Houston Council Member Mario Castillo has launched Resilient H, a new communitydriven initiative designed to make District H neighborhoods greener, cooler, and more resilient to rising heat and extreme weather.
The program was introduced during a recent community meeting featuring speakers from the public and private sec-
tors. The discussion highlighted the need for collaboration between government, business, and residents to strengthen Houston’s capacity to adapt to climate challenges.
Addressing the heat — one neighborhood at a time Castillo said the idea for Resilient H came to him in the very hot summer of 2023, before he was elected. After block-walking across the dis-
trict as a candidate, he saw firsthand the toll that extreme heat and a lack of tree canopy were taking on residents.
“In neighborhoods where you had a tree canopy and shade, it was a little more comfortable to walk the streets, and in neighborhoods where you didn’t, not only are you feeling that heat come up from the ground, but you’re seeing the homes exposed, thinking about
By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor
“Lucky” Engine 13 at Station 13 in Oak Forest now carries the name of Captain William Gunderson. On a beautiful fall day, Monday, Nov. 3, the Houston Fire Department dedicated the engine to honor the firefighter who spent nearly 30 years serving the department, with much of his career devoted to the Oak Forest community.
HFD Captain Paul Bivens, who served as Gunderson’s relief captain for approximately 14 years, was among those who gathered to witness the moment, along with Will’s family, including Gunderson’s brother, Senior Captain Kyle Gunderson. HFD Chief Thomas Muñoz and Engineer Operator James Alvarez, who served as Gunderson’s driver for over 15 years, were also on hand.
“His spirit’s still there,” Bivens said as he reflected on Gunderson’s lasting
impact at the station. “Will’s biggest thing was family, fire family, and his home family. He loved helping people and was big into his crew.” Captain Gunderson, a third-generation Houston firefighter, lost his battle with colon cancer in March 2021.
Over his tenure, Gunderson served the same community consistently, working at stations in Garden Oaks and off Little York before settling at Station 13.
Gunderson’s final ride took him through the Oak Forest neighborhood one last time. Fellow firefighters organized a procession from Station 13 on the way to his funeral service in Tomball.
When asked what Gunderson might think of the engine dedication, Bivens laughed. “He’d be like, ‘What are y’all doing?’” But Bivens also sees the deeper meaning.
“He promoted up through the ranks, but he always stayed in that area,” Bivens said. “He served his entire career serving that community.”
The dedication is just one way to honor him. Bivens and his colleagues have kept Gunderson’s legacy going
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
Tucked quietly between some of the Heights’ busiest thoroughfares, Little Thicket Park has long been a hidden sanctuary of oaks and winding trails—an oasis nearly invisible from Ella Boulevard yet rich with 70 years of growth and community memory. Now, after months of restoration and reimagining, this 10-acre greenspace at 1831 W. 23rd has emerged renewed. Thanks to a collaboration led by the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ 5), alongside Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) and the City of Houston, the park’s transformation brings modern amenities, ecological stabilization, and new life to one of the neighborhood’s most serene natural treasures.
The renovation was not merely an aesthetic or superficial update. Infrastructure redesign that had to be addressed and completed before construction could begin. The park abuts Little Thicket Bayou and years of erosion required shoring and stabilization before the park renovation could even begin. A section of the bayou’s bank had failed and required comprehensive restoration. It was stabilized by installing terraced gabions, which are stone-filled wire baskets that help control erosion, and by planting terraced native vegetation to reinforce the newly fenced-in bank.
On Nov. 1, there was an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the project completion and re-opening of the park.
By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor
Sorry, Sarah, a Houston-based indie alternative rock band, is releasing their debut album on Nov. 14, and they’re planning something unconventional to mark the occasion -- a sunrise listening party at the Kolache Shoppe on Heights Boulevard. The early morning celebration, scheduled for 7:30-9 a.m.
on Friday, Nov. 14, reflects the band’s commitment to their Heights
“The [Kolache] shop is deeply dedicated to the neighborhood community, which is why we chose this location for our kickoff event,” said Hobson. A regular at the café, Hobson had become friendly with the staff over
a half in total.
Photo by Blake
Photo courtesy of Houston Fire Department Capt. William Gunderson, HFD Station 13
Photo courtesy of Mario Castillo’s Office Houston City Council Member Mario
Resilient
“Little Thicket Park has been part of Houston’s park system since 1957,” said Kelli Ondracek, the Natural Resources Manager at HPARD. “This 10.9 acre space is one of Houston’s hidden gems and contains a place where nature thrives right in the heart of the city.”
Ondracek noted that much of Little Thicket Park remains a natural habitat under the care of HPARD’s Natural Resources Division, and even includes a section of the original White Oak Bayou before it was channelized — a rare and significant piece of Houston’s ecological history. She added that the park is part of HPARD’s Riparian Restoration Initiative, aimed at restoring forested habitat in parks along the city’s waterways.
