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Stay-at-home order lapses as reopening begins

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com Social distancing restrictions are being eased across Texas as the number of COVID-19 cases appears to level off in communities such as Houston.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that he would allow his statewide stay-at-home order to expire as scheduled on Thursday.

Beginning Friday, the governor allowed businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters

and museums to reopen their doors to customers but with limited capacities.

As part of Phase 1 of his plan to reopen the state and boost its struggling economy, Abbott also permitted retail stores, malls and libraries to reopen Friday as long as they limit building occupancy to no more than 25 percent. Abbott said sole proprietors are allowed to resume operations under his executive order, and citizens can play outdoor sports such as golf and tennis as long as the activities

Abbott

include no more than four people.

“We’ll open in a way that uses safer guidelines for busi-

nesses, for employees as well as for their customers,” Abbott said. “We’re not just going to open up and hope for the best.”

Abbott said all of his executive orders related to COVID-19 carry penalties including a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 180 days in jail. He also said they supersede local orders, such as those made

by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Turner said the stay-athome order that was in place

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in Harris County from March 24 through Thursday helped to minimize the impact of the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, which as of Wednesday had infected nearly 6,000 people and caused more than 100 deaths in Houston and Harris County. On Monday, when he announced 74 new cases and four additional deaths among city residents, Turner cautioned that the region could see a spike in cases under less-stringent restrictions.

See Abbott P. 5A

Photo by Adam Zuvanich Village of the Heights, an assisted-living facility, said it hasn’t had any COVID-19 cases.

Now Located at 5005 W. 34th St., Ste. 104A

713-692-0300

Senior-living centers leverage technology to keep connected

INSIDE.

By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

Ready to reopen? Area businesses are taking varying approaches to reopening.

Page 1B

Contributed photo Lucas Pagel, left, and his younger brother, Greyson Pagel, work on a wooden airplane in their driveway. The miniature plane is being constructed by their father, Nick Pagel, a woodworker who lives in the area.

Local woodworker building miniature airplane Magical flavors. Zarah Parker braved the to-go line to review Voodoo Doughnut.

Page 7A

Adams vs. Abbott: The owner of a local insurance business is suing the governor he supports.

Page 1B

Park improvements. A series of parks are being renovated and will soon be put to use.

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Area resident Nick Pagel is running one of the most fun at-home operations during his family’s time at home. He is getting a lot of attention, too, because there’s a 16foot wooden airplane parked in his family’s garage.

The owner of Imagination Woodworks, Pagel, who was born and raised in Garden Oaks, has been keeping busier than anticipated during the past few months.

Deemed an essential business, he’s been continuing to build treehouses, playsets, pergolas and decks for clients. Mostly, he constructs playsets.

“Parents have called and said, ‘We need a playset now. Can you come build this?’ ” Pagel said.

While he enjoys the work, Pagel says it’s still work. It’s the creative freedom he’s been able to explore at home that has brought him joy

Contributed photo Nick Pagel’s wooden airplane has functional gauges in the cockpit.

lately.

“I don’t stay still for very long,” he said. “I’m always tinkering.”

At home, Pagel’s sons, 7-yearold Lucas and 5-year-old Greyson, have a treehouse in the backyard and a swinging bridge between two trees in the front yard. But it’s the plane, which Pagel started about

a year-and-a-half ago, that has engaged them the most.

“It’s the biggest passion project and a great project with the boys,” Pagel said. “It’s a kid’s dream.”

The plane started on a Sunday afternoon when Pagel’s oldest son See Woodworking, P. 5A

See Seniors, P. 4A

SPX to hold graduation at drive-in theater

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Page 8A

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

While the threat of COVID-19 hangs over the elderly, area senior-living communities have acted quickly in an attempt to protect their residents.

That means restricting visitation and sticking to social distancing guidelines.

David Keaton of Retirement Center Management, which has The Village of The Heights at 1407 Studewood St. as one of its communities, said Monday that distance has been key to the fact the community hasn’t had any residents contract COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. At the same time, Keaton said The Village of the Heights has persisted in keeping its residents active.

“Socialization is the biggest emotional support we can provide,” Keaton said.

The Village of the Heights has utilized technology to keep its residents connected.

Through virtual programming, seniors can participate in bingo games with other seniorliving communities. The Village has also bought and distributed iPads to residents who were without one so they would be able to FaceTime with loved ones.

“Families have also done parades in the parking lot,” Keaton said. “They made signs and residents could watch from their windows.”

Brookdale The Heights, 2121 Pinegate St., also has been working on ensuring its residents stay active and safe while living life as normal as possible during an abnormal time.

The community encourages residents to use video calling platforms to stay connected with loved ones and even is having residents play Words with Friends with each other.

“They are currently creating ‘Heroes work Here’ posters for the residents to sign and put in windows as a thank you for the associates caring for them, along with creating thank you cards for first responders,” Heather Hunter of Brookdale said.

Photo by Adam Zuvanich The Showboat Drive-in Theater in Hockley will host the May 23 graduation ceremony for St. Pius X High School, which made the arrangement at the suggestion of parents.

St. Pius X High School will head to a drive-in movie theater in Hockley for graduation.

The private Catholic school at 811 Donovan St. announced last Friday that it had amended its plan for senior graduation, originally scheduled for the morning of Saturday, May 23 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Northwest Houston. Instead, St. Pius X said the ceremony will be held that night at The Showboat Drivein Theater, located at 22422 FM 2920 in Hockley, about 30 miles

northwest of campus.

“I think it’s really interesting and definitely different,” said Garden Oaks resident Zander Jez, one of the school’s 153 graduating seniors. “It’s something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life, just because it’s not where it normally is like a church or our gym or anything like that. ... I’m excited to see how they do everything and how they make it feel special for us still.”

Per an executive order by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, all schools in the state are closed for the remainder of the academic year

amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schools are continuing to teach students remotely by using online resources, with St. Pius X having implemented distance learning since March 25.

The school is one of nine in the Houston region that has enlisted Showboat for its graduation festivities, according to drive-in owner Andrew Thomas, who said he is in discussions with more schools and open to helping others. He said the drive-in has the capacity to safely accomSee Graduation, P. 5A

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Page 2A • Saturday, May 2, 2020 • The Leader

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, May 2, 2020 • Page 3A

It’s fine not to want to wear a mask, but do it anyway

M

aybe it’s because most of us had gotten a little stir crazy. Perhaps we were so tired of being stuck at home, and unable to go to a ballgame or a bar or a neighborhood barbecue, that we weren’t thinking clearly.

It could be that we just needed to unleash our pent-up anger and anxiety over COVID-19, the disease that has damaged our families, our economy and our emotional wellbeing.

Whatever the reason, many went ballistic when Lina Hidalgo said we had to wear masks in public and could face a $1,000 fine for not doing so. The Harris County Judge faced immediate criticism from citizens and her counterparts in Galveston and Montgomery counties, and some state officials scoffed as well. Hidalgo even got sued by a Houston-area doctor.

Nevermind that when Hidalgo announced her executive order on April 22, it had been nearly three weeks since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that all Americans wear face coverings in public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Nevermind that each of Hidalgo’s previous orders, such as the ones that made us stay home and made businesses either close or change their way of operating, also came with fines and even jail

Adam Zuvanich Editor

time for violations.

Where was the outrage about those orders and the penalties for not obeying them? There was comparatively little, and Hidalgo said Monday she was not aware of a single citation having been issued or any fines having been levied.

That’s because, as she also said Monday, the point of making the orders enforceable was not to go out looking for people to punish.

The point was to drive home the fact these measures are necessary to protect individuals and the health of the community as a whole.

According to public health officials, COVID-19 is commonly spread by asymptomatic carriers, and wearing masks can prevent infection.

“This is not a matter of convenience,” Hidalgo said. “This is a matter of life or death for people.”

So we might have lost our collective mind over this one, which is understandable considering the increasingly shaky state of our society. Still, Hidalgo’s latest order and the reasoning behind it should not have been so difficult to comprehend.

