Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 42

Houston Style Magazine Magazine OCTOBER 19, 2023 – OCTOBER 25, 2023

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989

Volume 34 | Number 42

Complimentary

Ben Jealous

The Dirty Truth About Utility Companies

Armando Perez

H-E-B's VP Leads United Way's 23-24 Community Campaign

December 1st H NRG Arena H Houston, TX H 8PM

H GUMBO FEST + SATURDAY + ST. MARY'S H TAG US: #TeamStyleMag

Twitter: @HoustonStyle

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HAUTE SHOTS: A Night Out with Sylvester Turner

Facebook: @HoustonStyleMagazine

Haute Shots: AAMA Illumine Gala 2023

Amanda Edwards

Frontrunner in TX 18th Congressional District Race

Early Voting Starts Oct. 23rd

N E W S | C O M M E N TA R I E S | S P O R T S | H E A LT H | E N T E R TA I N M E N T Support Black Owned Businesses

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October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

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H-E-B Revolutionizes North Texas Retail Landscape With New MEGA-STORE in Allen, Texas Publisher Francis Page, Jr. fpagejr@stylemagazine.com Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez lisa@stylemagazine.com Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com Social Media Editor/Videographer Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com Graphic Design /Layout Editor Cameron C. Lee thisiscam6@gmail.com Sports Editor Brian Barefield brian_barefield@yahoo.com Food Writer Alex Jack alexandriajack1991@gmail.com Arts Editor Kathleen Coleman kathleen@stylemagazine.com NATIONAL WRITERS Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org Burt Levine TotallyRandie PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com ADVERTISING/SALES Advertising Email advertising@stylemagazine.com

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By Francis Page, Jr., Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com

ouston Style Magazine brings the exciting news to its readers about H-E-B’s expansive endeavors in North Texas. The beloved San Antonio-based retailer, H-E-B, has now unveiled its magnificent new store in Allen.

This 117,000-square-foot retail marvel is not just another store; it’s a culmination of tradition, innovation, and commitment to serving the community.

Set against the thriving backdrop of Allen, this store becomes the fourth H-E-B establishment in the DFW Metroplex in just one year. Joining its siblings in Frisco, Plano, and McKinney, this store is a testament to H-E-B’s relentless dedication to the North Texas community. What’s more, the company has further expansion plans with stores in Melissa, Prosper, and Rockwall on the horizon, ensuring that Texans never have to go too far for their trusted H-E-B experience.

One can’t help but marvel at the distinctive features that the Allen store boasts. From the aromatic allure of the True Texas BBQ restaurant to the extensive Home by H-E-B decor department, every inch of this store is curated for an unparalleled shopping experience. For those on the move, H-E-B’s Curbside and Home Delivery services seamlessly integrate the digital realm with physical shopping, ensuring convenience at every step.

Levon Norwood, the enthusiastic H-E-B Allen Top Store Leader, shared, “We are thrilled to welcome our Allen community to this state-of-the-art store, designed keeping their needs in mind. Every aisle, every product, and every service stands as a promise of H-E-B’s unmatched quality.”

H-E-B has always been more

than just a store. Their environmental consciousness shines through in their Allen store design, emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainable practices. From LED lighting to CO2 refrigeration units and a focus on native landscaping, it’s clear that H-E-B cares for the planet as much as it cares for its customers.

This commitment to the community doesn’t stop at the store’s doors.

H-E-B’s benevolent Spirit of Giving is well-known. In celebration of this grand opening, they generously donated $10,000 to the Friends of the Allen Public Library, further cementing their place in the heart of the community.

The DFW area is buzzing with H-E-B developments. From new stores in Alliance and Mansfield to the announcement of the innovative Joe V’s Smart Shop

by H-E-B locations outside of Houston, H-E-B is setting the pace for retail excel-

lence in Texas.

To our readers, for more updates and information about H-E-B’s upcoming ventures and their grand impact on the DFW Metroplex, stay tuned. And for those eager to experience the best of Texas retail, Allen awaits with its gleaming new H-E-B store!

Remember, whether you’re in Dallas, Plano, Southlake, or Fort Worth, H-E-B’s legacy of serving the community continues to grow. With its diverse store formats like Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop, and Mi Tienda, H-E-B promises something for everyone.

Link: H-E-B Careers Link: H-E-B’s Upcoming Stores Link: H-E-B’s Community Initiatives

www.HEB.com

MINORITY PRINT MEDIA, LLC, D.B.A.

Houston Style Magazine & www.StyleMagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221©2023 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved. Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2019 Audit

by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP).

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October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

3

COMMENTARY

THE DIRTY TRUTH ABOUT UTILITY COMPANIES’ CLEAN ENERGY EFFORTS

By Ben Jealous, Political Commentator

I

magine telling your boss that you’ll complete less than half of the work that’s needed, getting almost nothing done over 12 months, then asking for a raise.

That’s essentially the story of the 77 utility companies still most heavily invested in fossil fuel-fired electric plants, according to a report last week by the Sierra Club and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The utilities plan to replace only 30 percent of that coal and gas with clean energy by 2030, and more than half of them have made no progress since last year.

For example, We Energies announced in 2020 that it would retire the mainly coal-fired Oak Creek power plant in Milwaukee. Two years later, it extended the timeline by 18 months. In August, on a call with investors, corporate officials wouldn’t commit to that schedule.

Nonetheless, the company is asking the state public service for a 3 percent rate increase, which would follow an 11 percent rate increase last year.

“We Energies is asking for an additional increase saying they need it to move toward green energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” said Keviea Guiden of Citizen Action Wisconsin.

“They should be doing that more quickly, but they shouldn’t be doing that on the backs of their poorest customers.”

The homes that those customers live in typically are 100 or more years old; they aren’t well insulated or weatherized, Guiden noted. “We’re pulling more gas for heating and more electricity for cooling.”

At the same time, those same residents face exposure to gas and par-

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ticulate pollution from Oak Creek every month that the transition is delayed, she said.

Wisconsin’s minimum wage still stands at $7.25 an hour. “If you’re a family making $18-20,000 a year, 10 percent of that income would go to those electric and gas bills,” said Guiden, who organized 24 residents to oppose the rate increase at a state hearing last week.

We Energies isn’t struggling.

It reported increased revenue of more than $1 billion last year. Wisconsin allows the public utility to earn a profit of almost 10 percent.

