The 04-01-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Houston ISD Board of trustees has declined to file an appeal of the Texas Education Agency’s impending takeover of the district and its board, narrowly voting against the motion during Monday night’s special meeting.

Trustee Patricia K. Allen made the initial motion, and trustees later voted 5-4 against fil -

Saturday, April 1, 2023 • Vol. 68 • No.

ing the appeal after about 10 minutes of discussion. Trustees

Dani Hernandez, Kendall Baker, Bridget Wade, Judith Cruz, and Sue Deigaard voted against the appeal, while trustees Myrna Guidry, Kathy Blueford-Daniels, Patricia K. Allen, and Elizabeth Santos voted in favor of filing it.

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath announced that the state will be taking over Houston ISD, seemingly putting an end to a battle

that has waged on for four years. Earlier this month, the district withdrew its lawsuit against the TEA.

The motion narrowly failed after several minutes of intense discussion among trustees. And as evidenced by the narrow vote, opinions varied on what the viability would be of filing the appeal.

“I think if this is an opportunity for us to make our last ap -

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A longtime congresswoman who represents much of the area in Washington, D.C. has said that she will soon be running to become its new top elected leader later this year.

Over the weekend, local congresswoman Sheila JacksonLee announced her intent to file to run for mayor of Houston this November. She made the announcement during a church service at City Cathedral Church in Houston, according to multiple reports, appearing to end months of speculation that she would throw her hat into the ring.

Multiple email requests to Jackson-Lee’s media liason for additional comment were unreturned as of publication.

Jackson-Lee, a Democrat, has represented parts of the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest areas as part of the 18th Congressional District of Texas in the United States House of Representatives for nearly 30 years. She is currently serving

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A local elementary will soon unveil a project to the public that is aimed at giving its young students a creative space to further aid their learning in a dedicated outdoor field of study.

This Saturday, Helms Elementary in the Heights will unveil its Geology Garden to the public with a cleanup day

her 14th term and has not been unseated since first being elected in 1995. A formal announcement is expected in the coming weeks or months, accordig to reports. With her intended inclusion in the upcoming November race, Jackson-Lee joins a crowded field that includes former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins as well as former city councilmembers Robert Gallegos and Amanda Edwards. Also throwing their hats in the ring have been state Sen. John Whitmire and Gilbert Garcia, who was

from 9-11 a.m. at the school, 503 W. 21st St. in the Heights. Helms is a Dual Language Spanish Immersion school and the only school in HISD to have a geology garden according to Helms PTA member Jessica Bodnar.

The approximately 20’ x 30’ space at Helms features rocks from the three major geologic classifications - igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. There are 17 total boulder-

previously a chairman on the city’s Metropolitan Transit Authority board.

Current incumbent mayor Sylvester Turner will be vacating the position at the end of this term due to term limitations. And Rice University political science professor Robert Stein says that if Jackson-Lee enters as planned, it could have a major impact on the field.

Potential impacts, according to Stein, include that in his opinion she would instantly would become the strongest challenger to Whitmire - an early frontrunner accordin to multiple reports - with her existing support, among other changes.

“Congressperson JacksonLee’s decision to run for Houston Mayor changes the dynamics of this election in several ways,” he said.

The filing deadline for the election is Aug. 21, and Election Day will be Nov. 7.

type rocks representing the groups in the garden, Bodnar said, that were brought in from all over the United States to place in the garden.

“Teachers are encouraged to use this addition to our school often and creatively,” Bodnar said in an email. “… Our goal is that this unique and interactive learning space will inspire future generations

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A student at a local private high school could soon potentially earn a prestigious academic recognition in the coming weeks.

According to the school, St. Pius X High School senior Stephanie Birkelbach has recently been named as one of 15,000 finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholar Program. She was selected as a semifinalist from more than 50,000 initial nominees before being selected as a finalist earlier this week.

The NMSP said high school juniors entered the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The resulting semifinalists, the organization said, represented less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

And Birkelbach is among that group.

“This is a significant achievement and provides a robust foundation of opportunities from the NMSC as well as other organizations and universities,” the school said in a news release.

