This year’s Houston Heights Association (HHA) Corporate Citizen of the Year award shines a spotlight on a local business that blends creative innovation with an unwavering commitment to the community. Green Swallow Creations, a full-service promotional product company founded in 2016, has been honored for its
dedication to small businesses, customer service, and the Heights neighborhood it calls home.
“This prestigious award recognizes businesses that go above and beyond to positively impact their community, and Green Swallow Creations has set an incredible example,” HHA leadership said in a newsletter. “Through their dedication to sustainability, charitable initiatives, and unwavering support for local organizations, Green Swallow
Creations has proven that success goes hand-in-hand with social responsibility.”
Owned and operated by Kevin Chenevert, Green Swallow Creations is more than a screenprinting and embroidery company. With over 25 years of experience in the promotional products industry, Chenevert has created a one-stop shop for apparel, custom gear,
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
The Heights will soon be home to a cultural gem unlike any other in this city. Residents currently pass the 1700-block of Heights Boulevard, often without a second glance.
The property was formerly owned by the Heights Christian Church, whose future had been plagued by dwindling membership and attendance. To help mitigate the expenses, the church began looking for a new location and leased out its improvements to local organizations and groups, including Opera in the Heights, a non-profit created to provide a performance venue for emerging artists and to bring affordable and accessible opera to the community. It also leased space to the Houston
Saengerbund, the oldest music society in Houston; its mission to share German music, language and culture. The block of buildings consist of a historical 95-year old performance arts venue, office and educational space currently leased for meetings,
and the sanctuary, built much later in the 60s and being utilized for choirs and concerts by the Saengerbund. However, as the church grew smaller and eventually vacated, the property
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
“You will probably never run again,” doctors once told marathon runner and University of Houston professor Caryn Honig after discovering she needed a knee replacement. Yet on April 21, 2025, Honig will toe the line at the Boston Marathon, primed to become the first known woman ever to complete the storied race on a replaced knee.
Staying in the Race
Before her knee issues began, Honig had already built a remarkable running résumé. A former nationally ranked junior tennis player who later played on scholarship at the University of Denver, she discovered her passion for running in the early 1980s, racing her first marathon in 1985 in Philadelphia.
“I loved loved loved running,” Honig recalled. “I’ve now run 47 full marathons, a 50-mile race, and two 50Ks. I
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church (UMC), founded in 1950, has long been a cornerstone of the Oak Forest and Garden Oaks communities.
After decades of leadership transitions and location changes, the church found its permanent home at 2003 W. 43rd.
Just recently, it welcomed Reverend Trey Comstock as Senior Pastor—a young, dynamic leader with a rich blend of real-world experience and spiritual depth.
Pastor Trey, as he is affectionately known, comes from a background in communication, performing arts, and education. Although ministry wasn’t his original plan, his path evolved through experiences that deepened his desire to serve.
“I really thought I’d be a teacher forever,” he said. “But once I started thinking about the bigger picture—how people live, how people worship—I realized there was a calling beyond the classroom.”
After teaching special education through Teach for America, he pursued
theology and public health at Emory University. His journey led him to rural Kenya, where he worked at an AIDS orphanage, and to neighborhoods in Paraguay, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru.
“I wanted to understand the world—really understand it—from a spiritual and human perspective,” he explained. “I didn’t want to just preach about the world. I wanted to experience it.”
His global perspective shaped his pastoral approach, which included pas-
was not being utilized to its highest and best use, financially or culturally. Assessing community wants and needs led a group of interested and talented individuals to collaborate, conceptualize and create a brand new identity for the property.
Bob Frater, CFP, a partner advisor with Allworth Financial, has been a member of the Rotary Club of Houston Heights for 35 years.
“Ironically enough, the initial venture started with something as simple as trying to find an appropriate meeting location for our club once a week, and it was just not a feasible option for restaurants here in The Heights,” he said.
Frater said was tasked with trying to find someplace local and, living just blocks away, immediately thought of this site.
“I knew that it was being used, but it was underutilized to a large extent,” he explained.
Out of that simple quest and his club’s long-standing dedication to improving the Heights community, an ingenious idea began to born.
“A few years back, I started doing some research and found out that the church was down to, I think, 15 members at the time,” Frater said.
Then, the church moved out entirely, leaving Opera in the Heights and the Saengerbund as the only substantial tenants. After extensive research and discussions, Frater met with Rodney Thorin, the president of the Houston Saengerbund, and let him know that they
signage, awards, and other branded materials that help Houston-area businesses tell their stories and stand out.
“We’re incredibly honored by this award from the Houston Heights Association” said Chenevert. “To be recognized in this way is a great accomplishment and something I am very excited about. To be included alongside all of HHA’s other award-winning businesses throughout the years that have helped to make the Heights what it is today is a great achievement.”
Green Swallow Creations has carved out a niche by offering high-quality promotional items paired with what Chenevert calls “old-school customer service”—personal, attentive, and tailored to the individual needs of each client. Whether serving large corporations or neighborhood businesses, the company brings the same level of professionalism and enthusiasm to every project.
The Heights holds a special place in the heart of Green Swallow Creations. Chenevert, who lives and works in the area, says being part of such a tight-knit, supportive community has shaped both his business philosophy and personal values.
were interested in forming a group to buy the property.
“We had very compatible objectives,” Frater said.
“Although they would certainly use it much, much more than we would, they were also just as interested in preserving the building and dedicated to promoting the arts.”
As the discussions began, so did a new partnership.
Frater utilized his professional financial expertise to help structure the partnership with the Saengerbund and develop a plan to raise the capital needed to initially buy the property in the Saengerbund’s name, with the intention to ultimately re-sell it to their newly-formed nonprofit, the Houston Center for Musical Arts, a 501(c)(3). The Houston Center for Musical
Arts (HCMA) was created to provide an unparalleled venue for acoustic musical arts and excellence in performance arts in Houston. The organization’s mission is ‘enriching Houston’s cultural landscape with purposely-built space for
and making music accessible to all’.
