The 10-14-23 Edition of The Heights Leader by The Heights Leader, Fort Bend Star and The Greensheet

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Saturday, October 14, 2023 • Vol. 68 • No. 40

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Contract Constables Program adds layer of security for Heights residents and business owners By Elena Sandovici The Leader News Contributor The Heights is an idyllic neighborhood full of beautiful homes and beautiful yards. You might see people walking around, even late into the evenings, and hopefully they feel safe doing so. While it’s tempting and optimistic to assume that a friendly neighborhood would naturally be a safe one just by virtue of its cheerful and benign social interconnectedness, many of our neighbors are investing in a service that goes the extra mile to help keep their homes (and, by extension, the community) secure. You might have seen the Constable cars around. Consisting of four deputies

Your neighborhood living room in The Heights

that patrol the area, the Constable Patrol is a supplemental police force Heights residents can actually hire to monitor and prevent crime in our neighborhood. According to the Houston Heights Association (HHA), “the Heights Constable Patrol Program is a concierge security service available to our community through the Houston Heights Association. By becoming a subscriber, you will be able to count on reliable and responsive Constables to help you immediately if you have a security emergency.” Interested residents pay $350 per year for the service, which some consider a bargain at less than $1 a day per household or business. Pricing is prorated for those who subscribe later in

the year. “This program is crucial to improving safety in our community, and we hope you choose to support it so we can grow this program and add more deputies to patrol our streets,” the HHA wrote on Facebook. Under the program, each of the four contract deputies works 40 hours per week in staggered shifts. The deputies patrol the area in marked cars for high visibility, in an effort to deter crime. The program is funded solely through annual fees. Subscription is optional, however, the service benefits the entire community and the HHA encourages all residents See CONSTABLE PATROL P. 7

A colorful, cathartic Heights celebration

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INSIDE.

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The Houston Heights Association is seeking additional support for its Constable Patrol Program.

Pet adoption fees waived to celebrate Adopt a Shelter Dog Month By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor

Local fall activities and fun for the whole family.

Page 2

Business briefs. Local openings and closings as well as seasonal specials!

Page 2 Photos by Charlotte Aguilar Local artist Judy Turner creates a ‘community’ ofrenda each year, where the public is invited to leave a remembrance of loved ones.

Dias de los Muertos ‘lifts the veil between worlds’ Breast Cancer Awareness is the focus in this month’s Our Health section

Page 3 Stefanie Thomas Editor

Meet the Editor! The Leader has a new face and a new outlook! Get to know Stefanie Thomas.

Page 7

THE INDEX. People/Topics ��2 Classifieds ��6 Local Culture ��8

By Charlotte Aguilar For The Leader It’s hard to imagine now, but when Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery first started its celebration of Dias de los Muertos in the Heights in the 1990s, the holiday was largely unknown — and its grinning skeletons and other reminders of death frequently misunderstood and discomfiting. Credit gallery founder, the late Macario Ramirez, with changing those perceptions locally. Now the “Day of the Dead” (actually two days, Nov. 1-2, honoring departed children on the 1st and adults on the 2nd) is celebrated throughout Houston and among diverse cultures at schools and community centers, festivals and even bars.

A permanent ofrenda near the front of the gallery honors its founder, Macario Ramirez, who died in 2020 and is widely credited with popularizing the holiday of Dias de los Muertos in the Houston area.

Despite Ramirez’s passing three years ago from a heart condition — or perhaps enhanced by it — the gallery, at 241 W. 19th St., still boasts the most traditional local Dias de los Muertos festivities, with an emphasis on education, inclusion and cultural awareness over a full month of celebrations. And Macario’s soulful spirit permeates the gallery and the events. That’s due to his widow, Chrissie Dickerson Ramirez, who’s carried on Casa Ramirez’s motto with fidelity: “Folkart • Good Causes • Cultural Traditions.” She and Macario made pilgrimages to Oaxaca to experience firsthand what is considered the richest observation of the traditions that have See OFRENDA P.7

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a perfect opportunity to welcome a new furry friend into your home while supporting animal welfare initiatives. Two local organizations, Best Friends Animal Society and Harris County Pets (HCP), are at the forefront of the cause. Best Friends Animal Society, which has an adoption center in the Heights, is a leading advocate for ending the euthanasia of cats and dogs in U.S. shelters by 2025. Their data reveals nearly 20 dogs lose their lives every hour in shelters across the nation. With shelters facing overcapacity challenges, adopting a shelter dog has never been more crucial to saving lives and addressing the shelter crisis. To support the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” nationwide campaign that also runs in October, all pets adopted from HCP through October 15 will have the adoption fee entirely waived. All HCP adopted pets come spayed or neutered, microchipped, receive ageappropriate vaccinations, and obtain a one-year Harris County pet license. The benefits of pet adoption go beyond the obvious. Best Friends Animal Society states that adoption reduces the demand for puppy mills and other inhumane commercial breeding facilities, thereby fighting pet overpopulation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet adoption not only brings joy and companionship but also offers numerous See ADOPT P. 7

Submitted photo by Best Friends Animal Society)

With shelters facing overcapacity challenges, adopting a shelter dog has never been more crucial to saving lives and addressing the shelter crisis.

HHA Fun Run 2023: A community staple for 38 years By Rubena Gracia The Leader News Contributor This year’s 38th Annual Houston Heights Association Fun Run was held on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Marmion Park at 1800 Heights Blvd. provided the start/finish line, as well as space for the after-party, awards ceremony, and tents for local community vendors and sponsors. The course along Heights Blvd., between 18 th St. and 5 th St., offered a 10k run,

5k run, 5k walk, and 1k event for children. There were 1,237 total participants, with most people choosing the in-person option and seven people taking advantage of the continued virtual race option. Kinzie Verdell, Fun Run Event Chair, kept the event running smoothly. Participants receive a T-shirt and a numbered race bib that uses an embedded chip which is activated by crossing the start line See FUN RUN P. 7

Open a new MTFCU Checking Account before November 30th and get a $100 bonus* *To qualify for the $100 deposit, you must be a new or current member in good standing and open a new checking account with a minimum Direct Deposit of $500. A $100 incentive will be deposited into y our checking account after 3 months of the account being opened with direct deposit. Existing Checking Accounts are not eligible to receive the $100 incentive. Cash back is subject to all applicable taxes and is your responsibility. Membership is open to anyone who lives in our area. Just open a Basic Savings Account with $5 to establish your membership and access all of our products and services. Full membership eligibility available at www.MTFCU.coop. This oﬀer can end at any time but expires on November 30, 2023.

