After months of deliberation, the Houston City Council on June 4 approved Mayor John Whitmire’s $7 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget by a 14–3 vote. The plan, which takes effect July 1, emphasizes strategic spending cuts, expanded public-
safety investments and major infrastructure funding to set the city on “stronger financial footing,” Whitmire said.
“This budget marks a turning point for our city—and a new chapter in building a stronger, more accountable, and more resilient Houston,” Whitmire said in a city news release. He highlighted $122 million in “strategic cuts
with no reduction in city services,” pay raises for police, fire and municipal employees, a record $184 million for streets and drainage, and a $12 million boost to the Budget Stabilization Fund.
Guided by an Ernst & Young efficiency study, he added, the administration “realigned
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
After more than a year of planning—and surviving a derecho and Hurricane Beryl—the long-vacant Swift & Company meat-packing plant at 621 Waverly Street has officially broken ground. Triten Real Estate Partners and Radom Capital, the two developers behind the project, are transforming the imposing early-1900s structure into a vibrant mixed-use destination just south of the Heights hike-and-bike trail.
Over the past year, there has been little visible activity. When asked if the damage caused by the unforgiving weather had altered their plans to retain architectural integrity, Lisa Reyerse at Triten said, “The idea of weathering and aging is included in the initial planning of the redevelopment, so nothing has changed.”
That continuity underscores the
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
A year after joining Rainbow Lodge, Chef Brandon Holmes has stepped into the spotlight as the landmark restaurant’s new executive chef—and just in time to share his Father’s Day grilling wisdom. Holmes, who cut his teeth under Felix Flores at Black Hill Meats before leading Ritual’s acclaimed meat program, brings a deep passion for whole-animal butchery and
partners’ commitment to preserving the building’s character, graffiti-scarred brick and all.
Adaptive Reuse Meets
“Modern Needs
Eric Gustafson, construction manager at Radom Capital, described the guiding principle behind the overhaul:
“The Swift Building is a historic
bold, outdoors-inspired flavors to the Heights icon.
“Brandon’s exceptional food focus and leadership style includes showcasing our garden harvest daily, working closely with ranchers to expand our wild game and beef selections, and spending time in the dining room with guests to answer questions and listen to their feedback,” owner Donnette Hansen said upon his promotion.
Holmes’s journey from Las Vegas to Houston has been
gem,” he said. “Our vision for the Swift Building is rooted in adaptive reuse— breathing new life into an iconic structure while modernizing it for today’s restaurants, offices, and retailers.”
The 10,578-square-foot site will house approximately 30,000
marked by rapid ascents: within a year at Black Hill Meats he became Head Butcher/Plant Manager, then Master Butcher and Executive Chef at Ritual, where he helped the restaurant earn “20 best in Houston” acclaim. At Rainbow Lodge since April 2024, Holmes reunited with former colleague Peter Clifton—now Beverage Director—to form a “dynamic duo,” Hansen enthused, “and I absolutely love what the two
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Within 48 hours of a weekend burglary at a mid-rise Heights condominium, Harris County Precinct 1 deputies arrested two suspects and recovered more than $10,000 in stolen property, Constable Alan Rosen announced. Surveillance cameras captured the break-ins in the 1700 block of Ashland early Saturday after thieves forced entry into the gated parking garage and storage units, making off with high-end binoculars, a range finder, mountain bikes and other equipment. By Monday morning, deputies had tracked down and charged Kenneth R. Woolaver, 49, and Christopher Eric Kyle, 41, with felony burglary. All recovered items were returned to their owners.
The area where the thefts occurred is patrolled by Rosen’s office as part of a neighborhood security contact, according to Rosen’s office.
“Our deputies know the community, know the hard-working residents, their cars and their pets, and at times, also recognize the criminals who target the area,” Rosen said. “This was great work by our deputies and great work by the building owners, who were wise enough to have surveillance cameras.”
Both men show criminal records for previous crimes in the Heights area: Woodaver was sentenced in 2023 to four years of probation after pleading guilty to a felony theft charge for stealing a bicycle worth $6,600 from a home in the 500 block of Heights Boulevard, in a case also handled by Constable Precinct 1 deputies, officials said.
Chef Brendan Holmes shares marinade, gribiche
operations, tightened spending, and made tough but necessary choices.”
However, not all council members were persuaded.
District C Council Member Abbie Kamin cast one of the three dissenting votes, arguing that the budget fails to prepare for increasingly frequent disasters and undercuts essential health services.
“No budget is ever perfect, but today I had to vote No. It is my responsibility to sound the alarm that our budget is putting Houstonians at risk by failing to account for extreme weather and disaster needs,” Kamin said in a letter to constituents. She also noted that an amendment to fully fund the city’s “Rainy Day” fund was deferred, calling
the decision “crazy” in the face of uncertain federal disaster reimbursement.
