May 16 Section A

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Mail-in voting question lingers over next election

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com To help ensure that her supporters cast a vote for her, Anna Eastman’s election campaigns have historically provided ballot-by-mail applications to potential constituents who are at least 65 years old. That demographic is among the groups allowed to request absentee ballots in Texas, which requires most of its citizens to vote in person.

Two weeks ago, though, Eastman said she sent vote-

Paxton

Ryan

by-mail applications to every voter in her campaign database. The state representative

for District 148 said she did so after receiving an advisory from the Texas Secretary of

State’s Office, which indicated that absentee balloting could be expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic based on language in the Texas Election Code.

“We thought that was something we should do,” Eastman said.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton disagrees, and he’s fighting a push by voting rights advocates and Democrats such as Eastman to allow for expanded voting by mail in upcoming elections.

Eastman is facing Penny Mo-

rales Shaw in a Democratic primary runoff that was postponed from May until July 14 because of the pandemic, and a general election is set for November.

Paxton, a Republican, appealed a temporary injunction issued in April by a Travis County District Court judge that would allow any registered voter in Texas to apply for an absentee ballot based on a disability claim, because voting in person could pose See Voting P. 8A

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Contributed photo Booker T. Washington High School principal Carlos Phillips, standing, addresses a classroom of students earlier this school year.

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INSIDE.

Washington HS principal receives statewide award

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

SMOOSH is a smash. Zarah Parker reviews one of the many ice cream shops in the area.

Page 1B

Photo by Adam Zuvanich Cars travel west along Loop 610 between North Shepherd Drive and Ella Boulevard late Monday night. Nearby residents and local law enforcement officials say the stretch of highway is a popular spot for street racing.

Revving engines on North Loop a nuisance for residents

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

On the mend. A local artist is in better spirits after enduring a grief-stricken stretch.

Page 7A

Is bullet train imminent? The high-speed rail project recently got a favorable court ruling.

Page 5A

Java the house. A fatherdaughter team is opening a new coffee shop in the Heights.

Page 1B

THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 4A Classifieds.............................................. 5A Coupons. ................................................. 3B Food/Drink............................................. 1B Art................................................................. 7A Opinion. ................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 4B Puzzles...................................................... 3A

Andrea Mitchen knew there would be noise when she moved into her Shepherd Forest home in March of last year. The concrete wall separating her backyard from the Loop 610 access road made that clear.

But she did not expect to hear the revving of engines and roar of exhaust pipes – the sounds of auto racing – on a near nightly basis. The first time Mitchen heard it, while in her backyard on a Sunday, the motorcycles zipping by were so loud that her 8-year-old daughter got scared and wanted to go inside.

“Once it starts happening, I get really frustrated. Last night I couldn’t sleep because I was so frustrated,” Mitchen said on a Friday in late April. “I’m worried it’s going to wake up my daughter.”

Mitchen as well as brothers Aaron and Tony Acevedo, who live in a Shepherd Forest home at the corner of the North Loop frontage road and Attridge Road, said especially loud engine sounds are commonplace in their neighborhood.

They said the noises are most prevalent late at night and can crop up on any day of the week, although they tend to be more frequent on weekends.

Photo by Adam Zuvanich Shepherd Forest resident Tony Acevedo looks toward Loop 610.

Kenneth Campbell with the Houston Police Department and Sean Teare with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, who both specialize in traffic crimes, said the Shepherd Forest residents likely have been witness to Houston’s underground street racing scene. Both said the city has long been a hotbed for such activity, and they described the North Loop between I-45 and U.S. 290 as a hot spot because it’s a straight stretch of freeway with entry and exit points that make it easy to evade law enforcement.

Mitchen said she also wonders whether the frontage road on the north side of the freeway, where

there are no lights and few intersections between North Shepherd Drive and Ella Boulevard, is a popular place to race.

“We know that there are locations in Harris County and Houston that street racers go to, and 610 is one of them,” said Teare, who oversees the Vehicular Crimes Division for the DA’s Office. “It’s a bunch of lanes. It’s wide open.”

Trying to catch up While acknowledging that street racing is a difficult problem to combat – Mitchen said she heard rac-

See Speed, P. 8A

Booker T. Washington High School can claim to have the best principal in Texas.

Houston ISD announced May 6 that Carlos Phillips, who has led the Independence Heights campus since 2015, was named as this year’s winner of the statewide H-E-B Excellence in Education Secondary Principal Award. Phillips was recognized during a virtual “Toast to Texas Teachers” event that included appearances from actors Eva Longoria and Matthew McConaughey, former NBA player Matt Bonner and fashion designer Kendra Scott.

Phillips, who beat four other finalists for the award, received a $10,000 cash prize as well as a $25,000 grant for Washington.

“This is a very humbling feeling to be recognized for this prestigious award,” Phillips said.

“There are many educators in our state who could have been selected, however, I am honored to be able to represent our great school district and such a historic school with amazing staff and students in this capacity.”

Representatives from Texas-based grocer H-E-B told Phillips he was a finalist in February, when he also was named as the Secondary Principal of the Year for HISD. His school has been recognized for its drone and rocketry programs, according to HISD. Phillips, who holds a doctoral degree in education leadership and cultural studies from the University of Houston, has spent 20 years in education. He was a teacher and assistant principal before becoming the principal at Washington.

“Dr. Phillips is an exceptional leader who exemplifies the hard work, dedication and resolve it takes to transform student outcomes,” HISD interim superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “I’m incredibly excited for Dr. Phillips and his family. He has made HISD proud, and I’m excited to see him take Booker T. Washington High School to the next level of academic greatness.”

Surprise parade makes anniversary special for elderly area couple

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Bill and Ailene Hartman did not go out for their 65th anniversary, which happened to fall during a pandemic.

Both are in their 80s, and Bill has battled lung cancer, so they are vulnerable to COVID-19, the contagious upperrespiratory disease that has been especially dangerous to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. So the Hartmans stayed at their Shepherd Park Plaza home on May 6.

Thanks to the creativity of

their four caring offspring, they still had their best anniversary yet.

Their adult children – Bill, Dana, Janet and Tom – first arranged to have the Hartmans’ front yard decorated with jumbo photos of the couple from the 1950s and a colorful sign that said, “JUST MARRIED …

65 YRS AGO.” Then they delivered dinner and dessert from one of their parents’ favorite Italian restaurants and, to top off the celebration, organized a parade of family members and friends who drove by their house with smiles and personalized signs.

“Probably the greatest,” Bill Hartman said when asked how this year’s anniversary compared to others. “We’ve never had one like this before.”

Their daughter, Janet Schmidt, said the drive-by celebration was the best option under the circumstances.

Son Billy Hartman also said it was the best way to entice his parents, who like to go on their own drives and have continued to do so during the pandemic, to stay safely at home.

Better yet, the elder Hartmans never saw it coming. The See Hartmans, P. 8A

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Ailene Hartman, left, and her husband, Bill, watch a parade of friends and family who drove by their Shepherd Park Plaza home May 6 to celebrate their 65th anniversary.

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, May 16, 2020 • Page 3A

Plan for citywide celebration of graduates could backfire

I

n many ways, graduating from high school is like breaking free from the shackles of childhood.

Most graduates turn 18 years old within the year before they receive their diplomas, making them newly minted adults who can vote in elections, apply for loans and buy lottery tickets, among other newfound freedoms.

And by the time classes are dismissed and final exams are typically taken, high school seniors can smell the summer and the carefree attitude that comes with it. It’s a time to relax and reflect, a time to have fun and a time to start branching out from the homes and families that have helped to nurture them and prepare them for adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it.

Some will soon head off to college, and others will enter the workforce on a full-time basis.

For the class of 2020, which is graduating during a pandemic, the desire to escape their cocoons and fly free likely has been amplified.

Many of these teenagers have spent most of the last two months cooped up in their homes along with the rest of us, because their campuses have been closed in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, the upper-respiratory

Adam

Zuvanich Editor

disease caused by the new coronavirus.

They haven’t been able to socialize at lunch, attend prom and school sporting events, and they haven’t been able to take senior class trips. They haven’t been able to do a lot of the things that high school seniors would normally do.

That’s why the City of Houston’s plan for a region-wide graduation celebration in which students are encouraged to gather at their respective campuses at the same time on the same Friday night – while admirable in spirit – is akin to starting a fire that can spread as wildly as COVID-19.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner introduced the idea last week, saying the Mayor’s Office for Special Events would be coordinating a “first-of-its-kind citywide outdoor celebration” on the evening of

June 5. Seniors from school districts across the region, including Houston ISD, are being asked to wear their caps and gowns and gather on their respective campuses or another designated location.

HISD, which was among the school districts to join Turner in making his announcement, said in a subsequent news release that the celebration might include students simultaneously singing a popular song, viewing pre-recorded messages by local, national and global celebrities, and taking group photos by drone.