“Thanks to our longterm partnership with the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority and our combined invest-
ment of nearly 1.5 million dollars, we were able to bring the community’s full vision to life,” Ondracek said. “A new playground, exercise equipment, court resurfacing and striping, concrete trails and walkways, drinking fountain, picnic tables, bike rack, benches, picnic shelter, trees, and nature trails.”
Ann Lents, Board Chair for MHRA, emphasized that redevelopment projects depend on strong collaboration with City Council and the administration, expressing gratitude to Council Member Abbie Kamin, HPARD, and city leadership for their partnership. She also praised MHRA President Sherry Weesner and the landscape architecture firm Clark Condon for their work in bringing the park’s design to life.
After touring the renovations, including the new sports court, Council Member Kamin was delighted to discover the addition of pickleball striping—an unex-
pected touch she had hoped for. A strong advocate for the sport, Kamin previously championed funding for Houston’s first public pickleball courts in 2023.
Quiddity Engineering, the longtime program manager for TIRZ 5, played a key role in Little Thicket Park’s restoration. The firm, also behind major projects like the Shepherd-Durham Corridor, addressed critical infrastructure and erosion issues to stabilize the bayou and protect the park’s future.
Senior Project Managers Matt Krainer and Kristen Hennings were on-site to explain how the new terraced gabions and vegetation strengthen the banks and ensure the park remains safe and sustainable for generations to come.
For more information about MHRA projects, visit memorialheightstirz5.com.
through their own community work.
Years ago, Bivens and Gunderson worked together to advocate for Station 13’s much-needed renovation, eventually collaborating on community events that got them outside their work bubble and helped cement their friendship.
Those efforts evolved into an annual ‘pub crawl’ tradition. Now in its tenth year, what started as a way to bring firefighters and community members together has become a fundraiser supporting multiple firefighter charities, including HFD Pipes and Drums, the Captain Renaud Foundation, and Firefighters Helping Firefighters.
One of those causes is now the William Gunderson Foundation, which provides scholarships for firefighters paying their way through the fire academy. Bivens, who serves on the foundation’s board, maintains regular contact with Gunderson’s family, keeping his legacy alive through their shared mission.
The family’s path has not been without obstacles. As The Leader first reported in 2021, the city initially denied workers’ compensation claims related to Gunderson’s cancer diagnosis, despite a 2019 Texas law designating colon cancer as work-related for firefighters. Bivens said the family ultimately prevailed. “It took a little while, but they finally got the benefits,” he said. With the dedication of Engine 13, there is a permanent recognition of Gunderson’s commitment to Station 13 and the Houston Fire Department. “Today’s dedication ensures that Captain Gunderson’s legacy rides with every call Engine 13 answers,” the Houston Fire Department stated in a social post. “His commitment to Station 13, his crew, and the Houston Fire Department will never be forgotten.”
Each day at Station 13, firefighters will see Engine 13 and remember Gunderson. It stands as a daily reminder of the man who made their station a home and showed them what it meant to live a life of service to others.
prove quality of life.
what is it costing to cool those homes in the summer,” Castillo said.
The extreme heat kept residents indoors, Castillo said, and people couldn’t walk their dogs or go to the park. Then the derecho and Hurricane Beryl struck, wiping out what few trees the area had. Houston faces frequent extreme weather—storms, floods, freezes, and heat— and while major city projects like the North Canal and Lake Houston improvements are underway, there’s still a gap in neighborhood-level resilience, which Castillo hopes to address through communityfocused efforts.
The first goal is to plant 500 trees in Northside, an area especially vulnerable to heat.
“We’re not talking five-gallon trees -- although they’re good, we’ll take them -- but we’re talking 15-gallon trees, that are more durable, that will make an impact quicker,” Castillo said. “Trees that will make people sign up and say, ‘I want that tree in my yard’.”
Inspired by Medellin, Colombia Castillo credited Medellín, Colombia, for inspiring the initiative. The South American city transformed its neighborhoods through a network of green corridors that helped lower average temperatures by 2°C and im-
In July, Castillo led a delegation that included Russell Etherton, Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca, Rebecca Reyna, Cassie Hoeprich, and Jacque Gonzalez-Garcia on a 3-day visit to Medellín.
“They have transformed that city,” said Castillo. “They, like Houston, faced a lot of days of extreme heat, and so they took one of their biggest contributors to this heat, their corridors and highways with no shade, no tree cover, no vegetation, and they made an effort to green those, to cool them.”
Drawing from that model, Resilient H seeks to create “cool corridors” in Houston — shaded streets that reduce heat island effects, improve air quality, and foster community well-being.
A four-part strategy for resilience
The initiative will focus on four key areas:
1. Expanding neighborhood green spaces and parks. Planting trees in people’s yards.
2. Weatherizing homes through measures like pipe wrapping and energy efficiency upgrades. Install rain barrels so that the trees have a water source.
