Issuu

Inside Today: The Houston Open has come to Memorial Park • Page 4B

Flower & Gift Shop

MICHAEL SILVA

michael@happenhouston.com

713-725-8748 cell

Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 • Vol. 65 • No. 44

ABOUT US 2020 North Loop West Suite 220 (713) 686-8494 news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/FromTheLeader

40 YEARS INSULATING! Attics • Walls • Floors Noise Reduction • Removal

FREE ESTIMATES

713.868.1021

paylessinsulation.com

Incumbents win at local, state, federal levels By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Tuesday’s election represented a win for incumbency, especially in the races most relevant to local residents. The area’s representatives in Congress and the Texas Legislature held on to their seats, as did the previously elected officials on a countywide level, according to unofficial election results released Wednesday morning

by the Harris County See related Clerk’s Office. About 1.65 million county story on drivethru voting residents voted in all, good for 67 perPage 4A cent turnout among registered voters. U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat, coasted to a 14th term in District 18, which includes parts of the Heights, Garden See Election P. 5A

Jackson Lee

Crenshaw

Waiting Game

PROPERTIES

A little piece of country in the heart of the city.

By Landan Kuhlmann Editor’s Note: This story is an excerpt from Our Veterans, the book about area residents who have served their country in the United States Armed Forces. It can be purchased at theleadernews.com or by calling 713-686-8494.

(713) 863-8322

INSIDE. Photo by Adam Zuvanich Two election workers, center and right, and a man doing construction work at Lazybrook Baptist Church wait for voters Tuesday.

Record early voting leads to low Election Day turnout By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Page 7A

Taking shape. Construction is nearing completion at the Houston Farmers Market.

Whereas many voters might have made their decisions well before the election, Moe Raval decided not to rush to judgment. The 31-year-old Garden Oaks resident said he watched one of the presidential debates in its entirety and part of the other one. He also had discussions with friends about the merits of voting for President Donald Trump or for former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic challenger. So in a county where more than 1.4 million people cast ballots during the three weeks of early voting – surpassing Harris County’s entire turnout from the 2016 general election – Raval waited until the final day. And he’s glad he did, because there were only a few fellow voters at Waltrip High School when he arrived at the local polling place Tuesday afternoon. “Sometimes I have to wait in line,” Raval said. “But right now, it’s just in and out.” Whether their preferred candidates won or not, area residents were rewarded for waiting until Election Day to cast their ballots. There were sparse crowds at many of the 30-plus voting locations in the Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and Heights areas, with only 151 people voting at Waltrip as of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to an election volunteer who was keeping voter counts at polling places in the vicinity. Less than 3 miles away at Lazybrook Baptist Church, an election worker there said about 200 people had voted as of about 3 p.m. “It is pretty slow,” said Booker Morris, the election volunteer who was keeping voter counts at area polling places. “But a lot

Photo by Adam Zuvanich Moe Raval leaves Waltrip High School after voting Tuesday.

of people voted early. And a lot of people sent in mail ballots that have to be counted.” Morris said the relatively low turnout Tuesday was a byproduct of Harris County’s expansion of voter access, which he considers better than the alternative. There were a total of 806 polling locations across the county Tuesday, when more than 200,000 ballots were cast, according to the Harris County Clerk’s Office.

It was merely a friendly smooch from an innocent pooch. It became the kiss seen around the world and Peggy Mondy’s claim to fame. In October 1953, a 20-year-old Mondy joined the Women Marine Administrative Platoon, 1st 4.5” Rocket Battalion in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in Dallas. Not long after, she made headlines around the country for doing a photoshoot with USMC bulldog mascot Gunnery Sergeant Little Britches. Though the picture the shoot produced became iconic – and is proudly displayed at American Legion Post 560 in the Garden Oaks community where Mondy now lives and serves – it didn’t begin that way. “I’m trying to put my face near him, trying to put that cap over his head, and he starts growling and leaning into me,” Mondy remembered. “I was afraid he was going to bite me.” Eventually, however, Gunnery Sergeant Little Britches decided to give Mondy a chance. And right before the photographer clicked his camera, the dog turned and licked her cheek from chin to temple. “I started talking to him, and he suddenly decided he liked me,” Mondy said. “So out came that big, long tongue.” The photo of the bulldog licking Mondy’s smiling face soon took on a life of its own. It spawned headlines such as “Beauty and the Ugg,” and “Marine takes a licking” as it circulated around

See Voting, P. 5A

See Mondy, P. 5A

Dressed-up dogs bring Halloween joy to local seniors By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Page 1B

THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 4A Classifieds.............................................. 5A Coupons................................................... 3B Food/Drink/Art................................... 7A Opinion..................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 3A Sports......................................................... 4B

 

azuvanich@theleadernews.com

4537 N Shepherd Dr.

Always open. Zarah Parker reviews the new Katz’s deli in the Heights, which never closes.

OUR VETS

Area Marine’s service worth more than 1,000 words

jasonk@greenwoodking.com GREENWOOD KING

Page 8A

 

Gonzalez

Photo from Dallas Morning News archives Peggy Mondy receives a kiss from a dog named Gunnery Sergeant Little Britches.

Jason Knebel (713)232-9712

Already missed. The community is mourning the death of a beloved Kroger employee.

Morales Shaw

Photos by Adam Zuvanich The Village of the Heights resident Terri Leibold, right, pets Turbo, the dog owned by her daughter, Paxton Leibold, left.

Terri Leibold loves being around her daughter’s dogs, but she hadn’t gotten to pet them since July. That’s when she moved into The Village of the Heights, which wasn’t allowing human or canine visitors because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leibold got a peek at the pooches a few weeks ago, when Paxton Leibold brought her Labrador mix named Turbo and the Mastiff named

Otto. But they had to enjoy each other’s company from afar, with Terri looking down from a second-floor balcony while Paxton and her dogs remained in the parking lot. They had more of an upclose visit last Saturday morning at the assisted-living community at 1407 Studewood St., where Turbo placed third in a dog costume contest as part of a “Howl-O-Ween” celebration. Terri, 63, was able to pet Turbo as he paraded past residents while dressed in what she called a “cute”

bunny outfit. “This one in particular is like her best friend,” Paxton said. “She had just, like, the biggest smile.” Smiles flowed freely on a pleasant, sunny morning at The Village of the Heights, where about 30 residents gathered outside to watch the pet parade and vote for their favorite dogs and costumes. The dogs were a mix of breeds and sizes and owned by residents’ family memSee Pooches, P. 4A

Personalized attention. 2222 North Durham | 281.517.8760 AllegianceBank.com

By ensuring consistent access, quick answers and tailored solutions, we don’t just get to know your business, we get to know you. %iscover how our taking your success personally can make all the difference.

THE PUBLIC.

George G. Junkin, D.C. - NW Chiro “Treat the problem itself, not just the symptoms.” This is the philosophy behind the chiropractic practice of Dr. George Junkin. Chiropractic adjustments and healthy lifestyle choices produce the best results. For over 35 years, Dr. Junkin has helped patients get releif from pain due to an injury or chronic condition. The result being fast long-lasting relief.

The Leader • Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 • Page 2A

Suspect charged in Heights officer-involved shooting By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Houston police have filed charges against a suspect in connection with an officer-involved shooting in the Heights last weekend. Christian Taylor, 23, has been charged with assault of a peace officer in the 182nd District Court, according to the

Houston Police Department. A news release from HPD said an officer was at the Walmart at 111 Yale St. in the Heights around 12:40 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 when she was notified that a male customer was accused of shoplifting. HPD said Taylor allegedly refused multiple verbal requests and walked out the door, followed by the officer.

Following one more verbal command to stop, police say Taylor allegedly lunged at the officer and struck her several times in the head and upper body, before allegedly attacking an employee who attempted to pull him away from the officer. HPD said the officer issued one final command to stop before Taylor allegedly lunged

toward her, prompting her to fire her gun and strike him in the leg. The incident is under investigation from HPD’s Special Investigations Unit, internal affairs and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Anyone with additional information in this case is urged to contact the Special Investigations Unit at 713-308-3600.

11500 NW Fwy. Suite #201 • Houston, TX 77092 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com

IN MEMORIAM

HPD investigating stabbing at area gas station By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Houston police are investigating a stabbing at a local convenience store that put a man in the hospital last week. The victim, 56-year-old Benjamin Russell, was transported to an area hospital in

critical condition, according to the Houston Police Department. HPD said a male suspect told investigators that Russell allegedly walked into a bathroom at the Star Stop gas station at 3003 Ella Blvd. around 11 a.m. Oct. 29 and attacked him from behind without provocation. The suspect told police he

stabbed Russell in self-defense, according to HPD. No charges have been filed in the ongoing investigation, according to HPD. Anyone with additional information in this case is urged to contact HPD’s Major Assaults & Family Violence division at 713-308-8800.

Dama Stackhouse

ama Stackhouse, age 95, of Houston, Texas passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2020. Dama was born October 31, 1924 in Soper, Oklahoma. Dama was preceded in death by her husband Gene Q. Stackhouse; father Eugene Taylor; mother, Elberta Taylor; brothers Jesse Taylor, Ray Taylor, Frank Taylor, brother Wayland Taylor; sisters Ruth Bohannon and Nola Pauline Taylor. Dama is survived by sisters Sue Putz, Shirley Holder and brother-in-law Bill Holder; goddaughter Laura Millis (Mark Millis), godchild Darlene Duran (Doyle Duran) and godchild Harry Hughes (JoAnne Hughes). She was also privileged to have many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dama's memory may be made to Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030; or St Jude's, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pathfoleyfuneraldirectors.com for the Stackhouse family.