The fact is there’s never been a more opportune moment for We Energies and other utility companies to make the switch to clean energy. The cost of solar power, which We Energies said would replace more than half of the coal-fired plant’s generated electricity, has fallen nearly 100 percent in the last

October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

decade. In its plans, the company acknowledged it would save $50 million in lower fuel and maintenance costs alone at Oak Creek.

Yet the company only has plans to build enough clean energy capacity to replace 8 percent of the energy it makes with dirty fuels and plans to add 66 megawatts of natural gas-fired power – which like coal is more expensive than solar power – by 2030.

More significantly, the historic clean energy and jobs package President Biden and Congress approved last year offers corporate tax credits that can lower the cost of solar, wind, and battery storage projects by more than 30 percent (50 percent if they are built with domestic materials and in the most impacted communities). The oil, gas, and coal industries have benefitted for decades from subsidies for everything from exploration to depletion of their reserves

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in the ground, giving them among the lowest effective corporate tax rates and ballooning their profit margins.

In addition, utilities can apply for $30 billion in grants and loans to increase their clean energy capacity.

So utilities can spend less than ever to generate electricity without dirty fuels that will lead to lower energy costs for Americans.

It’s past time for utilities to stop making excuses and to take seriously our national target of 100 percent clean energy by 2035. It’s time for the rest of us to be like Guiden and her neighbors and stop accepting those excuses.

You can write to the Ben Jealous in care of this Newspaper or by email at: info@benjealous.com

MACKENZIE SCOTT’S Philanthropic Brilliance Shines with A $5 Million Investment in Houston’s Housing Future

By Francis Page Jr. at StyleMagazine.com

I

n an extraordinary act of philanthropy, MacKenzie Scott has chosen to invest a whopping $5 million into the Houston Community Land Trust (HCLT). This significant contribution is set to catalyze the vision of HCLT to usher in transformative housing changes for the vibrant Houstonians.

HCLT’s relentless drive since its establishment in 2018 has remarkably facilitated 182 individuals and families, focusing especially on communities of color and historically marginalized groups. Their ethos champions the creation of sustainable and affordable housing solutions. With this new influx of funds, HCLT aims to reach out to 15 more families by the close of this year.

With home prices soaring - the median sale price recently hitting a staggering $315,000 and an average two-bedroom apartment rent scaling over $1,400 per month - affordable living in Houston has become a dream for many. HCLT, however, has been the beacon of hope, providing homeownership possibilities with monthly expenditures capped below $1,050, inclusive

wide, HCLT’s influence has resonated, inspiring the inception of CLTs in major cities throughout the US. This donation is bound to elevate their mission, allowing them to cater to the diverse housing aspirations of Houston residents and further fortify their flagship single-family Homebuyer Choice Program.

About Houston Community Land Trust

McKenzie Scott - Donates $5 Million of her $37.1 Billion Dollar Net Worth

of all overheads.

Dr. Ashley Paige Allen, the dynamic Executive Director of HCLT, expressed her enthusiasm, “Across the nation, over 300 Community Land Trusts have been harnessing the CLT model for diverse purposes, from multi-family housing to public green spaces. With

MacKenzie Scott’s substantial endowment, we’re poised to stretch beyond the boundaries of traditional single-family homeownership. Our objective is to unfold the myriad avenues through which affordable housing can be actualized.”

Currently regarded as one of the swiftly expanding CLTs nation-

Established in 2018, Houston Community Land Trust stands as an emblem of affordable homeownership. As a non-profit501(c)(3) non-profit, Houston Community Land Trust is guided by the belief that secure, quality, affordable homeownership is a foundation on which families build legacy and cultivate opportunity, both for themselves and for their community. Our mission is to make affordable homeownership achievable and affordable housing accessible for limited-income households in Houston by connecting qualified homebuyers with perpetually affordable homes and developing affordable rentals in neighborhoods across our city.

Tidwell Transit Center

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan Meeting No. 3 We got here together!

Join us to celebrate your community’s impact on the future of the Tidwell Transit Center.

The Tidwell TOD Project Team will share the plans that were shaped by your input.

October 26, 2023 6 – 8 p.m.

HTX Art 8321 Jensen Dr. Houston, TX 77093

For more information, go to

RideMETRO.org/TidwellPlan www.StyleMagazine.com

October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

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LOCAL: Early Voting StartsMonday, October 23rd

By Burt Levine, Political Writer For StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

E

arly voting is available starting Monday, October 23. This Monday, October 23, marks the beginning of early voting for the Tuesday, November 7 General Election, which includes 18 candidates for Houston Mayor, four candidates for controller, 23 running in 11 separate districts, and 27 for at-large City Council. City Propositions, County Bonds, and State Constitution Amendments are on the ballot. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

After millions of dollars raised and spent, countless candidate forums, and commercials, the University of Houston poll released last week showed the mayoral race remains similar to where it was six months ago, with 34 percent of likely voters planning to vote for 50-year State Legislator John Whitmire, 31 percent for 28-year Congress Member Sheila Jackson Lee, and four percent for former Metro Chair and businessman Gilbert Garcia. Former at-large City Council Member Dr. Jack Christie, former District F Council Member MJ Khan, and term-limited District I Council Member Robert Gallegos are running for Mayor, each with a lifetime of public service and contributions to the city they have served and

loved.

The runoff between the top two candidates in every race where no one wins 50 percent of the vote will be held on Saturday, December 9.

In the race for Houston City Controller, responsible for managing the city's $6.2 billion budget and varied investments, there are four candidates, each bringing weight to the race. The UH poll predicts a runoff between former County Clerk Chris Hollins, who initially ran for Mayor until Jackson Lee entered the Mayor race six months ago, and former at-large City Council Member and former Harris County Treasurer Orlando Sanchez. Mayor Pro-Tem and

tired city and state department manager and entrepreneur Marina Coryat, realtor Danielle Bess, civic club leader Nick Hellyar, former Houston ISD Trustee Holly Vilaseca, Pastor and U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran Willie Davis, and businessman Obes Nwabara.

The Houston City Council AtLarge 3 race features nine candidates: HCC Administrator Donnell Cooper, television Meteorologist, business, and civic leader Casey Curry, former Astros foundation exec Twila Cater, pastor and businesswoman Ericka McCrutcheon, District Council Member Dave Martin and Harris County Education Departand Deputy City Controller Shannan ment/Aldine Management District Nobles are also running, each with leader Richard Cantu, former District academic achievements and decades F Council Member and GLBT activist of public service and expertise in city Ethan Ganz.

