017 to four stations in 2019).

Read more at StyleMagazine.com

Dusty Baker

ck Excellence

Sports

General Manager Houston Astros

Dr Reginald DesRoches

Loren Blanchard President University of Houston Downtown President Rice University

Gerald Hin

Quentin Mease Community Service Award Texas Black Expo & We All Eat Campaign

Jerome Love

SHEN YUN BRINGING LIFE TO A LOST CULTURE

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

What is Shen Yun, exactly? It’s more than just a performance— it’s a revival of the beauty and goodness of China before communism. With stories and legends, vibrant cos tumes and backdrops, original music and a few fun surprises—it’s an experience that will delight your senses, inspire your heart, and just leave you feeling great.

How Shen Yun Began In 2006, a small group of elite Chinese artists came to gether in New York with a mission—to revive traditional Chinese culture and share it with the world. Many of Shen Yun’s artists escaped persecution in Chi na at the hands of a totalitarian regime that is at war with past traditions, reli gion, and its own history. Among these artists are some of the world’s top classi cally trained dancers and award-winning musicians.

They created Shen Yun. As their art form, they chose classical Chinese dance, which is so expressive it speaks a universal language. They drew cour age and inspiration from their practice of Falun Dafa—a spiritual discipline based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The compa ny’s repertoire includes important works shedding light on the plight of people like them in communist China today. They also established Fei Tian Academy of the Arts and Fei Tian College to train future generations and brought onboard in-house choreographers and composers.

Performing Around the World The traditional Chinese culture Shen Yun presents cannot be seen anywhere else in the world—not even in China. There, the ruling communist regime has viewed China’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage as a threat to its ideology and for decades tried to erase it.

Every year they premiere a brand-new production and perform it in front of millions around the globe. Shen Yun is at the top theaters worldwide, from New York’s Lincoln Center and Wash ington’s Kennedy Center to Burgtheatre Vienna and Tokyo Opera City. They also have the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra that performs annually at Carnegie Hall and has its own tour, and they recently launched our new on-demand streaming platform, Shen Yun Zuo Pin, giving fans access to exclusive video content.

Shen Yun invites Houston audi ences to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost cul ture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. Shen Yun makes this possible by pushing the boundaries of the perform ing arts, with a unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops, and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away!

Shen Yun has brought a great civilization back from the brink of ex tinction. See a performance Dec. 26-Jan. 2, 2023, at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $80. Visit ShenYun. org for more information.

STATE SEN. JOHN WHITMIRE ANNOUNCES HE WILL RUN FOR HOUSTON MAYOR IN 2023

By James Barragan, Texas Tribune

State Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, told supporters on Wednesday he plans to run for mayor of Houston in 2023. Credit- Sophie Park The Texas Tribune

State Sen. John Whitmire, the longest-serving member of the Texas Senate,announced Wednesday night he will run for Houston mayor in 2023.

"We're running for mayor and we intend to win,' he said at a Houston fundraiser captured by journalist Jose de Jesus Ortiz. Whitmire, a Democrat, was joined by several other Houston lawmakers at the event, including his Senate colleague Borris Miles.

He told the Houston Chroni cle that he intends to run for reelection to the Senate in 2022, serve in the 2023 legislative session and then run for mayor in November that year. He told the newspaper a public an nouncement will come later but "it's no secret" that he plans to run for mayor. Whitmire was not available for comment Thursday afternoon. Whitmire has served in the Senate since 1983.

Prior to that, he served 10 years in the Texas House of Represen tatives. The announcement confirmed a move that was rumored for months and made Whitmire the first candidate to publicly announce his intention to succeed Sylvester Turner as the may or of the state's most populous city. Houston has term limits, and Turner's second and final term will end in Jan uary 2024.Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick often alluded to Whitmire's possible run

during this year's special legislative sessions. The lieutenant governor would usually ask Whitmire, who holds the honorary title of "dean of the Senate" as its longest-serving member, to adjourn the chamber's proceedings. But during the third special session, Patrick would often call instead on state Sen. Zaffirini, D-Laredo, the body's sec ond-longest serving member, and re fer to her as the "dean-in-waiting." In the Senate, Whitmire is best known for his work on criminal justice and public safety.

