Steady demand, expanding inventory shape January activity
The Houston housing market kicked off the new year with familiar signs of adjustment, as inventory expanded, homes spent more time on the market and demand remained steady.
According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ January 2026 Housing Market Update, single-family
home sales declined 1.0 percent from a year earlier, with 4,999 homes sold compared to 5,047 in January 2025, marking the fewest transactions recorded since January 2023. Pending sales rose 8.5 percent year-over-year, signaling continued buyer interest.
Home prices were mixed during January. The median home price edged down to $322,045, its lowest level since January 2024, when it stood at $320,000. The average price rose 2.8 percent to $416,722, driven largely by
more activity in the luxury market.
The luxury segment – comprised of homes priced at $1 million and above and representing just 4.2 percent of all homes on the market – was the strongest-performing sector, with transactions up 15.5 percent year-over-year.
Activity slowed in the $250,000 to $499,999 price range, which accounted for more than half of all home sales in January.
As inventory expanded, homes averaged 66 days on the market, up from
61 days the previous year. That marked the longest average days on market since February 2020, when homes averaged 68 days.
“Right now, buyers have more choices and a bit more time to make decisions, while sellers are adjusting to a market that’s becoming more balanced,” said HAR Chair Theresa Hill with Compass RE Texas, LLC - Houston. “With rates expected to ease a little this year,
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
A beloved piece of northwest Houston history could soon disappear.
The Garden Oaks Theater, the 1947 neighborhood movie house marked by its iconic neon marquee along North Shepherd, is facing imminent demolition after a development company purchased the property late last year. Preservation advocates say the building could be torn down at any time unless the city steps in to delay the process.
Leading the push to save the theater is Arthouse Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving cinema and film culture, and one of its founding board members, Houston historian and educator Mister McKinney.
“This is exactly how we lost other historic theaters—by the time most people find out, it’s already too late,” McKinney said. “Houston is a pro-development city, and that’s not a bad thing. But development has to be balanced with preservation, and right now the community isn’t being listened to.”
For many longtime residents, the threat of demolition has stirred deeply personal memories. Gene Ruple told of a brush with celebrity at the theater decades ago on social media.
“My sister was there watching a movie and none other than Elvis Presley wandered in just after the movie had started and sat in the back and stayed until it was almost over,” Ruple wrote. “He smiled at my sis and gave her a nod. That had to be late ’50s or early ’60s.”
Others shared simpler but equally meaningful memories of growing up with the theater as a neighborhood fixture. “I grew up in Garden Oaks,” Louise Young wrote on Facebook. “Me, my friends and brothers went there many, many times through the years. I’m 73 now and remember it so well.”
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
The Junior League of Houston rang in a milestone year with a signature celebration, hosting its 78th Annual Charity Ball, A Saddle & Silver Soirée , on Jan. 30 and 31 before a full house of supporters, volunteers and members at 1811 Briar Oaks Lane. The two-day, black-tie event, long a cornerstone fundraiser for the organization, set the tone for a year honoring more than 100 years of service, leadership and investment in the Houston community as the League begins its second century of impact.
A two-day celebration with new additions
Featuring food, dancing and themed festivities, the event blended the elegance of the past with the bold spirit of the open range. New this year, the Bridle & Bloom Luncheon marked the League’s first event of its kind and featured Allison Hay, chief executive officer of Houston Habitat for Humanity, as the keynote speaker. Hay highlighted Habitat’s decadeslong partnership with the League and the collective impact of both organizations on the Houston community. Guests enjoyed lunch
STAFF REPORTS
Editor’s note: In its “Economy at a Glance” report for February, the Greater Houston Partnership – the regional chamber of commerce – takes a look back at 2025 to assess how Houston’s economy performed—and how it stayed resilient through a year of uncertainty. This article first appeared in The Leader’s sister paper, the Fort Bend Star.
Economic data for the final months of 2025 continue to trickle in. With each report, a clearer picture of the previous year emerges.
• Job growth cooled nationwide. Houston still added jobs at a faster pace than the rest of the country, although its momentum eased from recent years.
• Even with slower job growth, unemployment stayed low—consistent with the national “low-hire, low-fire” environment.
• The Purchasing Manager’s Index signaled continued economic growth, led by non-manufacturing activity.
• Inflation remained above the Federal Reserve’s target, but well below the highs of recent years.
• Port Houston remained on track for a record year in container traffic, even as tariffs pulled down the region’s overall trade in dollar terms.
• Consumers kept spending on bigticket items, with vehicle sales setting a new high and home sales rising.
• Construction contracts stayed solid, with strength in commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects offsetting softer residential activity.
Employment
Metro Houston created 14,800 jobs in 2025. That represents a 0.4 percent job growth rate, which falls below the 1.5 percent average pace of the past decade. The slower pace reflects a broader national slowdown in hiring, which tempered job growth across the United States. Even so, Houston outpaced the rest of the nation for an eighth straight year, with the region’s 0.4 percent job growth rate surpassing the national 0.3 percent. That relative strength speaks to Houston’s solid fundamentals, including its diversified industrial base, large and growing population, and key role in global energy.
Photo courtesy of Mister McKinney Media The Houston History Bus was parked in front of the Garden Oaks Theater during a Feb.
protest aimed at saving the historic building from demolition. Photo courtesy
McKinney is no stranger to preservation fights. Arthouse Houston grew out of the grassroots effort to save the River Oaks Theater, a 1939 landmark that was successfully preserved through a partnership between the city and a private operator. Today, that theater is thriving under new management.
“That project worked because the community spoke up and City Hall got involved,” McKinney said. “We’re hoping to create that same momentum here.”
The Garden Oaks Theater, which opened July 10, 1947, is part of a mid-century suburban shopping center complex that once included a pharmacy, storefronts and a post office. Designed by the same architectural firm that worked on the River Oaks Theater, it represents a period when movie houses followed Houston’s growth outward into new neighborhoods.
“It’s like what the Heights Theatre is to 19th Street,” McKinney said. “That marquee is a gateway into Garden Oaks. They don’t make signs like that anymore, and they’re never going to again.”
