August 17 Sec. A

Inside Today: American Legion can serve more veterans • Page 8A

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Down ... set ... hut! Football season kicks off this month

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com The Houston weather is scorching hot, which means it’s almost time for one of the coolest times of the year.

Football season is nearly upon us. High school teams around the area already have hit the practice field in preparation for the 2019 campaign, which kicks off later this month.

Who are the teams and players to watch? What are their hopes for the season and what

will be their biggest challenges?

We cover it all in this year’s Countdown to Kickoff, which serves as a preview for the seven schools in the area: Booker T. Washington, Heights, Lutheran High North, Scarborough, St. Pius X, St. Thomas and Waltrip.

Some teams, like Heights and St. Pius X, are looking to build on successful 2018 seasons, while others hope 2019 will be a breakout year.

We also touch on a topic affecting high school football across the state of Texas,

which now requires all public high school and middle school coaches to be certified in a rugby-style tackling technique.

The idea is to reduce the risk of head injuries and curb the trend of declining participation in the sport.

Countdown to Kickoff, which is in Section B of this week’s edition, also features a heartwarming story.

Be sure to check it all out.

Turn to 1B

Photo by Patric Schneider

Street shepherds

Houston mayoral candidates make pitches to area business leaders

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Jason Knebel (713)232-9712

Tony Buzbee and Bill King spent more than an hour last week telling area residents and business leaders about themselves, the state of the City of Houston and what they would do if they were overseeing its governance.

After the August Breakfast Connection hosted by the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce, which put the Houston mayoral candidates on display the morning of Aug. 8, multiple attendees said they were not sure which man made the better pitch.

But there seemed to be a consensus among many of the 80 or so community members who listened intently inside the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel.

“I think both candidates are better than what we currently have,” said Kathleen Goerner, owner of Pinspi-

jasonk@greenwoodking.com GREENWOOD KING

PROPERTIES

INSIDE.

Seeing red. An Oak Forest eye doctor was burglarized last weekend.

Page 2A

See Candidates P. 8A

Millwee leaving chamber of commerce

Photo by Adam Zuvanich Liberty Hoepfl Garage co-owner Kathryn van der Pol, left, and Garden Oaks resident Tom Cronin work together Aug. 10 to clean up debris on the west side of North Shepherd Drive just north of 34th Street.

Community advocates work to clean up area thoroughfare No animals allowed. We examine the virtues of vegan diets and review a vegan restaurant.

Page 7A

Steamy showcase. An erotic art exhibit is scheduled for Saturday at Hardy & Nance Studios.

Page 7A

FIND IT. PART-TIME ORGANIST/MUSIC DIRECTOR NEEDED: Messiah Lutheran Church, 816 Roy. Play for worship service, lead choir/ handbells. Marsha Froehlich, 713-818-0677.

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The street is the property of the Texas Department of Transportation, which has an agreement with the City of Houston to maintain its sidewalks and right of ways.

The railroad that crosses over North Shepherd Drive, between 34th and 38th streets, belongs to BNSF Railway Company.

Who took responsibility to make the corridor cleaner, safer for pedestrians and more aesthetically pleasing? A group a business owners and residents who take pride in their community and wanted to improve it.

About 25 volunteers gathered last Saturday morning to pick up trash, sweep the sidewalks, trim the grass and remove weeds on both sides of Shepherd between 34th and 38th. Two truckloads of debris were hauled off.

Jacob Millwee is going out on top.

The president of the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce said Monday that he is leaving at the end of this week to become a physics teacher at Travis High School in Fort Bend ISD. Millwee, a 39-yearold Sugar Land resident, has worked for Millwee the Heights-area chamber since 2008 and served as its president since 2014.

During the last five years, Millwee said the chamber has grown in membership from 341 businesses to 560 -- the most

Contributed artist’s rendering The North Shepherd Community Alliance has a vision to beautify the street.

“Nobody’s maintaining it,” said Houston mayoral candidate Bill King, who participated in the cleanup. “So these good people all came out this morning to do it.”

The effort was a collaboration between King’s campaign, the Garden Oaks Civic Club and the North Shepherd Community Alli-

See Clean-up P. 8A

See Millwee P. 8A

Local arrest made in animal cruelty roundup

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Page 4B

THE INDEX. Calendar/Church. ............................. 5A Classifieds.............................................. 5B Coupons. ................................................. 6A Food/Drink/Art................................... 7A Obituaries.............................................. 5A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A Sports. ....................................................... 1B

ance (NSCA), a networking group of businesses along the thoroughfare. Wendell Champion, who plans to challenge longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in Texas’ 18th Congressional District in the 2020 election, also was on hand to

Contributed photo Pictured is the underweight horse that prompted an animal cruelty investigation, leading to the arrest of an Acres Homes man.

More than a dozen twodeputy teams from the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office conducted an operation it dubbed “Don’t be Cruel” on Aug. 10. The warrant roundup arrested those wanted on outstanding animal cruelty charges, with some of the cases dating back to 2017.

In all, 13 suspects were arrested and 25 warrants were cleared. Among those arrested was Acres Homes resident Gerrald Eugene Smalley, who

has been charged with failing to provide necessary food, water and care for a livestock animal, in this case a horse.

Smalley’s horse is not the same animal that the Houston SPCA posted about on its Facebook page in late May, severely emaciated and tied to a fence. In that case, authorities confiscated the horse and were searching for its owner.

According to court records, on June 19, a call to the HSPCA regarding an underweight horse prompted an investigation by the HSPCA and Precinct 1. An HSPCA investigator went to

Smalley’s residence and advised him that a brown horse on his property was underweight and needed to be seen by a licensed veterinarian. After two more written notices were given and disregarded by Smalley, a civil seizure warrant for the brown horse was obtained and the HSPCA took the horse.

The HSPCA gave the horse a body condition score of 3 out of 9 and diagnosed it with internal parasites and mildly overgrown hoof walls. As the horse was young and growing, the HSPCA See Cruelty P. 8A

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THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 2A

Area eye doctor burglarized

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com An Oak Forest eye doctor is seeing red after thousands of dollars’ worth of frames were stolen from her office.

Today’s Vision Oak ForestHeights, located at 1229 W. 43rd St., was burglarized early Sunday morning, according to the Houston Police Department. Dr. Esther Kovacs, the owner, said about 200 pairs of frames and sunglasses worth at least $50,000 were taken.

“It’s very violating,” Kovacs said. “I worked my butt off to get to where I’m at. This summer has been busy for us. I feel like in three minutes, that was taken away.”

Kovacs said her office’s surveillance video, which has been provided to HPD, shows a white or Hispanic man estimated to be in his 30s throw a rock through the glass front door and kick out the rest of it to gain entry. Once inside, Kovacs said the man quickly swiped the Nike and Costa frames and pulled down a series of metal rods that were holding more glasses.

Kovacs said the man was wearing a light-colored shirt, jeans and a cap. He has a tattoo of a cross with rosary beads on his left hand.

“He wasn’t using any gloves,” Kovacs said. “We’re trying to get some prints of what he touched.”

Surveillance photo of Today’s Vision burglary suspect

Kovacs said surveillance video showed another man, who is black and was wearing a darkcolored shirt and shorts, standing near the other suspect when he threw the rock through the window. Kovacs said that man appeared to be standing guard during the burglary and did not enter the office.

