Inside Today: COVID tests coming to HISD schools • Page 4A
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Voters must wait to weigh in on charter amendment By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
When the Houston Charter Amendment Coalition submitted a petition with about 37,500 signatures to the city secretary’s office, in early April, co-organizer Charles Blain said he thought the issue at hand would be on the ballot this November. The bipartisan coalition wants to amend the city charter to allow at least three Houston City Council members to place an item on the
ELECTION 2021
Registration deadline: Oct. 4 Early voting: Oct. 18-29 Election Day: Nov. 2 More information: harrisvotes.com
council’s weekly meeting agenda. As it stands, only the mayor has agenda-setting authority. But the thousands of petitioners and an even greater number of Houston voters will not be able to make their
voices heard on the issue this year – or even next year, for that matter. That’s at least in part because the mayor still has the exclusive power to set the council’s agenda. See Election P. 5A
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INSIDE.
Contributed photo From left to right, young Shepherd Forest residents Harper Allen, Richard Holland and Graham Allen stand in front of a petting zoo, which was one of the top attractions last Sunday at the neighborhood’s annual picnic at Stonecrest Park.
Page 2A
Shepherd Forest picnic draws crowd, rave reviews By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Hot and cold. Have you ever tried ice cream on a chicken sandwich? It’s a thing at Mico’s.
Page 7A
Girl power. Businesswomen remain a force on West 19th Street in the Heights.
Three decades ago, when they first moved into the neighborhood, Richard and Delinda Holland were one of the few Shepherd Forest couples to have young children. And because she wanted 6-year-old Clint and 3-year-old Travis to have an enjoyable outdoor activity, Delinda started hosting an annual fall picnic. Now her sons are grown, and Clint has a 3-year-old son of his own. Many of the Hollands’ neighbors have kids, too, so the picnic has become especially popular. The 32nd annual community picnic was held late last Sunday afternoon at Stonecrest Park, where Delinda Holland said nearly 300 neighborhood residents gathered for food, fellowship and family-friendly fun. It was the largest crowd in the event’s history, she said, and the vast majority of attendees were families with children. “It’s kind of funny,” Holland said. “We started with no kids, and now it’s all kids.” The free picnic, which was not held last year because of COVID-19, is hosted by the Shepherd Forest Civic Club and serves the nearly 1,000 homes in the neighborhood. Holland said local firefighters and representatives from the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office were in attendance, as were Houston City Council members Abbie Kamin and Amy Peck, who both serve the community. Holland said the bulk of the food was provided by two sponsors, the H-E-B location in the Heights and Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital. One of the main at-
A Harris County grand jury will determine whether to bring charges against a man who shot and killed an alleged truck thief in the Heights area last weekend, according to a news release from the Houston Police Department. The dead man’s identity had not been released as of Tuesday, pending notification of next of kin, according to the county’s medical examiner. In a video posted to the website for KTRK-TV, an HPD officer at the scene last Saturday, Sept. 25 said two men got in a truck parked at a residence on Wichman Street and drove off with it. The son of the truck owner then chased down the truck, catching up to it at a dead end where Wichman Street meets White Oak Bayou, according to the HPD officer. The son of the truck owner then fired shots using an “AR-style rifle,” the HPD officer said, striking the man who was driving the truck while the other suspected thief escaped on foot. There is currently no physical description available for the second suspect, according to HPD spokesperson Victor Senties. The truck bed was full of auto parts, according to the HPD officer at the scene last Saturday. “They jumped in and stole it not long after (the truck owner got home),” the officer said. “There is a bunch of merchandise in the bed of the truck. It’s possible (the owner) was followed from somewhere and they saw the opportunity.” HPD said in a Monday news release that it “does not believe there is a continuous threat to the general public.”
Contributed photo Shepherd Forest residents had the opportunity to adopt pets at last Sunday’s community picnic at Stonecrest Park.
tractions, a mobile petting zoo with ducks, goats, rabbits, a llama and a pot-bellied pig, was underwritten by Dr Gleem Car Wash & Lube Center, 3103 Ella Blvd. Kim Syrinek, the event volunteer in charge of the children’s activities, said the petting zoo was among the most popular attractions along with a face-painting station and a game called fish cup, in which kids tossed ping pong balls into plastic cups filled with water and a toy fish they could win. There was a kids’ parade around the park, too, along See Picnic P. 5A
National Night Out returns amid spike in crime
Page 1B
By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 5A Classifieds.............................................. 6A Coupons................................................... 3B Food/Drink/Art................................... 7A Opinion..................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 3A Sports......................................................... 4B
Resident kills alleged truck thief in Heights By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
PHYLLIS A. OESER
New to the force. An Acres Homes horse named Matilda is the newest HPD officer.
Kamin
Contributed photo Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen, center, visits with community members during National Night Out in 2019.
Constable Alan Rosen said “crime is going crazy right now,” both in Houston and Harris County, where there has been an uptick in violent behavior and an increase in uneasiness among law-abiding residents. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have brought with it a “sense of lawlessness,” according to the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable. Rosen said the is-
sue has been exacerbated by a clogged-up court system that allows suspected criminals to walk free while they await trial, even if they have been charged with multiple offenses. So next Tuesday’s National Night Out, the annual event that aims to combat crime by raising awareness and strengthening relationships between police and the communities they serve, could not come at a more opportune time. Gatherings were scrapped last year, because of
the pandemic. “I think now more than ever, the community is fed up with violent crime and it’s fed up with the crime spree that’s going on,” Rosen said. “I think people want to talk about it and want to become solution-oriented to figure out what they need to do to be safer in their homes and keep their neighborhoods safe and their children safe. We want to be a resource and a partner in keeping people safe.” See NNO P. 4A
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THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, October 2, 2021 • Page 2A
Acres Homes resident gives HPD new patrol horse By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
There is a stereotype out there that all Texans ride horses everywhere. That is partially true within the Houston Police Department, which recently added a new horse to its mounted patrol courtesy of a local resident. On Tuesday, officers with HPD’s Mounted Patrol Unit introduced Matilda, the newest addition to its force. What was unique about the situation is that Matilda was previously owned by Acres Homes resident Carlas Murray. Murray recently gave Matilda – who came to her and her husband a few years ago after her previous owner had died – to HPD to replenish its herd. Officers with HPD’s Mounted Patrol Unit are part of an initiative aimed at fighting crime more directly, according to the city. Mounted patrol officers said Tuesday that cars have become their biggest obstacle in fighting crime as they cannot get everywhere. On horseback, they said, officers can more easily protect and reach communities that are most in need. “This will allow us to be out in more neighborhoods, doing more patrolling and getting people to know about that (program),” at-large Houston
Contributed photo Matilda, an 8-year-old mare, was donated to the Houston Police Department by Acres Homes resident Carlas Murray.
City Council member Mike Knox said. A few months ago, Murray said she saw officers riding around on horseback and initially wondered what was going on or if something was wrong. After chatting with the officer about the mounted patrol, Murray she said she believed her own horse – an 8-yearold mare – would be perfect for the program due to strong
bloodlines and previous training. “I just talk to everybody, and I just wanted to know if they were OK and if there was something I could do,” she said. “Then when I noticed the horses we started talking about all that, and I wanted to invite them over to see my horse. I’m proud of my horses.” Her pride appears to have been warranted as several of-
ficers Tuesday characterized Matilda as “one of their besttrained horses” already. In order to be on mounted patrol, horses must be trained to be able to handle large crowds, noisemakers and other distractions. HPD’s mounted patrol is used for events such as parades, but also serves as crowd control in other instances. Their use also can be a simple way to connect with an officer’s community beat. “One of the goals in law enforcement is to get closer with our community – this is a perfect example of how the neighbors working with the police can achieve wonderful things,” Knox said. Knox said that connection via mounted patrol and horses like Matilda can break down barriers between police officers and the community – in turn making the community safer. “Kids just love horses and love to walk up, and that provides a great opportunity for police officers to make a different kind of impression than they might otherwise,” he said. Murray can attest to that and is thankful she can play a small part in the outreach. “I love to see you guys out there on the horses, and I want to come give them water, talk and do this and that,” she said. “I’m all about horses.”
