02-18-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

Page 4

Saturday, February 18, 2023

Vol. 68 • No.

Memorial Park Land Bridge, prairie now open

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The continued transformation of a popular area amenity is continuing, and another portion of the transformation is now open to the public.

Last Saturday, The Memorial Park Conservancy and partners from around the city unveiled Memorial Park’s new Land Bridge and Prairie Project during an event coined “The Biggest Picnic in Texas” at Memorial Park.

Officials say the land bridge, consisting of two 35-foot-tall hills crossing over Memorial Drive, will serve as a major connector for Memorial Park users and wildlife between the north and south sides of the park. Officials say the project also re-establishes endangered native Gulf Coast prairie as well as savanna, wetlands and reforested areas to promote regional biodiversity and strengthen surrounding ecologies.

“The Kinder Land Bridge

and Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie will elevate park visitors’ experiences and our city on a national and even global level,” said Garden Oaks resident Shellye Arnold, the president and CEO of Memorial Park Conservancy. “With endless gratitude to our generous donors, Memorial Park Conservancy is honored to gift this project to Houston.”

Attendees Saturday got a chance to walk through and

Oak Forest Elementary ‘mystery parent’ presentation spawns water flow project

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Last Saturday morning, more than a dozen kindergartners from Oak Forest Elementary were happily running, laughing and joking as they enjoyed a cold Saturday morning. But they weren’t playing soccer or jumping on the monkey bars – they were taking part in a community project that was aimed at creating awareness about water and drainage flow. Last weekend, amidst temperatures in the mid-40s, the youngsters were installing roughly 40 water inlet markers along Oak Forest Drive leading from the school to Oak Forest Park in an effort to raise awareness about how the water from the school eventually makes its way to Galveston Bay.

Area teachers honored for dedication to education

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

More than 300 Houston-area teachers were recently recognized by a regional teachers’ organization for their dedication to their students, and several educators from area schools were among those recognized.

On Feb. 9, the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators hosted their 36th annual Teacher Awards, and seven teachers from the Heights, Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, and Northside schools were among those from 52 Houston ISD campuses honored for their “outstanding commitment to students,” according to the organization. Heights High School’s Antwuan Walters, Booker T. Washington’s Stephanie Huffman, Linda Reeves from Durham Elementary, Tiffany Bennett from Smith Elementary, Keith Bornes Jr. from Williams Middle School, Arthur Collier from Frank Black Middle School, and Tiffanie Cole from Burbank Middle School were among those recognized during the ceremony. All teachers honored were nominated by their principal or the district-wide HAABSE committee for reaching “exceptional teaching achievements throughout the year,” according to the organization.

“Houston ISD educators unlock the promise and potential of Houston’s children,” said William Solomon, HISD executive director of talent acquisition William Solomon said. “They change life trajectories; show a hard-to-match level of care for and dedication to student success; and more than anything,

P. 6

Houston Farmers Market redesign earns national distinction

Sta Reports

The development of a redesigned destination spot on the east side of the Heights has been recognized by a national real estate panel as one of Houston’s most innovative and compelling real estate projects.

According to a news release, MLB Capital Partners’ redesign of the Houston Farmers Market at 2520 Airline Dr. recently took home top billing

among Houston’s most compelling and innovative real estate projects at the National Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) 16th annual Development of Distinction Awards on Feb. 6.

According to the ULI, the award “recognizes developments and public open spaces that exemplify best practices in design, construction, economic viability, healthy places, marketing, and management.”

Finalists were selected by a nomination panel of Houston

real estate leaders, and a jury of national real estate experts evaluated all finalists’ projects in November 2022, to select the 2023 Development of Distinction winners.

MLB Capital Partners purchased the 17.67-acre site at 2520 Airline Dr. back in 2017, with a goal of revitalizing the market while still staying true to the market’s roots and history, which date back to its in -

Personalized attention.

Photo by Nelson Byrd Woltz

Pictured is an aerial view of the Memorial Park Land Bridge. The bridge and prairie project opened to the public last weekend.

Photo by Michael Craft

The redesign and upgrading of the Houston Farmers Market, pictured, has garnered a national real estate honor.

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann

Pictured is one of the water inlet markers installed by a class of Oak Forest Elementary kindergartners last Saturday. The class installed dozens of markers in a neighborhood near the school.