We’re in the midst of a pandemic that as of Wednesday morning, had infected nearly 3 million people across the globe and killed more than 200,000, according to the World Health Organization.

In Houston and Harris County, a highly populated area where testing has been limited, local officials had reported nearly 6,000 cases and more than 100 deaths.

Let’s also keep in mind that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has begun to reopen the state, allowing his stay-at-home order to lapse on Thursday and permitting businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters and retail shops to open with limited occupancies on Friday. While it might seem that Hidalgo’s mask-wearing order contradicts the spirit of the governor’s order – which carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail for violations – it really just provides a safety net and a reminder that our fight against this virus is far from over.

And while Abbott undermined Hidalgo by ordering that no

Texas facts for newcomers The first word spoken from the moon, July 20, 1969, was “Houston,” but the space center was actually in Clear Lake City at the time. By 1720, the Spanish government maintained more soldiers in San Antonio than had been employed throughout the conquest and subjugation of the Aztec and Inca empires.

Ima Hogg did not have a sister named Ura. Humphrey Bogart never did say, “Play it again, Sam” in the 1942 film “Casablanca.” The line was spoken by Ingrid Bergman.

Sam was played by a Texan, Dooley Wilson, who was born in Tyler. Notice that you never see Sam’s fingers on the keyboard -- he was a drummer.

The reason I bring up these small matters is that we have so many new Texans – our population is growing by one thousand people A DAY! Half of these are newborns, but even they should know a few oddities about their new home.

For example, the longest war in American history is not being fought in Afghanistan, but right here. Texans’ war with the Indians lasted for 50 years.

Texans constantly gripe about “Washington interference,” but get this observation: “The whole state of Texas counts on the expenditure of money for Army supplies, and when a Congressman tackles the appropriations bill he joins issue with the whole state from Dan to Beersheba.” -- Dr. Samuel Smith, U.S. Army, Camp Charlotte, Texas, July 4, 1879. Actor Eli Wallach, in his first Curtain Club role when he was a student at UT-Austin, played a corpse. The part of the doctor was played by Walter Cronkite.

A study from the Center for an Urban Future, a nonprofit research group in Manhattan, estimates it takes $123,322 to enjoy the same middleclass life in New York City as someone earning $50,000 in Houston. The weed whacker was invented here in 1971 by a dance instructor and developer named George Ballas.

He got the idea from whirling brushes at a car wash. His prototype consisted of an edger and fishing wire threaded through a can of popcorn.

It’s pronounced ROW-deeoh, not row-DAY-oh, like that fancy drive in Beverly Hills.

Mexia is mah-HAY-yuh, and no one in Houston pronounces the Dallas Cowboys. The official state song is “Texas, Our Texas,” and not “The Eyes of Texas,” although it should be.

According to The New York Times the very first hamburger was made by Fletcher Davis of Athens, Texas, in the 1880s.

There is even a historical marker there. Davis had a café and came up with ground beef between two slices of bread.

At the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, he set up a concession stand on the midway and sold his invention, probably with a sign, “More Than 12 Sold.”

Now let’s get academic.

What is the official name of Texas Tech? It was founded as Texas Technological Col-

Lynn Ashby Columnist

lege and was called that until 1969. Then it became Texas Tech University. No “Technical,” nothing fancy. Texas A&M, once the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now is officially known as Texas A&M University, no periods. (Incidentally, there is no period in Dr Pepper either.)

Texas A&M’s student body is the largest in the United States -- 69,465 Aggies. A question: Is Stephen F. (for Fuller) Austin State University in Nacogdoches the only university with an initial as part of its name?

I can’t think of another. Finally, the Heisman Trophy was named after John William Heisman who was the first fulltime coach at Rice University.

Among powers granted to our governor, the Texas Constitution declares: “He shall have power to call forth the militia to execute the laws of the State, to suppress insurrections, and to repel invasions.”

Alas, the governor used to have specific powers to call out the troops to chase Mexican bandits and marauding Indians. He lost that authority in 1999. Yes, indeed, in 1999.

Our Legislature once honored Albert DeSalvo “for his work in population control.”

Later the lawmakers discovered DeSalvo was the Boston Strangler. In 2010, “Enron,” a $4 million Broadway musical about the Houston-based energy debacle, closed after 13 days. The state motto of Texas is “Friendship,” not “Shoot Friendly,” although “gun control” does mean, when shooting, use both hands. Our official state pie is pecan. The bluebonnet is the state flower.

The monarch butterfly is our state insect and our official state demagogue is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. If you drove west from Orange for 858 miles, you would still be in Texas (El Paso). If you drove east that same distance, you’d be in Savanah, Ga. Residents in the other 49 lesser states love to poke fun at us, mainly due to jealousy.

Really now, have you ever heard a good South Dakota or Vermont joke? OK, here’s one. A Texas rancher is driving through Vermont and stops to chat with a farmer out in his fields. “Nice place you got here,” says the Texan. “How big is it?” The farmer replies: “Twenty acres.” The Texan scoffs. “Mister, back home I can drive for two hours and not get to the end of my land.”

The Vermonter nods. “Yeah, I once had a car like that, too.”

Here is what comedian Jeff Foxworthy has to say about us: You may live in Texas: If someone in a Lowe’s store offers you assistance and

they don’t work there.

If you’ve had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number.

If “vacation” means going anywhere south of Dallas for the weekend.

If you measure distance in hours.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once.

If you install security lights on your house and garage, but leave both unlocked.

If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them.

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you’re going 80 and everybody’s passing you.

Pilgrim, if you can laugh at these jokes, you are already a Texan.

Ashby laughs at ashby2@comcast.net

Photo from Twitter Lina Hidalgo has ordered Harris County residents age 10 and older to wear masks when in public.

jurisdiction in Texas could impose penalties on people who fail to cover their faces, he also said, “We strongly recommend everyone wear a mask.” It’s a requirement, even, for anyone who visits a state park.

So props to Hidalgo for standing her ground on this issue, even though she was forced to take the potential fine out of her order. All Harris County residents age 10 or older are still required to wear masks when in public through May

27 – with some limited exceptions – and common household items such as T-shirts, bandanas, scarves and handkerchiefs can be used as face coverings.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also deserves credit for calming the commotion that followed Hidalgo’s announcement last week.

He and local law enforcement leaders eased concerns about the $1,000 fine, which many citizens cannot afford to pay at a time when too many are unemployed, by saying police officers would distribute masks to those without them instead of handing out citations.

So the fine was no longer an issue even before the governor made sure of it.

That’s all well and good. What’s not OK is putting others at risk just because covering your face makes you feel funny or uncomfortable or like your rights have been violated.

It’s really not that hard and not that sour of an experience. And the more we protect ourselves and others now, the quicker we can return to a time when doing so is no longer necessary.

So please, wear a mask when you venture out and try to hide your disdain for doing so.

Email azuvanich@theleadernews. com

THE READER. Virtual fitness a boon to many

Dear Editor: I enjoyed reading “Virtual Fitness a Boon to Many” last week. I joined the Jazzercise class at Garden Oaks Baptist Church last summer and was saddened when the COVID-19 restrictions forced us to stop meeting. Our amazing instructor Jane Luco quickly worked around this and we resumed classes via Facebook livestream. Sure, we can all work out on our own to a canned video. But live classes at a scheduled time with instructors who know everyone’s name are far more beneficial both physically and mentally. It’s wonderful to see so many fitness instructors working hard to help their students retain a semblance of normality during such a difficult time.

George Zemanek

Community grapples with affordable housing project

Dear Editor: “Several” nearby residents is quite the understatement here. Take one drive through the surrounding area and you will see that the vast majority oppose this project. Extremely shady practice by the developer and Kamin/Eastman.

Brandon

Dear Editor: Such a slanted and biased article.

Throwing in Covid19 as an excuse for not having done community outreach prior to February approvals for the project?! Pathetic!

And to conclude the article with a quote that

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com make We who oppose the development out to be villains, effectively shutting up (!) “the poor people who support it.” Way to keep it classy!

