One year after the back-to-back punch of the 2024 spring derecho (May 16, 2024) and Hurricane Beryl (July 8, 2024) knocked out power, spoiled refrigerators and rattled Houstonians’ sense of security, new data and agency warnings show both progress and persistent gaps in the region’s readiness for the 2025 season that began June 1. Kinder Institute numbers paint a mixed picture
A fresh stat sheet from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban
Research found 58 percent of Harris County residents said they felt “somewhat or very well” prepared for disaster, yet most households had taken only about four of ten recommended preparedness actions. Financial resources mattered: higher-income residents not only felt safer, they were safer, reporting more concrete steps such as stocking supplies or owning generators. Concerns over climate change ran even deeper. Nearly 60 percent of respondents said they were “worried, very worried or extremely worried” about its local impact, and more than
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
Casa Ramirez Folk Art Gallery, a downtown Heights Hispanic cultural icon, held a media event earlier this week, announcing its anticipated closure in the spring of 2026 due to its owner’s retirement.
Mission and Early Activism
The gallery is the legacy of Chrissie Dickerson Ramirez and her late husband and social activist, Macario Ramirez. Macario’s father was a craftsman and folk artist who immigrated to San Antonio from Zacatecas, Mexico, inspiring Macario’s passion and mission to preserve his cultural heritage and advocate for equity amidst racial and educational injustices.
While teaching in San Antonio, he began to see how little his heritage
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
For a quarter-century, Sinclair Elementary’s fifth-grade promotion ceremony has ended with one suspenseful moment: the announcement of the Nell Baham Achievement Award. At this year’s festivities, held at Frank Black Middle School, that honor went to Harrison Wall, a Sinclair fifth-grader in Mrs. Chambers’ class who has already racked up commendations in math, science, reading, robotics and athletics.
Wall became the 26th recipient of the prize established in 1999 by the Sinclair PTA to salute retired master teacher Nell Baham, who spent more than half of her 60-year career on Grovewood Lane in the Heights before moving
on to mentor future educators at the University of Houston. The award recognizes “good citizenship, academic excellence and worthy contributions within the community,” criteria Baham still hopes to both reward and instill.
“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right,” Baham told the rising middleschoolers during her annual address. Wall, the son of Eric and Amanda Wall, follows a roster of standout Superstars who have claimed the accolade in recent years.
A legacy that spans six decades
Founded by former PTA president Jill Hlavinka, the award doubles as a living tribute to Baham’s life in educa-
was represented in educational channels and became an activist, working diligently to change that. In the mid70s, he relocated to Houston. He used his affiliation with HISD as a platform for cultural change and awareness. He would even host activist meetings in the back of his original location, located in Houston’s Second Ward in the 1980s.
A Love Story Rooted in Culture
In the 70s, Macario was speaking at an event at the Unitarian Church in Houston.
“It was at a singles group with the church. Macario was giving a presentation on being involved in educational issues with HISD,” Ramirez recalled.
“We met and got to know each other at a social afterwards. Our friendship
By LISA MORALES
The Leader News Contributor
Heights High School student Alyssa Villarreal has officially been named the 2025 Big Squeeze Youth Ambassador by Texas Folklife, earning her spot through talent, perseverance, and a love for the accordion that has taken social media by storm.
Villarreal, a sophomore, first discovered the accordion on YouTube when she stumbled across a video of a young boy playing the instrument. Intrigued, she asked her father if she could have one.
“He told me I had to show I was serious about playing the instrument,” she recalled. Determined, Villarreal downloaded an accordion app on her iPad and practiced every day. After seven months, she had mastered her first song—and her dad purchased her a real accordion. That dedication paid off. In 2024, Villarreal competed in Texas Folklife’s Big Squeeze accordion contest, a prestigious statewide event celebrating young accordionists across genres such as conjunto, Tejano, zydeco, and Cajun music. After winning, she went on to perform in Edinburg, Texas, with a guitar accompanist. It was there she was named the official Big Squeeze Youth Ambassador for 2025.
tion and community service. Even after retiring from Sinclair, Baham remained a fixture in the community and at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, tutoring children and leading ministry programs. She still attends every promotion ceremony and reminds students to “do your very best every day.”
This fall, Wall will join many other past Sinclair graduates at Black Middle School, a Vanguard/Dual Language Magnet Campus, bringing with him the same curiosity and work ethic that earned him his elementary school’s highest student honor.
With fresh inspiration, Sinclair’s newest alumni marched out, ready to test that advice in the next chapter of their academic journeys.
deepened into love and a lifetime partnership. We shared so much passion. When I first began traveling to Mexico with Macario, I was just captivated by the magic that was there; by the beauty, warmth and friendliness of the people and all the cultural traditions. It has been a true pleasure for me, even though I’m not a Latina.”
A Bittersweet Farewell
The announcement of Casa Ramirez’s closure is a doubleedged sword: the end of a cultural growth era on one hand, but also the beginning of a new chapter in Ramirez’s life on the other.
“I’m going to retire from this business that I love so much, effective at the end of the current lease period, which concludes March 31st, 2026,” Ramirez said at the press conference. “As I retire,
I am also retiring the business, Casa Ramirez Folk Art, taking it with me and retaining it for future projects, cultural events and activities in other locations. Operationally, through the end of this year, 2025, Casa Ramirez will continue to operate as a retail establishment and offer the colorful mix of folk art, crafts, works by local artists, and a focus on the vibrant culture and traditions of Mexico, Latin America and the Southwest that we are so well known for and have promoted and held in our hearts for so long.”
