Facilities are extending 30 days of free storage to storm victims COMMUNITY REPORTS
U-Haul® announced stores across Texas are now available to provide 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage to residents impacted by Hurricane Beryl, now a tropical depression.
Beryl made landfall early Monday along the Texas Gulf Coast, leaving a trail of destruction and dumping heavy rains. Many cities experienced flood-
ing, power outages, and water and wind damage to homes, businesses and automobiles. Houston reported over 2 million residences and businesses without power. Parts of Louisiana sustained flooding. The clean-up process is expected to take time. Access to dry and secure self-storage rooms and portable storage containers is critical for communities as they recover from Beryl. The 30-day free offer applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is based on availability. The U-Box offer is for on-site storage at U-Haul facili-
ties where there is inventory. People in the Heights/Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area seeking more details about the U-Haul disaster relief program or needing to arrange storage should call the participating office with available spaces nearest them, or stop by a U-Haul-owned and -operated center in one of the areas listed below:
U-Haul Co. of Northwest Houston (281) 377-3379 9 store locations in Houston
U-Haul Co. of Northeast Houston
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
In an unexpected turn of events for many, Hurricane Beryl set its eye straight on Houston in the early morning hours of Monday, July 8, 2024. After making landfall near Matagorda as a category 1 hurricane and clobbering the city with more powerful winds than most had anticipated, Beryl left a wide swath of destruction in its path. Few had expected the storm to hit the city head-on or to bring such severe weather, but the aftermath has been nothing short of catastrophic. Many Heights residents had barely returned to business as usual after the devastating derecho that caused millions in property damage in May, with cleanup efforts still underway.
“It’s pervasive and heart-breaking, twice in less than 2 months,” said Heights resident and Leader news contributor Stephanie Shirley. “And, the scariest part is that hurricane season – reputed this year to be one of the worst in years because of the heat in
the Gulf – is only in its infancy.” Houston Mayor John Whitmire took a helicopter tour of the area the day after the storm to assess the widespread damage. The aerial view provided a sobering picture of the city’s condition, with countless homes and businesses damaged or
(346) 888-4128
5 store locations in Houston
U-Haul Co. of Southwest Houston (346) 888-4131 10 store locations in Houston, 1 in Stafford
U-Haul Co. of West Houston (281) 495-2303
8 store locations in Houston, 2 in Katy
To find a location near you, please visit uhaul.com/Storage.
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Save the date! The 19th Street Merchants Association proudly invites Houstonians to the annual White Linen Night celebration on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 6-10 p.m. This much-anticipated event transforms the historic Heights neighborhood into a sea of white linen, with residents and visitors donning their finest summer attire.
Established in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, White Linen Night aims to bring the vibrant traditions of New Orleans to Houston, fostering community spirit and supporting local businesses. Over the years, it has grown into one of the Heights’ most cherished annual events.
When asked how the event has changed over the years and the impact White Linen Night has had on local businesses in the community, Coryne Rich, Secretary of the 19th Street Merchants Association, tells the Leader, “White Linen Night has become a part of the fabric of the Heights’ community. We have seen it grow into a night that is celebrated all over the Heights, and 19th Street is proud to be the original host.”
The 19th Street Merchants Association has worked in the last few
Heights Association sweetens Monday with the annual Heights Great American Pie Contest
pie entries, competing in three categories: sweet, savory, and fancy.
6:00 P.M.: Judges take their first look at the pies. This year’s esteemed panel of culinary star judges includes: Levi Rollins of Salt & Sugar Nosheria & Bakery
• Allie Jarrett, Heights culinary legend Bobby Jucker of 3 Brothers Bakery
Bakers sign in with their
• Mario-Sebastian Berry of Team Houston Food Finder Mark Pirozzolo, hospitality event pro at A Finer Event Megan Triola of Triola's Kitchen restaurant There will be two additional, as-of-
yet unnamed judges.
6:30 P.M.: The public is invited to join for entertainment and refreshments, followed by pie tasting by the eight culinary star judges.