The Houston City Council Atpublic finance.

Large 4 race features four candidates: The Houston City Council AtLarge 1 race features six candidates: Dr. Letitia Plummer, who won in 2019 private attorney Melanie Miles, public and works exhaustively across the city prosecutor Julian Ramirez, accountant, and region, educator John Branch, rebusiness owner, and US Navy mom tired Air Force Lt. Col. Roy Morales, Conchita Reyes, activist Leah Wolfthall, who has run several times before, and city planner and US Army Captain Eriq Andrews Patterson, who placed fourth Glenn, and former Houston ISD Trustee for District J in 2019.

Kendall Baker.

Read More at: The Houston City Council Atwww.StyleMagazine.com Large 2 race features six candidates: re-

#StopHateNow Hate crimes increased by 44% from 2020 to 2021 in the U.S.

If you see or experience a hate crime, report it.

HCDAO VICTIMS SERVICES (713) 274-0250 ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE (713) 627-3490

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October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

LGBT SWITCHBOARD 24-HOUR HELPLINE (713) 529-3211 THE MONTROSE CENTER (713) 529-0037

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October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

7 10/3/23 6:00 PM

FEATURE: H-E-B's Armando Perez Takes the Helm for United Way’s New Campaign Houston Style Magazine Exclusive!

By Francis Page Jr. For StyleMagazine.com

T

he illustrious United Way of Greater Houston is back with its annual community campaign, now led by a visionary icon of the Houston retail scene, Armando Perez.

As the dynamic executive vice president for H-E-B Houston, Perez’s expertise is now set to invigorate the community upliftment endeavors of the United Way. United Way's 2023-24 Community Campaign took flight this month and will soar high until March 31, 2024. Perez, with his unmatched

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networking prowess, is slated to bridge connections with philanthropists, corporate moguls, and enthusiastic donors. This is not just about funds; it's about magnifying the profound impact of the United Way in Greater Houston. A pledge to turn possibilities into realities for the residents, paving their way to financial independence.

This year, with Perez’s ingenuity, the campaign introduces a refreshing twist - partnerships with local retailers and eateries. Aptly named “Making Your Mark”, this initiative aims

October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

to bolster the visibility of United Way, driving grassroots momentum. By collaborating with retailers for donation drives, benefit galas, and various promotions, the goal is clear - to leave an indelible mark on Houston’s heart.

Amanda McMillian, the dynamic president, and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston couldn’t be happier. She remarked, "Armando’s leadership is like a north star for us. His innovative approach, especially with the new campaign initiative, has set United Way on a trajectory of uncharted growth."

H-E-B, the retail giant and a staunch United Way supporter, will pioneer this initiative, launching a point-of-sale donation drive from October 23 to November 3. A testament to Perez's dedication, he shares, “Every penny donated to the United Way crafts a narrative of positive change.

Together, we can create ripples of impact, supporting our community.”

Armando Perez isn’t new to wearing the volunteer hat. His association with United Way boasts of sterling leadership roles, from being a part of the Board of Trustees to pioneering the Positioning Task Team. His relentless dedication earned him the prestigious Kneebone Award, the zenith of recognition in the volunteer space.

But who is Armando Perez? Beyond the titles and accolades, Perez is the driving force behind H-E-B Houston, leading a robust team of 35,000 partners. His journey with H-E-B began in

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1994, witnessing him scale numerous positions.

A proud Texan, Perez’s academic accolades span from the University of Texas-Pan American to management marvels at Cornell and Harvard University.

Perez's illustrious journey doesn't end here. His association with esteemed boards, like the Greater Houston Partnership, Performing Arts Houston, and the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, only solidifies his stature as a community leader.

To all our loyal readers at Houston Style Magazine, this is your moment to be a part of this monumental campaign. Learn more about United Way of Greater Houston and make your mark by donating here. Let’s come together and script a narrative of change!

www.HEB.com www.UnitedWay.org www.StyleMagazine.com

FROM PILGRIMAGE TO TRIAL: AN AMERICAN TOURIST'S LESSON IN ISRAEL

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor – StyleMagazine.com

I

n the realm of faith, a common adage resonates: "You can't have a testimony without a test." Imani Daffin, an American tourist on a twelve-day journey to explore the life of Jesus in Israel, sought to deepen her faith and understanding of Jesus Christ. Her pilgrimage took her to sacred sites, from the banks of Galilee, where Jesus performed miracles and was baptized, to the town where his life began in a manager in Bethlehem. It was a journey filled with profound experiences, but it was a test of a different kind that transformed her spiritual quest into a harrowing trial.

“It was the most beautiful trip,” Imani began as she relived her trip to Israel.

Her spiritual journey unfolded against the backdrop of Israel's timeless landscapes, but as the days passed, the unforeseen happened. The tranquility of her pilgrimage was shattered one fateful morning, as a deafening siren disrupted breakfast with her fellow travelers.

"It was a nationwide siren, so it wasn't like the hotel sirens. It was a lot louder and a lot bigger sound. That is when we all started getting apprehensive and trying to figure out what was going on," Imani said.

Uncertainty gripped the group as they scrambled to comprehend the situation.

Despite their uneasiness, the group continued their tour of the Old City of Jerusalem and The Wailing Wall. However, it was amidst these ancient stone streets that the conflict began to intensify. The group was pushed into bomb shelters for their safety, and the sirens wailed once more. Imani's sense of security, nurtured by the presence of soldiers and surveillance throughout their trip, began to fade.

As the sounds of attacks filled the air, Imani documented the harrowing moments, capturing images of missiles diverted

by American devices called Patriots.

"It was very scary, but we still felt safe." Imani continued, "It was a very eerie day, and that's when I knew that we were going to most likely have some problems staying safe and going home."

"It felt literal like a holy experience in the most interesting way, which has been the hardest part to process. You come from this super high mountaintop experience to feeling just so low in one given moment and helpless."

While feeling helpless in the face of escalating conflict, they were not alone.