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incurred to purchase natural gas during the winter storm. Per the application, according to the city, CenterPoint proposes to recover those costs by increasing the average residential customers’ bills by approximately 11 percent per month for a period of 10 years. If the railroad commission denies the application, CenterPoint plans to implement
a fee that would increase the average residential customers’ monthly bills by approximately 43 percent over a threeyear period, according to the city. An evidentiary hearing on CenterPoint’s application is scheduled for Nov. 2-3, with the railroad commission expected to issue a ruling at its Dec. 7 meeting. The railroad commission has two open, public meetings scheduled in the interim - on Oct. 12 and Oct. 26. For more information on the railroad commission meetings and how to participate, visit https://www.rrc.texas. gov/general-counsel/open-meetings/.
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CenterPoint seeks approval for storm-related gas rate increase The winter storm that froze Houston in February will cause a rate increase next year for residential gas customers of CenterPoint Energy. How much more people will pay remains to be seen. The City of Houston issued a notice last week saying the Texas Railroad Commission, the state agency with regulatory oversight of gas utilities, is considering CenterPoint’s application to finance the $1.14 billion in extra costs it
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IN MEMORIAM
E
Eric Elliott Eyring
ric Elliott Eyring, age 70, of Houston, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Eric was born February 11, 1951. He was a longtime resident of Brookwood Estates. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Doug Blair of Houston, his brother and sister-in-law Kirk and Tammy Eyring of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; His nephews Randall Blair and Elliott Eyring and his niece, Audrey Eyring. The family wishes to thank his generous and caring neighbors for their friendship to Eric. There will not be a memorial service. Donations in his memory, if desired, can be made to Houstonspca.org or Houstonfoodbank.org.
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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, October 2, 2021 • Page 3A
Flagging interest in our past “Come and Take It” the flag dared. And they did. They came and took it. So yet another bit of our history is gone. Soon there will be nothing left of our past but empty pedestals and stored plaques. A quick bit of background: On Oct. 2, 1835, as Texians were mumbling about independence from Mexico, 100 Mexican dragoons were sent to Gonzales to retrieve a small cannon loaned to the locals to help protect them from frequent Comanche raids. The Mexicans were met by about 140 Texians who flew a flag created by Sarah Seely DeWitt and her daughter, Evaline, from Noami DeWitt’s wedding dress. It was white with a black lone star at the top above the picture of a cannon. Below that were the words: “Come and Take It.” A fight broke out. The Texians fired the cannon, loaded with scrap iron. The Battle of Gonzales was more of a skirmish -- the Mexicans left with one casualty – but it was the Texas Lexington. Today a replica of that flag hangs in the state capitol in Austin, but can be seen on coffee cups, shirts, neckties, underwear, license plates, album covers, food trucks, murals, hats and fraternity walls. Texas Tacky lives! For six years The University of Texas at San Antonio, or UTSA, traditionally unfurled an enor-
Lynn Ashby Columnist
mous “Come and Take It” flag across the student section before the start of the fourth quarter of home football games for the Roadrunners, accompanied by the firing of a cannon. The last time this was used was during the 2019 season. It was not used during the entire 2020 season because of COVID-19. But UTSA’s president, Taylor Eighmy, has now sent out an email to faculty, staff, students and alumni stating that the flag will no longer be used at football games. “Further, we will identify the use of this phrase in our digital environment, licensed merchandise, and in our buildings and playing fields, and will systematically and appropriately remove it.” President Eighmy stated: “(T) here is no benefit to becoming embroiled in a divisive issue.” There had been much debate on the UTSA campus about the slogan. A former UTSA professor
created a petition to urge the university to end the use of the slogan because it is “offensive” and “anti-Mexican.” Another petition is going around demanding that UTSA keep the slogan. UTSA has an enrollment of 34,742, of which more than half (55.8 percent) are Hispanic. Meanwhile, at UT-Austin, the Texas chapter of the NAACP, along with the civil rights organization’s UT-Austin chapter and a group of anonymous students, has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education alleging the school is creating a “hostile environment” for Black students by continuing to play “The Eyes of Texas” at university events. This follows earlier protests by Black students about use of the song. After furious outcries by heavy donors to keep “The Eyes,” UT kept it. Private companies are dropping old names. In March, The Dallas Morning News changed its corporate name from the A.H. Belo Corporation to the DallasNews Corporation. It seems that A.H. Belo, who founded the newspaper in 1885, had been a Confederate colonel. The Dixie Chicks are now just the Chicks. (Not to get sidetracked, but that group almost self-destructed. At a 2003 performance in London, just before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Natalie Maines of the Dallas–based band,
azuvanich@theleadernews.com
The annual Heights Library Book Sale will be held from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the
Heights Neighborhood Library, 1302 Heights Blvd. The event is put on by the Rotary Club of Houston Heights, and all proceeds benefit the local library’s summer
THE READER. Oak Forest residents at odds over sidewalk Dear Editor: FYI don’t block the sidewalk with your vehicle, whether in your driveway or parking in the street. “Your property” ends where the city easement begins and this happens to be where the sidewalk is. They will ticket you if you block a sidewalk. Just fair warning. Brian Schrader
Dear Editor: The city put one in my yard in OF last year. Construction was a pain but It’s used by families in the area including mine. Great addition to the neighborhood. Ryan Johnson Dear Editor: Having side walks and bike lanes as well are a good thing for the general public - maybe the process could be more diplomatic - but a few homeowners should not be able to stop either - some things are done for the public good - this seems to be a hard concept to understand by a few. David Meyer Dear Editor: Interesting where there are sidewalks, people or cyclists rarely use them. Wish there were more. Matthew Finnegan Pedestrian refuge islands met with mixed reactions Dear Editor: Absolutely in love with this infrastructure! Already have used it a few times and really hoping tools like this show up on Yale and 11th St in particular near the Hike and Bike on Nicholson. Adamrenz
Dear Editor: The people not recogniz-
programs. For more information, go online and visit houstonlibrary.org/heights or facebook. com/heightsrotary. Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
ing the benefits do not cross Studewood on foot or bike regularly. It is not easy especially for youth or elderly. Chris Egan Dear Editor: Yesterday my neighbor and I stood there for a few minutes with two strollers waiting to cross. People didn’t even slightly care to stop. I’m very glad these exist but the usefulness is only there if people actually yield to pedestrians. Perhaps if our constable would actively enforce traffic rules there we might see a change. Scott Bryant Taylor
dropped at the door. Russ Sterne
Texas fought for and gained independence from Mexico, prompting some Houston Hispanics to object. So Houston 1836 was changed to the Dynamo (singular, not Dynamos) which is about as meaningless a name as the Washington Football Team. Nevertheless, team president Oliver Luck said, “Dynamo is a word to describe someone who never fatigues, never gives up. The new name is symbolic of Houston as an energetic, hardworking, risk-taking kind of town.” Coincidentally, the name change was announced 170 years to the day that the Alamo fell at the hands of the Mexican Army. As for the Alamo itself, a major do-over is coming, complete with squabbles (which lets headline writers refer to “The Second Battle of the Alamo” ad nauseam. And a new book is out, “Forget the Alamo,” which includes this observation: “Bowie was a murderer, slaver and con man. Travis was a pompous racist agitator and syphilitic leach; and Crockett was a self-promoting old fool who was a captive to his own myth. They can no longer be the holy trinity of Texas, nor can the Alamo be the Shrine of Texas Liberty.” Maybe UTSA should just put a sign over their cafeteria: “Come and get it.” Ashby is not changing at ashby2@comcast.net
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Heights Rotary club to hold book sale By Adam Zuvanich
