Every February, the nation honors the rich history and contributions of African Americans. That legacy will be highlighted through art exhibitions, lectures, and poetry contests. Here’s a look at Black History Month events in and around the Heights.
The 2026 celebration is especially significant, marking 100 years since Black History Month began in 1926 as “Negro History Week.” The original week was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 14, both dates long commemorated within Black communities.
Stories
& Saddles: Black Cowboys
All are invited to attend the opening of the Black History Month panel discussion featuring former and current Black Cowboys. Featured panelists include University of Houston professor Demetrius Pearson; Larry
By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor
Heights resident and avid foodie
Lauren MacQueen has been a topranked female kolache eater since 2009. She waited 16 years to defend her title.
“I thought as long as I don’t enter any more competitions, I can’t be beat,” she joked.
But when Hruska’s Bakery in Ellinger, TX, announced a kolache-eating contest, MacQueen’s friends knew she had to enter.
“I am a connoisseur of fine kolaches, and Hruska’s are the best,” she said.
On Jan. 17, MacQueen was the first-place female eater, downing 13 cream cheese kolaches in 10 minutes to claim the $250 prize. Christopher Dale, 54, of League City, also known as @OldGuyEats on YouTube, was the overall winner with 17½ kolaches eaten. Third place went to Zach Pappert,
known as one half of The MEEF Twins, a fitness duo. MacQueen’s first contest was no small-time affair. The 2009 Kolache Factory competition was held during an Astros game at Minute Maid Park,
and Major League Eating brought in the pros: Joey Chestnut, Pat Bertoletti, Bob Shoudt, and Eater X, the top fourranked male eaters in the world at the time.
MacQueen, who was the firstplace female then, too, credits former Houston Chronicle columnist Ken Hoffman, a longtime friend, with getting her into that first contest.
“That’s basically my kind of thing,” she said. “Find something weird, and Lauren will do it.”
It fits her personality. MacQueen is a special event planner who has spent her career in venue management, catering, sales, and event production for private gatherings, weddings, galas, and corporate functions in Houston and beyond. Her tagline: “Don’t tempt me with a good time.”
The Hruska’s contest pitted six competitors against each other - three from Houston, three from the Hill Country.
By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor
When Mary Kathryn LeMaster was handed a dark green folder with giant letters reading “LOW VISION” two days after being diagnosed legally blind five years ago, she made a decision that would reshape her life.
“It felt so confining. It did not feel like a resource. It felt like every door was constantly being shut on me,” LeMaster said. “I just thought, this is not my story.”
Today, the Candlelight Plaza resident refers to herself as a “legally blind visionary” and has channeled her experience into a poetry and meditation collection titled My Dark Garden: Poems and Meditations for Life During and After Diagnosis , released in September 2025. The book’s cover features a photo from a shoot LeMaster did with a friend just weeks after her diagnosis. “I had no idea how fast my vision was going to go, and I wanted something. I wanted to be able to see myself through pictures,” she said.
LeMaster was first diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at age 13. Doctors told her she would be blind by her thirties, based on her great aunt’s prognosis.
“What no one ever told me was that blindness is a spectrum,” she said. “So I
By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor
Shawn Gawle was feeding his daughter and getting his morning coffee when his phone started buzzing with congratulatory messages. The chef behind Camaraderie, a Heights restaurant that opened less than a year ago, had just been named a semifinalist for the 2026 James Beard Awards in the Best Chef: Texas category.
“I guess I need to look at the
list,” Gawle recalled thinking. “It was a moment.”
The James Beard Foundation announced its semifinalists on Jan. 21, marking four decades of one of the country’s most prestigious culinary recognitions. Houston earned 12 nominations overall, with eight in national categories and four in Best Chef: Texas. Three Heights restaurants made the list: Camaraderie, Jūn (also for Best Chef: Texas), and Agnes and Sherman (Best New Restaurant).
For Gawle, the recognition validates a philosophy he has been building over more than 25 years in kitchens across New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. Originally from Massachusetts, he worked for some of the country’s most demanding fine dining establishments before landing in Texas, first in Austin with McGuire Moorman Hospitality, then in Houston to help open Goodnight Hospitality.
Callies, founder of Black Cowboy Museum; rodeo champion Harold Cash and Anthony Bruno from the Northeastern Trail Riders Association. They’ll share their powerful, firsthand accounts of triumphs, challenges, and the legacy they’ve built as cowboys.
Recommended for adults.
When: Jan. 31, 2026, 2-4
p.m.
Where: African American History Research Center, 1300 Victor St, Houston
Black History Month Series at Children’s Museum Houston
Every Thursday throughout February, the venue will host a series of Black History Month programs featuring interactive performances, music, dance, and hands-on activities for families. Events include hip-hop and African dance performances, West African drumming, and musical storytelling, alongside educational crafts highlighting civil rights leaders, diversity, and Black cultural traditions.
Where: Children’s Museum Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston
The Rad Hip Hop Show by RADCrew Productions: Experience the RAD HipHop Show.
Time: 6:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium
Fearless Trailblazer
Ruby Bridges: Learn about Ruby Bridges’ brave role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Time: From 5- 8 p.m. in Kids’ Hall Feb. 12
• Joy of Djembe Drumming: Experience the powerful rhythms of traditional of West African drumming and the unifying power of music. Time:
At 6:30 p.m. in Kids’ Hall
Alcove
• Diversity Hearts: Celebrate diversity by creating a woven paper heart that showcases the beauty of our unique skin colors and backgrounds. Time: From 5- 8 p.m. in Kids’ Hall Feb. 19
• African Dance Workshop by Kucheza Ngoma Dance Company: Experience African dance fusion blending traditional and contemporary African dance.
Time: At 6:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium
Fearless Trailblazers
John Brown and Harriet Tubman: Create a popsicle stick craft inspired by abolitionists like Harriet Tubman and John Brown. Time: From 5-8 p.m. in Kids’ Hall Feb. 26
African Rhythms and Spirituals by Joseph Dixon: Explore the history
and meanings behind these songs, learning how rivers, locomotives, and the Big Dipper symbolized freedom. Time: At 6:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium
Hair Love!: Design and style characters in this craft activity and explore the beauty of different natural hair types. Time: From 5-8 pm in Kids’ Hall
Black History Story
Time: Briana Conner
ABC13 news anchor, Briana Conner, brings her charisma and storytelling prowess for an unforgettable Black History Story Time event. All ages welcome.
When: Feb. 7, 1- 2 p.m.
Where: Children’s Museum Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston
During this three-day fair, attendees will get a chance to explore beautiful fine art prints, enjoy artist talks and live demos.
The fair is from Feb. 6-8, with a reception on Feb. 6 from 5.30-7.30 p.m.
BAIA’s art print fair is hosted by the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC). BAIA has held fairs in Atlanta, Houston and Washington, D.C —where collectors, first-time buyers, and art lovers gathered to engage with the rich legacy of Black printmaking—this Houston edition expands BAIA’s mission to make fine art accessible.
Works spanning the Harlem Renaissance to today’s leading African American artists and master printmakers will be on display. The fair will showcase a wide range of printmaking techniques—including screenprints, woodcuts, linocuts, lithographs, etchings, and monoprints—bringing museum-quality works to collectors at accessible price points. Tickets are free but registration is required.
Black History Month Legislative Breakfast with Congressman Al Green
Congressman Al Green (TX09) will host his annual Black History Month Legislative Breakfast on February 7, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Wyndham Hotel near NRG Stadium in Houston. The event provides constituents with updates on legislative priorities while honoring Black history and addressing ongoing civil rights issues. The event is free, but you must reserve a spot.
When: Feb. 7, 9 a.m.
Where: Wyndham Houston near NRG Park, 8686 Kirby Drive, Houston Registration required: eventbrite.com
Documentary screening APortraitofaPostman
Texas artist Kermit Oliver, an alumnus of Texas Southern University, created paintings, works on paper, designs for Hermès silk scarves, and commissions. However, for much of his career, Oliver worked full time as a postman. Director Chris Charles Scott tells Oliver’s story in A Portrait of a Postman, which includes interviews from family, colleagues, and others.
