Heights Happenings

Thursday, October 8, 5 pm- 9pm: Oolala Boolala Open House

• Items on sale, great door prizes, "potions and creepy treats."
• 833 Studewood

Friday, October 9, 6 pm-8pm: Nundini'sMonthly Wine Tasting

• Taste 2 Italian and 1 Argentinian wine in Nundini's recently updated space
• The Nundini Chef's Table has been providing authentic Italian foods in The Heights for over 8 years. They have a large selection of pastas, tomatoes, olive oils, meats, cheeses, wines, and more. The deli provides sandwiches and salads made to order and the gelato and sorbetto are made in house.

Nundini's Eat-In Italian specialty shop at 500 N Shepherd, Suite B

Fridays and Saturdays this month (Oct 9-10, 16-17, 23-24), 8 pm: UpStage Theater presents Agatha Cristie Takes Manhattan

• The show is a comedy/whodunit written by a couple of native Houstonian playwrights
• Tickets are $15, but THIS FRIDAY OCT 9 is Pay What You Wish Night--come out and make a donation to the Upstage Theatre Company

SOLD OUT Saturday, October 24, 7 pm: Sara Hickman house concert at Kolanowski Studio

• Sara is Official Texas State Musician for 2010-11.
• Sara was raised in Houston and launched her professional career at age 14 at a Houston Oilers party with just her guitar and voice. This led to performances at bank openings, psychiatric units and weddings. She graduated from the High School for Performing Arts and received a B.A. in painting from the University of North Texas.
• Performances are presented at the house of Greg and Kim Kolanowski, located in the Houston Heights.
• RSVPs with payment are required due to limited seating and will be on a "first come/first served" basis. Please call or email Greg or Kim to RSVP (713) 802-0232 • kim@kolanowskistudio.com or greg@kolanowskistudio.com
• The cost is $20 per person, with all proceeds going to Sara. CDs are usually available for sale at the concert.

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Saturday, October 24, 12 noon - 6pm: Emile Street Community Farm Community Green Fest

• 711 Emile Street in Houston's 5th Ward
• Celebrate the good earth with good people and good music

Friday, October 23, 6pm- 9pm: International Décor Gallery & Hannah Bacol Busch Fine Art Opening Event

• Artists: Michael Bracey, Kenneth Martin, Margaret VendryesKerry Coppin, Pali Dacanay, Don Gurewitz,Margaret Lewis and Susie Shapira
• Live Music, Wine, Hors d'oeuvres
• Artists' Talk 6pm--7pm.
• $20 Admission. Portion of proceeds from fine art sales will benefit March of Dimes-Houston and Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Greater Houston
• R.S.V.P. 713.527.0523 or inquire@internationaldecorgallery.com

Heights Bike Rally: Rain or Shine

We live in one fun neighborhood. We really do.

This past Sunday, I coaxed my neighbors and reluctant husband to join me for the Heights Bicycle Rally and Scavenger Hunt.

Although the event started at 7:30am, we made it over to the park at 18th and Studewood around 9:30am. I had pre-registered online earlier in the week for $15, but everyone else registered on site for $20.

The volunteers were incredibly friendly and organized. They handed us a map of the 20-mile route, our 21 clues, and a coupon for a free coffee at Onion Creek. Within ten minutes, we were on our way.

For the most part, the route was incredibly bike-friendly (despite the rain and occasionally intense wind!). We wound through The Heights and down around the bayou. We read clues like, "Who knew TV's Greg had a wife who cooked here?" and looked around for the answers along the path (Dharma Cafe). All of the clues followed the same order as the bike path, which made everything a littler easier.

Still, some clues were difficult: "This place is buzzing with activity on New Year's Eve, but forgotten the rest of the year." [The Resolution Center on T.C. Jester]

While others were easy: "If James Dean could Two Step, he'd be a regular here." [Rebel Honky Tonk]

It took us about five hours to wind our way through the various neighborhoods. I have to say that bike riding is a lot more conducive to spotting interesting sights than driving is. I saw new restaurants, organizations, and foliage that I had never noticed before.

After we dropped our answers off at the point of origin, we ran home for quick showers and a bite to eat at Lola (which is now open at Yale and 11th!). We returned to the park for the announcement of the winners. While we waited, we enjoyed free popcorn and drinks, as well as music from a local bluegrass band.

