Leader January 8

Inside Today: Cyclists upset about prolonged bridge closure • Page 3A

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Gonzalez renominated to be ICE director

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Ed Gonzalez still has an eye on Washington D.C., where he was renominated this week to be the director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

But his primary focus continues to be fighting crime in the Houston area.

Gonzalez, a Heights product in his second term as Harris County Sheriff, was nominated for a second time

Tuesday to be the ICE director by President Joe Biden.

Biden first tabbed Gonzalez for the role last April, but the nomination lapsed Monday because the U.S. Senate did not hold a vote to confirm him or hold over his nomination for the next legislative session, according to multiple news reports.

“It’s an ongoing nominations process and potential presidential appointment, so I defer any questions about it to (the White House),” Gon-

Gonzalez

zalez said in a Monday text message to The Leader. “I remain in place here (in Houston).”

A spokesperson for the White House did not answer emailed questions about Gonzalez’s nomination, instead sending a link to a Tuesday news release that listed Gonzalez’s renomination. His was one of 94 political appointments that Biden submitted to the Senate for confirmation this week.

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Waltrip jazz group thanks community for donations

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

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Page 7A

A group of young jazz musicians from Waltrip High School got to travel to Dallas for a performance this week thanks to a flood of donations from local community members and beyond.

Before the students left Houston, the community got a chance to hear some of the pieces they planned to perform during a prestigious national event.

On Monday night, the 25-member jazz ensemble performed several of its selections that were showcased at the Jazz Education Network’s annual conference in Dallas, which was held Wednesday through Saturday. And though the free concert at Waltrip was already scheduled prior to the funds being raised, Waltrip band director Jesse Espinosa said it doubled as a way to show their gratitude to their supporters for helping raise the $20,000 needed for expenses such as a charter bus, meals and hotel stays.

“To go on this journey, it takes quite a bit of effort, dedication and the talent and hard work of the See Waltrip P. 5A

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Waltrip High School band director Jesse Espinosa, left, accepts a proclamation from U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who found a donor to help cover expenses for a band trip to Dallas this week.

The execution date has been set for a man convicted of shooting and killing Houston police officer James Irby during a traffic stop more than 30 years ago in the Northline area, according to the office of Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. The district a t t o r n e y ’s office said Carl Wayne Irby Buntion, 81, will be executed April 21. He was convicted on capital murder charges and sentenced to death in 1991, according to a news release from the DA’s Buntion office, and again during a second trial in 2012.

Buntion was a passenger in a car that Irby pulled over during a traffic stop at the intersection of Airline Drive and Lyerly Street on June 27, 1990, according to the district attorney’s office. The office said Buntion slipped out of the vehicle while Irby and the driver were talking, then shot Irby once in the head and twice more in the back before running away and firing shots at others.

Buntion was arrested a short time later inside a nearby building, according to the district attorney’s office.

“He shot a policeman in the head more than 30 years ago, and it is time that he be held accountable for his horrific crime,” Ogg said. “He robbed Officer Irby of his life and deprived the Irby family of a lifetime of memories with him; it is time for them to have justice.”

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Legionnaire trekking to Kentucky to lend hand

Animal kingdom. A local exhibit featuring Lego statues of wild animals is on display.

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Page 3B

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

See Gonzalez P. 4A

Execution date set for man convicted of killing cop

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person said a potential confirmation timeline would be set by the Senate, which has a 50-50 split among Democrats and Republicans. According to multiple news reports, the confirmation process has essentially started over for Gonzalez, a Democrat like Biden.

Gonzalez was peppered with a series of questions during a July 15 confirmation hearing held by the U.S Sen-

Contributed photo Phil Odom, a Vietnam War veteran and member of American Legion Post 560 in Garden Oaks, is collecting goods and supplies and driving his truck to Western Kentucky next week to help people impacted by last month’s tornado.

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Phil Odom is a 71-year-old cancer survivor who’s had a bad back since he fell out of a helicopter during combat in the Vietnam War. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran remains active and able, though, and said he’s especially handy when it comes to home construction and repair work. So Odom plans to load up a truck and trailer full of goods, supplies and tools next week and make a trek to Western Kentucky, where he’ll spend a

week helping elderly people whose homes were damaged last month by a tornado that ripped through Mayfield and the surrounding area.

“It’s a God thing,” Odom said.

“God gave me certain talents, and I make sure I put them to good use.”

Odom, who after his four years in the Marines worked as an electrician, headhunter for an executive search firm and a sheriff ’s deputy in his native Illinois, is a longtime member of American Legion Post 560 in Garden Oaks and said he was inspired to help tornado victims in Kentucky after read-

ing about a donation drive in the Post 560 newsletter. He is coordinating with American Legion Post 26 in Mayfield, Kentucky, which is dispatching him to nearby Water Valley to deliver goods and supplies and help repair homes.

Community members can donate needed items from noon-8 p.m. every day through this Saturday at Post 560, 3720 Alba Rd., and Odom plans to collect them Sunday before departing Houston on Jan. 11. The local Legion post is asking for canned goods, bottled See Odom P. 5A

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Page 2A • Saturday, January 8, 2022 • The Leader

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, January 8, 2022 • Page 3A

Cyclists peeved with prolonged bridge closure

T

he cycling community in Houston, and particularly in the Heights area, is seething.

They’re flummoxed and frustrated, and they want answers.

Most of all, they want their bridge back.

New Year’s Day did not just signal a fresh start and the turning over of the calendar, at least not to Heightsarea residents who like to walk or ride bikes either for recreation or as part of their daily commute. It served as a stark reminder that one of their favorite pieces of infrastructure – which serves an important function while offering a breathtaking view of Downtown Houston – remains out of order.

Jan. 1 marked 500 days since the MKT Bridge, a pedestrian throughway on the Heights Hike-and-Bike Trail that crosses White Oak Bayou and connects the Heights to the downtown area, was damaged by an August 2020 fire that erupted in a wooded area underneath. The century-old bridge has remained closed and is still being fixed by the Houston Parks Board, which was close to completing repair work in September before contractors discovered additional damage that needed to be addressed.

“Getting around Houston by bike is already difficult enough, so it is especially disappointing for such an important car-free link in the bike network to be cut off for 500 days and counting,” said Joe Cutrufo, the executive director of BikeHouston, a nonprofit that advocates for cyclists in the city. “We are frustrated with

Adam Zuvanich Editor

the length of this closure, and are demanding an explanation of why the bridge remains out of service, as well as a clear timeline for its reopening.”

Unfortunately for Cutrufo and other Houston cyclists, it remains unclear when the bridge will reopen.

Houston Parks Board president and CEO Beth White said Tuesday it’s too early to say when repairs will be complete, because the nonprofit is still getting its renewed construction plans approved by the City of Houston, which owns the bridge and surrounding land. She said the Harris County Flood Control District, which controls the bayou underneath, signed off on the impending work this week.

White also said the parks board, which has historically performed maintenance work on the bridge, understands its value to the community and has been working as quickly and diligently as possible to assess the damage and come up with a repair plan that will make the bridge durable and safe.

“We have not dawdled on this,” White said. “This is a really important

link to us, which is why we want to do this quickly and get it done.”

Cutrufo said he does not question the efforts of the parks board, but wants increased transparency and communication regarding the repair process. He also wondered if the city, which created the parks board in 1976, could be doing more to expedite the work, saying the responsibility of getting it fixed ultimately falls on Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Turner’s media relations team did not respond to an interview request or questions submitted by email.

Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin, who serves the Heights as part of District C, said “everything depends” on the parks board and that her office has maintained regular contact with the nonprofit to get status updates.

A detour has been in place since the bridge was damaged in 2020, with trail users coming from the Heights asked to use the Paul Carr Jogging Trail along Heights Boulevard to cross the bayou and Interstate 10 in order to access the Sawyer Yards and downtown areas.

“The closure isn’t just an inconvenience,” Kamin said. “It’s a safety issue when residents have to go onto major streets as alternatives.”

