A local pediatrician, Dr. Christina Propst, is no longer employed at Blue Fish Pediatrics Greater Heights (1900 N Loop W) after a controversial Facebook post surfaced following the deadly floods in Kerr County. The floods claimed the lives of more than 100 peo ple, many of them children. Outcries from the community prompted a swift and strong backlash to her comments.
“We strongly condemn the comments”
Blue Fish Pediatrics, which operates eight clinics across the Houston area, confirmed that Propst’s association with the practice has ended. In a state ment posted to their website earlier this week, the organization said: “We were made aware of a social media comment from one of our physicians. The individ ual is no longer employed by Blue Fish Pediatrics.” The clinic made it clear that Propst’s
remarks were not aligned with its val ues or mission. “We strongly condemn the comments that were made in that post. The post does not reflect the values, standards or mission of Blue Fish Pediatrics. We do not support or condone any statement that politicizes tragedy, diminishes human dignity, or fails to clearly uphold compassion for every child and family, regardless of background or beliefs.”
Blue Fish Pediatrics did not specify whether Propst resigned or was termi
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
The Houston community is grieving the loss of 11 year old Greta Toranzo, a beloved student at Sinclair Elementary, who was confirmed to have died in the devastating flash floods that swept through Kerr County on July 4.
Greta had been attending Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River, when the floodwaters rose rapidly and unexpect edly during the holiday weekend. Her body was found days later following extensive search and rescue opera tions. She is one of more than 100 peo ple confirmed dead in the disaster, in cluding two dozen other campers from Camp Mystic, according to the latest updates from local authorities as of
press time. Per multiple media reports, at least 160 victims overall remained missing late Tuesday, according to Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
News of Greta’s death has sent waves of sorrow far beyond the Houston Heights neighborhood where Greta lived and attended school. In front of Sinclair Elementary, a silhou ette of Greta stands as a tribute, sur rounded by handwritten notes, flow ers, and a sea of blue ribbons—her favorite color.
The school’s PTO shared a state ment acknowledging the loss.
“It’s with unimaginable sadness we share that Greta’s family has confirmed she lost her life in the Kerr County Floods. As a community please con tinue to send your love and support to the entire Toranzo family. We do ask
that you grant the Toranzo family pri vacy and room to grieve. Should they ask for anything additional to be shared with the community we will do so at that time.”
The message continued, urging stu dents and families to lean on one an other in the difficult days ahead:
“We know this feels impossible to process. We will share additional support systems for students via ParentSquare once we have them in place. We encourage the community to continue visiting campus to leave mes sages and flowers at Greta’s silhouette and as a gathering place to celebrate Greta’s life.”
Camp Mystic, a nearly century old retreat in the heart of “Flash Flood
nated. Her social media presence and biographies have been removed from affiliated sites. Currently, the Texas Medical Board website continues to show her license as active, with no dis ciplinary action recorded.
The offending post
On her Facebook account, Propst had written: “May all visitors, children, non‑MAGA voters and pets be safe and
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
Sam and Janie Rezzoffi live on a qui et Garden Oaks street, just feet away from the bustling intersection of North Shepherd and 38th. On the southwest corner of the intersection there was one of many unsightly utility boxes that can be found throughout the city. Now, their community has been treated to a beautiful piece of mural art instead.
The Rezzoffis started the project of transforming a utility box from eyesore
to art started two years ago. However, their story began many, many years before that. Sam and Janie both grew up in The Heights and went to elemen tary school at Helms, middle school at Hamilton, and high school at Reagan together, just living blocks apart. But after graduation, they each went their separate ways. Then, nearly 50 years later, they found each other again and married six years ago.
A Quiet Street, a Bold Vision Janie had been living at her home in
Garden Oaks for several decades, and she and Sam were convinced this was where they were meant to share their lives together.
“We just love it here in Garden Oaks,” Sam said. “We’re very pleased with our neighborhood, the things they’re doing and the improvements being made. We have a great civic club that is very active and supportive; we try to support them, too.”
There is a greenway from the rail
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
After a string of break ins and at tempted burglaries at Friends For Life Animal Shelter in the Heights, staff are feeling frustrated, vulnerable — and de termined to find help.
The nonprofit, which has served Houston for more than two decades with its no kill shelter and innovative commu nity programs, has been targeted repeat edly in recent months. The most recent incident took place last weekend when someone broke a window on the group’s Mobile Adoption Vehicle and attempted to steal the generator from their in prog ress surgical unit.
While the intruder failed to remove the generator, the damage added yet an other layer to a growing list of violations.
“It’s so demoralizing when this keeps happening,” said Fiona Layfield, manag ing director at Friends For Life. “Even when they don’t take anything, we’re left repairing damage, cleaning up messes, and spending time and money that should go toward helping animals.”