The theater’s history is closely tied to longtime owner Al Zarzana, who bought the building from the Interstate Theatre chain in 1975 and operated it for decades before selling it to a church in the 2000s. Zarzana also owned the Santa Rosa Theater in the East End and the Granada Theater on Jensen—another historic venue that was recently demolished.
“This is one of the last theaters connected to his legacy,”
from P. 1
buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines may start to feel more confident and enter the market. That should help maintain demand and create additional opportunities for sellers throughout the year.”
Housing Market Overview
Sales of all property types across the Greater Houston area declined 2.2 percent year-over-year in January, with 6,045 properties sold. While there were more transactions of country homes and lots compared to last year, activity slowed across all other property types. Total dollar volume slid 1.6 percent to $2.4 billion.
The number of active listings of all properties was 15.7 percent above the 2025 level, with 54,589 available properties.
Single-Family Homes Update, Citywide
McKinney said. “If this goes, that chapter of Houston history goes with it.”
Not everyone, however, is convinced preservation is the only answer. Ruben Duron questioned in a Facebook post why the building, most recently home to Grace Church, was not protected years ago and whether its location makes saving it practical.
“How come the owners sold it to the church in the first place?” Duron wrote. “It’s just a building. How come no one wanted to preserve it then? I have memories there also. Nobody cried when Sears closed and then torn down. But it’s in a bad location, parking is not too good. Why preserve it, for a museum.”
Others argue the emotional and cultural value outweighs those concerns. “I was saddened when I first read about this,” wrote Broker E. Lopez.
“So many memories I have watching movies there. It must be saved!!”
District C Council Member Mario Castillo told The Leader Monday that his office has
been in active conversations with neighborhood leaders and the developer of the Garden Oaks Theater property to create space for meaningful dialogue between stake-
holders. In an emailed statement to The Leader, Castillo said he supports responsible economic growth in District H, but added that “that growth should respect the history and character of our neighborhoods.” He said he is committed to ensuring the community has a voice in decisions that shape its future and will continue working with residents, developers and City of Houston departments to explore options that balance preservation with progress. Castillo also said he plans to host a community education event in partnership with the Houston Planning Department to help residents and property owners alike better understand the process for historic and culturally significant landmark designation.
According to McKinney, the building itself remains in good condition, and the church that last used the space maintained it well. He also disputes claims often made by developers that older buildings are too expensive to save because of issues like asbestos.
“If you don’t demolish it, the asbestos isn’t a problem,” he said. “If you do demolish it, you still have to pay to remove it. The question is whether you invest that money in renovation or in tearing history down.”
The private developer, who represents a Dallas- and Houston-based investment group, has not publicly shared detailed plans for the site. McKinney said the theater itself occupies only about one-fifth of the total property, which also includes a large parking area and adjacent parcels.
“There is absolutely room to save the theater and still build whatever else they want,” he
said. “This isn’t an either-or situation.” Preservation advocates are now racing against the clock to get the issue in front of the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission, which could temporarily halt demolition. To do that, they need to demonstrate strong public support.
Arthouse Houston has launched an online petition, aiming to gather thousands of signatures in the coming days. McKinney said a similar effort helped save the River Oaks Theater years ago.
“People don’t have to live in Garden Oaks or Oak Forest to care about this,” he said. “This is about the fact that Houston has very few of these theaters left. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
McKinney also pointed to the broader history of the neighborhood, which was founded in the late 1930s by developer Edward L. Crain as his final residential project.
“Garden Oaks is already losing pieces of its past,” he said. “If the community doesn’t stand up for this theater, it’s going to be gone—and so is another piece of their history.” Residents and supporters can sign the petition by visiting arthousehtx.org and clicking the “Sign the Petition” link at the very top of the homepage, or by searching for “Garden Oaks Theater” on Change.org.
“This is urgent,” McKinney said. “The building could technically be demolished at any time. The only thing that can stop it now is the community making its voice heard.”
The Leader has reached out to Mayor John Whitmire’s office for comment. No response was received as of press time.
Demand for single-family homes was relatively consistent in January, with sales 1.0 percent below last year’s level. Buyers purchased 4,999 homes during the month, down from 5,047 a year earlier. The median price declined 0.9 percent to $322,045, while the average price increased 2.8 percent to $416,722. The average price per square foot slid to $171, the lowest level since January 2024, when it stood at $169.
Good news was continued improvement in affordability due to year-over-year dips in mortgage rates and median prices. The monthly mortgage principal and interest payment in January 2026 was $1,561.26, assuming a 20 percent down payment on a median-priced home based
on monthly interest rates as reported by Freddie Mac.
In comparison, the January 2025 payment was $1,722.81. As a result, homebuyers of a median priced-home in January 2026 paid $161.55 less monthly or almost $2,000 ($1,938.56) on an annualized basis. Houston housing affordability has improved in 15 of the past 18 months.
Active listings of single-family homes rose 16.6 percent from a year earlier to 34,570 available properties. Housing supply expanded to 4.7 months of inventory, up from 4.2 months in January 2025. The National Association of
23,750 ACTUAL MILES. BOUGHT AND SERVICED AT SOUTHWEST INFINITI SINCE NEW. GARAGED. CARFAX AVAILABLE. ASKING $20,000. MARY 832-746-6324
Realtors reports a national average of 3.3 months. Broken out by housing segments, single-family home sales performed as follows:
15.5 percent (209 transactions) HAR also breaks out sales figures for existing single-family homes. In January, sales were flat, with 3,422 closings compared to 3,433 a year ago. The average sales price rose 3.8 percent to $428,152, while the median price was unchanged at $320,000.
Houston Real Estate Highlights in January
• Single-family home sales declined 1.0% year-overyear.
• Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes went from 61 to 66 days.
STAFF REPORTS
Drivers and residents in the Heights area should expect traffic pattern changes as Phase 2 of the ShepherdDurham Project gets underway. The Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority/ TIRZ 5 announced that street closures are now in effect along portions of North Shepherd Drive as construction continues to improve safety and mobility along the corridor. The work impacts the stretch between West 6th Street and West 10th Street, where significant northbound and southbound detours have been put in place.
