03-11-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A highway expansion project that officials say is aimed at mitigating flooding and its aftereffects in Houston has been given the go-ahead by the Federal Highway Administration.

On Tuesday, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Texas Department of Transportation announced that they have signed a Voluntary Resolu-

tion Act, putting an official end to the FHWA Title VI investigation of the I-45 North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) and lifting its hold on the project. Since late 2021, the FWHA has been investigating environmental and civil rights concerns raised by impacted residents who live along the proposed project route and local elected officials. With Tuesday’s agreement, the pause on the project has been lifted, and TxDOT can

move forward with design and construction of the $9 billion project.

“This agreement moves forward an important project, responds to community concerns, and improves the North Houston Highway Improvement Project in ways that will make a real difference in people’s lives,” Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt said. “Through this agreement the community will have a greater voice in the design and throughout the project’s life cycle.”

The project calls for the displacement of at least

1,000 residents and businesses in communities such as Acres Homes, Independence Heights and Northside, with opponents of the project, saying they also expect the planned I-45 expansion to exacerbate flooding risks and traffic congestion. Joetta Stevenson with an organization called Stop TXDOT I-45 said the organization is “disappointed” with the agreement.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Last week, Houston leaders and elected officials gathered at a press conference to rally against a potential takeover of Houston Independent School District by the Texas Education Agency.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner dropped the major announcement at last week’s city council meeting that a takeover of the state’s largest school district was “imminent.” But officials and elected leaders are calling the potential takeover “disingenuous” and “egregious.”

“There was a time when HISD needed to be taken over – but not at this time, because the new board and the new superintendent are doing a phenomenal job,” said State Rep. Jarvis Johnson, who represents Acres Homes and parts of Garden Oaks and Oak Forest in District 139.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

When the 2022-2023 campaign got underway, Booker T. Washington boys’ basketball coach Vincent Grayson said his team had one particular opponent in their crosshairs –the one that sent them home in last season’s Region III-4A final.

So it seemed only right that they exacted a measure of revenge last weekend, and made program history in the process. The Eagles took down Silsbee 78-70 in the Region III-4A final last Saturday in Bryan, punching their ticket to the program’s first UIL state tournament.

Booker T. Washington (29-7) will square off with Boerne (32-5) in a Class 4A state semifinal at 3 p.m. Friday at the Alamodome in San Antonio

And while there might be several schools of thought on how to use a previous season’s result in a team’s mindset, Grayson said he and his team were locked in on the ones who ended their season last year.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Houston Heights Association is looking for more households to sign up for its Constable Patrol Program, for which enrollment just opened in February, as the organization looks to renew its contract for the upcoming year.

HHA’s Constable Program is a supplemental police force of currently four deputies hired to patrol the greater Heights

“What happened last year really motivated my guys…We had Silsbee on our minds,” Grayson said Tuesday. “… That loss really motivated us to get back here. We wanted to play Silsbee.”

But even though they have overcome that obstacle, Grayson knows his team still has their biggest mountain yet to scale and have now turned their eye to the state’s biggest prize.

area, according to the organization. There are currently 629 subscribers who have signed up, according to Heights Constable Patrol Committee Chair Tera Starr, down from 1,069 last year and 1,347 people in 2019 immediately before the COVID-19 pandemic. Starr said the program needs 1175 subscribers this year if the neighborhood want to keep the current coverage “We need to increase participation if we want this program to stay in our neigh-

“There’s a lot going on right now, but we’ve got to stay focused because the job isn’t finished yet,” he said. “We’ve got to complete this thing.”

Six players on this season’s team were in the arena when the Eagles fell in last year’s regional final to the Tigers. So that pain was fresh when the team hit the court this season,

Rumblings of a potential takeover began in 2019, when TEA Commissioner Mike Morath began efforts to replace the HISD board amidst allegations of board misconduct as well as nearly a decade of low academic performance at Wheatley High School. The district sued the TEA in 2020, and was granted an injunction by a Travis County judge – which was later upheld by an appeals court.

However, this past January, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the agency and threw out the injunction – clearing the way for a potential takeover.

“TEA continues to review the Supreme Court’s decision in order to determine next steps that best support the students, teachers, parents, and school community of the Houston Independent School District,” the TEA said in a released statement.

Houston mayor Sylvester Turner claimed during the press conference that he spoke with Morath, and

borhood,” Starr said. “… We need a big push from the community to keep this service stay in our neighborhood.”