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann

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.

See Project P. 6 See Teachers

Silencing doubts Leading this week’s soccer roundup is St. Thomas, which finished the regular season strong last week

Man arrested A second suspect in a fatal hotel shooting has been arrested

The President “must answer for his failed leadership” said GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik New York. Rep. Steve Scalise, Republican from Louisiana, criticized President Joe Biden’s failure to address the opioid and fentanyl crisis. At a press conference featuring the usual suspects including Rep. Jim (Coatless) Jordan and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, they castigated President Biden’s State of the Union speech. Mary Miller, Republican from Illinois boycotted the speech entirely because she didn’t want to hear Biden’s “lies.” The interesting point is that the GOPers were all riled up before the speech was given. The jury convicted before the trial even began.

The new Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, warned ahead of the address, “We’re not going to do childish games tearing up a speech,” a reference to Nancy Pelosi’s classless act of ripping up a copy of President Donald Trump’s speech after his 2020 address. Nevertheless, Biden’s speech was often interrupted by cries of “Liar!” and “It’s your fault!” (McCarthy later defended the hecklers.) If these clowns had

Valley Forge!” And: “I thought you could not tell a lie. You just told several!” (Actually, Washington’s address was a letter.) So what’s new? We live in a time of pessimism, pouting and – above all – whining. I don’t recall there ever being a time when so many were so self-pitying, gloomy and victims. Gee, people, get a life.

(Notice this is a whine about whining.) Here’s an example: With unemployment at a 60year low, inflation slowly, very slowly going down and for the first time since 2001 U.S. troops are not getting shot at, the nation is all in a knot over balloons. This is reflected by our cynicism towards our

current President, although it would probably be the same lousy stats no matter who is in office. A recent NBC poll shows only 34 percent of Americans believe the President is honest and trustworthy, a mere 32 percent are confident in his ability to handle a crisis, 31 percent believe Biden is competent and effective as President, 28 percent believe he has the necessary mental and physical health to be President, and only 23 percent believe he can unite the country. Joe, when better than two out of three Americans believe you are incompetent, and almost three out of four think you are not mentally and physically competent to hold down “the most powerful job on Earth,” you need a personality transplant.

As usual in such situations, we look for someone else to blame for our pessimism. Remember our slogan: “It’s not my fault.” I personally blame the press. Turn on the TV news and the anchor begins with, “Good evening,” then tells us why it’s not. On national TV and in our national newspapers the news is usually bad news. As David Brin-

kley noted: “When millions of planes land safely, that’s not news. When one crashes, that’s news.” Our local TV news is more of a police report.

OK, the press has never been popular, but it has never been so maligned. As the New Yorker observed, “Back in 1976, even after Vietnam and Watergate, 72 percent of the public said they trusted the news media. Today, the figure is 34 percent. Among Republicans, it’s 14 percent.” This last figure is interesting and we can see why: Credit our Whinerin-Chief, Donald Trump, and his Sancho Panza, Fox News. The New Yorker: “Less than a month into the Trump Administration, that destroying the credibility of the mainstream press was a White House priority, and that this would include an unabashed, and almost gleeful, policy of lying and denying. The Washington Post kept track of the lies. The paper calculated that by the end of his term the President had lied 30,573 times.”

Among the whiners, sports fans are the worst. Last season I was watching a football game on TV. The New York

Giants were the home team. After they went three nowhere downs and had to punt, their fans booed. Andrew Luck, a local lad (Stratford High), successfully led the formerly lowly Indianapolis Colts to victory after victory. In the last quarter of a home game it came out that Luck, beaten and bruised over the years, was retiring, Colt fans booed him for leaving. The Houston Oilers deserved boos, and so do the Houston Texans. But the Texans could win the Super Bowl 60-6 and some Texan fans would criticize that 6. Farmers are great whiners. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman wrote that there is a great deal of resentment in rural America because they perceive they are ignored, don’t get their fair share of resources and are disrespected by “city folks.” But ever since the New Deal, rural America has received special treatment from the feds with farm subsidies, which ballooned under Donald Trump and now account for around 40 percent of farm income. Krugman then ticks off all the federal goodies that “city folks” shower on the whining farmers.

