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Mask mandates on for students in HISD

By Matt deGrood mdegrood@fortbendstar.com

Houston ISD students will begin the school year on Monday under a requirement to wear masks in all buildings, after the district’s board of trustees unanimously upheld Superintendent Millard House II’s decision to defy Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s standing executive order prohibiting such mandates.

Trustees approved the move just one week after House said he would propose

a mask mandate in all the district’s buildings, buses and facilities, citing a sharp uptick in the number of cases of the delta variant of the coronavirus.

“The safety of our students and staff will continue to be my guiding compass,” House said. “I am thankful to our board of education for supporting our children and families by prioritizing safety above all else.”

Abbott on Tuesday confirmed he had tested positive

for COVID-19 and was receiving medical care shortly after attending a largely maskless political gathering.

The district becomes one of a diverging patchwork of local rules in place over masks as entities across the state continue to fight in court over the legality of Abbott’s executive order, prohibiting mask mandates.

The Texas Supreme Court on Sunday temporarily blocked mask mandates in See Mandate P. 3A

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INSIDE.

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Senior percussionist Sebastian Garza leads the Waltrip band drum line during an outdoor concert last Thursday, Aug. 12. The Raoring Ram Band performed for the community at Valenica’s Tex-Mex Garage.

Page 4A

Waltrip marching band serenades community with concert

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Crafty cocktails Food and drink write Stefan Modrich explores the local cocktail scene.

Page 7A

Shooting arrest A man has been charged with shooting another man in Acres Homes earlier this year

Page 8B

For the last 18 months, the sounds of the Waltrip High School Roaring Ram Band have been either nonexistent or confined to a tiny screen.

So, for director Jesse Espinosa, last week’s chance for the band’s first outdoor event in some time was one he relished more than most.

“It’s amazing just seeing their big smiles and their personality coming uncovered, per se,” said Espinosa, who is in his 18th year leading the Ram band. “The kids felt a breath of fresh air and sense of relief that there’s actually some good things happening even though the pandemic is still ongoing... It’s great that we’re finally getting to do something like this.”

Last Thursday, the summer camp version of Waltrip’s marching band hosted its annual spirit night with an outdoor concert in the parking lot of Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage for dozens of community members and passersby alike.

“They had a great time being out here working with each other and having that social aspect to their life that they’ve been missing for the last 18 months,” Espinosa said.

Waltrip alumnus Jaime Zamora, whose twin daughters were drum majors at Waltrip under Espinosa, was one of those in attendance. And though his daughters graduated almost a decade ago, he said he still follows the band’s performances when possible.

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Members of the Waltrip band play during Thursday’s performance at Valencia’s for dozens of community members and passersby.

“It’s as much an annual tradition as anything, Zamora said, who remembered standing in the parking lot during early mornings and late nights as his daughters practiced and perfected their craft.

“It just says so much about the history that this program has established. They get out there and they work, no matter what obstacles they have,” he said of the band’s performance amidst the ongoing pandemic. “They get out there and they produce one fantastic program after anSee Waltrip P. 5A

More than 20 people that notorious Houston serial killer Dean Corll and his accomplices David Brooks and Elmer Wayne Henley abducted and killed during the 1970s might still be found, and several search organizations and Houston-area investigators have renewed their efforts to recover their remains.

Corll abducted, tortured, raped and eventually murdered dozens of boys and young men – many from the Heights area – between 1970-73. The case was dubbed the “Houston Mass Murders” and is considered one of the most heinous examples of serial murder in United States history.

Brooks died in May 2020 at a Galveston prison, while Henley is currently serving a life sentence at a prison in East Texas.

Texas EquuSearch said on its website that the organization has long believed that a number of victims have yet to be found. In addition to the remains of the 28 already found, a report from KHOU on Aug. 8 said that authorities believe there to be as many as 20 victims whose bodies have not been found.

Aug. 8 was also the 48th anniversary of Henley shooting and killing Corll in 1973. Texas EquuSearch is a search and recovery team that began in 2000 that is dedicated to the memory of Laura Miller, the daughter of founding director Tim Miller, was abducted and murdered in north Galveston County in 1984.

