The 09-09-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As the school year gets into full swing, the state-appointed Houston ISD board of managers have begun a series of community meetings – including one to be at a Heights area school – to meet with students, parents, and families, and share what is happening in HISD during the 20232024 school year in what they say is an attempt to meet the community’s needs.

Beginning with a Tuesday night meeting at the Farris Early Childhood Education Center, the board of managers was set to begin a series of nearly a dozen public and virtual community meetings with schools in the HISD community, including Highland Heights Elementary at 865 Paul Quinn St. in the Acres Homes, throughout the month of September.

In an email from HISD, the district said the community meetings are events in which the managers are meeting with students and their families to “share more about their vision for the 2023-2024 school year.”

See HISD P. 4

Man charged in assault along 34th Street

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Houston police have arrested and charged a man following an alleged assault in the Central Northwest area last Wednesday afternoon that put another man in the hospital, according to the Houston Police Department.

Andrei Silviu Niculusca, 47, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the incident, according to Harris County court records. Niculusca remained in jail as of Friday, according to court records, with his bond set at $75,000. The victim, a 28-year-old man according to police, was taken to a hospital Wednesday in critical condition according to the department.

to help protect the city’s history and tell its story. It recently added more to its list over more than 350 spots citywide as landmarks, including five local spots in the Heights and Washington Avenue area.

On Aug. 30, the city of Houston announced that city council has approved the designation of 15 historic properties including 11 Protected Landmarks, three Landmarks and one Historic Archeological Site.

“The designation of each one of these properties is a cause for celebration,” city of Houston Historic Preservation Officer Roman McAllen said.

The Heights-area Olivewood Cemetery at 1300 Court St. has been designated as a the city’s lone new protected archeological site, according to the city. The area cemetery has long

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As the school year has gotten under way for area students and families, there is a new early education center and language immersion school that is set to open its doors in the Garden Oaks area early next week.

34th

City

been fighting issues of drainage, overgrowth, and more as it strives to preserve the 7.5-acre cemetery immediately south of White Oak Bayou in the Sawyer Yards area. Olivewood is one

of the oldest known platted cemeteries in the city, comprising over 5,000 burial spaces were laid out along an elliptical drive according to the designation report from the city.

The burial ground contains several hundred marked graves, in addition to an unknown number of unmarked graves on the grounds. Interred there are pivotal leaders of Houston’s post emancipation African American community, according to the city including the pastor of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Elias Dibble; Businessman James B. Bell; Alderman and Landowner Richard Brock, and more according to the report.

“Today, Olivewood Cemetery remains as a key historical site in Houston, serving as a testament to the foresight and perseverance of the cemetery founders,” the report said.

Among the sites in the local area that have also been designated as protected landmarks include St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church (4602 Eli St.) in the

Police said Niculusca and the victim allegedly got into an argument in a parking lot near 4000 W. 34th St. in the Central Northwest area just before 3 p.m. last Wednesday Aug. 30 before the victim drove away. According to police, Niculusca then allegedly followed the victim in his pickup truck before allegedly slamming into the victim’s car. The victim’s car then proceeded to lose control and slam into a utility pole following the alleged collision, according to the police department. Paramedics transported the victim to the hospital via Life Flight helicopter in critical condition, according to the department.

Police said officers detained Niculusca at the scene and subsequently charged him in the incident, according to the department.

weeks old up to six years old, according to a news release from the school. The curriculum, the school said, is driven by children’s

Photo courtesy of City of Houston

Pictured are some of the headstones in the Olivewood Cemetery just south of White Oak Bayou, which was recently designated

Andrei Niculusca

of Houston Olivewood Cemetery ground contains several hundred marked graves, in addition to an unknown number of unmarked graves on the grounds.

R

Pictured are Houston ISD board managers Adam Rivon, Michelle Cruz Arnold, and Paula Mendoza. The board of managers is hosting meetings with parents and stakeholders this month.

Passenger in local multi-car crash dies

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernew.som

A man who was critically injured in a multi-car collision in the area late last month has died, according to the Houston Police Department.

The man’s identity is pending an autopsy from the county’s medical examiner, according to the police department.