Would tearing down the former railroad bridge and building a newand-improved one have been a timelier and more cost-effective alternative to repairing the existing bridge? White said it’s hard to say, and that a demolition and reconstruction would be the

city’s call to make.

The parks board already has spent more than $250,000 since the fire on design and repairs to the bridge, which has been part of the hike-andbike trail for about 15 years, according to a spokesperson for the nonprofit.

With more design work ongoing and additional repairs to come, that cost figures to increase significantly before the bridge is reopened.

“I know there was a lot of consideration (after the fire). Could it be repaired at a reasonable cost?” White said. “It was sort of a cost benefit if it can be repaired quickly and get it back open and give it enough life that it’s worth it. That’s sort of a calculation you make. To go back and revisit that, I think it was the right decision at the time.”

At a time when the city is working to improve bike and pedestrian safety and infrastructure across Houston, particularly in the Heights area, Cutrufo said breaks in the connectivity chain should be treated with the same sense of urgency as disruptions to vehicular traffic.

He also said the city’s stated goal of being recognized as a Gold-tier Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists could be jeopardized by the prolonged closure of the MKT Bridge. Houston currently has Bronze-tier recognition, Cutrufo said.

“We can tout the fact we’ve built all these new bike lanes, but we’re not doing a great job of maintaining them,” he said. “We’re letting one of the most

The future lies ahead Are you still there? A lot of Texans are no longer with us because of COVID-19. The state recorded its first COVID case in March 2020. By that year’s end, more than 31,000 Texans had died of the virus — an average of nearly 3,500 per month. The state’s death total stood at 74,331 at last count, but it’s early in the day.

In order to help you survive 2022, know what pitfalls to sidestep and when to avoid breathing, I will now say the sooth.

January – The Leftovers Bowl is won by the Harris County Community College Commuters 45-0 over the Pecos Rodeo Clowns. Nobody cares, but the game gives ESPN something to run after all the other bowl games are cancelled. Gov. Greg Abbott orders all National Guard medics to report to civilian hospitals to help with the overflow of COVID-19 patients. When it is pointed out that virtually all National Guard medics serve in civilian life as medics, so there is no actual change in the available staff, Abbott responds: “What’s your point?”

February – A valentine from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Donald Trump (“from Putee to Don-Don”) is returned by the White House stamped “addressee unknown.” Putin is puzzled. “But he said he was still president.”

Gov. Abbott proclaims February as “No Mask Month.” The Texas Medical Association proclaims Gov. Abbott “Idiot of the Month – Every Month.”

The Houston Rockets have a mathematical chance of finishing the season. A deadly freeze covers Texas, causing power outages for millions.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz suggests more sun screen.

March – After intense grilling, Sears and Neiman confess what they did to Roebuck and Marcus. It isn’t pretty. Donald Trump announces the date for his inauguration, with the invocation given by Pope Francis. The Vatican quickly sends out a photo of Pope Francis sharing a high-five and the secret Catholic handshake with Joe Biden. An ICE spokesman explains that Roe v. Wade is not a debate over how best to cross the Rio Grande. An attempt to issue the statement in Spanish is halted after the ACLU calls it “racist.”

April – In a 34-hour filibuster on the Senate floor, Sen. Ted Cruz demands the Easter Bunny “stop promoting its socialist free-candy-eggs philosophy to innocent children.”

Republican lawmakers in Austin call for an end to childless couples. A GOP press release warns: “Birth-control pills are known to cause acne, cancer of the ear lobes and an insane desire to say, ‘No problem.’”

In the spirit of inclusiveness, the committee in charge of redesigning the Alamo grounds

Lynn Ashby Columnist

agrees to erect a statue of Santa Anna.

May – Mayor Sylvester Turner appoints Travis Scott as Crowd Control Commander. Turner explains, “He’s got experience.” A historical plaque is erected where a Houston driver used her turn signal. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick denies he is the Official State Jerk. QAnon followers gather on a Galveston beach to await a plague of locusts.

June – Hurricane season officially begins with FEMA tossing out the first blue tarp, and announces that “Help is on the way!” Gratitude is expressed by survivors of both Ike and Harvey. A Houston Astro is suspended after stealing second base. A rally by Texans Against COVID-19 Vaccines is cancelled after they all die. In an attempt to move even further to the right of his primary opponents in the next gubernatorial election, Gov. Abbott appears at a rally wearing a white sheet.

July – By an odd coincidence, this year the Fourth of July lands on July 4th.

Fox News disputes that its name is an oxymoron “or any other kind of moron.” Facing mounting criticism, South

By Southwest renames itself “That Gathering in Austin.” An official explains: “Any name connected to the South and thus the Confederacy causes problems.” While out hunting, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is attacked by an 8-foot 2-inch green bird.

August – Dr. Anthony Fauci is awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace, Medicine and Patience With Dummies. Donald Trump accuses the Nobel Committee of voter fraud.

The American Coal Society issues a press release denying that coal contributes to global warming. It also claims that there is no global warming and that the ice caps are not melting to swamp land masses. The statement comes during the society’s meeting in Port Waco.

September – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issues face paint and a buffalo headdress with horns to all members of the House.

“Next time they’ll just blend in.” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues the Biden administration and several school districts over the vaccine mandate rule and the City of Austin for being the City of Austin. Paxton also sues the U.S. Supreme Court for not allowing him to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in four other states. The Attorney General

Society unanimously votes to throw Paxton out of their group under the “total imbecile” clause.

October – The most popular Halloween costume is the Dr. Peter Hotze mask with bow tie and followed by 10 TV reporters.

November – With a 0-6 record, the Houston Texans are arrested for impersonating a football team. The Texas Legislative Committee on Looking Stupid demands books in Texas school libraries be burned “if they promote reading.” A heavy dew floods much of Houston. “It’s a 500-year dew,” the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says. An objection is made by a 500-year-old man.

All 634 rioters charged in the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol demand to be

released, charging the Capitol Police with “police brutality.”

U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert accuses his political opponents of trying to push him off the edge of the Earth.

December – Sen. Ted Cruz denounces Santa Claus as “a typical liberal Democratic over weight leftist promoting a give-away program to twist the brains of our innocent children, but I do envy his beard.” The State Board of Education prohibits school choirs from singing “Deck the Halls” because it contains the line, “Don we now our gay apparel.” A plague of locusts devours Galveston.

Ashby falls off the Earth at ashby2@comcast.net

important connections on the whole (trail) network remain closed for over 500 days? To the average user, it’s like one hand doesn’t know what the other one’s doing.”

White said she agrees with the idea that cycling infrastructure should get the same level of priority as automobile infrastructure. And local bike riders, even if they’re disappointed that the MKT Bridge remains closed, should be glad to know another connection in the same part of the Heights is coming soon.

Houston Public Works is in the construction phase for the MKT Trail Spur Connector, which will fill an 850foot gap between the MKT Trail – just northwest of the bridge – and the White Oak Bayou Greenway Trail to the east. The latter trail stops underneath Studemont Street, just north of the bayou.

The $1.18 million project is expected to be completed this spring, with the trail connector providing an alternate route to the bridge that’s closer in proximity and much shorter than the existing detour.

As for the bridge, it will be back in action sooner or later.

“We thank people for their patience,” White said. “We know this has been frustrating. We’re working hard to resolve it, or fix it, so people can get back out there and enjoy the bridge for not just recreation but for their daily commute. We’re working hard to get it done.”

Email azuvanich@theleadernews.com

THE READER.