A 2022 feasibility study revealed that more than 70 Houston small to mediumsized musical organizations
were in need of affordable, acoustically-suitable spaces for their performances. Several Heights organizations collaborated to step up and transform this historical space into a rare venue; rare not to just the city or state, as there are only five such caliber comparables in North America. Nashville, Toronto, Brooklyn, Chicago and Pittsburg boast historical architecture that has be preserved and developed for the sole purpose of promoting this kind of musical excellence.
Once initial purchase capital was secured and the HCMA non-profit established, the principals set out to find the best individual to manage the organizational challenge. Sheri Suarez Foreman, a leader in the industry and someone with exceptional experience with the arts, was pulled from her planned retirement to lead the charge.
“I’ve been in non-profit in several different capacities for about 30 years,” Foreman said. “I’ve been a chief operating officer, a chief executive officer, a chief development officer, and I’ve been in the arts and in education. I’ve worked in Colorado and in Texas and even worked at the Alley Theatre.”
Foreman’s reputation precedes her. She still isn’t sure how the team acquired her resume, but it was a happy coincidence.
“We were very, very lucky,” said Frater. Foreman now serves as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for HCMA. Right now the major focus is on fundraising to pay off the loans (an estimated $5 million) and move ownership
completely over to HMCA. At that time, the exceedingly overdue renovations can begin. HCMA will likely engage a professional fundraising company to help raise the capital for the needed renovations, which will be quite a substantial undertaking comparatively. HCMA has been just as deliberate and thoughtful with its phase-driven planning to the selection appointment of its board members, each of whom brings a special level of expertise to the development project.
Frater and Foreman hope to have the funds to transfer ownership, in its entirety, to HCMA by the end of the year. Foreman said that donations from benefactors and local organizations have been a critical part of that timeline. This continues to be a work in progress, as the total estimated cost of the renovation project is over $74 million during the next decade, but will inevitably yield a Heights monolith that will benefit the community for many years to come.
In the interim, the Houston Saengerbund is serving as a phenomenal partner and helping to maintain and provide necessary improvements to the existing buildings until renovation begins.
“This way, we can still keep the community involved and acutely aware of our cause,” Foreman said.
You are invited to visit the website for the Houston Center for Musical Arts at https://houstoncma.org for more information and ways to become involved or follow it on Facebook or Instagram, @ houstoncma1.
“I have built meaningful relationships in the community by getting involved locally and helping others any chance I can,” Chenevert told The Leader. “Having had a small retail store in the neighborhood for a few years helped me understand that part of the responsibility of owning a local business in the Heights is helping one another out.”
“It is very tough to own a small business, especially retail or a restaurant here in the Heights” Chenevert continued. “If you, as a consumer, have a favorite place, you need to support it. If we, as residents of the Heights or any neighborhood, want local mom and pop types of businesses to remain open and thrive, we must choose to spend our dollar with them. It
may cost more, be a little less convenient etc., but if we want the backbone of the Heights to remain, it is something as neighbors we must do. After all, it is the mix of neighbors and businesses that make the Heights such a special place.”
From creating custom swag for local nonprofits to outfitting Heights’ businesses with branded apparel and signage, Green Swallow Creations has quietly become a go-to resource in the community. Chenevert’s approach is simple: listen to what the client needs, deliver with excellence, and always find a way to give back.
Having been in the industry for over 25 years, Chenevert shares his thoughts on building a strong business that creates a lasting impact saying, “Be true to your business and understand who and what you are to the community and always help fellow businesses prosper. Also, go out and get involved in your area however you can. For me that has been getting involved with HHA in
many, many ways. This will ultimately help you build the most important piece for any small business and that is customer service. Take care of them, and they will take care of you.”
As the Heights continues to grow and evolve, Green Swallow Creations plans to keep doing what it does best: supporting the people and businesses that make the neighborhood thrive. With a sharp eye for design, a passion for community, and a deep well of experience, Kevin Chenevert and his team are helping build more than brands—they’re helping build connections.
For more information, visit www. greenswallowcreations.com or follow them on social media @greenswallowcreations.
musical performances, fostering a thriving arts community,
HHA, from P. 1
Photo courtesy of HHA
The Houston Heights Association recently presented Green Swallow with the 2024 Corporate Citizen of the Year award.
Submitted image
Green Swallow Creations had the opportunity to assist Houston royalty, Beyonce, by printing her Cowboy Carter halftime show attire for the Houston Texans Christmas game.
Photos by Stephanie Shirley
Spaces on the property currently being used by Opera in
Saengerbund
Current Saengerbund sanctuary space.
Houston Arboretum presents Earth Day Celebration
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Come on out for Earth Day
Celebration at the Houston Arboretum and celebrate the planet earth through art. Join in the free family fun and get outside to learn about the amazing variety of animals, plants, and people that share our planet. Join us for a day of creativity as we explore nature through poetry, drawing, photography, and more. Make your own nature journal, learn from our community partners, go on nature hikes, and enjoy all kinds of Earth-friendly crafts and activities.
You can also enjoy the Houston Monarch Story , a collaboration with the Arboretum, University of Houston Coastal Center, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, Texas Master Naturalist – Galveston Bay Area Chapter, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts.
Inspired by the need to support Monarch butterflies on their mi-
gratory path through Texas, the Houston Monarch Story features striking Monarch sculptures created by artist Michelle Matthews. These larger-than-life sculptures animate the Arboretum’s landscape and highlight the importance of conservation efforts for this iconic species.
The program will be held rain or shine – please dress for the weather. Crafts will be available while supplies last. Earth Day Celebration 2025 is sponsored by ExxonMobil.
The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, mobilized millions of Americans from all walks of life to birth the modern environmental movement. Since then, Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth, activating billions across 192 countries to safeguard the planet and fight for a brighter future.
