E ast M ontrose C i v i c A s s o c i a ti o n N e w s l e tt e r

Connect: Facebook.com/groups/East Montrose Houston —A Living Mosaic and www.eastmontrose.org or Mail: PO Box 131363 Houston, TX 77219

November 2015

It is the mission of East Montrose Civic Association to serve the interests of East Montrose, to promote the safety and welfare of its residents, to foster a sense of community, and to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of the area. These goals are accomplished through the efforts of its volunteers and elected officers.

Our National Night Out anti-crime street party on October 6, was an overwhelming success! A big part of what makes NNO fun is the FOOD! – We wish to thank these local restaurants for their generous donations:

Boheme wine bar (Fairview & Taft / hummus & pita), Cuchara Mexican Restaurant (Fairview & Taft / tacos), Gratifi Kitchen (Fairview & Taft / ice), Juan Mon’s International Sandwiches (Taft & Bomar / sandwiches), La Mexicanna (Fairview & Montrose / tamales), Midtown Bar & Grill (415 W. Gray / pizza), Niko-Niko’s (Montrose & Missouri / Greek favorites), Pepperoni’s (Montrose & Westheimer / pizza), Salata (River Oaks Shopping Center / salad, wraps), Chef Soren Pederson (catering, special events / gourmet pasta), East Montrose neighbors (wonderful and varied pot luck goodies of all types).

Chowing down is fun, and so is winning door prizes! Many thanks to these local sponsors, who donated door prizes, gift cards, and freebies: Texas Art Supply (Montrose & Welch), Madam Angela, mystic (Fairview & Taft), Max’s Wine Dive (Fairview & Taft), Gratifi Kitchen (Fairview & Taft), Fletcher’s Bike Studio (Taft & Fairview), Southwestern Paint (Taft & Bomar), Pepperoni’s (Montrose & Westheimer), Sherwin-Williams (Montrose & W. Gray), Nolan Dental (415 Westheimer), Joan Son Origami (904 Welch), Gym Bowie (Morgan & Fargo), Stan McDonald (Stan’s Hands massage), Jennifer Ridgeway (Mrs. Wooferton’s Pet Sitting & Dog Walking), Mary Quinn, family law (Fargo), Howard Marshburn (Peden), Montrose Management District, State Representative Garnet Coleman

We are grateful for financial donations and sponsorship from:

Bill Maxey, photographs (Welch), Lee Hudman, Keller Williams Realtor (Peden), Julie Young, the Wallpaper Lady (Stanford), Anonymous donor (“anonymous” due to not sure how to spell the name L ), A myriad of volunteers, too numerous to name, but vital to the success of the whole shin-dig!, and especially to Tim & Cindy, Anderson Fair - where it all came down!

NNO 2015!

Please note that there will NOT be an EMCA general monthly meeting in November, but mark your calendars for the annual EMCA White Elephant Gift Exchange Christmas party on Tuesday, December 15!

East Montrose Civic Association Newsletter

Page 1

Out and About…

by Julie Young

We are saddened by the death of Sgt. Rich Wilson, who was in charge of our local police substation on Westheimer at Crocker. Sgt. Wilson gave decades of service to our neighborhood, and was well loved and respected by both his officers and civilians. He was known for being fair to all parties, and he had a warm heart and was even said to have bought meals for arrestees awaiting transport to jail. Sgt. Wilson had a short but valiant battle with illness, and will be greatly missed.

Congratulations to Julie Young (Stanford) and Nell Stewart (Crocker), who had winning entries in the “Collections” competitions at the State Fair of Texas. One of the attractions at the State Fair this year was an exhibit on the Music of Texas. Prominently featured among the legendary venues for Texas music (and one of the very few who are still in operation) was Anderson Fair (Grant at Welch). Yes, the same A.F. who hosted our National Night Out party! To savor live Texas folk and indie music in a familyfriendly environment, check their website or the board in front of the building. Happy wedding bells to Lee Hudman & John Porter (Peden).

Welcome to Jason & Ophelia (and their two pups), brand new to 800 Willard.