3. Upgrading infrastructure to better withstand heat and storms.
4. Advancing smart policy that supports sustainable urban growth
“Downtown Houston+ is already doing this right over here on Main Street for their Promenade Project,” said Castillo. “They are actively constructing a cool corridor, and not only is it going to look amazing, but it’s going to have a real impact. The goal of a 20 degree-decrease in surface temperature, a three to five degree-decrease in average ambient temperature.”
The first “cool corridor” project outside of Downtown is planned along Cavalcade Street, in partnership with local stakeholders and the management district.
Castillo closed the meeting by underscoring the need for local participation. “Resilience starts with our neighborhoods,” he said. “We’re working together to lower energy costs, reduce health risks, and build stronger, more sustainable communities for the future.”
With Resilient H, District H aims to model how grassroots action, thoughtful planning, and shared responsibility can help Houston thrive in the face of a changing climate. The first Northside Resiliency Event will be held on Nov. 15 at Moody Park, 3725 Fulton St., beginning at 9 a.m. The event will include free 15-gallon trees and 50-gallon rain barrels, along with home weatherization and pipe-wrapping assistance for winter. Residents can register at houstontx.gov/ council/h/resilienth
Photo courtesy of Mario Castillo’s Office
The panelists at the meeting were Randy Macchi, director of Houston Public Works; Elizabeth Brock, METRO chair; Clint Pasche, from Greater Houston Partnership and Dr. Ruth Turley, from the Kinder Institute. The panel was moderated by Kris Larson, president and CEO of Central Houston Inc.
HFD Facebook photos
Dedication ceremony for Engine 13 in honor of the late William Gunderson, who died of colon cancer in
The HFD Station 13 crew, joined by Capt. William Gunderson’s family members, at the dedication of Engine 13.
Photos by Stephanie Shirley Nov. 1 ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Little Thicket Park.
Thicket Park.
MKT Trail Hogan Pedestrian Bridge repairs expected by year’s end
STAFF REPORTS
Repairs to the MKT Trail Hogan Pedestrian Bridge near Studemont, underway since February of this year, are moving forward, with completion anticipated by the end of the year, according to an update from Houston City Council Member Mario Castillo (District H).
In a recent Instagram post and follow-up progress report, Castillo said the project contractor is currently addressing permitting comments from the
Harris County Flood Control District and refining a revised foundation design aimed at accelerating the construction schedule. The revised design, expected to be finalized and resubmitted for approval by the end of October, will help resolve “constructability issues” identified in the original foundation plans.
Once the new design receives final approval from the City of Houston and Harris County Flood Control, contractors plan to mobilize quickly, with all materials—including pre-fabricated
steel components—already on hand. Construction is projected to take about four weeks once permits are cleared, keeping the project on track for completion before year’s end.
The MKT Trail bridge repairs have been closely followed by Heights and Near Northside residents who rely on the popular pedestrian and bike route for connectivity between neighborhoods. Castillo’s office noted that communication with both city and county partners remains ongoing to ensure timely progress and community updates.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Common Issue Not Commonly Discussed
If you suffer from urinary incontinence, you’re not alone. One in 5 women will have surgery for prolapse and incontinence by 2050, according to a recent study.
Women who experience urinary leakage or vaginal bulge symptoms may assume these problems are a normal part of aging, so they wait to seek medical help. “Women with pelvic floor disorders often delay seeking care due to embarrassment and lack of awareness of options for treatment” said Dr. Emily Rutledge, a urogynecologist with Houston Methodist Hospital.
It’s also important to remember that pelvic floor disorders can happen at any age. For example, women in their 20s or 30s may experience problems with bladder leakage after childbirth.
“It’s common for women of different ages to have stress urinary incontinence or leakage with coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercise. Many women may also seek advice for prolapse or overactive bladder. Regardless of age, pelvic floor disorders can severely impact their quality of life,” Dr. Rutledge said.
What Causes Bladder Issues?
Pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue can become weak due to childbirth, surgery, or aging, and that
weakness can cause bladder and bowel control problems.
Weak pelvic floor muscles can also cause vaginal prolapse, meaning the uterus, bladder, or rectum drops or bulges into the vagina. Moderate to severe bulging may cause a pulling or a heavy feeling in the pelvis, trouble urinating or moving bowels, and lower back pain. The three most common pelvic floor disorders — urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence and vaginal prolapse — can all be treated by various methods.
Take Control With Treatment
The following treatment options
can provide relief for pelvic floor disorders:
Kegel exercises may help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and relieve symptoms. If you need some guidance, ask your doctor about physical therapy programs for pelvic floor strengthening.
Pelvic floor physical therapy restores muscle function and skeletal misalignment, which contributes to bladder and bowel control loss, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. A physical therapist with specialized training in pelvic floor health can address the muscle or nerve problems that often cause or wors-
en pelvic floor disorders.
• Nonsurgical options include inserting a pessary (a silicon device) into the vagina to support the pelvic organs.
• Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) or robotic surgery may be recommended depending on the severity of prolapse and other factors. Pelvic floor reconstruction surgery is a type of surgery that repairs weakened pelvic floor tissues by strengthening the supporting ligaments around the pelvic organs.