But hey, Chavros seems to like the sound of this project, and his opinion obviously matters so much since he lives in our neighborhood (ohhh nevermind, he doesn’t!), so we need to just shut up and roll over.

Ole Mosnes Dear Editor: Some important corrections: It’s four stories, not three.

The developer’s application (where he self scored his “community support”), city council’s vote and Eastman’s support, were all solidified well before Covid-19 hit. So it’s disengenous to use that as the reason he didn’t reach out already.

He’s only doing it now because the project is so widely opposed and he needs to backfill. As I said, a day late and a dollar short.

We know some neighbors support it. Great. To suggest that those of us who oppose it are “suppressing” your voice is not accurate, not appropriate. Our voice wasn’t heard. We weren’t even asked. So we did something about it. If you want your voice heard, organize, build a website, canvass your neighbors. Do your own work. But don’t complain because we did something about it.

Only 10 of the 20 projects proposed for Houston will be approved. It is NOT a zero sum game. If this project is not approved, it does NOT mean that less affordable housing is available.

Kevin J. Strickland

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

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1. Leg shank 5. Small amount 8. Roman emperor 10. Having ears 12. Innocent young woman 14. No wrinkles 16. Small coin (French) 17. 19 hundred hours 19. A way to inform 21. A seal or signet 22. Tobacco smoke residue 23. Tai language branch 25. Set afire 26. Partridge FamilyÕs actress Susan 27. Canadian flyers 29. Faculties of perception 32. A light two-wheel carriage 34. Was ___ (looked at) 35. Appear with 37. Natives of Thailand 39. Hill (Celtic) 40. Runs PCs 42. Visualizes 44. Mistake

45. Riding horses 47. Point of purchase 49. Armless Aphrodite 53. Having negative qualities 54. Protective visual folds 55. Crystallized calcium carbonate mineral 57. Beach grains 58. One who presents a bond for payment 59. Car mechanics group 60. & & &

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1. Small paddle boats 2. Usual 3. Economic consumption 4. Without (French) 5. Powder mineral 6. Fleshy seed covering 7. Indicates 8. Stone lined grave 9. Feels remorse 10. Chemical structure 11. Decomposition 13. Morally base 14. Joins

15. Danish krone 18. Breastplate 20. Lesson reader in church 24. 1921 Turkish/ Armenian Treaty 26. In a way, refutes 28. Zoftig 30. Fish, hair or inter 31. Mains 33. Fathers 35. Transparent eye membranes 36. Stray 38. Seafowl 39. 3 pip cards 41. Invests in little enterprises 43. Placards 44. 1st woman 45. Finds a sum 46. Thick piece of something 48. River in Hesse, Germany 50. Inner forearm bone 51. 1 of 2 contesting groups 52. Olive tree genus 56. Metal container

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A • Saturday, May 2, 2020 • The Leader

What’s the right word for home learning?

By Betsy Denson

of what a good title is for what I do. So far it eludes me. “IT helper� isn’t accurate Many years ago, I wrote because my kids know their an article for this paper about devices better than I do and home-schooling. I came away have quickly learned how with a deep sense of awe to navigate their online reabout what these teacher- sources. “Holder of the Zoom parents had decided to take on Codes� is more on point beand what they managed to ac- cause invariably with 60 seconds to go, the piece of paper complish with their kids.

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7 p.m.

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Oak Music Hall. homeschooling because I am up world.

My kidsMorning are upper elemennot schooling anyone. Which I Heights Market Coco Montoya Sunday, Nov. 24 tary and middle school so supposeSaturday, is goodNov. because, as I 23 a.m. – 2 p.m. are fairly self-sufficient, mentioned I’m not really qual- they10 8 p.m.

3106 White Oak Dr. Thebeen Heights Theater 339 W. which is nice.

I feel for those ified. I’ve trying to –think Heights Morning Market azuvanich@theleadernews.com

THINGS TO DO.

19th St. Coco Montoya is performing at The Heights Theater.

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

have the technology to keep school-directed, online learn- kids have some kind of strucgoing. We have food. We have ing where I thought – ambi- ture or blueprint of how we financial security. Too many tiously – about what I might might go from day to day. do not. want to accomplish. Where And I like to try to find conStill, I was curious about the was that Latin book I bought nections with them where I experience of other parents I two summers ago? What can. My daughter has drawn a know. So, I asked them to try about the write-a-poem-a- family tree of the “Once Upon to sum it up in one word. Their day book I got at Barnes and a Time� characters. Spoiler answers were all over the map. Noble on some long ago sunny – everyone is related to evStressful. Flexible. Lonely. day? What Christmas presents eryone. And my son’s English Independent.

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I think most people probPresidents project want to La Lucha – 1801 N. Shepherd net for information. his favorite dogs Bolt and Roxie. He will be greatly missed Much like most things durably cycle through manyby of sit in my him. $20 blow- My life will be better. A girl can Dr. many try whowhile knewIand loved ing this pandemic, everyone’sLa Lucha is hosting a guest bar- maybe in these descriptions, up pool and listen to Bob Mar- dream.

Men’s Scripture Sharing Group tender series benefiting charity.

Thursday, Nov. 28is different. I’m experience one day. ley.C. It may happen.73,It born probably Sandra Gresham, Nov. 2, died on Nov. On Nov. 27, Alphonso Quinones 6:30 a.m. aware that I am also– 7:30 acutely 18. Sheiswon’t. survived by her husband, Thomas Michael was week between from Capt.There Foxheart’s BadaNews YMCA –1234 W. 34th St. lucky and privileged.

We Gresham; daughter, Tara I(Gresham) and daughBar & Spirit LodgeBreak will be and at La the start Spring of Personally, am gladAnderson; my The Men’s– Scripture Sharing

THE OBITUARIES.

ter, Suzanne (Gresham) Tyrell.

Lucha. The charity of his choice is Group meets every Thursday at Child Advocates. the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA. Carlos Eduardo Sampaio, 56, born Oct. 7, died There will be music, Bible study Turkey Burn Rev Ride and fellowship. Guests and new Oct. 29. He is survived by his daughters Clara and Celia, Thursday, Nov. 28 members are welcome to attend his sister Christina, brother Luiz and ex-wife Michelle. He 9 – 10 a.m. this non-denominational Bible was employed by NASA. A celebration gathering will be DEFINE Heights – 714 Yale St. study. Email scripturesharing@ held from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 23, at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Ste. 200 earthlink.net for information. years, said it’s a good learning Le prefers to be called a faciliCollege and includes HISD,DEFINEsome at his Heights Blvd. is kicking off ahome day of and distribAlief ISD, San Jacinto College, others to his helpers, experience as well as a good tator and wants his students to feastinguted with athe Thanksgiving Holiday Artisan Market Burn Classhis across the University at Turkey including three students, cause. He said he initially learn life skills as well as engiSaturday, Nov. 30 of Houston Day all Houston-area locations.

The 9 Sugar a.m. – 4 p.m.

Land, the Fort Bend so they could assist with the wanted to become an architect neering skills.