Welcome to Mike & Brandy, coming from Ohio, to the new contemporary townhomes in 1900 Crocker. To the same complex, in the middle, we welcome Eric.

Since the brew pub down in Avondale is mired in red tape, Morgan (who also owns the fab wine bar Boheme in 300 Fairview) plans to put in a wine storage rental facility, climate controlled to keep your libations fresh and sumptuous.

National Night Out was fabulous! We had a super turn out, and a wonderful crowd to greet Mayor Parker, who arrived at 6:00 p.m. and stayed for a half an hour. There was plenty of time to visit with her on a one-to-one basis. She even ate with us! Our NNO party was also visited by the Executive Assistant Chief of Police Martha Montalvo, and Captain Bennett of our own Central Patrol, plus many officers from our local substation. It was also fun seeing the mayor’s straight-faced security guys lurking "inconspicuously" in the background.

Thanks to all who came out - 160 people! We even had people from Avondale join us this year! Our ever-growing number of young neighborhood children had a great time in the Kids' Area, building things, crawling through things, and some even made new friends to play with on other days! The Peggy Shiffick Park table attracted a lot of interest and support, and the membership table brought in a whole lot of new EMCA members.

We had a record amount of donated food, but there was virtually not one scrap left at the end of the night. A few people continued to arrive after 7:30, and they cleaned up what was left. Door prize sponsors were extra generous, and many, many attendees went home happy with a prize tucked under their arm. Donations from local restaurants, businesses, and sponsors are part of what make our NNO so special, so show your appreciation by remembering them when you go out to eat or need a product or service. Many thanks to the volunteers who picked up food, helped set up, break down, man tables, and other tasks. Too numerous to mention. You might think you are not doing much, but this huge annual event would not happen without your help. For fear of leaving someone out, I hesitate to print names here, but rest assured, you all are appreciated! Special thanks to Tim and Cindy, of Anderson Fair, for hosting us every year.

Thanks again for coming out to National Night Out! It's such a good thing, to meet your neighbors and make friends! And that’s the whole point of NNO – to get to know your neighbors and work together to fight crime. Other good things come out of a close-knit community, too, and that’s why so many people (Continued on page 3)

East Montrose Civic Association Newsletter

Page 2

(Continued from page 2)

love living in East Montrose. We’ll do it again next year!

Juan Mon’s International Sandwiches on Taft at Bomar has a really good deal from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Fridays … FREE BEER! Just purchase tacos or a “Juanwich,” and you’ll get a mug and can serve yourself from a keg on the patio. And not just any old cheap beer, but a changing variety of tasty and inspired craft beers, hand-picked by Juan himself.

You can eat cheap (and well!) on the first Tuesday of each month at Cuchara Mexican Restaurant on Fairview at Taft, during their $2 Taco Tuesdays. There are often other specials running at the same time.

November EMCA Meeting Topic…

Calling All Moms and Dads!

by Barbara Thornhill

D o you have questions about the schools in our neighborhood? Do you want to hear about the programs, enrollment processes, and the great things our neighborhood public schools are doing? Join us on January 19 for our monthly EMCA meeting and get the news! Representatives from Wharton, Carnegie Vanguard, Wilson, and Gregory Lincoln will be presenting information about their schools and will answer your questions. No kids in school? You should come, too. Those of us who do not have school aged children can hear about volunteer opportunities, some as simple as reading a book with a child. Good schools are the foundation of great neighborhoods.

We hope to see you January 19th, 7 PM, Midtown Bar & Grill - 415 West Gray.

Lee Hudman, ABR CLHMS CNE GPA

Your East Montrose Neighborhood Realtor®

Why should you call me when it’s time to buy or sell a home or investment property?

¨

Fifth-generation native of Houston.

¨

Resident of East Montrose since 2002.

¨ ¨

Full time Realtor® for 25+ years.

EMCA President 2006 and 2007

I know this city, I know this business, and I know our neighborhood! CALL ME TODAY at 713-980-5188 or eMail me at [email protected].