Ramirez reflected that, nearly five years after her husband Macario’s death in 2020 and four decades after he founded Casa Ramirez (1985), she has decided to retire. She said she always intended to carry on his legacy, yet—approaching her 79th birthday—
80 percent believed it would hurt their finances, health and quality of life within the next decade.
The institute’s post-storm survey of last year’s derecho and Beryl documented the personal costs of those fears:
• 79 percent of households threw away more than $250 in spoiled food
• 67 percent said their health suffered, most often through poor sleep 53 percent of workers lost income Housing budgets took a beating, too. In a February snapshot, two-thirds of residents said paying the rent or mortgage was at least “a little difficult,” with 76 percent blaming severe-weather damage and 51 percent citing rising insurance costs.
“It only takes one to change a life forever”
As Gulf waters warm, the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region has been staging supplies, tuning up response vehicles and training volunteers.
now seeks a less-structured life with time for travel. Her next focus will be organizing and archiving the couple’s writings, documents and artifacts for their educational and historical value.
A Beacon for Immigrant Communities
At the press announcement, Ramirez was joined by two influential friends and colleagues, Tony Diaz and Maria Baños Jordan, along with staff members.
Diaz—an author, activist and professor—said the Ramirezes truly inspired him. He recalled that seeing his novel The Aztec Love God added to Casa Ramirez’s library alongside renowned Hispanic writers—and giving a bilingual reading there—was
“At the Red Cross we never stop preparing for disasters because we know they can happen anytime, anywhere,” regional CEO Shawn Schulze said. “It’s critical that people make their preparations too. Large disasters are occurring almost continuously, and it only takes one to change someone’s life forever.”
The organization urged families to:
• Draft two plans — an evacuation route and a stayat-home kit able to last several days without utilities.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time warnings and shelter maps.
• Volunteer for roles such as Disaster Action Team members or shelter workers (information at redcross.org/ volunteer).
Public-health officials urge preparation
• Harris County Public Health echoed the call,
deeply moving and helped inspire his community-focused literary project, “Nuestra Palabra.”
“I remember, back in 2012, when Arizona banned Mexican American studies, we were offended, hurt,” Diaz said. “But we decided to come together as a community. We became ‘librotraficantes’ (book smugglers) and organized a six-city bus tour to get the books that were prohibited from the Mexican-American studies curriculum back into underground libraries and community libraries, and we launched it all from right here at Casa Ramirez. We felt brave and inspired.”
Speaking next was Maria Baños Jordan of the Texas Familias Council, also a close colleague and friend to the
she recalled. “I told Macario of the struggle there and of the isolation that so many faced. He encouraged me to keep going, to keep serving. I would visit him several more times before he passed, and I grew to love Casa Ramirez as a second home. He knew that for many of us, this loving, curated space was an intersection of memory, comfort, and hope, where we could just stroll and be who we are without worry. This shop has been a pillar of remembrance and support because Macario and Chrissie knew that people need connection to keep moving forward and to keep memories strong”
Ramirez family. Her council’s mission is to “support families and inspire healthy, connected communities”.
“I shared the stories of years of work with our immigrant community in the communities north of Houston,”
Martha Almaguier, a customer-turned-employee, has worked for the gallery for over a decade and shared what Casa Ramirez meant to her and so many others.
“I met them when I needed to do an ofrenda for my nephew,” she said. Ofrendas are altars created to share memories of deceased loved ones. “I
warning that hurricanes can interrupt medications, flood homes and expose residents to mold or contaminated water.
The agency advised households, especially those with older adults, young children, dis-
abilities or chronic illnesses, to:
1. Build a personalized emergency kit with prescriptions, documents, food
2. Know evacuation zones and shelters in advance — particularly for those who may need special
transportation through the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (call 211 or 877-541-7905, option 4)
3. Make a family communication plan in case members are separated
4. Stay informed via the
fell in love with Ms. Chrissie and Mr. Macario. I didn’t know what I was doing. They took it upon themselves to teach me and help me work through my grief. I’ve been here ever since!”
A Lasting Call to Action
Outlining the plans for her last year in business, Ramirez gave assurances that the fall and Christmas holiday seasons would be robust. The remaining time between next January and March, she said, will be devoted to clearing, closing and cleaning out the 3,000+ square feet of retail space that served as Casa Ramirez’s home since 2004.
“Someone once said, ‘It’s all in your heart, your corazon.’ I feel that I’ve been able to share so much,” Ramirez said. “I hope that others will continue to be inspired by our spirit and dedication to good causes, and will continue to advocate for them. Sí, se puede! (Yes, you can!)”
National Weather Service or readyharris.org. The website also offers multilingual “Disasters and Your Health” booklets, pet-safety tips, and countywide preparedness resources.
A year later, lessons learned — and work ahead
The Kinder Institute’s researchers concluded that “preparedness matters”: residents who felt ready also suffered fewer losses last year. Still, only a slim majority reported confidence, and worries about climate-driven storms continue to rise.
With forecasters predicting another busy season, officials hope the anniversary of 2024’s twin disasters will spur more Houstonians to act.
“Whether it’s replacing batteries in a weather radio or signing up to volunteer, the steps people take today can save lives tomorrow,” Schulze said.