HPD spokesperson Kese Smith confirmed there are two suspects in the case.

Kovacs said she and her husband, Jason Craig, contacted nearby businesses and discovered the two men were seen together inside a blood donation center shortly before the burglary. Afterward, Kovacs said the man who stayed outside her office returned to the blood bank and donated plasma.

“The cops came back out, and (the blood bank) gave the cops information on that gentlemen,” Kovacs said.

After sharing news of the break-in on social media, Kovacs said she and Craig came

in contact with three other eye doctors who said they were burglarized by the same man who stole from their office. Kovacs said an office in Fulshear was burglarized earlier Sunday morning, one in Richmond fell victim the weekend before, and a Today’s Vision location in Tanglewood was burglarized a few weeks ago.

Kovacs said the man “seems like a professional” and “knows exactly where to go and what to do.”

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BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer Smith said there isn’t necessarily a connection between the burglaries. He also said anyone with information about the burglary of Kovacs’ office is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.

“It’s too soon in the investigation to make that determination,” Smith said of a connection between the burglaries.

TEA report recommends replacing HISD trustees

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews. com As Houston ISD prepares for the start of a new school year later this month, a significant shakeup among the district’s leadership could be coming.

HISD trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones said Aug. 8 that a preliminary report sent to the district by the Texas Education Agency, which for the last several months conducted a special accreditation investi-

gation into the HISD Board of Education, recommends replacing the nine-member, publicly elected board with a state-appointed board of managers.

“We have received the preliminary report and it does recommend a board of managers and lowered accreditation based on findings,” Skillern Jones, who represents a geographic area that includes area schools, said in a text message.

According to investigation procedures outlined on the

TEA website, HISD will be given an opportunity to respond to the findings. Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath will then make the final determination on sanctions for the largest public school district in the state, which starts classes for the 2019-20 school year on Aug. 26.

According to the Houston Chronicle, which cited the report, the TEA found instances See TEA P. 8A

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The Leader • Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 3A

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 4A

Kudos to Millwee on a job well done

T

o most people who spend their lives traveling between home, work, grocery stores and three different schools, this week’s news from the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce may not have touched your radar.

I’d like to tell you why you should care, right after I tell you a little history.

More than six years ago, former Chamber President Ken Stallman left his post to move north, which left an opening at what I believe to be one of the most important organizations in our community. One of the names considered for the position was Stallman’s right-hand-man, Jacob Millwee. The other person was a man who had become a dear friend to me named Terry Burge.

For those new to the community, Terry was the owner and publisher of this newspaper, The Leader, for more than four decades – 42 years, to be exact. When our company bought The Leader from Terry in 2012, he became an instant fan of our work to reinvigorate a community newspaper firmly entrenched in the neighborhoods it served.

Likewise, I was a big fan of Terry’s, mainly because I consider him a man of deep, unwavering character.

With whatever sway I had in the community at that time, I used it

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

to strongly suggest Terry be hired as the next Greater Heights Area Chamber president. He had helped form the Chamber more than two decades prior, he knew everyone in the community, and he had four decades of experience understanding the support small-business members of the Chamber need.

It wasn’t that I was against Jacob; it’s that I was for Terry. And my support probably didn’t matter much, because Terry’s credentials were unequivocal.

Terry ultimately got the job, and he did wonderful work at The Chamber. About a year later, though, Terry called and told me he had decided to leave the post. He also said he had spent the past year working with Jacob to step into the president’s role, and that Jacob would do a wonderful job continuing the good work of the Chamber.

I certainly couldn’t argue with the recommendation.

When Terry said Jacob Millwee would do a great job leading the Chamber, it was one of Terry’s greatest understatements. For the past five years, Jacob has led the Chamber into a stratosphere very few could have imagined.

For starters, membership of the Chamber has grown 64 percent during his time at the helm. I could end the accolades there, but I’ll proceed.

What I’ve admired most (from afar) about Jacob and his leadership is that he’s seemed to have a vision for the Chamber’s service to this very important area of Houston.

He has shown decisiveness about programs beneficial to our area’s businesses, and he has treated his position as a servant to those who support the organization’s mission.

And just like his predecessor, Jacob has shown an unwavering character to do things the right way.

He’s as honest a person as you’ll find, and the Chamber hasn’t hosted a function or event where Jacob hasn’t been fully invested.

Earlier this week, Jacob announced his resignation as Chamber president. In part, I assume he’s tired of the commute from Sugar Land to the Heights, and he’s been very clear that his decision has as much to do with being with his immediate family (not his chamber family) more. Jacob is going to teach physics at a school in Fort

Bend County, and I have no doubt he’ll do a wonderful job.

Meanwhile, the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce, and the board that governs its decisions, has some mighty big shoes to fill in the coming months, and I believe people in this community should care about the selection.

Over the past few years, I’ve often written about the void our community has in real leadership. I don’t begrudge the mayor of Houston or our city council representatives, because they have enormous weight and work on their shoulders.

But if you took the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Timbergrove, Lazy Brook, Shepherd Park Plaza and Candlelight (all areas served by the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce), that’s a rather large population with tons of small businesses lining our streets.

To be blunt, we don’t get a lot of representation at City Hall. Sure, our city council representatives speak up for us when we ask, but most times, this community – our area of Houston – has to solve problems on its own.

Other than the Chamber of Commerce and our neighborhood associations, we really don’t have much in the way of leadership. When our community wants to gather for an event, we rely on a handful of groups to make that happen.

TV or not TV? – Tying the tube THE READER. THE MAIL BOX – Today’s mail is the usual: silly threats from the IRS wanting money, ransom notes and, what’s this? It’s addressed to “TV Viewer.” A letter from Nielsen, that snoopy firm that determines who watches what on TV and thus rules the industry. Got good Nielsen ratings, you’re set for another season of You Bet Your Folks. Bad ratings and you’re as dead as the second coming of Murphy Brown. The letter begins: “We sent a Nielsen Representative to visit you in person, but have been unable to reach you.” No, they haven’t. I stay home all the time for fear of another Comanche attack, and you can’t be too careful about Vikings. The letter goes on to say they are interested in what I watch on TV but: “We understand that door-to-door contact in your area is not possible, and at Nielsen we completely respect and honor your community’s privacy policies.” They make it sound like I live in a monastery or the White House. We have no gate, guards or moat, so what are they talking about? Anyway, they want to send a representative to my house to tell me in person what it means to be a Nielsen rater.

My Momma didn’t raise no idiots, although she did always refer to me as “my slow one.” So this total stranger shows up at my doorstep, clipboard in hand, comes in and asks: “Now where are your TV sets? And your silver, antiques and safe? Exactly when will you not be watching TV, like when will you be going on vacation?” On the other hand, the letter does go on to say what a community leader I am, how my TV viewing habits are very important, etc. This reminds me of those questionnaires I keep getting, and maybe you do too, from the Republican National Committee: “As a leader in your community, your input is very important to the GOP as we draw up our policies for the 2020 elections. Please answer the following questions: Do you think Donald Trump is a great president or our greatest president? Would you ever set foot in that vermin and rat-infested city of Baltimore? Should Nancy Pelosi be (a) sold as a love slave to ISIS (b) drawn and quartered or (c) burned on a pile of Mueller Reports?” Their letters always end with a note saying they accept Visa, cash or beaver pelts.