If they are members of the Constable Patrol Program, Star said homeowners will have faster response times from patrolling constable deputies as opposed to waiting for HPD as well as alarm monitoring, free home security inspections, vacation watches, and more once they sign up. Businesses can also sign up for the program, according to Starr.

Having the program, Starr said, can be a boon to the neighborhood in several ways. In addition to deterring crime, she said even the fact that community members know their house is being watched by a trusted deputy can be a huge peace of mind and lift weight off their shoulders.

“Those that understand the importance have used the number and understand why it is important to them and their family or business,” she said. “… If

Photo from Twitter

The Booker T. Washington Eagles celebrate their Region III-4A title last Saturday.

THE TOPICS.

News from the block heads

To the Residents of Morbid Meadows, Greetings, neighbors! We at the Morbid Meadows Home Owners Association, or MM HOA, on occasion like to report on what’s happening in our little neighborhood nestled between the International Creosote Plant and Toxic Bayou. First, let us set the record straight. The fed eral government has not – re peat not – recently designated Morbid Meadows as a disaster area. That was done in 1997 and remains in effect. FEMA says help is on the way. Speaking of FEMA, for those who asked, Hurricane Harvey was the third 500-year storm in three years, but this is not year 3523.

We need to get some housekeeping out of the way. Deadline for paying your $50 annual dues was Jan 1. That means this year. The 60 percent of residents who have not paid will be ostracized at the next street party. Incidentally, the 2023 street party has been postponed until damages from the 2022 party are completed. The board has rescinded its order that no homes should be at least three feet from their neighbor’s house. But using your next-door neighbor’s wall as your own is frowned upon. On that subject, we all know that “good fences make good neighbors,” but electrified barbed wire is still prohibited. There have been some complaints about loud noises, so please keep any screaming and domestic violence to daylight hours. For those residents – and you know who you are – outhouses are no longer in fashion. The U.S. Postal Service reports it will resume service whenever the pit bulls with rabies are locked up or our postal deliverer recuperates,

Lynn Ashby Columnist

cable goes out. Charlie Wombat reports his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was stolen from his front yard. Thieves even took the blocks it had been on since Y2K. Mark Mudflaps says someone stole his sequined purse, but he is not complaining since it clashed with his Hells Angels leather jacket. A Peeping Tom was reported by Magna Jo Flywheel. She wants to meet him in person. Someone stole Gladys Dandruff’s 34 pink flamingoes decorating her front yard. Crime Stoppers is offering a $5 reward.

We all know the story of two retirees who fed ducks in a community in Cypress. The couple was sued by their home owners association. If they are found in violation and cannot pay the duck bill, so to speak, the fine could be up to $250,000, and they may lose their home. Morbid Meadows used to have this problem but no more, thanks to Eric Panda’s Lots o’ Ducks BBQ food truck. JoEllen Jo-Ellen proudly reports that her son, Snake, is fighting in Ukraine “to preserve liberty and freedom for all.” His unit is called the Wagner Mercenaries. Whoever shot down balloon Number 45-78-T, please return it to NOAA. It cost

$5.6 million.

Yard signs are encouraged as a citizens’ right to free speech.

Those “Trump and Stormy Daniels in 2024” signs are fine. We applaud “Abbott & Patrick –Who Needs the 21st Century?”

So is the anonymous “This Is where the Critical Race Theory Goes to Die” painted on the door of our local Aaron Burr Elementary School. But someone tore down Mark Frisbees’ sign:

“Don’t Beware of Dog – Beware of Owner’s Two Friends – Smith & Wesson.” We have also noticed several tractors and abandoned U-Hauls around the neighborhood with interesting bumper stickers. “Ask Me About My Rash” is one. “Give the NRA Your Best Shot” works for us. So does Herbert Mildews’ “I Don’t Brake For Wokes.” But the MMHOA board draws the line on “Hang Mike Pence” and bumper stickers showing a buffalo head and horns with “Make January 6th a National Holiday.” A motion to prohibit “Honk If You Hate” stickers died for lack of a second.

More news from our neighbors: Frank and Maggie Cumquat are proud to announce that their daughter, PeggySue, has been voted Miss Most Available at the Pampa Shepherd & Horseshoe Farrier Community College. Unfortunately, PeggySue won’t be able to serve due to her unexpected pregnancy.

We all like to get cozy with our police, but joining the 100 Club is beyond the financial ability of most residents. However, we do have the Take a Truncheon to Luncheon program whereby a neighbor can buy some only slightly damaged fruit from the loading dock at the local H-E-B for our local law enforcement of-

Cause of Heights house fire under investigation

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernew.com

Fire authorities are still attempting to determine what led to and caused a fire at a home in the Heights currently under construction, according to the Houston Fire Department.

