The 03-02-24 Edition of The Heights Leader

By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com

Houston police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred at 5900 Katy Freeway around 1:05 p.m. early Monday, Feb. 26. The identity of the deceased 16-year-old male is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

According to reports from HPD Vehicular Crimes Division officials, a white Ford Ranger pickup truck was traveling eastbound on I-10 near Heights Blvd. and had come to a stop in the freeway main lanes. A white Ford Transit 350 Van, also traveling eastbound, reportedly made a lane change and collided with the rear of the pickup truck. The 16-year-old male driver of

the pickup truck was transported to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Additionally, three female teen passengers, also 16, were transported to area hospitals in stable condition. Preliminary investigations, along with statements from one of the female passengers, revealed that the driver had stopped the truck because

By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com

In a nod to Texas heritage and the spirit of the Old West, the annual Spanish Trail Ride wound its way through the Northside, Oak Forest, and Greater Heights Feb. 23, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™.

For decades, the group of riders, wagons, and support vehicles has made its way down N. Shepherd Dr. en route to Memorial Park, where trail riders from every direction assemble at the beginning of rodeo season.

Dating back to 1952, when four intrepid men

By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor

As March 8 approaches, the world prepares to honor International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women globally. With a history spanning well over a century, IWD stands as a beacon of collective activism and celebration, urging us all to accelerate women’s equality.

This year, IWD’s theme of “inclusivity” takes center stage, emphasizing the importance of embracing the diversity of women from all backgrounds. It’s a reminder that women’s empowerment knows no boundaries of race, age, ability, faith, body image, or identity. One

area IWD will focus on this year is helping women and girls make informed decisions about their relationships, which today can include relationships that don’t fit neatly into traditional categories of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Heights is fortunate to have a nationally renowned relationship expert in Dr. Viviana Coles, president and lead psychotherapist at Houston Relationship Therapy. Dr. Viviana, as she is known, holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and and master’s and doctoral degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Viviana exclusively focuses on couples and individuals experiencing emotional and physical intimacy issues. She has built a thriving private practice providing relationship

something had fallen from it. Upon getting out to address the issue and putting it back in place, the truck was struck as they were preparing to depart.

Police said the driver of the van remained at the scene and no signs of impairment were found.

As of press time, no charges have been filed, as the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com

Mary Beth Mosley, a longtime Oak Forest resident, is at the forefront of a transformative mission to provide inclusive camp experiences for children and adults living with disabilities and special needs.

As the development director of Camp For All, located in Burton, TX, Mosley works tirelessly to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to experience the joys of camp.

The mission of Camp For All is to transform the world for children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs,” Mosley said. “Camp For All gives children and adults who have disabilities, who are going through chronic illnesses, the opportunity to experience camp. A lot of kids are left out of that opportunity. Maybe they have a disability; maybe they live with intellectual conditions like autism. These individuals are often told that they just can’t go to camp. But at Camp For All, they can.”

Overcoming Barriers to Participation

Mosley highlighted the significant barriers that individuals with special needs often face when it comes to participating in traditional camp programs. Whether it’s physical challenges or the need for specialized medical care, many are excluded from the typical camp experience due to concerns about accommodations, medical care, and dietary needs.

“At Camp For All, everything is designed so they can participate. If you’re in a wheelchair because you have a spinal cord injury, you can. You can still be lifted up to the zip line. You can still participate in activities if

therapy, sex therapy and premarital counseling.

The Leader asked Dr. Viviana to speak on women’s inclusivity in her practice and the importance this issue plays in women’s mental health. She leads by example stating, “At Houston Relationship Therapy, we believe representation matters. Our all-women team comes from a variety of ethnicities, ensuring that our clients feel seen and understood. We welcome and celebrate differences in all our clients and are dedicated to learning our clients’ realities so we can compassionately treat all who seek our help.”

Cross-cultural training is mandatory for all of Dr. Viviana’s clinicians and

Photo courtesy

Second suspect arrested, charged in November 2022 fatal shooting of teen

From Community Reports

Charges have been filed against two suspects arrested in the fatal shooting of one man and wounding of two others at 645 East 11th 1/2 Street about 8:05 p.m. on Nov. 26, 2022.

The suspects, Matthew Berlanga, 19, and Jeremiah Mireles, 21, are charged with murder in the 488th and 230th State District Courts, respectively.

The deceased victim is identified as Isaac de Los Santos,

After

the upstairs of Harold’s would welcome a new tenant, Blue Tuba Euro-Tex Cuisine, which is set to open later in March. The team at Harold’s will now focus solely on catering.

Jarrett moved to the Heights in 2001 and is proud to have been a job creator and a part of the evolution of the Heights, her neighborhood she loves dearly.

“We’ve seen a lot together from the days of a private club when the Heights was dry to opening when no one else would during floods, freezes & diseases,” Jarrett said. “We’ve created many memories and I am grateful to all our guests, staff members, partners, vendors, and fellow merchants on 19th Street. It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of the fabric of the neighborhood and serve our community.”