After becoming a finalist, Birkelbach and the school had to submit a scholarship application that includes information on the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated

Staff file photo Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee speaks at a Memorial Day event. The local congresswoman, who represents much of the area in the United States House of Representatives, has announced she intends to run for mayor.

Stray ember,

loose debris causes accidental local apartment fire

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Fire investigators have deemed that an apartment fire in the Central Northwest area last week was accidental, according to the Houston Fire Department. There were no reported injuries as a result of the fire, according to the department

Crews from Stations 15, 5, 31, 4, 11, 13, 38, 50, 62 and 30 responded to an apartment complex in the 3700 block of Watonga Boulevard just after 4:20 p.m. on March 22 to find smoke coming from the chimney case of the apartment, according to the department.

The department said that after crews extinguished the fire, arson investigators were called in and

determined that the fire was accidental, likely caused by an ember that ignited some pine straw combined with debris that was found underneath the wall siding of the apartment unit. HFD did not immediately release how much damage the fire caused to the unit or how much property was saved.

malfunction catches local apartment units on fire

Electrical

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

An electrical malfunction at a local apartment complex in Greater Inwood caused a fire to break out in between two of the apartment units last week, according to the Houston Fire Depart -

ment. Nobody was reported injured as a result of the fire, according to the department.

HFD said crews from stations 13, 15, 4, 5, 50, 66, 67, 62 and 30 responded to an apartment complex in the 5700 block of Thousand Oaks

Circle just after 2:30 a.m. on March 21 to discover light smoke coming from a two-story apartment building.

After putting out the fire that had broken out between two of the apartment units on the firewall, the department said arson investigators later

determined that an electrical short had caused the fire and smoke to break out. There was no immediate estimate available as to how much of the apartment units’ property was damaged or saved, according to the fire department.

Baseball/softball recap: Heights baseball jumps to top of District 18-6A standings after strong week

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As the Heights Bulldogs’ baseball team seeks its first district title in more than a decade, they have raced out to an early lead in the District 18-6A race so far this season.

The Bulldogs swept through a pair of games last week, taking two games from defending district champion Bellaire to improve to 13-6 on the season and 4-0 in District 18-6A competition, moving them to the top of the district in the process.

Heights used a pair of late comebacks to take home both wins, with Robert Robinson driving home the winning run in a 2-1 win on March 21.

Robinson also drove home two runs in a 7-6 win on March 24 while Paul Smith had three hits and two RBIs as Heights scored six runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to walk off with the victory.

Ethan Lopez also pitched three scoreless innings in relief with three strikeouts for the Bulldogs in the March 24 win, while Brady Pro had six strikeouts in four innings of work in the win on March 21.

The Waltrip Rams continued their strong play with a split of two games against defending district champion Milby last week, moving to 15-1 and 7-1 in district play.

David Medina starred on the mound for the Rams in a 2-1 extra-inning walk-off win on March 23, giving up just one run in eight innings of work while striking out six batters.

Beto Ramirez had a gametying RBI double in the fifth, and Aidan Butron scored the winning run on a wild-pitch. Scarborough snapped a

Landan KuhLmann Editor

two-game losing streak with a sweep of Kashmere last week, winning 12-11 on March 22 and then 19-9 on March 24 to improve to 4-2 overall and in district play.

Booker T. Washinton split a pair of games with North Forest last week, winning 15-4 on March 22 before dropping an 8-6 decision on March 24 to move to 7-1 on the season and in district competition.

St. Thomas, meanwhile, swept a three-game series with North Shepherd rival St. Pius X, winning 7-6 on March 23 before winning 4-3 on March 24 and 5-4 on March 25 to improve to 14-7-1 on the season

Softball Heights’ Lady Bulldogs bludgeoned their way to way to a perfect week, beating Westbury 24-0 on March 21 before beating Sam Houston 20-0 on Saturday. Hayley Jaime and Sara Paniagua had a triple and eight total RBIs each in the two games for Heights (18-2-1, 5-0) with Jaime going a perfect 7 for 7 on the week, while Laila Robbins drove in seven runs as the Lady Bulldogs pounded out 42 total hits.