told the audience, “We’re ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas.” The criticism led to a backlash from country listeners, who were mostly right-wing and supported the war. The Dixie Chicks were blacklisted by thousands of country radio stations and the band members received death threats.) The Alabama Band is still the Alabama Band, but the State of Mississippi dropped the Stars and Bars from its flag and the state capitol of South Carolina no longer sports a Confederate flag on its grounds. We all know how Richmond, Va. carted off its huge statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Sports teams are having problems not offending anyone. The Washington Redskins are now the Washington Football Team, but are down to about eight possibilities for a new nickname. The Cleveland Indians will be called the Cleveland Guardians. North Dakota University were the Fighting Sioux. Now they are the Fighting Hawks. The Florida State Seminoles are safe because the Florida Seminole Tribe Chapter supported the university’s use of the mascot. In 2006, Houston received a major league soccer franchise. The original title of our new soccer team was to be Houston 1836 (soccer teams the world over have odd names), that being the year Houston was founded. However, 1836 was also the year
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the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
SUDOKU
All for the family: Longtime carrier leaving community Dear Editor: Donna - you throw a perfect paper! You will be missed! Betsy Ladner Denson
Dear Editor: Enjoy that grand baby girlfriend! They grow too fast! Jeanette Black Dear Editor: Good luck on all that you do! Wow, my son had two routes - when he was about 15. One was a walking route with 200 papers at Covered Bridge Condo. Nothing like hers! Vickie Kollaja Dear Editor: We will miss you Donna Webb! Thank you for all you have done supporting GOOF! Beth Baroski Jez Dear Editor: Miss her is an understatement! We love you Nanny/ Mayor of Oak Forest. Emily Minix Dear Editor: I’m old! My route in Oak Forest was walking and
LOCAL WORD Do you have something to share about our community? send us an email news@theleadernews.com
aCrOss
1. Groan 5. Engine additive 8. Atomic mass unit (abbr.) 11. One-time emperor 13. Martial art __ chi 14. Extinct algae 15. The leading performer 16. Autonomic nervous system 17. Pirate who went by ‘Chico’18. Encourages 20. Small tactical munition 21. One-time Tribe closer 22. North, Central and South 25. Repossession 30. Conveys air to and from the lungs 31. A renowned museum 32. One hundred (Italian) 33. Synchronizes solar and lunar time 38. Calendar month (abbr.) 41. They bite 43. The Mets played here
45. About opera 47. Wings 49. I (German) 50. Sportscaster Brett 55. Wild mango 56. The woman 57. Afflicted 59. Look furtively 60. Large integer 61. Spiritual leader 62. Keeps us warm 63. Type of account 64. Cheek
dOwn 1. Helps you get there 2. Plant 3. Apron 4. Everybody has one 5. Conditions of balance 6. Fit 7. Island in Lake Michigan 8. True firs 9. Operates 10. Approves food 12. Tell on 14. __ mater, one’s school 19. Low prices 23. Brazilian river 24. Et-__
25. Supervises interstate commerce 26. Occurs naturally 27. Sprinted 28. Shock therapy 29. Decide 34. Lodging 35. Singer DiFranco 36. Kazakhstan river 37. 1920’s woman’s hat 39. Corpus __, Texas city 40. Helps kids 41. Tires have this 42. Physical attraction 44. Goddess of wisdom 45. Made of wood 46. The top 47. Automatic data processing system 48. Exchange 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Napolean came here 54. Big guys grab these (abbr.) 58. Mickey’s pet
WORD SCRAMBLE
Page 4A • Saturday, October 2, 2021 • The Leader
COVID-19 tests to be administered at HISD schools By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Free COVID-19 tests will be administered to students and staff on Houston ISD campuses later this fall in collaboration with the Houston Health Department, the city and its largest school district announced Sept. 23. The testing program is targeted to begin within 4-6 weeks, according to a spokesperson for the city health department, who said the initial group of participating schools has not yet been determined. “All schools located within zip codes with high to moderate COVID-19 transmission rates will participate,” health department spokesperson Scott Packard said in a text message. “These may fluctuate over time based on data.”
Parents and guardians at participating schools will receive consent forms they must sign in order for their children to participate in the testing program, according to news releases from HISD and the city. They said medical professionals will administer the PCR tests, in which nasal swabs will be inserted less than an inch into each nostril and rotated three times, and results are expected to be received within one day. The city said “results will be shared only for public health purposes, which may include notifying close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.” “Many people with COVID-19, especially children and teens, don’t have symptoms but can still spread the virus,” Dr. David Persse, the
city’s chief medical officer, said in a news release. “Regular testing of school communities will help us find students and staff with the virus and put measures in place to slow the spread at both school and home.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet authorized COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than age 12. According to HISD’s online COVID-19 dashboard, there were 716 active cases across the district as of Tuesday, including 643 among students. The local campuses with active cases were Heights (2 students, 1 staff), Scarborough (5 students) and Waltrip (10 students) high schools; Frank Black (7 students), Clifton (2 students, 1 staff), Hamilton (21 students, 2 staff), Hogg
(1 student) and Williams (3 students) middle schools; and Crockett (9 students, 1 staff), Durham (5 students, 1 staff), Field (1 student), Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet (3 students, 1 staff), Harvard (1 student), Highland Heights (3 students), Love (2 students), Stevens (2 students), Travis (7 students, 1 staff) and Wainwright (5 students) elementary schools. The 21 student cases at Hamilton was the highest number among all HISD campuses. “Thanks to the Houston Health Department we are continuing to expand our tool kit of protection that is keeping our students and staff safe from the deadliest virus of our lifetime,” HISD Superintendent Millard House II said in a news release. “First, we man-
Contributed photo Houston ISD superintendent Millard House II, right, exchanges a fist bump with a youngster in the community.
dated masks in our schools, and now the City of Houston is providing testing that can catch COVID-19 before it
spreads through our schools. This partnership with the City of Houston will save lives.”
HISD hosting teacher job fair Legion post hosting shrimp boil in support of Houston charity By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Local teachers will have the opportunity to seek employment with Houston ISD during an event this weekend. HISD will host a job fair for teachers from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Madison High School, 13719 White Heather Dr. According to a news release from the district, HISD is looking to hire high school teachers in all
certification areas, including business education, computer science, engineering, health science and technology education. During the event, prospective teachers will meet principals and other school leaders who will conduct on-the-spot interviews, according to the district. The starting salary would be $56,839, according to HISD. Pending the Texas Educa-
tion Agency’s approval of HISD’s application for Cares Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, the district said qualified teachers also would be eligible to receive a $2,500 recruitment and retention stipend. Interested job seekers can register for the event online at bit.ly/Oct2TeacherEvent and are encouraged to fill out an application online at houstonisd.org/teachhisd.
Plaza and Woodland Heights, where there will be a gathering on the Norhill Esplanade. They also will have a presence at the event hosted by the Near Northwest Management District from 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday in White Oak Bayou Village, 6640 Antoine Dr., where there will be door prizes, a petting zoo and a rockclimbing wall, among other activities. “We look forward to getting out once again and safely meeting and speaking with our community members,” the Houston Police Department said in a news release. “Together with law enforcement, you and your neighbors can become allies against crime and improve the quality of life in our city.” Rosen said National Night Out is among his favorite events of the year, because it allows him to get out in the community and get a firsthand sense of what residents are experiencing and how his department can help. He said he plans to have frank conversations about crime trends while providing safety tips and en-
couraging residents to take advantage of resources provided by local law enforcement. The ongoing pandemic figures to make for a different dynamic compared with previous National Night Out events, Rosen said, and he understands if some residents would prefer to stay in their homes as opposed to gathering with neighbors and police officers. HPD said it encourages community members to host small, individual gatherings in their own driveways. Whether residents are outside or remain inside, Rosen said he hopes his message reaches them all. “They may not come out and meet their neighbors, because they’re concerned about the spread of COVID, and that’s OK. That’s perfectly fine,” Rosen said. “We still want those people that don’t come out to seek information from our office, such as crime prevention tips and those things, so they at least take advantage of some of the important information we’re going to be sharing with the public.”
