The 08-12-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

St. Thomas High School junior golfer Landon Donnelly fell in love with golf at a young age. Then he said he briefly lost that love, but regained it again. And now the local high schooler and Heights resident has a prestigious junior PGA tournament win on his resume as a result.

Donnelly was recently crowned the champion of the Southern Texas PGA Junior Golf Prestige Tours Aggieland Classic tournament, which took place in College Station Aug. 1-3.

“I was really excited to play, because I missed out on it last year and all my buddies have played in it,” Donnelly said. “So I was really excited, and honestly was hoping for maybe a top-10 finish. I would’ve been happy with that.”

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The city of Houston has been granted a designation from a global nonprofit organization that is the first of its kind in the United States in response to their efforts to respond to the needs of young people in the city.

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund’s (UNICEF) announced Wednesday that the city has been offi-

Donnelly is likely much happier with the end results, which he said were beyond what he could have imagined. Southern Texas PGA Junior Golf offers nearly yearround tournaments for players who are 13-18 years old, with the Prestige Tour serving as the highest level of play. Donnelly beat out 114 players from across South Texas – which extends from Austin through College Station and down to the Rio Grande Valley.

“Honestly, the feeling of winning is pretty surreal,” he said.

It is not as though Donnelly has not had a number of accomplishments in his young golf career. Prior to the Aggieland Classic tournament win, he’d previously won multiple events on the Southern Texas PGA’s Junior Tour as well as its Little Linksters events when he was younger according to the STPGA website.

cially named as UNICEF’s first Child Friendly City in the United States, according to a news release from the organization.

According to UNICEF’s website, UNICEF USA’s Child Friendly City Initiative (CFCI) first launched in 2020 in seven cities across the country in Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee, Maryland, Minnesota, California, and Texas.

The CFCI uses the UN Convention on Rights of the Child as a framework

During his freshman year at St. Thomas in the 2021-2022 school year, he was the only Eagles’ golfer to qualify for the state tournament. As a sophomore last year, he helped the Eagles qualify for state as a team for the first time in nearly a decade. He has been awarded St. Thomas’ Jack Burke Jr. award – which is named after the St. Thomas alumnus and 1956 Masters champion – for being the team’s Most Outstanding Player two years running.

But the Aggieland win, he said, might be his most fulfilling personal win to date – and one he didn’t even necessarily know was on the horizon until a friend shouted it across the course at him.

“The first day, I got out into the lead and I wasn’t thinking about it the whole time,” he said. “Then

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is taking a temporary leave of absence to seek treatment for clinical depression, according to a statement posted to a statement from her office posted on Twitter Monday afternoon.

Hidalgo, who has been the elected leader of the state’s largest county since defeating incumbent Ed Emmett in 2018, has been to an out-of-state inpatient facility based on advice from her doctor since she was diagnosed with clinical depression last month, according to the statement.

“I am one of the over 21 million American adults that is suffering from clinical depression,” the statement read. “For some time, I have been coping with this challenge, and it was undiagnosed until last month. Based on my doctor’s recommendation, I checked myself into an out of state facility to receive inpatient treatment in late July.”

Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, whose precinct includes parts of the Greater Heights, Garden Oaks, and Oak Forest, will temporarily be taking over the oversight of the Commissioners Court while Hidalgo is away. Meanwhile, Hidalgo’s chief of staff will still handle day-to-day operations.

“It is important to me personally and professionally to confront this issue swiftly, so I will be taking temporary leave from the office while I am receiving treatment,” Hidalgo said. “My medical care team and I are hopeful that I will be able to resume my normal schedule by September.”

She has received support from officials around the city, including Ellis and Mayor Sylvester Turner.

“As difficult as this may be, Judge Lina Hidalgo is not alone in facing this challenge…. Thankfully, she is in the care of doctors who recognize that this is treatable and is committed to getting better,” Turner said in a statement. “…. The good news is that now more than ever; resources are available for those who need help. My hope is that this experience can serve as a

to help local governments best respond to the needs of children in their city and “build a roadmap for establishing safer, more

just, equitable, inclusive, and child-responsive cities and communities around the world,” according to the organization.