Relief for Chronic Sinus Infections and Congestion
A runny or stuffy nose, nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell, and facial sinus pressure — these lingering, unwelcome symptoms not only impact the way you feel, but also likely indicate a more serious problem than your common cold or allergies. Recurring or chronic sinus infections where you have more than three sinus infections per year or one chronic infection lasting more than three months causes the spaces inside your nose (sinuses) to become inflamed and swollen, which can lead to drainage, mucus build-up, loss of smell, difficulty breathing, facial pain or a headache.
Understanding the causes of recurring or chronic sinus problems and when to seek relief from a health care provider can help better manage frequency of your sinus issues or how to avoid them all together.
Dr. Omar Ahmed, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist at Houston Methodist Hospital, says it’s common to see the cold virus leading to sinus infections, but there are also other causes many don’t realize could also be triggering sinus problems, such as underlying allergies, tooth infections, and increased pollution exposure.
“When you have pro-
longed inflammation of your sinus membranes, or chronic sinusitis, it can cause drainage issues, leading to severe impairment in quality of life including higher rates of depression, sleep disturbances, exercise intolerance, and decreased ability to breathe through your nose,” said Ahmed. “All of that pressure and mucus build-up causing inflammation, leads to germs being trapped and worsens the problem, leaving you feeling miserable.”
Causes for sinus infections
The cold virus, which settles into the sinuses and causes inflammation, is the most frequent culprit of acute sinusitis. Certain conditions like allergies or environmental pollutants, asthma, respiratory infections, weakened immune systems, nasal anatomy such as a deviated septum, or tooth infections also can be contributing factors for recurring infections, so it’s important that patients are evaluated to address not just the sinusitis symptoms, but the cause.
“If you are experiencing three or four sinus infections a year or prolonged sinus symptoms lasting more than three months, that’s a sign you may have a more serious problem, and some treatment options like antibiotics, which can impact your
natural biome and good bacteria, may not be the best option for you anymore,” said Ahmed. “Connecting with an ENT specialist for a comprehensive evaluation can help tailor a treatment plan that’s right for you, especially if you’re having recurring symptoms that may require diagnostic testing such a mucous culture, allergy scan or a CT scan of the sinuses.”
Treatment for chronic sinusitis
A combination of the following treatments may solve or alleviate sinus infections or congestion:
Home remedies: using a saline rinse regularly, inhaling warm water vapor, applying a warm compress and staying hydrated.
Medications: over-thecounter products like a nasal spray and nasal decongestants may help with stuffiness. Antibiotics prescribed by your physician can help fight bacterial infections or topical or oral decongestants may ease sinus pressure.
Office procedures: procedures to treat both recurring or chronic sinusitis may be recommended. Balloon sinuplasty, turbinate reduction or ablation to the nerves of the
nose are just a few options that your ENT specialist may suggest based on the severity of your symptoms. Surgery: sinus surgery may be recommended to open up the nasal passages
Comprehensive care and relief If you’re suffering from sinus pain, schedule an appt with a specialist who can help explore different treatment options to ease your symptoms. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ent-central for more information, or to schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor, call 713.441.1ENT (1368).
4501 Woodway Dr., Houston, 77024
Alternate entrance: 120 West Loop North, Houston, 77024 (between Post Oak and Woodway)
COST: Free to the public
MORE: Go to https://houstonarboretum.org/earth-day-celebration/ to learn about the event.
PARKING: Free parking will be available at the Arboretum’s 610 and Woodway Entrances until 2 pm. Parking is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Photo courtesy of Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Evelyn Merz, Michelle Matthews Earth Day celebration
THE FRONT PORCH –
Time to take down my National Hug a Newsperson Day (April 4, it didn’t work) flag, just like my National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day (April 2) flag, and put up the Lone Star flag. Why? Because April 21 is ap proaching. I can see you are new to Texas, Pilgrim, so let me briefly explain why we celebrate that date. It’s San Jacinto Day, those 19 minutes in 1836 when the Texians – as they were then called – beat Santa Anna and his Mexican Army and won Texas’s inde pendence. It’s why living here means Spanish is only our unofficial language, you don’t need a passport to go back and visit your family in Detroit and why some of our better restaurants are Tex-Mex and not Mex-Tex.
THE TOPICS. Days of twins and roses
Lynn Ashby Columnist
Italians, Poles, Yankees, all unwashed and unshaved, their long hair and beards and mustaches matted, their clothes in tatters and plastered with mud. A more savage-looking band could scarcely have been assembled.”
You may already know about previous battles in the Texas Revolution. I think Teslas should sport a bumper sticker: “The Alamo Was Defended by Government Workers.” So let’s consider the Battle of San Jacinto and some of the odder aspects. It is April 21, 1836. The rag-tag Texian Army has been retreating eastward. They were a sorry-looking lot. A witness that morning
Gen. Sam Houston’s 783 soldiers came from 24 states, 11 countries, and Texas. The only native Texians were 30 Tejanos from San Antonio, led by Don Erasmo Seguin, whose father was the alcalde (mayor) of San Antonio. Since none of the troops wore a uniform, and most of the Tejanos didn’t speak English, Houston was afraid they would be mistaken for Santa Anna’s troops,
Houston ordered them to stay back and guard the supply wagons and ambulances.
Seguin replied: “We certainly did not join your army, General, to ride herd on sick folks. We men from Bexar have more grievances to settle with the Santanistas than anyone else, for we have suffered the most from them. We want to fight!” Houston replied, “Spoken like a man.” They took their place in line. True story: To differentiate his troops from the enemy, Seguin had his men put a playing card in their hat bands, but he didn’t have enough cards to go around. I suspect Seguin told the captured Santa Anna afterwards, “Never take on anyone not playing with a full deck.”
The battle lasted 19 minutes. Only two Texians were killed and 30 wounded. To be fair, the Texians were helped by lookouts in the San Jacinto Monument, the tallest free standing monument in the world and it is taller than the Washington monument. And, of course, from the deadly blasts from the nearby anchored U.S. Texas.