By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
The inaugural Shrimp Boil Fundraiser put on by the Fowl Bunch, a nonprofit that supports youth participants in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo’s Junior Poultry Auction, will be held from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23 at American Legion Post 560 in
NNO from P. 1A Rosen said he plans to personally visit at least five National Night Out gatherings next Tuesday evening, while almost all of the nearly 500 officers in his department will be assigned to events throughout the precinct he serves, which includes the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest areas. The Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office also will dispatch officers throughout the community. While the Houston Heights Association, Garden Oaks Civic Club and Oak Forest Homeowners Association do not have any official events planned, there will be several small gatherings in local neighborhoods. “We ask people to organize their own block gatherings, and they do what works for their block,” Garden Oaks Civic Club president Tonya Knauth said. “It’s a great time to meet and connect with neighbors.” Precinct 1 constable’s deputies plan to visit National Night Out events in Garden Oaks, Candlelight, Shepherd Park
Garden Oaks. Tickets to the event, which can be purchased at fowlbunch.com or at the door at 3720 Alba Rd., are $30 and include a plate of shrimp and two sides. Sodas, beer and other alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. The event also will include a silent auction, raffle and
Free pancake breakfast Oct. 2nd, 8:30-10am, in Fellowship Hall
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GET Differences without division
CHURCH D I R E CTO RY
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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
OVER IT!
By Pastor Will Cover
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.”
Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org
I
s it possible to have a difference of opinion with someone without diSponsor 1602 West 43rd St. • Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577 viding from them? I would say yes, 1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470 First Church it is possible. The issue for some might St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Weekly Sunday Services Gethsemane Lutheran Church be what the difference is about. In Acts • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN • Morning:10:30 a.m. We invite you to worship with us! • Evening: 4:15 p.m. 15 the early church was dealing with 1700 Sunday West 43 at Rosslyn School ........9:15 am MANNA t -FBSOJOH )PVS BN QN 713-682-4942 differences over teaching concerning t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI QN QN Pastor – Dr. Richard Walters Sunday Worship......10:30am 4QPOTPS circumcision. After they resolved this Ad # 32285 Wednesday Bible Study 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t difference by understanding that there & Prayer 6:00pm Candlelight Church ofService Christ was a bigger issue at stake, the spread Join us for Services FC Heights Family and Staff in English or Spanish Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 of and theyou gospel world, they contin201 E. 9th St. • 713-861-3102 Judge not, will notto bethe judged; condemn Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday School Children, Youth and Please our website at: Adults 9:40 Sundforvisit not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, Sunday Bible Classes 9am www.fbcheights.org Ministries for All Ages ued on even in spite of some differencand you will be forgiven... Wednesday Bible Study 7pm www.lazybrookbaptistchurch.org for the following: Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children es. Later, Paul and Barnabas, who had Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor 4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Wed R.S.V. Luke 6:37 Sunday Services: @ 11 AM 2003 W. 43rd St. 713-686-8241 s t s u m cIn-person .org Houston, TX 77092 been partners in ministry, divided over (Live stream during service) the question as to the usefulness of the Bible Studies: From Homepage, click on third member of their team. There are Connect/Small Groups 1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470 many things that can cause differences. These differences may come from different priorities, different personaliGethsemane Lutheran Church ties, or different belief systems. So, if Pastor Jerry McNamara this world is so full of differences, then 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 how do we find common ground and We invite you to worship with us! move forward? I think the example is Weekly Worship Services 9:00a.m. found in the book of Acts as the church had to work through these issues that Online services can be reached and Adults............................ 6:15pm
• Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm
4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227
Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m. Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 am
Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.
rd
www.gethsemanelutheran.org
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cornhole tournament. The raffle items include rifles, a handgun, a shotgun and ammunition, according to information on fowlbunch.com. The Fowl Bunch, which started in 1986, is a nonprofit organization that supports youth and education by purchasing poultry that is put up for auction at Houston’s annual rodeo.
◆
through the website below at 9:00 am. www.gethsemanelutheran.org
Say a Prayer Today
were dividing them. The answer they found, was to remain focused on the same end goal. The reason we have divisions are many, but the reason most cannot find common ground is the fact that many people have a different end goal. As a Christian, my end goal is to glorify God by living a life that is pleasing to God and pointing other people to God as the only source of truth and purpose for life. If two people don’t have the same source of ultimate truth, then those two people will not be able to find true unity and agreement in life. I would argue that there are many things that people can have differences over. Many of these things, while significant, should not cause division. The reason that we see so much division in our world is because people do not have the same starting point for truth and many people do not have the same ultimate purpose in life. Matthew 6:33 says this, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Put God first. Love others. Put yourself last. It is possible to have differences without division.
The Leader • Saturday, October 2, 2021 • Page 5A
Picnic, from P. 1A with decorations for bicycles and strollers. “I think it was really fun, and it was for all ages,” Syrinek said. “Little kids could play the games or big kids could play the games.” The Shepherd Forest residents without children enjoyed themselves as well. Virginia Dietrich said she and her husband, Ray, who are in their mid-80s and have lived in the neighborhood since 1958, have attended the picnic nearly every year and enjoy seeing community members get together and have a good time. Ray has a longstanding tradition of cooking hot dogs at the picnic, and he continued serving in that role even though he is only two months removed from fracturing two vertebrae in his back.
“He’s a determined man,” Virginia said. “He’s been cooking those hots dogs for several year, so it’s just what he does.” Even though the weather was “perfect,” according to Holland, she said she still was surprised to see such a large turnout. The civic club had not held many events since the local onset of the pandemic in March 2020 and therefore had not been as visible as usual within the community. But Holland suspected that her neighbors were ready to gather, and Syrinek said the event was wellpromoted on social media and in Shepherd Forest’s monthly newsletter. The outdoor setting allowed residents to safely come out of their “COVID bubble,” according to Syrinek. “Sometimes when you work in an
organization, organizations have ups and downs,” Holland said. “You’re trudging along and think nobody pays attention and nobody knows about our civic club, and then all of a sudden people just turn out. I think it really generated a lot of excitement and unity for the neighborhood.” Holland said she’s not quite ready to think about next year’s picnic – “Give me another day to rest,” she joked – but the idea is to make it even bigger and better and more kidfriendly. This year’s event drew nearly one-third of the neighborhood. There was a little something for everyone, too, with rodeo clowns, pet adoptions and vintage cars on display along with the other attractions. “It’s going to be really hard to top,” Syrinek said. “But I know we will.”
Contributed photo Shepherd Forest’s 32nd annual picnic drew nearly 300 neighborhood residents and representatives from the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office.
