The 12-09-23 Edition of The Heights Leader by The Heights Leader and Fort Bend Star

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Grace Pizza and Shakes to open at former Sonoma location By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor In an exciting development for pizza enthusiasts in the Houston Heights area, The Leader has officially confirmed that the renowned former 2nd generation Sonoma restaurant at 801 Studewood is set to transform into the third Texas location of Grace Pizza and Shakes. Grace Pizza and Shakes, a culinary haven for coal-fired pizza aficionados, boasts a menu curated with locally sourced ingredients. The establishment, founded by Adrian

Hembree in 1990, has gained popularity for its unique offerings, including extravagant ice cream shakes like the show-stopping Gia’s Cake Explosion. This delectable creation features a generous slice of freshly baked cake adorned with a sparkler perched atop the milkshake. Apart from their signature shakes and pizzas, Grace Pizza and Shakes offers a diverse menu featuring starters, salads, hot sandwiches, and a selection of draft beers. The Heat Wave pizza, a fiery masterpiece blending spicy marinara, shredded mozzarella, Calabrian chilis, Calabrese salami,

Italian sausage, and a drizzle of local hot honey, is among the highlights. Grace’s new location is a freestanding restaurant with a rooftop patio that was built in the 1940s. The property underwent a meticulous renovation in 2012, ensuring a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern comfort for patrons. As Grace Pizza and Shakes continues its expansion, bringing its distinctive flavors to the heart of Houston, locals will surely be eager to Submitted photo indulge in the culinary delights that Over-the-top shakes and signature pies are See GRACE PIZZA P. 8

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Photos courtesy of Woodlawn Funeral Home and Garden of Memories

Photos from last year’s wreath-laying ceremony at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Garden of Memories.

Wreaths Across America: Honoring local heroes By Elena Sandovici The Leader News Contributor

Heights business tests Neuron Activation Pod

Page 3

Opinion: A Houston bus ride

Page 5

4th Wall Theater presents Sense and Sensibility

Page 8

THE INDEX. People ��2 Topics ��5 Classifieds ��7 Local Culture ��10

Oak Forest Foster Closet a crucial resource for kids and families By Elena Sandovici The Leader News Contributor

1030 Heights Blvd, Houston,TX 77008

Santa Paws is Coming to Stomping Grounds!

the hallmark offerings at Grace Pizza and Shakes.

“To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen… to be forgotten is the worst.” — Pierre Claeyssens (1909-2003)

For almost 30 years now, on Wreath Day, the second or third Saturday in December, Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization, makes its annual pilgrimage from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery to honor our nation’s fallen heroes by laying fresh evergreen wreaths on their tombs. But Wreath Day is celebrated elsewhere across America, too, including at several locations here in Houston. What started out as a beautiful gesture by the Worcester Wreath Company -- who found themselves with a surplus of wreaths around the holidays in 1992 and decided to take them to Arlington National Cemetery -- grew into a touching national tribute of epic

Woodlawn Funeral Home and Garden of Memories, along with other Houston-area cemeteries, will hold its annual wreath-laying ceremony on Dec. 16.

proportions, due to a viral photo of the wreaths at Arlington National cemetery in 2005. As stated on the Wreaths Across America website, “in 2022, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed more than 2.7 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths on headstones of our nation’s

service members at 3,702 participating locations. This was accomplished with the support of more than 5,000 sponsorship groups, corporation contributions, and in-kind donations from the transportation industry across the country.” This year, Wreath Day falls on Dec. 16, and there are several ceremonies you can attend or volunteer for here in Houston. The Wreaths Across America Houston chapter has a heart-warming story that will make you want to get involved. In 2007, a seven-year-old boy in Atascocita named Alex DeMasi watched a video of the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery with his dad, Scott. Alex asked his dad why our local heroes were not getting wreaths as well. Then he asked the most important question of all: “What can one person do?” It turns out, a lot. His son’s question prompted Scott DeMasi to form the See HEROES P. 8

Have you heard about the Oak Forest Foster Closet? Started in February 2021 by Nicole Aboudaher, a foster mom herself, in order to fill a need in the community, the Oak Forest Foster Closet, located at 1216 Bethlehem Street, is a non-profit organization that helps families who foster, adopt, or serve as kinship care providers for kids. “People donate, we sort through and organize everything, then families come shop,” Aboudaher told me on a busy Saturday morning as she and a team of teen volunteers from Frank Black Middle School helped families who had come to shop the Oak Forest Foster Closet. By “shop” Aboudaher means select things to get for free. “We don’t sell anything,” she added. Families were indeed picking out items. Some had brought kids along because, obviously, kids like to choose things they enjoy. We saw toys, books, among other fun offerings, but also neatly organized supplies that are much more mundane, but quite necessary. Think diapers, potties, etc. Some families had come both to “shop” and to donate things. “Bedding is one of our big needs,” Aboudaher said. “Twin size kid prints. Kids take it with them when they move to a new home.” Behind her, an assortment of sheets, some featuring cute designs, such as trucks, was neatly arranged. Everything in the closet was See OAK FOREST FOSTER CLOSET P. 8

Photo by Elena Sandovici

Oak Forest Foster Closet founder Nicole Aboudaher saw a need for resources after she herself experienced the challenges of being a foster parent.

Bell Crest Apartments marks grand re-opening after extensive renovations By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com Bell Crest Apartments at 808 Frawley St. recently celebrated its grand re-opening, marking the completion of an extensive renovation project designed to enhance the living experience for older adult and disabled residents. Community leaders, project partners, staff, and residents joined in the festivities to commemorate the occasion. Under the guidance of Alliance Ar-

chitects, the renovation project aimed to create a modern and inviting atmosphere. Whitestone Construction served as the general contractor. National Church Residences acquired Bell Crest Apartments in 2021 from its previous owner, The Salvation Army, as part of a larger acquisition of seven Texas communities. “The connection between the Salvation Army and National Church Residences is a natural one, based on similar mission alignment with a commitment to affordable housing,

The Holidays are right around the corner

support programs and a robust chaplaincy program to serve all residents, regardless of their beliefs,” said Lianna McNeil, regional director of philanthropy and public relations of National Church Residences’ Texas operations. With the support of the state, National Church Residences was awarded a 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit, allowing for a wide range of repairs and upgrades at Bell Crest Apartments. The improvements included window and door replacements, redesign and modernization of

Photo courtesy National Church Residences

The building formerly owned by the Salvation Army underwent a complete remodel to better serve seniors with limited income.

common spaces, full renovation of all accessible units, cabinetry and fixture upgrades, new flooring, and more. See BELL CREST P. 8

See SEARS P. 7

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For 10 years, Heights Kids Day of Music (HKDM) has been a beloved community festival for local youngsters. The nonprofit organization will host its 10-year anniversary festival on March 23, 2024. To keep the event free of charge, donations are needed. "We are raising funds for that festival, and also to support our seasonal programming events we do in addition

to the main festival to continue delivering on our mission of inspiring kids to have a lifelong love of and engagement with music and the arts," said Christi Gell, HKDM president. HKDM hopes that neighbors can spare $10, one dollar for each year of the organization's service to the community. To help raise funds for the March 2024 festival, visit heightskidsdayofmusic.org/ donate.