“Receiving this national distinction is a humbling moment for the city of Houston. We appreciate the robust and comprehensive child rights framework provided by UNICEF USA and their unwavering support throughout the process,” Houston mayor Sylves-

ter Turner said. “We are hopeful this will inspire many other U.S. cities to create awareness of children’s rights, strengthen support systems for youth and include them in the decision-making of their city.”

UNICEF said Houston became the first-ever U.S. city to be designated as a Child Friendly City candidate last year, prior to Wednesday’s announce-

Local youth emergency preparedness program now under way from city

From Staff Reports

The City of Houston and the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement has launched a campaign to educate Houston youth about emergency preparedness, according to a news release from the city.

According to the release, the city’s Office Education and Youth Engagement created a pilot survey in 2021 for those ages 13-18 to better understand their level of emergency preparedness to better gather information needed for the campaign.

The information collected aided in the devel

opment of the campaign and creation of resources and tips about emergency and natural disaster topics including hurricane safety, how to prepare for a flood, and recovery assistance resources among other things, according to the city. According to the city, the campaign in

cludes a series of infographics, videos, and presentations that feature accessible and inclusive language and graphics designed by youth, for youth.

“In the last eight years, the City of Houston has faced seven federally declared disasters,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. With storms coming at greater intensity and frequency, we must make sure our communities are resilient and that includes preparing the young people residing in our city.”

The campaign is part of the Child Friendly City initiative, according to the city.

“A special thanks

to the Houston CFCI Youth Leaders who researched, gathered, and presented the emergency preparation information and will help disseminate the materials,” said Office of Education and Youth Engagement Director Olivera Jankovska. “Youth participation is imperative as the City of Houston seeks to develop a more resilient and equitable city and are uniquely positioned to reach underserved communities such as opportunity youth, non-English speakers, immigrant, and low-income populations.”

Fire severely damages Greater Inwood home

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Fire authorities are still trying to determine what led to a house fire that is estimated to have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a Greater Inwood home last week, according to the Houston Fire Department.

Nobody was reported injured in the fire, according to the depart -

ment.

HFD said crews from stations 2, 4, 5, 13, 30, 31, 38, 50, 77, 96, and Rehab 17 responded to a house call in the 7700 block of Battleoak Drive in Greater Inwood just before 1:30 p.m. on July 31 to find the fire coming from the home.

After crews conducted a primary search and found nobody inside, the department said crews staged a defensive attack on the

fire until it was under control from the outside before crews eventually extinguished everything inside.

The department said it’s not currently known what caused the fire, though HFD said it appears to be accidental at this point. Arson investigators are still working to determine what led to the fire, which caused an estimated $225,000 worth of damage to the house according to the department.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Houston Fire Department is working to determine what led to a small warehouse fire in the Northwest Crossing area just west of Highway 290 last week, according to the department.

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

Crews from stations 2, 4, 5, 17, 49, 50, 57, 77, Hazmat 66 and Rehab 8 responded to a call at 9655 West Tidwell Rd. just after 5 a.m. on Aug. 1, according to the department, to find light smoke coming from a large warehouse on site. However, the department said the building’s sprinkler system controlled the main fire while crews finished the job before using a large fan to remove the smoke from the building.

The cause and origin point of the fire remains under investigation by arson investigators, according to HFD. Last week’s fire caused an estimated $20,000 worth of damage to the warehouse, according to the department.

Everyone is welcome at

new, we warmly invite you to visit.

THE TOPICS.

Let’s listen to Gullible’s Travels

THE PHONE – “Hello,” I say. There is a noise, then some static. “Hi Uncle,” says a voice. “I’ve been in an accident.” More static.

“I need your help.” I ask, “Who is this?” The voice replies, “Michael. Michael Ashby.” Odd. In my rather checkered family tree –some branches suitable for a hangman’s rope – we have had an Americus, Milroy and Nimrod. “The last Michael Ashby died in 1787.” Silence, then “(Blank) YOU!” Click. Poor guy. He must spend hours making phone calls to someone who may have a relative named Michael and falls for this rather threadbare scam.

