Leader November 13

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Heights mourns death of student at festival

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The Heights High School community is grieving the loss of a student who was among the eight people who died Friday night at a musical festival headlined by Houston rapper Travis Scott.

Brianna Rodriguez, 16, was among those killed during the crowd’s surge toward the stage at Astroworld Festival, held at NRG Park, according to information released Monday

by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. The eight people who died were between ages 14 and 27, while several hundred others were injured during the tragedy, which has prompted an investigation by authorities as well as lawsuits filed against Scott, fellow performer Drake and event organizers.

In a recorded phone message sent last weekend to parents and guardians, the text of which was provided to

The Leader by Houston ISD, Heights High School principal Wendy Hampton said a student had died Nov. 5 while off campus.

“As you can imagine, this is a terribly difficult time for our school community,” Hampton said in the message. “As such, counselors will be available on campus to provide support to students and staff and answer any questions they might have.

They will remain available for Photo from GoFundMe.com as long as they are needed.”

Brianna Rodriguez, foreground, a member of the dance team See Rodriguez P. 4A

at Heights High School, was among the eight people who died Nov. 5 at the Astroworld Festival held at NRG Park.

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INSIDE. Top photo contributed, bottom photo by Stefan Modrich A fire started Oct. 31 at Henderson Heights Pub, 908 Henderson St., after a cigarette ignited the wooden siding of the 106-yearold building, according to owner Megan Long and the Houston Fire Department.

Neighborhood bar fire sparks outpouring of support

By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com

Inching ahead. The city’s plan for the 11th Street Bikeway continues to progress.

Page 4A

Fore! The PGA Tour’s Houston Open is being played this week at Memorial Park Golf Course.

Page 6B

THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 4A Classifieds.............................................. 5A Coupons. ................................................. 7B Food/Drink............................................. 7A Obituaries.............................................. 4A Opinion. ................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 8B Puzzles...................................................... 3A

Security guard shot during robbery sues businesses

Since Megan Long opened Henderson Heights Pub in 2016 at 908 Henderson St. in the Sixth Ward, she has sought to make her business a destination for people in her community to watch sports, celebrate birthdays and anniversaries and commiserate with friends and neighbors over beers.

“We’re very much a neighborhood bar,” Long said. “All of our customers were super loyal. It wasn’t a nightclub vibe. We knew everybody by name.”

On the evening of Oct. 31, patrons gathered to celebrate Halloween and watch the Houston Astros in Game 5 of the World Series. But around 10 p.m., smoke began wafting from the siding of the building and it was quick-

ly engulfed in flames.

No injuries resulted from the blaze, which caused an estimated $60,000 in damages, according to the Houston Fire Department. HFD spokesperson Alicia Breaux said the fire “was determined to be accidental caused by carelessly discarded smoking material.”

Long met with insurance adjusters Nov. 4 and said the damage was sufficient enough that a complete demolition of the 106-year-old building will be necessary. She said she plans to rebuild and reopen the bar on the same property, which is owned by Robert C. Mize, according to the Harris County Appraisal District website.

Mize could not be reached for comment.

“We were just coming out of COVID and worked hard to stay open,”

Long said. “So I’m in shock that this happened after we worked so hard to come back. Most of my staff said watching the fire was hard. It’s a blur to me, honestly. (Halloween) night was wild. (The staff said) I just crumbled on the ground and just sat there and cried and watched.”

Long said a cigarette was tossed at the pub’s wooden siding on the eastfacing portion of the building. Instead of bouncing off, the cigarette was caught on the wooden siding.

“It started with just smoke in the walls,” Long said, “as opposed to just immediately flaming due to the siding. My customers and my staff didn’t even see the flames until it got to the second story. By then it had caught oxygen and air and it was up in flames See Fire P. 5A

Brian Williams accepted a job as a security guard for the Five Guys restaurant at the northeast corner of North Shepherd Drive and Loop 610.

Two years after the off-duty constable’s deputy was shot in the arm during a robbery at the hamburger chain, he is suing the franchisee and the parent corporation – as well as the property owner, property management company and real estate developer – for allegedly creating a dangerous environment that led to the crime and his injury.

Williams, a 41-year-old Tomball resident who according to his attorney continues to work as a deputy for the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office, filed his civil lawsuit Oct. 15 in Harris County District Court and is seeking more than $1 million in damages. Attorney William G. Hagans of Houston law firm Hagans Montgomery Hagan said his client was shot in the right forearm on the night of Oct. 16, 2019, while in the dimly lit parking lot outside Five Guys, 2902 N. Shepherd Dr. Hagans said Williams does not plan to sue Keith Lamar Thomas, 27, who pleaded guilty to the robbery and shooting in March and was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, according to a report by Houston television station ABC13.

“There’s the act itself that happened.

See Lawsuit P. 5A

Photo from Facebook An off-duty constable’s deputy who was shot during a 2019 robbery while working as a security guard for Five Guys, 2902 N. Shepherd Dr., has sued the restaurant and property owners over the incident and is seeking more than $1 million in damages.

Bond with service dog helps Army vet blend coffee with community

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Chris McLean’s post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) did not come from fighting overseas – rather it came as the result of suffering from the severe neuropathy in his legs that has plagued him for more than 25 years.

But he said it never dampened his desire to serve his country. And Contributed photo even though he has never been Patriot Knife Coffee owner and U.S. Army Reserve able to serve in a conflict, he still veteran Chris McLean, right, poses for a photo with strives to help those soldiers at home and in combat through his his service dog Bailey.

coffee shop.

A big part of that desire is shaped by the influence of his service dog, a black Labrador named Bailey.

“I have to say, she pretty much saved me,” said the 57-year-old McLean, who served in the Army Reserve from 1987-95 and owns Patriot Knife Coffee Shop at 5200 Mitchelldale St., just west of Shepherd Forest.

McLean said his niece gave Bailey to him last year in the midst of struggles with the shop and personal grief after losing two dogs

in the span of about three months.

Little did he know, Bailey would soon become a savior of sorts for McLean.

He said he once grew six-anda-half inches in three months as a kid, and the veins in his legs never caught up – resulting in nerve pain and open sores on his legs that have caused him severe pain and suffering for nearly three decades. Last year, he said severe chest pains made him schedule multiple doctors’ visits thinking he was having a heart attack. But See McLean P. 5A

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Page 2A • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • The Leader

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THE TOPICS. THE READER. Strike up the ban The Leader • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • Page 3A

THE LIBRARY – “’At the Edge of the Universe.’ Sounds like something from the Flat Earth Society. ‘Gravity.’ Very suspicious. Here’s another one. ‘Life in Outer Space.’’

First Librarian, wiping the sweat off his face: “This is gonna take all year.” Second Librarian: “I worry about all those kids at the front desk trying to check out books. Still, we have our priorities.” Thus it is in school libraries throughout Texas. Our librarians have been given a few days to go throughout their entire stock to see if their shelves contain any books on a 16-page list of 849 titles. Why? Because a Texas lawmaker may initiate an investigation into Texas school districts to see if their libraries carry certain books on a range of subjects from human sexuality to systemic racism.

The General Investigating Committee chair, Rep. Matt Krause, Republican from Fort Worth, wrote to the Texas Education Agency and a select group of superintendents, “The committee may initiate inquiries concerning any ‘matter the committee considers necessary for the information of the legislature or for the welfare and protection of state citizens,’” That “may” part of the letter sounds intimidating. The committee has subpoena power and could exercise it. Disobeying a subpoena could lead librarians to be prosecuted for being in contempt, which is punishable by up to a year in prison.

First Convict: “I’m doing time for murder, arson, treason and armed robbery. And you?”

Second Convict: “I didn’t include ‘Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe’ on our library list.”

As for the “protection of state citizens,” the order requires thousands of our school librarians to stop whatever tasks they may have – like helping our school children get their books – and pluck out the dangerous tomes. No doubt they are listed on computers, maybe not. Some of our smaller and poorer districts probably don’t have an abacus or the Dewey Decimal System, much less computers. Even those schools which are so fortunate to scan for scandals still need to type in 849 titles to determine what they have. It gets worse. The school districts only have until Nov. 12 to respond to questions about how many copies of the books on the list they have, at which campuses and how much the books cost.

San Antonio’s Northside ISD spokesman said the district “has not had sufficient time to fully review the request nor have we begun to compile information.” The Austin school district will not comply with the order. “After doing more legal research, we’ve decided that a response is not necessary, especially since anyone can search our library catalogs,” said a district spokesman.

First Librarian: How much did ‘Polar Bears Explorers’ Club’ cost? We bought it twenty years ago.”

Second Librarian: “I don’t

Lynn Ashby Columnist

know. Look under the Animal Section. And be sure to count the copies.”

First Librarian: “Do we have a copy of ‘Real Talk About Sex and Consent: What Every Teenager Needs to Know’?”

Second Librarian; “It’s been checked out, and there’s a waiting list.”

Krause, a founding member of the hardline conservative House Freedom Caucus, is running in the Republican primary for Texas attorney general. That’s a crowded field of GOPers looking to oust the officeholder Ken Paxton, who has a problem with ethics. So Krause is pandering to the very, very far right to get attention. And it’s working. We are talking about him right now. He was first elected to the Texas House in 2012.

It’s his first year chairing the General Investigating Committee, which usually looks into alleged misconduct by lawmakers or their staff. Much of the committee’s work is kept confidential, but now Krause seems to have expanded his investigation and keeps his work only confidential from committee members.

Democrats on the committee, including its vice-chair, Rep. Victoria Neave, a Dallas Democrat, said they were not consulted before the letter went out and do not endorse its contents. Neave said she learned about it from a local school district official.

Perhaps Rep. Krause could get better results if he followed the example of Gov. Greg Abbott and offered a $10,000 bounty for anyone who helps a student check out one of the books on the list.

Maybe a parent who drives his or her child to school or has one of these books at home.

Or reads.

This book-banning is only the latest kerfuffle to damage Texas’ public schools (which, according to US News & World Report, ranks 34th among the states in education). It comes months after the state Legislature passed laws, and Gov. Abbott signed, banning “critical race theory” from the classroom, even though it is not taught in K-12 classes. Now it’s books. At Katy ISD, officials had withheld a book — “New Kid” by author Jerry Craft — and postponed a Zoom speaking engagement by Craft while the book was under review. It has since been reinstated, and the event was rescheduled.

Spring Branch ISD banned a children’s graphic novel, that features a transgender character, from all of its elementary school libraries after a parent filed a complaint about it.