A longtime Houston politi cian, Whitmire holds close ties to the city's public employee unions, including the police and fire unions. Whitmire has $11 million in his political war chest, a considerable head start for a candidate running a mayoral election.

The Texas Tribune, a non profit, nonpartisan news organiza tion that is funded in part by dona tions from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.

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5 TRENDING HOLIDAY LOOKS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

By Family Features

across the country. Everyone deserves to enjoy their holidays in clothing they love. This year, we are proud to offer the biggest trends in holiday fashion, from cozy outwear to glamorous party looks.”

Metallic Shine: Metallic sweat er sets, like a boxy crewneck and match ing mini skirt in a glitzy gold shade, are must-have pieces for the holidays. Wear the show-stopping set with matching gold earrings and platform sandals for a head-turning party look. Layers of Style: Layer festive multicolor patterns in intarsia knits like this Free Assembly fair isle sweater with a plaid puffer jack et for an easy update to winter closet staples like lightly distressed jeans and booties.

from Scoop perfectly complement matching versions for women, ideal for family photos and mommy-and-me moments that make the season extra special. For a more casual event, fair isle sweater dresses in fun shades like laven der can make a classic look oh-so-now. Find more festive fashion inspiration by visiting Walmart.com.

Creating trendy ensembles when you just want to stay warm can be a challenge, but this season’s hottest looks make it easy to keep cozy while dressing up or down. Whether you’re aiming for style for a holiday celebration or planning an evening out to shop and take in the holiday lights, this season’s trends have you covered.

Stylish layers and updates to winter wardrobe staples are two keys to nailing this season’s on-trend looks, according to acclaimed American fash

ion designer Brandon Maxwell, who is collaborating with Walmart as creative director for Free Assembly and Scoop, the retailer’s exclusive, elevated fashion brands.

“Like many people across the country who live in a small town, Walmart was the destination for every thing where I grew up, including holiday fashion,” Maxwell said. “When I first teamed up with Walmart, I was excited to bring the joy of fashion to people

Party Perfect: Sophisticated outerwear pieces like a double-breasted coat add a modern touch to classic holi day party looks. Pair with a berry-hued mini dress, black tights and black boots for a look that stands out. For a bit of edge, choose a faux moto jacket layered over a sequin cami top or metallic sweat er to complement a faux leather skirt .

Casual Comfort: This season, menswear is all about intentional layer ing and looks that prioritize both com fort and style. Update vintage-inspired flannels by layering with a quilted puffer pullover and matching them with wintry prints and cargo joggers for a look that’s casual and put together all at once.

Little Lookers: Fashionable little ones can also get decked out this season. Colorful sparkly girl’s dresses

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON REACHES NO. 1 IN AP POLL

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1983

By Dave Skretta, AP

Make some room, Phi Slama Jama. Another Houston team has reached the top of men’s college basketball.

Nearly four decades after Clyde Drexler and Akeem Olajuwon took the Cougars to No. 1, the latest bunch led by Marcus Sasser and star freshman Jarace Walker took over the top spot in the AP Top 25 on Monday. They received 45 of 63 first-place votes from the nation al media panel, easily outdistancing second-place Texas and third-place Virginia.

“It’s not like we went online and applied for it and waited for a response back. We’ve been working for this,” said Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, whose team is coming off a Final Four and Elite Eight trip the past two seasons. “But remember, it’s a rental. You don’t own it. You’re just renting it because someday somebody else is going to be No. 1.” North Carolina had been No. 1 all season, but the Tar Heels lost to Iowa State and in a four-overtime thriller to Alabama at the Phil Knight Invitational to cede the top spot to Houston, which beat Kent State in its only game last week.

The last time the Cougars as cended to No. 1 was the final poll of the 1982-83 season, when “The Glide” and “The Dream” along with coach Guy Lewis were the favorites to win it all.

They rolled through the NCAA Tour nament before falling to Jim Valvano and North Carolina State in an iconic championship game in Albuq uerque, New Mexico.