Repeat Targets
The break ins began earlier this year, with a major incident in March when a thief stole a computer, refrigerator, tools,
and other electrical equipment from the shelter’s outdoor of fice. Security was tightened after that incident, but Layfield said surveillance footage shows multiple people have since attempted to breach the property — each time pushing the organization further into an emotional and financial drain.
The shelter sits on E 22nd Street, just off Yale, in a mostly residential area.
“I don’t know why we’re being targeted,” Layfield said. “Maybe they think it’s easy, but there’s really nothing of high value to take — it’s just a heartbreaking waste.”
The police have responded and filed reports, but Layfield acknowledges that “This isn’t a top priority when it comes to stretched police resources. It’s not a violent crime, but for us, it’s devastating.”
An Urgent Call for Assistance
Friends For Life is now ask ing for help from the commu nity. They’re seeking sponsor ship or donated services from: A security company to evaluate the property and recommend improvements — and/or possibly donate equipment like cameras or systems
Alley,” has long been a cher ished summer tradition for Texas families. The camp, along with nearby towns like Hunt and Ingram, suffered severe damage after torrential rains triggered catastrophic flash flooding on the Fourth of July. Questions have emerged about the adequacy of early warning systems in the area, including the lack of sirens to alert campers and residents.
While the Toranzo family has requested privacy as they mourn, their daughter’s memo ry is being honored across the city. Blue ribbons adorn trees, school gates, and front porches. Vigils have drawn neighbors and classmates together in compassionate reflection.
“Toranzo family, there are no words that can ease your pain,” the PTO wrote. “Please know our community will continue to lift you all in our thoughts and hearts for the days and months to come and we will remain steadfast in our support. Thank you for sharing Greta with us. May she rest in peace and live forever in our hearts.”
• A tree trimming service to reduce dark areas where intruders can hide and make their current floodlighting more effective Fencing contractors to help secure the perimeter of the property, especially in vulnerable areas
“We’re going to need to spend quite a lot of money to increase our security mea sures,” Layfield said. “If there’s a company out there who would sponsor some or all of it for us — it would be amazing.”
A Larger Vision at Risk
The latest break in targeted the organization’s new surgical trailer — a critical investment for the future of the shelter’s medical operations. Still in progress, the trailer is being built out as a fully equipped onsite surgery unit, capable of emergency treatments. The project would save the shelter
significant time and money when it comes to medical treatment for its charges.
Layfield said the group still needs to raise roughly $75,000 to finish outfitting the trailer with essential surgical equip ment and supplies.
“If someone were to suc ceed in taking the generator, we’d be out of business with that trailer,” she said. “It’s a vi tal project, and we need help protecting it.”
How to Help
If you or your business can assist — by providing services, donations, or expertise — Friends For Life would love to hear from you. To get involved or offer assistance, please con tact info@friends4life.org.
You can also learn more about the organization’s mis sion or donate directly at www.friends4life.org.
Supporters have left messages of hope and comfort in sidewalk chalk in front of Sinclair Elementary School.
In a summer marred by tragedy, Greta’s spirit and bright smile remain etched in the hearts of all who knew her. Or, as Sinclair Elementary PTO wrote: Once a superstar, always a superstar. Members of the commu nity are encouraged to honor
Greta’s memory and show support for the Toranzo family by leaving a message in front of Sinclair Elementary, tying a blue ribbon to their homes or businesses, and sharing the hashtag #goblueforgreta on social media.
road tracks to 38th St. between Shepherd and the Rezzoffi home. Although maintenance is technically the responsibility of the city, the area is often ne glected. So Sam took it upon himself to begin grooming and maintaining the strip of green that borders his neighborhood and is adjacent to his back yard. It is lined with colorful pink oleanders that have to be cared for and the grass and bushes trimmed back; not only for beautification purposes, but for safety and security rea sons as well. Another neigh bor, Phillipe Gaillot is now partnering with him on the beautification efforts for the green space that is more than 176 yard in length. But the ef forts don’t stop there.
The underpass for the rail road crossing north of 34th St is frequently defaced with graffiti. Despite city ordinanc es requiring removal of graffiti within a certain time period after it appears, the Rezzoffis say that doesn’t happen. So on any given day you might find Sam at the underpass taking measures into his own hands.
“I get out my roller and my paint,” Sam said. “They can put it up one day and I’ll say, ‘Go ahead guys, but guess what? It’ll be gone the next!’” Checking the underpass for graffiti has become a habit. When driving past daily, he and Janie check to see if his services are needed again. All these beautification efforts have been happening for years now.
Still, Sam and Janie wanted to do more for their little cor ner of Garden Oaks. A few years ago, they landed on the idea of turning the unsightly junction box at N. Shepherd and 38th, at the north end of the greenway he was main taining, into something of ar tistic value.
Dedicated to First Responders
When considering pos sible themes for the junction box mural, a salute to first re sponders came to mind right away. The Rezzoffis have both had first responders in their re spective families, and both had a wealth of appreciation for what the police, constables, EMS and firemen do for their community.
