Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has released its latest annual report on air pollution and its significant impact on community health, with the Independence Heights area among local neighborhoods that saw an increase in air pollution. See the full report below. Air pollution, caused by the release of harmful gases, particles, and liquid aerosols into the atmosphere, poses se-
vere health risks to humans and other living organisms. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory issues and chronic diseases.
According to the U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI), Harris County ranks the highest in Texas for pollution sources and associated health risks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies six “criteria pollutants” due to their common occurrence and harmful effects on health: particulate matter (PM), ozone
(O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead, and sulfur dioxide. Harris County exhibits the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and the most EPA violations for air, soil, and water pollution in Texas. The county also has elevated levels of ozone and PM2.5, exceeding safe limits for human health. Additionally, ethylene oxide, a volatile organic compound (VOC) with severe health effects, is a significant pollutant from chemical manufacturing facilities in Harris County.
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
The North Shepherd District (NSD), a vibrant and growing area in Houston, is facing a serious challenge: the increasing number of stray dogs.
“Their behavior ranges from benign to wow-that’s-a-bite-case-waiting-tohappen,” says Marisa Doherty, a local resident and business owner. “These dogs frequently walk into our store or try to break through our fence. With no way to know if said dog will be friendly or aggressive, that’s alarming, and it happens regularly.”
With that in mind, Doherty conducted an informal study of the number of loose dogs in a small area of the NSD to shed light on the magnitude of this issue and its impact on the community’s safety and quality of life.
THE STUDY
Doherty’s study focused on a 0.34 square-mile area, bordered by North Shepherd Drive, West Parker Road, Yale Street, and West Tidwell. Over a four-month period from March 1, 2024, to July 12, 2024, Doherty tracked the number of loose dogs in this small section of the district. The results were alarming: 22 stray dogs were observed, with approximately 13 of them posing a potential safety risk to pedestrians or drivers. These dogs are either strays, lost, or dumped, and most are unaltered and unchipped. At 16.6 square miles, the NSD is 48 times bigger than the area studied. With Doherty’s data applied district-wide, that would amount to approximately 1,000 loose dogs in the North Shepherd District.
children are particularly vulnerable because they don’t have access to the National School Lunch Program. This is also
By RUBENA GRACIA The Leader News Contributor
The Timbergrove Sports Association is proud to announce its first annual Ball for All event to be held on Oct. 19. The all-inclusive event is part of the league’s mission “to provide a safe, fun, and competitive community sports environment for young athletes while promoting core principles of sportsmanship, respect, hard work, and volunteerism.”
The Timbergrove Sports Association, or TSA, is a family-oriented league that provides an opportunity for young people to participate year-round in four sports:
The youth baseball league for boys and girls ages 4-15, held in the fall and spring.
• The girls softball league for ages 4–14, held in the fall and spring.
The youth soccer league for ages 4–13, offering co-ed, girls, and open divisions.
The new youth flag football league for ages 5–12, offering co-ed divisions held in partnership with the 60acre campus of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School.
The TSA supports families in the Heights/Timbergrove/GOOF area at their primary sports complex in the Timbergrove-Heights area and at their auxiliary field in Spring Branch.
the most formative time for brain development as noted by The Federal Department of Health and Human Services, which reports that 700 to 1,000 new neurological connections are forming every second in the first few years of a child’s life. This forming of the brain architecture is a critical foundation to development. Preschool-aged children are unlike any population group because of the irreplaceable growth and developmental stages occurring during early childhood. Persistent under-nutrition and hunger prevent children from reaching their full potential, creating
THE PEOPLE.
Houston Heights Association to host School Choice Faire at September meeting
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
The Houston Heights Association (HHA) invites all community members to join its School Choice Faire at its upcoming monthly meeting. This event provides a unique opportunity for parents, students, and residents to meet representatives from the area's top public and private schools and learn about educational options in the community.
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 9, at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Historic Heights Fire Station, 107 W 12th St, Houston, TX 77008
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: Welcome and Neighborhood Updates: HHA President Kayte Tipton will kick off the event with the latest news
and updates about the Houston Heights neighborhood.
Houston Heights Board Nominations: Stay informed about leadership changes and get involved in the HHA Board Nominations process.
Meet School Representatives: Hosted by the HHA Education Committee, this is your chance to speak directly with representatives from a variety of local schools, public and private. Learn about different educational opportunities available for your children.
Voter Registration: Special guests Matthew and Aimee Prudhomme, Precinct Chairs, will be on hand to assist with voter registration, ensuring everyone is ready to participate in upcoming elections. Refreshments: Enjoy family-friendly and adult refreshments while mingling with neighbors and school representatives.
HHA Welcome Table: Learn more about the Houston Heights Association, upcoming events, fundraising efforts, the Constable Patrol Program, and membership opportunities. Join the HHA for an evening of community engagement and education. Whether you're new to the area or a long-time resident, this event is an excellent opportunity to connect with neighbors and explore the many school choices available for local families. For more information, visit the Houston Heights Association website.