Although I do wonder how he got my name and phone number. The scam goes like this, in case you have a Michael in the family who is prone to accidents. The phone rings and there is static in the background so it’s hard to recognize the caller’s voice. A common first name is used and he (it’s always a he) says he was hurt in an accident or robbed or whatever and needs you to send money quickly – like a hundred or several hundred dollars. Send it to some obscure but officially sounding bank. He’ll pay you back. It must work because people still try to pull it off.

And it’s not just the unsophisticated who fall victim. A fellow I have known for years got a garbled call from his “nephew” Joe (or something, it was hard to detect what with the static), who said he was in London and got mugged. The muggers took his wallet, credit cards and passport. He said he was too embarrassed to call his folks but knew he could count on his uncle for help. My friend did have a nephew who had a troublesome career, so he wired $1,200 to London – or maybe not. My friend waited for the repayment, finally he asked his actual nephew about his mugging. Never happened. It was a total rip-off. My friend is not an unsophisticated hick. He had a doctorate in physics from Rice. Maybe he spent too much time in the lab.

There have always been scams, frauds and stolen presidential elections, but emails, web sites and crypto-whatever are causing a surge in the scamalot biz. Almost every morning I go to my computer and have to clean out attempts to get hold of my credit card number, passwords or number of my Swiss bank account. “We’re letting you know that we’ve detected some unusual activity on your debit

teachable moment and encourage others who need support to seek it. We cannot let stigma stand in the way of treatment.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Judge Hidalgo.”

Hidalgo said she has stressed the importance of mental health since taking over as County Judge in 2018, and as such hopes she can be an example for those are also struggling with depression but might be reluctant to seek help.

She said in the statement that she feels “strongly” about being open with mental health struggles, and that in receiving treatment will help mitigate a stigma she says exists around mental health issue.

“My experience has been difficult, but I am taking it as an opportunity to be open about my own struggle, my own

Lynn Ashby Columnist

top shelf in my kitchen. This is Officer Jones etc.” Beware of impersonators.

These are scammers who impersonate IRS agents.

“We have you down with the Social Security Number 123-45-678 and want to check if that’s correct.”

You reply, “There must be some mistake. My number is…” Tilt!

cently changed our terms of service. Due to our new terms, we will be closing all email addresses using our old services. If you wish to continue using our email services please click on ACCEPT.” Card number ending in xxxx? They don’t even have my card number?

Another massive fraud is the credit card theft. I have been hacked so often I have an unlisted card number. I continually find purchases from Chicago or San Diego, usually small amounts like $20 at a tattoo parlor or strip club. Why not charge a 60-inch TV or a cruise to Odesa, Ukraine? I am told the thief starts small to see if the fake charges work, then goes higher to buy a Tesla or a latte at Starbucks.

Disable Cable keeps telling me they are disconnecting my account unless I “immediately” fix my problem by giving them my etc. etc. It’s not my cable company. These scammers are too efficient. The Bank of America warns me that my account has been frozen due to several hot checks. I need to send them funds to cover my overdraft. That would be important except that I don’t have an account at Bank of America and never have. Same for the Left Bank of the Bayou.

“Your USAA account is unsecured.” Probably because I don’t have a USAA account. I somehow got on the list of FrontDoor which is a neighborhood site that is filled with pleas to find lost kittens and used shoes for sale. And then: “I have been laid off from my job as a chicken plucker at Feathers & Beaks and desperately need funds to pay for my meth habit.” Or: “I am a single mom with only seven kids and five dogs. Please help me by sending cash – only cash – to…”

Besides emails, do you ever get a phone call from “The Police Benevolent Charity” asking for a donation? The calls are recordings, but try to sound like a real cop. “Hi, you are harder to reach than the

challenges, and encourage others who need help to seek treatment,” she said in the statement.

“All of us know someone – a friend, a coworker, or a family member – who suffers from depression. I encourage every person that is struggling with mental health challenges to look for support in your community, your loved ones, and your doctor.”

Hidalgo said she will remain available in the event of an emergency, and that her office still stands ready to help community members to the best of the office’s ability.

“I am grateful for your understanding, as well as the support of my colleagues, friends, and family,” she said. “I hope to share more about my experience upon my return.”

A bit of caution. You can buy Republic of Texas paper bills, but don’t buy any Republic of Texas coins or postage stamps.