Police said the man was a passenger in a purple Infiniti

G35 that was heading south on the Highway 290 service road at 12400 Northwest Fwy. around 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27. As a silver Toyota that was heading south at 4900 Bingle Rd. stopped at a stoplight near the intersection of Northwest Freeway/ Highway 290 and then turned onto the service road, police said the Infiniti allegedly hit the Toyota. The crash caused both cars

to then hit a white Chevy Silverado pickup truck and blue Nissan Versa that were stopped at the stoplight. The Infiniti then rolled over and hit a curb, according to police, before hitting a Chevy Camaro, Honda Accord, and Chevy Corvette that had nobody inside. The Inifniti’s passenger was taken to a hospital in critical condition, according to the department, and was pronounced dead last Thursday.

Police said the driver of the Infiniti, a 19-year-old man, was taken to a hospital in stable condition. The drivers of the other cars involved, a 61-yearold man and 45-year-old woman, were also taken to the hospital according to police. No charges have been filed related to the crash, according to the police department, though the department said the investigation remains ongoing.

Fire damages home in Near Northside

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Investigators with the Houston Fire Department are working to determine what led to a fire breaking out at a home in the Near Northside area late last week, according to the department. There were no reported

injuries from or as a result of the fire, according to the fire department.

HFD said firefighters responded to a call to a house in the 4800 block of Bristol Street in the Near Northside area just after 11 p.m. last Thursday, Aug. 31 to find smoke coming from the attic of the one-story house.

The department said more 30 personnel from stations 6, 9, 12, 15, and 31 arrived on scene and made an offensive attack on the fire before conducting a primary search and finding nobody inside. The fire was then quickly controlled, according to the fire department.

Arson investigators have been tasked with finding what the cause and origins of the fire were, according to the department, and it remains under investigation as of Tuesday. A figure for how much property was damaged and how much was not immediately available, according to HFD.

Washington Avenue restaurant damaged in fire

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Fire authorities are attempting to find out what led to a fire at a restaurant in the Washington Avenue area that caused significant damage to the restaurant late last week, according to the Houston Fire Department. There were no reported

injuries from or as a result of the fire, according to the fire department.

HFD said crews from stations 6, 8, 11, 15, 16, 30, and 62 responded within four minutes to a call at a restaurant at 1609 Durham Dr. in the Washington Avenue area around 12:40 a.m. on Aug. 24 to see heavy fire coming from the roof of the one-story restaurant.

Crews initially had to force through a heavy-duty lock and chain to gain entry to the restaurant, according to the department, though crews were able to eventually get inside and fully extinguish the fire with no injuries and nobody inside.

The fire department said 34 firefighters responded to the scene of the fire, which caused

an estimated $250,000 in damage to the restaurant according to HFD. However, they did save an additional estimated $590,000 in property according to the department.

HFD said arson investigators have been called in to determine what might have led to the fire breaking out and what caused it, and the investigation remains ongoing.

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Wearables to improve your health

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

There are many new devices that can track your health data and report back what is working well and what needs improvement. These devices have improved with time. Consider one below based on your area of health to advance.

Let’s start with metabolic health. Several aspects that affect your metabolic health are in your control. Healthy eating and regular physical exercise are two ways to maintain a beneficial metabolism. The market is offering wearables to help people experiment with things like fasting and tracking metabolism to enhance their metabolic flexibility. This flexibility indicates how easily you can move between the energy sources of glucose and fat. Research from the journal Endocrine Reviews describes that being more metabolically flexible may be beneficial for weight management, glucose control, insulin sensitivity, sleep, and physical activity and performance.

Metabolic Health

• Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) – This is a small sensor that is inserted into the skin and estimates your blood glucose (blood sugar) from the tissue in your arm or the abdomen. It collects data continuously throughout the day and night. These were first used for patients with Type 1 Diabetes. But now, patients can wear a device with a prescription from the doctor to see what a blood glucose level is at any time. There are also companies like Levels and Nutrisense that you can purchase a subscription and will provide this device. They often come with a service to help with nutrition and guidance to read the data. With either of the apps, you can review how your blood glucose level changes with a meal and the hours following. These trends may be affected by food, sleep, or exercise. It can be especially helpful for patients trying to avoid diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. It has a built-in feature to record food, and exercise so you can reflect on these trends and make changes to avoid high variability in blood glucose.

