Issuu

Inside Today: Constable Rosen urges shoppers to stay one step ahead of holiday shopping scams Page 4

Happy

Holidays! Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston Saturday, December 20, 2025 • Vol. 70 • No. 51

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This was no slow clap, but full-out screaming with joy and pounding on the desks: “Santa! Santa! Santa!” The kids at Lyons Elementary School, in north Houston, could hardly contain themselves on a recent afternoon. Their chants erupted as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus came through

the door of the classroom. It was happening: Christmas joy for kids deemed by their counselors to be especially in need this holiday season. Some kids don’t have parents, or live in shelters. Their families are barely holding on. Some kids wanted tablets or dolls or Legos. One 8-yearold boy, who lives with a single dad and two siblings,

wanted a bed. And he got it, along with pillows, sheets and a comforter. His teachers have seen a lot of sadness, but could not recall a kid ever asking for a bed. Full disclosure: these were not your typical Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. They were cops, actu-

Photo courtesy of Pct. 1 Constable’s Office

Students gather with deputies and “Santa’s helpers” during a special holiday celebration at Lyons Elementary.

See SANTA P. 2

BEHIND THE DEMOLITION

A new kind of creative How a Heights vet clinic found sanctuary opens a new home—and helped in the Heights

clear the way for Hotel Daphne December and January holiday trash collection schedule

Page 4

Bayou City Art Festival now accepting applications for downtown Spring 2026 nonprofit partners

Page 5

Houston ISD expands college and career pathways

Page 5

Coming to a Table Near You: Where to eat, toast & celebrate

Page 6

By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor The community has watched Downtown Heights grow and develop, while simultaneously striving to embrace and respect its history and nostalgia. Some are on board with transformation, while others mourn the loss of unique old buildings. After spending 15 years abroad mastering the ins and outs of the hospitality industry, Ben Ackerley of Wood Lane Partners returned to The Heights with a vision for developing a firstof-its-kind boutique hotel in Downtown Heights. Years of planning, community engagement and collaboration with the City of Houston went into the process, including transparent communication with The Houston Heights Association and a unique neighborhood communication network established to keep his neighbors continuously informed. Anya Marmuscak, cochair of The Heights Association Land Use Committee says that “Ben has worked tirelessly, collaborating with the community and Heights Association to ensure that all questions and concerns that came to us were addressed. He’s presented to our neighborhood on multiple occasions, including two years in a row at our general meeting, with an open public forum. He’s been doing everything the right way for the good of his community.” Last year, as ground was broken for the Hotel Daphne, the majority of the property owners on the 300-block of W. 20th Street (including the owners of the TC Jester

Photo by Stephanie Shirley

(LtoR) Dr. Martinez, Heights Hospital for Animals medical director, and Ben Ackerley, Hotel Daphne developer, are proud of the space they’ve created.

Photo by Stephanie Shirley

Demo2: Though architecturally unique, the former clinic building’s interior was in disrepair.

House) had already agreed to sell their property for the development. However, there were a couple of property owners who still remained undecided, the last being the Heights Hospital for Animals (HHA) on 333 W. 20th Street. The Heights

Hospital for Animals was the brainchild of Kathleen Gallagher, a longtime resident, passionate about bringing a unique and personal veterinary service to The Heights. Her small practice became a family-centric cornerstone of care for pets

in the community. “I had been talking to Kathleen for many years about the possibility of selling, but she had repeatedly declined,” Ackerley said. “However, that changed when she realized that we had finalized purchases of all of the properties east of the clinic. She recognized that I was being fair and generous in my negotiations and was now willing to talk.” From there, Gallagher and Ackerley came to an agreement and she sold the property (the building and land) to Ackerley. But then, there was a surprise that no-one expected, least of all, Ackerley. Although Gallagher owned the real estate and the building, she

By BETSY DENSON The Leader News Contributor On a tree-lined street in Houston Heights, a building has been transformed into a space that’s part art studio, part wellness center, part gathering place, and entirely its own thing. Creó, which opened this month at 748 E 12th Street, is the brainchild of Jennifer Gardner, a licensed clinical social worker whose two decades of trauma therapy work led her to a simple but powerful realization: her patients needed more than traditional therapy alone. According to a press release, the center takes its name from the Latin word meaning “to create” and aims to bring together creativity, spiritual exploration, connection to nature, community, and stillness. Gardner tells The Leader more about the origin story. “This entire concept came out of my work with my patients,” she explains. “I kept noticing that, in addition to their trauma work, they needed more to help heal, something that supported the work. I kept wishing there was a place I could refer people to that was psychologically informed without being a treatment center, where people could access the natural good medicine that is intentional community in an accessible way.” Those observations led to the five foundational elements – creativity, stillness, community, nature, and spiritual practice – that Gardner and her team now curate in both programming and the shop itself. “These five elements, along with the concept of analog living, are the foundation of Creó,” she said.

See DEMO P. 2

See CREÓ P. 2

Photo courtesy of ATOTB

Learning to Stay Safe: Garden Oaks gym teaches real-world self-defense By ALEKSA RADENOVICH The Leader News Contributor

Pet of the Week: Everything is better with Sprinkles

Page 8

THE INDEX. Topics ��4 Classifieds ��7

On any given day in Houston, most people assume they will make it home safely. That quiet assumption allows daily life to move forward. But for many women and men, personal safety no longer feels guaranteed, and that sense of certainty can fracture without warning. In Garden Oaks, one local gym is responding to this reality head-on. Level 6 Krav Maga offers selfdefense training rooted in realworld scenarios, focusing not on sport or competition but on prac-

tical survival. Through regular classes and specialized seminars, including women’s and children’s self-defense, the gym emphasizes preparation, awareness and confidence in situations people hope they will never face. Before joining the gym, Sonya Milicic, a mother of two, had no experience with martial arts and little interest in combat sports. She stayed active by running outdoors when time allowed and initially hesitated to step inside a gym. That changed after her first class. Within weeks, she noticed a shift in how she moved through busy streets at night — more attentive

to her surroundings, more confident in her ability to respond and less reliant on the assumption that danger would never find her. “It’s not about being violent,” Milicic said. “It’s about paying attention and being prepared.” Her experience reflects what owner and head instructor Daniel Sartain said he sees daily inside the gym. Sartain said Level 6 attracts people from a wide range of backgrounds, professions and beliefs, many of whom might never otherwise share the same space. Inside the gym, those differences See KRAV P. 2

Photo by Aleksa Radenovich

Members train at Level 6 Krav Maga in Garden Oaks, a gym that focuses on practical self-defense.

Warmest Holiday Wishes to all the readers of The Leader!

