Inside Today: Greater Heights Chamber, business sponsors award scholarships to graduates Page 2
s, Flower Gifts ns & Fashio y
’s !Da r e h t o M May 12th
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Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston
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Saturday, May 4, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No.18
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Amy’s Ice Creams celebrates one year in the Heights with “Random Acts of Ice Cream” By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com As Amy’s Ice Creams in the Heights marks its first year of scooping joy, the Austin-based brand is thrilled to announce the launch of its “Random Acts of Ice Cream” initiative to celebrate the milestone. Since its debut, this shop has become more than just a spot for exceptional ice cream—it’s
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been a hub for creating memories and fostering community. Starting this May, folks in the Heights can keep an eye out for Amy’s colorful ice cream van cruising through the streets. The friendly team will be delighting locals with not just waves and smiles, but heaps of free ice cream and gift certificates. Whether you’re strolling down 19th Street, enjoying a picnic at Donovan
Park, or exploring local boutiques, you might just be the next lucky recipient! But why “Random Acts of Ice Cream”? Amy’s Ice Creams isn’t just about inventive flavors and quality ingredients; it’s about giving back, spreading sweetness one scoop at a time. See AMY’S P. 5
STEP BACK IN TIME!
INSIDE.
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Houston Symphony: Calling all Harry Potter, Star Wars fans
Page 3 Photo by Stefanie Thomas
Patty Blackwell and Chris Daigle leaf through a vintage etiquette booklet. The dining room table is set in 1950s dishes and cutlery.
Inside Collector’s Cavern, a vintage time capsule
Weekend at a Glance: What’s happening this Saturday and Sunday
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
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Drive carefully: Check the route for Bike to School Day May 8
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Stepping into Chris Daigle’s Oak Forest apartment is like stepping 70 years back in time. It’s a scene from a picture book, really – a stage set somewhere between 1956 and 1966, with all the gadgets, toys, decorations, knickknacks, tools, magazines, appliances, and furniture of the time. Only it’s not a stage at all. This is where Chris Daigle lives. There’s a rotary phone in the corner. A set of vintage Barbie dolls in a case on the bedroom shelf. A 1956 Magnavox record player that still cranks out a scratchy tune. There’s a curio cabinet filled with photography equipment from the time period, and the dining room table is set with the dishes and cutlery Daigle used as a kid during long-ago Thanksgiving feasts at Grandma’s house. A 1966 event poster of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is framed in the hallway, complete with a handful of original unused tickets. Next to it hangs an vintage souvenir T-shirt promoting the Houston Astrodome. An ancient brick
Topics ����������������������������������������4 Classifieds ���������������������������������6 Local Culture �����������������������������8
Photo by Stefanie Thomas
A curio cabinet in Chris Daigle’s Collector’s Cavern contains vintage photography equipment.
of a Sears catalog graces a side table. Wherever you look in Daigle’s home, the past catches up. The place looks like a museum of mid-century life. And that’s exactly how Daigle wants it. Yet all these vintage items like lamps, appliances, furniture, dishes and more, are used on the daily.
Brian Scheel, a 31-year-old Heights resident, West Point graduate, prior combat arms military officer with a passion for helping others, recently shared his journey of resilience, service, and teamwork through the pages of his debut children’s book, Tanker Tots. After spending his childhood in the Heights, Brian’s path led him from serving as a tank commander in the U.S. Army to pursuing a Ph.D. in clinical psychology
We empower people to thrive. S TE LL A R . BA N K NM L S # 4 5 1 3 1 2
See CINCO DE MAYO P. 5
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
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Cinco de Mayo is a popular holiday in Texas and is widely recognized throughout Houston. A much-loved, local shop in the Heights – Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery – takes pride in hosting events for the holiday. Chrissie Dickerson Ramirez owns Casa Ramirez and recently spoke to the Leader. She said, “We’ve always celebrated Cinco de Mayo as a time to recognize the culture and beauty of Mexico and the Mexican people.” The website offers this description of the shop: “Casa Ramirez stands as a cultural pillar in the community offering a selection of folk art, Mexican dresses, works by local artists, books on culture and cooking and bilingual books for children, greeting cards, and decorations.” The shop’s classroom has offered a variety of events, such as poetry, storytelling, Dia de los Muertos traditions, learning Spanish, and classes on painting gourds and mosaic tiles taught by artists. There is also a YouTube Channel with recordings of bilingual children’s book readings, which stress the importance of reading. In addition, the shop hosts annual events for the Houston Rodeo, religious holidays, and historical dates. Macario Ramirez first opened Casa Ramirez in 1985 as part of the new El Mercado del Sol, which was Houston’s first large, Hispanic-themed shopping center, located at the intersection of Navigation Boulevard and Jensen Drive in the near East Side. Macario’s grandparents were
Daigle’s residence, affectionately named Collector’s Cavern, is the culmination of years of collecting items that reflect a rich family heritage, offering visitors a window into the vibrant era spanning from 1956 to 1966—a See COLLECTOR P. 3
Photo courtesy of Casa Ramirez
Every day is a holiday celebrating Mexican culture at Casa Ramirez, where handcrafted textiles and artwork, here with pillows by SK Design, pay tribute to a rich heritage.
Heights resident inspires young minds with children’s book
Empty the Shelters initiative kicks off with no adoption fees for adult cats and dogs
THE INDEX.
Casa Ramirez plans book readings, live music ahead of Cinco de Mayo By RUBENA GRACIA The Leader News Contributor
Do you know them? Police hope surveillance photos will lead to suspects
Art Bike Parade and Festival rolls into town Mother’s Day weekend
Photo courtesy of Amy’s Ice Creams
Amy’s Ice Creams debuted in the Heights one year ago.
with a neuroscience focus at Texas A&M University before adding the title of “author” to his list of accomplishments. In his book, Tanker Tots, Brian weaves a tale of teamwork, respect, and bravery, drawing inspiration from his experiences in the military. Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, Brian introduces young readers to the importance of valuing diversity, admitting vulnerability, and embracing the power of teamwork. See TANKER TOTS P. 5
Photo by Stefanie Thomas
Heights resident Brian Scheel recently published his first children’s book, Tanker Tots, with the objective of advancing mental health and character building in kids.
Allegiance Bank and CommunityBank of Texas have come together as Stellar Bank. While our name has changed, our commitment to serving our customers and supporting our local communities will stay the same. We look forward to a bright future together.
2222 North Durham | 281.517.8760 Margaret Vandever, Bank Office President Cecilia Rodriguez, Office Manager