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Forget the Green Recycle Bins Dear Editor: Our City of Houston plans to squander $500 thousand on a mural-painting project at Bush Intercontinental Airport, hoping a publication of which nobody has ever heard will bestow a five-star rating on the facility. Simultaneously, City Hall cannot manage timely recyclables pick-up in several Heights locales. Residents place their green bins curbside on appointed dates... and nothing happens. Not wanting to miss a pick-up which may or may not take place, they leave the bins out for days then, on my street, more than a week (and they’re still there). Why utilize recycle bins at all? Given City Hall’s stewardship dereliction, they are absolutely useless for their only intended purpose. P.S. Lynn Ashby once wrote respectfully of Texas history, exploring subjects such as the fate of the “Twin Sisters” cannon, and occasionally corresponding with state stalwart Miss Ima. While accurate historic revelations are valuable, Lynn’s gleefully adduced quote from the hit-book “Forget the Alamo” -- “Bowie was a murderer, slaver and con man. Travis was a pompous racist agitator and syphilitic leach; and Crockett was a self-promoting old fool who was a captive to his own myth. They can no longer be the holy trinity of Texas, or can the Alamo be the Shrine of Texas Liberty.” -- demonstrates how Lynn has bought into the Left’s determination to portray American history as pejoratively as possible.

J. Reynolds

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Greenwich Time 4. English sailor missionary 9. Type of wheat 14. Wreath 15. Hesitate 16. Hollyhocks 17. Not even 18. Former talk show host 20. Rugged mountain range 22. Greek muse 23. Ancient Greek comedy 24. Jeopardizes 28. Singer DiFranco 29. Calcium 30. Employee stock ownership plan 31. Gemstones 33. Got the job 37. Tantalum 38. Red deer 39. Not a pro 41. Coffee alternative 42. Aluminum 43. Northern Italian language 44. Smart __: Wiseacre 46. Sanskrit rulers (pl.)

49. __ hoc

50. Mousse 51. Closures 55. Russian lake 58. Small lunar crater 59. Appear with 60. Beginning 64. Type of Chinese language 65. Jewish composer 66. Sensation of flavor 67. Payment (abbr.)

68. High-class 69. Clocked 70. Midway between east and southeast

dOwn 1. Shine 2. They spread the news 3. Indicates water limits 4. Determines value 5. Capital of Okinawa 6. Chinese river 7. Sign language 8. Passover feast and ceremony 9. Yemen capital 10. A tributary of the Missouri River 11. Sounds 12. Andorra-La Seu dÕUrgell Airport 13. Korean name

19. A metal-bearing mineral valuable enough to be mined 21. Outer layer 24. African nation (Fr.) 25. From Haiti 26. Polish river 27. Paul Henri __, Belgian statesman 31. Retailer 32. Supreme being 34. Tears into pieces 35. European Union 36. Coerced 40. She ran the Barker gang 41. Send wire 45. Optical device 47. __ Bond, civil rights leader 48. Cigar 52. Spiritual being 53. Possess 54. Thomas __, English poet 56. Dials 57. Sharp mountain ridge 59. Pigeon shelter 60. Month 61. Letter of the Greek alphabet 62. A citizen of Thailand 63. Suffix

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A • Saturday, January 8, 2022 • The Leader

Heights honors graduates of IB program Houston Jennifer Campuzano, 2021, college unknown Alyssa Cantu, 2021, Houston Michelle Castro, 2021, Houston-Downtown Mireya Carvajal, 2021, Texas-San Antonio Aalijah Castillo, 2021, college unknown Melody DeLaCruz, 2021, Lone Star College Emily Diaz, 2021, Houston Samantha Flores, 2021, Texas-San Antonio Natalie Garcia, 2021, St. Thomas Yajaira Gonzalez, 2021, Texas-Arlington Alexa Leon, 2021, college unknown Gerani Lewis, 2020, college unknown Jordy Lopez, 2020, college unknown Rachel Mesa, 2020, college unknown Cristian Moran, 2021, North Texas Isairah Moreno Hernandez, 2020, Trinity Nicole Morkovsky, 2021, Texas A&M Julianne Pacheco, 2021, college unknown Maya Parani, 2021, California Institute of the Arts Isha Patel, 2021, Tufts Lisa Patel, 2021, Texas Aleida Ramirez, 2021, college unknown Jazmin Ramirez, 2020, college unknown Sara Rodriguez, 2020, Sam Houston State Phillip Rozas, 2021, Stephen F. Austin Hanna Rubio Gutierrez, 2020, college unknown Andrea Sanchez Mendoza, 2020, college unknown Juan Sermeno, 2021, college unknown Chandler Solomon, 2020, Spelman College William Thursland, 2021, Houston Lourdes Torres, 2021, Trinity Chandra Tran, 2020, college unknown Tirzah Tran, 2021, college unknown Kailey Vasquez, 2021, college unknown Skye Williams, 2021, Southern University A&M Mijah Wilson, 2021, Howard

By Olivia Winesett For The Leader

Heights High School awarded International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas and certificates Monday to the 2020 and 2021 graduates who earned those distinctions through the IB program on campus.

Nearly 30 of those graduates attended the award ceremony at the school, while more than 60 other graduates also were recognized.

The main tenets of the IB program are academic rigor, a focus on the whole child and global awareness, according to Janet Orfield, the program cocoordinator at Heights. Students can earn a diploma that focuses on college readiness or a certificate geared toward career readiness.

Students who elect to participate in these higher-level classes begin in their junior year. The classes are acclaimed for their rigor and known worldwide for the benefits they provide students.

“We’re so proud of it,” Orfield said. “We’ve been working on it so hard for five years.

It was a big, big deal to bring it to the school.”

The 2020 and 2021 graduates were back in Houston from their current universities across the country, including Harvard, Princeton, Tufts, University of Virginia, University of Texas, Texas A&M and University of Houston.

Members of Heights’ IB class of 2022 joined them to celebrate and gain inspiration from their accomplishments.

The seniors are preparing for their spring exams that will determine whether they receive their awards as well. “(The diploma) is a really big accomplishment, and it’s reassuring to talk to (the graduates) and know that it’s possible,” said Heights student Robert Kunkemoeller, a senior in the IB program.

The students and graduates celebrated with a small, graduation-like ceremony in the school library. Afterwards, they enjoyed some time speaking together accompanied by a hot chocolate bar and desserts, fitting with the event’s festive “Snow Day” theme.

The awards ceremony has

Contributed photo Janet Orfield, second from right, the International Baccalaureate program co-coordinator at Heights High School, stands with program graduates, from left to right, Samantha Valdez, Erin Nguyen and Joanna Hernandez at an awards ceremony Monday on campus.

been a tradition for the school since the beginning of the IB program five years ago. Even through the impacts of coronavirus, both faculty and students hope the inspiring tradition (and fun break for the busy seniors) will be continued for years to come.

“It’s so cool to look back and see the progress in our program,” Orfield said. “We’re just getting better and better.”

Members of the community can learn more about the International Baccalaureate program at Heights at the inaugural HHS IB Showcase from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the school, 413 E. 13th St. NEW HEIGHTS The following Heights High School graduates, listed with their graduation years and current colleges or universities, were awarded with International Baccalaureate diplomas or certificates Monday during a ceremony at the school. Many other Heights graduates earned the distinctions but were not present at the ceremony.

Diploma Recipients Isabel Altamira, 2021, Virginia Osvaldo Alvear, 2021, Texas A&M Alfonso Arreola, 2020, Texas Jonathan Baeza, 2021, Texas Elizabeth Bledsoe, 2021, University College Dublin

Contributed photo From left to right, Heights High School graduates Isha Patel, Lisa Patel and Yanessa Vitela show off their International Baccalaureate certificates or diplomas on Monday.

Contributed photo Heights High School seniors Isabel Wabnitz, left, and Olivia Winesett are International Baccalaureate (IB) students who attended an awards ceremony Monday for Heights’ IB graduates from 2020 and 2021.