Page 2 • Saturday, December 20, 2025 • The Leader

CREÓ, from P. 1 A press release describes Creó’s front room as a mercantile space featuring handmade goods, books, and art, all carefully selected. Gardner elaborated on her selection process: “No corporate lines. Small batch. We can tell the origin story of each product. Picking up a candle or a scarf or a piece of jewelry to admire it is one thing, but when you learn the story of how it’s made and the artist who created it, almost always someone connects to it more deeply.” Beyond the retail front, a studio space hosts classes that bring together art, psychology, and wellness. The eclectic calendar includes synth building workshops – where participants construct electronic musical instruments – alongside songwriting classes, meditation practice, poetry readings, and book launches. This unusual mix reflects what Gardner calls “inner literacy.” She explains: “Inner literacy looks like being able to dive into oneself and draw meaning as well as a cohesive understanding about one’s story and how it gets lived

Photos courtesy of Creó

Musicians perform in Creó’s outdoor courtyard, where the center plans to host acoustic sets, markets, and community gatherings.

out. This can be done through therapy, play, creation, stillness, and relationships. All of these are elements of Creó.” The building’s courtyard will host monthly Analog Living Markets, acoustic performances, and the Creó Instrument Swap. Gardner tells The Leader what these look like in practice: “Inviting vendors who believe in the concept and

want to participate in a community offering that supports the idea of analog living. The instrument swap in particular is intended to bring musicians together to meet, talk shop, and collaborate.” More monthly markets and workshops are planned throughout winter. Come summer, the courtyard will shift to evening events with pop-up

beverages, food, and live music. Gardner noted her choice of the Heights wasn’t accidental. “I have lived in the Heights for 20 years and have watched it grow,” she says. “I wanted a building that could flex with the growing evolution of the concept. This property has the ability to shift, and we will continue to give it new life as we grow.”

DEMO, from P. 1 had actually sold the practice itself to a national veterinarian administrator out of Chicago years prior. These companies manage the back end of practices, freeing clinics to do what they do best in their communities. While the sale created a synergistic partnership for the practice, it presented a host of new considerations for Ackerley, as the practice had an existing 30-year lease agreement initiated in 2014. A recognizable downtown fixture for years, the clinic’s building stood in the middle of the block intended for development. While Ackerley could build around the property or find a more beneficial solution, he went directly to the practice to discuss options. That’s when he learned that the clinic was dissatisfied with its existing accommodations. “They really didn’t like the building, it was essentially falling apart,” Ackerley said. “The air conditioning system wasn’t

Photos by Stephanie Shirley

The expansive lot size accommodates more customer parking and they were able to create an outside run and play area for the clinic’s furry guests.

functioning properly and the building was just in bad overall shape. They were hoping to make a move anyway, but were having trouble finding anything feasible, in terms of space and location, that really worked. So, I set out to find them a better location. We identified a warehouse at the

The new animal clinic location is spacious, comfortable and attractive.

southeast corner of 28th and Ashland, just blocks away. It needed a lot of work, but we realized that with the right renovation it would provide a much better location, with far more space and amenities.” Ackerley continued, “The new location at 340 W. 28th is substantially larger than the old clinic. It sits on a 13,100 sq ft lot, providing for twice as much parking than before and, more importantly, providing the space for an outdoor pet

run. The building was remodeled and outfitted with everything brand new. They love their new location and facilities. Additionally, they’re closer to the Yale and 610 intersection, offering greater accessibility and far less congestion.” Dr. Martinez has been the hospital’s Medical Director for over a decade and leads their vet team. He is excited about the prospects of the new location and what it will

SANTA, from P. 1

KRAV, from P. 1

ally deputies actually with the Office of Harris County Constable Precinct One Alan Rosen. And most of their elves had badges. “Nothing is more important during the holidays than helping out kids,” Rosen said. “This is truly what it is all about.” The customized wish-list toy giveaway at Lyons was one of several being held at more than two dozen Houston area schools this year, thanks to donations the public has made to the Harris County Constable Pct. One Foundation as well the generosity of Constable Rosen’s employees, who donated from their own pockets. Other schools in the lineup include Helms Elementary School, on West 21st Street, Garden Oaks Elementary School on Sue Barnett, and Travis Elementary School on Beauchamp. The children involved in the Christmas giveaway are going through especially tough times. They attend class just like every other kid,

are intentionally set aside, replaced by a shared focus on training and personal safety. “Once people are on the mat, none of that matters,” Sartain said. “We’re just people learning how to protect ourselves.” But what is Krav Maga? Krav Maga, which translates from Hebrew as “close combat,” emphasizes responses to real-life violence, focusing on efficiency, awareness and survival rather than tradition or competition. The system was created by Imi Lichtenfeld, a Hungarian-born boxer and wrestler who developed practical fighting methods in the 1930s while defending Jewish communities from violent attacks in Europe. After emigrating, Lichtenfeld refined the system for military training and later adapted it for civilian use. That philosophy shapes instruction at Level 6. Rather than teaching for sport or exhibition, classes address common threats such as chokes, grabs, ground assaults and weapon attacks, along with situational awareness, de-escalation and decision-making under stress. Since opening in 7, Level 6 has expanded to two locations, Sartain said, reflecting both rising demand and a broader mission. “Our goal isn’t just to grow the gym,” Sartain said. “It’s to get out there more.” Level 6 operates with a team of 13 to 14 coaches, Sartain said, each bringing different areas of expertise. Many instructors come from backgrounds in mixed martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and ground fighting, and most are certified through Krav Maga Alliance or Krav Maga Worldwide, the two largest Krav Maga organizations in the United States. The gym also employs fitness coaches certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, focusing on strength, conditioning, weight loss and performance training. In addition to adult programs, Level 6 offers youth classes, with students ranging in age from 4 to 75. That range allows instructors to tailor training to the individual rather than forcing everyone into the

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Photos courtesy of Pct. 1 Constable’s Office

Santa and Mrs. Claus visit local elementary schools, bringing holiday cheer during a Precinct One Constable’s Office gift giveaway.

but they live lives that would even test the mettle of an adult. “You never know what someone else is going through,” a teacher said. One of Constable Precinct One’s highest profile events, its annual Toy Drive, played out recently on Ella Blvd, as deputies partnered with Dr. Gleem Auto Salon. Deputies walked side by side with Dr. Gleem employees as they carried buckets and sought donations. “Merry Christmas,” a deputy said after a donation from a woman in a pick-up truck at a red light near the intersection of 610 and Ella. Dr Gleem became a donation center.

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A young student hugs a new stuffed toy received during the school’s Christmas gift distribution.

There were also free car washes for those who donated $25 or more. There was music, BBQ and plenty of folks coming together in the name of community service and Christmas. After the money was collected, deputies went on a shopping spree to deliver the wishes of every kid on their lists. Back at Lyons, a teacher seemed to be holding back a lump in her throat and a few tears as she thanked deputies for their work helping the kids. ‘This means so much,” she said. “This means so very much.” Need a smile? Watch the video at tinyurl.com/ Precinct1Santa.

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Jennifer Gardner stands inside Creó’s mercantile area, which features small-batch, handmade goods curated with an emphasis on origin and artist stories.

She says her hope is that people who would never have otherwise met end up in the same room sharing an experience together. Early feedback has been positive. “Everything in the space caters to creative wellness,” Gardner said. Plans include collaborations with other organizations, film

festivals, curated events, and educational opportunities. Gardner also hopes to expand services specifically for creatives, including recovery groups and therapy tailored to the creative mind. For class listings and event updates, visit creohouse.org or follow @creo.htx on social media.

mean to the practice. They just moved in early November. Krissy Kent, the practice manager, said they were still waiting on interior design elements and that the beautiful space was going to be even more warm and welcoming in the coming months. Even with improved location and renovated facilities, Ackerley will continue to honor the spirit of their existing lease agreement, reflecting 2014 rental rates. This creates the ultimate win-win-win situation for everyone involved. The Daphne Hotel expansion can continue as planned, the vet practice has gained a lucrative new location and the community’s furry friends now have a first-rate care and boarding facility. Heights Hospital for Animals boasts a 4.5/5 star Google rating and a 4.7 on Angie’s List. Those ratings are expected to elevate now; the same compassionate staff, the same mission and values, in an ultramodern new home. As the old clinic was

recently demolished, many in the community were not aware of the backstory and it’s an important one to know. Meanwhile, The Hotel Daphne in Downtown Heights opened the first week of December. Still expanding, the modest 5-story boutique property nestled in Downtown Heights is a work in progress. It currently offers 49 charming rooms, a library, courtyard and a full-service Italian restaurant and bar managed by Terrence Gallivan, a James Beard-nominated chef. Expansion east of the primary structure includes plans for the poolside bungalow suites and a host of landscaping to complement the property and neighborhood. To celebrate their new home, the clinic is offering a $25 discount on wellness exam bookings made through 12-19-2025 for appointments scheduled through January 2026. For information visit heightshospitalforanimals. com or call 713-864-9700.