When: Feb. 7-9 p.m.; February 8, 2-4 p.m.
Where: Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston. The screening will take place in Brown Auditorium Theater in the Law Building. Tickets: $9 general admission; $7 MFAH members, students with ID, seniors (65+) Learn more: mfah.org
Black History Month
Author Talk with Michael Harriot
Journalist, author and public historian Michael Harriot will tell stories about the Black experience in America in his groundbreaking book, Black AF History: The UnWhitewashed Story of America
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just curious about their work, this event is perfect for history lovers. Recommended for adults.
When: Feb. 7, 2-4 p.m.
Where African American History Research Center, 1300 Victor St, Houston
For those who don’t mind a short drive, the Ensemble Theatre is performing The Bluest Eye, based on Toni Morrison’s 1970 novel. Tickets can also be purchased via Edisonartsfoundation.org or Missouricity.gov websites.
The Ensemble Theatre is the largest African American professional theatre company in the U.S.
When: Feb. 15, 2 p.m.
Where: The Ensemble Theater, 3535 Main St., Houston
Tickets: ensemblehouston. my.salesforce-sites.com
100 Years of Black History Month
The year 2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history set forth by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Bring your lunch or order a box lunch online. Tickets are $10 for nonmembers and boxed lunches are $13. The speaker is Melva Becnel (born Jan. 26, 1939, in Houston) graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from Fisk University and a law degree from Texas Southern University, and began her career in her family’s real estate business before becoming an attorney.
In 1977, she served on the Texas Coordinating Committee for International Women’s Year and was elected a Texas delegate to the National Women’s Conference, advocating for the inclusion of Black women’s voices. Becnel later served 14 years as a legislative aide to State Rep. Ronald R. Wilson and held leadership roles in several civic organizations.
The Heritage Society also has Black History Tours throughout the year.
When: Feb. 19, Noon-1
STAFF REPORTS
Houston ISD has officially opened its School Choice Pre-K application for the 2026–2027 school year, giving families several months to explore programs and submit applications before the April 17 deadline. The district is encouraging parents of three- and four-yearolds to review eligibility requirements early and take advantage of resources designed to guide them through the process.
HISD offers free, full-day Pre-K for qualifying students, with multiple pathways available across the district. Families may apply to Montessori programs, Magnet campuses, and Dual Language options in Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic. The district also operates nine Early Childhood Centers located throughout Greater Houston, each specializing in early-learning environments tailored to young learners. To help parents understand the process, HISD has pub-
California St, Houston Registration required: calendar.houstonlibrary.org/ event/16250169
5th annual Woodson Black Fest at Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) This year’s Woodson Black Fest will feature spoken word performances, poetry, and music inspired by Tomashi Jackson: Across The Universe Named for author and thinker Carter G. Woodson, Woodson Black Fest aims to bring enlightenment, creativity, and innovation to celebrate Black artists and artisans’ contributions to our community. A tour of Tomashi Jackson: Across The Universe, led by attorney and community activator Erin McClarty, will be offered from 1–2PM. RSVP required, but event is free. When: Feb. 21, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd., Houston Register here: eventbrite. com
Monthly Meditation Sessions by the Black Man Project + Black Woman Project
p.m.
Where: The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby Street, Houston. (Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street.)
Black Midwives & Birthwork
Nicole Deggins, founder of Sister Midwife Productions, will discuss the legacy of Black midwives. Using their traditional knowledge, these highly skilled women served as the primary healthcare providers for their communities, often in the face of systemic adversity. This program discusses Black Midwives history and celebrates their foundational contributions to maternal health. This event is in partnership with AARP Houston.
Recommended for adults.
When: Feb. 21, 2-4 p.m.
Where: African American History Research Center, 1300 Victor St, Houston Registration required: calendar.houstonlibrary.org/ event/15885450
Relax and Read Fences with Alley Theater
Presented in partnership with the Houston Public Library and Alley Theatre, this Relax and Read gathering invites participants to read August Wilson’s Fences in a laid-back, welcoming setting. The program encourages readers to slow down and reflect on themes such as family, generational legacy, isolation and connection, and truthtelling.
The play centers on a former Negro League baseball player working as a sanitation worker and offers space for shared reflection rooted in Black storytelling and community.
The event is free, but registration is required. There are 15 seats available.
When: February 21, 2-3.30 p.m.
Where: Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library, 1001
The Black Man Project and Black Woman Project are monthly meditation sessions at the Museum. Every fourth Sunday, dedicate a moment to connect with yourself through a mindful morning meditation as you absorb the zen energy from the roof of the Glassell School of Art. Sessions are led by Rashad Sanders, founder of Mindful Muscle and health & wellness ambassador of the Black Man Project.
When: Feb. 22, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston. Learn more: mfah.org
Black Author Book Exchange
Attend an evening of literary connection, community, and celebration of Black African American voices. Bring three, gently used or new books by Black African American authors—these can be fiction, nonfiction, poetry or classics-- to exchange. Discover your next read and connect with fellow readers over meaningful conversations and light refreshments. Register now.
When: February 26, 5- 6:45 p.m.
Where: African American History Research Center, 1300 Victor St, Houston Registration required: calendar.houstonlibrary.org
The Hair Salon — Black Hair as Architecture Dr. Sheryl Tucker de Vazquez, Institute of Architecture (AIA), in partnership with AARP Houston, presents The Hair Salon: Black Hair as Architecture, a multidisciplinary design research project that reimagines Black hair practices as architectural and spatial technologies. Drawing on the cultural, material, and symbolic meanings of Black hair, the project examines how traditions of braiding, twisting, and wrapping reflect algorithms, fractal geometry, and collective memory.
When: Feb. 28, 2-4 p.m.
Where: African American History Research Center, 1300 Victor St, Houston Registration required: calendar.houstonlibrary.org
lished a step-by-step School Choice application tutorial in both English and Spanish. The video walks families through accessing the online portal, selecting preferred campuses, uploading required documents, and submitting applications ahead of the deadline. It also outlines the difference between program types, how to rank choices, and what to expect after submitting an application. District officials emphasize that families should begin the process early to ensure they have enough time to gather
documentation and consider multiple campuses. Once the application window closes on April 17, HISD will review submissions and notify families
Photo courtesy of CAMH
A young artist performs during the Woodson Black Fest at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.
Photo courtesy of African American History Research Center, Houston Public Library
The African American History Research Center will host a book exchange on Feb. 26, inviting participants to bring up to three books by Black authors to share and exchange.
The Hallmark to expand luxury senior living campus in Houston
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Hallmark's anticipated expansion, Uptown Oaks at The Hallmark, will add a 21-story high-rise to the existing community, with 120 high-end independent living residences. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, with occupancy starting in 2030.
This new residential and amenity-focused addition will offer a state-of-the-art wellness destination with a yoga studio and massage area, upscale dining venues with sweeping views of the city, an art and hobby studio, café, movie theater, pool area and more, creating a vibrant setting for social engagement and meaningful connections.
Brazos Presbyterian Homes Holding, Inc., a leading notfor-profit organization known for setting the standard for independent living in Houston, manages The Hallmark. PRDG Architecture leads the project's design, bringing its senior-living expertise to create spaces that are both functional and inspiring for active, older adults. The new residences will range from 1,250–3,000 sq. ft. and feature a fresh, refined design for elevated living; a design style honoring the long-standing legacy of The Hallmark.
“For more than 50 years, The Hallmark has been a leader in
Gawle’s connection to the industry started early. His father ran a deli in Massachusetts, serving rotisserie chickens, sandwiches, and breakfast. He says he still loves the smell of rotisserie chicken. But it was watching the staff joke around and enjoy their work that left the deepest impression. “If I’m gonna do something for a living, I want to have fun,” he said.
When he finally opened his own place in late March 2025, he wanted to address what he sees as persistent problems in the industry, like burnout, stress, and pay gaps, by building his restaurant “a little differently.”