Second suspect arrested, charged in hotel shooting

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Police have arrested a second suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of a man outside a local hotel in February 2022, according to the Houston Police Department.

Isaac Oliver Elmore, Jr., 21 has been charged with capital murder in connection to the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Johnathan David Shaka Oghenesoro, according to Harris County court records. He

was arrested in Denver and charged on Feb. 9, according to police, and was awaiting extradition to Harris County as of Tuesday, according to HPD.

Another suspect, 21-year-old Bernard Aaron Robertson, was arrested and charged with capital murder in December 2022, according to Harris County court records. He remained in jail as of Tuesday, according to court records, with a bond set at $1 million.

Officers responded to the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn Houston-Brook-

Man killed in collision near Central Northwest

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A man was killed as the result of a head-on collision between two cars in the Central Northwest area earlier this week, according to the Houston Police Department. Police said the man’s identity is pending an autopsy by the county’s medical examiner.

The man was driving a black Hyundai Elantra south at 4300 Antoine Dr. just after 9:30 p.m. Monday, police said, when he allegedly ran a red light at the intersection of Antoine and West 43rd

Street before hitting a silver Jeep Compass heading east on West 43rd Street.

His car then went over the median and hit a tree, police said, before catching on fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to HPD.

The Compass’ driver, a 59-year-old man, was questioned at the scene and released, police said, after showing no signs of intoxication, though the investigation remains ongoing.

Pedestrian killed in crash near Heights

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A man was killed after being struck by a car while crossing a feeder road near Interstate 45 just east of the Heights last week, according to the Houston Police Department.

The man’s identity is pending an autopsy from the county’s medical examiner, according to the department.

Police said the man was heading east crossing West Cavalcade Street when he was allegedly hit by a

woman driving a white Ford Hatchback driving south on the service road near the intersection at West Cavalcade.

He was pronounced dead at Ben Taub General Hospital, according to the report.

No charges have been filed against the woman driving the car, according to police, and she was questioned at the scene and released. The investigation remains ongoing, according to police.

hollow hotel at 12929 Northwest Fwy. just after 6 p.m. Feb. 21, HPD said, to find the victim lying on the ground. Eyewitnesses told investigators they heard gunshots ring out before seeing a white U-Haul van with the Arizona license plate AL3-4831 flee the scene.

Citing eyewitness reports and evidence found at the scene, police said the victim initially pulled into the hotel parking lot in his own car alongside the white van that was

carrying the two suspected shooters, alleged to be Robertson and Elmore. HPD said one suspect got into a struggle with the victim while holding him at gunpoint, while the second reached into the victim’s car and grabbed a backpack that he then threw into the van.

One of the suspects, alleged to be Robertson, is accused of shooting the victim during a struggle before fleeing the scene in the U-Haul van, according to HPD.

All of this self-pity may be a self-fulfilling prophecy. A stunning 88 percent of Americans now believe the U.S. is on the wrong track and just 10 percent believe it is on the right track, marking an all-time low for the question. But asked how they, personally, are doing? Just fine. Maybe it’s a matter of perception. Saturday Night Live had an on-going segment featuring Debbie Downer. Someone would say, “It looks like we’ll have a good summer.” Debbie would reply, “If we’re all not dead by then.” I’m not dead yet and of course we have major problems. Did I mention the Rockets? But I am getting bored and tired of all those folks who whine that the glass is not just half empty, it’s dry, broken and its shreds are scattered in the mud. Again, get a life. That’s not a whine.

Ashby is alive at ashby2@comcast.net

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HS hoops recap: Booker T. Washington boys setting their sights on district title

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

After suffering a setback in their district opener two months ago, the Booker T. Washington Eagles’ basketball team has kicked it into overdrive and not looked back.

Booker T. Washington won two more games last week to move to the precipice of a second consecutive district title. The Eagles took down Mickey Leland College Prep 75-65 on Feb. 7 before dropping Worthing 100-60 on Feb. 10, moving to 22-7 overall and 14-1 in district competition. They have now won 14 straight games since suffering a 5150 loss to district foe Furr on Dec. 19.

A balanced scoring effort saw four players score in double figures for the Eagles against Worthing, with Odis Carter Jr. pacing the scoring at 18 points. Kenneth Lewis scored 13 points, while Andre Walker II dished out nine assists. Lewis also had 24 points and seven rebounds against Mickey Leland, and Carter added 21 points of his own.

