Issuu

RETAIL TO GO!

Inside Today: A new restaurant is set to open • Page 3B

Curbside • Pick-Up ve FREE Delivery

Flower & Gift Shop p

MICHAEL SILVA

michael@happenhouston.com

713-725-8748 cell

Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston

10570 NW Frwy ❖ 713-680-2350

Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Vol. 65 • No. 17

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

Jason Knebel (713)232-9712

jasonk@greenwoodking.com GREENWOOD KING

PROPERTIES

Your neighborhood living room in The Heights Serving coffee, tea, wine, beer, savories and sweets 7 am to 9 pm daily.

1030 Heights Blvd, Houston,TX 77008

713-434-6923

INSIDE.

At odds. Residents in the Shady Acres area are trying to thwart an affordable housing project.

Page 1B

Mixed bag. Some local businesses have had better luck than others in securing loans.

Page 4A

Chalk it up to fun. Residents are using sidewalk chalk to stay active and connected.

Page 5A

THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 5A Classifieds.............................................. 6A Coupons. ................................................. 8A Food/Drink/Art................................... 3B Obituaries.............................................. 5A Opinion. ................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 3A

Let’s give thanks to unsung heroes in community By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com We might see them walking around our neighborhoods or driving by on their way to work. Maybe we give them a smile or a nod or even say hello. We might have an idea of what they go through when we can’t see them or engage them. But oftentimes

we’re left to guess. The goal of today’s edition of The Leader is to pull back the curtain of our everyday lives and shine a spotlight on the people who we’re counting on to keep us safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are the healthcare professionals in our community, the employees at our local grocery stores and, of course, the police officers, firefighters and other

first responders who put their health at risk so we can ensure ours. As you’ll find out by reading their stories, their selfless actions also put their loved ones at risk. So please take a few minutes to dive deeper into the lives of Garden Oaks nurse Sherry Chavez, H-E-B employee Ariel Gray, Santos Torres of the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office and Oak Forest resi-

dent Henry Rodriguez of the Houston Fire Department. In many ways, they are just like you and me. In other ways, that often go unseen and unheard, they are the unsung heroes of our time. We hope you enjoy their stories, and we encourage our readers to tell us about similar ones. And when you see these people out and about, rememer to say thank you.

Faces of our Front Line

Torres takes personable approach to policing GO

Gray serves as mother hen for local H-E-B store

Santos Torres does not live anywhere near Garden Oaks, but he’s become an integral part of the community during the last two years. He patrols the neighborhood’s streets for the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office, which has a contract with the community to provide an extra law enforcement presence. Torres’ presence, even though he wears a badge and carries a gun, often is affable in nature. He likes to wave at residents and chat them up, which is an integral part of community policing. “He likes to visit. He likes to interact. He’s very good at interfacing with the community,” said longtime Garden Oaks resident Terry Jeanes, who coordinates the neighborhood’s contract constable program. “That’s a good thing, because they feel comfortable with him there.” Lately, though, Torres’ job has been more uncomfortable than usual. Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen

Ariel Gray does not talk about the dangers of her job with her two kids, 8-year-old Jeremiah and 5-year-old Jasiah, because she doesn’t want them to worry. Perhaps when they’re older, they’ll realize their mother was an unsung hero during the COVID-19 pandemic. They might also come to understand why she doesn’t love on them as soon as she gets home from her shifts as a cashier at the H-E-B in the Heights. Gray first makes sure she’s clean. “Mommy take her clothes off and gets in the shower, and then it’s time to hug and kiss and say hi,” Gray said. Such is life these days for Gray, who has adjusted to a new normal both at home and at work. Grocery stores such as H-E-B and Kroger have become bastions of comfort for area residents, who are staying at home more often and making more meals in their kitchens.

See Torres, P. 9A

See Gray, P. 9A

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Chavez takes pride in Rodriguez stays taking care of others close to COVID-19 By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Sherry Chavez calls it cumbersome. It’s also hot, and the warming weather in Houston doesn’t help. But wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) – such as masks, face shields, gloves and medical gowns – often is a requirement at work. It has been since March, when COVID-19 was in the early stages of making its way around the region. Chavez, a longtime Garden Oaks resident, is a nurse at Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center near the intersection of the Southwest Freeway and Kirby Drive. She said she has regularly encountered patients with symptoms of COVID-19, the infectious upper-respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus strain, and has grown accustomed to suiting up in PPE. “You wonder in your mind, ‘Are you completely covered?’” Chavez said. “It has to be done, because we don’t really know exactly what we’re dealing with.” Chavez said some of the sick people who have come to her ER during the last two months are tested for

COVID-19, treated and sent home. Those with more severe symptoms, such as fever and shortness of breath, are sent to Houston Methodist’s facility in the Texas Medical Center. As of Wednesday morning, the disease had infected at least 5,100 people in Houston and Harris County and caused 79 deaths. According to the World Health Organization, there have been more than 2.4 million cases of COVID-19 across the globe, with it leading to more than 163,000 deaths. “It’s mean and it’s nasty,” Chavez said. “It’s out there and it wants to take a few lives.” But helping people, particularly those who are ill, is a big part of Chavez’s life as she’s been an ER nurse for three decades. So relinquishing that role is not something she’s considered, even though going to work during a pandemic puts her and her family at risk. Chavez’s husband, Manuel, is a retired EMS chief with the Houston Fire Department. They have four children – Conner, Garrett, Holley See Chavez, P. 9A

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Henry Rodriguez, an Oak Forest resident and 10-year veteran of the Houston Fire Department, took a two-week vacation at the beginning of March. When he came back mid-month, things at his job were quite different on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I had a mask and was wearing it if someone had symptoms, but it wasn’t required,” Rodriguez said of the time before his vacation. “Now (personal protective equipment) are mandatory, including N95, goggles and gloves. We assume that they have it.” Rodriguez received a promotion a year-and-a-half ago and now works at Houston Fire Station 30 on Irvington Boulevard. The first responder is part of a unit called basic life support care. Rodriguez is one of two emergency medical technicians who drives an ambulance to provide hospital transport to those who call 911. Sometimes the two will answer a call on their own, but often they accompany the other HFD personnel on

City of Houston dispatch calls. The uptick in calls Rodriguez answered upon return from his break were largely related to COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus. “A lot of people thought they had the symptoms,” Rodriguez said. “They thought we could test them.” Rodriguez explained to each what the best of course of action and treatment would entail as well as the likelihood of getting a test in an environment where they were in short supply with stricter guidelines in place for screening. “For those people who wanted to go to the hospital we would transport them,” Rodriguez said. “We can’t deny them. We’d radio it into the hospital and wait to hear before we brought the patient in. Now hospitals have separate entrances (for suspected COVID-19 patients).” For those who were coughing or experiencing breathing difficulties, Rodriguez and his team had to weigh the risks involved in nebulization, or delivering drugs into the lungs directly via a mist. A blood oxygen See Rodriguez, P. 9A

THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 2A

Abbott orders Texas schools to remain closed for academic year By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

COVID-19 has closed classrooms early in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order last Friday that included the closure of all schools in the state for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year, a measure aimed at promoting social distancing and slowing the spread of COVID-19. The order applies to public and private schools as well as institutions of higher learning. There have been more than 20,000 reported cases of the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus throughout the state as of Tuesday, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, includ-

ing 517 deaths caused by COVID-19. In Houston and Harris County, the disease has infected at least 4,900 people and caused 78 deaths. “The team of doctors advising us has determined that it would be unsafe to allow students together at school for the foreseeable future,” Abbott said. Texas schools can continue to utilize distance learning through online programs while campuses are closed. Houston ISD, the largest school district in Texas, announced Friday that it will continue its “HISD @ H.O.M.E.” program through June 1. HISD’s online program provides instructional videos from 9-11 a.m., 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The videos include lessons from teachers and teacher development spe-

cialists, in English and Spanish, about subjects including math, reading and writing, science, social studies and fine arts. They are broadcast on Comcast channel 18, AT&T U-verse channel 99 and online at HoustonISD.org/LiveTV. Abbott said teachers will be allowed to use their classrooms for conduct video lessons or administrative duties. Most schools in Texas have been closed since mid-March. Abbott had previously ordered Texas schools to remain closed until May 4. Abbott said last Friday that Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath will soon provide details about how schools in the state can conduct graduation ceremonies. Follow Adam Zuvanich on Twitter @ AZuvanich

Police Reports • April 10 - 20 APRIL 10

Assault 6 PM 400 BLOCK E 37TH Theft 9 PM 700 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD

APRIL 11

Vandalism 1 PM 200 BLOCK W 20TH Theft 7 PM 2600 BLOCK LINK Vandalism 11 AM 5300 BLOCK PETTY Theft 3 PM 600 BLOCK OXFORD

APRIL 12

Vandalism 12 PM 1800 BLOCK AIRLINE Assault 10 PM 800 BLOCK E 29TH Other 8 AM 1000 BLOCK W 24TH

APRIL 13

Theft 9 AM 400 BLOCK GARDEN OAKS BLVD Theft 6 PM 800 BLOCK E 36TH Theft 6 PM 1000 BLOCK STUDE Theft 12 AM 700 BLOCK W MELWOOD Robbery 2 PM 100 BLOCK YALE Arrest 3 AM 700 BLOCK N LOOP Assault 10 AM 2500 BLOCK BRINKMAN Theft 10 AM 2500 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 5 PM 1500 BLOCK N LOOP Theft 7 AM 1100 BLOCK W 34TH

APRIL 14

Theft 11 PM 400 BLOCK

OXFORD Theft 12 PM 4000 BLOCK KOEHLER Burglary 1 PM 100 BLOCK E 20TH Theft 1 PM 100 BLOCK W 20TH Other 12 PM 2800 BLOCK AIRLINE Assault 2 PM 2800 BLOCK W T C JESTER Other 6 AM 200 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 5 PM 6300 BLOCK NORLAND Assault 3 PM 3100 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 1 PM 200 BLOCK PATTON Theft 1 AM 1500 BLOCK N LOOP Theft 1 AM 4400 BLOCK OXFORD

APRIL 15

Theft 12 PM 900 BLOCK W 12TH Burglary 6 PM 6400 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Assault 12 PM 200 BLOCK W 20TH Assault 5 PM 500 BLOCK E 26TH Theft 9 AM 1500 BLOCK N LOOP Vandalism 12 AM 300 BLOCK ARLINGTON Assault 10 PM 3100 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Assault 7 PM 3100 BLOCK MORRISON