At Camaraderie, staff work a four-day week. The restaurant practices “one fair wage,” paying front-of-house employees above minimum wage and distributing tips equally between front and back of house. Tips are pooled weekly by shift rather than by day, so employees don’t lose out for working a slower Wednesday instead of a Saturday. Gawle offers a 401(k) from day one and encourages young cooks to start saving, even if it’s just one percent.
“How can we make this industry a career again?” is the question Gawle is trying to answer. “How can we make small adjustments that will be a big impact later?”
The James Beard Foundation’s criteria emphasize sustainable work culture alongside culinary excellence, making Gawle’s approach particularly relevant.
That spirit of togetherness shapes the menu, too. Camaraderie offers a prix fixe format built around dishes meant to be shared at the table, with diners choosing their own entrée from a focused selection of just four options: meat, fish, vegetar-
thought for thirty-seven years that if I went blind, I was going to see absolutely nothing.”
The degenerative eye disease causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision. While LeMaster’s sight had been fading for years, she said it felt like everything changed overnight when she received her legal blindness diagnosis in 2020. The hardest adjustment was giving up driving.
“I still had central vision. With RP, you lose your peripheral vision, so it comes down to tunnel vision,” she explained. “When I’m looking straight ahead, I don’t see the ground.”
She now has 13 percent of her central vision remaining and uses a white cane she affectionately named “Sugar” to navigate the world.
“[Sugar] sweeps the floor so that if there’s a curb, a child, a display, a crack in the sidewalk - she will pick that
senior living, earning a lasting reputation in the Houston area,” said Deidre Kinsey, CEO of Brazos Presbyterian Homes. “This expansion is a natural part of our evolution, allowing us to build on that legacy. It's shaping the next chapter of our community, giving us opportunities to adapt, grow and create an environment where older adults can thrive for generations to come.”
The Hallmark's Uptown Oaks Priority Program is underway, offering prospective
residents exclusive benefits, including: 5% savings off the entrance fee.
• $5,000 credit toward residence personalization or moving costs.
• Selection of residences ahead of the general public.
• Invitations to member-only receptions, programs and seminars before the expansion's grand opening.
Located in Greater Uptown, The Hallmark's Uptown Oaks expansion will be near the
River Oaks neighborhood, The Galleria and Memorial Park. With a walkability score of 82, residents will enjoy immediate access to fine establishments, restaurants and shops, just steps from the community, while also benefiting from a full range of onsite amenities and services. This unique setting, coupled with a high-rise lifestyle, will be the perfect blend of luxury and urban living.
“A key focus for us is to remain attractive to the next
ian, and something for two.
“I want it to be fun,” Gawle said. “Fine dining can be approachable. It doesn’t have to be super expensive. It doesn’t have to be a three-plus hour time commitment.”
Among the standouts is a stuffed pasta filled with slowcooked honeynut squash and brown butter, finished simply with parmesan and sage.
“People freak out over it,” he said. Another signature, a salt-baked celery root dish born from a last-minute vegetarian substitution at a preopening event, has remained on the menu since day one. The restaurant sits in a converted woodworking shed on 11th Street that once belonged to Paul Carr, a wellknown local craftsman who has since moved to Idaho.
Gawle credits Houston’s culinary community with
up,” LeMaster said. The title of her book emerged during a moment of reflection in her garden one night.
“There are so many flowers that can only bloom in the dark,” LeMaster said. “I’m not searching for the light. There’s all of this medicine that’s in the dark.” The collection features poetry drawn from her experiences, whether in medical waiting rooms or everyday interactions, along with recorded meditations readers can access through a link. An audiobook version is expected soon, and LeMaster is working on a companion workbook.
“I want people to tap into their own garden. Their own really, really hard days -- hard times, but what’s underneath it,” she said. “I think that everything that we go through is telling us something about ourselves.” Beyond writing, LeMaster has built a wellness practice offering sound bath meditation, where she uses crystal
helping him find his footing.
Veterans like Chris Shepherd and Justin Yu reached out early to make sure he felt at home. “I felt like I was welcomed into Houston almost right away,” he said. “People really rally for each other.”
Houston’s other 2026
James Beard semifinalists span a wide range of categories. Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught of H-Town Restaurant Group were nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur.
Manabu Horiuchi of Katami earned a nod for Outstanding Chef, while Max Lappé and Jacques Varon of Baso and Adrian Torres of Maximo were recognized as Emerging Chefs.
Lee’s was named in the Best New Bar category. June Rodil of March was nominated for Outstanding Professional
in Beverage Service, and Kristine Nguyen of Bludorn for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Rounding out the Best Chef: Texas nominees from Houston are Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk and Kent Domas and Seth Siegel-Gardner of Milton’s.
The Houston nominations come on the heels of last year’s victory by Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast in Spring, who became the city’s second Best Chef: Texas winner after Benchawan Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen.
Finalists will be announced on March 31, with winners revealed at Chicago’s Lyric Opera on June 15.
For Gawle, the nomination represents something larger than personal achievement. He hopes Camaraderie can set an example for how restaurants can be more equitable. The restaurant’s name, he explained, honors the relationships he has built across decades of cooking, friendships that endure across years and miles.
“It’s about all the relationships I’ve made throughout my 25-plus years of cooking and traveling,” he said. “That’s what drives me and keeps me going.”
Camaraderie is located at 11th Street in the Heights. Reservations are available online at camaraderiehtx.com.
generation of residents,” said Tim List, executive director of The Hallmark. “Our community is built on deep roots, with generations of families and friends calling The Hallmark home. By bringing those roots together with a thoughtfully designed expansion in an exceptional location, we are positioning ourselves to strengthen those connections, enhance resident experiences and further elevate the community as a whole.”
“Basically, the three of us that came to win, came to win,” she said of the Houston contingent.
The cream cheese kolaches proved challenging, denser than the sausage and cheese variety she’d tackled in 2009.
“It was like having four doughnuts at a time, basically,” MacQueen said. “There couldn’t have been a harder choice.”
Her strategy: small bites, plenty of water, and absolutely no dunking. At the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest - the iconic July 4th competition at Coney Islandcompetitors soak their buns in water to make them easier to swallow. MacQueen wants no
As a Life Plan Community, The Hallmark enables residents to seamlessly transition between levels of support as their needs evolve, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Uptown Oaks will continue this commitment by offering the same comprehensive Life Plan model. For more information or to join the Priority Program, visit TheHallmark.org/UptownOaks or call 346-266-1916.
part of that.
“Can you imagine anything grosser?” she asked. MacQueen, a native Houstonian, lived in Oak Forest for 16 years, serving two years as president of the homeowners association, before moving to the Heights. She leans toward “yes” when asked if she would defend her title again.
“I think at this point, if I catch wind of a kolache contest, I will have to do it,” she said. “But I’m definitely not in it for the glory of adding more foods to my roster.”
Still, with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo around the corner, MacQueen is ready for her next culinary adventure: “It is about to be corn dog season.”
bowls and other instruments matched to different organ systems in the body. She is certified in sound healing, meditation teaching, and restorative yoga. She also leads ‘Paper Seeds,’ a guided letterwriting series for people navigating diagnoses. Each month, she hosts ‘Name Your Cane Happy Hour,’ a free virtual support group connecting cane users worldwide.
“When I started to use my cane, I just thought, this is a really big portion of my life. I want it to be more intentional,” she said.
LeMaster previously cofounded a support group called Eye See HOU in 2021 with Julie Sherber, but the two have since closed it to focus on other projects.
LeMaster doesn’t shy away from discussing the daily realities of living with visual impairment, from curious stares to thoughtless comments.
“I don’t feel blind until I walk outside of my home and the world is highly inaccessible,” she said.
She advocates passionately for improved public transportation, better-maintained sidewalks, functioning audio crosswalk signals, and largeprint menus at restaurants. A trip from her home to a nearby coffee shop, just over a mile away, takes 55 minutes by bus, she said.