The Eagles were in position to clinch the district title if they won Wednesday’s matchup against Scarborough.

Elsewhere in public school action, the Heights Bulldogs have clinched a playoff spot but are still battling for playoff positioning. The Bulldogs de -

LANDAN KUHLMANN

feated Westbury 56-36 on Feb. 7 before taking down Sam Houston on Feb. 10 to move to 16-12 overall and 8-3 in District 18-6A. Isaiah Henry scored a game-high 21 points against Westbury for the Bulldogs, which held a one-game lead over Lamar for the district’s second playoff spot ahead of Wednesday’s regular season finale against Chavez.

Waltrip lost its only game of the week by a score of 49-39 to Sharpstown on Feb. 10, falling to 11-13 and 8-7 in district play.

Scarborough dropped both games last week, falling 93-36 to Yates on Feb. 8 before losing 51-48 in overtime to North Forest on Feb. 10, falling to 1-22 on the season.

On the private school side, St. Thomas split a pair of games last week, beating Central Catholic 59-44 on Feb. 10 before dropping a 76-59 decision to Antonian Prep on Feb. 11 – their first district loss of the season.

Jake Pike had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Central Catholic for St. Thomas (25-2, 9-1), while J’Mar

Franklin had 21 points against Antonian Prep. St. Pius X won both games last week, taking down Con -

cordia Lutheran 44-43 on Feb. 7 before eking out another close one with a 56-55 win over The Village School

HS soccer recap: St. Thomas ends regular season on high note

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

It’s been a little bit more of a roller coaster ride than normal this season for the St. Thomas Eagles’ soccer team; but the Eagles managed to finish the regular season strong last week and build some momentum heading into the TAPPS postseason next weekend.

Following a pair of 3-1 losses to The Village School on Feb. 7 and Central Catholic on Feb. 10, the Eagles won their final two regular season matches with victories over Antonian Prep (20) on Feb. 11 and Concordia Lutheran (3-0) on Monday.

The Eagles finished the regular season 13-11-3 overall and 5-5 in TAPPS district play.

Alejandro Tello scored all three goals for the Eagles against Concordia Lutheran with assists from Caleb McClure, Diego Barrios, and Jeremiah Mondragon, while Tello and Baker Day scored a goal apiece against Antonian Prep. Lucas Wood earned the clean sheet in both matches by stopping every shot against him.

Elsewhere in private school action, the St. Pius X Panthers capped off the regular season by splitting a pair of matches, beating Concordia Lutheran on Feb. 7 before dropping a match against the Village School on Feb. 10 to finish 12-5-1 overall and 5-5 in district play.

Heights won its only match of the week, beating Westbury 2-0 on Feb. to improve to 4-6 on the season and 1-3 in District 18-6A.

Scarborough also won its lone match last week, a 3-1 victory over local foe Booker T. Washington, on Feb. 10. The Spartans were set to be back in action on Wednesday against Worthing.

Waltrip dropped both matches last week, losing to Sharpstown on Feb. 7 before dropping a match against Austin on Feb. 10 to fall to 2-11 overall and 2-7 in dis -

trict play.

Girls

On the public school circuit, the Waltrip Lady Rams bounced back from a 2-1 loss against Sharpstown on Feb. 7 to wallop Houston Austin 10-0 on Feb. 10. Joselin Cardentay and Ariel Rivas each scored four times for Waltrip (9-6-2, 7-2) against Austin, while Triniti Hymes-Richardson also found the back of the net.

The Heights Lady Bulldogs were victorious in their only match of the week, a 7-0 win over Westbury

on Feb. 8, for their second straight win to move to 6-32 overall and 2-2 in District 18-6A competition.

On the private school side, the St. Pius X Lady Panthers won their only match last week, a 5-0 win over Incarnate Word Academy on Feb. 10. Corrine Ward and Emma King scored twice apiece for the Lady Panthers (10-21), while Carley Canon also scored for the third time in four matches. The Lady Panthers are now winners of five straight matches.

on Feb. 10. Vincent Doucet led four players in double figures for SPX (8-23, 2-8) with 16 points against the Village School, while Kevin Range had a team-high 19 points in the victory over Concordia Lutheran.