Carroll ISD trustees voted to reprimand a teacher after parents complained that a fourthgrade student brought home “This Book is Anti-Racist.”

The situation must be tricky in the Carroll ISD. An adminis-

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trator suggested that if classrooms had books about the Holocaust then they needed books with opposing views. So check out “Mein Kampf.” In recent months, school board meetings have been embroiled in debates over curriculum and books appropriate for students. There have been shouting matches, demonstrations and even fist fights.

First School Board Member: “What a meeting. This was a tough one.”

Second School Board Member: “I’m going to my car. Cover me.”

Finally, we might ask why Krause, a little-known lawmaker citing a little-known law, has used his position as chairman of the General Investigating Committee to launch such a crusade against school books? Did I mention that he is running in the Republican primary for Texas attorney general?

Ashby reads at ashby2@comcast.net

Supreme by any other name Dear Editor: Regarding “Supreme Sandwiches still a local legend” (Nov. 6): This great deli in the 1970s was named “Supreme Meats,” and did robust business thanks to numerous oil-boom companies occupying that Jester/ Loop vicinity. The owners probably never knew their place was widely, roundly, affectionately and benignly called “Meat World.” (P.S. As for the “Woman inadvertently shot in foot while lending a hand” in the Mangum

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Manor area, the indicated site -- the “intersection of Watonga Boulevard and West 34th Street” -- does not exist. Watonga ends where it hits Mangum, which does intersect 34th another block south. However, confusion in the fog of firearms conflict likely to arise when two women are loading a big TV into a car is wholly understandable.)

J. Reynolds Local middle schools temporarily locked down over social media

Local business is our business.

Send your story of interest

threat Dear Editor: “Lockdown” is a term used in prisons. It should not be used on the general public, especially children in schools. This use of prison terms started in 2020 in regards to the pandemic - it has an unpleasant psychological effect. The truth is, it is not legal, nor lawful to contain or hold down a free person (lockdown) against their will - even if “someone” saw a random post on social media.

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Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Acquired knowledge of 7. Brief appearances 13. Owns a ranch 14. Goes by 16. Potato state 17. Inappropriate 19. Millihenry 20. Treasuries 22. Crony 23. Norse god 25. Accidentally lose 26. Allied H.Q. 28. Shiva’s first wife 29. Earth System Model 30. Sandy island 31. Cam NewtonÕs dance 33. Nigerian people 34. A ridge on nematodes 36. ___ Creed: profession of faith 38. Gulf of, in the Aegean 40. Expresses anger 41. Emerges 43. WWII battle 44. Wrestlers work here 45. Not happy 47. Measure of speed 48. A way to communicate

(abbr.)

51. Gemstone 53. Metric weight unit 55. Region 56. Guides projectileÕs motion 58. Not involved with 59. Cosmetics giant 60. Exclamation of surprise 61. No fighting 64. Tantalum 65. Optimistic 67. Herbs 69. Categorized 70. A famous street

dOwn 1. Madames 2. Printing measurement 3. Being in a position 4. Genus 5. Post-deduction amount 6. Champs get this 7. Single-__ organisms 8. Greatest boxer ever 9. Buddhist concept 10. Fencing swords 11. Operating system 12. Musical interval 13. Soldier’s tool 15. Places of worship

18. Supervises flying 21. Offers help 24. Precaution 26. Car mechanics group 27. Devotee of sports 30. Detectives get these 32. Coming into existence 35. Loss of signal (abbr.)

37. Feline 38. Decorative tea urn 39. Native Americans from Colorado 42. Resembles a pouch 43. Type of home (abbr.)

46. Cut a rug 47. Devil rays 49. Simmer 50. Veranda 52. Outcast 54. Famed aircraft engineer 55. Realm 57. Chair 59. Music awards show (abbr.)

62. Did not starve 63. Was once liquid 66. Former Cardinal Taguchi 68. Trademark

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • The Leader

County sets dates for runoff election

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Harris County has set its runoff election date for Dec. 11, when races for two local seats on the Houston ISD Board of Education will be among those on the ballot.

District I incumbent Elizabeth Santos, who serves HISD schools in the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and Northside areas, will compete in a runoff against Janette Garza Lindner, a Travis Elementary parent who works as a consultant in the energy industry. Also set for a runoff is the District VII race between incumbent Anne Sung, who serves Sinclair Elementary in the Timbergrove neighborhood, and Bridget Wade.

Early voting for the runoff is scheduled for Nov. 29-Dec. 7. Polling places across the

county will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Dec. 11 and during most of early voting, with polls open from noon-7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5.

Santos, who first was elected in 2017, received 41.5 percent of the 9,443 votes cast on either Nov. 2 or during early voting leading up to Election Day. Garza Lindner received 35 percent of the vote in a three-person race that also included Matias Kopinsky, who did not qualify for the runoff.

Wade, a former private-school board member and PTO president at an HISD elementary school, was the leading vote-getter in District VII with 41 percent of the 14,829 votes cast in the four-candidate race. Sung, first elected to the HISD board in 2016, was second with 36.7 percent of the vote.

Santos

Garza Lindner

Sung

Wade

Local community banks agree to merge

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Two regional banks with a total of three branches in the area, one of which has deep local roots, are joining forces.

Allegiance Bank and CommunityBank of Texas have agreed to a merger of equals that aims to boost their profile in the industry while maintaining their community-oriented focus, the financial institutions announced Monday.

The merger is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2022, at which point the combined company will be rebranded.

“In the short term, nothing will change,” Allegiance Bank CEO Ray Vitulli wrote in a Monday email to customers.

Photo by Adam Zuvanich A woman on a bicycle waits to cross 11th Street at its intersection with Nicholson Street in the Heights.

Tweaks to 11th Street plan to be discussed at upcoming meeting

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The 11th Street Bikeway, which figures to transform transportation on one of the busiest thoroughfares in the Heights, continues to inch toward fruition.

The City of Houston is scheduled to provide an update on the project, which first was unveiled to the public in March 2019, during a virtual meeting of the Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16. Community members wishing to participate can obtain a meeting link by emailing ghsnc.sn15@gmail.com.

The design phase is 60 percent complete and expected to approach 90 percent “within the next couple weeks,” said Lauren Grove, a senior staff analyst for Houston Public Works. She is spearheading the project, which calls for multimodal traffic reconfigurations on a 1.5-mile stretch of 11th Street between North Shepherd Drive to the west and Michaux Street to the east, along with managing engineer Ian Hlavacek.

“We are scheduled for construction in January of 2022,” Grove said Tuesday. “So it’s coming up quick.”

The plan for the bikeway, which is being funded by the Houston Bike Plan and aims to make the area safer and more accessible for cyclists,

is largely unchanged since the city held its last public engagement meeting about it last December. Protected bicycle lanes will be installed on both sides of 11th throughout the entire stretch, with median refuge islands planned for the intersections of 11th and Nicholson Street – where the Heights Hike-and-Bike Trail crosses 11th – as well as Michaux and White Oak Drive to the south near Stude Park.

The project also calls for a “road diet” that will reduce the number of vehicle lanes along 11th, where there are now two lanes going in each direction. Instead, there will be one lane in each direction for vehicles, with a center, left-turn lane east of Yale Street and a solid concrete median west of Yale. Left turns will mostly be prohibited between Yale and Shepherd to the west, except at the intersections of Lawrence and Rutland streets, and they also will be eliminated at the intersection of 11th and Heights Boulevard to the east.

Grove said the recent changes to the plan are the extension of the bikeway all the way west to Shepherd – where it will link up with a broader infrastructure overhaul planned for Shepherd and Durham Drive – and a shared space for drivers and cyclists along Michaux from 11th to Stude Park. Dedicated bike lanes were previously earmarked for that stretch of Michaux, where

D I R E CTO RY

According to an Instagram post by the Heights RedCoats dance team, a candlelight vigil and balloon release in memory of Rodriguez was scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Heights High School track, with attendees encouraged to wear pink and white.

Pink ribbons were tied around trees surrounding the campus at 413 E. 13th St., where pink balloons also were displayed in honor of Rodriguez.

“It’s really sad to see an

angel go away from our school,” Heights student Jessi Martinez told Fox 26 Houston.

A GoFundMe account ( h t t p s : / / w w w. g o f u n d m e. com/f/m69j8z-funeral-expenses) set up to help Rodriguez’s family with funeral expenses had raised more than $69,000 as of Wednesday.

Scott has pledged to cover all funeral costs for the eight people who died at his festival, according to multiple news reports.

The relative who set up the

GoFundMe page described Rodriguez as a “beautiful, vibrant, 16-year-old high school junior.”

The Heights High School band said Nov. 6 on Twitter that Rodriguez performed with the band and “could always make anyone smile.”

“Dancing was her passion and now she’s dancing her way to heaven’s pearly gates,” reads the GoFundMe page set up for Rodriguez’s family.

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In light of theSunday COVID-19 outbreak, please check with church below for updated St.each James Lutheran Church, ELCA Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am Morning Worship ............... 10:45am • Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am - 11:00am information Wednesday about services and events.

In-person services are temporarily restricted.

Bible Studies For Youth, Children • Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm MANNA

CommunityBank shareholders will own about 46 percent.

“We are committed to the idea that the Houston region needs a financial institution with significant scale that operates with the culture of a community bank and local decision making led by banking professionals with deep experience,” said CommunityBank CEO, chairman and president Bob Franklin, who will be the CEO of the combined company. “The combination enhances our ability to deliver for our communities, shareholders, customers and employees in a better way than either company could achieve alone and gives us the ability to compete in the next generation of banking.”

Rodriguez, from P. 1A

Grove said comparatively low vehicle speeds and traffic volumes make them unnecessary.

She also said it was recently discovered that the 1,100-foot section of 11th between Michaux and Studewood Street to the west is too narrow to accommodate a center, left-turn lane. The city will seek input from community members as well as businesses on that stretch while coming up with another way to provide a barrier between lanes of traffic, Grove said, with a concrete barrier being an option.

The original plan called for a center, left-turn throughout the project area, but it was discovered last year that the stretch of 11th between Shepherd and Yale is too narrow for that. Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council president Mark Williamson said he was disappointed in that development and also doesn’t like the idea of eliminating all left turns at the intersection of 11th and Heights Boulevard, where an esplanade with a jogging trail runs north and south.

“After that meeting (Nov. 16), the project may change again,” Grove said. “We don’t know yet.”

For more project details and to submit feedback to the city, visit https://www.letstalkhouston.org/11th-streetbikeway.

Follow Adam Zuvanich on Twitter @AZuvanich

CHURCH

“Longer term, we are creating a stronger organization with enhanced abilities to provide an even better banking experience.”