Although no one on my team came even close to winning (some of the answers were a little kooky, if you ask me), 75% of us walked away with door prizes. My neighbor and I both won bike shorts (no more butt pain!), and my husband won a bike toolkit and water bottle + cage. Other winners claimed gift certificates to local businesses (Collina's, Shade, Waldo's, etc.).

What a fun way to spend a Sunday! The event was well-organized, entertaining, and quirky all at once.

Hooray for the Heights!

P.S. I'll think I'll be using this map to take out-of-town guests on a bike tour of our area (although I'll probably try to avoid getting sopping wet next time...).

Things Are Really Moving

I always refer to 19th Street as our "main street." It is the center of the little town we call The Heights. Its our primary shopping destination and for years was the only place in town you could get a fancy-ish meal.

These days we have a lot of options for eating and shopping around The Heights. 19th Street is still a worthy destination, though. This weekend brings 1st Saturday and if it's been a while since you've been or even if the last time you were on 19th was last First Saturday, I think you'll be suprised to see all the changes. What's interesting is that things haven't just opened or closed. A lot of the same places and faces, just moved to different spaces!

One of the biggest moves was M2 Gallery moving in to a new space in the old theater. A brightly lit corner has been dedicated to Chicle de Anya and the gallery

A new use of a cool space. The gallery and boutique have been in this location for just under 4 weeks.

Greated by the the theater's (?) vintage projector.

Chicle de Anya's corner

Walking down to see what went in to Erica Del Gardo's old space, I noticed Felix at Behind The Garden Gate has a new friend. CODA, which opened on August 1st just in time for White Linen Night, sells inexpensive gift items like Tyler Candles and other home furnishing items. When you stop in, say "Hi" to the proprietor, Frank. He's a really nice guy.

CODA and Behind The Garden Gate, 355 W 19th Street

Felix and Frank gave me a heads' up on what was in the old jewelry store at 365 19th. Donell Marks has opened Center Stage Furniture & Home Staging. Her shop has been open around 3 weeks and has some pretty cool mid-century and vintage pieces.

Erica Del Gardo moved in to an expanded location a few doors down. Now she can offer even more of her handmade, unique jewelry items. She makes all the pieces in the store, so you may even catch her in process. I forgot to ask if she is going to offer classes, but she has done cool metal work classes in the past. Be sure to ask if you see her...

The new store is more than 2x the size of the previous location.

In addition to her handmade jewelry, Erica also has fun accessories for sale.

A Heights Life fave, Sew Crafty moved from it's cute White Oak location to an expanded space in Tansu's old location. I'll miss Tansu a lot, but I was glad to hear that her reasons for closing were personal and positive, rather than lack of business or anything like that. Again, this change is less than a month old. The new space looks awesome and I expect SC will be able to offer more cool classes for crafty peeps.

I didn't get an opportunity to go in or speak with anyone here, but looks like a fitness place of some sort is opening in M2's old place. The sign had information for a bootcamp.

Also, this Gilbert Joseph Home store should be opening soon.

Not all the changes were fun, though. Three stores are going or gone.

The 2nd shop was Balinska's or something like that. I never really went in there because... well a few years ago I was bit by a chijuajua in that store. Weird and random, I know...

For those of us who live to eat, Conroe's popular Pie In The Sky Pie Company is moving in to The Heights as well. This bright green eye-catcher is just west of Vietnam Restaurant, 19th and Shepherd. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Pie may be some competition to the newLola.

19th Street isn't the only part of The Heights going through some changes. I am giddy with excitment about some of the new things on deck and extremely curious about what some others will offer down the road. All in all, a very exciting time to be living life in The Heights!

I think this renovated bungalow across from Berryhill is set to be Zelko Bistro

Wondering if this is really going to happen?

Burgerzilla

Redevelopment on Studewood

Plenty of opportunity on White Oak

Heights Happenings

Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 am- 6pm: The First Saturday Arts Market returns to daytime hours

• Houston's only monthly outdoor fine arts event, the Market will be open on the first Saturdays of each month through May from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the parking lot of Wind Water Gallery in the Heights.
• First Saturday Arts Market features local and regional artists whose offerings include original paintings, photography, jewelry, sculpture, wood and metal arts, ceramics and fiber arts.
• And, if you mix in a little character from area farmers markets, throw in an ice cream truck on steroids, the best local talent up front entertaining -- all under dozens of white canopied tents -- visitors will find themselves in the middle of a mini arts festival in full swing.
• Kenneth Scott, Houston's soul-rocker, will be the featured performer in October. Scott considers himself as much of a spiritual activist as a songwriter & performer.