By contrast, District H Council Member Mario Castillo, who served as vice chair of the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee, lauded the process and the outcome.
“You’ve told me what matters most—public safety, access to services, responsive government, and stronger communities,” Castillo wrote in a message to his constituents. He underscored his own amendments—some adopted, others referred for further study—aimed at bolstering park safety, maintaining kennel-cleaning services at the city shelter and streamlining county-city department operations. “I’m proud of what we accomplished— but even more proud to have done it with your voice at the center of the conversation,” he said.
The new budget comes on the heels of a turbulent council meeting that attracted protesters objecting to cuts
in parks, libraries and publicworks while safeguarding a $1.1 billion police allocation. Whitmire and council members debated more than 70 proposed amendments but ultimately only 14 were adopted, including Castillo’s $350,000 kennel-cleaning allocation and an Alcorn amendment to seed a retireebenefits trust.
“Anyone can be a critic and politicize a budget. I am proud of the budget. We were told we couldn’t balance it by our political critics,” Whitmire said in his release. “It’s always easy to find fault. […] This is a giant step, but we need to now talk to Houstonians going forward about what type of city they want to live in.”
With a retooled budget and a renewed call for public input, Houston’s leaders have set the stage for the coming fiscal year—one in which they will measure their success not only by balanced ledgers but by whether the city can weather storms, literal and financial, with resilience.
Kyle was sentenced to five years probation in March after pleading guilty to a felony fraud charge investigated by Houston Police. He was also sentenced to six months in jail for a March 2024 assault in the 300 block of Yale Street. At the time of his arrest in the fraud case, Kyle was caught with multiple credi cards, driver licenses and other documents in other people’s names.
Investigators are now examining possible links between the pair and other local crimes.
A resident, who asked to remain anonymous out of privacy concerns, described the distress of discovering multiple stolen bikes in the building’s locked garage.
“It started around June 1 and then again on June 4,” they recounted. “We have cameras throughout—inside and out— so we had really good video. Deputies jumped on it and got our stuff back quickly.”
The tenant praised the constable’s office and the building’s homeowners association for its
security measures, and stressed that additional steps will be taken to further discourage those with criminal intentions.
“The deputies were so helpful, very professional and made us feel like they were taking this seriously,” the resident said. “We’ve since tightened access to the building to make it much harder for anyone to get in.”
Rosen emphasized that collaboration between law enforcement and vigilant property owners is key to keeping neighborhoods safe.
“It is our job to arrest them and the court system’s job to determine what should happen to them after that,” Rosen said. “We are grateful to our deputies for their quick work and we tip our hat to the building owners for having cameras that were in place and working; together, we can keep our streets safer.”
Anyone with information about these suspects or related crimes is encouraged to contact Detective Joe Bowden at Joseph.Bowden@cn1.hctx. net.
Care — in The Heights
of them are adding to The Lodge.”
Father’s Day at Home on the Range
While he’s usually running dinner service on Father’s Day, Holmes celebrates the holiday a day late with his 7-year-old son, King. The pair don matching Cookie Monster aprons to whip up waffles, chicken, and Holmes’s signature burgers— “always really juicy and good,” King said, favoring cheese, bacon, and ketchup.
This year, Holmes has brought a taste of Rainbow Lodge into their kitchen at home: the new Rabbit Boudin Blanc Sausage Dog.
“King helped in the test kitchen by peeling the eggs for our house-made Gribiche sauce,” Holmes said, describing the rabbit-and-Iberico pork sausage nestled in a Cake & Bacon brioche roll, topped with creamy egg yolk sauce and pork cracklin’ crumbs.
When asked what he would cook for his dad on Father’s Day, King had a full day of meals planned.
“First, I would surprise him with a gift card for shoes – my dad like Nikes – and then I would make him waffles with syrup and butter, fruit like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, and deer sausage and coffee,” King said. “For lunch, I would bring him one of the rabbit hot dogs because they are yummy! And for dinner, I’d make burgers with cheese, bacon and ketchup, some green beans and chips. Then for dessert, waffles with chocolate sauce and strawberry ice cream.”
Chef Brandon’s Top 5 Grilling Tips
1. Use real wood briquettes, not charcoal. “This one simple change makes a big difference in what you are grilling. Gives much more flavor. I like to use oak for most things, a good consistent source of heat and smoke. You can find the B&B brand at places like Academy and H-E-B.”
2. Mesquite is best for grilling seafood. “Personally, I like to use mesquite when grilling seafood and less for
smoking it. I feel it tends to overpower the delicate flavor of seafood when you smoke with it. If smoking seafood, I use Pot Oak, Pecan or Ash, and getting local is best.”