If you have pelvic floor issues, you’re not alone, and there’s no need to be embarrassed or hide how you’re feeling. “Dealing with pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence can be bothersome, and many women are relieved to learn there are so many minimally invasive treatment options available,” Dr. Rutledge said.
Schedule an Appointment
Houston Methodist Center for Restorative Pelvic Medicine experts offer a variety of treatment options that can improve your quality of life — and get you back to feeling your best. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ crpm or call 713.441.9229 to schedule an appointment.
HOUSTON METHODIST
Dr. Halie P. Shah, M.D.
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Two brothers who have repeatedly stolen from homes in the Heights and nearby neighborhoods have been arrested for felony burglary charges, Harris County Constable Precinct One Alan Rosen said.
“We asked the public for help identifying them and we are grateful for everyone who stepped up. These arrests show once again how important it is to have wellpositioned, well-maintained surveillance cameras.”
An investigation continues and they may face additional charges as authorities have tied them to other incidents.
Ruben Linares, 46, has five prior felony convictions for robbery, burglary, theft and other crimes.
His younger brother, Adrian Linares, 42, also has an extensive criminal record. He was charged three times in the past two years with burglaries and thefts in which he kicked in front doors.
Both men were captured on videos in recent weeks as they drove around the Heights and stole from porches and garages. They initially used a white Chevy Avalanche pickup truck without plates, and later a silver Nissan Sentra sedan. After video of the truck was posted on social media, investigators say the brothers changed to the sedan to lower their profile. Ruben Linares was sentenced to six months in jail earlier this year for stealing a dirt bike out of a garage and approximately $10,000 worth of Jurassic Park dinosaur costumes from a trailer. He attempted to sell them on Facebook Marketplace. The brothers are charged with state-jail felonies for burglary, punishable by up to two years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Anyone with additional
Photos released by Precinct One Constable’s Office
ARRESTED: Ruben Linares, left, and Adrian Linares
Photo courtesy of Houston Public Works
A section of MKT Hogan Bridge under repair.
THE TOPICS. Scaring the daylights
“You get to ask yourself one question. Do you feel discombobulated? Well, do you, punk?” Dirty Harry may have asked you that ques tion, because these days fol lowing our last disruption we are still hungover. It is an unpopular change in all our lives, particularly among dairy farmers. It’s daylight saving time. Yuk. No one likes it. There are countless attempts by Congress (when ever it works) to do away with it. First we must set the re cord straight. It is daylight saving not savingS. No plural. We only save, not saves. In this last re-setting of time we fell back, not forward. As the old saying goes, we fall back in fall and spring forward in spring, except in February which has 28 days. Another mistake: as with summer, winter and e.e. cummings, the term daylight saving time is not capitalized. Its abbreviation, DST, is capitalized. People get it wrong all the (saving) time.
But here’s the problem: I can never remember whether we go on or off DST. Does it really matter? For the record, we just went off DST, I think. In any event, on Nov.
tions.” I had to look it up. I thought a Circadian was from a Canadian province. What difference does it make? Well, DST does make a difference in us, according to experts who study circadians, and I don’t know if they are Canadian circadians. Even an hour change forward or backward can make you discombobulated, throw off sleep schedules. The time re-alignment also influences things like stress hormones and metabolism. We are now dealing with the fall change, but the spring change to DST can be a little rougher as darker mornings and lighter evenings make it harder to fall asleep on time.
This sparked the idea to host a special listening party at the location.”
While the album will be streaming inside the shop, the band will be greeting visitors on the patio.
Hobson formed Sorry, Sarah in June 2023, assembling a four-piece lineup that includes Jimmy Bent on lead guitar, Sam White on drums, and Madison Cooke on bass. The band has quickly become a fixture in Houston’s local music scene. Their self-titled debut album features seven tracks that blend nostalgia with contemporary energy.
“This album draws inspiration from the iconic era of grunge and alternative rock in the ‘90s and early 2000s,” Hobson said in a press release.
The album balances dark, grungeinfluenced songs with brighter indie pop tracks. Sorry, Sarah recorded the album at Shiny Tone Recordings in Bellaire with producer Ceej Burton. Their first single, “Golden,” released
Those first few days have been linked to increases in car crashes and an uptick in heart rate, blood pressure and even heart attacks. (This sounds like those TV ads for medicines that warn: “XXorp can cause broken legs, massive hair loss and a dreadful fear of Oldsmobiles.”) Other problems: dairy cows don’t have clocks so the farmers have all kinds of difficulties, and solar panels lose an hour which means your lights go out.
Again quoting the experts, some people may struggle with a problem called seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression usually linked to the shorter days and less sunlight of fall and winter. A time change can add pressure on shift workers whose schedules already are out of sync with the sun, or those regularly sleep-deprived. About one in three U.S. adults sleep less than the recommended sevenplus hours nightly, and more than half of U.S. teens don’t get the recommended eightplus hours on weeknights since they lie in their beds for hours playing video games.