“We have been researching the murders very intensely over the last few months, and we believe there is a good probability that we can find, and recover some of the still-missing boys,” the organization said on its website.

Earth Measurement Corporation will be using Ground Penetration Radar to help Texas EquuSearch locate the stillmissing boys, according to the organization.

“We will soon be working with investigators from the Pasadena Police Department and other law enforcement agencies to find more of those young boy’s human remains,” Texas EquuSearch said.

“The boys need to be found, and given the respectful, descent funeral they deserve.”

Bethune Empowerment Center Revitalization Project breaks ground in Acres Homes Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 4A Classifieds.............................................. 5A Coupons. ................................................. 7B Food/Drink/Art................................... 7A Opinion. ................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 8B Puzzles...................................................... 3A Sports. ....................................................... 1B

Search renewed for victims of Heights serial killer

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

PHYLLIS A. OESER

Holistic living Bhakti Urban farm is expanding its holistic community services.

Abbott

Photo by Xxxxx Mayor Sylvester Turner, center, and other local officials hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 7th for the Bethune Empowerment Center Revitalization

An 8-acre tract of land which previously housed the Bethune Academy Elementary School at 2500 S Victory Dr. is being repurposed as a business incubator and vocational center for the Acres Home neighborhood, according to a press release from the Mayor’s Office.

On August 7, Mayor Sylvester Turner and other local officials hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the project.

An offshoot of the Acres Home Complete Community Action Plan, the Bethune Empowerment Center will offer job training, apprenticeships, skill-building services, small business resources, co-working spaces, and business incubators.

The Complete Communities Initiative, launched by Mayor Turner in April 2017, is focused on improving neighborhoods that have historically been underserved and under-resourced. The goal, according to the press release, is See Bethune P. 5A

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Page 2A • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • The Leader

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • Page 3A

With rhyme or reason, things happen Jack and Jill went up the hill, To fetch a pail of water.

Jack fell down and broke his crown, And Jill came tumbling after. -Associated Press The Wall Street Journal – Stocks tumbled in early trading as news reached brokers that Jack & Jill, Inc. CEO Jack is in intensive care after tumbling, perhaps fatally. Rumor has it that Jack was secretly dealing with a Chinese company, WuhanBatsCo., to merge with his irrigation network. Later, stocks rose 2000 percent on news that Jill also fell but survived and will probably go solo with the firm from here on. An insider explained, “Jill is the real brains in that corporation.”

Local TV News – Breaking News! Yes, we know we scream Breaking News! at the lead of every newscast, and usually it’s about a lost kitten or someone celebrating a birthday. Here at K-SHOUT we think it’s stupid, but our owners in New York City, GreedCo., insist that we do it, and they really don’t care about the quality of our newscasts since they’ve cut our budget to almost zero, fired most of our reporters and make us carry those cheap “You Bet Your Folks” and “Celebrity Heart Attacks.” But for once it really is Breaking News!

Jack broke his crown! We’ll have more details on “Dentists in Love.”

Lynn Ashby Columnist

This just in: A kitten has been lost.

From the office of Dr. Anthony Fauci – As I told everyone, wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet apart, get vaccinated and don’t fetch water from a well. That way you won’t tumble down a hill.

Entertainment Tonight – Is JoLoPo dating Trash Talk? A look at Britney’s new gloves. Also tonight we get a peek at the new blockbuster, “Rocky 78 – Battle of the Wheel Chairs.” We hope it does better at the box office than Stallone’s previous effort, “Rambo Frees Harvey Weinstein.” But first a bolt from across the pond. Hollywood heartthrob Jack the Ripper has reportedly been seeing his arm candy, Jill, who broke into stardom in the X-rated “Cheerleaders in Chains” and “Lust on the Linoleum.” Jill survived thanks to all the Botox. Who cares? Get a life.

Rachel Maddow on MSNBC – To the barricades! Jack and Jill were

simply fetching a pail of water when set upon by conservative hooligans! Power to the people!