Burlesque troupe presents "The Burly Soiree: Ho Ho Holidays" Dec. 17

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From Community Reports

Submitted photo

Heights Kids' Music Day is designed to inspire a lifelong love of music and the arts in kids. The 10-year anniversary festival will be held in March 2024.

T AN

Heights Kids' Day of Music celebrates 10th anniversary with fundraiser, spring 2024 festival

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Houston’s premiere burlesque troupe, The Divine Darlings, is thrilled to present a special holiday edition of The Burly Soirée at 8th Wonder Distillery, on Sunday, Dec.17, at 2 PM. The Burly Soirée is an afternoon showcase of some of Houston and beyond’s most talented burlesque dancers, singers and more, each bringing their own signature style of classic and neo-burlesque performances to the 8th Wonder Distillery stage in East Downtown Houston. On December 17, attendees

can look forward to performances that sleigh from headliner Peter Pecker, a Houston burlesque dancer and singer; Divine Darlings Foxy Tocin, Ivy Divine and Sin Pellegrina; special guests Devilish Damia and Flip Oliver; and the Soirée's host and producer, Lady AnnaBelle. Lady AnnaBelle founded and leads The Divine Darlings, as well as the troupe’s base studio, Houston Divine Studio, where adults can learn to dance a variety of styles, from burlesque to ballet, in a safe and welcoming space. Multiple vendors will be selling handcrafted items, so

Photo by Striking Designs Photography

The Burly Soirée is an afternoon showcase featuring dancers, singers, and more.

event-goers can purchase their own burlesque and beyond accessories. Attendees may also bring in food from any of the several nearby restaurants and food trucks, and enjoy handcrafted cocktails made with 8th Wonder Distillery’s in-house line of liquors or “high quality” treats from their Cannabis Corner.

Event Details Date: Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 Time: Doors open at 1:30 p.m. | Show begins at 2 p.m. Location: 8th Wonder Distillery | 2201 Dallas St. | Houston, TX 77003 Cost: $20–$100 via Eventbrite or $25–$105 at the door

Meet Santa Paws at the Stomping Grounds Dec. 17 Community Reports Get ready for a howlin' good time as Sonoma Wine & Cheese's Stomping Grounds location in the Garden Oaks neighborhood hosts a Picture Paw-fect event: Santa Paws is Coming to Stomping Grounds! On Sunday, Dec. 17, from 6-8 p.m., bring your dog and join Santa on the main green space at Stomping Grounds for the firstever dog-friendly event. Santa and his personal photographer will be onsite to capture paw-fect holiday moments with your pup! Please note: Stomping Grounds is allowing dogs on the premises for one evening only and all dogs must be kept on a leash!

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The Leader • Saturday, December 9, 2023 • Page 3

Preferred Health DIRECTORY Chiropractic Care

Innovation from across the Atlantic: Thinkspace Neuron Activation Pod comes to the Heights By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor In a bid to redefine workspace wellbeing in North America, Thinkspace, a pioneering company dedicated to bringing European workspace design to the US, is unveiling a transformative product – the Neuron Activation Pod or N.A.P. This innovative pod, designed by Kevin Lahtinen & Ivar Gestranius of LoOok Industries in Finland, promises to introduce an entirely new perspective on personal human wellness to the continent. The N.A.P. operates by stimulating the autonomic nervous system through low-frequency vibrations, guiding the body into a meditative state. This state facilitates the body's natural healing processes, providing benefits that extend throughout the day, enhancing recovery, addressing stress-related symptoms, and promoting a deeper night's sleep. We visited Cronan & Associates Interior Solutions’ showroom to try the pod out for ourselves. Cronan is one of only 15 showrooms across North America to carry the N.A.P. as well as many other workplace products that provide privacy for conference calls or escaping the noise of a typical workplace. While there, we were told that the original inspiration for the N.A.P. came directly from the animal kingdom. After being pursued or engaging in activities that cause adrenaline and stress to build up, animals in the wild will shake or vibrate to release tension from their bodies and return to a regular body rhythm. With the N.A.P., users can recline in the pod for 10–40 minutes and receive similar benefits. Described as a giant leap toward the

Submitted photo

NAP: Cronan & Associates in the Heights is one of only 15 locations in the United States to test the Neuron Activation Pod (NAP).

office of the future and having gained popularity in workspaces, colleges, and athletic organizations across Europe, the N.A.P. has proven its efficacy. Notably, it has been credited with boosting energy levels and reducing stress for healthcare professionals at the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, particularly during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Anjul Chandi, CEO of Thinkspace, expressed astonishment at the statistics on stress and anxiety in the United States, stating, "I am passionate about bringing the most innovative products from Europe to North America to solve workplace challenges, and this wellness pod does that.” The N.A.P. offers a customizable ex-

perience allowing users to recline in the pod and select from four programs on a touchscreen. Program options include Relaxation, designed to relax you after a stressful situation; Recovery, used after a workout; Powernap, allowing you to catch a few minutes of restful shuteye; and Activation for when you are feeling low on energy. The company literature states the Activation program can even boost your metabolism, increase your alertness, or warm up your muscles. Cronan and Associates were kind enough to allow us to experience the pod first-hand. The pod is equipped with headphones that play meditative music and Cronan provided an eye mask and a blanket. The pod was

extremely comfortable with its ergonomic design and can accommodate a shorter person of 5’2” up to a basketball player over 7 feet tall. We tried the Relaxation mode first and must admit that our shoulders did drop several inches halfway through the program. The Powernap program was very similar to Relaxation but we can definitely relate to the usefulness of this feature in a fast-paced, high stress environment. We tried the Activation program next and noticed an increased intensity in the vibrations. With long-term use, the benefits could be substantial. Powernap benefits have stood the test of time in Europe, Latin America, and China. Western culture has often frowned on the practice of a mid-day nap, but science continues to support the benefits. Research at NASA showed when pilots slept for 26 minutes, alertness improved by 54%, and job performance improved by 34% compared to pilots who didn’t nap. The pod's relaxation treatment is suitable for all ages and safe to use, even for individuals with pacemakers, pain stimulators, or artificial metal joints. In addition to the N.A.P, Thinkspace offers a range of products utilized across various industries, including open offices, coworking spaces, educational facilities, and healthcare facilities. Notable clients include NASA, Cornell University, Ford, Facebook, and J.P. Morgan. The Neuron Activation Pod can now be experienced in fifteen U.S. cities including New York, Boston, San Fransisco, and Houston at Cronan & Associates, located at 7062 Old Katy Rd. Visit cronanassoc.com for more information.