This brings us to “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” In 1835 Emily West, a free wom-
an of color, was contracted in New York by James Morgan to work as an indentured servant for one year in Texas. On April 16, 1836, West and other residents were kidnapped by Mexican cavalry. West was forced to travel with Santa Anna and was entertaining him in his tent at San Jacinto, and he thus was, uh, distracted. The self-described Napoleon of the West met his own Waterloo due to the charms of Emily. Maybe. Historians say the Emily-and-Santa Anna story is probably false.
As for the song, it was first published in 1855 as a tune in a minstrel show. The singer yearned for “a yellow girl” (a light-skinned bi-racial woman). The lyrics were later changed to “yellow rose.” In the 20th Century the song returned to life and members of the Western Writers of America chose it as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. The most popular version was by Mitch Miller, whose version reached No. 1 in the U.S. in 1955. Our last story for my flag to celebrate is a mystery. The Twin Sisters were the two pieces of artillery the Texas Army had at San Jacinto.
They were an engraved gift from the folks of Cincinnati and were shipped by sea to Brazoria. The cannons were named “Twin Sisters” for the twin daughters of Dr. Charles Rice who were on board the ship. At the battle an impatient Houston gave the order to his artillerymen: “Halt! Halt! Now is the critical time! Fire away! God damn you, fire! Aren’t you going to fire at all?” Boom. Then their fate gets murky. Here’s the version I like best: After the end of the Civil War, in August of 1865 five discharged Rebs returning from Galveston by train got off in Houston, and one of them, 19-year-old Henry North Graves, spotted some confiscated Confederate weapons in a pile earmarked for destruction. In the pile Graves found the engraved Twin Sisters. Graves and four companions decided to save the Sisters. As one of them remarked, “We’ll bury them so deep no damned Yankee will ever find them.”
That night, joined by a black man named Dan, they stole the cannons, burned the wood and leather attachments, then buried the barrels near a bayou. That is the last time the Sisters were seen. In 1895
Graves and two of his old diggers returned to the bayou’s banks to retrieve the cannon. No luck. Graves came back as late as 1920 but could find nothing. I wrote about all of this back in 1982, and George Brown (of Brown & Root) called and said, “Wonder if a reward might help the hunt?” “It would,” I agreed. “How about $2,500?” he said. “How about $25,000?” Pause. “All right.” Brown insisted on anonymity, but there were no takers. So perhaps the Twins are simply awaiting Houston’s next orders, “Fire away! God damn you, aren’t you going to fire at all?” Run up the flag.
Ashby celebrates at ashby2@ comcast.net
Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents at editor@theleadernews. com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
Fair Housing is Everyone’s Right: H-GAC reminds residents to stay informed under Fair Housing Acts
COMMUNITY REPORTS
April is National Fair Housing Month, and the Houston-Galveston Area Council urges all residents, both home buyers and renters, to be aware of their rights under the Fair Housing acts.
The Texas Fair Housing Act and the Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) protect Texans from discriminatory housing practices in the sale, rental, and financing of homes as well as in the purchase of insurance. Protection from discrimination in these acts is based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, or familial status, which includes pregnant women and the presence of children under age 18 in the household.
What does this mean?
The following actions in the sale or rental of housing or mortgage lending violate the Federal and Texas Fair Housing Acts when based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.
In the Sale & Rental ofHousing
Refuse to rent or sell housing
• Refuse to negotiate for housing
Advertise housing to preferred groups of people only
Show apartments or homes in certain neighborhoods only
• Say that housing is unavailable for inspection, sale, or rental when in fact it is available Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for the sale or rental of a dwelling
Earth Month 2025: Where to securely donate devices to curb e-waste
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Humanity produces more than 60 million tons of e-waste globally, yet only 22 percent of it is recycled. National nonprofit Compudopt, based in the Heights, s making it easy for everyone to responsibly recycle their used electronics to be repurposed for good.
Throughout April, community members can donate their devices at: Micro Center Stores – Donations accepted at any of its 28 U.S. locations. Eligible devices will be refurbished and distributed to families for free, while non-eligible devices will be recycled. (YOUR location: 5305 S Rice Ave, Houston, TX 77081) Compudopt Warehouses – Compudopt accepts devices yearround and offers a free scheduled pickup for donations of over 25 devices. (YOUR location: 1602 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77009) By donating devices to Compudopt, communities can reduce e-waste while helping bridge the digital divide. Learn more about Compudopt’s commitment to a greener and brighter future at compudopt.org/earth-month.
Provide different housing services or facilities
Deny access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing
• Refuse to make certain modifications or accommodations for persons with a mental or physical disability, which could include charging a pet fee for a service animal or refusing to assign a nearby parking space for a resident who has a mobility challenge.
InMortgageLending
• Refuse to make a mortgage loan
• Refuse to provide information regarding loans
Impose different terms or conditions on a loan, such as different interest rates, points, or fees
Deny property insurance
Conduct property appraisals in a discriminatory manner
Refuse to purchase a loan
Set different terms and conditions for purchasing a loan
Know Your Rights & Take Action
If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, resources are available:
• Texas Fair Housing Act: Learn more from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) at https:// www.tdhca.texas.gov/programs/fair-housing-program
Filing a Complaint:
No money wanted or needed at the Earth Day Barter Fair
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Earth Day Barter Fair scheduled for April 26, 2025, 1-4 p.m., at Live Oak Friends Meeting
Looking for a family friendly Earth Day event with live music, activities, education on making your yard more welcoming to nature plus a plant and seed swap and an opportunity to barter something you no longer need for something more appealing? Then come to Live Oak Friends Meeting, 1318 West 26th Street, Houston, TX 77008 between 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 for their biannual Quaker Barter Fair. The event is held outdoors. A rain date has been set for
UMC, from P. 1
toring several diverse congregations—including a predominantly Honduran immigrant church in southeast Houston. But it wasn’t until joining St. Stephen’s that he found a place he and his family could call home.
“I have loved the congregations I’ve been involved with, but St. Stephen’s was… is… home,” he shared. “There’s something incredibly authentic about this place. The people, the mission, the energy—it felt right from the beginning.” Comstock is focused on connection in a disconnected world.
“This church is thinking deeply about how to be a positive part of this community,” he said. “God is at work in our community. So how do we, as a church, be a part of that?