• Lumen – This breathalyzer will measure the carbon dioxide in your breath (RER- respiratory exchange rate) detecting a diet high in carbohydrates or one that is higher in fat. With repeated use, it tracks and creates recommendations. Lumen reports levels such as 1-2 meaning you are

more in fat burning mode, 3 is a balance of energetic intake and 4-5 is higher carbohydrate intake. It offers a flex score to indicate if you are in your optimal flexibility, 0 – 6 is not flexible, 7-14 balanced and 15-21 is an optimal flexibility. It also offers a food log so you can monitor your scores along with your meals. Compared to the CGM, it requires more time and consistency of logging, but measuring may be as personalized.

Sleep Pick up any health magazine or read an online health source, they will be talking about sleep. Dr. Matthew Walker in his book Why We Sleep, is making sleep a priority again among health enthusiasts. Understanding the sleep stages is important. These stages allow the brain and body to repair and regenerate. Some good trackers to consider:

• Oura Ring – A ring you wear that detects subtle changes in your heart rate, oxygen levels and can record physical activity and sleep data. Oura creates a score based on the time you spend in each of the four stages of your sleep cycle. Measuring both quantity and quality. The ring can help highlight obstacles to obtaining enough of both deep sleep and REM sleep. It takes two weeks to gather data to begin to give you recommendations to improve sleep habits. It also tracks heart rate and heart rate variability, body temperature (even a menstrual cycle detection with body temperature change), and oxygenation. It requires device purchase but offers an upgrade for subscription.

• Whoop – This wearable is a bracelet. Like the Oura ring, it tracks multiple items in addition to the sleep stages. Both need to be worn during sleep to detect data. It requires a subscription in addition to the device.

Activity From increasing muscle mass and bone density to improving depressive symptoms, physical activity is one of the many levers of health we should all be pulling. A few devices to consider:

• Garmin – A great choice for the very active type. Offered as a smartwatch or a wristband, this device has step tracking, calories burned, minutes of intensity and training status. It supports activities like running, cycling, swimming, walking, hiking, golf, skiing, gym and fitness equipment, tennis, surfing, sailing, rowing, and more. An associated Garmin app helps to track data and make be-

havior changes.

• WHOOP – This bracelet has GPS tracking, measures strain –both cardiovascular and muscular. With Strength trainer, WHOOP tracks weights, reps, and sets to understand the demand on the muscles. It also reports on recommendations for recovery based on heart rate and heart rate variability among other things. It offers accelerometer that detects subtle changes in types of movement, like HIIT.

• Oura – Oura offers heart rate tracking to record a workout, estimates calories burned, steps and progress to goal. It offers a score each day to stay on track.

• Apple Watch - through the Activity App, you can track activity, standing time, active time, cardio fitness, and distance as well as calories burned.

Stress

Heart rate variability has become a way to predict how stress affects the body. Measured in milliseconds, it detects the time between heartbeats. The lower the number the more the body is spending in sympathetic nervous system, or “Fight or Flight mode” the higher the number the more in parasympathetic tone or “Rest and Digest”.

• Oura – Provides “tags” and a free text option that allows following how a particular stress reduction activity may affect body reactions. By tracking heart rate variability, heart rate and sleep each day, stress behavior modifications can be made. It also has selected meditations in app to use prior to sleep or other times of day.

• Whoop – It measure heart rate and HRV to estimate a stress score. Provides a stress and anxiety journal to document your daily experience.

• Apple Watch – Under the app Stress Monitor, HRV data can be interpreted and scored.

• Garmin – Offers heart rate tracking, HRV and breathwork activities to track how this can affect overall stress levels. These devices are available to help you learn how to recognize the categories of your health that may need more support. By following the device trends and setting new behavior modifications, measuring your progress just like a science experiment, you can improve your nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and stress.

The Power of Preventative Heart Screenings

What’s a Calcium Score and CAC test?