APRIL 16

Theft 12 PM 400 BLOCK E 37TH Burglary 4 PM 400 BLOCK OXFORD Burglary 5 PM 200 BLOCK W

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 19TH Other 6 PM 1500 BLOCK ALEXANDER Theft 9 AM 600 BLOCK N LOOP Arrest 6 PM 200 BLOCK W 34TH Assault 6 PM 500 BLOCK NEYLAND Theft 8 PM 5100 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Assault 9 PM 4500 BLOCK OXFORD Theft 3 PM 1300 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Other 7 AM 100 BLOCK YALE

APRIL 17

Theft 12 PM 5700 BLOCK LARKIN Other 6 PM 1500 BLOCK ALEXANDER Theft 12 PM 200 BLOCK E 12TH Theft 9 AM 4100 BLOCK OXFORD Theft 2 PM 500 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD

Assault 3 PM 4400 BLOCK YALE Other 8 AM 5500 BLOCK ENID Robbery 9 PM 4400 BLOCK OXFORD

APRIL 18

Theft 6 PM 2100 BLOCK TANNEHILL Assault 6 PM 2900 BLOCK WHITE OAK Theft 10 AM 400 BLOCK W CROSSTIMBERS Theft 9 AM 900 BLOCK USENER

APRIL 19

Assault 11 PM 900 BLOCK ASHLAND Theft 3 PM 700 BLOCK LAWRENCE Assault 7 PM 1600 BLOCK NORTHWOOD Burglary 10 AM 4100 BLOCK EUROPA Vandalism 11 AM 400 BLOCK CORTLANDT Assault 8 PM 700 BLOCK CURTIN Assault 4 PM 1400 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Robbery 9 PM 900 BLOCK LEHMAN

What a better time to do spring cleaning! Get that garage space back or open more space in your home!

Same Day Delivery if you order before noon! Easy and convenient, order today!

APRIL 20

Theft 2 AM 4400 BLOCK OXFORD Theft 2 AM 100 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

832-781-3300

THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 3A

Federal loan simply extends uncertainty A cross the entire country, more than 4 million small businesses applied for funding from the federal government in an effort to keep their doors open. Our company was one of the 4 million. If you’ve followed the exacerbating news coverage about the Payroll Protection Program, you’ve likely heard good and bad stories about the effectiveness of the “stimulus” program designed to keep people out of unemployment and small businesses from losing a lifetime of hard work. In today’s edition of The Leader, writer Betsy Denson has talked to small businesses and a local banker about the job-saving program; I’d like to give you an inside glimpse from someone who spent many sleepless nights hoping for loan approval. As of this writing, our company has not received funding. However, we were approved, which means our local bankers at Allegiance (wonderful people, mind you) have promised the check’s in the virtual mail. Rather than take you through the painstaking process of the loan application, the gravity of approval, or the specifics of the program, I thought it might be interesting to offer an opinion on the highlights and lowlights of this program. Who knows, maybe a Senator or U.S. Representative will catch wind.

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

The Good You won’t find a business in the country complaining about getting enough money to cover payroll, rent and utilities for a couple of months. We certainly won’t be the first. Receiving enough of a forgivable loan to pay our employees ranks at the top of the positive list from this program. Without that funding, it’s likely our business would have lost another half of our staff (we had to let one group go in early March, and that was excruciating). This funding also helps us provide medical benefits to our employees, and at times like these, that benefit is as valuable as any other. On top of keeping the people we have, this funding allows us (actually, it mandates us) to hire back a certain number of people. We have made plans to hire new positions to our company in hopes they help us pivot into a new business model. Many of the people we’ll hire had been laid off from other companies, so in a

grand sense, the PPP money is being used exactly as it was intended: To help pull people out of unemployment. Two other benefits of this loan: First, it gives us a 2-month window to develop a plan to save our company. There are no secrets about the struggles of print media, and we’re doing our level best to create a business that can survive and thrive in the months and years to come. Second, for any amount of the loan not used for payroll, rent and utilities, we’re only required to pay 1 percent interest on the loan.

The Bad Now, if you want to know the problems of this PPP loan, just go back and read all the things that are good. For starters, this money allows us to retain current employees and hire new people, but the money must be spent over the next eight weeks. So what happens at the end of eight weeks? Is there a sane soul who believes the economy will have recovered and people will be milling about the streets and stores swiping credit cards? No chance. The recovery from this pandemic – economically and emotionally – will take months and years. And at the end of the day, the 4 million small businesses that needed funding will be back in the same spot.

Lynn Ashby Columnist

mainstays. And, don’t tell anyone, but they are funny. While we’re talking funny, crank up any of the Pink Panther flicks, featuring Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers). Great music by Henry Mancini. There are seven Pink Panthers, the funniest is “A Shot in the Dark.” I saw it in a theater and literally had tears rolling down my face. Back from the bathroom to the couch. Watch “O Brother Where Art Thou?” It’s directed by Joel and Ethan Coen starring George Clooney. When the name of the writer pops up on the screen, “Homer,” that’s because the story is loosely based on Homer’s poem, The Odyssey. “Loosely” because this flick is set in the Deep South during the Depression. Three escaped convicts search for a hidden treasure while chased by a relentless lawman. Funny. Speaking of the Coen brothers, check out their “Fargo,” (the movie, not the TV series), a dark comedy. On the other hand, avoid the Coens’ “Raising Arizona,” an attempted comedy that makes no sense. Stay away from “The Blair Witch Project” (1999). It was hailed by critics as a masterpiece. It stunk. One unexpected point in watching old movies is that you (or at least I) have forgotten parts of the film and say to myself, “I don’t remember that scene.” So it’s practically new. OK, your eyes are blurry from watching too many movies. Take in some TV news shows and check out, not the talking heads, but what’s behind them. They are at home, I guess, and every one of them has books in the background. Neatly lined shelves of books. I think some of them are wallpaper. The only exceptions are the doctors. Their books are all over the place, laying on their sides, scrambled, and their desks are a mess, papers piled high. Obviously they have been working overtime. Moving (or movie) on, the TV mystery, “Murder, She Wrote,” with Angela Lansbury is still good. (Barbara Bush must have been a viewer. She referred to Lansbury as “that woman.”) There were more murders in Cabot Cove, Maine, than in South Chicago, because the show ran for 12 seasons with 264 episodes from 1984 to 1996, so you have plenty to watch. It was among the most successful and longest-running television shows in history, averaging more than 30 million viewers per week in its prime (sometimes hitting above 40 million viewers). After watching 23 “Road Runner” cartoons, “Shane”

have been given a chunk of money with which to survive. We’ve been told we have to spend the money a certain way, but the government hasn’t yet given the specifics of how we’re to spend it. Here’s where it gets tricky: From the moment our loan is funded, the clock starts on the 8-week window for spending the money. But there’s a very good chance we won’t know how to have the loan forgiven until we’re halfway through the spending period. That’s like your dad giving you $10 with the stipulation that you don’t have to pay him back if you spend the $10 on the right thing over the next day. When you ask him what “the right thing” is, he says, “I don’t know yet. I’ll tell you next week.” Oh, and he’s going to take some interest if you don’t spend it on the right thing. The government helped every small business possible through this loan, and more help is on the way for those still waiting. But they erred in trying to call this a loan; it always should have been a grant. At the end, there will be 3 million businesses that get funding, and many of them will be stuck holding a loan with a bad economy, few employees and no funds to pay it back. I presume there’s another act to follow. Email jonathan@mcelvymedia.com

THE READER.

A hermit’s guide to Hollywood THE DEN – Cocooned in my house, avoiding all contact with others, I try to find things to do. I can make a mask out of my underpants or a T-shirt, know all the words in the U.S. Constitution, gave names to the mice and have tipped off the cops about my neighbors’ 11-person gatherings. But there is another way to kill these five years: watch old movies and TV shows. Of course most of the world is doing that, but if you can get some of the “Jeopardy!” questions right (The question: “1736?” I shouted: “Follows 1735!”), I have some suggestions. A few weeks ago we listed movies and TV shows that dealt with Texas, so you might want to re-see “Giant” and “Friday Night Lights.” Don’t bother with the TV show “9-11 Lone Star.” You like movies about foreign intrigue, then watch “Foreign Intrigue” (1956). A reclusive millionaire dies suddenly on the Riviera, and his aide begins to investigate his employer’s mysterious past. In the search, people keep asking, “Did he say anything before he died?” Great ending. “Foreign Correspondent” was an Alfred Hitchcock nail-biter nominated for an Oscar as the Best Picture in 1941. The movie never mentions Germany or the Nazis, but found one fan: Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels, who called “Foreign Correspondent” “a masterpiece of propaganda, a first-class production which no doubt will make a certain impression upon the broad masses of the people in enemy countries.” Being one of the broad masses, I was impressed. “Pimpernel Smith” (1941), a thriller about a mildmannered British professor who rescues prisoners from the Gestapo. The film helped to inspire the Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg to run his real-life rescue operation. This brings us to James Bond. There have been 26 Bond movies, with another due to come out this spring but the release was delayed until next fall because of the pandemic. You could binge and watch them all, but they go like this: Opening scene is a chase, then come the credits with that catchy theme song. Bond drinks a martini, makes love to a beautiful woman, his boss sends Bond on a suicidal mission, with the warning, “James, be careful.” He is captured by the evil Captain Drano, somehow works free, ends up with a huge explosion. If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen 26. There have been 12 actors playing Bond over 57 years – and one script. Accounting for inflation, the Bond films have amassed over $14 billion -shaken, not stirred. If you are tired of all the bad news, watch the “Three Stooges.” They appeared in 190 short subjects and five films. The trio changed some members over the years, but Larry, Moe and Curly were the

We may slow, even reverse, the unemployment trends, but it’s kind of like being told we got a new drug that means we won’t die next week. Instead, we have eight weeks to find a new cure. And to be blunt, the only cure for most small businesses is a stable and growing economy, which few can see around the corner. That’s not a gripe with the leaders of our government. They had one week to figure something out, and they’ve extended our runway by two months, of which we all appreciate. Those of us with mettle and an entrepreneurial spirit will dig and claw to figure a way through this travesty. Meanwhile, we’ve got another concern about the PPP, and the answers we get are different no matter who we ask. The great part of this program is that the loan is forgivable. The terrible part of this program is that no one clearly knows what is required for forgiveness. Some say the loan is forgiven if you spend 75 percent of the funds on payroll, up to $100,000 per position. Others say, “No, you must also hire back as many people as you had before the virus struck.” Those are two drastically different requirements, and without boring you with details, the reality is no one actually knows the answer. Instead, to quote one CPA, “We expect to get guidance from the SBA in the next month.” Think about that: Small businesses