Turkey Burn is a 60 minute rev St.County Stephen’s Judge’s UMC – 2003 W. “They’re willing to learn, Office and H-Force effort while earning before he enrolled at Washingride (indoor cycling) to give you 43rd St. and ton, an engineeringExperience magnet willing to help, and that’s conTX/RX Labs. the energy to feel your best and extra credit The Holiday Artisan Market, Knowledge... kickstart your metabolism. benefitting the Animal Justice to sistent with our philosophy Le said TX/RX Labs proBouffard said Martinez, the school, and now he wants A Powerful League, held in the west that we try to use what we videswill thebe filament and speciWashington graduate who pursue aerospace engineering Combination The Houston Genealogical sanctuary parking lot, featuring used and to food make a key works for the school, and help the next generation know in engineering to make Forum now Presents: In Search a fications variety of vendors of interestexploreRealty Associates lifeDEBBIE of William “The Americans space. better for those around part Contact of the Kim faceAntley shields sends outImmigrant� weekly emails to Send see yourofstory trucks. at – small, ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT news@theleadernews.com redlipdesigns@gmail.com In the meantime, he’s helpus,� Le said. “That’s our belief, flexible strips of regardplastic Cloude to if anyone needs more supplies Saturday, Dec. 7 ing vendor participation. which the clear sheets of the and to set a pickup schedule. ing his community cope with and these students respond to 9 a.m.-noon Bayland Community Center face shield well as the elasThey all leave the printed face- a pandemic and making his that.�

O’Holy Heights as Christmas Extravaganza tic fitting bands are attached6400 – Bissonnet shield parts in bags in their teacher proud. Bouffard said When presenter Janine Saturday, 7 and alsoDec. collects them to make Cloud’sdriveways direct paternalsolineMartinez can 6 p.m. the shields and distribute pickdead-ends them up.in 1838 paper trail Heights Presbyterian Church – them to Y-DNA to W. healthcare If turned one of the 3D printers 240 18th St. professionals. Georgia, she testing to attempt to prove a Heights Presbyterian “They realizedChurch is to do this efneeds some maintenance connection between her brick hosting the O’Holy Heights Christficiently, they needed to have work, Bouffard said the team wall ancestor and William “The mas Extravaganza, where there Immigrant�

Cloud, who settled partners community, in members leave it in their gawill be a Santainin the the Gazebo for in Pennsylvania in about pictures, hot or cocoa, coffee, was-to help schools wherever, rages forColony Martinez to come by 1682. Come enjoy Janine’s sail, cookies, other desserts and were * With with it,�

Le said. “We and fix.

Le said the 3D printers presentation and learn how to a silent auction. There will also Wellness Exam need to be regularly calibrated happy to help them with it.� apply these DNA principles to be a Christmas concert with the your own research. get clogged andfamily sometimes Heights more perLeworship said team he and received

Washington students, teachers using 3D printers to help medical workers Los Walters Saturday, Nov. 23 8 p.m.

Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. ByWhite Adam While using a total of 10-12 Main St. Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com Los Walters is performing at school-supplied 3D printers White Oak Music Hall.

Pre-Thanksgiving at their respectiveWorship homes, Le the group has produced Daniel Bouffard is a high saidService Hayes Carll Sunday, Nov. 24 than school sophomore who hasn’t more Sunday, Nov. 24 10:17 a.m. 1,400 face-shield 7 p.m. components since 31.

St. Matthew’s UMCMarch – 4300 N. been to school in nearly two Heights Theater – 339 W. “IShepherd can’t doDr.a lot as a 15-yearmonths.The 19th St. Matthew’s United Methodist inSt. my own home, not goHe’s still helping his school Hayes Carll is performing at TheoldChurch cordially invites the comout very much,�

Bouffard Theater. help theHeights Houston community ingmunity to attend the Pre-Thanksgiving “I Worship can’t service. really help in in its ongoing fight against said.

Tunes in the Tap Room other ways, but every little COVID-19.

Tuesday, Nov. 26 Thanks & Giving Banquet bit Sunday, counts.Nov. If I24can produce a Bouffard part 6:30 –is9:30 p.m.of a sixRestaurant & TapT. 5 p.m.of facemasks and get bunch person Harold’s team from Booker Room – 350 W. 19th St. Garden Baptist Church that – out Oaks to these people Washington High School that them Enjoy live music in Harold’s Tap 3206 N. Shepherd Dr. are working onBaptist the front has been using printers Room every3D Tuesday night.to Garden Oaks Churchlines, thing Thanksgiving in the comproduce customized pieces of that’s will a be big celebrating with a Thanks & Giving Banquet plastic used to make protec- munity.� on Sunday evening. The church Houston ISD said its Cative face shields for medical will be providing turkey, dressing, and Technical workersEleanora’s as they Market treat patients reergravy, cranberry sauce andEducarolls. be furnishing adtionMembers (CTE)will program manager who have been infected Saturday, Nov. 23 by the dishes. Visitors are of wel-its teachers from four 9 a.m.

1 p.m. new strain of –coronavirus.

The andditional come to come enjoy good food, Cavatore – 2120 Ella Blvd. other high schools – Eastschool’s effort is being led by Christian fellowship and to give There will be local growers, wood Academy, Energy Instithanks for the blessings of the engineering teacher Nghia Le, makers, designers, artisans and year. School, For additional details, High Lamar High who hasfood enlisted Bouffard, fel- tutepast producers. please call (713) 864-4447. Â

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low students Diego Delgado School and Mickey Leland mission from Washington with materials.

Coyote , fromand P. 1A “It’s not just, ‘You push a and Daniel Zamaripa for- College Preparatory Academy principal Carlos Phillips to rebutton and everything alsoasare makmove thenot school’s 3D printers mer students Charles Decker discharge of a firearm, it was afor Young “They’re valued enough “The Men key is–that long as reviewed, radio-collar studies comes out,’� Le it the face-shield campus before all HISD police matter. monitor,�

Fox said. shelter andmaterials. water areIt tofrom have proven thatsaid. most “Sometimes reloand Emanuel Martinez, the ing food, News ofis athepart-time coyote’s de-is part Texas is awere state closed where coyavailable, another coyoteinitiawill cated wild animals dieit’s within is. Sometimes not.� of a region-wide schools in midlatter of whom elicited a strong responsetivesoon are undefended andthe clas-COVreplace the one thatis otes two weeksBouffard, after beingwho released has been uscalled H-Force, which March because of lecturermise at the Independence from residents such as Meganled died,� sified as a non-game species.

Bradshaw said. “And in unfamiliar areas.� ing 3D printers for about two

by Houston Community ID-19 pandemic. He then kept HeightsPaschall, school. who said the coyote

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if it was an alpha female, her TPWD Wildlife biologist DiThe incident along the baywas a regular traveler by her death will trigger the other fe- ana Foss of the Texas Parks & ou last week warranted a pohouse. males in the surrounding area Wildlife Department said it is lice visit because it is illegal to Seniors , from P. 1A “We have just as many stray to have larger litters in the illegal to kill a coyote for com- discharge a firearm inside the small coy- “The purposes on publicly spring.� corporated limits of a municiWhileanimals these that twoaren’t communursing homes are do- mercial Monday that testing would be or control orders if needed. otes,�so Paschall said. “It’s landto in Texas. also job said of the connor- owned pality having population of to save nities have far been suc-awful.ing a Bradshaw really good brought them through the “Thea goal isn’t just Wildlife is niceoutbreaks, to have.� “However, it is legal to (kill) 100,000 or more. mal, healthy weightThat of a coycessful at avoiding taining the virus. just launch of a Harris County COlives, but to also go on offense Others said they wouldn’t ote in Texas is only 25 pounds. a coyote on private property “It’s dangerous,� Cannon Houston-area officials are underscores this virus’ ability VID-19 Strike Team. against this virus and have to worry so much now “People in urban areas com- for any reason,� Foss said. said. “No matter what you are quickly coming about together extenddogs fur- andto spread in a very stealth-like isolate where know it has theirtooutdoor person takingofthecounty coyote epipare coyotes to their often- “TheComposed shooting at, it’sit still an we illegal ther helpcats. to seniors. saiddogs,�

Dr. David Persse must demiologists, the ofpotential Many said the coyotemanner,� have a currentpublic hunting li-health overweight she said. discharge firearms.�to spread quicktoo thin and was per-of theAHouston No permit TPWD andCannon person who is passionate said anyone In anlooked attempt to continue Health Depart- cense. experts, socialfrom workers ly,� Hidalgo said with in a news rehaps dying slowlyimpact from star-ment. needed.�staff, the team, which about coyotes is Camilla H. istesting information incident to minimize the virus’ lease.about “Thethe more we’re able to vation. Some believed Fosswork alsoto said a newlyhighFox, these the founder and execushoulddo callthis, HPD.the better we’re able to on senior-living facilities, the that With communities be- will both identify a coyote was better tive director of Project Coyote passed law, House Bill 4544, Fox said the irony is that if Houstonshooting Health Department ing - high-risk contracting risk congregate choke off thealone virus,to stop it in than the alternatives. certain cities, settings such as and a national for nonprofit orga- allows humans left coyotes and Houston Fire Department virus, they alsoValley, have Houston, bring testing to them, its tracks movedoforward.� of quality care for “Personally, I think shoot-the nization to manage coyotesbegan basedwill in Mill self-regulate, theyand would your family are teaming up istofarvisit those Harris assessments, ing them more humanetesting. capturing, site relocating or so.