How did we get into this mess? As we noted years ago, in 1784 the idea of daylight
in May, showcased the band’s signature “wall of sound,” a layered approach to guitars and instrumentation that has become their trademark. The music video for their sec-
WENDY GREENWAY, Defendants. NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF ACTION
TO: JW WINDSOR’S LLC and WENDY LANK f/k/a WENDY GREENWAY
You are hereby notified that Stephen Hart, the above-named Plaintiff, has filed a civil action against you in the above-titled court and cause on May 7, 2025. The general object of the civil action being a Complaint for Action on Note Against All Defendants, Money Had and Received Against All Defendants, Unjust Enrichment Against All Defendants, and Attorneys’ Fees and Litigation Costs Against All Defendants (“Complaint”). The promissory note subject to this action is signed, sealed, and delivered November 5, 2021. Unless you serve a pleading or motion in response to the Complaint in said cause on or before thirty (30) days after the last publication of this Notice of Pendency, judgment by default will be entered against you.
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saving was first conceived by Benjamin Franklin, apparently after making sure the U.S. Postal Service worked perfectly. His actual observation was: “One hour early to bed and one hour early to rise makes a man hungover, confused and hastens his demise.” Britain went on DST during World War I to save electricity. Here in the U.S. on March 19, 1918, Congress tried to pass The Standard Time Act which established time zones and daylight saving. I guess until then we didn’t have official time zones. The U.S. Senate passed legislation in March 2022 to make DST permanent. The bill passed by unanimous consent. However, the legislation was never brought to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. I think they were all asleep. We jacked around with DST over the years, with each state doing its own thing. Indiana, for instance, split itself into two zones. That ended on Aug. 8, 2005, when President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 into law. Part of the act extended DST starting in 2007, from the second Sunday in
ond single, “I Only Have Bad Ideas,” was filmed at Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Boulevard, in the Heights.
Beyond the Kolache Shoppe event, Sorry, Sarah has planned an additional listening party and happy hour at the Hotel Saint Augustine on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 5-6:30 p.m.
Both listening parties are free and open to the public, with band members present to interact with fans.
Release festivities extend throughout the city. On Nov. 13, Sorry, Sarah will take the stage at The Secret Group supporting Mini Trees. The show begins at 8 p.m. with doors at 7 p.m., and tickets are $20. From Nov. 14-16, Popston in the East End will offer limited-edition Sorry, Sarah popsicles.
The main album release party will be Saturday, Nov. 29, at The Continental Club from 9 p.m. to midnight, with doors at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. The band will be joined by special guests Mister Data and Tweezer, Houston’s Weezer tribute band. Hobson, who grew up in Clear Lake
March to the first Sunday in November, which is what we have now. This does not explain why all of Texas is in Central Standard Time except for El Paso, which is on MST, which sounds like an illegal drug but actually stands for Mountain Standard Time. Hawaii and most of Arizona don’t change their hours, nor do the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and American Samoa. About 70 countries around the world observe DST.
A question: If a train leaves Dallas for Houston at 1 p.m. going 60 mph, and another train on the same track leaves Houston for Dallas at noon going 120 mph, where will they collide? This brings us to Amtrak. To keep to their published timetables, trains cannot leave a station before the scheduled time. So, when the clocks change one hour in the fall, all Amtrak trains that are running on time stop at 2 a.m. and wait one hour before resuming. At the spring time change, trains immediately fall one hour behind schedule at 2 a.m., but they just keep going and do their best to make up the time. This would be easier if Amtrak was ever on
but moved to the Heights after college, works as Director of Marketing and Communications at the Menil Collection. Her background in arts administration and strategic communications is evident in the band’s thoughtful, multi-faceted approach to their album launch.
“The Heights neighborhood has been a place of growth for our project,” Hobson said. “We had our first big show at Eureka Heights [Brewery] and play at Dan Electros often. The neighborhood is so supportive of artists, with shops like Vinal Edge Records, Jo’s Coffee, and Antidote, which offer space to display flyers for upcoming shows, along with numerous venues to hear local bands. Many band members live in or around the Heights area.”
The band is already looking beyond the November release events.
“We hope to do more regional shows in Austin and San Antonio,” said Hobson.
“Sorry, Sarah” will be available on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
time. Not many airlines fly at 2 a.m. but maybe those that do just circle an hour. Here’s a good story. Wonder if it’s true? A man, born just after 12 a.m. DST on (or before) New Year’s Day in Delaware, was drafted during the Vietnam War. He argued that standard time, not DST, was the official time for recording births in Delaware. So, under the official standard time, he was actually born on the previous day and year. That previous year’s draft lottery number would exempt him. He won the argument, and avoided the draft. You get to ask yourself one question. Why do we still have DST? Do you feel lucky?
Ashby is discombobulated 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.
The album features the tracks: “Get Outta My Head,” “Golden,” “The Start of Something New,” “Wish You Well,” “I Swear I Won’t Remember You,” “I Only Have Bad Ideas,” and “The People Look Like Flowers.” All songs were written by Sarah Hobson and produced by Hobson and Ceej Burton.