(1953) still holds up, so do “Gigi” (1958) and “The Front Page” (1974 version). Never mind that all the stars have died. The 1969 version of “True Grit” is much better than the re-make of 2010. Two prison movies, “The Green Mile” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” both written by Stephen King. They are long, but have great plots. Here are a couple of feel-good films that might brighten up your mood: “Pretty Woman” and “The Breakfast Club.” For a fun comedy mystery, watch “Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?” The chefs are each killed in a way reflecting their most famous dishes (for example, the lobster chef is drowned). Robert Morley steals the show as a pompous, fat food critic. Just stay 6 feet from the screen. Now pass the popcorn. Ashby watches at ashby2@comcast.net

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Maybe Mom knew this day would come

Dear Editor: Thank you Jonathan for your overly-gracious comments about my child-rearing abilities. You certainly remembered a thorough list of do’s and don’ts. Let’s pray that everyone will be mindful of these things when the rules are relaxed by the government. Keep those great reminders coming in the months ahead to your loyal Houston readers! Eleanor McElvy Dear Editor: I totally agree with your mom about minding your manners. So many children these days just don’t really have many. At our house growing up, it was always my dad that was telling us to wash our hands! My grandkids are 5 and 6 and they just don’t really understand why Nana and Aunt Jackie can’t come over to visit all the time. They know there is a virus and things are different now but that’s about it. We actually went Easter Sunday and hid eggs in their front yard and jumped back in the car to watch the hunt! Was it ideal? NO, it wasn’t. Was it wonderful just to see all their smiling faces? You bet it was. So, he asked me if we could come over next Sunday and visit in the car again? I told him yes and I now have two happy grandbabies that are looking forward to Sunday as much as we are!! I personally don’t think it’s time to get back to

“normal”. But, that’s just my opinion. Numbers need to peak and then we will see which choices to make. In the meantime, stay safe and wash your hands! Jeanette Black

Cooped up: Area residents bringing farm life to big city

Dear Editor: I think for a “current non-farmer” (!) you wrote an excellent piece. I think you did a very good job of capturing the spirit and mind-set of the folks who have been back yard gardeners and those who find themselves now drawn to the prospect. I wouldn’t know you weren’t a farmer is you hadn’t told me. I thought the pics were good, clearly Maxine is a cutie. ‘Thanks for asking us to be a part of this project. Take care, be safe….and when/if you decide to dip you toe into the world of backyard gardening or chicken keeping, come see us. We will help you get started right! BH

Governor unveils plan to ease restrictions throughout state

Dear Editor: I am astounded at the way things are being handled. We keep having more deaths and now they want to open. Where is the consideration to life? This is really horrible. Maybe the death count isn’t high enough in Houston for them to re-consider this idea. Brenda

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

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Baseball team 5. Hymns 11. Actor Jared 12. Fragrance 16. __ Von Bismarck, Iron Chancellor 17. Nordic God 18. Weighed down 19. Coppola’s mob epic 24. Nanogram 25. Famed street artist 26. Identifier 27. 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet 28. In addition 29. Micturated 30. Shock 31. Accept 33. Allotment 34. Eras 38. Emerges 39. Cape Verde capital 40. __, United Arab Emirates capital 43. Small amount 44. Back of the foot 45. Pakrit language 49. Home of ‘60 Minutes’ 50. Condemn 51. Ailed 53. Elevated railroad 54. Rebelliousness 56. Ancient Greek city

58. Clothing company (abbr.) 59. Member of the cabbage family 60. Softens or smooths 63. Mass of coagulated liquid 64. Problems 65. Irish Republic

dOwn 1. Dress 2. Deadly 3. Says aloud 4. PT Anderson film ‘__ Nights’ 5. Teacher (abbr.) 6. Anesthetized 7. Anno Domini (in the year of Our Lord) 8. __ and behold 9. French young women (abbr.) 10. Scorch 13. Notre Dame 14. Express disapproval 15. Cars need these 20. Not off 21. Unit of mass 22. You 23. Concealed 27. Parent-teacher organizations 29. Approximately 3.14159

30. Chinese conception of poetry 31. Satisfaction 32. College degree 33. Formerly Ceylon: __ Lanka 34. Effeminate 35. Something to solve 36. Horses like these 37. Intelligence organization 38. Blood type 40. Exhibition 41. Poisonous plant 42. Aluminum 44. Possesses 45. Penetrate with a sharp instrument 46. Ring-shaped objects 47. Speaks at church 48. Form in the mind 50. Selectors 51. Probability of default 52. 2001 Spielberg film 54. Where to get a sandwich 55. Newts 57. Modus operandi 61. Exists 62. Politico-economic union

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • The Leader

Some small businesses get government relief, many left hanging By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Jessi Heiner and Autumn Rosemond consider themselves fortunate. Heiner, who owns FLYE After School, which offers enrichment activities to students at Wainwright Elementary School, and Rosemond, who owns Houston Dance Works in Oak Forest, applied for the U.S. government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which authorized up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses. Both received their money this week. “I feel like it was all luck,” Heiner said. On the flip side of the coin is Sean Carroll, who owns restaurant Melange Creperie in the Heights. His bank submitted his application, and he was accepted. Then came the news that the PPP fund had run dry and Carroll learned he was one of the successful applicants who was left empty-handed. The news about restaurants that got money – $10 million for Shake Shack, which has since announced its decision to return it, and $20 million for Ruth’s Chris Steak House – was a particularly bitter bill for Carroll to swallow. “The problem with Shake Shack even though they returned it, is that the money is not available for other businesses,” Carroll said. “Just like any return.” Carroll said he will keep his restaurant open for as long as he can. “My priority is to pay people, (and) local vendors,” he said. “We started out as a street stand in Montrose, so we’re good at knowing how to do things on the cheap.” Angel Smith, who has owned the Heights game store GeekLife for the last five years, said she applied for both the EIDLs (Economic Injury Disaster Loans) through the Small Business Administration and a PPP loan though her bank. Her applica-

tion was not processed by her bank before the PPP fund ran out of money. She hasn’t heard anything about the EIDL, either. While she said $20,000-$30,000 would have been a lifeline to her, it is small change compared to some of the other “small” businesses that were eligible to receive money through the fund. CNN reported that as of April 16, the SBA had approved more than 1.66 million loans for more than $342.2 billion, according to an agency report. Of those, 4,412 loans were for $5 million and above. The high-value loans represented 0.3 percent of the total number of loans and 9 percent of the overall dollar value. “People think it was all the Main Street USA businesses and it wasn’t,” Smith said. “I was never planning to get something. I was hopeful to get something.” In early March, Smith went to her creditors to see what kind of arrangements could be made and got her business some breathing room. “We were very successful,” Smith said. “We got a couple more months.” Now she’s assessing what she can do sales-wise to survive in the longterm. “In-store events were one half of our revenue,” she said. “We stopped having events before we were told to. Now I’m planning for the worst, a year-and-a-half of no events. Whatever local businesses people hold in their heart, they should support.” High marks to small banks, credit unions Based on a sample of area business owners, it seems that the local businesses that got funds have their smaller banks to thank. As NPR reported, the business advocacy group National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) surveyed a random sample

the start date for applications was April 3. “I spent the night reading the rules. We had a great team and could implement the rules the next day.” While many are in the pipelines for funds, should they be replenished, some have entertained the option of switching banks. “I’m probably moving to a regional bank,” Smith said. Said Candice Croker, the director of Johnson Memorial School on 43rd Street: “I wish we banked with a smaller entity because we probably wouldn’t have fallen through the cracks that way. I don’t even know if our loan application was reviewed or even considered before the PPP ran out of funds.” Joyce said that part of the confuContributed photo sion stems from the national news Angel Smith said that in-store events like this one represented half of her business conference where officials talked income. Now she’s preparing to survive without them in the long term. about the ease of the application process. In actuality, the process of the 300,000 businesses in its was much more complex and Remembership database, and found source One has had to educate its that only about 72 percent of busiclients along the way. nesses that tried to apply for a PPP “Also the expectation is that this loan were able to successfully subis free money and it’s not. It’s a mit an application. promissory note,” Joyce said. “The Heiner started with her bank, terms for forgiveness are highly Members Trust Credit Union on conditional. Good records are a Mangum Road. But when she was must.” told it wasn’t taking applications The SBA website says at least 75 because it was still working through percent of the forgiven amount of a the process, she went to another PPP loan must have been used for bank that didn’t require her to be payroll. a member. When her application One of those still hoping for was denied there, she returned to Members Trust two days before Contributed photo much-needed funds is Ricky Cruz, the owner of HTX FightCamp. He, the money ran out and resubmitted Sean Carroll said he will keep Melange Creperie open for as long as he can. like Carroll, was approved for the successfully through. PPP loan but did not receive funds. The money she received will al- Starting out as a street stand has Cruz said he is still in consideration low her to pay instructors to pro- helped Carroll run a lean operation during hard times. for the EIDL loan. vide Zoom step classes to students “My number is in line well over at reduced rates. mercial Lending at Resource One, Rosemond banks with Resource said being bigger could have been the ($246,000) mark according to One on 43rd Street and said she a disadvantage during the process the (website),” Cruz said. Rosemond said that the SBA told was pleased with the service pro- whereas “smaller, more nimble” invided by the bank’s business devel- stitutions could make changes more her she was one of the first people in Texas to apply for the EIDL. opment manager. quickly. “I’ve called several times,” she “They are very focused on local “We all went through the same businesses,” Rosemond said. thing,” Joyce said, noting that the said. “(They] say it’s being proMark Joyce, the Director of Com- SBA issued final rules April 2 when cessed.”

Governor unveils plan to ease restrictions throughout state By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a wide-ranging executive order last Friday that aims to reopen businesses across the state as its communities, including Houston, continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting this Friday, April 24, Abbott said retailers in Texas will be allowed to operate with to-go services, much like restaurants have been doing for the last month in Houston and Harris County. The governor also said he wants doctors and hospitals, which have focused the majority of their resources to treating COVID-19 patients, to soon resume elective procedures since Texas hospitals have available bed capacity. State parks, which have been closed, reopened Monday. The governor also announced that all schools in Texas will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-20 academic year, which was the only part of

his executive order not aimed at loosening the restrictions brought on by the pandemic. “Opening Texas must occur in stages,” Abbott said. “We must be guided by data and by doctors. We must put health and safety first.” Abbott also said he has put together a “strike force” to provide guidance on the reopening of the state. The group includes members of his cabinet as well as business and community leaders from around the state, such as Houston furniture mogul Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and Houston Rockets owner and restaurateur Tilman Fertitta. Earlier this week, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner named former Shell executive Marvin Odum as the city’s recovery czar, while Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo appointed state Rep. Armando Walle to the same role for the county. Turner and Hidalgo both said more robust testing and contact tracing are necessary in order to safely start reopening the region.

