Heights Happenings: April 25- May 2, 2013

Friday, April 26: Heights Plant Farm kicks off summer with an Arbor Day sale

• Arbor Day starts a 10% off sale on all trees. The Arbor Day Sale goes for three daysn ending Sunday evening, April 28. The sale will include everything from the shade tolerant Red Buckeye to a variety of fruit trees that thrive in Houston's hot summer sun. Sun-loving Texas Mountain Laurels, Texas Olives, and the magnificent magnolia remain Southern favorites and for good reason. 
• Regular store hours Mon-Sat 9 -6 & Sunday 10-6
• 1422 Yale, ample parking in back (and BUNNIES!)

Friday, April 26, all day: Clearance sale at The Lift

• Now through this Sunday, all merchandise except for greeting cards and stationery items is at least 15% off the original price. This includes books, toys, gifts, soaps, balms, flags, and more!
• Waxing Poetic fine jewelry (except for the "Delighted States of America" Texas charms) is 20% off the original price. The timing is great, since Mother's Day is around the corner and graduation season is upon us!
• The Lift is “re-inventing, making more room for book events and such.” Excited to see what is on deck at this delightful little shop!
• 365 W 19th

PLAN AHEAD

Friday, May 3, 6 pm- 8 pm: Art Opening: The Science of Surrealism. Steve Brudniak

• Steve Brudniak’s work has been exhibited in more than 150 shows, critiqued in over 200 publications and documentaries, (including 8 books), and collected by major art museums, including Houston’s own Museum of Fine Arts. Works include the first assemblages to travel into outer space, the only art to integrate the oldest life discovered on earth, the first sculptures to incorporate electrical lightning, unique applications of human blood and more.
• 1606 White Oak

Saturday, May 4 from 10am - 2 pm: Proctor Park “Spring Sportacular” and Lemonade Day

• The Nohill Neighborhood Association welcomes Heights families for a great spring event~
• Free admission, 20+ games, relays, races!
• Horseshoes, croquet, frisbee and bean bag toss, obstacle course, kickball 
• bowling, checkers, relay races, cake walk, tug-o-war and more!
• Twenty lemonade stands from neighborhood kids
• Bring a picnic lunch
• Tables, chairs, and restrooms provided
• www.norhill.org 

Saturday, May 4, 1pm- 4pm: First annual recycling event "Spring Green Fling" at One Green Street

• Be green and have fun- drop off your recycle items and enjoy live music by Keeton Coffman, light bites by Ruggles Green, sweet treats by Happy Fatz, yummy cocktails by Deep Eddy Vodka, and craft brews by Karbach Brewing Co. 
• Recycling is not required to attend the event, but it is encouraged!
• There will be a drawing for some fabulous prizes donated by our sponsors Houston Heights Roofers and the Dixie Sanders Mortgage Team including pieces from local artists & more! Be sure to check in before you drop off your recycle items and paper so that you can be entered in the drawing to win.
• One Greet Street will also have a one day only "15% off your entire purchase" coupon the day of the event so you can shop to your hearts content for some awesome eco-friendly merchandise from jewelry to home furnishings.
• The following recycle items will be accepted on site the day of the event: Electronics, Cell phones, Small appliances, Computers, Paper (for shredding)
• Visit SpringGreenFling.com for more information and a complete list of accepted recycle items.

Sunday, May 12, 3 pm: Houston Heights Orchestra presents A Sojourn of Fervor – Music of Mahler and Beethoven

• In their second year, the Houston Heights Orchesta has finally hit their stride and is growing and performing better than ever before! Members live in or near The Heights, and range from doctoral-level music students to engineers, teachers, full-time moms, and retirees.  There are “hardly any are professional musicians - most of us are just people who happen to play an instrument and love getting together to do it!” says violinist Laura Williamson.  This makes their concerts more intimate, more casual, and much more affordable than the Houston Symphony. This is the group's second year (we had a rough start last year, but have done tremendously this year).  They only plan four big concerts a year so this is a great opportunity to see them and support music and musicians in the Heights.
• This will be a great afternoon of Romantic music, including Mahler:  “Songs of a Wayfarer,” featuring Lisa Borik, soprano
• Beethoven: Symphony No. 1
• Follow HHO here: https://www.facebook.com/houstonheightsorchestra
• $10 ($5 student)
• Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, 2025 West 11th St., Houston, 77006

