Looking for something amazing and fun to do in Houston? Check out the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art! 🎨✨

In this episode, our host Blanca Quezada chats with Jonathan Beitler, the director of communications and special events at the Orange Show. They dive into the center's history, exciting programs, and upcoming expansions. Learn about the famous Art Car Parade and Festival, and the inspiring story behind the Orange Show Monument and Beer Can House.

Plus, discover the breathtaking Houston Temple by world-renowned artist David Best. Jonathan shares how this beautiful wooden structure, open for public vigils every Thursday, will be burned in a powerful ceremony in November 2024 to release trauma and celebrate life.

Don't miss this episode filled with creativity and inspiration! 🌟

For more information on the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, visit: https://www.orangeshow.org or call 713-926-6368.

To learn more about artist David Best and the Houston Temple, visit: https://www.full.orangeshow.org/davidbest.

Remember, Spotlight Houston episodes now drop every Monday! Please tune in next week for more engaging stories celebrating our city's vibrant spirit. Do you have an idea or feedback? We're always listening!

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Are you ready for an adventure? In our latest episode of Spotlight Houston, we take you on a journey to explore one of the city's most treasured spots – Discovery Green. This is a replay of Episode 77, originally aired on March 3, 2024.

Tucked away in the heart of downtown Houston, Discovery Green is different from your average park. It's a lively hub where art, nature, and community activities come together in perfect harmony. From breathtaking sculptures to live performances, there's something for everyone in this urban oasis.

Join us as we chat with Kathryn Lott, president of Discovery Green, and Susanne Theis, the park's artistic director. They'll take us on a journey through the park's creation, celebrating the visionary women behind its inception, especially as we acknowledge Women's History Month. Learn about the dedication and drive that transformed this green space into its dynamic hub today, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

Kathryn and Susanne will also give us a sneak peek into the park's packed calendar, highlighting upcoming events and programs that cater to all ages. From the fabulous ice-skating rink and family movie nights to jazz concerts and other musical performances, something always happens at Discovery Green. They'll even delve into the culinary delights at The Grove restaurant and the inspiring art installations that dot the landscape.

Discovery Green is gearing up for fun, learning, and relaxation, with special spring break and summer programs on the horizon. Plus, find out how you can contribute to keeping this urban oasis thriving for future Houstonians to enjoy.

For more information on Discovery Green and its activities, visit https://www.discoverygreen.com.

Remember, Spotlight Houston episodes now drop every Monday! Please tune in next week for more engaging stories celebrating our city's vibrant spirit. Do you have an idea or feedback? We're always listening!

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Welcome to Spotlight Houston! We bring you the best of the people, places, and events in Houston. Join us every Monday for a new episode hosted by Blanca Quezada.

Today, we're doing things a bit differently. Due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl, we do not have a new episode this week. We hope to have one next week. In the meantime, we're replaying a favorite from Season 1. This is Episode 49, which originally aired on July 16, 2023.

In this special replay episode, we shine a light on The Furniture Bank, a fantastic non-profit organization making a significant impact in Houston. Jeff Taylor, Director of Operations, joins Blanca to discuss how The Furniture Bank provides essential furniture to families and children in need. Discover how they help kids get into their own beds, improving their quality of life.

Jeff shares heartwarming stories of families who have benefited from their services, especially those affected by disasters like hurricanes or transitioning from homelessness. Learn how having a bed or a dining table can restore dignity and hope. Jeff also talks about how you can get involved by donating furniture, volunteering, or purchasing items from their Furniture Outlet.

To learn more about The Furniture Bank and how you can help, visit https://houstonfurniturebank.org or call 713-842-9771. The Furniture Bank is located at 8220 Mosley Rd. Houston, TX 77075.

Spotlight Houston episodes drop every Monday! Tune in next week for more inspiring stories that celebrate our city's vibrant spirit. Have an idea or feedback? We're all ears!

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Join us this week on Spotlight Houston for an inspiring episode about the incredible work of Covenant House, a sanctuary for homeless youth in our city.

As one of the largest cities in the country, homelessness continues to be a big problem in Houston, and it's not just adults who are affected. Many young people are also suffering, feeling lost, hungry, and scared. They need a place where they can feel safe and cared for.

Covenant House is a non-profit organization that opened over 40 years ago to provide a safe shelter for young men and women aged 18-24. Since then, it has grown into much more. Felicia Broussard, Chief of Development for Covenant House, joins our host, Blanca Quezada, to discuss how the organization is meeting the needs of homeless youth.