How do we not just exist here, but actively make life better for the people around us?”
He emphasized the importance of reaching a wide range of age groups.
“We have every generation,
May 3, from 1-4 p.m. The Barter Fair offers the community an opportunity to share in the practice of the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, stewardship and earth care. It creates a space to practice thinking together in a new way about how we place value on objects and services within our community.
To get involved, just come. Bring a table, shelf, rug or blanket to display your goods or a sign that describes your service(s). Bring some food to share, if you wish. CHILDREN ARE WELCOME! Children are often the best models of how this can work. They have the ability to add value to an item by describing potential uses, and the creativity to negotiate three-way trades.
every stage of life represented on any given Sunday,” he said. “That’s rare. It’s a blessing and a responsibility. We have to serve them all.”
But spiritual growth at St. Stephen’s extends far beyond Sunday services.
“We’re working hard to create opportunities for both adults and kids to engage in meaningful ways,” Comstock explained. “You can’t expect everyone to connect with God the same way. So, we try to offer as many paths as we can.”
Among those efforts is a monthly Parent’s Night Out, where parents can drop off their kids for supervised fun while they enjoy a few hours to themselves.
“It’s not just a babysitting service,” he said. “It’s a gift of time—for couples to reconnect, for parents to breathe.”
He joked that he once used that time to assemble his daughter’s IKEA bed during a move-in rush. “I only had three hours, and it was me, a pile of Allen wrenches, and a dream,” he laughed.
Another creative initiative is Messy Church, a 90-minute,
There will be a designated area for “free” items that you are willing to give to whomever wants them. Visitors may then use such items to barter and trade with if they wish. At the end of the day, whatever is left on the free table will be donated to a local charity.
No money will be exchanged for services or goods. The purpose of this event is to challenge us to care for the earth by practicing community sharing rather than focusing on individual acquisitions.
For more information: https:// friendshouston.org/events/quakerbarter-fair-to-celebrate-earth-day. Live Oak Friends Meeting is located at 1318 W 26th St, Houston, TX 77008.
volunteer-supported evening for kids that includes crafts, play, and a short spiritual message.
“It’s organized chaos—very intentional and structured around how we best help kids understand life and faith in a way that’s natural to them,” he said. “Kids don’t need long sermons. They need safe spaces to explore their faith through their senses, their creativity, and their friendships.”
In addition, St. Stephen’s offers Family Worship—a casual, interactive service with breakfast and craft stations— geared toward families looking for a relaxed way to connect with faith.
“It’s like faith meets pancakes,” Comstock said. “And sometimes, a good pancake is all you need to start a meaningful conversation about God.”
Comstock is equally committed to adult engagement.
“We even have a small group that meets at Great Heights Brewing Company every other week,” he said. “It’s less about me talking and more about asking questions
love to race.” When nagging knee pain led every doctor to advise her to return only when she could no longer walk, Honig refused to accept those limitations.
A nationwide search brought her to Dr. Richard Berger, an orthopedic surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Chicago. Using a minimally invasive procedure that preserves muscles, tendons, and ligaments, Berger gave Honig new hope.
“People shouldn’t have to relinquish their dreams without a fight,” he says. “I told Caryn I would help her continue running marathons— she’s already done that by running three marathons after knee replacement. I’m thrilled that she has her sights set on Boston.”
The Comeback
Berger’s technique involves minimal cutting of surrounding tissues, enabling a faster recovery and less scar tissue. Honig left the hospital on the same day as her surgery and, under the guidance of her personal trainer, Dr. Tyler
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that spark meaningful conversations. It’s about faith in the real world.”
The church is also deeply embedded in the local community. Beyond Sunday services, its facilities host a wide range of groups including
Humphrey, worked tirelessly to regain her running form.
“Caryn deserves the ultimate respect,” Humphrey says. “She has worked so hard to rehab her knee and ensure she’s in top shape.”
Since undergoing partial knee replacement, Honig has run five full marathons and qualified for the 2025 Boston Marathon. “I’m hoping to be the first woman to complete Boston after a knee replacement,” she says. “I’ll be joining around 10,000 other women runners, many of whom are also over 50, but as far as I know, none of them have had a knee replaced.”
Running for a Higher Purpose
Honig’s drive to keep running goes well beyond the personal thrill of racing. When her father died by suicide in 2022, her loss fueled a broader mission to
Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, a local theater troupe, a woodworkers guild, and music groups.
“This building doesn’t belong to us,” he said. “We’re stewards of it. And the best
support suicide prevention, education, and awareness programs in Houston. She founded “Poppy’s Run for Life 5K & 1K” and has since raised more than $200,000 for two local organizations providing suicide prevention services: the Montrose Center and Alexander JFS Houston.
“At this point, I run for those who can’t,” Honig says. “I’m dedicating each mile in Boston to someone who has died by suicide. I’ll have their names written on my arm. The first mile will be in memory of my grandfather, and the last 1.2 miles will be for my dad.” Honig says her father’s memory drives her every step, compelling her to keep pushing her limits and spotlight the importance of mental health resources.
A Trailblazer Across the Finish
With more than 47 mara -
way to honor that is to open the doors wide.”
The Johnson Memorial School, a preschool for threeand four-year-olds, has served local families for over 50 years.
“It’s a huge part of our identity,” he said. “It’s not just childcare—it’s ministry, it’s education, it’s communitybuilding.”
Even the Waltrip High School football team held their banquet at the church.
“That’s the kind of connection we want,” he said. “We want to be a space that feels like home, even for people who might not sit in a pew on Sunday.”
He concluded with a reflection on what makes St. Stephen’s and its neighborhood so special:
“This is the first place that really feels like home. Garden Oaks and Oak Forest have an unparalleled sense of connection and community. And we’re just getting started.” For more information on Pastor Trey, church services, or community programs, visit https://stshtx.org.
thons under her belt—plus countless half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks—Honig shows no sign of slowing down. Her upcoming attempt to break new ground at the Boston Marathon signals not just a victory for one runner, but a testament to the power of medical innovation and unyielding perseverance.