Officials said primary detour routes are being used to keep traffic moving, with residential access maintained through Lawrence Street, Alexander Street and West 8th Street. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are urged to follow posted signage and use caution, especially near the MKT Trail crossing, where access and traffic flow have changed.
• The single-family average price rose 2.8% to $416,722.
• Single-family home months of inventory expanded to a 4.7-months supply, up from 4.2 months a year ago.
• Townhome and condominium sales were down 25.9% with 269 units sold. The median price declined 11.9% to $185,000, and the average price was down 8.6% to $226,343.
• Total property sales declined 2.2% with 6,045 units sold. • Total dollar volume was down 1.6% to $2.4 billion.
• The single-family median price declined 0.9% to $322,045.
Source: Houston Association of Realtors’ Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Photo courtesy of Mister McKinney Media Waltrip HS alumni and area residents tell Mister McKinney their memories of the Garden Oaks Theater during a rally to preserve the building on Feb. 15, 2026.
Photo courtesy of Mister McKinney Media
Waltrip HS alumni and area residents tell Mister McKinney their memories of the Garden Oaks Theater during a rally to preserve the building on Feb. 15, 2026.
THE TOPICS. The tide is out
GTT! For you newcomers who did just that, GTT was what pioneers wrote on their cabin doors in places like Tennessee and Alabama which meant “Gone To Texas.” They did then and they still do, but not so many these days. Maybe the bloom has worn off our beloved state (Motto: Shoot Friendly). Perhaps word got out that neither the Astros nor UT made the playoffs. It could be that Muslims are no longer welcomed by our governor. ICE has deported thousands among us and have kept a lot more from coming in to swat mosquitoes. On the other hand, they are missing out on a lot: sunsets on the seas while sipping a margarita -- OK, they can do that in Acapulco, but not the thrill of Rodeo Houston, Friday Night Lights, or watching our attorney general getting impeached.
So the bad news is that not as many people are moving to Texas. The good news is that not as many people are cheering for the Red Sox, wondering why we hold open the elevator door for them, or not putting beans in our chili. Nevertheless, the head counts are in for this change. Not to
LYNN ASHBY Columnist
counted 212,592 folks. That included 154,034 white inhabitants and 58,558 colored inhabitants. It didn’t include the Indians, I think, because any census counters sent there never returned. The state qualified to have exactly two members in the U.S. House of Representatives, but just like all the other states, two senators. Today we have a population of more than 31.7 million (that includes the Indians) and 38 representatives, but still only two senators. In more recent times, Texas was booming with newcomers in 2022, when the state’s population increased by
219,000 new residents from other states. Last year, though, that number dropped to about 67,000 -- a 70 percent decline. Overall in 2025, Texas added a total of 391,243 people. This marks the slowest growth rate since 2021. Even so, it was the most of any state. One major reason for the lower figure was the 48 percent decline in international migration, which dropped from 319,569 immigrants in 2024 to 67,475 newcomers in 2025. It’s easy to see why our international population fell by so much. Our southern border is closed and Gov. Greg Abbott has run off all our foreign professors. There are other reasons fewer folks want to come here, and I’ll give you five: 1. We’re full. 2. We’re running out of water. 3. And electricity. 4. Our public schools are being deliberately starved for funds. 5. Our state leaders are nincompoops -- accent on poops. So the flow of newcomers is slowing down, but before we start offering free housing, these new figures are relative – and most of your relatives are already here – so let’s remember, again, that more
people are moving here than to any other state. For the last three years, more than 1,200 people have been moving to Texas each day. For years the total increase was one half births over deaths, one half were immigrants. Today it’s about one third births over deaths, two thirds immigrants. Clearly we need more sex in our lives. Our population is second among the states to California which, for the first time in its history, California is losing population. At this point you may be thinking, “I don’t care. My job on the pig-rendering line is safe.” Sure, now there are fewer outsiders who will want your fantastic job. On the other hand, or piggot (that’s a pig’s foot but you knew that), the run on ham sandwiches and BLTs may be slowing down.
If you feel there are actually a lot more people around, that’s because you live where more are arriving. As we have noted, the largest growth in the state is in the Metroplex, south down I-35 to the Austin-San Antonio area and here in the Houston six-county region. Vast parts of Texas are actually losing population, mostly
in West and South Texas, but it’s pretty widespread. Around half or sometimes more than half of the 254 counties have lost their population in recent years. Just between 2022 and 2023, 75 of the state’s counties shrank in population.
Another point: despite the best, or worst, efforts of Gov. Greg Abbott and Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton, Texas is definitely DEI – diversity, equity, and inclusion. Take that, UT and Texas A&M regents. Fort Bend County. For example, is statistically one of the most ethnically diversified counties in the nation. This leads us to, what else, food.
Bloomberg/business/week reported: “Houston boasts a deep diversity that makes it one of America’s most enticing culinary cities.” If you want proof, Google “Houston area restaurants.” There are around 10,000 of them, so be specific. Service may be a little slow since most of the waiters, buspeople and cooks are in an ICE warehouse outside Dilley.
Earlier I listed five reasons prospective newcomers might not want to write GTT on their condo door, so to be fair here are five reasons to come
to Texas: 1. You’ll have a lot in common with your neighbors: “youse guys,” “fuhgeddaboudit,” “Go Mets!” (Do you ever think the Border Patrol is watching the wrong river?) 2. Cheaper housing, but don’t use a realtor who shows you around a neighborhood in a glass-bottom boat. 3. Pro-life is the law, and Roe v. Wade is not a debate on how best to get across the Rio. 4. Great selection of food (see above) and 5. We have an election coming up in November. To vote, take along the passport issued to you at the Texas consulate back in Chicago. So welcome to Texas. We’ll hold the elevator door open for you.
Ashby migrates 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.
Call for unity and resilience amid redistricting and racism dominates Rep. Al Green’s legislative breakfast
By JUHI VARMA The Leader News Contributor
Redistricting, racist profiling and ICE enforcement were among the dominant topics at Congressman Al Green's recent Black History Month Legislative Breakfast Meeting at Wyndham Houston.
“Why do we have to celebrate black history?” Green said to the packed hall. “Because if we don't tell our story, it won't be told…there are people who will literally leave us out of history, or they will minimize our role in history.”