California, thatCounty promotesJudge com- byconducting * With pets than setting out (conibear)Linapassionate located communities.

Hidalgo conservation announced and on euthanizing Project Coyote’s Coyote providing a coyote recommendations Wellness Exam traps,� LeeAnn Hickman said. coexistence between people within the city limits or the Friendly Communities proCall About 713-688-9625 5315 Antoine@ Pinemont “But catch and release is not and wildlife through educa- city’s extraterritorial juris- gram aims to give both urban Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon Cat Vaccines considered an option because diction or by requesting astion, science and advocacy. andfor ruralupdated audiences the tools In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, please check with each church below information you’ll just be relocating a nuiFox calls the coyote a “ma- sistance from Texas Wildlife to foster coexistence. aboutsance services events. services areit istemporarily restricted. animal and from one place In-person Services. ligned carnivore� and said “We need to teach coyotes to another.�

Relocating a coyote, ac- (about) the behavior we don’t estimated that 500,000 coyBonnie Bradshaw with 911 otes are killed each year by cording to Bradshaw, also support,� Fox said.

Wildlife, a wildlife removal humans, partly because they likely means death.

5315 Antoine@ Pinemont 713-688-9625 and relocation company with are unprotected by law in 42 “Contrary to public opinion, offices in Houston, said the states. relocated animals don’t have a Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon There are no definitive wonderful new life out in the good-riddance attitude regarding coyotes is typical in neigh- population counts for coyotes country where they belong,� either. borhoods throughout the U.S. Bradshaw said. “Multiple peer-

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Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN Morning Worship ............... 10:45am t -FBSOJOH )PVS

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QN QN 4QPOTPS and Adults............................ 6:15pm St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ...

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1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470 t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN

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Gethsemane Lutheran Church 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227

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Pastor Jerry McNamara We invite you to worship with us!

4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 am Gethsemane Lutheran Church Gethsemane Lutheran Church Until further Preschool Program • Mon.notice, - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Pastor Jerry McNamara www.gethsemanelutheran.org there We are no in-person services. invite you to •worship with us!

4040 Watonga 713-688-5227

OnlineWeekly services can be reached Worship Services 9:00 a.m.

We invite you to worship withamus!

Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 throughPreschool the website below at 9:00 am.

Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org www.gethsemanelutheran.org Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

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

Ministries for All Ages Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Sunday School ........9:15 am Children Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40 Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor

Sunday Worship......10:30am Ministries for All Ages ◆ Wednesday ◆s 713-686-8241 t s uand m 11:00 c.org 2003 W. 43rd St. Morning Worship Bible Study Home ofSunday Johnson Memorial School for8:30 Little Children Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40 & Prayer Service 6:00pm Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor Ministries AllStaff Ages FC Heights Familyforand ◆ 713-686-8241 ◆ stsumc.org 2003 W. 43rd St. Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children 201 E. 9th St. • 713-861-3102 Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor

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OVER WHAT I’M toIT! Don’t Forget THANKFUL I Thank FOR Say You

By Pastor Willit Cover t goes without saying, but I’ll say anyway: “we have all Arise Baptist Church made mistakes.â€? As Alexander Pope so aptly put it: “To 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 err is human, to forgive, divine.â€? We should remember 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org this the next time we make a mistake. Most certainly, we

By Pastor Will mistakes, Cover must learn from our and hopefully not continue Baptist Church

By Arise Pastor Will Cover to repeat them, but we should also aforgive ourselves. pencil without point doesWhile not 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 Arise Baptist Church it can be hard enough to forgive others forlived their mistakes, it very well.

A life without 713-659-9697 •write www.arisebaptistchurch.org 803sometimes Curtin St. Houston, TX 77018 can feel almost impossible to forgive ourselves.

Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am point does not accomplish 713-659-9697 •awww.arisebaptistchurch.org St. James Lutheran ELCA sometimes cannot at bring ourselves to forgive something Have youWe ever felt frustrated Thanksgiving?

I often Morning Church, Worship ...............

10:45am much.

A impact is best we’ve done, andperson’s wewemay punish and with harangue ourselves remember as a boy wishing could be done •Wednesday Worship (English) .....

10:00 am 11:00am Bible Studies For Youth, Children e are entering a time of holidays and celebrations measured by how they are remembered. for years, or decades, youthful indiscretions. In tradition of even saying what weover were thankful • Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pmthe family for many people in our country.

Thanksgiving is MANNA and Adults............................ 6:15pm In ate.

Philippians 1:2-8 Paul the the Apostle addition, some ofAmericans ustomay not able forget sins of for before we I we wanted get to be the foodtofor as a holiday that as have enjoyed • Worship (Spanish) ....

12:30 pm 1:30pm Sponsor quickly as possible!

The turkey, ham, mashed our past.

And although that may prevent us from repeating writes to the church in Philippi and generations.

Many people are looking forward to time spent Sunday > [O ŕ Ž Bible Studies For All Ages ...ELCA 9:30am St.43rd James 1602 West St. •Lutheran Houston, TxChurch, 77018 • 713-686-1577 with potatoes and gravy, green beans, family,them, time off from work, big feast,corn, watching football, we must beamemories charitable andcranberry forgive ourselves, justway as shares his of them.

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10:45am • Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am - 11:00am catching the biggest of the years, and probably sauce, homemade dinner rolls, etc. were piled many high wethey shouldsales forgive others.

So, we should make a real effort for in Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children had cared for Paul and provided others during Thanksgiving weekend.

There will be on mythings plate.

The this aromas wafting up from my loaded MANNA • Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm the coming days and weeks to forgive the offenses of others and Adults............................

6:15pm who will struggle during theathis timeimpact ofand holiday • Worship (Spanish) ....Sunday 12:30 pm - 1:30pm his needs made big onforget Paul.

He Weekly Services some platepeople wereasenough my mouth water myjust Sponsor well loved as to ourmake own.

Sometimes, it helps to about as they remember ones who they have lost, or close stomach ache with anticipation.

Why did we have to • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. wrote that he remembered them with 1602 West 43rd St. • > [O ŕ Ž Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577 companionsthem; that are because of our the mind and stop thatunable is, to totrybetotogether put them out of • Morning:10:30 a.m. take time to talk aboutEither thanksgiving before we ate? schedule orrepeatedly the logistics. way, Thanksgiving will be a reasons thankfulness, with joy, with confidence, mulling over them.

One of the we use • Evening: 4:15 p.m.

Could we people not just thatthinking while we were eating?

As time when aredo either happy thoughts or sad rd and with love.

He was thankful forthat how the phrase “forgive and forget� is because sometimes is 1700 West 43 at Rosslyn Weekly Sunday Services an adult, I look back at my childish self and realize thoughts about something.

Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 713-682-4942 the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting.

But far better, and r #JCMF 4UVEZ B N they had cared for him, he was joyful When I was a boy, I remember my mother saying, “Don’t forget why this tradition was and still is important.

While •for Bible Study: Youth 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Schoolr .PSOJOH B N Children, andWalters Adults 9:40 Pastor – Dr. Richard more divine, toispartnership benot able forgive even remembering to say thank you.�

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As a child, SE ministry, he had confidence because of rd BU 3PTTMZO 8FTU Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children family member that gave me a special gift, or to my friend who 1700 West 43 at Rosslyn I wasn’t as thankfulshameful as I should have been vindictive, feelings aboutbecause the past, and get over

713-682-4942 invited me to God’s their birthday party. Most people want to teach to work in Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor continued faithfulness children have a thankful. natural sense of entitlement.