“I’m running because I love it,” Honig says. “I’m running because I found a way to keep going when everything said I couldn’t. And I’m running for every person who needs hope.” As more women over 50 take on the Boston Marathon each year, Honig’s journey stands out. She aims to remind everyone that where medical hurdles once meant the end of an athletic career, determination and the right care can allow runners to cross the finish line—for themselves and for those they run to honor.
Photo courtesy of St. Stephen’s UMC
‘Messy Church’ has a brief message for children, then it affords the time for kids to just be kids.
Two separate fatal weekend crashes under investigation
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Police are investigating two unrelated weekend crashes in northwest Houston that left two men dead. The first incident took place on Saturday (April 5) at approximately 8 a.m. on the North Freeway; the second occurred early Monday morning (April 7) near the intersection of East TC Jester Boulevard and Ella Boulevard.
In the first crash, Houston Police Department (HPD) Vehicular Crimes Division officials say a male pedestrian was attempting to cross the main lanes of the freeway near the 4400 block of North Interstate Highway 45 when a white GMC Sierra traveling northbound struck him. The driver stopped and remained at the scene; first responders from the Houston Fire Department pronounced the pedestrian deceased. Investigators found no evidence of impairment in the driver. The identity of the pedestrian is
pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. The second fatal crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Monday, April 7, in the 2000 block of East TC Jester Boulevard. According to HPD Vehicular Crimes Division officials, a 35-yearold male driver was behind the wheel of a blue Jeep Wrangler traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes and then left the roadway. The Jeep entered a parking lot, collided with a large Conex shipping container, and flipped onto its driver’s side. The driver, who police say was not wearing a seatbelt, was partially ejected and died at the scene. There were no other occupants or vehicles involved. The man’s identity is pending notification of family members.
Both investigations remain open. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division.
REVIEW
Is “Postcard From Earth” even a movie?
By ELLIOTT STEWART Youth Movie/TV Critic
I’m on a flight leaving the beautiful city of Las Vegas, and about to arrive home in Houston. Vegas was pretty much what I had expected -slot machines stacked up and down each and every hallway, and the sweet smell of second-hand smoke following me like some sort of Las Vegas spirit. However, something that I had no expectations for was the Vegas Sphere, one of the largest LED lights displays in the world, containing sentient robots, futuristic displays of luminance, and one of the largest movie theaters on the planet. A movie theater meant for one movie, Postcard From Earth
Postcard From Earth, directed by Darron Arronofsky, is a spectacle of an experience, one that can only be watched on a screen so large that it is nearly all-consuming. If you look to your left, Postcard From Earth; your right, Postcard From Earth; even a look behind you can’t offer a departure from the film. It swallows you in it’s size alone, almost stun-locking you in sheer amazement, making one forget about how what you’re really watching, is a glo-
Elliott StEwart Youth Movie Critic
and leave. We even see scenes
rified PSA.
The film follows two space explorers as they learn about, and come to understand, the beauty of Earth and how humans are killing it. This is interspliced with video footage of things ranging from nature, cities, and even deep space. It’s difficult to gather my thoughts about Postcard From Earth because it feels like I’m watching two films at the same time. One beautiful and stunning piece of art, only meant to be showcased on the absolute limit of movie theatre and film capabilities. The other, a stiffly written, stiffly acted, and confusing mess of a movie. The latter film being no better showcased than in the final minutes. Instead of doing what other ‘pro-Earth’ films do, and directly calling the viewer to do whatever they can to save the planet, Postcard From Earth comes to the conclusion that Earth is beyond saving, and the only real shot it has at survival is if all humans get up
of sci-fi ships taking off, and a new civilization being created, as the modern day Adam and Eve are chosen. This comes out of nowhere, going from what seemed to be a very simple, optimistic showcase of the stunning things our planet has to offer, to a sci-fi epic about humans abandoning Earth for its own good. It comes across as bizarre at best, and borderline depressing at worst. The ending only really serves to leave a sad stain on what was otherwise a pretty joyous experience.
Another strange decision made here was the choice of director. To be fair, I haven’t seen any of his films but Darren Aronkfsky seems to specialize in films that showcase the utter depths of what humanity has to offer Case in point, this film was produced right after Aronkfsy’s The Whale, a story of a man so morbidly obese, he can barely move or breathe. Why he was chosen to direct a film about the peaks of life instead of its depths is beyond me. Don’t get me wrong, there are some stunning shots in here, and the overall cinematography is oozing with confidence. Except, a lot of the darker elements of the film (and overall what
Aronofsky seems to be good at) don’t get enough time to fully flourish. Usually they’re just pushed aside so the audience can marvel at more stunning shots of nature and whatnot. I don’t know if this was caused by some sort of studio interference, or if there wasn’t a solid vision going in, but this strange juggling of tones only adds to the weird decisions made throughout the film. To wrap it up, I can’t help but gawk at Postcard From Earth, because it is, objectively, a beautiful piece of art. It’s only once you look past the beauty that cracks start to form, and these cracks are all over once you look for them. This is normally where I’d try to make some type of metaphor about how these cracks can be found on our planet as well, but I haven’t got it in me. A half-baked metaphor serves right for a half-baked film, I suppose.
Elliott Stewart is a Heightsbased youth movie critic who hopes to direct movies himself when he grows up. In the meantime, he watches, analyzes, and critiques movie classics as well as current cinema releases. Elliot’s parents occasionally allow him to watch and critique R-rated films under their supervision.
Easter egg hunts, pet adoption specials and more at Houston SPCA’s Spring Open House
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Houston SPCA invites the community to a fun-filled day on Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., including several Easter egg hunts for ages 0–5 years old. The egg hunts will be held at Noon and 2 p.m. All young egg hunters should bring their baskets as they search for the vast array of colorful eggs filled with finger puppets, bubbles, and other non-candy treats!
In addition to the Easter egg hunts, there will be other exciting activities as well as pet adoption specials.
Easter Egg Hunts: Noon & 2 p.m.