Lutheran North Academy defeated Rosehill Christian 66-38 on Feb. 9 before taking down Round Rock Christian Academy 97-49 on Feb. 11 to move to 22-8 and 10-4 in district play.

Girls

In public school action, the Heights Lady Bulldogs saw their season come to a close with a 73-37 loss to District 17-6A champion Memorial in the bi-district playoffs Monday nights. Heights closes out the 2022-2023 season with a 9-15 overall record.

Waltrip, meanwhile, was set to clash with Fort Bend Willowridge (23-8) in the Class 5A bi-district playoffs Tuesday night.

St. Pius X’s Lady Panthers finished the regular season at 4-20 overall and 1-11 in TAPPS district play following a 45-36 loss to Incarnate Word Academy on Feb. 9.

Photo by Matthew Blue

Kenneth Lewis (dunking), Chris McDermott (11), and the Booker

T. Washington Eagles have a district title in their sights with their recent hot streak.

Photo from Twitter Julian Landry and the St. Thomas Eagles finished the regular season on a high note, winning their final two matches to head into the postseason with momentum.

New show opening Feb. 24 at Theatre Suburbia

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Theatre Suburbia will present The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society Murder Mystery by David McGillivray & Walter Zerlin, Jr. The murder mystery show is directed by Doris Merten and features Dean R Dicks, Michele Richey, Brittany Garcia, Suzanne King & Kristen Sheils. It will run Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. from Feb. 24-March 25, with 2 p.m. matinees on March 12

and 19 at the Theatre Suburbia studios, 5201 Mitchelldale St., Suite A-3. Every drama group has experienced the horrors of what can go wrong on opening night, and the ladies of the F.A.H.E.T.G. Dramatic Society are no different, with the possible exception that almost everything that could happen does,” a press release from the theater reads. “The scenery collapses, cues are missed, lines forgotten, and the sound effects take on a strange note at times, as the ladies present their ambitious evening’s

Contributed photo

entertainment with the cunning whodunit, Murder At Checkmate Manor.”

Reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors, while all Sunday matinee seats are $16 reach. Reservations may be made online at www.theatresuburbia.org or by phone at 713-682-3525. Masks are optional, the theater said, but encouraged.

For more information, visit the theatre website, www. theatresuburbia.org.

ecology during extreme weather events and improve animal habitats, and that the project will improve storm water management by detaining storm water that flows through Memorial Park to Buffalo Bayou during heavy rain events, lessening the impact of peak storms.

includes Memorial Park –tweeted the morning the of the event.

Officials also say the re-establishment of the native coastal prairie will enable a more resilient

“Today we’re celebrating restoration and resiliency, a step forward in preserving our planet,” District C councilmember Abbie Kamin – which

understand that our kids are at the center of everything great that happens in this city.”

The Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE) is an affiliate of both the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) and the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), according to its website. Its primary purpose is enhancing education for all students, particularly the Black community, through events such as the awards and through scholarships for students who want to study in the education field.

“We have over 300 teacher honorees from the Greater Houston Area and surrounding cities that deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their phenomenal work within the classrooms,” HAABSE president Julia Andrews said. “Without teachers, there would not be any other professions, so it is important that we show our appreciation.”

ception in 1942 and has kept customers coming back for more than 80 years.

Over the last five years, redesigns and upgrades have included updated vendor, retail and restaurant space, and improved walkability along with an expanded green space featuring an event lawn, dining courtyard and patio. Additional upgrades to the property include more visible, organized parking, traffic circulation, defined sidewalks, site landscaping and dedicated green spaces that will serve as a setting for community programming, such as chef demonstrations, wine tastings, local entertainment and more.

They also have plans to add square footage to existing spaces including Wild Oats, Underbelly Burger, Crawfish & Noodles, RC Ranch Butcher Shop.

“The judges felt the Houston Farmers Market did an outstanding job reinvigorating an institutional destination in Houston, not only breathing new life into the project, but keeping the history and community within the project alive,” the news release said.

For more information on the Houston Farmers Market and what is still coming up, follow the market on social media or visit their website at thehoustonfarmersmarket.com.