Photo by Rubena Gracia

The start/Finish line at Marmion Park for the HHA Fun Run 2023.

Page 2 • Saturday, October 14, 2023 • The Leader

THE PEOPLE.

Compiled by Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com Submit details of your fall events, Halloween spooktaculars, markets, pumpkin patches and more by emailing editor@ theleadernews.com no later Oct. 15 (print)/Oct. 24 (online). Planned categories for the final guide are • Fall for Foodies • Harvest Markets • Pumpkin Patches • Halloween Fun for Kids • Halloween Parties for Grownups Stevens Elementary Trunk-or-Treat & Silent Auction WHO: Kids and families

Fall Happenings

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 27, 5-6:30 p.m. WHERE: Stevens Elementary, 1910 Lamonte Ln. WHAT: Face painting, dancing, music, games, silent auction, and more! COST: Free admission

NNMD Trunk or Treat WHO: Kids and families WHEN: Friday, Oct. 27, 5-7 p.m. WHERE: Near Northwest Management District, 7603 Antoine Dr. WHAT: Fun for all ages COST: Free admission

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Oaks Dads Club Trunk or Treat WHO: Kids and families WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 6-9 p.m. WHERE: 3410 E. TC Jester WHAT: Showing of the movie “Hocus Pocus”, bounce house, old-fashioned games, concessions; costumes encouraged! COST: Free admission Karbach Brewing Co. Halloween Market WHO: Kids, adults, families WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 29, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. WHERE: Karbach Brewing Co., 2032 Karbach St. WHAT: Spooky vendors, pet portraits, food trucks, costume contests, dog costume contest COST: Free admission

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Houston taco institution Tacos A Go Go’s promotion for October is the pink TaTa Taco, with all proceeds from this special edition creation benefitting local breast cancer awareness non-profit The Rose. The star of chef/co-owner Maribel Gomez’s TaTa Taco is a pink corn tortilla made with beet juice, giving it a vibrant hue. It comes loaded with shredded chicken, julienne carrots and jicama, pickled onions and radish, and cilantro, and it’s all topped with a xoconostle cactus fruit sauce. The taco’s sticker price is $3.99, with a vegan option

Photo by Julie Nong

The Tacos A Go Go TaTa Taco

available upon request. It will be available throughout October at all five Tacos A Go Go locations in the Houston area, including the Heights location at 2912 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007. “What better way to raise awareness about a disease that will affect 1 in 8 women in their lifetime than a super tasty pink taco?” Tacos A Go Go founder and co-owner Sharon Haynes said. “We are thrilled to donate the proceeds to help support The Rose, a local non-profit that helps women in Houston with the expenses associated with prevention and treatment.” October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the worldwide campaign aiming to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer, which can be 98 percent survivable with early detection. The Rose works tirelessly to ensure that women get the best care possible, regardless of income level. The Rose and Tacos A Go Go have joined forces in the past for mobile mammography events, and this is the first time they have collaborated on a fundraising taco.

Pints in the Heights: Fundraising BASH tickets on sale to benefit Lights in the Heights

The annual “Lights in the Heights” BASH is back, and this year’s theme is “Pints in the Heights”! Join your neighbors on Nov. 3, 2023, at Eureka Heights Brewery. This is not just a celebration; it’s an investment in the Heights community. Every ticket purchased helps fund the annual Lights in the Heights event, making the season brighter for the community. Tickets are available at various levels, with general admission starting at $100. Get your tickets online at woodlandheights.org. Out for blood?

Common Bond’s Bloody Brain Cakes are back and available for preorder at the Heights Bistro just in time for Halloween. These spooky sweets will be available for pick-up the weekend leading up to Halloween until Halloween Day, October 31. Order online or call 713357-9397 for assistance.

Houston Heights Association hosts charcuterie fundraising event “Battle of the Boards”

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Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot better with Velvet Taco’s All Day Happy Hour, featuring unbeatable deals on their famous Kick A$$ Margari-

tas. They will offer $5 Regular and $8 Large Rocks and Frozen Margaritas all day long. This limited-time offer is available exclusively for dinein guests and valid all day on Tuesdays. Visit Velvet Taco in the Heights at 2001 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77008.

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By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor The Houston Heights Association will host an inaugural fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at the Heights Fire Station that is sure to have your taste buds stand up and take notice. “Battle of the Boards”, charcuterie boards that is, will be an all-out competition for the best charcuterie in the Heights. Slated to compete in this year’s event are local favorite eateries Harold’s, Savoir, Trattoria Sophia, and Triola’s Kitchen, the Citizens Food Truck and Angel Share HTX Bar. Along with the charcuterie tasting and wine that is being donated by BCI Bonneté Wines, there will also be an auction for tasters to battle over. Auction items include art from several local artists, custom cowboy boots, and gift certificates from local retailers, restaurants, and fitness centers. To bolster memories made with friends and family, the auction will also include vacation home stays and signup parties for painting, wine

tasting, and even self-defense classes. Last but certainly not least, let’s not forget the constable ride along that is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Event chair Amber Moyse believes the HHA fundraiser will appeal to the diverse demographic of people and businesses in the Heights and help build community within the neighborhoods.HHA is planning to continue this event each year with a different theme and will give businesses around and within the Heights the opportunity to compete while keeping that #SmallTownNearDowntown feel. Competition aside, the event’s top priority is for everyone to have fun and come together as a neighborhood. “We really feel this event is a great way to bring our neighborhood together and continue building what HHA has worked so hard on over the years while raising money for the community as well,” Moyse said in an email. “This has been such a fulfilling experience. I have participated in many fundraisers over the years for ACS and schools, but