One firefighter, a captain, was evaluated for injuries on the scene, the department said, but there were no reported civilian injuries in the fire according to HFD.

Firefighters from stations 15, 30, 6, 31, 9, 19, 39, and 62 responded to a twostory home under construction at the intersection of West Cavalcade Street and Tabor Street in the Heights just before 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28, according to

Patrol from P. 1

this program goes away, so does the rapid response time to any calls in our neighborhood.”

That has been true for those such as Lamar Mathews and her husband, who have signed up for the program since its inception in 2016. From the vacation watch to response times in incidents such as a shootout that happened in the neighborhood years ago, she said it is an invaluable resource to the neighbor-

Takeover from P. 1

that Morath told him that the options were to either close schools down or takeover the district. But in Turner’s mind, there is a third option.

“The legislature’s in session now, and (I told him) if you see any provisions that would force you to do something that’s not in the best interests of the kids, you can go to the legislature now and make any modification that’s needed,” Turner said.

Further, leaders are simply asking for certainty, one way or the other.

“TEA can speak to it, the state can speak to it – and they should. Because quite frankly, our students deserve certainty. And (everyone with a stake in HISD) deserves stability,” Turner said. “If the state has the intention of taking over the largest school district in the state of Texas, then they should stand up, be forthright, and be transparent and let people know who you’re talking to and what your plans are.”

A key tentpole of the TEA’s initial attempts to take over the district was low academic performance, particularly at Wheatley

the department, to find fire coming from every opening to the house.

However, crews were eventually able to use aerial waterways to help control and put out the fire, according to the department. There was a downed power line near the house, the department said, but it is unclear whether it played a role in the fire.

The captain was treated at the scene for dizziness and weakness, according to HFD, and left the scene in a private car.

Arson investigators are still working to determine what might have led to the fire, the department said, which caused a currently unknown amount of damage to the house.

hood.

“It’s like having your own personal security force for less than a dollar a day,” she said. “We’re so grateful (the HHA) provides this program to our neighborhood.”

For more information on the Heights Constable Patrol program or to sign up for the program, visit houstonheights. org/constable-2/.

High School. But over the last three years, officials said 40 of HISD’s 50 schools that received a D or F in the education agency’s academic ratings prior to the pandemic, are no longer there and have received passing grades. And ultimately, leaders believe takeover would be harmful to the district and its students.

We vote for (school board members) because we as communities can hold them accountable, because we know who is best prepared to oversee the education of our children,” said State Rep. Christina Morales, whose District 145 includes the Heights and Northside areas and part of Garden Oaks. “(Schools) are strongest in the hands of local leaders.”

And leaders said they aren’t going down without a fight.

You cannot come into this city and think they’re going to take it over, and that everybody is just going to sit down and be quiet,” Turner said. “When you take on the children you take on the parents, their neighbors, and you take on this city.”

ficers. Thus far there have been no takers. Our new Ukrainian family, Jose and Maria Gomez and their 16 children, explained that they were allowed in the U.S. due to their refugee status seeking asylum – mainly from ICE.

The Town Hall Meeting with our state representative, Shady O’Malley, has been postponed by request of the Houston SWAT team after our last meeting ended up in court, in the parking lot and on KPRC-TV News. Rep. O’Malley would like his constituents to know that he still maintains his fervent opposition to “those job killing environmental laws” such as car mufflers, sun dials and windmills, and notes he is a major beneficiary of campaign donations from Friends of Smog. He has authored House Bill 3399 that will abolish most school libraries, school boards and classroom blackboards. He deems the latter “racist.” Rep. O’Malley denies that he thought “Transgender” was an airline, but he supports RodeoHouston’s Klan Day and voted to make Donald Trump the 51st state. Many of you have asked about the MMHOA’s rules on Covid-19. There are no more rules because the pandemic is over, kaput, gone. Indeed, the Committee on Covid-19 has been abolished since a quorum of its members are dead. Rumors that they all died of the pandemic are greatly exaggerated, according to their next of kin, most of whom are in ICUs.

Finally, Chuck Rancid has a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck for sale.

Ashby is home at ashby2@comcast.net

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By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernew.com

A man was struck and killed by a delivery van in the Greater Inwood area late last month, 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 riding a bike eastbound at 7000 W. Gulf Bank Rd. about 7:20 p.m. on Feb. 24 when he was struck by a delivery van that was heading west near the same address and turned south onto North Houston Rosslyn Road. The van allegedly hit the cyclist as the man was entering the intersection.