The Waltrip Lady Rams stayed hot, winning a pair of 8-2 games against Austin on March 21 and Milby on March 24 to run their winning streak

to three games. Haley Allen and Ana-Alicia Guilar each doubled and drove home two runs against Austin for Waltrip (11-3, 8-1), who now sits

just one game back of Galena for the District 19-5A lead.

Booker T. Washington’s Lady Eagles split a pair of games last week, losing to

THANK Y U

DAN CRENSHAW

Worthing on March 22 before taking down Scarborough on March 24 to move to 5-2 on the season. Lutheran North Academy

dropped to 0-4 on the season and in district play with losses to Brazos Christian on March 21 and Alpha Omega Academy on March 24.

Contributed photo

Heights’ Ethan Lopez releases a pitch during a game earlier this season. Lopez threw three shutout innings in relief in the Bulldogs’ 7-6 win over Bellaire on March 24.

Texans have the right to know healthcare prices upfront now. It’s the law.

Dan Crenshaw is fighting to lower the cost of healthcare and coverage by demanding hospitals and health insurers post all their prices upfront. Prices give power to consumers to compare and shop, and protect against overcharges.

Thank you, Dan Crenshaw, for championing healthcare price transparency!

For fighting for healthcare price transparency — an issue supported by over 90% of Americans!

A

It is no coincidence that the celebration of Easter takes place each year in early spring, commemorating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For Easter is a celebration of rebirth, and what better time to celebrate this than when the earth is springing back into life. The new life of spring reminds us that this world is eternally productive and creative. The apparent lifelessness of winter is only an illusion. Sleeping just beneath the surface, is life and more life, awaiting God’s gentle touch to reawaken it. In the same way, Easter reminds us that the death of our bodies is an illusion. Beneath it is life and more life. The Bible tells us that God so loved the world the He gave us His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. We will one day shed our bodies, as the trees shed their leaves and snakes shed their skins, and we will be reborn into life everlasting.

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. New K.J.V. John 10:28

probate and estate administration.

1. Funeral Expenses

The highest priority goes to funeral expenses of up to $15,000 (along with expenses of a last illness, discussed below). It is important to remember, however, that probate and estate administration is not an overnight process and families are typically expected to advance this cost. They will have to seek reimbursement from the Estate after an administration is opened.

2. Medical Bills

Next in line of priority are the first $15,000 of medical bills incurred for the deceased’s last illness. These expenses can include ambulance/emergency transport, hospital stay or emergency room treatment, or any other expenses associated with the person’s death. Other medical debt that is unrelated to the last illness or that exceeds $15,000 for the last illness, is considered unsecured debt and receives a much lower priority.

3. Mortgage

Generally, mortgages are secured by the property they cover and this security interest in the property gives the lender priority for repayment. Most mortgagees (the lender) will get paid when the home is sold. In addition to the sale proceeds, the lender is also entitled to interest, penalties, and attorney’s fees incurred in seeking repayment. If nobody opens probate proceedings, a mortgagee can initiate them on its own to resolve any nonpayment issues.

Typically, however, when a person dies leaving a Will or a Trust, an executor or trustee can be appointed relatively quickly so that they can gain access to estate assets to pay off the mortgage debt or sell the house.

others. So, we should make a real effort in the coming days and weeks to forgive the offenses of others as well as our own. Sometimes, it helps to just forget about them; that is, to try to put them out of our mind and stop repeatedly mulling over them. One of the reasons we use the phrase “forgive and forget” is because sometimes that is the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting. But far better, and more divine, is to be able to forgive even while remembering the offense. So, we should let go of those unforgiving, vindictive,

4. Child Support Child support obligations not only survive death, but that obligation “accelerates” with the full amount of remaining payments becoming due and payable on the date of death. Most assets are not exempt from child support garnishment including non-probate assets such as trusts, life insurance, and retirement accounts. These payments, however, may be offset by assets and income received by the child upon the death of their parent, such as an inheritance of estate assets and Social Security survivor benefits.

5. Loans

A loan’s classification as “secured” or “unsecured” determines its priority. A loan is “secured” if the debtor pledged an asset for the re-payment of the loan. An example would be a car loan, which is generally secured by the vehicle itself. In an estate administration, secured creditors can elect to be re-paid the debt in the course of the administration or they can foreclose on the asset if the debt is not timely paid. Personal loans, like credit card debt and private student loans, are unsecured and receive the lowest payment priority in an estate administration.