They were never made. Same for any Roman coin marked “300 BC.” Invest in bitcoins only if you like to lose money. If you think you are donating to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, it’s a bait-and-switch operation. Your money has been diverted. In the first half of 2023 alone, over $40 million of “campaign funds” have been spent on lawyers for Trump and his co-defendants.

Many scams take advantage of the victim’s own greed. “I’ll cut you in on this end-run around the law.” The most notorious scam has been the Nigerian prince, whose millions are frozen in a bank in London or New York or the Cayman Islands. He needs you to withdraw the funds and will pay you handsomely for your subterfuge. All you need to do is send him, say, a thousand dollars to show your willingness to play along.

Oops. Gotta go. My nephew Nimrod just called. He’s been mugged.

Ashby scams at ashby2@comcast.net

Hidalgo from P. 1A

Melatonin - The hormone of darkness and its crucial role in health

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

In our quest for optimal health and well-being, it is essential to explore the remarkable role of melatonin, often referred to as the “hormone of darkness.”

This unique hormone, produced by the pineal gland but also in the intestinal tract in response to darkness, plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycles. However, melatonin’s influence extends far beyond just sleep; it serves as an antioxidant, modulator of inflammatory and immune responses, and may even enhance the effects of vitamin D. Understanding melatonin’s multifaceted benefits and how we can support its balance through diet, lifestyle, and supplementation can significantly impact our overall health and vitality.

Melatonin: The hormone of darkness and its influence on Vitamin D

The nickname “hormone of darkness” comes from the fact that melatonin production increases in the absence of light, peaking during the nighttime hours. It has an inverse relationship to cortisol. This natural response prepares our bodies for sleep, helping us fall asleep faster and maintain a restful slumber. However, melatonin’s actions are not limited to sleep regulation alone; it also has the remarkable ability to bind to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). This interaction enhances vitamin D’s signaling effects and subsequent cellular activities, suggesting that melatonin and vitamin D may work synergistically to support various physiological functions, including skin health, glucose regulation, cardiovascular disease, and immune function.

Melatonin production and functions

Melatonin is predominantly produced by the pineal gland, a tiny gland lo -

cated deep within the brain. Interestingly, melatonin is not solely confined to the pineal gland; it is also synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract and may have over 400 times the amount in the gut mucosa. The hormone’s production and release are influenced by various factors, including the presence of darkness, illness, diet, environmental factors such as exposure to bright light at night, medication use, and lifestyle choices.

One of the most wellknown roles of melatonin is its involvement in sleep regulation. By interacting with specific receptors in the brain, melatonin helps synchronize our internal biological clock, promoting a regular sleep-wake cycle and improved sleep quality.

Moreover, melatonin serves as a powerful antioxidant, guarding our cells and tissues against oxidative stress. Its ability to protect mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells, further contributes to cellular health and overall wellbeing. Additionally, melatonin may act as a modulator of inflammatory and immune cytokines, helping to balance immune responses and reducing inflammation.

Symptoms of melatonin imbalance

When melatonin levels are too low or too high, various symptoms may arise, affecting both sleep and overall health. Low melatonin levels can lead to insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or frequent awaken -

ings during the night. Conversely, elevated melatonin levels during the day may cause excessive drowsiness and disrupted sleep patterns.

Achieving balance with melatonin

Maintaining a balanced level of melatonin is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. There are several ways we can support this balance:

1. Diet and Supplementation Including melatonin-rich foods in our diet, such as cherries, grapes, tomatoes, and walnuts, can help support melatonin levels. Additionally, some individuals may benefit from melatonin supplementation, particularly if experiencing sleep disturbances or travel -

ing across time zones. However, it is essential to use the lowest effective dose usually between 0.1 and 0.3 mg. and consult with a healthcare professional for individualized recommendations.

2. Lifestyle Choices

Aligning our daily routines with the natural circadian rhythm can promote optimal melatonin production. Exposure to natural light during the day and minimizing bright light exposure at night can help regulate melatonin levels. Regular exercise has also been shown to increase serotonin-melatonin pathway, positively impacting mood, cognition, and sleep quality. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week.