Saturday, October 3, 7:00PM: Samadhi Yoga & Dance Studios Studio Celebration

• Samadhi Studios has now been open for 7 months and now its time to Celebrate.
• They are hosting a Studio get-together for you to come meet your fellow yogis and instructors, make new friends and say congrats to our Samadhi Studios owner and founder Turkan Aydogmus for creating such a welcoming Yoga and Dance community.
• There will be performances and surprises. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
• 07.00 PM Welcome Guests; 07.30 PM Belly Dancer Performance; 08.00 PM Capoeira Performance; 08.30 PM Yoga Demo; 09.00 PM Price Drawing; 09.30 PM Belly Dancer 10.00 PM Live Music
• On going activities: Bliss Organization will provide a spiritual healer that will be present the most of the evening. Tarot card readings.
• 217 E 28th Street. Phone: 832 295 0099 RSVP to Claudia Da Silva <livingyouryoga@live.com>

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Saturday, October 3: CITY OF HOUSTON SOLAR TOUR

• The Houston Solar Tour features local residences and commercial buildings with solar and other renewable energy systems.
• The main purpose of the tour is to raise awareness, and provide an opportunity for the public to see working systems in place. Get a firsthand look at Real Solutions for Real People. With their solar arrays, the City's George R. Brown Convention Center is the second stop and The Green Building Resource Center is the third stop on the Tour!
• Pre-Start Solar Social at Discovery Green Park 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
• Self-Guided Solar Tours of the Greater Houston Area from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• The event is FREE for all ages and is sponsored by the City of Houston, American Solar Society http://www.ases.org/, Houston Renewable Energy Group and Houston Advanced Research Center. For more information visit http://www.houstonsolartour.org/.
  

Saturday, October 3, 11 AM - 4 PM: 8th annual B.I.R.T.H. Fair

• The fair is a family-friendly, free event at the United Way Center on Waugh Dr. Come and learn about cloth-diapering, babywearing, meet doulas and lactation consultants and enjoy the Fashion Show.
• Samples from local, naturally-minded vendors.
• For more information, call 832-344-6060 or visit http://www.houbirth.org/

Saturday, October 3, 6 - 9 PM: 5th Annual Winter Street Studios Artists' Exhibition

• Since 2005 Winter Street Studios has been and continues to be one of the most exciting workspaces for Houston’s creative community. An old furniture factory scheduled for demolition has become the home of 75 art studios for over 87 local artists.
• Join Winter Street's wonderful artists for a special opening reception. Guests will have the opportunity to view art, talk with the artists and learn about technique, inspiration and processes all while enjoying musical entertainment, refreshments and snacks.
• Gallery Hours: October 2nd-4th 1PM-5PM

October 8 - December 31, 2009: Houston's urban park, Discovery Green, will be home to "Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet"

• The public art exhibit being presented by Reliant Energy in partnership with the City of Houston will feature 50 supersized Cool Globes that each convey a different message about what ordinary citizens can do to combat global warming. The five-foot diameter, seven-foot-tall globes will be decorated by local, national and international artists.
• 1500 McKinney Street
• For more information http://www.coolglobes.com/
  
  
  

  

Saturday, October 10, 10 AM - 5 PM: Houston Firefest

• OCTOBER IS FIRE PREVENTION MONTH and FIREFEST is a great opportunity to receive valuable fire and life safety information, meet your local firefighters, witness live fire and rescue demonstrations, see antique cars and fire trucks, shop, eat, hear music and experience the Kid's Zone.
• Houston Fire Department's Val Jahnke Training Facility at 8030 Braniff just south of Hobby Airport. All proceeds go toward the education and outreach programs of the Houston Fire Museum.
• Admission is FREE as is the parking/shuttle service at the corner of Monroe and Meldrum.
• For more information on Firefest 2009 http://www.houstonfiremuseum.org/.
  

How Do You Say "Quirky and Cool" in Spanish?

Photo courtesy of Casa Ramirez

The quirky diversity of our neighborhood never ceases to amaze me.

This weekend, I went to my Spanish class, which meets in a back corner of Cricket's Creamery & Cafe on 19th Street. Then I walked a few doors down to attend an El Día de los Muertos workshop for teachers at Casa Ramirez.

Have you been there already? If not, what are you waiting for? It's such a treat to meander among the aisles, touching handcrafted, colorful pieces and flipping through books with vibrant images of Mexican culture. It's a mini-vacation without the plane ride, hotel expense, and risk of bacterial infection. Did I mention the rolls of oil cloth available for purchase?