Northwest ChiropraCtiC George G. Junkin, D.C. D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com Internal Medicine

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison Heights Health Tower 1900 North Loop West Suite 580 713-714-5376 www.whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

Dr. Lindsey Fogle Heights Health Tower 1900 North Loop West Suite 580 713-714-5376 www.whiteoakmedicalassociates.com Obstetrics / Gynecology

Dr. Stephanie Fulton Stephanie Fulton, M.D. 1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com Major Hospitals

Memorial Hermann Greater Heights 1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE

Women’s Health Directory Directory of Local Female Health Service Professionals Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Dr. Fredrickson has been practicing ophthalmology for over 12 years. She routinely sees patients for diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and ocular infections. She specializes in surgical procedures including cataract, eyelid lifts, eyelid cysts, Botox and Juvederm, and pterygia. 1415 N. Loop, Ste 400 • 427 W. 20th St. Ste 100 Houston, TX 77008 713-668-6828 • www.houstoneye.com

Dr. Stephanie Fulton Dr. Fulton is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her practice consists of obstetrics, gynecology, and cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal. She is a graduate of the University of Texas and completed residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where she was a Chief Resident. Dr. Fulton volunteers as part of the health team ministry of her church. 1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 • Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, M.D. Board Certiﬁed Internal Medicine Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, a board certiﬁed internal medicine physician, has opened a new primary care/internal medicine practice, White Oak Medical Associates in the Heights. She believes patients deserve their doctor’s focused attention, personalized care, and is devoted to compassionate, effective treatment for her patients. 1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

Dr. Lindsey Fogle, M.D. Board Certified physician, Dr. Lindsey Fogle, has joined primary care/internal medicine practice White Oak Medical Associates in the Heights. She really likes connecting with people, to be someone who’s trusted for patients and their families during an illness. A primary care doctor is really important for anyone to have. 1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

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“Tags for Bags”: City program allows for curbside pickup of excess garbage bags By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com The holidays are in full swing, and with them comes a steady parade of visitors, closet cleanups to make room for guests, a plethora of gift boxes and wrapping paper and, inevitably, an enormous heap of trash. If history has taught you that the lid of your trash can won’t close throughout the month of December, then a little-known city program may be an option for you. The City of Houston's "Tags for Bags" program, implemented in October 2002 for any home or building that utilizes Houston Solid Waste Management services, allows

residents to dispose of extra trash bags with the purchase of special stickers year-round. Residents must place the stickers on any extra garbage bags or boxes they wish to place at the curb alongside their City of Houston trash bin on trash day. The stickers should be easily visible from the street as garbage collectors make their way through the neighborhood. Bags without stickers won’t be picked up. “On June 19, 2002, Houston's City Council approved an ordinance amending Article IV of Chapter 39 of the Houston Code of Ordinances, approving and authorizing the creation of an Extra Capacity Collection Fee (ECC) for the Solid Waste

Management Department effective on October 1, 2002,” said Veronica Lizama, deputy director of Houston Solid Waste Management’s administration. “The ‘Tags for Bags’ program allowed residents the convenience of purchasing ‘tags’ for their extra trash bags instead of additional containers in case they need extra containers.” Lizama said at the time of implementation, residents were notified of the new program through their water bills as well as media outlets, and via various civic associations and Super Neighborhood councils. But although the program has been in operation for more than two decades, there appears to be a lack of aware-

ness among residents. In fact, fiscal year 2022 was the city’s worst year on record in terms of sticker sales, with only 485 being purchased in this city of 2.3 million residents. City records show that the “Tags for Bags” program only put $1,340 into the city coffers in FY 2022, with funds being subsequently allocated for the city’s general fund. Since the program’s inception more than 20 years ago, the city has earned a total $546,000 from sticker sales, with nearly 456,000 tags purchased over time. Why do so few Houstonians take advantage of the “Tags for Bags” program? Many followers of The Lead-

er’s Facebook page expressed surprise at its existence. Another Facebook user said residents shouldn’t have to pay for these stickers and additional bags should be picked up at no charge. By whatever means you decide to get rid of your holiday trash, be sure it’s legal. Disposing of your trash in someone else’s Dumpster is considered illegal dumping in Texas, and using your neighbor’s trash can could be considered theft of service. As for the “Tags for Bags” program, stickers currently cost $2.50 (plus tax). They are available at Kroger, H-E-B, Fiesta, and Sellers Bros.

Facebook photo by City of Houston Solid Waste

The City of Houston's "Tags for Bags" program allows residents to place additional containers at the curb for pickup on trash day.

Page 4 • Saturday, December 9, 2023 • The Leader

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The Leader • Saturday, December 9, 2023 • Page 5

THE TOPICS. Land of the fees, home of the knaves THE RESTAURANT – “Here’s your check, Sir,” says the waitress pushing one of those small, black boxes towards me. She’s probably already filled out the tip at 100 percent. As usual I only glance at the tab which is $77 for a cheeseburger and three vodkas. The list gives the meal, tax, clean fork etc. Then I spot: Non-cash Fee (2 percent). “What’s that?” I ask. “That’s the charge if you pay by credit card,” she replies. OK, I know that card companies charge an establishment a small amount for each transaction, but this is a new one: the establishment charging the customer for using a credit card. In this case, 2 percent. Welcome to the wonderful world of junk fees. Remember a while back you and I discussed tip fatigue, when restaurants among others use those little black boxes to nudge you into paying a tip no matter how bad the food, service and roach count is. Now we have the sly and sometimes even unlawful way of adding a hidden cost to your transaction. My bank statement contains a Maintenance Fee: $2 a month. I guess this charge went to the janitor and a/c repairman who maintained my bank and the guard who maintained my money. Some stores or on-line shopping companies now charge a restocking fee when you return an item. The coffee pot you ordered produces crude oil and you return it but have to pay for the pleasure. Here is my monthly bill from Disable Cable. It is a full page and a half long. The equipment and service is all I want. That comes to $51. No problem, but the list grows. Regulatory Cost