Photo by Aleksa Radenovich

In a ground-defense scenario, an instructor demonstrates controlled response from a vulnerable position.

same mold. “A 25-year-old athlete and a 72-year-old grandmother don’t need the same program,” said Kendall Denton, a trainer at Level 6. “The best system is the one you’ll actually do — consistently.” Denton, whose background includes wrestling, boxing and jiu-jitsu, said Krav Maga takes what works and leaves what doesn’t. He said many traditional martial arts once claimed to be complete systems on their own, an assumption that proved limiting as styles began to cross. That hybrid nature, Denton said, is what sets Krav Maga apart from more traditional studios. “Boxing has some of the best striking,” Denton said. “Wrestling and jiu-jitsu control the clinch and the ground. Muay Thai handles knees, elbows and close-range fighting. Krav Maga pulls from all of that.” But training extends beyond physical technique. Controlled stress, through sparring and scenario-based drills, helps students learn to remain calm under pressure. When confronted with danger, the body’s natural fear response can cause tunnel vision, rapid breathing and hesitation. By repeatedly training under controlled stress, students learn

how those reactions feel and how to manage them, allowing decision-making to remain functional even when adrenaline is high. For instructors, the objective is not to create fighters, but capable people. “Our goal isn’t to win a fight,” Sartain said. “It’s to win that moment in time and get away safely.” As the gym continues to grow, its outreach efforts are expanding as well. With several instructors certified to teach active-shooter response, Sartain said Level 6 is working to extend its self-defense instruction into seminars for students within local school districts. The programs, still in development, would focus on common real-world threats while emphasizing prevention, awareness and decisionmaking before physical force is ever used. “A lot of places don’t have a plan,” Sartain said. “We want to help give people one.” Those interested in learning more about Level 6 Krav Maga or exploring training opportunities can find the gym at two Houston locations: 860 Wakefield Drive in the Garden Oaks and 5325 Glenmont, Suite F. Additional information is available by phone at 281685-6364 or online at www. level6kravmaga.com

The Leader • Saturday, December 20, 2025 • Page 3

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THE TOPICS. Who’s been naughty and nice? Dear Santa, It’s me again, with my Christmas list. It’s not very long and, being the generous soul that I am, I have included gift suggestions for some of my best friends. OK, they aren’t really my best friends or even my friends. I don’t have any, but they really are in need of my suggestions. However, let’s start with the most important recipient of your gifts: Me. I could use some new clothes. Ever since Covid-19 I have been working at home, which is hard to do as a valet parker -- the tips are lousy – thus I have done very little exercise, mainly walking to the fridge and back for beer and doughnuts. I have put on a little weight. Like 20 pounds. Not even my valet parker’s vest will fit. Which reminds me, I tried moonlighting as a bodyguard for liberals on the U.S. Supreme Court but my flak jacket won’t fit, either. I am told my leisure suit is slightly out of fashion. Same for my spats. But with a little effort I can still get into my Nehru jacket. Also, I need a new car. I bought an electric-powered Tesla which works fine so long as

Lynn Ashby Columnist

I don’t drive beyond the extension cord. I have a few suggestions for others. Gov. Greg Abbot needs new puppet strings. He has used the old ones so much that the strings are getting frayed and President Trump’s fingers are getting tired. Our Guv could also use a computer, or at least an abacus, to keep track of all the funds, $1 billion, he is taking away from our public schools. He feels they are over-funded. And despite Gov. Abbott’s boast that Texas is a continued “leader in education success,” our public schools don’t seem to be doing too well compared to those in other states. The World Population Review ranks the states by quality of public schools. Of the 50, Texas ranks 40th. Consumer Affairs ranks our K-12 public schools’ performance 30th. School funding rank: 45.

Solid Waste Management December and January holiday collection schedule COMMUNITY REPORTS The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) announces the holiday collection schedule for Christmas and New Years. Curbside services and facility operations will follow adjusted schedules for both the Christmas and New Years holiday weeks. Monday and Tuesday, December 22, 23 All regularly scheduled curbside collections will be serviced. Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 24 All regularly scheduled curbside collections will be serviced. Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices will be closed. Christmas Day Thursday, December 25 City Holiday: No collection services. All facilities and administrative offices will be closed. Friday, December 26 Thursday’s garbage, recy-

cling, yard waste and bulk waste collections will be serviced. All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices, will reopen. Saturday, December 27 Friday’s garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk waste collections will be serviced. In observance of the New Years holiday, SWMD will adjust curbside collections and close all offices and facilities on Thursday, January 1, 2026. New Years Day Thursday, January 1, 2026 City Holiday: No collection services. All facilities and administrative offices will be closed. Friday, January 2, 2026 Thursday’s recycling, garbage, yard waste, and bulk waste collections will be serviced. All facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories, Recycling Centers, and administrative offices, will reopen. Saturday, January 3, 2026 Friday’s garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulk waste collections will be serviced.

to Washington and Austin to represent us. All we have gotten for our money and votes are a bunch of wussies. At the same time, give the Democrats a leader, a vision, a purpose, a reason for anyone to vote for them. Can you leave me non-gerrymandered Texas congressional districts? If our candidates don’t know which district they are in, how should I know? Incidentally, when you slide down my chimney on Christmas Eve, I’ll try to put out the fire. You must get tired of all the milk and cookies people keep leaving for you, so I have left a glass of vodka along with a good cigar, only this time don’t take more than you leave. Mom needs her silverware. Moving on, please give me a new WiFi company. My current server, Disable Cable, is down –again. That’s why I am communicating with you via semaphores. It’s too windy for smoke signals. While you are at it, I have given up on CenterPoint Energy, but my Home Owners Association objects to the 50-foot windmill on my roof, so I need a new hamster and treadmill. Being the sports fan that