this year I felt strongly about giving back to my neighborhood. I have learned so much about the history of Houston Heights, the HHA, and all the effort that has gone into this #SmallTownNearDowntown that I call home. My family and I have been blessed to enjoy the fruits of their labor. It is truly a transformation unlike any other neighborhood in Houston and the #HeightsHistoryLives and continues to evolve welcoming all”. To purchase tickets to Battle of the Boards go to HHA’s website at HoustonHeights. org or scan the QR code on the IKE kiosks, signs, and banners throughout the neighborhood. The event will run from 6:30 p.m.–11 p.m. and tickets are $75. If you are not a member, consider joining HHA to receive reminders as well as useful information about Houston Heights, local events, and how to get involved. If you are unable to attend the event, you can mobile bid on the many auction items by registering online. In-kind donations are also being accepted.

Local business is our business.

Send your story of interest to: editor@theleadernews.com

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The Leader • Saturday, October 14, 2023 • Page 3

Preferred Health DIRECTORY Chiropractic Care

Pink or not: Grab your girls, for tatas’ sake!

George G. Junkin, D.C.

By Elena Sandovici The Leader News Contributor October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Center for Disease Control, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the U.S. One in 8 American women United States are affected by it. Men occasionally suffering from it, too, accounting for about 1% of breast cancer cases. While breast cancer tends to be widespread, it is much more curable than it used to be, especially if detected early. The mortality rate of breast cancer has declined significantly in the past three decades, due mostly to early detection and advances in research. However, the CDC warns that current breast cancer data is skewed by delays in cancer screenings during the pandemic. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s time to get back on track with breast cancer screenings, especially for those in our community who might have neglected this type of important preventative care during the pandemic. If you do one thing this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, schedule that mammogram and remind loved ones to get theirs. DO YOUR PART, FOR TATAS’ SAKE

There are many ways to get involved and help raise awareness or help raise money for research. You could take part in the Breast Cancer Walk (October 19, at 9 a.m., 15544 Ridge Park Drive) or The 50 Shades of Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Gala (October 27, 6:30 p.m., at 16770 Hedgecroft Drive). You could donate directly to the Susan G Komen Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, or other organizations to ensure that your money goes to cutting-edge research. But don’t forget that early detection is the #1 way of cutting down this prevalent cancer’s mortality rate. Early detection means keeping up with mammograms. These are crucial for women over the age of 45. It’s also useful to know that breast cancer fatality rates are much higher

Northwest ChiropraCtiC D.A.C.B.N. Nutritionist 11500 NW Frwy - Suite 201 Houston, Texas 77092 Tel: 713-686-0828 www.drjunkin.com Internal Medicine

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Dr. Lindsey Fogle

for black women. GRAB YOUR LADIES AND GET IT DONE!

The American Cancer Society’s ‘Grab Your Girls’ Campaign encourages women (and the men who love them!) to spread awareness among their peers and schedule mammograms as a group activity with other women in their social networks. A group screening day might not be as fun as getting brunch or pedicures together, but it could save the life of one of your loved ones and could make for some quality female bonding over health and awareness. It might also promote women talking more openly to each other about their bodies, self-care, health risks, and the need to stay informed and current with screenings. BREAST HEALTH DOESN’T HAVE TO DRAIN THE WALLET Did you know that eligible Houston residents can get free breast cancer screenings in October? Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is offering such free clinical breast cancer screenings at their HCPH Humble, Southeast, and Antoine clinics, the East and Northeast Harris County Precinct 2 Access2Health Smart Pods, and the mobile clinic located in Cypress Station.

It’s a great opportunity to Grab Your Girls and go take advantage of these free screenings together. Because awareness is great, but to effectively fight against breast cancer, we need to actually take action. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation website, “to help those facing breast cancer, awareness alone isn’t enough. This October, get involved. Get screened. Make a donation. Take action. Make this BCAM about more than awareness.” It’s important to note the order in which these actions are mentioned, with getting screened being #1, and donating coming in second. WHERE’S THE PINK?

What about the pretty pink merch available in stores this time of year? You could argue that it’s a fun way to make a token donation (although, argu-

ably, donating directly means more of your money goes to cancer research) and wear or display something that might remind people to stay current on their screenings. An early October visit to several neighborhood businesses, both big and small, yielded no sightings of the pink merch generally associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It might be too early in the month, but also a sign that in our current economic climate people are less interested in symbolic purchases. This does not have to mean a lack of interest in breast cancer awareness. In fact, less pink merch and more screenings would mean we’re making progress in fighting breast cancer, not backsliding. Brittney Vara and Aurora Pisana at Lemon Grove Realty, a woman-run business in the

Memorial Hermann urges women to schedule a mammogram at the Greater Heights location This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, commit to a preventive routine that will help keep all of you healthy. With online scheduling, evening and weekend hours, and 3D mammography at all locations, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital makes it convenient for you to prioritize your health. Schedule your mammogram online or call 877-40-MAMMO. Visit memorialhermann.org or call 877-406-2666 to make an appointment today at the Greater Heights location, at 1635 N Loop W, Houston, TX 77008.

Heights, weighed in on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the decline in pink merch seen in local stores. “Pink doesn’t spark action in me,” Pisana stated. “We need less pink, more stories,” Vara said, talking about how important it is for women affected by breast cancer to share how they detected their cancer, what stage they were, and what (if anything) kept them from early detection. Pisana shared how initiatives such as Know Your Lemons, a charity that designed an app educating women on breast cancer detection, can help save lives and could in some cases be more effective than purchasing and displaying merch. Not to discourage anyone from buying a product supporting breast cancer research if they feel so inclined. It is, however, crucial to prioritize screenings, education, and talking to other women about breast cancer detection above all else. So wear pink or don’t. Reuse last year’s merch, get new stuff, or skip buying pink things all together. But Grab Your Girls, schedule those mammograms (don’t forget that you might qualify for FREE ones from HCPH), download the Know Your Lemons app, and have some potentially life-saving conversations with women in your community about breast cancer detection.