Planning for Debts After Death

The last thing grieving family members want to receive are phone calls and letters from debt collectors. To learn how to minimize the impact of debts on an inheritance and provide a secure future for your beneficiaries, please consult with Jennifer Solak at 713-588-5744 or jennifer@solaklegal.com

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.

THE TOPICS. Snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

To: Candidates in 2024

From: Sleaze R Us

Subject: Project Overturn

You may not have heard of our company since we tend to work in the dark, but you’ve certainly witnessed our successes from Geor gia to Arizona, Wisconsin to Pennsylvania. Houston is one of our triumphs. Sleaze

R Us is a team of experts who turn losers into win ners with fake news, re counts, lawsuits and dirty tricks. We dig out the dirt on your opponent -- we call it “oppositional research,” which sounds nicer. We can go back to your opponent’s childhood and twist a minor incident into something humiliating. Did she get arrested for a hit-and-run when she was 17? How can she prove an event didn’t happen? You may ask: Why should you hire us so early, since the actual elections aren’t till next year? Because there are primaries, debates, fund raising and spots on TV’s talking heads. Also, because if you don’t hire us, your opponents may. which would probably guarantee your defeat.

Now as to your campaign. You must start by sowing seeds of doubt about the honesty of the election itself, and that’s easy because our trust in election results and our government in general has fallen to record lows. According to the respected Pew Research Center, only two-in-ten Americans say they trust the government in Washington to do what is right “just about always” or “most of the time.” In 1958, the trust figure was 75 percent. Since 2007, the number of Americans saying they can trust the government “always or most of the time” has not surpassed 30 percent. This lack of trustfulness is strictly along party lines. Today, 29 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say they trust their government “just about always or most of the time,” compared with 9 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaners. The percentages also follow racial lines. Asian (37 percent) trust the government “most of the time” or “just about always,” Hispanic (29 percent) and Black (24 percent) adults all express higher levels of trust in government than do white adults (16 percent). So don’t worry about minorities. They’ll believe anything.

Why do Republicans not trust their government?

Easy. Fox News, if, indeed, you can trust Fox News, which is having its own truthfulness problems, but we’ll get to that in a moment. Anyway, get busy even before the election by hinting that the voter count will be false. Stock up on tape showing workers toting boxes of “ballots” voting for you to the shredder. The fact that the tape was made of Amazon employ-

Lynn ashby Columnist

Trump is the “true president.” They blame his loss to Biden on illegal voting. Older, less educated and more conservative Trump supporters are among the most likely to still believe that Trump won.

complaining, “I was told to turn away anyone voting for you or I’d be arrested.” Do not let their makeup run or show their script cards. Charge that several thousand votes were cast by dead people. Do not mention that they voted for Truman. In your campaign, be careful of press conferences, which may have biased reporters asking embarrassing questions, such as: “How do you explain TV footage showing you taking a cash bribe from a Mafia boss?’ You stonewall and keep replying, “That’s fake news. I can explain later.” If that annoying reporter keeps asking the same question throughout the campaign, say, “That’s old news.”

There is a story that newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst was backing a particular candidate in a race and, on election night, had his printers set up two headlines. One read: “Jones Wins in a Landslide!” The other headline read: “Fraud at the Polls!” Fraud is the new buzzword for losers, and demands for recounts are the new fallback position. In the Arizona governor’s race, Republican Kari Lake demanded a recount after she lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs by more than 17,000 votes. Lake’s protests are going nowhere.

In Houston, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale spent lots of money backing Republican challenger Alexandra del Moral Mealer against Lina Hidalgo for county judge. Moral Mealer lost by almost 16,000 votes. Nevertheless, McIngvale joined others in filing a lawsuit against the Harris County Elections Administrator’s Office over the release of election records. There may be fraud at the polls!