First-come, first-served for ages 0–2 & 3–5 yrs. Grab your little one’s best basket before
heading to this fun, age-appropriate egg hunt! (Location: Houston SPCA Dog Parks)
Barn Chats: 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Meet the award-winning Equine and Farm Animal Team, watch demonstrations with a rescued equine, and hear their rehabilitation story. (Location: Houston SPCA Rescue Arena)
Wildlife Chats: All Day
Meet a wildlife expert and ambassador birds to learn about the more than 16,000 ill, orphaned, or injured wild animals who come into the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center annually.
Kitten Nursery Feedings: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Watch orphaned baby kittens receive lifesaving care, including around-the-clock feedings, during a “pop up” version of the neonatal unit inside a glass-walled room.
7Brew Coffee
Stop by for a free tasty lemonade, iced coffee, or tea; Eureka Heights Beer samplings (must be 21 years old) until 2 p.m.; free balloon animals and face painting, plus music from 95.7 The Spot and Kona Ice will be available.
Prize Wheel Spin and Win!
Cool prizes include pet water fountains and Houston SPCA swag. Giveaways from VCA Animal Hospital, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and GFL Environmental will also be on site.
Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA
Art Valet: First Saturday, Second Chances: Houston’s art scene shines
On Saturday, I’ll be hosting the rescheduled First Saturday Arts Market, which I had to postpone due to the threat of horrific weather. Naturally, the promised storms held off— save for some wind gusts and drizzle—just long enough to make me question the reliability of forecasting. Like watching water boil, they finally arrived with copious amounts of lightning, thunder booms, and light street flooding the hour I left the Heights. I caught the tail end of it, though, and oddly felt better—vindicated for trusting my gut to delay.
In contrast, this Saturday promises the polar opposite: clear skies, cool and mild. The perfect day for outdoor activities, and there are plenty. I thank you in advance for swinging by W. 19th Street for the vibrant First Saturday Arts Market. Here are the details: Saturday, April 12, open 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (note the early closing time), 540 W. 19th St, Houston, TX 77008. Preview the returning and new artists at www.1stSatArtMarket.com.
On that note, there are other events I had planned on sharing with you and with the weather so perfect, you can do it all! I would if I weren’t playing mister host.
Erin Dorn recently reached out to share news about her husband Kent Dorn’s latest exhibition, noting his admiration for The Leader. Thanks, Kent! The couple, Oak Forest residents for over 15 years, have built their art-related careers inside Houston’s loop—Kent as the exhibition designer at the Menil Collection, and Erin as the founder of Seven Sisters Gallery in the Fourth Ward, opened about a year and a half ago. She highlighted that Kent’s current show, featuring work
Taste
Mitch cohEn Art Columnist artvalet@gmail.com
created in their Oak Forest garage, is now on view at her gallery.
Seven Sisters art gallery in Houston’s Fourth Ward presents “Garage Days,” a solo exhibition of drawings by Houston-based artist Kent Dorn. Featuring works from 2014 created in his Oak Forest garage studio, the show includes cardboard pieces with acrylic washes and carbon paper transfers of found photos, reflecting Dorn’s South Carolina youth, alongside “The Small Hours,” a painting of a young man at a window. Kent, who has lived in Oak Forest with his wife, Erin, for over 15 years, holds a BFA from Anderson College (1999) and an MFA from the University of Houston (2005). An exhibition designer at the Menil Collection, he has shown widely, with work in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s permanent collection.
Seven Sisters, located at 805 Rhode Place Ste. 500, Houston, TX 77019, was founded by Erin in November 2023, showcasing fine art, craft, design, and projects inspired by the Pleiades star cluster’s expansive energy. Housed in an industrial warehouse in the historic Fourth Ward near downtown and Buffalo Bayou, the gallery reflects an ethos of collaboration and storytelling. Erin,
Live concert with Love Street beer branding 2024.
with two decades in the arts from PR at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, to gallery direction, partners with Tom Raith, whose background in banking, military service, and environmental science informs the gallery’s evolving program, blending art with themes of nature, design, and
Brewing Co. on Saturday, April 12, 2025! Wilderado, Moon Taxi, and Alex Lambert are bringing the tunes, but the art’s the real buzz this year.
humanity’s surroundings.
Kent’s work will be on display through April 19, 2025, the gallery hours are Wed., - Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Find both on the web; https://sevensisters.gallery/ and https:// kentdorn.com.
The Love Street Music & Arts Fest is rocking Karbach
Karbach’s spotlighting local Houston talent with free booths for artists like Rachel Goodman, Lotus Ceramics and Jon Garner, plus a live mural by David E. Maldonado— aka @capdavjon. This guy’s a Houston fave, known for bold, city-vibe pieces, and he’ll be painting live from 3:00 p.m. at the Biergarten. Expect a great mix of art, music, and Love Street beer. Tickets $40 advance, $45 day-of; VIP’s $150 with extras like free food. All ages welcome—kids under 10 free with a guardian. Tickets are on sale now—don’t sleep on it! Karbach Brewing Co., 2032 Karbach Street, Houston, TX 77092. https:// www.karbachbrewing.com/
Pablo Cardoza Gallery escaped my radar until last year. Saturday night they present “The Hand of God, with a Paring Knife,” a solo exhibition of recent works by Houston-born artist London Ham, running April 12th to June 1st, 2025, at 803 William St. #3, Houston. The show features algorithmdriven compositions blending human and machine creativity, with an opening reception on Saturday, April 12th, from 6-9pm. Gallery hours are Saturday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m., or by appointment. Wherever you land Saturday, make sure you get some sunshine and get your art on!
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
of the Nation, a culinary event for a cause, returns
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Co-chaired by five award-winning chefs, including Top Chef finalists and Michelin Star restaurants, the ultimate foodie experience supports the No Kid Hungry campaign’s work to end childhood hunger
Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry, the country’s premier culinary event for a cause, will return to Houston on Thursday, April 24th, at Silver Street Studios. The event brings together over 40 of the best chefs, restauranteurs, tastemakers, and mixologists from around Houston for one evening to serve guests scrumptious bite-sized
fare, craft cocktails, and delectable desserts, all in support of No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America.