Felicia shares how these young people often become homeless due to abuse, abandonment, aging out of foster care, or being at risk of human trafficking. Covenant House is committed to providing a safe place and meals and helping these young adults finish school, go to college, find jobs, and learn life skills. They offer a wide range of programs and services, including on-site medical care, financial literacy, employment assistance, life skills workshops, mental health care, and much more.

To learn more about Covenant House, how to become a volunteer, or to donate, visit https://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-shelters/houston-texas or call 713-523-2231.

Remember, Spotlight Houston episodes now drop every Monday! Please tune in next week for more engaging stories celebrating our city's vibrant spirit. Do you have an idea or feedback? We're always listening!

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Do you know the difference between your brain and your mind? The MindWorks exhibit, built by the Ontario Science Centre, is a hands-on, thought-provoking exhibit that explores this difference. This interactive exhibit helps us learn what makes us who we are, why we think, feel, and act, and where our inner voice comes from.

In this episode, our host Blanca Quezada sits down with Becky Seabrook, Director of Guest Engagement at The Health Museum. Becky discusses what makes this exhibition interesting, how it encourages self-reflection, and shows our minds' remarkable power. She also explains how the exhibit will make us question what our mind is, how it works, and how it helps us think and feel.

Becky also talks about how the exhibition starts thought-provoking conversations about making choices, understanding perception, and the nature of consciousness. Is the mind separate from our brain, or does the brain control the mind?

The exhibit is for visitors of all ages, with hands-on activities for kids, too.

MindWorks will be open through September 29, 2024, and admission is included with the general admission ticket for The Health Museum. For more details, visit https://www.thehealthmuseum.org or call (713) 521-1515.

Remember, Spotlight Houston episodes now drop every Monday! Tune in next week for more engaging stories that celebrate our city's vibrant spirit. Do you have an idea or feedback? We're always listening!

To learn more about the MindWorks exhibit, programs and the museum's permanent exhibits visit: https://www.thehealthmuseum.org or call 713-521-1515.

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Get ready to don your red, white, and blue gear and join the City of Pearland for a spectacular 4th of July celebration! This week, we're spotlighting the Celebration of Freedom event at the newly renovated Independence Park, proudly presented by Bayway Chevrolet.

Blanca Quezada is joined by Lindsey Taylor, special events coordinator for the City of Pearland Parks and Recreation Department. Lindsey gives us the scoop on the exciting activities planned, including live music by Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band on the H-E-B Entertainment Stage, fun kids' activities, and a dazzling 18-minute fireworks display at 9 p.m. But that's not all—there will be more activities, giveaways, a presentation of colors, fly-by jets, and special recognition for our military, veterans, firefighters, police officers, and other civil service providers.

Lindsey also shares how the City of Pearland has ensured everyone's safety and security for this event. For more details on the event, parking, accessibility issues, emergency services, and how to volunteer, visit https://www.pearlandtx.gov/special-events/celebration-of-freedom or call (281) 412-8900.

Independence Park is located at 3449 Pearland Parkway, Pearland, TX 77581. If you can't make it to the event, tune into the park's livestream and watch online.

Don't miss out on this festive celebration!

Remember, Spotlight Houston episodes now drop every Monday! Tune in next week for more engaging stories that celebrate our city's vibrant spirit. Do you have an idea or feedback? We're always listening!

Follow us on social media at:

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpotlightHoustonShow

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· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpotlightHoustonShow

Get ready for a fun and lively episode of Spotlight Houston! This week, we're spotlighting Silambam Houston, one of the city's cultural gems. Join our host, Blanca Quezada, as she chats with Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan, founder of Silambam Houston. This amazing group teaches classical Indian dance and has been part of our community since 2002.

Dr. Lavanya shares how she started Silambam Houston to celebrate Indian dance. With over 100 students, they offer dance classes, events, and more to connect people with Indian culture.

Our conversation also delves into the transformative role of the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund's (BANF) Cultural Treasure Acceleration Initiative. BANF recognized the potential of Silambam Houston, naming them a Cultural Treasure and providing crucial funding. Discover how this support has propelled Silambam Houston to make a significant impact through dance and community outreach.

The BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF) supports Houston Cultural Treasures to help under-recognized and under-resourced organizations.

In a recent ceremony, BANF named 11 groups 'Houston Cultural Treasures' and gave them over $5 million in funding for 2024-2025. Silambam Houston was one of them!

These groups, including Silambam Houston, are not just recipients of support, but leaders in cultural production and community advocacy. BANF's backing is not just financial but also a catalyst for a more inclusive and diverse arts scene in Houston, a testament to the power of community support.