Students who participate in the optional celebration will be required to wear masks, unless they are taking pictures, and social distancing protocols will be in place in an attempt to ensure students remain at least 6 feet apart from each other. Only students and faculty, and not family members and friends, are invited.

It all sounds great in theory, and it’s commendable to try to give the city’s seniors a memorable sendoff to cap what has been a bizarre, unsettling spring for many of them.

I also think it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Will hundreds of excited, stir crazy teenagers be disciplined enough to follow social distancing

Lynn Ashby Columnist

all these emergency powers” being wielded locally “and see if they have to be scrubbed down.” Lite Gov. Dan Patrick said it was “abuse of the use of executive orders” and “the ultimate government overreach.” Speaking of “the ultimate government overreach,” it was Patrick who called for the resignation of the Fort Worth ISD superintendent for his stand on transgender school bathrooms that differed from Patrick’s. Gov. Greg Abbott once called these local rules “a form of collectivism.”

The Republican-controlled legislature has even passed state laws overturning local governments’ ordinances on Uber, Lyft, fracking and cutting trees.

Then there were the plastic bags. Our Legislature passed a statewide law that prohibits local governments from banning plastic bags. The city of Laredo, which had such an ordinance, sued, arguing it imposed the ban to avoid spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to clean disposable bags from the sewer system. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that the Texas Constitution declares state law takes precedence over any local law. These are the same pols who keep whining about “Washington interference.” It’s called hypocrisy.

We have this remarkable, if depressing, secretly taped conversation between House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, the No. 3 Republican in state government, and a fellow GOP House member, and a big bucks conservative activist in 2019. They talked about their “hate” for cities and counties.

They bragged about calling the Austin mayor to testify at two different hearings at the same time earlier that year.

And they plotted how to outlaw cities and counties from hiring lobbyists, undermining the political clout of local government. They wanted 2019 to be the “worst session in history of the Legislature” for cities and counties. Said Bonnen: “Let me tell you something: In this office and in the conference room on that end, any mayor, county judge that was dumb (blank) enough to come meet with me, I told them with great clarity, my goal is for this to be the worst session in the history of the Legislature for cities and counties.” The legislator added: “I hope the next session’s even worse.” “And I’m all for that,” Bonnen said.

Back here at the frozen gar locker, I ponder again that Gov. Abbott declared that retail stores, restaurants, malls, and movie theaters could reopen starting May 1, even though his own medical advisors opposed the re-openings.

not require students to be in the same place at the same time.

The city’s idea for an in-person celebration sounds much more fun, but it’s also a lot riskier. And if you want to call me a scrooge or a Grinch or a buzzkill for suggesting the party should not go on, so be it.

I’m all for promoting a special moment for the thousands of high school seniors in the region, who have been treated unfairly by the pandemic and stripped of an experience that most adults cherish for years afterward. I just want them to stay safe, and I don’t want the Houston community to look back on this time with regret, because even the best-laid plans can go awry.

So my message to high school seniors and the parents and guardians who support them is to please proceed with caution. It’s OK to want to have up-close-and-personal fun with your friends, but there will plenty of time for that once the pandemic passes.

Most of your life remains ahead of you. But the choices you make now – and on the night of June 5 – can still carry consequences.

Email azuvanich@theleadernews. com

THE READER.

Shop till you drop (dead) THE GROCERY STORE – The shelves for bread are bare. Paper towels and toilet paper are MIA. Hand sanitizers are on the endangered species list. Fortunately, there are still plenty of liver, brussel sprouts and kale. Here comes another customer. I veer into the bruised fruit section (hey, I’m desperate) to avoid getting within 6 feet of him, and notice he’s not wearing a mask.

“You there!” I shout through my NASA space suit. “The law says you have to wear a mask.” He shrugs. “It’s only a suggestion.” I reply, “County Judge Hidalgo said it’s the law.” He throws a turnip at me and shouts back: “Governor Abbot said we could wear one if we wanted to.” I swat him with stalk of celery, and move on.

The new rules are confusing. If restaurants have to keep tables 6 feet apart, how do waiters serve the food?

Maybe they have long paddles -- pizza joints stand at the ready. Or just toss the salads, literally. Bartenders shout as they throw: “Here comes your martini, both shaken and stirred.” If eateries can only be 25 percent full, can McDonald’s only sell quarterpounders? Menus will used just once and must be printed on paper. Take them home in case the toilet paper shortage continues. I wore a ski mask to a liquor store and was almost shot by the clerk. My neighbor wouldn’t let me shelter in his bomb shelter.

These mixed messages are because of Austin’s power grab over local authorities on pandemics or anything else. First, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo ordered residents to cover their face in public, and failure to do so could result in a hefty fine or jail. There were exceptions for children under 10, adults while walking or jogging, and those with suicidal intentions.

Then Gov. Greg Abbott issued his own order, loosening up the restrictions. He explained, “because the COVID-19 infection rate has been on the decline over the past 17 days.”

Abbott’s optimism was at odds with the facts. Actually, all data showed an increase in the state’s COVID-19 victims, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services website. He could not plausibly state that the “infection rate has been on the decline.” “The governor’s pronouncement today pretty much will take these measures, the ability to do stay-athome orders, out of our hands locally,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

Granted, Hidalgo’s orders had been opposed. Houston Police Officers Union President Joe Gamaldi, a New Yorker who apparently came to Texas on missionary work, called the orders “idiotic” and “draconian.” The Harris County chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police called it a shake-down. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, said that state lawmakers “are going to have to look at

instructions and stay apart from each other at a time when, deep down, they’ll probably want to hug and high five and catch up with friends they may not have seen in weeks? And if they do bend or break those social distancing rules, will anyone on their campuses be able to physically stop them?

The odds are unlikely. The chances are much better that some of these students, even the most well-behaved and best-intentioned, will get too close to each other and maybe even pass the virus to each other.

That may not be much of a concern to the seniors themselves, because many of them probably have strong immune systems and could fight off the disease without too much trouble. But what if they bring it home to their parents or grandparents who could be more susceptible to serious complications?

That’s something that should seriously be considered as city and school district employees finalize the details for this celebration, in which students will not receive diplomas. It is not being billed as a commencement or graduation ceremony, with HISD having announced a plan to hold virtual graduations later in June that will

City’s proposed trash bin fee stinks

And polling showed that 78 percent of Texans were still worried about being around others. The day before that order went into place Texas reported 50 more COVID-19 deaths, the most in any one day since the state reported its first deaths in mid-March.

The state also reported that day it had added more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 to its total of 28,000 -- the biggest one-day increase in infections since April 10. Apparently the only Texans who don’t have to stay 6 feet apart are 6 feet under.

The guy without a mask coughs as he comes by. I squirt him with a 2-gallon bottle of mustard. He lobs a JellO salad back. A voice comes over the loud speaker: “Clean up on Aisle Four. Again.” Let me check my grocery list. Oh, I still need some Clorox to gargle.

Ashby shops at ashby2@comcast.net

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Dear Editor: There may be good arguments against the proposed trash bin fee, but analogies to garden hoses and dinner glasses reflect faulty logic rather than a rational basis for protesting the proposal. First of all, a fee assessed on per bin basis appears a way to charge for collection services, Houston being one of the very few large cities in the country not to charge for trash collection. Allowing people to purchase their own bins would circumvent the purpose of the fee. Secondly, no one involved in the COH water department is affected by the brand of garden hoses and glassware in use in individual homes. Trash bins, on the other hand, need to meet the specifications required by the COH trucks used to collect their contents.

Houston, like cities everywhere, has lost a considerable amount of its income as a result of of the corona virus shutdown. Yet its expenses have not fallen. Like many business owners, myself included, the City of Houston is looking for alternate revenue streams in order to meet its responsibilities. It is considering a small, some would say insignificant, amount from each household to address an urgent situation which will not be resolved any time soon.

As a longtime reader of the The Leader, it is disconcerting to see such a lack of critical thinking skills in its pages. After all, there is already a venue for those wanting to create a public furor over a legitimate exercise of government power through the use of spurious assertions: it’s called Facebook.

Roxanne Claire Dear Editor: I’d love to be billed on a per bin basis, but only if the contents of green bins are properly recycled

and *reuseable* garden bags are emptied. This way folk that minimize waste (it starts in the shop) and recycle will pay less. Plastic bags in shops should have a price too.

Christian Dear Editor: The city has stated they spend $1 million a year on new and replacement cans. This fee will generate $5 million in income. Where is the other $4 million going?

Wade Woodard

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

Dear Editor: Here is my reason for not wearing a mask – what previous commenters said about not being trained on how to wear a mask and when they should be replaced. In addition, I know that they are mostly ineffective against giving or getting the virus, especially the homemade masks. Many medical experts, in interviews, have said this all over the media. Google it: “homemade masks, masks, ineffective against virus.” So you have people who do not understand the proper way to wear a mask that is ineffective against the virus anyway. In addition to those very good reasons, as in a previous comment, I resent being commanded and ordered to do so. Lastly, many of us question the statistics being spread about the number of cases. The people who are false positives are being counted as “new cases.” Too much misinformation is being spread. One official says one thing and another says something else. Not everyone believes the lies.