Greg Abbott

“We’re still very much in the thick of it,” Hidalgo said. Houston and Harris County, where a total of more than 4,900 cases of COVID-19 and 78 related deaths have been reported by local officials, is under a stay-at-home, work safe order through April 30. Only essential business are permit-

ted to operate during the order, and all citizens are required to maintain at least 6 feet of separation between themselves and people who are not part of their household. Abbott said he planned to provide more details about his plan, along with revisions, on Friday, April 24. He said he was considering the “elimination of the stay-athome policy” he has implemented through April 30. While acknowledging that Abbott’s authority trumps his own, Turner cautioned that the loosening of restrictions must coincide with more testing for COVID-19. Abbott said testing throughout the state will soon increase, with help from the private sector, but did not provide more details. “All of those sacrifices that you have made, they are working,” Turner said, addressing Houstonians. “If we take our foot off the brake, we can easily start moving back in the other direction.” At least 19,000 Texans have been infected by COVID-19, according

to the Texas Department of State Health Services, while there have been 517 deaths in the state. Abbott said safety guidelines for retail businesses that can reopen next week are available at dshs. texas.gov/coronavirus. The protocols include screening employees for illness when they report to work, wearing face coverings and adhering to social distancing and sanitation guidelines. Abbott said all visitors to state parks must practice social distancing and cover their faces. Houston’s parks remain open, but the city limited access to their parking lots from last Friday night through Monday morning in an attempt to promote social distancing and encouraging walking to the parks. “It’s really important that we not let our guard down,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. “We still have to focus on the social distancing issues. We have to respect each other as we have. We have to be safe first.”

FBMS coach helping students stay fit during closures By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The 2019-20 season ended for many area athletes in early March, around the time COVID-19 was spreading around the Houston region. At least one area coach has seen to it that his students have no excuse for their skills and fitness to deteriorate even while hunkered down inside their homes. “After our last practice, my (track) kids were asking me what they were going to do to (for training),” said Austin Obeng, the athletic coordinator at Frank Black Middle School. “I didn’t have the answers for them at the time, but I knew I wanted to keep them engaged and in shape. So I started creating these workouts and sending them to all of my students and their families.” For the last six weeks, Obeng has distributed daily workout instructions to his students and their families at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday so they can stay physically active while heeding the stay-at-home order in effect for Houston and Harris County. Each workout begins with a warm-up stretch and inplace stretching before getting into the meat of the session. Depending on the day,

Obeng said subsequent workouts consist of everything from timed running intervals or sprints to weight training and other workouts which can be done at home to maintain social distancing. Mondays are reserved for light running, while Tuesdays entail full-body circuit training and Wednesdays consist of additional running along with abdominal and core strength training. Obeng called Thursday a “tune-up” day before finishing with timed running intervals, sprints and agility work on Friday. “Every day builds on the previous day’s workout,” he said of the method, which is not specific to a particular sport. “Their goal is to become a better athlete, so whenever they work out they’re inching closer to that goal.” Sessions are slated to last anywhere from 30-45 minutes to simulate a typical after-school training, according to Obeng, but the intensity remains the choice of each athlete. And in addition to the physical component, Obeng said workouts also serve a collateral purpose as hundreds of student-athletes wrestle with the unknown in regards to when they’ll be able to return to practice and school.

“This gives them something that they know they’ll get every day at the same time. Then I leave it up to them with regards to how they do it throughout the day,” said Obeng, who also is Waltrip High School’s swimming coach. “It just gives them a little bit of structure during this time and helps them look toward the next goal. They can maximize this time to better themselves.” Obeng said he will continue to use the workout program even after the pandemic passes and kids return to school, with the added bonus of being able to tailor it for each sport based on the season. And despite some personal uncertainty at the beginning of the endeavor, he said there has been a surprisingly overwhelming response over the last six weeks. From students encouraging family members to participate in the workout to requests for ramping up intensity, it has gone beyond what he envisioned at the beginning of March. “As coaches, our reward is from seeing the growth in our kids, seeing them take things to that next level,” Obeng said. “To see my kids buying in, believing in me and my system and seeing the results is just amazing. I know I’m helping this child build on themselves.”

Contributed photo Frank Black Middle School’s Austin Obeng instructs a FBMS football player during a fall pracrice.

Contributed Photo Frank Black Middle School coach Austin Obeng has created at-home workouts for his student-athletes during the stay-at-home order for Houston and Harris County.

The Leader â€˘ Saturday, April 25, 2020 â€˘ Page 5A

Estradaâ€™s chalk art brings neighbors joy By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

Oak Forest resident Mandy Estrada just wanted to be where the people are. Like many other people, sheâ€™s at home practicing social distancing while looking for ways to get creative. Her outlet ended up bringing a smile to othersâ€™ faces as well. â€œI run my own company as a creative director and with work being slow, I needed to find a way to express my creative side,â€? Estrada said. So she grabbed some chalk and started with what brings her happiness: Disney. While thinking about being stuck inside, she remembered The Little Mermaidâ€™s Ariel singing, â€œI wanna be where the people are â€Śâ€? That quote, along with

Ariel and her pal Flounder, was Estradaâ€™s first chalk art. â€œFrom there I just started thinking about other animated films with quotes that pertained to our current reality,â€? Estrada said. While area residents spend most of their time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Estrada and others have been playing with chalk and making it interactive. Some in local neighborhoods have created chalk obstacle courses for children to enjoy while their schools are closed in an attempt to slow the spread of the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. Estradaâ€™s other two â€œchalktoons,â€? as she calls them, were Mrs. Potts and Chip from Beauty and the Beast with the

quote, â€œItâ€™ll turn out all right in the end youâ€™ll see,â€? and Winnie the Pooh with his hand in a honey jar with the quote, â€œI wasnâ€™t going to eat it, I was just gonna taste it.â€? The chalk art was mostly done on her back patio. But since posting photos of it online, sheâ€™s heard from numerous people, including her neighbors, about how they loved the art. â€œI really wasnâ€™t expecting to get such positive feedback. So many people have reached out through social media encouraging me to post more,â€? Estrada said. â€œItâ€™s been great connecting and hearing peopleâ€™s reactions about what I will post next.â€? While the art has since been washed away by rain, Estrada plans to create more â€” this

Contributed photo Oak Forestâ€™s Mandy Estrada has drawn Disney characters with chalk. Pictured are Mrs. Potts and Chip from â€œBeauty and the Beast.â€?

time in the front for people to walk by and enjoy on the 4800 block of De Milo Drive. â€œI have even had neighbors

make special requests and offered their driveways as a blank canvass,â€? Estrada said. Last week, Becky Danna

and her two daughters created an obstacle course on the 800 block of Nashua. The course featured hopping in a zig-zag, reaching up high, then touching your toes, hopscotch, spinning in circles and more. â€œLots of time and two energetic kids were the inspiration. They helped decide on the actions and colors,â€? Danna said. â€œThereâ€™s a cul-de-sac at the end of our street so lots of neighbors walk, run and ride by. Weâ€™ve seen many people smile at the challenge and video themselves or their kids completing it.â€? There was also a chalk course in the parking lot of St. Stephenâ€™s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., featuring walking the plank, hopscotch and more.

GOOF kids get kick out of chalk obstacle course THE OBITUARIES. By Caroline Croker For The Leader

Walk the plank, reach for the sun,follow the zig-zag line, bark like a dog, hopscotch, spin around and run like the wind! Chalk obstacle courses have recently been a hit around the Houston area for families to enjoy and escape the confinement of their homes for some sunshine and smiles during this seemingly never-ending stayat-home order. A local preschool decided to take this concept to a new level. Johnson Memorial School (JMS) in Oak Forest was founded in 1967 to honor fallen Vietnam War soldier Robert Johnson. It is currently teaching preschoolers remotely with fun videos created by teachers. On Tuesday, April 14, JMS Director Candice Croker and her kids decided to share a little extra love with the JMS preschoolers, their families and the Garden Oaks/ Oak Forest community. They created an engaging chalk obstacle course inspired by a Facebook post by Biz Loeschman, who created her own course in her Garden Oaks driveway. The Croker family spent hours (and multiple boxes of chalk!) drawing an elaborate course for children to run through, stretching the full length of the parking lot in front of the school. JMS teachers encouraged students to share pictures and

Contributed photo Timbergrove Manor resident and Johnson Memorial School student Annie B., right, and her younger sister enjoy theÂ course.

videos of themselves at the parking lot enjoying the new two-dimensional playground. â€œSeeing their smiles and hearing their laughter on all the videos weâ€™ve received has meant so much to our staff; we miss being able to enjoy this great spring weather together, so this was the nextbest thing under these tough circumstances,â€? Croker said. The course included a â€œplankâ€? surrounded by water to cross, a sun in which the kids reach for the sky and hopscotch squares. As an educator, Croker also

wanted to incorporate educational aspects, so they added circles with a different letter of the alphabet in each and the children had to hop from circle to circle in alphabetical order. Another obstacle had squares with a body part written inside. When the students stepped into the square, they were instructed to locate the body part listed. A few hours after the Croker family drew the first portion of the course, teacher Dawn Butterwick and her daughter Sierra (a JMS alumna whoâ€™s at home e-learning from Texas A&M Galveston) added to the course by creating parallel obstacles with a space theme that included an activity to complete on each planet. â€œI felt it was incredible. I miss my school,â€? said Frankie Brezina, age 4. JMS student William Linder, age 5, added: â€œI liked the solar system one because it was out of this world.â€? The JMS staff plans to create another obstacle course at 2003 W. 43rd St. in early May and encourages all community members to check it out, or make your own at home by researching creative ideas online! After all, thereâ€™s no limit to the fun until you run out of chalk.

Jack Maxey Clark, 69, born Sept. 6, 1950 in Houston, died April 19. He is survived by his wife Agnes Clark, son Joshua Clark, sister Evie Cummings, and brothers Orie, Glenn and Joel Clark.