The new 100-acre space is the next step in the Memorial Park 10year Master Plan, which is focused on restoring the Park’s ecological systems and creating greater resiliency; reconnecting the park’s land, waterways, trails, and people; and more, according to the Conservancy.

“It’s not only a sight to behold but it also offers numerous benefits for

wildlife and our native coastal prairie. It will instantly become a destination stop in the city of Houston,” Houston Parks and Recreation director Kenneth Allen said.

Theatre Suburbia’s newest show will open to the public next Friday, Feb. 24. explore one of the project’s four tunnels before they open to vehicular traffic in the coming months. There will be two tunnels below each of the hills, one for each direction of travel, according to a news release from the Conservancy. The eastbound tunnels will open next month, and all tunnels should be open to traffic by April.

The plan was unanimously approved by Houston’s City Council back in 2015. First formally revealed back in 2018, the plan includes capital improvements and long-term conservation projects, as well as an operations and maintenance plan for the park.

“They’d been super excited all week talking about how they couldn’t wait to do it,” teacher Christie Fisher said.

Each week, Fisher said she brings a new “mystery parent” into her class, and one of the students’ parents will do something like read a book with the kids or do arts and crafts. But in late January, mystery parent Blake McGregor decided to do something a little bit different for his turn.

“I’m an engineer that builds drainage systems, so I thought it’d be cool to teach them where their water goes when it comes off the roof of the school and makes its way to the beach,” he said. “So I put a little presentation together.”

During the presentation, McGregor said he taught the students how water flows down Oak Forest Drive from the school and eventually dumps into the bayou across from Oaks Dads Club, flows through downtown and the Houston Ship Channel and eventually out to Galveston Bay.

And in its aftermath, another

It has already seen steps such as the tunnels, which are 24-foot tall, 54-feet wide and include natural as well as artificial lighting, are for one-way, vehicular traffic only. No stopping is allowed in the tunnels, and neither is walking or cycling. It has also include the Clay Family Eastern Glades - which opened in 2020 and reclaimed 100 acres of previously inaccessible parkland – over the last several years prior to Saturday’s unveiling.

thought came to mind. The Harris County Flood Control District, he said, has a program that allows citizens to apply for permits to install inlet markers at storm and sewer drains warning the community to not throw trash or debris in the drain. So he applied, and eventually got the markers to organize the community project for Fisher’s class.

On Saturday, youngsters were sprinting from storm drain to storm drain, eagerly dusting the spot where the sticker would be placed before putting it down and running to the next one. In total, there were several dozen markers installed in neighborhoods leading to and from the school.

“I just wanted to do something where they would really be able to learn and something they would remember,” McGregor said Saturday.

Fisher said that when McGregor came and did the presentation –and even as her kids talked excitedly about the project leading up to last Saturday – she never could

“This landmark destination is a model of an extraordinary public/ private partnership that has produced a legacy project for generations to enjoy for years to come,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

For more information on the Memorial Park Master Plan, visit the conservancy’s website at memorialparkconservancy.org/discover/masterplan/.

have imagined something so innocuous could have piqued her kids’ interest the way it eventually did.

“Hopefully this leaves a lifelong impression on them, with the importance of Galveston Bay,” she said. “…It’s magical. It’s one of those teaching moments that will hopefully stick with them forever.”

As an engineer, McGregor said his first instinct is always to put good drainage and protection of waterways first. He also admitted Saturday that he did not expect quite the enthusiasm for such a project from the youngsters.

But in the end, he was happy to be able to meld his passion with giving back and (hopefully) instilling a value the kids will remember long after Saturday’s project ends.

“It’s awesome to see all these kids out here and getting so excited,” he said. “It’s really cool to see – I wouldn’t have thought they would have this much fun putting stuff on inlets.”

Review: Burger Bodega smashes burgers

By Dan Greer For The Leader

To smash or not to smash, that is the question. To tell you the truth, I’m torn on the issue. I love a big, thick messy cheeseburger, loaded with everything imaginable. I’m every cashier’s favorite customer. “I’ll take the Number 1, all the way”. But in this big food world of ours, you’ve got to be openminded

But smashing a burger?

Seemingly this controversial practice went against everything I was taught on our archaic charcoal grill growing up. If you smash it, it loses those all-important juices right?