ESPN – First, the scores of tonight’s games: 45 to12, 7 to zero and 85 to 3. In pro hoops, Donny J is going to H-Town in a trade for Wonderful Walt and Boris the Rusky. Because of an outpouring of complaints that its name is an “embarrassment to America,” the Washington Redskins will now be known as the Chevy Chase Redskins. Big news: Jack-O, formerly of the Miami Fish and Big D ‘Boys, tumbled again, just as he did on the 2-yard-line which cost his team – the Nomad Raiders – a Big Bowl ring. Only this time in his new job, Jack-O was fetching water. Instant replay showed Jill the Chill attempted a back block and was ejected.

Statement from Gov. Greg Abbott: Jack and Jill went up the hill and fell down, injuring themselves, which shows what happens when you wear a mask. It is a shame Jack broke his crown, because in Texas we have the highest number of uninsured children in the nation.

That’s the way my base likes it, along with lots of guns and tighter voting restrictions. Whatever caused Jack and Jill to fall, it’s not my fault.

Press release from the Securities and Exchange Commission -- Bill Gates and his ex-wife, Melinda,

working under the pseudonym, Jack & Jill, LLP, are being investigated for secretly keeping most of their philanthropy’s funds hidden in a well. In searching the couples’ files, investigators found that Bill hit “delete” several times but forgot to erase “backup.” They face a jail sentence sometime between noon and 10 years.

Fox News – Jack and Jill, with just a few fellow freedom-loving Americans, went up to the Hill to peacefully exercise their Constitutional right to overthrow the government. Before they could fully implement their plan, hundreds of jack-booted goons, disguised as Capitol police and spraying water from firefighters’ hoses, helped socalled “Vice President” Pence cravenly avoid the hangman’s noose.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi gladly handed over her laptop to a patriot to give to the Russians. Be sure to see this evening’s “Tucker Carlson Tonight” sympathetic interview with the Proud Boys and their cellblock guards.

Money Talks -- Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, working as J&J Enterprises, had a falling out, literally, and tumbled down a hill. This may delay their rival bids on the Louvre, September and the moon.

The New York Times – Reliable sources report that two children (see “The History of Children,” pages 12-15) went up a hill to fetch

Memorial Hermann reinstates no THE READER. visitors policy amid rise in cases Bugged by the bug

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As cases of the delta variant of coronavirus increase across the state, Memorial Hermann has reinstated a no visitor policy at all facilities across the system, including Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital at 1635 N. Loop West.

The sudden increase of cases led to hospital administrators reinstating the policy, according to a news release.

“Memorial Hermann believes this difficult decision is necessary to protect the health and safety of our employees, physician partners, patients and the community as our environment continues

to quickly evolve,” the system said in the release. “At this time, volunteers will be allowed to continue serving if they so choose, ensuring all the necessary safety precautions are being taken.

Limited exceptions will be made to the policies for all acute care hospitals, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and the Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center. According to the hospital, laboring, antepartum and postpartum patients at those facilities can have one adult (18 or older) visitor, while pediatric patients can have one parent or guardian visitor per day who can stay overnight.

Patients recovering from

surgery will be allowed one visitor, while those in hospice can have family members visit. Those who have a disability will also be allowed visitors on a case-by-case basis, while primary caregivers will be allowed for a patient with special needs.

“Memorial Hermann understands the roles loved ones play in the healing process for patients,” Memorial Hermann said. “We are committed to providing additional support for our patients during this time.”

To stay up to date with hospital policies, visit memorialhermann.org/services/ conditions/coronavirus/importantannouncements#visitorpolicy.

Mandate, from P. 1A

a pail of water. The Times cannot verify that the pail did indeed contain water. (Side bar and graph on water can be found in Special Section 11.) According to 23 witnesses interviewed by the Times, the children, identified only as Jack and Jill, fell down. (Editorial: “Gravity to Blame for Their Fall Or a Republican Plot?”) Letter to the editor: “Water boarding children has got to stop!”

Yet another statement from Gov. Greg Abbott: I discovered the nursery rhyme, “Jack and Jill,” dates back at least to 18th century England, and was originally called “Jack and Gill.” That’s not my fault, but I am issuing an executive order prohibiting this version from being used in any nursery in Texas. Take that, LGBTQ! Press release from the CDC – Face masks should be worn at all times, especially when fetching water, otherwise you may tumble down a hill. This recommendation should be followed except on Wednesdays, on weekends and during February which has 28.