Adelle Kerr Durden, 95, born Oct. 18, 1923 in Oklahoma City, died April 11. Judith Lena Gutierrez, 78, born Nov. 9, 1941, died April 19. Richard Lee Hurst, 84, born Jan. 15, 1936, died April 9. Sally Logsdon, 72, born

By Betsy Denson Ella Lee Forest resident Kaid Nygren, a sophomore at St. Pius X High School, said heâ€™s been a fisherman â€œever since I was able to hold a fishing pole.â€? Normally, he and his buddies like to look on Google Maps for nearby small ponds or lakes and fish almost every weekend or every other weekend. But lately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nygren has wanted to stay close to home and has been fishing along White Oak Bayou about twice a week. Also, he now has more time to pursue his

passion. â€œSocial isolation has given me the capability to fish during the week,â€? Nygren said. So far, his catch-and-release haul has netted some catfish â€“ and recently one a little bigger than his norm. A piece of bread was the bait used to catch what Nygren estimates was a 7-pound carp. While Nygren thought the fish might be a grass carp, John Findeisen, a fisheries biologist at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, identified it from a photo as a common carp. â€œCommon carp are abundant across the state,â€? Findeisen said. â€œThe one in the

picture is an adult.â€? Findeisen said the state record for a carp is 43.75 pounds and measured 42

CHURCH DIRECTORY

St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA MANNA 4QPOTPS

Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN Morning Worship ............... 10:45am t -FBSOJOH )PVS BN QN Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI QN QN and Adults............................ 6:15pm

8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t 1822 W. 18th â€˘ 713-864-1470 Gethsemane Lutheran Church Gethsemane Lutheran Church 4040 Watonga â€˘ 713-688-5227

WePastor invite you to worship with us! Jerry McNamara

Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m. 4040 Watonga â€˘ 713-688-5227 Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 am Preschool Program â€˘ Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

Until further notice, there are no in-person services. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

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

Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40

Ministries for All Ages Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor

2003 W. 43rd St. â—† 713-686-8241 â—† s t s u m c . o r g

Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40

Ministries for All Ages Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor

2003 W. 43rd St. X 713-686-8241 X s t s u m c . o r g

713-906-5481 Realty Associates

DEBBIE ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT

Dog Rabies Vaccination

75 *

* With Wellness Exam

Call About Cat Vaccines

inches in length. Fishermen may be interested in TPWDâ€™s water body records database at https:// tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/ fish/programs/fishrecords/ recordsearch.phtml. â€œJust type in the water body name in the blank space under water body records,â€? Findeisen said. As a side note, Findeisen said grass carp are used in some public waters to help with the management of nuisance species. â€œIf caught while angling in one of these water bodies, the grass carp must be immediately returned to the water unharmed,â€? he said.

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, please check with each church below for updated information about services and events. In-person services are temporarily restricted.

Experience and Knowledge... A Powerful Combination

THELEADERNEWS.COM

Caroline Croker is the 13-year-old daugther of Candice Croker, the director at Johnson Memorial School, located at 2003 W. 43rd St.

Contributed photo Kaid Nygren hooked a bigger catch than usual fishing along White Oak Bayou last week.

Bessie Mae Warzon, 95, born Nov. 3, 1924, died April 11. She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Burks and several nieces and nephews.

NEVER MISS A STORY

Area teen makes big catch on bayou betsy@theleadernews.com

Sept. 7, 1947 in Port Arthur, died April 6. Logsdon attended Lamar University where she earned her degree as an art teacher. She began her career at Stratford High School and later at Langham Creek High School where she taught all levels of art plus an advanced art History class. She attended Oak Presbyterian Church.

New Well Puppy & N Kitten Exam

Years

of quality care for your family pets

FREE Routine Male Cat Neuters

5315 Antoine@ Pinemont

713-688-9625

Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Donâ€™t Forget to Say Thank You By Pastor Will Cover Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 713-659-9697 â€˘ www.arisebaptistchurch.org

By Pastor Will Cover Arise Baptist Church

s a pastor I have a responsibility to care for 803 Curtin St. Houston, TX 77018 and toâ€˘ lead the church God has allowed me to 713-659-9697 www.arisebaptistchurch.org shepherd. It is not my church. It is Godâ€™s church. This week I have been working on plans for what it e are entering a time of holidays and celebrations will look people like forinour back together to for many ourchurch country.to come Thanksgiving is worship God in person. Many have people have for weighed in a holiday that we as Americans enjoyed Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am generations. on this topic andare while I donâ€™t have the answers, Many people looking forward to all timeofspent St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Morning Worship ............... 10:45am with family, time it offisfrom work, a big watching football, I think important to feast, consider several things as we â€˘ Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am - 11:00am catchinggo theforward. biggest sales of the and probably many through I hope to years, help you as you think Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children others things this Thanksgiving weekend. will be â€˘ Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm MANNA your during priorities in your own areasThere of influence that who will struggle during the this time of holiday and Adults ............................ â€˘ Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm6:15pm some people Sponsor may include family, vocational, community, as they remember loved ones who they have lost, or close or civic leadership 1602 West 43rd St. â€˘ Houston, Tx 77018 â€˘ 713-686-1577 companions that arepositions. unable to be together because of the > [O ŕ Ž believe the first to considerwill is our scheduleâ€ƒ orI the logistics. Eitherthing way, Thanksgiving be a mission. time when are either happy thoughtsspelled or sad out in As people a church our thinking mission is clearly thoughtsthe about something. Weekly Sunday Services Word of God. We exist to glorify God by making When I was a boy, I remember my mother saying, â€œDonâ€™t forget â€˘ Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. disciples of Jesus Christ. Everything we do needs to fall to say thank you.â€? She was reminding me to be thankful to my â€˘ Morning:10:30 a.m. underforthis includesmeal, meeting for grandmother themission. wonderfulThis Thanksgiving or to together my â€˘ Evening: 4:15 p.m. worship and service even gift, during present family member that gave me a special or tothis my friend whotime. The 1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942 Bible is clear on party. meeting worship and fellowship. invited me to their birthday Mostfor people want to teach Pastor â€“ Dr. Richard Walters their children to us be thankful. I think most people would agree It tells as believers not to forsake the assembling of that being thankful together. is important,While it is also that it isdistance not Ad # 32285 ourselves we true agree that was always to be thankful depending on what we are going through. necessary for health reasons, we also believe that we The Bible says in Ephesians 5:20 â€œGiving thanks always for all must thoseinhealth concerns in Jesus balance with things unto Godconsider and the Father the name of our Lord importance obedience to Godâ€™s commands. God Christ.â€? the I would encourage of you, no matter how you feel during Join us for Services this holiday that and you can be thankful doesseason tell ustotoremember love others he also tells ustoto submit in English or Spanish God. Heto gave up authorities. His only Son toThese die a cruel deathare on the our things all cross important to so that anyone whoas trusts him canforward. be forgiven of their sins and Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm consider we move have eternal life. Donâ€™t forget to say thank you! Sunday Bible Classes 9am â€ƒ So, as we move forward, it needs to be done carefully If you would like to discuss this further or have questions, Wednesday Bible Study 7pm with a focus our priorities, careChurch for others, and Pastor Will Cover can beon reached at Arise Baptist at obedience to our authorities. or Hard decisions have 803 Curtin St., or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, 713-659-9697. 4215 Watonga Blvd. â€˘ 713-681-9365 been made and will continue to be made as we move Houston, TX 77092 forward. Look to God for direction. This time is not a surprise to Him. He even tells us in His Word that Godâ€™s grace is sufficient and that in Christ when we are weak, then are we strong. Instead of trying to assert yourself, submit yourself to God. Instead of arrogantly trying to dictate what everyone should be doing, humble yourself! God is good, turn to Him and trust His way.

Candlelight Church of Christ

THE CLASSIFIEDS.

Page 6A â€˘ Saturday, April 25, 2020 â€˘ The Leader

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

GARAGE/ ESTATE SALE BLUE MOON ANTIQUES AND ESTATE SALES Antiques and Collectibles Providing Estate Sales Services 3311 Ella â€˘ 832-286-7882 Like us on www.facebook.com/ bluemoonantiques-houstontx

I buy Antique Clothing and Jewelry any condition No amount too big or small

BOOKKEEPING â€˘ PAYROLL â€˘ FINANCIAL STMTS â€˘ â€˘ TAX FILING â€˘ â€˘ CURRENT/PRIOR â€˘ â€˘ IRS HELP â€˘ â€˘ M&C CONSULTING â€˘ 713-862-7971

713-686-8494

â€˘ Refrigerators â€˘ Ovens â€˘ Washers â€˘ Dryers

HEAT/AIR CONDITIONING

WANT TO BUY

WE BUY GUNS!

CONSIGNMENTS TOP CASH PAID FORWELCOME YOUR GUNS!

832-526-8531

KINARDâ€™S Appliance Service

! # -AN

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

Cooling & Heating Res. - Com.

$20 OFF with this ad

AW Appliance

BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO

American Standard Authorized Dealer

Houston, TX 77092

713-460-COLD(2653)

2001 Karbach Suite F 713-694-4867

Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer

www.acmanhouston.com

AND

JUNK HAULING

Royalty Pet Center

EUGENE

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

Cleans Garages, Trims Trees.

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

ELECTRICIAN All types of new wiring and repairs

D&E Electric 5 s

TECL#43460

281-448-8615

HAR BINGER

832-890-5453

713-849-9000

TECL #25670

Native Houstonian - 46 Yrs.

832-425-2152 - Free Estimates

Since 1975 Low Rates

HAULS TRASH:

Since 1976

MASTER #178565

BRAVENEC ELECTRIC Since 1953 - TECL 19210 Res./Comm. Wiring

281-808-5686 cc accepted

bravenecelectric@gmail.com

Sell it fast with an inexpensive Leader classified.

electric

ADULT CARE

Lights-Plugs-Breakers Cover all electric needs

Manny

Licensed-Insured

Junk Remover

281.414.8698

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

TEL. 713-721-5490 17823

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

SENIORS NEED

HELP?

In-home care. Will come to you. Meals, Bathe, Transfer Meds & Light Housekeeping. Call me!

281-570-9086

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

713-697-0335 (open 6 Days)

.0 , * #,

HEATING

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

SALES, SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

PLUMBING Drain & Sewer Cleaning #17773 - 7 Days a week

825 Curtin 77018

I Buy cracked Flat Panel TVâ€™s

TACL A020360E

713-869-8876

1622 W. 23rd

â€œHonesty is our best discountâ€?