Back in the United States, their families were working tirelessly to ensure their safe return. One source of support came from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who personally reached out to ensure the group's well-being. For Imani, the Congresswoman's assistance was particularly meaningful, as they shared a sisterhood as members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

“Shout out to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for taking time to personally see that we were okay,” Imani exclaimed.

Due to the unrest in Israel, Imani's journey was extended by two days, as all flights in and out of the country were grounded. The vulnerability she felt in the Tel Aviv airport, combined with the unfamiliarity of the airline, added to her anxiety.

Nevertheless, she expressed immense gratitude to finally be on a plane bound for safety, narrowly departing just 30 minutes before the airport closed due to further bombings.

The journey home took two days, multiple flights, and various connections through parts of Turkey. Ultimately, Imani and her grandparents, who had joined her on the pilgrimage, found solace in the warm embrace of their waiting family and friends back in the United States. A "welcome home" sign in the yard and a celebratory Pappasitos Mexican fiesta awaited them.

Reflecting on her journey, Imani distinguishes between the vacation-like bliss of the early days and the profound test that followed. She realized that her experience was more than just a historical exploration; it was a trial of faith and trust. It forced her to confront the question of how much she had truly learned and how deeply she could apply her faith in God's plan, even in the most uncertain of circumstances.

"I could really feel God's grace and God's love through my family and so many different experiences. It was just one of those things where I had to learn that you have to trust in God through everything. I was able to apply that during those times of uncertainty."

Through the challenges and uncertainties of her journey, Imani came to understand the profound presence of God's grace and love in her life. Her pilgrimage, initially a quest for knowledge and spiritual growth, became a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity.

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October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

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AMANDA EDWARDS: Houston’s Bright Star In The TX 18th Congressional District Race

By Francis Page Jr. at StyleMagazine.com

T

he political arena of Texas has been set ablaze with the dynamism of Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards. In an impressive feat, Edwards has garnered over $1 million in funds in a mere span of less than 4 months. This monumental achievement underscores her position as the undeniable frontrunner for the TX 18th Congressional District Race.

Building on her previous success, Edwards raised an impressive $433,000 in the third quarter of 2023 alone. This commendable Q3 performance builds upon her outstanding Q2 fundraising efforts. Barely two weeks into her candidacy announcement, Edwards revealed a whopping $600,000 in contributions. With a formidable cash reserve of over $829,000 as of the end of the September financial period, Edwards’ leadership in the race is indisputable.

Edwards expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “The overwhelming support I’ve received propels our vision for the 18th Congressional District.” She emphasized the nation’s pivotal moment, highlighting the im-

Amanda Edwards - Raises Over $1 million in 4-months perative of electing genuine leaders to Congress. Leaders who resonate with community aspirations and work tirelessly to shape a prosperous 18th Congressional District for all its residents.

Kathryn McNiel, the campaign’s spokesperson, shed light on Edwards’ profound connection with the district. “Amanda embodies the spirit of the 18th Congressional District. Her

SHOW SUPPORT BY DONATING TODAY!

VOTE OBES NOV. 7TH

OBESFORTWO.COM REDUCED TRAFFIC IMPROVING WATER RESOURCES INVESTMENT IN HOUSTON

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Paid for by Obes Nwabara for Houston City Council Leif Hatlen, Treasurer

October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

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roots here, coupled with her unyielding commitment, makes her the voice that residents have been yearning for.”

A testament to her credibility, Edwards has secured endorsements from notable PACs like Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. Prominent figures, including Beto O’Rourke, have also thrown their weight behind her campaign.

Getting to Know Amanda: A proud Houston native, Amanda Edwards has donned many hats - an attorney, a devoted public servant, and an esteemed former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Her educational journey is equally impressive, with a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from the prestigious Harvard Law School. Before plunging into the world of public service, Edwards lent her expertise to law firms such as Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP. Her unwavering faith is evident as a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes.

To dive deeper into her vision, visit www.edwardsforhouston.com.

Let’s make Houston happen!

PLEDGE to HOUSTON We All Love Houston. Houston should be in the same breath of the great cities in the World.

To get there, we must get on the right track, together. As Mayor, I pledge to complete or initiate the following reforms within the first 100 days. Join me to MAKE HOUSTON HAPPEN! 1.CRIME Expand community policing to improve response time.

Increase civilian employees to free up officers for neighborhood engagement.

Improve Law enforcement coordination among jurisdictions.

To sign my pledge, donate, volunteer, or request a yard sign, scan the QR code below or call 346-316-6051

2.TRANSPARENCY Place the city’s past 8 years check registry online.

Conduct an audit of the City’s Housing Department to address concerns of corruption.

Conduct an audit of the City’s Health Department to address issues surrounding the FBI raid. visit my website:

3.INFRASTRUCTURE Implement improvements to the city’s water system.

Fix potholes effectively on the first attempt.

Spend drainage fee money on drainage projects.

www.garciaforhouston.com Follow me on Social Media:

4.FINANCES Institute financial best practices, write off worthless assets and avoid structural deficits.

5.QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL HOUSTONIANS Address affordable housing challenges in Houston.

Collaborate with local groups regarding stray animals.

Evaluate recent car lane eliminations to prevent future traffic nightmares.

Increase fines NOW for illegal dumping.

Audit the recycling program to make sure the trash gets where it is supposed to go.

gilbertandrewgarcia giilbertandrewgarcia1

@gilbertgarciatx @gilbertandrewgarcia www.linkedin.com/in/gilbertandrew-garcia-532b7522b

6.REPAIR GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Implement the will of the voters by entering into arbitration with the Houston Firefighters.

Improve relations between Austin and Houston.

Engage with TEA to understand the pathway for HISD’s success.

7.MAKE CITY HALL WORK FOR EVERYONE Place reasonable Council Member Requests on the Council Agenda.

Streamline the permitting process and adopt market-based pricing.

Ensure a FAIR procurement process so insider influence is eliminated.

Consolidate city departments to eliminate redundancies and improve efficiencies.

Make board appointments easier and eliminate conflicts.

Pol. Adv. Paid for by Garcia for Houston Campaign

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October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

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Al B Sure!: Embraces National Advocacy Role, Champions Liver Awareness In Houston Event, Saturday, October 28th

By Francis Page Jr. at StyleMagazine.com

AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION LIVER LIFE WALK IN HOUSTON, TEXAS H Date: October 28, 2023 REGISTRATION: 8:00 AM; WALK: 9:15 AM Sharp!