Speech by Donald J. Trump: Late results from two voters, Jack and Jill, prove that I really did win the Presidency. I got it straight from Sean Hannity.

Ashby tumbles down at ashby2@comcast.net Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Dear Editor: Wow Mr. Ashby, I’m really not sure where to begin. Equating individual mask compliance to IQ is a lazy argument, as was the false choice or wearing a mask or dying. All of which is predicated on the notion that wearing a face mask is an effective means of preventing viral transmission. May I ask what studies you personally reviewed to come to this conclusion? Were they peer-reviewed? Can you demonstrate a pattern or correlation with state wide mask mandates, the timing in which they were implemented, and the number of infections per million? Oh, that’s right you wrote, “surveys show these precautions can save your life”.

Were you aware there are multiple published studies, including a large randomized controlled trial that show masks are not an effective means of preventing viral spread. I’s worth noting that some of this information (published by institutions that are most definitely not rightleaning) is being suppressed but with a little effort, I’m sure you could find quality information even if the research outcome opposes your “surveys” conclusion.

I realize you are an opinion writer, but when did it become acceptable to insult a group of people based on their race or religion?

Lastly, I’m glad to see you’re concerned about the actions of others and how they will impact

you financially (such as others going to the hospital without having insurance). I wonder if there are any other current events happening as we speak that could be driving up our cost of living and medical care, or adding to the numbers of infections.

Using logic and empathy is a time-tested practice when trying to convince another human-being of anything. Spewing vitriol is generally a symptom of something else. This is not meant to be an insult to you. I don’t doubt you’re a genuinely good person but it’s my opinion that you’d benefit from some perspective.

Jason Starr

Neighborhood news is everyone’s business

Dear Editor: Thankful for Betsy for sharing the work I’ve done via Hogg Middle School and Kindred Stories over the last few years! Wishing you the best of everything in your future endeavors!

Terri-Ann Hamm Dear Editor: Thank you Betsy for your work! I always enjoyed reading your publications. Good luck on your future endeavors!

Ashlee Lacey Garcia

the leader Puzzlers.

Dallas and Bexar counties, according to an article in the Texas Tribune. Since that ruling, state leaders have argued all entities are prohibited from instituting mask mandates.

But some places, including Houston ISD and the city, have continued to defy the governor’s order, arguing the ruling was limited to only those two places.

Just a few miles away from Houston ISD’s boundaries, however, Fort Bend ISD continues to only recommend masks in schools, despite County Judge KP George instituting a mandate across the county.

Earlier this month, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo raised the county’s COVID threat level to red, its highest level, amid a spike in cases and hospitalizations caused by the delta variant of the coronavirus.

As of this week, the city of Houston has seen some 219,400 cases of coronavirus, and almost 3,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the Harris County/City of Houston COVID dashboard.

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Page 4A • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • The Leader

Urban farm expanding community services

By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

Inspiring people to get back to nature as a way of spiritual uplifting and healthy living – these have been the goals of Bhakti Urban Farm, 5415 Wheatley St., since its founding about three years ago.

“We’re trying to inspire people to a holistic lifestyle,” said Hari Kote, Bhakti’s manager.

The map to the farm’s philosophy is based on wisdom from ancient agrarian cultures derived from Vedic texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, said Kote.

Bhakti Urban Farm accomplishes this through sustainability practices, like caring for land and cows, as well as through performing arts, mu-

sic, meditation and yoga.

To broaden its exposure to the local community, the farm has a newly branded event, “Soulebrate Sundays,” which will now take place once a week from 9 a.m.-noon.

Visitors can take a tour around the farm’s garden, which is around an acre in size, stay for the “Bhakti Circle” - a meditation program - and finish their time at the farm, with lunch provided by the farm.

There is no fee to attend, but donations are welcome.

“We’ve always had people come on the farm on the weekend,” Kote said. “There was feedback to ‘brand’ it so people in the community could understand and participate.”

Kote mentioned that the

Photo from Facebook The garden at Bhakti Urban Farm is maintained by employees and volunteers.

farm has long had a type of meditation circle and lunch on Sundays, but by putting a name to it, is inviting more people to stop by and become part of it.