17. The two other victims, 19 and 38, survived their injuries.

HPD Homicide Division Detectives said that officers were dispatched to a shooting call at the apartment complex parking lot at the above address and found a male unresponsive with several apparent gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced the man deceased at the scene. Two other male victims were also found with gunshot wounds. They were transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

2022.

of

At that time, there was no known suspect(s) or motive in the shooting. Further investigation identified Berlanga and Mireles as suspects in this case. Mireles was taken into custody in March 2023 by officers

from the HPD Central Patrol Crime Suppression Team without incident. On Monday, Feb, 26, Berlanga turned himself in to police and was booked into the Harris County Jail. As of this writing, both suspects are out of jail on a $50,000 bond.

The restaurant will have a festive dinner environment on Saturday night, March 2, and close after brunch on Sunday, March 3, or once the well is dry.

“We will continue serving with our catering side of the business and are hopeful guests will call upon us for home and business events whether it is a box lunch or a

From Community Reports Registered voters can hop on board METRO for a free ride to voting sites on select dates.

Photos released by HPD Matthew Berlanga and Jeremiah Mireles are charged in the shooting death

Isaac de Los Santos in November

For more than 100 years, we have provided patients with the best — and safest — clinical care, advanced technology and patient experience. That is our promise of leading medicine.

Heights dancer returns to Houston with the acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

By Rubena Gracia

The Leader News Contributor

This March, audiences in Houston will have the opportunity to experience a historic dance company and a historic work of art. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was founded by its namesake, dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey, in 1958. Soon after, drawing upon music from gospel, spirituals, and blues, he started creating a work that evoked childhood images of his family and of attending church in Rogers, Texas, which he called “blood memories.” The result was his iconic work, “Revelations,” that premiered in New York in 1960. In over six decades, the work has been performed all over the world. In 1968, it was part of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies and has been presented numerous times at the White House.

Isabel Wallace-Green, a Houston native, joined Alvin Ailey in July 2023. Isabel was recently in Philadelphia on tour with the company, where she had a chance to speak to the Leader. This was the seventh stop on the tour, with four performances set for the last weekend in February. The company will perform in four more cities before reaching Houston.

Isabel said she is exhausted, but the tour is going well. She enjoys traveling and seeing parts of the country she might

not otherwise visit. When possible, she explores a city as a tourist, with the priority of finding a good local restaurant.

Isabel grew up in the Heights. Her parents have lived in the same house since before Isabel was born. She was fortunate to grow up in an artsy household, she said. Her father Leamon Green, an artist, is a professor at Texas Southern University where he teaches visual art and is the interim chairperson of the TSU Fine Arts Department. One of his pieces is displayed at Bush Intercontinental Airport and two can be found in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. He has also had numerous solo exhibitions throughout Texas, and one in Tanzania after receiv-

ing the Fulbright award, which allowed him to teach there for one year. Her mother Susan Wallace, a private school arts and art history teacher, taught visual arts at the prestigious St. John’s School during the time Isabel attended high school there. Isabel studied dance and choreography there, and enjoyed participating in musicals.

She studied with the Houston Ballet Academy for nine years, starting at the original building on West Gray at age six and finishing the last couple of years at the new building downtown. She is grateful for the educational and foundational training, as well as technical expertise, she received there. As a child, she attended a performance of the Alvin

Ailey American Dance Theater at Jones Hall. Later, she attended a performance in New York and “fell in love with everything they do.”

Isabel graduated summa cum laude from the Ailey/ Fordham BFA program with a dual degree in Dance and African/African American Studies. The program is a partnership with the Ailey School and Fordham University created to provide a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance to prepare graduates for a career in the dance profession. Both institutions are located near Lincoln Center in New York City. Isabel noted that Alvin Ailey offers many different styles of dance – ballet, modern, West African, jazz – and said that working with a repertory company is a great experience.

Isabel also trained at programs such as the Boston Ballet School and Dance Theatre of Harlem. In addition to Alvin Ailey, she has danced professionally with New Chamber Ballet, Urban Souls Dance Company in Houston, Dance Afrikana, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York. She has served on faculty at studios throughout New York City, Houston, and in Dallas, where she held a position with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Isabel hosted a masterclass in January 2024 at the Institute of Contemporary Dance in Houston, which is located on Houston Avenue. She spoke about one particular work, “Resilience: Dance Performance by Isabel Wallace-Green,” which was her first solo show, premiering in September 2021. The event was a partnership with The University Museum at Texas Southern University and the Blaffer Art Museum at University of Houston, where the piece was performed. A four-month exhibit titled “Jamal Cyrus: The End of My Beginning” displayed over 50 works by Mr. Cyrus, professor at TSU and a noted Houston artist. “Resilience” was an interactive performance in which she traveled throughout the galleries to perform the different dances, highlighting the art in the exhibit. It allowed the audience to experience Cyrus’ multimedia ex-

hibition and Wallace-Green’s performance at the same time. Isabel looks forward to the performances in Houston’s Jones Hall. “Returning home and performing in downtown Houston a few blocks away from the Houston Ballet Academy – that experience will be a full-circle and fulfilling moment for me.”

“Revelations” will be featured at each of the four performances. The Performing Arts Houston website explains the cultural significance of this piece: “Each performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater culminates in Ailey’s masterwork, Revelations. Seen by over 23 million people around the world, Revelations is the most experienced contemporary dance work of all time.” Isabel commented that when Ailey’s signature work is performed, the audience applauds at the beginning of the piece because it connects with their emotions.