7:00 P.M.: Houston Heights Association’s Kayte Tipton will give a welcome address, followed by the announcement of door prizes, winning pies, and bakers. Guests will then get to taste the pies themselves, and an award ceremony will conclude the event.
WHERE: Heights Historic Fire Station, 107 W 12th St WHEN: NOW July 15, 6:40 p.m. INFO: houstonheights.org
For more details and updates, join the Facebook group "Friends Going to The Heights Great American Pie Contest."
• Kristal Kirksey of JUBILEE: Winning Bakers Culinary Gifts
C&D Hardware: Door Prizes
• Anna Marmuscak: Door Prizes Bill Baldwin of Boulevard
CONTEST P. 4
Photo by John Gusty Gustafson
Photo by Coyne Rich Legacy Man is a regular performer at White Linen Night in the Heights.
Photo by Steve Nolin
were closed due to damage or electricity outage, street lights are all out, dozens more downed 100-year old trees everywhere, debris everywhere, downed power lines, and poor Heights Boulevard once again looks like a war zone.”
Immediately after Beryl left town to the north/northeast, more than 2 million residents found themselves without power, plunging the city into darkness and creating a dire situation as sweltering heat returned to the area Tuesday. The loss of electricity has compounded the misery of the storm’s aftermath, making recovery efforts even more challenging and endangering vulnerable residents.
“We hope you and your family are safe,” said Houston City
Council Member Abbie Kamin in an update for District C residents. “We’re through the storm, and now the recovery begins. Hundreds of thousands are without power in the City of Houston while debris and flooding have impacted our District C neighborhoods and our roadways. While every part of our district has been hit, our office remains steadfast. We are here to help navigate the days ahead.” Emergency personnel have also been working tirelessly to provide aid to those most affected. One of the critical operations in the Heights/Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area late Monday included the evacuation of vulnerable seniors from the top floors at Orchard at Garden Oaks. The swift action by emergency teams ensured the safety of many who might otherwise have been at severe risk of heat illness, physical
isolation, and non-functioning medical equipment due to a lack of electricity.
As the city begins to grapple with the extent of the damage, efforts are underway to restore power and provide relief to those in need. The sweltering heat only adds to the urgency of these efforts, with many residents struggling to cope without air conditioning or refrigeration.
The road to recovery for Houston will be long and challenging, but the resilience and unbreakable spirit of its people are already shining through in these challenging times. With Centerpoint’s interactive outage map out of commission, people have reportedly resorted to using the Whataburger app to track power outages across the city. That’s what we call #HoustonStrong, Houston Resourceful!
Photo by John Gusty Gustafson
Photo by David Paneque
Photo by John Gusty Gustafson First responders rescue residents from the upper floors at the Orchard at Garden Oaks.
Photo by Maureen Demar Hall
Photo by Gabriela Gerhart
Photo by Maureen Demar Hall
Photo by Elias Lopez
Photo by David Hille
Photo by Stephanie Shirley
The dark line about 10 feet above the bayou marks the water level during Beryl.
Photo by Anhorn Rich N Amanda Beryl turned
White Oak Bayou into
Welcome, Newcomers, and there are a lot of you. Texas had the nation’s biggest jump last year in overall popula tion, adding 473,000 people. That’s as though every man, woman and child in Boston or Phoenix had moved here, and sometimes I think they have. (Do you ever feel the Border Patrol is watching the wrong river?) Between July 2022 and July 2023, the Houston metro area gained nearly 140,000 people. That’s one new resident every four minutes or so. They come in all sorts of shades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Lone Star State led all other states in new Asian (92,000) and Black (91,000) residents in 2023. Texas also had the nation’s biggest Hispanic gain, an increase of 242,000 residents, with 30 percent of the increase in metro Houston – the most in Texas. Will we soon have Mex-Tex restaurants? “We are adding more people, and that would include all different kinds of people, and more diversity,” said the associate director and senior demographer of the Texas Demographic Center, Xiuhong “Helen” You. I rest my case.
THE TOPICS.