Reflecting on the creative journey, Hobson said, “I loved tackling this challenging creative endeavor with my band. There were long days in the studio and many nights spent building out the songs into what they are today. Collaborating with such a talented group of local musicians has been an incredible experience. We cannot wait to celebrate the final product with our community and friends.”
See their video, filmed in Lambert Hall, here: https://youtu.be/ kabTQjQkDoI?si=HHahrpSjhme5xcr
Lynn Ashby Columnist
Photo by Blake Hobson Meet the band: Sorry, Sarah
City to host Veteran's Day Program and Parade Nov. 11
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Mayor John Whitmire invites the public to honor the brave men and women who have fought and sacrificed for our liberty and freedom by attending the City of Houston Veterans' Day Parade and Program on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.
Texas has the largest veteran population in the nation, with over 250,000 veterans residing there. The City is proud to pay tribute to our men and women in the military by providing an annual "Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration."
The traditional Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at 10
a.m., with acknowledgments and a distinguished keynote speaker recognizing our local heroes.
At the 11th hour on the 11th day, there will be a Moment of Silence in memory of the signing of the Armistice, which ended WWI.
The American Heroes Parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Dallas and Bagby streets, proceeding east on Dallas, north on Louisiana, west on Walker, south on Smith, and then west on Lamar, ending at Lamar and Bagby.
Local Veteran organizations, ROTC, bands, and supporters will march in the parade to show respect and to honor our veterans. This parade is open to the public, and all are welcome to join along the parade route.
STAFF REPORTS
From upscale sushi celebrations and tequila-paired tasting menus to Veterans Day tributes and chef-crafted Thanksgiving takeout, Houston’s fall food scene is in full swing. This week’s “Coming to a Table Near You” roundup highlights where to sip half-off sake, snag a free meal or dessert in honor of our military, watch a whole bluefin tuna expertly broken down, and let some of the city’s top kitchens handle your holiday sides— no apron required.
The Kid Throws It Back with Y2K Ladies Night Heights hotspot The Kid is turning back the clock with a Y2K Ladies Night on Thursday, Nov. 13, celebrating the best of early-2000s nostalgia. Expect free shooters, $8 espresso martinis, and complimentary pool all evening—plus a full-on Y2K dress code for those ready to channel their inner Britney or Beyoncé. It’s a night of throwback beats, playful vibes, and cocktails that would make the aughts proud.
P 1815 N. Durham Dr., Houston | { Thursday, Nov. 13, 8 p.m.–late | w thehoustonkid.com
Haii Keii Launches ‘Maki & Sake Sundays’ in Upper Kirby
Upscale Asian steakhouse Haii Keii introduces Maki & Sake Sundays, a new weekly special featuring half-off all hand-rolled maki and premium sake every Sunday from 5–10 p.m. Guests can savor signature rolls like the Hamachi, Rainbow, and Murakami (topped with
STAFF REPORTS
Please email entries to editor@ theleadernews.com.
NOVEMBER 7–8, 2025
CORNELIUS NURSERY – CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
WHAT: Annual holiday open house featuring live music, complimentary treats, and festive décor demonstrations. Learn how to make the signature Cornelius Bow, create teardrop door décor, and design decorative Christmas accents. Santa visits on Saturday, Nov. 8 (Voss Rd. location only).
WHERE: Cornelius Nursery, 2233 S. Voss Rd., Houston, 77057 WHEN: Friday–Saturday, Nov. 7–8; demonstrations throughout both days
COST: Free INFO: calloways.com
NOVEMBER 8, 2025
PERIWINKLE WALK IN THE PARK
WHAT: Family-friendly 5K walk benefiting The Periwinkle Foundation’s programs for pediatric cancer patients at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center.
WHERE: Evelyn’s Park, 4400 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, 77401
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8; registration 8 a.m.; walk 9 a.m.–noon
COST: Minimum $100 fundraising goal includes 2025 event T-shirt
• The Savoy (Third Ward) hosts a freemeal event 4–6 p.m. Valid military ID required.
More Veterans Day Dining Deals
Three Houston favorites are extending heartfelt thanks to veterans and active-duty personnel this Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. Military ID required at all locations.
Azumi (4444 Westheimer Rd., River Oaks District) offers 50% off all day 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. w azumirestaurant.com/ houston Kazzan Ramen & Bar (191 Heights Blvd.) serves 50% off entrées 11 a.m.–11 p.m. w kazzanramenhtx.com
Good God, Nadine’s (33 Waugh Dr.) provides a complimentary Skillet Cornbread—“OG” or Jalapeño Cheddar—one per table. w goodgodnadines.com
Hugo’s Hosts Clase Azul Tequila Dinner
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, tequila enthusiasts can indulge in Hugo’s Clase Azul Tequila Dinner, a four-course tasting
paired with premium Clase Azul expressions. The evening begins with a passedbites reception at 6 p.m., followed by a seated dinner at 6:30 p.m. led by Chefs Hugo and Ruben Ortega and guided by Clase Azul Global Brand Maestro Ruben Vargas. Expect dishes like Pato en Mole Poblano and Costilla de Res paired with Reposado and Añejo tequilas.