Davis Brooks, 2021, Houston Elena Carlsson, 2021, Princeton Arturo Chavez, 2021, St. Thomas Romeo Chavez, 2020, Lone Star College Sofia Chavez, 2021, Houston Community College Saul Chavira, 2021, Emory Marco DiFillipo, 2021, Franklin and Marshall College Maren Duffy, 2021, Western Washington Abigail Escalante, 2021, St. Edward’s Anarossi Figueroa, 2021, college unknown Brandy Frausto, 2020, Texas Mars Giles, 2020, Clark Biance Gonzales, 2020, Texas A&M Daniel Gonzalez, 2020, Bos-

ton Daniela Gonzalez, 2020, Texas A&M Jocelyn Guel, 2021, Colby Yanet Guerra, 2021, Houston Jennifer Hamad, 2021, Stanford Joanna Hernandez, 2021, Lamar Daisy Jasso, 2020, Tufts Kennedy Jones, 2021, Chicago Samantha Jozwiak, 2020, Houston Sofia Leal, 2020, Texas Michael Lopez, 2020, Houston Angel Luna, 2021, Stanford Viviana Mann, 2020, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Karen Manzano, 2020, Colorado College Reyna Marquez, 2021, Houston

Alexis Martinez, 2021, Houston Nathaly Martinez, 2020, Middlebury College Angela Mendiola, 2021, Texas Erin Nguyen, 2021, Trinity Mia Pettit, 2020, Minnesota Marlyne Prado, 2021, gap year Emily Prieto, 2021, George Washington Emily Ramirez, 2020, Harvard Jessica Ramirez, 2021, Houston Luke Richardson, 2020, Minnesota Efrain Ruiz, 2020, college unknown Jose Santana, 2021, Houston-Downtown McKenzie Scott, 2021, Texas State Gabriella Taverna, 2021, Texas State Christopher Torres, 2021, Houston-Downtown Leslie Torres, 2020, Bryn Mawr College Samantha Valdez, 2021, Wellesley College Yanessa Vitela, 2021, Texas-San Antonio Thomas Williams, 2020, Texas Certificate Recipients Sarah Alvarado, 2021, Houston Community College Blessing Andrade, 2020, Loyola Ymani Banks, 2020, Howard Chanella Barbosa, 2021, Texas-San Antonio Hailey Calderon, 2020,

Gonzalez, from P. 1A ate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, which narrowly approved his nomination while voting along party lines. But the Senate did not hold a full vote on Gonzalez before the end of its most recent session, allowing the nomination to lapse.

During the July hearing, some Republican senators expressed concern over Gonzalez’s previous criticism of ICE and his decision to end Harris County’s partnership with the federal agency under the 287(g) program, in which ICE cooperates with state and local authorities to enforce immigration laws.

Gonzalez cited budget concerns and resource allocation among his reasons, saying

the Houston area has a diverse immigrant community and he wanted the sheriff ’s office “to remain focused to have the avenues necessary to arrest serious offenders in our community.”

Gonzalez also said it would “not be my intent” to end the 287(g) program altogether.

He told committee members he would seek to strike a balance between enforcing immigration laws and operating with compassion toward immigrants.

“We can be firm on crime, we can be firm in enforcement, but we don’t have to lose our humanity and compassion as well,” Gonzalez said during the hearing.

ICE has not had a Senateconfirmed director since the

administration of former President Barack Obama, whose second and final term ended in 2017. If Gonzalez ends that drought and receives the backing of the Senate, the Harris County Commissioners Court will appoint a replacement for him as county sheriff.

Before being elected to that role in 2016, Gonzalez served on the Houston City Council. He previously worked as a homicide detective for the Houston Police Department.

“I’m a proven and effective leader, battle tested and know how to get things done,” Gonzalez said during the July 15 hearing.

Follow Adam Zuvanich on Twitter @AZuvanich

Fetch your Leader Copies of The Leader are at our office: 2020 N. Loop W., Suite 220 or MytiBurger, 2211 W. 43rd St. C&D Hardware, 314 E. 11th St. Merle Norman Cosmetics, 4216-B Ella Blvd.

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OV

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The Leader • Saturday, January 8, 2022 • Page 5A

Waltrip from P. 1A students,” Espinosa said Monday. “It’s just a lot to go through to make it where we are today. But it definitely doesn’t come without the support of our community.”

The band had been trying to collect the necessary funds through endeavors such as performances outside the Shipley Do-Nuts at 3410 Ella Blvd. on Dec. 17 and at the Heights Theater on Dec. 14. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner made a $500 pledge, and Espinosa said the group also received support from State Sen. John Whitmire.

But as Dec. 28, they were still about $8,000 shy of the $20,000 they needed.

So U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, whose 18th Congressional District includes Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and the Heights, found a donor to provide the rest of the needed funds. Jackson Lee was in attendance Monday, presenting Espinosa and the band with a $10,000 check covering the remainder of their expenses.

“Jazz is an American art form, said Jackson Lee, who co-chairs the U.S. House of Representatives’ Jazz Caucus. “When I heard they were going to be a part of (this conference), I couldn’t be more excited. … As we watched them raise the dollars necessary, we knew we wanted to get on board. We recognize how hard it is to gather resources in a quick timeframe, and I was delighted to be able to provide the support that has really done a lot for this community. The community stands by you, and that’s why we make this donation tonight.”

Members of the 25-student jazz band, as well as Espinosa and Waltrip principal Michael Niggli, expressed their gratitude to Jackson Lee and the community as a whole Monday.

“I can’t explain how much this means to me, to the students, and to the directors.

Coming through like this is so unexpected,” Niggli said.

“Nobody really knew that it was going to be like this, so

my heart pours out to you so much.”

Being invited to play at the international conference is the latest in a long line of achievements for Waltrip’s historically successful band.

Among their highlights is performing at former president Barack Obama’s second presidential inauguration ceremony.

It is the first time Espinosa had applied for the festival, he said, and Waltrip was selected out of hundreds of submissions from around the world to participate. The Jazz Education Network’s annual festival will have hundreds of speakers from institutions such as Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and Florida International University - giving Waltrip’s band students a chance to rub elbows with the “who’s who” of jazz education.

“We’ve done a lot of different things throughout the years,” Espinosa said.

“Through those type of events, the rigor and excellence of this program has

Infante said Post 560 previously held a donation drive and sent supplies to tornado victims in Kentucky and Tennessee, and later shipped out Christmas toys for children in the area.

The GoFundMe account set up by the Legion post in Kentucky had raised nearly $7,000 as of Wednesday morning.

The effort is geared toward helping veterans who were impacted by the tornado, but Odom said he’ll help whoever is in need while he’s there.

“There is no way to list everyone that has helped our community, but we have to say, ‘Thank you!’” Post 26 wrote in a Jan. 2 post on Facebook.

Odom, who is making the trip to Kentucky with a friend from his church, encour-

aged other members of Post 560 to join him. He said he has a longstanding tradition of helping communities that were impacted by natural disasters – including Corpus Christi and Mustang Island, Louisiana towns such as Lake Charles and Lafayette as well as Poplar Bluff, Missouri – and he assisted fellow Houstonians in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

He cannot do any heavy lifting on account of his balky back, but Odom said he can do just about anything else in a damaged home.

“I was raised by a father that fixed everything,” Odom said. “I can fix anything but a broken heart, and I’ll even work on them.”

Follow Adam Zuvanich on Twitter @AZuvanich

been driven up tremendously by the talent and hard work of these young people. We’re very excited to have this opportunity.”

Whatever is not used for travel expenses will be used to cover future trips, new equipment and other needs for the program, according to Espinosa. And there really wasn’t much else he felt he could say Monday, so he kept it simple when addressing community members.

“Thank you to everyone out there,” he said. “Thank you so much.”

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Members of a jazz ensemble from Waltrip High School perform Monday during a concert on the West 34th Street campus.

Odom from P. 1A water, hand tools, power tools, trash bags, tarps, soap, toiletries, paper towels, clothes, jackets and gloves.

Monetary donations, which Odom said will be used to purchase construction materials such as shingles, siding, sheetrock and 2x4s, can be made online through a GoFundMe account set up by Post 26 in Kentucky. The web address is https://www.gofundme. com/f/american-legion-post26-tornado-relief.

“He wants to stay out there a week or two to help out however he can,” Post 560 Cmdr.

Irene Infante said of Odom.

“That’s extremely commendable as a veteran, as a legionnaire and just as a person of good will. That’s a part of our service is we’re supposed to help out our community.”

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The Leader • Saturday, January 8, 2022 • Page 7A

Art Valet: Resolve to support local artists this year Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

I have to share my favorite joke resolution of the season with you: “I’m opening a gym called ‘Resolutions.’ It will have exercise equipment for the first two weeks and then it turns into a bar for the rest of the year.”