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS

Friday, April 26, 6 pm- 10 pm: Opening Night of “Director’s Cut” at East End Studio Gallery

• “Movies hold a special place in our hearts, whether it’s the storyline, the excitement, the vision or even the company we share it with. This show pays tribute to another dimension of film … the visual element that made these directors iconic and memorable. Each one of these directors possesses the ability to capture a theme, a mood, an overall feeling in their work, as if piecing together a meticulous quilt, to create a near consistent quality in their repertoire. Film frames that stand alone as a work of art in and of themselves, many of these films have received either Oscars or achieved cult status and remain beloved or nefarious through history and are, ultimately, inimitable.”
• This exhibition serves as a tribute to cinematic visionaries, capturing elements that make their work stand alone. Whether it is a still image or paying homage in the very style of these directors, each of the selected artists shared their experience and interpretation of the following Directors: Wes Anderson, Coen Brothers, Federico Fellini, Terry Gilliam, Jim Jarmusch, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Stanley Kubrick, Akira Kurosawa, David Lynch, John Waters
• Curated by Julie Zarate, (Love, Lovecraft; Outside the Box) six06.com
• East End Studio Gallery, 708 Telephone, Suite E, 77023

Monday, April 29: Architects of Air opens at Discovery Green

• Architects of Air is a British company that creates amazing temporary structures filled with luminous color. Discovery Green will commemorate its 5th Birthday celebration by presenting Exxopolis, Architects of Air's 20th luminarium, a “sculpture people enter to be moved to a sense of wonder at the beauty of light and color.”
• Never seen before in Houston, Exxopolis will be a site to behold as it will expand across the length of the Jones Lawn and tower approximately 30 feet in the air. 
• Monday, April 29 - Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (last admission at 2 p.m.; luminarium closes at 2:20 p.m.)
• Thursday, May 2 - Friday, May 3, 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. (last admission at 7 p.m.; luminarium closes at 7:20 p.m.)
• Saturday, May 4 - Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (last admission at 7 p.m.; luminarium closes at 7:20 p.m.)
• Tickets Prices: $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and free for children under 3. All general admission tickets will be sold at Discovery Green directly before entering Exxopolis.
• Please be aware of this important information before visiting Exxopolis:
• Guests must remove their shoes to enter the luminarium.
• No strollers allowed inside the luminarium. Stroller parking available near reception area. 
• Luminarium is accessible to wheelchair users and people with mobile difficulties.
• Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult per 4 children).
• Shoes and possessions are left in the reception area at the owner's risk. 

IN OTHER NEWS

Registration is now available for one of Houston’s most popular small runs—the Houston Heights Association’s 28^th Heights Fun Run, to be held on Saturday, June 1, 2013. 

• The fast out-and-back 5K course is held on the beautifully scenic and historic Heights Boulevard. The race starts and ends at Marmion Park and includes a 5K Fun Run, a 5K Walk, and a Kids 1K.
•  The 5K course is certified, and disposable Chip Timing will be conducted by Run Wild Sports Timing. Each entrant receives a 100% cotton commemorative t-shirt. The 5K Fun Run starts at 7:30 a.m., the 5K Walk starts at 7:35 a.m., and the Kids 1K starts at 8:30 a.m. Each kid participating in the 1K receives an award.
•  The Post-Race Party begins at 8:00 a.m. at Marmion Park, and the Awards Ceremony starts at 9:00 a.m. There will be entertainment, door prizes and refreshments, including tacos, fresh fruit, bagels, water, coffee and more!
• To register online for the Heights Fun Run, visit the Fun Run page at www.houstonheights.org. Online registration is available through May 31 at 8:00 p.m. Registration is also available at Luke's Locker on May 30-31 or at Marmion Park on race day.
• The fee for the Fun Run and Walk is $25 until May 28, and $30 May 29^th and after. The Kids 1K is $15 until May 28, and $20 on May 29^th and after. Credit cards are accepted.
•  Packet pick-up will be at Luke’s Locker at 1953 West Gray on May 30-31. Packets will also be available at Marmion Park, 18^th Street and Heights Boulevard, from 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. on race day. 
• For more information, call the Houston Heights Association at 713.861.4002, extension 4, or email funrun@houstonheights.org

Heights Happenings: April 17- April 25, 2013

Thursday, April 18, 6 pm - 8 pm: Opening reception for Paula Hawkins at One Green Street 