Election, from P. 1A Mayor Sylvester Turner proposed in August to place the measure on the ballot in November 2023, invoking a Texas law that allows local governments to put charter amendments up for a vote in either the next election or the next municipal election, which in Houston’s case is 2023. The council voted unanimously to approve Turner’s proposed ordinance – after two amendments failed that called for placing the item on this year’s ballot or the one in November 2022. “It is precisely why we wanted to get the law changed,” said Blain, the founder of a conservative policy blog called Urban Reform. “I think most people understand that if we did what we were supposed to do, which was get the minimum number of signatures (20,000), that we would get the nearest election date. The state law is written with the intent to not delay getting this
petition on the ballot. The only real delay was the power that the mayor has.” With a vote on the proposed charter amendment postponed for two years, the ballots for area voters will be fairly short this year. The most locally relevant races are for two seats on the Houston ISD Board of Education – the District I seat held by Elizabeth Santos and the District VII position occupied by Anne Sung, both of whom represent schools in the Heights, Garden Oaks or Oak Forest areas. There also will be a series of statewide propositions on the ballot, and four seats on the Houston Community College board of trustees are up for grabs as well. The deadline to register to vote in this year’s election is Monday, Oct. 4. Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 18-29, with Election Day on Nov. 2. For more information on voting in Harris County, in-
cluding sample ballots for local residents, visit harrisvotes.com. Regarding the proposed charter amendment that was intended for this year’s ballot, local council member Amy Peck of District A is a member of the coalition that supports the idea and was the council member who proposed placing the item on this year’s ballot when the issue came up in the August meeting. Peck said she ended up voting for Turner’s proposed date of 2023 because her proposal failed and she wanted the item to come up for a vote at some point. Peck said she also supported Turner’s assertion that putting off the charter amendment vote until 2023 would be more cost effective for the city, which would need to spend more than $1 million to hold a special election this year. City attorney Arturo Michel, in a statement to The Leader that was provided by
a spokesperson for the mayor, said the 2023 option also allows for subsequent charter amendment proposals to be placed on the same ballot, because the state constitution prohibits amending the city charter more frequently than every two years. “We don’t want to spend money that we don’t have to,” Peck said. “But in my opinion, it’s not my money, it’s the people’s money. Enough people signed the petition to get it on the ballot, so they’re telling me their priority.” Blain said he believes Turner prefers a vote in 2023 so the mayor can “retain the amount of power he has currently through the end of his term.” Turner is midway through his second four-year term at City Hall, and the November 2023 election will decide who succeeds him. When asked Tuesday about the mayor’s motives related to delaying the vote on the charter amendment,
spokesperson Mary Benton said she had not had the opportunity to present the question to Turner and provided the aforementioned statement by Michel. Turner said in April that the agenda-setting proposal is “bad for the people of Houston,” adding that it would “create chaos, confusion, tension and factionalism.” Regarding the timing of the vote on the proposed charter amendment, local council member Abbie Kamin of District C said in an emailed statement, “We need to have clear procedural rules and standards for filing deadlines that coincide with the specific date those petitions will be placed on a ballot. We also need to invest in modernizing the City Secretary’s office to make it more accessible for Houstonians.” Peck echoed that sentiment, saying she wants to improve the technology in the city secretary’s office
while creating clearly defined standards and timelines for petitioning the city to have an item placed on the ballot, because the nearly 40,000 petitioners in this case did so under the assumption that a citywide vote would happen this year. Blain said the city secretary does not have a consistent, established timeline for verifying signatures on a petition. The only way to create such rules and standards, Peck said, is for the city council to do so through an ordinance. And in order for that to happen, the issue would need to be placed on the council agenda by the mayor. It is unclear whether Turner is in favor or against that idea. That question also was posed to the mayor’s office, which did not provide an answer before press time Wednesday. “It’s a never-ending cycle,” Blain said.
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The Leader • Saturday, October 2, 2021 • Page 7A
Art Valet: Park yourself at Saturday arts market Mitch Cohen Art Columnist
We’ve got a parking problem, finally! Who wants a parking problem, you may be asking yourself. I would be the guilty party. I recall when First Saturday Arts Market got started in 2004, there were quite a few market dates that had more exhibitors than customers. There was a large parking lot at that first location and I remember praying for a parking problem! How bad could that be? Fast forward to today, and I realize I should have been more specific with that parking problem request! I’m not taking credit for all of the Heights, just my little spot there on West 19th Street. This Saturday at 540 W. 19th St., the First Saturday Arts Market will be open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There is parking but not
much. Most folks seem to park nearby and walk over. I’m looking forward to seeing that first wave of art patrons “appear” right at 11. It’s the most amazing phenomena to me. For our neighbors, there are bike racks in front of Ride Indoor Cycling at 548 W. 19th St. For the more adventurous, Houston BCycle installed a bike-sharing station at 249 W. 19th St. Rent a bike and ride over! The BCycle station is in front of Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery and We Olive & Wine Bar. Great people, shopping and eating. A Sept. 15 story in The Leader, “Houston BCycle expands in Heights” by Landan Kuhlmann, covered the new Heights locations and provided this map link: https://houston. bcycle.com/station-map. The market this Saturday is more like a mini art festival for the first time since last year. Forty-two artists are on the roster, which can be previewed on the website. Austin artist Jefferson Woodruff will be in atten-
Jefferson Woodruff, left, chats with a customer at First Saturday Arts Market.
dance. Woodruff, who grew up in Oak Forest, is a sculptor, art metal and jewelry designer and fabricator. At the markets, his impossibly balanced mobiles (an engineering feat if you ask me) are a big draw to his booth. Woodruff loves telling sto-
ries and is fond of retelling how he studied me and my market for a year (in 2005) before deciding I was OK and approached me about attending. I’m not sure I’ve been vetted for that long before or since. Woodruff recalled his experience with The Leader while
Contributed photo
growing up in Oak Forest this past spring to help raise funds for the LuvLeader campaign. “When I was a boy growing up in Oak Forest I was an avid newspaper reader,” Woodruff wrote. “But I didn’t read The Leader. It was all about people’s dogs and bake
sales at the VFW. Now all that has changed. I get very little news from the remaining major daily, but I get all sorts of interesting local news in The Leader. It happens that I live in Houston’s outermost suburb, Austin. I really appreciate The Leader for keeping me plugged in to the old neighborhood as well as all the local news that matters to me, from Houston. “The arts coverage surpasses anything that has ever been in Houston,” Woodruff concluded. “There is nothing like it in Austin either.” I really like that last statement! Check out Woodruff and his work at http://jwoodrff.com. Houston Winery and Houston Cider Co., both Heights businesses, will join Pak-Man Food Truck and the artists this Saturday. Get more details on the website, firstsaturdayartsmarket.com. Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and the Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.
Review: Casa Nomad lives up to the hype By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com
One of the hottest tables in Houston, Casa Nomad will probably leave you with a surreal and incredibly satisfying experience unlike any Mexican restaurant you’ve ever been to. Just don’t forget to bring your wallet. Matt Sayler, a reader who interacted with me on Facebook when I was sharing my initial impressions of Casa Nomad, pondered whether or not “something at that price point” - entree prices average out to about $16 per plate - will be able to thrive. It’s a fair question, and while it’s far too early to make any definitive predictions about Casa Nomad’s long-term future, it seems that it is embracing the present, with its reservations booked solid through its first week. I had an opportunity to attend Casa Nomad ahead of its official opening, where I got a comprehensive cross-section of key menu items and drinks. What stood out to me was an ambiance that was somehow both laidback, like a Tulum beachfront bar, and sleek like a nightclub.
Photo by Stefan Modrich The Mahi-Mahi tacos from Casa Nomad are served with guacamole, pickled onions and salsa verde on corn tortillas.
You’re in luck if you like a well-stocked bar. There are 11 signature cocktails, an extensive beer and wine list, and a separate tequila and mezcal list that a server will bring to you on request. I began with the Jungle Disco ($13) made with Tesoro Reposado, pineapple syrup, serrano syrup, carrot juice and lemon juice. The simplicity of
this mixer allows the agaveforward tequila to do a lot of the heavy lifting as the other ingredients are clean and easily identifiable. I genuinely could make a strong case for all three entrees to be the star of the show, and so I decided to use degree of difficulty as the tiebreaker. Fish tacos are notoriously
Photo by Stefan Modrich The elote “ribs” from Casa Nomad are served with cotija cheese, pickled onions, butter crema, house spices and lime.
easy to mess up, and the definition of blackened, smoked or fried often varies depending on who is doing it. But the Mahi-Mahi tacos ($18 for 3) were delicately charred just enough to have a deeply resonant smokiness. This flavorful mix only amplified the guacamole, pickled onions and salsa verde, served on corn tortillas. The elote “ribs” from Casa
Ice cream on a chicken sandwich? Don’t knock it until you try it Stefan Modrich
One of the most essential tenets of being a food critic comes from exactly where you might expect — longtime Motown producer and musician Bobby Nunn and his song “Don’t Knock It (Until You Try It).” And when restaurants come up with trendy or gimmicky dishes or combinations, it’s imperative to not let anyone else’s perceptions affect the only thing that really matters — is this worth trying or not? Mico’s Hot Chicken, 1603 N. Durham Drive, and its ice cream chicken sandwich is the latest test case. While the combination of ice cream and chicken isn’t new, and has been served together in waffle cones and in other formats, it’s still a novelty that is odd enough to draw fascination and curiosity, and in some cases frustration and even disgust. Something inside us is instinctively triggered to blow past mere indifference and take offense at even the mention of ostensibly clashing flavors or textures. I’m sure there’s another school of thought that goes
something like this: Many of you have dipped your fries in McDonald’s soft serve before, so is this that much of a leap forward? And I have to ask those of you who are skeptics, did you actually try the sandwich before speculating about it? Because I did, and here is my instant reaction, which I shared in a Facebook thread I started in the Houston Heights Foodie Group: “This may be counterintuitive, but I felt that the best thing to do was to let the ice cream melt for a bit. That way, it creates a layer of sweetness that insulates the bun and the chicken. The temperature difference between the chicken and the ice cream was jarring and disorienting when eaten together. In terms of the flavors, it was pretty much what I expected, which is to say, it was really good. I got the chicken hot, and it was more than enough spice for me.” Mico’s spice levels range from no heat, mild, hot and extra hot, and I stand by what I wrote earlier about the spice level I chose being appropriate for me to handle. Wendy Lynn Engel, a Heights resident and fellow foodie, told me she agreed with my take. “It was much more pleasant at the end when it was melty and messy,” Engel wrote.