But letting Nielsen tap my TV might help improve the vast wasteland, because it is clear America’s TV viewers need help. According to Nielsen, there were 119.6 million TV homes in the U.S. for the 2017–18 TV season.

The number of persons age 2 and older in TV households is estimated to be 304.5 million. CBS’s The Big Bang Theory finished the 2017-2018 TV season as the country’s most watched series with an average of 18.634 million

Lynn Ashby Columnist

viewers. NBC’s NFL Sunday Night Football was the season’s highest-rated series in the key18-49 demographics.

OK, I watch Sunday Night Football if my team is playing. When I read a list of the most-watched TV shows of the week or season, not only did I not watch them, I never even heard of most of them.

Always finishing in the mostviewed shows are America’s Got Talent, the Bachelorette and Celebrity Family Feud.

Millions of Americans watch WWE SmackDown! It’s a wrestling show, for crying out loud.

This is not to say my TV viewing habits are so sophisticated and brainy that I only watch the BBC, the National Geographic Channel and test patterns. I love The Three Stooges, Roadrunner cartoons and it’s hard to beat a James Bond movie, although after Number 32 they all seem the same. (Bond is captured by the evil Doctor Drano, escapes with a bunch of girls in bikinis and everything ends in a huge explosion.) On the week of April 16, 2019, CNN had its lowest primetime weekly ratings overall and in the key age demographic. I watch CNN a lot, but apparently not enough. And I like 60 Minutes, the only show that rates high, although the demographics show most viewers are over 90.

But Nielsen has problems these days with accurate numbers. So many viewers now watch shows on DVDs, iPads, reflections in mirrors and on a cable strung from their neighbor’s house. What if you leave the TV on and run errands?

Nielsen thinks you’re watching. The TV is on in a bar or airport terminal and no one is watching. After Nielsen took over the contract for producing data on Irish advertising in 2009, agencies said the results were “disastrous” and claimed that the information produced

by Nielsen was too inaccurate to be trusted by them or their clients. Turner Network president David Levy said, “We are in a new era of media and it’s time to retire the Nielsen television metric. While it undoubtedly served its purpose, it no longer fully captures how to successfully measure an audience in today’s landscape.” We must suspect Turner’s shows didn’t get very good ratings.

Still, the U.S. networks live and die over those figures, so maybe I, being a most important TV Viewer, should sign up because, in doing so, what I watch reflects the viewing habits of millions of untapped

Americans. Hereafter, so long, Fox News (an oxymoron if ever there was one). PBS is now the most-watched network on TV, especially Friday’s debate between Shields and Brooks. Football rules!

60 Minutes is a must see! The 5:30 p.m. network news appeals to a selective audience – the elderly. Look at any expressway at 5:30 and they are clogged with wage slaves who are not watching the news.

Sponsors know only AARP members are their viewing audience, so the commercials are for back pain, heart attacks and nursing homes. But according to my viewing, everyone watches the 5:30 news and, of course, The Three Stooges.

Ashby is rated at ashby2@comcast.net

Chief among those groups, and the one organization devoted to making sure our local businesses thrive, is our very own Chamber of Commerce. And if you’re someone who doesn’t own a business, or someone who lives here and works elsewhere, let me tell you why having a strong Chamber is important.

One of the things that makes our community so strong and such a wonderful place to live is because we have a group of small businesses that are local, that are strong, and that (largely) understand the value of customer service.

If we didn’t have those businesses – if we were a bunch of streets full of strip malls and national chains – the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and all our other neighborhoods would be no different than every suburban center of this city.

We aren’t that, though, and the reason is because we have local ownership of local business. In order to maintain that independence and that uniqueness, our local businesses need support. And about the only place they get that support is through our Chamber.

Kudos to Jacob Millwee on a job extraordinarily done. To the board of the Chamber, we trust you’ll hire another phenomenal president.

Email jonathan@mcelvymedia.com Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Public only hearing one side of I-45 expansion

Dear Editor: Rather than the creation of the Beltway — the real “nail in the coffin” was when Bob Lanier and his ilk decided to sell off the railroad rightof-ways that were adjacent to 59 South and I-10 west.

Chris Lewis

Texas for sale in northern takeover

Dear Editor: No need to apologize! Mobile’s USS Alabama is doing very well, thank you! But, seriously, you might want to brainstorm with them and find out why. My guess is, it’s location. Our battleship is right off I-10, easily seen from our elevated Bayway… proof that people are interested in these important museum ships. It’s still a major attraction. Check us out. And don’t let them touch that mushroom swiss burger.

Darwin Singleton

City receives grant to help fight area flooding

Dear Editor: It would be great if we could see exactly what they are planning to dig and where. I live behind White Oak Bayou and most of the homes on our street flooded during Hurricane Harvey. If what

they are going to do works, of course we’re all for it. But so often, government throws a ton of taxpayer money at problems and the problems don’t get better. Sometimes they even grow worse! I don’t know if I really trust these planners to do it right. How can we see the plans?

Kathryn

Our Veterans will be remembered like never before

Dear Editor: From family history I have to say most veterans I know don’t like to talk about the war. It was a very hard and sad time for them. I had family in WWII and friends and family In Vietnam. Over time you may hear a story now and then but mostly they prefer not to talk about it.

I think a book with their thoughts in it is a great idea and I look forward to reading it!

Jeanette Dear Editor: Can’t wait to see it! My mom submitted quite a few photos of my grandfather & pictures that he took, when he was a photographer during WWII, while in the Navy. I never knew my grandfather. He passed away from cancer, two years before I was born.

Sarah Tiemann

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Marvin __, journalist 5. Man 9. A fast gait of a horse 11. Streamlined 13. Rope fastener 15. They get you places 16. Ma 17. Filling sandwich 19. Move away from land 21. Sounds of boredom 22. Tax collector 23. Days (Spanish) 25. Predatory reptile (abbr.)

26. Hengyang Nanyue Airport 27. AJA camera 29. A computer language 31. Blare 33. Prevent from seeing 34 Long-haired dog 36. Turfs 38. Villain 39. At the peak

41. Macadamias are some 43. Chum 44. Not slender 46. Fido is one 47. Acidify with this 51. Before 53. Guided 54. Extended 56. Units of weight 57. Bedding 58. Greek portico 59. Descended

dOwn 1. Knocked out 2. Vessel that purifies 3. Bachelor of Laws 4. Loud noise 5. __ Sagan, astronomer 6. Mound 7. Coming to light 8. Extreme poverty 9. Jewel 10. Commoner 11. Disasters 12. Adult females 14. Mineral 15. Regards with disgust

18. Waterproofed canvas 20. Teased 24. Carbon particles 26. Delay 28. Luminaries 30. Boxing champ Spinks 32. A set of four 34. Most noticeable 35. He played Milton Waddams 37. __ Foster, composer 38. Succulent plant 40. Two 42. Run naked 43. El __, Texas town 45. Female deer (pl.)

48. Art __, around 1920 49. Compound 50. Breaks to sleep 52. Doctor of Education 55. Group of vineyards

WORD SCRAMBLE

The Leader • Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 5A

THINGS TO DO. The Arts Jen Kirkman Thursday, Aug. 22 8 p.m.