Claire Johnson

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Unruly groups 5. Colorful flowers 11. December 25 14. Final stages of insects’ development 15. Breadmakers 18. Spanish man 19. In the middle 21. Bill 23. Noted editor Alexander __ 24. Swollen 28. Paddles 29. Cirrus 30. Seeped into 32. Skeletal muscle 33. Japanese traditional drama 35. Licensed practical nurse 36. Sibu Airport 39. Rebuff 41. Sun God 42. Astringent 44. Feeling of humiliation 46. A device attached to a workbench 47. Wood sorrel 49. Among 52. Horizontal passages

56. Father of Alexander the Great 58. Utter repeatedly 60. Linked together 62. Literary effect 63. Held onto

dOwn 1. One-time phone company 2. Units of electrical resistance 3. Hillside 4. Omen 5. Repetitions 6. Royal Mail Ship 7. Farm state 8. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

9. Dutch cheese 10. Japanese alcoholic beverage 12. Black powdery substance 13. Tokyo’s former name 16. Monetary unit 17. Bones 20. To avoid the risk of 22. Dry goods unit of volume (abbr.)

25. Megabyte 26. Unwell

27. Expresses disapproval of 29. Central nervous system 31. We all have it 34. Expression of bafflement 36. Tributary of the Danube 37. Flies over sporting events 38. Chinese city 40. College degree 43. Dispenser of first aid 45. Momentum (slang) 48. Red Sea port 50. Sloven 51. __ Turner, rock singer 53. Asian nation (alt. sp.)

54. Manson victim 55. Go forward 57. Primary Care Trust 58. Simpson trial judge 59. Sun up in New York 61. Exclamation of surprise

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A • Saturday, May 16, 2020 • The Leader

Heights resident takes reins at United Way of Greater Houston

By Betsy Denson

ed 1.3 million people with help in 2019. The helpline serves as Heights resident Amanda an initial intake point for those McMillian, who is the new who need assistance with president and CEO of United food, rent, utilities and healthWay of Greater Houston, first care. Because of United Way’s became involved with the or- access to a continuously upganization through its corpo- dated database of community resources, it can direct people rate campaign initiative.

As the executive vice presi- to get assistance in an expedident and general counsel for ent manner. “The call volume is incredAnadarko Petroleum Corporation, McMillian spent 10 years ible,� McMillian said, noting supporting one of the local that 70,000 calls have come United Way’s largest corpo- in from Houston’s four-county rate campaigns as part of the area since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the region. “They executive team. “With each one I would get the bird’s eye view of the of help people need.� learn more Theabout Artswhat they kindThat The Farm at Petrol dataStand is helpful is deterdid,� she said. “When I heard Station mining who the agency invests The Flatlanders Saturday, Nov. 23 about the (CEO) job I could Friday, Nov. 22 in to9 a.m. serve – 1the p.m.needs of people not stop7thinking about it.� p.m.

948 Wakefield in Harris, Fort Dr.Bend, MontThe Heights Theatertenure – 339 W. So when her 15-year The Farm Stand at Petrol Stagomery and Waller counties 19th St. tion features goods from local at Anadarko ended, McMilThe Flatlanders is performing atas well as the Clear Lake and vendors. lian decided it was time for a The Heights Theater.

Baytown areas of Houston. change. She began her new White Oak Nightsupports Market TheLittle United Way Harley Poe Way on May role at the United Saturday, Nov. 23 more Friday, Nov. 22 4 – 8than p.m. 100 agency part1.

7 p.m. ners, including Sideout VolleybarBakerRipley, – 2623 McMillian is especially White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N. Keene St. the Salvation Army, Family Mainwith St. the organizaimpressed The Little White Oak Night MarHouston and the YMCA. Harley Poe with The Homeless ket brings together local farmers, tion’s free 211 Texas/United Gospel is performing at White With the currentandeconomcraft merchandisers, artists.

Way Helpline, Oak Musicwhich Hall. connectic situation, United Way of betsy@theleadernews.com

THINGS TO DO.

Coco Montoya Saturday, Nov. 23 8 p.m.

The Heights Theater – 339 W. 19th St. Coco Montoya is performing at The Heights Theater.

Heights Morning Market Sunday, Nov. 24 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

3106 White Oak Dr. Heights Morning Market gathers local talented artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs to bring you closer to the goods you need. Stopdon’t by to shop stay to “They sellandcookies brunch, drink mimosas, and listen there,� she said. to live music at Onion Creek.

ing and learning from as many thing else.

Greater Houston is continupeople – virtually – as possi“Our goal is to create an inously assessing its annual budble. But McMillian has an eye tegrated journey for clients,� get, which was planned at $64 to the future. she said. million before the pandemic The United Way’s new Until her appointment to and downturn in the energy strategic direction, called its the United Way position, Mcsector. “Second Century Vision,� will Millian served on the board Whatever the amount the determine the best ways to of directors of the Houston organization has to work with champion the area’s most vul- Arboretum and Nature Center, this year, McMillian said there nerable families and individu- where she is a past president will be a careful vetting proals, including the working poor of the board, and on the advicess of fund allocation as well and those who fall below the sory board of the River Oaks as a strategic mindset. poverty level.

Chamber Orchestra. She now She said her background “There are more than serves as a member of the has given her many skills that 800,000 families in our23,fourwill be helpful in collaboratMcMillian The Leader • Saturday, November 2019 board • Pageof5Atrustees of Southcounty area who can’t make western University in Georgeing on an overall strategy and stewarding resources carefully. “We are mission-driven,â€? ends meet,â€? she said. “The town. She holds a bachelor’s “I’ve done enterprise risk she said. “And we unite behind need is so great but so is the degree from Southwestern lead bythe David Davis. Price: $12 potential for exponential im- and received both a master’s management work, strategic mission.â€? donation for the concert.

Women’s Biblecrisis Study Group pact.Ross The Herdejurgen, United Way can59,de-born degree and doctorate from planning, management Bradley April 4, died While the total number of Monday, Nov. 25 on Nov. 12.

He was athe loving Dad andis Grandpa.

HeUniversity. loved cide where best place to Duke (and) worked very closely with employees of the United Way 5:30 p.m. his granddaughters, would doWe anythingMcMillian for them resides in the Games use its voiceand andheexpertise. the –1234 communications team Fun at of& Greater YMCA W. 34th St. Houston – about from playing softball to having teaand parties, swimming with The Women’s Bible Study meets said. have amazing partners reHeights with her husband, Anadarko,�

McMillian 200 – is the same size as the Open Mic Night them and trying their food creations. His hobbies included every Monday at the Harriet ally are greater than the sum Benjamin, and their two chil“There was always a lot of department she oversaw at Tuesday, Nov. 26 showing dogs, specifically Great Danes, listening to his and Joe Foster YMCA. The study of our parts.�

9 p.m. Anadarko, which has 4,500 dren, Grayson engagement.� isstakeholder called The Faithful, which Rock and Roll Music, entertaining his daughter and grand- and Emma.

Heights Vinyl – 3301 Cline St. explores moments McMillian wantsandtotry find The opportunity to head up In crucial her new role,in she said daughters, he loved to travel new restaurants.

He employees, McMillian is This is a free flowing, “tap in,� the of five Old Testament preceded in Death by his father Allen Ross Herdejurgen. ways to help individuals and the United Way in Houston is thelivesmost fundamental thing adapting the newisculshare the mic eventwell whereto everyfigures--Queen Esther, Gideon, He is survived Donna Marie Herdejurgen, familiesby his findmother a sustainable something McMillian said is is toMalachi, serveand the community’s one is welcome. ture.

Hosea, Nehemiah. former wife Marilyn Herdejurgen, Daughter Courtney path toward financial success, especially fulfilling because of mostandvulnerable, Guests new membersthe are donors “There is much moreMarie op- Cullever and husband Stacy Cullever, GrandaughBar Takeover welcome to attend this nonwhether that’s job training, fithe spirit of the city. and volunteers who make the portunity to engage with staff Wednesday, Nov. 27 ters Torey Nicole Cullever and Harlie Alexa Cullever, his denominational Bible study. nancial planning, and youth devel“People work possible and the agency on a personal level,� she said. brother Scott Herdejurgen wife Mildred, and two of here have bigger Email scripturesharing@earthlink. 6 – 9 p.m.

La Lucha –She 1801 is N. Shepherd opment, affordable healthcare, heartsmissed and give generously,� partners who work alongside spending the his first net for information. favorite dogs Bolt and Roxie.