Nomad were plated in an artsy fashion, bent like arches. They were cooked in such a way that even once I had picked the corn cob clean, I was tempted to continue pecking away at it because of how savory it was. The cotija cheese, pickled onions, butter crema, house spices and lime were pleasing both to smell and to taste, especially when dipped
into the corn. The most interesting and unusual experience of the evening was trying the bone marrow, a deceptively complex dish filled with a guajillo chili pepper marmalade, shallots, epazote, fried garlic and ballasted by a foundation of toasted bollillo, or bread. I used a fork to get at most of the more sinewy parts of the marrow, but I soon discovered that the bread was a much better way to mop up the delicious juices. Casa Nomad’s ambition to showcase coastal Mexican cuisine with its own original flair is a welcome addition to the M-K-T development and to the Greater Heights food scene. Casa Nomad Address: 600 N. Shepherd Drive Ste. 499 Dining Options: Dine-in, takeout Hours: 5 p.m.-midnight Wednesday-Saturday Entree prices: $10-$36 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Alcohol: Yes Healthy options: None Star of the show: Mahi-Mahi Tacos Rating: 5 out of 5 bites
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713.588.5744 Photo by Stefan Modrich The Mico’s Hot Chicken ice cream sandwich has become controversial among local foodie circles.
I appreciated that Engel began an engaged and civil conversation, despite some rather snarky and sassy replies. She and another area resident, Lisa Claiborne, had a positive dialogue despite their opposing views on the topic of the sandwich. “I don’t get it,” Engel wrote. “If you don’t like it, don’t eat it, simple. No need to be nasty.” In response, Claiborne wrote, “Putting cold ice cream in a hot chicken sandwich is an anomaly but why the outrage?” Others posited that they would have preferred having the ice cream on the side, in-
stead of on top of the chicken. Given that Mico’s serves ice cream as a standalone dessert, the possibilities are endless if you aren’t ready to commit to ordering the ice cream sandwich. And heck, if I were Mico’s, I would even consider experimenting with another popular dessert on its menu — banana pudding — and see if they might be able to do something similar. If nothing else, Mico’s is encouraging us to push past the rigidly defined boundaries between sweet and spicy of the past, and I hope this sort of innovation continues apace.
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Page 8A • Saturday, October 2, 2021 • The Leader
Local fundraiser benefits pets, seniors Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux are longtime advocates for pets in Houston. As a friend of the Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM), Padilla had planned to hold an event nearly two years ago to raise funds for NAM’s aniMeals on Wheels program, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was inspired to bring a pop-up market to the Garden Oaks and Oak Forest communities after hosting an indoor event earlier this year. “We had a pop-up market earlier this summer, and people liked it,” Padilla said. “So we wanted to do the same thing here but outside. One hundred percent of the proceeds (from the market) will go back to Northwest Assistance Ministries for their aniMeals program.” Last Sunday, Padilla organized an event at The Common at 1102 Pinemont Drive, where the recently unveiled
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GREATER HEIGHTS Sugar & Cloth Color Wall served as a vibrant backdrop for the festivities, which included a pop-up market of local artisans such as Magenta Handmade Accessories, Greka, Loving Hands Slime & Sensory Toys, Pearl Snap Craft Co., Taurii by Kalahari and Two Tequila Sisters. A raffle to benefit NAM was also held. Pit King BBQ, Happy Sno Lucky and Mickey’s Cuisine brought food trucks to the party as well. People of all ages and dogs of all shapes and sizes were in attendance, including Candlelight Oaks resident Brenda Johnson, who said she’s lived
in the area for at least 30 years. She brought along her poodle, Sophie, a 4-year-old rescue Johnson has owned for the last three years. “We can bring dogs, which is great,” Johnson said. “This is pretty neat. I support Meals on Wheels.” Padilla said the impetus for the event was reports they heard from seniors who were struggling to adequately feed their pets and themselves. “Seniors were giving their food to their pets,” Padilla said. “Drivers (from aniMeals) would come and the seniors would tell them, ‘I’m giving half of my food to my dog.’ ” Through a relationship with
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West Houston-based Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), Padilla said the group is able to receive consistent donations of surplus food from the organization. “It’s become its own department,” Padilla said. “They have Meals on Wheels, and aniMeals is its own program. It’s been really good. We’re really happy to help them.”
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Hi! I’m Tony May. Come see me for all your insurance needs Photo by Stefan Modrich Brenda Johnson, right, a longtime Candlelight Oaks resident, bends down to pet her poodle, Sophie. Johnson said she is a supporter of Meals on Wheels, one of the initiatives of Northwest Assistance Ministries, which held a fundraiser Sunday for aniMeals on Wheels at The Common at 1102 Pinemont Drive.
Shipley’s North Main Street location reopens after COVID-related closure By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com
A popular Houston-based donut shop with a headquarters and several locations within the Greater Heights has reopened its North Main Street location after it temporarily closed so several of its employees could recover from COVID-19, according to a store manager. The Shipley Do-Nuts at 3932 N. Main St. reopened Sept. 24 after being closed for nine days, according to the store manager, who declined to give his name. Last week, the store manager left a message via the store’s answering machine informing customers and the public that it would be closing “for at least a week” while its staff recovers from COVID-19. The store manager said he was one of three employees who contracted COVID-19. He said he was isolated for 10 days and showed no symptoms, and that one employee was expected to return this Friday after completing a 10day quarantine period and recovery. Another employee who is
By Stefan Modrich A Houston burger chain is saying farewell to the Heights this week. Becks Prime, 115 W. 19th St., closed Thursday after a decade in the neighborhood, according to an article in CultureMap. The employees of the Heights location have all been offered positions at other Becks restaurants, according to CultureMap.
Saigon Hustle coming to Garden Oaks
Another Vietnamese restaurant will soon call Garden Oaks home. Saigon Hustle, 3323 Ella Blvd., will be opening at the end of October, according to a representative of the restaurant in a message to The Leader on Facebook. The restaurant had originally planned to open in the summer, according to its website. Saigon Hustle’s menu will feature items like the Saigon Crepe Roll, with a crepe made from rice flour and turmeric wrapped around braised pork belly and shrimp, and a host of rice and noodle bowls, salads and banh mis, or Vietnamese sandwiches. For more information, email info@thesaigonhustle.com.
Bayou Heights Bier Garten still in works
A new beer garden could open this fall along Washington Avenue.
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Photo by Stefan Modrich The Shipley Do-Nuts at 3932 N. Main St. reopened Sept. 24 after being closed for nine.
still struggling with “secondary infection issues” could be sidelined for a bit longer, but did not require hospitalization, the manager said. The breakout within the Main Street Shipley’s team caused a scramble to fill shifts, according to the manager. “We’ve band-aided our shifts together,” the manager said. “We were 16 shifts short to begin with. We’ve got a bunch of people pulling seven days a week again.” On Sept. 22, because the location had lost its kolache crew, the store owner reopened to only sell donuts, “which made everybody mad,” the manager said. “(Customers) just came in
Nibbles & Sips: Becks Prime shutters Heights location smodrich@mcelvypartners.com
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Bayou Heights Bier Garten, 3905 Washington Ave., is the latest creation of the Kirby Group, which runs the Heights Bier Garten, 1433 N. Shepherd Drive. According to a January article in CultureMap, Bayou Heights had planned to open this summer. “We are currently still under construction and we will post our opening date as soon as we get close enough to plan it,” a representative from Bayou Heights Bier Garten wrote in a message to The Leader on Facebook.