Allegiance Bank, which was founded in the area in 2007, has a Heights office at 2222 N. Durham Dr. and a North Loop office at 1405 North Loop West. CommunityBank of Texas has a local branch at 6226 Washington Ave. Suite 100.

The combined franchise will have more than $11 billion in assets, making it well-positioned for future growth and performance, according to a joint news release.

Once the merger is complete, Allegiance shareholders will own approximately 54 percent of the company, while

IN MEMORIAM

REED DARWIN ARNEY

December 4, 1940 November 7, 2021 Born near Durango, Texas, to Luther Frank and Lona Dickey Arney.

Survived by: daughter, Alissa Dawn and husband, David Stolz; grandson, Steven Kyle Stolz; special friends, former wife Sharon Motl Arney and her fiancé,Butch Camp; sisters, Elaine Morgan, Linda Werner, Barbara Arnett and husband, John; numerous nephews and nieces; and aunt, Mary Jaster of Waco, TX.

GET Count OVER IT!Your Blessings

t goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: “we have all made mistakes.” As Alexander Pope so aptly put it: “To err is human, to forgive, divine.” We should remember this the next time we make a mistake. Most certainly, we must learn from our mistakes, and hopefully not continue to repeat them, but we should also forgive ourselves. While it can be hard enough to forgive others for their mistakes, it can sometimes feel almost impossible to forgive ourselves.

We sometimes cannot bring ourselves to forgive something we’ve done, and we may punish and harangue ourselves for years, or even decades, over youthful indiscretions. In addition, some of us may not be able to forget the sins of our past. And although that may prevent us from repeating them, we must be charitable and forgive ourselves, just as we should forgive others. So, we should make a real effort in the coming days and weeks to forgive the offenses of others as well as our own. Sometimes, it helps to just forget about them; that is, to try to put them out of our mind and stop repeatedly mulling over them. One of the reasons we use the phrase “forgive and forget” is because sometimes that is the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting. But far better, and more divine, is to be able to forgive even while remembering the offense. So, we should let go of those unforgiving, vindictive, shameful feelings about the past, and get over it! Corrie ten Boom, who survived incarceration in a Nazi prison camp said, “Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize that the prisoner was you.”

By Pastor Will Cover

Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org

I

n every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you - I Thessalonians First Church Weekly Sunday Services St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Gethsemane Lutheran Church • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m.

5:18. I don’t know about you, but there 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 • Morning:10:30 a.m.

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BN QN 713-682-4942 hard to be thankful. Life can be very Sunday School ........9:15 am MANNA Pastor – Dr. Richard Walters t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI

QN QN hard at times and the situations that Sunday Worship......10:30am Ad # 32285 4QPOTPS arise can cause us to question God’s Wednesday Bible Study 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t Candlelight Church of Christ plan, God’s care, and God’s love. As & Prayer Service 6:00pm Join us for Services you prepare for Thanksgiving this year, in English or Spanish FC Heights Family and Staff Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40 I would likebeto remind you about some 201 E. 9th St. • 713-861-3102 not, and you will not condemned; forgive, Sunday Bible Classes 9am Ministries for our All Ages Please website at: Sund visit you will be forgiven...

Wednesday Bible Study 7pm of and God’s blessings.

If you take time to www.fbcheights.org Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children www.lazybrookbaptistchurch.org for the following: Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor 4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 think R.S.V. aboutLuke it, 6:37 you can probably come ◆ 713-686-8241 ◆ s t s u m c . o r g 2003 W. 43rd St. Wed Houston, TX 77092 Sunday Services: In-person @ 11 AM up with a lot more. Even when you (Live stream during service) experience struggle, you can often find Bible Studies: From Homepage, click on a silver lining if you are willing to look.

1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470 Connect/Small Groups I am thankful for the blessing of family. What are some ways has been a blessing to you?

I am thankful for the blessing of Gethsemane Lutheran Church food. Every Thanksgiving we enjoy a Pastor Jerry McNamara wonderful meal together as a family. I 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 am thankful for the food that we enjoy We invite you to worship with us! all year around. Here in Houston, we have access to a great variety of Weekly Worship Services 9:00a.m. restaurants and cuisines from all Online services can be reached around the world. and Adults............................ 6:15pm

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Say a Prayer Today

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Mr. Arney graduated from John H. Reagan Sr. High in 1960, received his degree from Sam Houston State, and became a teacher. He taught Science and History at Terrell, Pershing, F. M. Black and Arnold Jr. Highs, and at Cy-Fair High School.

Visitation is Thurs., Nov.11 from 4 to 6 p.m., and funeral Friday, Nov. 12 at 2:00 p.m at Cypress Fairbanks Funeral Home, 9926 Jones Road, Houston, Texas.

I am thankful for the blessing of rest. Any person who struggles to sleep at night, knows how wonderful the blessing of rest can be. When you sleep well and feel rejuvenated there is nothing more satisfying.

I am thankful for the blessing of medicine. Sickness is never enjoyable.

While medical doctors don’t always have every answer for every problem, the blessings of medicine allow us to enjoy life in ways that wasn’t possible a few years ago.

I am thankful for the blessing of clean water. As I am sure you are aware, many people around the world do not have access to clean water. This blessing is something you may not consider regularly, but it definitely is a blessing that we enjoy here all the time.

I am thankful for the blessing of nature. The Bible teaches us that creation speaks to the glory and majesty of our Creator! God has blessed us with a beautiful creation that we get to enjoy.

I could go on and on. This little list doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all of God’s blessings to us.

Take time to make your own list. Add a few more each day. We are a blessed people.

The Leader • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • Page 5A

Fire from P. 1A

McLean from P. 1A

fast.”

Customers, friends and neighbors expressed their support for Long and lamented the fate of one of their go-to local hangouts on social media.

“I was just there for the very first time on (Oct. 30) and I posted on social media about how cool the place is,” Blake Rizzo wrote. “I was planning on coming back for Astros games. So sad to see this, but I’ll definitely be there when things open back up!”

Kathy Cobb wrote she was considering celebrating her wedding anniversary at Henderson Heights.

Cherise Sanford, like many other commenters, said she loves to grab drinks at Henderson Heights and “can’t wait” to support Long when the bar reopens.

And after Henderson Heights hosted a fundraiser to aid Hurricane Ida victims in early October, now the community has rallied to help Long.

As of Tuesday, a GoFundMe account Long created had raised $3,200 of her $5,000 goal, which she said will help fund the con-

struction of a new bar and pay her employees. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme. com/f/henderson-heights-firerecovery.

Long said she has 12 employees, and she’s looking to help them find work elsewhere until she can reopen.

She said she’s had to turn down requests for help from friends and neighbors who have volunteered to assist with the demolition and cleanup effort in the short term because the building presents a safety hazard and liability concern.

Long hopes to rebuild her bar in the same location in four or five months, which would put Henderson Heights on track to reopen in April or May. “Once we get to that point where we’re actually rebuilding and we’re painting walls and putting up signs,” Long said, “I definitely want to have the neighborhood (help out). We’ll open some bottles of wine and paint the walls. Our goal is to come back better and be here in the neighborhood.”

upon running multiple tests, he said he was eventually diagnosed with PTSD resulting from the severe neuropathy.

It was around this time and during the course of those visits when he met Bailey – and it was instantly a match as McLean said Bailey seemed to have a sixth sense for when he was experiencing the most pain. She has since become officially licensed as a service dog.

“The second night I had her, I put her in her kennel, and I was in a lot of pain,” McLean said. “She was whining a lot, and I finally let her out of her crate. She circled my bed whimpering a couple of times, then she laid her hot belly right on my leg where the pain was coming from.”

Now, he said Bailey sleeps near his legs every night. After he showers, he said she’ll lick the foot of the leg that’s bothering him that day. And the way the black Lab soothes him, he said, is better than any pain medication and nothing short of a godsend.

“I’ll be at an event selling coffee, and she’ll climb in my lap and grab me with her paws like she’s hugging me,” McLean said. “Then all of a sudden I’ll get hit with the nerve pain. It’s like she knew it was coming.”

Larger purpose It’s because of service animals like Bailey, McLean said, that he continues on his mission at Patriot Knife of helping serve military veterans and first responders. At Patriot Knife, McLean has 16 different blends of coffee that are in 30 different stores – including his newest blend that is called “Bailey’s Brew,” after his trusty companion.

He also builds custom knives that are then sold at auction with the proceeds donated to a veterans or pet rescue organization. Each coffee blend benefits a different veterans organization or pet rescue effort, such as Rescued Pets Movement at 2317 W. 34th St., Rescue for PTSD, Patriot Paws, Women’s Marine Association, Combat Wounded of Texas, Suiting Warriors, Oath Inc., 1st Cavalry Division Association and Camp Hope.

He donates proceeds to those organizations, McLean said, so those veterans struggling to re-acclimate to civilian life and the dogs that help them have the resources they need.

“She’s done such a world of good for me, so I want to keep doing what I do in helping people out,” he said.

Especially with Veterans Day on

Thursday, McLean said helping others – especially those who have served in the military – has always been at the forefront of his mind. He said many of the men in his family dating back to the American Revolution have served in the military. So even though he could not re-enlist following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, due to the neuropathy – which nearly caused him to lose a leg – he still empathized with those who have and are fighting.

So Patriot Knife, he said, is a way to help soldiers the best way he can – by blending coffee, love and service to his comrades.

“Ever since (2001), I felt like I failed them that I couldn’t serve,” McLean said. “Even though I served during peacetime, it’s just not the same. … It’s in my blood, so I always feel the need to help them. When I help others out, that’s the greatest pain relief ever – it’s the greatest natural high.”

And through it all, he’ll have his furry companion that he says is one of his biggest inspirations and reasons for pushing on with Patriot Knife.

“Now that I’ve got Bailey,” he said, “I’m going to continue serving those who serve us.”

Lawsuit from P. 1A Then there’s the entire failure by corporations is what this is about,” Hagans said. “This is where corporations knew how to avoid it, knew what they needed to do and made decisions that put everybody in jeopardy.”

The lawsuit names six defendants – Five Guys Enterprises, LLC; Five Guys Operations, LLC; BK Shepherd Ltd.; BK Fairmont Ltd.; Raetta Building and Development Corporation; and Baker Katz Management, LLC. The latter four companies are based in Houston, and BK Shepherd Ltd. is the property owner, according to the Harris County Appraisal District website.

The Five Guys corporate office did not respond to a Tuesday voicemail and email seeking comment.