The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. Jen Kirkman is performing at The Heights Theater.

Tunes in the Tap Room Tuesday, Aug. 20 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Harold’s Retaurant & Tap Room – 350 W. 19th St. Enjoy live music in Harold’s Tap Room every Tuesday night.

Chloe Moriondo Friday, Aug. 16 8 p.m.

White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Chloe Moriondo is performing at White Oak Music Hall with Shortly.

Vampire Weekend Saturday, Aug. 17 6:30 p.m.

White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Vampire Weekend is performing at White Oak Music Hall.

Jakob Ogawa Sunday, Aug. 18 7 p.m.

White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Jakob Ogawa is performing at White Oak Music Hall with Nathan Bajar.

Crown The Empire Wednesday, Aug. 21 5 p.m.

White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Crown The Empire is performing at White Oak Music Hall.

Mogwai Thursday, Aug. 22 7:30 p.m.

White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Main St. Mogwai is performing at White Oak Music Hall with Papa M.

The Markets Eleanora’s Market Saturday, Aug. 17 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cavatore – 2120 Ella Blvd.

There will be local growers, makers, designers, artisans and food producers.

Little White Oak Night Market Saturday, Aug. 17 4 – 8 p.m.

Sideout Volleybar – 2623 Keene St. The Little White Oak Night Market brings together local farmers, craft merchandisers, and artists.

The Farm Stand at Petrol Station Saturday, Aug. 17 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

948 Wakefield Dr. The Farm Stand at Petrol Station features goods from local vendors.

Heights Morning Market Sunday, Aug. 18 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

3106 White Oak Dr. Heights Morning Market gathers local talented artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs to bring you closer to the goods you need. Stop by to shop and stay to brunch, drink mimosas, and listen to live music at Onion Creek.

The Pews Women’s Bible Study Group Monday, Aug. 19 5:30 p.m.

YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. The Women’s Bible Study meets every Monday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA. The study is called The Faithful, which explores crucial moments in the lives of five Old Testament figures--Queen Esther, Gideon, Hosea, Malachi, and Nehemiah.

Guests and new members are welcome to attend this nondenominational Bible study.

Email scripturesharing@earthlink. net for information.

Men’s Scripture Sharing Group Thursday, Aug. 22 7 a.m.

YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. The Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets every Thursday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA. There will be music, Bible study and fellowship. Guests and new members are welcome to attend this non-denominational Bible study. Email scripturesharing@ earthlink.net for information.

Club 21 Hawaiian Dance Saturday, Aug. 17 6 – 9 p.m.

St. Stephen’s UMC – 2003 W. 43rd St. St. Stephen’s will host a Club 21 Hawaiian Dance, sponsored by the Down Syndrome Association of Houston in its fellowship hall. DSAH members with Down syndrome age 13 and above plus one chaperone may attend free of charge. The fee for each additional attendee is $5. To register, contact DSAH at 713682-7237 or info@dsah.org.

He Heard My Cry Christian Fellowship Church Saturday, Aug. 17 2 – 5 p.m.

1313 Judiway He Heard My Cry Christian Fellowship Church, in partnership with Helping Hands in the Community, will host a Back to School Fun Day. They will have hot dogs, host a mini-health fair along with giving out clothes and backpacks filled with school supplies. Back to School Fun Day is free. For more information, call 832-5169896 or visit www.hhmcf.org. “Sensory-Friendly� Mass Saturday, Aug. 17 5 p.m.

St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church – 9915 Hollister St. A “Sensory-Friendly� Mass will

be offered at St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church. This Mass aims to support individuals with sensory processing needs.

Visit: http://www.cvent.com/d/ qyqwzx.

look at what goes on behind the scenes. Highlights for the event include giveaways, popcorn, facepainting, social media contest, opera costume dress-up station and photo op, an opera coloring sheet station and subscription and ticket discounts. It will also include free live opera performances every twenty minutes as well as the chance to meet Opera in the Heights singers.

Lazybrook Baptist Church Events June 2 – Aug. 25 6:30 p.m.

Lazybrook Baptist Church 1822 W. 18th St. Lazybrook Baptist Church is sponsoring the Young Adult Summer Book Club Fellowship, “Welcome to Adulting- Navigating Faith, Friendship, Finances, and the Future� by Jonathan “JP�

Pokluda, which will be at the home of Sean and Vonda Bonte.

They will start with a meal and then have discussion from the book. Vacation Bible School at Lazybrook Baptist Church will be July 8 – 12, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. for kids who have completed Kindergarten - 5th grades. Theme: In the Wild, Amazing Encounters With Jesus. VBS is free. Call 713-864-1470 to register or for information about the events.

Open Mic Night Tuesday, Aug. 20 9 p.m.

Heights Vinyl – 3301 Cline St. This is a free flowing, “tap in,� share the mic event where everyone is welcome.

Thursday Night Bingo Thursday, Aug. 22 5:15 p.m.

SPJST Lodge 88 - 1435 Beall St. Bingo at SPJST Lodge 88 is held every Thursday night. Bingo pads are $10 each. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m.

Meet The Candidates For Council Wednesday, Aug. 28 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Advent Lutheran Church – 5820 Pinemont Dr. The Greater Inwood Partnership (GIP) invites you to Meet the Candidates running for Council Districts A & C. The candidates will present their short opening remarks, followed by a question and answer session, and wrapping up with their brief closing remarks. You may submit your questions in advance by sending an email message to candidatequestions@greaterinwoodpartnership.org

Fall Semester Registration Thursday, Aug. 29 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

All Saints Third Age Learning Center - 215 E. 10th St. All Saints Third Age Learning Center will hold its 2019 Fall Semester Registration in the church parish hall. The Fall Semester will begin on Monday, Sept. 9 and conclude on Friday, Nov. 15. Late registration will take place the first week of the semester, Sept. 9 through Sept. 13.

TALC offers a variety of classes and activities for senior adults in the community and a hot lunch is available during the semester for $2.00. For registration information or lunch reservations, call 713-248-1277.

Houston Heights Woman’s Club’s Open House Saturday, Sept. 7 10 a.m. – Noon HHWC Clubhouse – 1846 Harvard St. The Houston Heights Woman’s Club welcomes all our Greater Heights Area neighbors to an informal Open House to visit their historic clubhouse, learn about their neighborhood community service activities, social events and 119-year-old Literary Club.

Fun & Games American Legion Steak Night Friday, Aug. 16 6 p.m.

American Legion Post 560 – 3720 Alba The American Legion’s steak night is open to the public and includes, steak, baked potato, salad and desserts provided by Women’s Auxiliary. Begins at 6 p.m. until the steaks are gone.

Special Events Waltrip High School Class of 1979 Saturday, Oct. 5 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

The Whitehall Hotel – 1700 Smith St. The Waltrip High School Class of 1979 40th Reunion is this October. Please make your check payable to Waltrip Class of 79 for $60 per person before September 15 is you plan to attend. Mail your check to: Lisa Trigg Mendel, PO Box 16611, Houston, TX 77222. If your name has changed since high school, please include your high school name with your payment.

Julia E. Davis Book Signing Saturday, Aug. 17 1 – 3 p.m.