Green, a contender in the Congressional District 18 race, recalled activist Claudette Colvin, who was 15 years old in Montgomery, Alabama, when she refused to give up her bus seat under segregation
laws — months before Rosa Parks’ more widely recognized act of defiance. “I plan to make sure that we don't ever allow ourselves to become so complacent as to believe that other people are going to write the history that
we have written for ourselves,” he said. Green has introduced resolutions honoring prominent Houston figures, the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and Mayor Sylvester Turner.
“It's time for us to stand
and stand with those people who made history, who made it possible for us to be here,” he said. “America is a good country, but it's good because it had good people whose lives were sacrificed. So today, let's recognize the enslaved people.”
Speakers — echoed by an enthusiastic and affirming audience — sharply criticized President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott, characterizing recent actions in Texas as racist and anti-democratic.
On June 24, 2025 Green had introduced a resolution H.Res.537 to impeach President Trump.
Redistricting and Political Power in Texas Due to mid-cycle redistricting the 18th Congressional District now includes much of the former 9th District,
which has been represented by Green since 2005.
Green announced his candidacy for Texas’ 18th Congressional District in November 2025, setting the stage for a crowded Democratic primary against Christian Menefee and firsttime candidate Gretchen Brown. Early voting begins on Feb. 17; March 3 is election day.
Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards, who lost the January runoff to Menefee, has since suspended her campaign. (However, due to filing deadlines, her name will remain on the March primary ballot.)
Many speakers said the restructuring pits parts of one community against another.
“Now they are trying to force us to fight each other,” Green said. “They are trying to break the bond of unity that we have…We must stand together. We've got to stand up against this racism coming from the highest office in the land.”
Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents Houston’s District D said
“My district D community has depended for years on the stellar assistance and voice of Congressman Al Green,” she said arguing that he is “under attack… by the occupant of the White House who designed this redistricting.”
Officials discussed the urgent need for Congress to address the actions of ICE.
Green discussed a case where a father was taken into custody and his daughter was targeted, emphasizing the importance of standing against racism, not just for Black people but for all people of color, including Latinos.
Drawing on experience from the House Financial Services Committee and as former Chair of Oversight and Investigations, Green said there was empirical evidence showing how racism functions in banking and credit
“We found that when a person of color goes into a bank to get a loan, that person of color will have to pay more for the loan, will get terms that are not as favorable and get less money than a person who is not of color and less qualified.”
Throughout the breakfast, speakers returned to a unified message: Black history, voting rights, and democratic norms are under threat, but retreat is not an option.
Fifth grader Otis Marks III, winner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition, recounted a family story about his grandmother, who was beaten by police in 1955 for participating in a sit-in at a whites-only lunch counter.
“They were inspired by the teachings of Dr Martin Luther King Jr… Unfortunately, the police were called… those officers beat them, including my own grandmother.”
Imagining what Dr. King would say today, Marks issued a generational challenge:
“Now that you have embraced my message, take this torch and continue to make my dream come true.” The breakfast also celebrated eight high school students nominated by the congressman for admission to various Service Academies such as the Airforce Academy or West Point. These nominations are competitive and honor students for leadership, academics and character.
Submitted
J.D. Silva & Associates offers free Lyft rides for a safe ride home from the rodeo, BBQ cook-off
COMMUNITY REPORTS
To help prevent drinking and driving, J.D. Silva & Associates, a veteran-owned personal injury law firm based in Pearland, is sponsoring and covering the cost of up to 250 Rides Free Lyft Rides from the Houston Rodeo and Barbecue Cook-Off. In its fifth year, this initiative aims to encourage responsible choices and keep the roads safer this Rodeo Season. As strong advocates for community safety, JD Silva & Associates is dedicated to reducing the risk of impaired driving and ensuring that everyone gets home safely. By offering free rides, the firm hopes to prevent accidents
December data are not yet available for a full calendar year comparison with other major metros, but the 12-month picture through November shows Houston outperforming most of its peers. Metro Houston added 18,500 jobs over that span, ranking fourth among the top 20 metros and tied with Dallas. Only New York, Philadelphia, and Tampa posted larger gains. By contrast, Boston and San Francisco each shed nearly 10,000 jobs, and Washington D.C. lost almost 50,000 as federal workforce reductions hit the region especially hard.
Fourteen of Houston’s 21 major sectors added jobs in ’25. The biggest gains came in health care, restaurants and bars, and public education, followed by solid growth in transportation and warehousing, private education, and construction. These industries, which largely serve the needs of local residents, continued to benefit from a growing population and steady consumer demand.
Six sectors lost jobs, with declines concentrated in office-heavy industries, especially professional, scientific, and technical services, and administrative support. Because these sectors largely serve other businesses, the pullback reflects softer client demand and tighter discretionary spending. Some share of that restraint stems from upstream oil companies tightening budgets as lower energy prices in ’25 compressed margins, prompting firms to scale back nonessential spending on services, consulting, and back-office support.
The Partnership expects a partial rebound in 2026, with
with a coffee and pastry bar, explored the League’s history and bid on select auction items. The evening event, Midnight at the Manor, followed with a formal dinner, live auction and entertainment.
“I would like to highlight the incredible dedication of our League members, as well as a celebration of our community’s generosity,” said Katie Doyle, president of the Junior League of Houston. “It is wonderful to see the Houston community participate in the celebration and raise critical funds in support of our mission.”
The two-day affair, which featured the League’s first-ever luncheon, raised more than $600,000 to support the nonprofit’s operations and charitable grants.
“For a hundred years, it’s been a lot of women that have come through the organization,” said an active member in the League’s centennial anniversary video. “We have such a dynamic membership and truly transformational women. I’m proud to be a member of the League. It has taught leadership to me, responsibility, friendship.”
A century of service and growth
Founded in 1925 by 12 women determined to improve conditions for children and families, the Junior League of Houston has grown into one of the city’s most enduring philanthropic institutions. From its earliest years, the League focused on ad-
and promote responsible decision-making during one of Houston’s most celebrated events. Participants can access their free ride from NRG Stadium Feb. 26-March 6, 2026, by entering the special Lyft promo code SILVARODEO2026 on the ‘Payment’ tab in the Lyft app. Details on the code and redemption process will be shared on the firm’s website, https://jdsilvalaw.com, and social media channels.