Isabel always appreciates coming home, and said, “I am excited to share this next chapter in my journey with this community that means so much to me.”

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform March 7-9, 2024, in Jones Hall, located downtown at 615 Louisiana Street in the Theater District. For tickets, please visit the Performing Arts Houston website at performingartshouston.org.

Memorial Park hosts “The Biggest Picnic in Texas: 100th Birthday Edition” March 9

From Community Reports Free, family-friendly event in celebration of Memorial Park’s Centennial anniversary

WHAT: Memorial Park Conservancy is thrilled to celebrate the Park’s Centennial in 2024, complete with a Texas-sized birthday party on Saturday, March 9. For the second year in a row, Memorial Park Conservancy is hosting the Biggest Picnic in Texas, except this year, it’s the Biggest Picnic in Texas: 100th Birthday Edition!

Presented by Chevron, this

guides them when addressing the intersectionality of gender, race, sexuality, and other factors that are vital in understanding women’s experiences in relationships.

“Most often, by virtue of living and working in such a hugely diverse city, we are continuously working with women facing challenges in a variety of circumstances” Dr. Viviana explains. With gender and sexuality being an integral part of the human experience, Dr. Viviana invites women in relationships of all kinds to work with her practice to find more peace, love, and satisfaction in their relationships.

Empowering women to take ownership of their sexual and relational well-being requires creating a safe and supportive space. Dr. Viviana elaborates on her approach:

“Our entire practice is driven by helping our clients work on sexual and relational wellbeing,” she said. “Desire for all the innate pleasures in life is celebrated and encouraged within the well-known boundaries of being safe, sane, and consensual.”

Dr. Viviana Coles exemplifies a commitment to inclusivity in her practice at Houston Relationship Therapy. In commemorating International Women’s Day, let us remember that the fight for women’s equality belongs to us all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

year’s family-friendly birthday extravaganza will feature picnic festivities, live music and entertainment, an appearance by Houston Astros' mascot Orbit and the Shooting Stars, food and drinks, treats from H-E-B, and kids’ activities that include face painting, arts and crafts, and even a magic show!

WHY: Houston’s largest urban greenspace was officially named Memorial Park in 1924. Today, 100 years later, this park has become essential to our community, a loved and cherished home for Houstonians to get active, unwind, connect with nature and spend time with their loved

Image courtesy of doctorviviana.com

Dr. Viviana Coles’ book The 4 Intimacy Styles (and a quiz to find out your type) is available at doctorviviana.com/the-4-intimacy-styles-quiz/

Besides relationship health, IWD will also focus this year on supporting women and girls into leadership, decisionmaking, business and STEM, involving women and girls in sustainable agriculture and food security, and forging women’s economic empowerment. Learn more at internationalwomensday.com

Dr. Viviana was formerly a featured marriage expert on Lifetime’s hit show Married at First Sight and regularly films relationship segments at Fox 26 Houston. For more information on Houston Relationship Therapy and to receive 10 Tips to Strengthen Your Relationship, visit HoustonRelationshipTherapy. com of follow on Instagram at @houstonrelationshiptherapy.

ones. Memorial Park’s sheer size (1,500 acres, nearly twice the size of Central Park) and central location – in the heart of Houston – make it distinctive nationally. Further distinguishing Memorial Park is its cultural history as a former WWI training camp – Camp Logan – where 70,000 soldiers trained for battle.

WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

COST: This event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is not required.

OTHER: Food and drink will be available to purchase onsite.

WHERE: Memorial Park’s Picnic Loop (Main Event

Gates, Shuttle and Ride Share Drop-Off), 301 North Picnic Lane, Houston, TX 77007

PARKING: Free shuttle rides will be available from all Memorial Park parking lots, but some areas will require fees. More details provided on Memorial Park Conservancy’s website.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

No glass containers All pets and service animals in Memorial Park must remain on leash at all times.No drones, remote control aircraft or other similar devices

No smoking

MORE INFO: For more information, visit memorialparkconservancy.org/visit/centen-

nial-celebration/biggest-picnic-in-texas. To learn more about the Park’s past 100 years,

read its historic timeline at memorialparkconservancy.org/ discover/history.

Celebration Company: Empowering artists with disabilities

By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor

In a world that often overlooks the talents and contributions of the disabled, Celebration Company is on a mission to include and empower adults with disabilities to create high-quality products and art that celebrates the joy of life. What began over 20 years ago in response to the nearly complete lack of services that were available to adults with disabilities and their families, Celebration Company now provides life skills and meaningful employment to adults with disabilities through their five core components: academic, vocational, wellness, life skills and social skills.

At the heart of Celebration Company's mission is the belief in the importance of providing meaningful entrepreneurial employment to participants. Art has become one way Celebration Company can fulfill this mission. Through a diverse selection of mediums including painting, photography, and glass fusion, artists at Celebration Company have the freedom to explore their creativity in new and exciting ways while earning a wage. Their artwork not only showcases their talents but also serves as a platform for communication and self-expression, even for those who may be nonverbal.