713-695-2222

PEST CONTROL

COMPUTERS

Cooper Plumbing & Drain Experts

PEST CONTROL

Cherokee

Home, Small Of ce Computer Repair

MLP#37942

FREE ESTIMATES 832-441-9683

713-686-6470

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

Davidâ€™s

A/C

Since 1974

SENIOR 10% DISCOUNT

John Kuenstle Electric,LLC

9235 N. Houston Rosslyn 77088

TACL B27781E

PLUMBING Aaronâ€™s

SICOLAâ€™S

PETS

APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR

Advertise your garage sale here.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Lawn Service â€˘ Landscape Drivers â€˘ Mechanics Helpers â€˘ Irrigation Tech Apply 6:30 AM 5608 Hoover

713-686-6622

!PPLIANCE , $ 2EPAIR

EMPLOYMENT NOW HIRING

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

Itâ€™s Looking for a Garage Garage Sale Sale or Yard Sale? Season! Find them in our new

antiqueclothesforme@gmail.com

THE FOAM STORE

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

Market Square section.

713-909-0066

FOR SALE

TAX SERVICE/ BOOKKEEPING

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

Free Termite Inspection

713-682-6801

Upgrades, Installation, Con guration (Virus-Removal) Home - NetWorking

ÂŽ

832-818-4970

LEADER PUZZLER SOLUTIONS

CRyptO fun

WORD SCRAMBLE BlenDs

A. flour B. recipe C. oven D. sweets

IS HERE!

Advertise your Lawn Care Service Here

Call

713-686-8494

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 â€˘ Landscape Design & Installation â€˘ Maintenance â€˘ Irrigation â€˘ Drainage â€˘ Lighting â€˘ Hardscape (pavers, flagstone, concrete)

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) FREE ESTIMATES

We accept all major Credit Cards

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

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/""

office@mashues.com

RANGER

LUXURY LAWNS

Gilbertâ€™s Landscape Lawn Care

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

TREE CUTTING & TRIMMING

FREE ESTIMATES â€“ 17 Yrs. Exp.

(281) 948-4879

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

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

OUTSIDE

INTERESTS, INC. Lawn Maintenance Experts BOB PENICK

281-914-7747

The Leader • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 7A

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENT

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

WOOD FENCING

Repair & Install Complete Pavers Pressure Washing • Patios • Decks Painting • Siding • Driveways • Brick Columns

Gilbert 281-948-4879

FENCE SALE • Chain Link • Wood • Wrought Iron • Operators 45 yrs. Exp. - FREE EST. Tony 281-787-5942 Eric 832-858-9353 tonymunozjr@comcast.net

ALL HOME REPAIR • Termite/Water Repair

• Sheetrock • Painting • Texturing • Roofing Repair/Replace • Shower/Bath Redo • Tile • Flooring/Carpet • Ceramic Tile • Fence Repair

35 Yrs. Exp. & Leader Advertiser

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

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

Jose `

Cell (281) 221-0637 When you want results, advertise in The Leader.

Gilbert 281-948-4879 Pete’s Quality

CUSTOM PAINTING

WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS

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

petesqualitypainting300@gmail.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Residential & Commercial

• Wood Fences & Corral Fences • Full Power Wash • Rotten Wood • Paint • Siding • Doors FREE INSPECTION & ESTIMATE Text or call Anthony

713-398-7328

www.a6hi.com • email: ineed@a6hi.com

FENCE REPAIR & INSTALLATION 281-827-5136 Free Estimates

281-827-4447

281-272-6900 CELL713-569-4199

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

American Door Company 832.310.9920

Memory Foam Mattresses the

LOOKING FOR SMALL JOBS

Carpentry, Drywall & Tile

Call Rudy 713-882-3530

ROOFING by SERNA BROS.

Serving NW Houston Since 1973

FREE estimates

Martinez Concrete Works • Driveways • Patios • Sidewalks • Foundations • Stamp Concrete Bonded and Insured • Free Estimates

713-408-0137

martinezconcreteworks@gmail.com

Houston Heights

ROOFERS

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

713-385-1576

www.hous tonhe i ght sr oof er s. com

House Painting • Interior/Exterior • Sheetrock Repairs • Door Re nishing • Wood Repairs • Pressure Washing

713.206.5965

PRIME ROOFING

Commercial • Residential New Roof • Re-Roof

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

IT’S NOT JUST A FENCE IT’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.

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

QUALITY CONCRETE WORK

At Reasonable prices

•Patios •Driveways •Room Additions •Expedient Work American Made “God Bless America”

713-703-8488 Jim

Charlie's

SLEEP BETTER

713.686.6622

RETIRED CARPENTER

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

ROOFING

FOAM store

Ramiro Garcia

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

Installation, Repairs & Sales

FREE ESTIMATES DAVID OJEMAN 713-682-8033

20 Yrs. Exp. - 30 Yr. Resident

HOME REMODELING

For Your Home Repair Needs:

Affordable Garage Doors

• Carpentry - Cabinets to Patios & Decks • Painting, Interior/Exterior • Sheet Rock Repair & Installation

713-688-3277

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

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

HOWDY'S HANDYWORK

Supporting The Leader for 25 years

J&D HANDYMAN SERVICE TEL

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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

713-688-6463

WELLS ROOFING

RE-ROOFS

REPAIRS

Gutters • Siding • Painting • Roof Leaks

Call Today

832-731-3866

Free Estimates / Work Guaranteed

Insured for your protection • EST 1974 email: Wells5517@sbcglobal.net

www.camposroofing.com

CAMPOS Roofing

“The Residential Roofing Specialists”

Re-roofs • Repairs Hardi Siding • Gutters • Painting • Windows

All Work Guaranteed Free Estimates

3308 Ella Blvd • (713) 680-3530

ROOFING REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION Flat roofs also. FENCING installation and repairs. Call Sam

713-582-5500

BEST VALUE

CONSTRUCTION

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

281-352-7304

713-681-5001

www.primeroofing.com

PLATINUM CONSTRUCTION

Kitchen / Bath Remodels Full Home Renovations Fire / Water Restoration New Additions Schedule a Consult Today

832-477-7441

www.platinumconstructiontx.com

Interior/Exterior

Power Wash

Free Estimates

Cell: 832-584-0725

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

1 (800) 324-6299

Adam’s

WOOD FLOORS Installation Repair Sanding Finishing

832-515-4214

Frank Montes

Painting Interior/Exterior

Sheetrock Repair Match any texture

Roofing Work Carpentry Handyman Services Power Washing Maid Service Good References

(713) 962-3474

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

James Hardi Plank Siding • Interior/Exterior • Remodeling/ Repairs • Pressure Washing • Ceramic Tile (Also Carpet Installation) • Fencing • Shower Enclosures • Patio Covers • Rooﬁng • Granite Countertops

OFFERING FREE Estimates

832.867.6835 References On Request Bonded & Insured

ROOFING

Roof Replacement & Insurance Claim Specialist

25 Years Experience! REFERENCES AVAILABLE INSURED

832.867.6835

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

Page 8A • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • The Leader

Can pets experience PTSD? Dear Tabby, We weathered Hurricane Harvey at home with our dog. Ever since, whenever we have heavy rain, thunder, or lightning, he really freaks out! He never did this before the hurricane. I was wondering if what he is experiencing is Post-Traumatic Stress, similar to what humans experience? PTSD in Acres Homes Dear PTSD, When most people think of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), veteran soldiers might come to mind, or perhaps someone who has experienced a bad car accident or a natural disaster. The reality is that people are not the only

ones capable of having this anxiety disorder. Animals experience it as well. PTSD is an anxiety disorder or change in behavior following a stressful event. Therefore, anything deemed stressful by an animal has the potential for creating a stress disorder. “A severe thunderstorm, a natural disaster (flood earthquake, tornado, etc.), gunfire, war, bombings, abuse, and attacks by other dogs are just a few known events that have caused PTSD in dogs,” said Dr. Dorothy Black, clinical assistant professor in emergency and critical care at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Fear, shaking, hiding “The most common behavior changes seen are fear, shaking, shying away from people (including those they know), hiding, urinating when greeted, inappropriate elimi-

nation (in the house, on a bed, etc.), howling or barking, and/ or aggressive behavior,” Black said. When people feel stressed or frazzled oftentimes they just need a getaway for some private time, and the same applies for pets. Creating a kennel for the pet, if one does not already exist, could possibly help the pet feel safer. Create safe spaces, routine “Creating a routine with set meal times, dog walks, and play time gives your pet a sense of control,” Black said. “Ultimately your goal is to desensitize your dog to situations they find stressful.” There are many approaches to this, but all involve slow, controlled, small doses of stressful events and reinforcement of improved behavior. Animal behaviorists can help It is possible--just as in hu-

mans--for dogs to recover and even eventually come out of this disorder. Black recommends seeking the help of an animal behaviorist, trainer or veterinarian to start the healing process for your dog. These specialists can help create a plan and monitor the dog’s progress. They can help determine if your pet may benefit from medications along with behavior modification. If your animal has been through something traumatic, do not assume that any odd behavior they might be displaying is permanent. Because they cannot tell us how they are feeling, it is important to take their mental health seriously. Be patient with your pets so they can regain a confident, happy and healthy lifestyle. Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com

Pet of the Week

Meet Myra This 3-year-old sweetheart just wants what every dog wants: a home and family to call her own. Myra is a Lab/ Hound mix who is loving and enjoys giving kisses. She needs some helping learning the rules of home-life but is smart and eager to please. To learn more (and to schedule a COVID-19-friendly appointment to adopt a pet), visit www.cap4pets.org.

Make cleanup easy with a Red Dog dumpster For The Leader Red Dog Dumpsters has modernized the world of dumpsters by making it easier to have one delivered to your driveway. During this time of social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19, some people are searching for a new home project every other day. Cleaning out the garage or doing a small remodel just might be the answer, and a Red Dog dumpster can make it stress-free. “For everyone out there who’s just climbing the walls, there is no better project,” Gardner said. “if you’re looking for a project to do around your house, I think cleaning out the half of your garage you haven’t seen in years is a place to start.” After realizing the need for small driveway dumpsters while building his own house, Scott Gardner established the company in 2016 with just one truck and 20 dumpsters. Red Dog originated in Nashville but expanded into Houston almost two years ago. “We make it easy for people to clean out their house,” Gardner said, “and for job sites to clean up their sites.” Gardner described Red Dog as an on-demand dumpster company, kind of like an Uber for dumpsters.