“Our first responders are often taken for granted. Everybody needs to know what these people do for us and be reminded that they risk their lives every single day,” Sam said. “We figured honoring them in this way would be something that everybody would recognize and appreciate.”
Community Support Makes It Possible
The process, however, was not as simple as first thought. There was a lot of unexpected
PEDIATRICIAN,
from P. 1
dry. Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA. They deny cli mate change. May they get what they voted for. Bless their hearts.”
Screenshots of the now de leted message spread rapidly, drawing sharp criticism for po liticizing a natural disaster.
Public reaction was swift.
On The Leader’s Facebook page, readers expressed their outrage about Propst’s com ments by saying, “She prac
red tape regarding approv als and appropriations for the project. The Rezzoffis had to submit documentation to the mayor’s office, since the ‘can vas’ for the mural was city property. They had to navigate multiple bureaucratic chan nels, and were shuffled inter departmentally. Because this was new to them, they attend ed North Shepherd District and Super Neighborhood Council meetings and credit these organizations for be ing instrumental in providing guidance.
“Additional forms were sent to us that we had to get approved by our civic club. I sent them all to Mike Stephens, our Garden Oaks Civic Club President. I told him we had until the end of that November, because of appropriations deadlines and we were running out of time,” Sam recalled.
Stephens expedited the completion of all the neces sary forms and sent in a letter of support on behalf of the as sociation.
“We were thrilled to help get this project over the finish line by facilitating the dialogue with the City of Houston,” Stephens said. “The Rezzoffi’s are a perfect example of the types of neighbors who con tribute their time and efforts for the betterment of Garden Oaks.”
Because of time con straints, the Rezzoffis also needed assistance with up front funding of the project.
Sandra Cortez, the Super Neighborhood Coordinator (COH) who had been work ing with them throughout, said
ticed in an area that is ex tremely close to where one of those little girls went to school and lived. She could have been her Dr.” and “The internet is full of controversial opinions, but cheering on the deaths of children as a pediatrician is pretty low.”
Another commenter wrote: “I get that it’s ironic when a county that wanted to get rid of disaster relief ends up get ting hit with a disaster and needs relief that might not come, but that’s not cool to go out and make an intentionally hurtful statement about kids.”
that she would help them lo cate a sponsor to front the cost until funds were released. She reached out to Veronica (Roni) Cabrera, founder of Art in the Heart, who agreed to spon sor the upfront costs. Cabrera was recognized for her artistic philanthropy and accomplish ments in a May 2022 article by Mitch Cohen in The Leader.
Finding the Right Artist
During their research pro cess, the Rezzoffis discovered Noah and Elia Quiles, found ers of Up Art Studio. Up Art is a public art consultant with an expertise in outdoor art proj ects. They have negotiated, fa cilitated and delivered literally hundreds of murals, mini mu rals and outdoor installations in Texas.
Up Start Studio agreed to help the Rezzoffis identify the right individual to bring their vision to life. They put out an ‘artist call’ for the project. Interested artists submitted designs for the project.
“Talented Houston art ist Carolina Gonzalez (Carolinasart.com) was select ed by the Rezoffis and their civic club after providing three different concepts for consid eration,” said Elia Quiles. When Gonzalez was asked what most motivated her to submit to the project, she replied without hesitation, “It was the First Responder theme that caught my atten tion immediately. Like the Rezzoffis, I agree that they are so very important and it was such a great and well traveled location for their deserved recognition.”
Some users called for Propst’s medical license to be revoked.
Propst’s post came amid national attention as commu nities in the Hill Country grap pled with devastating floods. Camp Mystic, an all girls Christian summer camp near the Guadalupe River, con firmed nearly 30 children and counselors among the dead by Tuesday, including 10 year old Greta Toranzo, who attended Sinclair Elementary School in the Heights. As of press time, more than 100 victims were confirmed deceased.
TORANZO, from P. 1
Photos by Stephanie Shirley Greta Toranzo’s silhouette, secured to the fence at Sinclair Elementary alongside those of her classmates, has become a makeshift memorial in her honor.
Surveillance photos courtesy of Friends For Life
The suspect in a March burglary at Friends For Life Animal Shelter remains at large.
Photo by Sam Rezzoffi
Carolina Gonzalez of Carolina’s Art (front) and her colleague, Mary Glovanovich, are shown here bringing the Rezzoffis’ vision to life. Gonzalez was the artist chosen to brighten this Garden Oaks neighborhood with this first-responder tribute mural at N. Shepherd and 38th St.
When to See a Doctor for Orthopedic Injuries
When you have an injury, you may wonder what to do next. Should you just walk it off, hope to get an ap pointment with a doctor the next day, go to an urgent care clinic the same day or head to the ER immediately?
“The big question after an injury is often where to go for medical care, or whether medical care is needed,” said Dr. David Lintner, orthopedic sur geon and chief of sports medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital.
