In response to the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Beryl, the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, a joint initiative by the Greater Houston Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Houston, has established the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund. This fund aims to assist households severely impacted by the hurricane that struck Greater Houston on
July 8, 2024. Early contributions to the fund include $1 million each from the Sarofim Foundation, H-E-B, and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, with additional support from Shell and Wells Fargo. Following the storm, the fund’s leaders gathered data to assess the regional needs, including:
• Texas Department of Emergency Management iSTAT Damage Survey: Collected 15,228 surveys with 2,540 homes reported
as destroyed or severely damaged.
• 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE:
Received 10,856 calls from the fourcounty region between July 9-14, highlighting needs for shelters, cooling centers, electric service repairs, mass feeding services, and more.
• Connective Needs Assessment Survey: Recorded 2,536 reports of disaster-related needs, including 193 damaged homes and primary
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Electricity provider CenterPoint has emerged as the villain an entire city seemingly loves to hate in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which took out the power of 2.7 million in the Houston area at its peak on July 8, 2.2 of which were CenterPoint customers. As of Monday morning, July 15, a full week after the storm, more than 176,000 CenterPoint customers were still without power. Beryl’s death toll in the Houston area has climbed to 13 as of Monday, with at least three of them heat-related. The utility provider has projected power restoration as late as July 19 for some. That’s 12 days of potentially life-threatening heat. With tempers growing as boiling hot as the temperature inside many homes, reports have trickled in of
in Beryl’s aftermath in a show of mutual assistance.
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor
remnant of their family’s heritage into a rewarding small business opportunity with their unwavering dedication and vision.
Lemon Drop HTX is conveniently located just north of 610 at 3319 Airline Drive. Even though the property has been in the family for over a quarter of a century, it had fallen into a state
of disrepair and deterioration started around the time of the pandemic in 2020. The property had been leased out, but was unmonitored. As a result, it fell into a profound state of disrepair and suffered significant maltreatment and neglect by its tenants.
Determined not to let this be the final chapter of the property’s long Independence Heights history, Davar Ghiyassi and his wife Jessie singlehandedly began systematically clearing and cleaning, all the while with a dream of finding a renewed life for the property. The property was originally owned in partnership by Davar’s uncle and father, who had emigrated from
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
The Heights neighborhood recently welcomed a sizzling new restaurant addition with the grand opening of Big Chicken at 107 Yale Street. Founded in 2018 and backed by an impressive team of partners — including JRS Hospitality, Authentic Brands Group, and Hall of Fame basketball star Shaquille O’Neal — Big Chicken promises a dining experience that fuses O’Neal’s home-cooked childhood favorites with today’s trending flavors.
The grand opening celebration on Sunday, July 14, offered free chicken for a year to the first 34 customers, honoring O’Neal’s iconic jersey number, by way of a $10 weekly credit to a Big Chicken gift card. DJ MC Fade kept spirits high and the crowd entertained with lively music.
Big Chicken has transformed the former Corner Bakery space featuring an NBA Jams arcade game and foosball table, alongside a full bar, making it a perfect spot for both families and friends to gather and enjoy.
The menu at Big Chicken is a testament to O’Neal’s larger-than-life personality and culinary preferences. It includes crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders, Cheez-It crusted mac n’ cheese, and hand-crafted ice cream shakes.
Iran. Convinced they could do something beneficial for the community, they explored different options, based on the space and location. They looked at different business models trying to find an avenue that would let them create something new and unique for the neighborhood. Ultimately, that’s their end-game. Though they have been constantly challenged by the onslaught of obstacles that most new business ventures encounter, their business plan remains flexible and fluid, enabling them to continue to grow and evolve. Davar and Jessie actually met on a
Photo by Stephanie Shirley Davar and Jessie Ghiyassi in the charming outside seating and entertainment area of their market venue.
THE PEOPLE.
Houston Food Bank issues urgent call for volunteers
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Volunteers are essential to Houston Food Bank’s operations and are needed now more than ever to help with Hurricane Beryl relief efforts. Volunteers are needed to pack 10,000 disaster boxes per day! Houston Food Bank is a resource for individuals and families in times of hardship and is called upon in times of disaster. Houston Food Bank is currently supporting Hurricane Beryl relief efforts across the Greater Houston area as well as supporting “regular” distributions to its partner agencies in 18 southeast Texas coun-
yet another prolonged power outage while cleanup was still underway following the destructive derecho winds in May.
“CenterPoint’s response to this tragedy has been a comedy of errors at best or mismanagement at worst,” said Oak Forest resident Steve Loizou, whose power restoration is predicted for July 19. “At this point it is not about what they did or did not do in preparation – which I believe was ill-planned and, worse, poorly executed – but more about their lack of transparency and communications. All of which have forced residents to be ‘resilient’ and basically ‘plan for several days outages’ on their own.”
Loizou said his family was forced to leave their home to move in with a friend whose home does have power a mile away, and he must now consider investing thousands of dollars to purchase a generator. He echoes the sentiments of hundreds of thousands of residents and business owners who have taken to social media to air their frustration.
“At this point, we just sit and wait, staying away from our lovely suburban home in an urban setting, waiting for CenterPoint to explain why a neighborhood like ours can’t get power 8 days in – and 12 days per their finally communicating with me,” Loizou said. “Understanding why they cannot communicate. I hold all of our local officials partially responsible as well for not addressing these issues before – and definitely not following the May derecho. I don’t believe we didn’t know that Beryl [was] coming toward Houston because we did – and we should have been better prepared for the aftermath.”