$ $195 per person plus tax & gratuity | t Tickets available at hugosrestaurant.
net
Blue Claw Seafood Debuts
Bluefin Tuna Cutting Event
Seafood lovers can experience a live bluefin tuna cutting on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6:30–9:30 p.m. at Blue Claw Seafood Restaurant & Bar. The interactive evening features an Omakase chef demonstration, unlimited tastings, and an open bar celebrating Blue Claw’s East Coast-meetsHouston coastal cuisine. Guests can also preview new weekly specials, including Margarita Mondays, Wine Wednesdays, and Sunday half-off sushi nights.
P 13232 Northwest Fwy | t Tickets available at tinyurl.com/BluefinCutting| w blueclawhouston.com
Thanksgiving Takeaway: Let Houston Chefs Do the Cooking
This Thanksgiving, skip the kitchen stress and order ready-to-heat holiday favorites from Houston’s culinary pros: Camaraderie (608 W. 11th St.) offers Parker House Rolls, Roubouchonstyle mashed potatoes, gravy, and Honey Chess Pie—order by Nov. 22 at camaraderiehtx.com/thanksgiving.
Feges BBQ (Spring Branch & Greenway Plaza) features smoked meats and sides—order via cognitoforms.com/ FegesBBQ/ThanksgivingToGo2025.
Local Foods, Milton’s, and Maximo (collective pick-up Nov. 26 at Local Foods Rice Village) serve farm-fresh sides, Italian comfort dishes, and tamales— see localfoodstexas.com/thanks25 for menus.
Sport Clips salutes veterans
STAFF REPORTS
WHERE: Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Blvd., Houston, 77005
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8, 3–4:30 p.m.
COST: Pay-what-you-wish tickets (suggested $35 general, $10 students)
INFO: bachsocietyhouston.org/20252026season
REEVES ART + DESIGN – “ALL EYES ON HER” OPENING NIGHT
WHAT: One-week, female-powered art show curated by Gary T. Murphy, featuring works by Houston women artists and youth artists, plus a couture collaboration with Danny Nguyen Couture. A portion of proceeds benefits Dress for Success Houston. WHERE: Reeves Art + Design, 2415 Taft St., Houston, 77006 WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8, 6–10 p.m. (Exhibit runs Nov. 10–15, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.)
COST: Free INFO: Dress for Success Houston beneficiary COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS –BRIGHTER FUTURES BBQ
WHAT: Fundraiser with barbecue, libations, music and silent auction benefiting Communities in Schools of Houston. (All-day giveback at The Pit Room Montrose, 1201 Richmond Ave., with 100% of food & beverage revenue donated to CIS.)
WHERE: The Pit Room – Memorial City, 10301 Katy Fwy., Houston, 77024
WHAT: Internationally renowned violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins—celebrated for her versatility as both classical and jazz soloist—joins Bach Society Houston for a special afternoon performance. Founder of Music Kitchen – Food for the Soul, Hall-Tompkins has brought chamber music to more than 18,000 homeless shelter clients worldwide.
ers and more. Proceeds support pediatric neurology at Texas Children’s Hospital. The Blue Bird Circle Pediatric Neurology Clinic was recently ranked No. 1 in the U.S. and worldwide for pediatric neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report; every purchase supports ongoing care and research.
WHERE: The Blue Bird Circle Shop, 615 W. Alabama St., Houston, 77006
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. COST: Free INFO: thebluebirdcircle.com • IG/ Facebook @thebluebirdcircle MEMORIAL PARK CONSERVANCY –MEMORIAL GROVES OPEN HOUSE
WHAT: Community open house unveiling final design for Memorial Groves, a Master Plan project honoring WWI history with new recreation, play and educational amenities.
WHERE: Cullen Running Trails Center, 7575 North Picnic Ln., Houston, 77007
ARCHAEOLOGY NOW PRESENTS GREAT DISCOVERIES OF MEDICINE: ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIAN MEDICINE
WHAT: Luncheon with Dr. Irving Finkel of the British Museum and Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine exploring ancient Mesopotamian healing practices and their connection to modern medicine.
HOUSTON HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION –BUSINESS MEMBER SHOWCASE
WHAT: A community networking event highlighting local businesses that help make The Heights thrive. Enjoy light bites, family-friendly snacks, and door prizes while meeting business owners and neighbors.
WHERE: Historic Houston Heights Fire Station, 107 W. 12th St., 77008
WHAT: Rosanade Childress, a Houston AARP volunteer, presents “Medicare 101: Understanding Your Benefits,” covering upcoming changes, qualifications, and impacts. Includes refreshments, a veterans recognition, and community donations drive for Friends4Life Pet Shelter. WHERE: Candlelight Park Community Center, 1520 Candlelight Ln., Houston, 77018
THRIVE OVER 55 SENIOR EXPO WHAT: Senior resource expo with free admission, food & drinks, drawings, games, activities, and expert guidance on health, finances, and legal concerns. Opportunity to meet service providers, get advice, and connect with peers.