Police Reports • Oct. 26 - Nov. 2 OCT. 26

Vandalism 12 PM 200 BLOCK COCKEREL Theft 11 AM 1300 BLOCK W 19TH Arrest 3 PM 3100 BLOCK EASTMAN Arrest 1 PM 200 BLOCK E 44TH Assault 3 PM 1400 BLOCK W 24TH Arrest 2 PM 00 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 12 AM 500 BLOCK CORDELL Other 12 AM 2200 BLOCK HARVARD Theft 6 PM 500 BLOCK W 23RD Theft 8 AM 700 BLOCK W 19TH Assault 11 AM 3600 BLOCK MICHAUX Arrest 3 PM 600 BLOCK W 24TH Theft 7 PM 700 BLOCK W 20TH Vandalism 8 AM 1000 BLOCK HERKIMER

OCT. 27

Burglary 2 PM 500 BLOCK E 41ST Assault 5 PM 800 BLOCK NEYLAND Theft 5 PM 400 BLOCK OXFORD Arrest 3 PM 2900 BLOCK AIRLINE Arrest 2 PM 700 BLOCK W 43RD Assault 8 AM 00 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Other 4 PM 2500 BLOCK AIRLINE

OCT. 28

Theft 10 PM 4100 BLOCK DE

DON’T BE A VICTIM! Concealed Handgun Classes

WE BUY WE BUY ALL GUNS ALL GUNS CONSIGNMENTS NEW LOCATION WELCOME

2001 Karbach Suite F Houston, TX 77092

713-694-4867

BUY SELL TRADE

Gift Certificates

BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer GEORGE Theft 8 PM 1400 BLOCK YALE Burglary 6 PM 500 BLOCK W 23RD Theft 5 PM 2000 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Assault 4 AM 700 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Vandalism 7 AM 100 BLOCK W 20TH Vandalism 10 AM 800 BLOCK W 28TH Theft 3 PM 500 BLOCK ALLSTON Theft 9 AM 6100 BLOCK ABINGTON WAY Vandalism 4 AM 700 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS

OCT. 29

Theft 7 AM 400 BLOCK ENID Theft 8 PM 1500 BLOCK W 34TH Theft 5 PM 300 BLOCK W 19TH Robbery 5 AM 100 BLOCK W CAVALCADE

Theft 8 AM 1800 BLOCK DURHAM Arrest 12 AM 4300 BLOCK AIRLINE Robbery 5 AM 3100 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 1 AM 2000 BLOCK AIRLINE

OCT. 30

Theft 6 PM 1200 BLOCK W 23RD Theft 7 PM 1500 BLOCK W 18TH Theft 11 AM 2400 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 4 PM 500 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 8 PM 1500 BLOCK W 18TH1

OCT. 31

Burglary 6 AM 2400 BLOCK YALE Theft 4 PM 1400 BLOCK YALE Theft 3 PM 1100 BLOCK NASHUA Other 8 PM 2600 BLOCK SHADY ACRES CT Theft 6 AM 400 BLOCK S HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 9 PM 1800 BLOCK SHEPHERD Robbery 12:57 AM 6700 BLOCK FULTON Shooting 1:08 AM 100 BLOCK YALE Theft 4 AM 1900 BLOCK N SHEPHERD

OCT. 31, 1924 – OCT. 29, 2020

ASHLAND Assault 12 AM 200 BLOCK W 25TH Assault 11 AM 3400 BLOCK CORTLANDT Assault 7 PM 1300 BLOCK E 31ST Theft 12 AM 300 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS Assault 10 PM 2100 BLOCK DURHAM Theft 4 PM 5100 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Assault 1 AM 900 BLOCK WINSTON Arrest 1 AM 1500 BLOCK STUDEMONT

NOV. 2

Arrest 2 AM 2900 BLOCK AIRLINE

Pat H. Foley & Company 1200 W. 34th St. • Houston, TX 77018 713-869-6261

Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

GREENWOOD KING

PROPERTIES Agent Spotlight

Nancy Jane McMillan

713.906.1979 / nancyjane@greenwoodking.com

NOV. 1

Burglary 8 PM 1700 BLOCK

For all your real estate needs, choose a knowledgeable

GREENWOOD KING AGENT with experience & expertise

Amanda Anhorn

Rich Anhorn

Heather Chappelear

Tisha Cook

Cassandra Craig

Rogelio Diaz Jr.

Jason Knebel

Brigette Larson

Nancy Jane McMillan

Juli Moore

Natalie Moussa

Dena Musfy

Jenny Puls

Debbie Villasana

Theresa Hill

THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 • Page 3A

Last two weeks have provided no clarity M any of you will turn to this page today hoping I add some sort of perspective to the culmination of two years of political campaigning and what it means for the future of our country. Too bad. So sorry for the tricky headline. Literally, you can go to any other news medium in this hemisphere and read about politics until you can’t stand another drop of dopamine or you have tears streaming down your face. Maybe I’ll muster an original opinion in the weeks to come, but today, I really need to tell you about the tears streaming down my face. We could all use a good laugh right now, even if it comes at my expense. The story dates back to high school, when I regularly came home with pounding headaches. Turns out I could hardly read which side of a triangle was the hypotenuse, which is probably why I made my one and only academic D in trigonometry. Of course, I could have worn glasses that spotted water on the moon, and I still wouldn’t have mustered a C in that ridiculous waste of a semester in Mrs. Pruitt’s class. Yes, right at the point in my life when looks were nearly as important as oxygen, I left the eye doctor with a set of frames and every moniker associated with wearing

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

glasses. Except I didn’t care a single bit. Here’s the thing: I grew to love wearing glasses, mainly for superficial reasons. I happen to have eyebrows that will, one day, need their own lawn-service contract, and what better way to hide the growth than dark rims? My three children have cost me so many nights of sleep that I now carry a set of duffel bags under my eyes. Again, glasses equal medically necessary camouflage. And who are we kidding? Glasses make all of us look a bit wiser, and I’ll take any dose of the help I can get. I’ve worn glasses for more than three decades, and for those of you who can relate, you know the problems that arise. When the optometrist initially broke the bad news, I

was told to wear glasses for reading. Today, I take them off to read and need them for seeing road signs and the faces of my children across the room. In fact, I was prescribed with “progressives” two years ago, which is a culturally sensitive way of saying “bifocals.” Fast forward to two weeks ago, when I had my annual visit with the machine that blows bullet wind into your eye to make sure you can still blink. “Have you ever considered contacts?” asked the optometrist. For a few years now, my wife has suggested I make the switch. Every once in a while, she and I will make a trip not conducive to glasses, and she’s tired of my excuses. Once, she wanted to snorkel at a beach not named Galveston (Look! I found a coat-hanger!), and I begged off because goggles don’t fit over glasses, and goggles without glasses are as worthless as trigonometry. We also took a winter trip to Wyoming a few years ago, and the only thing I saw on our snow-mobile trip was fog and ice hanging from said eyebrows. “Why not,” I answered the good doctor. A week later, I was summoned back to the optometrist for a “training session” on wearing contacts. After watching a 4-minute video

Lynn Ashby Columnist

job early, so here I am.” Some of my repairmen come so often I know them personally. The cable guy comes to fix the cable and it works well – for an hour. The seventh visit he gets it right. This will be the third time I have had an icemaker service man come to fix it. Currently we wait in line to vote, to get tested for Covid-19 and, for many, for food to keep from starving. Maybe we should start waiting in line for something to be fixed. Just put the ol’ freezer or dishwasher in the trunk and get behind the last car. There are several points I have learned in these matters: Do not hang around the fixer advising. “The washing machine goes bump-bumpbump.” He looks up. “It’s doesn’t go whee-whee-whee like the little piggy all the way home?” I can do without sarcasm. If there are two of them, don’t refer to the other guy as “your accomplice.” Many repair guys have a name stitched over their pocket. First name only. “Sam,” “Fred” or “Jose” are fine. But be wary of any repair people with unlisted shirts. Occasionally a repairman will leave a tool behind. If it’s a hammer, pliers or screw driver, call the company and report the mishap. If it’s a crowbar, glass cutter or ski mask, call the cops. Speaking of masks, these days we have to be careful about any repair person entering your house without wearing a mask. You might gently say, “Shouldn’t you be wearing a mask?” He may reply, “Who are you, Doctor Fauci?” You reply, “No, but I have an appointment with him tomorrow. I have this cough.” Wait. Don’t. He may race back to his truck. What with the virus going around, think twice about letting anyone into your house who’s not a blood relation. Come to think of it, don’t even leave your house. That’s why I no longer need a barber, I need a beautician. Whatever machine you have, from garbage disposal to PC printer, it is obsolete and not worth fixing. And on any burned-out coil, the warranty expired yesterday. All repairmen have cell phones which ring constantly with calls that having nothing to do with the job. Start worrying when the plumber makes the call instead and says, “Honey, you know that BMW you always wanted?” Let’s talk money. It’s hard to get an estimate for the work over the phone. “How much will it cost?” I ask. The per-

far enough from my body to read the word “hypotenuse.” Oh sure, the doctor told me I would now need reading glasses, and she even gave me the correct strength to purchase. I went to a pharmacy and bought three sets, because I’m no idiot, and I’ll never be that guy who can’t find his reading glasses. Of course, I couldn’t see those glasses when I purchased them, and two pairs ended up being brands made specifically for women. So I brought the one, and only, useful set of new reading glasses back to my office and put them on when I sat back at my computer. The words on my screen were the size of a Freightliner. That’s right, I needed one set of glasses to read a book or my phone. I needed an entirely different set for seeing my computer. I literally went from one set of all-purpose glasses to now wearing contacts and carrying two sets of glasses in my pocket. To those of you who wear contacts and have perfect eyebrows, Godspeed. Either our family is going to take a lot snorkeling trips, or I’m going to put on my glasses each morning so I can clearly see the six months’ worth of contacts going to waste. Email jonathan@mcelvymedia.com

THE READER.