Loizou said he questions CenterPoint’s prioritization process and found the initial tracker map misleading and poorly constructed, often showing power restored when homes remained without electricity. He is also critical of the allocation of the 12,000 crews in the field, saying he has seen no workers in his Oak Forest neighborhood despite significant outages. He also said that CenterPoint’s focus on PR over direct communication with customers created mistrust and inefficiency.
Aside from repeatedly reassuring customers that crews are working around the clock to get power restored, answers from CenterPoint have been slow in coming. In the latest statement online prior to press time, dated July 15, the company attributed some of the remaining outages to damaged customer-owned equipment that may impede the lights from coming back on, but expressed satisfaction with the progress of power restoration overall.
“We are grateful to our crews who have restored power to our customers at a stronger pace than we have been able to in any hurricane in our history, despite the difficult conditions,” reads a quote by Lynnae Wilson, Senior Vice President, Electric Business, that is included in the statement. “We continue to work around-the-clock to get our remaining customers back online.”
With mounting pressure from the public, local officials are increasingly calling for an investigation into the utility company’s handling of the widespread power outages.
Congresswoman Sheila
ties, therefore additional helping hands to sort and pack product are needed! Individuals – including kids –as well as groups are welcome to volunteer, and registration for a shift(s) can be completed online: 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 6-9 p.m., Monday to Friday; and 9 a.m.noon Sundays.
To see and register for available timeslots, visit: www.houstonfoodbank.org/volunteernow Activities include sorting and packing non-perishable foods and cleaning supplies; repacking dry food into family-sized bags; and packaging hot meals in our commercial
kitchen. Houston Food Bank would like to that those who have already volunteered to help with hurricane recovery –Houstonians have given almost 8,100 volunteer hours as of July 15.
WHERE: Houston Food Bank, 535 Portwall St. (77029)
For the latest on Houston Food Bank’s weather recovery efforts, visit www.houstonfoodbank.org/severe-weather-updates/
For more information on Houston Food Bank, to get assistance or to make a donation, please visit www. HoustonFoodBank.org.
Jackson Lee wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, dated July 12, asking for an investigation of CenterPoint Energy by the U.S. Department of Justice. In the letter, she outlined inconsistencies with the outage tracker, alleged delays and misinformation by CenterPoint, and stressed that the power outages have created “lethal conditions” for residents.
“The dangers of these concerns cannot be understated […],” she wrote. “With fears of additional unavoidable deaths and destruction impending, it is imperative that your agency act to immediately investigate CenterPoint’s conduct as it pertains to its inability to appropriately and effectively provide life-saving utility services its customers rely upon.”
On July 16, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a stern directive to CenterPoint Energy, requiring compliance and detailed information by July 31, 2024, regarding their preparedness and response to severe weather events.
Identify how CenterPoint Energy will complete the elimination of all vegetation issues by August 31, 2024.
• Specify all actions CenterPoint Energy will take in the future that it failed to do during the preparation for and response to Hurricane Beryl that will reduce or eliminate power outages for your customers.
• Ensure that CenterPoint Energy has a sufficient number of pre-staged workers to be able to immediately respond to any power outages that may occur for any tropical storm or hurricane that hits your service area.
• Describe how CenterPoint Energy will retain or quickly restore power for at-risk Texans in hospitals, nursing homes, and senior living facilities.
Describe how CenterPoint Energy’s pole replacement process for Hurricane Beryl will be accelerated and will prioritize the deployment of new, highly resilient poles before the end of this hurricane season.
Specify CenterPoint Energy’s plan to improve communication with its customers before, during and after a weather event. Additionally, how CenterPoint Energy will ensure the failure of its outage tracker during Hurricane Beryl will be reconciled.
If CenterPoint fails to comply, Abbott threatened to issue an executive order to impose requirements ensuring power reliability during hurricane season and to oppose any rate increases or profit requests
by CenterPoint to the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Additionally, Abbott wrote in his letter to CenterPoint CEO Jason Wells, the state may reconsider CenterPoint’s territorial responsibilities. Abbott emphasized the need for reliable energy services and instructed the PUC to investigate the causes of ongoing power failures in the Greater Houston area, highlighting concerns that CenterPoint may prioritize profits over Texans’ needs.
NECESSITY: THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
As is often the case in emergencies, Houstonians not only prove to be resilient, but also creative. For example, one clever soul summed up the residents’ frustrations with a single newly-coined word: CenterPointle$$. Or take the idea of using the Whataburger app to determine what areas of town were with or without power based on the open/ closed status of the app’s map depicting Houston area Whataburger locations. The technique quickly caught on and went viral locally. Some found it funny or ingenious, but for others it became a strategic tool as they worked to find hotel rooms with power, gas stations, or open grocery stores. Others still simply find it sad or outrageous that Houstonians would have to resort to such measures.
Fabrice Buron, who works for a data visualization company, took a different approach when he used his tech knowhow to design a self-reporting map to stay connected with family members and friends to inform each other of their respective power status.
“We lost power after 4 a.m., and I was struggling to find any map from CenterPoint. My wife shared that the previous map had been taken down a few months ago by CenterPoint and I could not find anything, anywhere,” Buron explained. “I was wondering what was the extent of the outage, if my neighbors also had the same issue, if this was isolated or widespread…I couldn’t believe that I couldn’t find any information. I thought that if only my friends and family and neighbors could share their situation, it would be helpful to see the impact and set our expectations. As we progressed through the outage day after day, I was like, let’s try to use a simple way for my friends and neighbors to share their status on exact addresses.”