What to Do After an Injury
Deciding what to do after an injury can be stressful. You may feel com pelled to push through the pain, but continuing to move the injured area could lead to further damage and a longer recovery time.
“It’s important to recognize that an injury is a sign you’ve pushed your body too far and you need to rest.” Lintner advises the following after an injury:
Rest the injured area to avoid fur ther injury.
• Apply ice or compression to reduce swelling.
• Elevate the injured area.
• Protect your injury by wearing a cast or brace, or using crutches, if needed.
How Serious Is It?
Minor injuries can often be treated at home, but there are times when you should see a doctor to ensure proper healing. Your ability to bear weight on the joint is key. Any injury that triggers swelling in the ankle or knee should also be evaluated.
Warning signs that you should seek medical help right away for more serious injuries include the follow ing:
• Any deformity of the limb
• Inability to bear weight
Persistent joint pain
Significant swelling with inability to move fingers or toes
• Swelling of a joint that comes on rapidly
• Weakness when moving a limb or
muscle
“If you have any doubts, it’s a good idea to get checked out by an ortho pedic specialist or sports medicine doctor,” Lintner said.
How Long Will It Take to Heal?
Some injuries take longer to heal compared to others, depending on the location and severity of the injury, your age, overall health and other fac tors. In addition to home treatment with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation), a doctor may recommend anti inflammatory medication, cor tisone injections or surgery to repair torn muscles or ligaments. For inju ries that don’t heal quickly on their own, physical therapy can be a key part of the recovery process. The fol
lowing are a range of recovery times for common orthopedic injuries:
• Hamstring strain: A few days for a mild strain; up to 3 months for a partial or complete muscle tear. Ankle sprain: 1 3 weeks for a mild sprain; up to several months for a severe sprain.
• Tennis elbow: Most people im prove in 4 6 weeks.
• Shin splints: Up to 3 6 months.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear or rotator cuff injury: 4 6 months for recovery from surgery.
Same-Day Orthopedic Injury Clinics
Injuries are bound to happen whether you’re competing in sports, exercising, moving furniture or simply stepping down from the curb.
The next time an injury slows you down, come in for quick and con venient same day care at Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinics. Though the injury clinic does not treat chronic conditions, spine inju ries, motor vehicle accidents or work ers’ compensation injuries, the clinic does provide treatments for the fol lowing:
• Acute orthopedic injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Injured tendons
Minor dislocations
Painful or swollen joints
Sports injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Torn ligaments
Simply drop in for evaluation and treatment of your injury.
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE where
a location, visit
REPORTS
THE TOPICS.
THE REAL ESTATE OFFICE – “Welcome,” I say to a young man. “What can I do for you?” He re plies. “I’m Bubba ‘Knuckles’ DeScorpio. I’m a UT student from Longview, an I wanna buy a condo. Cash. Now.” I inquire why a college stu dent would want to purchase a condo since most students rent a pad for the school year, without mentioning that he doesn’t exactly sound like he’s from Longview. “Ya gotta problem wit dat?” he says. “Ya ask too many questions. Fuggedaboutit,” and Bubba storms out.
That was certainly an odd conversation. Then, on my way to check in with my pro bation officer, I switched my car radio to KUT FM, The University of Texas radio sta tion. “Wealthy families are buying homes to get in state tuition at Texas universities,” I hear. And so I learned exactly that: a dodge to let me subsi dize their kid’s college educa tion. The law even has created a growing industry of real es tate agents who specialize in helping students mostly from California, Illinois and New York use these condos and even homes to save tens of by paying in cash or cosign ing a mortgage. Students have to own the homes for only a year before they can use them to apply for in state tuition for the remaining semesters. What a deal. That’s a discount of upwards of $100,000 over three years. Nearly half a dozen realtors, some who’ve been doing this for more than a decade, collectively sell about 200 condos a year to out of state UT Austin stu dents. One Realtor told KUT he has helped about 500 out of state families pull off this plot. Many opt to sell the homes after two years, often to other out of state families. Of those who have since sold
their homes, one in three sold after fewer than 500 days. The arrangement is legal. Realtors said it has been accepted by public universities for years. According to the radio re port, this coming school year Austin student from Houston or Sugar Land will pay about $10,000 a year in tuition and fees. A student from California will pay about $40,000. Over four years, someone from out of state could end up owing $120,000 more than a Texan for the same degree. There are re quirements to qualify as being a Texan, sort of. Out of state students must first live in the state for a year. During that time they must also establish a financial or personal tie to the state by doing one of four things: owning a business, working 20 hours a week at a non student job or buying property. Or, get this: mar rying a Texan. “Darling, will you marry me, for better or worse, but mainly for in state tuition?”
There is a side story to this: In 2001, then Gov. Rick Perry signed into law a bill giving undocumented for eign students living in Texas the right to in state tuition.