3. Air flow is so important. “No matter what you are using to grill your meat, making sure you have good air flow is key. Without good air flow, your fire will smolder and die. You want to have consistent fire, and good air flow does that. You want to adjust vents to make sure there is flow, most times opening top vents to half-way and bottom vents to full is best. Also, you want your smoke to be ‘clear’ – if it is white or gray, it means the wood or charcoal is releasing tannins and will make the food bitter.”
4. Brisket. “We love our brisket here in Texas, and this is how I make it. I smoke it at 250 degrees for 8-9 hours, to an internal temperature of 185 degrees. Then I wrap it in butcher paper (you can find it in H-E-B and other stores) and put it in the oven or on the grill at about 150 degrees and leave it overnight until it is at an internal temperature of 202 degrees. Remove and let it rest 4-6 hours at warming temperature and it will absorb the juices. The total time is about 17-18 hours but it
is so worth it.”
5. Brine or marinate your poultry. “It makes a world of difference to take the time to brine or marinate your chicken and other poultry. It keeps the meat from overcooking and drying, and adds so much flavor and keeps it juicy. For chicken, citrus-jalapeno is my favorite marinade.”
Looking Ahead
As executive chef, Holmes plans to deepen Rainbow Lodge’s wild game offerings and expand its garden-to-grill approach.
“We make memories where families can disconnect from a busy world and cherish the joy of laughter and giggles through play,” Holmes said—though at Rainbow Lodge, play means savoring game, steak, and seafood alongside Clifton’s curated cocktail and whiskey selections.
Rainbow Lodge will be open Father’s Day weekend, but chef and son plan to fire up the grill at home on Monday—just one more way Holmes brings his lodge-inspired cooking “home on the range.”
For dinner reservations and more information, visit www. rainbow-lodge.com or call 713-861-8666.
Chef-Invented, Made at Home: How to do it!
Recipes courtesy of Executive Chef Brandon Holmes, Rainbow Lodge Pickled Okra Gribiche
Prep times 5 min, Cook time 15 mins, Chilling Time, 15 mins
Yield 1-1/2 cups
• 4 large eggs
Splash white vinegar
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
8 pickled okras, roughly chopped
• 2 Tbsp drained brined capers 1/4 cup minced herbs – parsley, tarragon and dill and chervil if you can get it
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard (I like using Country Dijon)
• Salt and pepper
Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, and add a splash of white vinegar to the water to help with the peeling process. Once boiling, carefully add the eggs and continue boiling for 30 seconds, then turn the heat to low and continue cooking for 8-9 minutes for jammy yolks – this is very key to the sauce. If you over-boil the eggs, the sauce will break on you and that is just not true gribiche sauce. Once eggs are ready, shock them in ice water; once chilled, peel and clean them of the shell, cut in half and scoop the yolks into a bowl. In a separate bowl, rough chop the whites. Whisk egg yolks with red wine vinegar and Dijon until smooth, then slowly pour in oil in a slow drizzle while whisking to incorporate. Whisk until nice and creamy, may be a bit thicker than mayo. Add egg whites, capers, herbs and okra to the bowl and fold in until mixed thoroughly, add salt and pepper to taste.
This can be enjoyed on a variety of things: sausages, burgers, grilled chicken or vegetables (asparagus is lovely with it). We serve it on a Rabbit Boudin Blanc Dog at the restaurant for the month of June to celebrate dads for a whole month instead of just one day.
Jalapeno Citrus Marinade
4 fresh oranges – 3 juiced and 1thinly sliced 3 limes – 2 juiced and 1 thinly sliced 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 whole jalapenos, thinly sliced
6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 sprigs fresh oregano, remove leaves from stems and discard stems
2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
1/2 bottle your favorite light beer – the other half is for you!
• 1 Tbsp salt
Juice the oranges and limes into a mixing bowl, then slice 1 orange and 1 lime to start your marinade. Add red onion, jalapenos, garlic and oregano leaves to bowl. Place cumin seeds and peppercorns in a pan on medium heat and toast lightly – moving them around in the pan until fragrant – before adding to marinade. This step is optional: you can add these to the liquid without toasting, but it adds a lot of additional flavor by doing so. Add salt and beer and whisk everything together until the salt is dissolved.
than 30,000 square feet of creative offices. Chef-driven food concepts, health and wellness studios, and ample on-site parking will all wrap around direct access to the trail and neighboring M-K-T Heights for tenants and guests alike.
Landmark Status Fuels
Preservation
Although the site lies outside the Heights’ official historic boundaries, last spring it earned nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a City of Houston Protected Landmark.
“This redevelopment reflects our commitment to blending heritage with forward-thinking design, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the Heights’ identity,” Gustafson noted. The developers are now pursuing both federal and state tax credits to help offset restoration costs. Award-winning design partner Michael Hsu, Office of Architecture—celebrated for M-K-T Heights—has been tapped to honor the Swift building’s industrial roots while adding modern amenities. Those include a rooftop cocktail garden slated to open in late 2025, a fourthfloor sky lounge overlooking downtown, and ground-floor storefronts poised to host boutiques, cafés, or studios.