GTT by the thousands
Restaurants” lists Moroccan, Persian, Ethiopian (vegetarian), Turkish, South African and some others. “Let’s do Chinese,” you say. Be specific. You want north Chinese? East? West? Should your waiter speak Mandarin or Cantonese? Unfortunately the Kiev Café was invaded by its next door restaurant, Moscow-on-the-Bayou. Awhile back I was eating at a Pakistani cafe feasting on goat’s tongue. It was dinner time but the place was almost empty. Then all of a sudden hordes of people came in, sat down and started ordering and eating (I suspect goat’s tongue was a special) as though they hadn’t had a bite all day. They
hadn’t. They were Muslims; it was Ramadan. I like that.
While the Houston area is one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation, much of that is not in the city itself but in the suburban areas. God may be an Englishman, but when He retires He’ll move to Fort Bend. I used to eat at Dozier’s, a great BBQ place west of Houston in Fulshear. To get there I would drive down Westpark Road past acres of fields and farms. It is now Westpark Tollway and those fields are growing houses, thousands and thousands of houses. And Dozier’s is closed. It will probably be replaced by the Mongolian Yurt Hut.
For all you newcomers who have GTT, again welcome, and to blend in with the locals, here are a few tips. If you drive on our freeways, don’t. But you may have to. Using your turn indicator lights is a sure sign you just got here. No native uses them. Do not honk or gesticulate at drivers who bump, cut you off or sideswipe you, especially at pickup trucks with gun racks. Those hood ornaments on a Mercedes are actually crosshairs. In Texas, “gun control”
means holding it with both hands. At any sports event, you will see as many Cardinal or Yankee or Bulls, LSU Tigers or OU Sooners supporters as you will see Astros or Cougar paraphernalia. Feel free to cheer for your former team, but wear a poncho for protection against the hot beer being poured down your back. This brings us to your local school’s gridiron. Houston sports columnist Mickey Herskowitz wrote: “There must really be something to religion. People keep comparing it to Texas high school football.”
More advice: Never squat while wearing spurs. The official state song is not “The Eyes of Texas,” but no one knows what it is. Distances are not measured in miles but in hours. You can adopt a highway but you can’t list it as a dependent on your tax form. Big Bend is not a clock in London. Dermatologists say humidity is good for our skin, so the area has nine large humidifiers going 24/7 to keep our skin healthy. In Texas, an intellectual is someone who can listen to “The William Tell Overture” without thinking of the Lone Ranger. Our children say “sir” and “m’am” to their elders
– those with an AARP card. Adults say “excuse me,” “thank you” and “please” which are not a sign of subservience but of respect – particularly when being mugged, car-jacked or given a roadside sobriety test. You like to say “fugetaboutit?” Fugetaboutit. We are a friendly folk. Comedian Jeff Foxworthy observed, “If someone in a Lowe’s store offers you assistance and they don’t work there, you may live in Texas.” Indeed, our state motto is “Friendship,” officially adopted by our state legislature in 1930. It is not “Remember the Alamo,” “Don’t Mess With Texas” or “Shoot Friendly.” Some people like to compare Houston with Dallas. Houston is friendlier. We had two LGBTQ+ parades. This season 29 of the 30 Major League Baseball teams hosted Pride Nights. One team didn’t: The Texas Rangers. By the way, if you have been wondering what GTT means, it is what others in less desirable places would write on their cabin doors before departing. GTT was shorthand for: “Gone To Texas.” Those who could read followed. The others are still there. About our politics. Texas is a one-party
state. We have people of a voting age who have never seen a Democrat elected to a state-wide office. The Dems are MIA and the Republicans are MAGA. Of either party, their leaders are not what you would call upstanding lawmakers. You cannot buy a Texas politician, but you can rent one for the afternoon. Our top three state leaders are Larry, Moe and Curly. One legislature hurriedly passed a resolution citing Albert de Salvo for “pioneering efforts in population control.” Only later did our lawmakers learn that Albert de Salvo was the Boston Strangler. Well, gotta go. I’m having dinner tonight in Fulshear at the Mongolian Yurt Hut. The special is yak tongue. Ashby migrates at ashby2@ comcast.net
Editor’s note: This column and its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of The Leader News, its staff, or its publisher. The Leader News welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Greater Heights residents. Publication is at
years to bring the focus of the event back to its original intention, which was to bring attention and business to small businesses and artists at a time of year during which they are historically slow.