Seriously, though, my resolution this year is to work on one painting a day all year, and I’m happy to report that as of Day 4, I’ve kept my resolve.

And just to stay accountable, I joined the following art show.

Hardy and Nance Studios, 902 Hardy St., is hosting 10” by 10” Art Show from 5-9 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 15. The open call show coincides with its monthly Third Saturday Open Studios. Details, including art submissions, which are due by 11:59 p.m. this Friday, can be found on the website, hardyandnancestudios.com.

There was no First Saturday Arts Market in January because it fell on New Year’s Day, so I asked the artists what wild, out-of-the-box resolutions they have planned. Here are just a few: “Mine is very Kiki person-

al,” said Heights mixed media artist Kiki Neumann. “I am going to do 12 collaborations for the year. Meaning I am going to step outside of myself and my mediums and work with other artists.”

Neumann said she also already has four collaborations lined up. She plans some experimenting with her letterforms, paint, building art, sculpture and clay. Learn more at kikineumanncreations.com.

Denise Elliott Jones of Austin wrote about a common problem we artists have, overbuying paint.

“My resolution last year was to use the art supplies I already have before I buy anything new,” Jones said. “It did not take long ‘til I broke that resolution. And as for 2022, the UPS driver has already delivered a big box of art supplies!”

Check out Jones at deniseelliottjones.com.

Houston glass artist Nicole Bolinger chimed in with a big goal.

“My goal is to create larger wall glass pieces and also combine techniques I’ve learned to create pieces that might surprise people!” Bolinger said.

Bolinger was the artist who inspired me to start asking artists more questions. As I was walking the market Bolinger was attending, I casually asked

Contributed photo Shop for art outside Saturday at The Market at Sawyer Yards.

Contributed photo Pictured is a work of art titled “King of the Dumpster Fire” by Cultured Critter Collective.

her what she did for a living, not really expecting an unusual answer when she rattled off a long complicated answer that included terms such as International Space Station, NASA, software communications and other, multiple-syllable words to describe her job as a NASA engineer. That was a fun interview! Follow her on Facebook, @RocketGirlGlass.

Here’s a resolution that will impact many Texan artists from Debbie Gibbs: “My New Year’s resolution related to art is to get the new-

Finally, perhaps the most unique resolution comes from Valerie of Cultured Critter Collective.

“My resolution is to make more art with possums! (The year) 2021 was THE king of dumpster fires,” wrote Valerie, who goes only by her first name. “Here’s hoping that these possums can look into the future and find something good for everyone in 2022.”

Thanks, Miss Valerie. I agree, let the possums handle dumpster fires for us. More on those creatures at culturedcrit-

ly formed Women’s Caucus for Art-Texas off the ground,” Gibbs said in an email. “As its first president, I am very committed to successfully launching this local chapter of the important national level organization. It is an organization that seeks to support, promote and act on behalf of women artists. Houston is such a vibrant and diverse art scene that the time is ripe to do this.”

I think there may be a story here, Ms. Gibbs! For information, contact her at gibbsdpg@me.com

tercollective.com.

Also, The Market at Sawyer Yards, 1502 Sawyer St., will have its first showing of the year from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 8. It’s a great place to exercise, eat right and buy art. There are three resolutions you can have for free, except for the buying-art part, and knock out all in one day.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.

Review: Cowboys & Indians serves up fusionist fare in sugar like some lassis are.

You can also order a plain yogurt lassi as well as a raspberry- or strawberry-flavored version.

Impressively, the food was just as good and freshly prepared as I remembered it three years ago. Whether you’re craving traditional Indian or Texan staples or looking for something in the adventurous space between, it’s worth giving Cowboys & Indians a try.

Stefan Modrich

I was intrigued when I heard a few months ago that Cowboys & Indians Tex-In Kitchen had moved a few miles east of its old location at 1901 Taft St. in the Fourth Ward to 519 Shepherd Dr. Cowboys & Indians had become one of my favorite Houston haunts during my relatively frequent visits to Houston before moving here in 2020. The restaurant’s name is a play on a popular element of West Texas culture and mythology.

While I regret not having the opportunity to revel in the nostalgia of the vibe of the Taft Street location for old time’s sake, the new venue is certainly an upgrade in terms of space, and also features a patio in the back.

The menu is the same and has a variety of dishes that

Photo by Stefan Modrich The Naan 65 Quesadilla from Cowboys & Indians puts an Indian twist on a Tex-Mex classic.

are strictly Indian like butter chicken tikka masala ($14.65) and saag paneer ($15.60) as well as Texan fare like chicken fried steak ($17.25), the shrimp po’boy ($16.40) and the Big Cowboy Burger ($15.65).

And like the boastful cliche embedded in Texas mythos that claims “everything is bigger” in the Lone Star State, so

too are the generous helpings at Cowboys & Indians. The Naan 65 Quesadilla ($12.99) is technically an appetizer, but it is piled high with spicy and tender barbecue chicken and melted cheese and could easily be shared with a group.

You can order the quesadilla vegetarian-style, or substitute shrimp for an additional $5.

You can also choose to add

Photo by Stefan Modrich The masala fries from Cowboys & Indians are garnished with diced onions, jalapeño slices and barbecue sauce.

steak tikka ($4), beef bacon ($2.50) or a ketogenic-friendly option served atop a bed of green beans for an extra $3.

The crunchy masala fries ($6) are another fusion favorite. Drizzled in barbecue sauce and sprinkled with fresh diced white onions and jalapeño slices, these are likely to be a big hit for spice lovers as well.

Photo by Stefan Modrich Shown is the mango lassi from Cowboys & Indians, 519 Shepherd Dr.

It’s usually a smart move to counter dishes with high heat with a refreshingly cool beverage, and the mango lassi ($5), a thick and smooth yogurtbased beverage, fits the bill perfectly. This non-alcoholic drink is garnished with a tajin and salt-style rim that you’d usually see on a margarita. It has a faint sweetness and is better for not being drowned

Cowboys & Indians Address: 519 Shepherd Dr. Dining Options: Dine-in, takeout Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday Entree prices: $9.99-$18.55 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Alcohol: Yes Healthy options: Butter paneer ($15.65) Star of the show: Naan 65 Quesadilla Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bites

Nibbles & Sips: Foodie Barr to hold grand opening Saturday

By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com

A popular food truck is putting down brick-andmortar roots in the Heights.

The Foodie Barr, which serves Louisiana-style Cajun and Creole cuisine, is holding its grand opening at 4 p.m. Saturday at 2155 N. Durham Dr., owner Charles Barr announced Monday in a Facebook post.

Barr and his wife, Silver, are special needs teachers hailing from Bunkie, Louisiana. They opened their food truck in 2020, and their unique menu attracted a following of foodies across the Houston area.

Barr said the Foodie Barr’s menu includes popular items like the steak and lobster beignet Monte Cristo, the shrimp and lobster baked potato soup, chicken wings and peach cobbler or red velvet waffles for dessert.

The Foodie Barr is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 1-7 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 832-831-7601.

Yum Cha coming to M-K-T A Chinatown favorite is setting up shop at the M-K-T development later this year.

Yum Cha, 600 N. Shepherd Dr. Ste. 458, is planning to open its third Houston-area location this fall, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

The Chinese teahouse serves boba teas, cookies and other made-to-order sweet breads and pastries.

Construction at the 1,157-square foot space is scheduled to run from March 15-Sept. 15 at an estimated cost of $130,000.

For more information, call 832-288-7135.

Zoe’s Kitchen on Washington rebranding to Cava A long-held plan of Cava, a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant, is starting to take shape in Houston.

Cava, which acquired Zoe’s Kitchen in 2018, according to a report from Nation’s Restaurant News, is converting many Zoe’s Kitchen locations into Cava restaurants, including one at 4000 Washington Ave. Ste. 101, according to a TDLR filing.

Renovations are scheduled to begin May 1 on the 2,762-square foot space and expected to be completed

by July 1 at an estimated cost of $175,000.