“By providing complimentary Lyft rides again this year, we’re hoping to reduce accidents and injuries on Houston’s roads during the Rodeo and Cook-Off, last year we provided hundreds of rides in the first week alone and then extended the of-
fer during spring break,” said Johnathan D. Silva, Founder and Managing Partner of J.D. Silva & Associates. “Our goal is to help everyone stay safe and enjoy Rodeo season, and these rides will give people a safe option to get home instead of getting behind the wheel. We believe this small
gesture can make a big difference.”
WHEN: Feb. 26 - March 5
WHERE: Lyft ride codes will be available for individuals traveling from the Houston Rodeo and Barbecue CookOff at NRG to their destination within the designated service area.
Greater Houston Partnership.
job growth accelerating from last year’s pace even as it remains below long-run norms. The national headwinds that cooled hiring in ’25 are unlikely to lift quickly, so job gains should remain muted in the first half of the year. Even so, momentum could build as the year unfolds, setting the stage for a stronger second half.
The Partnership’s forecast calls for Metro Houston to add 30,900 jobs in ’26, more than double the 14,800 added in ’25. The region closed December ’25 just shy of 3.5 million non-farm payroll jobs (3,494,000). The forecast expects Houston to cross that milestone in ’26 and end December at a new record high of 3,522,500 positions.
Unemployment
Despite the slower pace of job creation, Houston’s unem-
dressing gaps in health care, education and social services through trained volunteerism and financial support.
“There is nothing more powerful than a group of women who come together for a common cause,” an active member said in the video. “We are carrying the reputation of the women who have come before us. They were women of means, but they were women who saw the injustice around them and wanted to do something about it.”
That spirit has guided the League’s work across generations. In the 1920s, members recognized the need for accessible medical care and established a children’s clinic as their first project, forming early partnerships with institutions that would become pillars of Houston’s medical community, including Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Memorial
ployment rate remained relatively low and never exceeded 5.0 percent during the year, reflecting the national “lowhire, low-fire” environment in which employers pulled back on new hiring but were reluctant to shed existing workers. The rate did increase from a low of 3.9 percent in April to hit a peak of 5.0 percent in August. But since late summer, conditions have steadily improved, with the unemployment rate retreating each month to end December at 4.2 percent.
Overall, the pattern looks more like a typical mid-year soft patch than a broad-based pullback, with slack increasing modestly but remaining limited by historical standards. Importantly, the timing also aligns with Houston’s typical seasonal rhythm –unemployment often ticks up into mid-
Hermann–Texas Medical Center. Fundraising efforts such as the League’s Luncheon Club — the precursor to the iconic Tea Room — helped generate the resources needed to sustain those efforts.
As Houston grew, so did the League’s reach. During the 1930s and 1940s, the organization expanded into cultural and educational programming, launching Children’s Theater, supporting the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and becoming involved in the early development of what is now the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The League’s first Charity Ball, held in 1949, raised $17,700 for community programs — a figure that would grow dramatically over the decades.
By the mid-20th century, the Junior League was deeply embedded in Houston’s civic life, supporting literacy initiatives with the Houston Public
Council Member Abbie Kamin named 2025 Local Legislator of the Year
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce has named District C Council Member Abbie Kamin 2025 Local Legislator of the Year, recognizing her leadership in advancing policies that support women, families, and neighborhoods across Houston.
The award honors Council Member Kamin’s commitment and advocacy on issues that disproportionately impact women and their families, including women's health, domestic violence prevention, tackling gun-violence, environmental health, and more.
In 2025, Kamin led several new landmark initiatives, including the launch of SAFEWatch Houston, the nation’s most comprehensive firearm injury dashboard integrating public safety and healthcare data, and funds a city-wide program to distribute free gun locks and gun safes for residents to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of children and stem the tide of unintentional shootings and the gun violence epidemic. Additionally, Council Member Kamin was the only elected official—from
to-late summer as more high school and college graduates enter the job market and some temporary hiring fades, then eases in the fall and year-end as hiring stabilizes and holiday hiring picks up. Initial claims for unemployment benefits in the region were elevated for much of the year. They increased sharply from roughly 3,250 at the beginning of January to 4,500 by the end of March and remained heightened (with some swings) going into late November. But December saw a dramatic drop to end the year at roughly 4,000 new claims, and early readings from January indicate that downward trend is continuing into ’26. Find the full “Economy at a Glance” report at houston. org/houston-data/economyat-a-glance-february-2026.
Library, funding medical facilities, and investing in public spaces. Its 50th anniversary gift helped revive Market Square Park, Houston’s original town center, while later anniversary gifts funded a library at the Houston Child Guidance Center and supported children’s mental health services.
“The Junior League allowed for a stronger connection to the community and an organized way to give back to the community,” an active member said. “Houston is so big and so diverse. I can’t wait to see how the League continues to grow with women in all different areas.”
In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 2000s, the League’s work addressed emerging needs, from mentoring at-risk youth and supporting abused children to offering free CPR training across the city. Its commitment to children’s health was reaf-
the federal level to the county and city—to dedicate public funds to Planned Parenthood, allocating $25,000 in district service funds to support Texas Gulf Coast Planned Parenthood’s critical healthcare services.
“Across the country, we are seeing protections rolled back—whether it’s access to reproductive healthcare, or basic safety nets for families,” said Kamin. “Local government is the last line of defense to directly improve people’s lives. I remain committed to fighting for policies that protect women’s health, strengthen families, and build safer, more equitable communities across Houston.”
Council Member Kamin previously established the Houston Women’s Commission and championed the city’s first paid prenatal wellness and paid parental leave policy for all city employees. She has been a stalwart advocate for domestic violence survivors and the organizations that support them, work that earned her AVDA’s Ambassador of Advocacy Award in 2025. For more information on the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, visit ghwcc.org.
firmed with the launch of the SuperKids Pediatric Mobile Clinic in 2000, a collaborative effort that brought medical care directly to underserved neighborhoods.