• OGS is pleased to celebrate the art of Houston artist Paula Hawkins. Paula is “a fine artist who combines realism with abstract impressionism to create works that are beautiful and symbolic, capturing color and light, imagination, time and mood, while combining art and quantum physics.”
• Stop by the store to enjoy wine and cheese and mingle with other art lovers.
• Work is on View from April 18th through May 18th.
• 3423 White Oak 

Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20, 7 pm: One Step Promenade

• Hope Stone Dance Company takes it off the stage and onto the streets…literally…as it presents one-step promenade, a “site-specific work set in and around the eclectic and funky Heights 19th Street boutiques, galleries and restaurants” both nights this weekend.
• This “dance/art crawl” will gather audiences at 19th Street and Ashland and progress through the 19th Street shops, making stops inside some shops before culminating just before Yale and 19th Street. With no stage and therefore no seating, the audience sets out on a path of dance and performance that takes them on a journey sure to entertain, surprise and enlighten.
• The performance will feature a variety of guest artists and musicians including Greg Harbar, Kristen Jensen, Kirk Suddreath and Ana Trevino-Godfrey. Other live music will be generated by the young talents of the Hope Stone Kids Ensemble. Hope Stone Dance Company will be sprinkled throughout the street along with the young dancing guests from the Houston Met Too. 
• Performances will be staged in and around the following participating stores (in no particular order): Mercader Antiques, Carter and Cooley, Replay on 19th, Venus Hair, The Lift, Edward Jones Investments, CODA, Eclectic Home, Gallery M Squared, Dramatika, Erica Delgardo Jewelry, Jubilee, The Green Painter, Thread, Joe White Antiques, Cricket's Creamery, Occasions, Langford Market, 18 Hands Gallery, Casa Ramirez, Vinal Edge, Bliss on 19th, Bespoke, Juicy in the Sky, Blissful Indulgence, Heights Cigar Lounge, Style Cycle, Boomtown Coffee, Red Rocket, Shade, Chippendale Eastlake Antiques.
• Tickets are FREE, but donations are appreciated…those who wish to make a love donation can call 713.526.1907 or visit www.hopestoneinc.org.

Monday, April 29, 6 pm- 8 pm: Greater Heights Town Hall: Public Safety

• Presented by CM Ellen Cohen. Cohen says “Public safety is the most commonly-shared priority throughout all District C neighborhoods. As Vice Chair of City Council's Public Safety Committee, I am committed to providing my constituents with the information and resources they need to protect themselves and their families. To this end, the District C Team and the Houston Police Department will be co-hosting a town hall for the Greater Heights community to discuss crime prevention.”
• West End Multi-Service Center, 170 Heights Blvd.
• Though some of the material presented will focus on the Greater Heights area, much of HPD's information and resources are applicable to all communities throughout District C, so all constituents are invited to attend. 

IN OTHER NEWS

Style Cycle gives back with Monthly Charity Donations!

• Responding to requests to donate items to the store, Style Cycle has set up a program to accept donations and use them to give back to our community!  Starting in April at Style Cycle we will be accepting donations for local causes. 
• Each month they will choose a different Houston non-profit who will receive 25% of the sales generated by donations that are received.
• In April 2013, they are accepting donations for Relay for Life Greater Heights Houston
• 246 W 19th

Speaking of Relay for Life Greater Heights: Open call to artists for Brazarre 2013

• Submissions are being accepted for the 3rd annual Brazarre 2013. Artists are asked to donate an artful bra. Each submission should incorporate all or part of an actual brassiere, and each piece should be 3-dimensional and at least vaguely or abstractly represent a bra. The piece need not be wearable or functional.
• These artful bras will be sold in both silent and blind auction formats, and all proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Greater Heights.
• The Brazarre 2013 will be held on Saturday, May 25th, 2013, at G Gallery, 6:30-9:00pm, 301 E. 11th St.
• The deadline to submit artful bras is Friday, May 10
• Please email Vicki, event chair, for more information on Veaker@gmail.com. Please include in the subject line: Brazarre 2013
  Submission / Artist’s Name. 
• You may contact Vicki Eaker to submit in person (281.857.0073).
  Please note: They would like to receive some artful bras prior to the May 10th deadline for use in press and promotional purposes. Submit your bra early if you would like your work to be considered for promotional/press use. All artists will be acknowledged for their work.
  All submissions are subject to approval, and each applicant chosen for inclusion in the event will be notified by email. Additional event information will be provided upon notification. 