Higher education rank: 22. School safety rank: 7. There are several other rankings of states’ public schools and Texas is usually about 40. To solve our poor ratings, he has ordered Turning Point USA to create chapters on every high school campus. When it comes to our public schools, Gov. Abbott sure has did a good job. Oh, and give presents to the Texas legislators who are screening our school libraries. They’ve run out of matches. While on education, give the regents and administrators at both The University of Texas System and the Texas A&M System some courage to defy those stupid, meddling threats from the Trump gang who keep trying to mess with Texas. It really is embarrassing how the Longhorns and the Aggies are so subservient to clearly political missives. Whatever happened to Hook ‘Em and Gig ‘Em? They are meekly hooked and gigged. Could your elves include in your bag of goodies something for our Republican Congress members and Texas GOP lawmakers -- like spines? What a bunch of rubber-stampers. We sent them

you are, would you give the Houston Astros a healthy team, particularly among our starting pitchers? Last season the Astros had more wounded than the Confederate Army, and that led to an underwhelming season. Ditto for the Texas Longhorns, who were picked to be the Numero Uno football team in the nation. QB Arch Manning was touted – but not by him – to be Heisman material. Didn’t happen. Maybe next year. Then there was the Aggies’ “unbeaten season.” Where was “Johnny Football” Manziel when they needed him? Also in sports, Houston already gets a gift. We will be hosting some teams in the World Cup next summer. It looks like we get Cape Verde, Curaçao and Uzbekistan. Thanks a lot, Santa. I can hardly wait. U.S Rep. Henry Cuellar and Honduran ex-president and convicted drug kingpin Juan Orlando Hernandez have already received an early Christmas present, presidential pardons. Speaking of Trump, please give America and the rest of the world a great Christmas gift: give us a break. Leave our health sec-

retary, Robert Kennedy, Jr. an ear without a worm in it and a vaccine against stupidity. Last year you left me a stocking full of coal, which should make the EPA happy. Ads have been popping up on TV featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem against a backdrop of American flags, galloping past Mount Rushmore on horseback or dressed as an ICE agent, all the while praising Trump for deporting illegal immigrants. Santa, can you leave me the $200 million those ads cost? Also, is there room in your sleigh for 12 million presidential pardons? I wish you would leave those ICE guys transparent masks. At least that way we will know who is whisking away our busboys – and my fellow valet parkers. Ashby is listing 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.

Holiday Shopping Scams: Constable Rosen urges shoppers to stay one step ahead COMMUNITY REPORTS Shopping for gifts and donating to charities, especially during the holiday season, involves a lot of tapping, typing and swiping of credit card information. It’s the easy and popular way to “do business” and can be a lot less painful than spending old-school cash. But it’s also a process that allows thieves to prey on shoppers who fail to guard their credit card and personal information and hide in the huge uptick in holiday spending. They hope to blend right in and go unnoticed until it is too late. “While a light shining on your front door is an easy way to make your home safer, the same approach should be

taken when shopping online,” Harris County Constable Precinct One Alan Rosen said. “Shine some light on the online banking and shopping sites you use to make sure that purchases made with your unique information and personal credit are valid.” He notes that Constable Precinct One has taken action to prevent rip-offs or worse during face-to-face transactions among buyers and sellers that were arranged online, on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Offer Up. “That’s why the lobby of our Precinct One’s downtown office, at 1302 Preston St., is a designated safe space during business hours for buyers to exchange money for merchandise,” Constable Rosen said. Back in the digitized world

where buyers and sellers never see each other, the keys to protecting personal credit numbers and related private information are straightforward: • Don’t use the same password for accessing credit card numbers and signing into shopping sites. Instead, use a unique password for each account, and change each password periodically. • Check online purchasing accounts such as Amazon frequently to make sure your orders are all legitimate. If they’re not, correct the errors or report potential fraud to the site. • Check online bank accounts to confirm that no one else has tried to use them to spend your money. Notify your bank with any

concerns immediately. • Use your online banking account or online credit rating companies such as Experian to check your credit score. A sudden score slide might indicate bogus transactions made with your accounts. • Whenever possible, avoid paying for any item or service while using internet access provided by public entities such as airports and libraries. Internet hackers may target those mass systems first. “These recommendations certainly are not meant to stoke fear about holiday shopping or shopping in general,” Constable Rosen said. “I hope that just by taking precautions, like you do when you drive safely, will help you enjoy the season.”

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50. Bangladesh capital 55. Ground up corn 56. Measure of disc storage density 57. Smart ___: irritating 59. Persian dialect spoken in Afghanistan 60. Former CIA 61. Spanish auxilliary verb 62. ___ Titanic 63. Teensy 64. Banana genus

dOwn

1. Deaf signing 2. Fashionable 3. Girl’s name meaning “snow” in Welsh 4. Unhearing 5. Heavenly body 6. About heat energy 7. New Jersey capital 8. Steel rope 9. Selling 10. Eurasian land rail genus 12. Point midway between S and SE 14. Disfigure 19. Sound unit 23. Volt-ampere

24. Mentally deranged 25. TV taping device 26. 4th Caliph of Islam 27. Musician ___ Lo Green 28. Golden state (abbr.) 29. Importune 34. A recess in a wall 35. Honorable title (Turkish) 36. Hairy coat of a mammal 37. Small amount 39. Arc of spectral colors 40. Oval 41. Gym floor padding 42. Used of tobacco 44. Overnight case 45. Volcanic craters 46. Tangerine grapefruit hybrid 47. Military leader (abbr.) 48. Enlarge a hole 51. Express pleasure 52. Bivalve mollusk 53. Philippine Island, city and harbor 54. Unreturnable serves 58. Malaysian Isthmus

WORD SCRAMBLE

The Leader • Saturday, December 20, 2025 • Page 5

Bayou City Art Festival BEAR receives $100,000 Chairman’s Gift from ExxonMobil to support BEARing now accepting Gifts holiday program applications for downtown Spring 2026 nonprofit partners COMMUNITY REPORTS

COMMUNITY REPORTS Bayou City Art Festival, produced by Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), is now accepting applications from local nonprofit partners for the annual Bayou City Art Festival in Downtown Houston to be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29, 2026, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Application deadline is Jan. 4, 2026 and can be submitted via the festival website at www.bayoucityartfestival. com/nonprofit-partners. Each nonprofit will benefit from a portion of the proceeds from the event, provide volunteers, and has the option to host an arts-related crafting station in the Active Imagination Zone. “For more than 50 years, Bayou City Art Festival has proudly given back to Houston — supporting arts education and creating meaningful, engaging artistic experiences for our community. We are delighted to once again join forces with Houston’s nonprofits for the Spring 2026 festival in Downtown,” said Kelly Batterson, Executive Director of ACA. The outdoor gallery will take over Sam Houston Park along Allen Parkway. Patrons can meet with artists, view original works, and purchase one-of-a-kind art, world-class

paintings, prints, jewelry, sculptures, functional art, and more. The weekend festival will feature entertainment stages, a food truck park, beverage stations throughout the festival, and a Chef’s Culinary Arts Stage and tasting experience featuring local chefs. Guests will enjoy Houston’s skyline views while enjoying the festival’s wine and craft beer garden. Bayou City Art Festival will also feature the top 30 finalists from the Middle School Art Competition. For the ultimate art lover, Bayou City Art Festival will offer a limited availability VIP Hospitality Lounge, which will include complimentary light bites, beer, wine, and other refreshments. The relaxing setting under a canopy of trees will feature roaming musicians, artistic décor, and more. VIPs will receive access from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to the VIP area, and VIP parking. Online early bird tickets will be available soon at www.bayoucityartfestival.com for $18 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and children under five are free. Adult tickets purchased after March 15, 2026, are $20. Online pre-purchased tickets are required to enter the festival. Physical tickets will not be sold at the gate and can only be purchased online.

BEAR (Be A Resource) is proud to announce a generous $100,000 Chairman’s Gift from ExxonMobil to support the 2025 BEARing Gifts program, which ensures children under the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services receive holiday gifts tailored just for them. For thousands of children experiencing abuse and neglect, BEARing Gifts is often the only holiday celebration they receive. “This gift from ExxonMobil makes an immediate and meaningful difference for the children we serve,” says Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director of BEAR, a GOOF-based non-profit. “BEARing Gifts is a reminder to children in CPS care that they are seen, valued, and deserving of joy. ExxonMobil’s support helps us honor every child’s wish list and ensures they experience compassion during a difficult time in their lives. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership.” The contribution marks the 20th annual ExxonMobil Chairman’s Gift, which is given during the holiday season in support of a deserving nonprofit organization.