Wait watchers THE FRONT DOOR – Why I am I standing here like an idiot while I could be watching re-runs of “My Mother the Car?” It’s because my icemaker doesn’t work. It bombed and the repairman, or repairwoman, is coming to fix it. Sometime. Have you noticed that when a repair truck comes to your house and parks, the driverfixer just sits there for 30 minutes? What is he or she doing? Texting or napping or watching “My Mother the Car”? When the truck first pulled up for the 1 o’clock appointment promptly at 3, I rushed to the door expecting to greet the fixer. But the driver just sits there. This brings up a situation all of us face: the Covid-19 virus and repairmen, although “repairmen” is sexist these days, still, let’s keep this simple. You know the drill: one morning you find roaches in your kitchen, or the dishwasher eats your spatula. Maybe the a/c clangs or – in my case – the icemaker doesn’t make ice. You ring up someone to fix it. “Your call is very important to us, so it will be taped, monitored or traced, just to make sure you pay.” My call is so important that I have to listen to “The Best of Serbian Polkas” for 30 minutes. (The other day, honest, I waited a solid hour on hold in a call to Best Buy and finally had to hang up. Never did get anyone.) Some grad business student needs to figure out how many hours Americans waste each day on hold. If you eventually do get a real, live person, it goes like this: “OK, we’ve got you down.” I reply, “But exactly when will he come?” “Let’s see. This is 2020, isn’t it? Ever since Y2K I’ve been confused. August? October? He’ll be there between 1 and 5.” “That’s fine. Between 1 and 5 o’clock.” “No, between the first and the fifth.” Another true story: Last week I was told the repairman would come on Thursday. Huh? “What time on Thursday?” They meant anytime on Thursday, so I had sit here the entire day waiting for the repair guy. This reminds me of a story. Back in the days of the Soviet Union they used to tell a joke about a fellow who orders a car. “You can pick it up exactly 10 years from today,” says the salesman. “Morning or afternoon?” asks the customer. “What difference does it make?” “The plumber is coming that morning.” Actually, the only thing worse than a worker coming late is to come early. I am sitting there in my bathrobe, trying to read the paper and watch the news on TV – I can multi-task – and the doorbell rings. “Hi, I finished the last

that teaches one to contort your arms and throw your pupil into the back of your skull, I was handed two tins of solution and a set of foreign objects to attach to my eyeballs. It didn’t help that I have spent the past 46 years trying to avoid touching those eyeballs. In fact, the entire existence of the eyelid hinges on keeping foreign objects away. After 20 minutes of unsuccessful coaching, I looked in the mirror and saw a river of tears strolling down my face, my nose had filled with mucus, and my inability to place a piece of plastic between two lids was downright embarrassing. Once I start a project, though, I have a hard time quitting, and eventually, I had both contacts somewhat attached and the blessing of the poor lady who watched the entire ordeal. I also ordered a 6-month supply. For the first time in 30 years, I could drive a car without glasses. I had no ruthless shards of plastic piercing the bridge of my nose. I had eyebrows larger than even I knew. You can imagine how exciting this all felt, and you can also imagine how painful it was to realize I now could not see the numbers on my watch. I could not see the letters on my phone. I could not hold my arm

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

City, county tax rate decreases

son on the other end says, “That depends. What is your model number?” Do you know the model number of your garbage disposal? I say I haven’t the foggiest idea. “It’s stamped on the underside to the E0-Y outlet. Just look for a yellow tag.” I explain that I can’t get down on my hands and knees and look under the sink, not since an IED went off under my Humvee outside Kabul. Finally, there is the old story of the man watching a plumber who pokes around for five minutes, changes a washer and says, “That’ll be $125.” “What!” screams the man. “I’m a lawyer and don’t charge that much.” Replies the plumber, “Neither did I when I was a lawyer.” Ashby is waiting at ashby2@comcast.net

Dear Editor: Regarding “City, county approve tax rate decreases” (Leader Oct 31): As long as property appraisals continue vaulting upward, miniscule decreases to property tax rates are pretty much just window dressing. A primary reason that older, long-time residents can no longer afford to live in many Leader-area neighborhoods is the consistently escalating tax burden. Property valuation should be what the owner actually paid for the property. When a home later sells for a higher market value -- and there is constant turnover in Harris County -- that selling price becomes the new owner’s basis. This is a far more fair and objective method that relying upon some skippy-dog little bureaucrat’s annually adjusted fantasy. J. Reynolds

It’s never too late to find common ground

Dear Editor: This time, sorry to tell you, I’m not agreeing with you. I have no intention to chase down someone to give me a reason why they were, not just unco-operative, but also snotty and condescending. Never mind if it was a hired underling, if the one who did the hiring can’t or won’t check what’s put out there in his/her name, he/ she does not deserve my consideration and my vote. Don’t make me run after you to give you what you want, give me a real good reason why I should give it to you instead of your opponent! Anna

HFD still investigating string of fires

Dear Editor: I still don’t understand what is going on with this case. I haven’t seen any newly burned up cars since Saturday Oct. 10. I thought that one of the suspects was arrested, and the other died after a gun fight. In another fire related story, the hike and bike trail bridge that was damaged by fire a few months ago is still closed. I would like to have The Leader get an answer from the city as to when it will be repaired. Houston is a hotbed of arson, and has, at least in the past, under reported arson to NFIRS. Jason Hochman

Changing HISD guidelines rattles teachers, parents

Dear Editor: Hoping that they will consider the health and safety of the majority to avoid community spread and go back virtual. HISD didn’t even ask teachers and staff for any option. Anonymous Dear Editor: Interesting that the positivity rates for Harris County and City of Houston are over seven percent and six percent, respectively. The TMC test positivity rate on their dashboard has been under five percent for two months or more. Obviously, there are a lot of bad data, and the news media has been fear mongering. There should be more coverage of how many of the “cases” are asymptomatic. Jason Hochman

the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Munich jazz label 4. A lump of clay 8. Showy ornament 10. __ Girl, brand of beer 11. Aka Kissavos 12. Warmest season of the year 13. 2nd longest Bulgarian river 15. Records the brain’s electric currents 16. Cutting part of a drill 17. Colorful Italian city 18. The last part 19. Pouch 20. “Mad Men” creator 24. No (Scottish) 25. Actress Farrow 26. Focus cars (Co. initials) 27. Snakelike fish 28. One point E of due S 29. Grey sea eagle 30. Female “Mad Men” star 37. Actress Lupino 38. Time units (abbr.)

39. Moses’ elder brother 40. 4th Caliph of Islam 41. Treaty of Rome creation 42. Theatrical play 43. Told on 45. “To tie” in Spanish 46. Amidst 47. Exchange for money 48. Bar game missile 49. Pluto or ___ Pater

dOwn 1. Selfishness 2. Cinnamon source 3. Revolutionary firearm 4. Br. university town river 5. Lower back region 6. Relating to oil 7. Soil 9. Cause to lose courage 10. Pushed in nose dog 12. Dregs 14. Part of a cheer 15. Point midway between NE and E

18. Female sheep 19. Main 21. In a way, tangled 22. WWII female grunts 23. Nothing 26. Hoover’s organization 27. Before 28. Patti Hearst’s captors 29. One point S of due E 30. Film splicer & viewer 31. Something curved in shape 32. Possessed 33. Patagonian hares 34. Gave a formal speech 35. Resident of Mogadishu 36. Tangles 37. Annona diversifolia 40. Mures river city 41. Same as 15 across 44. Explosive

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A â€˘ Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 â€˘ The Leader

Federal courts dismiss latest legal challenge to drive-through voting By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Nearly 127,000 ballots cast inside vehicles during early voting in Harris County will not be kicked to the curb â€“ at least not yet. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen on Monday dismissed a lawsuit filed by four Republicans that sought to stop drive-through voting in Harris County and invalidate 126,912 votes that were cast in that manner during early voting from Oct. 13-30. Hanen said the plaintiffs â€“ Republican activist Steven Hotze, State Rep. Steve Toth, U.S. House of Representatives candidate Wendell Champion and state district judge candidate Sharon Hemphill â€“ lacked standing and filed their lawsuit too late because the election was well underway when it was filed this past weekend. The plaintiffs subsequently appealed to the 5th Circuit

Court of Appeals, which rejected the lawsuit late Monday night. â€œTodayâ€™s decision validates what we have been saying all along: Drive thru voting is safe, secure, legal and a common sense way for voters to cast their ballots during a pandemic,â€? Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who approved the practice, said in a statement. â€œIt is beyond comprehension that anyone would seek to invalidate 127,000 votes legally cast by voters.â€? Hanen, in a series of remarks after dismissing the lawsuit, said he thought the votes in question were cast legally because, â€œThe vast, vast, vast majority did that in reliance on their public officials telling them that this was a legal, right way to vote.â€? But he stopped short of saying the practice of drive-through voting is legal under the Texas Election Code and ordered Harris County, the defendant

Hanen

in the case, to maintain records of which voters utilized the drive-through option in case a higher court deems those votes illegal. Hanen also cast doubt on the legality of future votes cast via drive-through, in which voters remain in their vehicles, provide identification to poll workers and then receive electronic devices on which to log in and cast their ballots. â€œIâ€™ve already voted,â€? Hanen

said. â€œI would not vote in a drive-through just out of my concern as to whether thatâ€™s legal or not.â€? Nearly 9 percent of the 1.435 million early votes cast in Harris County were via drive-through, according to early voting totals released by the Harris County Clerkâ€™s Office. At Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, an area polling place at 2025 W. 11th St. in Timbergove Manor, there were 10,337 drive-through voters during early voting and 6,880 ballots cast there through traditional in-person voting. Jared Woodfill, an attorney for the plaintiffs, argued that drive-through voting violates the Texas Election Code and U.S. Constitution because the Texas Legislature has not specifically allowed for it and the stateâ€™s other 253 counties are not utilizing it. He also argued the movable tents utilized for drive-through voting are not

structures, which is an early voting requirement according to the election code, but Hanen said he did not agree with that argument and considers drive-through tents to be structures. However, Hanen also noted that voting in Texas on Election Day must be conducted in a â€œbuilding.â€? He said he does not consider the drive-through tents to be buildings. In light of Hanenâ€™s opinion, Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins decided Monday night to operate only one of the countyâ€™s 10 drive-through polling sites, Toyota Center, on Election Day because it is a permanent structure. The county used a total of 806 polling locations on Tuesday. Attorneys for Harris County said election officials such as Hollins, cited as the defendant in the lawsuit, have discretion about how to administer elections under state law. Attorneys representing some of the

countyâ€™s drive-through voters also argued against the lawsuit and asked the judge not to discount their votes, with one saying, â€œInvalidating the ballots would be profoundly inequitable.â€? David Hobbs, an attorney representing himself, said he and his wife voted via drivethough because she was 35 weeks pregnant at the time and it was an â€œideal wayâ€? to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19 while being conducive to his wifeâ€™s mobility issues. Hobbs said his wife delivered twins on Oct. 30, so he was running on little sleep during Mondayâ€™s hearing. â€œWhat theyâ€™re trying to do is completely inappropriate,â€? Hobbs said of the plaintiffs. â€œWhat theyâ€™re trying to do is replace the will of the people with the will of a few small people. Iâ€™m here to say my vote counts.â€? Follow Adam Zuvanich on Twitter @AZuvanich