He will be greatly Dr. net and programs or some- she said. “It feels unique.�

United Way. by many safety who knew loved him. few months on the job listen-

THE OBITUARIES.

Men’s Scripture Sharing Group Thursday, Nov. 28 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.

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

La Lucha is hosting a guest bartender series benefiting charity.

On Nov. 27, Alphonso Quinones from Capt. Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge will be at La Lucha. The charity of his choice is Child Advocates.

Sandra C. Gresham, 73, born Nov. 2, died on Nov. 18. Sheis survived by her husband, Thomas Michael Gresham; daughter, Tara (Gresham) Anderson; and daughter, Suzanne (Gresham) Tyrell.

Local ‘Cookie CEO’ surpasses 1,000 boxes sold ByLosBetsy Denson Walters

betsy@theleadernews.com Saturday, Nov. 23 8 p.m.

Before long, Lindsay had Woodland Heights Junior White Oak Music Hall – 2915 N.sold 800 boxes.

Main St. Lindsay had a Girl Scout Grace “She was running her bike Walters 600 is performing lofty goal Los of selling packag-at all Pre-Thanksgiving over the neighborhood White Oak Music Hall.

Worship (to es of Girl Scout Cookies. Then Service her mother, Lauren deliver),� she blew right Hayes Carllpast it. When Sunday, Nov. 24 Lindsay, said.

Nov.she 24 had sold 10:17 a.m. the sale Sunday, was over, InSt. response to –COVID-19, 7 p.m.

Matthew’s UMC 4300 N. 1,100 boxes of cookies.

The Heights Theater – 339 W. the Shepherd Dr. upper-respiratory disease Lindsay, attends Tra19th who St. St. Matthew’s United Methodist caused by the new coronavirus, Hayes Carll is performing vis Elementary, said she had at a The Church cordially invites the comthe munity Girl Scouts Jacinto to attendoftheSan Pre-Thanks“pretty Heights loyal Theater. customer base�

Council (GSSJC) suspended giving Worship service. from previous years and also Tunes in the Tap Room traditional cookie sales March gets a large orderNov. from Tuesday, 26 her aunt, Giving Banquet 14. Thanks But the& community was en6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 24 a Girl Scout leader in the Philipcouraged to buy cookies online Harold’s Restaurant & Tap 5 p.m. pines, forRoom her –troop to enjoy.

350 W. 19th St. Oaks Baptist Church andGarden support local heroes on –the Enjoy live music in Harold’s Tap 3206 N. Shepherd Dr. Room every Tuesday night.

Garden Oaks Baptist Church will be celebrating Thanksgiving with a Thanks & Giving Banquet on Sunday evening. The church will be providing turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce and rolls. Eleanora’s Market Members will be furnishing adSaturday, Nov. 23 By9Adam Zuvanich federal Act and additionalCARES dishes. Visitors are wela.m. – 1 p.m. come to come food, azuvanich@theleadernews.com ministered by enjoy localgood nonprofit Cavatore – 2120 Ella Blvd.

Christian fellowship and to give There will be local Landlords raced togrowers, take BakerRipley. thanks for the blessings of the makers, designers, artisans and “There been adetails, huge advantage of the City of past year. has For additional food producers. please call (713) landlords 864-4447.  and from Houston’s new rental relief response

The Pews

Holiday Artisan Market Saturday, Nov. 30 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

St. Stephen’s UMC – 2003 W. 43rd St. The Holiday Artisan Market, benefitting the Animal Justice League, will be held in the west sanctuary parking lot, featuring a variety of vendors and food trucks. Contact Kim Antley at redlipdesigns@gmail.com regarding vendor participation.

Carlos Eduardo Sampaio, 56, born Oct. 7, died

Turkeyfront Burn Rev He is survived by to his buy daughters and Celia, linesRide of the pandemic.Oct. 29. stimulus money cook- Clara Chavez said.

Thursday, Nov. 28 his sister Christina, brother Luiz and ex-wife Michelle.

He By then, Grace decided to ies for first responders in New “I think this is a stressful time 9 – 10 a.m. was employed celebration will beare wanting comfort and get over York, by so NASA. they Adonated twogathering DEFINEtry Heights – 714 Yalethe St. 1,000 packand people held from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 23, at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Ste. 200 ages sold mark. She reached cases. food,� Grace added. “Girl Scout Heights Blvd.

DEFINE is kicking off a day of out to friends and family on soThe father of one of Grace’s cookies are comfort food.� feasting with a Thanksgiving cialBurn media provide the link to troop members had a cousin She has not thought about Day Turkey Classtoacross all Houston-area locations. The purchase. who worked for New York- next year’s goal yet.

Turkey Burn is a also 60 minute revflyers for her She made Presbyterian Hospital, and “I think it is kind of a oneride (indoor cycling) to give you Experience neighbors and getting that’s where the cookies were and time thing,� Grace said. “But the energy to feel your beststarted and Knowledge...anything is possible.� kickstart your metabolism. surplus cookies from other shipped.

Local business Powerful is Connie our Chavez, chiefA executroops to sell and be donated Combination There are still cookies availThe Houston Genealogical business. to individuals and groups in tive affairs officer for GSSJC, able for donation through GSS-

713-906-5481

Forum Presents: In Search Send your storythat of interest Houston.

Realty Associates said out of 55,000 Girl JCDEBBIE until Friday. Visit https:// of William “The Immigrant� ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT Cloude The parents of one of Launews@theleadernews.com Scouts in the council, only www.gssjc.org/en/cookies/ Saturday, Dec. 7 ren’s best friends, Don and Jane between 250-300 sell at least find-cookies-now.html to find 9 a.m.-noon Smith, live inCenter Sacramento and 1,000 packages. out more.

Bayland Community O’Holy Heights Christmas 6400 Bissonnet wanted to use some of their “We call them Cookie CEOs,�

Extravaganza Lindsay When presenter Janine Saturday, Dec. 7 Cloud’s direct paternal line 6 p.m. paper trail dead-ends in 1838 Heights Presbyterian Church – Georgia, she turned to Y-DNA 240 W. 18th St. testing to attempt to prove a Heights Presbyterian Church is hosting the O’Holy Heights Christ- connection between her brick wall ancestor and William “The mas Extravaganza, where there Immigrant� Cloud, who settled will be a Santa in the Gazebo for applying for help atwashoustonants areColony approved for the proin Pennsylvania in about pictures, hot cocoa, coffee, 1682. Come Janine’s rentassistance.org. are gramenjoy

by BakerRipley, monthly sail, cookies, other dessertsThey and presentation and learn how to a eligible silent auction.

There will to receive upalso to $1,056 rent DNA payments for April and apply these principles to be a Christmas concert with the per month rentandformore April and May willresearch. be paid directly to your own family Heights worshipinteam

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The Markets City kicks off rental assistance program

program,Coyote which aims , fromtoP. help 1A residential owners in the City of Houston,� Turner said. “I’m thousands of renters facing discharge of a firearm, it was a “The key is that as long as pleased with the financialpolice hardship because of matter. food, shelter and movement water are taking another place oncoyote that prothe COVID-19 News pandemic. of the coyote’s de-that’s available, will The mise program’s website, elicited a strong responsegram.� soon replace the one that from residents such as Megan According died,� Bradshaw “And to the said. city, landhoustonrentassistance.org, the coyote if itwho wasagree an alpha female, her to participate launchedPaschall, at 10 who a.m.saidMay 7. lords was a regular by herin the death will trigger theadhere other feprogram must to Five hours later, traveler Houston house. males in the surrounding area the following terms: Mayor Sylvester Turner said “We have just as many stray to have larger litters in the Waive all late fees, penalabout 2,700 from coy- - spring.� animals landlords that aren’t small interest April and across otes,� the city already hadawful.ties, and Paschall said. “It’s Bradshaw alsofor said the norMaymal, healthy weight of a coyWildlife is nice to have.� registered to participate.

Others said wouldn’t - ote in Texas is onlyto 25 enter pounds.a Allow tenants The Houston City they Council to worry much nowpayment “People urban planinfor anyareas rentcomdue voted a have day earlier to so approve about their outdoor dogs andin excess pare coyotes to their oftenof $1,056 the COVID-19 Rental Assiscats. Many said the coyote overweight dogs,� she said. any prior notice to tance Program, which accordlooked too thin and was per- - Rescind A person who is passionate andcoyotes halt any prior evicing to the willslowly provide hapscity dying fromastar-vacate about is Camilla H. proceedings two total of vation. about Some $15 million believedso thattionFox, the founderfor andthe execushooting a coyote was bettermonths tive director of Project Coyote more than 6,800 households - a national nonprofit orgaBeginning at 10 a.m. Thurscan pay than rentthe foralternatives. the months of I thinkare shoot-day,nization in Mill Valley, May 13,based tenants at particiApril and “Personally, May. The funds ing them is far more humane California, that promotes comproperties could start being provided through the pating than setting out (conibear) passionate conservation and

May if they meet the following the landlords on behalf of the requirements: tenants.