BEAR, a GOOF-based nonprofit working with children under the care of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, recently received a $100,000 Chairman’s Gift from ExxonMobil to support BEARing Gifts holiday program

“For 20 years, we’ve made a special holiday contribution to a local charity,” says ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods. “I’m honored to present this year’s gift to a very deserving organization: BEAR. Every day, they champion the well-being of Houston’s most vulnerable youth. Their work is noble, it’s vital, and its changing lives for the better.”

BEARing Gifts serves more than 29,000 children in the greater Houston area, providing personalized wish-list items such as toys, clothing, books, and essential items. ExxonMobil’s contribution will help BEAR meet this season’s growing needs, ensuring every child referred by CPS receives the joy, dignity, and comfort of a holiday gift chosen specifically for them.

Houston ISD expands college and career pathways COMMUNITY REPORTS Houston Independent School District (HISD) is expanding opportunities for students to earn college credits, industry certifications, and associate degrees while still in high school, strengthening college and career readiness while reducing the cost and time required to access high-wage careers. HISD currently operates 13 Early College High School (ECHS) and Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) programs. The District has submitted applications for five additional campuses to enter a plan-

ning year, with new programs anticipated to launch in the 2027-2028 school year. During the planning year, each campus will follow the Texas College and Career Readiness School Models and engage leadership teams made up of school staff, parents, and community members to design programs that align with future workforce needs and meet TEA blueprint requirements. Families and the community will be engaged throughout the planning and design process. After a full year of collaborative planning, new ECHS and P-TECH proposals will be submitted to TEA for approval prior to implementation.

In addition, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, HISD will phase in a guaranteed pathway to an associate degree at every comprehensive high school. Students who choose this pathway will commit to advanced coursework and summer programming designed to help them earn up to 60 college credit hours before graduation. This initiative builds on existing offerings, including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Credit, and OnRamps courses. “These expanded pathways are about giving our high school students real options for a real head start,”

said Daniel Gray, Deputy Chief of College, Career, and Military Readiness. “When students can earn college credit, industry certifications, or even an associate’s degree while still in high school, they leave HISD with momentum, saving time and money, and really ready for that next step.” By expanding access to early college and career pathways, HISD is helping students graduate ready for college and high-skill careers, complete four-year degrees more efficiently, and enter the workforce prepared for highdemand, high-wage jobs that strengthen families and the Houston economy.

Wednesday Advent Services December 3, 10 & 17 @ 7:00 PM

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Wednesday, December 24 @ 6:00 PM

Christmas Day Service with Communion Thursday, December 25 @ 9:30 AM

New Year’s Eve Service with Communion Wednesday, December 31 @ 7:00 PM

Our Savior Lutheran Church

5000 W TIDWELL RD, HOUSTON TX 77091 713-290-9087• www.OSL.CC

Page 6 • Saturday, December 20, 2025 • The Leader

STAFF REPORTS

Where to eat, toast & celebrate

Submit entries to editor@ theleadernews.com Houston diners have no shortage of ways to eat, drink and be merry this season. From gift-card bonuses and seafood feasts to over–the–top holiday cocktails, charity dishes that warm more than just your plate, and a packed lineup of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s celebrations, local restaurants are serving up festive menus, to-go feasts and one-night-only experiences all across the city. Holiday Gifts, Sips & Specials

Kata Robata & Katami – Holiday Gift Card Bonus

WHAT: Buy $100 in gift cards in person and receive a $20 bonus card (good Jan. 1–March 31; dine-in only, must be used in full). No limit on purchases. WHEN: Through December WHERE: Kata Robata, 3600 Kirby Dr., Ste. H; Katami, 2701 W. Dallas St. INFO: katarobata.com; katamihouston.com

Roma Ristorante – Feast of the Seven Fishes

WHAT: Italian-American “Feast of the Seven Fishes” Christmas Eve dinner featuring calamari fritti, octopus salad, lobster ravioli, baked salmon, grilled tuna and more for $69.50 per guest plus tax and gratuity. WHEN: Dec. 24, 4–9 p.m. WHERE: Roma Ristorante, 2347 University Blvd. INFO: Call restaurant for reservations, 713-664-7581

Holiday Cocktails Around Town

WHAT: Seasonal cocktail menus with eggnogs, peppermint martinis, rosé bubbles and more, plus a bottled coquito to-go. WHEN: Through Dec. 31 (Coquito available while supplies last) WHERE: – Fielding’s River Oaks, Novel River Oaks, 3750 Westheimer Rd. – The Spot Lounge & Bar, 2003 Emancipation Ave.

Fielding’s + JDS Legacy Foundation – Charity Dishes for Warming Kits

WHAT: Order the December “Charity Dish” and 100% of proceeds help fund Christmas Warming Kits (sleeping bag, hat, scarf, gloves) for unhoused neighbors. Featured dishes: Wood-Fired Rotisserie Chicken at Fielding’s Wood Grill and Veal Piccata Normandy at Fielding’s River Oaks. WHEN: Through December WHERE: Fielding’s River Oaks, 3750 Westheimer Rd. INFO: fieldingsro.com

Fish City Grill & Half Shells – New Cocktail Menu

WHAT: New lineup of spritzes, margaritas, martinis, bourbon smashes and three $7 mocktails (Blood Orange Nojito, Punchline and Sparkling Colada), plus updated house favorites. WHEN: Now pouring; happy hour daily 3–6 p.m. WHERE: Fish City Grill and Half Shells locations citywide INFO: fishcitygrill.com

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Holiday Menus & Gift Card Bonus

WHAT: Special holiday prix fixe menus Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Holiday Feasts for Four to-go, and a $25 Reward Card with every $125 in gift cards purchased. New Year’s Day features the 16 oz. Caramelized Prime Rib for $59 with traditional sides (sides complimentary Jan. 1 with purchase of two entrées; also available Dec. 29–Jan. 2). WHEN: Select dates Dec. 23–Jan. 2 WHERE: 1997 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019 INFO: perryssteakhouse.com Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Caracol – Buffet de Noche Buena & Holiday To-Go

WHAT: Christmas Eve “Buffet de Noche Buena” with complimentary ponche and live music ($55 adults/$15 children plus beverages, tax and gratuity). Family Feast and Couple’s Feast packages and tamales, sides and desserts also available to-go with advance order. WHEN: Dine-in Dec. 24, 5–8 p.m.; to-go orders due Dec. 22 for Dec. 24 pickup. WHERE: Caracol, 2200 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 160; 713-622-9996 INFO: caracol.net

Etoile – Christmas Eve French Feast

WHAT: Christmas Eve lunch à la carte and 3-course dinner menu ($89 per person; kids’ menu $28 plus beverages, tax and gratuity) featuring foie gras, lobster bisque, scallops, beef “Rossini” and Bûche de Noël. Closed Christmas Day. WHEN: Dec. 24, lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; dinner 5–9 p.m. WHERE: Etoile Cuisine et Bar, 1101-11 Uptown Park Blvd.; 832-668-5808 INFO: etoilecuisine.com