For more information, call 212-725-9530.

Photo from Facebook The Foodie Barr, which serves Louisiana-style Cajun and Creole cuisine, is holding its grand opening at 4 p.m. Saturday at 2155 N. Durham Dr..

Contributed photo Cava, a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant, is converting several of the Zoe’s Kitchen locations the company acquired in 2018 into Cava locations, including this one along Washington Avenue.

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Your health is still important

Preferred Health

Seeing your doctor and staying healthy is smart — and safe For The Leader The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our community and reshaped how we get health care. While wearing masks and social distancing remain important moving forward, taking care of your ongoing health needs should also be a top priority. When you need care, it’s imperative to take action right away.

Postponing doctor visits or treatments may actually hurt your health in the long run. If you delay going to the doctor for minor problems like a rash, headache or persistent cough, these issues could become bigger problems requiring urgent attention.

Now is the time to be proactive about identifying health risks and following through on treatment plans.

It’s essential to continue with preventive care, including health screenings, vaccinations, medications and treatments, as recommended by your doctor.

Delaying screenings or ignoring health issues now could lead to more significant problems later on.

If you have a chronic condition, you should work with your doctor to maintain or improve your health. Managing your existing medical

conditions may help you be healthier and stronger if you need to overcome illness or infection in the future.

WE HAVE CAPACITY TO CARE FOR ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY Rest assured, the number of COVID patients in our hospitals has declined — and continues to do so. These patients continue to be quarantined, isolated from other patients, allowing us to treat everyone in our community who needs care — just as we always have.

You can be confident we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe during your visit, including: • Isolating COVID-19 patients from other patients • Screening all patients when scheduling appointments and upon arrival.

• Wearing masks and other personal protective equipment while providing patient care.

• Implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitizing processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces.

• Redesigning waiting rooms and check-in lines to ensure social distancing.

WAYS TO GET CARE Doctor appointments – Schedule a virtual video visit

Contributed photo Now is the time to be proactive about health risks and following through on treatment plans.

or in-person appointment with your primary care doctor or specialist. Simply call your doctor’s office or use the “Schedule an Appointment” button in MyChart. If you need to find a doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/finda-doctor or call 713.790.3333.

Virtual Urgent Care – Nonemergency urgent care is available 24/7 via video visit.

Download the MyMethodist app or visit houstonmethodist.org/virtual-care to learn more.

Same Day Clinics – Make an appointment at one of our same-day clinics if you’re feeling sick. Schedule by

phone at 713.394.6724 or visit houstonmethodist.org/ pcg/same-day-clinics to find a location.

Orthopedic Injury Clinics – Schedule a same-day appointment at your nearest orthopedic injury clinic. Visit houstonmethodist.org/orthoinjury-clinics for clinic locations.

Emergency Care – Open 24/7 to provide a full spectrum of medical services if you need emergency care.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/ er to find your nearest Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center or ER. E-visits – Same-day visits

DIRECTORY

for non-emergency urgent care through online messaging. Sign up for MyChart to get started, and then log in to complete an e-visit through MyChart. Visit mychart.houstonmethodist.org to log in or register.

KEEP YOURSELF IN THE KNOW Stay connected with Houston Methodist year-round for medical, health and wellness information to help you and your loved ones be healthy.

Our e-newsletter and blog cover current health and medical trends as well as timely, accurate and actionable information you can rely on, such as new treatments and upcoming events.

Visit houstonmethodist. org/blog to learn more about a wide range of topics, such as heartburn, injury prevention, COVID-19, stress and ways to boost your immune system. You can also visit houstonmethodist.org/blogstay-connected to sign up to receive the Houston Methodist On Health blog. Don’t worry. We will not sell your information, and you can opt out at any time.

By signing up at houstonmethodist.org/subscribe, you will receive information on upcoming events and health tips.

Doctor-recommended New Year’s resolutions to make today

By StatePoint While investing in your health and wellness can sound like an overwhelming goal, doctors say there are easy, tangible resolutions you can make to feel your best and better protect your health.

“A new year is the perfect time to consider your personal goals, and how you can make positive health choices in the coming year,” said Dr. Gerald E. Harmon, the president of the American Medical Association (AMA). “Small lifestyle changes today can have a lasting effect in improving your health.”

Not sure where to start?

Consider these resolutions from the AMA:

1. Make sure your family is up-to-date on their vaccines, including the annual influenza vaccine for everyone age 6 months or older and the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone age 5 and older. Anyone with questions about the COVID-19 vaccines should speak with their physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.

2. Learn your risk for type 2 diabetes by taking a simple online, 2-minute selfscreening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Steps you take now can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

3. Be more physically active. Adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activ-

ity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

4. Know your blood pressure numbers. Take the time to visit ManageYourBP.org to better understand your numbers and take necessary steps to get high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension -- under control. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

5. Reduce your intake of processed foods, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Also reduce your consumption of sugarsweetened beverages and drink more water instead.

6. If your health care professional determines that you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed.

Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health problem

and antibiotics will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.

7. If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans -up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

8. Talk with your doctor about tobacco and nicotine use and quit. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.

9. If you are taking prescription opioids, follow your doctor’s instructions, store them safely to prevent diversion or misuse, and properly dispose of any leftover medication.

10. Manage stress. A good

COVID-19 vaccines, testing available locally as cases surge

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As the omicron variant has driven a surge of COVID-19 cases in the Houston region, there are several places for local residents and to get tested and vaccinated in the area.

More than 20 Houston Health Department sites offering vaccinations are operating this week, including the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center (6715 W. Montgomery Rd.), La Nueva Casa de Amigos Health Center (1809 North Main St.) and Northside Health Center (8504 Schuller Rd.). All three sites are open Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Doses of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available at the health department-affiliated sites.

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are autho-

rized for ages 18 and up, the city said, while the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for ages 5 and up.

There are free testing sites in the area as well. The Acres Homes Multi-Service Center is a testing site, as is the Fe Y Justicia Worker Center (1209 James St.) and United Memorial Medical Center-Tidwell (510 W. Tidwell Rd.). Community members can also go to Delmar Stadium, 2020 Mangum Rd., or First Transit, 5555 Deauville Plaza Dr., to get tested.

There have been 8,977 tests administered at Harris County-affiliated sites over the last week, according to the county’s COVID-19 dashboard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people who have symptoms and most people who had close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 be tested.

Community members can find site locations, schedules and appointment information by visiting HoustonHealth.

org or calling 832-393-4220.

As of Tuesday, there were 3,966 active COVID-19 cases in the six zip codes covered

by The Leader – 77007, 77008, 77009, 77018, 77091 and 77092 – an increase of more than 40 percent compared to a week earlier. There have been at least 312 deaths in local zip codes attributed to COVID-19 since the local onset of the pandemic.

Houston ISD had 501 active cases as of Tuesday - 314 of them students - according to the district’s online dashboard.

The state’s largest school district reported 143 active cases on Dec. 17, the last day before HISD’s winter break.

Oak Forest Elementary had the most active student cases among area schools with 11, according to the HISD data.

Waltrip and Scarborough high schools, Frank Black, Clifton and Hogg middle schools, and Garden Oaks Montessori and Wainwright elementaries also had active cases.

Chiropractic Care

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diet and daily exercise are key ingredients to maintaining and improving your mental health, but don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend or mental health professional when you need it.

If you don’t have health insurance, the AMA also encourages you to visit healthcare.gov to sign up for coverage. You may benefit from recent changes that improve access and affordability.

The deadline to enroll for 2022 coverage is Jan. 15.

More health resources and tips can be found by visiting ama-assn.org.

For a happy, healthy 2022 and beyond, consider making these 10 doctor-recommended New Year’s resolutions today.

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Page 2B • Saturday, January 8, 2022 • The Leader

Set ‘SMART’ goals for the new year

By Shana Tatum RD, LD, IFMCP www.shanatatumrd.com

As the new year begins, we hear so much about resolutions, “New year, new you,” and how we must make changes, be better and improve.