Trattoria Sofia coming soon
A new Italian restaurant specializing in the flavors of Tuscany is opening in the Heights, according to an article in CultureMap. Trattoria Sofia, 909 W. 11th St., a project of Berg Hospitality Group, will have “authentic, rustic Italian food in an intimate, romantic setting,” according to the restaurant. The restaurant held a career fair Tuesday and Wednesday and is hiring now for “all positions,” according to its Facebook page. To apply, visit https://fal.cn/ sofiacareers. Trattoria Sofia had planned to open in the summer, according to its Facebook page, and it has not yet announced an opening date, according to a representative who messaged The Leader on Facebook. Follow Stefan Modrich on Twitter @StefanJModrich
here and then they left,” the manager said, “even though we only sell kolaches in the morning.”
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The Leader • Saturday, October 2, 2021 • Page 1B
Women remain force on West 19th Street By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Rachel Hrncir and Brittany Waterman chose West 19th Street as the headquarters for their real estate company because it’s a well-traveled locale in a bustling neighborhood with a booming market for buying and selling properties. The co-owners of Steel Door Realty, which moved in last November at 249 W. 19th St., Suite C, did not realize the Heights thoroughfare was a hub for women-owned businesses. More than 85 percent of the businesses on a few-block stretch of 19th are owned by women, making it the highest concentration of women-owned businesses among any shopping district in Houston, according to Coryne Rich, the marketing manager for the 19th Street Merchants Association. “It was a happy accident,” said Hrncir, who employs an all-female team of 14 real-estate agents. “I think it was all fate with 19th Street and us getting here. This last year, we’ve really gained so much support from local shop owners.” A group of 20 or so women business owners on 19th gathered Sept. 22 at Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop Terrace – which is located at 350 W. 19th St. and owned by Alli Jarrett – to celebrate American Business Women’s Day. They also commemorated the 47th anniversary of the passing of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which made it illegal for creditors to discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, marital status or age. Before the law was passed, many American women could not obtain credit cards without having a man co-sign for them. They local business owners enjoyed food and drinks as well as each other’s company, taking the opportunity to network, share their experiences, bounce ideas off each other and rejoice in their individual and collective successes. The group included representatives from the Houston Heights Woman’s Club as well as real estate professionals such as Hrncir, Waterman and Mary Wassef, the owner of Circa Real Estate at 350 W. 19th St. Suite D, along with boutique owners, antique store owners and specialty shop owners. And there was a mix of newcomers and those with lengthy tenures on the street. Chrissie Dickerson
Contributed photo Cynthia Anhalt, left, and Debbie Greenbaum of AG Antiques, 313 W. 19th St., eat, drink and talk Sept. 22 while at Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop Terrace.
Ramirez and her late husband, Macario Ramirez, opened Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery on West 19th Street in the 1990s. It has been located at 241 W. 19th St. since 2004. “It was a lovely evening,” Chrissie Ramirez said. “We were able to sit on Harold’s terrace, and it just was very enjoyable. I think the networking was excellent. I’m at the 200 block of the street and got to visit with people from the 400 block of the street. It’s really difficult to do that on an everyday basis.” The newest women-owned business on 19th is The NOW Massage, which is owned by Cynthia Orser and plans to open Tuesday at 373 W. 19th St. That is the former site of Retropolis, a vintage clothing store that also was owned by a woman. Although the economic struggles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to additional turnover on 19th, with some other women-owned businesses being forced to close, Jar-
rett said she’s encouraged by the fact new women-owned businesses have taken their place. “We need to celebrate these small victories. We’ve all made it through COVID,” Jarrett said. “It’s still hard. We have new businesses on the streets that are women-owned, and that’s really exciting that we’re adding to that, although we hated to see several leave.” Ramirez said she’s proud of the accomplishments of the women of 19th, which he described as a diverse group. Another one of the longesttenured and most recognizable businesses on the street is Venus Hair, 361 W. 19th St., which is owned by Susan Venus. Hrncir and Waterson at Steel Door Realty are part of a new wave of women-businesses on 19th, and they’re glad to be continuing the tradition. “We love it,” Hrncir said. “We are so thankful to be here.”
Contributed photo A group of women business owners on West 19th Street gathered Sept. 22 at Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop Terrace, 350 W. 19th St.
Business Briefs: National real estate company expands into Heights By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
A nationwide real estate technology company has expanded its Houston-area network of offices into the Heights. Compass Real Estate announced Tuesday that the company has opened two new permanent offices, including one in the Heights at 600 N. Shepherd Dr. in the heart of the new M-K-T development, according to a news release from Compass. The other new Houston-area office is opening in Katy. “As our agent base in the Houston market is rapidly expanding, the new permanent Heights and Katy offices will serve to support this growth and provide Compass agents with the
premier amenities and facilities that they need to scale their businesses,” said Rachel Hocevar, Compass’ Texas regional president. “Collaboration and innovation drive success in real estate, and these new workspaces will empower our agents to be more closely connected to the communities that they serve most.” Among agents and groups working out of the 6,000-square foot office will be the Caroline Schlemmer Group, HTX Group, Finch Properties, Deveau Realty Team and Amy McGee, according to the news release. The new locations bring the total number of Compass’ Houston-area offices to five, joining existing locations on Westheimer Road, in The Woodlands and at Memorial Green. For more information on Compass,
visit its website at compass.com. The NOW Massage opening in Heights The NOW Massage, a Los Angeles-based business, will open Tuesday at 373 W. 19th St. in the Heights, according to a news release from the company. Cynthia Orser and her husband, Ben, will operate the Heights location of The NOW, a massage studio that will provide “a relaxing cityside oasis for visitors and locals looking to recharge their energy through the healing benefits of massage therapy,” according to the news release. To schedule an appointment for a massage at The NOW in the Heights, download The NOW app or call 713955-5926.
Contributed photo Compass Real Estate is expanding into the Heights with an office at 600 N. Shepherd Dr., which is shown here.
Make a plan for living: Who’s in control for you? For The Leader As has been highlighted recently with the Britney Spears conservatorship, it’s important to document who can take the reins for you should you find yourself alive, but unable to make your own decisions. Whether it be mental illness, age-related dementia, or a serious accident, we are all susceptible to the potential for incapacity. While most people think about estate plans as creating a plan for dying, a complete plan also includes instructions for who can manage your affairs while you’re living. When planning for potential incapacity, you’ll be selecting the person, or persons, you want to make your health, financial, and legal decisions for you until you recover. If you have trouble choosing someone, consider that the alternative is to have a court choose someone for you. This person could be a family member who you would never want
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to manage your affairs or a professional guardian who charges exorbitant fees. It is likely that you can make a better choice than the court. Such planning can also prevent your family from enduring conflict, stress, and expense. Like most court proceedings, the process of naming a guardian
can be quite lengthy, costly, and emotionally draining. And this is even assuming that your family members agree about what choices are best for you. If your family members disagree about the course of your medical treatment or managing your finances, this could lead to lengthy court battles between your loved ones. Such conflicts can tear your family apart and drain your estate’s finances. Make sure to document your wishes while you have the chance to do so. If you would like to learn more about how advance planning can help you and your family, please contact
Jennifer Solak at jennifer@ solaklegal.com or 713-5885744. For ongoing information, you can also subscribe to our video series at: TinyURL.com/SolakLegal The information in this column, which was sponsored by Solak Legal as part of The Leader Expert Series, is intended to provide a general understanding of the law and not legal advice. Readers with legal questions should consult attorneys for advice on their particular circumstances. Jennifer Solak provides legal advice for families and businesses and may be contacted at jennifer@solaklegal.com or 713588-5744.
