Inside Today: News about local businesses • Page 1B
orget Don’t F ay
’s D MothMeayr8th!
We provide a real estate experience driven by vision and defined by process.
713.725.8748
Flower & Gift Shop
michael@happenhouston.com
ABOUT US 2020 North Loop West Suite 220 (713) 686-8494 news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/FromTheLeader
Leader’s Choice BEST ATTORNEY
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 5005 W. 34th Street, Suite 104A Legal Services For Wills, Probate Estate Planning & Real Estate
PHYLLIS A. OESER ATTORNEY AT LAW 713-692-0300
Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston 1 0 5 7 0 Saturday, May 7, 2022 • Vol. 67 • No. 19 ove Send L mile S Send a en By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Sylvester Turner said in February that the City of Houston was moving forward with its plan to reconfigure traffic on 11th Street, which he said would make the Heights thoroughfare “safer for all.” The Houston mayor took a step back from that statement on Tuesday, saying during a Houston City Council meeting that he wanted to take a month to review the plan for the 11th Street Bikeway, which is more than three years in the making.
Among other traffic modifications, it calls for a reduction in vehicular lanes along with the addition of protected bicycle lanes on a 1.5-mile stretch of 11th between North Shepherd Drive and Michaux Street. “He said he wanted to spend at least the next 30 days to convene his departments, review everything and listen to stakeholders and decide the best way to move forward,” said Mary Benton, a spokesperson for Turner. Turner’s announcement followed the testimony of four Heights-area residents who are opposed to the
plan for 11th Street, where the current configuration is two vehicular lanes in each direction. The city has proposed a road diet, which would reduce the number of vehicular lanes to one in each direction, with a center, left-turn lane on most of the stretch between Heights Boulevard and Studewood Street to the east, along with protected bike lanes on the both sides of 11th throughout the project area. Also part of the plan are related multimodal features along Michaux See 11th Street P. 5A
Photo by Adam Zuvanich A woman on a bike crosses 11th Street at its intersection with Nicholson Street in the Heights.
Driver in fatal collision charged with DWI By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Top Realty
713-202-4757
PAT R I C K T X R E @ G M A I L . C O M
Residential | Commercial
Armors Your Glass From Burglars, Storms & Heat
713-213-5080
info@ArmorGlass.com ArmorGlass.com
INSIDE. Photo by Adam Zuvanich Mohadesa Ahmadi, left, and Atifa Habibi study in the Heights High School library on April 28. They are among a group of Afghan refugees who recently settled in Houston and have enrolled at Heights as well as Hogg Middle School.
Afghan teens embracing new life in Heights
They’re ba-a-a-ck. Grasseating goats are back at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.
Page 3B
7 1 3 -6 8 0 -2 3 5 0
Bright s Day ne’ Someo
Your Local REALTOR
Page 7A
F rw y
Turner to ‘take closer look’ at plan for 11th Street
Patrick Bilnoski
Well done. Local burger joint Peaky Grinders is the subject of our latest restaurant review.
N W
By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Atifa Habibi and her mother left behind family, friends and the only lifestyle they had known when they fled from Afghanistan about nine months ago. First they sought refuge in Qatar and then arrived in the United States, first in Washington D.C. and later Wisconsin. It’s been a few months since they were relocated to Houston, which has been enough time for the 17-year-old Habibi to take a liking to her new home. She attends Heights High School and See related story is classmates with boys – something she could not do in her home country, Page 4A Habibi said – and is quickly learning the English language. Habibi also has gotten a taste of the American dream, saying she likes biology and aspires to become a doctor. “Here I can read, I can get an education, I can make my future,” Habibi said. “It’s good for me. I like this.” Habibi is one of more than 20 students at Heights who are recent refugees from Afghanistan, with several more attending Hogg Middle School and Memorial Elementary, according to Kulsoom Karakoc, a Heights teacher who has
The pickup truck driver who fatally struck a pedestrian and his dog early April 5 has been charged with driving while intoxicated during a subsequent crash on the same Shady Acres street later that morning, according to Harris County court records, which also show the driver might have been under the influence of prescription drugs at the time of the first collision. A probable cause affidavit filed April 27 in a Harris County criminal court of law shows that Prateek Kumar, 33, allegedly admitted to taking a larger-thanprescribed dose of his anxiety medication at 3 a.m. April 5 - about three hours before he struck fellow Shady Acres resident Ryan Lutz and his dog, Orbit, as they were jogging in the 900 block of West 25th Street. Lutz, 35, died from his injuries 10 days later, and his dog died at the scene. Houston Police Department officer Ashley Finlay said in the probable cause affidavit that Kumar, who is accused of misdemeanor DWI for his role in the subsequent crash, “told me that he had taken one and a half pills of his anxiety medication at approximately 0300 hours on April 5 … He stated that he is only supposed to take one pill. “(Another HPD officer) observed (Kumar) state to Medic personnel that he had taken Xanax and Ambien overnight and had not slept at all,” Finlay added in the affidavit. “I was informed by Medic personnel that (Kumar) was on a ‘cocktail of drugs’ and needed to be transSee DWI P. 5A
Photo by Adam Zuvanich Mohammad Asin Sahibzada is one of more than 20 refugees from Afghanistan who are attending Heights High School.
been assisting the students and helping them adjust to life in the U.S. They are among dozens of Afghan families who were placed in a Memorial Drive apartment complex by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-HousSee Refuge P. 5A
Photo by Landan Kuhlmann West 25th Street in the Heights was the site of two related crashes early April 5, when pickup truck driver Prateek Kumar fatally struck Ryan Lutz and his dog and later crashed into a parked car, according to Houston Police Department crash reports.
Options abound for local Mother’s Day celebrations By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Strong showing. The St. Thomas High School rugby team was a state semifinalist.
Page 4B
THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 5A Classifieds ............................................. 5A Coupons .................................................. 3B Food/Drink ............................................ 7A Opinion .................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles ..................................................... 3A Sports ........................................................ 4B
Photo by by Alex Montoya The Roti Guang Gai will be one of the options on Kin Dee’s Mother’s Day brunch menu this weekend.
As area residents gather with their families to celebrate the moms and motherly figures in their lives this Mother’s Day weekend, there are several local businesses that are providing some options to choose from in order to recognize that special woman. The Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and surrounding neighborhoods have a plethora of events happening this weekend especially for Mother’s Day. Whether it’s a special dining spot, place to pick out the perfect gift, or something else, there is
something for everyone. Here is a rundown of some local events that are sure to make mom happy this weekend. Local restaurants offering special menus, deals One of the first orders of business is a Mother’s Day meal , and several area dining spots have special menus on the docket this weekend. Harold’s Restaurant, Bar and Rooftop Terrace, 350 W. 19th St., is offering a special Mother’s Day brunch and dinner menu on Sunday. Both menus will include appetizer options such as fried mac and cheese bites with a special white cheddar sauce. The brunch menu will have
entrée options such as a smothered southern omelet and breakfast burger, while the dinner menu includes offerings such as Gulf redfish and southern blackened shrimp scampi. Spots are limited, so community members should call Harold’s at 713-360-6204 or visit haroldsheights.com/ happenings/mothers-daybrunch-and-dinner to reserve a table. Both meals are $45 before taxes and tip, according to the event page. Thai restaurant Kin Dee at 1533 N. Shepherd Dr. also has a special Mother’s Day brunch menu. It includes See Mother’s Day P. 5A
Personalized attention. 2222 North Durham | 281.517.8760 AllegianceBank.com
By ensuring consistent access, quick answers and tailored solutions, we don’t just get to know your business, we get to know you. %iscover how our taking your success personally can make all the difference.
THE PUBLIC.
Experience and Knowledge... A Powerful Combination
The Leader • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • Page 2A
HISD launches new website for enrollment By Charlotte Aguilar caguilar@mcelvypartners.com
Houston ISD on Monday unveiled what it promises will be a more user-friendly website to enroll students, taking families step-by-step through what has frequently been criticized as a confusing process. The one-stop site, Hous-
tonISD.org/enroll, serves new, current and transfer students at all levels from pre-kindergarten through high school. In addition to the simplified navigation, the site also allows for online application and uploading of required documents and immunization records, and it provides how-to guides and videos.
Lengthy police chase ends with arrest in Heights area By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Police arrested a man accused of leading law enforcement officers on a 40-mile car chase that lasted more than an hour and ended in the Heights last week, according to the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office. Eberardo Morales, 28, has been charged with evading arrest in a motor vehicle – a felony – in connection with the chase, according to Harris County court records. He was released from jail on bond, according to court records. The constable’s office said a deputy was conducting a traffic stop on an older-model black Chevy Tahoe with two people inside just before 11 p.m. April 30. As the officer approached the vehicle, the
driver – alleged to be Morales – took off westbound, according to the constable’s office. The pursuit went through Downtown and Midtown Houston, the constable’s office said, then onto the 610 Loop and Highway 59 before going through River Oaks, Avalon, Royden Oaks and Highland Village. It then went back on Loop 610 heading toward I-45 from the Galleria before Morales allegedly exited at Yale Street and went through the Heights. After multiple attempts, the constable’s office said Morales was arrested and charged with evading arrest. The passenger in the car was released at the scene, according to the constable’s office, with no criminal charges having been filed against the passenger.
Unintentional spark causes fire at local auto shop By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Arson investigators determined a fire that started inside a local automotive shop was unintentional, according to the Houston Fire Department. One employee was at the shop when it happened, HFD said, but nobody was reported injured in the fire. Firefighters from Stations
4, 50, 13, 5, 15, 62 and 31 responded to Ricardo’s Tire Shop at 4920 W. 34th St. just after 5 p.m. April 24 to find the one-story shop and warehouse partially on fire, but were able to extinguish the fire quickly, according to HFD. An employee was working on a car when a sponge ignited and grew out of control, HFD said, causing an estimated $100,000 in damage.
Enrollment is open for new students, and current students could submit the required verification form for the 2022-23 year starting Monday. The student enrollment office is also available for assistance at 713-556-4826 or by email at Enroll@HoustonISD. org.
Police Reports • April 27-May 3 APRIL 27
Theft 7 PM 300 BLOCK OF 19TH ST W Theft 3 PM 400 BLOCK OF OXFORD Theft 7 PM 2000 BLOCK OF ASHLAND Theft 7 PM 1800 BLOCK OF CORTLANDT Theft 11 PM 2500 BLOCK OF YALE Theft 12 AM 1400 BLOCK OF ASHLAND Theft 2 PM 800 BLOCK OF 31ST ST W
APRIL 28
Theft 10 PM 2900 BLOCK OF YALE Theft 3 AM 600 BLOCK OF 26TH ST W Theft 7 PM 00 BLOCK OF HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 1 PM 600 BLOCK OF GARDEN OAKS BLVD
APRIL 29
Vandalism 7 PM 600 BLOCK OF COLUMBIA Theft 12 PM 400 BLOCK OF 25TH ST E Theft 8 PM 2200 BLOCK OF BEVIS Assault 5 PM 1400 BLOCK OF 36TH ST E Theft 4 PM 300 BLOCK OF GARDEN OAKS BLVD Theft 12 PM 00 BLOCK OF CROSSTIMBERS ST E Theft 8 PM 2100 BLOCK OF SHEPHERD DR N Theft 7 AM 4000 BLOCK OF KOEHLER
APRIL 30
Burglary 10 AM 2100 BLOCK OF YALE Theft 10 PM 1000 BLOCK OF YALE Theft 11 AM 200 BLOCK OF 20TH ST W Theft 1 PM 2500 BLOCK OF YALE Theft 5 AM 600 BLOCK OF 37TH
ST E Assault 4 PM 2500 BLOCK OF AIRLINE Assault 10 PM 1300 BLOCK OF 27TH ST E Theft 8 AM 500 BLOCK OF YALE Assault 7 AM 00 BLOCK OF CROSSTIMBERS ST E Assault 7 PM 200 BLOCK OF CROSSTIMBERS ST E
MAY 1
Vandalism 11 PM 2000 BLOCK OF YALE Vandalism 9 PM 2000 BLOCK OF YALE Other 2 AM 700 BLOCK OF 30TH ST W Assault 10 AM 3800 BLOCK OF OXFORD Assault 6 AM 3400 BLOCK OF DELHI Vandalism 12 AM 5200 BLOCK OF LARKIN Other 12 PM 4300 BLOCK OF AIRLINE Theft 7 AM 400 BLOCK OF MERRILL Theft 2 AM 400 BLOCK OF THORNTON
Since 1992
713-906-5481 Realty Associates DEBBIE ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT
DON’T BE A VICTIM! Concealed Handgun Classes
Custom Computers, Upgrades, Repairs, Networks, Web Design, Web Hosting, VoIP Phone Service, more...
281-892-1132
WE BUY ALL GUNS
NEW LOCATION
2001 Karbach Suite F H ou ston, T X 770 9 2
713-694-4867
BUY SELL TRADE
Gift Certificates
BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO L i censed F F L / C l ass I I I Deal er The Leader is your newspaper. news@theleadernews.com
EXPERIENCED IN TOTAL HOME REPAIRS! Roof Replacement & Repairs Shower, Siding & Additions • Framing • Sheetrock • Painting • Fences • Concrete/Granite • Tile, Brick & Laminate • Tree Service
832-860-1054
Jennifer M. Solak Attorney & Counselor at Law
ESTATE PLANNING PROBATE BUSINESS LAW
713.588.5744 jennifer@solaklegal.com 2950 Suite 500, Houston, 77092 1305N.W.Loop 11thWest, St., #3094, Houston, TX TX 77008
MAY 2
Theft 8 PM 400 BLOCK OF 19TH ST W Arrest 11 PM 3800 BLOCK OF YALE Arrest 11 PM 2500 BLOCK OF AIRLINE Assault 3 PM 3100 BLOCK OF NORHILL BLVD Theft 8 AM 400 BLOCK OF GARDEN OAKS BLVD Assault 1 PM 1000 BLOCK OF WALTON Assault 11 AM 600 BLOCK OF BARKLEY
MAY 3
Theft 3 AM 2100 BLOCK OF LAWRENCE Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.