I found my way to the back room for the workshop. Because of my pre-existing commitment to my Spanish class, I was an hour late. I caught the tail-end of the presentation about the rituals and customs of El Día de los Muertos, which was free to teachers and presented by the owner of Casa Ramirez.

After the formal presentation, however, some members of the Brooke Smith Art Coalition spoke about the El Día de los Muertos they are planning for Sunday, November 1 from 4-8pm at Montie Beach Park. I didn't even realize there was such an active group of artists living just across N. Main. One of the members talked about how his house functions as an impromptu art studio for the community. Folks can use the hidden key to let themselves in and start working on some art.

Several of the artists volunteered to come to our schools to help our students work on pieces for El Día de los Muertos, and they volunteered to help us find porches for any altars we wanted to construct for ourselves along the processional route.

I was so inspired by their friendliness, commitment to bridging the divide between different cultures, their desire to preserve ritual and create new traditions, and their quirkiness. I can't wait to participate in the events in some way. For those of you who are also interested, here's a a list of related events:

• Tuesday, October 20-Sunday, November 15: El Día de los Muertos Altar Exhibit at Casa Ramirez
  
• Saturday, October 24, 6-9pm: Opening Reception
• Sunday, November 1, dusk: Procession in honor of los muertos
• Sunday, November 1, 3-8pm: El Día de los Muertos event in Montie Beach Park

If you want more information about the holiday to honor the deceased:

1. Go to Wikipedia for a description of the holiday
2. Learn how to make an altar to honor the deceased

I love our neighborhood. I really do.

Heights Happenings: Bike Lovers Edition

Grease up your chain, inflate your tires and get ready. Next weekend is all about bikes in The Heights!

EDIT: CANCELLED. The ribbon cutting has been cancelled because they have apparently found some additional structural issues with the bridge over the bayou. However, the other events listed below are going on as planned.

_City of Houston Bikeway Program presents: _
MKT Rails to Trials Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, October 03, 2009

For more information contact Daniel Raine, Bicyclist Pedestrian Coordinator, Houston Bikeway Program, at
daniel.raine@cityofhouston.net or call at (713) 837-0136. To find more information on Houston's Bikeways go to http://www.houstonbikeways.org/.

Also, celebrate with the neighborhood at

In conjunction with the ribbon cutting, the Heights best bike shop, Blue Line Bike Lab, will be hosting a party benefitting Bike Houston. Bike Houston promotes bike education in the City. They sponsor the awesomely fun Moonlight Ramble.

• Beer provided by Pyramid Beer. Rumor has it you can buy a souvenir mug and fill it as many times as you want.
• Maui Waui will be selling smoothies
• Brats, hotdogs & veggiedogs
• There will also be a raffle for different items including a GT Mountain Bike.
• Music provided by the Whiskey Saints

Events at Biketoberfest will include:

8:30AM – Kids Parade & Community Bike Ride. Meet at Blue Line Bike Lab at 3302 White Oak.

9-10AM – City of Houston Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Meet on Bike Path near the Target Development.

10:30AM – Biking activities include bike tours of trail, Cyclocross Race & much more.

12:00 – 5:00PM – BiketoberFest Party at Blue Line Bike Lab

October 4, 7:30 AM start time: Houston Heights Association 4th Annual Heights Bicycle Rally and Scavenger Hunt

This isn't a race, rather a self-paced event where bike riders receive a packet containing a rally card, map and scavenger hunt clue list. The rally starts and ends at the fire station on 12th and Yale Streets.

This year participants will cycle a 20-mile course on City of Houston bike trails going through the Heights, Montrose, Morningside, Southampton, Braeswood, Medical Center, Hermann Park, Midtown, Downtown and Norhill.

There will be two check point/water stations. The rally card must be validated by a rally volunteer at each check point in order for the participant to be eligible for prizes. Both the completed clue list and the rally card must be turned in by 4 PM. Rally will end with a party.

Plan to celebrate with food, soft drinks and music while awards are announced and door prizes given! Awards will be given in both Adult and Youth categories. Award in the Scavenger Hunt goes to the participant who finds the most mystery objects along the course.