While you’ve likely heard the benefits of living a heart healthy lifestyle, and you may be mindful of your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, there are high-value tests that can help determine risk levels for heart attack and stroke — some of the most common atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events.

Preventative heart screenings like the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score tests for calcium buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries. It is used to detect coronary artery disease and its severity.

Here’s what you need to know about the test, some general guidelines on if this test is relevant to you and what the results could mean for your heart health.

What’s the CAC score, and what does the test entail?

The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a non-invasive method to assess the presence of calcified plaque in the arteries. Coronary plaque can obstruct blood flow, which can then increase the risk of a heart attack or other cardiovascular events.

The CAC test uses a specialized CT scanner to capture detailed images of your coronary arteries. At your appointment, you’ll wear a hospital gown so sticky patches can be placed on your chest to help monitor your heart’s electrical activity throughout the test. A camera will take multiple images of your heart in less than 60 seconds. It should take only a few minutes and is painless and discomfort free. From these images, your physician can calculate your calcium score --the measure of the calcified plaque in your arteries.

A calcium test may be the most accurate predictor of ASCVD risk to date — at least of the safe, noninvasive and relatively inexpensive variety — and can allow you to take proactive measures and personalized prevention plans.

Who should get the calcium score test?

The test is recommended for individuals in the intermediate risk range — meaning those who have at least one traditional cardiovas-

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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.

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cular risk factor such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or obesity — who may need a more precise assessment of their risk to help guide treatment and medication decisions.

Those who may not be a fit are typically individuals who would be unlikely to use the results for health decisions, including:

• People younger than 40 with no major risk factors.

• People who have already experienced a heart attack, stroke or serious cardiovascular event, which already places you in the high-risk category.

• Pregnant women or anyone who needs to strictly avoid radiation since the test involves a small amount in the CT scan.

• People who have had a recent CAC test that was positive in the last 3-5 years.

What does the score mean?

Your physician can go over the results of the CAC test in detail.

In general, the score ranges from zero, meaning you have no calcified plaque and your risk is low, to over 400, which indicates a large amount of plaque is detected and your chances of a cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke are high.

Dr. Khurram Nasir, a preventative cardiologist and Director of the Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness Program at Houston Methodist Hospital says a presence of calcium can serve as a powerful warning sign of premature heart disease.

“The CAC test is a valuable tool that can help inform recommendations on medication or lifestyle changes and further diagnostic tests to prevent cardiac crisis,” said Dr. Nasir. If you have traditional risk factors, and a score of zero, then that’s great news. A low score essentially indicates early disease, and preventive medications and risk factor modification should be considered. For individuals with high CAC scores usually greater than 100, they should be monitored closely as the same risk level as someone with a prior heart attack.”

Ask your primary care provider or cardiologist if this test is right for you. A good time to have this discussion with your physician is during your annual physical or regular check-up.

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THE TOPICS.

Talking about the size of Texas

“Around company head quarters in Bentonville, Ark., an hour’s plane ride from Dal las, when anybody asks, ‘Why are there so many Walmarts in Texas?’ the answer they get is ‘Because it’s big’.” York Times, Aug. 20, 2003.

How big is Texas? It’s 261,231 square miles of land, which is very big. We all know that, but let’s have a little fun with this geographical fact Ready? The longest straightline distance from the north west corner of the Panhandle to the Rio Grande just be low Brownsville is 801 miles. The greatest east–west distance is 773 miles from the extreme eastward bend in the Sabine River in Newton County to the extreme western bulge of the Rio Grande.

There is a sign on I-10 coming in from Louisiana, “Welcome To Texas,” and another sign, “El Paso 708 miles.” It makes drivers of a Ford F-150 Lightning want to look for the next charging station. One of my neighbors was from Philadelphia and I met her three brothers, all of whom looked like Rocky. “We drove here through Texarkana and thought, ‘Hey, we’re in Texas. Almost there.’ It took us almost two more days.”