Hugo’s – Christmas Eve Buffet & Holiday To-Go

WHAT: Christmas Eve Buffet de Noche Buena with complimentary ponche and live music ($55 adults/$15 children plus beverages, tax and gratuity). Family and Couple’s Feast holiday packages, tamales, Backstreet Café sides and sweets available to-go with advance order. WHEN: Buffet Dec. 24, 5–8 p.m.; to-go orders due Dec. 22 for Dec. 24 pickup. WHERE: Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer Rd.; 713-524-7744 INFO: hugosrestaurant.net

Kenny & Ziggy’s – Christmas Eve Hours & Holiday Catering

WHAT: New York–style deli open Christmas Eve 8 a.m.–8 p.m., closed Christmas Day, reopening Dec. 26 at 8 a.m. Extensive holiday catering menu includes full turkey dinners, hors d’oeuvres, sides, soups, cakes, pies, cheesecakes and cookies (48-hour notice). WHEN: Through the holidays; see website for full menu. WHERE: Kenny & Ziggy’s, 1743 Post Oak Blvd.; 713-871-8883 INFO: kennyandziggys.com

Rainbow Lodge – Christmas Eve Dinner & Holiday To-Go

WHAT: Historic log-cabin restaurant open Christmas Eve for dinner 5–9 p.m. with regular à la carte menu; closed Christmas Day (reopens Dec. 26 at 5 p.m.). Holiday Foods To-Go

Kenny & Ziggy’s – New Year’s Hours

WHAT: Deli open New Year’s Eve 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; New Year’s Day opening at 10 a.m. with all the usual skyscraping sandwiches and comfort classics. WHEN: Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 WHERE: Kenny & Ziggy’s, 2327 Post Oak Blvd. INFO: kennyandziggys.com include roasted meats, turkeys, game birds, seasonal sides, gumbo, chili, crab cakes and croissant bread pudding (order at least 3 days ahead; pickup through Dec. 23, excluding Mondays). WHEN: Dec. 24 (dine-in); select dates for to-go. WHERE: Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella Blvd.; 713-861-8666 INFO: rainbow-lodge.com

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen – Tex-Mex Tamales for Christmas

WHAT: Both locations open Christmas Eve (Woodway 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Eldridge 11 a.m.–5 p.m.) with full menu and traditional tamales. Closed Christmas Day. Holiday to-go specials include tamales by the dozen ($22), enchiladas by the dozen and party packages; buy 5 dozen tamales, get 1 dozen free (order at least 3 days in advance; offer valid through Dec. 31). WHEN: Through Dec. 31 WHERE: 6401 Woodway INFO: sylviasenchiladas.com

URBE – Cena de Noche Buena & Holiday To-Go

WHAT: Christmas Eve “Cena de Noche Buena” buffet with ponche and mariachis ($45 adults/$15 children plus beverages, tax and gratuity). Holiday to-go menu features turkey, brisket, tamales, sides, desserts, margaritas by the quart/gallon and taco kits (advance order required). Closed Christmas Day. WHEN: Dec. 24, 5–8 p.m.; to-go orders due Dec. 22 for Dec. 24 pickup. WHERE: URBE, 1101 Uptown Park Blvd.; 713-726-8273 INFO: urbehouston.com

Xochi – Christmas Eve Buffet

WHAT: Buffet de Noche Buena on Christmas Eve with complimentary ponche and live music ($55 adults/$15 children plus beverages, tax and gratuity). Closed Christmas Day. WHEN: Dec. 24, 5–8 p.m. WHERE: Xochi, 1777 Walker St. (Marriott Marquis); 713-300-4440 INFO: xochihouston.com

Zaranda – Christmas Eve Dinner Downtown

WHAT: Full dinner menu Christmas Eve featuring Las Californias cuisine, zarandeado seafood, wood-fired steaks and cocktails, plus live music and festive décor. Closed Christmas Day. WHEN: Dec. 24, 5–8 p.m. WHERE: Zaranda, 1550 Lamar St.; 713-485-0652 INFO: zarandahouston.com

Azumi – Christmas Eve Sushi in River Oaks

WHAT: Upscale Japanese spot open regular hours on Christmas Eve for sushi and cocktails; reservations strongly encouraged. WHEN: Dec. 24, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. WHERE: Azumi, 4444 Westheimer Rd.,

Ste. G-130 (River Oaks District) INFO: azumirestaurant.com/houston

The Sunrise House – Holiday Brunch Menu

WHAT: Montrose brunch favorite offering a special Winter Menu Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with festive dishes like the Jingle Board, Spicy Sleighders and Mini Merry Cakes. WHEN: Dec. 24–25, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. WHERE: The Sunrise House, 1830 W. Alabama St. INFO: thesunrisehouse.com

Gr8 Plate Hospitality – 12 Days of Christmas Specials

WHAT: Through Dec. 24, The Union Kitchen, Jax Grill, and Vine roll out rotating specials including kids-eatfree offers, complimentary appetizers and desserts, drink deals and an Ugly Sweater Contest at Vine and Passerella on Christmas Eve. WHEN: Through Dec. 24 (hours vary by concept) WHERE: The Union Kitchen, 3452 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77018; Jax Grill, 1613 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007; and Vine Memorial, 7951 Katy Fwy Unit B, Houston, TX 77024. INFO: @gr8platehospitality; theunionkitchen.com; passerellaitaliano.com; vinememorial.com; jaxgrillhouston.com New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day

Caracol – New Year’s Eve Dinner & New Year’s Day Brunch

WHAT: Four-course NYE dinner ($85 plus beverages, tax and gratuity) with live music and midnight toast; New Year’s Day “Vuelve a la Vida” brunch buffet ($45 adults/$15 children). WHEN: Dec. 31, 5–10 p.m.; Jan. 1 brunch, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. WHERE: Caracol, 2200 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 160 INFO: caracol.net

Etoile – Two Seatings for New Year’s Eve

WHAT: New Year’s Eve lunch à la carte; early 3-course dinner seating ($78) and late 4-course seating with midnight toast ($98), plus beverages, tax and gratuity. Closed New Year’s Day. WHEN: Dec. 31 (times vary by seating) WHERE: Etoile Cuisine et Bar, 1101-11 Uptown Park Blvd. INFO: etoilecuisine.com

Hugo’s – Four-Course NYE & Return-to-Life Brunch

WHAT: Four-course New Year’s Eve dinner ($85 plus beverages, tax and gratuity) with live music and midnight toast; New Year’s Day “Vuelve a la Vida” brunch buffet ($45 adults/$15 children). WHEN: Dec. 31, 5–10 p.m.; Jan. 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. WHERE: Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer Rd. INFO: hugosrestaurant.net

Rainbow Lodge – New Year’s Eve Dinner & New Year’s Day Brunch

WHAT: Special 3-course NYE menu ($99 plus beverages, tax and gratuity); New Year’s Day Southern-style brunch 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. with blackeyed peas for good luck. Closed New Year’s Day dinner and Jan. 2. WHEN: Dec. 31; Jan. 1 brunch WHERE: Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella Blvd. INFO: rainbow-lodge.com

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen – New Year’s Hours

WHAT: Regular menu New Year’s Eve 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; New Year’s Day dinner only 5–9:30 p.m. WHEN: Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 WHERE: 6401 Woodway INFO: sylviasenchiladas.com

URBE – New Year’s Eve Fiesta & Brunch

WHAT: Walk-around NYE Fiesta with street food stations, dessert table, cocktails, photo booth, DJ, mariachis and midnight toast ($85 plus beverage, tax and gratuity). New Year’s Day brunch buffet $39 adults/$15 children. WHEN: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.–midnight; Jan. 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. WHERE: URBE, 1101 Uptown Park Blvd. INFO: urbehouston.com