2024 photo by John “Gusty” Gustafson
Speed bumps, indeed! Fallen trees littered streets, damaged power lines, and crushed roofs when Hurricane Beryl swept through Houston a year ago.
Photos by Stephanie Shirley Macario and Chrissie Ramirez seen here in a screen art print displayed at their gallery.
Casa Ramirez Folk Art Gallery contains troves of Hispanic art, books and merchandise. It has also been the embodiment of preserving and protecting Hispanic culture in the community.
Maria Baños Jordan is an educator and founder of Texas Familias Council thanked Chrissie and Macario for all of their contributions and support, saying, “Casa Ramirez has gifted so many of us with the affirmation of where we come from and who we come from.”
We’re here to provide Greater Heights families with high-quality, nationally recognized care:
• Level III Trauma Center
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THE TV – Time to watch the Astros win again. Get out the trash cans. (If you’re not a baseball fan, this makes no sense.) The game is on the usual SCHN channel so I’ll grab the remote and Play Ball! Odd, but I’m getting a “Field of Dreams” test pattern. I check the sked and see the game is on Apple+ which I don’t get. This makes no sense. Some nights, like this one, I sit down to cheer on the local diamond cutters only to find the game is on Netflix or the Icelandic Channel. Putting the games on some obscure channel or cable box, an antenna on the roof, has got to cut down on the viewership. The sponsors know that, so why should they pay the same fee for a smaller number of viewers?
THE TOPICS.
Making the wrong mistake
Lynn Ashby Columnist
We can assume that the dealmakers on both sides of the table in a high-rise Manhattan office building know the art of the deal. They handle billions of dollars and got where they are by succeeding and… Wait. This reminds me of Montreal, CocaCola and, of course, Ross Perot. Maybe these captains of industry aren’t so smart all the time, and in such cases it makes us mere mortals bathe in schadenfreude, a German Secret deodorant, Big Pharma and the NRA lobby. OK, make that the fourth. But our road to glory has racked up a few speeding tickets. Let’s start with Major League Baseball, owned and run by billionaires. The baseball geniuses once decided that Canada needed a major league baseball team, so they created the Montreal Expos. Any players called Exposers had two strikes against them. The team faced other problems. The Canadians called the team Les Expos de Montréal. They wondered why the players sacrificed, wanted to go home, and the puck was white and round. The franchise lasted in the tundra from 1969 until
2004. Or take the nomadic Athletics. The A’s went from Philadelphia to Kansas City to Oakland and are now the Sacramento A’s, soon be the Las Vegas A’s. In another sport, in the late 1960s, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle approached NBC and CBS to see if they wanted to show something called Monday Night Football. Both networks said no. (CBS didn’t want to replace the Doris Day Show.) Monday Night Football became one of the longestrunning, highest-rated sports programs in TV history. Other biz boys have had problems. McDonald’s is the largest chain of fast-food restaurants in the world, with more than 40,000 outlets worldwide. They are hugely successful. Usually. Last year the company hatched a new restaurant format called CosMc’s. It was a McDud. Last week they closed.
We don’t have a monopoly of bad business decisions. A band auditioned at London’s Decca Records hoping to secure a contract. The executive said their sound was no good. (You can see this coming.) The band was eventually signed by Brian Epstein and the Beatles were never heard
from again. 20th Century Fox agreed to take on something George Lucas was peddling called “Star Wars,” but only if Lucas agreed to take a pay cut of $20,000 in exchange for all of the merchandising rights to the movie and all of the sequels after that. There have been nine “Star Wars” earning 20th Century billions. But the company could have raked in even more. Lucas “pay cut” gave him a reported $5.2 billion. The list of bad decisions goes on. In 2000, Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings basically asked Blockbuster to buy Netflix for $50 million. Blockbuster said no. Less than a decade later, Netflix has over 90 million users worldwide and assets worth over $13.5 billion. As for Blockbuster, in 2010 it filed for bankruptcy. In 1979, 23-year-old Bill Gates offered to sell Microsoft to Ross Perot for $40 to $60 million. Perot said it was too steep. Microsoft currently has a market capitalization of around $343 billion. Speaking of Silicone Sins, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak wanted to sell their personal computers, they called Apple, to Atari. No. Atari, meanwhile, is still best known for its Pong.
OPINION.
two issues.
Houston’s short-term rental ordinance is likely not the perfect policy solution, but the city council shouldn’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. The proposed ordinance gets the most important part right. It goes a long way toward allowing the city to deal with the worst actors – the so-called party houses – without placing an overly burdensome mandate on lawful operators.
Nobody seems to be a huge fan of the ordinance.
Neighborhood groups think it doesn’t go far enough, and rental platforms think it goes too far. And that just may be the right balance.
For context, the city of Houston has taken a conservative approach and decided to deal with rental registration
first and put off discussions over zoning issues for the time being. The city may address zoning in the future once the courts have their say on the city of Austin’s ordinance, but for the time being, policymakers are tackling registration, which is the “easier” of the
In effect, city leaders’ draft ordinance will allow shortterm rentals to operate – if they come out of the shadows, register, and pay the appropriate taxes, as required by law. That is not an unreasonable requirement for any business operating in the city. Houston, like many communities, is grappling with this concern today because it’s a relatively new issue. Less than a decade ago, for all intents and purposes, there were no short-term rentals operating in local neighborhoods.