The Periwinkle Foundation presents annual Iron Bartender competition, Heights bartender among finalists
scores are competing in the finals on Sept. 12. The title of Iron Bartender will be awarded that evening. Guests will cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award. WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
WHAT:
city. Each bartender presented a signature “Periwinkle Cocktail” at their bar/restaurant from June 4 through July 4. $1 from the sale of each Periwinkle cocktail was donated to The Periwinkle Foundation. A panel of judges scored the cocktails, and the five bartenders with the top
WHERE: Lyric Market, 411 Smith Street, Houston, TX 77002
WHO: Iron Bartender Finalists 2024 Lynzie Holland – Johnny’s Gold Brick Drew Jerdan – Bad News Bar Humberto Garay – Cuchara April Biagas – Refuge TJ Leibowitz – Winnie’s TICKETS: Individual tickets are limited. $200 Individual Tickets can be purchased; includes
seated multi-course seated dinner prepared by guest chefs served with paired cocktails presented by the five (5) Iron Bartender competitors. VIP Tables are also limited. • $2500 VIP Tables includes reserved table for 10 guests with a multi-course seated dinner prepared by guest chefs. The VIP dinner will be served with paired cocktails presented by the five Iron Bartender finalists. VIP guests will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorite bartender, and the Iron Bartender champion will be announced at the end of the evening. For more information and tickets, go to ironbartender. org.
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Houston Restaurant
Weeks extended through September
COMMUNITY REPORTS
For only the third time in the event’s 21-year history, Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) will extend its run through September 30th. This historic precedent has only happened twice prior -- in 2017 due to Hurricane Harvey, and in 2020 during the COVID Pandemic.
The action has been taken by the event’s organizer, The Cleverley Stone Foundation, to help area restaurants recover from the financial hardships caused by the Derecho Storm and Hurricane Beryl. Both caused major disruption to the industry, causing millions in lost income due to closures, lost products, storm damage, loss of power, and
other utilities. The donation amount for the extended period will be $1.00 for every HRW Meal sold. Now through September 30th, diners will continue to enjoy specially priced, multi-course prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner participating restaurants will continue to offer HRW meals priced for dinner at $55 and $39; brunch and lunch at $25. HRW is the largest annual fundraiser for America’s largest food bank, the Houston Food Bank.
“We decided to continue HRW this year due to the many requests we had from participating restaurants,” said Katie Stone, president of the Cleverley Stone Foundation. “After discus-
sions with owners, operators, and the Houston Food Bank the decision was made to keep HRW going until the end of September with a reduced donation amount. Providing a way for restaurants, staff and others that were impacted by financial distress after this summer to recoup. HRW has proven to be an annual traffic generator for the industry, and this seemed like a positive decision for those that have supported us for 21 years. Diners can show how much they stand behind the hospitality industry. It's heartwarming seeing how our city comes together to Dine Out & Do Good every August and in extraordinary circumstances beyond!”
Submitted photo
Lynzie Holland of Johnny’s Gold Brick in the Heights has made it to the final round of the Iron Bartender competition, a fundraising event hosted by the Periwinkle Foundation.
“Here’s the problem,”
Doherty notes, “A dumped dog is a scared dog, and a scared dog is unpredictable and might react aggressively. It has become a public safety issue. We get a lot of dumped pets in our area, and that’s on top of the ever-present strays that we all recognize on sight. That’s why I started the study in the first place.”
THE IMPACT
The presence of so many stray dogs has led to numerous problems in the area. Doherty identified several key issues: Traffic Hazards: Drivers frequently swerve or brake suddenly to avoid hitting dogs, creating dangerous situations on the roads.
Aggression Towards Pedestrians: While some dogs are friendly, others chase pedestrians and other dogs, leading to potential attacks.
Property Damage: Stray dogs have damaged fences, cars, and other private property in the area.
• Public Spaces: Dogs often congregate in public areas such as bus stops, parking lots, and even people’s front yards, making these spaces less safe for residents.
Doherty says “No one should be afraid to step out of their front door because an aggressive dog may attack them. At the most recent NSD meeting, we heard from a
Currently, there are nearly 1,000 players and hundreds of coaches and volunteers.
The league’s long-term vision is to expand its geographical footprint and serve more players. There is an all-volunteer Board of Directors, and all members have children who play at TSA.
The TSA website explains that the group “is committed to offering a safe, affordable, and valuable program” for families and players. In addition, the TSA has partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to provide resources to coaches and parents for the purpose of not only focusing on winning but also on “teaching life lessons through positive coaching.” This partnership seeks to reduce the high-pressure environment that kids can experience, which can help them to
woman who was attacked by a neighbor’s loose dog and had to be hospitalized; two of my friends in the neighborhood were both chased by dumped dogs; I’ve nearly been in a car accident several times because dogs keep jumping in front of my car. Dogs have wandered right up to customers and employees at our business, and it’s so nerve-wracking because you never know if that’s going to be a friendly dog or a notfriendly dog.” Doherty adds, “I want better for myself, for my neighbors, and yes, for the dogs themselves because in addition to being worried about my neighbors’ safety, I’m tired of seeing dogs get run over and dealing with that.”
COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND ACTIONS
In response to these concerns, Doherty is working with the NSD group to raise awareness and find solutions. She is coordinating with local organizations such as BARC (Houston’s animal shelter and adoption center) and the SPCA to address the stray dog crisis.
For context, the usual process of networking friendly cats or dogs off the street and into a new home generally goes something like this: Loose animal is on the street - animal goes to BARC or animal goes to foster home, hopefully with rescue backing - rescue organization or foster home talks up the animal to potential adopters - the animal gets adopted into a forever
build character and to better develop interpersonal skills.
The league has planned the Ball for All event for several seasons and is glad that it has finally come to fruition. Courtnie Hays, one of the TSA coaches, spoke to the Leader. She emphasized that the goal of this event is to partner special needs athletes with a current TSA ball player – a “Buddy” – and compete in a T-ball game. “As a coach, I can honestly say that my fondest memories and the moments that have made the greatest impact on my daughter’s life have been the moments that involved one of our special needs teammates,” Hays said. “Through the years, I’ve witnessed a player’s first hit from a live pitch, first time crossing home plate and even winning an 8U Championship...I promise there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The joy that comes along with these moments is
H, Trees
home.
“Cue applause!” says, Doherty. “It’s a happy ending for all because that animal is no longer contributing to the general chaos of the stray dog issue out here. The thing is, Houston’s stray animal crisis is at peak levels, and I’m hearing that from other people and also seeing it play out directly in the neighborhood I work in (the area of the study).
“I’ve never seen so many stray dogs here! And BARC is full right now, which is to be expected for a city-run
completely unmatched.”
The response to the event from league families, coaches, volunteers, and interested participants has been overwhelming, Hays said, and the organization hopes the stands will be filled. Hays added, “I have no doubt that these kiddos will leave the ball park on October 19 feeling like they just won the World Series.”
The Ball for All event will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 8-9:45 a.m. at the Timbergrove Sports Park, located at 1600 Bevis Street at the intersection with East T. C. Jester Blvd., near SPJST Lodge 88.
If you would like to inquire about volunteer opportunities for the event, please contact Courtnie Hays at courtnie.hays@yahoo.com. For more information about the Timbergrove Sports Association, please visit their website at timbergrovesports.com.
shelter mandated to accept all cats and dogs from the public. But in addition to BARC, all the private shelters are also full; the 501c3 rescue organizations who pull dogs/ cat out of BARC, pay for medical expenses, and help them find a forever home are also full; the foster homes who usually take in these animals temporarily (like me!) are also full. And pet adoptions are slow!” What is the solution? There is no good answer. Doherty says, “BARC is
very transparent about their practices, meaning that if a citizen has to take a dog to BARC, that citizen can follow up on how that dog is doing at the shelter and help network the dog, whether to adopters, fosters, or to rescue organizations. I believe it’s important to demystify how our city shelter works because 1) our tax dollars are paying for it, so we should know how to utilize BARC; and 2) BARC gets a lot of criticism for their euthanasia numbers, but their employees and volunteers are as concerned about the Houston stray animal crisis as the rest of us, and they’re doing the best they can. It’s a harrowing thankless job, but someone has to do it! A lot of people don’t know you can sign up to foster a dog or cat with BARC, you can volunteer to assist at their events, volunteer to walk dogs, clean kennels, take cute photos of the animal to show potential adopters, etc.”
THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Doherty also stressed the importance of community outreach to prevent dogs from becoming strays in the first place. Doherty tells the Leader, “Down the line, it would be amazing if Houston could pass some version of a mandatory spay/neuter law in conjunction with free spay/ neuter surgeries through our city shelter, as Denver, CO and other cities have done. But considering we have a
national vet shortage and our city shelter is already underfunded, that’s probably not achievable right now.” What is achievable is reducing some of the factors that lead to lost and dumped dogs, Doherty says. Outreach events like District H’s Love Your Pet Month events that educate pet owners on the vital reasons to spay, neuter, and microchip, and empower the community toward a future of responsible pet ownership can reduce the number of lost and dumped dogs over time. Emailing your local representatives to ask them for more outreach events are needed for pet owners is another possible solution.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the NSD continues to grow and evolve, addressing the stray dog issue will be crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. Doherty encourages residents to get involved by attending monthly meetings at Wabash Feed and Garden every third Thursday of the month at 6:15 pm. Email donna@ wabashfeed.com for more information.
To become a volunteer at BARC, visit houstontx.gov/ barc/get_involved.html. For more information on how to get involved or join the North Shepherd District group, visit their website at northshepherd. com/why-join-nsca or follow them on Instagram at @northshepherdistrictHTX.