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy said, “If you measure distance in hours, you may live in Texas.” To drive from El Paso to Texarkana, 813 miles, it takes  12 hours 34 minutes in light traffic, but this means going through Fort Worth and Dallas. Avoid rush hour. It takes around 13 hours to drive the 805 miles from the northernmost point to southernmost in Texas. You would start in Texhoma, a small town

dren and their experiences spurred the idea to help create and found the school as a way to provide children in the area with more learning options.

“I wanted a nurturing yet intellectually stimulating environment for them, and it was challenging to find one that also offered language immersion classes,” Darvesh said in the release. “Our goal is to bridge that gap and provide so much more for local children and families.”

The school has already been giving tours ahead of its opening for students in recent weeks, and some early reviews have been positive.

“They have a wonderful library where anyone would want to stop and read or look at books. It just feels inviting. There is an indoor play area so the children will be safe and warm in inclement weather. The staff were knowledgeable and patient answering all of our questions,” Rebecca Stringer wrote in a Google review of the school late last month. “The curriculum is exceptionally thought out and will provide my grandchildren with the proper tools to help them prepare for their future. I’m very excited that my grandchildren are enrolled and encourage others to take a tour of the school.”

Inside the 20,000 squarefoot school on 34th Street, the news release said that in addi-

Lynn Ashby Columnist

gest highway in Texas at 783.5 miles. Starting from Perryton on the Oklahoma state line, it continues to the border of Mexico at Brownsville. If you are like Maverick in “Top Gun”

“I feel the need to speed,” the fastest road in the entire nation is in Texas and runs for a 40-mile stretch from Austin to San Antonio with a speed limit of 85 miles per hour. El Paso is closer to Denver at 637 miles than to Houston at 747 miles. El Paso is closer to the Pacific Ocean at San Diego, California, than it is to Texarkana. Dalhart is closer to five other state capitals (New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Wyoming and Kansas) than it is to its state capital in Austin. (Incidentally, our capitol building is bigger than that of any other state’s with 18 acres of floor space.) Austin is closer to New Orleans than it is to El Paso. Houston to New York City is a 1,416-mile drive. That’s like driving from Houston to El Paso and back. Texas is larger than the 13 smallest states combined. That would be over 221 times the size of Rhode Island. The King Ranch is the largest

tion to their bilingual immersion classes, students will also have access to morning yoga. There will also be enrichment and after-school activities such as soccer, Tai Kwan do, dance, music, gymnastics, and art, for children in grade levels Pre-K through Kindergarten as well as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) labs in which students can work, according to the release.

According to the news release, the school will employ the Reggio Emilia learning program for students, which it says is a research-based and child-centered early education curriculum “that nurtures academic, social, emotional, physical, and moral development” as well as encouraging independence, self-motivation, and decision-making skills.

“We’re thrilled to be the first and only Reggio Emilia program in this area,” Darvesh said in the release.

Enrollment for the Village Preschool is now open, and the school is scheduled to welcome students beginning next Monday. The school is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

For registration, to set up a school tour, or to find more information about the Village Preschool, community members can visit the school’s website at villagepreschool.xyz or call them at 281-385-5239.

ranch in Texas and the U.S. at 1,289 square miles. It is bigger than the state of Rhode Island. Let’s not get too cocky. A Texas rancher is driving through the back roads of Vermont and spots a farmer out working in his fields. The Texan pulls over and start visiting with the Vermonter. “How big is your place here?” asks the Texan. “Oh, about ten acres.” The Texan snorts. “I’ve got a ranch back in Texas and I can drive in my truck all day long and not get to the end of my spread.” The Vermonter nods in understanding. “Yep, I had a truck like that once.” How about compared to other countries? At 261,231 square miles of land (or 171.902 million acres), Texas would be the 39th-largest country by land area in the world, bigger than every country in Europe. coming in just behind Zambia and ahead of Myanmar. If Texas were its own country, most other countries are in fact smaller than Texas.

Being so widespread, we have all sorts of topography. Highest point is Guadalupe Peak at 8,749 feet. Our lowest points are the beaches at the Gulf of Mexico at sea level, obviously. This gives miles and miles of miles 678 different types of birds and 44 different mammals. We have vast deserts and mountains. But did you ever see the movie, “Southern Comfort” about a group of National Guard troops lost in the swamps of Louisiana? Gators and snakes and evil Cajuns (speaking Cajun and with a Cajun soundtrack)? That’s Louisiana all right, except that it was filmed in Caddo Lake in East Texas.