MENTAL ILLNESS IS NOT A CRIME In partnership with The Harris Center and law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office ensured 4,000+ mentally ill, non-violent offenders received mental health treatment instead of going to jail.
If someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call Harris Center for Mental Health at
1-713-970-7000
THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • Page 3A
Help is on the way, Ukraine, probably Associated Press -- President Biden authorized another $7 billion in aid to Ukraine, plus deploying the 1st Marine Division to defend Kyiv, and the 82nd Airborne Division may parachute into St. Petersburg, but Biden said he will not use nuclear weapons against Moscow. GOP response – Nothing new. Wall Street Journal – Stocks dropped by 760 points on news that our wimpy President Biden finally got around to helping our embattled allies. However, stocks rose by 650 points for General Dynamics, Boeing, Nukes R Us and other armament makers. Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- Our brave President Biden has increased America’s efforts to bolster Ukraine’s military. The funds will come from the Department of Defense’s budget for questionable weapons like the Crossbow A-9 and war games with Costa Rica. The New York Times -- President Biden today authorized more spending to defend Ukraine. See “History of Ukraine,” Pages 12-20, also “How Presidents Get Us Into Another War,” Pages 21-24, “Must Congress Be Consulted?” Pages 25-31 and “A Complete Wrap-up of Americas’ Wars,” Section 17. Gov. Greg Abbott -- Biden shouldn’t be so worried about a war on the other side of the world when hundreds of thousands of diseased and illegal immigrants are pouring into our country, taking jobs from Americans, including most of the
LYNN ASHBY Columnist
Astros’ lineup. Make that millions of them. These immigrants are probably not vaccinated, nor should they be since vaccinations are evil and every Texans has the right to die a long and agonizing death while the rest of us pay for their hospitalization. That’s why I have closed the border with Mexico. Next will be Oklahoma, Louisiana and China. Press release from the Kremlin – Vast amounts of arms – most prohibited by international law -- are flowing into the Ukraine, gifts from Nazi sympathizers. But peacekeepers from the Russian Army were welcomed with open arms by grateful Ukrainians. ESPN – With more U.S. aid for Ukraine, there may not be enough funds to pay for the Yankees’ bullpen, but James Harden, formerly of the Houston Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets and now with the Philadelphia 76ers, but it’s still early in the week, has offered $100 million to Ukraine, with a tank battalion to be named later.
Speech by Russian President for Life Vladimir Putin – Our glorious soldiers have defended the motherland by striking first at an invasion of troops disguised as refugees – mostly as women and children. We shall defeat them, occupy their cities and, most importantly, unfreeze my Swiss bank accounts and get back my yachts. NATO press release – Members of the alliance have unanimously voted to send aid to Ukraine. Norway is providing skis, France is sending some of its best wine and the German Army is dusting off its old maps, noting, “We’ve been there before.” Other members vow, “We’ll fight to the last Ukrainian.” Local TV news – Breaking News! More bloody, yellow police tape! Sirens and flashing red lights! Somebody we never heard of shot somebody not even he had heard of! Also what’s hot with kale, new poems by third graders and there has been a kerfuffle in Eastern Europe. According to meteorologist Stormy Daze, “The son of Harvey is coming up the Houston Ship Channel.” Sports reporter Homer Fields interviews the Texans fan, and at 10 o’clock we’ll explain what “kerfuffle” means. Walt Disney World – We are moving to Kyiv to open DisneyBombShelter. Take THAT, Florida! Rachel Maddow on MSNBC – Joe Biden – our best president ever – has put Ukraine on equal footing with the Russian Army in supplies, troops, jet fighters and battleships. He is taking
the funds from Wall Street profiteers and Republicans who are probably tax dodgers. Power to the people! Press release from the Russian Ministry of Defense, Peacekeeping and Keeping Putin Happy – New information proves the heavy cruiser Moscow sank due to nutria eating holes in the hull. Several have been caught and confessed to their crime. Sen. Ted Cruz – Do they have beaches in Ukraine? Sean Hannity on Fox News – Socalled “President” Biden was awake long enough to add another dollar or so from the American taxpayers to defend some third-rate country from invaders. Biden’s generosity with our taxes pales in comparison to the damage caused by his inflation. And I say, “What about Benghazi?” George W. Bush – Of course Russia invaded Ukraine. There were hundreds of nuclear-armed rockets hidden there. Many were disguised as camels. I got this straight from Dick Cheney. Gov. Greg Abbott – I am told that Texas does not have a border with China. Still, make that hundreds of millions. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky -- Anybody want to buy a yacht? Press release from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick – President Biden is all about Ukraine while ignoring the rampant voter fraud in America, particularly in Texas, among LGBTQ voters and teachers who are warping the minds
THE READER. Kids’ Best Friend Dear Editor: We were sent a clipping of The Reader section that referenced the story you did on Buster. The piece that was shared with your readers was from a woman named Annette Glod who clearly hates pitbulls and from the sound of her letter, doesn’t know much about them. I won’t bore you with statistics but I wanted to reach out and let you know that we are so disappointed that this was the piece that was selected to be published in your paper. While I 100% respect journalism and know that you have the freedom to publish whatever you want, the narrative about pitbulls that you helped spread is very damaging to their reputations and creates more work for rescues in the community. Any way, not sure what I expect the outcome to be here but Buster is a great dog and if he showed any signs of aggression, we wouldn’t be adopting him out. I myself own a pitbull that we saved from BARC and I’ll tell ya what, he’s way nicer than our chihuahua! Any dog can be aggressive/dangerous… it’s not just limited to pitbulls. Thanks for listening! We truly value the relationship we have with the Leader. Y’all feature our adoptables and have advertised our events which is super helpful and appreciated. Animal Justice League Dear Editor: I have always appreciated the passion for animals shown in your paper and your support of area rescues. The printing of the ignorant letter with false and misleading information about a stigmatized breed has given me pause. The idea those types of “opinions” and false narratives can be resolved with rebuttal opinions (facts) is simply not reality. We are too busy playing whack a mole trying to keep pits alive because of this type of ignorance to spend time doing damage control due to people like the author. I’ve seen in your response to others that you offer a space for your readers to give their opinions. You know full well there are many opinions you would not publish that would cause someone harm. Publishing an opinion that causes harm to animals is no exception. The idea that these types of false narratives are harmless is an indicator of how little the general public, including those at The Leader know about the state of this breed. No amount of supportive and happy stories can offset the slap in the face to the rescue community this letter was. (A pit bull) died this week because of ignorant people like that author and the irresponsible media that allows the myths to grow. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean anyone can say whatever they want even if animals die as a result. Sure. I’ll write a letter but the damage has been done. Any other pit hater that saw that has now had their ignorant opinions reinforced. Hopefully, you guys have learned a little about pits in this process and will give more consideration the next time someone wants to publish a potentially harmful “opinion.” Dogs like this and the people who die a little inside every time they do would appreciate it. Melinda Gleghorn Dear Editor: Extremely disappointed that The Leader would publish the note from Annette Glod about Buster the rescued pittie. 1) how dare you allow her to say something about a dog she’s never even met. 2) she doesn’t even live on Houston! 3) looks like you will publish anything as long a someone pays for it and I’m not interested in supporting a paper with no (ethics). Editor’s note: The Leader does not accept money or services in exchange for publishing letters to the editor. Jennifer Graves Dear Editor: I have no doubt you have been inundated with phone calls and emails regarding the Kids’ Best Friend opinion piece by Annette Glod. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, as a broadcast journalism major and former news producer, you and your team should be ashamed of yourselves for posting this without at least posting an opinion piece of differing perspective. Did you fact check these claims, because my Internet research finds a very different opinion on pit bulls? Shame on you as journalists, as you should have done much better. You have allowed a misconception to continue on at the expense of the defenseless. I for one have zero support or tolerance for this type of ignorance and will ask family and friends to discontinue any support of The Leader, which I have no doubt they will do after reading this article. Karen House Dear Editor: Moving past the misinformation can reveal that pit bulls are just as, if not more, well-behaved as any other type of dog - especially under the right conditions. The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) assesses behaviors of dog breeds based on factors like friendliness, aggressiveness, and shyness: Staffordshire Bull Terrier: 91.2% pass rate American Staffordshire Terrier: 85.2% pass rate American Pit Bull Terrier: 87.4% pass rate Contrary to preconceived notion, no pit bull type breed even broaches the top five of unruly dogs based on American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) standards: Chihuahua, Dachshund, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, Dalmatian Lindsey Michelle Dear Editor: Extremely disappointed in the letter to the editor you ran from an uneducated reader about the pitbull breed. The amount of misinformation that you printed with this one letter is astonishing. At the minimum,
of our school children by including in their reading materials the U.S. Constitution and nursery rhymes such as “Hot Cross Buns.” That is sick and suggestive. Also, children are taught to sing “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” The tune sounds suspiciously like that of a university where professors teach leftist, anti-American classes, but we’ll have them de-tenured. Incidentally, have you noticed Gov. Abbott doesn’t look so well? Press release from the Kremlin – Correction: Ukrainians did not welcome Russian soldiers with open arms, but by opening arms at Russian soldiers – mortars, machine gun fire and Molotov cocktails. But naming a cocktail after a former Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs without paying royalties is a violation of international patent laws. Donald Trump (via his spokesman, Rudy Giuliani) – Pootie is a genius, who won his election fair and square, unlike those cheating Democrats who quietly gathered at the Capitol to protest my honest reelection. By the way, Pootie, where’s the check? Local TV news – Stormy Daze has breaking news! There may be drizzle in the afternoon. A 50-percent chance of weather and a mushroom cloud has been reported over Moscow. Ashby aids at ashby2@comcast.net
Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com The Leader should recognize this error and allow rescuers/activists of this breed (and others) to respond to this information. You really did not do your due diligence on this one!!!! Annette Fiszer
are choosing to circulate. If you are going print word then at least add a section to fact check the submitters info. Very disappointed in your newspaper. Sam
Dear Editor: I wanted to express my disgust for the article titled Kid’s Best Friend. I am appalled that you would publish such nonsense in your paper. I find it even more appalling that you would allow your paper to use Grant Stringfellow’s name in the article. He is a high school student that was helping a dog in need! Your article isn’t beneficial or factual. Alicea Najera
Dear Editor: Live in the Heights and used to enjoy reading The Leader until I read the asinine letter you all printed, written by Annette Glod. What an ignorant rant authored by an ill informed woman who clearly has no idea what she is talking about. Very disappointed to see that you all printed that nonsense further perpetuating the ignorance and misinformation about pit bulls. I myself own a pit bull who is the furthest thing from vicious and I have encountered many pit bulls in my life and have never been scared of any of them. What a disgusting “opinion” to print in your publication. A very sad day for the breed … BLAME THE DEED, NOT THE BREED. Taryn Wright
Dear Editor: Annette Glod does cite a couple of cases (and those are horrible) but is not accounting for the sheer number of these dogs who are wonderful pets. It is too easy, and too disingenuous, to focus on extreme cases without looking at the entire picture. It would have been nice (and appropriate) to offer one of our local rescues the ability to respond to the letter from Annette on the “dangers” of pit bulls like Buster. Something that you can get into the next issue? That would create a good dialog for our community. Dave Bone Dear Editor: Printing misinformation whether it’s in a letter to the editor or your own articles is IRRESPONSIBLE. I cannot believe this was the letter you
Dear Editor: I am very disappointed in the article you published about “vicious pit bulls.” These types of articles do such a disservice to so many kind, loving pits in need. Thousands are being euthanized in Texas shelters and articles like this just increase those numbers. As a rescuer who has had over 500 fosters, many of them a version of a “pit bull,” I am shocked this was printed. I am a huge advocate for the breed and hope you will do the right thing and allow another article to be printed showing the true side! Paige Whitton Carter
THE LEADER PUZZLERS. An s w e r s f o u n d i n t h i s w e e k ’ s C la s s ifie d s e c tio n
SUDOKU
ACROSS 1. Cathode-ray tube 4. A leglike part 8. Old world, new 11. Sec. of Def. Panetta 13. Greek god of E or SE wind 15. Supervises flying 16. In a way, bothers 19. Federal savings bank 20. Stout lever with a sharp spike 21. F.S. FitzgeraldÕs wife Zelda 22. Snakelike fish 23. Scads 24. Prophet 26. Former ÒDaily ShowÓ star 31. Organized crime head 34. Oil obtained from flowers 35. 2X WWE Divas Champ 38. Brine cured Canadian cheese 39. Slow oozing 41. Volt-ampere 42. Phenyl salicylate 44. European defense organization 45. Anglo-Saxon theologian 46. Doctrine
49. Soviet peninsula 51. Large long-armed ape 55. Protects from weather 56. Mops 60. Bridge expert 61. Fabric woven from goat and camel hair 62. Capital of Honduras 64. Tell on 65. Wooden clog 66. Beloved 67. Fed 68. Decays 69. Single Lens Reflex
DOWN 1. Applauds 2. Actress Zellweger 3. Obtained by addition 4. Chief executive officer 5. Flees 6. Murres genus 7. __ Wong, spy 8. Works well as a remedy 9. Tripod 10. A nautical unit of depth 12. Most populous Native Am. people 14. Genus Capricornis 17. Universally mounted spinning wheel
18. Spanish shawl 25. Macaws 27. No (Scottish) 28. Takes dictation 29. Spanish appetizers 30. The Muse of lyric and love poetry 31. Romaine lettuce 32. Alias 33. A way to beat 36. Son of Jacob and Zilpah 37. Amount of time 39. Most guileful 40. Younger US political party 43. Electrical resistance unit 45. Side way 47. MiltonÕs Cormus composer Henry 48. Sheep up to age one 49. Green algae 50. Capital of Morocco 52. S.E. French city on the Rhone 53. Asian nation 54. Great No. Am. RV Rally 57. Culture medium and a food-gelling agent 58. Inflamed lymph node swelling 59. Native of Edinburgh 63. Belonging to a thing
WORD SCRAMBLE
Page 4A • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • The Leader
Scarborough JROTC finishes in top 10 at national competition By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Scarborough High School’s student population is about 700 students, and its Junior ROTC program consisted of about 35 members for the 2021-22 school year. Though they’re small, the Spartans’ roar is loud. Scarborough’s Army JROTC program competed in the National High School Drill Team Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida, from April 14-16, taking part in both all-Army and all-branch competitions against more than 100 combined schools from around the country. The Spartans finished in the top 10 in multiple categories at both competitions, according to instructor Lt. Col. Louis King, including sixth in the inspection phase and seventh in the armed drill competition. “It was a huge learning experience for our kids with the exposure they received. These were elite teams from across the country,” King said. “… Our kids got a taste of it, and they know what it takes – it
was a huge eye-opener for them. Now they’re hungry to get back and win it all.” This year was Scarborough’s first time to be selected for the national competition, which has been held in Daytona Beach every year since 1982. “I’m still recovering from my eardrums being blown out from how much screaming we were doing (when we got top 10). We were just so excited that we had gotten to that point,” senior battalion commander Karla Torres said. “It was 5-6 days of practice per week in the morning, lunchtime, and afternoon and twohour practices. We put a lot of hard work into it – that final day, we were just on some sort of euphoria.” In a normal year, selection for the national competition is based on performance at both district and brigade (regionallevel) competitions, where the top 10 teams move on. King, who has commanded Scarborough’s Army JROTC unit since 2016, said the school typically performs well at the local level and was tops in Houston ISD
this year. The Brigade competition was canceled earlier this year due to COVID-19, however, initially leaving a feeling of uncertainty for the unit. Selection to the national competition was reduced to the results of a selection process which included performance assessments and inspection results. About two weeks after the cancellation of the regional competition, they got the call. “It was like you were on cloud nine,” Torres said. Scarborough competed along with about 25 other schools in the Division III or “Basic” level of the all-unit national competition, which is for schools with less national competition experience, smaller programs, or both. Regardless of division, all schools were eligible to compete in both solo and dual armed and unarmed competition as well as a Color Guard event. And in the end, King said Scarborough finished as one of the top-10 teams in the country when adding together points for all events – which was eye-opening for all in-
Photo from Twitter The Scarborough High School JROTC team recently competed in the National High School Drill Team Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida, finishing in the top 10.