Red Dog uses smaller trucks than other companies to drop off and pick up the dumpsters, which are about the size of a car and will fit perfectly into a parking space. What Red Dog has modernized most about the dumpster industry is the utilization of technology. “You go online, you pick your size container, you tell us when you want it, you pay for it online and that’s it.” Gardner said. The company offers two sizes of dumpsters, a 10-yard bin, and a 15-yard bun, with the difference in size being that the bigger one has taller sidewalls. There are no hidden fees at Red Dog, each container price is found online. Gardner also said that costumers will find Red Dog reliable. The dumpsters will arrive when they are supposed to and will be picked up within hours after it’s done being used. While online ordering makes the process of getting a dumpster run smoothly, Red Dog also allows communication through calling and texting to make it easier for someone to let them know a dumpster is ready for pickup. “Anyone can order from us. It’s not like you have to be a contractor,” Gardner said. “More than half of our

Contributed photo Red Dog Dumpsters provides customers with the opportunity to throw away unwanted items and have them hauled away.

business is from homeowners cleaning out their house or working on their house.” And the reason for that is because everyone has junk. To order a dumpster go to reddogdumspters.com or call 832-781-3300 for more information. This article is part of The Leader Experts series, where companies pay for editorial content on topics important to the community. If you’d like to be a Leader Expert, contact us at 713686-8494. Contributed photo A Red Dog Dumpsters employee, right, waves at a customer before leaving their property.

A Reputation of Integrity since 1946 Give us a call

Spring Special

Make Your Car

Happy this Spring

at Our New Garage

Did you know that by doing regular maintenance you can extend the life of your car by 1000s of miles? Most models need special maintenance at 30K, 60K, 90K, 120K. Let us educate you!

To place an ad on the most popular page in the Leader, give us a call at (713) 686-8494 and ask for one of our professional sales executives

Ad # 29544

4610 N. Shepherd

Take Outs Available! So Order Your Lunch or Dinner and Leave the Rest To Us! Come In or Call To Order!

Mexican Restaurant

5305 Antoine @ Pinemontt 53 713-682-3853

OPEN 111:00 AM - 8:00 PM Everyday But Tuesdays Every

Tia Maria has 32 oz. Margaritas to go for $15 with a food order. Frozen or rocks.

(713) 680-0825

TheLibertyGarage.com

LONG STANDING MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN FOREST WEST SHOPPING CENTER

713-686-8494

4618 Dacoma

*For faster services, please call for a reservation. Most cars/light trucks. Includes up to 5 quarts synthetic blend oil. Full Synthetic oil and specialty filters extra.

FAMILY OWNED

The Leader reaches more houses with more readers so you get more response!

(Between Hwy. 290 and Mangum)

2495 OIL SERVICE

Like us on Facebook.com/LibertyHoepflGarage Expires 5-8-2020. Must present Coupon at time of service. Cannot combine with any other offer. Limited time offer.

ADNORESULTS ONE ELSE STACKS UP

If you are hungry, let us cook for you!

Mon - Fri 7:30 am - 5:30 pm, Sat 8:00 am - 4:00pm

WHEN IT COMES TO

Put Us To Work For You:

713.695.50711

5675 W. Tidwell 713.686.5677 Your Complete Car Care Center

49.95 ALIGNMENT CASTROL FULL SYNTHETIC $ .95 45 OIL SERVICE $

+ TAX

up to 5 qts

+ TAX

The Leader • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 9A

Area resident shares COVID-19 experience By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Candlelight Estates resident Selena Crochet took her two children to the Mississippi Gulf Coast on March 13 to visit her parents. Crochet’s mother started feeling ill five days later, but thought it might be related to allergies. The next day, Crochet took a turn for the worse, too. “I had head congestion, and a sore throat, but no fever,” she said. When her mother, Paula King, went to the hospital in Mississippi for a COVID-19 test, Crochet returned to Houston and quarantined herself and her children so as not to be a burden on her parents. On March 23, she talked to her doctor, who told her at the time she wouldn’t qualify for a COVID-19 test because of her age and because she was not immunocompromised. “He told me to continue to stay home,” Crochet said. On March 24, King received a posi-

tive result for COVID-19, the upperrespiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. That’s when Crochet called her pediatrician because of her concern for her oldest child, who has asthma. “(My son) was the one the pediatrician said we should be worried about,” Crochet said. “She told us to assume we all had it.” Crochet’s younger daughter had a sore throat and congestion for three days, but it was Crochet who got the worst of it. “The sore throat and cough got better, but I had a constant headache that my migraine medicine didn’t touch,” she said. “I slept 14 hours a day for the next 12 days.” After two hospital stays, Crochet said her mother was prescribed an athome oxygen treatment because she was having breathing difficulties. During that time, Crochet’s father in Mississippi, Clark King, also got a positive COVID-19 test result. Crochet’s son did not become ill, but she now wonders about a sore throat he had during

the Mississippi visit that only lasted for a day. In early April, the family’s quarantine was lifted and Crochet said all are feeling better. Crochet said no one else she knows has tested positive for COVID-19. She looks forward to getting an antibody test when it is available and is willing to donate blood or plasma to potentially help others. Although she exhibited some of the common symptoms of COVID-19, which are fever, shortness of breath and a dry cough, Crochet said her cough was not dry. “It was very productive,” she said. Grateful for a full recovery, Crochet said her likely infection was “miserable.” She also said she lost her sense of taste for four days. At first hesitant to publicize her story, Crochet said she was bolstered by a phone call with someone in the neighborhood who had anxiety about COVID-19. “She said she felt much better after talking to me,” Crochet said. “It made me want to share.”

Contributed photo Candlelight Estates resident Selena Crochet, right, mingles with her father, Clark King, left, and mother, Paula King. Crochet’s parents tested positive for COVID-19, and Crochet said she contracted the disease while recently visting them.

Gray, from P. 1A That means they’re buying more groceries from places such as H-E-B, a Texas-based chain that opened a two-story Heights location last year at 2300 N. Shepherd Dr. Gray has worked there since it opened in January 2019, logging 40 hours per week and manning a register most weekends. Store general manager Tammy Hager said it serves about 4,000 customers per day, and on most mornings there’s a line of people waiting to get in. Although H-EB regularly restocks its shelves, Hager said cleaning supplies, toilet paper and dry goods such as yeast, flour and sugar have been hard to keep on the shelves amidst the pandemic and the panic-buying it has induced. “I think H-E-B is like the true north,” Hager said. “As long as we’re here and we’re good … it

puts their mind at ease.” Still, Gray and Hager said customers have generally been more on edge during the last two months and in some cases unruly. They said there was an incident about two weeks ago in which a man was upset about a purchase limit on disinfecting wipes. Hager said the customer threw a wipe at a cashier. Gray was working in a neighboring aisle and intervened, explaining to the customer why there were purchase limits on certain items, then asking him to leave before comforting her co-worker. “She has a really caring personality,” Hager said of Gray. “She’s the kind of person that the (other employees) know they can rely on.” Gray said coping with customers’ anxiety is challenging, but it’s

also rewarding when they show their appreciation. And there have been plenty of understanding supporters as well. Hager said some customers have tried to leave tips. Others have just shown interest in the H-E-B workers who are serving them. “They’re concerned about our wellbeing, asking, ‘What do you need? Are you taking care of yourself ?’” Gray said. “That means a lot to us.” Even though she and her coworkers are regularly interacting with customers at a time when local officials are asking people to stay apart, Gray said has been comforted by the safety measures H-E-B has implemented. Employees have been required to wear gloves and masks for the last two weeks or so, and the store has in-

stalled clear plexiglass “sneeze guards” in an attempt to shield cashiers and baggers from customers who might be infected with COVID-19. Hager said none of the 450 or so employees at her store has tested positive for the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus. She also said the store has not been notified about any of its customers having been exposed. Hager said H-E-B has employees who are dedicated to cleaning all frequently touched surfaces, including shopping cart handles and refrigerator doors, while the store is open. The grocer also has put markings on the floor near its check-out registers that instruct customers to maintain social distancing by standing at least 6 feet apart.

“I’m not so much worried,” Gray said. “H-E-B has done a very good job.” H-E-B also has provided incentives to the employees who are on the front line of the fight against COVID-19, including its partners at the Heights location. Hager said every employee has gotten some sort of additional compensation, with hourly employees such as Gray receiving pay raises of $2 per hour. That helps to keep Gray, a single mother who lives in the Cypress area, coming back to work. So does the need to support her two young kids, who go to daycare while she works. “I’m blessed enough to even have a job during this time,” she said. “A lot of people don’t even have a job.”

Torres, from P. 1A has provided his force with hospital-grade N95 masks they wear when interacting with members of the community, which is a safety precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Torres, 52, who was promoted from deputy to corporal about two years ago, also wears gloves during his shift and frequently wipes down the inside of his patrol vehicle. He’s required to practice social distancing, too, which means staying at least 6 feet away from others in most cases. “The personal touch is no longer there. No longer can you greet somebody with a handshake,” Torres said. “I have to talk with a raised voice. It’s like I’m screaming at people.” Torres said he has encountered community members who are infected with COVID-19, the upper-

respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. As of Wednesday morning it had infected at least 5,100 people in Houston and Harris County, leading to 79 deaths. Torres is especially careful not to bring COVID-19 to his home in Pearland, where there are two other law enforcement officers and an expectant mother. His two live-in sons, Santos Torres III and Isaac Torres, both work for the Harris County Sheriff ’s Office, and one has a pregnant wife. They all leave their boots in the garage when they get home, the elder Torres said, and they wash their uniforms on a near-daily basis. They all use white towels, which can be bleached without affecting the color, and Torres said they often use disinfecting wipes to make sure the home is clean.

“I try to set a good example for them,” said Torres, whose son-in-law, Roland Rodriguez, also works for the sheriff ’s office. Torres tries to be a role model outside his home as well. He has a military background, having served in both the U.S Army and U.S. Coast Guard, so the ideas of duty and responsibility were installed in him as a young man. Striving to make a positive impact on the community he serves is what motivates Torres, he said, and he’s always preferred being in the thick of the action as opposed to on the sidelines. “You signed on to this. You knew there was going to be a certain danger going into it,” he said. “I try to preach that to my sons. There’s a duty. When the tough comes, the tough get going. You’ve got to answer

the bell.” Amidst a pandemic, Torres said he pays more attention than ever to his surroundings in terms of who he interacts with and what he touches. He already had become in tune with the Garden Oaks neighborhood and its residents, having learned to recognize when people are home, when they’re on vacation and what their vehicles look like. Jeanes said Torres integrated himself early on in his tenure in the neighborhood, working with Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet to help improve traffic flow before and after school. He’s still helping the neighborhood, keeping an eye out for crime and trying to keep the community safe from COVID-19. “He’s a good guy,” Jeanes said. “He’s very responsive.”