Lynn Ashby Columnist

Recovery: $1.24. State Cost Recovery Charge: $1.45. I seem to have two layers of recovery, although just what I am recovering from isn’t spelled out. No, wait. Washington gets into the act with Federal Universal Service Fund: $2.49. There are also a Public Education and Government Fee. I have absolutely no idea what they are. The list goes on and on. I have to pay extra for each TV remote. Does anyone watch TV without a remote? What’s a Franchise Fee? It’s $8.91. My $51 monthly charge from Disable Cable for the month is $300.36! Some of the charges are supposedly for taxes, although I have read the extras only sound like a government tax when in actuality they go to the cable company. There is no way to find out. Most of us pay our taxes, although reluctantly. Remember this nation went to war and won its independence with the battle cry: “No taxation without representation.” When the war was over we got our taxation but today I’m not sure about my representation. And we pay them in sneaky ways. Texas likes to boast that we have no personal income tax True, but our Legislature passed a twoyear, $248 billion state budget. Guess where that money came from? Some of it came from my TV remotes. I just ordered

a Christmas gift on-line. There was state tax (6.24 percent), a city tax (1 percent) and – get this – a special district tax (1 percent). Maybe if I was simply given a single bill each year for all the taxes I pay, I would have a clearer picture of the situation. There is an expression, “Nibbled to death by ducks.” I feel nibbled. Occasionally I go out and have fun. I like to watch witch burnings. So I take a Chariots On Fire car to and from my destination. When I got home this last time there was the usual detailed email receipt. Going out had a trip fare of $10.69. But hold on. There is also a Booking Fee of $3.03 and a Waiting Fee of 19 cents. Waiting Fee? I was standing on the curb, waving my hands when he arrived. A Texas Regulatory Recovery Fee added 13 cents. With a $3 tip, my $10.68 bill ballooned to $17.04. Coming back home to the very same place cost $9.45. No, make that $17.91. Now let’s get to the big bux for junk fees, like credit cards. In 2019, the major credit card companies charged over $14 billion in punitive late fees. That was just a starter. A 2022 study by Consumer Reports found that Americans spend nearly $65 billion on junk fees each year. This figure includes fees for overdrafts, late payments, convenience services and account maintenance. That two bucks I am charged for maintenance adds up. But customers are getting surly. That same survey found that 73 percent of Americans feel that junk fees are unfair, and 64 percent feel that they are hidden from consumers. Fortunately, President

Biden, having brought peace to the Middle East, gas is 10 cents a gallon and he took 10 years off his age, moved to solve the junk fee scam. He recently signed the Junk Fee Prevention Act. It requires the full price of services to be provided up front rather than when you actually pay the bill, like when you check out of the hotel. In addition, the bill would allow the Federal Trade Commission and the FCC to issue and enforce the new rules. Biden noted that the hidden charges are particularly aimed at the elderly who are targets of the retirement advising industry. They can add hidden costs of up to 20 percent. The Biden administration also pointed out the surcharges you pay on loans, new cars, rent, air travel, event tickets and hotel rooms. The last time I stayed at a Galveston hotel my bill included a resort fee. I think the Gulf breeze and the waves were free. That’s nothing compared to the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas which charges a one-time resort fee of $132 -- nearly as much as the $159 rate for one night in a king room at the hotel in January. As for the added charge at the restaurant for using a credit card, I paid cash.

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Ashby hides fees at ashby2@ comcast.net Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.

on page 9!

I rode the bus, and it was...interesting By Elena Sandovici The Leader News Contributor & Guest Columnist Writing an article on Houston’s traffic problem recently inspired me to try something new. I would ride a METRO bus for the first time ever and report back. On a beautiful Saturday morning, I decided to take the bus from the Heights all the way to the Museum of Fine Arts, a place I love visiting but where I loathe to park. I downloaded the METRO app. It was easy to use and allowed me to plan my journey and buy a ticket. The recommended route included a short walk to Studewood Street, then a ride on the 56 bus. The whole adventure would take about 30 minutes. The ticket cost $1.25. So far, so good. The bus arrived on time. The friendly driver informed me the machine to scan electronic tickets was broken but that she’d let me ride. I advanced down the aisle taking note of a yellow seat in the front row, offering an homage to Rosa Parks. Nice touch! But more on that later. I moved a few rows back and sat by the window. The seats seemed a bit grimy and the air had a faint odor to it, like the metallic scent of the New York City subway, but with an added layer of sadness. I focused on the view. We passed the park, the Art League, and Texas Art Supply! Seeing everything from higher up and without worrying about the road ahead was fun. There were few other passengers, and while some struck me as down on their luck – reminiscent of people

Elena Sandovici

I’ve seen on buses in other American cities where most of the population prefers driving – I decided to optimistically embrace the notion of public transit as a third space uniting passengers from different walks of life. Together, we made up the fabric of the city. Emboldened by my morning adventure, I felt a sense of possibility as I walked around the museum. Its rarefied air provided a nice contrast to the bus. What an exciting patchwork of experiences! One can ride a bus that’s a tiny bit grimy, then eat eclairs adorned with flowers in a room with spectacular lighting. But my ride back to the Heights killed my optimism. The bus line was 56 again. This time around, the bus was pretty full. It was 1 p.m. Maybe the time of day made the crucial difference between my two bus rides? Because while the morning ride had been endearingly imperfect, the afternoon one was decidedly uncomfortable. This sentiment is echoed by other commuters. Meaghan Gorman, a longtime Houston resident, tried using the city buses on her short commute to work.

