04.14.07
Posted in Meeting Minutes at 9:18 am by M Beauregard
Kevin Hoffman, Vice President, called the meeting to order at 9 AM. He was the Presiding Officer this morning. Max Beauregard, President, was not present, since he was out giving a presentation on "voter demographics" to the election judges of County Commissioner El Franco Lee. Kevin said, "Today we are celebrating the hundredth day of the Democratically-controlled U.S. Congress".
Constitutional Amendment, May 12
Mary Kay Green pointed out that in 2003 the Texas Legislature passed a measure for property tax relief for the elderly and disabled. She said the problem is that the limitation or cap wasn’t consistent. The new measure would make the change uniform across the board. She said what the Legislature did in 2003 and 2006 didn’t mesh well. Essentially, they need permission to amend the Constitution. Mary Kay Green said, "I see no reason to oppose it".
Gary Yokie commented that passage "would bring the change in line". Mary Kay said, "It would bring everyone down to a uniform level".
Antiwar News & Announcements
Jim Rine of Veterans for Peace said there will be a Memorial Day Flag Memorial again this year on May 27, 28, and 29 to commemorate the servicemen who have died in Iraq. This year there will also be a section dedicated to those who have committed suicide upon returning from Iraq. There will be a flag for each person who has died as a result of that war. The flags will be flown on Fannin Boulevard next to Hermann Park. The sponsors include Veterans for Peace (www.vfphouston.org) and Military Families Speak Out (www.mfso.org). He asked for volunteers. Mary Kay Green pointed out that the flag event last year got some press coverage. Jim Rine said the Houston Chronicle had a picture on the front page and a story inside. Vicki Bellow made a motion for the Heights Democrats to be a co-sponsor and to donate $100. The motion passed unanimously (jmrine@hotmail.com).
Bill Crossier reported that over 500 people attended the impeachment rally at the Resurrection Church on April 9. He said we now need to put pressure on Congress by making phone calls calling for impeachment. Linda George Smith said we only have 20 months left to get Bush impeached. Bill said just think of how much more damage he could do in 20 months. He said they’re constantly looking for excuses to invade Iran.
Legislative Update
Kevin Hoffman gave a "Capitol Update" from Jessica Farrar. She is pushing for new legislation that would restore CHIPS funding. He expressed relief that the marriage counseling bill is now dead. He thanked everyone who participated in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Community Events
He discussed this year’s Cinco de Mayo Parade. Vicki Bellow commented that the $125 entrance fee is a little steep. This year the organizers are asking that each group pay its own fee. We talked about the possibility of participating under the banner of another club, such as the Tejano Democrats, in order to avoid paying the fee. Mary Kay Green said the Tejano Democrats have a substantial amount in their kitty. Jim Rine suggested that we investigate the rules on participation, and consider participating under the banner of another club. We agreed to contribute $25 to the Cinco de Mayo Parade, which is the same amount that we have contributed in the past.
We discussed participation in this year’s Gay Pride Parade. Vicki Bellow said, of all the parades locally, it always ends up being the most fun. Bill Crossier said the crowd there is always very receptive to our message. We agreed to participate with the ROADwomen in this year’s parade (www.roadwomen.com).
Kevin Hoffman announced that Huey Long, the last surviving member of the original Ink Spots, will celebrate his 103rd birthday on Wednesday, April 25, and will celebrate his birthday at Gallery 2, located at 325 W. 19th, from 6 to 8:30 PM. He commented that "Huey Long is a true living Heights treasure" (www.m2-houston.com). For more information, contact m2-houston@sbcglobal.net.
He announced that Max Beauregard will be one of the presenters at a free seminar entitled, "The Larger Context and Lesser Known Issues Behind Immigration", on Wednesday, April 25, from 5 to 8:30 PM, on the HCC Pinemont Campus, 1265 Pinemont. Other presenters will be sociologists Dr. Stephen Klineberg and Dr. Nadia Flores, of Rice University and Texas A&M, respectively; and, Jose Rendon, of the Houston YMCA.
Kevin Hoffman said that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has asked that we help get out the word on efforts to preserve historic Heights landmarks. She is involved in the preservation efforts. Kevin suggested that we have 3 goals as blockwalkers: to promote Melissa Noriega’s campaign, to promote our club, and to promote historic Heights landmarks. She has requested calls to her office on the subject.
Fundraising
Vicki Bellow discussed fund raising possibilities. She said we might want to have a garage sale fundraiser. Someone said an auction might be easier or better. She suggested that we consider having it at the Boom Boom Room or another Heights-area location.
Linda George Smith said her advice to local area Democratic clubs is that they activate their committees.