WHERE: Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Texas Pkwy., Missouri City, TX 77489
Art Valet: Winter Street Studios marks 20 years of artistic resilience
Houston’s art scene owes much to a 75,000-square-foot warehouse built in 1928 for the Houston Transfer Company. Later home to the Harris Moving & Storage Company, the building in the Historic First Ward sat alongside dual rail lines that once powered the city’s industrial pulse.
In 2004, The Deal Company bought the property and began converting the warehouse into artist studios. Already home to an informal collective, the space caught the eye of Jon Deal, who worked with city officials to formalize its creative future. In 2005, Winter Street Studios became the first building in Houston officially designated as Art Studios by the City of Houston.
Two decades later, Winter Street stands as the cornerstone of Sawyer Yards, the nation’s largest creative campus. It remains a thriving hub for local artists, hosting exhibitions, events and open studios that fuel community and creativity.
Winter Street celebrates 20 years in Houston with a commemorative art reception Thursday, Nov. 6, from 6-9 p.m. Online readers are
Mitch Cohen Art Columnist
artvalet@gmail.com
in luck: You can still catch the party. Print readers, take heart. The monthly Second Saturday Open Art Studios that put Winter Street on the map continues year-round, with the next one this Saturday, Nov. 8, noon-5 p.m.
The current exhibition, Passages, is a landmark showcase commemorating two decades of artistic innovation, resilience and transformation. Resident artists were invited to reflect on the past 20 years through personal narratives, cultural shifts and collective milestones. Painting, sculpture, photography, collage and mixed media offer intimate and powerful interpretations of growth, change and the unfolding path that continues to shape us all. This exhibition is not only a tribute to the past but a portal to the creative futures yet to come.
Passages will be on view through Nov. 14.
One of the original artists, Sandi Seltzer Bryant, recalls first meeting Deal and helping launch the community:
“I remember Jon driving me to the building — I could see the vision, but I could also see the condition it was in. I was tired of artists having to accept working in less-than-desirable spaces. Jon was willing to put his time, energy, and money into creating a place where art-
ists could truly express themselves — many for the first time — in a reasonably priced and safe environment.
Winter Street has endured, and this anniversary feels even more special after having to rebuild our dream structure following the fire in 2022. Jon has never wavered in his commitment to giving working artists a comfortable, secure, and inspiring space to call their creative home in Houston and for that I am profoundly grateful.”
Central City Co-Op celebrates 27 years with The Grow & Gather Market
STAFF REPORTS
Houstonians are invited to celebrate community, creativity, and conscious living at The Grow & Gather Market, a special pop-up event marking 27 years of Central City Co-Op, the city’s original organic and sustainable farmers market. The celebration takes place Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2515 Harvard Street in the Heights. Admission and parking are free. The event will highlight the co-op’s long-standing commitment to connecting Houstonians with local growers and makers through an interactive day of food, music, and mindful experiences.
Guests can shop a seasonal fall harvest, enjoy bites and beverages from neighborhood favorites, and unwind with wellness-inspired activities — including a morning sound bath led by Obsidian Flow Yoga.
In addition to Central City Co-Op, participating vendors include Mala Market, Vivre Coffee Collective, Wilson’s Mobile Book Emporium, Florelle Floristry Studio, The Salty Dough, Zo-Zo Fresh Juices, and Itchy Acres Garden and Art. Live music and family-friendly programming will add to the day’s upbeat, community-driven atmosphere.
“The Grow & Gather Market is about more than just shopping — it’s a celebration of the local food movement and the
people who keep Houston’s sustainable spirit thriving,” said event organizers.
Visitors can register to attend via Eventbrite and follow @centralcitycoop on Instagram for vendor announcements and event updates.
The Grow & Gather Market
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• 2515 Harvard St., Houston, TX 77008
• Free admission & parking
nearby Follow: @centralcitycoop
I still remember visiting artist friends that first year Winter Street Studios opened. Houston had studios, but this felt different. The wild west days were over. The artists had settled in the city at last. They were on the cusp of something big. Winter Street artists will keep the celebration going with a Winter Wonderland-themed L’Art Garage on Dec. 6 from 3-9 p.m. Shop original art under $500, meet the artists and snag
one-of-a-kind pieces just in time for the holidays. For more information, visit sawyeryards.com or @winterstreetartists on Instagram. The 20th anniversary party runs 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2025, at Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street, Houston, TX 77007.
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
photos
Untitled by Sandi Seltzer Bryant hangs center in the Passages exhibition in B Hallway upstairs at Winter Street Studios.
Winter Street Studios 20th Anniversary Commemorative Print by original tenant and artist Mark Masterson.
Passages exhibition in B Hallway upstairs at Winter Street Studios.