You should think twice before selling your bungalow to a builder. You will likely get a higher sales price on the open market, especially with updated homes. Now Available! 713 Usener. Location, location, location! Only 13 homes on the street. Updated art deco inspired stucco bungalow in deed-restricted Woodland Terrace. 2 beds / 2 baths. Updated kitchen. All appliances included. Master bedroom has a fireplace and large walk-in closet. One car garage. Lovely back yard. Just steps from the White Oak Bayou Butterfly park and hike & bike trails.

Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated

East Montrose Civic Association Newsletter

REDUCED to $499,000! Call today for a private showing. If your property is currently listed, then this is not a solicitation of that listing.

Page 3

Meet the Candidates for EMCA Officers….

Howdy neighbors!

I just wanted to let you all know that it’s not only election time for city government, but also right here in the neighborhood! There are three positions that need to be filled this December for our East Montrose Civic Association Board of Directors. Please take a few minutes to meet our candidates and come on out to the EMCA Holiday Party on December 15th to celebrate the season and vote! Julia Schafer, Candidate for EMCA Treasurer:

I’m Julia Schafer, current treasurer of East Montrose Civic Association. I’m a native Houstonian who graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. I have lived in our neighborhood for three years with my husband who is a long-time resident of East Montrose.

by Jerry Ballas

The City of Houston has announced a new phone app called “Rollout!”. This app uses your GPS location to automatically tell you when the regular, recycling, and heavy trash pickup will occur at your home! Put your smartphone to good use!

Have you seen something in the neighborhood that needs to be reported that is dangerous, or unsightly? Then you should get the free 311 app from the City of Houston and report the issue! This great app allows you to take a photo and file a report. You can use your own user ID or report anonymously. It’s easy to use. EMCA also gets notified so that we will know what issues are being reported within our boundaries.

Since my term as treasurer I have maintained the accounting records, the membership database, and I resolved a longstanding IRS issue. I am currently on the board of Houston Mod and I have served as a board member for the following nonprofits: Norhill Neighborhood Association, Voices Breaking Boundaries and the Society of Design Administrators. I also served on the Rice Design Alliance Membership Committee and Norhill Neighborhood Association Home Tour Committee.

After my long career managing small architecture firms, I have turned my interest in finding and selling vintage, mid-century modern furniture into an online business. My interests include historic preservation, architecture, furniture and textile design and modern culture. I would like to continue my position as treasurer for East Montrose Civic Association and I would very much appreciate your vote. Jennifer Ridgeway, Candidate for EMCA Secretary:

I'm Jennifer Ridgway, a native Houstonian that previously lived in east Montrose 25 years ago and I'm so happy to be back! I own and operate a busy dog walking and pet sitting business and in my free time enjoy volunteering for animal rescue groups. I'd like to be the Secretary because I'm very neighborly and want to be more involved in this awesome community. Danielle Andrasek, Candidate for EMCA Rep. At-Large 1

Hello, I'm Danielle Andrasek and I've lived in East Montrose for five years. I love our eclectic neighborhood, the sense of community, and all the exciting things happening here. Houston is growing and changing, and I'd like to help East Montrose, as a Member-at-Large, maintain its character and get even better in the future. We hope to see you at the party in December! East Montrose Civic Association Newsletter

Page 4

Art Corner...

Has this happened to you?

By Joan Son / [email protected]

You have an image in your mind... a work of ART sent to you by a friend because they knew you would love it... it came through email months ago. Then you are 1,000 miles away in some random museum in Minneapolis and you turn into yet another gallery and there it is! Astonishing! Because you really loved the piece. So I wanted to report that here and wonder about similar stories you may have. I find ART inspiration in many places. Lately I’ve been reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s new book BIG MAGIC. For all creative types... like ALL of you reading this newsletter. And for the more esoteric types... Patti Smith’s new book... M TRAIN. For sure both books are ART.

Real live soulful ART can be experienced at Anderson Fair right here in the oasis of our neighborhood on weekends. I especially LOVE Thursday nights when Ken Gaines and Wayne Wilkerson host singer songwriter’s night. An intimate live music opportunity so close by. Thumbs up from me!