volved. “Most of the schools there are from larger campuses or those that have more funding,” he said. “For us to get there – being one of the small schools that doesn’t have a lot of resources – and perform the way we did speaks volumes for our kids.” It was also a lesson in perseverance for next year’s returning members such as junior Jakelin Gonzalez, who will be taking over as battalion com-
mander next year. “Nothing ever stops you – your work never goes unnoticed and everything happens for a reason,” Gonzalez said. “When Brigade got canceled, I just told (Karla) that as one door closes another opens – then two weeks later we got the call (for nationals).” And King said the high finish at nationals has already made an impact on the returners. From drill practices to unit regulations, he said they are
already doing what they can to put the unit in the best position to return to the national stage. “They’re self-motivated now,” he said. “We don’t really have to say anything.” Gonzalez echoed her coach’s sentiment, saying there has been a shift in the unit’s mindset. “Before, it was ‘if’ we get to nationals,” she said. “Now, it’s ‘when’ we go to nationals.”
Heights Christian Church holding open house ahead of final service By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Contributed photo Students from Heights High School and Hogg Middle School participate in Mission Squash, a program for low-income students that promotes academic and athletic achievement.
Mission Squash program serves local students By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com
Rodrigo Chon Him said he spoke little English when he arrived in Houston from El Salvador about three years ago, and he was only somewhat familiar with the sport of squash. He had played tennis in his native country and wanted to do something similar when he enrolled at Hogg Middle School as a seventhgrader, so he decided to join the school’s Mission Squash program. He picked up the sport rather quickly and said the Houston-based program – which operates primarily at Hogg and Heights High School – helped him learn to speak English and also improve his academic performance. Three years later, the 16-year-old Chon Him is attending Choate Rosemary Hall, a private boarding school in Connecticut where he said he’s on a full scholarship and plays competitive squash. He aspires to play the sport at the college level, too, and said he likely will have that opportunity. “Most of the credit goes to Mission Squash, because they supported me,” Chon Him said. “They supported me academic-wise. They were on top of my grades and also on top of my squash improvement as well as they helped me a lot financially and my family as well.” Chon Him is one of a few products of the Mission Squash program who is playing the sport at a boarding school in the Northeast,
according to Maggie Trendell, a Heights High School teacher who has worked with the program for about a year. She said the nonprofit was founded in 2012, moved to Hogg when squash courts were constructed there in 2015 and now serves about 55 Hogg and Heights students in grades 6-12, with an annual operating budget of about $500,000 that is raised through donations to the organization. The free program is geared toward helping lowincome students stay engaged in school, improve their grades, help them graduate and attend college, according to Trendell, who described Mission Squash as a “health, wellness, academic and college access program.” It also teaches competitiveness and problem-solving skills through squash, an indoor sport that is similar to racquetball. “We’re a small but mighty group,” Trendell said. “It’s great for our kids.” Three current Mission Squash students at Heights – Chris Cordero, Gabriela Corvera and Austin Hebert – all said their grades have improved since they joined the program. Corvera, one of the few girls in the program, said it also has helped her to become more confident and vocal. Corvera said she used to be shy, but now she speaks up when she wants something for herself. Playing squash also has helped her cope with her asthma, she said. “It’s taught me that closed
mouths don’t get fed,” Corvera said. The Mission Squash students also have gotten unique opportunities not afforded to other Heights and Hogg students, such as the annual opportunity to compete in a national tournament hosted by US Squash, the sport’s national governing body. Eight Mission Squash members traveled to Philadelphia earlier this year for this year’s national event. Mission Squash also has provided an opportunity for a new group of Heights students to become involved and adjust to a new culture. There are more than 20 students at Heights this year who are refugees from Afghanistan, with eight of them having joined the Mission Squash program. Trendell said athletic competition helps break down language barriers, because verbal communication is not needed to compete. “I think they’re doing pretty solid,” Trendell said. “Their ability is improving every time they show up.” The Mission Squash students gather three times per week, focusing on both squash practice as well as academic study. Hebert said he was not particularly involved in school until joining the program, which has helped to motivate him academically. The program also has brought out a competitive side in Hebert. “I want to keep getting better and win,” he said.
Heights Christian Church, which is selling its longtime property and merging with a congregation in another part of Houston, is holding a community celebration and open house to coincide with its final weekend of ministry on Heights Boulevard. The event is scheduled for 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at 1701 Heights Blvd. Rev. Amber Mattingly said the purpose of the gathering is “so that our realtor can share what our hopes are for a potential buyer and that our board can share the history and next steps” for the church. Heights Christian Church,
which was founded in 1912, plans to hold its final Sunday service on May 15. Mattingly previously said dwindling membership and financial resources prompted church leaders to vote in early February to merge with First Christian Church, which operates across from Rice University at 1601 Sunset Blvd. She said the decision also was made to sell the 42,600-square foot property on Heights Boulevard, which includes educational buildings as well as Lambert Hall, a 95-year-old performing arts venue that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The property was listed for sale in late March for $5 million. The listing agent representing Heights Christian Church, Amanda An-
horn, said at the time that church leaders hope to find a community-minded buyer that will use the property for similar purposes and perhaps keep its existing tenants, which include Opera in the Heights, an art studio and a ballet studio. The buildings on the church property cannot be torn down, Anhorn said, because they are located in the city-designated Heights East Historic District. Any modifications to the exterior of the church or educational buildings must first be approved by the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission, while the structures’ interiors are not protected by historical preservation rules and could be renovated and repurposed.
Catholic Daughters celebrating 65th anniversary By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Catholic Daughters Court of Christ the King Church #1750 is celebrating the organization’s 65th anniversary with a special luncheon and party later this month. The organization will host its annual games party and luncheon from 10 a.m.2 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 at the Knights of Columbus
Hall at 607 East Whitney Dr. Its previous two events had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic Lunch will be served that includes barbecue and “all the trimmings,” and there will also be a raffle, a silent auction and door prizes. Community members can bring their own games or just sit and socialize with friends. It will cost $15 per person
for lunch, and reservations are encouraged, though a limited number of tickets will be sold at the door. All proceeds from the event will go toward a charity to be determined, according to the organization. For additional information community members can contact regent and chairperson Pat Koteras at 713-854-2321 or email patkoteras@att.net.
ST. MATTHEW’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
MAY 7, 8:30-10 AM IN FELLOWSHIP HALL Free Pancake Breakfast & Community Bread Basket (Bread basket for those needing non-perishables) MAY 7, 10AM, ROOM 107 Lydia Circle ladies group CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY WITH US May 8th Worship & Musical Tribute SUNDAYS, 10:17AM In-person & online worship
www.facebook.com/stmatthewsunitedmethodistchurch 4300 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77018 713-697-0671
CHURCH DIRECTORY
I Say a Prayer Today!
St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Morning Worship ............... 10:45am • Worship (English)..... 10:00 am - 11:00am Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children MANNA t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI BN BN and Adults............................ 6:15pm Sponsor
• Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm • Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm
t -FBSOJOH )PVS BN QN 1602 West 43rd St. • Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577 MANNA 1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470 t 8PSTIJQ 4QBOJTI QN QN 4QPOTPS
Gethsemane Lutheran Church 8FTU SE 4U t )PVTUPO 5Y t 4 4 Watonga 713-6887 We invite you to worship with us! ee l S nda Sch
resch
l
r
rship Services l i le lasses ra
n.
ri.
a. . a p.
.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church www. ethse
anel theran. r
Ad # 32285
Weekly Sunday Services • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. • Morning:10:30 a.m. • Evening: 4:15 p.m.
1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942 Pastor – Dr. Richard Walters
Pastor Jerry McNamara Candlelight Church 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Join us for Services
of Christ
in English or Spanish We invite you to worship with us! Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Ministries for All Ages Weekly Worship Services 9:00a.m . Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm
Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40 Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children Rev. Nathan LonsdaleOnline Bledsoe,services Pastor can
be reached4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092 through the website below at 9:00 am. www.gethsemanelutheran.org
2003 W. 43rd St. 713-686-8241 s t s u m c . o r g
O
t goes w made m err is h this the n must learn to repeat t it can be h can some We somet we’ve don for years, addition, s our past. A them, we we should the comin as well as them; that repeatedly the phrase the only w more divin the offens vindictive it! Corrie prison cam to realize
Judge n not, an
The Leader • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • Page 5A
11th Street, from P. 1A
Mother’s Day, from P. 1A
from 11th to the north and Stude Park to the south, with pedestrian-and-cyclist crossing islands at the intersections of Michaux and White Oak Drive as well as 11th and Nicholson Street. The Heights Hike-and-Bike Trail crosses 11th at Nicholson and was identified by the city as one of the most dangerous intersections in Houston for cyclists. The project is being funded by the Houston Bike Plan, which was approved by the city council in 2015. Benton said the city council has not and will not vote on the 11th Street Bikeway, adding that whether or not to implement the plan is a decision that rests with Turner. “We do feel that the mayor is being very fair. He’s looking into this,” said Heights resident Sylvia Blair, who spoke at Tuesday’s city council meeting and opposes the bikeway plan. “He said, ‘I had no idea that people were against this.’” Blair said she is a member of the Alliance for Reasonable Traffic Solutions (ARTS), a Heights-area organization that has garnered more than 1,400 signatures on an online petition asking city leaders to rethink their plans for road diets and specifically the 11th Street project. Blair said she is not opposed to the idea of adding bike lanes in the neighborhood, but that she thinks 11th Street is too dangerous for cyclists and that reducing the number of vehicle lanes will increase traffic congestion on 11th as well as on side streets. Project leaders with the city have said the goal of the plan is to slow down cars and trucks and reduce risky traffic movements, such as lane changes and drivers who stop in the left-hand lane while waiting to make left turns, thereby making the street safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. They also have said that traffic models show there will not be a significant increase in congestion during most hours of the day. Heights resident Patrick O’Mahen, who lives near the Nicholson-and-11th crossing and has two young children, said he and his family support the bikeway plan because it’s a “comprehensive approach” and figures to force 11th Street users to make different decisions about how to get around. “It reduces speeding and makes it safer for everyone,” O’Mahen said. “It makes it easier to cross the street, and it makes it safer for bicycles.” Beginning in March 2019, the city has held six public engagement meetings about the project with Heightsarea residents and neighborhood groups, such as the Houston Heights Association and Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council, and made several changes to the plan based on community feedback. Turner referenced that process in his February statement saying the plan would move forward, adding that 11th Street is a “highcrash corridor with 10 percent more crashes than similar streets across the state.” But on Tuesday he said he wanted to “take a closer look at it,” according to Benton, who said the mayor is not retracting his statement of support from two-plus months ago. “That would kind of imply he’s not going to move forward (with the plan),” Benton said. “At this point, he’s saying, ‘I’ve heard everybody. Let’s bring the departments together, talk to everybody again, review the plans and decide how to move forward.’ ”
Thai brunch staples such as Roti Guang Gai ($16), a crispy Thai pancake served with red curry and a sunny side up egg, and Salapao Moo Yang ($17), sweet soy sauce-marinated pork belly served in a steamed bun. Brunch is available on Mother’s Day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, and can be made by calling Kin Dee at 281-826-2655. For more expensive tastes, a Timbergrove-area caviar and truffles spot has some special Mother’s Day deals for the after-dinner crowd. DR Delicacy at 4120 Directors Row A has two special Mother’s Day caviar kits available for purchase starting at $54.99, with each pack having two mother of pearl spoons and a jar of crème fraiche inside, among other things. Go to drdelicacy.com/ mothers-day-premium-caviarkit/ for more information or to purchase a pack. Picking the perfect gift Every mom is different, and several area businesses and gift markets have a way to find or create that perfect present. Asch Building at 825 Studewood St. in the Heights is hosting a two-day, pop-up Mother’s Day event this weekend. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the store’s website says it will have a Mother’s Day Weekend Pop-up that includes a dried floral bar and bouquets from Kalos Eidos and fresh floral arrangements from In Bloom. There will also be a buildyour-own-bath-salt bar and house-made seed starters, ac-
DWI, from P. 1A ported to the hospital.” HPD crash reports obtained by The Leader show that Kumar admitted to speeding when he struck Lutz but was not tested for alcohol or drugs until after the second collision, which occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. in the 700 block of West 25th Street. Kumar struck a parked Tesla Model 3 while driving a Chevy Silverado pickup truck, the crash reports show. The crash report from the first collision shows that Lutz, the victim, was determined to have failed to yield the right of way to a motor vehicle. The crash report also shows that he was blood-tested for alcohol and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.13, which his wife, Izaura Lutz, disputed in an April 26 phone interview. When asked Tuesday if Kumar would face criminal charges related to the first crash and if the bloodalcohol level attributed to Lutz was incorrectly inputted in the crash report, HPD spokesperson Shay Awosiyan said the investigation into the collisions is ongoing.