Instead, the city either had hotel lodging in commercial areas, or long-term rentals in neighborhoods. These are obviously two very different types of land use and histori-
cally have been treated very differently under both state and local law. Since then, rental platforms have created a marketplace for – what would historically have been – longterm rentals that now can be offered on a short-term basis.
The question for city leaders today is: Should these new nightly rentals be treated like hotel rooms or long-term rentals? The city has proposed to split the difference, deciding not to impose the more onerous hotel and bed & breakfast regulations on operators. However, at a minimum, the city wants to ensure tax compliance and ensure that it has a contact person for a property should an emergency arise or in the case of violations. This is a challenge unique to short-
The best known biz busts were a can and a car. CocaCola had a centennial anniversary in 1985, and to celebrate, they came up with New Coke. Most of the formula was the same, but thirsty drinkers didn’t like it and its sales dropped by 20 percent. New Coke was bottled up in 2002. The car was the Edsel, made by the Ford Motor Company and named for Edsel Ford, son of company founder Henry Ford. The company was enormously profitable and successful. Ford knew cars. The Edsel was introduced in 1958 and lasted all of two years.
Our federal government has made some good decisions like the Louisiana Purchase and buying Alaska for $7.2 million (equivalent to $129 million today). Then there is Texas. Remember the SSC? It never existed. The SSC was the Superconducting Super Collider which was to be a big underground circle running beneath Waxahachie so scientists from everywhere would move to the pastures south of Dallas and conduct experiments. Vast acreage was bought, farmers were moved, buildings and roads were constructed. The initial cost was put at $2 billion.
When the estimated cost was moved up slightly, to $11 billion, Congress cut the cord and today we have some really empty concrete holes in Ellis County. Another initial and forgettable project was the TTC. It was the Trans-Texas Corridor, a plan by Gov. Rick Perry to build a two-pronged road system from Oklahoma to Mexico via Dallas and San Antonio with another route from Texarkana to Houston to Laredo. Now visualize two slabs of concrete running in a 1,200-foot wide right-ofway--1,200 miles and costing $175 billion, at least. The TTC is MIA.
Well, back to finding the Astros. They’re playing at Enron Field.
Ashby missed out 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.
term rentals because with a long-term rental – or in the case of a private residence –an appropriate contact lives onsite year-round. For the vast majority of short-term rentals, this is not the case.
Despite the hyperbole locally, rental platforms and operators comply with similar registration requirements all over the country, from Florida to California, which is likely why some rental platforms, like Expedia, have been supportive of these basic requirements.
Policymakers nationwide are still searching for a “perfect” policy solution. It continues to prove elusive because every community is unique with decades of local and state laws on the books that didn’t envision short-term rentals
scattered across residential neighborhoods. Perfect should not be the enemy of the good. Houston should take these modest steps to create transparency and accountability in the short-term rental marketplace. That is the only way to begin dealing with the bad actors and the party houses. Franklin Coley is president of the Alliance for Stronger Communities.
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.
Salata launches June Giveback Campaign to support local food banks
Guests of Salata Can Help Fight Hunger: Snap a photo, share on social!
Salata, the built-to-order salad kitchen that allows guests to customize and create meals, is turning meals into meaningful impact with its June Giveback campaign. In partnership with GiftAMeal, guests can help fight hunger in their communities throughout the month.
At participating locations, guests can scan a QR code and snap a photo of their meal to donate to a local food bank. Sharing the photo on Facebook or Instagram triggers an additional donation.
“At Salata, we believe small choices lead to big change. This June, our franchisees that are deeply rooted in their communities are coming together to fight summer hunger for children. Inspired by their daily goodwill,
this campaign makes it easy for guests to support local causes that truly matter. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact, one fresh choice at a time.”
GiftAMeal transforms each photo into approximately 1.2 pounds of groceries distributed through local food banks. The platform has funded over 2 million meals to date.
Houston-based Salata offers built-to-order salads and wraps alongside soups, teas, and lemonades. Salata has established a loyal following by providing customizable and healthy options for any lifestyle. The brand has maintained its place at the leading edge of the fast-casual restaurant category with tech-enabled advancements and is rapidly growing across the nation with over 100 restaurants.
For more information, including locations and menu, visit salata.com.
Thornwood Gallery presents Group Exhibition “Seaside Memories”
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Thornwood Gallery is hosting an Opening Reception for their latest Group Exhibition: Seaside Memories, on Friday, June 6 from 5-7
p.m. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the artists’ inspirations, techniques, and styles. Drinks and light bites will be provided.
Come explore this colorful myriad of coastal sites through the lens of artists from around the world! This group exhibition will showcase a variety of works by artists including: Fernando Aracil, Marcel Demagny, Noah Desmond, Vadim Klevenskiy, Javier Cerda Morey, Daniela Pasqualini, Pietro Piccoli,
ACCORDION, from P. 1
As part of her ambassador duties, Villarreal will perform at the 36th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens Concert, hosted by Texas Folklife and held at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The event, taking place on Saturday, June 7, from 7-10 p.m., is free and open to the public. A Houston tradition since 1990, the concert celebrates the cultural diversity of Texas through the unmistakable sounds of the accordion.
Villarreal practices several hours a day to prepare not only for her Miller Outdoor Theatre debut but also for her new role as a member of Allie y Grupo Roe, a Tejano band that discovered her through TikTok. Villareal was especially excited to report that one of her videos had amassed over 12,000 views. Though new to the Tejano genre, Villarreal is ready to take the next step on her music journey.