The Book Scene – 1820 W. 43rd St. Author Julia E. Davis will be signing and discussing her book, “LOVE STORM.� There will be refreshments and prizes.

Lambert Hall Open House Saturday, Aug. 17 9 – 11 a.m.

Opera in the Heights – 1703 Heights Blvd.

This free event invites attendees to experience the Opera in the Heights and get a firsthand

THE OBITUARIES. Sunny Fair Gilbert, 93, born Dec. 14, died on Aug. 7.

She is survived by her children: Kathy Roeder (Phil), Jeff Gilbert (Cheryl), and Miles Gilbert, and sister-in-law, Susan Gilbert; six grandchildren: Tracy Roeder, Austin (Amy) Kingsberry, Chris (Liz) Gilbert, Jennifer Gilbert,

Michelle Campbell (Bubba Millhouse), Makayla Gilbert, and Travis Gilbert; eight greatgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews.Â

Albert Ellis Szkody, 71, born Oct. 2, died on Aug. 8.

Vernell Mary Foyt, 87,

Christopher Kansteiner and wife Brenna, Mark Kansteiner, Eric Koonce and wife Katie, Nicole Koonce, Gabrielle Foyt and Gavin Foyt; great grandchildren: Trevor Johnson, Owen Johnson, Korlyn Dent and Riley Dent; and sister: Margie Lemire and husband Bruce.

born Jan. 9, died on Aug. 9.

She is survived by her children: Jackie Mortimer and husband Rick, Michelle Koonce and husband Allen, Gay Kansteiner and husband Gary, Jason Foyt and Kateri; grandchildren: Jack Johnson and wife Brittany, Amy Dent and husband Patrick,

CHURCH

City of Anahuac, Texas Sewer Collection System Rehabilitation Project TWDB NO. 73736 King Solution Services, LLC is soliciting proposals from subcontractors/suppliers for the Sewer Collection System Rehabilitation Project for City of Anahuac, Texas.

The scope of the project consists of the rehabilitation of approximately 81,500 LF of 6�-24� sanitary sewer lines by pipe bursting and cured in place, CCTV cleaning and televising, replacement of manholes and sanitary sewer connections.

To submit proposals or if you need additional information regarding the project, please email:

Allan Negrete Project Manager Allankingsolutions@yahoo.com 13221 Chrisman Rd. Houston, TX 77039 This contract is subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, which includes EPA-approved fair share goals toward procurement of Minority and Womenowned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) businesses. EPA rules require that prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of contracts, subcontracts, and procurements to M/WBEs through demonstration of six affirmative steps. For more details of the DBE Program and the current, applicable fair share goals, please visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/dbe.

In Memoriam William Paul Stegall

Born, February 8, 1956, departed at the age of 63 to be face to face with the Lord on July 29, 2019. He was surrounded by love ones at his home. Paul was born and has lived in the Oak Forest neighborhood his entire life. Down the road he was a loyal hardworking employee at Mustang CAT for over 11 years.

Through his journey in life he always had a smile and a positive attitude that lead him to help so many people that came into his life and was often been referred to as “Smiley Paul�. He is survived by his mother, Nellwyn Parker, his loving wife of 39 years, Sharon B. Stegall, son William Paul Stegall Jr, sister Judy Wilkerson, niece Trula Soliman, and brotherin-law Roy Barmore and wife Lin Barmore. Paul will be missed dearly by his many family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 16, 2019 at 11:00am at Berachah Church, 2815 Sage Rd, Houston, TX 77056. Eulogy will be given by his Pastor R. B. Thieme III, who he followed his teachings throughout his days.

In Memoriam Nelda Joy Gentry Cravey, 89, passed away July 14th in Pflugerville, Texas. Nelda was born on March 27, 1930 in Houston, Texas to Arva and Lucille Gentry. Nelda graduated from Reagan High School in 1948. She met her lifetime Love, David O. Cravey in 1947 at the Love baseball diamond in Houston. Dave knew after a “fourminute conversation� that Nelda was the one, and they married on a very hot day, before air-conditioning, in Houston on August 4, 1951. She and Dave would have celebrated their 68th anniversary on August 4th of this year.

Nelda was proceeded in death by: her father, Arva Estes Gentry; her mother, Lucille Cox Gentry; her beautiful beloved daughter; Cathy Lynne, brothers; Payton Gentry and Arva Estes Gentry, Jr. Nelda looked anxiously forward to seeing them all again.

She is survived, loved, and will be missed by her husband and love Col. David O. Cravey of Austin, Texas; a son Daniel Steven Cravey and wife Lorna of Corpus Christi; a son Matthew David Cravey and wife Gina of Canyon, Texas; grandchildren; Derek Rowe, Sarah Cravey Ochsankehl and husband Andy, Logan Gravey, Morgan Cravey, Jennifer Angelini, Travis Cravey, and great grandchildren; Carter Rowe, William, Madeline and Samantha Ochsankehl, and Liam Angelini.

Nelda will always and forever be Dave’s “Punkin�.

Don’t Forget to UNITY IN Say Thank You

GOD’S WORK

DIRECTORY

By Pastor Will Cover

Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston, TX 77018 713-659-9697 www.arisebaptistchurch.org By•Pastor Will Cover

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a holiday that we as Americans have enjoyed for generations. people are“That lookingthey forward to time Jesus saidMany in John 17:21 all may be spent one; with family, time off work, a big watching football, as thou, Father, artfrom in me, and I infeast, thee, that they also catching the biggest sales of the years, and probably many may be one in us: that the world may believe that others things during this Thanksgiving weekend. There will be thou hast sent Jesusduring wantstheusthis to time be one with some people who me.� will struggle of holiday Him and with theloved Father. thisorasclose we as they remember ones We whocan theyonly havedolost, live according what Godtotells to do.because A wonderful companions thattoare unable be us together of the example ofthe unity in God’s work found in the schedule or logistics.

Either way,isThanksgiving willstory be a of Nehemiah andare the children of Israel time when people either thinking happy rebuilding thoughts or the sad thoughts aboutJerusalem. something. In chapter three of Nehemiah wall around When I are was apeople boy, I remember my mother saying, “Don’t forget there from many different occupations, to say thanklevels you.� She was reminding to be thankful to my different of society, evenme different levels of grandmother for the wonderful Thanksgiving meal, orintothe my spiritual knowledge and service all involved familyof member that gave a special gift, or to my friend who work rebuilding theme wall.

The people came together invited me to their birthday party.

Most people want to teach to do this great work. One verse in chapter three even their children to be thankful. I think most people would agree says that their children were involved in the work. A that being thankful is important, it is also true that it is not man daughters helping to rebuild the through. wall. I alwayshad to behis thankful depending on what we are going think it is wonderful when families and communities The Bible says in Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all come together forthea Father common is a things unto God and in thepurpose. name of ourUnity Lord Jesus wonderful thing and the best kind of unity is found Christ.� I would encourage you, no matter how you feel during with God. season It is often hard to find ground this holiday to remember that youcommon can be thankful to God. He gave up His only Son to die a cruel death the cross between different socio-economic levels of on people.