Harris County names first Cagleâ€™s office hosting virtual elections administrator concert for Veterans Day By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced Oct. 30 that the county has appointed Isabel Longoria to serve as the countyâ€™s first-ever elections administrator. Serving in a position created by the Harris County Commissionerâ€™s Court in July, Longoria will conduct all voter registration work previously handled by the Tax AssessorCollector as well as election management work conducted by the county clerkâ€™s office. She will officially take the reins following the results of Tuesdayâ€™s election as the term of

Longoria

interim county clerk Chris Hollins ends. â€œIâ€™m fully committed to ensuring an equitable voter registration and elections process for all voters,â€? Longoria said in

a news release. Longoria now serves as senior advisor for voting rights and access in the county clerkâ€™s office. She previously ran for the District H seat on the Houston City Council, losing in a runoff to incumbent Karla Cisneros last year. â€œAs someone who has been in the trenches with County Clerk Hollins over the past several months, she is ready to hit the ground running to continue building on the historic reforms we have implemented during this election,â€? Hidalgo said. For more information, visit harrisvotes.com or follow @ HarrisVotes on social media.

From Staff Reports Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle will host a virtual concert as a tribute to the areaâ€™s veterans at 6 p.m. Nov. 11 on the Precinct 4 Facebook page. The event will feature a presentation of flags by the

azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Houston ISD announced last Friday, Oct. 30 that it will offer free rapid COVID-19 testing to staff and some students as part of a collaboration with the Texas Education Agency and Texas Division of Emergency Management. HISD said it will begin receiving a monthly allotment of rapid tests â€œto cover all campus-based staff and a percentage of the districtâ€™s student enrollmentâ€? as early as this week. Taking the tests will be optional, although HISD said staff who work on a campus will be encouraged to

participate in the program and students who take the tests must have permission from their parents or guardians. The HISD press office did not respond to emailed questions about the forthcoming testing program, such as the turnaround time for the rapid tests, how many will be part of the districtâ€™s monthly allotment and what factors will determine who gets tested, when they get tested and how often they get tested. HISD started the school year Sept. 8 with six weeks of remote, online learning, with campuses opening for in-person instruction Oct. 19. According to HISDâ€™s COV-

ID-19 Dashboard, there have been a total of 206 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at district facilities â€” 127 among staff and 79 among students. The area schools with active cases as of Wednesday are Field Elementary (one student), Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet (one student), Heights High School (three staff, two students), Helms Elementary (one staff), Hogg Middle School (one student), Oak Forest Elementary (one student), Sinclair Elementary (one staff), Smith Elementary (one staff), Waltrip High School (one student) and Williams Middle School (one student).

Washington HS getting upgrades By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

The Booker T. Washington High School athletics field and new auditorium are undergoing upgrades as a part of an initial $51.7 million bond project initiated in 2012. The new campus in Independence Heights opened for the 2018-19 school year, allowing for demolition of the old building to make way for athletics fields and other site improvements. The overall project is 93 percent complete, according to Houston ISD, with a construction cost of $44,450,193. Upgrades slated for the athletic fields include regrading and reseeding of the existing football field and the addition of a new irrigation system. The existing track will be repaired and will have added areas for track and field events. Upgrades to the baseball

and softball fields include new pitching bullpens, batting cages, scoreboards, infields and bleachers. Athletic teams currently use a nearby park. Upgrades to the schoolâ€™s new auditorium include a performance-style stage with a new curtain, mechanical upgrades and lighting. HISD said it sought competitive sealed proposals for the improvement package, which it said was funded through overall project savings identified in the districtâ€™s standard end-of-project review. The $3.1 million project was awarded by the HISD Board of Education to the existing project contractor, Prime Contractors. â€œThese enhancements will allow an expansion to the schoolâ€™s athletic and performance programs,â€? Washington principal Carlos Phillips said. â€œThey are an investment in the school as well as the community.â€?

Pooches, from P. 1A bers, friends and members of the community, and they sported costumes such as Batman, Wonder Woman, a bucking horse from a rodeo and a prison inmate wearing black-and-white stripes and a necklace that said, â€œBad Pet.â€? Lynn Wallace, the chief marketing officer for The Village of the Heights, served as master of ceremonies and also joined the fun by wearing a witch costume. She said the event served as a money and dog food drive for AniMeals on Wheels, which provides food for seniorâ€™s pets, much like Meals on Wheels delivers food for seniors. Wallace said the parade also was a treat for residents, who were not allowed to have visitors from March until about a month ago be-

cause of COVID-19 and the risks it poses to the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. â€œWeâ€™ve been able to now open our doors. Families have been able to come see them, and we thought, â€˜One thing weâ€™re missing is all the pets,â€™â€? Wallace said. â€œWe just thought, â€˜You know what, weâ€™re going to bring the joy to them today.â€™ And we just thought this was a great occasion.â€? The residents who sat outside during the pooch parade, while wearing masks and staying a few feet apart from each other, appeared to enjoy the experience. Some, like Karen Smith, petted some of the dogs as they walked by. â€œItâ€™s therapy,â€? she said. â€œThey bring such happiness to us.â€?

Cagle

Experience and Knowledge... A Powerful Combination

IF I COULD WALK...

I WOULD RUN an ad in The Leader

713.686.8494

713-906-5481 Realty Associates

DEBBIE ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT

Get Your Business Up and Running

For Lease

HISD to offer rapid testing for COVID-19 By Adam Zuvanich

Atascocita High School Junior ROTC, guest speakers and music from the Texas A&M University Singing Cadets. Community members can visit facebook.com/HCPrecinct4 to view the virtual concert or call 713-2744050 for more information.

Covered Bridge Townhome/Condo 5005 Georgi Lane #57 Houston, Texas 77092 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Newly remodeled

$1,800 Deposit $1,800 Monthly rent Inquiries please call 281-734-8100 Free pancake breakfast Nov. 7th 8:30-10am, pick-up on Avens opposite Mister Carwash JOIN US ON FACEBOOK:

Every WEDNESDAY @ 1:00pm - Words of Wisdom Every THURSDAY @ 10:00am - Chapel Time for Tots 2 Teens Every SUNDAY @ 10:17am - Online Worship www.facebook.com/stmatthewsunitedmethodistchurch 4300 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77018 713-697-0671

CHURCH DIRECTORY

t goes withou made mistak err is human this the next tim must learn from to repeat them, it can be hard en can sometimes We sometimes c weâ€™ve done, an for years, or eve addition, some our past. And al them, we must we should forgiv the coming days as well as our ow them; that is, to repeatedly mull the phrase â€œforg the only way to more divine, is to the offense. So vindictive, sham it! Corrie ten Bo prison camp sai to realize that th

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, please check with each church below for updated information about services St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA SundayandBible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am events. In-person services are temporarily restricted. Morning Worship ............... 10:45am Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children and Adults............................ 6:15pm

St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA MANNA 4QPOTPS

1822 W. 18th â€˘ 713-864-1470 t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN t -FBSOJOH )PVS BN QN Gethsemane Lutheran Church t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI 4040 Watonga â€˘ QN QN 713-688-5227

MANNA Sponsor

1602 West 43rd St. â€˘ Houston, Tx 77018 â€˘ 713-686-1577

Gethsemane Lutheran Church Weekly Sunday Pastor Jerry Services McNamara â€˘ Bible Study: 9:15 a.m.

4040 Watonga â€˘ 713-688-5227 â€˘ Morning:10:30 a.m.

We invite you to worship with us!

8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

1822 W.

Ministries for All Ages

â€˘ Evening: 4:15 p.m. We invite you to with us! 1700 West 43 worship at Rosslyn 713-682-4942 WeeklyPastor Worship Services 9:00a.m. â€“ Dr. Richard Walters rd

Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 am

Preschool Program â€˘ Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

Sund Please visit our website at: www.lazybrookbaptistchurch.org Wed for the following: Sunday Services: Live Stream at 11:00am 8:30 and 11:00 BibleMorning Studies: Worship From Homepage, click on Sunday Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40 Connect/Small Groups 18th â€˘ 713-864-1470

â€˘ Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am - 11:00am â€˘ Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm â€˘ Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm

Ad # 32285

Online services can be reached through the website below at 9:00 am. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

Candlelight Church of Christ Join us for Services in English or Spanish

Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

Judge not, an not, and yo an

The Leader â€˘ Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 â€˘ Page 5A

Voting, from P. 1A

Mondy, from P. 1A

Shady Acres couple Chris and Paige Taylor voted at Lazybrook, saying they waited until Election Day because they had gotten married and Paige had to change the address on her voter registration. â€œIt was really easy,â€? Paige said of voting. â€œIt felt very safe.â€? Abraham Garcia and Leanna Pineda, who voted at Waltrip, said they waited until Election Day because it was more conducive to their schedules. Candlelight Plaza resident Stacey Hudson, who also voted at Waltrip, cited procrastination as her reason for not casting a ballot during early voting. Oak Forest resident Michael Lauck, who voted at Candlelight Park, said peer pressure drove him to the polls. â€œPeople kept annoying me, all my friends,â€? he said. â€œI didnâ€™t want to lie to them when they asked me, because I knew they were all going to ask me. So I said, â€˜Iâ€™ll just go ahead and vote then.â€™ â€? Leading up to Election Day, there were reports about businesses in Washington D.C. and other major U.S. cities boarding up their windows in anticipation of potential unrest about the results. But that did not seem to be a concern at area polling places, with Morris saying, â€œEverything seems to be pretty smooth and peaceful. People are voting and not feeling anxious.â€? Hudson said Houstonians proved to be â€œneighborlyâ€? during the national wave of social injustice protests over the summer, with the city largely avoiding the violence that marred protests in other locales, so she said she was not concerned there would be any issues on Election Day. Having made his picks after careful deliberation, on the last day he could, Raval said he was looking forward to moving past election season. â€œEverybody is waiting for this to be over with, so you can stop getting harassed by these texts and calls about Biden and Trump,â€? he said. â€œResults tonight, weâ€™ll see what chaos if anything ensues (Wednesday), and then be home free by Thursday. Youâ€™ve just got to see.â€? With some states continuing to count votes, it could be the end of the week or longer until the presidential race is settled.