- Live inside the City of “Many of the nearly 1 mil“They’re not valued enough reviewed, radio-collar studies Houston lion who live in to monitor,� Fox said. have provenHoustonians that most relo- Be islate on residential have been unable Texas a state where coy- rentcated apartments wild animals die within al payments for either or both to work – some since midotes are undefended and clastwo weeks after being released sified as a non-game the months of Aprilspecies. and Mayin unfamiliar March.areas.�

This rental assistance TPWD incident along bay-thousands - BeWildlife currentbiologist on their Dirent forTheprogram will the help ana of the Texas warranted a poall Foss months prior toParks April& ou lastofweek Houston apartment resiWildlife Department said it is lice visit because it is illegal to - Affirm that their inability dents get caught up with April illegal to kill a coyote for com- discharge a firearm inside the to pay purposes is due toon financial and limits May ofrent,�

Clay Hicks, mercial publiclyhardcorporated a municiship land resulting from the ecoof theof Houston owned in Texas. pality president having a population of quality care for nomic impact COVID-19 Apartment “However, it is of legal to (kill) 100,000 or more. Association, said your family a coyote on income private property Cannon - Have less than 80“It’sindangerous,� a news release from the city. pets for any reason,�

Fossmedian said. insaid. “No matter whatityou percent of the area “And, in turn, willarehelp apart“The person taking the coyote shooting at, it’s still an illegal come (approximately $44,000 ment properties to maintain must have a current hunting li- discharge of firearms.� for one person or $63,000 for thousands of jobs, cense. No permit from TPWD Cannon said anyone with including family of four) or qualify for the maintenance workers that isaneeded.� information about the incident one programs our properties running, Foss ofalsothesaid a newlylisted shouldkeep call HPD. passed House Bill (including 4544, Fox and said the that if in thelaw,application payirony theiris property taxes allows certainWIC, cities, SNAP, such asHead humans leftfund coyotes to Medicaid, that ouralone schoolteachers, Houston, manage coyotes self-regulate, wouldand do firefight-of quality care for Start andtoVA Pension) police they officers, your family by capturing, relocating or so.

If landlords and their ten-Project ers.� Coyote’s Coyote pets euthanizing a coyote located

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traps,� LeeAnn Hickman said. coexistence between people within the city limits or the Friendly Communities pro5315 Antoine@ Pinemont Call About 713-688-9625 “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 because tion, by requesting science andplease advocacy. andfor ruralupdated audiences the tools In considered light of antheoption COVID-19 outbreak, checkdiction with oreach church asbelow 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-

CHURCH DIRECTORY CHURCH

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

BN QN MANNA Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI

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 ...

9:30am

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

Morning Worship ............... 10:45am t -FBSOJOH )PVS For BN QN Wednesday Bible Studies Youth, Children t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI QN QN and Adults ............................

6:15pm Gethsemane Lutheran Church

MANNA 4QPOTPS

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

1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470

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

www.fbcheights.org

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

WHAT I’M to 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 forgive While his St.time ofTXstaying homeourselves. has required 803 Curtin Houston 77018 Arise Baptist Church it can be hard enough to forgive their mistakes, it people to live in others closerforproximity than 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org 803sometimes Curtin St. Houston, TX 77018 can feel almost impossible to forgive ourselves.

Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am perhaps they are used to doing. Children 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org St. James Lutheran Church, sometimes cannot at bring ourselves forgive something have been home from school, to parents have been Have youWe ever felt frustrated Thanksgiving?

I Morning Worship ...............ELCA 10:45am we’ve done, and work, wewemay punish and harangue ourselves remember as a boy wishing could be done with home from many of the usual activities •Wednesday Worship (English) .....

10:00 am 11:00am Bible Studies For Youth, Children e are entering a time ofdecades, holidays and celebrations for years, or even over youthful indiscretions.

In the family tradition of saying what we were thankful • Learning Hour ...........

11:00am 12:00pm have been cancelled, and people have been for many people in our country.

Thanksgiving is MANNA and Adults............................ 6:15pm addition, some ofAmericans usmany may be able tofor forget the sins of for before we ate.

I we wanted to getnot to the food as a holiday that as have enjoyed • Worship (Spanish) ....

12:30 pm 1:30pm unable attend of their normal functions.

Sponsor quickly as possible!

The turkey, ham, mashed our past.

And are although that may from repeating generations.

Many people looking forward to time spent Sunday > [O ŕ Ž Bible Studies For All Ages ...ELCA 9:30am For some, this has been a prevent time ofusgrowing closer St.43rd James 1602 West St. •Lutheran Houston, TxChurch, 77018 • 713-686-1577 with potatoes and gravy, green beans, cranberry family,them, time off from work, a charitable big feast,corn, watching football, we must be and forgive ourselves, just as Morning Worship ...............

10:45am in their relationships with those in their home, • Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am - 11:00am catching the sales of the years, and probably sauce, homemade dinner rolls, etc. were piled many high webiggest should forgive others.

So, we should make afriction real effortand in Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children for others this has been a time of 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 thehave thiswater time ofand holiday frustration.

Many been learning what it is • Worship (Spanish) ....Sunday 12:30 pm - 1:30pm Weekly Services some platepeople wereasenough make my mouth myjust forget Sponsor well to as to our own.

Sometimes, it helps to about as they remember loved ones who they have lost, or close like dwell in close proximity with others. stomach ache with anticipation.

Why did we have to • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m.

1602 West 43rd St. • > [O ŕ Ž Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577 companionsthem; that are unable to betotogether because of our the mind and stop that is, to try put them out of   logistics.

In about my study this week, spent a lot of time • Morning:10:30 a.m. take time to thanksgiving beforeIwe schedule orrepeatedly thetalk Either way, Thanksgiving will ate? be a reasons we use mulling overit them.

One the • Evening: 4:15 p.m. considering what means toof dwell.

Could we people not just thatthinking while we were eating?

As In Colossians time when aredo either happy thoughts or sad rd the phrase “forgive andsays, forget� isand because is 1700 West 43 Rosslyn Weekly Sunday Services an adult, I look back at Bible my childish self realize about something.

3:16 the “Let the sometimes word of that Christ Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 at and 11:00 thoughts 713-682-4942 the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting.

But far better, and r #JCMF 4UVEZ B N 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. dwell in you richly‌.� Dwelling with someone Sunday Schoolr .PSOJOH B N Children, andWalters Adults 9:40 Pastor – Dr. Richard more divine, toisbenot able forgive to say thank you.�

Shethanks wasisreminding metoto be thankful towhile my remembering • Morning:10:30 a.m. the time of giving the important issue, definitely changes your life even drastically.

It changes Ministries for All Ages r &WFOJOH Q N grandmother for the wonderful Thanksgiving meal, or to my • Evening: 4:15 p.m. the offense.

So, we should let go of those unforgiving, Ad # 32285 the priority of giving thanks does matter.

As a child, SE priorities changes 8FTU Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children family memberyour that gave me a specialand gift, or to my friendthe who processes that 1700 West 43 rd BU 3PTTMZO 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 you their birthday Mostifpeople want to teach wouldparty. follow they were not dwelling with Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor 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 Iword think who most people would agree X Walters you.

If the of Christ is supposed to dwell s t s u m c . o r gtheir 2003 W. 43rd St. X 713-686-8241 longer I live the more I understand the truth of prison camp said, “Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and that being thankful is important, it is also true that it is not Ad # 32285 in us, then God’s Word should be allowed full God’s to Word when depending itthat saysthe “In everything give Join us for Services always betothankful on what wewas are going through. realize prisoner you.�thanks,

DIRECTORY

St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA

Quarantine GET Buddies OVER IT!

T

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Candlelight Church of Christ in English or Spanish

Candlelight Church of Christ Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Join us for Services Sunday Bible Classes 9am in English or Spanish Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Watonga Sunday4215 Bible Classes 9am Blvd. • 713-681-9365 TX 77092 Wednesday Bible StudyHouston, 7pm

4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092

access every areathanks of our lives. for this the ofto God in “Giving Christ Jesus concerning The Bibleis says inwill Ephesians 5:20 always for allWe don’t get to things God and the Father the name ofnot our Lord Jesus pick and choose where and what is able you.� unto I canJudge give thanks in allinthings because God is in Christ not, and you will be judged; condemn Christ.� would encourage you, no matter how you feel during controlI of my life.

I am thankful for our city and for to touch in our lives.

If you are a Christian, then not, to and you will bebecondemned; forgive, this season remember that not you can thankful to to the holiday individuals and organizations that responded God should have full access to every part of you. and you will be forgiven...

God. He gave up His only Son to die a cruel death on the cross Hurricane Harvey in such an admirable way.

I amkept back from should nothing that so that anyoneThere who trusts him canbe be forgiven of their sins is and thankful have started atonew church thisallow past year him.

