Heights Happenings: February 29 - March 5, 2012

Thursday, March 1, 5pm -7pm: The Green Show reception at Hello-Lucky

Jennifer DeDonato's beautiful work made from reclaimed matchbook covers

• The store is changing it up with new work by Mitch Cohen, Jennifer Dedonato, and Frances Trotter
• Mingle, have a drink with and check out their great rodeo ready wear too!
• 1025 Studewood
• And don't forget Second Saturday Craftacular will be the following weekend, March 10, noon to 4 pm outside the shop. Support local!

Friday, March 2, 5:30 pm- 8 pm: Join Write Now! to celebrate Texas Independence Day

• Write Now is having a Texas Independence Day party and you're invited! 
• Join Shanna and friends for Texas wines and Texas treats. There will be Texas music and lots of fun!
• 3122 White Oak

Saturday, March 3, 11 am- 2 pm: Annie and Daddy Warbucks at Beck's Prime

• Beck's is partnering with TUTS to celebrate their current production of Annie. The 2 main characters of this timeless production will be at the Beck's for photo ops.
• 115 W 19th

Saturday, March 3, 6pm -8:30 pm: Beatniks presents Arthur Bates: 1000% RASTA

• The imagery of Arthur Bates' paintings is a hallucination of figures, faces, animals. This imagined world is a bubble of abstract fields melding into cartoons melding into canvas. Simple lines become so dense that it creates an illusion often confusing to the eye.  Arthur works in pencil, ink, acrylic, marker, collage, and silkscreen.
• Arthur works in both visual art and music. He performs with two bands The Energy and Wicked Poseur, and is the songwriter for Wicked Poseur.  
• 709 E. 11th St.

PLAN AHEAD:

Tuesday, March 13, 10 am - 12:30 pm: Veggie Kids in the Kitchen Hands-on Cooking Class for kids age 6-12

• "Introducing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to children as early as possible increases the likelihood that they will choose and prefer those foods throughout their lives. These four food groups provide excellent nutrition for growing bodies."
• Kids will be well supervised during this wonderful hands-on cooking class. They will get a nutrition lesson as well as a recipe booklet to take home.
• Instructor Karuna Diedericks recently completed the Food For Life Instructor training through the Cancer Project in Washington, DC. There she participated in the "The Power of Food for Kids" class series to educate children to form healthful habits they can carry well into adulthood. As a busy mom, she knows the challenge of creating healthy meals that kids will eat. Her four-year-old daughter, Sundari, loves helping in the kitchen. Sundari's favorite vegetable at the moment is kale (raw and cooked)!
• Cost: $45
• All vegan recipes, using fresh organic ingredients.
• NiaMoves, 508 Pecore in the house
• Questions or to Register: Karuna at 281-546-9698 or karuna.ayurveda@gmail.com

IN OTHER NEWS:

Looky what D'Amico's on White Oak is offering:

If there is one thing I can eat a lot of, it's spaghetti and meatballs! As an Italian American whose Grandma made the best sauce ever, I can say theirs is pretty decent, too.

Heights Happenings: February 22 - February 29, 2012

Friday, February 24, 5:30 pm- 11:30 pm: Has-G Art Show Collective

• 214 E 27th

Saturday, February 25, Noon: Heights Cigar Lounge Cigar Tasting Class.  

• The focus of this class will be Connecticut wrappers, both shade grown and broadleaf, and the differences this tobacco has when grown in different regions.  
• Additionally, these cigars are made in three different regions themselves; United States (Texas), Nicaragua, and Dominican Republic. 
• They’ll be offering three cigars at a discount of 15% off: El Cubano's Ecuadorian Claro, Oliva Cigar's Connecticut Reserve, and Ashton's Aged Maduro.  
• 240 W 19th

Sunday, February 26: Last day of Escapism by Jerry Cabrera at G Gallery

• Don't miss the chance to see San Antonio-based artist Jerry Cabrera's latest work in Escapism. Inspired by visits to sacred spaces, Cabrera creates luminous paintings that vibrate and glow with the intensity of neon. Cabrera's Escapism will be on view at the new-and-improved Ggallery through this Sunday 5pm.