THANK YOU TO ALL

FIRST RESPONDERS 4305A Richmond Ave., Houston, TX

713.626.9100

buffaloefloorsandup.com

Rodriguez, from P. 1A level below 90 percent mandated treatment. “(Nebulization) can send the particles into the air and increase the chance of getting infected,” Rodriguez said. While Rodriguez was initially nervous about the amount of PPE that would be available, he said there is enough to protect his station. There are also evolving protocols about what should be worn at what time. Gowns are required for personnel who make contact with a person exhibiting symptoms. Face shields became mandatory a week ago. Rodriguez said he and his coworkers now wear basic masks around the station to protect themselves from each other and also get a temperature check when they come on shift.

“There was so much new information and new guidelines at first, but now it’s all on a website which makes it easier,” Rodriguez said. While Rodriguez has always been good about washing his hands, he said he now pays extra attention to the cleanliness of his ambulance. “We just got a new sprayer to fog it,” he said. And while calls have abated somewhat from those who fear they are symptomatic, there are new ones to take their place. “What has picked up are calls about anxiety, alcoholism (and) drug abuse,” Rodriguez said.

ORDER NOW

2020 Graduate Yard Signs!

Chavez, from P. 1A and Racquel. “They’re a family of first responders,” friend and neighbor Shellye Arnold said. “They sort of have community service built in to their DNA.” The thought of bringing the coronavirus home is an ongoing concern for Chavez, who is careful when she returns from a shift. She and her other family members take Halls Defense lozenges every day to load up on Vitamin C in an attempt to fortify their immune systems. Chavez said she wants to visit her mother who lives about 90 miles away, but she’s worried about potentially infecting her. “I’ve been in the ER for 30 years,” she said. “I’m hoping and praying that in all of that time, I’ve developed pretty good immunity.” Chavez said she no longer watches the news, which is saturated with COVID-19 coverage. She has seen enough of the disease up close to know it’s dangerous

as well as deceiving. She said she’s been told that COVID-19 is airborne, she’s been told that it spreads through respiratory droplets when infected people cough and sneeze, and she’s been told that it spreads through contact with inanimate objects that have contacted the virus. Chavez said she’s witnessed a wide range of symptoms, including headaches and diarrhea along with the more common symptoms of fever and cough. She also said the nasal swab that’s often used to test for COVID-19 is painful Chavez is willing to share her knowledge with those in her Garden Oaks community, having told neighbors they can call her or text her if they have questions or concerns. As deadly as the disease has been, many more have recovered from it. “Don’t deny your symptoms,” Chavez said. “Don’t get to the point where you’re too sick and we can’t help you.”

Helping others is a calling for Chavez, who continues to do so even though it puts her in danger. More than 20 of her Garden Oaks neighbors recently let her know how much she’s appreciated, gathering outside her home before dawn to give her a rousing sendoff as she left to go to work. Members of her community made signs and posters showing their support, cheered for Chavez and provided food for her, her family and her co-workers. Chavez said she was “totally humbled” by the experience, but it didn’t necessarily make her more motivated to report to work. She was going to show up anyway, ready to put on her PPE. “This is my job. This is what I do,” Chavez said. “I don’t expect anyone to say thank you for being a nurse or what have you. I just do my job because I enjoy it.”

still n ca u yo t bu ed os cl be ay m ol ho Sc sign. salute your graduate with a yard The Leader is offering full color, sturdy, 24”x18”, 2-sided, yard signs to celebrate our 2020 graduates. A great keepsake, too! We do the design and can include mascots. Order today and these signs will be shipped directly to your home. Orders include a step stake for installation. Price is $39 plus tax. $7 of each sale will be donated to a school supply fund to be dispersed once school fully resumes. Free shipping. Order by visiting the Leader website Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston

www.theleadernews.com or call Jennifer at (713) 371-3768

C&D

610 E. 11th

Heights Blvd

Hardware & Gifts 314 E. 11th Street 713-861-3551

:HHNGD\V DP SP Â‡ 6DW DP SP Â‡ 6XQ DP SP

S H O P O N L I N E @ C a n d D H W. c o m

I-10

Studewood

Page 10A â€˘ Saturday, April 25, 2020 â€˘ The Leader

** Shop early for best selection. All items are while supplies last. Sale prices good on in stock merchandise only. No rain checks, in stock quantity only.

SALE STARTS APRIL 23RD AND ENDS MAY 9

Green Up!

Get outside and Q!

Neverkink Ne eve verkkin inkk Ex Extr Extra t a Heavy-Duty tr Heav He avvy Dutyy Garden avy Garrd Hose Neverkink Extra Heavy-Duty hose.

Features high strength, lead-free aluminum couplings. Reflex Mesh anti-kink technology means no kinks or tangles, guaranteed. Rigid strain relief prevents kinking at faucet. Burgundy with gray stripe. # 701006

2699

SALE $ Also available 75Ft. & 100 Ft. Best Garden Nozzle 10-Pattern Adjustable Head

Nitro-Phos Super Turf

Nitro-Phos Superturf 19-4-10 Fertilizer has slow release nitrogen for rich color & less mowing lasting 12 weeks. Feeds up to 7,600 sq. ft. 40 lbs bag.

2899

SALE $

Reg. $32.99

The latest and Greatest form Green Mountain Pellet Grills!

Prime Daniel Boone WIFI Pellet Grill. Now on Double Discount for in store pick up! SALE $

599

While they last! With a 13.5â€? peaked lid and 458 sq. in. of grill space you can cook

Recipe includes bits of fresh tomatoes, onions and peppers. The number one selling barbecue sauces sold in the Go Texan Store at the State Fair of Texas in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Choose from Reserve, Hot or Sweet!

$ 99 Bentleyâ€™s Bloody Marryy Mix also available! $9.99

BBQ Croc 3 tools in 1

Most BBQ tools serve a single purpose The BBQ Croc is a 3-in-1! Spatulatongs-scraper that keeps your hands away from the heat and you in control of the cooking. The dual-spatula system makes for the perfect flip, and when used as tongs, opens wide enough to grab a whole chicken or roast. 21 or 18 inch . # 89902

2499

Wings of Whimsy hand-painted, resin Angel

was carefully designed to match the artistâ€™s original woodcarving. Garden Angels can be displayed on our specially designed stakes, hooks and table top stands. (Sold Separately). Dimensions: 7â€?w x 12.5â€?h Several to choose from.

5199

Mini Art Polesâ„˘

are created for gifting. Whether for a friend who needs a smile or a pot that needs a pop of color, Mini Art Poles will do the trick! A stake is included for easy planting. Proudly made in the USA Dimensions: 13â€? (3â€? x .75â€?) Priced from

1299

on you. Effective in cool and cloudy conditions as well as warm and sunny weather. No mixing, no measuring. Use in and around vegetable gardens, flower beds, tree rings and mulched beds, as well as on cracks in driveways, walkways, and patios. Kills to the root. Rain-Proof in 10 minutes. #713952

SALE

$ 99 Reg. $7.79

1899

Cowboy Natural Briquets

Cowboy all natural charcoal briquets are made up of 95% hardwood charcoal and 5% vegetable binder. They are 100% all natural and contain no color or chemicals. These authentic, premium charcoal briquets provide an extremely clean burn with very little ash. Enjoy your next barbeque with 100% natural charcoal. 14 Lb. #816477

1299

SALE $

Reg $14.99 Other Charcoal brands available.

and up

Generous G Gen e enero ero proportions and distinct style maximize imi m z lounging comfort. Innovative lumbar mi and head support. Extra-wide flexa cushion seating and high back for maximum seating comfort. Durable all-weather resin, nonflammable, and mildew-resistant. Stackable. Weight limit: 250 Lb. Seat dimensions: 19 In. W. x 14.5 In. H. x 17.5 In. D. Sale Colors: Red, Pool Blue, Yellow, Summer Green & Blue Slate.

1999

Roundup Weed & Grass Killer III Hard on weeds, easy

Adams RealComfort Ergonomic Adirondack Chair Add a splash of color and comfort to your home.

Reg. $8.99! Re

99 $

Our premium wood pellets are made from 100% natural, food-grade hardwood. Traeger pure wood pellets grant the perfect burn for optimal wood fired flavor. Made in the USA. Big selection of flavors.

anything from 7 racks of ribs to a standup turkey and monitor multiple food temps with dual meat probes. Other models available at discounted price! Reg. $69999 # PRIME DBWF

Bentleyâ€™s Batch 5 BBQ Sauce

$ 99 S SALE

Traeger Wood Pellets

to choose the ideal setting for watering needs. Pattern options aker,r include: rinse, soaker, cone, 1/2 vert, center, nter, ertical, al,l aal flat, mist, angle, vertical, rip o vver ve ershower. Rubber grip overmold and ergonomic handle provide comfort and fit. Flow control dial controls the amount of water flowing through the nozzle. # 701172

reg. $34.99

36 , 4099

Reg. $24.99

Other colors available for $24.99

Cutter Backyard Bug Control Mosquito Killer

Repels and kills mosquitoes, es, s, ticks, ants, fleas, and oyother annoying insects. s. o Lasts up to 12 weeks, even after it rains. Treats ats up to 5000 0 square feet. et. Features a water-based ed and low odor formulation. Hook to a garden hose and spray. Active ingredient: LambdaCyhalothrin. #754951

1099

SALE $

Americo i H Home B Brushh EEntrance t D Door Mats

1999

Your Choice $

Americo Home Coir Entrance Mats combine the beauty of natural fibers with the durability of the coarse coir brush action,fashionable yet functional doormat. Fade resistant designs. Will not curl up, traps dirt and is the strongest in the industry. #621713,624288 & 649871 Reg.24.99

Skeeter Screen & Patio Egg

1999

Your Choice $

#90800,90600

This Patio Egg is an easy, safe and effective way to help deter mosquitoes and other biting insects from your patio and other outdoor living areas. Egg radiates fragrance in all directions and natural air currents carry the fragrance over the entire patio area (200-300 sq. ft.

Skeeter Screen granular shake. Spreadable form. All natural mosquito deterrent for yard, garden, patio & animal bedding â€“ or anywhere people gather outside!

â€˘ #1 selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America*

Authorized Sales & Service $

139

BG 50 Handheld Blower â€˘ 27.2cc engine â€˘ 7.9 lb. â€˘ 134 mph maximum air velocity

â€˘ Quality and innovation since 1926

219

FS 56 RC-E Trimmer â€˘ â€˘ â€˘ â€˘

10.6 lb. Features Easy2Start technology 16.5" cutting swath 11.5-oz. fuel capacity

*"#1 selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2009 - 2016 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers. YOU NEED IT â€” WE HAVE IT Itâ€™s in our warehouse â€” FAST & FREE delivery to our store!

DL: MAY 2020 (711)