His word, should be to dwell in us and have eternaltolife.

Don’t forget sayR.S.V. thank you!

Luke 6:37 that able part in further the community efforts If youwas would liketototake discuss this or have questions, dwell in us richly.

Don’t hold back on God. There to help people after am thankful for my Pastor Will Cover can beHarvey. reached atI Arise Baptist Church at is no my halfway position in a Igood relationship 803 Curtin St., or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, 713-659-9697. wife, my children, parents, and my or friends. am Jesus.that You aremeeither striving to be all in thankful forwith my country gives the freedoms with areThere hurting to live, think, andhim writeor asyou I wish. is soyour muchwalk with him. for which to give thanks. What are you thankful for?

The Leader • Saturday, May 16, 2020 • Page 5A

Bullet train project clears hurdle with eminent domain ruling

By Landan Kuhlmann

Rail, which represents property owners along the proposed route, announced May 8 that it would appeal the ruling to the Texas Supreme Court.

Texas Central said last fall that it had secured about 30 percent of the land it would need to construct an elevated railway for the nation’s first high-speed railway.

Last week’s ruling overturned a previous ruling by a judge in rural Leon County who said Texas Central was not a railroad and thus did not have powers associated with them – such as eminent domain. “This decision is rooted in state law that allows survey access and use of eminent domain

landan@theleadernews.com

The proposed high-speed railway between Houston and Dallas recently took a big step toward coming to fruition.

Texas Central, the Dallasbased company behind the bullet train project, received a favorable ruling from Texas’ 13th Court of Appeals on May 7. The appellate court held that Texas Central is “both a railroad company and interurban electric railway,� giving it the right to use eminent domain as the company attempts to secure the land necessary for its 240-mile railway.

Texans Against High-Speed

by railroads, pipelines, electrical lines and other industries that provide for the public good and a strong economy,� Texas Central CEO Carlos Aguilar said in a news release.

The former Northwest Mall site near the intersection at U.S. 290 and Loop 610 is the planned Houston station for the bullet train project, which would take passengers between Texas’ two largest cities in a matter of about 90 minutes.

Despite the favorable court ruling, there remain multiple hurdles to clear before construction can begin as Texas Central also is awaiting approval from the federal government to move

HISD schools to hold virtual graduation ceremonies

By Adam Zuvanich

personalized content they can share on social media.

Seniors will soon be contacted by their schools with details about how their information will be collected for the virtual ceremonies.

Lathan wrote in a Monday letter to parents that virtual graduations are the “safest option� amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused HISD to close all its campuses in mid-March. Every school in Texas must remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year per an executive order by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. “The decision to hold virtual graduation ceremonies has been perhaps the most difficult decision I have ever confronted as the district leader,� Lathan wrote. “However, I know that our amazing graduates will look back on these celebrations knowing that each of them was a part of history.�

azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Houston ISD will hold virtual graduation ceremonies for all of its high schools, the district announced this week.

Heights, Scarborough, Waltrip and Booker T. Washington are the area high schools within HISD, which said it will begin its virtual ceremonies Sunday, June 14. The district said it is partnering with Herff Jones, a company that specializes in graduations and graduation accessories, to conduct the online ceremonies while utilizing technology by StageClip and MarchingOrder.

HISD said the virtual ceremonies will include recorded messages from interim superintendent Grenita Lathan and other district officials as well as audio of each student’s name as their personalized slide is displayed. As a gift, graduates also will receive their own

forward. The Federal Railroad Administration must issue a Final Environmental Impact Statement and devise a custom set of rules for the railway that would be used to ensure its safety and govern its system and operations.

Texas Central also laid off 28 employees in late March as it was hit by the economic downturn associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Aguilar said at the time that the company, which has international investors and partners, could have its timeline delayed. Texas Central previously said it hoped to start construction by the end of 2020 and have the railway complete by 2026.

Contributed Photo Pictured is the N700S, a high-speed train that Texas Central plans to utilize on its proposed railway between Houston and Dallas.

Heights chamber announces scholarship recipients

HISD also is participating in a citywide initiative, spearheaded by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, to recognize graduating seniors. On June 5, all seniors are encouraged to go to their campuses in caps and gowns for a simultaneous citywide celebration.

HISD said the June 5 plan for its seniors is to gather outside on football fields, lawns or in stadium bleachers in order to practice social distancing.

The event, which is only for seniors and faculty and not for their families, is optional.

HISD said those who attend must wear masks, which will be provided. “Details are still being finalized by city officials, but the celebration might include elements such as students simultaneously singing a popular song and viewing pre-recorded messages by celebrities,�

Lathan wrote in her letter.

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Twenty-one seniors from seven area high schools are receiving $1,000 scholarships through the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Community Fund.

The scholarship recipients were announced May 6 by the Heights chamber, which made its selections after interviewing the top 50 candidates by video conference. A total of 12 area businesses and community leaders, including the chamber itself, sponsored this year’s scholarships.

The recipients are as follows, with their scholarship sponsors in parentheses: Heights High School: Ymani Banks (Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital), Anaisa Gomez (Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital), Adrian Herrera

(Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce), Sloan Hudson (Primeway Credit Union), Chandler Solomon (Members Trust of the Southwest Federal Credit Union), Sabrina Ysaguirre (Primeway Credit Union) Houston Christian: Ellie Chaves (Adams Insurance Service), Adam Kral (Adams Insurance Service) KIPP: Jennifer Montalvan (Third Coast Impressions) Lutheran High North: Geonna Waddell (Adams Insurance Service), Tabitha Waiser (Adams Insurance Service) Northside: Carla Alexander (Willie Diefenbach-Jones with Send OutCards), Juan Bustos (Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce), Brooklyn Jade-Torres (Houston Highway Credit Union), Angelique Martinez (Houston Highway Credit Union), MacKenzie

Payne (Tom and June Kimball Memorial Scholarship) St. Pius X: Angela Espinoza (Reibenstein and Associates), Morgan Hicks (Frost Bank), Andrew Requena (Reynolds and Associates) Waltrip High School: Aliyah Douglas (Adams Insurance Service), Feliece Hossman (Adams Insurance Service), The awarded students typically are recognized during the chamber’s annual education luncheon, which was scrapped this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s recipients will be given personalized yard signs that include their sponsor’s name and logo as well as the chamber’s name and logo.

The chamber said this year’s recipients also will receive a certificate, and the presentations will be recorded so they can be shared on social media.

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The Leader • Saturday, May 16, 2020 • Page 7A

Art Valet: Loveless back in game after rough stretch Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

Sometimes we find inspiration in other’s strengths while facing life’s challenges.

Ceramic artist Denise Greenwood Loveless, who I featured in December 2018, wrote to me about her year so far. And her story is nothing short of heartbreaking. A self-described joyful person, her courage to push through is where hope, faith and inspiration shine.

Loveless said in an email that she lost three family members in less than four weeks just as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting. Then more devastating news came.

While waiting for emergency

surgery at an overwhelmed hospital in Baton Rouge, her best friend of 40 years died.

“She died alone on the third night, still waiting for her ‘emergency surgery.’ She was collateral damage,” Loveless said. “It caved me in, just when I thought I had done so well dealing with the grief 2020 had already wrought.”

For two weeks, Loveless mourned, cried and went “through the motions” of living. Then she received a request from Abbie Preston, the vice president of ClayHouston, asking Loveless to take over social media for the organization for a day.

“It was right then I felt the nudge from the universe: It’s time to get back in the game, it was saying,” Loveless said.

“I jumped on it. I was being thrown a life preserver, and I was gladly reaching for it.”

Loveless had been slated to do a “Clay Creative” at my

City sponsoring webinar series to assist creatives

Contributed photo Karin Pudwill, left, and Denise Greenwood Loveless have a vlog.

home, which consisted of an hour-long talk about her ceramic work and an hour-long demo in large hand-building techniques.

“I had assumed it ‘went away’ with social distancing,” Loveless said. “Nope. They

were not going to let me spend my days crying. I had properly mourned. We were going virtual.”

Even being technologically challenged, Loveless said she pulled it off.

“It felt great to be so busy,

and even better once it was over,” she said. “I was happy with the work I had done for them. For us. And I’m pretty sure they saved me, and I learned SO many new tricks!”

Loveless wrapped up by casually mentioning that she and friend, Karin Pudwill, had started a “vlog” on YouTube called “2OlderChicks.”

For about 7 minutes, they chat with each other about everything from aging, life, quarintinis, water guns, etc.

Seemingly just randomness that had me in tears again, but this time from laughter.

Loveless signed her email with, “!Arte es Vida!” Art is Life. It certainly can be, so live it up.

Follow Loveless on Instagram at @neesieloveless and @2olderchicks. Follow ClayHouston at @clayhoustontx.