Channelview Drive (77530, Precincts 2 & 3)
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Houston's District H Council Member Mario Castillo, in collaboration with Trees For Houston, is hosting a community tree planting event on Saturday, Sept. 7. Residents are invited to come out and help plant trees to improve the neighborhood's urban environment and learn about the impact of urban forestry on sustainable energy in the city. The effort will help kick off Houston Energy & Climate Week 2024, Sept. 9-13
this year. Each District H resident who participates can take home a free tree to plant.
WHAT: Tree Planting with District H and Trees For Houston WHEN: Sept. 7, 10 a.m.noon WHERE: 4722 Brinkman St, Houston, TX 77018 (Shepherd Park Plaza) WHAT TO EXPECT:
• Learn about the benefits of urban forestry and sustainable energy
• Plant trees alongside your neighbors and community
members Enjoy a morning of fun, education, and community spirit Trees, gloves, and shovels will be provided No need to bring any supplies—just bring yourself and a willingness to make a difference. Join District H and Trees For Houston in making our communities greener and more sustainable!
For more information, please contact the District H office via email at districth@ houstontx.gov or by phone at 832-393-3003
Chronic disease prevalence data was used to compare the number of people with chronic diseases among different communities, while chronic disease death rates highlighted the severity of these outcomes. Data was analyzed across demographics, including sex, race, and ethnicity.
AREAS WITH INCREASED AIR POLLUTION AND HIGH MINORITY POPULATIONS IN HARRIS COUNTY
The highest concentrations of harmful air pollutants, based on air monitoring locations, were found predominantly in areas with higher Black and Hispanic populations:
Houston North Loop, Independence Heights (77022, Precincts 1 & 2) North Wayside, Settegast (77028, Precinct 1)
• Baytown (77520, Precinct 2)
• Galena Park (77547, Precinct 2)
AIR POLLUTIONRELATED CHRONIC DISEASE TRENDS IN HARRIS COUNTY
While Harris County generally exhibited lower chronic disease death rates compared to Texas and the United States, certain ZIP codes had notably higher prevalence rates. The ZIP codes with the highest levels of PM2.5 and benzene also showed higher chronic disease prevalence. Notably impacted areas include Independence Heights (77022, Precincts 1 & 2), Settegast (77028, Precinct 1), and Galena Park (77547, Precinct 2), which exhibit the following trends:
Highest levels of air pollution and chronic disease prevalence
Higher chronic disease prevalence compared to the county average
Predominantly racial and ethnic minority populations, with high social vulnerability according to the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) Improving public health in Harris County by preventing excess exposure to pollution is a critical opportunity. HCPH, with the support of Harris County Pollution Control Services (HCPCS), is committed to addressing air pollution activities. HCPCS has launched the Community Air Monitoring Program (CAMP) to measure pollution levels affecting public and environmental health, identify harmful emission sources, inform the public and officials on clean air priorities, and support environmental regulatory activities. Improving the health of all county residents requires ongoing disease surveillance, community engagement, and public health interventions. View the full air pollution report at theleadernews.com.
Showroom Sale
Submitted photo
A loose Husky girl, rope still attached
Photo by Courtnie Hays
Evie with Drew and Coach Courtnie, Fall 2023, at TSA/Timbergrove Sports Park
THE TOPICS.
15-yard penalty for team in motion
THE TV – Got my pompoms, Hook ‘Em T-shirt, beer. I am ready for some football, college football, to be exact. After going through withdraw al, once again I can cheer on the Coogs, Longhorns, Aggies (quietly, I have my pride) and any Texas teams that take on their traditional rivals: the Commodores, Utes, Sun Devils and Gamecocks. Huh? It is go ing to take me time to adjust to all the changes in college sports because, schools’ conferences, and thus their schedules, have changed dramatically.
We have the Power Four conferences, which are the biggest and baddest with the largest budgets and stadiums. Schools like UT, A&M, Alabama, Ohio State, etc. Then a step smaller is the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) or Group of Five consisting of, obviously, five conferences. Around Texas this includes UT-San Antonio, Rice and Sam Houston State among others. Some of the Five would like to move up to play with the big boys, but it takes better talent, bigger stadiums and bigger budgets. TCU pulled it off. So did UH. (Houston has four universities that play athletics, and none is in the same conference.)
Lynn Ashby Columnist
Power Four and Group of Five schools have changed athletic conferences. Following the breakup of the Southwest Conference in 1996, Rice has been in three different conferences. This year SMU is joining its fourth. There was the Pac-12 which is now the Pac-2. Ten of its members have left for greener AstroTurf, leaving only Oregon State and Washington State alone in the forests.
We must hope these new members receive hefty paychecks because it’s going to increase their travel costs immensely. When the UT team, with coaches, trainers, equipment and cheerleaders, fly to Tucson or Orlando, it’s not like
taking the bus to Waco. USC and UCLA are now in the same conference with Penn State. SMU is now with Boston College. Hey, Tarleton State, first you need to find Utah Valley University before you fly from Stephenville International Airport to Orem, Utah. Its elevation is 4,756 feet, so bring your oxygen masks. The host schools must fill their stadiums with their own fans.