For the first time this year, White Linen Night will require ticketed entry with proceeds directly benefiting the 19th Street Merchants Association. The introduction of ticketed entry marks a significant step in ensuring the event’s sustainability and enhancing safety measures for attendees.
“Introducing ticketed entry for White Linen Night is a major step that will greatly improve the experience for all attendees,” said Rich. “As a non-profit, the expense to host this annual neighborhood event has increased dramatically over the years, making this a necessary step in preserving White Linen Night for the community as a whole. These proceeds ensure we can make White Linen Night as safe and en-
joyable as possible while also funding other neighborhood enrichment efforts throughout the year.”
Attendees can expect to experience the signature sights and sounds that have made White Linen Night a beloved tradition. The entire stretch of 19th Street between Yale and Ashland will be closed to vehicular traffic, allowing guests to explore freely. Rich elaborates on the expected experience by saying, “This year, attendees can look forward to a curated artisan market from Feel Good Group, a performance by Legacy Man, live music, local shopping, and a variety of food trucks. These features contribute to the overall ambiance by creating a lively, festive atmosphere that celebrates the community’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Thanks to our sponsors Topo Chico, Alto, K9 Pet Resorts, Houston Hair Salon, and Toner Home Performance, we can offer an unforgettable experience that underscores the event’s im-
portance to the Heights.”
Early bird tickets are priced at $10 and will be available on the event website until July 31. Kids under 12 attend for free, and dogs and coolers are allowed but subject to inspection (no glass allowed).
The 19th Street Merchants Association, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting and preserving Houston’s historic shopping and entertainment districts. Through events like White Linen Night, the association champions local businesses and strengthens community ties.
Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of community and culture. Purchase your tickets early and join the community for an evening to remember. For more information on White Linen Night or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.wlnon19th.com or contact info@19thstreetheights. com. Stay connected on social media with @shopheights19th.
Info: eventbrite.com
HUEMN X MADABOLIC COMMUNITY WORKOUT & ICE BATH AT M-K-T
Who: Adults
When: Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m.-noon Where: 600 N. Shepherd What: 1-hour conditioning workout followed by ice bath plunge activity
When: Saturday, July 13, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Where: 1900 W. 34th St.
What: Volunteer to glam up and jazz up the Waltrip High Schol campus – refreshments provided Cost: Free Info: waltriphspto.org/ event/2nd-annual-waltripcampus-cleanup
CELEBRATING PABLO NERUDA – LOVE POEMS AT EQ HEIGHTS
From headaches to muscle cramps to insect stings, we’re no strangers to the various causes of sudden, yet temporary, pain. But what about when pain is an ongoing sensation that won’t go away or comes and goes without warning? Could it be an issue with your nervous system?
“When damage occurs to peripheral nerves — nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord — it’s called peripheral neuropathy,” explains Dr. Jun Li, professor and chair of neurology at Houston Methodist, who specializes in peripheral nerve diseases. “People don’t realize how prevalent this is. About 3%-5% of adults over the age of 50 have peripheral neuropathy, which is at a rate comparable to stroke.”
Why aren’t people as familiar with neuropathy as they are with other health problems?
The vagueness of its earliest signs might be to blame. The gradual nature with which symptoms develop and progress likely doesn’t help either. And by the time neuropathy starts to affect functions, like balance and mobility, people
often chalk their problems up to getting older.
“This is a progressive condition that, if left untreated, can eventually cause permanent nerve damage, leading to loss of function in the body,” warns Dr. Li. “Early intervention can help produce better outcomes, so it’s important to recognize the signs of neuropathy and take action.”
WHAT CAUSES NEUROPATHY?