“The majority of my rides were perfectly fine,” she said. “The morning rides were peaceful and not too crowded. The ride home after 6 p.m. was often very crowded.” She described a sense of unease with some fellow passengers, “some of whom you absolutely didn’t want to get close to or make eye contact with.” As to my own ride home from Montrose, this time around nothing could distract me from the pronounced grimy odor on this particular bus. People got on who seemed to live in the streets. I don’t begrudge our unhoused population the smidgen of A.C. $1.25 can buy. They tend to ride to cool down on hot days, Daniel Impastato, a Heights resident and frequent commuter, confirmed. But riding with them, I felt a disconcerting awareness of being female and rather small. I pressed the button to request a stop ten blocks early. When I stood up, two young men catcalled. The doors could not open fast enough. I walked away feeling sad. The image of the yellow seat dedicated to Rosa Parks, present on the second bus as well, stuck in my mind. According to the Houston Chronicle, the seats were introduced by METRO in 2022 to honor Parks, a civil rights hero who refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus in 1955. Intended as an homage, the yellow seats were criticized on social media as an empty gesture. Others liked them, such as Twitter/X user Verna Sims, who posted that the seats made it seem like Rosa Parks was indeed sitting at the front of the bus instead

of being forced to the back. That was how I felt. I liked imagining Ms. Parks riding in front when I first got on the bus. But later I wondered if, indeed, she would feel comfortable on our buses. Would she be cat-called? Would she feel unsafe? And more importantly, would a modern-day incarnation of Rosa Parks -- a dignified, brave woman, but one who perhaps can’t afford a car on her seamstress wages -- feel uncomfortable, unsafe, and a bit grimy on the METRO buses? Houston is a brilliant, vibrant, forward-thinking city; a city that leads in cancer research and sends people to space. Why can’t it have clean and safe buses? This would help alleviate traffic and offer people more

freedom. But let’s not blame METRO. Impastato, a retired school teacher, who has ridden the buses since 1985, and for whom they provided reliable transportation from his home in the Heights to his job in Alief (an impressive commute involving a transfer downtown) has great things to say about METRO. He still uses the buses today, and wanted to point out that during the pandemic lockdown METRO didn’t stop serving Houston. He only felt unsafe on the buses during this summer’s heat wave, when homeless people would come in and pass out on the floor. “Metro didn’t cause this,” he stated regarding the unsafe feeling he experienced. “They have fallen victim to

the city’s homelessness problem.” So, Houston, what will we do about that? It seems like the unhoused among us need accessible places to cool down. “Water too,” Impastato added. Because riding the bus instead of traveling in the safety bubble of a car is bound to make one more aware and compassionate when it comes to the homeless. But also angry with the city for failing to address this. Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.

the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. Bunco 4. In bed 8. Telegraphic signal 9. About rune 11. Iowa State town 13. Technique of a pianist 15. Grandmother 16. Small lake 17. Divides evenly into (Math) 18. Water’s edge 20. Combustion residue 21. Islamic ruler 22. “Good Wife” investigator 25. Solid water 26. Tibetan gazelle 27. Duets 29. Common shade trees 30. Cancellation key 31. “Good Wife’s” Gold 32. “Good Wife” husband 39. Herring-loke food fish 41. Self-immolation by fire ritual 42. TV delivery

system 43. Ad __ 44. 2nd smallest planet 45. First on moon 46. Androgyne 48. Skating jump 49. Remove fat from 50. Point midway between NE and E 51. London park 52. Pig pen

dOwn

1. Chief Polish port 2. Japanese motor co. 3. Carbolic acid 4. Mures River city 5. Small bread roll 6. Inexplicable occurrence 7. Thrown in track and field 10. Military leader (abbr.) 12. Indian dress 13. Children’s tale bear 14. Opposite of cameo 16. Portraiture stance

19. 1/2 an em 20. Pouchlike structures 21. Music awards est. 1973 23. Belonging to a diocese 24. Memory whose contents cannot be changed 27. Transfer property 28. Universal Standard Time (abbr.) 29. Norse goddess of old age 31. A type of salamander 32. Appease 33. Not common 34. Church of Pope Francis 35. Common frog genus 36. Wild goats 37. Customer 38. NAACP founder Florence 39. Outbuilding 40. N.E. Chinese province 44. Distribute by measure 47. Scoundrel

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 6 • Saturday, December 9, 2023 • The Leader

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t goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: “we have all th made mistakes.” As Alexander Pope so aptly put it: “To err is human,77008 to forgive, divine.” We should remember this the next time we make a mistake. Most certainly, we must learn from our mistakes, and hopefully not continue to repeat them, but we should also forgive ourselves. While it can be hard enough to forgive others for their mistakes, it can sometimes feel almost impossible to forgive ourselves. We sometimes cannot bring ourselves to forgive something we’ve done, and we may punish and harangue ourselves for years, or even decades, over youthful indiscretions. In addition, some of us may not be able to forget the sins of our past. And although that may prevent us from repeating them, we must be charitable and forgive ourselves, just as we should forgive others. So, we should make a real effort in the coming days and weeks to forgive the offenses of others as well as our own. Sometimes, it helps to just forget about them; that is, to try to put them out of our mind and stop repeatedly mulling over them. One of the reasons we use the phrase “forgive and forget” is because sometimes that is the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting. But far better, and more divine, is to be able to forgive even while remembering the offense. So, we should let go of those unforgiving, vindictive, shameful feelings about the past, and get over it! Corrie ten Boom, who survived incarceration in a Nazi prison camp said, “Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize that the prisoner was you.”

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Notice Virtual Public Meeting with In-Person Open House I-10 from Heights Blvd. to I-45 Control Section Job (CSJ): 0271-07-326 Harris County, Texas The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Houston District, is proposing improvements along Interstate 10 (I-10) from Heights Boulevard to I-45 in Harris County, Texas. This notice advises the public that the project team will be conducting an on-line virtual public meeting on the proposed project with an in-person open house. The virtual public meeting will be available starting on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, by 5 p.m. The virtual public meeting will consist of a pre-recorded video presentation and will include both audio and visual components. To view the virtual public meeting presentation and project information, visit: www.txdot.gov/projects/hearings- meetings.html. Please note that the presentation will not be available on the website until the date and time listed above. If you do not have internet access, you may call (713) 802-5560 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to ask questions and access project materials during the project development process. Formal comments may be provided by mail or email as explained below. Additionally, TxDOT is providing an in-person open house option for individuals who would like to participate in person. Attendees will be able to view the same pre-recorded presentation as posted online, review hard copies of project materials, ask questions and submit written comments. The in-person open house will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the TxDOT Houston District Office Auditorium located at 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007. This will be the second public meeting conducted for the proposed project and will present significant design modifications resultant of feedback received from the initial public meeting held in July 2022. The proposed project would raise the elevation of the existing I-10 main lanes above the floodplain of White Oak Bayou from Heights Boulevard to I-45 in Downtown Houston. The proposed construction area would be approximately 1.8 miles in length. The project also includes the construction of a 26acre detention pond located beneath the elevated I-10 main lanes between Studemont Street and Houston Avenue and would construct a 10-foot-wide shared use path on the north side of I-10 along White Oak Bayou between Studemont Street and I-45. The shared use path would include a connection to the south side of I-10 at Sabine Street. The project requires approximately 1.2 acres of new right of way (ROW) to accommodate the proposed improvements. Although additional ROW would be required, no residential or non-residential structures are anticipated to be displaced at this time. Information concerning services and benefits available to affected property owners and information about the tentative schedule for ROW acquisition may be obtained from the TxDOT Houston District Office by calling (713) 802-5352. The proposed project would involve an action in a floodplain. Any environmental documentation or studies, maps and drawings showing the project location and design, tentative construction schedules, and other information regarding the proposed project are on file and available for review Monday through Friday be-