The artists at Celebration Company participate as equal members in a profitsharing program and are paid employees of Alexander Jewish Family Service and the Alexander Institute for Inclusion. Striving to eliminate the stigma associated with disabilities, the Alexander Institute for Inclusion along with the Mayor’s Office for

People with Disabilities produces ReelAbilities, a monthlong film and art festival which takes place in different venues throughout Houston.

“The mission of the Alexander Institute for Inclusion is to increase access for individuals with disabilities in the workplace, places of faith and communal organizations through direct service, education, arts, and advocacy,” said Samara Rosen, coordinator of the Center for Art and Photography at Celebration Company. “We think it is just as important to work with individuals to promote change as it is to try and advocate and advance systematic changes that are at the heart of the issues. The institute works to convene policy makers, service providers, leading experts, and community leaders to develop plans that further the provision of disability services. We also collaborate with local, national, and international partners to leverage our mission for op-

timal impact.”

ReelAbilities programming includes ReelArt, now on display at Sabine Street Studios located at 1907 Sabine St. Rosen speaks about the importance of events like ReelArt for participating artist from Celebration Company stating, “Representation is one way we promote inclusivity and advocate for disability rights. Our art is hung in public spaces, providing representation of artists with disabilities so that people can see themselves reflected back at them and know that they too can make a difference in this world, that they have a voice and that there are people who want to hear their voice.”

ReelAbilities also curates ReelFilm, screening films by and about people with disabilities; ReelEducation, a free program that travels to HoustonArea schools to communicate the message of inclusion to thousands of our city’s youth; and ReelWorkplace, free community seminars provided to local companies to benefit

their hiring managers, employees and clients. Seminars feature films, speakers, and etiquette workshops. As Celebration Company continues to make a global impact by fostering a community of artists, advocates, and allies, they remain dedicated to their mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusivity. Through their work, they remind us all of the importance of disability rights as human rights and the value of embracing diversity in all its forms.

Celebration Company is a faith-based program that is open to the Jewish and Greater Houston Community. To view art virtually or purchase products created by the talented artists at Celebration Company, please visit their website at store.celebrationcompany.org/. For an overview of programs, as well as volunteer and donation opportunities, visit alexanderjfs. org/services/disability/celebration-company

DR. COLES, from P. 1

Submitted photo

ReelAbilities, a month-long film and art festival which takes place in different venues throughout Houston, strives to eliminate the stigma associated with disabilities.

Submitted photo

Memorial Park celebrates its 100th birthday with The Biggest Picnic in Texas March 9.

Photo by Xavier Mack Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Isabel Wallace-Green in Alvin Ailey’s For Bird - With Love.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Isabel Wallace-Green in Alvin Ailey’s Memoria.

THE FRONT DOOR –

Someone just rang my door bell. I open the door and there stands a guy dressed in a toosmall Stetson, bandana, and has his Levi pant legs tucked into his boots. No Texan does that. A woman standing be side him is wearing something out of Dale Evans circa 1950.

“Gut effnink,” he says. “I yam Billy Bob Haystack und dis ist my gal, Brandi Iron. As vellow Texas, vee come to varn yew aboot danger votink Bideen fer prezedent. Dat vill gif yew da shinjels.”

Oh Lordy, they are back. You remember Aleksandra Yuryevna Krylova and Mikhail Leonidovich Burchik. True story: they came to Texas in 2016 and again in 2020 and, using phony names, PayPal and fake emails, got Texans to fight one another, demonstrate, and counter demonstrate to help Donald Trump get elected President. “Go avay, I mean go away. You two clowns are so inept the feds even know your names.”

I slam the door without telling them that they and their cohorts have actually been successful in spreading troubles in Texas. In 2015 the Kremlin gremlins hatched opposition to the annual military exercise,

One poll found that one-third of Republican primary voters believed the government was trying to take over Texas. In May 2016, they staged a rally outside the downtown Houston Islamic Da’wah Center, which attracted about a dozen people, bearing flags of the United States, Texas and the Confederacy, to protest the “Islamization” of Texas.”

But more than 50 counter-protesters also showed up. So there were two opposing rallies at the same time at the same place. Unfortunately for the Kremlin, no riot ensued. The idea is to take an already divisive issue among Americans and exploit it, and their current target is right in front of us: the border im-

migration, Wired magazine quoting Logically, which uses artificial intelligence to track disinformation campaigns, reports that since January, state-run Russian media such as Sputnik and RT have repeatedly supported Gov. Greg Abbott’s call for defying the federal government and running the border as he sees fit.

Logically reported much of the recent Take Our Borders Back convoy which drew in anti-migrant dissidents and conspiracy theorists, happily disseminated the additional Russian disinformation.

Our fellow Texan, Elon Musk, on Feb. 2 posted on X (formerly known as Y): “Biden’s strategy is very simple: 1. Get as many illegals in the country as possible. 2. Legalize them to create a permanent majority – a one-party state.” Musk, himself an immigrant with citizenship, should know that non-citizens can’t vote and it currently takes at least a decade for an immigrant to achieve citizenship.

The dispute over migration to Texas leads us to the next obvious target: secession. “The idea of targeting highly contentious U.S. domestic issues and amplifying them via their own channels -- it’s

the standard Russian playbook for disinformation,” Kyle Walter at Logically told Wired. “Of course there’s already a controversy at the border and there’s things going on.”