“We are always pushing the envelope for new things to make Houston a better place,” an active member said. “The Junior League of Houston has a story to tell, and it started in 1925 and it continues to be written.”
That story reached a historic chapter in 2025, when the League marked its centennial with its largest single gift to date — a $2 million investment to fund the Junior League of Houston Volunteer Services Building at DePelchin Children’s Center. The building significantly expanded DePelchin’s capacity to distribute donated goods and support family-strengthening programs.
“The $2 million Centennial gift is, as one would hope, a transformational gift,” an active member said. “It is going to transform very limited space that DePelchin has.”
Looking ahead with lasting impact
Today, the Junior League of Houston continues to support a wide network of nonprofit partners addressing critical needs across the city. Current and recent community partnerships include organizations focused on children’s health and stability, food security, education, arts access, and environmental stewardship.
Among them are Camp For All, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston,
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, BEAR…Be A Resource for CPS Kids, Kids’ Meals, and the Houston Food Bank, among many others. Through trained volunteer placements, financial investment, and long-term collaboration, the League’s members work alongside these organizations to strengthen families, expand access to resources, and improve quality of life throughout the Houston area.
Throughout its history, the League has emphasized training women to lead while fostering deep connections among members.
“One thing that the Junior League of Houston really enables is a sense of community among our members as we train together, we volunteer alongside each other,” an active member said. “One thing I really have enjoyed about the League is the friends, the generational group of women that I have met.”
As the Junior League of Houston looks beyond its centennial year, members say the organization remains focused on adapting to Houston’s evolving needs while staying grounded in its mission.
“Our job is to be catalysts and convenors,” an active member said. “An organization for women run by women is still relevant today and very important.”
With a century of impact behind it — and a new one just beginning — the Junior League of Houston continues to write its legacy through service, leadership and a shared commitment to making the city stronger.
CHARITY, from P. 1
GHP, from P. 1
Photo by Wilson Parish
Source: Greater Houston Partnership
Metro Houston added 18,500 jobs from Nov. 2024-Nov. 2025, ranking fourth among the top 20 metros and tied with Dallas, according to the
Submitted photo
District C Council Member Abbie Kamin was named 2025 Local Legislator of the Year by the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce earlier this month.
ZiegFest Music Festival returns to Karbach Brewing Co. Feb. 21
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Houston brewery’s ZiegenBock beer takes center stage along with live performances
Karbach Brewing Co.’s beloved ZiegFest returns to the brewery on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, featuring live performances by Pat Green, Mike Ryan, and the Droptines, in celebration of the craft beer culture Karbach Brewing Co. has been known for since 2011.
ZiegFest 2026 kicks off at 4 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Karbach Biergarten, offering guests country music, a food truck and, of course, lots of fresh
Karbach beers, including its famed ZiegenBock, for 21+ guests to enjoy.
General admission and VIP tickets are available now. VIP ticket holders will enjoy premium perks including dedicated front-of-stage viewing, complimentary food from partner Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Sauce, exclusive merchandise and more.
“ZiegFest represents everything Karbach’s ZiegenBock beer stands for- bringing people together through incredible music and authentic Texas hospitality,” said Christopher Meyer, general manager of Karbach Brewing. “This festival has been a staple in the Texas country music scene for years, and
it pairs perfectly with great beer and better company.”
ZiegenBock is a Texas twist on a classic German-style lager, featuring a delicate hop character and malty flavor. Refreshing, crisp and undeniably Texan, the beer is available on draft for festivalgoers to enjoy on-site, as well as in 6-packs and 12-packs at major Texas retailers.
Tickets are on sale now with general admission priced at $40 in advance or $50 at the door, VIP tickets at $125 and free admission for children under 12. For more information or purchase tickets, please visit www.karbachbrewing.com/community/ event/ziegfest-2026/
Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. presents “Venus in Fur”
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Kicking off 2026, Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. (DDTCo.) presents Venus in Fur written by David Ives and directed by Malinda L. Beckham. Drawing inspiration from Leopold von SacherMasoch’s 1870 Marchella Venus in Furs, Ives’ provocative and dark play is an exploration of power dynamics, control, and sexuality.
ABOUT THE PLAY
Thomas is a playwright searching for the perfect actress to portray Vanda in his stage adaptation of Venus in Furs. As the evening wears on, a mysterious and unconventional woman, ironically named Vanda, arrives for her audition. Not only is she late, she also appears far from the ideal candidate Thomas had in mind. As the audition unfolds, Vanda’s performance takes an unexpected turn, blurring the lines between the script and reality. Through their interactions, the boundaries between the characters and the actors collapse, forcing both Thomas and Vanda to confront the complexities of their desires and the darker sides of human nature.
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
David Ives has been ac-
tive in the American theatre for 50 years. His plays include All in the Timing, Time Flies, Venus in Fur, New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza, and four verse adaptations of French comedies, as well as radio plays available online at PlayingOnAir.org. He collaborated with Stephen Sondheim on Sondheim’s last musical, Here We Are, which
sations about consent and gender dynamics. The play’s sharp wit, layered characters, and psychological intensity make it both thrilling and thought-provoking.”
premiered off-Broadway at The Shed in September 2023.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
On staging this production, Artistic Director, Malinda L. Beckham says, “The story’s exploration of dominance and submission, as well as its blurring of the lines between fantasy and reality, resonates deeply in today’s conver-
The cast of Venus in Fur includes Olivia Knight as Vanda and Jay Sullivan as Thomas. The creative team is comprised of Mark A. Lewis on scenic design and technical director, John Baker for lighting design, Trevor B. Cone for sound design and production manager, Malinda L. Beckham for costume and properties design, Barbara Alicea-Aponte as production stage manager,
and Valerie Lerma Puente as assistant stage manager. WHEN Feb. 27 – March 14, 2026
PERFORMANCES
Preview Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026
Opening night Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 (followed by a champagne reception)
Evenings
8 p.m. | Fridays & Saturdays, Feb 27 & 28 and March 6, 7, 13 & 14
7:30 p.m. | Thursdays, March 5 & 12
7:30 p.m. | Monday, March 9 Matinees
STAFF REPORTS
Please email entries to editor@ theleadernews.com.