Nearly overnight thousands of people signed up. So a student from Lake Charles should say she is actually from Guatemala and slipped across the Rio. After a federal lawsuit was filed in June, the program was cancelled.
For at least half a decade UT Austin did not require students to live in the homes. That changed last year. The school now asks for proof students lived in the property they own for at least a year. But students can create a business by simply renting the home to someone else. So the condo owner has created a business and can use this ploy to get in state tuition. Texas limits how many out of state students UT Austin can ac cept to no more than 10 per cent of students offered ad mission their freshman year. But that hasn’t discouraged out of staters from applying. In fact, the opposite has hap pened; last year, the number of applicants from outside the state grew by 48 percent.
This transparent scam means (1) Texas taxpayers are paying for a low cost college education for students from the other 49 states and (2) UT Austin is notorious hard to
enter, so every classroom seat held by a New Yorker (Hook ‘em, youse guys) means one less Texas kid is there. Well, as a Texas taxpayer who al ready underwrites billions for Operation Lone Star and sees my money being taken from our underfunded pub lic schools to pay for private schools, this is enough. I have devised my own test to see if a UT student is really from here. Is Willie Nelson (a) a drink made from tequila and lime juice (b) a wrestling hold (c) on the road again? Finish this sentence: Houston, we have a _____. At the battle for Texas independence, Texians yelled: “Remember the (a) Al Capone (b) a la mode or (c) all of the above.” That was a trick ques tion. The correct answer is (d) albinos. At that battle, true or false: The Mexican general was Sam Jacinto. The Texian leader was San Houston. Can you drive northeast on the Southwest Freeway? Texan Elon Musk is the father of how many children as of this hour? True or false: Musk is known as “the Texas chainsaw massacre” because he likes to saw chains. There are 254 counties in
Texas. Name them. Being a UT student, you should know “The Eyes of Texas” (a) was stolen by compos ers of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” (b) is the official state song or (c) should be. A train going 70 miles an hour south from Dallas and an other train going north from Houston at 50 miles an hour will (a) not be Amtraks (b) no one was working on the rail road or (c) crash. Buying a condo to avoid paying out of state tuition (a) makes the rich get richer (b) is a scam or (c) is a better lesson than anything you will learn in Business 101. If you can’t correctly answer these questions then, as they say in Longview, fugged aboutit.
Ashby hooks ‘em 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.
By STEFANIE THOMAS
preserving the integrity and financial sustainabil ity of our print product. Our total circulation remains the same we are merely shifting our method of getting ultra local news to you. Our delivery dates and commit ment to great local content remain unchanged. You’ll still find local government updates, restaurant openings, community events, and features on the people who make
this neighborhood shine — just as you always have. We invite you to check our web site at theleadernews.com/site/ find_the_leader.html for a map and full list of retail pickup loca tions. We’re still
Photo by Imelda Alarcon
Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance announces new
Greater Heights location opening in fall 2025
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Vitacca Ballet’s new home will be at 2821 W. 11th St.
Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance has established itself as a leading industry ballet and dance training facility for over a decade. Artistic Director and Founder Kelly Ann Vitacca is excited to announce a new training facility opening in Fall 2025 in the Greater Heights area of Houston, Texas. The new home of Vitacca Ballet will be at 2821 W. 11th St., Houston, Texas, 77008, at the intersection of 11th St. and Ella Blvd. Ballet and dance training will be offered for ages three to adult. For more information on the new Greater Heights location visit www.VitaccaDance.com or call 832 967 5808.
Vitacca Ballet invites the community to visit the new location while under construc tion by attending a Dancer “Hard Hat” Sneak Peek on Saturday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. These will be informal events for interested community members to visit the new school and register onsite with a waived registration fee. Classes are slated to begin Fall 2025.
Days of Dance Celebration, August 8–10
To celebrate the new Vitacca Ballet home in the Greater Heights, a Days of Dance Celebration will be held at the current home in Montrose/River Oaks to commemorate the founding location, and at the Greater Heights new home to give a glimpse of what is to come. The community is invited to join Vitacca Ballet for the fol lowing:
• Friday, Aug. 8: Master Class Series at the Vitacca Ballet Montrose/River Oaks Studio (2311 Dunlavy) from 6–8:30pm. Master Class Series schedule: Class 1 with Aiden Wolf from 6–7:15 p.m., Class 2 with Whylan Rucker from 7:15–8:30 p.m. Each class will also include a Q&A with the instructors and Artistic Director Kelly Ann Vitacca. Fee: 1 class for $40 or 2 classes for $75.
• Saturday, Aug. 9: Dancer “Hard Hat” Sneak Peek of the Greater Heights Studio (2821 W. 11th St.) from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. See the studios while under construction and register for 2025/26 season classes for ages 3–18 with a waived registra tion fee.