Buron’s map, which allows users to self-input their status
on a website before displaying it on a Google map, was soon shared all over social media.
“The website got visited by over 20,000 people, the Google map by over 30,000 people,” Buron said. “Close to 3,000 people gave their status in the first 48 hours. I got a lot of positive comments and it seems by the response just promoting it to my friends that many people found it useful.”
In the last two days, fewer people have submitted their status, and Buron sees that as a positive sign that power restoration is progressing. So what’s next for his self-reporting power map?
“I have been thinking and talking to people around me about improving the map and making it better for future events,” Buron said. “Because, we live in Houston and this will likely happen again, unfortunately.”
Buron said the map refreshes every two hours. Check it out at https://digital-client.com.
BUSINESS AS USUAL? NO WAY!
Small local businesses that were already reeling from the loss of revenue thanks to the May derecho are now being plunged into an even deeper crisis.
Daytripper Vintage Houston on Yale St in the Heights started a GoFundMe account and reached out for support on social media.
“These last 6 weeks @daytrippervintagehouston has been hell,” the post said. “First we got flooded, then a tornado that left us without power for 7 days, and now Hurricane Beryl that again flooded us despite the barriers and that has left us without power again […].”
The poster goes on to say that the situation threatens the survival of the business.
“This city is strong and I am always warmed by the way we pull together. With that being
said, a small business cannot survive under these circumstances. We’ve only been in our location since the middle of December,” I will be posting sales, doing a giveaway and I am asking, in which I have never in my years done before, to consider making a small donation to keep us alive and striving. We still have rent, utilities and the staff’s livelihood to be responsible for. Anything helps.”
Anyone interested in making a contribution can do so at https://gofund.me/8d17f3b7.
To help our local small businesses, if you can, please consider patronizing their shops and restaurants so they can restock their shelves and refrigerators, retain their staff, and continue giving the community the personalized service and special experiences we all love.
COME ON, INNER PEACE!
While it’s of utmost importance that people take good care of their physical needs during and following a natural disaster, once the power is back on and the refrigerator is refilled, the fence is rebuilt and the roof is repaired, your state of mind may still be suffering. According to the American Psychological Association, mental health issues stemming from catastrophic events can emerge long after the initial crisis and can persist for years. Survivors of major disasters are at a heightened risk for anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“There are immediate stresses during major storms and floods and then a spectrum of post traumatic stresses that may follow,” said retired psychiatrist and Lazybrook resident Dr. Peter A. Olsson. “Loss of electrical power in Houston summer is uniquely dangerous, draining, discouraging, and frustrating. As individuals we have strengths to call on such as verbalizing our fears, frustrations, and anger. It helps to try to find humor, and especially exercising.”
Hurricane Beryl was (and still is) a potentially traumatic event that can involve feelings of fear, helplessness, and injury or threat for some.
During the storm, the “fight or flight” response was activated, the APA explains, as people prepared and braced for impact. Now, in the aftermath, there is a sense of exhaustion as many continue to endure the ongoing lack of power and the myriad of challenges this causes.
For many, the memory of Beryl will fade over time, and hopefully a good crying spell or two will be all that is needed to move forward.
“We are social and spiritual creatures that benefit from volunteerism, worship communities, and reaching out to neighbors, friends, and family for encouragement and support,” Olsson said. “There is value in learning from the recent storm and applying such in preparation for future storms.”
The APA recommends trying the following to help regain a sense of mental and emotional equilibrium:
1. Recognize this is a tough time. Take it one step at a time and prioritize safety.
2. It’s normal to feel shortness of breath, have trouble concentrating, or be forgetful. These are normal reactions to an abnormal situation.
3. Allow yourself to grieve your losses and acknowledge the range of emotions you may feel.
4. Seek support from those who care about you, but remember that they might also be affected by the hurricane.
5. If you have trouble sleeping, try relaxation techniques and avoid alcohol and drugs, as they can worsen depression and hinder resilience. Finally, consider getting help from a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist to help you process the trauma you endured.
LET THERE BE LIGHT!
Amidst all the uncertainty, discomfort, and worry, a lot of people lean on their faith. All Saints Parish on 10th at Harvard lost power early Monday, but the destruction and lack of electricity didn’t keep people away. In fact, it may have kept them coming.
“The resilience of the people is inspiring,” said Fr. Elias Lopez. “So many in our community are still recovering from the May storm and are now dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Their faith is inspiring to witness.”
Then, during Sunday Mass, after nearly a full week without power, it happened – during the preparation of the gifts, the lights started to flicker and alarm sirens began blaring. Silence from the parishioners for a shocked second, then uproarious applause.
“As the pastor of All Saints Parish, I was worried and concerned for my community. To see so many people attend the four Masses we have on the weekends was moving, especially knowing the church was without power,” Lopez said. “They still came to pray and thank God for their many blessings. And to pray for one another, especially those still without power. Thank you to the linemen and tree removal workers for their hard work during the recovery.”
BERYL, from P. 1
Photo by Stephanie Shirley As trees are removed from roads and powerlines, utilities and residents will regain better access to homes.
Photo courtesy of Houston Food Bank
A volunteer is ready to distribute a Houston Food Bank disaster box at a distribution event at Acres Home Multi-Service Center post Hurricane Beryl.
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THE TOPICS.