Kenneth Katz and M. Marvin Katz, who the lawsuit cites as the registered agents for the four Houstonbased companies, did not respond to voicemails seeking comment that were left at their offices Tuesday.

Hagans said the crux of Williams’ complaint is the lighting at the property when it is dark, during which time Five Guys stays open and the other businesses in the strip center are typically closed. The lawsuit states that minimal lighting in the parking lot causes the light inside the restaurant to serve as a “beacon to all: both inviting to a criminal element and totally blinding to what is outside the door to anyone inside.”

Williams complained about the setup to the business owners and property managers in advance of

the robbery and shooting, according to the lawsuit, which says Williams asked to be stationed outside in the parking lot instead of inside the dining room so he could have a better view of the entire property.

On the night of the crime, the lawsuit says Thomas walked past Williams’ vehicle before entering the restaurant at approximately 8:30 p.m., but Williams did not notice Thomas was wearing a ski mask until he was inside the building and began brandishing a gun.

When Williams saw a robbery in progress and got out of his vehicle and walked toward the restaurant, he was shot by Thomas as he was exiting the building, the lawsuit states.

“The problem with businesses

like this is where they create an environment that invites this sort of incident. That is our concern for people like Deputy Williams as well as the general public,” Hagans said.

“It’s very easy, and all the statistics say, ‘Put up lights in the parking lot and you drive crime away.’ If the only thing lit up is the business, all it does is invite crime in.”

Hagans said Williams has not worked any more off-duty security jobs but has continued to serve with the constable’s office, although he must rely on a partner in the event of a physical altercation, according to the attorney. The deputy passed a gun-shooting test after the incident, Hagans said.

Williams, who is right-handed, underwent surgery and rehabilita-

tion after he was shot and missed “a few months” of work with the constable’s office, according to Hagans.

“He got plates in his arm, went through extensive therapy afterward, had to relearn how to write, how to shoot, how to do anything with his arm and his hand,” Hagans said of Williams. “It’s never going to be back to 100 percent.

“It was a terrible and entirely avoidable injury that could have resulted in a whole lot worse had Deputy Williams not been there,” he added. “… If companies like this, whether a management company or Five Guys, don’t think about their customers and the public, we can’t rely on somebody like Deputy Williams to be there to take the bullet always.”

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Page 6A • Saturday, November13, 2021 • The Leader

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The Leader • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • Page 7A

Art Valet: Gatton takes work back to where it started - a museum Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

What if you love creating so much you can’t stop? You’re good, you know it, other people tell you that, too, but you just can’t seem to find your audience.

That’s how I met Paul Edward Gatton, when he was looking for his audience. Gatton is the architect, designer and builder of the miniature old-west buildings he creates out of reclaimed wood. In fact, I learned over many visits that he had nearly a complete town in his workshop.

Gatton has been a frequent visitor to both of my art markets over the years. I tried to help, but Gatton’s work is so

intricate, detailed and unique that it really belongs on a movie set or in a museum. I wasn’t really sure what kind of advice to give him or what he could do with his old-west buildings.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS), 5555 Hermann Park Dr., had no problem telling Gatton what to do with his buildings -- at all.

The museum invited him to be a part of its annual holiday exhibit, Trains Over Texas.

Talk about fast-tracking your dreams!

Trains Over Texas are on view Nov. 20-Jan. 3. According to the HMNS website, the multiple trains criss-crossing Texas will visit important and unique places in the state’s geology and physiography. This exhibit (the size of a tennis court) is the largest indoor Oscale model railroad in Texas.

Gatton explained that this came about this past summer on a visit to the museum when

Contributed photo Pictured are four of Paul Edward Gatton’s old west buildings, including a book store.

the Trains Over Texas display was in early construction.

After showing photos of his building models to the director, the administrators came to see his workshop and shortly after asked to use his work in the exhibit.

Gatton talked about how he got started in this unusual endeavor.

“This project began approximately 20 years ago, with interest in architecture of the

19th and early 20th centuries, and a related interest in architectural models, and in conjunction with model railway layouts,” Gatton said. “It began with construction of log cabins, and rustic structures made from locally found, reclaimed wood.

“I was a resident of Red River, New Mexico at that time, where I lived for 16 years,” Gatton continued. “Some of

the residents there that were affiliated with the local museum and who were aware of my interest and work, they asked me to re-create a model of the ‘Jayhawk Store,’ a mercantile that was one of the town buildings before the turn of the century.”

So Gatton actually got his start in a museum. Interesting.

He continued.

“I was supplied with photos of the structure, and proceeded to collect materials, and to construct my rendition of that building,” he said. “I enjoyed that project very much, and after keeping the model in my possession for a time, donated it to the Red River Museum, where it resides now. I continued to collect suitable materials for building models, which becomes a challenge in itself to locate antique, reclaimed wood of the appropriate dimension to use in this scale of building. I continued to build,

as time allowed, one after another, and after several years realized that I was well along the way to building a small town.”

Gatton said that while he is definitely influenced by the architecture of the era, the renditions are all of his design.

I don’t expect to see Gatton visiting The Market at Sawyer Yards this Saturday. After explaining the intricacies of moving his small buildings to the museum last month, I expect he’ll be extremely busy.

Moving small towns is no small task, after all.

Purchase tickets for the Trains Over Texas exhibit online at www.hmns.org or in person at the HMNS Box Office or kiosks.

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 art-

Review: Shandy’s offers good bites in heart of Heights

By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com

The hustle and bustle of West 19th Street can easily distract you and compete for your attention if you don’t have a destination in mind.

But I was headed for Shandy’s Cafe for lunch, an inviting little spot that shares an entrance with AG Antiques and has become a go-to spot for professionals and families alike in the heart of the Heights.

Owner Shandy Shade, an Acres Homes resident, opened this location in February. The London native has Jamaican and Nigerian roots

and came to the U.S. by way of California before coming to study at the University of Houston and opening her first location just east of Memorial Park at 5814 Memorial Drive.

Shandy’s has a bright, modern vibe with a small area for outdoor dining and a row of high-top tables with a view of the bar.

The menu is mostly standard American fare, with a few notable exceptions like Jamaican jerk fried chicken ($18) and shrimp campeche ($12), a Mexican shrimp cocktail.

If you are so inclined, the menu features “breadless specials” like rice bowls, steak and fries, and turkey and beef

patties served with steamed rice, broccoli and salad.

After considering some of the breadless options and the burgers on offer at Shandy’s, I decided to order the rustica chicken sandwich ($14) which features artichoke, roasted tomatoes, chipotle mayonnaise, jalapeños, spinach and a pesto sauce garnish.

It also comes with a side of fries.

The pairing of the vegetables and the juicy grilled chicken with the chipotle mayo and pesto sauce, plus an extra serving of avocado ($1.50) made for a wholesome and delicious sandwich between slices of warm ciabatta

bread. A gluten-free bread option is available for an additional $1.50.

While Shandy’s is a bit pricey even for a quick bite to eat, its surplus of pastas, salads and sandwiches and fast, polite service makes it a good spot for a workday lunch.

Shandy’s Address: 315 W. 19th St. Dining Options: Dine-in, takeout Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 8 a.m.-midnight Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday Entree prices: $11-$28 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No

Photo by Stefan Modrich The Rustica chicken sandwich from Shandy’s, 315. W. 19th St., features artichoke, roasted tomatoes, chipotle mayo, jalapeños spinach and a pesto sauce garnish.

Alcohol: Yes Healthy options: Fresh fruit salad ($12)

Star of the show: Rustica chicken sandwich Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bites

Daddy’s Chicken Shack to open next year in Heights Stefan Modrich

Pace Webb grew up in the Heights area and realized her culinary dreams in California.

Now, the chef and restaurateur is coming back home to launch her business — Daddy’s Chicken Shack — in February at 1223 W. 11th St. The Woodland Heights native and graduate of the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts is eager to be able to spend more time with family in Texas and grow her business across the Houston area, with the Heights location serving as the anchor and training center for future franchisees and their employees.

She is confident she will find in the Greater Heights a market willing to pay extra for a higher-quality chicken sandwich.

“I have lots of relationships there,” Webb said. “It’s a wonderful food city. It’s very diverse and welcoming.

It has a ton of direct flights from all over the world and all over the nation. So it just sort of was the path of least resistance.”

The Pasadena, Californiabased fried chicken purveyor was born out of a successful event Webb catered with her company that garnered praise from actress Mandy Moore for her fried chicken sliders.

The idea for Daddy’s Chicken Shack, then, came after a conversation with Webb’s father recapping the chicken sliders, which were the talk of the town around Los Angeles.

Photo from Facebook Daddy’s Chicken Shack, 1223 W. 11th St., is expected to open in February.

Nibbles & Sips: Ethiopian food truck parks near Shady Acres

By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com

A new food truck selling Ethiopian fare made its debut near the Shady Acres neighborhood last week.

Selam Ethiopian Kitchen opened Nov. 5 at 2632 N. Durham Drive.

The food truck is open from 5 p.m.-midnight Friday and 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, or until selling out, during its soft opening phase.

For more information, call 713-732-8124.

Taqo closes in Heights Taqo Mexican Kitchen y Tequileria, 1343 Yale St., closed last month.

Taqo, a fast-casual and modern taqueria, opened in February 2020.

New additions at Railway Heights Market A pair of new vendors opened recently at Railway Heights Market, 8200 W.

Washington Ave. Tablitas, which opened Oct. 28, crafts charcuterie boards with a variety of artisanal meats, cheeses and fruits in partnership with Ginn’s Gourmet Catering. For more information, call 832-883-5765.

Scoop, a Clear Lake-based ice cream parlor, opened Oct. 22.

The ice cream shop serves cold brew coffee, milkshakes and novelties like ice cream nachos along with traditional cups and cones of small-batch ice cream.

For more information, call 281-525-4966.

Tipping Point launches in Montie Beach A new coffee shop opened last week in the space formerly occupied by Morningstar.

The Tipping Point, 4721 N. Main St. Ste. M, is open from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. SaturdaySunday.

Sonoma to host holiday wine, cheese sale A neighborhood wine bar is having a holiday sale later this month.

Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant, 801 Studewood St., will host a tasting event from 3-6 p.m. Nov. 21 showcasing more than 50 wines and a selection of holiday cheeses.

For more information, call 713-864-9463.

New York coffee shop to replace Becks Prime A new coffee house is opening in the space once occupied by a Houston burger chain in 2022.

Bluestone Lane, a New York City-based, Australia-style coffee shop, is expected to take over the space at 115 W. 19th St. that Becks Prime used until it closed in September.