Heights Health Tower 1900 North Loop West Suite 580 713-714-5376 www.whiteoakmedicalassociates.com Obstetrics / Gynecology

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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 the Heights. She believes patients deserve their doctor’s focused attention, personalized care, and is devoted to compassionate, effective treatment for her patients. 1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

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

Dr. Lindsey Fogle, M.D. Board Certified physician, Dr. Lindsey Fogle, has joined primary care/internal medicine practice White Oak Medical Associates in the Heights. She really likes connecting with people, to be someone who’s trusted for patients and their families during an illness. A primary care doctor is really important for anyone to have. 1900 North Loop W, Suite 580 • Houston, TX 77018 713-714-5376 Whiteoakmedicalassociates.com

Dr. Becky J. Fredrickson Board Certified Ophthalmologist. Dr. Fredrickson has been practicing ophthalmology for over 12 years. She routinely sees patients for diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and ocular infections. She specializes in surgical procedures including cataract, eyelid lifts, eyelid cysts, Botox and Juvederm, and pterygia. 1415 N. Loop, Ste 400 • 427 W. 20th St. Ste 100 Houston, TX 77008 713-668-6828 • www.houstoneye.com

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Comprehensive care for everything life throws your way. We’re here to provide Greater Heights families with high-quality, nationally recognized care. • Level III Trauma Center • Nationally recognized for maternity care • Center of Excellence for vascular and endovascular surgery • Comprehensive heartburn and reflux program • Full scope of cancer care • Nationally accredited Breast Care Center • Primary Stroke Center • TIRR Memorial Hermann* adult and pediatric rehabilitation • Access to our extensive health network of advanced care

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The Leader • Saturday, October 14, 2023 • Page 5

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t goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: “we have all made mistakes.” As Alexander Pope so aptly put it: “To err is human, to forgive, divine.” We should remember this the next time we make a mistake. Most certainly, we must learn from our mistakes, and hopefully not continue to repeat them, but we should also forgive ourselves. While it can be hard enough to forgive others for their mistakes, it can sometimes feel almost impossible to forgive ourselves. We sometimes cannot bring ourselves to forgive something we’ve done, and we may punish and harangue ourselves for years, or even decades, over youthful indiscretions. In addition, some of us may not be able to forget the sins of our past. And although that may prevent us from repeating them, we must be charitable and forgive ourselves, just as we should forgive others. So, we should make a real effort in the coming days and weeks to forgive the offenses of others as well as our own. Sometimes, it helps to just forget about them; that is, to try to put them out of our mind and stop repeatedly mulling over them. One of the reasons we use the phrase “forgive and forget” is because sometimes that is the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting. But far better, and more divine, is to be able to forgive even while remembering the offense. So, we should let go of those unforgiving, vindictive, shameful feelings about the past, and get over it! Corrie ten Boom, who survived incarceration in a Nazi prison camp said, “Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize that the prisoner was you.”

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Heights Church Heights Houston, yone isand welcome at Heights Church. of Church, old and new, Texas we warmly invite you to@heightschurchhouston visit.We are an exciting blend Heights Church @heightschurchhouston Heights Church, Houston, Texas we warmly invite you to visit. COFFEE 930AM | BIBLE STUDY 1OAM | WORSHIP 11AM | 230 W. 20TH ST. 77008

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the leader Puzzlers.

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Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. ‘ER’ actress Leslie 5. Hebrew name for Babylon 10. Newts 14. Leaf angle 15. Dravidian language 16. Ridge on nematodes 17. Monetary unit 18. Determined the tare 19. Unfreeze 20. Merits 22. World’s oldest broadcasting organization 23. Vacation spot 24. December 25 27. Ottoman military command 30. Resin-like substance secreted by insects 31. A.C. Comics female supervillain 32. Insect linked to honey 35. Opinion 37. In the middle of 38. Basketballer Yao 39. Remove lid 40. Pressure wound therapy 41. Fabric 42. Witnessed 43. Defunct European economic organization 44. ‘Hotel California’ rockers

45. When you expect to arrive 46. ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ actress Ryan 47. Danish airline 48. Insecticide 49. Scientific instrument 52. Type of seal 55. Israeli city __ Aviv 56. Cavalry sword 60. Ottoman title 61. Gurus 63. Cold wind 64. Predatory reptile (abbr.) 65. New Jersey is one 66. Divulge a secret 67. Finely chopped mixture 68. Actress Zellweger 69. Romanian city

dOwn

1. ‘Dark Knight’ actor 2. S. African plants 3. Castle in County Offaly, Ireland 4. White (French) 5. Morsel 6. Semitic language 7. Areas outside cities 8. Crackling 9. Cub 10. Landmark house in Los Angeles 11. Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist 12. Mineral

13. Late night host Myers 21. Pull along 23. Not good 25. British Air Aces 26. Upset 27. Maltreatment 28. Nocturnal, cat-like animal 29. Hollyhocks 32. Shelter 33. Finished 34. Discharge 36. ‘X-Men’ actor McKellen 37. Beloved dish __ and cheese 38. Holds coffee 40. Languish 41. Quenches 43. Electric fish 44. Consume 46. Type of school 47. Erase 49. Educate 50. ‘Transformers’ actress Fox 51. Spiritual leader 52. Every one 53. Site of the Taj Mahal 54. Welsh village 57. Weapon 58. Geological times 59. S. Asian crops 61. Soviet Socialist Republic 62. Witness

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The Leader • Saturday, October 14, 2023 • Page 7

THE TOPICS.