Preferred Health

Chiropractic Care

Northwest ChiropraCtiC

George G. Junkin, D.C. D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com

Internal Medicine

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison Heights Health Tower 1900 North Loop West Suite 580 713-714-5376

www.whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

Dr. Lindsey Fogle Heights Health Tower 1900 North Loop West Suite 580 713-714-5376 www.whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

Obstetrics / Gynecology

Dr. Stephanie Fulton

Dr. Stephanie Fulton

Dr. Fulton is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her practice consists of obstetrics, gynecology, and cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal.

She is a graduate of the University of Texas and completed residency at St. Vincent’s Medical Center where she was a Chief Resident. Dr. Fulton volunteers as part of the health team ministry of her church. 1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 • Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com

Embracing the benefits of melatonin for vibrant health

In conclusion, melatonin, the hormone of darkness, plays a vital role in our health and well-being. Beyond its role in sleep regulation, melatonin serves as a powerful antioxidant, immune modulator, and may enhance vitamin D’s effects. By embracing dietary and lifestyle choices that support balanced melatonin levels, we can experience the profound benefits of this natural elixir of darkness. Prioritizing sleep, optimizing dietary choices, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle all contribute to the harmonious functioning of melatonin in our bodies, promoting vibrant health and vitality.

Stephanie Fulton, M.D. 1740 W. 27 St. Suite 301 Houston, TX 77008 713-880-2727 www.fultonobgyn.com

Major Hospitals

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

Physician Referral 713.222.CARE

Vision Care

Vision Source-Grove Heights Dr. Bao-Tran Nguyen 1916 W. 18th St., Houston, TX 77008 346-782-0288 www.groveheightsvision.com

Board Certified Internal Medicine

Dr. Jaclyn Harrison, a board certified internal medicine physician, has opened a new primary care/internal medicine practice, White Oak Medical Associates in

Shana Tatum

Graphic by Jean Dukate

Small animal hydrotherapy rehabilitation business expanding to Heights area

For The Leader

The event celebrating the expansion of K9 Health Center into the Heights will be held on Aug. 26-27 from noon-4 p.m. at the rehabilitation center located at 1025 Yale St.

Launched in Houston in 2018, the K9 Health Center has developed a large client base and in response to Customer demand has recently opened their second Houston facility. Their success is not only built on the positive impact hydrotherapy has on the mental and physical well-being of dogs and cats treated at their facilities, but an unwavering approach to customer service excellence. The excellence resulted in the center being awarded The 2022 Houston Small Animal Rehabilitation trophy.

Of the countless conditions presented, arthritis, spinal injury, torn ligaments, pain relief and obesity are just a few of the ailments of the more than 16,200 clients which K9 Health Center has successfully treated since opening in 2006.

Sandra Wilson, a native of the UK, is the clinical director and business owner. She is formally trained and has 20 years of experience, and is also a qualified Practical Training Educator for students for one of the UK’s most prominent animal colleges.

“The job can be very rewarding. Taking a dog with poor mobility, depression and injury to a waggy, bright eyed pet is amazing,” Wilson said. “Being at their side when they take their first steps after major trauma and ultimately the gratitude of their owners when we help a dog get back to its best is life-affirming.”

Most dogs love the water and evidence shows the benefits over all shapes and sizes and at all stages of their life whether it be fitness or recovery.

That’s why K9 Health Center – which is fully insured – offers hydrotherapy sessions tailored to an animal’s individual needs. Pets are treated by trained and experienced rehabilitation staff, by appointment only, with veterinary approval.

Most of us that bring you The Leader live right here in your community and we appreciate you reading it every week.

Contributed photo

A K9 Health Center trainer helps a dog in the hydro pool, one of several services offered to dogs at the facility.

Contributed photos

Conditions such as arthritis, spinal injury, torn ligaments, pain relief and more are treated at K9 Health Center in the Heights.

Contributed photo K9 Health Center has treated more than 16,200 dogs since opening its doors in 2006.

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Art Valet: Outdoor markets move inside for one big event

Nearly 100 exhibitors will be on hand.

Mitch cohen Art Columnist

Imagine you are walking casually through an art market, passing tents with people looking at paintings, photography, sampling chocolates and jams. It’s mid August, and you’re thinking maybe you should have brought a sweater. This could be your reality Saturday, at BAM! Art Market. It all happens at the Silver Street Studios Warehouse on Saturday, Aug. 12, from noon - 7 p.m., coinciding with Second Saturday Open Studios at Sawyer Yards. Inside the 20,000-square-foot warehouse, visitors to BAM! Art Market will find everything they expect of an outdoor art market - plus a roof and air conditioning.