Location: MacGregor Park, 5225 Calhoun Rd Partnership: @HoustonMethodist Hospital

A

l B. Sure! Embraces National Advocacy Role, Champions Liver Awareness in Houston Houston – It’s been precisely a year since a benevolent donor’s family offered Al B. Sure! a second chance at life with a liver transplant. Now, this music icon, synonymous with the New Jack Swing era, is stepping up as the forefront ambassador for the American Liver Foundation’s Liver Life Walk, powered by Houston Methodist Hospital. The much-anticipated event, #WalkwithAlBSure, will be hosted at the renowned Macgregor Park, 5225

Calhoun Rd., nestled within the sprawling Texas Medical Center.

In a twist of fate last summer, Al B. Sure! faced a life-threatening situation when he experienced sudden numbness and collapsed. With sheer willpower, he managed to alert close friend Edward “DJ Eddie F” Farrell CHCO, leading to an emergency medical response. After a series of challenging medical events, including a dire prognosis, his resilience, coupled with the unparalleled care at Houston Methodist Hospital, led to a triumphant recovery.

Reflecting on the gravity of Al B.’s condition, Dr. Constance M. Mobley MD, PHD remarked, “The sheer odds he overcame highlight his immense spiritual, psychological, and physical strength.”

Dr. Uday M. Khosla M.D., a pivotal figure in Al B. Sure!’s recovery journey, emphasized, “Al B! was literally on the brink. Every minute counted, and it was a race against time.”

Now, with renewed vigor, Al B. Sure! is on a mission: to revolutionize healthcare access and bridge the glaring disparities. He extends heartfelt gratitude to the relentless team at Houston Methodist Hospital, the American Liver Foundation, and its visionary CEO, Lorraine Stiehl, for their unwavering support.

The Liver Life Walk, a marquee initiative by the American Liver Foundation (ALF), aims to foster community, awareness, and crucial funds for liver patients and their kin. Alise Jackson, the passionate National Senior Manager of Events at ALF, has been instrumental in bringing the #WalkwithAlBSure to life.

Kudos to the dedicated professionals at Houston Methodist Hospital, including Dr. Rafik Mark Ghobrial, Dr. Sudha Kodali, Analisa Lopez, Riki

Graves, Arianne Dowdell, and Dr. David Ho, MD, for their contributions.

AMERICAN LIVER FOUNDATION LIVER LIFE WALK Date: October 28, 2023 REGISTRATION: 8:00 AM; WALK: 9:15 AM Sharp!

Location: MacGregor Park, 5225 Calhoun Rd Partnership: @HoustonMethodist Hospital

Mark your calendars for October 28th! This Liver Life Walk event will dovetail with the debut of Al B. Sure!’s captivating podcast, “DON’T LET THE LOVE SONGS FOOL YOU!” Check it out on popular platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and more.

Dive deep into the inspiring stories of the medical heroes and beloved friends and family who stood by Al B. during his toughest times.

Tune in: www.TheAlBSurePodcast.com

Produced by Al B. Sure! and supported by dynamic duo Mr. Gentry Thomas & Mr. CJ “Memphis On Air” Johnson, this podcast promises to be a melodious blend of stories, inspiration, and music.

Join us in this impactful walk, support liver awareness, and immerse in the soulful world of Al B. Sure!.

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H the AAMA – ILLUMINE Gala 2023 H Co-Chairs Rodney & Misha McClure and Sineria Ordónez

H www.AAMA.org H Saturday, October 14, 2023 H The Ballroom at Bayou Place H

Misha & Sineria Photos By Burt, Judy & SiVo Photography

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FEATURE: Janet Jackson to Headline World AIDS Day Concert in Houston

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor – StyleMagazine.com

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his holiday season, the residents of Houston are in for a remarkable treat as the iconic entertainer, Janet Jackson, graces the city to delight her fans and champion the cause of AIDS awareness.

The multi-Grammy award winner is set to make her way to Houston to headline the World AIDS Day Concert on Friday, December 1, 2023, at NRG Arena. Joining Jackson on stage will be the superstar choreographer, director, producer, and native Houstonian, Debbie Allen, who will serve as the keynote speaker. Blair Underwood will join these esteemed ladies as an AIDS Healthcare Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award honoree for his activist efforts.

In a letter she co-authored with Mathilde Krim, the founding chair of The Foundation for AIDS Research, Jackson emphasized the importance of sustaining the battle against HIV/AIDS, especially within communities of color. She stated, "Each year, 50,000 Americans become newly infected with HIV—the virus that causes AIDS—and more than 1.1 million people are living with the virus." She continued, "And while everyone is at risk and should know their status, data tell us that communities of color—particularly black women and young, black gay,

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bisexual, and other men who have sex with men—are disproportionately affected by the virus. If we're going to create an AIDS-free generation here at home, we need to start investing in resources that will curb the epidemic among these populations."

It is remarkable that Jackson will be gracing Houston on the 26th anniversary of her single "Together Again." This song, penned in honor of a friend who succumbed to AIDS, a young boy in England who lost his father, and others affected by or lost to the disease, was part of her sixth album, "The Velvet Rope." In December 2022, Jackson an-

October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

nounced her tenth concert tour by the same name. The tour included a stop at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in June of this year and is now Jackson's highest-grossing tour, with earnings exceeding $50 million to date. She has repeatedly expressed gratitude for fans who still love what she does, and she is grateful to still do what she loves for over 40 years.

The overarching goal of World AIDS Day is to pay tribute to those battling or who have battled HIV/AIDS and their families. Additionally, it aims to encourage individuals to become advocates for their own health by get-

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ting tested and seeking treatment. "It is our only hope in finding a cure," stated Jackson in a World AIDS Day video.

World AIDS Day Houston has reported that Houston ranks 11th in the nation for new HIV transmissions. "Over 26% of those new transmissions will be diagnosed with AIDS, and there are 29,643 people living with HIV in the Greater Houston Area."

Jackson is part of a growing list of entertainers headlining the World AIDS Day Concert, which includes Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, and Mariah Carey. The AHF has also extended its Lifetime Achievement Award to a diverse group of advocates among them being Harry Belafonte, Debbie Allen, and the late Princess Diana.

Tickets for the Houston show have been in high demand since going on sale this past Monday. You can purchase your tickets, starting at $75, online at Ticketmaster.com for the World AIDS Day Concert in Houston on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 8:00 PM at NRG Arena.