It so sometimes that anyone who truststo him canpeople be forgiven of all their sins and is difficult find from different have eternal Don’t together forget to say thankand you!to encourage walks of lifelife. coming to help If you other. would like discuss further or questions, each As to the body this of Christ, thehave church that Pastor Will Cover betruly reached at Arise to Baptist Church at is following Godcan and obedient His plan and 803 Curtin St., or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, or 713-659-9697.

His will experience this kind of unity and ability to

complete tremendous amounts of work for the Lord.

I am thankful to be a part of a church that strives for unity as we work together in the work of the Lord!

Page 6A • Saturday, August 17, 2019 • The Leader

How to know if your cat is feeling pain pack either.

Dear Tabby, We have an elderly cat and sometimes I worry that he’s in pain. How can I tell if she’s experiencing any pain and what can I do about it?

Concerned About Kitty in Shepherd Park Plaza Dear Concerned About Kitty, This is a very timely question because Animal Pain Awareness Month is coming up next month. The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) launched Animal Pain Awareness Month in the hopes that more pet guardians learn about and recognize pain in their pets.

Signs of pain Here are a few telltale signs your kitty is in pain from the Cat Hospital of Chicago: • Less to nonexistent grooming OR too much grooming • Strange or changed sleep patterns (e.g. sleeping on only one side) • Decreased appetite or disinterest in food and water • Less social and interactive with you/the family OR hiding more • Growling or hissing when stroked, touched (in a particular area) or moved • Change in posture, e.g. is

she more hunched back?

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• Ongoing purring; purrs can be used to comfort, calm or heal cats • Not acting like herself, e.g. more cranky or restless than normal Visit your vet just in case Since our feline companions don’t communicate pain and discomfort the same way other animals do, it’s important that you watch for signs of pain and stay up to date with vet visits. With a little care and consideration, you can ensure

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Hiding pain is a cats’ instinct Unlike other companions, it is hard for a cat to show their pain. Evolution is working against well-meaning guardians. According to the Okaw Veterinary Clinic, as both predators and prey, disguising pain can save a cat’s life: “The easiest prey for a predator to kill is the sick or injured one.”

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The Leader • Saturday, August 17, 2019 • Page 7A

Going vegan takes careful consideration Zarah Parker Managing Editor

Once Jessica Evans and her family figured out they could live a healthy life without any animals having to die, they chose to implement a vegan diet.

Evans, a teacher at a local private school, cut out animal and animal byproducts a little more than a year ago to avoid the exploitation or unnecessary killing of animals.

“After watching a few documentaries on Netflix and then learning what happens to animals in factory farms -- the conditions they are kept in, the torture they endure, the disregard of their life -- we just couldn’t take part anywmore,” Evans said. “Then, after reading studies on the effects on your body from ingesting animal products that come from factory farming, that are made readily available to the public if you take the time to look, we decided it was in our best interest to make a full stop.”

Other motivators for people choosing to go vegan include environmental and health reasons.

Evans made the dietary change with her husband and

three children. She said changing her children’s diets wasn’t a quick choice but took careful consideration and her own research into the health effects and benefits. Being vegan isn’t something anyone should do on a whim, she said.

“What’s funny is, people like us are ridiculed for switching our children over to a vegan diet, but people who feed their children fast food sometimes three times a day, are rarely questioned,” Evans said.

Evans asked herself why meat is promoted so much in America. She then noticed how many people are facing health issues that could be helped by reducing the amount of animal products they ingest.

“I think the benefits of the vegan diet is that there is research around cardiovascular disease, that a diet high in plants can be healthy,” said Shana Tatum, a local nutritionist. “Like fruits and vegetables provide Fido nutrients and anti-oxidants which can have anti-inflammatory properties.”

On the other hand, Tatum said animal protein from meat provides the most bio-available of B vitamins, so having a diet that avoids meat limits your consumption.

So what works for some people may not work for others, because everyone has dif-

stitute. If it wants milk, she’ll use almond milk. But other products already contain animal products. Grocery stores also now stock prepared meals from vegan brands.

The lightbulb moment that helped Evans transition was a change in how she viewed vegan products.

“I was mentioning to my husband that I wished we could find an almond milk that

Photo by Zarah Parker These vegan cupcakes made by Zarah Parker and a friend had the texture of muffins and were particularly sugary.

ferent health concerns. “(Vegan diets) tend to be a high carbohydrate diet, and a high carbohydrate diet can promote insulin resistance,” Tatum said. “So people with Type 2 diabetes should proceed with caution if choosing a vegan diet.”

While some people switch to a vegan diet for health reasons, vegan doesn’t necessarily mean healthier.

“There are plenty of junk food options that would make a vegan diet unhealthy,” Evans said. “To be honest, it is really easy to become an unhealthy vegan.”

For the vegan diet to be healthy, a person still has to

make small changes, such as baked over fried, fresh over frozen or unprocessed over processed. Those factors can make a difference in anyone’s diet.

In this day and age, going vegan is relatively easy with Google at your fingertips, but shopping at a grocery store can be tricky.

“You don’t realize how many items at the store have either milk, eggs or meat in them until you start reading labels,” Evans said. “It’s in almost everything.”

Evans has managed to find a way around some things. For example, if a cake recipe calls for eggs, she’ll use an egg sub-

tasted like dairy milk.” Evans said. “He simply stated, ‘It’s not going to taste like cow’s milk because it’s not cow’s milk.’”

She kept expecting two different products to taste the same, but they never would.

Relinquishing that line of thinking opened the door for her as she realized that she could find new ways to make her favorite dishes vegan.

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Verdine makes vegan approachable

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Verdine Address: 449 W. 19th St. Pricing: $7.50-$17 Kid-friendly: Yes Alcohol: Yes Healthy options: Yes Star of the show: Jackfruit Carnitas

zarah@theleadernews.com

Slow-cooked, smoked pulled jackfruit is a lot like pulled pork, something I never would have guessed before dining at Verdine, a restaurant that serves 100-percent vegan fare.

I had been wanting to try out Verdine for a while, mostly due to my curiosity on what the dishes would taste like.

The menu options are more than just salads. There are burgers, tacos, a sandwich and more.

The restaurant has an open atmosphere, with white walls and furniture furthering that feel. The hints of color come from small hanging plants, wooden tables and light blue booths.

I ordered at the counter, grabbed a glass of water from the water station and picked my own table.

For my meal I got the Bistro Burger, which came with an organic lentil-walnut-mushroom patty with roasted red pepper aioli, arugula, tomato, dill pickles, cashew “chevre”

Photo by Zarah Parker The Jackfruit Carnitas were the star of the show at Verdine.

and caramelized onions on a wheat bun.

I also ordered two of the Jackfruit Carnitas to share with a friend. They came with corn salsa, chipotle aioli and pickled red onions in corn tortillas.

With the burger, I made the rookie mistake of cutting it in half the way I would with a hamburger. The patty on this burger is softer and, while easy to cut through, it also made the burger fall apart. But that was only half my fault, because from the first bite the patty continued to try to es-

cape the bun.

I then decided to eat it with a fork, which worked better.

The taste of the patty was overwhelmed by the roasted red pepper aioli and the cashew “chevre,” which is kind of like cashew cheese.

The Jackfruit Carnitas fell apart the right way — in my mouth. The jackfruit was tender and the pickled red onion brought a sweetness to the dish that made it pop.