Photo from Facebook Harold’s Restaurant, Bar and Rooftop Terrace, 350 W. 19th St., is offering a special brunch and dinner menu for Mother’s Day.
cording to the store’s website. For more information on the event or on Asch Building, visit the store’s website at aschbuilding.com, follow them on Facebook @aschbuilding or give them a call at 713-5051447. Meanwhile, the Heights Mercantile Market is hosting its annual Mother’s Day popup market from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at 714 Yale St. The
free market will include dozens of vendors offering items such as pottery, jewelry, candles, art, floral arrangements and more. The event is family-friendly and open to the public, according to the event page, though parking will be limited. Visit eventbrite.com/e/ heights-mercantile-mothersday-market-tickets to register. For more information on the
event, community members can follow the Heights Mercantile Market on Instagram @heightsmercantilemarkets or the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/ events/271273871836532/? ref=newsfeed. They can also email the market at heightsm e r c a n t i l e m a r ke t @ g m a i l . com.
tion helps provide core services such as three-to-six months of free housing, food, clothing, healthcare and education while offering an orientation about U.S. laws and customs, public transportation, banking and insurance, according to Issa, who said Catholic Charities also helps refugees find jobs and secure the necessary paperwork along with applying for benefits such as food stamps and Medicaid. Hekmatullah Anwari, an Afghan refugee himself and mentor for Houston-based Amaanah Refugee Services, said he has been enlisted by Houston ISD to assist the Afghan students at Heights as well as three elementary schools in the district. He serves as a tutor and translator. The faculty at Heights has helped integrate the new students to life on campus and in the community in general. Eight of the Afghan students have joined the school’s Mission Squash program, which teaches the sport of squash while also providing academic guidance, and they also have been playing cricket and soccer with their new classmates.
Some of the Afghan refugees helped represent Heights at the annual Houston Art Car Parade earlier this year, according to school librarian Anthony White, who has helped mentor the students. Karakoc, a campus instructional technology specialist at Heights, said some of the American students also have helped to make their new classmates feel welcome. “It just enriches everyone,” White said of the students’ presence on campus. “We couldn’t be happier that they’re here. I know they have a lot of needs, and we’re really trying to help them.” Karakoc said it’s been a challenge to try to meet all those needs, such as helping the students overcome language barriers while adjusting to a new culture both in and out of school. She said many of the families face financial hardships and likely will need their teenage children to work once their rental assistance is exhausted. But Karakoc, who immigrated to the U.S. as an 8-year-old, said helping the students also has been a rewarding and personal
experience. “It’s been a big challenge, but it’s been also just amazing and fulfilling in a way that I have never experienced as an educator,” she said. “Because these students are so willing. They understand how precious an education is. They are just so grateful and so amazingly sweet and so easy to help.” Sahibzada said he has made some American friends and discovered he likes tacos as well as raspas, which are Mexican frozen treats. He wants to remain in the U.S. and become a computer scientist. Mohadesa Ahmadi, a 16-yearold Heights student who has formed a friendship with Habibi, said she likes coding and wants to become an engineer. Habibi said she wants to return to Afghanistan one day, but not permanently. She said American people are kind, so she wants to stay here as well. “I want to go back to Afghanistan, not for all time, just for a week or something like that to see my family,” she said. “Maybe when Afghanistan is in peace, we can go.”
Refuge, from P. 1A ton, one of five federally funded refugee resettlement agencies in the region. Rasha Issa, an education coordinator for Catholic Charities, said some of the Afghan families had been working with U.S. military forces or U.S. companies and faced danger when the Taliban returned to power last summer. She said they evacuated first to U.S. military bases in countries surrounding Afghanistan, and later to bases in the U.S. before they were granted humanitarian parole, allowing them to resettle in cities such as Houston and the opportunity to apply for asylum. Mohammad Asim Sahibzada, who like Habibi is a 17-year-old Heights student from Kabul, the capital city in Afghanistan, said he came to the U.S. with his parents and seven siblings. “We are happy and our future’s got a chance,” he said through a translator. “We will have a good education and a good life over here, and we will be safe.” Issa said Catholic Charities has facilitated the resettlement of about 1,300 Afghan families this year alone. The organiza-
THE CLASSIFIEDS. Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 713-686-8494 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.
POWER/CABLE/INTERNET PROVIDER
GARAGE/ESTATE SALE
ESTATE SALE
Fri. & Sat. May 6th & 7th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 9203 RIDDLEWOOD LANE Houston, 77025 ( Stella Link / Loop 610 ) Art, Oriental Rugs, Sofas, King Bed and two Queens, Tapestries, Patio Furniture, Dining Room Suite, Antique Benches & Footstools, China, Crystal, Housewares, Electronics, Drum Set, Books, Records, Costume Jewelry and more! www.houstonestatesales.com 713-666-0970 Town & Country Estate Sales Penny Millican - Owner
GARAGE SALE May 7th from 8-12
Shepherd Park Plaza Neighborhood Garage Sale https://tinyurl.com/yzhhpxre
STARDUST ANTIQUES in THE HEIGHTS
0
$
TO CLOSE AFTER 30 YEARS 1129 E 11th St. 77008
EVERYTHING is On Sale! Thursday, Friday & Saturday May 5th, 6th & 7th • 10am - 3pm • Large Vintage Western Clocks • Architectural, Industrial • Mid Century Furniture • Pine Tables • Corner Cabinets • French Doors • Paintings • Mirrors • Jewelry • Antique Linens
AND SO MUCH MORE! MULTI FAMILY GARAGE SALE
Like us on www.facebook.com/ bluemoonantiques-houstontx
Friday & Saturday 7:30-? Housewares, kitchenware, clothes (LOTS of jeans), shoes, water skis and much more!
713 GARDEN OAKS BLVD
Sell it fast with an inexpensive Leader classified.
HEALTH & FITNESS AIKIDO - JUDO
Japanese Martial Arts 8th Degree Black Belt
713-826-5877 aikibudo-aikido.com
DEPOSIT if qualify
SOLAR PANELS
0
$
down payment
• RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL • IMMEDIATE SERVICE Looking for Sales • EVERYONE QUALIFIES Representatives $
CASH ONLY
BLUE MOON ANTIQUES AND ESTATE SALES Antiques and Collectibles Providing Estate Sales Services 3311 Ella • 832-286-7882
ELECTRICITY - CABLE - INTERNET
29.99
From 6¢/kW
WEEKENDS
$
100 Gift
713-446-2091
FREE
FOR SALE C h a ir P a d s
713-686-6622
Johnny & Rhea Danna, Owners R etAiL C enteR www.thefoamstore.com W H OLesALe P R iC es
Local - In-Home Pet Services Grooming, Training, Pet Sitting I DO PET CPR TRAINING BONDED & INSURED
832.506.5080
Are You Looking for Someone to Care for Your Senior or Family Member in Your Home or a Facility? Dedicated Hearts Provides:
• Exceptional Personalized Care • Companionship • Light House Keeping • Meal Prep, etc.
PETS
Mandi’s Mutts
Free HBO
ADULT CARE
THE FOAM STORE
C u s to m C u t M e m o r y F o a m C o u c h C u s h io n s M a ttr e s s F o a m 2217 W. 34th, Ste. A.
packages with more than 165 channels
M M&M Pet Sitting S
Afford Affordable Pet Care In Your Home Will Treat Your Loved Ones As My Own Bonded Mitzi 713-444-8517
Please Give Us a Call for More Details
832-515-2855
heartsdedicated4@gmail.com
When you want results, advertise in The Leader.
Page 6A • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • The Leader GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS AUTO CARE
HARTING AUTOMOTIVE PROUDLY SERVING HOUSTON SINCE 1988
GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS
GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS
CAMPOS Roofing 3825 Dr. • (713) 680-3530 3308Pinemont Ella Blvd
WE BUY Arctic Auto GUNS! Air CONSIGNMENTS TOP CASH PAID Call Casper
713-694-4867
713.205.6922
Houston, TX 77092
the
Aaron’s
PLUMBING WOOD FENCING Repair & Install Pressure Washing Painting • Siding
Drain & Sewer Cleaning #17773 - 7 Days a week
825 Curtin 77018
713-695-2222
Gilbert 281-948-4879
PEST CONTROL Cherokee
PEST CONTROL • Termites • Roaches • Ants • Silver sh • Rodents
Free Termite Inspection
713-682-6801
®
JUNK HAULING
Sheetrock Repair
Home/Business • FREE ESTIMATES
20% Off With Ad
#1 Cheapest Trash Hauling / Demolition Co. in TX!
Gutters • Siding • Painting • Roof Leaks Call Today
832-731-3866
All Work Guaranteed
Insured for your protection • EST 1974 email: Wells5517@sbcglobal.net
R.B. GARAGE DOORS
Garage
oor
perts •
AAACheapTrashHauling.com
Insured
713-235-0560
EUGENE
HAULS TRASH: Cleans Garages, Trims Trees.
832-890-5453
perien e
ROGELIO
Thank you for your continued business Free Estimates on Fencing Compare us.
713-862-7320
30+ Yrs. Exp.
TEL
281-272-6900
CELL
713-569-4199
Charlie's
ROOFING
+ Quality Work + Low Prices + + Hand Nailed + Hardi-Siding + Oak Forest Area Resident 40+ years Free Estimates
(713) 962-3474
713-688-6463
Complete Pavers • Patios • Decks • Driveways • Brick Columns
Gilbert 281-948-4879
Jose `
Pete’s Quality
CUSTOM PAINTING
832-767-7701
Serving NW Houston Since 1973
FREE estimates
American Standard Authorized Dealer
713-686-8494
www.acmanhouston.com TACL B27781E
ELECTRICAL SERVICES John John Kuenstle Kuenstle Electric,LLC Electric,LLC
Oak Oak Forest Forest Resident/Office Resident/Office • Residential • Residential •• Commercial Commercial ••Service Service Licensed -- Insured Insured -- 34 26 Yrs. Yrs. Exp. Exp. Licensed “A” ON On Angie’s “A” ANGIE’S List LIST
BRAVENEC ELECTRIC
HAR BINGER
electric
Since 1953 - TECL 19210 Res./Comm. Wiring
Lights-Plugs-Breakers Cover all electric needs
713-864-4168
Licensed-Insured
cc accepted
bravenecelectric@gmail.com
TEL. 713-721-5490 17823
SWIMMING POOLS FREE ESTIMATES
Power Wash
Free Estimates
Cell: 832-584-0725
Martinez Concrete Works
• • • •
Remodel Existing Pool • Concrete Tile • Acid Wash • Flagstone Coping • Deck’s • Fence + more! New Plastering We can build your dream pool
• Driveways • Patios • Sidewalks • Foundation Additions • Stamp Concrete Bonded and Insured • Free Estimates
713-408-0137
martinezconcreteworks@gmail.com
346-303-3919 • cervantespoolsandremodeling.com
PRIME ROOFING
APPLIANCE & TV REPAIR
Commercial • Residential New Roof • Re-Roof
713-681-5001
HOME REMODELING
• Painting • Sheetrock • Tile Work • Roo ng • Carpentry • Carpet • Concrete • Power Wash • Burglar Bars • Brick • Trees FREE ESTIMATES - Hector
281-827-4447
WOOD FLOORS 832-515-4214
713-686-8494
713-582-5500
Flat roofs also. FENCING installation and repairs. Call Sam
LEADER PUZZLER SOLUTIONS
F rom a d ri p to a leak , turn to the L ead er lassifieds to turn those headaches .