Xochi – New Year’s Eve Dinner & Brunch

WHAT: Four-course NYE menu ($85 plus beverages, tax and gratuity) with live music and midnight toast; New Year’s Day “Vuelve a la Vida” brunch buffet ($45 adults/$15 children). WHEN: Dec. 31, 5–10 p.m.; Jan. 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. WHERE: Xochi, 1777 Walker St. INFO: xochihouston.com

Zaranda – Las Californias New Year’s Eve

WHAT: Full dinner menu plus live music and midnight toast in the heart of downtown, steps from Discovery Green. WHEN: Dec. 31, 6 p.m.–midnight WHERE: Zaranda, 1550 Lamar St. INFO: zarandahouston.com

Azumi – New Year’s Day $2 Lychee Martinis

WHAT: Ring in 2026 with Azumi’s beloved $2 Lychee Martinis on New Year’s Day (continuing the Thursday special from 3–6 p.m.). WHEN: Jan. 1, 3–6 p.m. (restaurant open 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.) WHERE: Azumi, 4444 Westheimer Rd., Ste. G-130 INFO: azumirestaurant.com/houston

Good God Nadine’s – Two-Day New Year’s Celebration

WHAT: New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day specials include half-off bottles of bubbles, $18 Matagorda Pearl oysters and a $32 Prosperity Platter with black-eyed peas, redfish and braised collards. Free black-eyed

peas with any entrée on New Year’s Day. WHEN: Dec. 31 & Jan. 1, 4 p.m.–midnight WHERE: Good God Nadine’s, 33 Waugh Dr. INFO: goodgodnadines.com

The Union Kitchen – New Year’s Day Brunch

WHAT: New Year’s Day brunch at all locations featuring $2.50 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys and Bellinis, plus cabbage, black-eyed peas and cornbread for good luck. WHEN: Jan. 1, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. WHERE: 3452 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77018 INFO: theunionkitchen.com

Union Kitchen Towne Lake – Masquerade NYE Party

WHAT: Masquerade-themed New Year’s Eve party with full buffet, DJ, photo ops and fireworks ($95 per person). WHEN: Dec. 31, 10 p.m.–late WHERE: The Union Kitchen Towne Lake, 9955 Barker Cypress Rd., Ste. 104, Cypress INFO: theunionkitchen.com

Eberhard Social House – Babylon/Old Hollywood NYE

WHAT: New Year’s Eve celebration with DJ DAM, Babylon-meets–Old Hollywood attire, complimentary champagne toast at midnight and bottle service available. WHEN: Dec. 31 WHERE: Eberhard Social House, 1216 W. Clay St. INFO: eberhardhtx.com; tickets via Eventbrite

Passerella Ristorante & Wine Bar – Roaring New Year’s Eve

WHAT: Jazz Age–themed NYE party ($85 per person) with hors d’oeuvres, live music, patio fireworks, midnight champagne toast, cupcake bar and martini bar. WHEN: Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.–late WHERE: Passerella, 9945 Barker Cypress Rd., Ste. 122, Cypress INFO: passerellaitaliano.com Special Events

Chef Kyndra McCrary – Underground Supper Club: A Tribute to D’Angelo

WHAT: Intimate 6-course soul food dinner inspired by D’Angelo’s albums, with live band, DJ and storytelling. Proceeds benefit The D’Angelo Estate Pancreatic Cancer Fund and Black Boy Joy Foundation. Tickets $175–$475 (General, VIP, Ultra Luxe). WHEN: Dec. 28, 2025 WHERE: Secret Houston location (revealed 72 hours prior) INFO: chefkyndrasupperclub.com

Feges BBQ – Texas BBQ Dinner with Author Veronica Meewes

WHAT: Three-course BBQ dinner with passed apps, dessert and beverage pairings. Each $150 ticket includes a signed copy of Texas BBQ: The Art of Low & Slow and stories from author Veronica Meewes plus Erin Smith and Patrick Feges. WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 11, 5–8 p.m. WHERE: Feges BBQ Spring Branch, 8217 Long Point Rd. INFO: Tickets available online via Feges BBQ.

Memorial Hermann Greater Heights helps brighten holidays through YMCA Angel Tree Program STAFF REPORTS Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital continued its long-standing tradition of giving this season, partnering with the YMCA’s Angel Tree Program to provide gifts for children and families facing financial hardship. Staff members collected and delivered toys, clothing, and essential household items—fulfilling wish lists created by local children and helping ensure they experience a joyful holiday. The partnership is one the hospital treasures, said Beth Reimschissel, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hermann Greater

Heights. “Memorial Hermann Greater Heights is really proud to support our YMCA's Angel Tree program,” she said. “The Angel Tree program is really cool because it focuses and supports our local families in this community here that might be experiencing any financial hardships during the holiday season.” Each child, referred to as an “angel,” submits a wish list that employees then shop from. The program has become a meaningful tradition for hospital staff. “It's a way for our employees to work together and come together to shop and get creative and focus on the children in our communi-

ty,” Reimschissel said. This year, the hospital adopted 20 angels and their families—purchasing not only children’s gifts but also household essentials. “It’s been really neat to see just the meaningful and personable gifts that we've gotten for the family and the joy that it continues to give to the families,” she added. “It's truly been an inspiration to see all of our employees come together to do this.” Julian Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA, emphasized the impact of the program. “YMCA Angel Tree is an opportunity to support families and kiddos in our local

community,” he said. “Having a meaningful holiday experience shouldn't be something a child has to forfeit.” For many Memorial Hermann employees, participating is personal. Case Manager Janie Odems said, “We really try to stick to the list… Oftentimes we are blessed to have more money to be able to get them extra. Love participating. It just feels

really good to do.” Clinical Manager Chadney Mosley echoed the sentiment, describing the program as another bridge connecting the hospital to its neighbors. “My team was eager to participate… it's another way to bridge the gap between our hospital and our community,” he said. “My favorite part about participating is knowing that we're making an impact in

our community. It’s a part of Memorial Hermann’s mission and it shows the community that we care about them not just in our hospital but once they leave.” Staff members hope their efforts deliver warmth, comfort, and joy to families who need it most—continuing a community tradition that grows stronger every year.

Screen grab from video, courtesy of Memorial Hermann Greater Heights

Memorial Hermann Greater Heights employees gather with donated toys and gifts collected for the YMCA Angel Tree Program.