“The female band leader encouraged me, and I think it’s going to be a great experience,” she said. “I am going to
Aruna Rao, and Jorge Segrelles. From the abstracted coastlines of Valencia to the tropical seascapes of the US, this exhibition will have you reflecting on sunny beach days and endless waves. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to kick off the summer with a glass in hand and toes in the sand!
This show will be available for viewing from June 6th through June 28th. For more information about Thornwood’s represented artists, gallery hours, and event dates for monthly exhibition openings, please visit their website at thornwoodgallery.com or stop by their location in the Houston Design Center at 7026 Old Katy Road, Suite 231, Houston, Texas 77024.
to San Antonio to perform with the band, continuing to grow as a musician and an artist. Her advice to other young musicians?
“Stay persistent, have confidence, and follow your dreams,” she said.
Follow Alyssa Villarreal on social media to keep up with her musical journey:
TikTok: @alyssavillarrealvv
Instagram: @alyssaa_villarreal
Facebook: Alyssa Vianey Villarreal
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Harris Health and Harris County successfully closed on the first of three planned sales of voter authorized limited tax bonds. The proceeds from this $840 million sale are to be used to fund the continued construction of Harris Health’s new Level I trauma-capable hospital being built on the Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital campus. In addition to this facility, the system is in the midst of planning and design work for future capital improvements to the Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital campus and the construction of new outpatient health centers.
Current financial planning provides for the second, similarly
Art Square Artists hosts Open Studios June 22
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Featuring five new artists and 14 long-time favorite artists. Meet them all during Open Studios Sunday, June 22
Art Square Studios on Almeda (ASSA) announces Open Studios on Sunday, June 22, at 5301 Almeda Road from 1-5 p.m. Open Studios will showcase 19 individuals, both artists who have been with ASSA since it opened and new artists who have recently joined the group.
Solstice Collection
As well having their studios open to display new artwork, each artist will contribute a new piece depicting versions of what the Summer Solstice means to them. The solstice, which occurs every year between June 20 and June 22, marks the longest day to the
theme will be rendered on 12inch square canvases. All will be different and unique, and all will be for sale.
“It's fascinating to see how each artist interprets the theme, as a reflection of their individual style and viewpoint. We have a wonderful group of artists who you can meet in their own studio. Every artist is unique and so is their artwork. Our diversity is one of our group's core strengths.” said Alan Hurwitz, one of the ASSA artists.
A collection of artists
The artists of ASSA are each and every one an individual. There are artists who work in oil, watercolor, gouache and acrylic paint.
Artists who are collage makers. Abstract artists, traditional artists. Artists who draw with lines and artists who draw with shapes.
Photographers who capture people, emotions, architecture, landscapes and more. Artists who teach; artists who
take classes.
The artists include Maru Aponte, Ann Bell, Elizabeth Bell, Tay Butler, Heather den Uijl, Jennifer Dunn, Stephanie Kaldis Fox, Alan Hurwitz, Cynthia Kagay, Melinda Laszczynski, Ruhee Maknojia, Sunny McKinnon, Donna E Perkins, Alexis Pye, Lucy Wells Riggs, Debbie M. Rios, Helene Robinson, Paul Shain and Bob Warren.
Art Square Studios on Almeda is located at 5301 Almeda Road in the Museum District, just off Bissonnet/ Binz. The building has an elevator for second-floor access. The entrance to Open Studios is through the parking lot, located behind the building via the side street on Oakdale. There is no charge to attend.
Art Square Studios on Almeda provides studio spaces and residences for a group of artists. It is located at 5301 Almeda Road, 77004, just off Binz/Bissonnet. For more information, visit facebook.com/ ArtSquareStudiosonAlmeda.
(Warning - Spoilers!):
“Sinners” is a slow, beautiful descent into madness
Elliott’s overall rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
One day, Ryan Coogler, blockbuster director of films like Black Panther and Creed decided to begin work on his next film: a period epic about blues music in the 1930s following two twins played by the same actor; and also a group of hivemind vampires who will kill anyone they see. Such a bizarre concept feels akin to a low budget B-movie, and no director or crew, even some of the best ones in the industry, could pull it off while keeping a straight face through it all. Except Ryan Coogler.
The first hour of Sinners is a quality (albeit by the books) period film about blues music, the culture surrounding it, and an exploration of racism in the south at that time. The overall plot is a microcosm of these themes, focusing on twins
Smoke (Michael B. Jordan) and Stack (Michael B. Jordan) as they open a club with the intent of providing escapism from the racism black men like them were being faced with. Unlike many other period pieces of this nature Sinners actually allows itself, and by extension the viewer, to have fun. We get to watch these characters enjoy themselves, despite how many challenges we know they have to be facing on the day-to-day. This
Elliott StEwart Youth Movie Critic
feeling echoes into the cinematography and overall shot composition which are highly stylized, the entire film being paced in an energetic but careful way. Many of the elements here have a touch of irony, without ever mocking the audience one bit. A lot of the outfits are much more reminiscent of a vibrant musical setting rather than one of a costume drama.