For more information, visit JanetJackson.com.

WWW.WORLDAIDSDAY.ORG

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H www.ImprovTX.com H Thursday, October 12, 2023 H The IMPROV Comedy Club H

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Houston’s Very Own GONZO247 Shines In Comcast’s National Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight

By Francis Page, Jr., Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com

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GONZO247 – Comcast Feature Artist for Hispanic Heritage Month

n the pulsing heart of Houston, the vibrant strokes and vivid colors of Mario Figueroa, famously known as GONZO247, breathe life into walls, turning them into masterpieces. Recognizing his profound impact on the art landscape, Comcast spotlighted GONZO247 as a luminary in their national Hispanic Heritage Month campaign, celebrating the indomitable spirit of Hispanic Americans.

Delving into the depths of his iden-

tity, GONZO247 opens up about navigating the complexities of being a second-generation American. He shares his artistic muses and gives a heartfelt nod to his Houston community, whose unwavering support played a pivotal role in shaping his latest artistic venture in collaboration with Comcast.

Houston’s Midtown resonates with the artistic brilliance of GONZO247’s latest creation, “Make your Wake”. This mesmerizing mural graces the northwest juncture

GONZO247 – Comcast Feature Artist for Hispanic Heritage Month of McGowen and San Jacinto Streets. Its luminous hues have redefined the facade of the Career and Recovery Resources building, turning it into a beacon of inspiration.

Nestled within this non-profit, dedicated professional tirelessly strive to metamorphose lives, guiding individuals to surmount their challenges. Dive into the transformative journey of Sylvia Guilliam as she shares her tale.

From September 15 to October 15,

National Hispanic Heritage Month stands as a testament to the enduring contributions and influential legacy of Hispanic Americans, championing their pivotal role in shaping history, culture, and a plethora of groundbreaking achievements.

www.GONZO247.com www.Comcast.com www.StyleMagazine.com

MEMBER FDIC All loans are subject to credit approval.

The right home loan can turn your plans for the future into realities today.

Personal advice. Multiple home loan options.

And a trusted partner to help you find the right one.

Because good loans are something everyone deserves.

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SPORTS: Astros ALCS Appearance Estimated To Bring $12.5M+ Per Game to Houston By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

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2023 ALDS Champions Hosuton Astros

he Houston Astros face off against the Texas Rangers in MLB’s American League Championship Series, setting up an in-state race for the World Series that will mean big bucks for Houston.

This is the Astros’ seventh consecutive appearance in the

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ALCS—a league record. Last year the Astros bested the New York Yankees in the ALCS to set up a World Series showdown against the Philadelphia Phillies that the Astros won in Game 6. Houston First estimated the Astros’ ALCS and World Series home games last season each

October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

brought more than $12 million to the local economy.

This time around with North Texas in the mix and slightly higher hotel prices, Houston can expect $12.5 million to $14 million per home game for the ALCS. Impact of a possible appearance in the World Series

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would depend heavily on the opposing team from the National League.

“It’s hard to overestimate the Astros’ value to Houston—as a galvanizing point of pride for Houstonians that continues to generate tremendous exposure for our city, but also as an economic force for our hospitality community which has needed this boost in recent years,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First.

“This ALCS appearance represents an opportunity for our hotels, our restaurants, our transportation operators and the many others who benefit when more visitors come to our city. Our message to our friends in Dallas is to come on down and enjoy some Houston hospitality. We’re eager to welcome you, just know who we’re rooting for!”

www.MLB.COM/ASTROS

Harris Health Awarded $500,000 Sponsorship from Cigna Healthcare to Address Chronic Diabetes, Food Insecurity through Expansion of the Food Rx Program

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arris Health announced today that it received a $500,000 sponsorship from Cigna Healthcare to expand the system’s Food Rx Program, a novel initiative supporting people who are food insecure and living with a chronic disease such as Type 2 diabetes. The funds will allow Harris Health to offer a new, more convenient approach to getting food to its high-risk patients: refrigerated food lockers.

Harris Health currently offers three standalone Food Farmacy sites – mini-stores that stock an array of nutritious fruits, vegetables, canned foods and meats – within three of its healthcare facilities. The addition of the food lockers will allow it to open Food Farmacy locations in other sites that are currently without space. For patients who seek healthcare at these facilities, the food lockers are a way to increase their access to the Food Rx Program.

“The support and confidence in our program by Cigna Healthcare speaks volumes about what Harris Health is achieving for the well-being of our patients,” says Chethan Bachireddy, MD, chief health officer, Harris Health. “We understand that food is medicine, and that if our patients don’t have access to healthy foods, they are less likely to be healthy and more likely to suffer from diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.”

By Francis Page Jr., for StyleMagazine.com

Tim Vessel (Courtesy of Cigna Healthcare) Currently, eligible patients for the program have a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, with an A1c level above 7 on the glycemic scale, and report food insecurity. Patients are given a “prescription” for up to 30 pounds of free food every two weeks. They also get one-on-one nutrition education, receive lessons on cooking and portion control, and are regularly contacted for follow-up care.

They are enrolled in the program for nine months (18 visits).

“Our clinical and population health teams have developed a novel approach to help our patients improve their diabetes through providing nutritious foods, clinic visits and health education. Through Cigna Healthcare’s generous sponsorship, we look forward to serving even more patients in the future,” Bachireddy adds.

“So many studies have shown the direct link between healthy eating and overall wellness and vitality. You can’t have

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a good health outcome if you don’t have the right foods in your diet,” says Tim Vessel, general manager for Cigna Healthcare’s South Texas market. “That’s why we are so grateful to partner with Harris Health on such an impactful program that will promote food security for its high-risk patients.”

Once the expansion is complete, which is expected by late 2024 or early 2025, it’s anticipated that the Food Farmacy Program will increase the number of people it serves by 160 patients a month.

The two-year sponsorship will cover the cost and operation of the lockers, including installation, annual maintenance, software, cellular routers, antennas, and other expenses. Each locker can accommodate refrigerated and freezer items, and the locker kiosk will allow patients to scan a QR code from their phone to pick up the food.

Each locker can maintain the 30 pounds of food given to patients, provide 24-hour access and is available in language preferences of English and Spanish.