But first, I’m devoting a paragraph to one of my alltime favorite things in life, the chocolate shake. I love them. A well made chocolate shake is one of life’s simple pleasures. I propose a Chocolate Shake Day be established. Who knows what wonderful things would occur on Chocolate Shake Day? I’m betting we’d have a better shot at world peace on Chocolate Shake Day.

So obviously there was a lot riding on the Burger Bodega chocolate shake. It turned out to be a mixed review. On my first visit here, the frozen concoction arrived and was chocolaty, smooth, rich, thick, but not so thick that you strain your mouth muscles. It was very, very good. However on my most recent visit, it was as if it had been left on the counter for a while. What was previously a thick, luscious creation was now a cool-ish,

chocolate ice cream soup.

It was a shame that their wonderful Craft Creamery ice cream was not put to better use. Another issue is that it is too small! For $6.95, I need a bigger shake. Well, that is, as long as it’s done correctly like my first time here. Hopefully this was just a one time, Shake Mistake. Well, I always had the fries to look forward to. You can’t go wrong with fries right? Well... We had both the regular as well as the

“screwed fries”. Described as crispy thin cut, they were also bland and forgettable. The screwed fries poured enough cheese sauce, onions and bodega sauce on top to add a pulse to the plain fries. So it came down to the burger. I had the double which is just the right size for me these days. My dining companion had the single. The double comes with two smashed patties, American cheese, grilled onions,

housemade pickles and Bodega sauce on a Martins potato bun. I will say the thinly smashed meat was flavorful and the toppings were just right for this burger. Very good burger. Burger Bodega packs them in at this primo Washington Avenue location. They have had a huge following since their pop-up days. There is usually a line going out the door and around the building. And it is a fun and inviting place

once you get inside. They represent H-Town well with a vibrant and amusing decor. Their upstairs loft is really cool with great views of the cruising on Washington Avenue.

Burger Bodega does not take orders over the phone or online. Probably smart. And you need this burger piping hot, right off the grill. They list their closing time as 7 p.m. on Sundays and 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, with the disclaimer of “Or Sold Out”.

Burger Bodega Address: 4520 Washington Ave.

Dining options: Dine-in, takeout

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday

Entrée prices: $7.95$10.95

Kid-Friendly: Yes

Alcohol: No

Healthy Options: No

Star of the show: Smash

Burger Double Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Nibbles & Sips: Korean BBQ spot opening brick and mortar in Heights

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

An eclectic food scene in the Heights is getting a new member next month as a unique barbecue concept is making its return to the Houston area.

Korean barbecue spot Chi’Lantro BBQ will be opening its first brickand-mortar location in The Heights Forum, 1324 N. Shepherd Dr., in the middle of next month according to a news release from the restaurant.

The Austin-based concept was last in Houston in 2014 as a food truck concept, but founder and CEO Jae Kim said he has been looking to return to the area since leaving nearly a decade ago. The restaurant currently has 10 brick and mortar lo -

cations, according to the restaurant. Its menu will feature items like customizable rice bowls, salads, and Ssäms (Korean for wrap), as well as its signature Kimchi Fries, Korean fried chicken wings, and Aguas Frescas.

“To me, Houston being one of the most creative and diverse cities in America makes it the perfect setting for serving Korean BBQ cuisine approachable and fast,” Kim said. “I have been wanting to open a physical location in Houston for a very long time since we left with our food trucks in 2014. We are proud to be back in Houston and look forward to serving our beloved customers.”

EatDrink HTX now under way

The second annual sister event to Houston Restaurant Weeks is now

under way. On Wednesday, EatDrinkHTX officially kicked off, and the event will run through Feb. 28. Proceeds will benefit the

Houston Food Bank and Children At Risk, with funds going towards improving the quality of life for Texas’ children.

Similar to Houston Restaurant Weeks, participating restaurants will make donations to the cause based on their sales. Restaurants will offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or everything. Diners can visit EatDrinkHTX.com to view a partial list of participants and their menus.

OFHA hosting Mardi Gras pub crawl Feb. 25

The Oak Forest Homeowners Association will host its inaugural Mardi Gras pub crawl on Feb. 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Among participating bars will be the Wakefield

Crowbar, Great Heights Brewing Co., Decant Urban Winery, Walking Stick Brewing Company, and William Price Distilling. All proceeds will benefit the organization’s membership funds, and there will be drink specials and beads at each stop.