It’s true that a new year brings a marker of a change.

But we succumb to the “fresh start effect” that usually begins with a bang but fizzles out as weeks pass by.

New Year’s resolution research from the December 2020 PLOS One journal has shown that when participants had “approach centered goals” compared to “avoidance oriented goals” they had significantly better outcomes.

In addition, those that were offered some support also reported improved outcomes.

You may have heard of SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-based. These can be useful to help as you identify behavior change.

First, identify your health

Tatum

goal or behavior change lose weight, eat breakfast, get consistent sleep or run a 5K, for example. Once you are clear on that, you can break down the steps. It’s important to remember not to focus on restriction, be aware of any critical tendencies and to remember that change is rarely an all-or-nothing event.

Spending some time on understanding your “why” for the change can also be quite motivating, so don’t skip this

step.

Specific: This step is designed to decide and define.

The more defined, the clearer you can be with yourself and take the steps to get it done.

- I am going to eat one new vegetable each week for four weeks.

- I will pack my lunch for work for three days for this next week.

Measurable: To see success and be motivated to continue, we need to be able to measure what we said we wanted to do and what we have completed. Small improvements really count, so don’t overlook these.

- I will drink one extra water bottle each day for the next seven days.

- I will do yoga two nights this week after dinner.

Attainable: With the new year, a common mistake I see patients make is to take on too many new changes at once. Be realistic in what you can achieve and be prepared with the right tools to meet your new goals. Don’t forget

you can engage help. It is encouraged!

- Do you have childcare or a ride to attend that yoga class?

- Do you have food containers to pack your lunches?

Realistic: Do you believe you can achieve this goal? We know how powerful the mind can be. There is a balance between what you know you can do and stretching yourself a little. Use that power to your full advantage.

- I will reduce my hemoglobin A1C by two points in two months by walking 15 minutes after lunch and dinner and packing my lunch for work three days a week.

- I will learn the warrior pose by practicing yoga three times per week for two months.

Time based: Define your time frame to achieve your goal. This can be easier if you have an event for which you are preparing, such as a race or a wedding. Choose a date that requires some focus. It can be very motivating

to keep a calendar to better prepare for the time needed to reach your goal. Mark off your success as you go.

- By March 31, I will be running three miles three days per week.

- By Dec. 31, I will lose 50 pounds by reducing carbohydrates to 25 percent of my

calories and exercising four days per week for 30 minutes.

Let the new year bring you some time to focus on what you think is important and how you want to live. Let these SMART goals be your positive next steps in 2022.

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July 8, 1935 - December 2, 2021 ong time Oak Forest resident Allen D. Roberts passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021.

Allen was born July 8. 1935 to Vern and Estalee Roberts in Newton, Kansas.

Allen is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Virginia Roberts, son, Allen Roberts Jr. and wife Brenda; daughters Cheryl Roberts and Kimberly Nemec and husband John.

Grandchildren, Hillary Roberts, Blake Roberts and Abigail Nemec. Great-grandson, Dean Roberts.

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Allen was very proud of his service in the U.S. Marine Corp. He was always ready to talk about his military memories.

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Allen will be missed but will be “Forever in Our Hearts”.

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The Leader • Saturday, January 8, 2022 • Page 3B

Can animals be Bricklive Houston brings allergic to humans? Lego safari to Timbergrove

would be considered environmental allergies. Just like animals, humans also have dander (ever heard of dandruff ?

Yep, same thing) and often animals may react to inhaling or ingesting human dander.

Dear Tabby, We noticed something odd over the Christmas holiday. When our adult son came to visit, our cat started sneezing more and coughing a bit. Is it possible that our cat is allergic to our son?

Allergic to Family in Forest West Dear Allergic to Family, While we all know that it’s common for humans to be allergic to dogs and cats, few know that the opposite can also be true -- yes, animals can be allergic to humans. Thankfully, the allergic reaction that pets might have to humans is rarely threatening and only causes them mild discomfort.

But this begs the question: How is this possible?

Three types of allergies Pets typically suffer from one of three types of allergies: Flea allergies, food allergies and environmental allergies.

What your cat likely experienced when your son visited

Feline asthma could be culprit Pets are very often blamed for human asthma, but the truth is that asthma is quite common in cats as well and can be caused by human dander. Most of the time, feline asthma is mild, but in extreme cases, it can cause a lung to collapse and ribs to break.

Eliminate possibility of other allergens Initially, your question stumped me, because I had not ever considered that animals could be allergic to humans. What I learned in researching this topic, though, is that it is possible, but rarely do animals have a severe enough reaction that you might notice.

What I can’t help but wonder is if a different environmental allergen might be what is actually causing your cat’s reaction. Since your son visited at Christmas, there is a chance you had a Christmas tree and lots of extra (dust magnet) decor in the home.

You might have also had fresh cut greenery used for decorations.

Before you decide that your son can’t come to visit any more because your cat is allergic to him, see if your cat’s allergies don’t seem to improve once all of the Christmas decor has been taken down and you’ve had a chance to clean the house of all of the allergens that are often in the air this time of the year. I’d be willing to bet that what your cat reacted to is something much more common -- like dust or mold, than a reaction to your son.

If you eliminate the other possible allergens in your home and your cat reacts the next time your son visits, don’t worry. This is not cause for alarm. If your cat is indeed allergic to your son, consider keeping them away from each other during his visit and wash all bedding that he used as soon as possible after he leaves. This will help to eliminate as much of his dander in your home as possible and keep the peace between your kitty and your kiddo!

Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabby questions@gmail.com.

Pet of the Week Meet Virginia Virginia is a 1-year-old sweetheart who came into the shelter with her litter of four kittens. Virginia had a rough life on the streets trying to keep her babies safe (which she did well and now, they have all gone on to their new homes!), so it took her a minute to come out of her shell, but now she is very friendly and sweet. Yes, Virginia, there IS a family just right for you. Could it be you? To learn more, go to www.friends4life.org.

By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com

If you’re looking to get an impressionistic glimpse of some of nature’s biggest and most impressive creatures on both land and sea, check out the Bricklive Houston: Animal Paradise exhibit at Railway Heights Market, 8200 W. Washington Ave. Ste. 300.

On display are life-sized models of tigers, polar bears, penguins and more. Yes, they are made from thousands of Lego pieces, and yes, Beth Fahey of Easy Park (which owns the property that Railway Heights Market sits on) told me, you can touch them. But please don’t attempt to climb or sit on top of them, she said.

When I headed out there last Sunday, I was greeted outside the entrance by a Lego statue of a giraffe towering over the market, then by Fahey and then a tiger guarding the entrance to the exhibit indoors. A few feet away is a more menacing-looking tiger standing on two feet and ready to pounce.

The exhibit contains more than 25 animal models as well as two stations set up for kids to build their own Lego creations.

As anyone who has ever built a Lego set of more than 100 pieces knows, it takes some serious dedication to craft these massive plastic statues.

A mother black bear and her cub, for example, required more than 86,000 bricks, six builders and 382 hours of assembly. That Lego creation alone weighs nearly 800 pounds. Each display has a sign identifying the aforementioned information for each Lego animal.

I was also captivated by a large Lego exploration ship

GOOFy GETTING

in the

Stefan Modrich

GREATER HEIGHTS See related video at

theleadernews.com near the end of the exhibit, a nearly 6-foot-long scale model of the sort of oceanic research vessel that is used to map the ocean and explore the depths of the seas.

It was there where I met Marlon and Jeyney Zelaya, a Katy couple with two young children who were visiting Bricklive for the first time.

They were struck by how detailed and painstakingly rendered the animals were.

“It just shows how talented people are,” Marlon said.

“Spending hours and hours to

build these. That takes imagination and patience.”

Jeyney said her youngest son, 2, is too small to safely play with Legos, but her 4-year-old was excited to see examples of Legos being built on a much larger scale than the sets that most kids play with at home.

“He’s able to connect with it,” she said, “and learn about the animals in a cool way.”

The exhibit is open from 1-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through April 30.