• Sunday, Aug. 10: Final year round training and perfor mance company audition for dancers ages 8–18 at the Montrose/River Oaks Studio (2311 Dunlavy) from 12–1:30 p.m. Audition programs include: Vitacca Studio Company, Vitacca Ballet Youth Ensemble, VAPC (Vitacca Artists Performing Company), Accelerated Homeschool Division, VBSI (Vitacca Ballet Summer Intensive). Fee: $40.
2025–2026 School
Registration
Information
Season trial and assessment sessions for new dancers ages 10–18 are happening now for the new Greater Heights lo cation. Ages 3–9 are placed by age as of Sept.1. Dancers ages 10+ are placed by knowl edge, ability, and potential. All assessment sessions will take place at the current Montrose/River Oaks loca tion at 2311 Dunlavy while the Greater Heights location is un der construction.
The final year round train ing and performance com pany audition will be held for Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance Pre Professional Performance Programs de signed for advanced dancers focused in classical and con temporary training. Dancers ages 8–18 may audition by video, or through an onsite class at the current Montrose/ River Oaks studio at 2311 Dunlavy on Sunday, Aug. 10 from 12–1:30 p.m. Dancers may submit an audition vid eo by July 15. Audition pro grams include: Vitacca Studio Company, Vitacca Ballet Youth Ensemble, VAPC (Vitacca Artists Performing Company), Accelerated Homeschool
Division.
History of Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance was established in 2012 as Vitacca Dance Project in the Montrose/River Oaks section of Houston where it took over the former Dominic Walsh Dance Theater studio. Since then, Vitacca Ballet has solidified its reputation as one of Houston’s top dance pro fessional contemporary ballet companies and internationally renowned training programs.
The flagship location in Montrose/River Oaks offers primary, pre professional and professional dance students access to a world class des tination for dance education
and rebranding itself as the Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance. The school’s curricu lum and culture are designed to push each dancer beyond their technical and artistic abilities and offer the educa tion needed to pursue a long, healthy, and professional ca reer. Successful training comes from tailoring each season’s programming to the skills and strengths of the incoming class. Ms. Vitacca comments, “Our goal is to help grow and educate the individual dancer allowing them to surpass their preconceived limitations. To do that, we have created a mentorship program including specific technique schedules per dancer and provide a foun
dation of discipline and work ethic expected in the profes sional world.”
The focused mission and tailored approach have paid off. Graduating students have gone on to land spots in pres tigious national and interna tional conservatories, profes sional companies and leading collegiate programs on full scholarships such as Alberta Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Nashville Ballet, American Ballet Theater School, Rambert, Boston Ballet, and the iconic Juilliard School, to name a few. For more informa tion on Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance visit www. VitaccaDance.com.
Restaurants and Bars Unite: Local eateries launch fundraisers for Kerr County flood relief
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
As devastating images and headlines continue to pour in from the Texas Hill Country following the catastrophic July 4 floods, several area restau rants and bars are stepping up to offer tangible support. From burgers to Buckle Bunnies, Houstonians have lots of ways to lend a hand—just by order ing a meal or drink.
A Burger with a Mission at Rainbow Lodge
This Friday, July 11, Rainbow Lodge in the Heights will turn its weekly Wild Game Burger tradition into a power ful act of giving. The featured “Hill Country Burger”—a rich blend of bison, elk and beef ribeye topped with chili fried onion strings and BBQ sauce—will be available for $17, with $3 from each burger donated to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Rainbow Lodge owner Donnette Hansen will match every dollar raised through the promotion. The effort supports
COMMUNITY REPORTS
August 1–September 1 -Dine Out & Do Good™
One of Houston’s most an ticipated foodie event will cel ebrate its 22nd year, Houston Restaurant Weeks, beginning August 1 and running through Labor Day, September 1.
This year, The Cleverley Stone Foundation has modi fied donation amounts to $1, $3, and $5 per Houston Restaurant Weeks meal sold in response to the rising costs of goods the restaurant indus try has been hit with in recent months. The lower donation amounts per meal will help op erators through a difficult time, while still generating signifi cant revenue for the Houston Food Bank. Originally created to help bolster Houston's restaurant industry in August—histori cally the slowest month of the
The Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit directing aid to Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort.
Burger Friday runs until the patties run out. For more info, visit rainbow lodge.com/ burger friday.
Wine for a Cause at Mutiny in the Heights
In a heartfelt response to the loss of life—particularly at Camp Mystic, where several children and counselors were swept away—Mutiny Wine Room owners Emily Trout
year for restaurants nation wide—Houston Restaurant Weeks has since turned August into the most profitable or busiest month of the year for most participants and industry suppliers. As a best in practice partner to the industry, the foundation also lowered the donation amounts during peak COVID times in August 2020, with the resulting Houston Restaurant Weeks traffic help ing keep many restaurants afloat after shutdowns.