The it! to Corrie ten Boom, survived incarceration in a Nazi Pastor Walters Pastor –– Dr. Dr. Richard Richard children be I think who most people would agree X Walters s t s u m c . o r gtheir 2003 W. 43rd St. X 713-686-8241 their lives, and he loved them because longer I thankful live the more I understand the truth of prison camp said, “Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and that being is important, it is also true that it is not Ad # 32285 God’s to Word when depending itthat saysthe “In everything give Join us for Services always betothankful on what wewas are going through. they had stayed with him through the realize prisoner you.�thanks,

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for this theinwill of God5:20 in “Giving Christthanks Jesus always concerning The Bibleis says Ephesians for all good times and the bad.

If a life is lived things God the Father the name ofnot our Lord Jesus you.� unto I canJudge giveand thanks in allinthings because Godjudged; is in not, and you will be with the right purpose then itcondemn will be Christ.�

I would encourage you, no matter how you feel during control of my life.and I amyou thankful for our city and for not, will not be condemned; forgive, this season to remember that in you can be thankful to remembered the same way Paul the holiday individuals and organizations that responded to and you will be on forgiven...

God. He gave up His only Son to die a cruel death the cross Hurricane Harvey in such an admirable way. I am Christians. remembered the Philippian so that anyone who trusts him can be forgiven of their sins and thankful have started new church this past year have eternaltolife.

Don’t forget atoyou sayR.S.V. thank How will beyou! remembered?

Are you Luke 6:37 that able partthis in further the community efforts If youwas would liketototake discuss or have questions, making a difference for good by serving to help people after am thankful for my Pastor Will Cover can beHarvey. reached atI Arise Baptist Church at 803 Curtin St.,God or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, 713-659-9697. with yourand life?

The way wife, my children, my parents, my or friends.

I amyou live your thankful forlife my country givesdetermine me the freedoms todaythatwill how to live, think, and write as I wish. There is so much remembered tomorrow. for which to give thanks. What are you thankful for?

you are

The Leader • Saturday, May 2, 2020 • Page 5A

Kamin leads effort to combat domestic violence

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Home has been a safe haven for most Houstonians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For some, though, staying at home could be just as dangerous as venturing out and being exposed to the infectious disease caused by the new coronavirus.

In March, when Houstonarea officials began implementing social-distancing guidelines that included a stay-at-home order throughout Harris County, the Houston Police Department saw an 8.72 percent increase in service calls for domestic violence. “We’re seeing around the

country and across the world, in fact, that domestic violence is increasing as a result of COVID,� Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin said. “For every call for help that’s received through the hotline or from HPD, there’s countless others that are at home either not knowing how to reach out or who to reach out to, or they’re not able to because they’re at home with their abuser. “It’s absolutely tragic,� she added.

Kamin, a Heights-area resident who represents most of the area as the council member for District C, is spearheading a citywide initiative that aims to raise awareness

of domestic violence during the pandemic and ultimately curb it. The city is working with the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) and Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) to provide resources and safe outlets for victims of domestic violence.

A website, www.nocovidabuse.org, was recently launched that includes safety tips and phone numbers for 24-hour domestic violence hotlines. There also will be a social media campaign that includes videos featuring members of the Houston Dash professional women’s soccer team.

The Houston Food Bank

Kamin

and H-E-B are teaming up to place domestic violence resource flyers in boxes and bags of food that are being distributed throughout the

also aims to curb child abuse, which also is difficult to combat during the pandemic. She said teachers are generally the most frequent reporters of child abuse, but school campuses across the region have been closed since mid-March in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. “We’re asking neighbors to check on neighbors and asking residents to be vigilant,� Kamin said. “If you see something that looks off or see changes in a child’s behavior or evidence of abuse or injury, reach out for help or encourage others to reach out through this hotline or by calling or texting 911.�

Graduation, from P. 1A

Woodworking, from P. 1A asked his dad to build something. A huge piece of cedar became the body of the plane and some two-by-six planks became the wings. “It was as rigid and basic as you can get,� Pagel said. “Little by little it has morphed into something else.�

Now the plane has a working rudder, ailerons and one cockpit finished, with another under construction.

There are working gauges – run by little DC motors – and dials and lights in the wings as well as runway lights. The front cockpit will control the steering, while the back one will control the lights and the propeller.

A custom paintjob is also on the list. “It’s a fully functional

region, and the city said it is helping to provide short-term hotel lodging for victims. In addition, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner recently announced that Uber is providing $50,000 in free rides for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.

To get help, Kamin said victims can call the HAWC hotline at 713-528-2121 or call or text 911. “I’m appreciative of law enforcement. Right now there’s no tolerance of this type of behavior,� Kamin said. “It’s really important that victims know that they are not alone and that we are here for them and they do have a way out.�

Kamin said the initiative

plane,� Pagel said. “It’s just too heavy to fly.�

He jokes that he wants to finish the plane before his kids are too old to think it’s fun, but says he hopes to be largely done with it by the end of the year. “I’ve had to do it in stages because one step will lead to the next,� he said.

While Pagel has been able to do most of the work himself, he had to use a welder for some wing work. He also wanted to connect with a Lowrider Club to tap into its knowledge of hydraulics. “I want the plane to be able to move as you steer it so you feel like you’re actually flying,� Pagel said.

He’s also toyed with the idea of a 3D projection system to show videos that

modate up to 300 vehicles per graduation ceremony.

The drive-in is not considered an essential business and had been closed since late March, when Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a stay-at-home, work safe order that remained in effect through Thursday. But Abbott allowed some businesses, including movie theaters, to reopen Friday with limited occupancies.

Thomas said being closed for more than a month has had a negative financial impact on the drive-in, so opening the venue to school graduations is an additional revenue source. He also described it as a service to the community, saying he’s working with schools to make it affordable for them. He said he’s generally charging schools about $25 per graduating student.

Carmen Garrett Armistead, the head of school for St. Pius X, said the drive-in is charging the

complement the sensation of flying.

And while he wants his kids to enjoy it, Pagel is thinking about how other kids might enjoy it, too. “I’ve thought about starting a nonprofit and taking the plane around to (hospitals) and other places,� Pagel said. “It has wheels so I can get it in and out of the garage and load it on a trailer.�

The short trips the plane has taken so far around Pagel’s house have generated curiosity from neighbors and passersby on the frequent walks many people are taking. “We had a retired commercial airline pilot come by to look at it,� Pagel said. “He took a lot of pictures.�

while watching the ceremony on a movie screen and listening on their radios. St. Pius X said students and their families will be encouraged to decorate their vehicles to promote a celebratory atmosphere, although Armistead said she also wants to create a prayerful atmosphere and is discouraging horn-honking.

Armistead also credited the school’s parents for coming up with the idea. She said it’s better than waiting until later to conduct a more traditional ceremony. “Our seniors, quite frankly, were just heartbroken,� Armistead said of the extended school closures that also wiped out spring sports and other extracurricular activities. “They didn’t have their prom and are not having all their traditional end-ofschool activities. So we said, ‘We have got to do something. We’ve got to do something for these kids.’�

same amount as Prince of Peace. “It’s an important thing to help out the community in whatever ways you can,� Thomas said. “And it’s something that has a positive benefit for us right now, so we can try to catch up on the expenses we’ve had. Also long term, there’s a lot of people that are going to come out that didn’t even know we existed.�

Armistead said St. Pius X continues to work out the specifics of its graduation ceremony. She said valedictorian and salutatorian speeches as well as her address to students likely will be recorded on video ahead of time.

The school said students will be placed at least 6 feet apart while walking across a stage to receive their diplomas, and how to safety hand out those diplomas also is being discussed.

Students’ families will remain in their vehicles, which the school said will be spaced 12 feet apart,

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The Leader • Saturday, May 2, 2020 • Page 7A

Art Valet: Anonymous $450,000 donation provides needed relief to artists lined up for canceled Bayou City Art Festival Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

A couple of columns back, I talked about how artists nationwide were affected by literally the entire art festival season being canceled. Many festivals didn’t or couldn’t return the booth fees.

The Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), the producer of Bayou City Art Festival (BCAF), announced April 22 that an anonymous donor had donated $450,000 that will provide all 300 artists who were lined up for Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park with a cash grant.

In addition, all artists confirmed for the Memorial Park festival that was canceled due

to the COVID-19 pandemic have been invited to exhibit in the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown on Oct. 10-11.

A $1,500 check for each Memorial Park artist has been distributed by the festival’s nonprofit partner Artists for Artists, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides emergency recovery grants and free medical programming to Houston-based artists. The generous donation was made as a contribution to Artists for Artists in memory of the donor’s mother, a Bayou City Art Festival patron and art lover.

The anonymous donor wanted to help artists of the Memorial Park festival during this unprecedented time and reviewed the nonprofit partners on the Bayou City Art Festival website. The donor contacted Artists for Artists to assist in providing the donation that is specifically designated to provide financial as-

Contributed Photo Mike Baker of Brucia Jewelry is thanking for community support.

sistant to those artists.

“We are so thankful for our partnership with Artists for Artists and the kindness of the anonymous donor,” said Kelly Batterson executive director of ACA. “As we work together to press forward and plan for Bayou City Art Festival Downtown in the fall, we hope this

generous grant will help our artists during this challenging time.”

All tickets purchased in advance for the Memorial Park festival will be honored at the Downtown festival in the fall.

Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, please

visit www.artcolonyassociation.org.

Artists for Artists have been mentioned a few times here, most recently in the April 11 edition about art organizations helping artists. The group hosted a month-long virtual gallery opening. Check them out http://artists4artists.org.

I asked artist friends what their thoughts were when they first heard about the donation.

I heard back from quite a few, but Heights jewelry designer Mike Baker summed it up nicely.

“When I first heard of the gift, I was quite overwhelmed at the generosity from those who can,” Baker said. “We’ve remained work-at-home employed, and have continually supported local artists however we can; contributions to relief funds, (online) art purchases, spreading the word about our local art communities to outside our area, etc., but this?

This was true philanthropy at its finest. I’m incredibly happy for those artists who depend on these shows for their income and livelihood and this came to help them continue.

Plus, the Bayou City Art Festival has assured these artists of a spot in the fall show, meaning I more than likely won’t be able to show, but happy to give up my spot. I’ll most certainly be in attendance, volunteering as Artist Relief!”

Sadly, I won’t be hosting my First Saturday Arts Market this Saturday. Besides the logistical challenge of social distancing at an outdoor art event, we don’t think it’s time yet.

Stay safe out there and, remember, shopping local now just might save our small businesses. Help each other out!

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and the Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com.

REVIEW:

Voodoo boxes up unique doughnuts Zarah Parker Managing Editor

Good things come in pink boxes.

That’s the line every customer is greeted with before opening their box of goodies from Voodoo Doughnut.

While the doughnuts that come in those pink boxes are good, what I liked about them is that Voodoo takes an item that’s been around for over a century and makes the first bite taste different than anythign I’ve had before.

I’ve been waiting to try Voodoo for months now and initially waited because of the long lines I saw at the shop.

Even though social distancing guidelines remain in place, I was still met with lines when I dropped by to grab some doughnuts.

I was rewarded for my time in line, though. The box I left with held the Voodoo Dozen, a mix of classic and unique flavors.

The second I peeked into the box, pure sugar infiltrated my nostrils. I turned to my

Photo by Zarah Parker A “Voodoo Dozen” includes classic and unique flavors.

mom and said, “This smells like diabetes.”

That alone told me I couldn’t eat too much or I’d be on a sugar high all day.

The dozen included “Dirt,” a doughnut with vanilla frosting and Oreo cookies; “Marshell Mathers,” a cake doughnut with vanilla frosting and mini M&M’s; “Portland Cream,” a doughnut filled with Bavarian cream topped with chocolate frosting; “Sprinkle Cake,” a cake doughnut with vanilla frosting and sprinkles; “Raised Glazed,” a regular glazed doughnut; “Homer,” a doughnut with strawberry frosting

with sprinkles; “Bacon Maple Bar,” a doughnut with maple frosting and bacon; “Grape Ape,” a doughnut with vanilla frosting, grape dust and purple sprinkles; “Blueberry Cake,” a blueberry cake doughnut with glaze; “Voodoo Doll,” a doughnut filled with raspberry filling, topped with chocolate frosting and decorated like a voodoo doll; “Oh Captain, My Captain,” a doughnut with vanilla frosting and Cap’n Crunch cereal; “Chocolate Coconut,” a chocolate cake doughnut with chocolate frosting and coconut flakes; and “Maple Blaze Blunt,” a doughnut rolled in

cinnamon and dipped in maple frosting and red sprinkles.

In this baker’s dozen of 13 I wasn’t able to grab a taste of all before other hands in my family nabbed them. But from the ones I was able to at least try, it was a tasty ride.

I started off safe, sampling the Blueberry Cake. Compared to the yeast doughnuts, which were larger than average in my opinion, the cake doughnut was small and dense. It was a simple doughnut, but I wasn’t disappointed.

The chocolate frosting on the Portland Cream was rich and the Bavarian cream filling its center was thick. While there was a lot of cream, I never felt the doughnut had too much. This doughnut was one of the only ones I decided to eat entirely.

I only tasted a sliver of Dirt before my Oreo-obsessed nephew snatched it. He loved it and from the little I tasted, I agreed with his opinion.

Grape Ape threw me off.

I was obviously expecting grape to be the main flavor, but I found the taste to closely resemble the purple Creme Pops made by Blue Bell. Since it’s been years since I’ve had a creamsicle, as I’ve always called them, the Grape Ape

Local breweries pour out help

By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

The hospitality industry has heavily felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped the people from those industries from reaching out a helping hand.

For the past few weeks, many foundations and collaborations have been formed to help give back to the hospitality industry.

Recently, two local breweries have teamed up with Southern Smoke Foundation, a charity founded in 2015 by renowned chef Chris Shepherd, owner and chef of Underbelly, to raise funds to support and assist hospitality workers. The foundation has donated more than $2 million to industry professionals in need.

Urban South Brewery’s first venture outside of Louisiana, Urban South Brewery HTX, 1201 Oliver St., was quick to get involved with the “All Together” project that utilizes the craft beer industry. The proj-

Contributed photo Karbach Brewing is an area brewer helping give back during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ect, spearheaded by Brooklynbased Other Half Brewing Company, asks participating breweries to donate a portion of proceeds from sales of an “All Together” beer to support hospitality professionals.

“All of us in the craft beer industry are feeling the impact of COVID-19, and we jumped at the chance to contribute to both our local hospitality community and the industry that

we love so much,” said Dave Olmer, general manager and brewer at Urban South HTX. The “All Together” beer base recipe the project invites collaborating breweries to make is provided by Other Half Brewing. Breweries can then add their own twist to the “All Together” beer. Artwork and name for the beer will be provided free of charge to in order for breweries to produce the beer at the lowest possible cost.

“We made slight changes to the hops based on what we had on hand, using a blend of our hand-selected Citra, Mosaic and Centennial hops,” Olmer said.

Urban South’s “All Together” beer is now available for pickup from noon–7 p.m. daily.

“We have decided to donate a portion of proceeds from ‘All Together’ beer sales to Southern Smoke Foundation here in Texas to support food and beverage industry workers in crisis,” Olmer said.

Karbach Brewing Co., 2032

Karbach St., also is supporting the foundation.

Currently, for every case equivalent of Love Street purchased to-go at restaurants across Texas, Karbach will donate $1 to the Southern Smoke Foundation.

“Our industry is there for our communities in times of joy and in times of crisis,” Shepherd said in a news release. “I can’t thank Karbach enough for stepping up to take care of our industry when we’re in crisis. Southern Smoke is a safety net for everyone involved in the food and beverage industry – cooks, servers, distillers, wine makers, dishwashers, brewers, delivery drivers – and support from companies like Karbach provides us the funds to support everyone who needs it.”

Later this year, Karbach also will release a new pilsner brewed in collaboration with Shepherd and pitmaster Aaron Franklin, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the foundation.