When a storm came beryl-ing through
THE KITCHEN – Out goes the soggy lettuce leaves, same for the limp carrots. I’ve had no power since Hurricane Beryl hit – literally – the re gion. The lack of electricity meant my fridge and freezer stopped fridging and freez ing. So here I am tossing food which is probably about time. Last Thanksgiving’s turkey wings have seen better days. Odd, what’s that smell? It’s the garbage disposal, which holds my hotdog leftovers from July Fourth. I hadn’t been able to turn on the disposal for sev eral days. I need to check with Whataburger.
You may be having the same clean-up experiences brought about by that unwelcomed visitor, Beryl. No garbage pickup. My doorbell is dead. No mail and I was expecting Publishers Clearing House to send me that practically-promised check for $2 million. I have to re-set all the digital clocks. Then there are the serious setbacks: no air conditioning. No lights at night. My landline phone doesn’t work, nor does my TV, iPad or computer.
The entire Houston area was hit. Roughly 90 percent of Matagorda County was left in the dark, with similar outages across Brazoria Fort Bend and Wharton counties. Some 2.2
needs for food, utilities, and financial assistance.
President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration on July 9, 2024, making federal assistance available to support local recovery efforts. The Disaster Alliance will use the funds to provide grants to nonprofit partners, who will offer emergency financial assistance, home repairs, and resource navigation services to low-to-moderate income families in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Waller counties.
“Many in our community were still recovering from May’s severe weather when Hurricane Beryl struck, creating an even larger setback,”
had to spend nights in shelters. Mattress Mac again opened his stores to shelter our poor, our tired, our huddled masses yearning to be cool. This time even Lakewood Church opened its doors.
Southeast Texans, boil your water, avoid driving what with all those blinking red traffic lights causing crashes, schools are closed, find a neighbor with a generator. CenterPoint Energy’s outage-tracking map went down after derecho two months ago and was virtually useless. But Texans are adaptable: word got out that Whataburger’s app showed which of its locations were open or closed – thus what neighborhoods had power. All the while I am wonder-
said Amanda McMillian, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. “This fund allows us to lift up the most vulnerable who have been impacted by Hurricane Beryl, ensuring they can recover from the immediate crisis and move towards longterm recovery.”
The Greater Houston Disaster Alliance, formed by the two regional nonprofits, focuses on strengthening yearround disaster preparedness and response. Initial investments from Enbridge and Phillips 66 have supported these efforts.
“When disaster strikes, a collaborative response is essential to ensure the most vulnerable get the help they need,” said Stephen Maislin, President and CEO of
ing: Why? It’s not like these power outages are new. In recent years (attention newcomers) the Houston area has suffered several weather catastrophes. We endured Tropical Storm Alicia in 1983 and Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. Hurricane Ike hit in 2008. Tax Day Flood 2016 and Memorial Day Flood that same year. Hurricane Harvey struck in 2017. Then there was a storm of a different temperature: Ice Storm Uri in 2021, when Texans froze in the dark. We are still cleaning up from a derecho wind storm. I need to add the rolling power blackouts.
So why are we once again suffering a power outage? We turn to the usual suspect, CenterPoint Energy, or as some wise guy painted on a concrete slab off I-10 “CenterPointLe$$.” I think this was the same company that provided lookouts in December of 1941 at Pearl Harbor. They seem to be efficient in sending me everincreasing electric bills, but are totally clueless when it comes to preparing for oncoming storms. The weather bureau had been tracing Beryl since it was a rain cloud west of Africa. Satellites provided constant, almost hourly, re-
Greater Houston Community Foundation. “An efficient response helps families recover quickly, and we hope our community will join us in supporting neighbors in need.”
Based on data showing high-need areas, the fund will serve residents of Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Waller counties. Those affected by the hurricane should complete the Connective Needs Assessment for more information on assistance.
Immediate assistance can be accessed by calling the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, which provides up-to-date information on utilities, housing, crisis counseling, senior services, food pantries, and more. Assistance is also available through: Visiting 211texas.org to
ports of its track. CenterPoint had initially sought only 2,500 mutual assistance workers to respond to the storm. Oops. It hurriedly upped that to 12,000 after the storm’s path shifted toward Houston.
We began preparations in a belated frenzy. The TV news showed, as it always does before every storm, lines of southeast Texans (1) buying plywood to cover their windows and (2) waiting for hours to buy gas. I have to wonder (1) what did they do with the last approaching storm’s plywood? And (2) why didn’t they fill up their cars on the way to buy wood at Home Depot? Maybe they all work for CenterPoint.
We now get to the next predictable step: the Blame Game. The finger-pointing began at the top.
Gov. Greg Abbott, who probably has a desk sign reading: “The Buck Doesn’t Stop Here,” went on an “economic development trip” in Asia. The trip was months in the making and included a Texas delegation (with a CenterPoint executive). Abbot could have canceled his participation with one phone call. He left on a Friday when Beryl was still out in the ocean, but obviously he knew the storm was on the
search resources or chat online with a specialist.
Emailing help@unitedwayhouston.org for assistance.
“Our community was battered by this terrible hurricane and we need all the help we can get to recover,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
“The Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund will leverage the generosity of the Houston community to support the hardest-hit families. Thank you to the United Way and the Greater Houston Community Foundation for making this possible.”
Hidalgo explained how funds will be distributed in an interview with ABC13 Houston.