Samuel Woolley, program director of UT-Austin’s propaganda research lab, told The Dallas Morning News. “But I think what you see Russia doing is stoking the fire by bringing up things related to Texas secession and the idea that America is falling apart.”

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and prime minister, posted on X that “Establishing a People’s Republic of Texas is getting more and more real.” Russian lawmaker Sergey Mironov even offered Texas help: “If necessary, we are ready to help with the independence referendum. And of course, we will recognize the People’s Republic of Texas if there is one.” But they still show their ineptitude: A Russian front, the Texan Independence Supporters, claimed: “We are a Texan organization, not Russian. We can definitely assure ya’ll [sic] that we’re not Russian.” Tilt! Ya’ll? It’s y’all, Russkies. In the 2016 election, Russian operatives pushed the idea that Sen. Bernie Sanders

had been cheated out of the Democratic nomination, leading to a significant drop in popularity for eventual nominee, Hillary Clinton. It helped secure Trump’s narrow victory. Gen. Michael Hayden, former head of the CIA and an expert on all things sneaky and Russian, flatly says the Russians got Trump elected President. Gen. Hayden also may solve a mystery: “The most benign explanation as to why Trump seems to not criticize Putin is a phase from the Soviet Union: polezni durak, ‘the useful idiot,’ the sort of person the Kremlin secretly held in contempt but went all out to exploit.”

Here’s an interesting bit of new news: The House GOP members were set to investigate Hunter and Joe Biden for receiving $5 million each in bribes. This came from an “unimpeachable source:” Alexander Smirnov, an FBI informant. Alas, now Smirnov turns out to be a serial liar who admits he got this false information from — ready? — the Russians.

We don’t have to be paranoid to think we may have a polezni durak in our midst. Somebody suggested he trusts Vladimir Putin more than the “lowlifes”

who work in U.S. intelligence. Somebody ordered Republicans in the U.S. House to withhold aid to Ukraine. And so long, NATO. Who likened his $355 million fine to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny? “We’re both victims.” How did the Kremlin feel about the outcome of the 2016 election? On the night of Nov. 9, 2016, the feds were listening in as the head of Russia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, a Kremlin front, received a message from New York: “Putin has won.”

Wait, my doorbell is ringing again. It’s them. I say, “Unless you want to end up like Alexey Navalny, tell me who is the polezni durak, a Russian agent but is too dumb to know it?” Burchik squirms, then sobs: “I can’t tell you his real name, but he goes by the cover of Tucker Carlson.”

Ashby spreads truths at ashby2@comcast.net

Editor’s note: This column and its

ARTS MARKET

Who: Adults & families

When: Saturday, March 2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: 540 W. 19th St.

What: Celebrating 20 years of original art – artist, food, music

Cost: Free Info: firstsaturdayartsmarket. com

SUNDAY FUNDAY –BACHATA & SALSA CLASS

Who: Adults

When: Sunday, March 3, 6-8 p.m.

Where: La Coqueta – 2020

Studewood

What: Dance Lessons

Cost: $20-$100 Info: salsaeddy.com

CHELSEA WOLFE – 2024

TOUR CONCERT

Who: Adults

When: Sunday, March 3, 7

p.m.

Where: White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St

What: Live music concert

Costs: $27.50

Info: ticketmaster.com

MCINTYRE’S HEIGHTS TAILS AND ALES

Who: Adults & families

When: Sunday, March 3, noon-6 p.m.

Where: 1230 W. 20th St

What: Crawfish, beer buckets and mimosa carafes

Cost: $11/pound for crawfish Info: mcintyresusa.com/ houston-heights

A CONVERSATION ABOUT WOMEN’S HISTORY

Who: Adults

When: Sunday, March 3, 2 p.m.

Where: Houston Heights

Women’s Club House – 1846

Harvard

What: A conversation about women’s history with Anne Sloan, Betty Chapman and Rae Bryant

Cost: Free

Info: houstonheightswomansclub.com

BUNNY FAMILY LOVE PAINTING CLASS

Who: Ages 10+

When: Sunday, March 3, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Where: Painting With a Twist – 728 W. 19th St.

What: Paint a set of bunnies

Cost: $39-$49 per person

Info: www.paintingwithatwist.com

Support

mile journey on Feb. 17 in Shepherd, setting up camp on the 6th night at Northside Knights of Columbus and arriving at Memorial Park on Day 7.

Trail Boss Larry Cantrell, who assumed the helm of the Spanish Trail Ride following his father’s death shortly prior to last year’s rodeo, once again led the procession. Joe Cantrell, Larry’s father and longtime trail boss of The Spanish Trail, died unexpectedly in a farming accident in early 2022, but his presence is still palpable, and his memory honored with signage attached to the wagons.

Tales from the trail The Leader caught up with Steve Young, of Livingston,

you have intellectual disabilities.

Everything has been designed by our professional staff to be able to accommodate people with all kinds of challenges,” Mosley said.