BAM! Art Market is the answer to the most asked question I got every summer before 2022, “Why don’t you do this indoors, with air conditioning?” Yes, this is my event and it’s the combination of both of my long running monthly outdoor markets.

First Saturday Arts Market leans toward fine art. The Market at Sawyer Yards also includes fine art, but is primarily an artisan craft market, where cottage foods are also available. At BAM!, these markets combine to present a mix of fine art and artisan crafts in a broad range of mediums.

Art mediums include oil, acrylic, watercolor paintings, pen and ink work, fused and blown and stained glass, paper and fiber arts, jewelry, fine art photography, ceramics, soap, candles, metal arts, and woodcraft. Infused teas, chocolate, jelly and jams, brownies and even baklava will be available. Two food trucks will be on site, and music is in the plans.

The artists were ready for a change after years of setting up tents and displays in the summer afternoon heat for evening events.

When I suggested renting the warehouse for an air-conditioned event in late 2021, the artists agreed. The last few years forced many of us to step out and try new things, and this was just the ticket.

I had already successfully combined the two markets at White Linen Night in the Heights, so adding A/C and a roof just seemed like the perfect next step.

Arts District Houston, powered by arts nonprofit Fresh Arts, will be represented at the event. The online roster has photos, a map and video from the event last year.

BAM! Art Market roster and other details: https://firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/bam/

Aug. 12, noon - 7 p.m. 2000 Edwards St. Houston, TX 77007. The event and parking are free.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at https://ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.

Photo by Ana Guzman Shopping art in air conditioned comfort at BAM! Art Market, Saturday, Aug 12 Noon - 7 pm.

Photo by Ana Guzman

Returning artist MaryAnn Lucas (r) shows details in her art.

Photo by Ana Guzman

Susana Vazquez of Migaloo Chocolatier returns to BAM! Saturday at Silver Street.

Photo by Ana Guzman The Hanging Pendant Booth at BAM! Art Market at Silver St Studios

Nibbles and Sips: New Pan-Asian concept open on Washington Avenue

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

There is a new Pan-Asian concept that has now made its way into Houston’s eclectic and everevolving food scene.

Tin Drum Asian Kitchen opened its doors in the Washington Heights/Washington Avenue area on Aug. 1 at 111 S. Shepherd Dr. at the Interpose Development just a mile north of Washington Avenue. It is the first Houston location for the Atlanta-based franchise, according to a news release from the restaurant.

According to the release, the Tin Drum menu features options such as Crab n’ Cheese Rolls, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Pork Wonton, Crab Rangoons, and Crunchy Chicken Potstickers and options that include ramen, stir fry, and “Wok Wings” that can be personally curated using any of nine different flavored sauces.

Tin Drum Founder and CEO Steven Chan – whose urban upbringing in Hong Kong inspired the Pan-Asian concept according to

the restaurant – said Houston partners Shairoz and Avez Maredia first experienced Tin Drum as college students, according to the release, and wanted to bring that same taste to the Houston market. The

2,200-square foot space feet seats

50 diners inside and also has a patio, according to the release.

“As a longtime admirer of Houston, it’s a privilege to bring Tin Drum to this world-class city,” Chan said in the release. “The food scene here is authentic and genuine. The people are fantastic and inclusive of all walks of life and cuisines. You can see why so many are drawn here. What an incredible patch-work quilt of cultures and personalities.”

Tin Drum Asian Kitchen in Washington Heights is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information on the restaurant or to see a menu, visit Tin Drum’s website at locations.tindrumasiankitchen.com/ll/ US/TX/Houston/1111-ShepherdDr.

my buddy screams across the tee box ‘you’re in the lead!’ And I was like ‘what?’ It was just a surreal feeling.

I’d never been in that position before, so to come out with a victory was incredible.”

It was also a proud moment for his father Mark Donnelly, the former president of the local Timbergrove Sports Association. For the first two days, Mark said he followed online scores before driving from Houston to College Station in time to watch his son tee off on the tournament’s last day.