“The funds will go to trusted non-profits, and they will determine who gets it,” Hidalgo told the television station. She
way. Abbott left behind state preparation orders including a severe weather disaster declaration and increased the readiness level for the State Emergency Operations Center. Nevertheless, our Guv blamed CenterPoint which is regulated by the Public Utility Commission. Its members are appointed by – one guess –Gov. Greg Abbot. Incidentally, Abbott’s absence during Beryl immediately brings up the vacation Sen. Ted “Cancun” Cruz took while Ice Storm Uri was freezing Texans. This time Cruz was on a whalewatching vacation with his daughter over the Fourth of July .A spokesperson said the senator returned to Texas on Saturday, well before Beryl’s arrival, and immediately got involved in the situation. Left in charge in the governor’s absence was Lite Guv. Dan Patrick, the Official State Demagogue. He had his 15-minutes of fame by holding press conferences. But here comes more finger-pointing. President Joe Biden told the Houston Chronicle that he, Biden, had trouble “tracking down” Texas state leaders. This is crucial because the federal government cannot distrib-
added that FEMA individual applications are now also accepted from the uninsured or underinsured. “There’s shortterm assistance, which folks can qualify for at $750. And it could take 24 hours.”
ute emergency relief supplies until the state leaders give their formal request for a major disaster declaration. Needless to say, both Abbott and Patrick strongly deny the MIA accusations. On the local front, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the energy company “needs to do a better job.” Later Whitmire said, “That is the consensus of Houstonians, that’s mine.” Maybe it should be pointed out that, unlike on previous approaching disasters, the Houston Police Department’s nearly 6,000 employees didn’t fully mobilize for Beryl until early Tuesday, almost 24 hours after the storm hit. Back in my kitchen, I am making a list of all the groceries I have to replace and what they will cost. Gov. Abbot, I need Economic Development. Ashby is powerless 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 the discretion of the editor.
“As power is restored and communication pathways reopen, we anticipate increasing needs,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “The activation of the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund is crucial for our most vulnerable neighbors and overall recovery efforts.” For more information on the Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund and how to donate, visit disasteralliance.org/beryl.
the new location at 107 Yale Street.
Hollywood mourns the loss of Shelley Duvall, star of “The Shining” and Waltrip High School alum
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Shelley Alexis Duvall, the eclectic and celebrated actress known for her collaborations with director Robert Altman and her unforgettable roles in films like The Shining and Popeye, passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 75, due to complications from diabetes. Duvall, who graduated from Waltrip High School in the Houston Heights in 1967, left her mark on the film industry through her unique performances and dedication to the arts.
Born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Duvall’s early life was a tapestry of artistic and energetic pursuits. Despite her initial interest in science, her path took a dramatic turn when she was discovered by director Robert Altman at a party in Houston. Altman was captivated by her upbeat presence and cast her in the black comedy Brewster
McCloud (1970), marking the beginning of a fruitful professional relationship.
Duvall’s early career was closely tied to Altman, with roles in his films McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) and Thieves Like Us (1974). Her breakthrough came with Altman’s musical film Nashville (1975), but it was her performance in his drama 3 Women (1977) that earned her critical acclaim and the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.
In 1980, Duvall delivered two of her most iconic performances: Olive Oyl in Altman’s Popeye and Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece The Shining. While Popeye showcased her ability to bring beloved cartoon characters to life, her role in “The Shining” revealed her profound capacity for portraying psychological terror. Despite the grueling nature of the production, Duvall’s performance in The Shining alongside Hollywood great Jack
Nicholson remains a defining moment in horror cinema.
Throughout the 1980s, Duvall continued to build an impressive filmography with roles in Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits (1981) and Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie (1984). She also made significant contributions to children’s television, producing and hosting series like Faerie Tale Theatre (1982-1987) and Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories
(1992-1994), which earned her a Peabody Award and two Primetime Emmy nominations. The 1990s saw Duvall taking on more sporadic roles, such as appearances in Steven Soderbergh’s The Underneath (1995) and Jane Campion’s The Portrait of a Lady (1996). After her role in Manna from Heaven (2002), Duvall stepped away from the limelight, taking a twodecade hiatus before returning for her final role in the horror film The Forest Hills (2023). Despite facing personal challenges and public scrutiny over her mental health, Duvall remained a beloved figure in Hollywood. Her career was marked by versatility, with roles ranging from quirky comedic characters to deeply emotional performances. Her contributions to film and television have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including four of her films being preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
Houston Heights Association's Pie Contest: A sweet success despite Hurricane Beryl
By LISA MORALES
The Leader News Contributor
The rescheduled Houston Heights Association's Pie Contest brought the community together for an evening of delicious desserts and friendly competition at the historic Heights Fire Station. Originally set for July 8, the July 15 event was postponed due to Hurricane Beryl, but the delay only heightened the anticipation and excitement.
This year's contest featured an impressive lineup of culinary star judges, including Levi Rollins of Salt & Sugar Nosherie, Delicatessen and Patisserie; Bobby Jucker of 3 Brothers Bakery' MarioSebastian Berry from Team Houston Food Finder; Mark Pirozzolo of A Finer Event; Sarah Johnston of Fat Cat Creamery; John Frels of
Houston Heights Foodies; Buffy Scott of A La Carte Events; and Chef Vlado Kolenic of Blue Tuba.
The event kicked off at 6:30 p.m., inviting the public to enjoy entertainment and refreshments. Broadway singer and actor David LaDuca provided the entertainment, adding a touch of Broadway magic to the evening. Guests mingled and savored a variety of treats while awaiting the highlight of the evening: the pie tasting. At 7 p.m., Kayte Tipton of the Houston Heights Association welcomed everyone with a warm address, setting the tone for an enjoyable and engaging night. Attendees eagerly anticipated the door prizes and the announcement of the winning pies and bakers. The judges then embarked on the challenging task of tasting and evaluating the entries.