We discussed changing our meeting time from 9 AM to 10 AM. Mary Kay Green pointed out that Chatter’s opens for business at 11 o’clock. If we were to start meeting at 11 AM, we would have to park on the other side of the building in order to not take up space from customers arriving at opening hour. Someone commented that her only concern is that she prefers meeting at 9 AM. She suggested meeting at 9:30 AM as a compromise. Bill Crossier predicted that the noise level would be higher at a later hour. Max Beauregard had wondered whether we could move into Kobain’s, the bar that sits behind us. Bill Crossier observed that the noise would be even more of a problem there. Mary Kay Green said that food wouldn’t be an issue. We would still be bringing our own food, as we do now. Chatter’s would provide the coffee. Vicki Bellow will bring the sound system next time. She has it in her house. Kevin Hoffman said we will table the issue until our next meeting.
Kevin asked whether anyone has more announcements. Someone said the Heights Church of Christ, 1548 Heights Boulevard, will have an environmental forum next weekend, entitled, "Protecting Creation: A Call for Environmental Stewardship". Barbara Ann Radnofsky, our 2006 Senate candidate, will speak on water issues at 12:30 PM (www.heightschurchofchrist.org). Mary Kay Green commented that Sara Owen-Gemoets, a lesser-known candidate who happens to be a Methodist minister, spoke recently at a candidates’ forum in the Heights that was organized by Patrick McIlvain. No one is changing their endorsements, but Sara was well-received. She was very well-spoken and refreshing. She came across as very reasonable, and impressed the attendees at the forum.
The meeting was adjourned by Kevin Hoffman at 10 AM.
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Posted in Events, GHDC Blog at 12:23 am by M Beauregard
April 13,14,15
Tickets $15. advance purchase
Docents are needed for 3hr shifts, in exchange for a set or tour tickets. Call Max, 713/864-0549
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Broman Home
1233 Yale Street
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| The Lula Doughty home, located at 1233 Yale Street, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a City of Houston Landmark structure. Named for Miss Lula Doughty, a Heights school teacher and principal, this Victorian-style home with Greek Revival influences was built around 1906. It boasts 12-foot ceilings, 7-foot windows and much of the original interior trim. Special features include an incredible tri-fold door between the entry and living room and an unusual tilt window in the first floor bath. Over the last 20 years, Don and Debbie Broman have lovingly restored their home. Don designed and built a beautiful library to house their collection of antique books—some dating back to the 1890s. The homeowners’ adjacent 1940s house has been remodeled for use as a conservatory for art, music, and entertaining, and features Debbie’s collections of vintage 1940s knotty pine and bamboo furniture. Avid organic gardeners, the landscape is overflowing with fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, and vegetables.
HEAD DOCENTS: Diane Easley & Jim Bennett
FLORALS: Darlene’s Flowers
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Stapp Home
1130 Cortlandt Street
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| This typical Heights bungalow, with front gable and exposed flared rafter tails, came to life in 1912 with two bedrooms and one bath. (If you look carefully, you’ll find at least three other examples of the original design remaining in the neighborhood.) In the late 1970s, the interior was completely redone; the only remaining original interior feature was a set of French doors. The current owner purchased the home in 1995, and in 2005, a total renovation took the house down to the studs, leaving only the front gable. Square footage was added at the rear and in a second-floor extension over the driveway. The renovation included recycled oak floors, new molding, new double-hung windows, salvaged interior doors, new siding, and the home’s original porch swing. The result is a spacious home that is both old and new – a comfortable mix of architectural features, styles, materials and décor.
HEAD DOCENTS: Janet & Tom Buchheit
FLORALS: Another Place in Time
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Cottage Home
1113 Rutland
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When they initiated conversations with their architect, the owners of this newly constructed home were committed to maintaining the architectural integrity and scale of the neighborhood. The dramatic contrast between the “Houston Heights bungalow” exterior elevation and the “comfortable contemporary” feel of the home’s interior creates a dynamic tension that delights and intrigues the emotions. With one exception, all of the home’s rooms engage the courtyard and swimming pool. The generous use of porches, windows and glass doors creates a magnificent interface between the indoors and out, making both an equally important part of the living space.
HEAD DOCENTS: Linda Eyles & Danae Stephenson
FLORALS: Jana’s Flowers
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Spin Home
622 East 8th Street
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| Modeled after the façade of an 1850s mansion in the Garden District of New Orleans, “Trinidad” was designed by the homeowners and Creole Design. It was constructed by Allegro Builders. Some of the home’s many details include curved double verandahs, a barrel-vaulted ceiling entrance, Brazilian cherry wood floors, and stained glass windows. Other period details – including rope, dentil, and egg-and-dart moldings – were replicated. Designed for entertaining and repose, the stone-tiled rear porch opens onto an outdoor kitchen and a two-story “relaxation room” overlooking a Tuscan-styled pool and lush landscape, all conceived by KJDevelopment.