Connectivity and Community, Hand-in-Hand
Looking ahead, Triten and Radom plan to knit the two developments together with pedestrian pathways.
Once all of the terrain to the north and east of the Swift building were cleared, it became readily apparent how close and accessible the two adjacent developments actually are. By rotating tenants between Swift BLDG and M-K-T Heights, “the success is all in the differentiation,” Reyerse said, ensuring both projects enhance the trail-side district without competing.
Timeline and Next Steps Construction officially began in spring 2025, with completion now projected for the second quarter of 2026— pushing the originally planned year-end finish into late spring of next year. Leasing for the final retail suites at the Swift building is underway, and early interest has been strong. As the trenches dry and scaffolding rises, the old cottonseed refinery’s brick walls will once again serve the Heights community—this time with coffee shops where vats once boiled and offices where conveyor belts once clanked.
SWIFT, from P. 1
Photo by Stephanie Shirley
When all of the terrain to the north and east was finally cleared, it became readily apparent how close and accessible the two adjacent developments will actually be. M-K-T Heights is the building in yellow and white.
Photos by Paula Murphy
The new Rabbit Boudin Blanc Sausage Dog at Rainbow Lodge
Mmmm...good! Seven-year-old King is a big fan of his father’s latest creation, the Rabbit Boudin Blanc Sausage Dog.
To: Our Stockholders
From: Your CEO
It is time once again for the yearly report from SleazeScum, Inc., a report that is a time-consuming and meaningless task on my part.
(I have a tee-time at 3:30.)
But those nosy, meddling bu reaucrats at the SEC demand it. However, this may be the last time it is necessary since President Donald Trump, at the suggestion of his onetime best buddy who has now been put on an ice floe off the coast of the Sovereign State of Greenland, Elon Musk and his Muskrats at DOGE, have cut down on government waste, fraud and abuse by merging the SEC into the U.S. Forest Service with headquarters in Nome, Alaska. I doubt the slim-downed department, Edgar Mildew and his wife, BonnySue, will have time to go through this report to check on its honesty and accuracy, if you get my drift.
THE TOPICS. A crook cooks the books
Lynn Ashby Columnist
First, some of you are wondering about the dividends and the lack thereof. I decided to follow the lead of Jeff Bezos who, in the early days of Amazon, did not pay out dividends but plowed the money back into the company. Who can argue Bezos’s
in KremlinWorld was doing fine until a Ukrainian drone happened by. The jury is still out on our program to sell franchises in the Joe Biden Fitness Clubs. To be honest, the jury is in, but we plan to appeal. Last year in our annual report we bragged about our heavy investment in cryptocurrencies. That plan did not exactly succeed. We tried to track down where our money went but, as you may know, cryptocurrencies, like bitcoins, don’t really exist. You can’t go to an ATM and get, say, $2,000 worth, or even drop some in the collection plate at your Klan rally. There must be some way of making real – not electronic
– cash. The Trump family is supposed to have reaped millions on their cryptocurrencies transactions, even more than the profits on those golden tennis shoes and Bibles.
Speaking of our Beloved Leader, I have asked for a pardon for my alleged and totally false charges of arson. Our records were locked in a fire-proof safe, but someone left it open and it wasn’t me. I don’t care what the videotapes show. My $1,000 gift to the OSHA inspector, after he wrongly accused the firm of using child labor on the napalm tester, was a birthday gift. The fact that he then put his report safely in the aforementioned fire-proof safe was a mere coincidence. It makes no difference since OSHA has disappeared. Following White House orders, we have abolished our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) department and replaced it with nonunion robots – white, male and straight.
Now let’s turn to our Texas operation (and it’s not a “Mafia front” as the DA charged). Gov. Greg Abbott has signed legislation to create a new state department much like DOGE: The Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office. But instead
Houston gears up for Make Music Day on June 21
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
On the summer solstice, Houston will join more than 2,000 cities worldwide in Make Music Day, a global celebration inviting everyone to “be a musician” on June 21. For the first time, local arts nonprofit Fresh Arts has assumed management of the event, partnering with the Houston Public Library and L.O.U.D. Muzik to deliver a week of free music performances, workshops, and community gatherings across the city’s cultural venues and library branches. In previous years, the event was organized by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
Fresh Arts Takes the Helm Fresh Arts Executive Director Angela Carranza said the organization is “honored to carry this tradition forward,” noting that Make Music Day perfectly aligns with its mission “to support inclusive, artist-led programming that connects communities through creativity while expanding economic opportunities for local performers.”
Under the leadership of Fresh Arts Programs Director Gracie Chávez—formerly Houston’s Music Officer—this year’s event will emphasize equity and access at a time when arts funding for local musicians faces growing uncertainty.