The man was pronounced dead from his injuries at HCA Houston

Healthcare Northwest on Feb. 28, according to HPD. The van’s driver, a man, was questioned at the scene and released pending further investigation, according to HPD. No charges have been filed in the crash, according to the department, though the investigation remains ongoing.

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Support

Baptist Temple / “Heights Church” Begin Run on 12/03/22 10” x 2”

Edward Crowell 713.628.2468

shopping • health • services • dining

Hymns and Hers.

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Garden of Memories is proud to provide Domani for Grief and Loss resources to support families as they deal with the difficult loss of a loved one.

Join us for our grief support group receptions. Delicious breakfast compliments and refreshments will be served.

We are a church for the Heights.

Bible Study @10am | Worship @11am 230 W. 20th St. 77008

Everyone is welcome at Heights Church. We are an exciting blend of old and new, and we warmly invite you to visit.

Heights Church @heightschurchhouston Heights Church, Houston, Texas HeightsChurchHouston.org

COFFEE 930AM | BIBLE STUDY 1OAM | WORSHIP 11AM | 230 W. 20TH ST. 77008 Heights Church @heightschurchhouston Heights Church, Houston, Texas HeightsChurchHouston.org

Women’s Health Directory

Directory of Local Female Health Service Professionals

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

1415 N. Loop, Ste 400 • 427 W. 20th St. Ste 100 Houston, TX 77008 713-668-6828 • www.houstoneye.com

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M.D.

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They are doing what federal agencies do, using the term enforcement when historically we have seen no follow through,” Stevenson said. “Trust has been broken for generations, and by signing off on the choices of the state, only enforcing after harm has been done, they continue a painful legacy. So far, I see no tangible changes that don’t rely on TxDOT’s good faith participation.”

The organization says it will study the details of the agreement with Air Alliance Houston and LINK Houston, and “continue to be a responsive and reliable source of information for the public.”

“We will not stop fighting

for our city and our lives,” the organization said in a written statement Tuesday morning.

Ultimately, supporters say the project will reconstruct I-45 North between downtown and Beltway 8 to bring the roadway “up to federal safety standards and enhance mobility.” Among improvements coming are increased modal options through four non-tolled managed lanes, bicycle and pedestrian features along frontage roads and cross streets, and trails parallel to bayous within the right of way. There will also be 12 detention ponds around White Oak Bayou, as well as pump stations and other flood mitigation tools.

Dr. Fulton is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her practice consists of obstetrics, gynecology, and cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal. She is a graduate of the University of Texas and completed residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where she was a Chief Resident. Dr. Fulton volunteers as part of the health team ministry of her church.

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

Hoops from P. 1

and those players set out to make sure it wouldn’t happen again.

“It just felt crazy (when that buzzer sounded),” said senior Andre Walker II, the team’s two-year starter at point guard. “… I really wanted to win that game, and winning it for the community was big.”

The passion even rubbed off on newcomers like junior Odis Carter Jr., who is in his first season at Booker T. Washington

“Hearing we were playing the team they lost to last year, it was almost like a revenge thing for me too,” Carter said. “We’re here working hard every day, and to hear they sent my brothers home last year? It was a good feeling (to win it).”

Dream season

There is often a turning point in a season like the Eagles have authored so far, one which consisted of a non-district gauntlet. Booker T. Washington has wins this season over Class 6A playoff qualifiers such as Lamar, Bellaire, Stratford, and Pearland Dawson.

But one major turning point in particular, Carter said, was an early-season game against Beaumont United – who is playing in the Class 6A state semifinals on Friday. Booker T. Washington beat the Timberwolves

The plan has previously drawn criticism from local elected officials, such as Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, and more. In March 2021, Menefee filed a lawsuit against TxDOT in federal district court, on behalf of the county.

In late 2022, the county announced a resolution of its lawsuit against TxDOT under the National Environmental Policy Act with a Memorandum of Understanding.

“Many of the commitments TxDOT made to the county and the city are now subject to federal government monitoring and en-

71-65 in their second game of the season on Nov. 19 –and that remains the only loss of the season so far for Beaumont United, the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ (TABC) No. 2 team in Class 6A and last season’s Class 5A state champions who have since reeled off 34 consecutive wins.

“When we played them and beat them, we already knew we could beat anybody in the state,” Carter said.

Walker echoed his teammate and added that a comeback win over Stratford in the VYPE tournament last December was another key piece of the season because it showed the team its identity and followed its last loss to this juncture.