Since the start of the Food Farmacy Program in May 2019, nearly 6,400 patients have been served, accounting for more than 22,300 patient visits and 673,000 pounds of food.

October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

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The Burial Now On Prime Video

By Dwight Brown Film Critic for DwightBrownInk.com

I

t's an unlikely paring. A 75-year-old, southern white boy and a flashy ambulance-chasing Black lawyer. But it works. It’s them against big business.

Davids versus Goliath. An ancient tale that never grows old.

Screenwriter Doug Wright and screenwriter/director Maggie Betts use a fascinating true-life event as their source material. In Biloxi Mississippi, in the 1990s, Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones), a World War II Vet and civil rights proponent is the proud owner of a funeral business that has been in his family since the 1800s.

The cold-hearted Canadian billionaire Ray Loewen (Bill Camp) is buying up all the funeral businesses in The South. He and O’Keefe get into a dispute. The rich man thinks he’s cornered the old codger, can do as he pleases and bully him out of business.

To save his company and dignity, O’Keefe needs to hire a legal representative, go to court and sue. Surprisingly, he doesn’t pick his old friend and personal lawyer Mike (Alan Ruck) to lead his quest for justice.

Instead, he chooses a brassy lawyer who advertises on TV like a used car salesman.

The old southern gent bonds with Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx), who forms a legal team with his own partners, Mike and the very young attorney Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie, Jurassic World Dominion). Willie’s boys sling little rocks. Loewen hires Har-

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vard Law School-educated Mame Downes (Jurnee Smollett, Lovecraft Country). She and her crew hurl boulders. The courtroom drama becomes a compelling test of wills.

Hard to believe Betts, who directed the very sobering nun drama Novitiate, has this lively, entertainment-savvy and comic sensibility. But she does. The script goes where any Erin Brockovich wannabe would go. So, the ending won’t surprise anyone who follows films in the genre or can thumb through Wikipedia. The joy is in the journey not just the ending. A crowd-pleasing trip on a bumpy road that showcases bullied protagonists’ best instincts to resist, hope, persist, survive and fight the good fight.

Betts does particularly well with her lead actors, giving them room to do their thing. Jones is reverent as the elder man who has made mistakes. Grumpy, flexible, determined and bossy: “Since the first day that you had this case you’ve tried to turn this into your own one-ring circus.” Jeremiah’s stress, from surviving WWII, owning a business and making bad financial decisions, is in every crease in Jones’ heavily wrinkled face. He’s perfectly cast.

Foxx is almost giddy as the gospel spirited, gaudy-dressing, cliché-spewing attorney who is out of his league but fighting to the final verdict. Frankly this is the actor’s best performance since Ray. He makes Willie as real as he can be. Animated, but never

October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

Starring Tommy Lee Jones and Jamie Foxx over the top. While Smollett becomes the adversary, the temptress, the one to beat.

The lively ensemble depicts the best in humans and the worst. The supporting cast includes Dorian Missick, Pamela Reed, Amanda Warren and Tywayne Wheatt, who add to the film’s vibrant spirit and keep the energy level up. While Mirren Gordon-Crozier’s costumes, Kay Lee’s production design and Maryse Alberti’s cinematography make the interiors, exteriors and clothes look very southern, very ‘90s, very every day.

Expect theater audiences to have their hearts warmed collectively. They’ll giggle at Foxx’s increasingly endearing antics. They’ll be surprised that the old white southern gentleman is not a bigot but a forward thinker. They might even like the

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head games Smollett and Foxx play as the country bumpkin attorney and classy lawyer challenge each other. Willie: “Litigation is war!” Mame: “Once we begin the trial, I will destroy you.” Streaming audiences will be thrilled but may take a bathroom break as the footage heads to its lengthy 2h 6m ending.

Any comparisons to Barack Obama and Joe Biden are unwarranted—but funny.

Comparisons to David and Goliath are more apropos. If it worked for the Bible, it should work just fine for cinemas and Amazon Prime Video.

For more information visit: www.StyleMagazine.com www.DwightBrownInk.com

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO), will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. to receive public comment on the proposed January 2024 changes to METRO service. The public is invited to attend the hearing and provide comments in person.

The public may also join the hearing and provide comments virtually on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81285956302 or by dialing: 346-248-7799 or 888-475-4499 (toll free), meeting ID: 812 8595 6302. Additionally, if you do not want to provide comments during the public hearing, visit RideMETRO.org/LiveStream to view a livestream of the event. A video recording of the meeting will also be archived on METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org for review.

The proposed service changes may include: Changes to bus routes 44, 67, 85, 102, and 108, as well as schedule changes to the 4, 5, 6, 11, 25, 28, 29, 30, 36, 40, 44, 46, 47, 56, 58, 60, 80, 82, 85, 86, 99, 102, 153, 161, 162, 217, 222, 298, 360 and 433 routes. The public hearing will provide updates on METRO's service standards, including temporary service adjustments in response to changing ridership and workforce availability.

Copies of proposed route maps and available timetables will be available beginning on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, for public review online and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore, located in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the 2nd floor Board Room at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas (served by bus routes 6, 11, 32, 44, 51, 52, 54, 82, 85, 102, 137, 160, 161, 162, and METRORail).

HOW TO COMMENT ABOUT THE SERVICE CHANGES

If you would like to make public comments in person or virtually, please register as a public speaker with the METRO Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing. Call 713-739-4834 or send an email to BoardOffice@RideMETRO.org and provide your name, address and telephone number. As explained above, you may attend the public hearing in person or virtually on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, to provide comments. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing. Your name will be called at the appropriate time to make your comments.

You may also provide comments by: • Writing to us at METRO, ATTN: January 2024 Service Changes, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 • Faxing comments with a subject line referencing "January 2024 Service Changes" to 713-652-7956 • Calling or texting METRO Customer Service at 713-635-4000 • Submitting comments on the METRO website at RideMETRO.org All comments should be submitted to METRO by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided.

Individuals with impairments may call 713-750-4271 a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing.

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE

Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English, in accordance with its language assistance plan. Please call 713-739-4018 or email METROPublicAffairs@RideMETRO.org to request language assistance or other accommodations at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

OTHER

1.This public hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration's Circular 9030.1E, published January 16, 2014, page VI-7.

2.METRO does not discriminate based on disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities.