It will be the coffee chain’s first Texas location.

For more information, email info@bluestonelaneny.com.

“When I told my dad about it, I said, ‘Hey, this could be your retirement plan,’” Webb said. “And you can just be on the business here frying chicken and talking to the ladies. We’ll call it Daddy’s. Then he has this huge, like dad belly laugh, and I was like, ‘Oh, Daddy’s Chicken Shack, that has a nice ring to it.’”

Webb said she and her husband have helped her business grow by 200 percent since the COVID-19 pandemic began because she had been ahead of the curve with online orders and delivery apps.

“If you aren’t learning how to adapt your business model to the way people want to consume, you just won’t survive,” she said.

Webb said the menu at Daddy’s has Southern and Asian influences, a nod to

her husband’s Japanese heritage. Sambal, an Indonesian chili-based paste, a Sriracha mayonnaise and coconut curry are all key ingredients in her kitchen.

Webb said she embraces competition in a market saturated with fried chicken and Nashville-style hot chicken options, and believes it is great for business.

She and her husband will try chicken sandwiches everywhere they travel.

“Then I can kind of say, ‘Who really is our competition here?’ ” Webb said.

“We’re brutally honest about it. We have no problem, you know, complimenting other competitors and being impressed with them and learning from them. There’s enough room for all of us.

Fried chicken sandwiches are like puppies and chocolate.”

THANK YOU READERS!

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The Leader • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • Page 8A SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

TX residents scramble to get last Walking Liberty Rolls TEXAS - Once Texas residents got wind that Texas State Restricted Bank Rolls filled with Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s were being handed over, there was a mad dash to get them. That’s because some of these U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins are already worth hundreds in collector value.

“It’s like a run on the banks. The phones are ringing off the hook.

That’s because everyone is trying to get them before they’re all gone,” according to officials at the National Mint and Treasury who say they can barely keep up with all the orders.

In fact, they had to impose a strict limit of 4 Texas State Restricted Bank Rolls. So, if you get the chance to get your hands on these State Restricted Bank Rolls you better hurry because hundreds of Texas residents already have and you don’t want to miss out.

You see, the U.S. Gov’t stopped

minting these Silver Walking Liberties in 1947 and there can never be any more which makes them extremely collectible.

And here’s the best part. The rolls are unsearched so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value.

That’s why at just the $39 state minimum set by National Mint and Treasury it’s a deal too good to pass up.

But you better hurry because these Texas State Restricted Bank Rolls are the only ones known to exist and Texas residents are grabbing them up as fast as they can.

That’s because they make amazing gifts for children, grandchildren and loved ones. Just imagine the look on their face when you hand them one of the State Restricted Rolls — they’ll tell everyone they know what you did for them.

Q GOT ‘EM: Residents all across Texas who get their hands on these State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls are definitely showing them off. That’s because they are the only ones known to exist. And here’s the best part, these Bank Rolls are loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty coins some dating back to the early 1900’s and worth up to 100 times their face value so everyone wants them.

Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to Texas residents Texas residents get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for the next 2 days STATE DISTRIBUTION: A strict limit of 4 State Restricted Bank Rolls per TX resident has been imposed TEXAS - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist. That’s why Hotline Operators are bracing for the flood of calls,” said Laura Lynne, U.S. Coin and Currency Director for the National Mint and Treasury.

For the next 2 days the last remaining State of Texas Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties are actually being handed over to Texas residents who call the State Toll-Free Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication.

“National Mint and Treasury recently spoke with its Chief Professional Numismatist who said ‘Very few people have ever actually seen one of these rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties issued by the U.S. Gov’t back in the early 1900’s. But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls is like finding buried treasure.

So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” Lynne said.

“Now that the State of Texas Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we won’t be surprised if thousands of Texas residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne.

“That’s because after the Bank Rolls were loaded with 15 rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of Texas Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what Texas residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say.

And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of Texas you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline.

The only thing Texas residents need to do is call the State Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends.

“Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $40 - $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said.

“We’re guessing thousands of Texas residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued.

“We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30 am this morning.

We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy.

So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all.” Lynne said.

The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of Texas and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. Q

SILVER: one of the last silver coins minted for circulation

ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL: year varies 1916-1947

FACTS:

LAST REMAINING: minted in philadelphia, denver & san francisco

RARELY SEEN: minted by the u.s. mint in the early 1900’s

HOW TO CLAIM THE LAST STATE RESTRICTED BANK ROLLS If you are a Texas State Resident read the important information below about claiming the State Silver Bank Rolls, then call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 8:30 am: 1-800-979-3771 EXT: RWB2901

Are these Silver Walking Liberties worth more than other half dollars:

Yes. These U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties were minted in the early 1900’s and will never be minted again. That makes them extremely collectible. The vast majority of half dollars minted after 1970 have no silver content at all and these Walking Liberties were one of the last silver coins minted for circulation. That’s why many of them now command hundreds in collector value so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

How much are State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls worth:

It’s impossible to say, but some of these U.S Gov’t issued Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s are worth up to 100 times the face value and there are 15 in each Bank Roll so you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees.

But we do know they are the only Texas State Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and Walking Liberties are highly collectible so anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Silver Bank Rolls should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

Why are so many Texas residents claiming them:

Because they are the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and everyone wants their share. Each Bank Roll contains a whopping 15 Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value. Best of all Texas residents are guaranteed to get them for the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty for the next two days.

How do I get the State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls:

Texas residents are authorized to claim up to the limit of 4 State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls by calling the State Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-979-3771 Ext. RWB2901 starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning. Everyone who does is getting the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist. That’s a full Bank Roll containing 15 Silver Walking Liberties from the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty, which is just $585 for the full Bank Rolls and that’s a real steal because non state residents are not permitted to call before 5 pm tomorrow and must pay $1,770 for each Texas State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Roll if any remain.

NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% R1043R-5 SALES TAX. NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, PO BOX 35609, CANTON, OH 44735 ©2021 NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY.

The Leader • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • Page 1B

Memorial Hermann, BCBSTX locked in contractual dispute

By Adam Zuvanich

DIRECTORY Chiropractic Care

azuvanich@theleadernews.com

A brewing contractual battle between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) and Memorial Hermann Health System could leave local residents out of network or in search of new medical providers.

The hospital system recently sent a notice of termination of its contract with the insurer, which expires Feb. 28, and BCBSTX responded by issuing a termination of its physician agreements with Memorial Hermann, the health system acknowledged in a statement provided to The Leader on Tuesday.

If the two sides cannot come to terms before their contract expires, Memorial Hermann patients with BCBSTX policies would face higher, out-of-network costs for medical services provided by their existing physicians.

The largest hospital system in the Houston region includes Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, 1635 North Loop West, along with a few urgent care, convenient care and sports medicine facilities in the area.

“Nothing changes for our patients at this time,” Memorial Hermann said in its statement. “They can and should continue to seek care from their trusted Memorial Hermann providers and facilities as they normally would.”

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas did not respond to a Tuesday email seeking comment that was sent to its media relations staff. The insurer told the Houston Chronicle it was caught off guard by Memorial Hermann’s notice of termination and aims to keep costs down for its members in its negotiations with the health system.

“Ultimately, price increases do translate into premium increases,” Shara McClure, senior vice president of Texas health care delivery for BCBSTX, told the Chronicle.

More than 100,000 Memorial Hermann patients hold BCBSTX insurance policies, according to the Chronicle, and the insurer’s termination of physician agreements with Memorial Hermann would allow its

NORTHWEST CHIROPRACTIC George G. Junkin, D.C. D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com Internal Medicine

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison Heights Health Tower 1900 North Loop West Suite 580 713-714-5376 www.whiteoakmedicalassociates.com Obstetrics / Gynecology

DR. STEPHANIE FULTON Stephanie Fulton, M.D.

Photo from utphysicians.com Memorial Hermann Health System is locked in a contractual dispute with insurance carrier Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.

If the parties do not reach an agreement by the end of February, it would increase healthcare costs for some patients.

2,000-plus physicians in the BCBSTX network to contract directly with the insurer.

Memorial Hermann described the termination of physician agreements as “atypical” during the 15plus years the two entities have negotiated with each other. The health system also said issuing a notice of

contract termination is part of its “routine negotiation process with BCBSTX” so the two parties can align around the same deadline.

“We remain committed to working with BCBSTX to reach a new agreement that prevents any disruption in the high-quality care Memorial Hermann provides to our

Let’s talk turkey Houston Methodist Hospital

patients,” the health system said.

“We look forward to BCBSTX doing the same by actively engaging in meaningful discussions to protect our shared patients’ and members’ in-network access to Memorial Hermann.”

Follow Adam Zuvanich on Twitter @AZuvanich

It’s holiday season! Chilly weather, food, gatherings with friends and family, more food, decorations galore, and even more food. I often hear from patients that the holidays are one of the hardest times to maintain their weight management goals. Here are a few tips to stay on track and still enjoy yourself!

Contributed photo Dr. Zuleikha Tyebjee, a boardcertified family medicine physician, works with her patients toward a healthier lifestyle that includes weight management, which comprises a large part of primary care. She sees new and existing patients, in person or virtually, at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in The Heights.

Pregame with protein If you know that you tend to overeat when hungry, it may help to eat a snack or small meal that is high in protein, low in calories, about 30 min-

Give yourself some grace It is important to remember there is a simple truth: Food is good. It is a way to share an experience with our friends, family and loved ones. This holiday season, allow yourself to enjoy your food; view it as a celebration and not as something to stress over.

Ultimately, remember that weight management is all about effectivity and sustainability – and having a team to support you in that journey is key. A large part of our practice is weight management, almost all of which is covered by most major insurance plans. We would love to see you this holiday season or any time of the year, even virtually.

Visit houstonmethodist. org/heights-pcp or call 713394-6638 to schedule an inperson or virtual visit with a primary care doctor in The Heights.

PRIMARY CARE that fits your life

houstonmethodist.org/pcg 713.394.6724

1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com Major Hospitals

Memorial Hermann Greater Heights 1635 North Loop West Houston, Texas 77008 Tel: 713-867-2000 memorialhermann.org Physician Referral 713.222.CARE

Local business is our business.

Send your story of interest news@theleadernews.com

utes before an event or gathering. This will fill you up and provide important nutrition for muscles rather than fat.