Abilene Christian, you are not going to sell many tickets to visitors from Seattle University and vice versa.
Up till now we are only talking about football. Those teams take a charter flight while watching movies. What about the swimmers, pole vaulters and women’s teams, and maybe even the men’s basketball and baseball players? “OK, Virginia Tech golfers, we’re playing Stanford there, so you’ll only miss classes this week.”
If schools are changing conferences, players are changing schools. Due to the portal transfer program, athletes are no longer penalized (before, they would lose a year of eligibility). It would go like this: High school Coach Jones would ring up his old buddy, Coach Smith and say, “Smitty, I got a running
back, Bubba Mitowski, who’s 300 pounds, six foot six and can run like a gazelle. You need to take a look.” So Coach Smith dispatches one of his assistants to East Bypass on a Friday night to check out Bubba. Sure enough, he is a blue blue chipper. Later Coach Smith himself visits Bubba’s home and makes his pitch, brings Bubba to the campus for a game and a tour of the school, then signs him to a full scholarship. After his freshman year, Bubba goes through the portal and transfers to a rival school. He is not alone. We don’t have the latest statistic because the players are still moving, but NCAA statistics show that between August 2021 and July 2022, more than 20,900 Division I student athletes in all sports entered the transfer portal. Of those about 12,000 found a home at another college. Added to the impending chaos is NIL, or name, image and likeness, for endorsements. Thanks to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling (not subject to a challenge or review), college athletes can now be paid above board. Of course everyone knows for eons some stars have been slipped favors – usu-
ally simply cash -- and the term “student-athlete” has been an oxymoron. Supposedly this NIL is not just a case of fat cat alumni handing Bubba an envelope full of bills. No, it’s something called “collectives companies,” usually founded by alumni of the school. Financial resources (which can mean anything) are collected through these companies and are then directed to athletes for their NIL. This ploy is supposed to operate independently of the university and athletic departments.
Good luck because you know and I know this NIL operation is a scandal waiting to happen. And one other point: The star quarterback drives a loaned Lamborghini and wears bling worthy of a gypsy. His teammates don’t. So the left guard, hobbling around with bruises and missing teeth, is wondering, “Who do you think blocks for you so you can run for a TD? There are 10 other guys out there making you look good. Where’s ours?” One thing more: there is a movement simply to make athletes employees of their schools.
Oh, well, times have changed but not necessarily for the better. You old Texans will remem-
ber the Southwest Conference. It pitted Texas towns and neighborhood alumni against one another, not to mention student bodies. Back in 1926, students from A&M and Baylor got into such a battle at halftime that an Aggie, Lt. Charles Sessums, was killed, and games between those two schools were cancelled until 1931. Only a few years ago, Rice’s Marching Owl Band poked such fun at the Aggies’ recently departed mascot, Reveille, the band had to hide until catering trucks could slip them to safety. We probably won’t see that kind of rivalry when Rutgers plays Oregon in the Big 10, but it might be a bloodbath between those two old Big 12 rivals, UH and Arizona State.
Ashby has tickets 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 at editor@theleadernews.com. Publication is at the discretion of the editor.
Appraisal Review Board seeks applicants for service in 2025
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Harris County citizens interested in ensuring fairness in property taxation are being sought to serve on the appraisal review board (ARB) for the Harris Central Appraisal District Members of the ARB sit in a single-member panel or in panels of three to hear evidence in protest hearings from both HCAD and property owners and to render evidencebased decisions. Applications will be received now until vacancies are filled. Service on the ARB would begin in January 2025. Applications from Harris County citizens interested in ARB service must be submitted by the applicant directly to the board of directors to be considered. Members will be
required to serve at the HCAD offices and will be expected to be prepared and capable of conducting virtual hearings on their personal computer.
The ARB is not part of the appraisal district. The ARB is an independent board that hears property owner protests. If selected to serve on the ARB, the member would not be an employee of HCAD or qualify for benefits. ARB members are compensated per diem when conducting hearings and attending ARB meetings. ARB members are required to attend ARB meetings in addition to serving on panels for actual ARB hearings.
The Harris County ARB conducts hearings throughout the year. However, board service is generally a full-time commitment during the peak hearing
season, which runs from midMay through October. The scheduling volume during this time period requires that members be available to serve all day, every weekday and several Saturdays. ARB members are not always scheduled every day but must be available to serve if needed.
Candidates for the ARB must be current residents of Harris County, having resided in the county for at least two years; must be up to date on property tax payments for property in Texas or show the tax is being paid under an installment agreement; and must not have served all or part of three previous terms as an ARB member. Persons who fall into any of the following categories are not eligible to serve:
1. An individual currently employed by the State Comptroller of Public Accounts, or who is a member of the governing body, an officer, or a full- or part-time employee of a county, city, school district, community college district, MUD, or any other entity supported by local property taxes. Former governing body members, or officers of a taxing unit served by HCAD, are ineligible for service on the ARB for four full years from the date they ceased to serve in that capacity.