And speaking of Style Cycle: Heights artist Elizabeth Cencini on display thru May 4

• Reagan HS and U of H alum Elizabeth Cencini’s work is on display and for sale at Style Cycle on 19th St. Check it out!

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS

The 8th Annual Frida Festival aims to unite the community through creative expression by collaborating with local artists and businesses to celebrate the life of one of Latin America's most highly respected and influential visual artists - Frida Kahlo. The Festival was established in 2005 as not only a celebration of the Birthday of Frida, but an exploration into her life, art and passions.

• Friday, April 19, 2013 6-9pm: Adult Frida look-alike contest
• Saturday, April 20, 2013, 12 - 5pm: Children's Frida look-alike contest
• "Frida" inspired arts market, featuring vendors from around Houston. Paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, accessories, clothing, toys, metal art and so much more! Visitors will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the artists about their work while enjoying the market.
• Vendors: Elvira Diaz Ocampo, 1 Stop Shop, OLA Boutique, Yamin Cespedes & Sid Rebel, Robin Silvers, Blue 130, Lizbeth Ortiz, Designs by Aida
• East End Studio & Gallery, 708 Telephone Road, Suite C

Saturday, May 18, 3pm - 10pm: The first inaugural Houston Press BrewFest 

• Houston Press BrewFest will be an indoor/outdoor beer sampling event and festival held at Silver Street Station (1501 Silver Street). The event will feature American craft beers, local food truck faire and musical entertainment. 
• General Admission tickets - $30, VIP - $55. 
• Prices increase on Friday, April 19^th to $35 and $60.  
• Eight (3oz) beer samples are included in the ticket price. VIP tickets will include early admission, access to the VIP Tent located in prime view of the music stage, plus variety of premium beers and free food. 
• For more information and tickets please visit www.BrewFest.com 

Eco-Peek: What Puts The Green in Ruggles Green

After double the time and double the budget, the Ruggles Green Heights location is finally set to open later this month. I was able to walk through last week and get a glimpse of what they've done with the old 11th Street Cafe. Needless to say, it's a total transformation. According to RG President Federico Marques, they were advised by the City to just tear the old building down. RG was committed, though, to both the Heights and the building. When a lot of other companies would have cut their losses and walked away, RG seized the opportunity to make something great out of basically 3 brick walls--- because that was all that was left at one point. Even the floor/foundation had to come out due to years of neglect and spotty patch work by previous owners. They salvaged the front and side walls and everything else is new. What has gone in between those walls is not only going to be a restaurant Heights residents will love, it's going to be a model of how eco-conscious a restaurant can be. It will definitely be one the greenest restaurants in Texas, one of the greenest in the country, and, if Marques has his way, possibly even the greenest in the world.

Before they even open, Ruggles Green's Heights location has an estimated 400 points by the Green Restaurant Association's standards. After three months in operation, if they can get up to 428, they will be the greenest restaurant in the world. Lofty ambition, for sure, but expected from Marques, who is an unintentional restauranteur. Green is Marques's business. He got in to the food industry by trying to help a once well known Houston restaurant save money by becoming more energy efficient. Now he helms one of the most energy efficient restaurants groups in the country. Even if Marques and the Ruggles Green Heights location miss the "World's Greenest" designation, it's still pretty impressive to even get close. And I hope some of the other local restaurants who are addicted to styrofoam cups and generate tons of waste will be inspired by RG to see how they can do better!

To read more about how the Green Restaurant Association, which has been certifying eco-conscious food establishments for two decades, awards points read here.

I asked Marques what some of the green features of the Heights location he is most excited about:

1.  2.5 kW solar array powers 100% of our lighting and more

2.  100% LED lighting (90% more efficient than incandescent )

3. Electric car charging station

4. Historic renovation of old 11th street cafe using reclaimed wood, brick, and stone wherever possible

5. 110% renewable energy credits to offset any non-green energy we purchase

6. Extensive recycling of paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, etc.

7. State of the art Energy Management System installed

8. Extensive electric and water conservation equipment

9. We recycle all our fryer oil and turn it into biofuel.

10. We offer locally grown, organic, vegetarian, vegan, and extensive GF menu options.

I love the biofuel aspect. The restaurant actually makes a profit on their used cooking oil. I just don't know why more restaurants don't capitalize on that concept!