BANF started in 2022 by investing $2 million in BIPOC-led groups needing urgent support during the pandemic. In 2023, they funded 25 artists with $20,000 each. Another round will open in 2024.

To learn more about Silambam Houston, visit https://www.silambamhouston.org or call 713-635-9382.

Remember, Spotlight Houston episodes now drop every Monday! Tune in next week for more engaging stories that celebrate our city's vibrant spirit. Do you have an idea or feedback? We're always listening!

Follow us on social media at:

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpotlightHoustonShow

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· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpotlightHoustonShow

Join us on Spotlight Houston this week as we delve into the world of pregnancy and early parenthood, with a special focus on the comprehensive support services offered by the Motherhood Center. Our host, Blanca Quezada, chats with Gabriela Gerhart, the Center's founder and president, about the essential resources and educational programs they provide for new moms, dads, and even grandparents.

Gabriela, a seasoned pregnancy and newborn specialist, shares the inspiration behind founding the Motherhood Center 24 years ago. Her vision was to create a holistic space for expectant parents to find the support, education, and wellness services they need during this transformative period. From yoga classes to massage services, the Center is designed to be a one-stop sanctuary for motherhood.

Discover the wide array of courses offered, each designed to provide essential knowledge and skills for new parents. From childbirth preparation to nutrition for mom and baby, breastfeeding techniques to postpartum recovery, and baby safety to CPR, these courses are a gateway to a confident and informed parenting journey. Gabriela emphasizes the importance of empowering parents with knowledge to ensure the best possible experience.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of unique events like the Baby Bump Social, a monthly gathering that not only connects parents-to-be with experts but also fosters a sense of community, and a special Father's Day event tailored just for dads, providing a platform for them to share their experiences and learn from each other.

To learn more about the Motherhood Center and everything it provides, please visit https://www.motherhoodcenter.com or call 713-963-8880.

Remember, Spotlight Houston episodes now drop every Monday! Tune in next week for more engaging stories that celebrate our city's vibrant spirit. Do you have an idea or feedback? We're always listening!

Follow us on social media at:

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpotlightHoustonShow

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Summer is upon us, and all we think about is going out to enjoy the sun either by a pool, the beach, gardening, playing outdoors with the kids, other activities, or just sitting out to a nice tan. But many of us overlook the fact that the sun's rays can damage our skins in many ways, but the scariest is skin cancer which sometimes can be deadly depending on lots of factors, for example the type it is.

Sitting to discuss with Blanca Quezada, host, regarding skin cancer prevention are two Houston's best dermatologists from Bellaire Dermatology Clinic, Dr. Kayla McNiece, FACMS and Dr. Lauren Pontius Floyd.

Dr. McNiece is a specialist in skin cancer, facial reconstruction, and complex dermatology. Dr. Floyd specializes in medical dermatology, skin cancer, and dermatologic procedures.

Both doctors discuss the importance of sunscreen for skin protection, what are the most common skin cancers, treatment options, what Mohs surgery is, what the risk factors are for skin cancer, who is at risk, and self-examination. They also describe what melanomas look like and how it can also occur in nails. Both doctors give recommendations on the best sunscreens to buy and how to use them.

Enjoy being out in the sun but follow the Dr's recommendations to prevent skin cancers. Stay safe!

To find out more about the Bellaire Dermatology Clinic, the physicians, the care and services they provide please visit: https://www.bellairedermatology.com or call 713-661-4383.

Remember, Spotlight Houston episodes now drop every Monday! Tune in next week for more engaging stories that celebrate the vibrant spirit of our city. Have an idea or feedback? We're always listening!

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This week, host Blanca Quezada is joined by Dr. Jesse Esparza associate professor and interim chair of the department of history at Texas Southern University. His area of expertise is on the history of Latinos in the United States. He is also an award-winning author.

Dr. Esparza discusses the complexity of Latino people in Houston and the United States, how their traditions and cultures have made a difference in the patchwork of peoples that live in Houston and the county. Beginning with the misconception that if we speak Spanish or have a certain look, we are all Mexican.

Dr. Esparza also discusses the upcoming Bayou City History Harvest Day Event, which is devoted to recording and preserving the records of the community, including the Houston Police Department. Dr. Esparza is inviting people to bring their stories, photographs, newspaper clippings, and personal artifacts. Everything will be scanned, recorded, or photographed and returned to the owners. There will also be a film screening.

The Bayou City History Harvest Day is on Saturday, June 1st, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Leonel J. Castillo Community Center on 2101 South St., 77009. For more information, contact Carlos Cantu and Jesse Esparza at [email protected].