Nerves are like tiny wires that carry messages between your brain and the rest of your body — helping you feel sensations like touch, temperature and pain. They also control your muscles and help you move.
The damage that occurs with neuropathy can affect how nerves work, leading to various symptoms in different areas of the body.
“There are many potential causes of nerve damage,” says Dr. Li. “As such, there are also many different types of neuropathy.”
Peripheral neuropathy causes include:
• Diabetes – damage to nerves throughout the body is perhaps one of the lesserknown consequences of prolonged high blood sugar
• Chemotherapy – nerve damage is a side effect of this cancer treatment
• Vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin B deficiency – cer-
tain vitamins, such as vitamin B12, are crucial for healthy nerves
• Autoimmune conditions –when the body mistakenly attacks its own nerves
• Inherited nerve disease, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease – nerve damage resulting from a hereditary genetic
condition
Diabetes accounts for around half of all cases of peripheral neuropathy, making diabetic neuropathy the most common type. The increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes each day is why the prevalence of neuropathy has also been on the rise in recent years.
SYMPTOMS OF NEUROPATHY: THE SIGNS NOT TO IGNORE
Neuropathy symptoms can fluctuate over time, coming and going or getting more or less severe over time. If the condition is allowed to progress, the more obvious motor and sensory symptoms of neuropathy begin to develop.
Early symptoms manifest in the extremities and include:
• Numbness and tingling in limbs
• Sharp or shooting pain in feet
• Sensitivity to light touch and pressure in feet and legs
• Muscle weakness in ankles
Nerve pain, also called neuropathic pain, can become
more severe, too — sometimes even debilitating. In fact, many people with diabetic neuropathy report pain as one of the most disabling symptoms.
CAN NEUROPATHY BE REVERSED?
Because the disorder progresses over time, Dr. Li stresses the importance of identifying the signs of neuropathy early and prompt evaluation by a neurologist.
“The goal is to identify the underlying cause so we can control it,” says Dr. Li. “This involves asking questions about your symptoms and conducting a physical exam, but the most essential tool we use is electromyography, or EMG. This helps us assess how peripheral nerves are functioning.”
Early intervention can help prevent serious consequences of permanent nerve damage, so it’s very important to seek evaluation if you notice the signs of neuropathy,” adds Dr. Li. Talk to your doctor or visit houstonmethodist.org/ neurology to learn more.
Heights Kids Market: Fostering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
By LISA MORALES
The Leader News Contributor
The Heights Kids Market is set to become a launch pad of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit for young people in Houston. The Market will be held on July 20 at 1802 Yale St, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Organized by Ellyse Espinoza, owner of State Line Designs, and Chaka Howard, owner of Indigo Event Marketing, this innovative event aims to teach children aged 6-16 about entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership through experiential learning. Both Espinoza and Howard are passionate entrepreneurs who began their business journeys at a young age. They are committed to providing kids with the same opportunities to learn and grow. Espinoza shares, “We are both entrepreneurs in the community and have very artistic kids. Howard’s son helps her run her marketing agency, and her daughter is an amazing dancer and yoga instructor. We both really
wanted to create something different for the community. We want to highlight young entrepreneurs and help them learn to sell their items, network with like-minded peers, and gain confidence in their abilities. We hope this event will inspire kids to do what they love and believe in their craft.”
The Heights Kids Market offers a unique platform for young vendors to run their own booths, selling products they have created. This hands-on approach teaches valuable business skills, from setting up a booth to interacting with customers and handling transactions. Additionally, the event features a custom shirt-making experience, face painting, an arts backdrop sponsored by Arts By Aaron, and opportunities for kids to open their first bank accounts with Chase Bank.
Parents and kids alike appreciate the unique opportunity this market provides. Returning youth entrepreneurs continue to develop their skills and grow their small businesses, contributing to a vibrant com-
munity of young leaders. Espinoza’s son, Arian, is a prime example. “After the pandemic, Arian started his own business selling tshirts and later transitioned to creating art,” Espinoza shares. “The confidence he has gained from selling his art is incredible. His personality really shines when he talks about his work.”