“The Houston Food Bank is so grateful to again be the beneficiary of Houston Restaurant Weeks,” said Brian Greene, President and CEO of Houston Food Bank. “The funds raised by this event are more critical than ever, at a time when food banks are experiencing both funding cuts and increased need in the community. Thank you to Katie Stone and The Cleverley Stone Foundation for sustain
and Mark Ellenberger have launched a wine based fund raiser that will last through the end of July.
"Both Emily and I were profoundly saddened by the loss of life in Kerr County and particularly saddened by the loss of children and coun selors at Camp Mystic," said Ellenberger. "This is a loss that hits home for all Texans and especially those directly im pacted by the terrible floods."
For every glass of wine sold, $1 will go to the relief fund. Bottles and cases gener
ing Cleverley’s legacy of din ing out and doing good!” Houston Restaurant Weeks was created in 2003 by the late media personality Cleverley Stone and has grown to be the largest Restaurant Weeks fun draiser in the United States. Benefiting the Houston Food Bank, the event has raised over $22 million dollars since inception, which has provided more than 66 million meals for food insecure Houstonians. Today, her daughter Katie Stone, President of The
ate even more support, with $5 and $75 donated respec tively. To donate directly, visit cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com.
Buckle Up for a Cause on 713 Day
On Sunday, July 13— also known as 713 Day in Houston—Heights Bier Garten and Bayou Heights Biergarten are donating 100 percent of proceeds from ev ery Eureka Heights Buckle
Cleverley Stone Foundation, carries on the mission in her honor.
“The purpose of Houston Restaurant Weeks since its inception has been to sup port the restaurant commu nity,” said Katie Stone. “Over 22 years, it has become a juggernaut of a fundraiser and a great opportunity for Houstonians to explore our vibrant food scene.
Bunny beer sold to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
“This is the perfect time to grab friends and family and support fellow Texans in need while also honoring the city of Houston,” organizers said in a release. “Raise a Buckle Bunny. Raise hope.”
From Tragedy to Community Action
The July 4 flood claimed multiple lives across Kerr
County and left several in dividuals still missing. In the wake of heartbreak, Houston’s hospitality community is chan neling its energy into compas sion and aid.
Whether it’s a burger, beer, wine or mango cocktail, every order this month offers a way to support flood survivors— and remind our Texas neigh bors that Houston has their back.
Courtesy of Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance
Courtesy of Vitacca Ballet & School for Dance
Facade rendering
Photo by Stefanie Thomas)
The patio at Rainbow Lodge
Photo by Andrew Hemingway
Mutiny in the Heights
Hey serial Budweiser thief, this bust is for you: Deputies nab alleged shopliftaholic
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Precinct 1 Constable's
Office officials say a serial thief was so comfortable grab bing cases of beer and walk ing out of the Kroger store on 20th Street that employees knew they’d see him every Wednesday and Sunday.
And so, like clockwork, Jermaine Boulding, 42, al legedly walked into the gro cery store Sunday at around 9 a.m., grabbed two cases of Bud Light, and headed out the door, according to court records.
His “getaway” included walking across the parking lot and climbing aboard a METRO bus at the corner of 20th and Yale.
“But that’s when his party was over,” Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said.
Precinct 1 deputies report edly blocked the bus before it could pull away and found Boulding on board as he was sipping a can of the evidence.
“We catch the criminals, but is up to the courts to deter mine what should happen to them,” Rosen said. “For now, he’s off our streets.”
County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office Arrested and charged: Jermaine Boulding
The Great American Pie Contest
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Put your baking skills to the test at The Great American Pie Contest, hosted by the Houston Heights Association during the July General Meeting on Monday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Heights Fire Station (107 W. 12th Street). This spirited neighborhood showdown
is open to bakers of all ages and experi ence levels. Enter your masterpiece in one (or more!) of four tasty categories: • Sweet Savory
• Junior Baker
• and Presentation To participate, each contestant must bring two pies for judging. A panel of six judges will taste their way through the en
tries to crown the best pies of 2025. Not baking this year? No problem! Come out to cheer on your neighbors, enjoy the festivities, and savor the sweet spirit of the Heights community. Whether you're vying for the ribbon or just stop ping by for the fun, this is a do not miss community event. Sign up now to enter your pie at tinyurl. com/HHApies for details.
Officials said he’d been stealing from the store for months, according to employ ees, and seemed to always be able to escape.
Court records show
Boulding was sentenced to six months in state jail for a 2024 incident in which he stole a Jeep Cherokee. In 2007, he was sentenced to six years in prison for an incident in which he stole nu merous games from a Game Stop store and used a box cut ter to threaten an employee.
Boulding, who resides in the Houston area, is now charged with felony theft with two or more previous convictions (11 to be exact), meaning he faces the possibility of prison time.