FEBRUARY 17–23
Lunar New Year at Color Factory
What: A weeklong Lunar New Year celebration featuring traditional red envelopes, immersive experiences, and chances to win red and gold prizes.
When: Feb. 17–23, 2026
Where: Color Factory, 3303 Kirby
Drive
Cost: Ticketed event Info: colorfactory.co
FEBRUARY 20–22
Free Pet Wellness Services for District H Residents
What: Free pet wellness services including vaccinations, deworming, heartworm testing for dogs, and microchipping for dogs and cats with owner consent.
When: Feb. 20–22, 2026 (appointments required)
Where: Location provided upon registration
Cost: Free (District H residents only) Info: tinyurl.com/PetWellnessAppt FEBRUARY 21
Heights Rodeo
What: The inaugural Heights Rodeo brings a community celebration with family activities, local vendors, live music, and food, adding a touch of Western flair to the neighborhood.
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 2–6 p.m.
Where: Historic Houston Heights Fire Station, 107 W. 12th St.
Cost: Free Info: houstonheights.org
Lee College Bowl-AThon for Empty Bowls Houston
What: A hands-on Bowl-A-Thon inviting all ages and skill levels to create bowls for the Empty Bowls Houston fundraiser benefiting the Houston Food Bank.
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Lee College Ceramics Department, McNulty Haddick Building, Room W26/28, 805 W. Texas Ave., Baytown
Cost: Free Info: emptybowlshouston.org or 281-425-6484
Lunar New Year Celebration at River Oaks District
What: An afternoon of Lunar New Year festivities featuring complimentary boba, themed cocktails, origami activities, photo activations, and a High Pole acrobatic performance.
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 2–5 p.m. (High Pole performance at 3 p.m.)
What: Karbach Brewing Co.’s annual ZiegFest featuring Texas craft beer, barbecue, and live performances by Pat Green, Mike Ryan, and the Droptines.
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 4 p.m.
Where: Karbach Biergarten, 2032
Karbach St.
Cost: $40 advance, $50 at the door; VIP $125; free for children under 12 Info: karbachbrewing.com/community/event/ziegfest-2026
FEBRUARY 22
Boots & Brews Market at Bayou Heights Bier Garten
What: A rodeo-themed afternoon featuring Western-inspired vendors, live music by the Saint E Street Band, mechanical bull rides, and rodeo ticket giveaways and prizes.
What: A joint concert featuring Voces 8, Voces 8 U.S. Scholars, the Houston Chamber Choir, and
Photo courtesy of Karbach Brewing Co.
Live entertainment and country music concerts are some of the highlights of the annual ZiegFest at Karbach Brewing Co., this year scheduled for Feb. 21.
Art Valet: Sherri Allen’s journey from corporate workaholic to joyful artist
When Sherri Allen attempted to apply as a new artist at First Saturday Arts Market in 2023, I wouldn’t let her—I just said yes.
Sherri Allen’s painting style could be called primitive, outsider, or folk art. I recall from when she first reached out that her website bio stated she had literally just started painting a few years before, and her paintings resonated with me immediately.
She also had a consistent style, from portraits of women and flowers to other still lifes, and most importantly, there was a story in them. I wasn’t just looking at art; the art was telling me something. After each market, Sherri posts photos of happy customers on social media. I’m thrilled others see what I do, and now you get to meet her here.
What’s your background and what sparked your passion for creating art?
For most of my life, I was a workaholic. I measured my success by achievement and security. My parents divorced when I was very young, we were very poor, and my mother struggled with addiction. From an early age, my goal
Mitch cohen Art Columnist artvalet@gmail.com
was simple: I wanted to be different. I wanted stability. I wanted respectability. So I worked hard—in school, in my career, in everything. I probably would have stayed in that mindset if not for the COVID lockdown.
While that season was difficult for many, it became a time of healing for me. I came to terms with my family story, forgave my mother, and began reading The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I didn’t just read it—I committed to the practices: morning pages, reflection, listening to creative nudges.
One of those nudges came from my husband. One day he showed me a folder he had kept of playful drawings I had made with our grandsons. I was shocked he had saved them. I was even more shocked to realize—maybe I could actually draw.
I started taking drawing classes on YouTube, then started painting, and I haven’t stopped since. Now I draw or paint every single day. I love my art. I believe my first responsibility as an artist is to love and nurture my work so it can grow. I never speak negatively about it—I treat it like raising a child. I love my family deeply. When I’m not working my fulltime corporate job or making art, I’m most likely with them. I’ve been married for over 30 years—which still feels im-
possible to say—and we love to travel, spend time with our dog, and play with our grandchildren.
What are you currently working on?
Because I work full-time, I create in the margins—a daily drawing here, a portrait on the weekend. I work quickly and tend to produce many small pieces. I like to call them “wonderful one-offs.”
I don’t often work in formal collections. I paint what I feel drawn to in the moment.
Faces and flowers are recurring themes—I’m endlessly fascinated by both.
In addition to my personal work, I’m currently teaching a monthly workshop as part of Awakening Creativity by Carrie Schmitt. Supporting other women as they reconnect with their creativity has become an important part of my practice.
What one lesson from TheArtist’sWay would you tell your pre-artist self?
One lesson that has stayed with me is this: I am a creative being. We all are. Creativity isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s something we can choose to nurture or ignore. When we tend to it— when we show up consistently—it transforms us.
What one thing would surprise people about you?
A colleague once told me, “You must have had an easy life.”
It wasn’t the time or place to explain that my mother struggled with addiction, that my childhood was far from easy, and that I feel lucky to be alive—lucky to have built the life I have.
Most people would prob-
ably be surprised by that part of my story.
What are your future plans or goals?
I paint because it brings me joy. It feels like prayer— a way of connecting with my Creator, and it changes me for the better. Right now, the words guiding my life and work are Attention, Devotion, and Faith Attention—to small miracles and everyday beauty. Devotion—to the practice of showing up consistently. • Faith—that the creative spirit is leading me somewhere meaningful, even if I can’t yet see where. My goal is simple: to keep painting and remain open to opportunity. I trust that if I continue to show up with attention, devotion, and faith, doors will open—and my job is to be brave enough to walk through them. Meet Sherri at First Saturday Arts Market and see more on her website at sherriallenart.com or on Instagram at instagram.com/sherriallenrocks_art/
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit ArtValet.com for more.