What I appreciated most was that the dishes at Verdine made vegan food approachable for a carnivore like me.

Art Valet: ‘Hot August Nights’ should be steamy showcase Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

It should be no surprise that an art show this Saturday night is titled “Hot August Nights” with the addendum of, “A Seductive, Sensual & Sexy Art Show.” Can’t be confusing the art with the weather now.

Hardy & Nance Studios, 902 Hardy St., will present “Hot August Nights: A Seductive, Sensual & Sexy Art Show” curated

by Lacey Crawford.

Crawford is no stranger to erotic art, having insinuated sensuality in many of her paintings, and most directly in a bronzed sculpture of lingerie.

That, if you understand the delicacies of bronzing, is nothing short of amazing.

Crawford was a good fit for a curator is what I’m saying here, so I had to ask a few questions.

What exactly were you looking for when reviewing the art submissions?

“Besides looking for unusual, original art, and because ‘Hot August Nights,’ I was seeking sexy, interesting, engaging and erotic themes,” Crawford said.

“I wanted to be seduced by profound beauty but with subtleties

Contributed photo A crowd gathers at Hardy & Nance Studios, which will host Hot August Nights: A Seductive, Sensual & Sexy Art Show on Saturday.

of forbidden excitement, conveying heightened emotion that hinted at a more primal note -- a strange but deeply familiar perfume -- emanating from the image like a heartbeat. I needed to see art that was well-thought out with skill and crafting of medium onto surface, also showing that the artist really dug into his or her talents.”

What impressions did you come away with?

“The art submitted was stunning and I came away feeling I had been let in on well-kept, beautiful little secrets,” Crawford said. “There were quite a few pieces unchosen because, though they had interesting composition and subjects, they seemed too raw and unfinished,

but only in the way of execution; I’d love to see any one of those completed and resubmitted to be juried by future shows.”

I don’t envy the job of curating this one. I would bet, though, that this is one not to miss. Grab your honey or surprise a date!

“If you attend the event, be prepared for some rather blatant surprises as well,” Crawford said.

Because nudity will be depicted, parental guidance is suggested. Call a sitter.

The show coincides with the Third Saturday Open Studios from 5-9 p.m. Visit hardyandSee Art Valet P. 8A

Make your reservations i at the Leader Readers’ voted

Best Italian Restaurant!

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• Best Steak House • Best Service • Best Brunch • Best Patio • Best Cocktail • Best Date Place

Page 8A • Saturday, August 17, 2019 • The Leader

Candidates from P. 1A ration, an upcoming craft studio and wine bar in the Heights.

Goerner was referring to Mayor Sylvester Turner, for whom she voted in 2015.

She said she plans to vote for Buzbee or King, who lost to Turner in a runoff four years ago, in this year’s mayoral election in November.

Criticism of Turner was a common theme among Buzbee and King, who each took a turn at the podium and then took turns answering questions from the audience.

Both said Turner has mismanaged the city’s finances and misplaced its priorities, citing problems with crime, infrastructure, public services and transparency.

“Everything’s broken,” King said. “Nothing’s work-

ing in this city.”

Turner, who according to campaign finance reports filed with the city secretary has a sizable fundraising advantage over his challengers, did not attend the event.

Jacob Millwee, the outgoing president of the chamber of commerce, said Turner was invited to participate but did not agree to its format or structure.

Millwee said two other prominent mayoral candidates, city councilman Dwight Boykins and former city councilwoman Sue Lovell, were not invited because they had not yet entered the race when invitations were extended earlier this year. Millwee said the chamber of commerce invited six of the nine candidates

Buzbee

King

who are now in the race, with city’s filing deadline set for Aug. 19.

“I would have loved to have been there,” said Lovell, who has ties to the Heights and worked with the chamber during her tenure on the city council.

Goerner, along with Heights realtor Bobby Speer and mortgage lender Gabe Lukish, said they think Buzbee and King are the two best options in a crowded race.

King, who served as mayor of Kemah in the early

the Houston City Council to seek financial support.

Even after last Saturday’s cleanup, van der Pol said the street “needs a massive amount of work.”

“Our idea is we would like to make this area right here a gateway to the North Shepherd corridor,” said Betty Heacker, owner of Wabash Feed & Garden Store at 4537 N. Shepherd Dr. “You have to start by cleaning it up.”

Heacker speaks from experience. She said she helped revitalize Washington Avenue when her business was located there in the 1990s and early 2000s, and that transformation

started with a similar community cleanup event.

King said he hopes the latest effort by the NSCA will inspire other communities around Houston to hold their own beautification events. Along those lines, he said he wants to help organize cleanup projects in other parts of town every Saturday.

Champion also drew inspiration from the Shepherd cleanup, saying it’s an example that can be followed all over the United States.

“The beautiful thing is you see people from all different neighbors,” he said.

“That’s America, working together to make it better.”

A woman who drove by rolled down her window and thanked the cleanup crew.

Van der Pol said a curious resident of the apartment complex on the west side of Shepherd also expressed gratitude.

It was just one group of people pitching in on one morning, but the effort could lead to more. Garden Oaks resident Tom Cronin said more is needed, too, because he discovered layers of trash while working on the grass and dirt on the side of the street.

“I know it’s got a long ways to go,” van der Pol said. “But we’ve come a long ways, too.”

ability to ensure proper contract procurement laws are followed.”

A TEA spokesperson declined to comment beyond confirming that HISD had received the preliminary report, which is not a public document, and saying the investigation is “still ongoing.”

According to the Chronicle, HISD had until Aug. 15 to respond to the report.

Elizabeth Santos, the other HISD trustee that represents area schools, did not respond to a voicemail Aug. 8.

According to the Chronicle, the TEA investigation de-

termined Santos was among five trustees who violated the open meetings law by secretly meeting with Abe Saavedra in October 2018 about the possibility of having him replace interim superintendent Grenita Lathan. A few days later, the five trustees voted to do just that in a public school board meeting, although Lathan was reinstated shortly thereafter. The other four trustees involved, according to the Chronicle, are board president Diana Davila, Sergio Lira, Anne Sung and Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca.

The HISD board already

was facing the possibility of a TEA takeover if any of four consistently underperforming schools -- Kashmere and Wheatley high schools, Henry Middle School and Highland Heights Elementary School -- fail to meet state academic requirements this year. Those schools’ performances were to be announced Thursday.

And HISD already is overseen by a state-appointed conservator, Doris Delaney, who in March ordered the district to suspend its search for a permanent superintendent pending the results of the TEA investigation.

Cleanup from P. 1A help.

NSCA founder Kathryn van der Pol, the co-owner of Liberty Hoepfl Garage at 4610 N. Shepherd Dr., said the cleanup event was the first step in what she hopes will be a transformation of the street. She enlisted a professional landscape designer to sketch renderings of what the area could look like – with murals painted on the railroad bridge as well as the walls of the underpass, grassy areas on the median and near the sidewalks, and street lights so the area isn’t as dark at night.

Van der Pol said she plans to present her vision to

Cruelty from P. 1A stated it was critical to provide it with proper nutrition to prevent a variety of orthopedic and metabolic problems in adulthood.