“Make Music Day aligns perfectly with our mission to support inclusive, artist-led programming,” Carranza said. “We’re especially thrilled to have Gracie at the helm as we chart a new, more expansive future for the event in Houston.”
Global Roots, Local Rhythm
Modeled on France’s Fête de la Musique, Make Music Day Houston activates public
spaces of all kinds—from yards and sidewalks to cultural institutions—with free performances by singers, instrumentalists, bands, DJs, and experimental artists. “Music is the heartbeat of Houston,” said Alton DuLaney, curator of Public Art for Houston Airports. “From airport terminals to neighborhood parks, music should be everywhere and for everyone.”
Fresh Arts continues its partnership with the Consulate General of France and the Houston Professional Musicians’ Association, ensuring Houston remains an integral part of this international chorus.
Library Stages Take Center
Houston Public Library (HPL) will host a suite of Make Music Day events June 18–21 at branches and the Central Library Complex. HPL Director Sandy Gaw emphasized that “music brings people together, and that’s exactly what public libraries are here to do.”
Highlights include:
• TECHLink Studio Takeover
Wednesday, June 18 | Noon – 5 p.m.
Dr. Shannon Walker Library, 11630 Chimney Rock Rd.
Interactive tours and handson production demos for veteran and aspiring musicians.
L.O.U.D. Muzik Summit
Friday, June 20 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Julia Ideson Building, 550 McKinney St.
Day-long panels with industry pros—Barry Coffing, Aim Rashid, TikTokMomma and more—on creating, marketing and monetizing music.
Make Music Day Festival
Saturday, June 21 | 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Central Library Complex, 500 McKinney St.
Free performances, beatmaking workshops, jam sessions, vendor booths and food
trucks in a full-day celebration produced by L.O.U.D. Muzik.
“Creating the Make Music Day Festival was about more than just celebrating sound—it was about making space,” said Derrick D. Thomas-McKinney, CEO of L.O.U.D. Muzik.
“Houston is rich with diversity, and it’s critical that our city events reflect the voices and stories of the communities that make it great.”
Call for Musicians & Venues
Local performers and venues have until June 13 to register at www.makemusicday.org/houston. Fresh Arts will match artists and locations, ensuring each performance remains free and open to the public.
As Houstonians prepare to turn the city into a giant, open-air stage, Make Music Day promises to amplify the creativity humming across neighborhoods—inviting everyone to join in, pick up an instrument or simply turn up and enjoy the universal language of music.
of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in government, TREO aims to eliminate red tape for businesses. This includes streamlining state authorization for toxic dumps near elementary schools by simply moving the schools or holding classes at night when the dumps are closed. Other proposals include cutting red tape on food inspections. (“Just spray the veggies with Clorox,” one laid-off inspector suggested before croaking on a tainted pork chop.) Another proposal: Red lights – are they necessary? And: Let’s rename the hospital Haystack Memorial – who needs new needles? To cut down on skyrocketing government expense, TREO will cost about $10 million to operate through 2027.
Moving forward, we here at SleazeScum, Inc. plan to get our share at the latest goldmine in Texas: the $1 billion statewide voucher program. That $1B is coming from the taxpayers of Texas and is going to, hee-hee-hee, us! That fortune will be paid to the parents who will then pay it to private schools, religious schools, or even for homeschooling. We open a bunch of these schools which will have no accounting, no state
oversight but, regrettably, no high school football teams. Goodbye Friday Night Lights. And it should be easy to find empty school houses. Just check the neighborhood toxic dumps. But you ask, “No oversight? Certainly the Texas Education Agency will be monitoring the financing just as they do all state money going to education.” Wrong. The Billion Bucks Boondoggle will be managed by, get this, the State Comptroller’s Office, which has zero experience in such matters, but maybe the newbies will. To run the Guv’s private school handout, the Legislature approved sending the office an additional $30 million and authorized hiring 28 new staffers to run the program. (Another step forward in cutting back on state spending.) Fortunately, our state comptroller is going to… Oops. We don’t have one. Our current chief bean counter, Glenn Hegar, is leaving the post to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Oversight? More like overlook. Reading, ‘riting and riches, that’s our key to Texas education.
There have been some questions about my salary, expense account and Halloween bonus
but, on another matter, our investment in a new Broadway musical, “Donald & Elon -Pals Forever” has been put on hold pending lawsuits filed by both stars. Oh, as for the latter, we also heavily invested in Texas-based companies, Musk’s SpaceX, the Boring Company and Tesla. That may have been a mistake since Trump just posted: “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.” I think a contract has been put on Elon Musk, if he survives the ice floe. Finally, to grease the skids (and palms) in Washington, we have made an endowment to Trump University (formerly Harvard).
Ashby is subpoenaed 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.