“That’s the game that really turned it around,” Walker said.

Starting with the Stratford victory, Booker T. Washington has won 20 straight games including the current postseason run. And Grayson said the team’s maturity as they worked their way back towards their ultimate goal of a state championship has been the most impressive thing about the group.

“They know what they need to do, and knew what they wanted to do (this season),” Grayson said. “They’re focused, and I didn’t really have to come into the locker

forcement throughout the projects design and construction,” Menefee said in a statement Tuesday. “I’m glad the federal government ratified and built on the work done by local government –this agreement ensures the county and city’s interests will be considered during the life of the project”.

Among actions that will be taken under the act, according to the FWHA and TxDOT, will include twice annual meetings throughout design and construction, drainage improvements, and more. But its opponents are not so sure concerns have truly been addressed.

There is also a petition

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Carter said.

room and tell them that, because they knew what they needed to do.

One team, one dream

When many talk about the Eagles, eyes immediately go to the high flyers the Eagles possess. Booker T. Washington possesses three of District 21-4A’s leading scorers in Lewis (19.2 points/game), Carter (18 points) and Chris McDermott (18.9 points).

But one who holds it all together, Grayson said, is Walker. And even though he may not get the accolades that his teammates do, Grayson said those in the program know exactly how invaluable Walker is to its success as their floor general.

“He’s a coach on the floor, and the moment is never too big for (Andre). A lot of kids might not want the ball at this time or that time – but he’s never scared of having that ball in his hands,” Grayson said. “… That main ingredient may not be flashy or whatever everybody thinks it is – but it’s the main piece. When he’s in the game, everybody else can go back to doing their regular thing.”

And Walker and Carter both said the team’s experience along with its cohesiveness has been the biggest factor in its historic season.

“When we play together as one, I don’t think there’s anybody who can beat us,”

that has been composed by residents of the Woodland Heights neighborhood that is attempting to have a portion of the White Oak Bayou green space designated as city park space in efforts to stop the project from being able to cut through and impact the neighborhood and its residents.

“We know from experience that TxDOT does not operate in good faith: they continue to manipulate data and use disproven population and traffic models,” Stop TXDOT I-45 said in their statement. “… To expect new outcomes from their current methods is waiting for harm to occur again.

Making history Players and coaches both know how big this weekend is and could be for the Eagles. They have not been to any iteration of a state tournament since the 1950s when they made the Prairie View Interscholastic League (PVIL) state title game.

“It means a lot to do this (for this school and community),” Walker said. “If we go up there and win that ring, nobody can take that away from us.”

His teammate echoed the sentiment.

“This is the most important week of our lives in basketball, so I just feel like it’s our community versus theirs,” Carter said. “It’s a big deal, because 40 years from now we can tell our kids that we did this. Everybody is always going to remember this moment.”

Grayson said they already do. And no matter what happens this weekend, he said this year’s team will forever be etched in the history books in the city of Houston and within the walls of Booker T. Washington.

“There’s a lot of history at this school – but this group of kids will never be forgotten,” he said. “I’ve told them that people will always remember them and what they did.”

Harm monitored is still harm done.”

But at least for now, the project is full-speed again ahead for I-45, the city, and the county.

“(It is) a project that addresses I-45’s repeated flooding while maximizing the opportunities for people to stay in their homes and neighborhoods,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “It is a project that helps people and goods travel through the region while encouraging people to travel between our neighborhoods without impacting them.”

Dr. Stephanie Fulton

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, M.D.

Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson

Houston Methodist Hospital

For The Leader

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people in the U.S. Every 36 seconds someone dies from cardiovascular disease. Prevention is the best form of reducing your risk of future heart issues. Dr. Kershaw Patel, a preventive cardiologist with Houston Methodist, says he routinely hears concerns from some of his patients who have a history of heart disease in their families.

“I often have patients who are fearful that they will experience a heart attack because it’s something their parent went through,” said Patel. “Following a hearthealthy lifestyle coupled with other prevention measures is a great strategy to prevent future heart problems.”

Not sure where to start?

Prevent heart disease by getting into these five essential habits.

1. Stop Smoking – Smoking is a proven risk factor for heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, not to mention lung cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing heart disease and improve your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

2. Adopt a heart healthy diet - Making nutritious foods a part of your diet can go a long way when it comes to preventing heart disease and managing cholesterol levels. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole-grain and high fiber foods, fish and lean proteins and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.