LeMaster also stocks her neighbor’s free library with children’s books celebrating characters with disabilities. LeMaster hopes the books will change how children perceive disability when they encounter someone like her in public.
Despite the challenges, LeMaster maintains her focus on helping others find their voice through difficult seasons. “You are not beholden to anyone about any title that someone has ever given you,” she said. “You get to recreate it.” More information about LeMaster’s services and book is available at themarykathryn.com.
LEMASTER, from P. 1
KOLACHE, from P. 1
GAWLE, from P. 1
Submitted image
Mary Kathryn LeMaster’s book, My Dark Garden: Poems and Meditations for Life During and After Diagnosis.
Photos courtesy of SMO Digital
Contestants Lauren MacQueen and Zach Pappert stand ready at the judging table as trays of kolaches are set out before the competition begins.
Competitors and supporters gather inside Hruska’s Bakery in Ellinger, Texas, at the kolache-eating contest featuring participants from Houston and the Hill Country.
Dishes at Camaraderie are designed for sharing, reflecting the restaurant’s emphasis on togetherness.
Photo by Arturo Olmos
The interior of Camaraderie, which was transformed from a former woodworking shed by Houston-based Schaum Architects.
Uptown Oaks at The Hallmark will add a 21-story high-rise with 120 high-end
“The legislature shall as soon as practicable establish, organize and provide for the maintenance, support and di rection of a University of the first class, to be located by a vote of the people of this State, and styled, ‘The University of Texas,’ for the promo tion of literature, and the arts and sciences, including an Agricultural and Mechanical department.” -- The Texas Constitution 1876.
I’m not sure why the law makers wanted UT to have “an Agricultural and Mechanical department.” The state already had Texas A&M. True, UT does have an engineering school and Bevo. Our problem today is that these fine, beautiful and very expensive schools are being ruined by a small group of billionaires and their lackeys in government and academia who will kowtow to keep their jobs.
THE TOPICS.
The sighs of Texas
Lynn Ashby Columnist
The regents are micromanaging our public universities to reflect their knuckle-dragging, MAGA-parroting philosophies. They have run off presidents, fired deans and profs, banned DEI and all courses dealing with race, gender and anything woke. Gov. Greg Abbott said he is targeting professors pushing “leftist ideologies.” In a post on social media, Abbott
the Arts was also moved out of the core curriculum, meaning it will no longer count toward graduation requirements for some students. Incidentally, do they mean core or corps? Eric Smith was commander of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. He is now General Eric Smith, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, or Core. And while on things militarily, A&M is the only school I can find that offers commissions in every single branch of the service, including the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. OK, let’s say you’re not a Longhorn or an Aggie and don’t care what’s going on there, but the inquisition has spread. Last fall, the University of North Texas System began
a review of faculty syllabuses, and – right here in our midst -- the University of Houston System conducted a similar review. Within the Texas Tech University System faculty members were warned not to “promote or otherwise inculcate” certain specific viewpoints about race and sex in the classroom. In 2023, the president of West Texas A&M University, Walter Wendler, canceled a drag show on campus, claiming that the show would be demeaning and offensive to women.
These Luddites are regents, but not only of their flag-ship schools. Their power allows them to screw up their entire systems. UT-Austin has an enrollment of 55,000 students, but there are more than 260,000 students at academic and health institutions across the state. It is one of the largest public university systems in the world. Texas A&MCollege Station’s enrollment tops 81,000, making it one of the largest, if not the largest, single-campus student bodies in America. The entire A&M system of 12 institutions is around 175,000. That’s a lot of young minds to propagandize.
A&M’s classes are censored, two were cancelled, because the profs’ lectures may
violate the university system’s new rules against “advocating” race or gender ideology or topics concerning sexual orientation in core classes. In November, the A&M Board of Regents passed a sweeping rule banning such topics in lessons without a university president’s approval. The new policy came after a national controversy over a viral video of a professor teaching about gender identity in a children’s literature course. That professor was later fired, and the university president resigned. This brings us to Plato, and I’m not talking about the planet or Mickey Mouse’s dog. A Texas A&M professor was told not to teach certain writings from Plato, which is like ordering an ob/gyn prof at a UT med school not to consider gender, or maybe there shall be no mention of Shakespeare or nouns in an English lit class. This censorship is because some of the Greek philosopher’s teachings may violate the university system’s new rules.
This ban made Texas a laughingstock. An op/ed in The New York Times headlined: “Can’t Teach Plato in a Philosophy Class, What Can You Teach?” The article warned: “The case illustrates
the extent to which campus censorship has run amok in Texas.” So the word has gotten out across America: If you’re a brilliant student or a hotshot prof considering coming to the Lone Star State, don’t, because the only thing bigger in Texas are small minds. I recall this observation from a few years ago: “I was recently contacted by a headhunting firm recruiting for an academic position in Texas. I was honest in my response that I would not consider a position in Texas under the current state leadership, because it would not be safe for me or my family to live there.” -- A professor of epidemiology at the University of Arizona. Prof, it’s gotten a lot worse.
We might well ask, “Why now?’ After all, Plato’s teachings have been around since he died in 347 BC (Before Censorship).” It’s because Texas’ leaders are nothing but lapdogs to the occupant of the Oval Office. These classroom restrictions were not hatched in Austin. Why should you care? Because you’re paying for it.
Finally, three money matters in Texas higher education. South of Amarillo there is the small town of Canyon, home to West Texas A&M University,
which handles a splendid take on Texas: The PanhandlePlains Historical Museum. It is home to the largest collection of historical materials in Texas -- more than 2 million artifacts. The museum may have to close because A&M regents said there’s no more money. Next: Remember those parents who bribed coaches to let their unqualified kids enroll in “elite” universities? Stanford, Yale, and, uh, UT. (That should make a great bumper sticker.) And the Longhorn football team has stolen a receiver: Auburn’s Cam Coleman. He agreed to more than $2 million — although one source said the price tag could be as high as $3 million. Texas should create “a University of the first class?” Sorry, class dismissed. Ashby bleeds orange 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.
Spirituality and Health: The visible effects of invisible beliefs
By Baylor College of Medicine student authors
WU,
ANGELA
MAHIR KOTA, SLOANE PARKER, AUBREY CUI, and ARINDAM SARKAR,
MD
While medical care plays an important role in shaping patients’ quality of life, nonmedical variables can be even more influential. Among these factors, spirituality and religion can be powerful drivers of patient health. Spirituality refers to a person’s search for meaning and connection beyond themselves, whereas religion covers the organized institutions or belief traditions that support spirituality. These definitions vary, so we follow the terminology used by various sources. Below, we discuss how spiritual beliefs influence the physical body.
Spiritual engagement and mental health
Perceptions shape how stress affects mental health. For many, spiritual or religious beliefs can reduce feelings of hopelessness, stress, and loneliness, which alleviates depression, anxiety, and other negative psychiatric symptoms. These effects become even more important during difficult seasons of life, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or chronic illnesses. However, not all spiritual views are protective. For example, spiritual persons who see illness as divine punishment may experience isolation or excessive guilt.
Spirituality and Physical Health
Spirituality can also benefit physical health: beliefs that alleviate stress are associated with lower blood pressure and better cardiac health. Many religious or spiritual traditions encourage positive health be-
haviors, like avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, which lower cancer risk. Active practice of spiritual beliefs is also important: a 2017 study found that those who frequently attended religious events tended to use fewer substances. This could help explain why highly religious individuals live longer, even after accounting for factors like income, education, and baseline health. However, spiritual or religious beliefs can also harm health by leading patients to stop treatment early or avoid routine checkups. In such cases, medical professionals may respectfully intervene to protect patient safety.
Spirituality and End-ofLife Care
People’s views about spirituality and the afterlife often influence end-of-life care decisions. A study in JAMA Internal Medicine by Balboni et al. (2013) found that cancer patients who received strong spiritual support from religious communities were more likely to pursue aggressive end-of-life treatments which may have been motivated by spiritual values such as hope and perseverance.¹⁰ While empowering during early illness, these perceptions may not improve late-stage quality of life. Medical professionals who integrate spiritual care can guide patients toward less-aggressive therapies that align with their values and offer peace.