HISD announces 2025 Summer Meal Program to support Houston children
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Houston Independent School District (HISD), through its 2025 Summer Meal Program, is continuing its commitment to student health and wellness by providing free, nutritious meals to all children 18 years and younger throughout the summer. In partnership with the USDA and the Texas Department of Agriculture, this program ensures that students across Houston continue to receive healthy meals throughout the summer months. Meals will be available at select HISD campuses hosting summer school programs.
The Summer Meal Program provides free meals to:
• Children and teens ages 18 and under Enrolled students with disabilities up to age 21 Meals are provided at no cost, with no registration or ID required, and must be consumed onsite. Families across Houston are encour-
aged to take advantage of this opportunity and share the information with others.
HISD Summer School Meal Service Schedule
• Dates: June 11 – July 18, 2025
Days: Monday – Friday
• No Meal Service: June 19, July 3–4 (Summer Holidays)
Breakfast: 7:15 AM – 7:55 AM Lunch: Varies by campus (most begin at 11 AM)
Afterschool Meals: Not available
Find a Meal Site Near You For more information on HISD participating campuses and mealtimes, visit www.HoustonISD.org/ SummerMeals or call 211 for assistance.
“This program plays a critical role in keeping our students healthy and nourished year-round,” said Betti Wiggins, Deputy Chief of HISD Nutrition Services. “We’re proud to continue supporting Houston families through our commitment to food security.”
From Confusion to Clarity: Deacon David Dufilho pens guide to stress-free decisions
By JACKIE MADDEN Special to The Leader
In a heartfelt endeavor rooted in faith and service, local author and ordained Deacon David Dufilho has released his first book, Discernment, Not Decisions with all proceeds going to benefit St. Rose of Lima Parish.
The book, which was born out of a deeply personal journey of prayer and reflection, invites readers into the often challenging—but ultimately grace-filled—experience of spiritual discernment. Deacon Dufilho shares his thoughts not as a perfect guide, but as a fellow traveler who has stumbled, gotten up, and continued to seek God’s will.
“When approached about writing this book,” Dufilho says, “and in my discernment of asking, ‘Am I supposed to write this book?’ my initial thought was that I’ve already discerned the diaconate, and yes, I do try to live a life of discernment. In all my ministry, I do my best to seek what God is calling me to—but I must admit that I’ve stumbled many times.”
Reflecting on those missteps, Dufilho draws strength from Vince Lombardi’s words: “It’s not whether you
Submitted photo Deacon David Dufilho
get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” He believes this captures the essence of a life spent in honest prayer—an ongoing attempt to rise, to listen, and to follow where the Spirit leads. Far from being a manual or a set of answers, Discernment, Not Decisions is offered as a companion—a gentle encouragement for others walking their own paths of faith.
“My hope,” Dufilho shares, “is that the book might encourage and nurture your journey… your life’s journey of discerning God’s will.”
All proceeds from the sale of the book will support the mission and ministries of St. Rose of Lima Parish, a community close to Dufilho’s
Submitted image
Book cover, Discernment, Not Decisions, by Deacon David Dufilho
heart. The parish is deeply grateful for this act of generosity and the spiritual wisdom Deacon Dufilho brings through his writing.
The book is now available on Amazon. For those seeking a spiritual companion on the path of discernment—or looking to support a meaningful cause— Discernment, Not Decisions offers both a rich experience and a heartfelt purpose.
Would you like to meet the author? St. Rose of Lima is hosting An Evening with the Author on Saturday, June 21st at 6:00pm in the Parish Hall. RSVP online by visiting our website at www.stroselima. org/schedule-and-events.
Urban Air Adventure Park takes flight in the Heights this Saturday
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Families looking for an air-conditioned escape from the summer heat will have a new playground this weekend when Urban Air Adventure Park opens its doors at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14. The 55,000-square-foot venue sits above Goldfish Swim School at 2737 Minimax St., just off the West Loop, and brings gokarts, ropes courses and more than a dozen other attractions under one roof.
“We have worked hard to bring a safe, fun and superexciting family entertainment center with incredible attractions for the entire family,” owner Tommy Philips said
ahead of the debut. “We make memories where families can disconnect from a busy outside world and cherish the joy of laughter and giggles through play. Get ready, Houston Heights!”
Know When to Go: Symptoms That Warrant a Trip to the ER
Accidents and sudden health concerns can strike unexpectedly. Understanding when to go to the emergency room can help you make an informed decision about your health and ensure timely access to necessary care. While it’s important to call emergency services for life-threatening situations, it’s also crucial to recognize severe conditions that may warrant an ER visit.