3. Get Active – Exercise has far-reaching health benefits beyond preventing heart disease. If you have other risk factors, consult with

your physician before starting a new workout regime.

4. Manage conditions –Monitoring your blood pressure to ensure its within a healthy range is key. Ideal blood pressure is 120/80. Also, there is also a strong correlation between cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Work with your doctor to take steps to manage your diabetes or prevent it altogether, and make sure your blood pressure is within optimal range.

5. Monitor Your Cholesterol – High cholesterol can contribute to plaque in arteries or atherosclerosis. A healthy diet can lower your cholesterol levels, and it is

important to monitor these levels to reduce risk of heart attack or other heart disease.

Signs and Symptoms

Staying up-to-date on regular check-ups also can help with staying on track with some common risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, but some signs and symptoms are more serious and may require the expertise of a cardiologist, a physician that specializes in diseases of the heart and blood vessels who can administer and evaluate tests, manage risk factors and determine the best course of action for treatment and prevention of future complications.

Here are some signs and symptoms to watch out for that may indicate it’s time for you to see a cardiologist.

• Chest pain

• Swelling in your legs

• High blood pressure or hypertension

• Shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting

• Abnormally fast or slow heart rate

“As with any health condition, it’s better to address it as early as possible,” said Patel.

Manage your risk

Family history, age, chronic kidney disease and modi -

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

The news has reported much about the importance of vitamin D for bone and tooth health, as well as its ability to help prevent fractures, osteopenia, improve immune health and help balance blood sugar. With COVID, we heard even more about the benefits of this mineral. However, a single nutrient intervention or replacement will only work if there is a deficiency. Optimal health requires a network effect.

As with most nutrients, Vitamin D has been shown to work in concert with other nutrients.

Minerals like calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, vitamin A, vitamin C and other trace minerals like zinc. Much of the US population has been shown to be deficient in many of these minerals.

To optimize Vitamin D metabolism, ensuring adequate intake of other key minerals is important.

Calcium - This mineral must be present in the small intestine, or Vitamin D cannot be absorbed. It is estimated women aged 40-59 years old are only getting 882 mg/day, just over half of the recommended daily allowance of 1200 mg. Women aged 65 and older can see less efficient calcium absorption. It

has been reported to be 50 percent of what is absorbed by an adolescent.

Examples of calcium in the diet are:

Plain yogurt, 8 oz. – 415 mg

Canned sardines, 3 oz. – 325 mg

Cheddar cheese, 1.5 oz. 300 mg

Firm tofu, ½ cup – 252 mg

Collard Greens, 1 cup – 198 mg.

Sesame Seeds, 2 Tbsp – 175 mg

Bok Choy, 1 cup – 74 mg.

Orange, 1 medium – 60 mg

Vitamin K –Vitamin K was named for the Danish word koagulation for its important role

in blood clotting. It also activates osteocalcin, which encourages new dentin, the calcified tissue under the tooth’s enamel to grow. Forms of Vitamin K, like K1 and K2 perform different functions. Vitamin K2 is the cofactor that helps calcium get where it needs to go, bringing calcium into the bone. It keeps calcium from depositing in soft tissues and vessels or arteries of the cardiovascular system and kidneys. Ways to enhance K intake to meet RDA 9 0mcg/day for women and 120 mcg/day for men:

K1

Kale, cooked, 1 cup – 493 mcg.

Swiss Chard, raw, 1 cup – 299 mcg.

Parsley, raw, ¼ cup – 246 mcg.

Broccoli, cooked, 1 cup – 220 mcg.

Spinach, raw, 1 cup – 121 mcg.

K2

Fermented soybeans, such as natto, 1 cup – 40 mcg.

Goose liver pate, 3.5 oz.- 369 mcg

Cheddar Cheese, 3oz. – 15 mcg

Egg Yolk – 1 yolk, - 15 mcg

Magnesium – An important

mineral for many body functions but particularly important in Vitamin D conversion. To convert sunlight into Vitamin D, there are many steps. Starting with the skin, to the liver and then the kidneys, each step along the way requires enzymes. Magnesium works to activate an enzyme needed in the kidneys to convert to its active form 1, 25 (OH)2D. It is reported that 48-55 percent of the US population is deficient in magnesium. The RDA for magnesium is 310-320 mg for women and 400-420 mg daily for men.

Examples include:

Brown Rice, 1 cup – 107 mg.

Cashews, 1oz, (~15 pcs) – 83 mg.

Fish, mackerel, cooked, 3 oz. – 82 mg.

Almonds, 1oz (~20 pcs) – 77 mg.