tween the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the TxDOT Houston District Office, 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007. Project materials are also available online at www.txdot.gov/projects/hearings-meetings.html. These materials will also be available in hard copy form for review at the in-person open house. The public meeting will be conducted in English and Spanish. If you need an interpreter or document translator because English or Spanish is not your primary language or you have difficulty communicating effectively in English or Spanish, one will be provided to you free-of-charge. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. If you need interpretation or translation services or you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the virtual public meeting or in-person open house, please contact Gabriel Adame, the Houston District NEPA Public Engagement Coordinator, at (713) 802-5199 or by email at Gabriel.Adame@txdot.gov no later than 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Please be aware that advance notice is required as some services and accommodation may require time for the project team to arrange. Written comments from the public regarding the proposed project are requested and may be submitted in any language by mail to the TxDOT Houston District Office, Advanced Project Development Director, P.O. Box 1386, Houston, Texas 77251-1386. Written comments may also be submitted by email to HOU-PIOwebmail@txdot.gov. All comments must be received on or before Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. Responses to comments received will be available online at the web address listed above once completed. If you have any general questions or concerns regarding the proposed project or the virtual public meeting, please contact Grady Mapes, P.E., at (713) 866-7040 or by email at Grady.Mapes@txdot.gov. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 9, 2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT. Please call 713-802-5199 to request special accommodations or if you have need for interpretation/translation. Mandarin: 如對住宿有特殊要求或需要口譯或筆譯，請撥打 (713) 802-5199. Swahili: Tafadhali piga simu kwa (713) 802-5199 ili kuomba malazi maalum au ikiwa unahitaji ukalimani au utafsiri. Vietnamese: Xin hãy gọi (713) 802-5199 để yêu cầu cho các điều chỉnh đặc biệt hoặc nếu bạn cần có phiên dịch hoặc biên dịch. Creole: Tanpri rele (713) 802-5199 pou mande aranjman espesyal oswa si ou bezwen entèprèt oswa tradiktè.

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Page 8 • Saturday, December 9, 2023 • The Leader

Rediscover Jane Austen at 4th Wall Theatre Company with “Sense and Sensibility” After their father dies unexpectedly, the Dashwood sisters find themselves struggling to protect their financial futures, their positions in society, and their most valuable assets – their reputations. Can they find new paths, and find love along the way? Katie Hamill, a playwright and actor based in New York City, has appeared numerous seasons on American Theatre Magazine’s most produced playwright list. Her “Sense and Sensibility,” based on the original work of Jane Austen, was the winner of the Off-Broadway Alliance’s Best Unique Theatre Experience, a nominee for the Drama League Award, a nominee for the Helen Hayes Award, one of The New York Times’ Top 10 Plays of 2014 and 2016, a Ben Brantley Critics’ Pick twice, and many other accolades. Since its inception, it has remained one of the top produced plays in the country. The Huffington Post declared it as “perhaps the greatest stage adaptation of this novel in history. Ira Glass from NPR’s “This American Life” praised the original NYC production as "... one of the best things I've ever seen onstage. Save your ‘Hamilton’ dollars and go see it." The play is presented by special arrangement with Dramatist Play

By Rubena Gracia The Leader News Contributor This holiday season, join 4th Wall Theatre Company for Kate Hamill’s fast paced, witty, oneof-a-kind interpretation of the Off-Broadway sensation “Sense and Sensibility.” 4th Wall will bring Austen’s work to life with a dream team of professional artists for this delightful play filled with music, dance, and laughter – the perfect holiday event for the whole family. Buy your tickets early. 4th Wall’s 2018 production of Ms. Hamill’s adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” enjoyed sold-out performances. Director Kim Tobin-Lehl, Houston icon and nationally recognized artist, offered her perspective on the play: "The audience can relate to this show because there’s a great balance of levity and seriousness. There are fun modern dance sequences, but also reflections on the absurdity of gossiping and the harm it causes. And all of this happens within larger universal moments we share regarding love and friendship." Hamill’s playful new adaptation offers a fresh female perspective on this beloved novel, examining how gossip and societal pressure can alter our responses to everyday challenges.

Victim's family makes urgent plea for closure on anniversary of Avery Boyd's murder From Community Reports December 1 marked a somber anniversary for the Boyd family. A year ago on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, Avery Boyd fell victim to a fatal shooting in the 3000 block of Summer St. in Houston, Texas. Surveillance footage captured a silver or light-colored four-door Hyundai sedan carrying an unidentified suspect or suspects. One suspect disembarked, initiating a barrage of gunfire that inflicted multiple fatal injuries upon Boyd. He succumbed to these injuries, and the suspect's vehicle hastily fled in an unknown direction. On the one-year anniversary of the murder, Boyd's family is still desperately seeking closure. Notably, the Crime Stoppers reward for information on this case was increased to $25,000 last year. The public's support is absolutely crucial in unraveling the mysteries surrounding this case. Any piece of information, no matter how

Avery Boyd

small, could prove to be a significant factor in making a difference. Crime Stoppers may pay up to $25,000 for information leading to the charging &/ or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

GRACE PIZZA, from P. 1 have made the establishment an Alvin and Pearland favorite. A quote from the Grace menu by its founders’ states, “One thing we know about food is that it brings people together. Our grace extends beyond the kitchen and our doors. We are local folks just like the people we proudly serve in our restaurants and our neighborhoods.” With a rich history and a commitment to quality, Grace Pizza and Shakes is set to become a cherished addition to the vibrant Houston Heights dining scene.

Photo courtesy of National Church Residences

The new community room at Bell Crest Apartments.

BELL CREST, from P. 1 “The significant investment in the property reflects National Church Residences’ dedication to providing safe, affordable, and modern housing options for older and disabled adults in need,” McNeil said. The grand re-opening celebration brought together community partners, financial supporters, Salvation Army representatives, National Church Residences staff, and community residents.

A Little Attention Can make a

BIG IMPACT Call to get started

713.686.8494

Photos by Gabriella Nissen

Skyler Sinclair, Amy Mire, Christy Watkins, and Faith Fossett – the Dashwood ladies.

(Top row, l to r) Skyler Sinclair, Nick Farco, Luis Galindo, Timothy Eric; (bottom row, l to r) Amy Mire, and Christy Watkins.