For The Leader

Quantity is key Regardless of what you eat, quantity matters. In any place and occasion, portion control and keeping count will help your weight stay on course, even as you navigate straight to the dessert table. For example, when going out to restaurants, try asking the waiter to split the meal in half before it even gets to the table. That way, you aren’t tempted to overeat, idle hands can’t wander while socializing, and you can enjoy the meal again with leftovers.

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- Dr. Oz HCGe Gives you control of your diet again!

Page 2B • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • The Leader

Get to know your dietary supplements

By Shana Tatum RD, LD www.shanatatumrd.com

Oftentimes, patients will come to the office with a bag of supplements in tow and ask the question, “Are these OK to take?”

In many cases, they were recommended by a celebrity who posted about their benefits on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook. While these choices may have some merit, understanding what and why you are buying is important -- not only to support the deficiency you believe you have, but also to avoid adding contaminants and negative ingredients you may unknowingly introduce to your body.

Any of my patients will tell you we talk about food first as a means to get your nutrients.

There are times when shortterm supplementation is necessary, like when the individual is in a deficient state or for non-nutrient support such as botanicals or enzymes. The intention of supplementation is to provide what is missing through the diet and to provide added support with sup-

Tatum

plements specifically tailored to what we know is deficient.

This can be determined with laboratory testing and can be especially useful if chronic fatigue or stubborn weight loss is a problem.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not directly regulate supplements and nutraceuticals, it has been monitoring it since the first Food and Drug Act of 1906. Standards such as the current Good Manufacturing Practices are basic guidelines that make manufacturers responsible for establishing

ingredient specifications, encouraging that the ingredients listed on the label are actually in the supplement. Adverse events from supplement intake are not commonly reported between governmental interagencies.

Tips for choosing a supplement: • Look for one that has been third-party tested. This testing assures quality, purity and efficacy. Heavy metals often are found in cheap supplements.

• Use caution when ordering from big online retailers.

They could be counterfeit, expired or damaged.

• In addition to the current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards, look for U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) standards.

• Research the company to be sure they are reputable, offer a contact customer service number and use independent third-party testing.

• Ask for a Certificate of Analysis to ensure potency in your product.

Many of the deficiencies commonly seen are magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids and

vitamin D. Asking for serum testing of these nutrients can be helpful.

Magnesium • Needed for more than 300 enzyme reactions in the body, most notably the production of energy and for muscle contraction.

• As a major mineral, needs are higher compared to trace minerals such as zinc and iron.

• It can be found in leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans.

• Important forms to consider for supplementation are glycinate, citrate or threonate depending on your specific need.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids • Essential fatty acids are long-chain fatty acids that we are unable to make in the body and must acquire from the diet.

• EPA and DHA have been shown in the research to be protective against cardiovascular disease and can lower triglycerides.

• Fatty fish such as SMASH

- sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon and herring are good sources.

• Plant sources also can be utilized albeit with a lower conversion rate - flaxseed oil, walnut oil as well as flax, hemp and chia seeds as well as walnuts.

• For supplementation, it is important to choose a brand that tests for mercury.

• Consider a 1.5:1 ratio of EPA:DHA.

mentation program. Nutrient interactions occur and should be monitored.

Some resources for you to learn more about dietary supplements: • Consumer Lab (individual product evaluation, recalls, free newsletter but access to most of the site requires a membership): https://www. consumerlab.com/ • Interaction checkers: https://www.dr ugs.com, https://reference.medscape. com/drug-interactionchecker, https://naturalmedicines. therapeuticresearch.com/ • Linus Pauling Institute (summaries of research and micronutrients along with a free newsletter): https://lpi. oregonstate.edu • Where to submit adverse event reports? CAERS Safety Reporting Portal: https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov/SRP2/en/Home. aspx?sid=5221c5ae-63c647dc-b402-c8f22e9266d7 • Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet – National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih. gov/factsheets/list-all/.

Vitamin D • This important nutrient is actually a hormone that converts sunlight by receptors in the skin.

• It is required for metabolism, immune health and prevention of neurodegeneration.

• It can be found in the diet in eggs, fatty fish and mushrooms.

• For cardiovascular health consider taking vitamin D with K2. This can be a conversation with your doctor to be sure your dose is right.

Consultation with a medical professional is advised before you begin a supple-

Women’s Health Directory Directory of Local Female Health Service Professionals Dr. Stephanie Fulton Dr. Fulton is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her practice consists of obstetrics, gynecology, and cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal.

She is a graduate of the University of Texas and completed residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where she was a Chief Resident.

Dr. Fulton volunteers as part of the health team ministry of her church.

1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 • Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com

Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, M.D. Board Certified Internal Medicine Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, a board certified internal medicine physician, has opened a new primary care/internal medicine practice, White Oak Medical Associates in the Heights.

She believes patients deserve their doctor’s focused attention, personalized care, and is devoted to compassionate, effective treatment for her patients.

Board Certified Ophthalmologist.

Dr. Fredrickson has been practicing ophthalmology for over 12 years. She routinely sees patients for diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and ocular infections. She specializes in surgical procedures including cataract, eyelid lifts, eyelid cysts, Botox and Juvederm, and pterygia.

1415 North Loop, Suite 400 Houston, TX 77008 713-668-6828 • www.houstoneye.com

1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

Berkshire Hathaway Services Berkshire Hathaway Home Home Services Premier Properties - Heights Premier Properties - Heights OfficeOffice

Thanksgiving Drive Thanksgiving Drive For Elementary Field Elementary For Field

Wemaking will be making goody for grade 45 (5thstudents) grade students) A Little TreatTheir Before Their We will be goody bags forbags 45 (5th A Little Treat Before Thanksgiving Break. DONATIONS Pens, Brush/Comb, Thanksgiving Break. DONATIONS NEEDED:NEEDED: Pencils, Pencils, Pens, Brush/Comb, Snacks, Snacks, (No Nuts)(No Nuts) Chapstick andSocks.

FuzzyAnything Socks. Anything You Think WillUpBright Their Day. Chapstick and Fuzzy You Think Will Bright TheirUp Day.

DROP-Off LOCATIONS: 11th Street - 713-862-0000 DROP-Off LOCATIONS: 741 E.741 11thE.Street - 713-862-0000 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Premier Properties Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Premier Properties 1803 43rd West Houston, 43rd Houston, 1803 West Texas Texas 7701877018 DROP-OFF DEADLINE DROP-OFF DEADLINE 11-17-21 11-17-21 JanetSchmidt & Cecil Schmidt - Cell 713-419-7918 Janet & Cecil - Cell 713-419-7918 Homes@JanetandCecil.com “We Make RealSimple” Estate Simple” Homes@JanetandCecil.com “We Make Real Estate

New Wave Physicians Group Dr. Timothy Carder is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and a member of the Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association and Harris County Medical Society. A native Texan, he was born in Dallas, Texas and grew up in Bogata, Texas, a rural agricultural community in Northeast Texas. Dr. Carder received his medical degree from Texas A&M Health Science Center in College Station, TX and completed his family medicine residency at Texas Tech Health Science Center of the Permian Basin in Odessa, TX. An advocate in health and wellness, he is an active runner and enjoys Annalysa (Anna) Nguyen, Physician Assistant in Internal/ Family Medicine for 19 years. She graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003 with a Master Degree in Physician Assistant Study. She is board certified by the NCCPA. To better serve her patients, she’s enhanced her skills and knowledge in medicine. She got certified in diabetes education (CDE), board certified in Advance Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) and Certified insulin pump trainer (CPT).

She is also interested in BIO-Identical Hormone and Functional Medicine. Ms. Nguyen is also certified for DOT physical exam.

New Wave Physicians Group 1917 Ashland St. #100 Houston, Tx. 77008 346-236-1888

Fetch your Leader

Copies of The Leader are no longer available at 3500 E. T.C. Jester Blvd. Suite A. You can find them at our office:

2020 N. Loop W., Suite 220 also at: MytiBurger 2211 W. 43rd St. C&D Hardware Merle Norman 314 E. 11th St. 4216 B-Ella Blvd.

DO YOU DESIRE AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION FOR YOUR CHILD? Heritage Classical Academy, a proposed tuition-free public charter school, plans to open in your neighborhood in the Fall of 2023.

JOIN US FOR INFORMATION MEETINGS TO LEARN MORE! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20

10:30a.m. (English) · 1:30p.m. (Spanish)

IMPACT HOUSTON CHURCH OF CHRIST 1704 Weber Street, Houston, TX 77007

Complimentary refreshments and childcare will be provided.

WHY CHOOSE HERITAGE CLASSICAL ACADEMY? • IT IS FREE. No tuition for this world-class education.

• Provides a strong foundation in reading.

• First year is kindergarten and first grade, will grow to K-8.

• Before and after school care available.

• Music and art taught in lower grades.

• Speech therapy and other special needs support.

PLEASE RSVP hcameeting.eventbrite.com (English) hcaevent.eventbrite.com (Spanish) or call us at: 713.914.9778 Heritage Classical Academy | www.heritageclassicalhouston.org HERITAGE CLASSICAL ACADEMY admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, athletics and other school-administered programs.

The Leader • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • Page 3B

Pfizer vaccine available for younger children at local walk-in clinics

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

On the heels of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizing the emergency use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 in late October, it became available Nov. 4 at Children’s Memorial Hermann Pediatrics Centers and affiliated pediatrician practices across the hospital system as well as its walk-in clinics throughout the Houston region.

There are no Children’s Memorial Hermann Pediatrics Centers in the area, but there are walk-in clinics at Memo-

rial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital (1635 North Loop West) and the Neighborhood Health Center-Greater Heights at 1800 W. 26th St. for those residents whose pediatricians are not offering the Pfizer vaccine. Those ages 5-17 must be accompanied by an adult, the hospital system said.

“The FDA evaluated data from 3,100 pediatric study participants to ensure that each vaccine is safe,” the hospital system said in a news release.

“Based on this research, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that anyone who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Parents are advised to call their pediatrician’s office to see if the vaccine is offered and to make an appointment, and they can also sign up online via the vaccine request form at memorialhermann.org/ authenticated/COVID19Vax/ COVID19CampaignRegistration/Home/SelfInvite.

For more information and resources including videos and frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine for younger children, community members can go to memorialhermann.org/ services/conditions/coronavirus/vaccine-children.

Photo from Twitter Follow us on social media @ Children ages 5-11 can receive the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer at walk-in clinics in the area.

FromTheLeader

An evening run along the MKT Trail

By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com

Having endured another seemingly endless summer, we can now enjoy the fruits of a temperate fall and the wonderful greenspaces we have in our backyard here in Houston and the Greater Heights.