the country and even as far as Japan. In recent years, her family has found the picture and accompanying article in newspapers from Palm Beach, Florida, to Ogden, Utah, to San Mateo, California. It was circulated through the Associated Press. While searching online for a commemorative patch from her motherâ€™s unit, Catherine MondyBoyce said she found the photo for sale on eBay as part of a collection of archived photos from the Dallas Morning News. â€œI didnâ€™t realize until many years later â€“ when my daughter was going to surprise me and get a patch for the division I belonged to â€“ that it said, â€˜Peggy Mondy for sale,â€™ â€? Mondy said. â€œMy daughter was like, â€˜Whoâ€™s trying to sell my mother?â€™ â€? Shortly after enlisting for active duty, and before the fateful photo shoot, Mondy was assigned as a secretary and typed coded material, among other items, before being chosen for Marine Corps publicity. Mondy rode on floats in the Cotton Bowl and other parades and also attended movies in uniform until she left active duty after 1955. She even was dubbed â€œMiss Beachheadâ€? after the 1954 film about World War II. In those days, they would have a movie with a big showing at the theater, and Captain Anne Bean began sending Mondy out to Love Field to meet red-eye flights

Election, from P. 1A Oaks and Oak Forest areas. She had received 73.3 percent of the 245,602 votes cast, while Republican Wendell Champion received 23.5 percent of the vote and Libertarian Luke Spencer and independent Vince Duncan garnered less than 2 percent apiece. Despite the lopsided loss overall, Champion received more votes than Jackson Lee in some Garden Oaks and Oak Forest-area precincts. In District 2, which includes the western part of Oak Forest as well as the Timbergrove Manor and Lazybrook areas, U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw won a second term. The Republican held off Democratic challenger Sima Ladjevardian, who conceded the race after receiving 42.3 percent of the

351,609 votes cast in that race. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican, beat Democrat MJ Hegar and two other challengers to continue representing Texas in the U.S. Senate, even though Hegar received more votes in Harris County. President Donald Trump also lost Harris County but won Texas, according to the Associated Press, although his national race against Democratic challenger Joe Biden had not yet been decided as of press time Wednesday. State Rep. Jarvis Johnson, a Democrat, was convincingly re-elected in District 139, which includes parts of Garden Oaks and Oak Forest as well as Acres Homes. He received 85.9 percent of the vote compared to 14.1

welcoming movie stars, dignitaries and more during the filmâ€™s grand opening. â€œIâ€™d even be in a certain spot in the crowd so the spotlight could â€˜Find Miss Beachhead,â€™ â€? said Mondy, referring to a regular bit in theaters. Always a Marine Mondy left active service in 1955, and a few years later went into business with her husband in Houston, where they sold equipment to refineries and chemical plants worldwide. But for someone whose militaryoriented family includes her fatherâ€™s service in the Navy in World War II, her service was still just beginning in a way. Mondyâ€™s husband, Clement, who died in 2013, had joined the American Legion in his hometown of Shiner, Texas. Mondy knew of Post 560 on Alba Road, but had no real grasp of its mission. But after she joined the Postâ€™s Auxiliary under husbandâ€™s military service in 2015 â€“ the Auxiliary is limited to the grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion and those of military service â€“ she was hooked. A month later she completed the paperwork and joined the American Legion on her own military record. The American Legion is a

percent for Libertarian R. Grizzle Trojacek. Democrat Penny Morales Shaw won the right to represent District 148 in Austin, receiving 63.7 percent of the vote to nearly double up Republican Luis La Rotta. Shaw will replace Heights Democrat Anna Eastman, who beat Shaw and La Rotta in a special election to succeed the retiring Jessica Farrar but then lost to Shaw in the Democratic primary in July. In two Harris County races that also did not involve incumbents, Democrats prevailed. Teneshia Hudspeth beat former Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart, a Republican, for the right to serve in that role beginning in January. Democrat Chris Hollins has been

mutual-aid and social wartime veteransâ€™ organization, founded in 1919 by veterans returning from World War I. With nearly 3 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide, the Legion exists to support veterans through issueoriented U.S. politics and lobby on behalf of the interest of veterans and service members. â€œAfter I got into it and saw what all they did, I thought, â€˜Iâ€™ve got to get into this on my own,â€™ â€? Mondy said. Mondy now serves on Post 560â€™s executive board and has been involved in donating and events such as the annual Valentineâ€™s For Veterans. Another project of special note was Mondyâ€™s leadership as chairperson of the American Legionâ€™s 100th birthday celebration at Post 560. She not only received proclamations and letters from President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, but also had Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner appear personally to read his proclamation, declaring March 15, 2019, as American Legion Centennial Day in Houston. She also has been a military sponsor for the Greater Heights Chamber of Commerceâ€™s annual education luncheon the last four years and has had her Sunday School class at Oak Forest Baptist Church collect kits to be used at area veterans hospitals.

serving as interim county clerk since Diane Trautmanâ€™s resignation in the spring. Democrat Christian Dashaun Menefee, who beat incumbent Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan in the Democratic primary, beat Republican John Nation in Tuesdayâ€™s race, receiving 54.6 percent of the vote. Heights native Ed Gonzalez won a second term as Harris County Sheriff, with the incumbent Democrat beating Republican Joe Danna with 57.4 percent of the vote. Danna also has ties to the area, having grown up in Lindale Park and later lived in Forest Pines and Mangum Manor. Democrat Kim Ogg was re-elected as Harris County District Attorney,

She laughs that today, as a Legionnaire, she is still working in public relations. But this time itâ€™s on behalf of the American Legion, veterans and active-duty military. â€œAnything that involves publicity, I seem to get involved in,â€? she said. Though her active service is long past, Mondy remembers it all fondly and says she wouldnâ€™t trade the experiences â€“ and not just the PR â€“ for anything. That remembrance drives her whenever she serves at Post 560. â€œItâ€™s veterans helping veterans. They just want to have camaraderie and to talk to people,â€? she said. â€œDiscipline determines your destiny, so (the military) really helped me get my life straightened out. Then it just took off with the PR thing in an unknown direction.â€? Now an active dual member of Post 560 and its Auxiliary, that direction has been for Mondy to go above and beyond to help veterans in the area and throughout Houston. But she would say itâ€™s just paying back what those men and women have sacrificed. â€œThe Marine Corps uniform doesnâ€™t come off when active duty is over,â€? she said. â€œWe wear it daily in our attitude and our love of our country. Once a Marine, always a Marine.â€?

receiving 53.8 percent of the vote against Republican Mary Nan Huffman. Another Democrat, Ann Harris Bennett, was re-elected as Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector. She received 53 percent of the vote to lead Republican Chris Daniel (43.7 percent) and Libertarian Billy Pierce (3.3 percent). Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen, both Democrats, were unopposed and declared re-elected. Results are unofficial until canvassed. Follow Adam Zuvanich on Twitter @ AZuvanich

THE CLASSIFIEDS. Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 713-686-8494 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.

CLEANING

GARAGE/ESTATE SALE I Buy Antique Clothing & Jewelry any condition No amount too big or small antiqueclothesforme@gmail.com

713-909-0066

BLUE MOON ANTIQUES AND ESTATE SALES Antiques and Collectibles Providing Estate Sales Services 3311 Ella â€˘ 832-286-7882

Keeper Of The House

832-661-2898

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

WANT TO BUY

FOREST WEST SUBDIVISION

WE BUY GUNS!

Saturday, Nov. 7 - 8 a.m.-?? Rain Date: Saturday, Nov. 14

Many houses participating including: 5814 Autumn Forest Dr. 6218 Brown Bark 5800 block of Silver Forest & more

CONSIGNMENTS TOP CASH PAID FORWELCOME YOUR GUNS!

BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO 2001 Karbach Suite F Houston, TX 77092

THE FOAM STORE

Custom Cut Memory Foam Chair Pads Couch Cushions Mattress Foam 2217 W. 34th, Ste. A.

713-686-6622

Johnny & Rhea Danna, Owners RETAIL CENTER www.thefoamstore.com WHOLESALE PRICES

SICOLAâ€™S FLORIST

Elderly Care Home Since 2017

(with 2 yearsâ€™ experience)

2 Placements Now Open, 24 Hour Staff Family Friendly Environment Located FM 1960 Area, Call Between 10-3pm

713-694-4867

Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer

Looking to hire good local people? Leader classifieds get great response and cost less than the daily paper.

Designer Assistant (experience helpful)

Retail Merchandiser Office Assistant

(multi phones, filling, customer service)

Flower Processor And Inventory Control Warehouse Assistant (forklift certified helpful)

Bilingual helpful Email Resume: wecare@sicolasflorist.com Apply In Person: 5616 Pinemont Dr., Hou TX 77092

PEST CONTROL JUNK HAULING Cherokee

PEST CONTROL

AMBULATORY ONLY

â€˘ Termites â€˘ Roaches â€˘ Ants â€˘ Silver sh â€˘ Rodents

Ginia: 346-227-9600 Tristen: 713-826-4163

713-682-6801

ÂŽ

PLUMBING

Most of us that bring you The Leader live right here in your community and we appreciate you reading it every week.

Aaronâ€™s

825 Curtin 77018

713-695-2222 Cooper Plumbing & Drain Experts

ď ” Automotive

FREE ESTIMATES

Air Conditioning

Electric and ď ” Auto Leak Detection

ď ”

Call Casper 713.205.6922

SENIOR 10% DISCOUNT

832-890-5453 Junk Remover

Since 1974

Drain & Sewer Cleaning #17773 - 7 Days a week

Arctic Auto Air

HAULS TRASH:

Manny

PLUMBING

AUTO SERVICES

EUGENE

Cleans Garages, Trims Trees.