For more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/ bricklive-houston-animalparadise-railway-heights-tickets-180268988397 or contact Fahey at beth@myparkeasy. com.

Photo by Stefan Modrich Bricklive Houston: Animal Paradise is an exhibition of life-sized depictions of animals constructed out of thousands of Lego pieces, like this tiger. The exhibit runs until April 30.

Local hoops teams enjoy strong showings at holiday tournaments

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As the 2021 portion of the schedule came to a close last week, several local high school basketball teams had strong showings at their respective holiday tournaments before turning their eyes to district play.

In public school action, the Booker T. Washington boys team went 3-1 at the Brazosport ISD Tournament Dec. 28-29. The Golden Eagles split a pair of games on Dec. 28, dropping an 86-63 decision to Dallas Lake Highlands before beating Katy Cinco Ranch 67-63. They then swept a pair of games against Brazosport (82-79) and Angleton (88-71) on Dec. 29.

Chris McDermott had 47 points along with 13 rebounds, nine steals and four blocked shots for the Golden Eagles (14-4) against Angleton in notching his 15th double-double of the season, while Sam Johnson had 12 points and eight rebounds. Johnson also had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds against Brazosport, and Kenneth Lewis poured in 29 points against Cinco Ranch.

The Heights Bulldogs are 7-9 on the season after splitting a pair of games at the VYPE Houston Classic last week, defeating Fort Bend Austin 50-48 on Dec. 28 before dropping a 95-46 decision to Houston Christian on Dec. 29.

Waltrip snapped an eight-game losing

streak with a 56-39 win over Baytown Lee on Dec. 30, moving to 3-10 on the season.

The St. Thomas Eagles took second place in the Houston Private School Classic at Second Baptist School from Dec. 28-30. They took down Frassati Catholic 70-29 on Dec. 28 and McKinney Christian Academy 76-65 on Dec. 29 in pool play before falling 76-72 to Grace Christian Academy in the championship game.

Jake Pike had 27 points and 12 rebounds against McKinney Christian, while Evan Levy poured in 18 points. Pike then added 18 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks in the title game, and Ty Beston had 14 points and six rebounds.

The Lutheran High North Lions swept through tournament play Dec. 28-31, defeating Lubbock Roosevelt (78-43), Forsan (7044) and Ropes (77-41) to improve to 14-4 on the season.

St. Pius X lost both games of the Houston Private School Classic, falling to 4-7 on the season.

Girls St. Pius X was the only local girls team in action last week, going 2-2 at the Lake Travis Holiday Tournament on Dec. 27-28 to improve to 13-6 on the season. Zachara Perkins scored 33 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in a 64-31 win over Buda Johnson on Dec. 28, while Erica D’Souza had a seasonhigh 21 points along with three rebounds.

Photo from Twitter Booker T. Washington High School’s Kenneth Lewis dunks the basketball during a game last season. Lewis and the Golden Eagles went 3-1 at the Brazosport ISD Tournament Dec. 28-29.

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THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, January 8, 2022 • Page 4B

Teenage girl reported missing Northline shooting sends from Acres Homes area teenage boy to hospital

By Adam Zuvanich

By Landan Kuhlmann

azuvanich@theleadernews.com

A 15-year-old girl has been reported missing from the Acres Homes area.

The Houston Police Department announced Dec. 31 that Ireyana Watts, who goes by the nickname Danise, was last seen Dec. 19 in the 7800 block of Knox Street. Watts is described

by HPD as Black with black hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion. She is 5-foot-3 and 120 pounds, according to HPD. Anyone with information about Watts or her where-

landan@theleadernews.com

Watts

abouts is encouraged to call HPD at 713-884-3131 or 832-394-1840.

A teenager was hospitalized last week after being shot in the arm in the Northline area, according to the Houston Police Department.

The victim, a 16-year-old boy, was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to HPD. Another boy, 15, was also at the scene and shot at, police said, but was uninjured.

HPD said officers responded to 8600 McGallion St. around 11 p.m. Wednes-

day, Dec. 29 in response to a shooting incident in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store. The victim was found at the nearby Oxford Apartments with a gunshot wound to his arm, according to a news release from the department.

There were no known suspects or motives in the incident, police said Dec. 30.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Major Assaults & Family Violence Division at 713-308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Police Reports • December 22 - January 3 DEC. 22

Theft 12 AM 600 BLOCK OXFORD Robbery 4 PM 700 BLOCK YALE

DEC. 23

Theft 6 PM 1800 BLOCK SHEPHERD Robbery 2 PM 3900 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Theft 9 PM 1200 BLOCK ASHLAND Theft 3 PM 1500 BLOCK SYLVESTER

DEC. 24

Assault 2 PM 400 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS

DEC. 25

Theft 2 PM 200 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS

DEC. 26

Theft 11 PM 2700 BLOCK AIRLINE Assault 9 AM 300 BLOCK VICTORIA

DEC. 27

Assault 8 AM 400 BLOCK ARLINGTON Theft 10 AM 2700 BLOCK OF HARVARD Theft 8 PM 1600 BLOCK N LOOP

DEC. 28

Theft 9 PM 4000 BLOCK

CORNELL Theft 4 AM 5000 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 5 AM 100 BLOCK E 39TH Assault 1 PM 5000 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS

DEC. 29

Assault 2 PM 900 BLOCK JEWETT Theft 8 AM 1600 BLOCK N LOOP Burglary 6 PM 1900 BLOCK LAWRENCE Theft 1 PM 500 BLOCK W 24TH Theft 8 PM 700 BLOCK W 26TH Theft 4 AM 800 BLOCK W 28TH Burglary 10 PM 1600 BLOCK NORTHWOOD Assault 9 AM 900 BLOCK W 30TH Theft 9 AM 700 BLOCK LAWRENCE Burglary 7 PM 600 BLOCK LINK Arrest 2 AM 4800 BLOCK KATY FWY Other 2 AM 4300 BLOCK YALE Assault 12 AM 7900 BLOCK N SHEPHERD

DEC. 30

Theft 12 AM 1400 BLOCK DIAN Theft 12 PM 900 BLOCK STUDEWOOD Theft 4 PM 400 BLOCK OXFORD Theft 2 PM 3500 BLOCK YALE Theft 4 PM 4800 BLOCK

MICHAUX Theft 12 PM 200 BLOCK W 38TH Theft 10 AM 1000 BLOCK SHELTERWOOD Assault 5 PM 3500 BLOCK BEAUCHAMP Arrest 12 AM 1800 BLOCK SHEPHERD

DEC. 31

Theft 6 PM 900 BLOCK JUDIWAY Assault 12 PM 1400 BLOCK STUDEWOOD Vandalism 6 PM 4200 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 8 PM 5100 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Theft 5 PM 200 BLOCK W 20TH Theft 2 AM 900 BLOCK HARVARD Vandalism 11 PM 700 BLOCK E 41ST Other 4 PM 300 BLOCK GARDEN OAKS BLVD Burglary 5 AM 900 BLOCK JUDIWAY Arrest 2 AM 700 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS

JAN. 1

Other 3 AM 300 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS Assault 8 PM 800 BLOCK E 32ND Arrest 3 AM 1200 BLOCK NORTH FWY Assault 1 AM 1300 BLOCK STOKES

Arrest 1 AM 1300 BLOCK STOKES Assault 3 AM 1400 BLOCK JUDIWAY Vandalism 6 AM 00 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Arrest 3 AM 1000 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Assault 4 PM 500 BLOCK THORNTON

JAN. 2

Theft 1 PM 1500 BLOCK N LOOP Assault 6 AM 2800 BLOCK YALE Theft 10 AM 500 BLOCK W 38TH Theft 4 AM 700 BLOCK W COTTAGE Arrest 4 PM 100 BLOCK E 45TH Theft 2 PM 2800 BLOCK KATY FWY

JAN. 3

Theft 5 PM 400 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 10 AM 1200 BLOCK NICHOLSON Theft 5 PM 1400 BLOCK N LOOP Other 3 PM 7800 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Assault 4 PM 2900 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Vandalism 7 PM 1500 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

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