!PPLIANCE , $ 2EPAIR • Refrigerators • Ovens • Washers • Dryers
AW Appliance Sales & Service Washer • Dryers Ranges & Stoves Refrigerators Freezers
713-697-0335 (open 6 Days)
832-526-8531
9235 N. Houston Rosslyn 77088
KINARD’S Appliance Service
.0 , * #,
Washers - Dryers Dishwashers - Ranges 281-350-6255 713-857-2050
David’s
All Makes & Models “We We Make House Calls Calls” a
I Buy cracked Flat Panel TV’s 1622 W. 23rd
NEED A NEW ROOF? We’ve got you covered! T urn to The Leader lassifieds.
To Advertise Call Today
713-686-8494
with this ad
Interior/Exterior
When you want results, ad v erti se i n The Leader.
T o Adv ertise Call T oday
$20 OFF 713-460-COLD(2653)
713-688-3277
ROOFING REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION
Installation Repair Sanding Finishing
Cooling & Heating Res. - Com.
Give one a Try
by SERNA BROS.
F rom a new c oat of p ai nt to a t tal re del. T urn to the L ead er lassifieds.
Adam’s
A d s really work i f they say the ri ht thin .
ROOFING
www.primeroofing.com
NEED A NEW COAT?
281-352-7304
! # -AN
832-425-2152-- Free Free Estimates 832-425-2152 Estimates
Call Sam 713-582-5500 713-686-2285
WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS
HOME REPAIRS Handyman Services, Carpentry, Painting-Int/Ext, Cabinets, Doors, Trim, Insured Eddie Lunsford
FREE ESTIMATES
35 Yrs. Exp. & Leader Advertiser
Cell (281) 221-0637
“Honesty is our best discount”
MASTER #178565 TECL TECL#25670 #25670 Native Native Houstonian Houstonian - 46 Yrs. MASTER #178565 - 52 Yrs.
• Sheetrock • Painting • Texturing • Roofing Repair/Replace • Shower/Bath Redo • Tile • Flooring/Carpet • Ceramic Tile • Fence Repair
Repair & Installation All Type Fences • Chain link • Wood • Ornamental Iron Small jobs welcome Call 7 Days
BEST VALUE
REYNALDOREMODELING.COM
ALL HOME REPAIR • Termite/Water Repair
FENCES & DECKS
TACL A020360E
713-869-8876
Electrical & Plumbing Carpentry • Tile • Room Additions Sheetrock • HardiPlank • Windows • Deck • Doors Power Washing • Painting • Roofing • Concrete
J&D HANDYMAN SERVICE For Your Home Repair Needs:
Painting Drywall✔ Drywall Hardi Plank Siding Plank Cabinet Re-facing ✔ Painting ✔ Hardi Siding Any Type of Carpentry Work Complete Remodels ✔ Any Type of Carpentry Work ✔ Complete Remodels
HEATING
CON STRUCTION
Reynaldo REMODELING
IT’S AN INVESTMENT
RIO GRANDE FENCE CO.
AND
SALES, SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
713.206.5965
713-296-9753
832-755-5245
IT’S NOT JUST A FENCE
A/C
For all your construction / remodeling needs •Tile •Electrical •Roofing •Flooring •Plumbing •Carpentry •Siding •Paint
• Genie • Craftsman • Lift Master • Chamberlain
Roofing Work Carpentry Handyman Services Power Washing Maid Service Good References
Including Flooded Homes • Exterior/Interior • Pressure Washing • Sheetrock Repair • References • Insured 713-201-5569 832-372-5577
DMI GENERAL CONTRACTOR
www.rbgaragedoorshouston.com rbgaragesdoors@gmail.com
petesqualitypainting300@gmail.com
Your Best “STOP” For A Drip
ears
Affordable Prices • Free Estimates * Garage Door Openers * Lube & Tunes * Crashed Door Resets * Springs
Match any texture
If You’ve Got It, We’ll Haul It. a s ame a er i e • n r rea
713-680-0059
FREE ESTIMATES
CHEAP TRASH HAULING FAST WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE
• Chain Link • Wood • Wrought Iron / Hand Rails • Gate Operators
WELLS ROOFING
Frank Montes
Painting Interior/Exterior
SLEEP SLEEP BETTER BETTER
CONDITIONING
45 yrs. Exp. - FREE EST.
Residential & Commercial
GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Since 1974
H H VETERAN OWNED H H
713.686.6622
Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer
PLUMBING
713-703-8488 Jim
TONY MUNOZ FENCE CO.
FOAM store
A uto E lect ri c and L eak D etect i on
2001 Karbach Suite F
•Patios •Driveways •Room Additions •Expedient Work American Made “God Bless America”
All Work Guaranteed Free Estimates
GENERALHEAT/AIR HOME IMPROVEMENTS
House Painting
At Reasonable prices
Hardi Siding • Gutters • Painting • Windows
AUTO AIR CONDITIONING
BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO
Ramiro Garcia
“The Residential Roofing Specialists”
Memory Foam Mattresses
FORWELCOME YOUR GUNS!
QUALITY CONCRETE WORK
www.camposroofing.com
www.hartingautomotive.com
Automotive Air Conditioning
GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Re-roofs • Repairs
FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR Auto Maintenance & Diagnostics 4934 Acorn St. 77092 281-688-9405
WANT TO BUY
GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS
To Advertise Call Today CRYPTO FUN
WORD SCRAMBLE Compete
Answers: A. snow B. sledding C. luge D. skis
713-686-8494
LAWN & GARDEN GUIDE 20## #6.#021 ',!
Dennis Clooney - Manager 25+ Years Experience • Tree Trimming/Removal • Stump Grinding • Fertilization • Construction Preparation • Residential/Commercial Insured Liability and Workman’s Comp
713-683-TREE (713-683-8733) FREE ESTIMATES
1/""
713-682-5296
www.richtersservicesinc.com
LUXURY LAWNS Lawn Maintenance Landscape & Design Sprinklers/Drainage Systems Free Estimates 20 yrs. exp.
012*$/&+!&+$
Residential/Commercial FREE ESTIMATES/Credit Cards
Call today - beautiful home tomorrow!
• Landscape Installation • Weather Damage Replacement • Tree Trim & Removal • Lawn & Bed Maintenance • Landscape Lighting • Organic Soil Amendments
713-688-4244 David Bartula
I S H E R E! Advertise your Lawn Care Service
Call
713-686-8494
Gilbert’s Landscape Lawn Care
Mowing • Edging • Blowing Flower Bedding • Fertilizing
TREE CUTTING & TRIMMING
FREE ESTIMATES – 17 Yrs. Exp.
(281) 948-4879
Verdeco
LANDSCAPING SERVICES
• Lawn Maintenance • Fertilize • Mulch, Tree Trimming • Flowerbed Cleanup • Grass Installation
713-703-6406
RAMIREZ TREE SERVICE
Trimming • Removal Pruning • Topping Stump Grinding Free Insured & Bonded Estimates Residential & Commercial
713-480-9450
Book a Consultation with Us Today!
KJBLandscapingLLC.com or call 346-719-9663
Texas Lawn Services & Landscaping • Flower Bedding • Mowing • Edging • Fertilizing • Mulch • Trimming and More Call Gilberto 346-303-7003
jose.salazar020473@gmail.com
YOUR AD CAN RUN HERE
Call 713-686-8494
GENERAL
The Leader • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • Page 7A
Art Valet: Change you can shake a paintbrush at MITCH COHEN Art Columnist
Saturday is the final First Saturday Arts Market of the “season” and it will be open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 540 W. 19th St. This month the market is featuring about 40 artists, food, libations and live music. Don’t panic, because last of the season only refers to spring. This summer, however, we’re shaking things up a bit. There will be no summer evening markets this year at least not my markets, First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. It wasn’t that long ago that we (myself and the artists) introduced Houston to summer night markets. OK, so it was like 16 years ago if you must know, in 2006, the same year the neighborhood launched White Linen Night in the Heights. Why change a good thing? Well, it was a good thing until 2020 came along and caused more stirring of the pot and inspired innovative thinking. A
few other factors in addition to Houston’s intolerable summer heat really cinched it. This summer both markets and quite a few artists we’ve yet to meet will come together under one big, air-conditioned roof. Specifically at noon Aug. 13 at the Silver Street Studios warehouse at 2000 Edwards St. The plan is to stay open until 8 p.m., with some evening activities, but primarily because I long to use the word soirée in marketing. I’m a nut. I mentioned this in the April 2 edition of The Leader, but knowing how hit or miss our society is in getting information, a few (dozen) more reminders won’t hurt. Right? Back to this Saturday. KPFT fans of the Sunday evening show, Bluegrass Depot with Joanna Jetton & Dalton, will be thrilled to know Jetton will be performing at the market at noon with Martha White. Together they are The MoJo Sisters. They’ll be performing old school music and a few originals. Rich Boy Po’Boy is the food truck this month with neighbor Sno’d Shaved Ice. Rounding out the culinary delicacies, Houston Cider Co. always sets up with us to sell their award-winning apple ciders. They have an amazing variety,
Contributed photo Artist Jefferson Woodruff is surrounded by his mobiles.
Contributed photo Plein-air painter Arthur Deatly, right, talks about his work at the First Saturday Arts Market.
check them out. Jefferson Woodruff, a metalsmith and jeweler currently living in Austin who grew up in Garden Oaks, will be one of the artists attending this Saturday’s market on 19th Street. Woodruff, who first joined the market in 2005, said he’ll be bringing his latest series he calls “The Post-Apocalyptic Primitive.” “I was originally inspired by the same industrial sectors of
industrial sites around town, as you did 30 years ago.” “These pieces are really the result of a high-tech miracle invention in the metallurgy of jewelry—Argentium silver, which in addition to being resistant to tarnish, fuses like 18 karat gold.” Ask Mr. Woodruff about Heights history when you meet him Saturday. He’s a wealth of historical facts. I am not kidding!
See additional art coverage at .................. theleadernews.com Houston that Arthur Deatly (also attending the May market) paints,” Woodruff said. “The city has done a magnificent transformation. You don’t have any rusted out, obsolete
Mark your calendar for Aug. 13 for BAM! Art Market, and we’ll see you Saturday on West 19th Street. Details about the markets are on the website https:// 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: Peaky Grinders grills fresh burgers in Railway Heights By Dan Greer
news@theleadernews.com
Burgers and I go way back. All the way back to Minute Man Hamburgers, which was conveniently located adjacent to Waltrip High School. The likelihood of those burgers being consumed in the Greer household immediately following Sunday church services was as certain as potholes on Westheimer. It was a given. We had just enough time to bring them home and set up the TV trays for Bonanza. So anytime new burger options appear on the local food scene, I have no choice but to sample their product and provide invaluable feedback to you, dear Leader reader. Thus, my burger radar was on high alert when Peaky Grinders arrived in Railway Heights. Peaky Grinders is located in a pleasant, marketplacetype setting. The process was pretty streamlined; you place your order and get a text when it’s ready.
We were met at the counter with some apathy, but hey, we were here primarily for the food. It’s a basic menu which is sort of expected at a burger joint and the drinks are limited to Mexican coke and Dublin sodas. Let’s start with the frito pie. They use the same meat blend as their burger, which combines chuck and brisket. The fritos still had a nice crunch to them. The chili was topped with an appropriately gooey American cheese and fresh white onions were generously sprinkled atop. It was super enjoyable. Upon the first bite, the fries seemed uninspired but that didn’t stop us from eating them. It may have something to do with the beef fat they are fried in, or the addictive Sir Kensington’s ketchup. Sadly, neither of us cared for the onion rings. They had a slightly sweet batter, but just didn’t hit the mark. Can a hot dog be described as “flamboyant”? If so, their Street Dog fits the bill. It is
bacon-wrapped and loaded with duck fat onions, roasted red pepper aioli, pickled jalapenos, house pickles, shredded cheese and…what did I leave out? …oh yes, a giant, beefy dog wedged somewhere in the substructure atop a potato bread bun. The dog itself had just the right “snap” with a savory flavor from that beef blend. The only quibble was that it was just too much stuff. We agreed that we could have done without the aioli and would have instead preferred simply a touch of mustard. They do have other dog options that would accomplish this. All in all, a very good dog. I watched as they added the chuck and brisket into their meat grinder for what would soon become my double cheeseburger. It doesn’t get any fresher than this. The meat has just a slight external crispiness, sealing in the flavorful juices. Like the hot dog, the burgers come wrapped in paper which of course gives
Photo by Dan Greer Burgers from Peaky Grinders, 8200 Washington Ave., are made fresh and served in a paper wrapping.
them added burger legitimacy. Unlike the hot dog, the burger finds its appeal in simplicity. All you need is love. And love in the case of this double cheeseburger is simply mustard, ketchup, onions and outstanding house-made pickles. Mouth-wateringly delicious.
Peaky Grinders’ double cheeseburger lands in the upper echelon of local burgers. Welcome to H-Town! Peaky Grinders Address: 8200 Washington Ave. Dining options: Dine-in, takeout Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and
Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday Entrée prices: $8-$14 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Alcohol: No Healthy options: Impossible Burger Star of the show: Double cheeseburger Rating: 4 out of 5 bites
Nibbles & Sips: Sonoma wine bar closing Heights location Zalat’s pizza and its other menu options, visit the restaurant’s website at zalatpizza.com/ or follow them on Facebook @ZalatTheHeights.