HISD, from P. 1

It is not the first time that the district’s new leaders have attempted to hold such meetings to meet with the community and share about happenings in the district and changes being implemented. Superintendent Mike Miles also held a series of community meetings in July and August that included meetings at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St.) and as well as M.C. Williams Middle School (6100 Knox St.) in Acres Homes.

The efforts to enforce a takeover began in 2019, when TEA Commissioner Mike Morath began efforts to replace the HISD board amidst allegations of board misconduct as well as nearly a decade straight of low academic performance at Wheatley High School. The district sued the TEA in 2020, and was granted an in-

You want to campaign for office in Texas, and hit all the viewers with TV spots featuring ads tailored to that particular group? There are 210 so-called Designated Media Markets in the U.S. These are areas that TV stations want to cover with commercials. New York State has 11. California has 16. Texas has 20. Former Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro, who was state director for Hillary Clinton’s campaign in 2008, observed, “It’s like running a national campaign. There are no similarities between Amarillo and Brownsville and Beaumont and Texarkana and El Paso and Austin and Houston and Dallas. These are very separate demographic groups with very diverse interests.” Texas school children are taught to sing our state song, “Texas, Our Texas.” One line went. “Largest and grandest.” That is until Alaska became a state in 1959, so the line now goes: “Boldest and grandest.” Alaska is two and a half times bigger than Texas. Actually, if you cut that frozen tundra in half and make it into two states, then Texas would become the third largest state. But just wait. When global warming gets through with Alaska it will fit into downtown Waco. Its population of 736,081 is one sixth that of Harris County’s (4,731,129) and would still need another 314,649 Eskimos. As for the pièce de résistance (as they say in Pasadena), by my measuring stick that really counts, Alaska has eight Walmarts. Texas has 601.

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junction by a Travis County judge – which was later upheld by an appeals court. However, this past January, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the agency and threw out the injunction – clearing the way for the takeover.

And in June, the takeover became official with the implementation with former Dallas ISD superintendent Mike Miles as HISD’s stateappointed leader. The stateappointed managers are Audrey Momanaee (president), Ric Campos, Angela Lemond Flowers, Cassandra Auzenne Bandy, Michelle Cruz Arnold, Janette Garza Lindner, Rolando Martinez, Adam Rivon, and Heights resident Paula Mendoza.

Ten of the meetings will be held in public and in person, with one such meeting being virtual and online for community mem-

Landmarks from P. 1

Washington Avenue area, as well the house at 1134 E. 14th St. in the Heights. The Leonel J. Castillo Community Center at 2101 South St. in the Northside Village neighborhood is also among them, according to the city.

The Thompson-Brown House (215 E. 30th St.) in the Heights is also a new landmark, according to the city. It is the third city of Houston landmark in the historic Independence Heights “helping to preserve the community’s history and cultural heritage,” according to the city.

The new local and citywide historic landmarks will join the already-existing list of more than 350 designated landmarks around the city, according to the city’s Historic Preservation website.

Protected Landmarks and landmarks are historic properties that have been officially recognized by the city of Houston for their “outstanding historical, cultural, or architectural significance,” according to the city. These designations are initiated by the property owner.

A landmark designation protects resources in the sense that any building design, alterations, additions, and maintenance to the building, structure, or site must follow the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. However, it does not provide significant protection from demolition or an inappropriate alteration. A Protected Landmark designation, however provides significant protection against demolition in perpetuity and are eligible to be nominated as Significant Buildings.

“(The designation) signals that these property owners understand and value our history, and they have taken action to ensure that these buildings will remain part of the Houston’s historical fabric,” McAllen said.

For more information about historical landmarks in the city of Houston, visit the city’s website at houstontx.gov/planning/HistoricPres/historic_landmarks.html.

bers, families, students, and other stakeholders to give their input and feedback on behalf of themselves and their community. The public meeting at Highland Heights Elementary is currently scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the school. Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the event closest to them, but are welcome to attend any event of their choosing, according to the district’s email Tuesday.