2. Anyone who personally, or whose spouse personally, has a contract with local government or an appraisal district. The same restriction applies if the person, or his or her spouse, owns a 10 percent or greater interest in
a business which contracts with a local government or appraisal district.
3. Persons who have appeared before the ARB for compensation as a tax consultant, accountant, appraiser, or representative of a property owner less than two years before the date the person is appointed.
4. A person who has served all or part of three previous terms as a board member or auxiliary board member on the ARB.
5. Any individual who has ever been employed by HCAD or has ever served as a member of the district’s board of directors.
6. Persons who have served as a member of the governing body or officer of a taxing unit in Harris County until
four years after resigning that position.
7. Applicants who are presently under indictment or have previously been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. Applicants selected as finalists will be scheduled for interviews. Current application forms are available on the main page of the Harris Central Appraisal District website at www.hcad.org under the “ARB Application” button and must be filled out online and submitted electronically. Only current electronic applications from this site will be considered. Calls requesting information about ARB service requirements should go to 713-9575265.
¡Celebremos! The Houston Farmers Market is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a special celebration featuring vibrant performances and demonstrations from local arts groups, live music, face painting, flavorful food, and more. Guests of all ages are invited to join the farmers market on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to commemorate the history and culture of the Hispanic community.
Guests will be captivated by performances from local cultural dance groups showcasing the pride and history of the Hispanic community. Guests can then hit the dance floor to level up their salsa moves at a FREE salsa class. Shop Local Market will also host local vendors and small businesses to showcase artisan wares, scrumptious goodies, and more. Visitors will also find no shortage of delicious bites at the Houston Farmers Market celebration from Underbelly Burger and Alamo Tamales.
INFO: This event is FREE for guests of all ages. For more information and event updates, please visit thehoustonfarmersmarket.com.
an epidemic that’s threatening Houston’s future.
A study published in October 2023 by the USDA reports that food insecurity in America is at an all-time high, with 12.8% of U.S. households facing food-insecurity during 2022. Of the 50 states, Texas ranks 2nd in the country, with 15.5% of households facing food insecurity. Closer to home, the numbers are even more staggering. Feeding America’s 2023 study entitled “Map the Meal Gap” used data from 2021 to demonstrate childhood food insecurity across all US counties. Among the most populated urban counties nationwide, those with at least three million people, Harris County, at 19.8%, has the highest percentage of children facing food-insecurity. That means one out of every five Houston area children does not know where or when they will get their next meal. Kids’ Meals estimates at least 80,000 of those children are preschool-aged and without access to school-based free lunch programs, creating an extraordinary need for Kids’ Meals’ services.
Since its inception in 2006, Kids’ Meals has delivered millions of free meals to food-insecure children across 56 zip codes in Harris and Montgomery Counties. 100% of Kids’ Meals’ children live in households with incomes that qualify for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); 72% are Hispanic, 22% are African American. Every weekday, nearly 9,000 meals are prepared and delivered by a dedicated team of volunteers. When school is out, the organization ramps up its efforts, providing meals to every child in the household, which can total over 15,000 meals per day.
Recognizing the staggering statistics and growing need, Kids’ Meals is planning a major expansion with a new 50,000-square-foot facility in Spring Branch. This state-of-theart building is designed to triple the organization’s capacity, enabling them to deliver meals to 26,000 preschool-aged children each day by 2031.
“When we talk about our new building, we talk about the big numbers we are going to be able to serve – 26,000 each day by 2031!” CEO Bath Braniff Harp says. “But behind each one of those numbers is a precious preschool-aged child waiting on their steps for what may be their only meal today.”
The new facility is part of Kids’ Meals’ first-ever capital campaign, Building Hope, which aims to meet the urgent demand for their services in Houston. The new campus, expected to open in the summer of 2025, will include a range of features designed to support their growing operations, including more space for volunteers, increased food storage capacity, and community event areas.
Beyond meal delivery, Kids’ Meals is committed to providing comprehensive support to the families they serve. In 2022, Kids’ Meals implemented a Case Management Team Pilot Project, now known as the Family Resource Team, that includes a full-time social worker and part-time community health worker who connect, follow up, and track children ages five and under who receive meals and provide their families with referrals to life-changing resources at critical developmental times. Each day, members of the Family Resource Team visit families to learn more about their individual needs and connect them with essential social service providers. Kids’ Meals now has collaborative partnerships with more than 70 established local organizations to empower families with resources to help them obtain self-sufficiency, and has worked with Baylor College of Medicine to evaluate the impact and success of this wrap-around service information component. Kids’ Meals will make and deliver more than 2.7 million free, healthy meals in 2024. Community involvement is crucial to the success of Kids’ Meals.
“We simply could not do this work without the undying efforts of thousands of volunteers, the loyal support of our donors, the collaboration of community partners, and the tireless leadership of our Board,” Harp says.
The organization encourages Houstonians to participate in their mission through various avenues, such as volunteering, donating, or supporting events like the upcoming Harvest Luncheon on Nov. 8, and the Cars and Clays event on Oct 30. Last year, the Cars and Clays event alone raised enough funds to provide over 60,000 meals.