3.METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its transit services based on race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

RideMETRO.org • Call or text 713-635-4000

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October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

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ARTS: Rembrandt to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the Armand Hammer Collection Opens at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston On October 15

By Kathy Coleman, ARTS Editor – StyleMagazine.com • Newswire

Rembrandt van Rijn, Juno, c. 1662–65, oil on canvas, the Armand Hammer Collection, gift of the Armand Hammer Foundation, Hammer Museum, Los Angeles.

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arely seen outside of Los Angeles, 46 paintings and works on paper from the renowned collection of the Hammer Museum at UCLA will tour to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, from October 15, 2023, through January 21, 2024. Major works of art from across four centuries will be presented in Rembrandt to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from

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the Armand Hammer Collection. The exhibition reflects the collecting interests of the L.A. museum’s founder, collector Armand Hammer, through outstanding examples of European art dating from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, with additional important works by American artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

“Armand Hammer had a fascinating career as a businessman and art collector that spanned most of the 20th century,” commented Gary Tinterow, Director, the Margaret Alkek Williams Chair, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. “The museum he founded in Los Angeles boasts some of the most important European and American paintings among all the museums in the country.

We are pleased to present to our audiences the highlights of that collection, shown together outside Los Angeles for the very first time in this century.” The collection assembled by Armand Hammer (1898–1990) provides a remarkable survey of European and American art.

Highlights from the exhibition include:

October 19, 2023 - October 25, 2023

Titian Portrait of a Man in Armor (c.

1530), a remarkable portrayal by the leading painter of 16th-century Venice, epitomizing Titian’s gift for capturing not only the essence of a sitter’s personality but the sumptuous textures of garments and ornament.

Rembrandt van Rijn Juno (c.

1662–65), the most commanding of a group of female subjects that Rembrandt undertook in his later years, this imposing portrait of Juno, the wife of Jupiter, who is associated with marriage and wealth, is accompanied by a second Rembrandt portrait.

19th-Century French Barbizon School, Symbolist, and Realist Painting Works by luminaries of 19th-century French painting, including Jean Millet, founder of the Barbizon School and chronicler of rural life; Camille Corot, whose poetic, hazy landscapes of light and water convey his nostalgic impressions of favorite sites in Italy and France; Gustave Moreau, known for his meticulously painted, mystical fantasies; and Honoré Daumier, famed for

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his caustic social critiques caricaturing all levels of French society.

Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Painting Paintings and works on paper by Paul Cezanne, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec all feature in this section of the exhibition, as well as three works by Vincent van Gogh, including his iconic 1889 view, through a stand of pine trees, of the hospital at Saint-Rémy, where he painted some of his greatest and best-known works.

18th- and 19th-Century American Painting Portraits by essential figures in the history of American art, including Gilbert Stuart and Thomas Eakins, will also travel to Houston.

For more information visit: www.MFAH.org

ARTS: Six Scenes From Our Future Gives Radical Presentation of Art at CAMH

By Kathy Coleman, ARTS Editor – StyleMagazine.com • Newswire

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ontemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) is excited to announce its newest exhibition, Six Scenes From Our Future, which will be staged in celebration of the Museum’s 75th anniversary. Six Scenes From Our Future features the work of six artists responding to CAMH’s inaugural exhibition, This Is Contemporary Art (1948). The exhibition will include new commissions alongside existing works from Mel Chin, JooYoung Choi, Leslie Hewitt, Lisa Lapinski, Jill Magid, and Leslie Martinez.

CAMH’s first show proposed a radically interdisciplinary approach to the presentation of art within a Museum.

Displaying over 150 functional household objects alongside artworks—like a Jacob Lawrence painting alongside a cheese slicer, or an Alexander Calder Mobile with Eames screens and a Sunbeam coffeemaker—the exhibition challenged hierarchies between fine art and everyday design while merging museum and domestic contexts. This Is Contemporary Art set the stage for CAMH’s ever-unfolding ethos as a place for experimentation and play,

while announcing the Museum as a forward-thinking space centered around a belief in the transformational power of art and artists. So, too, did the inaugural exhibition position artists as uniquely capable of addressing and reflecting upon a constantly changing world, asserting art and life as inseparable.

Several artists included in this exhibition turned to abstraction as a conceptual strategy to contend with history—abstraction of the body in the case of Leslie Martinez’s light fixtures and rethinking architecture in the case of Leslie Hewitt’s leaning wall fragment.

Artists Mel Chin and JooYoung Choi each add playfulness through theatrical vignettes. Systems of display are central to Jill Magid’s multipart exploration of artistic legacy and Lisa Lapinski’s icon-

ic department store scene. Each of these artists mine the curatorial framework from This Is Contemporary Art, looking at art in everyday life and extrapolating the different ways contemporary life and arts collide.

Six Scenes From Our Future extends CAMH’s longstanding trust in the visions and voices of living artists.

Working across sculpture, photography, video, and painting, the six artists in this exhibition investigate CAMH’s history to inspire their work.

“It is thrilling that even in CAMH’s retrospective mode of reflecting on our upcoming anniversary milestone, we are harnessing a futureoriented methodology,“ says CAMH Curator Patricia Restrepo. “We are entrusting our history, and in turn our future, in the hands of a group of wildly-inventive, materially-diverse, and inimitable artists who welcomed this invitation as an opportunity to stretch their practices.

Six Scenes From Our Future honors our inaugural show’s demonstration that contemporary art and design are integral to living.”

The opening of Six Scenes for

Our Future will also serve as the kickoff celebration for the diamond anniversary year, with a birthday party planned for Thursday, October 26, 2023.

“CAMH was founded by six artists and architects from Houston and we are proud to maintain their community-centric and boundarypushing ethos 75 years later,” says CAMH Executive Director Hesse McGraw. “Six Scenes From Our Future invites local and innovative artists to once again envision the possibilities of contemporary art. This is only the beginning of what will be a landmark year for the Museum, where we continue to invent the future.”

Six Scenes From Our Future provides an opportunity to honor CAMH’s past while emphasizing the central role that artists play in envisioning its future. Six Scenes From Our Future is organized by Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and co-curated

by Rebecca Matalon, Senior Curator, and Patricia Restrepo, Curator, with Ginevra Bria, 2022–23 Rice University Curatorial Fellow.

Image: Four young African American women standing beside a convertible automobile, ca. 1958. WANN Radio Station Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

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