Spirituality and You
Below, we describe spiritual practices you can add to your daily routine to support both mental and physical health:
• Mindfulness and meditation exercises to focus on the present moment.
Yoga, which combines meditation, breathing, and
poses.
• Journal about your emotions, surround yourself with personally meaningful items, or consider joining a religious center to foster connectedness.
Share your spiritual or religious beliefs with your doctor, who can incorporate your values into your care plan and connect you with support like a chaplain.
No matter the method, caring for your spiritual wellbeing is a key treatment for achieving holistic health.
Editor’s note: The authors of this article are students at the Baylor College of Medicine in the Texas Medical Center. Dr. Arindam Sarkar served as the faculty reviewer for this article. This column is for informational purposes only. Always consult a physician for medical advice.
GUEST COLUMN
Why “mild winters” could lead to higher energy bills
Mild winter temperatures can be deceiving. You might think that with fewer freezes, you won't be scrambling to protect pipes or running space heaters nonstop, which would mean lower electric bills.
But here’s the thing that many Houston-area homeowners aren’t aware of: Mild winters often have hidden energy costs, and they take time to show up on your electric bill.
When we get into that inbetween weather, not chilly enough to turn on the heat but not warm enough to crank up the AC, homes begin cycling back and forth between heating and cooling. That cycle of constant switching and cycling is one of the least efficient ways to operate a system, and we see it often when winter weather occasionally swings the temperature up or down by 30 degrees in a single day.
When we see sustained cold temperatures, however, most people turn up the ther-
mostat and leave it. Our system can run steadily, home temperatures stay constant, and energy consumption is predictable.
Mild winters act the opposite way. Homeowners adjust the thermostat up in the morning, down in the afternoon, and back up overnight. Each change compels HVAC systems to put more effort into reconditioning the home, spiking consumption without ever seeming extreme enough to cause concern.
Another, more under-
reported, cost appears in maintenance, or things that are typically skipped when winter tends to feel “easy.”
Mild weather provides homeowners a misleading sense of safety, so filters don’t get replaced, vents are blocked by furniture or holiday décor, and heating systems never get a quick inspection.
But little inefficiencies accumulate. A dirty filter alone increases heating and cooling costs by 5–15%, and most people don’t realize until months later when their bills are still high.
The good news is that mild winters are one of the easiest times to regain control…if you’re paying attention.
First, be intentional with your thermostat. Pick a comfortable setting and let your system do its job; otherwise, you will be making continuous manual adjustments. Smart thermostats help by automatically smoothing transitions, and many utilities
offer rebates that can make them more affordable than consumers might think.
Second, think of shoulder seasons as your home’s tuneup window. If your HVAC system hasn’t been checked in the past year, now is the time to do it, before the weather forces your system to work overtime. A basic maintenance visit can boost efficiency, extend the life of your equipment, and help you avoid surprise breakdowns that happen when we see big temperature swings.
Third, watch out for the “phantom load.” We tend to forget about all the electronics running at home, including gaming systems, chargers, and streaming devices that stay plugged in around the clock. As I have mentioned before, according to the U.S Department of Energy, electronics in standby mode can account for 5–10% of a home’s energy use. Smart plugs or advanced
power strips can easily cut that waste without sacrificing comfort.
Finally, track your usage. Keep an eye on how your home actually uses energy. The biggest savings don’t always come from new construction or major upgrades but from awareness. When homeowners regularly check how and when they’re using energy, they spot small issues early and tweak habits before those inefficiencies quietly turn into higher monthly bills.
Mild winters aren’t a problem; they are a great opportunity. They give homeowners a little breathing room to tune up their homes, tighten habits, and make small changes that pay dividends all year long, if you are diligent about maintenance. In Texas, energy doesn’t take a season off, so remember to keep your eye on your energy consumption and stay ahead of the volatility before the next heat wave or cold snap inevi-
tably hits. Sam Luna is a third generation Houstonian with a deep-rooted connection to The Leader area. His grandparents lived in the Heights where they facilitated educational workshops for seniors at All Saints Catholic Church. He continues his family's commitment to serving the greater good as Director of Product Marketing for BKV Energy - a Texas retail energy provider that strives to educate consumers by operating transparently and without gimmicks. Learn more about Sam Luna at bkvenergy.com/team/samuel-luna.
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.
HAR year-end local data by zip code: Houston housing market delivers a strong, more balanced year in 2025
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Single-family home sales return to pre-pandemic levels as prices moderate
The Houston housing market in 2025 reflected a return to a more balanced pace, making it a solid year overall for both buyers and sellers. After several years of ups and downs, the Greater Houston market returned to pre-pandemic norms, even as many other large U.S. markets continue to lag.
According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ December/Full-Year 2025 Housing Market Update, total property sales for the full year were 2.3 percent above the 2024 level, highlighting continued demand across the region. Total dollar volume rose 4.5 percent to $42.9 billion. Single-family home sales also outpaced 2024 figures, climbing 3.8 percent, with 88,634 properties sold during the year compared to 85,373 in 2024.
“The past year brought a welcome sense of balance back to the Houston housing market,” said HAR Chair Theresa Hill with Compass RE Texas, LLC - Houston. “Buyers had more choices, prices were more stable and homes continued to sell at a steady pace. As we head into the new year, that stability will provide a solid foundation for continued growth.”
2025 Annual Housing Market Comparison
Easing interest rates and a return to pre-pandemic market conditions shaped the Houston housing market in
2025. Sales activity remained consistent for most of the year, with only three months — February, April and November — posting year-over-year declines. The summer months were especially strong, helping sustain momentum and reinforce confidence among both buyers and sellers.
One of the defining trends of the year was the continued expansion of housing inventory. Active listings climbed throughout the year and reached a record high in July at 39,490, giving buyers more options and easing the competitive pressure seen in recent years. Supply climbed to a 5.5-months inventory in July, which was the highest level since June 2012.
As inventory expanded, home prices moderated. The median home price was flat year over year at $334,990, posting modest increases only in January (1.6 percent) and March (1.5 percent), with no additional gains recorded in other months. This marked a notable shift from the rapid price growth of prior years and contributed to a healthier market environment.
In 2025, the average home price rose 0.9 percent yearover-year to $426,558. Strong demand in the luxury market pushed the average price to a record high of $449,561 in June.
“We’re selling just as many homes in the Houston area now as we did in 2019, which shows how far this market has come,” said HAR Chief Economist Dr. Ted C. Jones. “Houston is one of the few markets in the country that’s truly back to normal. The recovery a lot of people have
been waiting for showed up in our region in 2025, and I think we’ll continue to see sales increase in 2026.”
Affordability improved in 10 out of 12 months when comparing 2025 to 2024, assuming a 20 percent down payment on a median-priced home with monthly interest rates as reported by Freddie Mac. The typical homebuyer in December 2025 saw an $87.72 reduction in their monthly principal and interest payment compared to a consumer purchasing the same median-priced home in December 2024 — a savings of more than $1,000 on an annualized basis.
December Monthly Market Comparison
The Houston housing market wrapped up 2025 on a positive note. Total property sales rebounded in December, increasing 1.2 percent yearover-year while total dollar volume rose 2.1 percent to $3.6 billion. The total number of available properties was 16.5 percent ahead of the
December 2024 volume with 52,727 active listings.
December Single-Family Homes Update
In December, single-family home sales totaled 7,456, up 2.8 percent from a year earlier. The median price was statistically flat at $335,000, while the average price rose 0.8 percent to $425,535. The average price per square foot was $174, slightly lower than $177 last December.
Days on Market, or the actual time it took to sell a home, increased from 59 to 64, which is the highest since February 2020 when homes spent an average of 68 days on the market.