Food briefs: Restaurants reopen Friday

By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest executive order allows for restaurants to open their dining rooms with maximum building occupancy set at 25 percent. While some area restaurants have decided to

continue operating only with delivery and takeout services, others will be making the jump on Friday.

Verdine, the all-vegan restaurant located at 449 W. 19th St., will reopen its dining room with limited seating from 5-8 p.m. To be able to maintain the proper capacity,

Verdine is only accepting reservations for dine-in. To-go operations will continue.

Local Foods, 714 Yale St., also has decided to reopen with minimum patio seating, and 1751 Sear and Bar, 191 Heights Blvd., will reopen with limited capacity and a limited menu.

BCK opens with to-go BCK, 933 Studewood St., has been temporarily closed since March 23. On Monday, the restaurant will reopen for to-go service.

Follow us on social media @ FromTheLeader

was a nice substitute.

Voodoo Doughnut is known for its Bacon Maple Bar, so I knew I had to try that one as well. I’m not a huge bacon person, but I didn’t mind the smoky flavor mixing with the maples, which was one of my favorite frosting flavors from the bunch.

The Voodoo Doll is another icon of the shop. The frosting was rich against the sweet raspberry jelly. While I liked it, I couldn’t eat too much of it.

The other doughnuts were enjoyed by family members.

That is, except the Chocolate Coconut Cake. No one in my

family is a fan of coconut, so it’s not surprising it was the last doughnut in the box. I nibbled on it for the sake of trying it, but the coconut turned me off.

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Page 8A • Saturday, May 2, 2020 • The Leader

Park projects provide opportunities for future recreation

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

There are a number of improvements underway in the City of Houston’s parks, nature preserves and green spaces. And while March’s stayat-home order has affected many, the fact that construction was deemed an essential business has allowed these improvement projects to continue.

The question now is when the public will be able to fully enjoy them.

Shellye Arnold, the president and CEO of the Memorial Park Conservancy, said Phase II of the park’s Eastern Glades project is on track to be completed this summer. Phase I of Eastern Glades, which relocated a portion of East Memorial Loop Road and extended the Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail, opened in October 2018.

Phase II will restore some of the park’s natural ecology and add a lake and wetlands as well as new trails and boardwalks through a 100-acre portion of the park that was formerly inaccessible and challenged from an ecological perspective. The project will also include new picnic pavilions and terraces.

This summer will also see the completion of the first phase of the Sports Complex, where the relocated sports fields and volleyball courts will join the recreation facilities in the northeast quadrant of the park. This

is Phase I of the future Memorial Park Sports Complex.

“At this point we are on schedule,” Arnold said. “All the construction is taking place behind fences. The biggest consideration is when the right time to open is. We’ll be following city, state and federal guidance when making a decision and are hoping for opening this summer.”

The Land Bridge and Prairie project is another 100-acre project underway in which a natural bridge will be constructed over Memorial Drive that will link the north and south sides of the park, providing safe crossing across the six-lane road. The project will also add additional trails, restore native prairie and savanna ecologies to help slow, absorb and cleanse storm water and connect wildlife corridors.

“The funding for these projects is committed,” Arnold said.

There are a number of other projects that are part of the Memorial Park Master Park plan, which has been underway since 2016 when the Houston City Council unanimously approved it. In 2018, the Kinder Foundation pledged $70 million of catalyst funding to accelerate the plan’s delivery.

The partnership of the conservancy, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Kinder Foundation and Uptown Development Authority identified projects that would be the most impactful to the most Houstonians.

The total cost of these projects, with a delivery date of 2028, is approximately $200 million.

“The pandemic has shown that parks are really important and increasingly relevant in people’s daily lives,” Arnold said. “They are a refuge.

And while it’s important to stay close to home and follow current guidelines, we are looking forward to the upcoming opening of Eastern Glades to offer a place of much-needed refuge, respite and restoration for all of Houston.”

Bayou Greenways 2020 Chip Place, managing director of capital programs for the Houston Parks Board, said the Bayou Greenways 2020 project which encompasses 150 miles of trails and 3,000 acres of greenspace is expected to be 94 percent under construction by the end of this year.

In the Heights, Bayou Greenway Park, the land for which was acquired by the Parks Board in 2010, will be completed by the fall.

The park - at the juncture of Studemont Street and the MTK hike and bike trail - will be a 1.5-acre greenspace with a plaza, a boardwalk and overlook trails as well as poetry panels. There will also be a connecting 1-acre trailhead with parking to provide access to the MKT trail and White Oak Bayou Greenway.

“We’re also moving forward with plans to connect the White Oak Greenway west of Stude Park with a new trail and tributary culvert crossing across the bayou from Bayou Greenways Park,” Place said. “It’s a complicated project and we’ve been working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers, the city and the Texas Department of Transportation. Bidding is expected this summer. It’s a nine-month project.”

The new Oak Forest Park with its accessible playground will wrap up this spring, but Place said that grand opening will have to wait, pending the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Debbie Markey, executive director for Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, said it, too, is wrapping up some big projects as part of its $25 million master plan.

The main entrance was moved from Woodway Drive to Loop 610.

Also finished is the renovation of 4,000 square feet of a welcome center that was part of the original 1967 education building. That revamp included newly restored bathrooms, two new classrooms and a new gift shop and display hallway.

“It’s so airy and full of light,” Markey said. “It was open a month before

we had to close.”

Now they are working on updating the other 8,000 square feet of the building that was first added in the 1990s as part of a $3 million effort.

“We started in February and will finish in June,” Markey said. “That’s been the most fun, working with the education department on the Discovery Room. The orientation has changed from north/south to east/ west. We will have double the classroom space. The new Discovery Tree is made from reclaimed pine. The whole ceiling uses an LED lighting system to show the constellations.”

While most of the staff is working from home, Markey said, there are some tasks, like landscaping, that must continue. Markey also said that although the playground and education building are closed, there are many people who are using the trails to get outdoors.

All classes and events were closed through Thursday, but Markey said the arboretum is planning to fulfill its summer offerings. Markey said she’s fielding calls about summer camps and programs for children, and that the nature center will follow city guidelines in making plans to reopen.

“In March we had almost 50,000 visitors, which is 10,000 more than the previous month (and) March 2019.”

Markey said. “People want to be here.”

Abbott, from P. 1A “It’s my hope that opening up like (Abbott) is proposing will work,” Turner said. “The virus is still here.”

Abbott said his plan to reopen is being guided by data and advice from doctors and will be reevaluated in the coming weeks, at which point he could enter Phase 2 of his plan by allowing more businesses to open. If that happens, and COVID-19 remains contained, Abbott said the businesses that reopen Friday could increase to 50 percent occupancy later in May. Abbott said gyms, salons, barbershops and bars will remain closed.

For more information about the governor’s plan, visit gov. texas.gov/opentexas.

Businesses that are allowed to reopen are not required to do so, according to Abbott.

He also said the state will not require its citizens to wear

face coverings while in public, although that is a requirement in the state parks that reopened Monday.

As Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo pointed out later Monday, businesses could require their customers to wear masks on their properties and customers who do not comply could be subject to arrest for criminal trespassing.

Per his order, Abbott said “no jurisdiction can impose any type of penalty or fine for not wearing a mask.” Hidalgo issued an order that went into effect Monday requiring all citizens age 10 and older to wear face coverings when in public, with the possibility of a $1,000 fine for violations.

Acevedo had previously said the Houston Police Department would not issue citations to residents not wearing masks and would instead provide one.

On Tuesday, Hidalgo announced a three-pronged initiative that aims to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while restrictions are relaxed.

She said the county plans to ramp up testing and contact tracing of positive cases while continuing to monitor the capacity of local hospitals.

“Achieving containment that is sustainable will be a

tall order given the (Friday) timeline, and we cannot afford to erase the gains our community has sacrificed so much to achieve,” Hidalgo said in a news release. “Harris County will do everything possible to preserve what we have accomplished thus far, and this framework will help us get there.”

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