Each pie was scrutinized for its flavor, texture, presentation, and creativity. The competition was fierce, reflecting the incredible baking talent within the community. Pie categories included Sweet, which featured a “Berry Beryl” pie (a humorous nod to the hurricane), fig, apple, and chocolate Germain pies; Savory,
represented by a tourtiere and a crab pie; and Fancy, for the best-looking pie. Following the judges' deliberations, the winners were announced, and the winning bakers received embroidered signature aprons. All guests were then allowed to sample the entries and share in the joy of baking and appreciate the
hard work and skill that went into each entry. The event was a true community celebration. Special thanks were given to the Heights contributors that made this fun and free event happen, including: Carol Welter & Danae
Stephenson for the Winning Bakers & Judges Signature Aprons
• Kristal Kirksey of JUBILEE for the Winning Bakers culinary gifts
• C&D Hardware, Anna Marmuscak, and Bill Baldwin of Boulevard Realty for door prizes Kevin Chenevert of Green Swallow Creations for the Champion t-shirts
• Lemonade Pop-up by Smash & Squeeze, founded by Francois Pointeau The Heights Historic Fire Station at 107 West 12th Street, built in 1914 when Houston
THE WEEKEND. Thrills around town for July 20-21
meetups--member-events. html
COFFEE, SUGAR & SALT SCRUBS WORKSHOP AT POP SHOP AMERICA
Who: Adults When: Saturday, July 20, 5-7 p.m. Where: 740 W. 20th What: Make a set of body care and facial scrubs Cost: $47 Info: eventbrite.com
TACOS & TEQUILA FEST AT LITTLE WOODROW’S HEIGHTS
Who: Adults 21+
When: Saturday, July 20, 5 p.m.
Where: 2631 White Oak Dr.
their experience and writing at the close of the event.
Cost: Free for members Info: writespacehouston.org/
What: Multiple tequila vendors with sample and swag, taco trucks, silent auction and raffle
Cost: A La Carte
Info: facebook.com
DIVINE MARKET AT EUREKA HEIGHTS BREW CO.
Who: Adults and families
When: Saturday, July 20, 2-7 p.m.
Where: 941 W. 18th St.
What: Local brands market – photography, baked goods, clothing and more
Cost: Free Info: facebook.com
VOLUNTEER AND BEER AT THE UPSIDE PUB
Who: Adults & families
When: Saturday, July 20, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: 3402 N. Shepherd dr.
What: Pack lunches for Kids
Meals Inc. and receive $1 beer. School volunteer forms
still relied on horse-drawn fire wagons, provided the perfect venue for this delightful gathering. Its historic charm added to the festive atmosphere, creating a memorable backdrop for the pie contest. The Houston Heights Association's Pie Contest not only showcased the culinary talents of local bakers but also reinforced the community spirit that defines the Heights. The event was a testament to the resilience and camaraderie of the neighborhood, coming together to celebrate despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl. For more information about future events and activities organized by the Houston Heights Association, visit houstonheights.org. Don’t miss out on the upcoming festivities and opportunities to engage with your local community!
Photo by Lisa Morales
The Big Chicken bar offers boozy shakes, wine, beer, and mixed drinks.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons Shelley Duvall in 1975.
Photos by Lisa Morales
Winners of the 2024 Houston Heights Association Great American Pie Contest
Emaciated bald eagle among Beryl storm victims at Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center
COMMUNITY REPORTS
More Than 1,600 Wild Animals Rescued or Brought into Center Since Hurricane Beryl
An emaciated bald eagle is among the latest storm victims to come into the care of the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center. The national bird of the United States arrived on Wednesday emaciated with external parasites. She is currently receiving fluids and is under veterinary and wildlife staff care.
Since Hurricane Beryl made landfall on July 8, more than 1,600 native wild animals have been brought to their campus including Egrets, Mississippi kites, doves, squirrels, song-
LEMON DROP, from P.
1
dating service.
“It was his first attempt at online dating and coincidentally his last…it was most definitely love at first site,” Jessie teased. “After two months we moved in together and we were married less than a year later,” she added. They connected so quickly because they had the same values and both shared a burning desire to create something of their very own, even if at the time they didn’t know what path that would take. However, they were certain that they wanted to create something that had the potential to offer a fun and energizing addition to the community.
“Even though it is a very convenient location, it’s not necessarily what you’d describe as a high-traffic area,” Davar explained. And, that’s what created their first challenge, as attractively inexpensive as their vendor rental spaces are priced, compared to larger markets like Houston Farmers Market. He said, “Additionally, they are generally too big and established to accommodate newer or smaller local vendors.” Therefore, Lemon Drop HTX on the Airline corridor provides the perfect alternative. “But, it can be challenging. It’s really difficult to get existing vendors to commit to the time and set-up, when you don’t have established customer and traffic patterns,” he added. Even after he secures a commitment from a vendor, oftentimes they will cancel or no-show based on competing obligations or weather.
As he is learning the business, Davar has become aware that he may need to protect it with leasing contracts or deposit requirements. But for now, he still chooses to rely on good faith. His market site is large enough to handle as many as 20-25 vendors eventually across the property, but that will likely be a long time in coming. For now he’s taking it one step at a time.
birds and more. On Monday after Beryl hit the Texas coast, the Houston SPCA Wildlife Center responded to the scene of hundreds of injured and orphaned egrets where 353 were brought back to campus for treatment and rehabilita-
When asked about the plans and potential for the Lemon Drop, the possibilities sound endless.