Swiss Chard, cooked ½ cup –75 mg.

Lima beans, cooked, ½ cup –63 mg.

Banana, 1 medium – 32mg.

Other factors important in Vitamin D health are digestive function, liver and kidney health and obesity. Optimal digestion depends on adequate stomach acid. Many patients take proton pump inhibitors to relieve

onset will give you the best chance of living a long and healthy life.”

Houston Methodist has cardiovascular experts who can help prevent, diagnose manage and treat an array of heart diseases. Visit houstonmethodist.org/heart-vascular or call 713.332.2539 to schedule an appointment.

Preferred Health

fiable risk factors such as high alcohol consumption or obesity can also impact your risk level for heart disease. Be open with your physician about your concerns or symptoms so the best treatment plan can be created to meet your health needs.

“Sudden symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, discomfort or pain in arm or shoulder or jaw, neck or back pain, require medical attention immediately or a call to 911, as these are the common heart attack warning signs,” said Dr. Patel. “Getting ahead of some of these signs and symptoms through prevention measures or at initial

reflux symptoms. This lowering of stomach acid can inhibit absorption of key minerals. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease may also play a role in proper Vitamin D metabolism. Patients with this condition have reported higher prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis. As kidney function declines, in patients with diabetes, production of 1,25-D can decline by 50 percent. Obesity has also been shown to increase Vitamin D needs. A high BMI can double or triple needs. The best way to know, is ask your healthcare provider to measure. This laboratory assessment can provide a good base for which to enrich your diet, or perhaps supplement with the vitamin and necessary minerals to replete deficient levels.

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

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Two of the area’s local high school softball teams are continuing to impress with strong early season play.

The Heights Lady Bulldogs continued a scorching start to the season by going 4-0-1 at the Lamar Consolidated ISD Tournament March 2-4 to move to 15-2 overall on the season. Alyssa Morris and Helen Maddux amassed six hits apiece to lead Heights during tournament, while Maddux, Flora Moreno, and Sydney Palomo all homered.

Haylie Jaime led the Lady Bulldogs on the mound, giving up just four earned runs in 13 tournament innings, striking out 17 batters and walking just four. Heights will return to action with a Friday night district game against Westside.

Waltrip’s Lady Rams also had a strong week, winning four of their five games to move to 8-1 and 5-0 in district play.

Gabrielle Thomas-Brice doubled and drove in two runs for Waltrip in a 16-0 victory over Sterling on March 3, while Haley Allen homered and drove home two runs of her own. Cinthia Castillo doubled and tripled in the game, while ThomasBrice and Castillo combined for nine strikeouts in three innings in the circle.

Booker T. Washington won both of its games last week, beating Wheatley 22-12 on March 1 before taking down North Forest 21-10 to improve to 3-0 on the season ahead of Wednesday’s schedule game against Furr.

On the private school side, the St. Pius X Lady Panthers were 3-1 at the St. John’s Tournament, moving to 12-6 overall on the season. Victoria Hunter homered twice in the tournament for SPX, which has won seven of its last nine games.

Baseball

On the public school side, the Waltrip Rams followed up a 15-0 district win over Sharpstown on March 1 by going 4-0 in tournament play March 2-4 to stay perfect on the young season.

Waltrip defeated John Cooper School (6-2) and Northland Christian (42) on March 2 before taking down Beaumont Kelly Catholic (9-7) and previously undefeated Houston Christian (8-0) on March 3. David Medina had the standout pitching performances of the week, throwing a

complete game two-hit shutout against Houston Christian to help the Rams move to 10-0 on the season. Heights went 2-2 in tournament play last week. They lost 7-1 against Sterling on March 2 before splitting a pair of games against Katy Taylor (18-3 win) and Dobie (6-3 loss) on March 3 and then beating Memorial 12-4 on March 4. Robert Robinson had two hits against Taylor, while Paul Smith had two doubles and two RBIs in the loss to Dobie. The Bulldogs then blasted past Nimitz 14-2 on Monday thanks to two hits from Owen Gibbs.

St. Thomas went 3-11 at the Father Wilson/ Sister Julia Tournament co-hosted with St. Pius X last week. Donte Lewis went 3 for 3 with a homer and four RBIs in a 9-1 win over Beaumont Kelly on March 2 and 4 for 4

in a 10-9 loss to Houston Christian on MArch. Lewis also reached base four times with two RBIs in a 6-5 victory over Archbishop Rummel on March 3, while Caleb Davis homered in a 4-4 tie with Northland Christian on March 3.