What’s in a name? POST OAK SOMEWHERE – I am looking for a restaurant named Alexander’s which was formerly an Italian eatery called the Italian Eatery and, before that, Chicos’s TexMex, Bob Rob BBQ and Fat Dung Sushi Bar & Arc Welding Spa. There must be a major industry in the Houston area renaming and redecorating restaurants. This one’s address is given as Uptown Park Boulevard, which seems to be off Uptown Circle just down from uptown downtown. I drive up to a valet parker sandwiching an RV between two SUVs the size of school buses. Above the sound of scrapes and chrome splinters, I ask him, “Where is Alexander’s?” He smiles. “Alexander no work here no more.” I drive on. I spot another valet parker. Same question. “Go down to Uptown Plaza and turn onto Uptown Street.” Have you had this problem? Is there a city limit on street names because we keep using the same ones over and over again? Just south of Uptown, but not downtown, is Post Oak Park. You can drive down Post Oak Boulevard to Post Oak Drive, turn onto Post Oak

Lynn Ashby Columnist

Street (or maybe it’s Post Oak Lane). I read about a new restaurant, Olaf’s Norwegian Fish Co. (formerly Igloo Muckluck’s Frozen Alaskan Tundra Café, formerly Matilda’s Australian Kangaroo Steak House which used to be a vacant lot that changed its name three times) on Post Oak Oaks. I have no idea where that is. The Post Oak area is the size of Rhode Island and every street has the same first name followed by Street, Lane, Detour or Dead End. Thus we have an even dozen versions of Post Oak. Briar is among the worst. Whoever developed the Briar Briar neighborhood had a limited vocabulary. Ever wanted to visit a friend in Briar Park? Which Briar? Drop breadcrumbs on your way in or you’ll never find your way out. We have 56 streets with

Briar in the name. Developers building houses in west Houston thought it would be upscale to name their streets after those in River Oaks. So we have Del Monte and Chevy Chase and such streets west of Loop 610, which are miles from those River Oaks streets laid out by the Hogg brothers in the 1920s. Driving west on Westheimer (is there an Eastheimer?) you come to an intersection where Voss is to your right but Hillcroft is to your left. Same street. This brings up the question: can residents in Fort Bend County drive northeast on the Southwest Freeway? Only if it handles two-way traffic. If you wander around downtown looking at street names, it’s like ticking off a Who’s Who and What of Texas history. Congress Avenue? Because the Republic of Texas Congress met there. Our capitol building was where the Rice Lofts now live. San Jacinto, Fannin, Crawford (there are several candidates, but we’ll choose William Carrol Crawford, the last surviving signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence). I don’t know who Main was but he has a

street named to honor him. Then we have Lamar, Rusk, Wharton, (Deaf pronounced Deef) Smith, McKinney, Milam, Travis, but who was Prairie? Still, our founders did a good job in naming streets appropriate to our story. But some historical names are no longer politically correct. Nathan Bedford Forrest was a Confederate general. The street named after him is no longer acceptable. It was renamed, I think, to Benedict Arnold Avenue. But what Japanese developer thought up Bataan Drive? One of our most historic roads is San Felipe, which ran along the south side of Buffalo Bayou. It was, obviously, the road to Stephen F. Austin’s colony, San Felipe de Austin, near today’s Sealy. You can pronounce the road San FullLEAP-ee or San Ful-LEAP (no ee). Either is correct, but never San FILL-uh-pee, Pilgrim. Old Spanish Trail was once called just Spanish Trail. No, wise guy, Buffalo Speedway was not where early Houstonian raced buffalo, but there was a speedway nearby. Westheimer is also State Highway 1093. It is the only road I can find

Thank you for the welcome. Let’s get to work! It’s been stressful and crazy and incredibly busy. But most of all, it’s been unbelievably heartwarming. My name is Stefanie Thomas. I took over many of Landan Kuhlmann’s editorial responsibilities at The Leader News a week or two ago. The greater Heights area of Houston is a highly complex artistic, governmental, and societal entity all in itself, and the community spirit in these parts is – simply put – unbelievable. The bar is set high. I want to exceed it. Facts: • Been married to the love of my life for 17+ years • About to enter a new decade of living (you figure that one out ‘cause it’s not polite to ask a lady her age) • Been writing since I was a kid, a journalist at heart forever • I have two rescue mutts who are pure-bred good boys • We’re a blended family with 5 kiddos total (one teen going-on-30 still living at home)

Stefanie Thomas Editor

I’ve seen a thing or two. I sharpened my teeth in Houston area community journalism many years ago, and for many years running. I ventured into marketing (the other side of the news and writing business) more recently and have come to understand the delicate balance between news and advertising. Don’t knock me just yet – like any news organization, we need advertising, because the news product we deliver to your doorsteps (in our case, for free) isn’t really free. Like I said – a delicate balance. We need our local residents and organizations in our corner, and our local businesses, too. Given my background in community journalism (primarily in the Kingwood/

the owner and the new furry family member. If you are not ready to adopt, Best Friends Animal Society suggests fostering is an excellent option that provides animals with the time and space to adapt to a home environment before finding their forever families. For more information about adopting a dog or to see available animals, please visit bestfriends.org.

CONSTABLE PATROL, from P. 1 and business owners to contribute their share. While everyone benefits from the extra layer of security the Constable Patrol brings to our streets, there are perks reserved exclusively for paying members. Among the many benefits of being a subscriber, the most popular are the unlimited free vacation watches the Constable Patrol Program offers. If you travel often or for extended periods of time and worry about your house, this feature might be for you. Other benefits include a constable dispatch number for emergencies, a direct alarm system connection for your home or business

mitigation being passed and parks offering new opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. They care about the car break-ins at their favorite grocery store and their high school football team making the playoffs. We intend to give you that, and more, focusing on news you can use in your daily life. In the greater Heights and beyond. I pledge to stay true to The Leader’s inherent purpose of informing readers of what’s happening in their neighborhood – at theleadernews.com, in print, and through social media. Now that we’re in the middle of a shift, it’s a good time to reassess what our readers truly want. So we need your input! More arts and culture? More crime and courts? Less? The Leader is, and always has been, your hometown newspaper. We hear you and welcome your suggestions at editor@ theleadernews.com. You’re the best. Thank you for the warm welcome. Now, let’s get to work!