When asked what inspired the creation of the Heights Kids Market, Espinoza and Howard highlighted their personal experiences and the desire to foster a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs. “We want the city to see these young kids and support them,” Howard says. “Our goal is not only to help market these young entrepreneurs but also to help educate them on financial responsibility.”
Several young participants shared their reasons for joining the Heights Kids Market:
• @teammav13: “To network with other kid vendors and showcase the brand to help raise autism awareness and acceptance
and promote inclusion.”
• @dreascrocheting: “I’ve been running my business since December, and it’s so fun to watch people enjoy buying my stuff and interacting with people.”
• @arianlukas: “I love selling my paintings, and I like talking to people about what I make.”
• @brightbybrighton: “I would like to share my creative jewelry designs with new people in Houston.”
Call for Participants and Sponsors
The Heights Kids Market is still accepting young vendors and sponsors. There are five spaces available for young entrepreneurs who wish to participate. Interested applicants can email houstonkidmarket@gmail.com to apply. Business sponsorships are also welcome, with more information available through the same email address.
The Heights Kids Market promises to be an enriching experience for all involved, fostering a new generation of confident, innovative young entrepreneurs in Houston.
Pet Puzzle
Preventing and recognizing heat stroke in pets
Summer is here and we’re all counting days till November and trying to dash from one air-conditioned space to another.
And if it’s tough for humans, it’s even tougher for animals. Unlike humans, who can sweat to cool down, dogs and cats have limited ways to regulate their body temperature, making them susceptible to overheating and heat stroke—a serious, potentially fatal condition. Fortunately, you can protect your pets by following these simple guidelines:
• Keep pets cool. Ensure they stay indoors or have access to cool, shaded areas.
• Make sure your pets always have access to fresh water. Carry a portable water bowl and bring water with you whenever you go for a walk, no matter how short.
• Exercise your dog early in the morning or late in the evening, when it’s not as hot.
• Ask your dogwalker to spend time with your dog playing indoors, instead of going for a walk in the middle of the day.
• Remember that concrete and asphalt gets very hot and your dog’s paws can burn. If you’re taking your dog out during the day for
Joanna WachoWiakFinlaison Pet Behavior Columnist info@highfiveanimaltraining.com
a quick potty break, chose a path through the grass or a shaded area.
• Never leave your pets in a car, even if you parked in the shade or are going to be gone for just a short time.
• Pay special attention to dogs and cats with short faces (like pugs and boxers or Persian cats); pets that are senior, sick
or pregnant. They are at an increased risk of heatstroke.
• Make sure your doggie day care, board and train or other facility that you leave your dog in follows appropriate hot weather protocol. Watch for signs of heatstroke in dogs and cats: Rapid breathing or panting
Bright red tongue
• Red or pale gums Thick, sticky saliva
• Weakness or lethargy
• Dizziness or stumbling Vomiting
• Diarrhea Coma
I spoke to Dr Kristy Kyle DVM from Bayou City
Veterinary Hospital. If you suspect your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, she recommends the following: Move your pet to a shaded/ cool environment.
• Cool your animal by hosing it down with tap temperature water, wrapping it with wet towels and/or placing it near a fan.
• Take your pet to the nearest veterinary office or emergency clinic, especially if they cannot stand up and walk on their own.
• Never use very cold water or ice for cooling and take care not to over-cool your pet’s body.
• Never force water down your pet’s mouth. Never leave your pet unattended.
I hope you and your pets stay safe and cool. This summer, too, shall pass and we will all be able to enjoy the outdoors again!
Joanna Wachowiak-Finlaison is the owner of High Five Animal Training and a certified dog and cat trainer as well as a behavior consultant based in the Heights. Please submit your pet behavior questions via email to info@ highfiveanimaltraining.com.
Stock photo
Due to their smaller size, pets are especially susceptible to heat stroke.
Submitted photo
Kids hone their creativity, business skills, and entrepreneurial spirit at Heights Kids Market.