“Every sidewalk is 8 feet wide so two campers in wheelchairs can be side-by-side. Our kitchen serves meals that accommodate special diets. Campers have the opportunity to enjoy a day of archery or canoeing, to be in the talent show or participate in wheelchair sports. We have horseback riding and volunteers who are ready to support campers who have never gotten on a horse before. Our staff is trained to recognize if a camper has an epileptic seizure in the pool.

Everything at Camp For All is designed to make sure that the playing field is level.”

Year-Round Opportunities

Camp For All offers yearround programs to accommodate various partner organizations and their participants.

From weekend retreats and day-trips to week-long camps, individuals with disabilities and their families have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, build connections, and experience personal growth on a flexible schedule.

“While summer is our busiest season, we host programs yearround to meet the diverse needs of our campers and partner organizations,” said Mosley.

The Impact of Inclusivity

Reflecting on the importance of inclusivity, Mosley emphasized the profound impact it has on campers and their families. Camp For All provides a supportive environment where individuals with physical and intellectual challenges can thrive, gain confidence, and foster meaningful connections.

“Our campers experience empowerment, acceptance, and a sense of belonging when they come to Camp For All. We hear

just before the Spanish Trail broke camp Friday morning for the final leg through the Heights and toward Memorial Park. At 72, he’s the oldest member of the group and was awarded the honorary title of Wagon Master. He has participated in trail rides since 1972, he said, and joined The Spanish Trail in 1975.

Growing up around horses and riding all his life, for Young, trail riding is a way of life. His passion for viewing the world from horseback runs deep, although he has traded transportation on four legs for the relative comfort of four wheels in recent years. Reflecting on the highlights of his trail ride adventures, Young

all the time that it’s their favorite place on Earth, where they can be themselves and enjoy all the fun activities that camp has to offer,” Mosley said. “Imagine a child who has never spent the night away from home coming to camp, and there they get to make choices about what they eat, what they wear, what they want to do. Or imagine it’s time to play wheelchair sports and for once you’re the star. You get to be the one who is leading the way and you’re the one that’s picked first for the team. The experience is incredibly empowering for them.”

Upcoming Event: Over the Edge Camp For All is preparing to host the year’s flagship event, “Over the Edge.” It presents a unique opportunity for thrillseekers to support the organization’s mission. Participants can rappel down The Woodlands Tower while raising funds to support camp programs. The event, scheduled for April 20, 2024, promises an exhilarating experience for a worthy cause. The goal is to raise $180,000 for Camp For All.

“The Woodlands Tower is

shares stories that paint a vivid picture of the challenges and excitement that come with riding with The Spanish Trail.

“We’ve ridden through lots of rain, lots of cold,” he recalls. “I’ve seen ice piled up on the back seat of a wagon, and it was like three-and-a-half days into the ride before that ice was melted.”

One particularly memorable experience involved facing a fierce storm that threatened to derail their journey.

“We were caught in a big blow, like a front...hats flying off, wind whipping,” he recounted. “After it blew over, the skies cleared for a beautiful evening. Little did we know, it was a tornado.”

But it’s not just the weather that poses a challenge; unex-

31 stories high and you have to raise $1,500 for the privilege to repel off that building,” Mosley explained. “I’ve done it myself twice and it’s a little bit scary, but you also feel empowered. I like to think of it as the same kind of chance that our campers take when they go on that zip line the first time. They’re doing something scary, but by the time you reach the ground you’re exhilarated.”

Expanding Opportunities for Inclusion

Asked about the organization’s vision for the future, Mosley discussed plans to double capacity at Camp For All to serve campers in the coming years. With a goal of reaching more individuals with disabilities and special needs, Camp For All aims to create access for even more participants. Since its inception 30 years ago, Camp For All has served 185,000 individuals. Last year alone, more than 9,000 individuals experienced all that the 200+ acre grounds have to offer; Mosley hopes to expand in the near future.

“We’re committed to doubling the number of campers we serve every year,” said Mosley. “We hear constantly from our partner organizations that they

pected events can also add a layer of adventure to the journey. For example, the time when

want to bring bigger groups to camp, that they want to serve more people here. And with the population growth in Texas, we know that there will be more people who would benefit from a barrier-free camp. By expanding our capacity, we can ensure that more individuals have access to the life-changing experiences Camp For All offers.”

The Role of Partnerships

Mosley emphasized the importance of partnerships with other nonprofit organizations that serve individuals with physical and intellectual challenges.

Camp For All collaborates with more than 65 nonprofit partners, providing them with the resources and support needed to bring their participants to camp. Camp For All provides the facilities, lodging, activities, and meals, while the partner organizations hosting time at the camp arrange for cabin counselors and medical staff for individuals needing specialized care.

“Our partnerships are instrumental in reaching a diverse range of individuals with disabilities,” explained Mosley. “By working closely with our partners, we can tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of their participants and ensure that everyone has a positive camp experience.”

Signing up for Camp For All starts with selecting an applicable partner organization from the camp’s website, where state and national partners serving a wide range of disabilities and needs are represented, including individuals with dementia, cancers, kidney disease, epilepsy, and more.

Financial Accessibility

Addressing questions about the cost of camp programs, Mosley highlighted the organization’s commitment to financial accessibility. Through fundraising efforts, donor support, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations, Camp For All is able to subsidize 50 percent of the

a semi-truck experienced a tire blowout on the freeway and the noise spooked the animals.

cost of camp for participants.