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Sunday, March 18: Tour de Houston bike rally

• Houston's big bicycle rally is back! Last year there was not enough funding to stage this great event, which is a major annual fund raiser for city parks.
• This year Apache Corp has stepped up to sponsor the Tour de Houston, allowing  the annual fundraising bike ride will take place.  
• The severe drought conditions spreading throughout Texas have dramatically increased the need to protect our parks and green spaces.  Funds raised from this year's ride will benefit Houston's reforestation efforts through non-profit partner, Houston Parks Board, dedicated to creating, improving and protecting parkland in the greater Houston region.
• 6:00 a.m. -- Check in and registration
• 7:00 a.m. -- 60-mile route
• 7:30 a.m. -- 40-mile route
• 8:00 a.m. -- 20-mile route
• 11:00 a.m. -- Post-ride party                                              
• Ride begins and ends at City Hall (901 Bagby)
• Online Register here
• Advance registration (Jan. 12-Feb. 17)
• $30 adults; $20 kids (12 yrs and under)
• Pre- registration (Feb.18 - March 10, 11:59 p.m.)
• 35 adults; $20 kids (12 yrs and under)
• Registration ( March 11 - March 18 day of ride)
• $40 adults; $20 kids (12 yrs and under)
• If you can't participate in this year's ride but would like to donate to the Drought Relief Fund, go to the Houston Parks Board Website, click DONATE NOW! and select Drought Relief Fundin the Donation Information Area.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Are you on the mailing list for Shop The Heights 19th Street? The "Word on the Street" newsletter will keep you up to date on all the latest happenings on 19th, our own little downtown in the Heights. This week's newsletter introduced a new 19th Street business, Kids Love Life:

Kids Love Life encompasses all  good things for kids! Interior Desginer and Author, Natalie Bolger opened her studio on 19th Street to share all those good things.  

Her new release, The Grand Festive Picnic, is a charming picture book that reveals the values of friendship and celebration. 

The Kids Love Life Brand, inspired by Natalie's book, includes merchandise such as "Feed Your Self Esteem" snack plate, Inspire Tees: shirts that influence, "Dream Big" bulletin boards and "Shine On" pendant lights all available for purchase. 

The studio is open on Wednesdays from 10am-2pm or by appointment by calling 1-888-226-0188.Kids Love Life specializes in "Room to Grow" interiors for tweens and teens. Natalie creates rooms made to order....cozy, stylish and comfortable with a wow factor. Visit the studio today and let hte picnic of your life begin now!

Heights Happenings: February 15- February 22, 2012

Thursday, February 16, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: CE Green Building Resource Center presents Green Interior Design: Affordable? 

• Many people are convinced that they can't afford green design or that the LEED Rating System is too expensive. The purpose of this seminar is to examine these myths and truths. Diane Alexander will cover green design from the residential perspective with an emphasis on renovations and ideas that you can implement. Rose Lopez will talk about the commercial design side.  Both have real world examples of green projects that have come in under realistic budgets, and information on choosing green products and what to consider when designing green spaces.
• See http://www.greenhoustontx.gov/gbrceducation.pdf for more details and a map. 
• Green Building Resource Center, 1002 Washington Avenue 
• Please RSVP to Steve Stelzer at 832.394.9050 or email steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov.

Friday, February 17, 4pm- 8 pm: Olivia Cigar event at Heights Cigar Lounge

• Join Heights Cigar Lounge for their first Oliva Event. Jeff Nolan with Oliva will be onsite to answer any questions you might have about these award winning cigars.
• Lots of specials, including
• Buy 5 Cigars Get 2 FREE!
• Buy 1 BOX Get 20% OFF +Cigar Sampler+ Raffle
• Buy 2 BOXES Get 20% OFF+ Cigar Sampler+Ashtray+Raffle
• 240 W 19th St

Saturday, February 18, 10 am- 1pm: Pen and Ink Drawing Techniques with Doug Hiser at Texas Art Asylum