If Americans don’t trust their government, sore losers certainly don’t trust elections. A Marist survey finds that only 60 percent of Americans say they trust the results of the 2020 presidential election. But get this: Among Trump voters, 40 percent say Trump “definitely” won and another 36 percent say he “probably” won the election. Only 7 percent of Trump voters concede that Joe Biden “definitely” won, while another 15 percent say he “probably” won. A Reuters poll found that 53 percent of Republicans believe

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The Railroad Commission of Texas has disposed of equipment and/or

Another plan: Trump told a Georgia election official: “All I want to do is this. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have.” Find however many lost ballots you need. Warning: Be careful accusing a company of rigging its voting equipment to change the outcome. Just ask Fox News if it has an extra $1.6 billion to pay Dominion Voting Systems for defamation. Portray yourself as the victim being persecuted by the Deep State, the press and anyone you can call “elite.” Millions of Americans feel they are being manipulated by the “elite.” You don’t have to be specific. Same for “comprehensive immigration reform.” That can mean anything the voter wants it to mean. If you are speaking to a conservative crowd, wear a MAGA cap but not a buffalo head with horns. Addressing a liberal audience? A sombrero. These recommendations should assure you of turning your humiliating defeat into a solid victory. So hire us at Sleaze R Us. Pay in advance.

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the leader Puzzlers. 42. 3rd or 4th Islamic month 43. Assistance 44. Manuscripts (abbr.) 45. In a way, soaks 46. Synovial knee syndrome 48. 2nd cervical vertebra 49. State of sudden fright 50. Snakelike fish 51. Each of 4 Hindu ages 52. Point midway between S and SE dOwn 1. Relating to New Guinea 2. Carry to excess 3. Alms solicitor 4. Title of respect 5. Spanish saffron dish 6. Betel palm genus 7. Petter ____, Nordic combined skier 9. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

11. Clan division 14. Referee declares 15. Rampart 18. “Big” actor’s initials 19. Noah’s boat 20. Diarist __ Frank 22. Luminous celestial ring 23. Famous motor club 24. 007’s creator 27. A timely blessing 28. UTHealth (abbr.) 29. Roman Helios 31. Check 32. Making of a worn-out vicious horse 33. Wife 34. An alternative 35. Spanish unit of length 36. Wild goats 37. Municipalities 38. Bother or harass 39. Excessively sentimental 40. Middle Eastern dish 44. Waterproof raincoat 47. Former OSS

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Acres Homes Park to host family fun day April 8

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Families looking for outings next weekend can make their way out to a local park in Acres Homes.

Sylvester Turner Park, 2800 W. Little York Rd., will host its 15th annual Family Fun Day at the park from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, April 8 according to the city.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature live entertainment

from groups such as J. Paul Jr. and the Zydeco Nubreeds, and there will also be other live entertainment as well as family activities, food and drink, and baseball games. Free parking and shuttle service will be available from Carver High School (2100 S. Victory Dr.) as well as Lone Star College’s North Houston Victory campus at 4141 Victory Dr. Parking (but no shuttle service) will also be available

at Living Word Fellowship Church, 7350 T.C. Jester Blvd.

For more information on the family fun day, visit .houstontx.gov/specialevents/family-day-in-thepark.html/. Those interested in volunteering can call 832-393-0863 or sign up online at houstontx.gov/ specialevents/family-dayin-the-park-volunteer.html.

Houston Junior Forum hosting annual fundraiser March 30-31

From Staff Reports

The Heights-based Houston Junior Forum will host its second annual City Market fundraiser March 30-31 at the Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Rd., according to the organization.

The City Market is twoday spring shopping experience that will feature more than 60 merchant booths including jewelry, fashions, accessories, home décor, gifts, gourmet foods, and more.

It serves as a fundraiser

Merit from P. 1

for HJF, a women’s nonprofit organization based at 1815 Rutland St. in the Heights and has spearheaded projects and services benefiting children, youth, women, and senior adults for nearly 80 years. HJF has operated a resale shop that helps to support HJF programs since 1969. Today the shop is open six days a week and features a mix of furniture and vintage items, including living room furniture, bedroom furniture, dining room furniture and gentlyused modern and classic

leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received according to the NMSP.

In addition to her academic exploits, Birkelbach is also a member of SPX’s swimming and diving team, and has been to the TAPPS Division I state meet in each of the last two seasons. TEST SCORE INFO TO GO HERE

“A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test,” the NMSP said in a news release.