If they are unable to attend the meetings in person or virtually, the district said community members and stakeholders can take a community survey laying out their needs by scanning a QR code available in an email sent out about the meetings.

Preschool, from P. 1

Photo courtesy of City of Houston

Pictured are a few of the recently-designated historical landmarks in Houston, which includes several spots in the Heights and Northside Village.

Baptist Temple / “Heights Church” Begin Run on 12/03/22

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Hymns and Hers.

Hymns and Hers.

We are a church for the Heights. Bible Study @10am | Worship @11am 230 W. 20th St. 77008

We are a church for the Heights.

Everyone is welcome at Heights Church. We are an exciting blend of old and new, and we warmly invite you to visit.

Bible Study @10am | Worship @11am 230 W. 20th St. 77008 Heights Church @heightschurchhouston

Everyone is welcome at Heights Church. We are an exciting blend of old and new, we warmly invite you to visit.

COFFEE 930AM | BIBLE STUDY 1OAM | WORSHIP 11AM | 230 W. 20TH ST. 77008 Heights Church @heightschurchhouston Heights Church, Houston, Texas HeightsChurchHouston.org

HS Football roundup: Scarborough in new territory following win

LAndAn KuhLmAnn Editor

There’s no secret that it has been a long, tough road for the Scarborough Spartans’ football program in recent seasons. Over the period of several years, the team went on a long losing streak. But with a new head coach, early results are making it look like things could be headed in the right direction for the Spartans.

Last week, Scarborough took down Sharpstown by a score of 18-6, winning their second straight game to open the season. With the win, the Spartans moved to 2-0 on the season – the first time in decades that they have started a season that way. It is the first time since 2019 that the program has won multiple games in a season, and just the second time in the last 15 seasons.

Keys to the Spartans’ early success has been Scarborough’s defense, which has allowed just six points in two games so far this season. They’ve held both opponents to six points or fewer, includ-

ing the previous week’s shutout of Pro-Vision Academy – the program’s first shutout

on defense since that 2019 campaign.

Scarborough will look to keep their winning streak alive this weekend, as the Spartans are set to take on KIPP Northeast at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Elsewhere in public school action, the Booker T. Washington Eagles bounced-back from a season-opening loss to beat Austin 40-0 last week and improve to 1-1 on the season. They will finish up their non-district slate with a tilt against Pasadena at 7 p.m. Friday.

Heights dropped to 1-1 on the season with a 41-20 loss to Cypress Springs last week despite the efforts of receiver Zaylen Cormier, who hauled

in five catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Reggie McNeal Jr. also threw for 233 yards and the two scores in the air, and also added a rushing touchdown.

The Waltrip Rams are 0-2 on the season following last week’s 49-7 loss against Dayton. Running back Jaylen Middleton eclipsed the century mark on the ground for a second straight week, rushing for 119 yards and his first touchdown of the season.

Private schools

It was the continuation of a strong start to the season for the St. Thomas Eagles, who emerged victorious with a 35-20 victory over Lumber-

ton last weekend. The passing game carried the Eagles (2-0) this week, with Donte Lewis completing 16 of 27 passes for 319 yards and five touchdowns through the air. Larry Benton III was Lewis’ favorite target all night, hauling in eight catches for 221 yards and all five touchdowns, while Luke Edgecomb also had six catches for 95 yards.

Dominic Ori (14 tackles), Cooper Davis (10 tackles), and Tyler Day (10 tackles) were strong on defense for St. Thomas, who is now the top-ranked private school in Texas by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.

The Lutheran North Academy Lions dropped to 1-1 on

the season with a heartbreaker of a 64-58 overtime loss to Legacy Christian Academy last week. LNA will look to get back on track this Friday when they play St. Francis Episcopal.

St. Pius X suffered its second straight loss to open the season, dropping a nailbiting 12-10 decision last week against Beaumont Kelly Catholic. Running back Joshua Mitchell rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries to lead the Panthers’ offensive efforts. Easton Dean was strong on the defensive side for SPX (02), racking up a team-leading 10 tackles and blocking two punts.