HEROES, from P. 1 Houston Chapter of Wreaths Across America, getting the community involved in this beautiful effort. For over a decade now, they have honored Wreath Day at Houston National Cemetery, and the tradition has since spread to encompass other Houston cemeteries as well. This year, Alex DeMasi will miss Wreath Day at Houston National Cemetery in order to walk in his college graduation, but Scott DeMasi will be there. So will about 17,000 people, as well as a motorcycle escort accompanying the trucks that will deliver over 38,000 fresh evergreen wreaths all the way from Maine. All wreaths are purchased through donations ($17 each). “Everything we do is donation driven,” Matt Eckert, WAA Houston Board Member told The Leader. “We would love to lay a wreath on every head-

stone out there, but the funds are not there yet.” Similarly, the organization relies on volunteers to make both Wreath Day (Dec. 16) and Clean Up Day (Jan. 20, 2024) happen. Among the members of our community here in the Heights that support these efforts, several employees of Stellar Bank (which has a branch locally on Durham Drive) have donated toward the purchase of this year’s wreaths and signed up to volunteer at Houston National Cemetery on Wreath Day. If you’d like to attend one of the Houston Wreath Day ceremonies on Dec. 16, the three closest ones to the Heights are: Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, 11 a.m.; Please note that this is a large ceremony with about 17,000 people expected. Wreaths Across Amer-

Photo from last year’s wreath-laying ceremony at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Garden of Memories

OAK FOREST FOSTER CLOSET, from P. 1 well organized for efficient “shopping,” and the teen volunteers were busy making sure it stayed that way. They also helped families find what they were looking for, and to carry items downstairs if needed. The Oak Forest Foster Closet and its founder, Nicole Aboudaher, have been featured in The Leader before, when the place was getting ready to open in February 2021 in an article by Betsy Denson. For those who read the article back then, it will be nice to see an update, and know that the Oak Forest Foster Closet has been up and running for almost three years now, offering valuable resources to families. Above all, the Oak Forest Foster closet has created a sense of community. A foster mom who identified herself as Marta, and who had come to both shop the closet and donate items, told The Leader that the Oak Forest Foster Closet has offered her and her family a support system on their fostering journey. Also, she underlined the importance of having a foster closet in our community. “I was feeling guilty because we can get things ourselves, but we were told the child needed a family very late at night, and the child needed things,” she said. In the 2021 article about opening the foster closet, Aboudaher shared a similar experience: She had been fostering two brothers, then found out later, once she had gotten rid of all the baby stuff,

that there was a third sibling, a baby, coming her way. As she set out to find what she needed for the baby at foster closets, she realized that there were none in our area. This made her determined to create such a place. Aboudaher has since adopted her three foster kids, and is now busy running the Foster Closet. But not all foster situations end in adoption. Foster parents don’t know when they will be asked to foster a child, how old the child will be, or how long this child might stay with them. Given how fast kids grow, and how their needs change, having access to a resource such as the Foster Closet can help families get the things they need for the amount of time they need them – plus it’s a good way to connect with others in their community. When asked what she wanted our readers to know, Aboudaher stressed the importance of kinship – family members taking on the care of kids so that the kids don’t end up in the system. Of course, the Oak Forest Foster Closet welcomes kinship care providers and offers them access to their resources. As to the community at large, what can we do to help? “If readers know anyone who needs us, whether foster, adoption, or kinship,” Aboudaher said, “please spread the word.” She told us the Oak Forest Foster Closet is also always looking for donors. The non-profit is only communitysupported and receives no government funds, therefore

Service, Inc. in New York. “Sense and Sensibility” has a strong ensemble team, which includes returning 4th Wall artists Christy Watkins as Elinor, Faith Fossett as Marianne, Skyler Sinclair, Nick Farco, and Luis Galindo, along with returning artists from 2018’s “Pride and Prejudice” Amy Mire, Rachael Logue, and Philip Lehl, 4th Wall’s Artistic Director. Timothy Eric, an Ensemble Theatre regular, and David Gow, a Houston native currently residing in New York City, will make their 4th Wall debuts. The accomplished production team includes Houston’s iconic lighting designer Christina Giannelli, the incomparable set designer Ryan McGettigan, esteemed choreographer Krissy Richmond, sound designer Michael Mullins, Leah Smith – the in-house costume designer at Stages Theatre, and property designer Frankie Outlaw. 4th Wall Theatre Company is a professional Equity theatre in Houston, TX, founded in 2011 by Philip Lehl and Kim Tobin-Lehl. 4th Wall maintains an eclectic range of programming, producing standards by Shakespeare and Strindberg, American classics, and several regional premieres. “The mission of 4th Wall is

to produce extraordinary professional theatrical experiences and to set a high standard for excellence in acting, direction, and design. 4th Wall believes that the highest quality theatre promotes an aesthetic of performance that is truthful, and that only by paying artists a fair wage can Houston grow and sustain its community of professional theatre artists.” 4th Wall Theatre is located at Spring Street Studios, 1824 Spring Street, Studio 101 – less than one mile south of I-10 between Houston Avenue and Sawyer Street. Free parking is available on the west, south, and east sides of the building. There is a railroad track running east/west just north of Washington Avenue. Both Yale Street and Studemont Street pass under the tracks and may prevent driving delays.” “Sense and Sensibility” runs Dec. 1–23, 2023 (7:30 p.m. evening performances; 3 p.m. Sunday matinees; Saturday, Dec. 16 matinee at 2:30 p.m.). The running time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission. The Open Caption/Talkback performance is Sunday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $25–$60 and can be purchased online at www.4thwalltheatreco.com or by phone at 832-767-4991.

ica Houston advises attendees to park at Greenspoint Mall and take the free shuttle. Also, do arrive early. Shuttle service starts at 7:30 a.m., and the motorcycle escort and trucks arrive at 8 a.m.) Woodlawn Funeral Home and Garden of Memories, 8010 Katy Fwy., 11 a.m., and the Historic Evergreen Negro Cemetery, 5499 Market Street, 11 a.m. Each location still needs volunteers and sponsorship. You can sign up through the Wreaths Across America website or the Wreaths Across America Houston website at waahouston.com. While initially Wreath Day was only held at Houston National Cemetery, and this is where the largest ceremony will be held, with 38,929 wreaths already purchased for this location, it’s nice to see ceremonies taking place at other cemeteries, too. Woodlawn Funeral Home and Garden of Memories will participate in this program for the 7th year in 2023. Their goal this year has been to have 1,000 wreaths sponsored, and while they exceeded it, they would love to have even more sponsorship. Above all, they’re hoping for enthusiastic attendees at this touching ceremony. The Historic Evergreen Negro Cemetery set out to get 75 wreaths sponsored, and also exceeded their goal, with 174 wreaths sponsored so far.