It’s easy to get involved at Kids’ Meals. Here are four ways you can help:
1. Purchase items from their Amazon Wishlist. Items will be shipped directly to them. (Amazon Wishlist link: amazon. com/hz/wishlist/ls/3A8H1M7OTFXME?ref_=wl_share)
2. Make a donation, and they will purchase essential items to keep their shelves stocked and lunch bags full. Every $2 donated makes and delivers a meal to a child.
3. Volunteer at Kids’ Meals! Sign up on their website for a shift where volunteers pack lunches and restock meals. Corporate and individual participants welcomed.
4. Support a Kids’ Meals event:
CARS AND CLAYS - 10TH ANNUAL CELEBRATIONOCT. 30, 2024
Held at Westside Sporting Grounds, this event will have clay shooting and impressive cars. Visit carsandclays.com for details.
This year’s event, chaired by Sarah Whitmire and Whitney Whitmire, will be held at the Marriott Marquis Houston. Sponsorship and ticket information are available at https:// kidsmealsinc.org/ This year’s luncheon will welcome keynote
speaker and New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff, who encourages us to “love like an avalanche” as we work together to reach every little heart in need. Contributing sponsors include ExxonMobil, Cheniere, the Cockrell Foundation, Cynthia Guill, Bob Clayton, Tracey Hayes, Marlo Lietz, and Andrea Paradis. These honorees are loyal friends of Kids’ Meals and have made an indelible mark on their community with their generosity and service.
To receive free meals in The Kids’ Meals program, families fill out a simple, low-barrier, one-page application. If their income level is eligible for the NSLP (National School Lunch Program) and they have a child under 6 years old in the home, they will qualify for free meal delivery. Qualifying families who do not live in delivery zip codes may also choose to pick up meals at the Kids’ Meals offices located at 330 Garden Oaks Blvd.
Kids’ Meals receives daily expressions of gratitude from the families they help and how the food assistance and resources have carried them through very difficult times. Harp says, “When our assistance prepares a child for kindergarten, prevents homelessness, or allows families to access vital resources, we know we are successful. As we see children take the lead as the first in their family to graduate from high school, with some attending college, we celebrate their accomplishments and the impact we have made.”
As Kids’ Meals prepares to enter an exciting new phase, Harp emphasizes the importance of community support.
“We hope to be able to impact this city like no nonprofit has ever done before for hungry children,” Harp says. “We couldn’t do this without the generosity of our volunteers, our donors, our partners, and every person out there who is sharing our story.”
For more information on how to get involved with Kids’ Meals or to support their mission, visit kidsmealsinc.org.
Red Bull brings action-packed Formula One exhibition to Discovery Green
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Admission-Free Celebration of Racing Culture
On Saturday, Sept. 7, Oracle Red Bull Racing will bring the roaring power of the championship-winning RB7 car to Downtown Houston for a free, single-day exhibition. Red Bull Showrun Houston will allow both the die-hard super fan and casual spectator to experience the sights and sounds of F1 up close on a custom-built temporary track surrounding the iconic Discovery Green.
The event promises an exhilarating afternoon of high-
octane action as Oracle Red Bull Racing’s award-winning race car, RB7, takes the streets of Houston to pull off flawless donuts and roaring burnouts. Intermixed with the highadrenaline racing action will be a series of electrifying performances from Red Bull athletes, with the full lineup and schedule slated to be revealed in the coming weeks. Entertainment at the event will reflect the diverse culture of Houston, including a special intermission showcase of Red Bull Turn It Up that will feature a high-intensity DJ battle between a pair of Bayou City legends - DJ Mr. Rogers and Chase B. While Rodgers serves a familiar-face for local
61st Annual Saints Cyril & Methodius Slavic Heritage Festival
Sunday, Sept. 22, 12 (noon) to 6 p.m. North Side Columbus Club/KC Hall, 607 E. Whitney Dr., Houston 77022
(Czechs, Poles, Slovacs & Ukrainians of Houston) Festival will include ethnic foods, singing and dancing,cultural booths, vendors, and more! Information on the web at www.houstonslavicheritagefestival.com
hip-hop radio fans, Chase B is perhaps best known as the longtime DJ for Travis Scott. While at the event, attendees can also explore an expansive Red Bull Fan Zone that features local food vendors, Oracle Red Bull Racing merch, racing simulators, and free activities for racing fans of that will help introduce them to the exciting World of Red Bull. Doors open at 10 a.m. CDT, although the Red Bull Showrun racing action will take place from Noon to 2 p.m., with the Red Bull Fan Zone closing at 3 p.m.. The event is free and open to the public.
To learn more, visit redbull. com/showrunhouston.
KIDS’ MEALS, from P. 1
Shop Local Market vendor at HFM Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Photos by Daniel Ortiz
Cultural dancers at Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at HFM.
Photo by Chris Tedesco
Daniel Ricciardo drives at Red Bull Showrun in Nashville, TN, on Oct. 14, 2023.