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Page 2B • Saturday, October 2, 2021 • The Leader
Aquario Dental & Braces takes anxiety out of dentist visits By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
A visit to the dentist is usually not the trip that children are hoping to hear about as a break in their day. But a new pediatric dentist in the area is looking to take that stress away and provide them with an enjoyable trip that is devoid of fear and apprehension. Aquario Dental and Braces in Greater Inwood held its grand opening last Saturday at 6434 W. Little York Rd. The aim of Aquario Dental and Braces and Dr. Enayat Astani is to take what can be a scary trip for many children and turn it into a fun experience that will have them not minding making the semi-annual trip. “No corners have been cut, and everything is top of the line,” said Janett Clark, who is Aquario’s referral and digital marketing manager. Once you step inside the Aquario Dental offices, Clark said it becomes a different world for the children. There is a movie theatre room with an 86-inch TV inside of it, she said, as well as another TV out in the lobby. That is usually streaming Disney+ at all times for the kids. Additionally, there are four arcade games that kids can play for free, as well
as two PlayStation 5’s with four controllers. This allows the children to be entertained by waiting for their dental visit and while the parents relax. There are also TVs on the ceilings for the children while they’re getting their teeth done, and sedation techniques to ensure comfort levels. And when the trip is done, Clark said Aquario rewards them with an electric toothbrush and other goodies. “There are a lot of specifics that (Dr. Astani) put in play to ensure that they have a good experience and are not afraid to go to the dentist,” she said. Astani graduated from the UCLA School of Dental Medicine in 2008, before completing his specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine in 2010. He also received his board certification with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2011, which allows him to provide safe treatment to children with special needs and those with anxiety. Clark said Aquario offers all pediatric services and orthodontics for those anywhere from six months to 21 years old. Those are things like services, such as first dental Visits, routine Dental Care, Tooth Colored Crowns, Sealants,
Aquario Dental and Braces in Greater Inwood held its grand opening last Saturday, Sept. 25, at 6434 W. Little York Rd.
Braces, and Wisdom Teeth removal, as well as fillings, X-rays, oral surgery, nitrous oxide and general anesthesia within their own facility. “Dr. Astani’s offices are dental professionals who treat children’s oral health very seriously. When you walk into his dental offices, you will notice a fun, kid-friendly stress free environment. Dr. Astani understands that many young patients experience dental anxiety, therefore his pediatric specialists and associates never force treatment on a patient,” said Wei Ting, DDS,
a general dentist and associate. “Sedation techniques are utilized to relax a patient such as “inhalant Sedation” such as Laughing Gas, Oral Sedation or full sedation which is monitored by an anesthesiologist.” No matter who the child is, Clark said Aquario will happily serve them, whatever their needs may be. She said every child deserves to have the best treatment possible. “All of (our offices) are strategically placed within an underprivileged area to serve those children so that they can also have a good experience at
the dentist,” she said. At its core, she said, the goal is to serve whatever community they are in. In addition to the professional service he provides, Astani regularly gives back with his time in the community through organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Project Christmas Smiles. Clark said the company is currently in search of a local child-centered charity through which to give back. It’s what Astani loves to do, both professionally and personally “Everyone that comes in is
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treated the same. Not one person has better insurance than another, and we don’t treat anyone differently,” said Crystal Rojas, Aquario Dental’s regional manager. “That’s just how our practice is run.” Aquario Dental and Braces is open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information on what they have to offer, visit their website at aquariodental. com/. Call today to schedule an office tour for a special thank you gift.
Kamin launching second annual rain barrel sale By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Houson City Council member Abbie Kamin has launched the second annual District C Rain Barrel Sale, according to a Wednesday news release from her office. The sale will take place Oct. 16 at Rice University Stadium at 6100 Main St. Each rain barrel holds up to 50 gallons of rainwater, the release said, and can help mitigate flooding by reducing water runoff, improve water quality and conserve water. “You can use the collected rainwater to water your lawn and gardens, reducing your water bill and saving families dollars while helping protect our environment,” the news release said.
Kamin’s office is sponsoring the sale of 200 barrels for $10 apiece. Interested residents can go to docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLScooKiMkccEGJBgRPTWw_ lswdPLFY0ZILppid57RJxJcTFK4w/ viewfom and fill out the form to register for a barrel during a designated time slot. To qualify, applicants must live in District and be able to pick up their barrel during their designated time slot in a vehicle with necessary space to carry it. Non-District C residents can still purchase a rain barrel for $55 for Houston water customers and $77 for nonHouston customers by placing an order through the Houston Public Works Fall Rain Barrel Sale at rainwatersolutions. com/products/city-of-houston-gbrc.
A Little Attention Can make a BIG impact Contributed photo Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin is offering discounted rain barrels to District C residents.
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The Leader • Saturday, October 2, 2021 • Page 3B
Say cheese! Can dogs be lactose intolerant?
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Page 4B • Saturday, October 2, 2021 • The Leader
Golden Eagles beat Spartans in local battle By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
In a battle between local high school football teams last week, the Booker T. Washington Golden Eagles continued to impress as the season nears its midway point. The Golden Eagles defeated the Scarborough Spartans 54-0 last Thursday night at Dyer Stadium in the District 10-4A opener for both squads, improving to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in district. The loss dropped Scarborough to 0-4 overall and 0-1 in district play. Quarterback Jordan Vidal threw for 195 yards and a season-high three touchdowns for the Golden Eagles. It was the third time this season that Vidal has thrown for multiple touchdowns. Brodrick Malone and Thomas Teague hauled in a touchdown apiece for Washington, which had 361 yards of total offense. Jaaden Matthews was the all-around star of the game for the Golden Eagles with 125 all-purpose yards (95 receiving, 30 rushing), scoring a touchdown on the ground and catching another one. William Anderson paced Washington’s rushing attack with 90 yards and two touch-
downs, while Derrick Brimsley added a touchdown of his own to score for the third time in four games.
Last Week’s Scores Booker T. Washington 54, Scarborough 0 Heights 50, Westbury 6 St. Thomas 42, St. John XIII 10 Fort Bend Marshall 59, Waltrip 0 Concordia Lutheran 9, St. Pius X 7 Brazos Christian 54, Lutheran High North 14
Heights 50, Westbury 6 After a tough non-district slate, the Bulldogs kicked off District 18-6A action with a big win against the Huskies last Thursday. Senior running back Zach Menefee was the focal point of the attack for Heights (14, 1-0) with 161 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. The Bulldogs racked up 293 total rushing yards, with four different players scoring at least once on the ground. Quarterback Jalen Morrison was held largely in check, but still had three total touchdowns (one passing, two rushing). Xavier Neal led the receiving corps with 78 yards and a touchdown on six catches. Defensively, David Nico recovered a fumble while Noah Sowell had his first interception of the season to help stifle the Huskies.
Contributed photo Booker T. Washington’s Thomas Teague dodges a tackler. Teague caught a touchdown pass in a 54-0 win over Scarborough last week.
St. Thomas 42, St. John XXIII 10 The Eagles continued to roll last week, taking down the Lions in convincing fashion. Quarterback Jake Wright completed 15 of 24 passes for 326 yards and
a season-high five touchdowns. One of those went to Cameron Price (four catches for 114 yards), who came up with his third 100-yard game of the season while catching a touchdown for the fifth consecutive week to open the season.
This Week’s Schedule Thursday Waltrip at Sterling, 7 p.m., Barnett Stadium Booker T. Washington vs. Furr, 7 p.m., Dyer Stadium Friday Heights vs. Bellaire, 7 p.m., Delmar Stadium Scarborough vs. Worthing, 7 p.m., Dyer Stadium St. Thomas at San Antonio Central Catholic, 7 p.m. Lutheran High North vs. Shiner St. Paul, 7 p.m. Katy St. John XXIII at St. Pius X, 7 p.m.
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On the defensive side, Jack Ward had seven tackles and intercepted a pass for the second consecutive week. It was his team-leading third interception of the season, and he is second on the team with 53 tackles.
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