• This exciting new class will cover all aspects of ink techniques with a finished project including a shape, seashells, flowers, butterflies and bones.  Students will learn about crosshatching, stippling, pointillism, ink pressure and intensity, contrast and composition aesthetics in ink work.  The finished piece will represent nature and contrast, harmony and balance.
• All materials provided with fee
• Instruction:  $35.00 ; Materials $15.00
• Visit Texas Art Asylum's website to register

Tuesday, February 21, 5:30 pm: Fat Tuesday at BB’s

• The folks at BB’s Heights are starting their own Krewe and want to invite all of you! Come join the KREWE OF BB's on in celebration of Fat Tuesday with live music by
• Keyun & The Zydeco Masters
• Starts at 5:30pm in the parking lot
• Indulge in the Cajun Pot or reserve a VIP spot at The King’s Table
• Abita beer specials, prizes, crawfish, king cake, full bar, great food, beads and more beads.
• For more information (or to reserve a spot at The King's Table) check BB's Facebook Page
• 2701 White Oak

PLAN AHEAD:

Saturday, February 25, 7 am - Noon: Helms Elementary First Annual Garage Sale

• Helms PTA will present their First Annual Garage Sale to savvy shoppers looking to snap up clothes, household items, furniture, books, & unwanted treasures at a steal.
• 402 Aurora St., Houston, TX 77008 (Corner of Arlington/Aurora).
• Helms PTA is still seeking donations and volunteers for this event.  To volunteer and/or donate gently used items, small and large, please contact Susan Davis at 832-788-5501

Friday, February 24 - Sunday, February 26: Houston Modern Market

• Way too much going on to list here. Check out the HMM Webpage or HMM Facebook Page for information on the many great events within this amazing market!

Saturday, March 3, 5 pm: Free Movie Night at Jaycee Park

• 5:00 Face painting, balloon artist and pictures with a dragon (a picture of it is on the flyer - perfect for both my 3 and 6 year old)
• 6:00 Concessions for purchase to support renovation efforts.
• 6:30 Movie starts - HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

Monday, March 5, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Annual Operating Budget Capital Improvement Plan for District H Council Member Ed Gonzalez

• Jefferson Davis High School (Atrium), 1101 Quitman
• Since 1984, the City has held public meetings to obtain citizen input before preparation of the operating budget and capital improvement plan.  These meetings provide citizens the opportunity to participate in the budget process by contributing comments and suggestions about needed services and improvements.
• The meetings will also include a short presentation by Housing and Community Development with respect to the update of the Consolidated Plan, and an update on the City's implementation of ReBuild Houston. This year, as a result of the ReBuild Houston initiative, there is now a ten-year plan for street and drainage improvements.
• For more information and specific details about the Capital Improvement Projects in your area and to see a draft of the Rebuild Houston ten-year plan please visit: http://www.houstontx.gov/cip/index.html.
• For additional information, please contact Cecilia Ortiz with the Mayor's Citizens' Assistance Office, at (832) 393-0955 or email Cecilia.Ortiz@houstontx.gov.

IN OTHER NEWS:

The Washington Avenue Living Centers project kicked off with a very successful open house. More than 80 people attended, offering suggestions and dreaming of the possibilities of a well planned urban neighborhood. Check out their blog here for a recap and photos.

Happy to report our friend The Doggie Door Burglar was arrested and pleaded guilty in court this week. From KHOU (full story and mug shot here)

Police say the man who was caught on camera squeezing through the doggie door of a Montrose home earlier this month has pleaded guilty.
Steven Groucho Hicks, 29, was taken into custody Thursday and charged with burglary of a habitation. He was sentenced to six years in prison on Monday.
Hicks was caught on camera by a homeowner who decided to install a camera in his backyard after neighbors saw a man trying to get into his house through the doggie door.

Have fun in jail, Steven. We won't miss you!

And speaking of crime, be sure to LIKE the Inner Loop Houston Crime Alert page on Facebook. A lot of people have been sharing information about suspicious characters there. As a neighborhood, we are our first line of defense against these nasty buggers!