Grant for Jarvis In last week’s Art Valet,

I introduced you to Claire Drennan Jarvis, the communications and development director at Houston Furniture Bank. Jarvis and collaborative partner Eepi Chaad are among the winning recipients announced this week by The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) for the first competitive grants by Let Creativity Happen! (LCH!) Digital.

The newly redesigned, popular program honors the innovative work artists are creating during the current COVID-19 crisis. The duo’s project, “We Are Your Friends – A Virtual Offering of Togetherness,” will have a virtual opening on June 27 on Facebook (www. facebook.com/WeAreFriendsHOU).

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

Local ceramic store feeding Empty Bowls initiative

By Betsy Denson

From Staff Reports

betsy@theleadernews.com

Artists, musicians, other creatives and nonprofit leaders impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have access to an upcoming free webinar series as part of the Houston Emergency Response Program, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs announced Tuesday.

All Houston-based creatives are invited to participate in the webinars, which will be held next Monday through Friday. Those interested can apply at www.gener8tor. com/emergency-response-program/houston/creatives.

The program is a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Downtown Redevelopment Authority and gener8tor, a platform that connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities and corporations. Its objective is to help creatives identify and leverage resources that can help them cope with the pandemic and economic downturn it has caused.

Representatives from gener8tor will work one-on-one with creatives to address their needs. Daily webinars and subsequent consultations will be available on the following topics: • Sustaining your creativity and creative practice during COVID-19 • Navigating and utilizing TikTok to bolster your online presence • Mental health and wellness resources for creatives • Unemployment assistance and financial relief resources • Fireside chat with Fernando Garibay, creative director and music producer on Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” album For more information, contact Abby Taubner at abby@ gener8tor.com.

Kevin Bass, who co-owns The Ceramic Store of Houston at 1002 W. 11th St. along with Pamela Owens, said the shop has offered take-home kits for more than a year so artists can paint a ceramic piece and have it fired at the shop. With the postponement of the annual Empty Bowls Houston fundraiser, in which bowls are crafted and bought to benefit the Houston Food Bank, Bass and Owens – longtime sponsors of the event – thought of a new way to glaze two birds with one stone.

If customers buy a project box containing a bisque, which is a ready-for-painting ceramic piece in a variety of shapes, along with the necessary supplies to decorate it at home, they have the option of adding a free soup bowl to decorate. The store does not have the space for painting the bowls in-house.

Artists decorate them at home.

When they bring their bisque piece back to the store for firing, customers can also return the decorated bowl. The Ceramic Store will then fire the bowl,

sending the customer a picture of their creation, and offer it as a donation to Empty Bowls Houston.

It will either be offered up for “purchase” with a $25 donation to Houston Food Bank – or the original artist can opt to give the donation and keep it for themselves. Each bowl is stamped on the base with “16th annual” and the Empty Bowls Houston logo, so they are commemorative pieces.

The take-home kits range in price from $25-$35.

Owens said the mission of the Houston Food Bank is close to her heart.

“Years ago, we were going through very lean times. I received a phone call requesting a holiday donation to the Houston Food Bank,” Owens said. “I hated to refuse but explained that things were just too tight.

That volunteer on the phone immediately turned the conversation around, asking if my family needed their help. That reaching out is the mark of a charity I want to support.”

She said Empty Bowls Houston provides a way for potters

and the public to join together to help those who are hungry and to celebrate their community.

“So many people are struggling right now,” she said.

The hope is that the project will appeal to parents who are at home with their children and looking for something fun to do. “(It’s) something creative that doesn’t cost a lot and benefits the Houston Food Bank,” Owens said.

In previous years, Bass said the store donated the clay for bowl-a-thons in which groups get together to make bowls for the fundraiser. One of the store’s employees, Michelle Heinesen, participated in the 100 Bowl Challenge last year.

All proceeds from Empty Bowls Houston benefit the Houston Food Bank. For every $1 donated to the food bank, it can provide three meals to those in need. So, each bowl sold provides 75 meals.

And these meals are more important than ever. Houston Food Bank is distributing more than 1 million pounds of food per day to keep up with the

staggering demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The beauty of Empty Bowls Houston is the tangible nature of actual empty bowls, created and donated by artists, to remind us that there are those around us who might be lacking enough food,” said Brian Greene, president/CEO of Houston Food Bank, the nation’s largest food bank. “It’s a simple-yet-powerful message, especially now as COVID-19 has caused immense job loss, school closures and uncertainty for so many. We are so thankful to The Ceramic Store of Houston and their customers for, once again, thinking of their neighbors in need and helping us to provide food for better lives.”

The 16th annual Empty Bowls Houston fundraiser is being rescheduled for a new date this year and will be announced soon. The website is www.emptybowlshouston.org.

To learn more about the take-home kits or to fulfill other pottery supply needs, visit The Ceramic Store of Houston at https://store.ceramicstoreinc. com/.

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Page 8A • Saturday, May 16, 2020 • The Leader

Rooftop drive-in opens in Sawyer Yards Heights chamber parts ways with Gill

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Rooftop Cinema Club normally shows its films atop the property of 1700 Post Oak Blvd., but recently it got creative in the wake of social distancing. This month, it joined many other venues in reintroducing the drive-in theatre.

The Drive-In at Sawyer Yards debuted Tuesday at 2301 Summer St. with the movie “Grease” at 8:15 p.m. and “Drive” with Ryan Gosling at 10:45 p.m.

Wednesday’s showings were “Night at the Museum” and “Silence of the Lambs,” while “The Princess Bride” and “Romeo + Juliet” played Thursday. Friday’s movies were “The Greatest Show on Earth” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Another show-

ing of “Grease” as well as “Moulin Rouge” are showing Saturday, while “The Sandlot” and “Brown Sugar” are slated for Sunday.

The movies are being projected onto an almost 100-foot “screen” along the side of the silos at Sawyer Yards and broadcast through a vehicle’s FM radio transmitter.

Once patrons enter on Summer Street, behind Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co., they will be directed to one of two driveway points to check-in and scan their tickets, after which they will park at a designated spot.

Movie-goers must remain in their car for the duration of the film, except for bathroom breaks and food pick-up. Rooftop will offer food and beverage through a contactless system with a desig-

nated pickup point. Patrons can also order beer and food from Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. “Our number one priority remains our guests’ and team’s safety and well being,” the company said on its website. “That’s why our services are entirely contactless. Sanitation solutions will be available on site and team members will wear masks and routinely change gloves. There will be constant cleaning of highly touched areas. Vehicles will be parked at least 6 feet apart.”

All ages are welcome, but adults are encouraged to check a film’s rating if children will be in attendance.

For more information, visit https://rooftopcinemaclub. com/houston/venue/the-drivein-sawyer-yards/.

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce is in search of a new president for the second time in six months.

The chamber informed its 600-plus member businesses May 7 that Louie Gill, who was hired as president in December, is no longer with the organization that serves the Heights and surrounding areas.

Teresa Nicolas-Briggs, chair of the chamber’s board of directors, said Gill’s last day was May 4 and that he and the chamber mutually decided to part ways.

“It’s unfortunate that things don’t turn out the way you want them to turn out,” Nicolas-Briggs said. “We wish him luck with all his future endeavors.”

Gill could not be reached for comment.

The U.S. Army veteran and Florida native relocated to Houston from Georgia, where he was the executive director of the Southeastern Georgia Habitat for Human-

ity, when the Heights chamber hired him in December.

Gill succeeded Jacob Millwee, who served five years as president and helped grow the chamber from 341 businesses to 560 before leaving to become a teacher for Fort Bend ISD. Nicolas-Briggs said the COVID-19 pandemic had “nothing to do” with Gill’s departure, even though it has forced the chamber to cancel in-person networking activities and events such as its annual education luncheon. The chamber has been utilizing technology to hold virtual events.

Nicolas-Briggs said the chamber does not have a timetable for securing Gill’s replacement. She said the duties of the president include managing the chamber’s other employees as well as engaging area businesses to retain members and acquire new members.

“We will (hire a new president) as soon as we can, but we haven’t started the process yet,” Nicolas-Briggs said.

Voting, from P. 1A a health risk for contracting COVID-19, the contagious upper-respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. Under Texas’ election laws, ballots by mail can only be issued to voters who are 65 or older, have a sickness or disability, are out of their home county during early voting and Election Day or are incarcerated but eligible to vote.

Paxton defended his stance in a brief filed Monday with 14th Court of Appeals in Houston.

“Unlawful expansion of mail-in voting, which is a special protection made available to Texans with actual disabilities, will only serve to undermine the security of our elections and to facilitate fraud,” Paxton said in a news release.

“Fear of contracting COVID-19 does not amount to a sickness or physical condition as required by state law.”

Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan, who filed his own brief with the appellate court Monday, challenges Paxton’s interpretation of the election law and his assertion that his appeal automatically stays the order issued in Travis County. Ryan said in a Tuesday news release that he is asking the appellate court to rule that the lower court’s order should stand pending the completion of the appeal process, so Harris County can accept the absentee ballots it has received and count them in the upcoming runoff.