“I’ve never been ranked No. 1,” said Sampson, now in his 34th season as a college basketball coach. “We were ranked all 12 years at Oklahoma. I’m sure we were ranked at Indiana. Then we’ve been ranked five or six straight

years. We’re used to having a high level of success.” Texas received eight firstplace votes and Virginia received two. Arizona climbed from 14th to fourth after emerging from a stacked field to win the Maui Invitational.

Purdue jumped from 24th all the way to fifth and scooped up eight first-place votes after beating West Virginia, Gonzaga and Duke at the Phil Knight Legacy tourney. “Our guys are

competitive. They’re fun to coach. They get along. They’re out there playing with purpose and that’s what you have to have,” said Boilermakers coach Matt Painter, whose team was briefly No. 1 about this time last season.“Early in the season, very few teams play with the purpose collectively,” he said. “I thought our guys played with a pur pose.”

Baylor was sixth, Creighton seventh and U Conn climbed from 20th to eighth after beating Oregon, Alabama and Iowa State to win the Phil Knight Invitational. Kansas fell from third to ninth after losing to Tennessee in the championship game of the Battle 4 Atlantis, while Indiana rounded out the top 10.

There was a tie for 11th between SEC rivals Alabama and Arkansas with the Volunteers, another conference foe, right behind them. Gonzaga dropped from sixth to 14th, its first time outside the top 10 since Feb. 5, 2018, and Au burn was 15th.

Illinois was next followed by Duke and North Carolina in a tough week for Tobacco Road. The Blue Devils fell from eighth after their 75-56 loss to the Boilermakers. Kentucky and Michigan State joined UCLA, Mary land, Iowa State, San Diego State and Ohio State in rounding out the poll.

THE BLUE TRIANGLE GARDEN CLUB PRESENTS THE 61ST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

VIRTUALLY DECEMBER 11TH

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

Excitement is building throughout Houston as participating homeown ers and Blue Triangle Garden Club members lavishly decorate the featured locations for the 61st Annual Christmas Tour of Homes. Viewers will see a variety of Christmas décor styles, deco rating, and entertaining demonstrations during our "Chic and Classy Christmas" presentation. The one-day event will air on Sunday, December 11th, at 1:00 PM via YouTube. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.com.

Virtual format, adopted at the onset of Covid 19, has made it possible for the garden club to highlight fabu lously decorated homes throughout the Houston Met metropolitan area. We will

feature Pearland, Sugar Land, Webster, and MacGregor homes.

The Blue Triangle Garden Club is a non-profit civic organization found ed 85 years ago. It is the oldest African American garden club in Texas. Formed in 1937, the Blue Triangle Garden Club was originally an affiliate of the Blue Triangle YWCA, the first chapter of the Young Women's Christian Associa tion in Houston. It's the oldest African American Garden Club in Texas. Its December home tour is its major annual fundraiser.

In addition, the Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Center is home to Dr. John Biggers's mural. "A tribute to the spirit of the African American Woman who organized the family but has had to

lead in the struggles to build a society in which it natural that those should first be known who were interested in the struggle for freedom." Notable were Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman.

No one could carry on the tra dition of such distinctive characters as these, and more recent years have brought forward women who realized the value of training and culture. The Blue Triangle Garden Club contributes to keeping the African American story alive. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Center, located at 3005 McGowen Street.

This year's sponsors include Secrets of the Sistership, HEB, Mabrie Memorial Mortuary, A-and A-Rocket Moving, and Storage,

For additional information. Follow us at bluetrianglegardenclub.org.

RELIEF IN SIGHT

By Alicia Wallace, CNN Business

The decades-high bout of inflation that has weighed heavily on Americans during much of this year has, in recent months, settled more deeply into the businesses that offer services like pet care, hair cuts and dry cleaning.

While goods-producing sec tors have a variety of costs to consider, including supply chains and volatile commodity prices, the main expense for service businesses is labor, said Agron Nicaj, US economist for Ja pan-based MUFG Bank. Over the past year, wages have been on the rise, thanks in part to an extremely tight labor market that developed as the nation recovered from the pandemic.