“It’s a way for the community to unite and have some fun,” said Frances Davidson, OFHA’s public relations director.

Tickets are $15 for OFHA members and $20 apiece for non-members, and can be purchased online. To find out more or buy tickets for the pub crawl go to ofha.org/ event-5098261.

Art Valet: Born this way - Erin Dee and Brandon Lack

think of something first and then paint?

“Born This Way: Erin Dee and Brandon Lack,” is a one day art exhibit I highly recommend attending this Saturday, February 18, 2023. The exhibit opens at noon and a public reception for the artists will be held 4 - 7 p.m. in the East Gallery in Silver Street Studios, Door #1, 2000 Edwards St.

Born this Way is a colorful and vibrant experience by two Down Syndrome artists, Erin Dee and Brandon Lack. Both artists are established painters whose work is collected internationally.

Dee paints large-scale still life and portraits, which include Batgirl, Adam and Eve, Angels, James Bond and Mother Theresa. Lack makes colorful abstract and geometric works, and is partial to trees. Language and visual expression is very fluid amongst Down Syndrome artists, as this exhibit demonstrates.

Erin Dee uses words and phrases in some of her work, which just happens to be a favorite of mine. So when I saw her work at an exhibit last year, I was hooked! Ms. Dee’s mother, Lynn Ennis, agreed to answer my questions on Erin Dee’s behalf. First some background, I gleaned some

details about Ms. Dee from her website biography.

Born in South Africa, she spent her first 10 years going on safaris with her family which inspired her love of African wild life. The next 20 years were spent living in Europe, South East Asia and California.

She developed art skills and textile art skills and became a master weaver in her seven years at Cedars of Marin in San Francisco.

Being born with Downs Syndrome put her outside mainstream education and inside the world of special programs dedicated to art. Weaving is still a big part of her daily life and weaves linen all year, which is cut into tea towels and sold online every November. I hear they sell out

very quickly too.

Erin Dee moved to Houston in 2018 and attends two local day programs, one for art and one community based and she works with her mom, artist Lynn Ennis, in a commercial studio at Sawyer Yards, Houston.

Art Valet: Lynn, what was it like when Erin stopped collaborating and started her own style?

Lynn Ennis: “Erin had her own style from the start but I gave her a lot of instruction,” Ennis said. “One day she just stopped taking my advicedecided her flowers should be black, not pink. I stepped back with my advice and we were thrilled to see her go deeper into art on her own initiative.”

Art Valet: I asked Erin

Dee when she first considered herself to be an artist. Her Mother responded that she couldn’t answer the question.

LE: “I think it is ingrained in her!”

I did a great quote from Erin Dee, short and on point, which I’m certain all artists can agree with. Erin Dee: “I like doing art because it makes me happy to do it.”

AV: Where do you get your ideas or inspiration?

LE: “Erin gets inspired by her “mom’s studio, favorite people and movie characters. Though I’m not sure where she saw a Bollywood movie starring Mother Teresa and flowers.”

AV: When did you start using words in your paintings? Is that spontaneous or do you

LE: “Erin started putting one or two words on top of paintings about 5 years ago and now she’s doing lists of things she likes such as food, family, music and boys,” Ennis said. “Her font is very unique and artistic. Her sketch books are filled with different types of lists. Sometimes bits of song lyrics sneak into the lists which are very charming.”

AV: Do you weave all year?

LE: “Erin weaves all year on a floor loom at home and makes 20 yards of fabric,” Ennis said. “I cut and stitch it into tea towels for a big sale in November that sells out

immediately. Then she starts again in January. This past summer was so hot we did some block printing tea towels as well.”

Follow both artists on their websites, Erin Dee, www.erindeeart.com and Brandon Lack, www.brandonlackstudio.com Map details for Silver Street Studios can be found here: https://www.sawyeryards.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.

Photo by Dan Greer

The Smash Burger Double was the star of the show during a recent visit to Burger Bodega on Washington Avenue.

Photo by Dan Greer

The Screwed Fries at Burger Bodega were a good way to spice up the restaurant’s fries.

Photo courtesy Chi’Lantro BBQ

Pictured is a sampling of what will be available at Chi’Lantro BBQ, which is opening in the Heights next month.