At a seizure hearing July 10, attended by Smalley, the animal was awarded to the HSPCA. One of the higher-profile arrests in the operation was that of Edmond Megdal, who had more than 200 animals discovered on his property located in Southeast Houston. The animals included birds, turtles, mice, rabbits and bearded dragons. They were discovered living in deplorable conditions without access even to water.

The majority of those arrested face Class A misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of $4,000.

Precinct 1 spokesperson

Kevin Quinn said the welfare of the animal is paramount in these cases, and the animals were taken from their owners in a civil action as the first step while the criminal investigation continued.

“They are evaluated and treated at the Houston SPCA,” Quinn said. “Once well enough they can be offered for adoption.”

HSPCA spokesperson Julie Kuenstle said the organization sees all manner of animals come through their facility on Old Katy Road, including horses, sheep, goats and chickens.

Kuenstle said the HSPCA investigates 6,000 cases of animal cruelty per year in a partnership with Precinct 1.

She said the majority of what the SPCA does is education, including welfare checks.

“We try to work with

Smalley

the owner,” Kuenstle said. ”Sometimes they just don’t know.”

Sometimes an owner will surrender their animals because of their own declining health or because they have taken on more than they can manage. Other times, as with Smalley’s case, a warrant is secured because an animal needs rescuing. After that, a custody hearing is sought so the HSPCA can

obtain custody.

For the horses in the HSPCA’s care, there is a 26-stall barn on HSPCA’s new campus where they can get the help they need. Kuenstle said the vet care they receive reduces their level of stress and helps them heal.

For the most severe cases, the road to health is long and sometimes uncertain.

“When a horse has lost 200 pounds, it is not an easy feat to put that weight back,” Kuenstle said.

Kuenstle said the HSPCA needs the community to be its eyes and ears to help protect animals.

“Go ahead and report it,” she said. “We’ll go check it out.”

Precinct 1’s animal cruelty hotline can be reached at 832-927-1659. The Houston SPCA has a similar animal cruelty tip line at 713-8697722.

LEGION Act opens post to new members

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com On July 30, President Donald Trump signed a bill that declared the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941, the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The American Legion had advocated for the bill so 1,600 U.S. service members who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war could be acknowledged.

LEGION, an acronym for the Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act, also opens up membership in the American Legion to approximately 6 million veterans who previously had not been eligible, according to a news release by the organization.

The American Legion’s eligibility criteria is changed from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941, to a time later determined by the federal government.

Tony Moreno, who is the post commander of Garden Oaks American Legion Post 560 at 3720 Alba Rd., said he hopes

“Enough is enough.”

Speer said Buzbee had a “slight edge” in terms of the candidates’ performance at the chamber of commerce event, describing him as more engaging and energetic. Goerner also said Buzbee came across as passionate, but she credited King for being more reserved and experienced.

Lukish said he plans to vote for one of the two men, but wants to vet them more before making a choice.

“I definitely liked both of their points of view. They were well-spoken and very direct,” Lukish said. “They have a plan and have initiatives, and I think that’s a huge part. Once you get in there, you’ve got to know what to do with it.”

Millwee from P. 1A

TEA from P. 2A of misconduct by multiple trustees, including violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act, making false statements to investigators and inappropriately influencing vendor contracts.

TEA Special Investigations Unit Director Jason Hewitt wrote in the report, according to the Chronicle, that the recommendations were made because of the trustees’ “demonstrated inability to appropriately govern, inability to operate within the scope of their authority, circumventing the authority of the Superintendent and in-

2000s, is a University of Houston graduate who also has worked as a lawyer and businessman. He said Houston needs to better address the issues of crime and homelessness while also making better fiscal decisions.

Buzbee graduated from Texas A&M and served in the United States Marine Corps before becoming a successful trial attorney, and he touted his experience as a business leader to the audience. He said he would replace Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena if elected and, like King, said the city isn’t providing adequate services to its citizens.

“We can’t even pick up the trash on time,” Buzbee said.

news of the change will continue to spread. Post 560’s membership stands at about 400.

“I (previously) had to turn away some friends who served in between wars,” Moreno said. “Both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars were set up the same way.”

Moreno said the change also will open up membership for family members in the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.

The LEGION bill was introduced by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Arizona, along with Sen. Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina.

A companion measure, H.R. 1641, was introduced in the House by Reps. Lou Correa, D-California, and Ben Cline, R-Virginia.

“In an era of partisan gridlock, Republicans and Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly recognized the importance of allowing thousands of honorable but previously ineligible veterans the right to join the largest and most influential veterans organization in the country,” American Legion National Commander Brett

Reistad said in a statement.

Reistad said existing American Legion membership applications are in the process of being updated but can still be used. Prospective legionnaires and recruiters can write “LEGION Act” in the eligibility date section of American Legion membership applications if they fall outside the previous war eras.

Garden Oaks Post 560 was founded May 21, 1946, by World War I and recently returned World War II veterans living in the Garden Oaks-Oak Forest area. First they met in a pavilion on a 5-acre lot on the corner Golf Drive and Judiway Street. They later donated the land to the City of Houston for use as a park and moved into their current home in 1951.

As a community-centered veterans service organization, Post 560 hosts barbecue and fish fry fundraisers to support veterans in need. Moreno said they’ve also made sandwiches and quilts for the VA Medical Center in Houston. He values his membership in the organization, both for the opportunity to continue to serve and for

the camaraderie of his fellow veterans.

“You get to meet people. You wouldn’t know (about their service) if you saw them on the street,” Moreno said. “Everybody comes here and gets to talk about their service (and) where they were stationed at.”

it has had since its inception in 1988.

“I’m extremely proud of my time with the chamber.

The chamber’s been very good to me,” Millwee said.

“This was a hard decision to make, one that has a little tinge of regret to it, even though I know it’s the right choice at this time for me and my family.”

Millwee’s last day with the chamber will be Friday. It is unclear when the chamber will have a new president, either full-time or on an interim basis.

Dee Farino, chair of the chamber’s board of directors, did not respond to a voicemail Monday.

Millwee credited the board

of directors as well as the chamber’s three other staffers for the success under his leadership. He said the highlights of his tenure include interacting with elected officials and business leaders from the community, helping the chamber weather economic downturns and organizing its annual crawfish festival.

Millwee said teaching close to home will afford him more time with his wife, two sons and parents. He plans to start his new job Aug. 19.

“I have enjoyed teaching before as a substitute well before the current career.

It’s something that I always meant to return to,” Millwee said. “This is ultimately a family choice.”

Art Valet from P. 7A nancestudios.com for more information.

Save the date: Serrano Gallery presents “My Pie in the Sky Wish,” a solo exhibit featuring the work of Miss Carolyn Bertrand Hodges. Miss Carolyn, as I refer to her, has been the subject of many of my columns over the years.

Just search Bertrand at the-

leadernews.com to read more about this unstoppable nonagenarian. Details: Friday, Aug. 30 from 5-8 p.m. The Serrano Gallery is studio No. 317 at Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards St. Cohen is an artist and founder of First Saturday Arts Market and the Market at Sawyer Yards.

Find him at ArtValet.com.

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A pictorial, hardbound book honoring area veterans premieres this fall.

PRE-ORDER TODAY! Pick it up locally or $10 for shipping Deadline to pre-order is September 15.

Book will ship in early November.

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A portion of the proceeds will go to the American Legion Post 560.