Months of inventory expanded from a 4.0-months supply last December to 4.5 months. The current national supply stands at 3.3 months, as reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Broken out by housing segments, single-family home sales performed as follows:
$1M and above: decreased 0.3 percent (310 transactions)
HAR’s breakdown of existing single-family home sales shows December closings rose 8.9 percent year over year, with 4,885 homes sold versus 4,484 in December 2024. The average sales price increased 2.5 percent to $439,557, while the median price was up 1.5 percent to $330,000.
Houston Real Estate Highlights for December/Full-Year 2025
In 2025, sales of single-family homes increased 3.8% with 88,634 units sold compared to 85,373 in 2024.
• Total property sales for full-year 2025 were up 2.3% with 104,325 units sold while the total dollar volume increased 4.5% to $42.9 billion. Single-family home sales increased 2.8% year-overyear.
• Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes went from 59 to 64 days.
• The single-family median price was statistically flat at $335,000. The single-family average price edged up by 0.8% to $425,535.
Single-family home months of inventory expanded to a 4.5-months supply, up from 4.0-months a year ago. Townhome and condominium sales rose 5.5% with 422 units sold. The median price declined 4.4% to $224,500, and the average price increased 0.8% to $269,502. Total property sales increased 1.2% with 8,707 units sold. • Total dollar volume was up 2.1% to $3.6 billion.
Alzheimer’s disease conference set for Feb. 11 in Med Center
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will kick off its 2026 National Educating Across America Tour with a free Alzheimer’s & Caregiving Educational Conference for Houston-area residents on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Houston Marriott Medical Center/Museum District, 6580 Fannin Street. The free conference is open to everyone and will allow participants to learn from experts in the field of Alzheimer’s disease, brain health, and caregiving.
“Knowledge is a useful and powerful tool that can help make any situation easier to navigate, especially something as challenging as caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease,” Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO, said in a news release. “Connecting families with useful, practical information and support that can help them now and be better prepared for the future is what this conference is all about. Whether Alzheimer’s is affecting your family, you are a caregiver or just want to learn more about brain health, we invite you to join us on Feb. 11.” Advance registration is highly recommended. Register by visiting www.alzfdn. org/tour.
Sessions during the AFA conference will include: Impact of Recent Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease to Patients and Their Families
There are many technological advances in therapy and diagnostics for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. George Perry will discuss the potential benefits and risks of these new approaches and how they may impact patients and their families. The discussion will provide practical guidance to help families make informed decisions about adopting these innovations in care.
Dr. Perry is a Professor of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology and holds the Semmes Foundation Distinguished University Chair in Neurobiology at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is also a member of AFA’s Medical, Scientific, and Memory Screening Advisory Board.
Dementia-related behaviors such as agitation, reception, resistance, and wandering, can be difficult because they often originate from distress and also create it – for both the person living with dementia and their family care partners. Dr. Dona Kim Murphey will explain how these behaviors often reflect an unmet need and teach attendees how dementia changes a person’s experience of the world, and how behaviors are shaped by relationships, culture, and environment. She’ll also explain how communication must adapt, why some care approaches fall short, and why self-care is essential for sustainable caregiving.
Dr. Murphey is a neurologist, neuroscientist, community health worker, and the Founder of PrognosUS, a Houston-area supportive caregiver community organization focused on dementia care, especially for caregivers from culturally
diverse and often underserved backgrounds. She is also a support caregiver to four family members living with mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Caring for the Caregiver Family caregivers are the backbone of our communities but they often neglect their own health while prioritizing care for their loved ones. According to AARP, approximately 63 million Americans—nearly one in four American adults—currently serve as family
caregivers to a relative or friend with a medical condition, disability, or health need. Katie Scott, MPH, will explain the challenges for caregivers as well as the health impacts and emotional toll of caregiving. She will share relatable stories and practical strategies, and teach how to recognize stress, prioritize self-care, and build strong support systems. Attendees will also learn tools to protect their health, manage burnout, and embrace the strength in asking for help, ensuring that caring for others begins with caring for themselves.
Scott is the Chief Executive Officer of CarePartners, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization providing high-quality care for older adults and people with dementia, as well as for their caregivers across greater Houston. They bridge the gap between healthcare and social services by offering programs to educate caregivers and promote their physical and mental well-being while honoring their loved ones’ needs, interests, and abilities. For more information or to register for the free Feb. 11 conference in Houston, visit www.alzfdn.org/tour. Those who cannot participate in the conference or have immediate questions about Alzheimer’s disease can connect with licensed social workers seven days a week through AFA’s Helpline by calling 866-232-8484, texting 646-586-5283, or web chatting at www.alzfdn.org by clicking the blue and white chat icon in the right-hand corner of the page. The web chat and text message features are available in more than 90 languages.
SAM LUNA Director of Product at BKV Energy
Area spots serve up love, sweets & game day treats
STAFF REPORTS
Submit entries to editor@ theleadernews.com
Houston restaurants and neighborhood favorites are gearing up for Valentine’s and Galentine’s celebrations with everything from chefdriven prix fixe menus to festive sweets and out-of-the-box date ideas. Whether readers want a cozy candlelit dinner, a lively brunch with friends, or something more adventurous—like axe throwing or a sensory steakhouse experience—there’s no shortage of ways to eat, sip, and celebrate this February. Here’s what’s coming to a table near you.
BATL Grounds
Valentine’s/Galentine’s
Packages
What: Heights axe-throwing venue BATL Grounds offers special Date Night and Double Date packages featuring axe-throwing, knife-throwing, and archery (Double Date only), plus a glass of bubbly for each guest.
When: Feb. 9–15, various
times
Where: 1431 W. 20th St.,
Unit B, 77008
Cost: $89.99 (Just Us package for 2); $199.99 (Double Date package for 4); additional guests $49.99
Info: batlgrounds.com/ axe-throwing-houston
Fielding’s River Oaks
Debuts Fielding’s STEAK
What: Fielding’s River Oaks reintroduces itself as Fielding’s STEAK, unveiling a chef-driven, modern steakhouse menu focused on prime steaks, dry-aged cuts, elevated seafood, Wagyu selections, and refined starters and desserts. Lunch service, happy hour, and dinner now offered daily.
When: Now open
Where: 3750 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027
Cost: Menu pricing varies Info: fieldings.com
Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage Valentine’s Special
What: Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage offers a Valentine’s dining special featuring chefcurated dishes in an intimate
setting. Valentine dinner for two features two Weekender House Margaritas, happy hour size Tex-Mex queso, combo fajitas for two, and a piece of shareable tres leches cake.
What: Enjoy refined French-inspired dining on Valentine’s Day, plus a lively Galentine’s Day Brunch on Feb. 15 featuring DJ GFunk, specialty cocktails, brunch specials, and chalet-chic attire.
What: A limited-time lineup of festive pastries including the Strawberry Sweetheart Entremet, Raspberry Rose Macaron, Strawberry Cheesecake Macaron, Guava Cream Cheese Croissant, and Valentine’s cake pops.
When: Available through mid-February (macarons vary)
Where: All Common Bond locations
Info: commonbondcafe. com
El Bolillo Bakery
Valentine’s Collection
What: Seasonal sweets including Heart Conchas, Chocolate Heart Conchas, Heart Tres Leches Cake, chocolate-covered strawberries, Valentine’s sugar cookies, and themed cake pops.
When: Feb. 1–15
Where: 2517 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
Cost: Item pricing varies Info: elbolillo.com
Roma’s Saint Valentine’s Day Menu
What: ROMA is offering a “Saint Valentine’s Day” three course prix fixe menu ($59 per guest) featuring classic Italian dishes—burrata, fritto misto,
rigatoni alla Norma, beef short rib, and traditional desserts like tiramisu and cannoli. It’s designed as an elevated but approachable option for couples or anyone who just wants a delicious, authentic, Italian dinner that evening.
When: Valentine’s Day
Where: 2347 University Blvd. Houston, TX 77005
Cost: $59 per guest plus tax and gratuity
RSVP: 713.664.7581 or shanon@romahouston.com
La Madeleine Brings
Back Complimentary Bread & Jam
What: La Madeleine revives its beloved complimentary bread-and-jam ritual with a selection of three freshly baked breads (Sourdough, 7-Grain, Apple Raisin) and house-made jams served with every order.