In the coming months, Birkelbach will find out whether she will receive a scholarship from the foundation. Finalists will be competing for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis, according to the organization. About 950 corporate-sponsored

Helms from P. 1

of geologists and scientists.”

A design concept submitted back in 2017 said samples are big enough to provide students hands-on experience and heavy enough to remain stationary, thus eliminating any potential safety hazards that might come with students moving the samples.

Bodnar said the garden

Takeover from P. 1

peal to him based on where this board and district is right now, I think we should in fact take this appeal,” District IX trustee Myrna Guidry said. “… We should give one last appeal. It doesn’t hurt anything, it doesn’t harm anything.”

District I trustee Elizabeth Santos, whose district includes many schools in the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and Near Northside, echoed the sentiment.

“We have continually fought for our communities and our students, and I will not give up now,” she said.

Others, however, believe that the writing on the wall and that filing an appeal would be a waste of taxpayer dollars and resources. The efforts to enforce a 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.

furniture. The HJF Resale Shop also sells vintage items, home decor, collectibles, women’s jewelry, silverware, men’s clothing, women’s clothing and much more.

A preview party will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. on March 30

“City Market offers Houstonians a unique opportunity to support great causes while enjoying a fun outing shopping, enjoying delicious meals and sparkling cocktails, the organization said in a news release.

Merit Scholarship awards will be provided to students who meet specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located.

Additionally, the organization about 160 colleges and universities are expected to provide around 3,800 collegesponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend that school. But no matter what happens later, school administrators said that those within the school know how special Birkelbach is.

“Selection as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program is a significant achievement, and we are incredibly proud of Stephanie,” SPX principal Rachel Ware said Tuesday. “Her dedication and diligence towards academics is certainly notable. She brings that same energy and effort in her community involvement, and we are honored to support and celebrate her work.”

is a space where students can see and touch different geological specimens and learn about their properties and origins. There is also an exploration zone, she said, where students are encouraged to dig through pea gravel and find hidden fossils, unique rocks. It is the brainchild, Bodnar said, of former Helms Elementary par-

This past January, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the agency and threw out the injunction – clearing the way for the takeover that was announced a little more than two weeks ago. “I don’t agree with spending resources on a fight that will conclude (the same way),” said District VIII trustee Judith Cruz, whose district includes Sinclair Elementary.

Morath said in a letter addressed to the board of trustees earlier this month that the state-appointed Board of Managers and superintendent will be named later this year, and that they will keep the state apprised of the district’s status and performance.

“At this time, it is time to create smooth transition for the district’s students, staff, and families,” said Hernandez, the board president. “I hope the TEA has a clear and transparent process that is announced so the transition is communicated to the community and the district in order to support our students. A smooth transition is necessary.”

ents, Elena Coates and Bruce Wilcoxon that was first proposed in 2017. The roughly $20,000 project was funded by the Helms PTA as well as donations from

“(They) believed our students would benefit from having a space that would set our school apart from other HISD schools and support the full range of elementary

school Earth-Science Curricula within the district and the state of Texas,” Bodnar wrote. This is not the first time that Helms’ PTA has invested in attempting to create a unique outdoor learning space. In 2016, the organization funded and managed the revitalization of the Helms’ Wetlands, a quarter-acre space on campus featur-

ing ponds and vegetation dedicated to supporting the biology, ecology and life sciences curriculum at the school. And ultimately, Bodnar said the staff, students, and PTA are eager to show off their new unique space to the community, hoping that it brings students a new and exciting resource with which to learn.

“The faculty are also excited about the Geology Garden and its potential to enrich students’ experience, and provide unique opportunities to meet curriculum guidelines for students in grades kindergarten through fifth,” the 2017 submitted proposal said.

Photo by Landan Kuhlamm

Sylvester Turner Park, shown here, will host its annual Family Fun Day on April 8.

Contributed photo

Birkelbach, center, is one of 15,000 finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Art Valet: Houston’s oldest poetry open mic returns

Mitch cohen

Art Columnist

A 45 year tradition resumes April 8, when Houston’s oldest poetry reading series, The First Friday Reading Series, relaunches. The free event is held at InPrint House 1520 West Main St. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., guest reader at 8 p.m. and open mic begins at 8 p.m.