The remaining 50 percent are frequently covered by the applicable partner organization.

“We’re dedicated to making camp accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation,” said Mosley. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, we’re able to offer scholarships and financial assistance to those in need. We work all year round to raise money and, fortunately, we have a wonderful donor base to support our camp and our campers.”

Creating Lasting Memories

Mosley shared heartwarming stories of campers who have found joy, friendship, and empowerment at Camp For All. From overcoming challenges to discovering new passions, campers leave with unforgettable memories and life-changing experiences. Every camper has a unique journey at Camp For All. Whether it’s experiencing the thrill of independence, conquering fears, making lifelong friends, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, the goal is to create meaningful and memorable experiences for everyone who walks through its doors.

As Mary Beth Mosley continues to lead Camp For All in its mission of inclusivity and empowerment, she remains inspired by the resilience and spirit of the campers she serves. With a shared commitment to accessibility and acceptance, Camp For All continues to transform lives and create a brighter future for all.

Community Support and Volunteer Opportunities

Mosley encourages the community to get involved and support Camp For All. With volunteer opportunities available, including single-day visits that require no weeklong commitment, community members can make a meaningful difference in the lives of campers.

“We’re always in need of volunteers who are passionate

“We were on the feeder road, but the horses started jumping the curb, wagons and all,” Young recalled. “One lady’s wagon flipped over, and she came tumbling out. Luckily, no one was hurt.”

Despite the occasional brush with danger, however, Young and his fellow riders remain undeterred.

“We haven’t had any major accidents yet,” he said. “But you never know what the next ride might bring.”

As the Spanish Trail Ride, along with its cohorts from all over Texas, traverse the city, they set the stage for the festivities to come at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, uniting Texans from all walks of life in a shared celebration of culture and heritage.

about creating inclusive experiences for our campers,” said Mosley. “You can come and lead horses at our ranch, or you can help campers off the zip line, or serve meals. Whether it’s leading activities, assisting with meals, or providing support, every volunteer plays a vital role in our mission.”

Pre-teens as young as 12 are welcome to accompany their parents for a few hours of volunteering at Camp For All, and teenagers ages 16 and up can volunteer on their own. Background checks are required for volunteers 18+. Give as much, or as little, time as you want.

Inclusivity, Closer to Home Mosley said she has lived in Oak Forest since 2003. As a resident who has seen first-hand how the area has changed over the years, she said she appreciates the neighborhood’s efforts to support neighbors of all abilities.

“I feel really lucky to have landed here. Neighbors take care of neighbors and want to support each other. I find that that’s a common theme,” she said. “There’s great diversity in restaurants and cultures here. And seeing things like sidewalks come in in our neighborhood is a wonderful thing because although I may not need to walk on the sidewalk, when you think about somebody in a wheelchair...I love seeing those kinds of things happen in the neighborhood, making it easier for people of all abilities to feel comfortable and welcomed.”

As Mosley continues to lead Camp For All in its mission of inclusivity and barrier-free fun, she remains dedicated to creating transformative experiences for individuals with physical or intellectual challenges and their families.

To learn more about Camp For All, to volunteer, make a donation, or sign up for Over the Edge, please visit campforall. org.

RODEO, from P. 1

CAMP, from P. 1

Photo by John “Gusty” Gustafson A reader captured this photo of trail riders near 34th St. and I-610 on Feb. 23, 2024. Photo

Art, Music, and Magic:

20 Years of First Saturday Arts Market

Saturday marks the 20th Anniversary of the First Saturday Arts Market, making it Houston’s longestrunning monthly outdoor art market. Nearly 50 artists will be in attendance, coming from Houston, Austin, Wimberley, and all points in between. There will be music, food, libations, and rumors of cake and other treats, including magic.

Music has always been part of the market but often plays second fiddle to the artists. I don’t even know what “second fiddle” means. I’ve watched as people seem to materialize out of nowhere when the music starts. Live music, of course. I had lunch recently with a musician I hadn’t seen in a while and wanted to share the experience.

Memory is a funny thing. Different people can see or experience the same thing, and each recounts events differently. At lunch with my friend and musician Alfred Kennedy, he reminded me that we met almost 30 years ago. I recalled a different place and being introduced by someone else years later than Kennedy and argued the point until he described my house in detail.

Kennedy is a Heights resident and, as a musician playing bass guitar, has performed with many bands in Houston. He’s performed at the First Saturday Arts Market many times, and if I recall correctly this time, with different bands. In fact, Kennedy probably first performed in the first year or two the market was open.

While we waited for our meals, Kennedy told me how he found himself with extra time on his hands during the pandemic. You might recall all venues that hosted live music were shuttered. With extra time on his hands, Kennedy used those very hands to rekindle a long-forgotten pastime: magic. Lunch was also an audition of sorts for Kennedy as he whipped out a deck of cards and began that “magician’s shuffle.” I put quotes around that because the name when I try it is “52 card pickup”. Kennedy explained his fascination with magic in his youth faded when he couldn’t perform the standard magician’s “bag of tricks.” His hands were too small to roll coins or handle playing cards.