Info Session: Community invited to learn about new 100-acre project at Memorial Park
Memorial Park Conservancy invites the community to the first public information session for Memorial Groves, a key initiative within Memorial Park’s Ten-Year Plan. Designed by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, Memorial Groves will serve as an interactive landscape experience that honors Houston’s World War I history while catering to the needs of everyday park users.
The session will feature a presentation detailing the project's vision, with representatives from Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects addressing frequently asked questions. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing groves@ memorialparkconservancy. org. Questions will be accepted via comment cards during the event, and responses to the most common inquiries will be posted on the Memorial Park Conservancy website after the session. Due to limited space, advanced registration is highly recommended. A video re-
cording of the session will be available on the Memorial Park Conservancy’s YouTube page following the event.
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.
REGISTER: https:// tinyurl.com/um8dxsy4
WHERE: Emancipation Park Conservancy Cultural Center, 3018 Emancipation Ave. FREE PARKING: (1) Street parking along Emancipation Avenue and along Hutchins Street behind the park (2) Surface lot next to the base-
ball field on Tuam Street (3)
Surface lot across from the baseball field with ADA and FEV parking spots available Parking map https:// tinyurl.com/wz8wx5pm.
MORE INFO: To learn more about the Memorial Groves project, please visit Memorial Park Conservancy’s website: https://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/ events/memorial-groves-public-information-session/ Memorial Groves is among a subset of accelerated projects of the Memorial Park Master Plan made possible by
the Ten-Year Plan. The Master Plan and its accelerated TenYear Plan projects together promote connectivity and resiliency, restore damaged ecologies to provide higher function for the Park and city, help manage stormwater, provide new cultural and recreational amenities, and tell the historical narratives of the people and the land through landscape design.
Memorial Park Conservancy is delivering the Ten-Year Plan projects with its project partners: Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Uptown Houston, and Kinder Foundation. Other completed Ten-Year Plan projects include the 100-acre Clay Family Eastern Glades (opened July 2020); the Sports Complex (opened October 2020); a onemile segment of the Seymour Lieberman Trail that is now off of Memorial Drive and is an exciting run through the trees and over ravines (opened October 2022); the 100-acre Kinder Land Bridge and Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie (opened February 2023); and the Running Complex (opened November 2023).
Art Valet: Market returns with hints of fall in the air
Saturday marks the end of the longest absence First Saturday Arts Market has had since its inception in 2004. The colossal three-month wait for an adoring public, whose craving for Houston’s original monthly outdoor fine art market knows no limits, is over.
First Saturday Arts Market returns on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 540 W. 19th St. The hours have been adjusted for the Houston heat, just in case it persists. If temperatures reach triple digits, even for a “feels like” temp, it’s best to check the website or social media for heat updates. Truth be told, your humble
writer here missed the market more than anyone, if I had to guess. Spending time with other artists is a great way to recharge my own creativity.
Visitors tell me they are always inspired by hearing stories about the art. One such artist, Hannah
Bladh, caught my attention.
Bladh joined the May market and paints everyday — ordinary things, like an ice cream cone or an entire freezer section of ice cream at the grocery store (because no one can make up their mind, right?). I might be partial to ice cream, y’all, but Bladh says it best.
“I believe that the right painting in the right place can turn your day around for the better,” Bladh wrote in her statement. “In my art, I like to romanticize ordinary places and things. I have an ability to see the beauty all around me — even filling up at the
gas station, loading my car in the Walmart parking lot, or making breakfast. I try to focus on the joyful and beautiful moments in everyday life. With my art, I help others slow down and remember the good things they have right now in this moment.”
Bladh’s style could be called painterly. Her small, realistic paintings are obviously painted yet pull out familiar details without exaggeration. The viewer’s eye automatically fills in the details for you — a technique that does not come easily to many painters. Personally, it’s among my favorite styles.
Bladh paints primarily in oils and occasionally acrylics. She confessed in a recent Instagram video that she only uses one brush (sometimes two) for most of her paintings. That is incredible — I have jars full of brushes, and finding the right one can be infuriating.
Bladh’s sentiment is evident in the new fall-themed art she plans to bring to Saturday’s market. Bladh says she’ll have a wide variety of pieces unrelated to the season as well.
Hannah Bladh’s work can be found on her website, hannahbladhfineart.com, and you should definitely follow her on Instagram instagram. com/hannahbladh_art. Bladh will join other artists at First Saturday Arts Market this Saturday and in October, too. First Saturday Arts Market is Houston’s original pop-up market, founded in 2004, open September through May at 540 W. 19th St. An artist roster and other details are on the website firstsaturdayartsmarket.com, and shenanigans can be found on Instagram instagram.com/1stsatartmarket. Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.
Painted Ice Cream cone by Hannah Bladh
Submitted photos
Hannah Bladh painting titled Half gallons of happiness
Apples by First Saturday Arts Market artist Hannah Bladh
Fall-themed art at 1st Saturday Arts Market by Hannah Bladh