Free Termite Inspection

832-441-9683

MLP#37942

FOR SALE

ADULT CARE

IMMEDIATE POSITIONS AVAILABLE Floral Designers

Commercial & Residential Cleaning and More

Like us on www.facebook.com/ bluemoonantiques-houstontx

EMPLOYMENT

Sell it fast with an inexpensive Leader classified.

281.414.8698

â€˘ Home â€˘ Yard â€˘ Garage â€˘ Storage â€˘ Shed Removal

COMPUTERS Home, Small Of ce Computer Repair Upgrades, Installation, Con guration (Virus-Removal) Home - NetWorking

832-818-4970

LAWN & GARDEN GUIDE #ALL TODAY BEAUTIFUL HOME TOMORROW

â€˘ Landscape Installation â€˘ Weather Damage Replacement â€˘ Tree Trim & Removal â€˘ Lawn & Bed Maintenance â€˘ Landscape Lighting â€˘ Organic Soil Amendments

www.richtersservicesinc.com

20## #6.#021 ',!

Dennis Clooney - Manager 25+ Years Experience â€˘ Tree Trimming/Removal â€˘ Stump Grinding â€˘ Fertilization â€˘ Construction Preparation â€˘ Residential/Commercial Insured Liability and Workmanâ€™s Comp

713-683-TREE (713-683-8733)

â€˘ Landscape Design & Installation â€˘ Maintenance â€˘ Irrigation â€˘ Drainage â€˘ Lighting â€˘ Hardscape (pavers, flagstone, concrete) We accept all major Credit Cards

office@mashues.com

Trimming â€˘ Planting Removal â€œTrain up your trees in the way they should grow.â€? â€˘ A+ Rated â€˘ Free Estimates â€˘ Insured â€œMaking Thousands of Houston Trees Healthy & Beautiful for over 33 yearsâ€? 713-690-TREE (8733) Call or Text

RANGER

FREE ESTIMATES

OUTSIDE INTERESTS, INC. Lawn Maintenance Experts

Gilbertâ€™s Landscape Lawn Care

TREE CUTTING & TRIMMING

FREE ESTIMATES â€“ 17 Yrs. Exp.

(281) 948-4879

281-914-7747

Lawn Maintenance Landscape & Design Sprinklers/Drainage Systems Free Estimates 20 yrs. exp.

713-688-4244 David Bartula

012*$/&+!&+$

Residential/Commercial FREE ESTIMATES/Credit Cards

1/""

Mowing â€˘ Edging â€˘ Blowing Flower Bedding â€˘ Fertilizing

BOB PENICK

LUXURY LAWNS

RAMIREZ TREE SERVICE

Trimming â€˘ Removal Pruning â€˘ Topping Stump Grinding Free Insured & Bonded Estimates Residential & Commercial

713-480-9450

Verdeco

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

â€˘ Lawn Maintenance â€˘ Fertilize â€˘ Mulch, Tree Trimming â€˘ Flowerbed Cleanup â€˘ Grass Installation

713-703-6406

SALAZAR TREES

â€˘ Tree Removal â€˘ Trimming â€˘ Topping â€˘ Stump Grinding â€˘ Pruning â€˘ Dangerous Tree Removal â€˘ 23 yrs experience Free Est.

832-434-7101

Page 6A â€˘ Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 â€˘ The Leader GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

WOOD FENCING

QUALITY CONCRETE WORK

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENT

Repair & Install Pressure Washing Painting â€˘ Siding

Gilbert 281-948-4879

FENCE SALE â€˘ Chain Link â€˘ Wood â€˘ Wrought Iron â€˘ Operators 45 yrs. Exp. - FREE EST.

Eric 832-858-9353

tonymunozjr@comcast.net

ALL HOME REPAIR â€˘ Termite/Water Repair

â€˘ Sheetrock â€˘ Painting â€˘ Texturing â€˘ Roofing Repair/Replace â€˘ Shower/Bath Redo â€˘ Tile â€˘ Flooring/Carpet â€˘ Ceramic Tile â€˘ Fence Repair

35 Yrs. Exp. & Leader Advertiser

Call Sam 713-582-5500 713-686-2285

At Reasonable prices

â€˘Patios â€˘Driveways â€˘Room Additions â€˘Expedient Work American Made â€œGod Bless Americaâ€?

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

the

â€˘ Painting â€˘ Sheetrock â€˘ Tile Work â€˘ Roo ng â€˘ Carpentry â€˘ Carpet â€˘ Concrete â€˘ Power Wash â€˘ Burglar Bars â€˘ Brick â€˘ Trees FREE ESTIMATES - Hector

281-827-4447

Ramiro Garcia

House Painting â€˘ Interior/Exterior â€˘ Sheetrock Repairs â€˘ Door Re nishing â€˘ Wood Repairs â€˘ Pressure Washing

J&D HANDYMAN SERVICE For Your Home Repair Needs:

Complete Pavers

âœ” Painting âœ” Drywall âœ” Hardi Plank Siding âœ” Any Type of Carpentry Work âœ” Complete Remodels

Gilbert 281-948-4879 Peteâ€™s Quality

CUSTOM PAINTING

WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS

Including Flooded Homes â€˘ Exterior/Interior â€˘ Pressure Washing â€˘ Sheetrock Repair â€˘ References â€˘ Insured 713-201-5569 832-372-5577

FENCES & DECKS Repair & Installation All Type Fences â€˘ Chain link â€˘ Wood â€˘ Ornamental Iron Small jobs welcome Call 7 Days

Jose `

Cell (281) 221-0637

Adamâ€™s

WOOD FLOORS

713.206.5965

Affordable Garage Doors Installation, Repairs & Sales

Starting At â€˘ Spring Replace $95 â€˘ Repair Labor $75 â€˘ 8x7 Installed $299 â€˘ 16x7 Installed $479 6 Mo, Labor Warranty

American Door Company 832.310.9920

Installation Repair Sanding Finishing

832-515-4214

TEL

281-272-6900

RE-ROOFS

Carpentry, Drywall & Tile

Call Rudy 713-882-3530

Roof Replacement & Insurance Claim Specialist

Martinez Concrete Works

25 Years Experience! REFERENCES AVAILABLE INSURED

832.867.6835

Call Today

ROOFING REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION

Interior/Exterior

Power Wash

Free Estimates

713-408-0137

Cell: 832-584-0725

Flat roofs also. FENCING installation and repairs. Call Sam

713-582-5500

Houston Heights

ROOFERS

Roofing, Siding, Painting, etc. Keep it local and call the pros.

713-385-1576

www.houstonhei ght sr oof er s. com

REPAIRS

832-731-3866

Free Estimates / Work Guaranteed

Insured for your protection â€˘ EST 1974 email: Wells5517@sbcglobal.net

Royalty Pet Center

Match any texture

â€˘ Grooming â€˘ Boarding â€˘ Pet Supplies 9900 N. Houston Rosslyn

Roofing Work Carpentry Handyman Services Power Washing Maid Service Good References

â€œThe Residential Roofing Specialistsâ€?

Re-roofs â€˘ Repairs Hardi Siding â€˘ Gutters â€˘ Painting â€˘ Windows

All Work Guaranteed Free Estimates

3308 Ella Blvd â€˘ (713) 680-3530

HOME SPECIALISTS PRIME ROOFING

Commercial â€˘ Residential New Roof â€˘ Re-Roof

713-681-5001

BEST VALUE

CONSTRUCTION

HOME REPAIRS Handyman Services, Carpentry, Painting-Int/Ext, Cabinets, Doors, Trim, Insured Eddie Lunsford

281-352-7304

Houston

TOTAL HOME RENOVATIONS! INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PROJECTS

â€˘ KITCHENS & BATHROOMS â€˘ SIDING & PAINTNG â€˘ FENCES - WOOD & METAL â€˘ INSURANCE CLAIMS

Locally Owned Professional & Trusted

ROOFING

+ Quality Work + Low Prices + + Hand Nailed + Hardi-Siding + Oak Forest Area Resident 40+ years Free Estimates

713-688-6463

$ 2EPAIR ,â€˘ Refrigerators

!PPLIANCE

SOUTHWEST PAINTERS & REMODELERS 25 Years Experience - Specializing in Interior/Exterior Painting

â€˘ Ovens â€˘ Washers â€˘ Dryers

Afford Affordable Pet Care In Your Home Will Treat Your Loved Ones As My Own Bonded Mitzi 713-444-8517

832-526-8531

KINARDâ€™S Appliance Service

James Hardi Plank Siding

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Washers - Dryers Dishwashers - Ranges 281-350-6255 713-857-2050

BRAVENEC ELECTRIC

AW Appliance

â€˘ Interior/Exterior â€˘ Remodeling/ Repairs â€˘ Pressure Washing â€˘ Ceramic Tile (Also Carpet Installation) â€˘ Fencing â€˘ Shower Enclosures â€˘ Patio Covers â€˘ RooďŹ ng â€˘ Granite Countertops

OFFERING FREE Estimates

HEAT/AIR CONDITIONING

! # -AN Cooling & Heating Res. - Com.

$20 OFF

713-864-4168

I Buy cracked Flat Panel TVâ€™s

Licensed-Insured

1622 W. 23rd

TEL. 713-721-5490 17823

John Kuenstle Electric,LLC

Oak Forest Resident/Office â€˘ Residential â€˘ Commercial â€˘ Service Licensed - Insured - 26 Yrs. Exp. â€œAâ€? ON ANGIEâ€™S LIST MASTER #178565

TECL #25670

Native Houstonian - 46 Yrs.

832-425-2152 - Free Estimates

TACL B27781E

NEED A NEW COAT?

Installation, Repairs, & Service

Over 25 Years Exp. TACL B102846E

AND

All Makes & Models â€œWe Make House Callsâ€?