“I’ve played sports my

entire life, played sports in college – but I have never been more nervous in my life than watching my son play in this tournament,” Mark Donnelly said.

“There were some super high “highs” and completely gut-wrenching parts. It was really cool to see (as a parent) because he’s spent so much time working on his game.”

Coming into his own

Landon Donnelly said he played many sports growing up, but first picked up a golf club when he was 7 or 8 years old. After playing for about two years – including Southern Texas PGA’s

UNICEF from P. 1 ment. The initiative is led by the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement, who UNICEF USA said worked collaboratively with city leaders, government agencies, service providers and youth and families to achieve the designation.

Over the last several years, the city conducted a situational analysis on the state of children’s rights in the city along with creating and implementing the Houston Child Friendly City Action Plan, according to UNICEF. The city has also conducted mental health trainings for more than 700 service providers and have an upcoming podcast on children’s rights, and recently launched a campaign aimed at giving the city’s children a better understanding and grasp of emergency preparedness in the wake of several major events in recent years.

Little Linksters events – he said he fell out of love with the game for a few years. But in 2020, he rekindled it and began playing STPGA’s Junior Tour Events.

“I started playing it more and more, had a couple of good rounds and thought ‘I can do this again.’ So I just kept practicing and wanting more,” he said.

And as a parent, Mark Donnelly – who played several sports himself – said it was important not to push his son into anything so that he could play the sport he truly loved – even though he said he had an inkling from the start that

“We are thrilled to celebrate this historic milestone as Houston is recognized as the first UNICEF Child Friendly City in the nation, devoted to prioritizing children’s participation, mental health resource accessibility, emergency preparedness and creating long-lasting impact,” UNICEF USA President & CEO, Michael J. Nyenhuis said in the release.

To get involved in local CFCI Houston efforts, sign up for the CFCI Houston newsletter at houstontx.us1.listmanage.com/subscribe?u=3604e2a66e f382213c7d55a20&id=674eaa9e37. For more information about Child Friendly Cities Initiative in the United States, visit the organizational initiative’s website visit at unicefusa.org/mission/usa/ childfriendlycities.

golf was where Landon could most excel.

“I always told him he had a natural golf swing, and kind of let him come to it himself because not a lot of kids play golf,” Mark Donnelly said. “Watching all of it come together, seeing all of the hard work pay off is really cool.”

So now, both father and son couldn’t be happier to see the results – which Landon Donnelly admitted have been more challenging to come by than he originally thought when first beginning to swing

Urban South hosting end-ofsummer bash Aug. 26

A local brewery will celebrate the end of summer with a community party later this month, and is extending an invitation to the public to join them. On Aug. 26, Urban South Brewery will host its “End of Summer Bash” at its Houston taproom at 1201 Oliver St. close to Sawyer Yards beginning at 1 p.m.

There will be live music performances at the event, the brewery said, along with specialty tropical cocktail releases, kid-friendly water activities, photo ops, a costume contest, vendor market shop supporting local businesses, and more.

“Considering temperatures in Houston have reached record numbers, we are thrilled to close off one of the hottest summers in the city by hosting this end-of-summer celebration,” said Anna Jensen, the Director of Houston Operations at Urban South Brewery.

To learn more about Urban South’s Summer Dream Bash, follow Urban South on Instagram or visit their Facebook page.

a club. But ultimately, he said, he now relishes the work.

“I felt like I was really good at the time (I started), but it’s really hard to win and do well in tournaments,” he said. “But then once I realized how hard it was, I enjoyed the challenge and I enjoy how hard I have to work to reach my goals.”

And in the moment when the victory first sank in, Landon Donnelly said he couldn’t help but think back to all his near misses in previous tournaments.

His best-ever finish on the STPGA Prestige Tour prior to Aggieland had been a tie for 10th place at a tournament last year. Now, he can say he’s a champion, and headed off into his junior year at St. Thomas on a high note.

“I was practicing as much (then) as I was before I won, but it just wasn’t paying off. (At times) I felt like my practice wasn’t paying off,” he said. “To see it come to fruition and finally get it done was the most fulfilling moment.”

Photo by Becca

Photo by Becca Wright

Donnelly from P. 1