Honoring Lives, Inspiring Action: Push Up Foundation set to host 6th Annual ‘Victory Lap’ in the Heights
COMMUNITY REPORTS
The Push Up Foundation Houston will host its sixth annual Victory Lap 5K on Saturday, March 7, at Highline Park in the Heights to kick off Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This family-friendly event will bring survivors, families, and advocates together to promote colon cancer prevention and the lifesaving importance of early screenings.
Founded by Houston resident and colon cancer survivor Keith Rollins, the Push Up Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of colon cancer, the third most diagnosed cancer among men and women. Since its founding, the Push Up Foundation has had a simple mission: to encourage people to get
their colonoscopies at the now-recommended age of 45. Through doing so, it has touched countless lives.
This year’s race will honor two of these lives and their remarkable stories, including retired Lt. James “Jimmy” Cassel of Klein, Texas. Cassel, who dedicated 30 years of service to the Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 5, attended the Push Up Foundation’s 2025 Victory Lap as a colon cancer survivor following his first colonoscopy at age 53. Despite a valiant fight, Cassel’s cancer returned, and he passed away at age 54 in October 2025. The day before Cassel died, he visited with Rollins and Rollins’ daughter, Kendall.
“He requested that we share his story and not let people forget him. Jimmy didn’t want anyone to experience what he
endured,” Rollins said. “So, this year, we will dedicate the Victory Lap to Jimmy and honor his legacy by telling his courageous story.”
The Push Up Foundation will also honor Michael Walsh, a native of Georgia. Diagnosed with colon cancer at an early age of 33, Michael learned about the Victory Lap while in Houston, just days before he was to undergo colorectal surgery. He decided to register for the 5K.
“I’m so glad I signed up for the 5K. It’s been helpful to have a supportive community – one that understands my journey and can relate to what I’ve been through,” Michael said. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of this, it’s the importance of advocating for yourself and staying mindful of any changes in your health.”
Stories like Cassel’s and Walsh’s underscore the power of acting early. That message is echoed by medical experts who stress that prevention begins with timely screenings.
“Early detection can make all the difference,” said Omar Madriz, MD, an assistant professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, a colon and rectal surgeon at UT Physicians and Memorial Hermann Hospital, and a Push Up Foundation board member. “A colonoscopy is a relatively quick, minimally invasive procedure that could save your life.”
To register for the 2026 Victory Lap 5K or support the cause, visit www.pushupfoundationhouston.org. Proceeds will fund educational initiatives to promote early detection of colorectal cancer.
ExxonMobil Theater District Open House returns March 9
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Houston Theater District has announced that ExxonMobil Theater District Open House is set to return Monday, March 9, 2026. Building on the successful relaunch in 2025, the family-friendly event welcomes visitors to a full day of free performances, interactive workshops, and behind-thescenes access to Houston’s world-class venues.
“Houston serves as one of the nation’s great performing arts hubs, and we’re excited to throw the doors wide open for everyone,” said Executive Director of Houston Theater District Craig Hauschildt.
“With ExxonMobil returning as title sponsor, we’re able to expand opportunities for the community to experience the artistry, education and joy that these organizations bring to our city.”
In 2025, the event resumed for the first time since 2019, drawing nearly 7,500 participants. Organizers are hoping for even more visitors this year.
“This event is a powerful reminder of Houston’s position as an international cultural destination and our shared pride in the arts,” said Chair of the Houston Theater District Board of Directors Meg Booth. “The variety of theaters, performing arts organizations
and cultural diversity is on display and completely free for guests of all ages to explore — whether that’s a backstage tour, a performance or a hands-on activity for kids.”
What to Expect in 2026
Get ready for a day of family-friendly fun, culminating in a free Houston Symphony concert — bringing back this much beloved Open House tradition — making the magic of live orchestral music accessible to all. To give an overview of the day, opening ceremonies will be hosted in Lynn Wyatt Square, spotlighting artists and programming from each of the Theater District’s renowned arts organizations.
Here are some other event highlights, with much more to discover in the full schedule:
• Performing Arts Houston hosts an enriching, interactive, family workshop with an Ailey Arts in Education Teaching Artist.
• Houston Grand Opera invites everyone to step into the world of opera — not just as spectators, but as active participants in their high-energy, performance of Music-Stories-OPERA! at the Wortham Center.
• Houston Ballet II performs excerpts from Sleeping Beauty and more.
• DACAMERA activates Lynn Wyatt Square and the Center for Dance through
jazz and chamber music.
• Alley Theatre offers stage combat demonstrations and other high-energy fun for all.
• Hobby Center’s Discovery Series features some of Houston’s best artists across dance, music and theater at Zilkha Hall.
• Theatre Under the Stars brings music and movement with interactive musical theater workshops at the Hobby Center.
• And tons of creative fun like an instrument petting zoo, face painting and more! These participating arts organizations, along with the support of Houston First and Downtown Houston+,
showcase the full scope of Houston’s Theater District. Together, they reflect a collaborative arts community that fuels a thriving $1.3 billion annual arts economy — and creates unforgettable moments for residents and visitors alike.
“This event isn’t just a part of Houston, it’s part of family histories, too,” said Hauschildt. “Last year, we heard from parents who first attended in the ‘90s and were returning with their own kids. Every visit is an opportunity to continue that tradition.” For updates, transportation and full event details as they are announced, visit houstontheaterdistrict.org/openhouse.
Submitted photos
Customers at First Saturday Arts Market hold purchased artwork by Sherri Allen (left).
Sherri Allen, right, with a customer holding her purchased artwork at First Saturday Arts Market.
Don’t Talk to Me Until I’ve Had My Coffee by Sherri Allen
Black Pepper by Sherri Allen Woman in Pink Suit by Sherri Allen
Photo courtesy of Push Up Foundation Houston
This year’s race will honor retired Lt. James “Jimmy” Cassel of Klein, Texas.