But what do our veterans think? Richard Jennings, who served as an Air Force Pilot for nearly a decade, told The Leader that he has been a supporter of the Wreaths Across America Houston chapter from its very beginning, even prompting the company he worked for at the time, KBR, to make one of the first large early donations ($25,000) to the nonprofit, creating a buzz in the corporate community. “Wreaths Across America offers a chance for all Houstonians to give back to veterans who have protected the country,” Jennings said. Another veteran, Jack Vance, who served in the Navy between 1960 and 1963 coordinates volunteer efforts each year on Wreath Day through the Masonic Lodge on Heights Boulevard. The volunteers help place the wreaths at Houston National Cemetery in a very organized fashion and in record time, he said. Vance added that he hopes this year there will be more wreaths than least year, so all tombs could have one. He told The Leader that for a veteran there’s “no greater honor than when you can honor a fallen brother.” Speaking of the military cemeteries where the wreaths will be placed, Vance said veterans such as himself have “family and close friends that are out there.”

monetary donations, which can be made through their website, are appreciated. Donated items are important, too. Currently, the Oak Forest Foster Closet is collecting new toys as well as gift cards for their Snaps with Santa event on Dec. 16. “We also desperately need volunteers,” Aboudaher added. In addition to hosting shopping hours most Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., as well as Wednesdays from 9:30-11 a.m. and sometimes Thursdays, the Oak Forest Foster Closet hosts four events a year: Their spring event focuses on swimwear, floaties, and summer clothes; their back-to-school event in August focuses on uniforms and shoes; their fall event, which is huge, is all about winter clothes but also about Halloween; and their upcoming Snaps with Santa on Dec.16 means to spread holiday joy with things such as new toys and gift cards. And, of course, the kids love seeing Santa and

having their picture taken with him! This event, in particular, still needs volunteers. Volunteers are needed for setup, cleanup, as well as during the event. If you’re considering volunteering, whether at the Dec. 16 event, or in general, you can find more information and signup links on the Oak Forest Foster Closet Facebook page. The Facebook page also offers updated information of what the foster closet needs, and for the families the closet serves, it offers previews of items in store, as well as their schedule, and information on bringing placement paperwork on their first visit. “It’s an amazing place. Really nice people,” a kinship mom who chose to remain anonymous told me as I was leaving. The stream of families coming and going was constant. Clearly, this is a resource our community needs, and they provide a valuable service.

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Page 10 • Saturday, December 9, 2023 • The Leader

Art Valet:

Holiday market offers something for everyone The Market at Sawyer Yards, Holiday edition, is Saturday, Dec 9 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at 1502 Sawyer St. This market can be a hodgepodge of creative mediums ranging from modern craft, traditional artisan craft to fine art. The six new artists joining the market Saturday cover the genres nicely. Vera Hashem, is a former molecular biologist turned ceramic artist. “Growing up in a remote area in Lebanon, I spent my childhood on hillsides entertaining myself by using the natural environment to make art, creating miniature villages using twigs, mud, pebbles, seashells and other flotsam,” writes Hashem in her artist statement. “Bullet casings and exploded shrapnel afforded excellent miniature construction material.” Hashem replaced her profession in scientific experimentation with experimenting with clay. Her unique style also shows influences from her childhood creations. Find more on Hashem’s website,

Submitted photo

Vera Hashem is all smiles with ceramic art.

Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

hashem-studio.com At first glance, I thought William Bartlett’s art to be macabre story telling in art form and possibly the end of his art story, I was very wrong. The art Bartlett will likely present Saturday to the public, is his mixed media, pen and ink, but that appears to be only a side story for this incredible talent. Bartlett is the author of several sword and sorcery novellas, and a self published 78 Tarot Deck that he illustrated, which includes a guide book. His links can be found at linktr. ee/artbywilliambartlett. Houstonian Fatima Khambati, is a self-taught artist currently creating in watercolors. “I appreciate the medium’s loose qualities and natural luminosity on white paper, which often leads to unexpected outcomes,” Khambati wrote. “I love creating artwork that is inspired by nature, especially wildlife and flowers. I always try to capture their true essence in my paintings. Khambati’s paintings focus on nature, particularly horses and birds. Her horse with a gold leaf mane caught my eye. Follow her on Instagram at instagram.com/fatimas_art_studio/

We find another self-taught artist in Marlene Thanalertvisuti, she calls her company Rolling Daruma. She works with pens, markers, and colored pencils. Her work is extremely detailed and presented on a variety of print sizes and vinyl stickers. Much of Thanalertvisuti ink work is black and white with embellishments in red, green and gold. More at www.instagram. com/rolling.daruma Upcycled artist Simone (Spooky) Haight is the persona behind Spooky Alien Kweenie. Her byline says it all, kitsch, camp, and everything in between. Haight says she turned her childhood toys into jewelry when she just couldn’t part with them. A business was born!

Submitted photo

Emily Pilot’s Painted Cloud Co. Christmas bin.

Submitted photo

William Bartlett’s mixed media piece titled “Grow from It”.

Submitted photo

Fatima Khambati finds inspiration from nature for her watercolor paintings.

Submitted photo

Simone (Spooky) Haight turned her childhood toys into upcycled kitsch jewelry.

Finally and for something a little different than art for wear or decoration, enter Emily Pinto and her sensory bins and play kits for children. Painted Cloud Co. specializes in creating innovative children’s play kits designed by educators. Pinto’s themed sensory bins foster open-ended play, a highly effective method for learning retention in children. The multi-themed bins include Christmas, construction and baking to encourage children to use scoops and cups for exploration and activities.More at www.instagram.com/ paintedcloudco/ The Market at Sawyer Yards is on Art Alley between the Silos at Sawyer Yards and the west end of Silver Street Stu-

Submitted photo

Marlene Thanalertvisuti’s highly detailed pen and ink of a cat.

dios, at 1502 Sawyer St. Surrounded by the highest concentration of working artists in Texas, the market coincides with 2nd Saturday Open Studios, when artists from eight studio buildings, open their studios to the public. The market opens at 11 a.m., and the studios at noon. Both close at 5 p.m. Details at www.sawyeryards.com/ events/second-saturday

What goes

UP ,

must come

DOWN. STRAY BULLETS CAN KILL. If you hear celebratory gunfire: • Call 911 • Notify Crime Stoppers Anonymously at 713-222-TIPS