While it’s been nearly four years since my last big race, I’ve still been regularly running short distances to try to build back up my stamina to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

New York has the High Line, Chicago has the 606, and here in Houston, we have the MKT Trail.

I’ve gone running at many of Houston’s parks and trails, but hadn’t yet made my way to one of the most popular destinations along the trail.

I began my warmup at Lawrence Park, 725 Lawrence St. Even as the sun began to sink beneath the horizon, the park was active in all corners, from teenagers playing on covered basketball courts to adults playing pickup soccer with pop-up nets or tossing a football around.

On another section of the

GOOFy GETTING

in the

Stefan Modrich

GREATER HEIGHTS See related video at

theleadernews.com field, dogs played with their humans and with other dogs.

I stretched on an empty patch of grass under the lights, taking in the action to get ready for my quick run east to Donovan Park, 700 Heights Blvd., about a mile away.

I’m typically running at a 9-minute mile pace these days.

It was mostly a quiet stroll through the neighborhood, which is relatively well-lit, though there were some darker stretches where it is probably wise to carry your phone or wear bright or reflective clothing.

There are six intersections on the trail between

Lawrence Park and Donovan Park where you’ll need to watch for cars, cyclists and other pedestrians.

Some sections of the trail are dominated by new housing built up in the area in recent years, but others offer an inspiring glimpse of the Houston skyline.

When I arrived at Yale Street and 7th Street, diners and shoppers packed the retail stores and restaurants in the Heights Mercantile development. When you reach Heights Boulevard, you have the option to continue a halfmile down the boulevard and reach the White Oak Bayou Trail, or the Buffalo Bayou Park Trail if you go about 2 miles south.

Once I reached Donovan Park, I turned around and began my kick to finish strong for the last mile. My first mile was at an easy 9:13 pace, and I cranked up the intensity

Photo by Stefan Modrich Lawrence Park in the Heights made for a scenic backdrop for an evening run Tuesday.

with a 7:53 second mile.

I typically like to run early in the morning or late at night when no one else is

around, but I appreciate the experience of seeing an active community come alive and share a bond — spoken

or unspoken — over fitness and recreation.

Follow Stefan Modrich on Twitter at @StefanJModrich

Help make a child’s Christmas a little brighter!

Constable Alan Rosen’s

TOY

DRIVE WHEN: December 1 TIME: 7 a.m. to Dark LOCATION: Dr. Gleem Car Wash & Lube Center 3103 Ella Blvd.

Donate an unwrapped toy valued at $20 or more and get a free car wash.

Please join Constable Alan Rosen and Dr. Gleem in contributing gifts to children whose families could use a little assistance this holiday season.

CONSTABLE ALAN ROSEN HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 1

Precinct One Community Affairs Office 713-755-3372 https://pct1constable.net

Page 4B • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • The Leader

Local middle schools temporarily locked down over social media threat

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Two Houston ISD middle schools, including one in Oak Forest, were temporarily locked down Nov. 5 because of a threat made against both schools in the same social media post, according to a spokesperson for the district.

Frank Black Middle School, 1575 Chantilly Ln. in Oak Forest, and Burbank Middle School, 315 Berry Rd. in the Northline area, were on lockdown from ap-

proximately 11:15 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., according to HISD spokesperson Dennis Spellman, who said it was determined the threat was not credible and that students and staff at both campuses were safe.

Spellman said no one could enter or exit either campus during the lockdown, and students remained in the classrooms they were in when the lockdown began.

“HISD police continue to investigate, though no evidence has been found to sub-

stantiate the threat,” Frank Black principal Rhonda Honore wrote in a message to parents and guardians that was provided to The Leader.

“We take all threats seriously as the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.”

Spellman said HISD could not release more details about the threat, including who made it, at what time and on which social media platform, because those specifics are part of an ongoing investigation.

Photo by Adam Zuvanich Frank Black Middle School, 1575 Chantilly Ln., was locked down for about an hour Nov. 5 because of a threat made against the campus in a social media post. A Houston ISD spokesperson said the threat proved to not be credible.

Proposed local charter school to hold informational meeting

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Heritage Classical Academy, a tuition-free charter school proposed for the area, is holding a public information meeting on Saturday, Nov. 20 at Houston Impact Church of Christ, 1704 Weber St. Prospective parents and community members are invited to attend the meeting about Heritage Classical Academy, which plans to open

in August 2023 while targeting zip codes 77007, 77018, 77022, 77080, 77088, 77091 and 77092. The proposed school does not yet have a location and is seeking approval from Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath as well as the State Board of Education, which denied the application for Heritage Classical in 2020 and again earlier this year.

The informational session is scheduled from 10:30-11:30

a.m. for English speakers, who can register online at www. hcameeting.eventbrite.com.

Another session in Spanish is scheduled for 1 p.m., with registration available at www. hcaevent.eventbrite.com.

Social distancing measures will be in place at both meetings, according to Heritage Classical leadership, and childcare will be provided.

For more information, visit www.heritageclassicalhouston.org.

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We have a limited supply of the popular “Our Veterans” book first published in the fall of 2019.

Copies now available for $19.

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The Leader • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • Page 5B

NNMD assisting with holiday toy drive

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The Near Northwest Management District (NNMD), which promotes public safety and economic growth in the northwest part of the area, is helping to collect donated toys for the annual toy drive held by the office of Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen.

The toys will be distributed to schoolchildren in the area

served by the NNMD, which covers a 16-square mile area bordered by Pinemont Drive to the south, T.C. Jester Boulevard to the east, Hollister Road to the west and State Highway 249 to the north.

Businesses served by the NNMD can request donation boxes for toy drop-offs by calling 713-895-8021 or emailing grownear1@nnmd. org.

As part of the initiative, unwrapped toys also can be

dropped off at the NNMD office at 7603 Antoine Dr. and Northwest Volunteer Fire Department locations at 12820 T.C. Jester Blvd., 2950 Washington Dr., 5335 Green Pines Dr. and 7706 Fallbrook Dr. Community members also can help fulfill the online donation wish list by purchasing toys at https://www. amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/26GSFA1XH7DTN.

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5315 Antoine@ Pinemont 713-688-9625 Photo from nnmd.org The Near Northwest Management District is helping to collect toys for the annual holiday toy drive conducted by the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.

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Page 6B • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • The Leader

Houston Open being played this week at Memorial Park

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

For the second straight year, some of the world’s best golfers are making their way to Memorial Park to compete in the Houston Open.

The field for the annual PGA Tour event includes more than 10 major champions and seven of the top 25 players in the most recent World Golf Rankings, including No. 12 Tony Finau and No. 15 Brooks Koepka, who served as a player consultant for the Memorial Park Golf Course redesign a couple of years ago that enabled the tournament to move from the Golf Club of Houston to inside city limits. The

tournament was set to tee off Thursday and continue through Sunday, with all four rounds to be televised on the Golf Channel.

Other notable stars competing this week include Jason Day, Patrick Reed, Stewart Cink, Lee Westwood, Adam Scott, Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter. Also in the field is Carlos Ortiz, who returns after winning last year’s tournament by holding off World No. 1 Dustin Johnson with a birdie on the final hole.

There will be shuttle options available for patrons if they park at the old Northwest Mall, 9500 Hempstead Rd., or Minute Maid Park Lot B and C at 503 Chartres St., for $20

Photo from Facebook The Houston Open began Thursday at Memorial Park Golf Course.

apiece. Shuttle buses will run from those locations to the entrance of Memorial Park, and riders will be dropped off within 100 yards of the front gate, according to the tournament website.

East and West Memorial Loop Drive and parking will be open to the public from 8 p.m.-4 a.m. daily, according to the Memorial Park Conservancy website, while the Memorial Loop Road and all associated parking in the northeast quadrant of the park will be closed during event hours. This includes parking in Eastern Glades, spaces and lots along East Memorial Loop, the Tennis Center and the sports complex.

Certain areas of the park may also be subject to closure or detours in the interest of public safety, according to the website, though the Seymour Lieberman Trail and the Clay Family Eastern Glades will remain open to the public during tournament hours.

To purchase tickets or get more information on the tournament, such as a schedule of events and tee times, visit the Houston Open website at houstonopengolf. com/. For more information on potential closures or parking availability, go to memorialparkconservancy. org/2021/10/27/2021-houston-open-faqs/.

Playoff-bound football teams finish regular seasons with wins

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

After three months of play, several of the area’s high school football teams are among those still standing for the postseason.

All three of the area’s playoff-bound teams that were in action last weekend – St. Thomas, St. Pius X and Heights – finished the regular season with impressive victories in their final tune-ups before the playoffs begin later this week.

St. Thomas polished off a second-place district finish with a 45-0 victory over Tomball Concordia Lutheran last Friday, Nov. 5 at Granger Field.

The Eagles (8-2, 5-1 district) have secured a first-round bye in the TAPPS playoffs, and will play the winner of Concordia Lutheran and Dallas Bishop Lynch in the regional round on Nov. 20.

Running back Johann Cardenas was the star of the night offensively for St. Thomas, running for 153 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries while adding 65 receiving yards and another score. Both of Cameron Price’s catches went for touchdowns, while quarterback Jake Wright was efficient as ever in completing

Last Week’s Scores Heights 61, Houston Math Science and Tech 0 St. Thomas 45, Tomball Concordia Lutheran 0 St. Pius X 28, Beaumont Kelly Catholic 14 Wheatley 40, Booker T. Washington 13 Furr 49, Scarborough 7 Sharpstown 22, Waltrip 7

This Week’s Playoff Schedule Saturday

Class 6A Division II bi-district Heights vs. Memorial, 1 p.m., Delmar Stadium TAPPS Division I area round St. Pius X at Plano Prestonwood Christian, 2 p.m.

11 of 13 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns.

Wright finished the season with a TAPPS-best 3,326 passing yards, according to MaxPreps, and a school-record 37 touchdown passes. Price also paced TAPPS in catches (72) and yards (1,317), according to MaxPreps.

St. Pius X also flourished in its regular-season finale, beating Beaumont Kelly Catholic 28-14.

Burke Battenfield shined again for the Panthers, carrying the ball 41 times for 223 yards and three touchdowns.

It was the second straight

game of at least 200 yards for Battenfield, who finished the season with 836 yards on the ground to accompany 12 touchdowns. Jackson Mobley caught three passes for 44 yards, ending the year with a team-leading 551 yards and seven touchdown catches.

Vincent Doucet had three catches for 36 yards on offense while also intercepting two passes on defense, and Ethan McMinn had his teamleading fifth interception of the season.