Unlike goods prices, which are more dynamic and can rise and fall based on supply and demand, wages tend not to be adjusted downward. And that's exactly where inflation can get "sticky," meaning once prices for services rise they tend to remain at those levels for some time.

"When you have strong price pressures in the services sector, they're likely to last longer," Nicaj said.

And that's troublesome for consum ers, small business owners, and, es pecially, the Federal Reserve, which is trying to extinguish stubbornly high inflation, said Christopher S. Rupkey, chief economist for eco nomic and market research firm FwdBonds LLC.

"The Fed is going to need a bigger hose if it wants to put out the inflation fire, because once price

battle is hard for a central bank to win without jacking up interest rates high enough to produce the demand destruction normally seen only in severe recessions," Rupkey told CNN Business.Hoping for stability Genora Boykins and business partner, Sharon Owens, run La Maison in Midtown, a seven-room bed and breakfast in Houston and they've been seeing in flation in the cost of eggs, bacon, bot tled water, cleaning supplies, soaps, toilet paper and other products.

"I don't know of any goods that we are utilizing that haven't in

being in the hospitality business, they try to be very conscientious about any potential negative effect on a guest's experience, so they aren't willing to pass all of those costs along.

"You want to remain compet itive, so you can't just continually go up on your room rates over and over and over again without some conse quences," she said.

To reduce some of the financial im pact, Boykins and Owens now check with guests to see if they want break fast, so that food is not wasted. They try to encourage longer stays to avoid the cost of turning over a room every day. They're constantly on the lookout for bargains on supplies.

"We're just optimistic that things will improve, that things will get better," Boykins said. "Even if it doesn't necessarily turn around, at least you don't want [prices] to contin ue to escalate month after month after month." Read the full story online at

Genora Boykins and Sharon Owens at La Maison in Midtown, a seven-room bed and breakfast in Houston

MAKE HOLIDAY MEMORIES WITH SWEET EATS BY FAMILY FEATURES

By Family Features

Whether your festivities include immediate family or bring together relatives from around the country, the holidays are about making memories with loved ones. From the first days of the season to the last, many families spend their precious time together with favorite activities and the best foods the holidays have to offer.

This year, you can change things up and start new traditions with a fresh ingredient like Envy apples, which provide an easy way to update classics due to their sweet taste and availability. The sweet, sophisticated flavor; uplift ing, fresh aroma; delightfully satisfying crunch; beautiful appearance; and nat urally white flesh that doesn’t brown as quickly as other apples all lend themselves to shareable recipes like this Apple Wreath Salad or Roasted Apple Macaroni and Cheese, both perfect for holiday parties.

Because cherished memories are made with sweet ingredients, you can turn cozy movie nights into festive and memorable events year after year by pairing Hallmark Channel’s popular “Countdown to Christmas” holiday movies with delicious desserts like Apple Custard Sponge Trifle and Brown Butter Apple Pie. Find more memo ry-making recipes at EnvyApple.com

Apple Custard Sponge Trifle Servings: 8-10 6 Envy apples

2 tablespoons golden caster sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, water

1 tablespoon corn flour

1 large plain sponge cake

2 cups vanilla bean custard 1/2 cup caramel or butterscotch sauce, plus additional for garnish, divided 1/2 cup cream

fresh apple slices fresh strawberry slices Peel, core and dice apples; place in large saucepan. Add caster sugar, cin namon and 1/2 cup water. Simmer apples 5-8 minutes until tender. Combine corn flour and remaining water. Stir corn flour mixture into apples until apples are syrupy. Cut sponge cake into 2-centimeter diced pieces. Arrange 1/3 of sponge pieces in base of serving bowl. Add half of cin namon apple pieces, including syrupy juices. Add 1 cup custard and drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients, finishing with sponge cake; chill. Whip cream and spoon dollops over sponge cake to cover top. Garnish with apple slices, strawberry slices and caramel sauce.

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground

1 large garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Salad:

10 ounces baby arugula

3 Envy apples, sliced

9 ounces goat cheese, crumbled 3 ounces pomegranate arils

3 ounces pecans, toasted

To make balsamic dressing: In small serving bowl, whisk honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Place dressing bowl in center of large board or platter. Arrange arugula around dressing bowl in wreath shape. Place apple slices on top of arugula. Sprinkle on goat cheese, pomegranate arils and pecans.