In keeping with founder Robert Clark’s vision, who hosted the event for 45 years (1975-2019), the event format remains the same. The evening starts with a featured reader each month followed by talented and passionate poets in an open mic format.

According to a press release, many of Houston’s working poets come to First Fridays to share a sampling of their best current works and listen attentively into the night. Standing room only was not unusual.

April’s re-inaugural reading features poet-activist

Marlon Lizama, author of My Spanglish Hip Hop Story. Lizama is the co-founder and Program Director of Iconoclast Artists, a creative writing program that serves underserved schools and detention centers focusing on incarcerated youth, while disrupting the school-toprison pipeline.

After being sidelined in 2020, and ending the 45 year First Friday tradition, over 20 poets and First Friday regulars got together and to carry on the First Friday tradition. A panel of four organizers were chosen out of the meetings to organize and invite featured guest poets and emcee the monthly meetings for the 2023-24 poetry season.

The panel of four hosts includes: Angelique Jamail, Kelly Anne Ellis, Yolanda Movsessian and Chris Wise, April’s event organizer.

“First Fridays has always bridged the gap between street poets and academic poets, between the beats and the elites.” Wise said. “The collection of word artists who come to First Fridays range from unpublished to

widely published and they use this monthly gathering to share their poems, learn of publishing opportunities, organize critique groups, and otherwise network to improve their dedication to the crafted word.”

First Fridays will continue to meet for the foreseeable future on the First Friday of each month, with an open commitment from InPrint

to host this monthly fun, yet distinguished, gathering of Houston’s most dedicated muse-chasers.

InPrint is Houston’s premier literary arts nonprofit organization. Learn more and find details about The First Friday Reading Series https://inprinthouston.org/ If you are confused by the first Friday reference when first Saturday is Satur-

day, April 1, have a look at your calendar and you’ll see the rare anomaly; first Friday does indeed follow first Saturday. I actually receive many phone calls inquiring when the next first Saturday is. I should be in the calendar business! Find myself and some of Houston’s finest artists at First Saturday Arts Market, this Saturday, April 1, no fooling, 540 W.

19 St. Details are online at 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.

Nibbles and Sips: Chi’Lantro BBQ opening next week

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant that had its roots in Houston before becoming a brickand-mortar chain will officially make its return early next week.

Next Monday, April 3, Chi”Lantro Korean BBQ will open the doors to its Heights location at 1324 N. Shepherd with a grand opening event. There will also be soft opening events this Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday from noon-3 p.m. according to the restaurant.

Upon opening, Chi’Lantro BBQ will serve a variety of dishes that combine elements of both Korean barbecue and Mexican cuisine, from kimchi fries to quesadillas, wraps, tacos, burritos and Korean fried chicken wings along with rice and noodle bowls.

The company was originally a food truck in Houston before becoming a brick-and-mortar chain in Austin, where it has nine locations. On Monday, they will open their first restaurant in the Houston area.

““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,”

founder Jae Kim said in a news release last month.

“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.”

For updates on Chi’Lantro BBQ, visit www.chilantrobbq.com or follow Chi’Lantro

on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ChilantroBBQ or Instagram at www.instagram.com/ chilantro.

New grocery store open in Central Northwest Houstonians and local residents have a new option for stocking up on groceries.

Earlier this month, Gordon Good Service Store opened at 5151 Antoine Dr. Suite 8B, near the intersection of Antoine Dr. and Pinemont Drive in the Central Northwest area.

According to its website, Gordon Food Service Store is first and foremost designed to serve restaurant and bar supplies as its primary audience. However, the store itself is also open to the public for all their needs according to the store.

Shoppers can find meat, produce, dairy, fresh-squeezed juice and more for home ordering, in-store pickup and more according to its website.

For more information on the local store, visit its website at gfsstore. com/locations/antoinedr/.

Photo courtesy Chi’Lantro BBQ

BBQ will be opening its brick and mortar restaurant at 1324 N. Shepherd Dr. on April 3 with soft openings scheduled for this weekend.

be

brick and mortar for the restaurant.

Contributed photo

Marlon Lizama will be the featured reader opening The First Friday Reading Series.