Some/One by Doho Suh - Minneapolis Institute of Art

But mostly I’ve been looking at my own ART and preparing for my annual holiday sale in December. I can hardly believe this will be the 17th year! Early in the month when I start cleaning up the studio I wonder why I have decided to do this AGAIN. But the TRUTH is that even though the preparation is laborious the opportunity to hang out with my artist friends and welcome our guests and ooooo and ahhhhh over our new work is the most satisfying fun. Please join us! Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 11, 12 and 13. 904 Welch.

RUMOR has it that Dr. Bruce may contribute his latest fish creations for the sale! He told me, though, that he has two shows in Galveston so his appearance is uncertain. Of course that’s one of the blessings of this show. You never know who may show up at the last moment and what unexpected handmade treasures The new “East Montrose—A Living will be found... maybe some ART work someone sent you by Mosaic” signs are still available for email years ago. residents that would like to purchase one. The signs cost $75 each or two for $120 and are easy to install. Please call Mary Quinn at 281-6304487 if you would like to purchase a sign of your own.

East Montrose Civic Association Newsletter

Page 5

Area crime reports can be found at the excellent and current

www.spotcrime.com

The city of Houston crime database is almost always out of date. Our District C City Council Member: Ellen Cohen Ja’[email protected] - 832-393-3004 or [email protected] Stephanie Ace: Cohen Ambassador Program - Neighborhood Rep

Monies Out:

Ending Balance:

November 2 November 4 November 9 November 16 November 23 November 30 December 2

Memberships

EMCA Living Mosaic Sign Newsletter printing

EMCA Gen. Meeting Signs Square Trans. Fees

$50.00

[email protected]

Past President

$7,397.15

Jerry Ballas

Security:

Peggy Shiffick Park: Facebook Admin Webmaster

($319.09) ($126.12)

Bill Maxey

Julie Young

Lee Hudman

Christin Dietze Julie Young

Jim Cumming

Trees for EM:

OPEN

Barbara Thornhill Lee Hudman OPEN

[email protected]

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Extra printed newsletter copies can be found in the mailbox at Peggy

$7,911.36

Shiffick Park and in the “files” tab of the East Montrose Facebook page

Join EMCA Today!

Membership is open to neighborhood residents or business owners/operators. Payment of dues will apply to 2015

___ Single or Guest $15.00 ___Household $25.00 ___Business $30.00 Name(s):_______________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________ Home Phone:_________________Alt. Phone:_________________ Email:_________________________________________________

East Montrose Civic Association Newsletter

Danielle Andrasek

HPD’s PIP:

The City of Houston now has an app available to check on trash collection dates. The app is called “Rollout”, and is available in the app store.

OR pay via PayPal at www.Eastmontrose.org

Catherine Belan

At Large 1:

Monday Regular Trash Wednesay Heavy Trash—Tree waste Monday Regular Trash and Recycling Monday Regular Trash Monday Regular Trash and Recycling Monday Regular Trash Wednesday Heavy Trash—Junk

Mail to: PO Box 131363 Houston, TX 77219

Lisa Isgitt

Newsletter Coord.:

$75.00

TRASH COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Julia Schafer

Mary Quinn

Newsletter:

$765.00

($5.58)

Treasurer:

Vice President:

Neartown Liaison:

Eastmontrose.org / about us tab / meeting minutes

Indiv. Contribution NNO

[email protected]

Home Tour:

Full minutes of general meetings are posted at

Monies In:

Sherry Weesner

At Large 2:

917-443-6927 or [email protected]

Beginning Balance

President: Secretary:

Contact Ja’nae Williams

October Treasurer’s Report

East Montrose Officers

in digital PDF format.

Use this QR code to access EMCA’s website:

Or visit us at eastmontrose.org or

Facebook.com/groups/East Montrose

I would like to help in the following way:

Safety and Security: Promote safety and security in East Montrose through HPD’s Positive Interface Program (PIP), Crime-Out activities, and Citizens Crime Patrol. Membership: Encourage membership enrollment, maintain records. Volunteer: Database Administrator Volunteer: Newsletter Team

Want to submit an article for the newsletter? Please email your article to [email protected].

Page 6