Lights-Plugs-Breakers Cover all electric needs

www.acmanhouston.com

A/C

Davidâ€™s

.0 , * #,

electric

713-460-COLD(2653)

We service ALL Brands

(open 6 Days)

9235 N. Houston Rosslyn 77088

HAR BINGER

with this ad

A/C & Heating

713-697-0335

cc accepted

bravenecelectric@gmail.com

American Standard Authorized Dealer

City Wide Mechanical

Sales & Service Washer â€˘ Dryers Ranges & Stoves Refrigerators Freezers

Since 1953 - TECL 19210 Res./Comm. Wiring

Insured * Free Estimates

Charlie's

713.212.9408

Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm

M M&M Pet Sitting S

FREE ESTIMATE WITH REPAIR

281-636-4027

â€˘ Refrigerators â€˘ Washers/Dryers â€˘ Stove/Oven â€˘ Freezer

10% Senior and Military Discount 6120 W. Little York Rd., Houston

713-849-9000

281-590-4826

10% INCENTIVE FOR JOBS OVER $1000

BEST APPLIANCE REPAIR

Family Owned & Operated since 1995 Most Repairs only $95 Same Day Service

www.royaltypetcenter.com

www.camposroofing.com

CAMPOS Roofing

APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Since 1976

(713) 962-3474

832.867.6835 References On Request Bonded & Insured

â€˘ Driveways â€˘ Patios â€˘ Sidewalks â€˘ Foundation Additions â€˘ Stamp Concrete Bonded and Insured â€˘ Free Estimates martinezconcreteworks@gmail.com

713-569-4199

Gutters â€˘ Siding â€˘ Painting â€˘ Roof Leaks

RETIRED CARPENTER LOOKING FOR SMALL JOBS

CELL

WELLS ROOFING

www.primeroofing.com

WEATHER TIGHT

ROOFING

SLEEP BETTER

713.686.6622

PETS

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Painting Interior/Exterior

Sheetrock Repair

FOAM store

713-703-8488 Jim

â€˘ Patios â€˘ Decks â€˘ Driveways â€˘ Brick Columns

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Frank Montes

Memory Foam Mattresses

petesqualitypainting300@gmail.com

HOME REMODELING

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

HEATING

SALES, SERVICE & MAINTENANCE TACL A020360E

713-869-8876

â€œHonesty is our best discountâ€?

From a new coat of paint to a total remodel. Turn to the Leader Classifieds.

To Advertise Call Today

713-686-8494

LEADER PUZZLER SOLUTIONS

ITâ€™S NOT JUST A FENCE ITâ€™S AN INVESTMENT

RIO GRANDE FENCE CO.

Thank you for your continued business Free Estimates on Fencing Compare us.

713-862-7320

30+ Yrs. Exp.

ROOFING LAVINâ€™S PAINTING & REMODELING by SERNA BROS.

Serving NW Houston Since 1973

FREE estimates

713-688-3277

Laminate â€˘ Drywall â€˘ Painting Carpentry â€˘ Remodeling â€˘ Floors Tile â€˘ Hardi Plank â€˘ Siding Concrete Work â€˘ Roofing Backsplash â€˘ Windows Replaced Screens Replaced â€˘ Wood Fences

FREE ESTIMATES

832-489-9070

WORD SCRAMBLE AviAry

Regional Ads Call this number to place your ad in millions of homes

1 (800) 324-6299

CRyptO fun A. wings B. nest C. eggs D. soar

The Leader • Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 • Page 7A

Art Valet: Woodworking is music to Hardy’s ears Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

First Saturday Arts Market is back this Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 530 W. 19th St. with the biggest roster of artists since the March anniversary. Among the three dozen exhibitors is a woodworker who refers to himself as the woodworking band director, R. Michael Hardy. He creates furniture, unique gift items out of wood and, not surprisingly, specializes in music furniture. Hardy’s quips have lightened my outlook on the sometimes arduous task of juggling multiple personalities at the same time. Between saving my sanity and his talent for creating copious amounts of sawdust, an interview was in order. Hardy grew up in Orange and Victoria and now lives in

Houston, where he retired after 30 years as a high school band director. In addition to the musical background, Hardy also has had a lifelong involvement in the visual arts. Over the last dozen years, that visual arts background has manifested itself in woodworking. Art Valet: What’s your background in woodworking? Hardy: “I do not have any formal woodworking training, however, the knowledge gained through the internet and magazines keeps me from considering myself ‘selftaught.’ “ AV: Do you still work? Hardy: “I am retired, and still do clinics with local schools with woodworking becoming a part-time business. While I do not rely on woodworking to pay my bills, my business has grown to where it sustains itself and brings in a little extra.” Hardy began exhibiting his work in the spring of 2017 with a music education convention and began showing at

Photo by Ana Guzman R. Michael Hardy, right, shows a customer his woodwork.

the First Saturday Arts Market that May. AV: What is your art about? Hardy: “I consider myself a fine woodworker. I build furniture and other smaller items with a specialty area of music-related pieces. My music stands and conductor podiums are unique and

are in homes and concert halls throughout the country. My style is clean and uncluttered, which allows the wood to be the star. You will see influences of arts and crafts, contemporary Asian, shaker and Scandinavian furniture in my work. Each piece is handcrafted by me and therefore

unique.” Hardy took some art lessons in his elementary school days, but I asked to elaborate on his connection to the visual arts. “I was always drawing and coloring,” Hardy said. “I can still remember when it occurred to me, “What if I colored between the lines?” I even remember the picture. It was in a Tom and Jerry coloring book and the mice were lifting an electric razor. “Even as my focus shifted to music in the sixth grade, the visual arts continued to be important to me,” Hardy continued. “I also believe that my musicality, which has always been touted as a notable strength of my playing and conducting, is in part due to the fact that I ‘see’ music. I hear and see musical line, motion, color and texture. I think these factors also show up in my woodworking designs. Line, texture, balance, motion, etc., have to work together with structure and functionality.”

When I asked what would surprise his audience, Hardy was quite humble but finally opened up. Amazing! “I have performed with Bob Hope, Jerry Van Dyke, The Fifth Dimension, Florence Henderson and a few others I am forgetting,” he said. “I also played the English horn solo accompanying Angel Romero (Spanish guitar great) on Rodrigo’s ‘Concierto de Aranjuez,’ and have performed the saxophone solo from Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ (there is another visual art connection...) and the soprano saxophone solo from Ravel’s ‘Bolero’ with multiple orchestras.” Meet Hardy in person at First Saturday Arts Market and find him on the web at https://www.woodworkingbanddirector.com. Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and the Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.

Review: Katz’s remains solid choice at any time Zarah Parker Managing Editor

When I arrived at Katz’s in the Heights for a late dinner I wasn’t surprised it was busy. Socially-distanced tables were full and every other booth occupied. It wasn’t a surprise since, you know, they “never klose.” My dinner companions and I enjoyed a lengthy meal of an appetizer, entrees and a dessert. I never felt rushed through my meal, nor during the dessert when we definitely took our time eating it. This Katz’s has a modern appeal, featuring natural colors and cool grass-green booths that give the place a nice splash of color. The menu features an array of sandwiches, soups, burgers, pastas and more. I had a hard time settling on what to order because there was so much to try. My table ended up with fried pickle spears as an appetizer. I found the breading on the spears to be a little too thick for me, but my companions

didn’t mind. The spears were nice and warm and even with the breading, I still enjoyed them. I wouldn’t be opposed to ordering them again in the future. I got a cup of matzo ball soup, which according to Katz’s menu is award-winning. It’s basically a light chicken noodle soup with a matzo ball, which is a Jewish soup dumpling usually made with matzah meal, eggs, water, oil and margarine. After digging into the matzo ball, I fell in love with this soup. The soup had egg noodles, small strips of chicken and little cubes of vegetables. The cup size only came with one matzo ball, which was plenty. I wouldn’t call the soup rich in flavor, but the lightness of it is was worked in its favor. For an entree I went for the Kountry Klub, which was a triple-decker sandwich with turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato and Russian dressing. The sandwich came cut in half and was too much for just me to finish, so I ended up taking half home. It was a classic sandwich choice, and one that still shined. I really enjoyed the turkey slices and the bacon

was cooked perfectly. The only thing I personally could have done without was the Russian dressing. It’s made up of a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise. The club was still delicious. My table mates had the Buffalo Bill, which was a fried chicken sandwich tossed in buffalo sauce. They both really liked it. The World’s Tallest 7-layer Chocolate Cake was branded on the menu as being as tall as a New York skyscraper and as rich as a Texas oilman. I’d agree with the sentiment. The chocolate cake was a very, very chocolately cake. Any person who loves chocolate won’t have any qualms about digging into it. The food was good, the service was OK and the price is higher than other sandwich destinations. Even the “skinny” version of the sandwich was $12. The price for the chicken sandwiches was around $14. I look forward to visiting again and trying other menu options. Katz’s in the Heights Address: 2200 N. Shepherd Dr.

Photo by Zarah Parker

Pictured above is the Matzo ball soup from Katz’s in the Heights.

Hours: 24/7 Pricing: $8 - $22 Alcohol: Yes Kid-friendly: Yes Healthy options: Yes Star of the show: Matzo ball soup

FOOD BRIEFS:

Fat Cat Creamery opens in Garden Oaks By Zarah Parker

People’s Choice: vodka, vermouth and brine; Improved Sherry Cobbler: sherry, gin, lemon, maraschino, ginger and Topo Chico; Emperor’s Clothes: aged white rum, overproof agricole rum and bitters; Prologue: London dry gin, vermouth, chicory and apricot; and Don’t Forget The ‘90s: vodka, Midori, pineapple, matcha and egg white.

zarah@theleadernews.com

Fat Cat Creamery, a popular Heights ice cream outpost, has opened its second location in the Stomping Grounds at Garden Oaks development, 1225 W. 34th St. Fat Cat, which occupies 1,000 square feet of the first floor of the development, is known for its small-batch ice creams, old-fashioned sodas, malts, milkshakes and floats. The creamery uses ingredients sourced locally. Fat Cat has also taken over 1,000 square feet space on the second floor to expand its kitchen, allowing for more growth in the wholesale market. “Opening our first location in the Heights was a dream come true, and our Garden Oaks location in the Stomping Grounds is such an exciting next step,” Sarah Johnston, founder and owner of Fat Cat Creamery, said in a news release. “We love our community so much and are grateful to bring more sweetness into the world with our expansion.” Its grand opening will be celebrated Nov. 14 with and expanded menu of 14 ice cream flavors, which are five more than what’s now available, and complimentary canned craft cocktails. Fluff Bake Bar reopened After having to close and remodel due to permitting issues with the Houston Health Department, Fluff Bake Bar,

Hi! I’m Tony May. Come see me for all your insurance needs Thanks for making us a ﬁnalist for Best Insurance Ins Agent.