Ryan cited a recent poll by Rice University professor Bob Stein, an expert on local politics, that shows a majority of voters would prefer to submit ballots by mail if they have the option.

“What concerns me about the polling is that 9 percent of Texans surveyed stated if they cannot vote by mail and

are only eligible to vote in person in the July 14 runoff, they do not plan to vote at all,” Ryan said. “While Attorney General Paxton as a political actor may wish to suppress the vote and keep those citizens who are unwilling to risk their lives and health from voting, such a goal is unconstitutional.”

Eastman said she thinks it should generally be easier to vote by mail in Texas, which does not offer the option to all of its voters like many other states. A majority of readers who commented about the issue on a Facebook post by The Leader also said voters should have the option to submit absentee ballots, especially during a pandemic.

Some likened mail-in voting to submitting online tax returns.

“In this day and age there is absolutely no reason not to be able to vote by mail and

validate online ballots,” area resident Sandy Francis wrote.

“We trust our financial information to be handled properly. Why are we unable to process ballots?”

Some readers sided with Paxton, saying they were concerned about voter fraud if absentee balloting is expanded. Others said going to a polling place to vote would be no more dangerous than going to a supermarket or hardware store.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation Monday that expands the early voting period for the July 14 runoff, originally scheduled for July 6-10. Citing a need to increase the number of days for early voting so election officials can implement social distancing and hygienic practices at polling places, Abbott moved up the start of early voting to June 29.

“Fine voting in person,”

area resident Rachel Lowe wrote on Facebook, “as long as I can take my Clorox wipes in with me and people wear masks.”

Harris County Commissioners Court recently approved $12 million in funding for the office of Harris County Clerk Diane Trautman, who administers elections in the county. The money was earmarked to cover increased costs associated with holding an election during a pandemic, including the potential for expanded mail-in balloting.

Roxanne Werner, a spokesperson for Trautman, said the plan is to provide Harris County poll workers with personal protective equipment such as gloves, hand sanitizer and face shields. Werner also said the clerk’s office will conduct online, at-home training for poll workers in order to minimize gatherings.

Werner said nearly 75,000

voters have applied for mailin ballots since the March 3 primary, with some of those applications possibly being for the November election and not the July 14 runoff.

Still, she said the number of ballot-by-mail applications represents an increase of about 7,000 compared to the number of applications leading up to the primary.

Werner said the county clerk’s office is preparing for expanded absentee voting and for the status quo, and it’s also preparing to operate without Trautman. She is resigning at the end of May for personal reasons, with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo saying a replacement will be appointed soon thereafter.

“It’s in our benefit if any changes like that are made as soon as possible,” Werner said of the ballot-by-mail issue. “We do have to change strategies.”

their own Century 21 brokerage from 1972-98, met in church as youngsters. Bill was introduced to Ailene by one of his friends, who had dated her, and Bill said he asked her out when his friend left town.

“We’re no longer friends,” Bill joked.

He proposed to Ailene when she was a student at Reagan High School in the Heights and he was about to join the U.S. Army. She told Bill they needed to wait until they got a little older, so he went off to serve in Germany and regularly sent back gifts such as crystals and figurines.

After Bill returned home and Ailene graduated from high school, they were married on May 6, 1955. Ailene said a photo of her in her wedding dress was published in

The Leader, which had started serving the area about six months earlier.

“I wanted to be sure she didn’t back out,” Bill said of the gifts he sent from overseas.

“She’s a good deal.”

Bill said he and Ailene have spent only two or three nights apart in all the years they have been married. Along with their four adult children, they also have several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ailene said the secret to their matrimonial longevity is their faith.

“I think the strength of our marriage is because we love the Lord and we have served him and brought our kids up in the church,” she said. “That’s very, very important.”

Bill said he and Ailene have the “greatest kids in the

world.” Billy and Janet both followed their footsteps in the real estate business, while Tom works for a title company and Dana is in the medical field.

They had treated their parents before on their anniversary, but this year’s celebration was especially meaningful even though they couldn’t spend an extended amount of time together or go

out together.

Billy said he and his siblings wanted to make it memorable in case it was their last anniversary. Bill is 88 and has had a total of three bouts with colon and lung cancer – he still takes chemotherapy pills – and Ailene is 83.

But the Hartmans remain active. On May 7, for example, they made a day trip to

Galveston.

“No matter where Dad goes, he’s having a good time,” Billy said. “That attitude of just having a good time has helped him.”

On their anniversary last week, the Hartmans’ kids helped them have a good time without going anywhere.

that it participates in street racing, saying Houston Underground Races only organizes “park & chill events.”

“There’s a very strict and disciplined car racing culture out there,” Campbell said.

“They don’t want the popularity and insta-fame. They’re out there to prove who’s faster.

They don’t want to draw attention to themselves.”

Teare said car and motorcycle races can be “one-off” events or part of larger, organized activities in which spotters are utilized to gauge and influence traffic. A group of cars might line up side by side to slow the traffic behind them and create space ahead, for example, and the racing cars can attain speeds up to about 130 miles per hour.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said vehicles can be considered deadly weapons, and racers convicted of using them as such must serve at least half of their prison sentences before they are eligible for parole.

“Street racing is dangerous and can be deadly, not just for the drivers and their passengers but also for police and innocent bystanders,” she said.

min, which put her in touch with HPD’s North Division patrol.

Shortly after making direct calls to the North Division on consecutive nights last week, she said the racing sounds subsided. Mitchen said she did not hear any of those loud noises last weekend.

Mangum Manor resident Jessi Heiner, who said she took interest in the issue after hearing complaints from Shepherd Forest residents and also because she lost a family member in an automobile accident, has had the ear of HPD as well. She said she emailed Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, who put her in touch with Campbell to discuss the problem and how it’s being addressed.

“Somebody has done something that has made some sort of impact,” Mitchen said. “I hope it’s sustained. I‘m so happy that people are actually talking about it. It appears that people have an interest in getting something done.”

Campbell said combatting street racing in Houston, and specifically along the North Loop, will be an ongoing challenge. He also said racing activity figures to increase when bars and nightclubs, which have been closed for two months amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, start to reopen.

But Campbell, who grew up in Oak Forest, also said he remains committed to meeting that challenge. He said he stations officers along the North Loop on at least a weekly basis and has utilized overtime units to patrol the area.

“The Traffic Enforcement Division has had a very regular presence out on the North Loop,” he said. “I’m very familiar with the area. … I take it very seriously to try to rectify those issues that are going on out there.”

Hartmans, from P. 1A sign and photos were placed in their yard in the morning, and they said the anniversary celebration appeared to peak when daughter Dana Crawford dropped off Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo and strawberry cheesecake from Ciro’s on the Katy Freeway.

But Crawford then asked her parents to step outside, where they saw a parade of about 25 vehicles drive past their house. The group included relatives and friends, some from Houston’s First Baptist Church, as well as 100-yearold Naomi Cotton.

“We were very much surprised,” Ailene said. “The fact that they thought enough of us to come over and do that was just fantastic.”

The Hartmans, who both worked as Realtors and had

Speed, from P. 1A ing sounds nearly every night for more than a year – Teare and Campbell said they’ve been working together for the last few years in an attempt to curb the issue. Teare said they’ve been targeting groups that organize street races as well as street “takeovers,” in which multiple drivers block a roadway or intersection to do donuts or other car stunts that are filmed and shared on social media, by following online leads and employing undercover officers.

Campbell, who leads HPD’s Traffic Enforcement Division, said the effort led to more than 100 arrests between August of last year and January of this year. Teare said they recently arrested six people who were identified as ring leaders of street takeovers, and they’re seizing offenders’ vehicles and charging them with felonies such as engaging in organized criminal activity, deadly conduct and reckless driving.

Among the prominent Houston-area groups that engage in street takeovers, Teare said, are SAR Nation and Private Kings.

“It’s definitely a social media-fueled frenzy for people to get the utmost cool video and edit it with the right sound and have people follow them and give them likes,” Campbell said.

While there is some overlap between those who engage in street takeovers and street racing, Campbell said, they tend to be different groups. And he said the people who race are generally more discreet, which makes them and their activities harder to pinpoint.

Teare said Houston Underground Races is one of the city’s most prominent organized racing groups. But the person who responded to a message sent to the organization’s Facebook page denied

Quieter nights Mitchen said the fact street racing is both dangerous and illegal bothers her more than the noise it creates. And despite the efforts of Campbell and Teare, she said she was consistently bothered for more than a year.

She said she called HPD’s non-emergency number or submitted online alert slips a total of at least 10 times since moving into Shepherd Forest, but none of that seemed to have any effect. Mitchen said she didn’t start seeing a change until she reached out to the office of Houston City Council member Abbie Ka-

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