“We have a beautiful outdoor seating area and would love to eventually take on food trucks and food vendors on a limited basis, just not as our primary business” he said. In conceptualizing Lemon Drop, he had originally envisioned a food truck lot, but again couldn’t guarantee the traffic for existing food truck businesses. “I learned that some of those established food trucks have been in one spot for ages and have a dedicated following, with lines that wrap around the block. It’s hard for a new location to compete,” he said.
That’s what led them to transition the name to reflect a more appropriate description of what they are trying to accomplish. Hence, they changed the name to ‘Lemon Drop HTX’, from the initial ‘Lemon Drop Food Truck Lot’, which he realized was far too confining in scope for what they hoped to develop.
To broaden the venue, they are also giving thought to family-oriented scheduled events like trivia, when the time is appropriate. When questioned about other entertainment
tion. More than 100 of those baby and juvenile egrets and doves took an extraordinary flight since then, with the helping hands and big hearts from Pilots N Paws.
The Houston SPCA Wildlife Center stabilized the birds while in their care and were
a live band in the coming weeks. But at the moment, his main objective and most critical drive is building his vendor base and accommodating new vendors. Recent storms don’t help the Ghiyassis’ ambitions.
“I want to do everything I can to help. I have such a heightened respect and appreciation for new business owners, given having recently experienced, first-hand, just how difficult it can be,” Davar shared. He also wants to promote and represent diversity among vendors.
The Lemon Drop Farmers Market is currently open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday mornings through mid-August. There are several reasons for the owners’ choice in scheduling. First, many vendors are already booked or committed for the afternoons and have some available free time earlier in the day. Plus, he felt the mornings, especially during the oppressive Houston summer, would be far more family-friendly for shopping and enjoyment. Eventually, he is open to expanding to other weekdays or possibly evenings if the need dictates.
The name Lemon Drop is quite unusual for a business, but there was a story behind the choice. The Ghiyassis had
blocks north of 610 on the west side of Airline.
that might be on the table, he shared that they have booked
ready today to be placed aboard and secured for a flight to Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation in Amarillo, Texas where they will finish their rehabilitation journey.
The Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center continues to have open doors daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for all wildlife in need and are grateful for such an exceptional community.
The Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center operates solely on donations and must always be ready to respond to natural disasters like Hurricane Beryl. Please consider supporting one of the nation’s largest wildlife rehabilitation centers where more than 14,000 wild animals were brought into their care in 2023. Visit houstonspca.org/ways-to-give to donate.
quite awhile. Davar, who happens to be fond of sweet and sour candies, had ordered a large bag of lemon drops online with Amazon. The more he looked at the packaging and contemplated his purchase, he realized that it brought to mind thoughts of happiness and joy, with a bright yellow, sunshiny feeling.
“At least that’s what it brought to mind for me and it sort of stuck. More importantly, the name was not in use and ‘lemon’ provided an easy, recognizable image for customers to associate with our business,” Davar reflected. There is a large building on their property with apartment spacing and warehouse storage. It is there hope to eventually move on-site.
To get the word out, Davar and Jessie rely heavily on social media for advertising. However, Davar recognizes that his customer base is very diverse.
“I have put up flyers in nearly every coffee shop in the Greater Heights, along with restaurants and other businesses around Houston,” he said, hoping he might be able to generate some interest and brand recognition. They also attend other farmers markets and recreational venues on occasion, to pass out flyers to vendors and customers.
“It’s a beneficial partnership, sort of a match made in heaven,” said Jessie. She handles much of the publicity and administrative aspects of the business (while Davar manages the operations), including vendor relations and venue activities and entertainment. They are hoping that all of their hard work will culminate into a location that proves to be a success for themselves and their community.
Scooby Duke
been in the process of discussing themes for the market, for
It is the American spirit’s true definition of an emerging family business and they are counting on the community’s support to help it grow and thrive. For more information or to sign up for a vendor spot ($20/day), please visit lemondrophtx.com.
Photo by Stephanie Shirley Lemon Drop HTX, formerly Lemon Drop Farmers Market, is conveniently located just
Photo courtesy of the Houston
Area restaurants gear up for Houston Restaurant Weeks 2024, menus now live
Storm derecho and Hurricane Beryl have impacted the restaurant industry immensely. This year the restaurant industry is embracing Houston Restaurant Weeks as a timely opportunity for Houstonians to support local restaurants with dine-in, takeout and delivery.
Now in its 21st year, Houston Restaurant Weeks is the largest annual fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank and has made a monumental impact by raising over $21 million to date. The Houston Food Bank is able to turn every dollar donated into three meals, which equates to over 63 million meals for food insecure Houstonians. Expect an extensive list of Houston’s hottest, newest, and most
popular restaurants, all joining forces for Houston's most anticipated foodie event of the year offering specially priced, multi-course prix fixe menus for brunch ($25), lunch ($25), or dinner ($39 or $55), available for dine-in and take-out.
“Houston Restaurant Weeks has driven revenue for the restaurant community and associated businesses for 21 years, said Katie Stone, President of The Foundation. After the recent natural disasters, derecho storm, and Hurricane Beryl, it’s even more necessary to Dine Out & Do Good. Our
area’s restaurants, businesses, and families' lives have been torn upside down. Revenue and incomes have been lost across the board for so many.