FUN RUN, from P. 1

ADOPT, from P. 1 health benefits. With shelter dogs of all sizes, ages, activity levels, and breeds, adoption offers a wide variety of options to suit every lifestyle. Before adopting a shelter dog, prospective owners should consider various factors, including living space, financial commitment, and the dog’s temperament. HCP provides essential tips to ensure a successful transition for both

Humble/Atascocita/Spring area, to be exact), there is one word that has crossed my mind over and over in the last couple of weeks about the greater Heights and its people, its culture, and its focus: astounding. Astounding in its richness of diversity and culture. Astounding in its curiosity and need to know. Astounding in its community spirit and neighborly care. And astounding in its warm welcome to me, who wants to do this community justice as your source for ultralocal news. I’m excited about what the future holds. Our goal at The Leader News is to keep you in the loop on what’s going on in your community, right here and, to the best of our ability, right now. While the news business has changed a great deal since I got my feet wet back in 1999, some things are still the same. People in the greater Heights area care about their neighbors. They care about businesses opening and closing. They care about apartments being built and flood

to the constable dispatch 24/7, crime alerts sent directly to you, and free home or business security inspections where you receive expert recommendations tailored to your situation and your needs. Heights resident Kristen Butler, whose family uses the Constable Patrol Program, told The Leader: “Our interactions with them have been courteous, professional, concerned, and responsive.” If you have questions about this service or wish to subscribe, the Constable Patrol Program is reachable at heightspatrol@ houstonheights.org

and finish line to log official times. T-shirts and bibs are ordered in advance, so it’s best to register early to secure both items for those interested in participating next year. Emily Guyre, executive director of the Houston Heights Association (HHA), said the event started in 1985 and has not missed a year. The Fun Run added the 10k course starting in 2017. This led to increased registration numbers which peaked at 2,073 in 2019, approximately 900 more than in 2015. In 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Houston canceled street closure permits for events. HHA decided to hold a virtual-only event, and 199 people signed up. The City of Houston began issuing street closure permits again in July 2021, and the 2021 Fun Run was held in September with 1,111 in-person and virtual participants. Previous Fun Runs were held in

Local business is our business. Inside Today: A 9-year-old girl was killed in the Heights • Page 10

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It’s not just my business, It’s my neighborhood

City moving forward with traffic plan for 11th By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Protected bicycle lanes are coming to 11th Street in the Heights, where drivers will have fewer lanes to maneuver along one of the neighborhood's most popular thoroughfares. That is by design, according to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who announced Tuesday that the City of Houston will move forward with its long-debated plan to transform traffic on 11th Street in the interest of safety and to make the road more multimodal. Bike lanes will be added on

both sides of 11th between North Shepherd Drive and Michaux Street, where there will be one vehicular lane in each direction with a center, left-turn lane along the stretch between Yale and Studewood streets. The plan also calls for bike lanes along Michaux between 11th and Stude Park to the south as well as protected crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections such as 11th and Nicholson Street, where the Heights Hike-and-Bike Trail crosses 11th, and Michaux and White Oak Drive. There now are two vehicle lanes in each direction on 11th

between Shepherd and Michaux, and no center turn lanes. "With four lanes for cars, the street encourages fast driving," Turner said in a 4-minute, 30-second video released by his office. "That speed results in 10 percent more crashes than the average road across the state of Texas. Those crashes are at nearly every intersection between Michaux and Shepherd. Eleventh Street is not safe for the neighborhood." David Fields, the chief transportation planner for the city, said Photo by Adam Zuvanich construction is estimated to start A cyclist waits to cross 11th Street at its intersection with NicholSee 11th Street P. 5

son Street. The City of Houston is adding protected bike lanes on 11th and reducing the number of vehicle lanes.

Quite a hoot

By Adam Zuvanich

Show them the money. Houston ISD teachers are getting significant pay raises.

Page 4

Photo by Mark Lear An eastern screech owl named Owlouette loves on Beaker, one of her offspring, in the backyard of Oak Forest resident Mark Lear.

Big art, small studio. An artist with ties to the Heights will display her work on Almeda Road.

Page 6

Top talent. Evelyn Garcia of "Top Chef" fame brings her brand of cuisine to the Heights.

Page 9

Joy for Julep. A Washington Avenue cocktail bar won a James Beard Award this week.

Page 9

THE INDEX. Church........................................................... 4 Classifieds ................................................. 7 Coupons ...................................................... 7 Food/Drink ................................................ 9 Opinion ........................................................ 3 Public Information......................... 10 Puzzles ......................................................... 3

Bullet train project in limbo with CEO’s resignation azuvanich@theleadernews.com

INSIDE.

Owl-watching becoming popular pastime By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

There are loving displays of care and affection, inspirational moments and harrowing scenes that can end up being upsetting. Eating is a big part of the action as well, with the stars of the show making the most of the ingredients they have available. There’s also an eclectic soundtrack, with rustling, rattling, whinnying and hooting. The feed from the camera in the backyard of Oak Forest resident Pam Berry – set up inside a wooden owl house that her boyfriend built and affixed to an oak tree – creates a nightly show that’s a cross between “The Bachelor,” “The Voice,” “Survivor” and “Chopped.” But Berry says it’s more entertaining than any reality show, because what she’s watching is actually real. Call it “Chronicles of Eastern Screech Owls, The Nesting Edition,” which offers a unique glimpse into the lives and annual mating rituals of nocturnal birds that are common in the Houston region. “It’s better than TV,” Berry said. “Sometimes we’ll put the video up on the TV and watch it for a while.” Berry and her boyfriend, Spring Branch resident Scott

Photo by Mark Lear Three owlets stick their heads out of the owl house in Mark Lear’s Oak Forest backyard earlier this year.