As Kennedy recalled his attempts at magic as a child, he deftly began weaving those cards in and out of his fingers, and suddenly he was instructing me to “pick a card”.

Now, I knew I was going to write about Kennedy and was watching him very closely at the small table. I’m disappointed I have no secrets to reveal. When he produced a handful of half dollars and began the same Ferris wheel roll, I gave up and invited him to the market to perform.

The blues, R & B, and jazz bass guitar-playing Kennedy is now a part-time magician and will be waiting for

“I

You’re

a carrier is one of the main reasons owners skip their cat’s regular veterinary visits. Cats have a knack for vanishing at the mere sight of a carrier, and it's understand-

able why. We tend to keep carriers in an attic or in a closet and pull them out only when it’s time to go to the vet (not a fun event for most cats!), so the cats quickly start associating the two events. So here is my easy tip. Keep your carrier out all the time. Place it in a quiet spot and turn it into just another piece of home decor. Cover the top with a towel or a blanket, so it looks a

bit different. Place comfy blankets or a bed inside to make it cozy. Casually drop a treat or two in there every day. Allow your cat to investigate it on their own terms. This will turn the carrier from a scary item to a safe space that will give your kitty comfort when they’re in the vet office. There are further steps to fully crate train your house tiger, but this is a solid starting point.

On the day of the veterinary visit, invite your kitty inside with some extra yummy treats (don’t use too many if your cat is scheduled for anesthesia). Once you get back home after the visit, put it back in its place

your company at the market Saturday. Find Alfred Kennedy on Facebook at facebook.com/alfred.kennedy.750.

Saturday, the music will keep everyone toe-tapping and singing along when two favorite groups return. At noon, Grifters & Shills will take the stage (under the yellow market tent). John and Rebecca Stoll have performed at the market, I think since 2009. The dynamic couple performs and records their albums and does fantastic marketing. I’m just going to let them describe their music for me. “His was hard rock and

heavy metal. Hers was the classic sound of the East Texas piney woods. Theirs was a fiery collision, bearing forth a sound that was at once novel and instantly familiar–high lonesome harmonies with a rock and roll soul.” See what I mean? Great description and now that you know the couple’s songs are stories, listen carefully!

Wendy Elizabeth Jones & Friends take over the big yellow tent at 3 p.m. Jones’ band is often a revolving door of Houston talent when friends visit and join in. The performers most often are David O’Dea on lead guitar, Alyson Fahl on keys and

Kevin Crenshaw on drums. Chaz Nadege and David Fahl will likely be in the mix, too. A big, huge shout-out to Steve Sellers for bringing together the bands to perform Saturday. This was a surprise for me, thank you, sir. I wonder what other “tricks” he has up his sleeve.

The First Saturday Arts Market is located at 540 W. 19th St. 77008, and details are on the website, firstsaturdayartsmarket.com.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.

and continue dropping some treats there.

A few things to keep in mind about cat carriers:

• Make sure it’s large enough so your cat can comfortably stand up and turn around.

• A solid, hard bottom will make the cat feel more secure. Always support the bottom of the carrier with one hand. It adds stability and reduces the risk of an accident if the carrier comes apart. Carriers with detachable tops allow your veterinarian to examine your cat while it remains in the bottom part. This reduces stress for the cat and risk of injury for the humans.

Unless your carrier is crash-tested, don’t fasten a seatbelt around it. Instead, place the carrier on the floor behind the front seats for safety.

Here are some other things you can do if your cat is extremely stressed about veterinary visits or if you don’t have time to get them habituated to the carrier: Consider an in-home visit from a veterinarian who offers that service or a mobile vet. This is helpful if your cat doesn’t usually hide at the first sight of strangers in their house.

“We are grateful that

Ask your veterinarian if a pre-visit medication would be helpful and recommended in your cat’s case.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform vet visits from dreaded experiences into manageable outings for both you and your kitty. Be kind to yourself, your animals, and others!

Joanna Wachowiak-Finlaison is the owner of High Five Animal Training and a certified dog and cat trainer as well as a behavior consultant based in the Heights. Please submit your pet behavior questions via email to info@highfiveanimaltraining.com.

shows how committed he is to ending this crisis.”

“Obviously, you can’t solve a problem until you admit you have one,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “The press conference this morning established that we have an animal welfare crisis in the City of Houston… we took a giant step today with all the stakeholders – law enforcement, service assemblies – to say stray animals [is] a problem, animal welfare is underfunded in the City of Houston.”

“Recently, we have been saying that the crisis is worse than it’s ever been, but we are more hopeful than we’ve ever been,” said Tama Lundquist, co-president of Houston PetSet. “That’s because we have a Mayor who believes this crisis is solvable, and will work to solve it. We have shelter directors who are committed to serving their communities and caring for the animals within their walls and on the streets. And we have supporters who will continue to call for change until the crisis abates.”

Submitted photo Alfred Kennedy hangs up his bass for magic at First Saturday.

Submitted image

2014 Anniversary Grifters & Shills as depicted by artist Jerry Poscovsky.

Houston PetSet, a local nonprofit organization working to end Houston’s homeless animal crisis, hosted The State of Animal Welfare Address with special remarks from City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire Feb. 22, 2024.