Heights Happenings: February 1- February 8, 2012

Am I the only one who is still having trouble remembering to put '2012' as the date? Never mind that it's already February. Wow.

Friday, February 3, 6 pm- 8:30 pm: Heights Beatnik's presents the art of Patrick Talley

• Patrick Talley is a talented man who wears many hats. In addition to being a photographer, Patrick is a blogger and published author. Patrick will be at the Opening to discuss his photography.
• To view some of his work, go here www.talleyphotography.com. Of course, you may also recognize his name from his Houston Chronicle Parenting blog "The Tao of Parenting."
• There will be some wine and fruit provided. Amos Garcia will also be selling his unique and soon-to-be-famous food truck empanadas in several novel flavors.
• 709 E 11th St, yellow house next to Zelko Bistro

Friday, February 3, 7:30 pm: Heights Live! presents Jason Eady and Jamie Wilson

• Mississippi native Jason Eady has come full circle on his third and latest album, When the Money's All Gone, delivering southern gospel stomps, New Orleans soul, and the heartbreaking tide of sin and redemption through his rich baritone voice and a raucous band. Produced by critically acclaimed songwriter, Kevin Welch, When the Money's All Gone comes as both a calming voice for the current times and as a timeless album of blue-eyed, southern soul music. 
• Jamie Wilson sang around the house growing up, but didn't start playing music and writing songs until she was a college sophomore at Texas A&M. "My cousin and I went to go see the Dixie Chicks in Houston during their Fly tour. There was a part in the show where the other girls went off and Natalie stayed on stage and played 'Cold Day in July' on guitar by herself. I was watching her and I told my cousin, 'I just need a guitar; I could do that. I'm musical enough.'," Jamie remembers. Later that month, Jamie's cousin and mother went in together to buy Jamie her first guitar as a Christmas gift. She first learned to play by printing out lyrics to songs and learning the chords by ear. She wrote her first song a couple of months later and was in a band, the Sidehill Gougers, within six months of receiving that first guitar. In 2010, Jamie released her 1st solo album, Dirty Blonde Hair.
• Heights Live! offers a uniquely intimate experience, perfect for the singer song writers who perform "on the rug." Shows are family friendly and BYOB. Hosted by Heights Presbyterian at 240 W 18th.
• This show: Doors 7:30, show starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $12 at the door.

Friday February 3 - Saturday, February 4: Last chance to see "Motel Tropicana" at Obsidian Art Space

• For a great write up on this show, check out this Houston Press Article

Saturday, February 4, 11 am- 6 pm: 1st Saturday Arts Market's "Lover's Market"

• Looking for unique, handmade items for your Valentine? Here's some one stop shopping for you! Art, jewelry, textiles, and more. Dozens of local artisans have come together to help fulfill your gift giving needs.
• Live music around lunch time (Market newcomer Cory Derden) and from 3-6 pm, featured musician Robin Kirby. 
• Food available from H-Town StrEATs.
• In the lot of Wind Water Gallery, 548 W 19th.

Saturday, February 4, 7 pm- 10 pm: HHWC Quarterly Cork and Fork, featuring Argentinian food and wine

• You are invited to a night out with Houston Heights Woman's Club! Sample the wine, food and music of this quarter's designated country: Argentina.
• The evening will also feature a special Tango performance by Susana Collins 
• This event is casual and open to members, prospective members and guests. Spouses and significant others encouraged! 
• Admission (per couple) is a bottle of your favorite Argentine wine and a small appetizer to share with the group.
• Please contact Hostess Shea Hill if you have any questions.