Sherrill, who works as a handyman in the Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and Shepherd Park Plaza area, both have owl boxes equipped with cameras in their backyards. Sherrill said he’s constructed a couple dozen or so of the small wooden structures for other local residents, in the hopes the bird

The yearslong effort to construct a high-speed railway between Houston and Dallas appears to have stalled, at least for the time being. Carlos Aguilar announced last weekend in a LinkedIn post that he had resigned as CEO of Texas Central, the Dallas-based company behind the quest to connect the state’s two largest cities with a bullet train. His departure comes as the Texas Supreme Court considers a case that will determine whether the company has the legal authority to exercise eminent domain - likely a critical factor in its ability to acquire the land needed for the proposed railway - and amid questions about the project’s financial viability. Carlos Aguilar “While I could not align our current stakeholders on a common vision for a path forward, I wish the project the greatest success and remain convinced of the importance of this venture for the safety and prosperity of all Texans,” Aguilar wrote. “... Texas and the U.S. deserve the best transportation options and I am convinced that in time, these will become a reality.” Texas Central did not respond to a Tuesday email seeking comment, nor did representatives of a Dallas-based public relations firm that has worked for the company. A call to the phone number listed online at texascentral.com, cited as a hotline for the bullet train project, was answered with a recording that said, “The number you dialed is not in service at this time.” It is unclear who is leading the company, if anyone, as there was nothing listed under an “Executive Leadership Team” header on the Texas Central website. The site also said the company has no current job openings. A string of news releases on the Texas Central website ends with an announcement dated Sept. 21, 2020. That’s when the company said the Federal Railroad Administration had issued a series of safety and operational standards that

See Owls P. 5

See Railway P. 5

Carter comes home as new principal at Hamilton By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Erika Carter has never lived in the Heights, but she’s long considered Hamilton Middle School to be home. It’s where she started her teaching career more than two decades ago and spent the first 13 years of her tenure with Houston ISD. First Carter served as an English Language Arts teacher at Hamilton, then as the department chair, a grade-level team leader, a teacher specialist, a Title I coordinator, an assis-

tant principal and a summer school principal. She still kept tabs on the Heights campus after leaving to fulfill other roles at other HISD schools and, when she learned about an opening in the principal’s office, Carter said she jumped at the chance. She started this week as the new principal at Hamilton, 139 E. 20th St. “It’s very much a full-circle moment,” Carter said. “It’s always been a bit of a secret dream of mine to be able to be the principal at Hamilton. Having done so many of the

Erika Carter

positions there and learned so much and the community poured into me as a first-year

teacher, I always wanted to give back to it.” Carter succeeds Robert Michaels-Johnson, who she referenced as having retired. Michaels-Johnson declined an interview request made through the HISD Press Office, which did not answer emailed questions about the length of his tenure, his accomplishments or the nature of his departure before press time Wednesday. Hamilton received recognition last fall from Texas nonprofit Children at Risk, which ranked the Heights campus as

the seventh-most pandemicresilient middle school in the Houston region. A total of 107 Houston-area schools received that distinction, signifying that at least 75 percent of their students were classified as economically disadvantaged, they received A or B performance ratings for the 2018-19 school year and had maintained or improved their academic performance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. “It’s an outstanding feat,” See Carter P. 4A

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Ken Johnson, winner of the 80+ category 5k race.

June, but runners appreciated the cooler temperatures in the fall. A decision was made to permanently switch the Fun Run to October and move the HHA Bicycle Rally and Scavenger Hunt to July. Guyre said she is happy to see the event growing again. The oldest participant was Ken Johnson, 82, who won the 5k run in the 80+ category. This was his 13th HHA race. He currently lives in Huntsville and drove to Houston for the event. He also runs in the 8K Law Week Fun Run and has completed the Houston Marathon 15 times. Approximately 15 students from the Hogg Middle School Cross Country Team ran in the event with the coach there to support the team. Their principal and several teachers also ran in the race. There were 161 children who completed the 1k event, with two choosing the virtual race option. Volunteers from the Houston Harriers and other individuals cheerfully provided water and encouragement at the half-way point. Harris County Precinct 1 Deputies kept cars off the course and Memorial Hermann Greater Heights hosted the medic tent, which attended to two skinned knees following the 1k event. The Houston Heights Association is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. All proceeds directly benefit HHA community projects for restoration, maintenance, beautification, and education. Volunteers and sponsors are always welcome. Please contact hhafunrun@gmail.com or visit houstonheights.org for more information.

that was donated to the city. M.L. Westheimer was an early entrepreneur who built a fivemile shell road from his home and businesses west of the city into the town, then gave the road to Houston in1894. On Christmas Eve of 1837, word arrived in Houston that the Mexican Army was returning. As Houston was the capital, we had embassies here. The U.S. ambassador, a Mr. Labranche who lived in “a good cabin,” offered “protection of the flag if necessary” to his Texas friends. The Mexican Army never arrived, but this story may explain how LaBranch Street got its name (although with a different spelling). This brings us to Louis F. Aulbach and Linda C. Gorski, who have written extensively about Houston’s history. (Stealing from one source is called plagiarism, stealing from many is called research. This article has been thoroughly researched.) They report that the original name of Shepherd Drive was Shepherd’s Dam Road, after the dam at that location. As for Allen Parkway, it sounds like a Monopoly property, but Aulbach and Gorski say Allen

Parkway was originally named Buffalo and the village of Frost Town was populated almost entirely by Germans. Hedwig Village is an example. It was originally part of the John D. Taylor and Isaac Bunker (Bunker Hill?) property. The community was later settled largely by Germans, and was named for nearby Hedwig Road, built on land donated by Hedwig Jankowski Schroeder, who migrated from Germany. Incidentally, the Astrodome is officially named the Harris County Domed Stadium. Now it’s called “an eyesore.” Houston was not originally named Hugh’s Town even though Howard Hughes owned most of it. Sugar Land is pretty obvious – there was a lot of sugar there, with factories and sugar people and such. But the musical group which calls itself Sugarland makes it one word. When forming the band the gang interviewed a gal who said she was from Sugar Land, Texas. They loved it. Ah, here’s Alexander’s. It’s now called Post Oak Briar. Ashby is named at ashby2@ comcast.net