By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
A popular wine bar and bistro will pour its last glass of wine at its Heights location in the coming months. Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant announced April 28 that the company will soon close the doors on its location at 801 Studewood St. The last day of business there will be Sunday, June 26, per an announcement on the company’s Facebook page, which cited unfavorable negotiations with its landlord as the reason for moving. A new location will be announced soon, according to the company, that is not far from where Sonoma has made its current Heights home for the last 10 years. Sonoma also operates locations in Upper Kirby and Katy. Sonoma will hold a huge try-before-you-buy wine sale on its final day of business on Studewood from 2-6 p.m. June 26. “This was not the outcome I had hoped for after several months of negotiations with the landlord, but I had to make this extremely tough and sad decision based on what my business can afford,” owner Farrah Cauley wrote on Facebook. “…I want to thank all of our guests, for which showed an enormous amount of love and support over the
Photo from Facebook Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant is closing its location at 801 Studewood St. in the Heights at the end of business on June 26.
years, especially throughout the pandemic. We have two months to pour as much wine and serve as many tasty dishes as we can.” To keep up with a new Heights-area location and opening date, follow the restaurant on Facebook or visit sonomahouston.com. Shady Acres brewery holding celebration New Magnolia Brewing Co., which opened in 2019 at 1616 Bevis St., is hosting a grand opening and anniversary event on May 13-14, when it will release special beers and have food, vendors and live entertainment on hand.
Tickets can be purchased through the Facebook page for New Magnolia, facebook. com/newmagnoliabrewing, for the primary event on May 14. General admission tickets are $25 and include 1:30 p.m. admission, eight drink tickets and event merchandise. VIP tickets are $50 and also include a specialty 4-pack and limited bottle release, along with early access from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is billed as family- and dog-friendly and will include special release collaborations with several other Houston-area breweries, including City Orchard, Elder Son Brewing Co., Fass Brewing Co., Frost Town Brewing, Paradigm Brewing Compa-
Photo from Facebook The Buffalo Chicken pizza is one of the options available at Zalat Pizza, which opened at 250 W. 20th St. on April 26.
ny, True Anomaly Brewing Company and Vallensons’ Brewing Company. City Orchard and Elder Son are both located in the Heights area. Event tickets can be picked up May 13, when New Magnolia will offer its club beer releases. Zalat Pizza opens doors in Heights There is a new option for pizza lovers in the Heights and surrounding neighborhoods. Zalat Pizza opened its doors April 26 at 250 W. 20th St., Suite 300, according to a post on the company’s Facebook page. The Heights restaurant is Zalat’s third
Houston-area location, joining existing locations in The Woodlands. According to Zalat’s website, diners will have the choice of nearly 20 different types of pizza to select from. There will be traditional options such as cheese, pepperoni and sausage pizzas as well as more exotic options including the Pineapple Express, which has bacon, pineapple, crushed red pepper, jalapenos and teriyaki base with a little sesame seed and topped with fresh cilantro. Also among offerings is the “Loaded Notato,” which includes bacon, cheddar, jalapenos, chives and blue cheese ranch. For more information on
H-E-B recalls brownie packages, sweets trays H-E-B pulled two varieties of mini brownie products off the shelves April 29 and asked customers not to eat any they purchased before the recall. After receiving consumer complaints, the Texas grocery chain said it investigated and concluded the products could be contaminated with metal fragments. The recall applies to two-bit brownies that are packaged under the H-E-B Bakery label in 12-ounce containers and as part of the H-E-B Simply Delicious Cookies With Brownie Bites Party Trays. According to a news release, the brownies are manufactured by an outside supplier and distributed exclusively to H-E-B and Joe V’s Smart Shop stores in Texas and Mexico. Customers can return the products to a store for a full refund. The company’s customer service line, 855-4324438, can answer questions from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are two H-E-B locations in the Heights area at 2300 N. Shepherd Drive and 3663 Washington Ave. Ste. 100.
Page 8A • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • The Leader
C & Gifts Gifts C& &D D Hardware Hardware & What & Easy Easy What You You Need...Quick Need...Quick & 314 TX 77008 77008 314 E. E. 11th 11th Street Street • • Houston, 77008 314 E. 11th Street • Houston, TX (713) (713) 861-3551 861-3551 (713) 861-3551 Sale dates Sale Ends October 28th Shop Shop online online at: at: www.CandDhw.com www.CandDhw.com Shop online at: www.CandDhw.com May 15th thru November 7th Mon.-Fri.8am-6:30pm; 8am-6:30pm; Sat. Sat. 9am-6pm; 9am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm Mon.-Fri. Sun. 10am-5pm 10am-5pm Mon.-Fri. 8am-6:30pm; Sat. 9am-6pm;
We thank all of our customers for voting us “Best Hardware Store” & 70 years of shopping C&D Hardware & Gifts. LED Battery Operated Shop early for the holidays! Inflatable Butterfly Hanging Garden Decor 6.3" W x 9.45" H x 5.11" D
$34.99 P4160
18” or 30” indoor/outdoor ornaments
These bright, bold ornaments are deflatable & reusable. Hang them, float in your pool or decorate your yard.
Soberdough - The Classic Beer Bread Mix
Home baked bread is simple. Simply add one craft beer (or any other non-alcoholic sparkling drinks) to any Soberdough bread mix and combine thoroughly. Bake and enjoy! Several flavors to choose from.
Outdoor LED Ornaments Battery operated 3 Settings Shatterproof’ Round or finial 5” - 23.5”
9.99
These preserves, made in small batches with highquality fruit and pecans, are a delight. You’ll love them for yourself and for small gifts or stocking stuffers.
Vibrant Sunflower Kinetic Wind Spinner Weather and fade resistant for long lasting enjoyment 75" H
8.99
$
$164.99
many hearts one family Aspen Original Mulling bracelets
47M3095
Spice Blend Delicate 18k gold plated hearts signify mom A delicious classic combinaand are surrounded byand rhodium silver hearts The Wild Bone Company Christmasand hematite to represent her children, tionbeads of spices which makes ordinary grandchildren and loved ones. cider, wine, tea 10 Pack Gift Box For barking out loud! The perfect Christmas gift for all theMother of 1, 2, 3,and or brandy 4. extraordinary. dog lovers in your life. The Wild Bone Company makes No cooking is only the best for your best friend. 10 different bones with necessary. real meat meal, no artificial flavors, and no fillers.
$17.99
SALE $16.99
$
DUKE CANNON BASIC ASS PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE OR BAY RUM SOAP SOAP
8.99
Chill out with these cooling cups!
Throw on your coziest sweater and bring the autumnal splendor of a Fall Harvest Festival to your bathroom. Other fine Duke cannon soaps and products available!
528600, 528682 Features a 3-outlet connector that is polarized for safety. Includes covers for unused outlets to provide safety for children and pets
16-gauge/3-conductor landscape extension cord. Indoor/outdoor use. 3 wire grounded.
$
$
San Saba Preserves
Do it Best 6 Ft. 16/2 Brown or White Cube Tap Extension Cord
Do it Best 20 Ft. 16/3 Landscape Extension Cord 558761
12.99
Do it Best 40 Ft. 16/3 Landscape Extension Cord 519626
16-gauge/3-conductor landscape extension cord. Indoor/ outdoor use. 3 wire grounded.
14.99
$
1.99
$
Do it Orange
534005 15A 3-Outlet Tap Butterflies Stained Glass Multi-outlet tapDragonflies adapter. and Mobile Converts a single 31"H x 8"W grounded outlet into 3 grounded outlets. Heavy-duty vinyl 8MM022 construction.
$57.99
3.99
$
Christmas lights, Decor and gifts are arriving daily for all you early birds! Shop early Add color andfor best selection!
movement to your garden with these delightful 48" wind Melissa & Doug Toys spinners. Toys with Amazing Quality Your that will lastChoice for years.
$46.99
For Moms and Grads
8.5 oz. Proprietary cooling gel 10.99Holdskeeps drink cold for hours.
$
Large multi-purpose totes for Moms-on-the-go, students, or the beach. Lightweight, durable, clean with soap and water. Several colors and sizes available. Add a 6” initial & tassel keychain to make it yours.
Each $17.99
Set/2 $32.99, Set 4 $56.99
"I Love that You're My Mom"
20" Art Pole is a beautiful, impactful way to remind your mom of your love. Durable, fade-resistant addition to any garden. Best Garden 24 In. Poly Leaf Rake (26-Tine) 756211
$64.99 PL1202
Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard 12.5 Lb. 5000 Sq. Ft. 32-0-10 Winterizer 7” WoodFall7 Fertilizer mosaic
Poly leaf rake with curved polypropylene head. 48 In. lacquered pine wood handle.
9.99
$
WinterGuard fertilizer builds strong, deep grass roots for a better lawn in the spring.
birdhouse.
Iridescent glass hummingbird feeder with Your choice gondola and ant moat.
Your choice
99 19 $26.99
$
YETI
A variety of colors and styles sure to keep mom cool when the heat is on!
708158
$9.99!
Multicolor. 11" H Best Garden 30 In. Poly Leaf Rake (30-Tine) 756220
Special Buy $28.99
Poly leaf rake with curved polypropylene head. 48 In. lacquered pine wood handle.
$
TREK PRIME WIFI – STAINLESS PELLET GRILL BY GREEN MOUNTAIN GRILLS
9.99
reg. $16.99 While supplies last.
Art Glass Flowers
39999
$
Constant color-no watering necessary!
6"D x 22"H 8"D x 33"H 10" x 40" H
This is the go-to grill for small families, campers, tailgaters, Starting at RVers, or anyone who wants to of the Jungle cook two racks of ribs or 4-6 Queen nice Colorful leopard print steaks or a bunch of burgers. Sandals $22.99 Other GMG Pellet grills available.
$29.99 $35.99 $42.99
Beach Towel Backpack Travel Organizer
$22.99 $54.99 $35.99
Do it Best® stores are committed to truthful and accurate advertising. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this advertisement, descriptive, typographic and photographic errors are subject to Do it Best® stores committed to truthful andliability accurate advertising. Whileerrors. everyThe effort has in been to ensureare thesuggested accuracy by of this typographic and prices photographic errors are subject to corrections and Doare it Best stores shall have no of any kind for such prices thismade advertisement Do itadvertisement, Best Corp., Ft. descriptive, Wayne, IN. These advertised do not include taxes and may corrections and Do it Do Best stores shall have no prices liabilitymay of any kind for some such errors. prices in this are suggested by Do it Best Corp., Ft. Wayne,low IN. prices. These If advertised not include taxes and may vary at independent it Best retailers. Some be higher, may beThe lower, some mayadvertisement be special reduced prices, others may be regular everyday an item isprices out ofdo stock, Do it Best retailers can vary Do it Bestor retailers. Some prices be higher, some mayshown be lower, mayassembly be specialmay reduced prices,on others be regular everyday low prices. an item is out of stock,Flyer Do it 2020 Best retailers can © 2020 Do it Best Corp.If C&D 1483 October (2) offerata independent suitable replacement, a “rain check” for themay advertised item. Colors maysome vary and be required somemay items. offer a suitable replacement, or a “rain check” for the advertised item. Colors shown may vary and assembly may be required on some items. © 2020 Do it Best Corp. C&D 1483 October Flyer 2020 (2)
Do it Best® stores are committed to truthful and accurate advertising. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this advertisement, descriptive, typographic and photographic errors are subject to corrections and Do it Best stores shall have no liability of any kind for such errors. The prices in this advertisement are suggested by Do it Best Corp., Ft. Wayne, IN. These advertised prices do not include taxes and may vary at independent Do it Best retailers. Some prices may be higher, some may be lower, some may be special reduced prices, others may be regular everyday low prices. If an item is out of stock, Do it Best retailers can offer a suitable replacement, or a “rain check” for the advertised item. Colors shown may vary and assembly may be required on some items. © 2020 Do it Best Corp. C&D 1483 October Flyer 2020 (2)
The Leader • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • Page 1B
Luxury real estate firm opens Heights headquarters By Charlotte Aguilar caguilar@theleadernews.com
Nan and Company Properties has opened its new 6,000-square foot flagship office at 725 Yale St. in the Heights, specializing in luxury market transactions throughout the Houston area. Founded by Nancy and Jose Almodovar — chief executive officer and chief operating officer, respectively — the firm is affiliated with Christie’s International Real Estate. Custom designed and built from the ground up for Nan, the headquarters boasts murals by local artists, the most advanced fiber optic technology and a 1,000-square foot production studio to accommodate its emphasis on digital marketing. There are amenities for team members, including treadmills that are fitted for laptops and cellphones, outdoor seating and nap pods, along with amenities for pets, including a dog drinking fountain. “When we found the location, it was a nobrainer,” Jose Almodovar said in a news release. “The area itself is a direct reflection of the culture we have within our company. It is in the center of a retail area that has foot traffic all day and farmers markets on the weekends where vendors set up to sell local products. This building was built from the inside out to reflect that same sense of community and support other local entrepreneurs.” The firm also has offices in the Galleria area and in Galveston.
Contributed photo Nancy and Jose Almodovar are co-founders of Nan and Company Properties, which is affiliated with Christie’s International Real Estate.
Contributed photos Nan and Company Properties has opened a flagship location at 725 Yale St., with other offices in the Galleria area and Galveston. At bottom right, murals and other works by local artists fill the new building, which was custom designed for the realty firm.