When: Now Where: All la Madeleine locations
Cost: Included with any purchase Info: lamadeleine.com
Postino Valentine’s Prix Fixe Menu + Bottle Club Gift
What: Enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu for two featuring fan favorites like Crispy Cauliflower, Bruschetta Board, and Hot Donut Dots. Plus: Postino Bottle Club makes an easy Valentine’s gift option.
When: Feb. 1–28
Where: 642 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007
Cost: $50++ for two
Info: postinowinecafe.com
Fielding’s STEAK Valentine’s Weekend
(His & Hers Prix Fixe)
What: A romantic threecourse His & Hers menu featuring East Coast oysters or wild mushroom risotto, Wagyu Denver steak with mushroom XO sauce, and a shared ricotta cheesecake for two. Specialty cocktails available all weekend.
When: Feb. 13–15, from 5 p.m.
Where: 3750 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027
Cost: $89 per person
Info: fieldings.com
Winsome Prime Valentine’s & Galentine’s Weekend
What: A multi-day celebration including Galentine’s Night (Feb. 13), Valentine’s prix fixe dinner with live percussion and roses for the ladies (Feb. 14), and festive brunch specials Feb. 14–15. Champagne promotions all weekend.
When: Feb. 13–15
Where: 5888 Westheimer
STAFF REPORTS
Please email entries to editor@theleadernews.com.
JANUARY 30
Spaghetti Lunch at Heights
Historic Fire Station
What : A homemade-style spaghetti lunch featuring pasta with choice of toppings, garlic bread, salad, and iced tea. Desserts, beer, and wine will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Greater Heights Area Community Fund’s local scholarships and community assistance.
When : Friday, Jan. 30, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Where : 107 W 12th St, Houston, TX 77008
Cost : $20 per meal; desserts, beer, and wine available for purchase
FEBRUARY 1
NEW DATE : New Year, New Hue at Color Factory Houston
What : Color Factory invites guests to “New Year, New Hue,” an immersive evening featuring vibrant color installations and complimentary aura photography sessions with a live Aura Reader. Discover the hue that defines your 2026 energy inside the Mixed Feelings Aura installation. Aura photo sessions require advance sign-up.
When: Feb. 14
Rd, Houston, TX 77057
Cost: Valentine’s prix fixe
$95; brunch & á la carte pricing varies
Info: winsomeprime.com
Haii Keii Valentine’s Prix Fixe Experience
What: A luxurious, red-lit Valentine’s dining event in a modern Asian steakhouse setting, featuring an indulgent prix fixe menu with options like Truffle Hamachi Crudo, Wagyu NY Strip Tacos, Seabass with miso beurre blanc, Australian Wagyu, and Ube Cheesecake.
When: Valentine’s Day
Where: 3300 Kirby Dr Suite 9-A, Houston, TX 77098
Cost: $150 per person
Info: Reservations recommended
Moxies Valentine’s “Two Can Dine”
What: Celebrate Valentine’s with a three-course “Two Can Dine for $99” menu featuring shared starters, entrées, dessert, and a complimentary glass of prosecco for each guest.
When: Feb. 14, 2026
Where: 5000 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
Cost: $99 for two, plus tax and gratuity
Info: moxies.com
Original ChopShop
Jacked Up PB + J Shake
What: Toast Valentine’s or Galentine’s with the Jacked Up PB + J Protein Shake, now with a new festive swirl; loyalty members who tag @ OriginalChopShop in Stories Feb. 10–14 earn a free shake reward.
When: Feb. 7–14, 2026
Where: 3027 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Cost: Prices vary; free shake reward for qualifying loyalty members
Info: originalchopshop.com
Logan’s Roadhouse
Prime Rib Weekends
What: Mark Valentine’s weekend with a 13 oz. USDA Prime Rib, seasoned with Logan’s signature rub, slowroasted and carved to order, plus two classic sides.
When: Available on Prime Rib Weekends around Valentine’s Day
Where: 12950 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77040
Info: logansroadhouse.com
Golden Corral
Valentine’s Buffet
What: Enjoy an easy, everyone’s-happy Valentine’s dinner with Golden Corral’s all-you-can-eat buffet and endless desserts, from carrot cake to pies, cobblers, and cookies.
When : Sunday, Feb. 1, 4–6 p.m. (previously Jan. 25)
Where : Color Factory Houston, 3303 Kirby Dr., 77098
Cost : Regular admission; aura photography included with event ticket (limited availability)
Info : colorfactory.co
Harris County Voter Registration Event
What : Harris County volunteer deputy registrars will be onsite to help residents register to vote or update their voter registration ahead of the March 3 primaries (Texas voters must be registered at least 30 days before an election). Bring a Texas driver’s license or stateissued ID, or use the last four digits of your Social Security number to register.
When : Sunday, Feb. 1, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where : Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2353 Rice Blvd., Houston, 77005
Cost : Free
Info : Check your voter registration status at hctax.net/Voter/ Search
FEBRUARY 7
First Saturday Grow Love Market at Hope Farms
What : A lively day of cooking classes, gardening workshops, yoga, children’s activities, and fresh farm produce. Enjoy
Where: 13145 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77040
Info: goldencorral.com
PJ’s Coffee Valentine’s
Frozen Hot Chocolate
What: Sip something sweet with $2 off Frozen Hot Chocolate when ordering through the PJ’s Coffee app on Valentine’s Day.
When: Feb. 14
Where: Royal Sonesta, 2222 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027
Cost: $2 off Frozen Hot Chocolate via app Info: pjscoffee.com
Jason’s Deli Gather & Graze for Valentine’s
What: Host an easy Valentine’s or Galentine’s gathering with the Gather & Graze Charcuterie Box for up to 10 guests, and Deli Dollars members who visit three times in February earn a free spud or entrée.
When: Charcuterie available year-round; rewards offer runs through February
Where: Jason’s Deli locations
Cost: Prices vary; free entrée reward (up to $12) for qualifying members Info: jasonsdeli.com
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Chocolate Raspberry
Heart
What: Share a Chocolate Raspberry Heart Made With DOVE®, featuring rich chocolate cake, raspberry purée, and premium DOVE® chocolate for a giftable Valentine’s dessert.
When: Seasonal Valentine’s offering
Where: Nothing Bundt Cakes bakeries
Cost: Prices vary by size Info: nothingbundtcakes. com
Via 313 Valentine’s Pizza & Wine
What: Split a ½ & ½
Detroit-style pizza featuring two signature topping combos and enjoy 50% off wine—ideal for sharing with a sweetheart or friend.
When: Feb. 14
Where: Via 313 locations
Cost: Prices vary; half-off wine on Valentine’s Day Info: via313.com
Newk’s Eatery Free Valentine’s Dessert
What: Treat yourself to a free dessert with purchase of an entrée, just in time for Valentine’s sweet cravings.
When: Feb. 13–14
Where: Newk’s Eatery locations
Cost: Free dessert with entrée purchase
hands-on learning led by top Houston chefs and educators.
Info : Registration opens 3 weeks prior; lp.constantcontactpages.com/ cu/0bH3xTg/chefsinthefield
FEBRUARY 12–15
The Great Benjamins Circus at West Oaks Mall
What : The Great Benjamins Circus makes its Houston debut with a 90-minute Big Top spectacular featuring clowns, acrobats, aerialists, daredevils, motorbike performers, and extreme riders. A traditional circus with modern thrills, presented by a third-generation circus family.
When : Feb. 12–15 (multiple showtimes)
Where : West Oaks Mall, under the Big Top
Cost : Ticket prices vary
Info : benjaminscircus.com
FEBRUARY 13
Chocoholic Feast & Games
Night What : A sweet-filled evening of chocolate indulgence and community fun, featuring games and activities for all ages.
Info: newks.com
BIG GAME TREATS
Via 313 Big Game
Specials
What: Catch the Super Bowl with Detroit-style pies, $2 off the Detroit Duo appetizer, all-day happy hour, and free delivery on online orders of $45 or more.