HEAD DOCENT: Marta Montenegro
FLORALS: Central Market
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Conwell Home
615 East 8th Street
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| They say the best surprises come in small packages and this charming 1920s bungalow is no exception. Purchased by the current homeowner in 1999, the home maintains much of its original design – a simple and refreshing contrast to the more common luxuriously updated kitchen and bath. Every square inch of the home is filled with artwork – from both local and internationally acclaimed artists – and an eclectic mix of antiques and modern furnishings. The homeowner’s personality and collections from her international travels are apparent in the creative backyard space, designed to reflect her favorite travel locale: a Balinese seaside resort.
HEAD DOCENTS: Melinda & Lee Gaskill
FLORALS: Webwood Flowers
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Newcaster Home
614 E. 5th Street
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| Built in 1998, this loft-style home mixes old with new in a barefoot-comfortable style. As you enter through 100-year-old cypress doors you’re welcomed by an open plan reminiscent of a 20th century firehouse. The interior features concrete floors, counters and fireplace, and a 22-foot pressed tin ceiling. The owners’ rotating collection of contemporary Vietnamese paintings accentuates the subtle color palette. In the back, a large pair of enclosed porches are set amid lush landscaping. The raised lap pool with adjoining iron gazebo is almost hidden within the eclectic subtropical garden. A mesmerizing fountain accents a pond alive with fish. Birds, butterflies and a working bee hive are at home in the 100-year-old native longleaf pine. The homeowners have also seen to it that the home is a comfortable haven for their dog, Chocolate Mousse, and his friends.
HEAD DOCENTS: Jon Helmer & Max Beauregard
FLORALS: The Empty Vase |
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04.12.07
Posted in Events, GHDC Blog at 7:30 pm by M Beauregard
Joe Klein
Thursday, April 12 | Wortham Center
Senior Time magazine columnist
Topic: Islam, Iraq, and The War on Terror
sponsored by Progressive Forum Houston
Joe Klein is one of America’s most astute observers of politics and international affairs. In April of ’07, his comments on the war in Iraq will be timely as the nation struggles with this growing crisis. Klein is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the author of many books, including his latest, Politics Lost: How American Politics Was Trivialized By People Who Think You’re Stupid, about the disservice rendered by political consultants; and Primary Colors, inspired by the 1992 presidential race, a book that was on The New York Times bestseller list for 25 consecutive weeks.
Program at 7:30 p.m. in the Wortham Center, Cullen Theater. Private patron reception at 6:30 p.m. in the Green Room. / Book signing after the program in the grand foyer. Books will be on sale throughout the evening by Brazos Bookstore. / Tickets $19 to $59. A limited number of patron tickets at $110 include preferred seating location, private patron reception with the speaker, and a free autographed book. All tickets are $5 more at the door. At certain price levels, there are discounts for students, seniors 65 and over, and groups of 15 or more. Valid ID required at the door. There are no tickets sold in advance at the Wortham Center box office. Tickets are sold by an independent box office service, ClickNPrint, by telephone or online (see link and phone number under photo above). / For the hearing impaired, headsets are available at the box office or from the ushers.
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04.09.07
Posted in Events, GHDC Blog at 6:00 pm by M Beauregard
The time has come for:
”We the People”
“IMPEACHMENT:
Our Right, Our Duty”
* An event for networking, protesting, petition signing, postcard writing, tabling, food, drinks, videos, music, and speeches *
A Heights Location:
Monday April 9 @ 6:00 PM
Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
2025 West 11 Street, (Just west of TC Jester Blvd)
Houston, TX 77008
Get involved in taking our country back from Bush and Cheney!
Show them that our American spirit will NOT tolerate:
— Illegal war
— Warrantless wiretaps
— Torture
— Erosion of the Constitution
— Subversion of our electoral process
— Indifference to those hit by disasters
— Dishonor and neglect of those injured in our country’s service
Join us for a night of edification and action.
Keynote Speaker: Cindy Sheehan
You will also hear from:
Ann Wright, former Army Colonel and prominent war protestor,
Debra Sweet, of NYC, National Coordinator, “The World Can’t Wait”
Diane Wilson, environmental protester against Alcoa and author: “An Unreasonable Woman: A True Story of Shrimpers, Politicos, Polluters, and the Fight for Seadrift, TX”
Sissy Farenthold, former State Representative and Gubernatorial Candidate
Professor Bob Jensen, peace writer and professor, School of Journalism, University of Texas Austin
State Representative Lon Burnam, Dallas
City Councilwoman Ada Edwards, noted peace activist
Texas singer and songwriter Saylor White will provide musical entertainment to warm up the crowd.
Snacks, Appetizers, and Refreshments will be served.
$5.00 donation requested. No one turned away due to lack of funds.
Visit www.paa-tx.org or call 713-432-1277 for more information
Sponsors:
Progressive Action Alliance, Veterans for Peace, Military Families Speak Out, Democracy for Houston, Harris County Green Party, Houston Peace News, Houston Peace & Justice Center, Greater Heights Democratic Club
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