In addition to all of these great point earners, Ruggles Green also composts food waste. I asked what they do with left overs at the end of the night. Perhaps donate to a homeless shelter or something? Nope. Not because they wouldn't want to help, but because everything is made to order, they have very little waste at the end of a service. As Marques told me, "If you want a burger, they're making that patty fresh." Nothing sits under heat lamps and waits to be ordered. That is excellent both from a green standpoint, but also from a consumer standpoint. I love knowing what I am getting is freshly made. I've worked in enough restaurants to know that isn't always the case, even in some pretty nice establishments!

Ruggles Green Heights will have a grand opening on Thursday, April 25. Store hours will be 11 am- 10 pm during the week, open until 11 pm on weekends. In a few months they'll open at 9 on weekends for breakfast as well. 

Each RG opens with a fundraiser for a local non-profit. I'll definitely share more details on that as they are finalized. Until then, here is a peek at the lovely newness you can expect inside those three, old brick walls.

On The Heights Life Facebook page, there is no shortage of people looking for vegan and gluten free options. RG will have both. 

 Do you remember the bathrooms at 11th St Cafe? Ugh. A far cry from the new ones at Ruggles Green.

I expect these cubbies to be full by opening. The restaurant will have both beer and wine.

The masonry work around the pizza oven is all reclaimed/remnants, giving the restaurant more green points.

Nothing like a shiny, new kicthen!

All the granite used for counter tops is remnant pieces.

Reclaimed stone, wood, and 100% LED lighting.

As many of you know I am luke warm about any 3rd, 4th or more location in the Heights. I prefer unique, but if this location of Ruggles Green is the the greenest in the world, that will  be both unique and inspirational. I am also excited to have a healthier option in walking distance from home. I look forward to this addition to the neighborhood and sincerely thank Federico Marques and Ruggles Green for having a vision for the Heights and not giving up, even at the cost of a lot more time and a lot more money. 

Hope to see you there on opening night, April 25!

Shop Til You Drop

4/4: Scroll to bottom for update

Studewood has become quite the shopping destination in the last few years. Many of us can remember when Oo La La was the only game in town along the corridor between White Oak and 11th Street. Tulips & Tutus left the tiny space on 19th (now occupied by Bespoke by GJCD) to join Oo La La, making it one of my favorite destinations for new babies and girlfriends' birthdays.

Photo: oolalagifts.com

Then Hello Lucky graced us with its presence. In the last five years, Teresa's shop and it's "Its OK to Houston" tshirts have become iconic. Her handmade, eco-friendly designs have made national news and all of us proud.

From Hello, Lucky's FB page

Most recently, a home-based soap making business converted a drab duplex in to the wonderfulness that is Sparrow and The Nest. Offering funky art pieces, handmade jewelry, man scented candles and toiletries, and delightful craft classes, this eye-catching gray and yellow shop cemented Studewood at 11th as the place you can go to get a great gift for someone else or get yourself a perfect pick-me-up.

Photo: sparrowandthenest.com

Now, it looks like we're getting another shopping destination.

I haven't been able to call to verify, but based on the font (real scientific, huh?) looks like it could be a new location of the SoHo boutique chain, with stores in Rice Village, Memorial, Woodway, and 2 locations in Florida. They have a couple of concepts, but the one I am familiar with is the Rice store, which specializes in trendy, high end clothes for girls, tweens, and women. I haven't been in the Studewood space (does anyone else remember when it had the painting of the woman masturbating in the window? Followed by an Obama as Jesus on the cross? Yeah, don't miss that...) but I'm sure it's not as big as their Rice space. If I had to guess, I would say this high end boutique chain may have noticed the success of La Camella and is aiming for the late 20s- early 30s crowd's money. Again, I don't know if it is the same (Will update as soon as I find out), but I can't imagine that someone would use the same name... Then again, crazier things have happened. Whether this is the kind of place I will shop or not, more retail is a great thing for the neighborhood, and with each successful new shop another one will find the neighborhood appealing. I hope someday to reach my goal of never having to go south of I10 to shop. 

4/4/13: UPDATE-- We have confirmation. Ally at the Woodway store was able to confirm for me that this is, indeed, another location in their boutique family. Opening date is probably June, although they are not set on anything at this point. She isn't certain, but guesses it will be the general "Contemporary" concept, as opposed to Couture or Tween. If you want information updates, Ally said friending their Facebook page is the best place to keep up.

It does make me sigh a little-- another not-unique-to-the-Heights concept, but we desperately need to build our retail market here, so bring it on, SoHo. Can't wait to see what you have to offer!