Houston Restaurant Weeks will provide a vital infusion into restaurants and our economy. I encourage everyone to go to their favorite spots and the new additions to this year's roster. Houston Strong!”
An early look of this year’s Heights/Garden Oaks/Oak Forest participants includes long-time local favorites such as Millie's Kitchen & Cocktails, BB's Tex-Orleans
Oak Forest, RAKKAN RAMEN Heights, Brenner's Steakhouse On The Bayou, Coltivare Pizza & Garden, Karne Korean Steakhouse, da Gama Canteen, CRISP winebeer-eatery, Hando, Hughie's Grille - (N Main and W 18th), Kin Dee Thai Cuisine, Lalucha, Maison Pucha Bistro, Patton's Steakhouse, Rainbow Lodge, Savoir, Trattoria Sofia, Triola's Kitchen, 1891 American Eatery & Bar, Mutiny Wine Room, Blue Tuba, and more. A
HAR local data by zip code: Inventory heats up while home sales cool in June
Sales decline as prices moderate and inventory expands COMMUNITY REPORTS
As the temperatures climbed in June, the Houston housing market experienced a cooldown with home sales below 2023 levels for the second month in a row. This slowdown coincided with an increase in available homes, offering more options for prospective buyers. Single-family home sales across the Greater Houston area declined 11.6 percent year-overyear, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ (HAR) June 2024 Market Update. The Houston Multiple Listing Service (MLS) recorded sales of 7,718 units compared to 8,729 last June. Months supply of homes climbed from 3.0 to 4.3, which is the highest in more than a decade.
All housing segments saw a slowdown in sales in June.
The luxury segment ($1 million+), which represents just
4.1 percent of all homes on the market, experienced the biggest decline with sales 19.4 percent below where they were in June 2023. The segment that consists of homes priced between $500,000 and $1 million had the smallest decline, with sales down 5.8 percent yearover-year.
The average price of a single-family home edged up 0.8 percent to $432,090 compared to last June. The median price increased 0.7 percent to $345,500.
“While there are more options available for homebuyers,
affordability concerns continue to be a major hurdle,” said HAR Chair Thomas Mouton with Century 21 Exclusive Properties. “Many consumers are taking a wait-and-see approach due to elevated mortgage rates and higher prices, and some are ultimately choosing to rent.”
June Monthly Market Comparison
June marked the second consecutive month where home sales declined. Singlefamily pending sales outpaced 2023 figures, jumping 8.4 percent compared to last June.
Total property sales were down 13.6 percent and total dollar volume declined 12.2 percent to $3.8 billion. Active listings, or the total number of available properties, continued to increase with 33.8 percent more listings for sale now compared to June 2023.
Months of inventory expanded from a 3.0-months supply last June to 4.3 months, which is the highest since October 2012 when there was a 4.4-months supply. Housing inventory nationally stands at a 3.7-months supply, according to the latest report from
the National Association of Realtors (NAR). A 4.0- to 6.0-months supply is generally considered a “balanced market” in which neither buyer nor seller has an advantage.
Houston Real Estate
Highlights in June
Single-family home sales declined 11.6 percent yearover-year; Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes went from 45 to 46 days; Total property sales were down 13.6 percent with 9,133 units sold;
Total dollar volume declined 12.2 percent to $3.8 billion; The single-family median price was statistically flat at $345,500; The single-family average price was statistically flat at $432,090; Single-family home months of inventory registered a 4.3-months supply, up from 3.0 months last June; • Townhome/condominium sales continued to decline, falling 19.9 percent, with the median price up 12.1 percent to $241,000 and the average price up 7.8 percent to $271,356.
After serving as the managing editor of The Leader for almost a year, it’s time to introduce the writers who make it all happen every week. We’re proud of the team we’ve assembled. Our writers love their community and are passionate about the people and stories within it. Each one of them is deeply immersed in the Heights/Garden Oak/Oak Forest area. Say hello when you see them out and about!
What is your personal connection to the Heights/GOOF area?
“I have lived in the Heights for over 25 years. I grew up in West Houston (Memorial), but once I moved inside the loop, I was here to stay. The Heights represents everything I am comfortable with and is strategically proxemic to anywhere I need and want to be. It is the best of both worlds; a neighborhood steeped in history and tradition, but constantly evolving to create a diverse, dynamic culture.”
Why did you choose to write for/publish in the Leader?
“I have written all my life as an avocation, but never a primary vocation. Years ago, I submitted an editorial article to The Leader about an issue that negatively impacted The Heights. After recently retiring, I reached out to The Leader once again. It was under new ownership, publishing and editorial leadership. Within five minutes of meeting their new editor, I knew this was the best venue for sharing my passion.”
What do you hope to accomplish through your stories, articles, or columns?
“I consider myself a writer; not a reporter, columnist or storyteller. Through my writing, I want to share interesting, informative material with my friends, neighbors and community that will provoke thought, elicit appreciation and even invoke action, when warranted. I aspire to bring fresh, new perspectives to everything I write.”
What are your favorite topics to cover/talk about?
“With The Leader, I have covered concerns, events and even impactful community changes. As long as the coverage is interesting and relevant to the people who live and work
here, I am satisfied, regardless of the subject matter. I want to celebrate the great things happening in our community and highlight issues that pose concern and challenges to our residents and business owners.”
What else would you like the community to know about you?
“I was fortunate enough to have had a substantial and