I watched Sinners in a movie theater, and you should, too. I’m telling you this now because, at around the hour mark, is one of the greatest sequences I’ve ever seen. The scene is loud, a giant one where the camera propels itself around the entire club environment that the film’s been slowly building up to. It involves a character transcending the very fabric of space and time in real time. We see figures and characters wearing some of the strangest outfits you’ll ever see in a modern film, dancing and parading around this rinky-dink little bar as a blues song slowly transforms itself into an orchestral symphony, all capping off in
the bar literally burning to the ground as everyone dances in the ashes of the building. A jazzy cacophony of sounds fills the frame, and the camera slowly pans to a small group of vampires standing nearby, with two fangs for teeth, covered in blood.
Within minutes, the film we’ve been watching wraps itself up, but it doesn’t end as the rest of the characters we’ve grown attached to are thrust into a hyperactive musical vampire movie, where our
1930s era movie characters are picked off one by one by blood sucking monsters, until none remain.
Watching Sinners take a complete tone shift is already really entertaining on its own, but watching Ryan Coogler pull it off is on another level. The film goes from a good movie to an even better movie at this point, and then continues to top itself with every scene -- including increasingly bizarre set pieces and, once again, miraculously pulling it
Heritage Society to host Pride Month Celebration honoring Monica Roberts
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Heritage Society will commemorate Pride Month with a special event featuring keynote speaker Bryanna Jenkins, a distinguished trans rights advocate, on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. at 1100 Bagby Street. The gathering will begin with an opening address from the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and conclude with a wine reception and book signing. The event will celebrate the life and legacy of Monica Roberts, a pioneering advocate for transgender rights who left an indelible mark on the movement. Roberts, a founding member of
the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition, was a relentless champion for trans rights, particularly within Texas and Kentucky politics. Throughout her career, she worked across various levels of government, served on the board of the Louisville Fairness Campaign, and earned multiple accolades, including the Human Rights Campaign’s John Walzel Equality Award and the Susan J. Hyde Award for Longevity in the Movement. She passed away on Oct. 6, 2020. Jenkins, the Policy Director at Lavender Rights Project, will delve into Roberts’ groundbreaking work and enduring influence on LGBTQ+ advocacy. She has an exten -
Pet of the Week
The Leader is excited to partner with local no-kill shelter Friends For Life to feature an adoptable pet every week. To view all adoptable animals, fill out an adoption application, show your support through donations or volunteering, or take a pet compatibility quiz to zero in on your very own best friend for life, please visit friends4life.org.
Name: Stevie Wonpurr Age: 1 year old Gender: Male
Meet Stevie Wonpurr, a true gentleman who’s got a brave spirit that refuses to be held back. Stevie may have FeLV, but that doesn’t stop him from enjoying life. Though he’s blind, we believe he hasn’t always been without his sight and is still getting used to his new normal. What may seem like a hindrance to most just reveals his perseverance and allows him to be more appreciative of the love he receives. Stevie Wonpurr is a gentle soul who’s truly Overjoyed by a good scratch or a cozy petting session. He’s a low-key, affectionate companion who will purr contentedly As he relaxes in your presence on an Easy Goin’ Evening. Stevie’s not in the market for a Part-Time Lover, he’s looking for a forever home where he can be cherished and spoiled. If you’re looking for a calm, loving cat to bring warmth and joy into your life, Stevie Wonpurr is Signed, Sealed, Delivered Yours! Learn more about Jaz at friends4life.org/adoptablepets/stevie-wonpurr.
sive background in legal scholarship, activism, and policy development, having founded the Baltimore Transgender Alliance and led the city's first Baltimore Transgender Uprising March in 2015. Alison Bell, executive director of The Heritage Society, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event.
“We are honored to host this celebration and to shine a light on the powerful work Monica Roberts accomplished during her lifetime,” Bell said.
“Bryanna Jenkins brings an important perspective to our conversation about equality, representation, and the ongoing fight for trans rights.”
The gathering will provide community members
an opportunity to engage with Jenkins’ insights while reflecting on Roberts’ pioneering advocacy. The evening will also offer attendees a chance to connect over wine and discussion, furthering the spirit of inclusion and solidarity that Roberts championed.
“This event represents our commitment to honoring history while paving the way for the future,” Bell said. “Pride Month is a time for reflection and action, and we hope this event inspires both.”
The celebration is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to participate in the conversation and book signing. For ticket information, visit https://www.heritagesociety.org/programs.
off. The film that starts with twin brothers in the 1930s combating racism and segregation ends with a scene of two characters watching in terror as dozens of vampires’ skin melts off right in front of them, and that is an amazing thing.
Sinners is a film that has a concept that feels like it was come up with in the early hours of the morning; a concept that, even on paper, doesn’t seem good. However, when you take an idea like
that, and you mash it together with a crew of artists each respectively at the top of their game, you don’t get a bad movie, you get a once-in-alifetime film.
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.