The Leader • Saturday, December 20, 2025 • Page 7

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GENE

Page 8 • Saturday, December 20, 2025 • The Leader

Art Valet:

Artists turn the lens on fellow creators

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Recently I noticed two artists promoting on social media video interviews with fellow artists. Jeff Lung and Bissi Cruz are both outgoing and friendly, so it was no surprise that they turned their cameras on their friends and neighboring artists. Cruz grabs them on the spot at every market and festival he attends, creating fun, rapid-fire Q-and-A right in the artist’s booth. Lung favors the long-form style with a proper sit-down interview. “I’m just putting this passion project in God’s hands and trusting that He will direct the path,” Lung said. “Right now I’m just having a blast with it! This week I’m releasing Episode 5 with Bissi and Etna Cruz! Get ready for that one!” Viewers of both interview styles will get an inside look at what it is like to be an artist today, from how long it takes to set up at markets and festivals to the anxiety-inducing use of social media. My first thought upon seeing both was the same: I have to share this immediately. If there is an equivalent to a black thumb in the social media, podcasting and video world, I have it. I did not plan this, but last year this week I wrote about Lung here in Art Valet. “Jeff Lung’s funny Instagram stories came on my radar long before he came to the First Saturday

Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

artvalet@gmail.com Arts Market in 2023. Lung has turned his obsession with ‘doodling’ into an art form and that in itself makes a great story.” Lung announced The Jeff Lung Show in a November blog post: “I’ve been working on this for a long time, so I am super excited to announce The Jeff Lung Show is now live! Episode 1 with whimsical watercolor artist Allan Ginsburg is now up and I am thrilled to know folks have been watching.” The Jeff Lung Show got my attention by episode 2 with abstract artist and photographer Jennifer Vahlbruch. In this relaxed chat, Vahlbruch shares how her “Hydrants” series turns everyday fire hydrants into lively abstractions of human emotions and life stages. Viewers see their own stories in them, from wizards to dunce caps. She talks about returning to hands-on abstract painting for that tactile joy, using tools like trowels to build texture while drawing inspiration from worn

Submitted images

Bissi and Etna Cruz with Jeff Lung during a recording of The Jeff Lung Show.

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surfaces and history. It is local Houston talent at its best, full of insight on creativity and the artist life. I introduced you to the artist duo Bissi and wife Etna Cruz here in October and pointed out the duo radiates fun, inspiration and plain old positive energy wherever they go. That is exactly Bissi’s interview style too. Cruz starts his interview, always off camera, by walking up to an artist and simply stating, “I go around art markets asking questions about their art life and art business.” From there it’s a short,

fun introduction to Houston talent. No names dropped, often the artist is still setting up, it feels impromptu and likely is. Follow both artists on Instagram to see their art and find the interviews on YouTube: Bissi Cruz at @becartsandcrafts and youtube.com/@ BissiArt/shorts Jeff Lung at @jefflungart and youtube.com/@jefflungart Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com

The Garden Theatre returns to the ‘90s in “Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical” COMMUNITY REPORTS The Houston theatre company brings back their raucous, nostalgic musical production based on the familiar ‘90s cult classic. The Garden Theatre has announced its plans to bring the stage version of a cult classic back to life in Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical at MATCH in celebration of their 5th season. Featuring the familiar story accompanied by ‘90s hits, the production will run Dec. 26-Jan. 11, 2026 at Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (3400 Main St.) in the heart of midtown, including a special New Year’s Eve performance and ‘90s party. This production marks the return of the theatre’s sold out 2022 run of the Houston premiere of this campy, iconic story. Founding Artistic Director and director of this production, Logan Vaden, says, “I cannot contain my excitement that we are bringing the stage version of Cruel Intentions back to Houston audiences. It really is essentially the movie we all know and love, just with every ‘90s song you can imagine stuffed into it. It is a raucous good time. As a ‘90s baby myself, there is not a single song in this show that I didn’t already know. It

really is the ‘90s pop concert of your dreams.” “When we did this show three years ago, it was like a party in the theatre every night,” Vaden continues. “I had never seen anything like it. Everyone was along for the ride, especially the ones that took advantage of the themed drinking game in the Playbill! Date night, girl’s night out… You name it! This show is perfect for anyone just looking to have a great time.” Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical is based on the iconic 1999 film starring Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Geller. The musical pulls you into the manipulative world of Manhattan’s most dangerous liaisons: Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil. Fueled by revenge and passion, the diabolically charming step-siblings place a bet on whether or not Sebastian can deflower their incoming headmaster’s daughter, Annette Hargrove. As the two set out to destroy the innocent girl — and anyone who gets in their way — they find themselves playing a perilous game with only one rule: Never fall in love. Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical features songs originally performed by ‘90s pop icons Christina Aguilera,

*NYSNC, TLC, Boyz II Men, REM, and of course, Britney Spears. Entertainment Weekly described the original New York run as “the ultimate night out,” while the New York Times called it “funny and nostalgia-fueled.” BroadwayWorld said of the original Houston run (which ran over Thanksgiving, 2022), “It is the most fun you will have at any theatre this holiday season!” The film version of Cruel Intentions premiered in 1999, written and directed by Roger Kumble. The movie was adapted into a musical by Kumble, Lindsey Rosin, Jordan Ross, and premiered in Los Angeles in 2015. Following the Los Angeles run, the musical enjoyed a healthy Off-Broadway run and a national tour. The cast of Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical are all local professionals including Jake Cummings as Sebastian Valmont, Julianne McBride as Kathryn Mertuil, Jackie Cortina as Annette Hargrove, Morgan Kaupert as Cecile Caldwell, Daniel Edwards as Greg McConnell, Efren Calderon as Blaine Tuttle, Miles Estes as Ronald Clifford, and Wendy Taylor as Bunny Caldwell. Gillian Grace and Matt Hurt round out the cast as onstage swings. Original

Houston cast member, Whitney Wyatt, will return as Bunny Caldwell for the final weekend of the musical’s run. The production team consists of Logan Vaden as director, Jake Cummings as music director, Annelea Bootle as choreographer, Whitney Zangarine as intimacy director, Nicholas White as set designer, Blake Minor as light designer, Jay Gracia as fight choreographer, and Jessica Garcia as stage manager. Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical will run for sixteen performances only from December 26, 2025-January 11, 2025 at MATCH (Midtown Arts and Theatre Center Houston; 3400 Main St. Houston, TX 77002). Adult tickets are $30. Student and senior tickets are $25. The Garden Theatre will also host a special New Year’s Eve performance on December 31 beginning at 8:30pm, with an afterparty beginning immediately after, featuring an open bar, ‘90s music and dancing, a champagne toast, and light bites. New Year’s Eve pricing is set at $55 for individuals over 21, and $40 for those under 21. Tickets are available on the theatre’s website at www.thegardentheatre.org or by calling the MATCH box office at 713-521-4533.

The Jeff Lung Show featuring an interview with Jennifer Vahlbruch.

Pet of the Week

Sprinkles

The Leader is excited to partner with local no-kill shelter Friends For Life to feature an adoptable pet every week. To view all adoptable animals, fill out an adoption application, show your support through donations or volunteering, or take a pet compatibility quiz to zero in on your very own best friend for life, please visit friends4life.org.

Name: Sprinkles Gender: Male

Age: 4 years old

“They say that everything is better with Sprinkles and, in my humble opinion, that’s 100% true. I’m Sprinkles the kitty and I’m going to dazzle you with reasons why everyday will be a celebration with me in your life. First, I’m fun! I’ll keep you entertained watching me play with my feather and string toys. I’m also a great companion. I’ll be content to chill out with you while you’re watching TV and I’ll be your sweet dreamland buddy at night. I’ve got purrfect feline manners too. I’m easy to please with food and won’t beg for yours, won’t jump on your counters, and despite my playful nature, I promise not to get the 3 a.m. zoomies and keep you up at night. I enjoy catnip in moderation, and absolutely adore it when you brush my soft, silky fur. What’s more, I’m not fazed by the cat carrier or car rides, and I’m even sprinkles and smiles at the vet. I think that makes me special-don’t you? I’m a little burst of joy that will fill your heart with love and happiness. I’ll be your faithful companion, loving and true, for the rest of my life. Will you be mine? I promise when you adopt me, you’ll find that life truly is better with Sprinkles!“ (Sprinkles is FIV+. Please ask a staff member for more details!) Learn more about Lettie at friends4life.org/ adoptable-pets/sprinkles.