Business Briefs: Moonshot Compost relocates to Northside By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
A Heights composting company is relocating to the Northside area. Moonshot Compost, a Houston-based company specializing in food waste diversion, has relocated to a new, larger industrial space of 8,225 square feet in Northside Village at 1410 Bigelow St. according to a news release from the company. The news release said the new building, which is in a former location of Yellow Cab, will allow for growth and expansion from the previous space of 1,500 square feet on West 18th Street. Moonshot Compost is bringing on additional commercial and resident clients
who want more sustainable solutions to dealing with kitchen food waste, according to the release. The company said it is diverting 30,000 pounds of food waste per week, with nearly 1 million pounds diverted since July 2020. “We are excited about our growth and all the individuals and companies getting on board to get food waste out of landfills and onto composting sites,” co-owner Chris Wood said. “Our new space will make for more efficient operations all around.” For more information about the company and its composting programs, visit either www.moonshotcompost.com or www.startcomposting.com, or call 713-
Houston named top 25 city for small businesses Houston has been named as one of the top small-business cities in the country, according to an annual study. Houston has made the list for Biz2Credit’s annual Top 25 Small Business Cities in America, which was announced earlier this week in conjunction with the beginning of National Small Business Week. A news release said Biz2Credit determines the
For over 80 years, we’ve cared enough to think about the very worst.
Photo from Facebook A Moonshot Compost employee prepares to load a bucket of compostable material into the back of a truck. The company is relocating from the Heights to the Northside area.
Through tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and more, Farmers has been on the scene helping people start rebuilding since 1928. No one wants to think about all the things that can go wrong. But at Farmers, that’s what we’ve been doing for the last 80 years.
How much can I give away without being subject to estate taxes? For The Leader A common question people ask when starting the estate planning process is how they can avoid paying estate taxes. Under current federal law, a person is only responsible for paying estate tax if they give away more than $12,060,000. In fact, for married couples, with proper planning they can often combine their exemptions for an exclusion of $24,120,000. Unfortunately, most of us are unable to be so generous! In January of 2026, the lifetime estate tax exclusion will be reduced to nearly half of what it is now. But $6,000,000 in wealth (or $12,000,000 for a married couple) still provides a large safety net to be free from estate tax. That said, the estate tax limit is a political number that is always subject to change. And although death and taxes are certain, three things you can never know with certainty are: when you will die, what your estate will be worth then, and what the estate tax exemption will be. For that reason, it is good to keep an eye on this number and your net worth so that you can plan accordingly. In addition to the lifetime exemption, each person can give away a maximum of $16,000 in a single year without paying any gift tax. That said, making a gift of more than
Jennifer Solak provides legal advice for families and businesses and may be contacted at jennifer@solaklegal.com or 713-588-5744.
“Best Small Business Cities,” based on a weighted average that includes annual revenues, labor costs, profitability, credit score, age of a business (in months), tax rates and other data. For this computation, Biz2Credit examined the financial data of more than 80,000 companies that applied for small business funding in 2021. Small businesses were defined as having fewer than 250 employees or less than $10 million in annual revenues, for the sake of the study.
955-0011.
$16,000 does not necessarily mean you will owe tax. For example, in a couple, each person can give away $16,000 to one other person. So if a married couple wants to give to their married adult child, each member of the couple could give $16,000 to the adult child and their spouse, effectively quadrupling that “free of tax” gift. And even if one person gives another $20,000, you could still likely avoid paying federal gift tax. Instead, $16,000 of that gift would qualify towards the annual exclusion and the other $4,000 could be claimed on a federal gift tax return, which would ultimately reduce your lifetime exemption by only $4,000. If you are lucky enough that your estate exceeds the exemption or is approaching
Wills, Trusts, and Probate Law
it, you should consider mitigating strategies that can be used to avoid paying estate tax. If you have questions about how to structure your estate, please contact Solak Legal at 713588-5744 or jennifer@solaklegal.com so that we can discuss your particular needs. 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 713-588-5744.
AY Y D 1 NL O
Personal attention. Call 713-699-8669 today! Lane Lewis Your Local Agent 2200 North Loop W. Ste. 136, Houston, TX 77018 LLewis@FarmersAgent.com
George G. Junkin, D.C. - NW Chiro “Treat the problem itself, not just the symptoms.” This is the philosophy behind the chiropractic practice of Dr. George Junkin. Chiropractic adjustments and healthy lifestyle choices produce the best results. For over 35 years, Dr. Junkin has helped patients get releif from pain due to an injury or chronic condition. The result being fast long-lasting relief. 11500 NW Fwy. Suite #201 • Houston, TX 77092 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com
GUN SHOW Saturday, May 7, 2022
Hours: 9AM-4PM Admission $5 for adults Under 12 FREE Kitchen will be open serving hamburgers, hotdogs & desserts! SPJST Lodge #88 1435 Beall at 15th St.
SolakLegal.com 713-588-5744 Subscribe to helpful videos at: TinyURL.com/SolakLegal
IN THE HEIGHTS
FREE PARKING
www.hgca.org • 713-981-6463
Page 2B • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • The Leader
Armor Glass providing practical year-round protection By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
A woman was home alone in a high-end Sugar Land home when the doorbell rang. She didn’t answer it, assuming the person would go away. She went back to the bedroom near a wall of glass facing their pool when suddenly she heard something crash against the glass a few feet away. Normally when that happens the paver (or rock) goes through the glass, the intruder follows it, and is gone within minutes before any police can arrive. In this event, he would have run right into the woman. Instead, the paver bounced off the glass. It cracked the glass but there was no breach, no broken glass all over the room and in the carpet, no hole to worry about, no need to call the glass company for an emergency visit, no possibility that the rains later that day will come in and spread mold. There was no personal confrontation between the woman and the robber. The impact of the crash startled her, causing her to scream. And the guy -- who had assumed no one was home -took off. All of that, Michael Fjetland said, was because of Armor Glass Security Films’ special high-tech, polycarbonate 8
Mil Security Film that “armors your glass,” which he said is every building’s weakest link. “Every piece of glass on the planet is an accident waiting to happen,” he said. “By applying this film, you’re basically making it an aftermarket impact window. It’s armoring your glass that you already have.” Fjetland is the president and founder of Armor Glass Security Films. The company is based at 12926 Dairy Ashford Rd. in Sugar Land, but Fjetland said the company provides security film for homes, commercial businesses, schools, and more across the Houston region to protect from burglars, hurricanes, solar heat, and UV rays. He initially started Armor Glass in 2008 after hearing about it secondhand from a Houston resident. After looking into it and studying its effects, he said it was a no-brainer to start given the Houston region’s hurricane and additional risks. “I’ve never found another technology that is as practical and cost-effective,” he said. Armor Glass’s products are rated for Miami Dade Hurricane-force winds and “large missile” impacts such as a rock or a brick, according to Fjetland, and was installed on the Sugar Land woman’s windows by Armor Glass just a
Contributed photo Armor Glass Security Films provides window protection for homeowners and commercial businesses all around Greater Houston.
few weeks earlier. The same film was installed on the Pentagon and federal buildings after 911, Fjetland said, but costs a fraction of impact glass and shutters that are three to ten times more per square foot. Those options, Fjetland said, don’t cut the solar heat up to 50 percent – saving energy costs – or cut harmful UV that causes skin cancer and furnishings to fade by 99 percent. Armor Glass Security Film, however, does. The company has installed the films in schools for shooter protection, as Fjetland said it delays a shooter at the glass entrance instead of blowing it out with a hail of bullets in
one second. They have also installed on glass at NASA’s Mission Control, numerous Whataburger restaurants, homes, storefronts, hospitals, offices and schools. On a residence, he said it’s a lifetime warranty. On a commercial building, it’s a 12-year warranty. Armor Glass films have prevented numerous break-in attempts on homes and storefronts, Fjetland said, while providing all-day and year-round hurricane-force wind protection. So he said there is no need to “board up” for a storm. He said those considering buying think of Armor Glass security film as “invisible bur-
Contributed photo Armor Glass Security Films can install its security film on any type of window, according to Armor Glass founder Michael Fjetland.
storm season in a row. It’s too late to call when the storm has a name. Armor Glass: Don’t leave home or live in one without it. Check them out at www.ArmorGlass.com and contact them for a free quote before hurricane season kicks off June 1. This article is part of The Leader Experts series, where companies and institutions pay for editorial content on topics important to the community. If you’d like to be a Leader Expert, contact us at 713-686-8494.
glar bars” or “invisible shutters.” It has prevented little kids from being hurt, among other protections, according to Fjetland. “We’re the only company who does nothing but security film,” he said. “…Glass has not changed – it’s as fragile as it ever was. So by doing this one simple thing, people are protecting their family and their property from both human intrusion and Mother Nature.” Experts say it will be Houston’s third above-average
Watermark at Houston Heights holds grand opening By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
A highly-touted luxury living space for seniors is open for move-ins in Shady Acres. The Watermark at Houston Heights held its grand opening April 28 at 1245 W. 18th St. The seven-story, 222-unit luxury living senior community is now accepting residents. “With the grand opening of The Watermark at Houston Heights, our goal is to provide a service- and amenity-rich community, where members can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with ready access to various levels of care,” Watermark Retirement Communities CEO David Freshwater said in a news release. “We are committed to providing seniors with meaning and purpose each day.” Residences range from 380-1,492 square feet with studio, one-bedroom and twobedroom offerings as well as memory care dwellings that go from 369-437 square feet. The monthly rental rate for
apartments at the Watermark at Houston Heights ranges from $2,695 for a studio space to $7,545 for the nearly 1,500-square foot unit. There are also four community dining spots, as well as a spa, fitness center, screening room for movies, a PAR golf simulator and a virtual reality lounge. “From well-appointed living spaces to enriching activities, and locally sourced dining to sophisticated design, every detail at the Watermark is expertly designed to help stimulate the mind and body alike,” a news release from the company said. Watermark’s Heights-area community was a partnership between Watermark, Hines, Looney and Associates, and Munoz + Albin Architecture and Planning. “They share our ethos in terms of creating great spaces. They understand how spaces affect people. It really does impact people’s wellness and how they feel, and it’s very important in senior housing,”
Contributed photo The Watermark at Houston Heights bills itself as a luxury senior living community with more than 200 units in the seven-story building.
ST. MATTHEW’S
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Contributed photo The Watermark at Houston Heights held a grand opening event on April 28 at 1245 W. 18th St.
Freshwater said. “We often have to pull our partners along on that journey, but it wasn’t hard to make that journey with them.”
Worship Service & Musical Tribute Celebrating
For more information about the senior living community, visit houstonheights.watermarkcommunities.com/.
Sunday, May 8th at 10:17am
is May 8th g in t r o p p u s y l d u o Pr
Psalms: Praying in Song featuring the Chichester Psalms of Leonard Bernstein & works of others
Join us in Celebration! 4300 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston,TX 77018 713-697-0671
www.facebook.com/stmatthewsunitedmethodistchurch
Mom’s Mother’s Day Dream House!! NEW OAK FOREST LISTING!
! S 0 G Ram May 8th
ah lStchroiopl W Hig
MOMS G ET A ROSE
U NCH R B R O F S U JOI N - 3PM
! s d r a w e R y LoEayrnal$5FtROOfoMYrS1Oev0MAerME My IM$50OSSpASen! t & E NJ
2009 W. 34TH STREET | TEXMEXGARAGE.COM
Happy
Mother's Day
1903 DE MILO DRIVE IN OAK FOREST 4,159 sq ft of thoughtfully designed space. See this gorgeous, brand new Oak Forest home offered by VGC Living Design. 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, formal study, 2 living areas, mudroom, oversized pantry & more! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all of you amazing mothers out there who give 150% every single day for your families! ONE lucky mama will win a $100 gift card to LV Nail Spa! From one mama to another! (LV Nail Spa is everyone’s fave nail salon in Oak Forest/Garden Oaks) To enter the drawing, stop by my open house on Saturday, May 7th, from 2 - 4 :00 PM MUST TOUR HOME & SIGN IN TO ENTER THE DRAWING
832.712.1320 3434 ELLa Blvd (346) 406-3932
J e l ly f i s h s u s h i . c o m
713.623.8899 (office)
elizasgarden@outlook.com
The Leader • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • Page 3B
Goats back at Houston Bowled over by pet bowl options? Arboretum through May 10 Dear Tabby, We did some spring cleaning and decided to upgrade our pet bowls. We want to make sure that we’re feeding our dog and our cat out of bowls that are the safest and most sanitary but also cost effective. What kind of bowls do you recommend? Spring Cleaning in Shepherd Park Plaza Dear Spring Cleaning, While pet owners spend a lot of time agonizing over what kind of food, toys, treats and bedding to buy for their pets, oftentimes, little thought is put into the bowls that are used to feed our pets. There are thousands of options when it comes to pet bowls and with a little research and shopping, you should be able to find the perfect solution to feeding your furry friends. Ceramic Ceramic pet bowls are pretty, usually dishwasher safe and heavy enough so that your pet won’t be able to push
them around the kitchen while they’re eating. Just be mindful that ceramic is breakable, so keep the bowls in a safe place where your pet can’t easily push the bowl off of a counter and send it crashing to the ground. Plastic While plastic is usually your most cost-effective material for a pet bowl, it is also generally difficult to clean and the least sanitary of all of the options. You will also want to make sure that you’re looking at BPA-free plastic bowls for your pets, if you decide to go the plastic route. If you see small abrasions beginning to form on your pets’ plastic bowls, it’s time to replace them. Bacteria can grow in these cracks and make your pet sick. Disposable options If you really hate doing dishes but want to make sure that your pet is eating from sanitary vessels, look into disposable options. While paper plates and bowls can work in a pinch, they’re generally not the best option for the planet. Instead, look into recyclable bowls that you can throw in your recycling or even compost.