Stay up-to-date and submit your own events online at www.theleadernews.com/site/community_calendar.html
08 JUN
07 JUN
Juneteenth: Black Houston Bus Tour (77019)
Organized by Third Ward Cultural District | Registration requ. | FREE event African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
07 JUN
Juneteenth “Tea Cakes and Red Punch Tours” every Saturday in June (77002)
$17/ticket | Multiple start times |
Guided historic tours | Tea Cake Tastings
The Heritage Society 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
07 JUN “From Plantation to Emancipation” Historic House Tour with Acting (77002)
Appearance by Heights High School sophomore accordionist Alyssa Villareal | FREE
Miller Outdoor Theatre 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Oak Forest Pride Sunday Funday (77018)
Family-friendly Pride celebration with playground fun | FREE admission Wakefield Crowbar 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
08 JUN
Auditions: Theatre Suburbia’s production of When Bullfrogs Sing” by Carl Williams (77092) Two sisters grew up in Bullfrog Waller. Millicent got away fast and is now a big... Theatre Suburbia (Suite A-3) 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
08 JUN
Friends For Life Doggie Playgroup (77008) FREE event | Meet and greet with shelter animals Friends For Life Animal Shelter (Backyard) 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
08 JUN
Patriotic Musical Performance: “With Hearts of Gratitude” (77449) Event by Lone Star Symphonic Band | $11/ticket Holy Covenant United Methodist Church (Katy, TX) 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
09-13 JUN
Summer Literacy Workshop: Read It. Make It. Take It. (77018) 1-week workshop | Elementary school age | Activities | Snacks | $375/child St. Stephen’s UMC Jun 9th 9:00 AM - 13th Jun 12:00 PM 09-13 JUN Historical Summer Film Camp for Ages 9-12 (77002)
Stevie Wonpurr
Art Valet: Holly Nowak’s Guest Artist Series debuts with Doni Langlois
Holly Nowak’s studio at Winter Street Studios is a space of constant reinvention, and her latest vision—a monthly Guest Artist Series— kicks off this Saturday, June 7, with ceramic artist Doni Langlois. Visiting Studio C155 feels like stepping into a new world each time, especially after a brief absence.
Nowak, a master of the pivot, has been a fixture in this column since March 2016, when I introduced her after her solo trip to West Texas, inspired by a bison herd. I followed her journey to a spacious corner studio at Winter Street Studios in January 2020 and again last summer when she reopened it, rebuilt after a 17-month hiatus.
After parting ways with studio mates Chrissy Doolen, a metal artist, and Nicole Bolinger, a glass artist, both stepping back from studio life, Nowak reimagined her Holly Nowak Fine Art Studio & Gallery. In March, she shared plans to host a guest artist each month, starting with Langlois on June 7, 2025, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., for an exhibition blending Langlois’ whimsical ceramics with Nowak’s bold oil, watercolor, and canvas paintings.
Both artists cut their teeth at the First Saturday Arts Market—Nowak since summer 2015, Langlois since fall 2016—making them familiar faces in these pages. Langlois, who turned her ceramic hob-
Mitch cohEn Art Columnist
artvalet@gmail.com
by into a full-time passion in 2015, sculpts with a playful edge. Her hand-built pieces, often rustic and textured, spark smiles with quirky olive oil bottles and exaggerated vases.
Langlois draws from shared emotional journeys, weaving heart symbols, birds, and butterflies into her narrative work. Her garden totems and wall-hung hearts explore themes like the circle of life, while Southwest mesas and turtle shells inspire her textured, time-layered creations. Join Nowak and Langlois at Winter Street Studios, Studio C155, on June 7 to explore Langlois’ “Gossip Columns”— hand-sculpted clay birds in wooden blocks with distinctive faces and feathers— alongside Nowak’s vibrant paintings. At 1 p.m., Langlois will discuss her innovative approach to pottery, vessels, and bowls. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages in the creative hub of Sawyer Yards, the nation’s largest artist community. Langlois’ work remains on view through June 2025, with open studios on
June 14 and June 21, 11 a.m.5 p.m., and private showings by appointment via hollynowakfineart.com.
Holly Nowak Fine Art Studio & Gallery is accepting applications for its 2025-2026 Guest Artist Series, with limited spaces and specific art size guidelines. Contact Nowak via hollynowakfineart.com for details. See images of Langlois’ ceramics and Nowak’s studio on the event page and follow @hollynowakart and @artfullifeclay on Instagram.
As you can see, there is no slowing down the Houston art
scene. Don’t miss out—follow me on Instagram @artvalet for artist spotlights, event updates, and a sneak peek at my Off the Street on White Linen Night kickoff, the only First Saturday Arts Market summer event. You can also catch my latest art finds on ArtValet.com, where I’m sharing exclusive art studio shots and behind-the-scenes event coverage as I discover them.
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
Houston’s popular bridal show returns for 42nd biannual Bridal Extravaganza
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Bridal Extravaganza Show, the largest bridal planning showcase in the U.S., will return to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Downtown Houston with the latest fashion, cakes, gowns, and local vendors on Saturday-Sunday, June 28-29, 2025, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.
If you are going to the chapel or you’re going to get married, the Extravaganza is for you! Future brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, family, and wedding planners will have their pick of over 220 vendors that cater exclusively to the wedding industry.
The family-friendly, funfilled show will help you and your squad get ready for your big day with cake samples, décor, flowers, multiple fashion shows, fun Instagram walls
for selfies, prizes, speaker presentations on the latest bridal fashion and trends, and entertainment from Houston’s top wedding professionals.
New vendors at the show include: The Houston Botanic Garden offers private rental facilities for weddings and receptions in the Alcoves and Emily Clay Water Walls at the 132-acre urban oasis. Kopi Cowboy Coffee & Mocktails provides classic espressos, mocktails, Chais and authentic Singaporean Kopi. Drunk Shakespeare provides a rowdy experience offering for bachelorette parties and more.