Recognizing Emergency Situations
When you are experiencing a medical emergency, time is of the essence. Many conditions or illnesses can worsen if you wait too long to visit an ER. Serious or debilitating symptoms that require immediate attention include:
• Abdominal or stomach pain accompanied by nau-
sea and vomiting
Bodily trauma, especially to the head or spine
Constant pain or pressure in the chest
• Fever of 100.4 F or higher that persists
• Severe burns
• Severe unrelenting headaches, especially if accompanied by fever or confusion
• Stroke symptoms, including face drooping, arm weakness, difficulty talking, dizziness, blurred vision, intense headache and confusion
• Sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Knowing when to go to the emergency room is crucial for safeguarding your health and ensuring timely medical intervention. Remember, if you’re unsure about the severity of your condition,
it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek medical assistance. Prioritizing your well-being and promptly addressing medical concerns can make a difference in your overall health outcome.
Additionally, identifying where to go before an emergency arises can help save time during a stressful situation.
Houston Methodist Emergency Care Centers
are full-service ERs that are open 24/7 and are conveniently located throughout the Greater Houston area. To find the location closest to you, visit houstonmethodist.org/ER.
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE where you need us
Convenient, easy-to-access locations for primary, specialty and emergency care To find a location, visit houstonmethodist.org/central or call 713.790.3333.
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: T-Rex
Age: 8 years old
Gender: Male
Despite his intimidating name, T-Rex is a gentle soul with a playful spirit. T-Rex (we call him Rexie) loves to strut his stuff with a cute little butt waggle and is always eager to explore new sights and smells. He’s a pro at sniffing things out and enjoys playing scent games. A lover of tiny toys (Shhh! Don’t tell him that they’re actually for cats!), Rexie also enjoys playing fetch and is happy to entertain himself by throwing his own toy around. Due to past undiagnosed pain, Rexie may initially be hesitant about being petted. To
help him feel safe, it’s important to pet him only when he asks, because startling reminds him of his painful past. Once he knows you understand his requests for affection, he’ll never stop asking for scritches! We’re happy to show you how to tell if Rexie wants to be petted! Now, if the question is about when he wants to be picked up, that’s an easy answer: never! Rexie really only ever wants to be carried in one situation: to your bed for
nighttime zzzs, with you as his pillow.
Aside from playing with toys and brief walks, Rexie’s favorite activities include trick training for treats and sitting next to you on the couch, watching nature documentaries. Does having your own T-Rex sound like fun to you?
Contact us about meeting Rexie: he could be your new best friend for life! Learn more about T-Rex at friends4life.org/ adoptable-pets/t-rex.
Community CALENDAR
17/20
14/19/21 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 - 10:30 AM 14 JUN
“From Plantation to Emancipation” Historic House Tour with Acting (77002)
(77008)
JUN
Performance: “With
(77449)
“Thrive Over 55” Senior Expo draws full house for morning of resources, food and fun
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church bustled with energy on June 4 as nearly 200 older adults streamed into the fellowship hall for The Leader’s “Thrive Over 55” Senior Expo.
“We welcomed 199 registered attendees and 30 vendors,” said Anqunette Williams, Houston-area sales manager for Texas Street Media and coordinator of the expo. “Our purpose is simple: to create a friendly space where neighbors over 55 can discover tools, build connections and feel empowered to live their healthiest, happiest lives. None of that would
be possible without the incredible support of our vendors and advertisers, and we are deeply grateful for every business that showed up to pour love and resources into our community.”
The free expo offered health, financial and legal information; prize drawings; games; and plenty of chances to mingle. Breakfast came courtesy of Coco’s Donuts, while Jersey Mike’s Subs on W. 43rd Street supplied lunch—both big hits with the crowd, Williams noted. Attendees also enjoyed one-on-one time with experts in senior housing, Medicare, fitness, estate planning and more. Between informative talks and lighthearted bingo rounds, guests left
with armloads of literature, new connections and the reassuring sense that thriving over 55 is well within reach.
“A big thank you to Coco’s Donuts and Jersey Mike’s for the delicious meals, and to every attendee who took the time to share their morning with us,” Williams said. “Your enthusiasm turned a Wednesday into something truly special, and we can’t wait to welcome you again soon.”
The “Thrive Over 55” Senior Expo was presented by The Leader and held at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St. For information on future expos, call 713-371-3740 or follow The Leader on Eventbrite or Facebook (@FromTheLeader).
Special Thanks to
Our Sponsor
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital
Your support made all the difference — thank you for helping us serve and celebrate our senior community!
With Appreciation to Our Vendors:
• Phyllis A. Oeser, Attorney at Law
• Dignity Memorial
• CapTel Outreach
• The Village of the Heights
• Suvida Healthcare
• Woodlawn Funeral Home
• Ruben Gonzales
• Jessica Burton
• Humana MarketPoint
• Omega Dentists
• Village Medical
• Devoted Health Plans
• Modern Vintage Home Care
• Better Business Bureau Education Foundation
• Scan Health Plan
• Renewal by Andersen
• Batterton Chiropractic
• First Service Credit Union
• Liberty Heating & Cooling Services
• QC Kinetix
• Oakbend Physical Therapy Upper Heights
• Houston Food Bank
• Primeway Federal Credit Union
• PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital
• InteleTravel Travel Agent
• Fyzical Therapy & Balance
• Verda Healthcare
• Adventure Begins – Travel by Mary
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital
Together, we made a lasting impact. Thank you for being part of our mission to uplift, educate, and support our senior community!