It’s been a hot minute since I brought news to you about The Market at Sawyer Yards. Nestled between two building along about 300 feet of alleyway on an old rail line, the market is not easy to spot unless you happen to look. Look for it this Saturday, Sept 9, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 1502 Sawyer St.

There’s free parking on the backside at 2101 Winter St. The Market at Sawyer Yards is open second Saturdays September through May in conjunction with Sawyer Yards Open Studios, which is open all year, noon to 5 p.m. The studios have air conditioning of course. The curated market hosts a mix of artist mediums with a fo-

cus on folk art, artisan crafts, packaged and cottage foods

Hosting food vendors that make their own, keeps with the theme of originality and gives visitors a wider variety of shopping options. One baker that rarely left the market with any product at the close of day is returning this Saturday.

James Ephraim founded

and operates The Baker’s Man, a cake baker that specializes in bundt cakes. Small and inexpensive enough to eat before leaving, Ephraim’s cakes are very popular! After many years of selling his delectable cakes (7 flavors at last count) at many Houston area markets, Ephraim was accepted into the very selective Urban Harvest. Getting that prestigious acceptance is tantamount to winning the lottery in the food vendor’s world.

Not long after, Ephraim opened a brick and mortar business in Midtown Houston that closed for a time and recently reopened. The Baker’s Man is located at 3622 Main St., and open Tuesday-

Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Here’s an excerpt from my introduction to Ephraim here in The Leader just over four years ago in the Aug. 10, 2019 edition:

Ephraim told me as far back as he could remember, growing up in Houston, he helped bake carrot cakes with his Mom. It took many years before Ephraim made the switch from corporate America back to baking. Ephraim went to college on the G.I. Bill after serving as a United States Marine. After graduation, Ephraim worked his way up from bank teller to bank management. But, Ephraim told me, his personal motto kept haunting him about baking.

“I didn’t want to be on my deathbed and having any what ifs,” Ephraim said. Ephraim started with his Mom’s carrot cake recipe that he had memorized long ago, duplicating the moist base for his other signature flavors, Blondie Caramel, Chocolate Fudge, Lemon, Funfetti, Strawberry and Red Velvet.

“If God didn’t make it, it’s not in the cake.” Ephraim proudly explained once on a social media post, explaining how his red velvet cake has no artificial colors.

In a recent phone call Ephraim said he’s pulled in some favors and has his entire family working this weekend’s markets in addition to the storefront. Find

the schedule on Instagram https://www.instagram. com/thebakersmanhtx/. Find The Baker’s man and about a “baker’s dozen” of other artisans at The Market at Sawyer Yards, Saturday. Some exhibitors may be camped out in the remaining train shed in the middle of the alley way. Delicias Maya Food Truck, a staple at Antidote Coffee in the Heights will be on site too. Details at https://sawyerstreetmarket. com/. Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

An area foodie event meant to showcase the eclectic food and drink scene in a local neighborhood while supporting the local homeowners’ association has officially kicked off.

On Tuesday, the Oak Forest Homeowners Association announced that its Taste of Oak Forest event has kicked off, and will run through Sept. 20. Over the next two weeks, patrons can eat out at some of their favorite Oak Forest restaurants, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the OFHA’s Beautification Committee and their ongoing efforts to help beautify Oak Forest.

Among Oak Forest restaurants taking part in the event are spots such as BB’s Tex-Orleans (1734 W. 34th St. #500), Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine (1734 W. 34th St.), and Bollo Wood-fired Pizza at the Stomping Grounds development, as well as Saigon Hustle (3323 Ella Blvd.) and Rainbow Lodge (2011 Ella Blvd.) and others.

Community members will also be able to potentially win prizes by sharing their experience on social media. To enter, diners can use the hashtag #tasteofoakforest2023 or tag the OFHA @oakforesthoahoustontx on social media when sharing their Taste of Oak Forest photos, and the OFHA will randomly select one photo at the end of the event to win a $50 restaurant gift card. Additionally, diners can see who can check off

the most items in

Photo by Ana Guzman

Ephraim is The Baker’s Man at The Market at Sawyer Yards.