The highly decorated tastemakers in attendance include Top Chef finalists Evelyn Garcia
Pand Dawn Burrell, Michelin Star restaurants such as Truth BBQ and BCN Taste & Tradition, and multiple James Beard Award nominees and winners. Taste of the Nation provides guests with an exclusive opportunity to sample Houston’s top culi-
nary talent while supporting its mission to ensure all kids have access to the food they need to thrive.
This year’s ultimate foodie experience was crafted in part by five event co-chairs and award-winning chefs from around the city, including Ryan Pera (Chef and Owner of Cultivare), Evelyn Garcia (Chef and Co-Owner of J Ū N), Becky Masson (Pastry Chef and Owner of Fluff Bake Bar), Alba Huerta (Bartender and Owner of Julep), and Leonard Botello IV (Pitmaster and Owner of Truth BBQ). These five extraordinary tastemakers worked with the Taste of the Nation producers to bring every cuisine and style of cooking to this event, from savory BBQ staples to upscale farmto-table dishes. Between
bites, guests will cleanse their palates with curated, savory sips by celebrated local mixologists, winemakers, and brewers.
“Helping No Kid Hungry raise funds and awareness to end childhood hunger is a winwin for all of us,” expressed featured Chef and Houston event Co-Chair Becky Masson.
“I can’t think of a better way to guarantee a stronger tomorrow than to ensure every child has the food they need today.”
In addition to the delicious food and drinks, there is entertainment to round out the evening experience, such as music and interactive games. Guests will also experience live cooking and mixology demonstrations featuring top talent from around town. This event is a great way to swap out the usual happy hour with
Wimberley Arts Fest 2025
icture yourself alongside a peaceful meandering river, enjoying fine art & live music, kicking back in the sunsprinkled shade of an ancient pecan orchard. It’s not a dream. It’s Wimberley Arts Fest 2025!
The venue is the Waters Point Resort, a gem on the Blanco River in our picturesque little town. Join us to enjoy a beautiful, peaceful slice of the Texas Hill Country.
Now in its 18th year, Wimberley Arts Fest, a festival organized by the Wimberley Valley Art League, has gained a national reputation as a fine arts festival organized by artists. There’s plenty of shade, plenty of onsite parking, great food and drinks, and continuous live music throughout the festival.
Around 100 artists from across the country are in their studios putting the finishing touches on their artwork to bring to the show. This year, artists will join us from 14 different states. Enjoy the works of great painters, potters, porcelain artists, photographers, wood workers, sculptors, jewelers and more, as you stroll the beautiful grounds. There is sure to be something for everyone. Take your time and spend a day meeting and chatting with the artists and meander through the pecan grove to get a glimpse of their beautiful work.
Live music from nine talented local and regional bands will play throughout both days. From Jazz to Americana to Country and Folk music, there’s something for every musical taste. The musicians who’ll be on hand are
Gerry Burns -White Shoes, the Hot Texas Swing Band, Elliott Rogers & Friends, Andrew Hardin, The Ash Family, Ike Eichenberg, Gypsy Moon, Eric Hokkanen & Friends, and the Jazz Messenger Boys. There will be plenty of comfortable seating if you want to sit back, relax and just listen to the music, or listen as you enjoy your leisurely stroll through the festival. For classic car lovers, the Twelve Kings Car Club of Wimberley will be on hand for a classic car show on the same grounds throughout the day on Saturday. You can see pristine, restored cars of all makes and models and meet the folks who lovingly restore and care for them. This will be a weekend of fun that you don’t want to miss. We hope to see you on April 26th and 27th to experience all of this for yourself. The festival hours are from 10 till 6:00 on Saturday, and 11 till 4 on Sunday. Located at the Waters Point Resort, 13401 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley, Texas. Waters Point Resort also has cabins onsite, available for the weekend. Book one today and you’ll be just steps from the festival. https://thewaterspoint.com/ The festival is free to the public. There is a $10 parking fee for on-site parking. Free shuttles will also run continuously throughout the festival to nearby parking areas and Wimberley Square. You can also take a free shuttle from the Wimberley Community Center on Saturday. For more information, visit https:// wimberleyartsfest.org/
April 24
coworkers or weeknight dinner with friends to enjoy some good food, all while supporting a great cause.
“One in five kids in the U.S. lives in hunger, and in Texas, it’s nearly one in four,” said Debbie Shore, co-founder of Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign. “No Kid Hungry is working to change that by equipping schools and community organizations with the resources they need to connect kids with healthy food. The culinary community has been at the heart of our work from the very beginning, but it will take all of us to make No Kid Hungry a reality. Houston’s Taste of the Nation event is an easy way to give back by sipping and sampling the city’s top culinary creations while helping ensure kids in Texas and across the nation have access to food they need.”
All-Access Tickets give admission to the event 45 minutes early and include a reusable tasting plate, an exclusive bite and beverage pairing, among other benefits. General Admission tickets are also available. This event is expected to sell out. For tickets and pricing, go to NoKidHungry. org/Houston.
Restaurant Lineup
Participating restaurants include 1701 Barbecue, BCN Taste & Tradition, Belly of the Beast, Brett's BBQ Shop, Burmalicious, ChòpnBlọk, Cochinita & co., Coltivare, Dolce Neve, Fluff Bake Bar, Ishtia, Julep, JŪN, Little Rey, LORO – Heights, MAD, Magnol French Baking, Michael's Cookie Jar, PHAT EATERY, The Blind Goat, The Original Ninfa's, Truth BBQ, uchi, uchiko, Underground Creamery, Xalisko Cocina Mexicana, and more!
Photo courtesy of Taste of the Nation
Submitted photos
Kent Dorn’s Untitled (GD #11) (2014), acrylic and carbon transfer on cardboard at Seven Sisters.
David E. Maldonado will be painting live at The Love Street Music & Arts Fest.