St. Pius X went 2-2 in the tournament, losing to Archbishop Rummel (105) and the John Cooper School (9-3) before tak -

Art Valet: Out of boredom, an artist is born and finds her passion

Mitch cohen Art Columnist

Houstonian Robin Whalan didn’t set out to be an artist. Working for 20 years in the hospitality industry kept her busy enough. She studied interior design in college and that’s about it. Boredom. Boredom was the catalyst that led Whalan into the world of art three years ago. Her moniker/business name is even bored human, @boredhumanhtx.

Yet, Whalan only began her art journey three years ago and was recently chosen to participate in the Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park the weekend of March 24-26. That is monumental.

Stories like Whalan’s are what I love about the arts. One can have no background in art, training or school, just a sudden drive to create that grows and forms as one goes. No rules, just creating.

Whalan is a printmaker. She carves her designs, in reverse, from blocks of linoleum and then prints them on paper.

Whalan calls herself a storyteller, and each of her pieces definitely tells a story.

Let’s go back to the beginning. Whalan told me she really was bored and started creating dioramas in glass yogurt jars. She then moved onto boxes and created moving scenes

within the dioramas. I saw these dioramas when we first met at The Market as Sawyer Yards.

Then one day, Whalan tells me, she drew a naked woman on a greeting card thinking it was funny and showed it to a friend. The friend was astounded, “You can draw, and you’re good!”

Whalan began her black and white ink series, just like that. Not able to work due to the city being closed in March of 2020, Whalan got to work.

She says her work is an expression of her own personal experiences in life. The first piece that stood out to me was a couple sitting on a porch, presumably to watch a sunset as mushroom clouds envelope the sky. The title, “everything is fine” certainly captured the world then.

Her background in interior design shaped her first series of historical buildings, especially

Nibbles and Sips: Nutrition company hosting pop-up at M-K-T Saturday

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A nutrition company is launching a new pop-up market this year, and one of its locations will be at one of the Heights area’s bustling developments this coming Saturday.

On March 11, KIND Snacks will return Secret KIND Farmers Market at M-K-T Heights, 600 N. Shepherd Dr., from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. At the secondannual Secret KIND Farmers Market, a news release said visitors to the market will be able to shop for fresh, whole ingredients free-of-charge.

A news release from the market said only 12.3 percent of Americans eat a sufficient amount of recommended foods – like nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables – on a daily basis.

As a whole, KIND said it is dedicated to helping community members have education on and access to nutrition from whole, recommended foods.

“Since day one, we’ve advocated for nutrition transparency and encouraged people to be kinder to their bodies by eating more of the whole, nutrient-dense foods that we know are essential to keeping us healthy,” said Kelly Solomon, the chief marketing Officer at KIND. “We will always embrace our responsibility of inspiring and educating consumers to make better-informed nutrition choices—and what better way to do it than with an extra helping of secrets and fun?”

For more information on KIND Snacks, visit the company’s website at kindsnacks.com

Local watering holes

celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

With St. Patrick’s Day coming up on March 17, several area bars are getting into the spirit of the annual holiday.

According to a news release, Cyclone Anayas will be serving a special Jameson Margarita on St. Patrick’s Day – with Gold Tequila, Jameson Orange Liqueur and Agave nectar – at all locations, including in the Heights at 1710 Durham Dr.

Also celebrating the holiday with green beer will be Heights Bier Garten, 1433 N. Shepherd Dr., and the biergarten will also have live DJs, cocktails, and games the entire weekend of St. Patrick’s Day.

art deco. In her artist bio Whalan calls her work an emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak, love, disaster and humor that is “relatable” and “honest.”

When the world reopened, a colleague suggested that Whalan’s work would look good in a print format. This was new to her of course but she bought the cutting tool and linoleum block on her way home and created her first linocut print that night.

Selling art became a good fall back in an industry that had to continuously reinvent itself over the past few years. I’d say as fast as her talent has evolved, she may have really found her true calling in printmaking. Boredom has taken a back seat, that is for certain.

Find Whalan and her work at these upcoming events,

and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ boredhumanhtx/

Don’t Call Me Sweetie: 6th Annual Women’s Art Showcase, Friday March 10, 7 - 11 p.m. Hardy & Nance Studios 902 Hardy.

The Market at Sawyer Yards, Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. https://sawyerstreetmarket.com.

Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 24-26, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. https:// www.bayoucityartfestival.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 from Facebook

Farmers Market will pop up at M-K-T this

Photo by Michael Ma