Brown Butter Apple Pie

Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup chopped pecans

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

4 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Filling: 4 tablespoons butter

2 pounds Envy apples, cut into 1/4-inch slices

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375 F.

To make streusel topping: Mix flour, chopped pecans and light brown sugar. Stir in butter using fingertips until in corporated with small lumps of butter visible. Refrigerate. To make filling: In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until amber, stirring often. Set aside to cool. In large bowl, stir sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla and flour using spatula. Pour brown butter over apples and mix, scraping skillet with rubber spatula to incorporate brown butter bits.

Place frozen pie shell on baking sheet. Add 2 cups apple mixture into shell, gently pressing apple slices for even base. Add remaining apple slic es and gently press. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over apples. Bake 30 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 350 F and bake 35-45 minutes until topping is golden and apples feel tender when pierced with fork.

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Balsamic Dressing:

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 tablespoons flour

1 deep dish frozen pie shell

Apple Wreath Salad Recipe courtesy of “The Produce Moms” (@thepro ducemoms)

John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science "Viva la Vida Gala"

The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science re cently celebrated its “Viva la Vida Gala” at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, raising nearly $300,000 to benefit The Health Museum’s education and community programs. The celebration honored some of Houston’s top healthcare professionals for dedicating their careers, and their lives, to addressing health inequities and developing educational programs that will pass on their advances to the next generation of care givers. Honorees included: Shery Cherian, MD, Maria Fernandez, PhD, Toma Omofoye, MD, Car ol Paret, Gary Sheppard, MD, Daryl Shorter, MD, Jesus Vallejo, MD, Jackie Ward, DNP, RN, NE-BC.The “Viva la Vida Gala” was chaired by David & Sara Cordúa.

Photo Credit: Wilson Parish Photography

The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM)was electrified with glow ing lights and great dance music while guests dressed in fabulous cre ative cocktail attire, celebrated the museum’s successes and big plans for 2023. The annual fundraising event was attended by generous Houston donors and supporters who contributed to rais ing nearly $650,000 to support STEMrelated programs and the museum’s educational mission and exhibits.

The event was underwritten by the James C. & Teresa K. Day Foun dation. Freddy Cruz, local Houston radio personality, served as Master of Ceremonies. Event co-chairs Mary

LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM JET SETTER’S BALL

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

and David Novelli and Kim and Brett Williams led the evening that included a wine pull, big board auction, paddle raise, a spirited live auction and delec table dinner, dancing and cocktails.

Guests were welcomed with a cocktail hour featuring delicious hors d’oeuvres and were invited to wander the museum, step inside aircraft, and ex perience a virtual plane ride. The Events Company created a breathtaking setting in the Heritage Hangar with spotlights on historic planes and NASA artifacts for guests to enjoy while dining on a gourmet meal by City Kitchen which was topped off by dessert stations in the museum. The formal program began

with a video chronicling the impact the museum has had with schools in the Greater Houston area through its STEM programs that are based in aviation.

The video also highlighted how the added support from area cor porations like H-E-B has expanded the museum’s reach. LSFM President and Chief Executive Officer Lt. Gen. Doug Owens (USAF, retired) also spoke on the achievements of the museum and the exciting plans for the coming year, including new exhibits and hands-on experiences.Excitement ramped up when auctioneer Rusty Mertink and his team began the paddles up and the live auction, which featured trips to Carmel-

by-the-Sea, Jackson Hole, New Orleans, and Martha’s Vineyard along with fine dining experiences, art pieces, custom boots, sports packages, and more.

Some of the attendees included: Dr. Bonnie Dunbar and Joyce Abbey, Wesley and Lucy Minchew, Lyzette and Jesse Ruiz, Don and Rachel Hooper, Ja son Ryan, Allison McIntyre and Steven Tylie, event co-chairs David and Mary Novelli with Kim and Brett Williams, and Museum President & CEO Doug Owens with Joan Skipper.

Introducing