When: Sunday, Feb. 8
Where: Via 313 locations
Cost: Prices vary; gameday discounts as noted Info: via313.com
Teriyaki Madness
Double Protein Bowls
What: Load up for game day with Double Protein Bowls (chicken, steak, tofu, or salmon) plus $5 off any online purchase of $25 or more during Super Bowl weekend.
When: Double Protein Bowls available throughout February; $5 off online orders Feb. 5–8
Where: 13410 Briar Forest Dr Ste 192, Houston, TX 77077
Cost: Prices vary; $5 off qualifying online orders Info: teriyakimadness.com
Jason’s Deli Big Game Catering
What: Make hosting easy with Jason’s Deli’s Ultimate Party Pack and Ultimate Salad Bar Box, featuring sliders, meatballs, fresh veggies, dips, salads, and more for a crowd.
Where: Jason’s Deli locations; pickup or delivery Cost: Packages priced per selection Info: jasonsdeli.com/catering
Newk’s Eatery GameDay Family Meal
What: Score a $20 family meal deal with two pizzas and a salad—easy fuel for watching the big game at home.
When: Feb. 5–8
Where: 9448 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77055
Cost: $20 family meal deal Info: newks.com
Teriyaki Madness Monday Deals
What: Teriyaki Madness gives Mad Rewards members $2 off any curbside order of $10 or more through its Mad Dash program—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
When: Every Monday through February (and continuing into March)
Where: Multiple locations; curbside only
Cost: Prices vary; $2 off qualifying orders for Mad Rewards members Info: teriyakimadness.com
When : Friday, Feb. 14, 7–10 p.m.
Where : St. Rose of Lima, 3600 Brinkman St., 77018
Cost : $15 presale; $20 at the door Info : stroselima.org/scheduleand-events
FEBRUARY 14
Tapas on the Trails
What : A romantic, twilight walk along softly lit Arboretum trails, featuring six tapas courses paired with craft beers and curated wines. Ages 21+ only; proceeds support conservation and education programs.
Where : Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Dr.
Cost : $110–$125; VIP upgrade +$40
Info : houstonarboretum.org/ event/tapas-on-the-trails
HGO Family Day : Hansel and Gretel
What : A 90-minute, Englishlanguage Family Day performance of Hansel and Gretel in a relaxed, kid-friendly environment with crafts, photo ops, and character interactions.
When : Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.
Where : Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave.
Cost : $25–$157.50
Info : HGO.org/FamilyDay or 713228-6737
Art Valet: Istanbul to Houston Heights: Elif Burduroglu’s abstracts, portraits and florals
Elif Burduroglu lives in The Woodlands area, and this selftaught artist paints slightly abstracted portraits of women, landscapes, pets and abstract paintings. She joined the First Saturday Arts Market last May, and Feb. 7 will be her sixth trip to Houston to join other artists for the monthly market at 540 W. 19th St.
Burduroglu uses primarily oil for her portraits and acrylic and oil for other subjects, sometimes just referred to as mixed media. Even with such a wide variety of subjects and use of paint mediums, Burduroglu’s style is consistent throughout, a commendable trait for painters.
I’m a fan of her style of “abstracted” painting, with visible brush strokes. The portraits have complementary subtle background colors that are textured in appearance with scratches, stains and reminiscent of centuries-old paintings. Her florals, landscapes and even abstract paintings seem to tell a story, yet something may be missing, allowing the viewer’s eye to finish what is missing.
This interview is long past due since introducing Burduroglu here in the May 3, 2025, Art Valet in The Leader News. Burduroglu arrived in Houston about four years ago after living in Boston, where she took three to four art classes. She’s not the only artist in her family; her mother, sister and nephew are musicians, and though retired now, her mother was quite popular in her day. Burduroglu took to painting at an early age.
Mitch cohen Art Columnist
artvalet@gmail.com
What’s your background and personal interests outside of art?
I grew up in Istanbul and studied English Language and Literature in college, and taught English at a high school for 10 years in the city I grew up in. Other than painting, I love to read and take long walks in nature. I love animals very much and try to help shelter animals and strays as much as I can.
Have you always been creative?
Since I was a little child, I sketched, drew and painted. I think I was born with love for art. My mom is a musician and a songwriter, and so are my older sister and nephew. I was always exposed to art but I think there is also a genetic factor to it, too.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on medium scale oil, acrylic, and mixed media abstracts -- different scales of modern florals and female portraits. I usually paint loosely. I purposefully leave things to imagination. I love deliberate imperfections and left out spaces, textures and thick brush marks. I believe that imperfections make things more interesting, as in people.
What are your future plans or goals?
My future goals are to learn new things every day and to improve myself artistically and personally, to live a happy life and make a positive change in the lives of those around me. I also aim to be able to earn more from my art practice so I feel more confident and can further help the causes I believe in.
Where can people find your work?
People can find my work on my website www.elifspaintings.com. I exhibit some of my work at Madeley Fine Art Gallery in Conroe and also in the local art markets, like First Saturday Art Market, that I try to participate as often as I can.
The Madeley Fine Art Gallery Burduroglu mentioned is part of the Conroe Art League. A portrait titled “The Connection” by Burduroglu was selected into the League’s annual juried CAL International 2026, running March 3-28, 2026. Visit their website for details at
conroeartleague.com.
For my favorite bonus question I like to ask artists, Burduroglu recalled something that happened recently that caught her and an area constable by surprise. As someone who loves nature and recreating it, it should be no surprise that when Burduroglu saw two dogs heading into the woods after foraging around her grocery store, she began visiting and leaving them food. A constable saw this and sternly admonished her for feeding “those coyotes”, also blamed for vanishing pet cats in the area. A local veterinarian confirmed the animals were likely a hybrid.
Meet Elif at First Saturday Arts Market, February 7, and follow her on Instagram.com @artsy_elif. Find more information on her website at elifspaintings.com.
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit ArtValet.com for more.
Altar Guild
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Take a moment to notice the beauty of the sanctuary at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. The banners that enhance the altar, the vestments worn by priests, and even the candles, altar wine, and hosts that are part of each Mass all contribute to a reverent worship experience. What many may not realize is that these essential items are not funded through the parish’s general operating budget. They are lovingly provided by the St. Rose of Lima Altar Guild, whose quiet dedication plays an integral role in parish life. Through their faithful service, the Altar Guild ensures that each liturgy is celebrated with care, dignity, and beauty. Now, the community is invited to support them in return. The Altar Guild’s annual fundraiser, Chocoholic Feast & Games Night, will take place on Friday, Feb. 13, from 7-10 p.m., in the East and West Halls at St. Rose of Lima. This festive evening will feature games, a light dinner, decadent desserts, and a Silent Auction—all centered around this year’s joyful theme: “All Hearts Come Home for Chocolate!” Tickets are $15 per person
today!
in advance and $20 at the door, and include all-youcan-eat food, entertainment, and activities throughout the evening. Guests may reserve a table or purchase individual tickets through the parish website or at the parish office. All are welcome—bring a friend, bring your sweetheart, bring your sweet tooth—and join in an evening of fun and fellowship. All hearts come home for chocolate, and the St. Rose of Lima Altar Guild hopes yours will, too. For more information, visit the parish website or contact the parish office: www.stroselima.org | 713-692-9123
Submitted photos
Elif Burduroglu (right), with her sister, at her booth during The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival.
The Connection,” an oil painting by Elif Burduroglu, was selected for the Conroe Art League’s CAL International 2026 juried exhibition, March 3-28, at Madeley Fine Art Gallery in Conroe, Texas.
Elif Burduroglu works on a painting in her studio.
Untitled floral by Elif Burduroglu, an acrylic painting of peonies in a vase with bold, textured brushwork.
LEFT: Untitled portrait by Elif Burduroglu, an oil painting of a woman in yellow with textured abstract background. ABOVE: Untitled abstract by Elif Burduroglu, featuring layered blue and turquoise textures in oil and mixed media.