Photo by Mark C. Austin An employee at Fat Cat Creamery, which has locations in the Heighs and Garden Oaks, is ready to take an order.

1701 W. 15th St., reopened Oct. 23. The bakery was closed since July to renovate, which included a new grease trap, an additional bathroom and more. To help cover expenses, a GoFundMe was set up for bakery owner Rebecca Masson, and it raised more than $30,000. The Classic shutters on Washinton The Classic, 5922 Washington Ave., which opened in 2018, has closed for good. According to CultureMap, The Classic owner Benjy Levit said his company will focus on the expansion of Local Foods,

Photo by Fat Cat Creamery Fat Cat Creamery has a new location at 1225 W. 34th St.

which has a location at the Heights Mercantile, and other potential projects. Fall cocktails at La Lucha La Lucha, 1801 N. Shepherd Dr., recently released its fall cocktail selections that include a variety of flavors. The featured drinks include

Auto

Life

Home

Business

THE MAY GROUP, LLC

We make insurance simple. 730 North Post Oak, Ste 120 Houston, TX TX 77024 77024 Houston,

713-807-8264 FAX 713-874-0628 FAX

Page 8A • Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 • The Leader

‘Faces of the Other’ moves to St. Andrews Episcopal Church By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

A photography exhibit that spent the spring and summer on the fences that surround Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral downtown has now moved to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd. ‘Faces of the Other: Encounters in the City,’ was part of Houston’s 2020 FotoFest exhibition. A cultural nonprofit organization based in Houston, FotoFest organizes year-round shows as well as a biennial exhibition. FotoFest’s photobased programs seek to illuminate social issues and present new, vital artwork. Robin Bullington, the volunteer head of the cathedral’s Cloister Gallery, came to propose the idea of putting lifesized photographs of people from the cathedral neighborhood along the fence after

seeing a similar photo display in New York City’s Lower East Side. “I was struck by the possibility of photography in such a public context to invite connection to a stranger,” she said. Photographer Joe Aker was enlisted for the project and found his subjects either walking downtown or through friends. The subjects represent seven different religions, 10 or more ethnic groups, different sexual identities and different economic ranges. They range from age 5 to 92. Aker said out of 100 asks, he only got a no about five times. The only payment in most cases was a large photographic print for the subjects to keep. “I found that approaching people directly and looking them in the eyes with a smile was the best way to approach them about taking their photo,” Aker said.

One of those was local artist Kiki Neumann, who was introduced to Aker by Heights sculptor Damon Thomas. “(Aker) thought I was enough of a character,” Neumann joked. Neumann helped move the portraits to the Heights and assisted in the repair of others that were defaced by vandals this summer. There were some portraits beyond repair that Aker reprinted out of his own pocket. He said the exhibition’s move to the Heights opens it up to a whole new audience. “It was put up last week and we have had many compliments on the installation so far,” Aker said. “The show will be up for at least three months and maybe longer. Unfortunately, with the COVID-19 pandemic there will be no formal opening.” For more information, visit www.facesoftheother.com.

Contributed photo The “Faces of the Other” art installation will be up at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, located at 1819 Heights Blvd., for the next three months. It previously was displayed downtown.

Kroger fixture Amos remembered for infectious personality By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Shelley Kennedy has been shopping at Kroger for nearly 30 years. The location at West 43rd Street and Ella Boulevard is where the longtime Garden Oaks resident buys her groceries, and it’s also where she picks up her prescription medicine. The latter experience, which Kennedy said can be stressful, often was made enjoyable by Samantha Amos, who worked as the store’s pharmacy technician for the better part of two decades. Kennedy said Amos liked to greet her with a lively “Hello” upon answering her phone calls to the pharmacy, and a wide, warm smiling would be waiting for Kennedy when she arrived to pick up her medicine. Kennedy hasn’t heard that comforting voice, or seen that infectious smile, since Oct. 24. Neither have other customers

at the Kroger at 1352 W. 43rd St. Amos died in an automobile accident that night, having been rear-ended by an alleged drunk driver in the 6900 block of North Shepherd Drive, according to the Houston Police Department. She was 50. “She was a force that was always positive, and that’s hard to replace,” Kennedy said. “It’s a tremendous loss to this community.” Kennedy, a former Houston City Council candidate, said she did not know Amos outside of her job but felt like she got to know her over the years. Other longtime Kroger shoppers in the area have expressed similar sentiments since Amos’ death, which has been especially difficult on her family. Amos, who lived in the Acres Homes area, graduated from Waltrip High School and is survived by four children – 26-year-old son Darion Amos,

Contributed photo Samantha Amos, left, who worked at a local Kroger store for more than a decade, died Oct. 24 in an automobile accident.

23-year-old son Jacorey Amos and 21-year-old twins Cameron and Ceseley Lawrence. Ceseley said her mother’s husband, 54-year-old Terry Thomas, also was injured during the Oct. 24 accident but is “OK” physically.

Dan Electro’s hosting music showcases on Monday nights By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

Dan Electro’s Bar & Live Music Venue is dedicated to being a space where local talent and touring musicians who are starting out have a place to play. “Dan Electro’s is one of the few remaining small venues that Houston still has left,” Scott Hofheins of Dan Electro’s said. “Places like Walter’s or Fitzgerald’s are gone … and they are either a new retail space or a parking lot. With places such as White Oak Music Hall, House of Blues and Warehouse Live, there are only a couple of venues that host local or touring bands that haven’t sold a million records yet.” As a way to continue being a place for small-time musicians, the venue located at 1031 E. 23th St. recently began hosting a singer-songwriter showcase on Monday nights. “The owners and I are very committed to making sure that the mass amount of musically talented musicians that reside here have a place where their creative endeavors are heard,” Hofheins said. “Especially in a city that is so very sportsoriented.” Hofheins called the first showcase a quasi-makeup show for Daniel Slater Nash, who goes by the stage name Kerosene Pipedreams, that was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Photo by Scott Hofheins) Daniel Slater Nash, who goes by the stage name Kerosene Pipedreams, performs at Dan Electro’s Bar & Live Music Venue’s Monday night singer-songwriter showcases.

“His playing and style is that of John Prine and he sings in a very beautifully honest way,” Hofheins said. “Any free Monday nights, he can come and play if he chooses. He also was offered a monthly residency on our Steak Night on Thursdays.” Kerosene Pipedreams also performed the following Monday. Because this is still a new event, Hofheins is still in the process of booking shows. For future shows you can find the venue on Facebook, @ DanElectrosBar. Show times will vary each week, some from 6-8 p.m. and others from 9-11 p.m. Tickets are $6. To play, musicians must have their own PA system, which cuts the cost for the bar

Heights Artisan Market pivots to virtual event By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

The Heights Artisan Market has been an in-person event since 2013. In an effort to keep patrons and artists safe, the event has gone virtual until Dec. 30. “Artists are for the most part self-employed small business owners,” said Chris Magisano, the market producer. “They do not generally have employees

and therefore were unable to qualify for federally funded support during this difficult time. So in this event, 27 local and Texas regional artists are presenting their work with access to be able to purchase it.” Just like at the in-person market, all transactions and communication is between the patron and the vendor. Find the list of artists at https:// www.theheightsartisanmarket. com/.

to host the musician. Hofheins also asks the singer-songwriters to play a majority of original music. If the musicians play a cover song, it’s to show the audience who inspired them. “Music is very much derived from inspiration in someone else’s music, so in some shape or form, you will emulate those that inspired you in your own songwriting,” Hofheins said. Almost every musician starts off playing in dive bars, house parties or locally owned venues either in their hometown or on the road. Without places like Dan Electro’s, where will the next solo musician or band start out? This is why Hofheins said the bar will continue to do all it can to support live music.

“My mom is my best friend. I’m her only girl, so it’s really hard,” Ceseley said. “She held this family together.” Ceseley said funeral arrangements for her mother are pending. The family started a GoFundMe page to help with

expenses and as of Tuesday had raised more than $7,800. Donations can be made at h t t p s : / / w w w. g o f u n d m e. com/f/in-loving-memory-ofsamantha-amos-thomas. Ceseley said the family is “very blessed” for the community’s outpouring of support for her mother, who was known as Sam among friends and relatives. “Samantha was an amazing woman,” Karen Carr wrote in a comment on theleadernews. com. “She was so proud of her children and was always laughing and going the extra mile for the pharmacy customers.” Ceseley said her mother started working for Kroger at age 15, first as a sacker and then as a cashier. She worked her way up to the courtesy desk, the floral department and eventually the pharmacy, having served in that role at the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest location for at least the last 15

years. Amos’ aunt, Deborah Amos, said her niece joined the floral department around Valentine’s Day every year because she could “make the most beautiful flower arrangements.” Samantha Amos’ two youngest children have worked at the store as well. “She was very, very dedicated to it,” Ceseley said. Amos also was committed to her family, with Ceseley saying she loved to cook. And her infectious personality shined through at home as much as it did at work, with Deborah Amos saying her niece’s unmistakable laugh was contagious. She spread cheer at the neighborhood grocery store as well. “I know how she treated my family and how she treated us,” Kennedy said. “I know that I’m not so special that it didn’t happen to everyone.”

✓ B12 MaQx Booster ✓ Appetite Control ✓ Boost Metabolism ✓ One on One

Galleria Book A Consult Today

This is only the beginning - Coach

281-886-7888

Live your best life 281-886-7888 50 Briar Hollow Ln SUITE W410 Houston, Texas 77027

www.anewyou.co

“Lose up to one pound a day safely, without feeling hungry.” - Dr. Oz HCGe Gives you control of your diet again!

Visit one of the 5 SPX Open House events to find out how you could

Nov. 11, 6:30 pm Nov. 14, 10 am Nov. 14, 3 pm

Nov. 15, 1 pm Nov. 15, 5 pm

SPACE IS LIMITED FOR EACH EVENT. Make your reservation today!

stpiusx.org/BeAPanther