Community CALENDAR
12 JUL
Empty Bowls Houston PopUp at Saint Arnold Brewery (77020)
Benefitting Houston Food Bank | Artisan bowls $10 and $25 each | FREE adm Saint Arnold Brewery (Beer Garden) 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
12 JUL
Juneteenth in July
Honoring freedom, culture, and unity | Vendors | Food | Live performances | FREE Emancipation Park 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
DJ | Mariachi | Houston merch | Giveaways | All ages | FREE adm Front Plaza of Meow Wolf + Saint Arnold Brewery 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
13 JUL
HTX Mystic Market (77007) Shop unique treasures: Crystals, artisan crafts, natural skincare & more Hampton Inn and Suites Houston Heights I-10 Central 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
13 JUL Sunday Soul Market (77009)
FREE event | Vintage goods | Soul music | All ages | Dogfriendly Dan Electros 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
13 JUL
Friends For Life Doggie Playgroup (77008) Weekly FREE event | Meet and greet with shelter animals Friends For Life Animal Shelter (Backyard)
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
13 JUL 713 Day at Karbach Brewing (77092) Rapper Lil’ Flip & Friends | DJ Marco Torres | Vendors | Food & drink | FREE adm Karbach Brewing Co. 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
14 JUL
Photo released by Harris
Photo by Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office
Deputies with the Precinct 1 Constable's Office arrested an alleged repeat beer thief as he was sipping a can of his loot on a METRO bus.
Photo released by Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office
Surveillance photo of Jermaine Boulding
A few years ago, First Saturday Arts Market artists would eagerly share news of new markets sprouting across Houston a few started by the artists themselves to es cape the summer heat and unpredictable weather. I’m thrilled to visit these indoor havens without running the show myself! When artist Natalie Shipula asked if I’d mind her inviting fellow First Saturday talents to her Art & Vine Market, I was all in.
On Saturday, July 12, from 1 7 p.m., West Sandy Creek Winery, nestled on 360 acres near Richards, Texas, hosts this inaugural event, curat ed by Shipula. Featuring 16 Houston area artists, this air conditioned showcase blends vibrant paintings, pottery, and jewelry with award winning Texas wines, offering a cool, creative escape for art and wine lovers alike. I caught up with Shipula to learn more about her vision for the Art & Vine Market.
Art Valet: How did this come about?
“This is something I have wanted to do since selling pro
duce at local farmers markets back home in Pennsylvania,” said Shipula. “I wanted to see if the advice I gave those mar ket managers was valid and if I could do it myself. It also came as a need after talking to several of my fellow artists. There wasn’t much going on during the summer months here in Houston.”
AV: Is this your first time organizing an art market?
“This is my first time ever creating a market,” said Shipula. “And while I knew it would be a lot of work, I underestimated the amount of time I had. I am currently a full time designer at UH, I’m enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, getting my Master’s in Art Management,
making my own art and main taining a household. It’s a lot.”
AV: How many artists are participating, and how many are from First Saturday?
“There are actually 16 in cluding myself, however, I am not sure if Sue White or Michelle Ellis are,” said
Shipula. “I met Michelle at another market we both at tended and she put me in con tact with Sue White. However, all of them I met for the most part at First Saturday and, fun fact, I own pieces from five of them. I hand selected these artists to be in this show be cause they are not only tal ented but also well suited. I felt they would fit in this space and this audience very well.”
The participating artists are Sue White, Michelle Ellis, Miriam O’Brien, Lindsey Johnson, Jeff Lung, Zoe White, Jo Edwards, Aimee Kudla, Ron Martel, Eric DePan, Hannah Bladh, Jimmie Shealey, Bella Trevino, Carol McGinnis, Carolyn Coates, and Natalie Shipula.
AV: Can you share a bit about your background as an artist?
“I’m a multidisciplinary art ist and designer blending fine
art, graphic design, and pho tography,” said Shipula. “From custom digital graphics and nature inspired photography to expressive watercolors and sustainably crafted pieces, my work is rooted in creativity, accessibility, and purpose. I specialize in one of a kind, affordable art made with care—no prints, just originals. By repurposing vintage ma terials and capturing beauty in everyday moments, I aim to create meaningful, lasting connections through visual storytelling. You can visit my website, nshipula.com, or @ nshipulacreative for my so cials, instagram.com/nshipu lacreative.”
AV: Will you do more of these indoor markets?
“Yes, I would love to find unique spaces with different audiences to help the artists I know find their customer base,” said Shipula. “This
started out as a need to have art markets that are indoors during the summer months of Texas but also a way to show case different art in different places.”
The Art & Vine Market runs from 1 7 p.m. on July 12, 2025, at West Sandy Creek Winery (1 Winery Rd, 1773 FM 1791, Richards, TX 77873). Browse handcrafted works, from ex pressive watercolors to hand crafted jewelry, while savoring the winery’s acclaimed wines and artisanal tapas platters. For more details, follow @ westsandycreekwinery or @ nshipulacreative on Instagram for updates and visit wscwin ery.com.
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts
Cactus painting on wood by Natalie Shipula Abstract watercolor by Natalie Shipula