— The Leader
Photo by Adrian Garson
Representatives from Burton Group and QC Kinetix greeted guests with snacks, raffles and expert advice as hundreds of seniors circulate through the bustling fellowship hall.
Art Valet: Casa Ramirez: Four decades of culture, one last season
As reported on the front page of The Leader last week in “¡Hasta Luego!: Hispanic cultural beacon Casa Ramirez announces March 2026 closure” by Stephanie Shirley, the beloved Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery is closing after four decades. Chrissie Ramirez, the store and gallery owner, announced on June 2, 2025, that she’s retiring, closing the business after the 2025 holiday season, and keeping its name for future projects.
I attended that press event at the store at 241 W. 19th St. I was relieved when Ramirez said end of the year; a sudden closure would leave no room to visit, shop, reminisce, and mourn.
As I write this, on June 10, it marks the passing of Macario Ramirez in 2020. Mr. Ramirez (as I often called him) had a huge impact on many people, including me. I just had no idea how big an impact he actually had.
Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery was born from the
cultural legacy of Macario Ramirez, inspired by his father, Jesus Ramirez, a Mexican immigrant and folk artist. In 1937, Jesus started selling Mexican imports in San Antonio, taking young Macario to downtown markets, fostering a deep appreciation for folk art and entrepreneurship.
After Jesus’ death in 1984, Macario, who married Chrissie in 1983, opened Casa Ramirez in Houston’s Second Ward in 1985 to honor his father’s legacy. The gallery moved to the Heights and has been at its current location since 2004.
After Macario’s death from heart failure in 2020, Chrissie carried on their shared mis-
sion, keeping the dynamic duo’s vision alive. Macario is widely credited with popularizing Dia de los Muertos in Houston, sparking almost viral acceptance of the holiday across the U.S. and around the world. How’s that for having an impact?
Dia de los Muertos—Day of the Dead—is a festive Mexican tradition rooted in pre-Columbian Indigenous practices, honoring deceased loved ones. It’s now a way for all Americans, whatever their origin or religion, to celebrate remembrance.
Four decades in business turns customers into friends and loyal advocates. I recall gift shopping at Casa Ramirez before even moving to the Heights. During Holiday on 19th events, their Fiestas Navideñas made the store a must-stop spot. Around 2003, I got the couple’s attention while promoting artists in the Heights. In 2004, I launched the art mar-
ket I still run today. Their store hosted countless exhibits featuring local and international artists, which I covered years before joining The Leader
On First Saturdays in the Heights, I often missed their gallery openings or the Dia de los Muertos procession they led along 19th Street. But I cherished moments when the Ramirezes drove by my market setup, Mr. Ramirez giving me a slow wave or thumbs-up. A secret proud moment for me, being recognized like that. I really should have known better, but in a 2013 column here in The Leader, I lumped Halloween with Dia de los Muertos. The biggest kind of transgression one can make with someone who brought the holiday to a nation’s attention. Sticking my foot in my mouth is a special kind of talent I’ve honed well. I was already a bit intimidated by Mr. Ramirez, known for his social activism. Chrissie sent an email asking me to come to the store that week and “talk.” I worried needlessly—Macario welcomed me warmly, sharing the rich history of Dia de los Muertos and setting me straight with grace. That conversation showed
me the heart of Casa Ramirez: education was as big a part of their lives as selling the treasures and folk art their store was known for. One does not build an internationally known gallery based on intimidation. Chrissie plans to curate and donate Macario’s collection of writings, folk art, and memorabilia for public access. That may take volunteers to sort through the treasure trove.
She gave long advance warning about the gallery’s closure to allow one last round of celebrations, including Amor Eterno for Valentine’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Vaqueros y Rancheros during the Houston Rodeo, Crosses and Symbols of Faith for Easter, and their signature Dia de los Muertos events. Chrissie’s also offering ways for patrons to
share photos and memories of the gallery and the Ramirezes. The lease ends on March 31, 2026. Casa Ramirez was more than a store and gallery; it was a cultural hub preserving a heritage in danger of being lost. Macario and Chrissie Ramirez impacted generations of people, an accomplishment few experience. Congratulations and thank you, Chrissie, for giving us that and the extra time to cherish the legacy you two created just a little longer. Learn more about Casa Ramirez and upcoming events at www.casaramirez.com.
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
Photo by Agapito Sanchez Macario Ramirez
Photo by Stephanie Shirley Chrissie Ramirez and Mitch Cohen at Casa Ramirez