• The Parador, located in the Houston Museum District, offers private rentals at the Texas Historical Landmark built in 1928 for weddings and receptions. Black Phlox will be on hand to offer an aroma bar for
crafting customized perfume, cologne, and candles.
This summer, there will be a continued focus on destination weddings with many vendors that specialize in both destination weddings and honeymoon arrangements.
The first 100 VIP Brides also receive signature swag bags with complimentary gifts from sponsors and vendors.
VIP tickets offer attendees early entry, special prizes, a $200 gift credit to SymbolizeIt photo website, the latest issue of Texas Weddings Magazine, VIP Bride Sash, beaded bride coin purse, “Happily Ever After” Cake Cutter, and many additional secret surprises.
The Bridal Extravaganza Show will bring the excitement of New York City’s cho-
reographed fashion shows to Houston with fashion shows presented by Happily Ever After Bridal Salon and more on the runway stage.
Brides will discover what they need leading up to their big day – from the garter to the getaway car to the honeymoon and everything in between for the entire wedding party.
Attendees can meet with Lorie Speich from Visit the Venues for a live venue match made in wedding heaven!
Attendees will leave the event with a digital list of all of their favorite vendors with the BrideScan app, which allows engaged couples to connect with wedding professionals via a QR code.
The biannual event draws marriage-bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win extraordinary prizes, such as honeymoon trips, shopping sprees, $1000 from Celebrity China
and Cookware, and an opportunity for four lucky couples to win a professional engagement photoshoot, each valued at $550. Winners must be available all day on June 29, 2025. Attendees can register now through June 15, 2025 for a chance to win here: Picture Perfect: Win a Professional Engagement Photo Session!. In addition, Bride Squads should dress to impress as the secret judges will be roaming the convention center floor giving out prizes to the best Bride Squads both days! Tickets are available online at https://bridalextravaganza. com/tickets/. General admission tickets are $15 online and $25 at the door for adults, children aged 5-12 are $5, and VIP single admission is $35 or a VIP package for one Bride or Groom plus three guests is $99. The Bridal Extravaganza is also offering the first 1,000 attendees to register online a limited number of free tickets.
Lee Brice to headline Freedom Over Texas 2025 with opening act Ashley McBryde
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Mayor John Whitmire and Freedom Over Texas sponsors have announced plans for the City of Houston’s official Fourth of July celebration. This year’s event brings a powerful country music lineup, and a refreshed site plan for maximum enjoyment. Festivities will start at 4 p.m. on July 4, 2025.
“We are thrilled to welcome some of the biggest country music entertainers to Houston. Lee Brice and Ashley McBryde will headline this year’s Freedom Over Texas as we celebrate our nation’s birthday and host a communitywide celebration,” said Whitmire. “This event is a cherished tradition for many Houston families, and 2025 brings new features that will make it more exciting, accessible, and unforgettable. It will have something for everyone, and I encourage Houstonians to join us.”
Headlining the Main Stage is multi-platinum country
superstar Lee Brice, known for hits like “One of Them Girls,” “I Don’t Dance,” and “Hard to Love.” Joining him as the opening act is Ashley McBryde, the Grammywinning singer-songwriter whose powerhouse vocals and fearless storytelling have made her one of country music’s brightest stars. A GRAMMY nominee and CMA/ACM award winner, Brice is known for his hit songwriting, and soldout shows nationwide. The Multi-Platinum country artist has amassed over 10 billion streams and earned nine No. 1 singles, including “Rumor” and the award-winning duet “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” When he’s not on stage, Brice builds lifestyle brands like Dulce Vida Tequila and Loud Lemon and spends time with his wife and three children.
McBryde is a Grand Ole Opry member and has earned six GRAMMY nominations, multiple charttopping singles, including the GRAMMY-winning duet
“Never Wanted to Be That Girl” with Carly Pearce and widespread critical acclaim for albums like “Girl Going Nowhere” and “The Devil I Know.” Her bold, poetic style has landed her praise from Rolling Stone, Billboard , and NPR. This year Freedom Over Texas will focus on making the event more easily accessible to all, while also going cashless across the majority of the site. Following the live performances, the celebration will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display presented by Thomas J. Henry
Law firm.
This year’s festivities at Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway) include: BUD LIGHT
BAYOU BASH Founding sponsor of 38 years, Bud Light will toast Texas and celebrate America’s birthday with fresh brew and beverages this July 4th in their tropical beer garden. Allow yourself to be swept away by the music and atmosphere in the relaxing Bud Light Bayou Bash beach area, while enjoying a perfect view of the main
stage and spectacular fireworks finale.
DR PEPPER FLAVOR ZONE
Time to cool off in the shade with a refreshing Dr Pepper float from the Dr Pepper Parlor, and sample many of the tastings offered in this family friendly zone! Visit with our hometown sports teams, including the Roughnecks, Rockets, Dynamo, and Dash. Don’t miss the incredible live music and dancing offered throughout the event at the Dr Pepper Stage.
RED, WHITE & PLAY KIDS ZONE
This year brings lots of new free games, plus face painting and plenty of interactive educational activities in this zone. DJ London will be spinning to keep the energy going.
Submitted photos
Ceramic artist Doni Langlois sculpts at her studio, on view June 7.
Langlois’ “Gossip Columns,” on view June 7. Langlois’ vase with leaves and flowers, on view June 7.
Langlois’ bowl with grass and circles, on view June 7.