By Landan Kuhlmann Stainless steel In the world of pet bowls, stainless steel is king. Stainless steel can be easily sanitized in the dishwasher and lasts forever. Also, if you’re noticing that your cat is developing acne on its chin, a plastic pet food bowl might be the culprit. In this case, a switch to stainless steel should take care of your cat’s chin acne in a jiff. Slow feeders If your pets woof down their food and then throw it back up, consider a slow feeder. If you aren’t familiar, a slow feeder is like a puzzle for your pets and helps them to eat more slowly and properly digest their food. It also can act as mental stimulation for your pet, making feeding time into a game that they must play in order to be rewarded. No matter what kind of bowls you choose for your pets, be sure to clean them daily and monitor them for breakage, cracks or chips. A clean bowl can help to keep your pets healthy, happy and excited for meal times.
Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabby questions@gmail.com.
landan@theleadernews.com
The goats from Rent-aRuminant Texas are back at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center through May 10 to “mow” the overgrown vegetation in the 2.3-acre area encircled by the 610 Parking Loop, according to a news release from the arboretum. Previously, the goats were at the arboretum in October and November of 2020, when they helped clear vegetation and invasive plant species around the Woodway Loop ponds and 7-acre savanna areas, respectively. In March 2021, they helped landscape the 2.6-acre meadow area. There will be about 150 goats at work, according to the arboretum, and the area where the goats will congregate is easily accessible from the Loop 610 entrance to the arboretum at 120 W. Loop North. Community members are
Photo by Kyle Carr Grass-eating goats are grazing on a 2.3-acre area at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center through May 10.
welcome to come watch the goats graze during the week, although the arboretum staff asks that guests
Dog Rabies Vaccination
10
45 *
$
Pet of the Week
* With Wellness Exam
Call About Cat Vaccines
Meet Ella This 3-month-old ball of sweetness recently found herself alone and very lost. Thankfully, she was rescued by a caring cat lover who took her in, fed her and introduced her to the allure of fluffy blankets. Ella loves playing, snuggling and even gets along smashingly with the resident dog! Ella would make the perfect addition to any home and the most adorable addition to your summer. To learn more, go to www.saveacatrescue. org.
do not touch, engage with or feed the animals for their safety.
New Well Puppy & Kitten Exam
40
Years
of quality care for your family pets
FREE Routine Male Cat Neuters
49
$
Fetch your Leader Copies of The Leader are at our office: 2020 N. Loop W., Suite 220 or MytiBurger, 2211 W. 43rd St. C&D Hardware, 314 E. 11th St. Merle Norman Cosmetics, 4216-B Ella Blvd.
5 3 1 5 A n to in e @
P in e m o n t
7 1 3 -6 8 8 -9 6 2 5
Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon
Shop for Mother’s Day Gifts with Lampe Berger Super Sale Many To Choose From
50% Off Lampe Berger Absorbes cooking odors,animals odors, Purifies air & kills germs on all surfaces!! COSMETICS & BOUTIQUE
4216 B-Ella Blvd. @ W. 43rd • 713-686-5993
Ad # 29544
FAMILY OWNED
LONG STANDING MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN FOREST WEST SHOPPING CENTER Take Outs Available! So Order Your Lunch or Dinner and Leave the Rest To Us! Come In or Call To Order!
Mexican Restaurant
5305 Antoine @ Pinemontt 53 713-682-3853
OPEN 111:00 AM - 8:00 PM Everyday But Tuesdays Every
AD RESULTS STACKS UP The Leader reaches more houses with more readers so you get more response!
Put Us To Work For You:
713 6 6
9
Page 4B • Saturday, May 7, 2022 • The Leader
Amy Williams
G
arden uru
Dear Garden Guru, We recently did some update to our landscape and added some new plants (boxwoods) to a brick planter. We added black mulch and it really looks good. However, I have to go out several times a day to get the squirrels out of the landscaping. They are constantly digging, hiding, storing, etc. and making a really big mess of everything. I have tried repellent, cayenne pepper with soap water, red pepper and several other supposed deterrents. Nothing works! Any suggestions? Sick of the Squirrels
Don’t go nuts over some squirrels Hey Sick of the Squirrels, I actually get this question a lot. Being a fully organic garden and wildlife habitat, we always choose to work with nature instead of against it. It makes things much easier on us! So when it comes to squirrels, birds or any garden pest, I always ask what is the purpose of their behavior. Squirrels, while they do have a habit of storing, are usually looking for food. I always first recommend that you install squirrel feeders in an area away from your garden to distract them from all of your hard work and keep them busy elsewhere.
So yes, instead of fighting with the squirrels, we feed them! I even let most of my mammoth sunflowers go to the squirrels. It’s very entertaining to go out and see them hanging from the big blooms getting as many seeds as they possibly can as they swing around. This concept has worked for us for years. That’s not to say I don’t find the occasional pecan buried somewhere in my garden, but they do not interfere with what I’m planting or dig anything up if we use these practices. When I start a garden, I use chicken wire and fencing to cover my raised garden beds until
plants mature and have a wellestablished root system. As avid companion planters, we plant things such as hot peppers and marigolds to deter squirrels and other pests from certain areas of the garden. I use peppermint oil in the garden for insects and that is helpful with squirrels as well. If doing so, use it as a foliar spray to cover the leaves of plants as well as the soil. This can also be done with the cayenne pepper you have tried previously. If you still find that the squirrels are disrupting your beds you can try an ultrasonic system that you can install in your garden,
automatic sprinklers, decoys like plastic owls and snakes(moved regularly), or because they are prey animals, squirrels are cautious of the scent of any predators. So as gross as it may be, using predator urine around the garden can be helpful as well. See you in the garden! Do you have questions for the Garden Guru? Email Amy at underhillurbanfarmco@gmail.com. Also visit underhillurbanfarmco. com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @UnderhillUrbanFarmCo.
St. Thomas, LHN boys eye defense of TAPPS track titles By Landan Kuhlmann
TAPPS STATE QUALIFIERS
landan@theleadernews.com
Both the St. Thomas and Lutheran High North boys track and field teams emerged as TAPPS state champions in their respective classifications last year. The two local private high schools again looked strong at last week’s regional meets as they prepare to mount state-title defenses this Friday and Saturday at Round Rock Christian Academy. During the TAPPS 6A south regional meet, two St. Thomas relay teams took home regional crowns. The Eagles’ 400-meter relay team of Preston Bowman, Johann Cardenas, Aaron Blackman and Luke Anigbogu ran the final in 43.63 seconds, while their 1,600 relay of Anigbogu, Onezieme Mouton, Jose Romero and Edward Bocock finished in 3:29.77 to win the regional title. Individually, Bocock was
Photo from Twitter Members of the St. Thomas High School track and field team celebrate after the TAPPS 6A south regional meet. Several Eagles are competing in the TAPPS state meet this weekend.
the 300 hurdles regional champion with a final time of 40.04 seconds. Andre Meza will defend his state title in high jump after a jump of 6 feet to win the regional crown, while James Dickinson was the triple jump champion at the regional with a mark of 42-3. St. Pius X will also send a state qualifier as Joshua
Mitchell had a best jump of 20-5 to finish third in the boys south regional long jump. TAPPS 3A Tiras McNeal was the star of the TAPPS 3A south regional meet for Lutheran High North, qualifying for this weekend’s state meet in three events. McNeal won the boys 100 in 11.34 sec-
onds while finishing second in the 200 (23.09) and third in the long jump (21-1). McNeal also anchored the Lions’ 400 relay, which included Jared Campbell, Riley Bennett and Cole Jao. The team finished third at the south regional meet with a final time of 45.55 seconds. Bennett also qualified in
Boys St. Thomas 400 relay – Preston Bowman, Johann Cardenas, Aaron Blackman, Luke Anigbogu (43.63; first) 800 relay – Preston Bowman, Grant Stewart, Emon Malek, Trey Robinson (1:32.66; second) 1,600 relay – Luke Anigbogu, Onezieme Mouton, Jose Romero, Edward Bocock (3:29.77; first) Keenen Bonner – 110 hurdles (16.88; second) Edward Bocock – 300 hurdles (40.04; first) Andre Meza – High jump (6-0; first) Johann Cardenas – 100 (11.24; third) Shaffer Henderson – High jump (6-0; second) James Dickinson – Triple jump (42-3; first) Carrick Brogan – Pole vault (12-6; second) Sam Saman – Pole vault (12-6; fourth) Luke Anigbogu – 400 (51.11; third) Charlie Boettcher – Discus throw (131-5; third) Tyler Langin – Shot put (40-11.25; fourth) St. Pius X Joshua Mitchell – Long jump (20-5; third) Lutheran High North 400 relay – Jared Campbell, Riley Bennett, Cole Jao, Tiras McNeal (45.55; third) Tiras McNeal – 100 (11.34; first), 200 (23.09; second), and long jump (21-1; third) Riley Bennett - 100 (11.57; third)
the boys 100 with a final time of 11.57 seconds. A full list of the area’s TAPPS state qualifiers is
above, with their regional marks and places in parentheses.
St. Thomas rugby falls Salas, Jaime lead Lady in state semifinals Bulldogs to bi-district win BASEBALL/SOFTBALL ROUNDUP
By Landan Kuhlmann
By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com
Much of the season, the Heights Lady Bulldogs have slugged their way to victory. In the opening round of the playoffs, it was the same end result with a slightly different path. The Lady Bulldogs defeated the Memorial Mustangs 4-0 in a bi-district playoff matchup last Thursday, advancing to the area round for a third consecutive postseason. Heights (25-10) jumped out with four runs in the first inning, and that was enough to pull out the win. Sarah Salas had the big blow for the Lady Bulldogs’ first inning outburst with a three-run homer, her second of the season, to provide the majority of the offense in a game that saw just 12 total hits. Flora Moreno had two hits including a double, while Kennedy Hill drove in a run. Sophomore Haylie Jaime had one of her best games of the season in the circle, twirling a complete-game shutout with eight strikeouts while scattering four hits. It was Jaime’s eighth complete game of the season. The Lady Bulldogs will face Katy Cinco Ranch (15-11) in the area round this weekend. Waltrip’s Lady Rams lost a 19-0 decision to Fulshear in a Class 5A bi-district game, while the Booker T. Washington Lady Eagles fell by a score of 19-0 against Navasota. In private school action, St. Pius X’s Lady Panthers have won three straight games after a pair of run-rule victories last week. Victoria Hunter with 3-for-4 with two homers and five RBIs for the Lady Panthers (13-14, 6-3 district) in a 10-0 win over Concordia Lutheran on April 26, while Sara Paniagua had eight strikeouts in the circle along with two hits at the plate. They also beat St. John XXIII by a score of 19-1 on April 28.
Baseball Casan Evans continued his stellar season on the mound for St. Pius X, hurling a nohitter in the Panthers’ 6-0 win over top-ranked Concordia Lutheran on April 28 while adding two hits at the plate. It was Evans’ second completegame shutout of the Crusaders in the last few weeks, following a two-hit shutout on April 8. Evans also had a threerun homer at the plate for SPX (16-9-1, 8-4) in a 7-5 win over Beaumont Kelly on April 26, while Kyle Winkler also homered and Carson Hintz struck out five hitters in three innings of relief work on the mound. The St. Thomas Eagles used a six-run sixth inning to race past Beaumont Kelly on April 28, snapping a fourgame losing streak in the process. They previously lost 9-0 to Katy St. John XXIII on April 26. Jacob Cueva reached base five times and drove in two runs for the Eagles (12-17-1, 4-7) against Kelly, and Caleb Davis also had three hits.B On the public school side, Waltrip secured District 235A’s second overall seed with a pair of wins over Northside last week. They took down the Panthers 18-0 on April 27 before winning 19-0 on April 30 to finish the regular season at 14-6 overall and 10-2 in district play. Booker T. Washington split a pair of games with Mickey Leland College Prep Academy last week. Fabian Castillo had two hits and two RBIs for the Eagles (12-4-1, 10-4) in an 8-7 win on April 30, and Ramon Aleem drove in three runs. Jonathan Vidal had two hits in a 10-8 loss on April 27, while Daniel Bouffard had two RBIs. Scarborough swept a pair of games from Yates to finish the season with a 6-11 overall record and 5-8 mark in district play.
landan@theleadernews.com
It was another strong season for the St. Thomas High School rugby team, but it ultimately fell short of its quest for another state title. The Eagles lost a 17-10 decision at the hands of Dallas Jesuit last Friday, April 29 in the Division I state semifinals held by the Rugby Texas organization, bringing their season to a close. St. Thomas was denied the chance to play for the school’s seventh state championship in
the program’s 24-year history. Despite the playoff loss, it could be considered an overall successful season for the Eagles. Based on their regular-season record of 6-3, St. Thomas program director James Wolfinger said his team was tops in the state school division varsity cup, beating out six other teams for the title based on the regularseason standings. The rugby program has also won four western regionals and appeared in four national championship tournaments, Wolfinger said.
ignite
Contributed photo St. Thomas High School reached the semifinals of the Rugby Texas state tournament.
2022
MICRO-EXPO
DATE May 18th 9am-1pm LOCATION HAMPTON IN N 58 20 Katy Free way Houston TX
CONNECTING SMALL BUSINESSES with the Resources and Knowledge to
IGNITE their BIZ in 2022! EXHIBITOR BOOTH: $200 (WiFi, 6 foot table, and 2 chairs included in booth space. ) As a vendor at IGNITE 2022, you will have access to hundreds of small business owners who are looking for resources & services that businesses like yours provide. The event will begin promptly at 9am and ends at 1pm.
A Little Attention Can make a
BIG impact
Call to get started
713.686.8494
APPLY TO BE A Select Vendor or Breakout Session Sponsor TODAY!
VISIT www.mcelvypartners.com for more information
SPONSORED BY