SPX will travel to face Plano Prestonwood Christian in a TAPPS Division I area-round

Photo from Twitter St. Thomas wide receiver Cameron Price tries to evade a tackler during the Eagles’ Aug. 27 game against Needville. The Eagles finished the regular season with a 45-0 win against Tomball Concordia Lutheran.

playoff game at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Lutheran High North has a first-round bye in the TAPPS Division 3 playoffs despite a 1-6 overall record, and will play Sacred Heart in the area round on Nov. 19.

Public schools The Heights Bulldogs finished off the regular season with a bang, taking down the Tigers of Houston Math, Sci-

ence and Tech 61-0 last Friday, Nov. 5 at Delmar Stadium.

Jalen Morrison threw for 225 yards and three touchdowns, two to Xavier Neal. Neal, who eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the season and finished with a district-leading 14 touchdown catches.

Zach Menefee and Julian Polk added rushing touchdowns for the Bulldogs (4-6, 4-2), who enter the playoffs as District 18-6A’s third seed and

will clash with Memorial (6-4), District 17-6A’s fourth-place finisher, at 1 p.m. Saturday in a Class 6A bi-district playoff game at Delmar Stadium.

Scarborough finished the season 0-10 with a 49-7 loss to Furr, while Waltrip dropped a 22-7 decision to Sharpstown to finish the year with a 1-8 record. Booker T. Washington ended the season with a 3-7 mark after losing last Friday’s finale to Wheatley 40-13.

LHN hoops teams start season unbeaten

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Much of the focus on the basketball court at Lutheran High North has been on the girls team, rightfully so as the squad won the TAPPS 3A state championship last season. But the boys team had a playoff season as well, and both teams built on last season’s success by going undefeated in this season’s opening week.

The Lions’ two squads went a combined 5-0 during the last week. LHN’s boys team defeated Katy Faith West 89-37 on Nov. 2 in their opener, and followed it up with an 81-28 victory over Legacy Prep Christian Academy on Nov. 4 and a 75-48 win over Christian Homeschool Sports Ministries on Tuesday. The girls team opened its state-title defense with a 75-21 victory over Legacy Prep on Nov. 4 before beating Christian Homeschool Sports Ministries 83-32 on Tuesday.

It was a balanced scoring effort in the first two games for the boys team, with at least four players reaching double digits in both contests. Emeka Williams Jr. led the Lions with 23 points against Faith West on Nov. 2, while Ed-

win Preston Jr. (14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals) and Zion Harper (17 points, 17 rebounds) were also strong. Harper starred again against Legacy Prep in racking up 27 points and 24 rebounds, while freshman Dale Carter had 19 points and eight rebounds.

Junior guard Dalanna Carter followed up a strong 2021 season -- when she was third in the state in scoring and garnered TAPPS all-state honors -- with 25 points in the opener for the Lady Lions against Legacy Prep.

Lauren Vela added 13 points for LHN, while Ailiyah Macias had eight points and nine rebounds.

Other girls action In public school action, the Booker T. Washington Lady Eagles dropped a 71-21 decision to Madison on Nov. 5, while the Heights Lady Bulldogs lost 37-34 against Fort Bend Elkins.

The Waltrip Lady Rams were set to open their season Tuesday night against Houston Math, Science and Tech, while the Scarborough Lady Spartans were scheduled to take on Wisdom at 5 p.m. Friday.

On the private school side, the St. Pius X Lady Panthers –

ranked 10th in TAPPS 6A by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches – defeated Bellaire Episcopal 73-60 on Tuesday night in their season opener.

Other boys action St. Pius X opened its season by going 1-2 at the Pat Alexander Tournament last weekend in Laredo. The Panthers lost their opener 59-31 to Austin St. Michael’s on Nov. 5, before splitting a doubleheader by losing 86-55 to San Antonio Central Catholic and defeating San Antonio Holy Cross 59-31.

St. Thomas was set to open its season at 7:30 p.m. Friday against St. Thomas Episcopal.

Scarborough was to kick off its 2021-22 season with games at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Houston Austin and 7 p.m. Saturday against Houston Math, Science and Tech, while Waltrip begins its season Nov. 16 against Houston Math, Science and Tech.

The Heights Bulldogs were scheduled to play Northside at 7:30 p.m. Friday, and Booker T. Washington will face Bellaire Episcopal at 12:30 p.m. Saturday as part of the Jim Hicks Opener tournament.

We are excited to welcome our community back to our newly renovated Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA! With multiple opportunities to engage, a commitment to safety, and personalized options to fit your goals, now is the best time to try the YMCA!

Expanded Wellness Center • Variety of Group Classes Youth Sports • Swimming Lessons • Santa’s Workshops COMING SOON:

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YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

The Leader • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • Page 7B

Can dogs and Local animal advocacy group cats get along? plans Holiday Artisan Market

By Adam Zuvanich

Dear Tabby, We have three cats but would like to get a dog. My kids really want our cats and our future dog to be best friends. Any tips for helping our cats and our future dog to get along?

Adding to the family in Oak Forest Dear Adding to the family, The old saying, “fighting like cats and dogs,” isn’t very accurate at all in many cases.

While there are certainly situations where cats and dogs definitely do not get along, many families have dogs and cats living peacefully together and some truly seem to love one another. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to help dogs and cats to peacefully cohabitate and, often, they can grow to become very close friends.

Here’s what to do to set your cats and new dog up for cohabitation success.

Training for the dog Obedience training is very important for your future dog.

Along with learning commands that will help him to obey and keep him safe, certain commands that he needs to learn will also keep your cats safe. For instance, “sit,” “stay,” and “down” are all very important commands that will help keep your dog from getting distracted by the cats and to keep everyone safe. Obedience training also helps you to build a good, trusting relationship with your dog, which in the long run will help him to feel secure and confident, reducing the risk of him harming your cats.

Safe spots for cats Make sure your cats have plenty of places to hide and to get away from the dog when they’ve had too much interaction. A cat who feels trapped will act out aggressively, thus provoking the dog to lash out as well. If the cats have places where they can go to feel safe, they will be much happier and willing to put up with the dog being in other parts of “their” house. Safe spots for cats are often places up high (like on top of a dresser or refrigerator) or a place that only they can access via a small cat door -- like a laundry room.

Scent mingling

When you first bring your dog home, keep the cats separate from the dog but allow them all to get familiar with each other’s scents. For instance, if the new dog is sleeping with a blanket or towel, periodically take that blanket to the cats and let them sniff it and vice versa. This will help them to familiarize themselves with the dog’s scent safely and for your dog to get used to their scent as well.

Baby gates are your friend Slowly introduce the dog to your cats under close supervision. Baby gates can help the two species to get used to one another while being safely confined. Baby gates also help you to cordon off spots in your home for your cats to access when they need a break.

Regularly seeing, smelling and hearing the cats will help desensitize the dog so he doesn’t react every time he sees a cat.

All of these tips will go a long way in helping everyone to get used to living together peacefully.

Best of luck!

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

Pet of the Week

azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The Animal Justice League, a local nonprofit that rescues and advocates for stray animals, is hosting an outdoor holiday market benefiting the organization on Thanksgiving

weekend.

The Holiday Artisan Market is scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, which is Small Business Saturday, in the parking lot of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St. in Oak Forest. There will be artisans and

other vendors on hand along with food trucks and live music, and pictures with Santa Claus can be taken for $10.

Interested vendors, who must pay a $75 vendor fee, can register online at bit.ly/AJLHAM2021 or by emailing Kim at redlipdesigns@gmail.com.

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THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, November 13, 2021 • Page 8B

Teenage boy shot at convenience store in Independence Heights

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A 15-year-old boy is in a hospital after being shot in the legs outside an Independence Heights convenience store the night of Nov. 4, according to a news release

from the Houston Police Department.

HPD said the boy was in stable condition when taken to a hospital.

HPD said officers responded to Next Door Food Mart at 8402 N. Main St. just before 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4 to

find the boy with gunshot wounds to both of his legs.

The shooter fled the scene in an older-model, four-door sedan that is tan or silver in color, according to police.

There was no known description of the shooter or motive as of Nov. 5, accord-

ing to HPD. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call HPD’s Major Assaults & Family Violence division at 713-308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A person was struck by two vehicles and killed while walking across Interstate 10 near the Heights late Nov. 4, according to the Houston Police Department.

HPD said Nov. 5 the male victim’s age and identity is pending verification by the Harris County medical examiner. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

The victim was attempting to cross eastbound lanes at 3400 Katy Freeway around 11:30 p.m. Nov. 4 when he was struck by a white Mercedes Benz C300 and then a maroon Ford F-150 pickup truck that were both traveling in the main lanes, police said.

Neither driver showed signs of intoxication, and both were questioned at the scene and released, according to HPD, which said an investigation is ongoing.

Man dies in Inwood area after being struck by car

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Houston police say a man is dead after being struck by a car while crossing an intersection in Greater Inwood early Monday morning.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Houston Police Department.

HPD said the victim was driving a gray Toyota Corolla when he drove onto the esplanade at 6798 W. Little

York Rd. just after 5:30 a.m.

Monday and had his vehicle stall out. Upon getting out of the car and attempting to cross the street, police said the man was struck and killed by a black Chevrolet heading east on West Little York.

Police said the driver of the Chevrolet was questioned at the scene and released after being determined to be unimpaired.

No charges have been filed and an investigation is ongoing, according to HPD.

landan@theleadernews.com

A man has been hospitalized after being shot inside a local apartment complex last weekend, according to the Houston Police Department.

HPD said 40-year-old Orlando Vasquez was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Officers responded to 4410 Sherwood Ln. around 11:30 a.m. Nov. 6, and police said they found Vasquez in the bedroom of a nearby apart-

ment complex with a gunshot wound.

Eyewitnesses told investigators that the suspected shooter, described as a white man around 20 years old, fled the scene in a silver Dodge Ram pickup truck with a gun in his hand.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact HPD’s Major Assaults & Family Violence division at 713-308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.

Heights H-E-B has gun scare

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Grocery customers had a brief scare last week at the Heights H-E-B after someone was purportedly spotted with a gun in the store’s parking garage, according to a report from Houston television station ABC13.

Nobody was hurt in the incident, according to the station.

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Police responded to the store at 2300 N. Shepherd Dr. around 6 p.m. Nov. 4, according to ABC13, which reported that a customer in the store had made posts on Twitter indicating someone screamed about a person having a gun, and the store was immediately evacuated.

ABC13 said no shots were fired, and the Houston Police Department had not said if any arrest had been made, according to the report.

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