OFRENDA, from P. 1 been described as “lifting the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead,” and which have now been embraced globally. “We offer exhibits and education year-round, but this is undoubtedly our most impactful time of year, where we’ve been able to contribute the most to cultural understanding,” says Chrissie. “There’s a cathartic quality to celebrating our ancestors and recently departed as they were in life. Remembering the little things about them keeps them alive.” She’s already deep into the season, last weekend hosting the first of three free public workshops on building ofrendas — the highly personal altars honoring the departed — and lining up the annual ofrenda exhibit, a sugar skullmaking session, and a performance by Aztec dancers and traditional procession down 19th Street. The images of Dias de los Muertos are powerful and prevalent at Casa Ramirez — the skeletal calacas and calaveras, bright orange cempasuchil (marigolds), incense, pan de muerto (special sweet bread decorated with dough crossbones) and dozens of other items that may find their way onto the altars such as tiny replicas of food, tin milagros, loteria cards, sacred hearts, images of the Virgen de Guadalupe. But it is the personal ofrendas that are at the heart of the

observance. Casa Ramirez is hosting six of these large displays by community members, in addition to the permanent altars dedicated to Macario, one to his father that is used in instruction, and another to his and Chrissie’s parents. There is also a stunning community altar supervised each year by artist Judy Turner, where visitors can honor their own departed friends, loved ones or heroes. Each altar demands careful study of the detail, bringing its subject to life. Photos by the sea, or in uniform. Favorite foods. Hobbies. Vices. Passions. This past Sunday, a crowd of friends and family members of Nancy Luton came to remember her by building the first of this season’s altars at Casa Ramirez. It tells the story of an artist, friend, mother and grandmother, and the display is rich in her art, photographs and memories, her love of chocolate and guacamole — even a glimpse of her politics. For two decades, Marjorie Silverstein was Luton’s friend — rooted in a shared love of creating art — and unabashedly misses her four years after Luton’s death from cancer at the age of 76. “Of course, you can feel sad that she’s not here,” says Silverstein, “but it made me so happy to be part of this, to go through my photos and remember the good times.”

Friends of local artist Nancy Luton gathered Sunday at Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery in the Heights to honor her with a traditional ‘ofrenda’ as part of the gallery’s annual Days of the Dead celebration. Luton, a Northside resident, died four years ago after a battle with cancer. Photo by Charlotte Aguilar

DAYS OF THE DEAD AT CASA RAMIREZ 2023 Altar-building workshops: 10 a.m. Oct. 14 and 21 free and open to the public, ages 12 and up. Call 713-880-2420 to reserve, as space is limited. Sugar skull decorating: 2-4 p.m., Oct. 15, all ages welcome. Free workshop to decorate a traditional sugar skull. (Molds to create at home are available for purchase.) Altar exhibit: Oct. 17-Nov. 12, gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 12 noon-5 p.m. Sundays; closed Mondays. Six ofrendas prepared by community members in addition to permanent gallery altars are on display. Community altar: Artist Judy Turner will prepare the large traditional altar for the public to contribute to, available by Oct. 27 to gallery visitors. No original photos or items, please, just small, non-returnable photocopies. Day of the Dead procession and reception: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 28. Featuring a performance by Danza Azteca followed by a public procession along the 200 block of 19th Street to the gallery to view exhibits and enjoy refreshments.

Page 8 • Saturday, October 14, 2023 • The Leader

Art Valet: The art of fashion comes to Sabine Street Studios “Sawyer Yards is a creative community thriving in the heart of Houston’s historic First Ward and Arts District Houston,” states the first line on SawyerYards.com. Creative covers more than the 2 and 3D artists the studios are known for. Creatives include theater, dance, film and fashion, not to mention many art forms that we rarely see in production like graphic and interior design, architecture and culinary arts. Fashion is the focus this week with Alvin Alan Ramírez Riojas, whose “Ethereal Blooms” Fashion show featuring Alan’s designs will debut this Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, from 8–10:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m) at Sabine Street Studios, 1907 Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007. Sabine Street Studios is, of course, part of the Sawyer Yards Creative Campus. The Mexico-born, Houston-based designer will premiere his exclusive “Ethereal Blooms” collection for men and women. The richly appliquéd designs of Alan’s collection to be featured Saturday express the most characteristic elements of his work: flowers, elegance, and colonial style. Evoking the natural and cultural radiance of

creative convening. In addition to a runway presentation of his designs, the Mitch October 14 event includes music, mariachi Cohen chamber and ballet — all of which Art promise to radiate the subColumnist tle religiosity of the Spanish colonial heritage with the cultural syncretism of Guanajuato. San Miguel de Allende, Free ticketed admission México, Alan used natural includes the fashion show, fabrics with which he ma- live music, drinks and light terialized the iconic traits bites. Seating is limited. of this emblematic Mexi- Valet parking is available. can city. Reserve your complimen“The beauty of San tary tickets today online at: Miguel de Allende moved www.alvinalanfashion.com. me to such an extent that The Second Saturday it inspired this collection, Open Studios at Sawyer giving rise to a flowing riv- Yards is Saturday, 12-5 er of creativity,” Alan said. p.m., and of course that “Its spirituality, the ma- means The Market at riachi culture, the Callejo- Sawyer Yards is open, neadas or processions, the too (at 11 a.m.) October big-headed puppets, the is Arts District Houston flowers, the churches, the month and no one knows portals and the freshness the First and Sixth Wards of pure air flourish.” better. Explore everything Embellished with hand- this amazing cultural hot sewn embroidery, hand- spot in Houston has to dyed gold and silver floral offer! Details, schedule appliqués with macramé of happenings, maps and laces, tassels, angel trum- more can be found on the pets, and more, Alan has District’s website: https:// designed a unique and di- fresharts.org/arts-districtverse set of looks, ranging month. from unisex tunics, to twopiece suits to shirt jackets, Cohen is an artist and to long dresses and wide founder of the First Saturskirts. day Arts Market and The Coinciding with Hispan- Market at Sawyer Yards. ic Heritage Month, Alan’s Find him at ArtValet.com fashion show is more of for additional highlights and a magical multicultural artist’s stories.

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Etheral Blooms featuring new designs by Alvin Alan Ramírez Riojas (right) is Saturday night.

Photo by Chris Piñon

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