Tuesday, February 7, 4 pm- 7 pm: Launch Open House for the WashAve Livable Centers project

• The Houston-Galveston Area Council, in partnership with Better Houston, the City of Houston and TIRZ 15, is conducting a Livable Centers study of Houston’s historic Washington Avenue Corridor. The Livable Centers program seeks to create walkable, mixed-use places that provide multi-modal transportation, improve environmental quality and promote economic development. The Washington Avenue Livable Centers study area, which is bounded by I-45 in the East, I-10 in the North, Westcott in the West and Buffalo Bayou in the south, includes much of Superneighborhood 22 and contains all or most of the First and Sixth Wards, Memorial Heights, West End, Magnolia Grove, Westwood Grove, Rice Military, Wood Crest and Cottage Grove neighborhoods.
• While this does not include the Heights, IT WILL EFFECT THE HEIGHTS. These are our neighboring neighborhoods and what happens there directly impacts us here.
• The study is engaging area residents and workers, government agencies, businesses and institutions in developing recommendations for improvements to the area. These will include transportation, economic development, housing choice, sustainability, open space and placemaking recommendations. Plans for Livable Centers, to be effective, are supported by incentives, flexible regulations, and basic standards for walkable urbanism.
• To join a stakeholder group or to be contacted regarding public meetings and other opportunities for input, please contact us at info@WashAve.org, or visit our office at 1902 Washington Avenue (entrance on Silver Street).
• The project team also invites you for a Launch Open House at their offices, 1902 Washington (corner of Silver, entrance on the Silver side). Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the project team, find out more about the project, its goals and timeline, and learn how to become more involved.

PLAN AHEAD:

Correction: I had originally dated this show as "Friday, Feb 11." It is the 11th, but that is a Saturday. Apologies for any confusion!
Saturday, February 11, 6:15: Rouse House Concerts presents Owen Temple and Adam Carroll

• Hosted in the home of Deb Rouse and (new Heights Assoc President) Lindsey Lee, Rouse House Concerts are a truly wonderful music experience. At this show, the hosts feature two rising stars of the Texas Country scene, Owen Temple and Adam Carroll. Texas born and raised, Adam and Owen are friends and frequent song collaborators who tour independently at venues and festivals across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Since the mid 1990s they have released 12 albums of original songs between them.
• Adam Carroll takes the events of ordinary lives and turns them into deeply moving, often humorous songs. Given a rare command of the English language and an amazing sense of melody, it's little surprise Adam has earned enviable comparisons to Townes Van Zandt, Todd Snider, John Prine and Bob Dylan as well as being recognized as a creative influence on his songwriter peers, like Hayes Carll and Robert Earl Keen.
• Owen Temple takes on the role of Texas troubadour with grave intent. A songwriter out of the narrative folk tradition, he writes songs that take you places, allowing the listener to travel with the story. With a finely honed lyrical sense, wry sense of humor, and knack for blending melancholy melodies with ingenious wordplay, Owen tells stories about a Texas few of us have seen but all of us know.
• RSVPs are required due to limited seating and will be on a "first come/first served" basis. To RSVP, please email Deb and Lindsey at rouse_house_concerts@yahoo.com
• Rouse House cannot accept payments prior to the party. There is a suggested honorarium of $20 per person, which can be paid by cash.  All proceeds go to the performing artists. CDs are usually available for sale during intermission. 
• Please arrive between 6:15 and 7:15 pm for potluck dinner prior to the concert.  The hosts provide coffee and lemonade but you are also welcome to bring a beverage of choice. We have wine glasses for those who wish to bring wine. Music will begin at 7:30 pm.

February 24-26: Houston Modern Market at Winter Street Studios

IN OTHER NEWS:

If you're a child of the 70s, like me, than you were also in your teenage prime when neon was the trend in the 80s. Like they say, everything old is new again. Neon is back and brighter than ever. Alas, I can't pull it off the way I could in middle school. If you can, then Langford Market might have what you're looking for. Right now the store, at 249 W 19th, is having a $1 sale. Buy 2 items, get the 3rd for $1. Don't forget the sunglasses!

Also dabbling in brights is our newest boutique, La Camella. Here are some great two-tone pants in coral read and seer sucker. Apparently, coral red is "Pantone's color of the year."If you haven't been in to his this little shop at 3122 White Oak (between Write Now and Heights Vinyl), it is a super cute spot "that seeks to bring together a beautiful, well-designed and well-crafted selection of apparel, footwear and accessories created by small, independent lines not otherwise carried in the city." I've purchased some great locally made jewelry and other accessories from her. Even with a small selection, there is a little something for most people here!