Heights Happenings

Thursday, October 1, 2009 from 7pm to 10pm: The Houston Heights Woman's Club Cork and Fork gathering

• This "wonderful social organization for women" is hosting the 1st of a series of "Cork and Fork" gatherings. Cork and Fork will take place every few months. Before each meeting the group will select a different theme or region to explore. They envision a casual atmosphere where friends can "relax and savor while conversing about the different wines and culinary delights" brought to share.
• The Clubhouse at 1846 Harvard StreetCost: A bottle of your favorite Spanish wine and a small plate or "tapa" for sharing
• RSVP: Email Shea Sandefer Hill at tou_shea@yahoo.com.
• Membership dues for the Houston Heights Woman's Club are $100 per person per year. If you would like a membership form or have further questions about this event or other activities at the HHWC, please contact Shea Sandefer Hill at 713-864-3466 or tou_shea@yahoo.com.
• Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.
  

Saturday, September 26, 2009, 8:30 am. - 10:30 am: Wildflower Planting at Stude Park

• Seeds and instructions will be provided at the park. Volunteers are asked to dress for the outdoors, wear closed toed shoes and be on time.
• Children are welcome when accompanied by a parent. Registration is encouraged prior to the event but not required. Site maps are available on line at http://www.houstonparks.org/. To register, contact Oneika McCarthy at (713) 865-9348 or oneikamccarthy@cityofhouston.net.
• 1031 Stude near the corner of Studewood and Interstate 10

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Saturday, September 26th, 7pm: Garden Party

• Bring your blankets and enjoy a night under the stars in Mandell Park with a garden party of film, food and flowers. Take a tour of the garden and learn how to plant your own seeds, bring a culinary delight inspired by your garden and watch short films about gardening and nature. Share your garden inspired dishes and be entered in a drawing for a prize from Whole Foods Market. Special thanks to State Farm Agent E. Bailey Moore for his support of this community event.
• Location: Mandell Park, corner of Richmond and Mandell

September 28- October 31: Images by Susan Sheets at the Daily Review Cafe

• Susan is a wonderful artist and wonderful person. My husband (this is Viula, by the way) grew up with her son and we own 3 of her paintings and love, love, love them. I am so excited to be able to get her some more exposure. Her work is truly amazing! Have a chicken pot pie at DRC while you're there :)

And I am going to sneak a little more personal business in here and wish my very wonderful husband a very Happy Birthday!

How to Make Friends in The Heights

I find that the older I get, the harder I have to work to make new friends.

It was so easy in elementary school, and college, and even when I taught in rural Louisiana through Teach For America. In those situations, you're immersed in a sea of many like-minded individuals who are undergoing very similar life experiences. You can easily identify with each other, and friendships form quickly.

Now that I'm a verifiable grown-up, it's harder and harder to make friends (but it's no less important!). The situation is compounded by the fact that I'm married. Ideally, any friends that I make will have a corresponding partner who will want to be friends with my partner.

It's complicated.

I thought I would pull together a list of my ideas for making friends in our neighborhood, and then open it up to you for your suggestions:

1. Get to know your neighbors: Our neighborhood saw a proliferation of neighbors getting to know each other after Hurricane Ike. Neighbors came together to cook rotting meat, share electricity via extension cords stretched across the street, and provide an extra set of hands. Why wait for a natural disaster to get out and meet each other? Consider hosting a block party on October 6, which is National Night Out for Texas. Let's get to know our neighbors proactively rather than reactively...
   
2. Frequent a specific place: Folks in our neighborhood tend to have their preferred hang out spots. The more you get out and get social, the more likely you'll come across new friends. I border on the homebody side, but one of my favorite hang-out spots is Antidote. The more I spend time there, the more I start to see the same people over and over again.
   
3. Get involved with the neighborhood association: I volunteered to be the newsletter editor for my neighborhood association, which is how I met Viula, which is how I got involved with this blog!
   
4. Start an organization: I started the Houston Heights Time Bank to strengthen community in the Heights and to make new friends. We have a monthly potluck (see picture of homemade cake above) for members, which is a great source for new friends.
   
5. Attend neighborhood events: Every Wednesday, theheightslife.com publishes a list of things going on in the 'hood. There's a neighborhood book club in Proctor Plaza, First Fridays, etc.
   
6. Throw dinner parties: As hard as it can be to make time for a homecooked meal (yet alone hosting other people!), dinner parties can be a great way to meet new people. Encourage friends to invite their friends and neighbors.
   
7. Hang out at impromptu dog parks: Dogs are amazing conversation starters. Enough said.

So what other strategies do you all have for making friends in The Heights?

Rockin' Robin

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