While volunteers are welcome to come on Saturday to help tend the garden, Kote said visitors who want can also bring their gardening tools on Sunday to work in the garden.

Bhakti Urban Farm offers guided yoga classes for $10.

Walk-ups are welcome, but residents who want to join can also sign-up and see the event calendar on the farm’s website: https://www.bhaktiurbanfarm.org/.

In the coming weeks, Kote said there are plans to begin hosting workshops at the farm either on Saturday or Sun-

day. The workshops would be cohesive with the farm’s purpose, for example, the workshops would be over gardening or canning.

And on Aug. 29, Kote said that he hopes the farm is able to hold cooking classes once again.

“We discontinued cooking classes because COVID-19 and now we are hoping to open back up at limited capacity at least once a month,” Kote said concerning the cooking classes.

With each new event or program added to its calendar, the urban farm seeks to provide a solution for the exploitation of natural resources by teaching people about renewable agriculture.

Former AIMC campus is now HISD’s HISD Dyslexia and 504 Office Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Several readers have emailed over the past few weeks to ask about activity at 812 W. 28th St. The site is the former the home of Houston ISD’s Arabic Immersion Magnet School which moved in 2019 to the previous site of the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, at 4001 Stanford St. The HISD Press Office confirms that 812 W. 28th

St. is the new home of HISD Dyslexia and 504 Office.

There is no construction at the site, but workers have been moving furniture into the building.

The dyslexia department of the interventions office identifies students with dyslexia and helps them get individualized instruction as specified by the Texas Education Agency.

The 504 Office ensures students get the accommodations they receive as outlined in Section 504 of the

intervention plan to support Tier 2 and Tier 3 students and improve their reading test scores.

There is no information yet about new signage for the office or if this will be a permanent move. The AIMS signage is still up at the campus.

Holden Elementary School and the Energy Institute High School have also been based at the 812 W. 28th St. campus in past years.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which protects the rights of persons with handicaps in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Section 504 safeguards the rights of individuals with visible disabilities and those with disabilities that may not be apparent.

The HISD website lists 11 employees who are part of the interventions office.

The office recently published a middle school initiative for the coming year, which includes a reading

Photo by Betsy Denson The HISD property has been home to several schools over the years.

It is now the new HISD Dyslexia and 504 Office for the district.

WINGS Collective supporting all students Montessori-based teaching coming to Hope Episcopal

By Zarah Parker

zarah@theleadernews.com

Wondering, Investing, Noticing, Giving and Serving are the five pillars of WINGS Collective, an Oak Forest-based organization that provides services to schoolaged children who need special learning help or have been diagnosed with language and learning disorders.

The organization this fall is adding a new executive function coaching to their list of programs.

“Executive function is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control,” said Jessica Brock, one of the founders of the organization. “Having difficulty with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things.”

Children who have executive function issues can have a hard time making a plan and following it through, said Heather GraysonHillery, another founder of the organization. An example could be something as simple as finishing their homework, Grayson-Hillery said.

“You usually find it in middle school and high school, when kids are asked to be a little more independent,” Grayson-Hillery said.

“Our goal is to support them so that they can be successful in school and in jobs later in life.”

While the pandemic hasn’t exactly increased the number of children with executive function problems, the pandemic has shined a spotlight on areas the school model has fallen short, including those with executive function problems, said Amanda

By Zarah Parker

zarah@theleadernews.com

Photo contributed by Jessica Brock WINGS Collective students with founders of the organization Jessica Brock, Heather Grayson-Hillery and Amanda Villasenor.

Villasenor, another founder of WINGS. The switch to at homelearning hurt some of those children as they were given more responsibilities, Villasenor said.

WINGS Executive Function Coaching will help students learn how to be more efficient learners, how to have more self-awareness and show greater independence in their everyday life, according to Brock. The instruction is designed to teach kids how to learn to help them acquire, remember, and express or use information.

“We do this stuff all the time, it’s easy stuff,” Villasenor said.

“Everyone has these demands, a number of things to do and we are able to filter through and prioritize.”

Children that struggle with executive function often can’t filter their tasks, Villasenor said.

For example, a student might be able to express themselves verbally, but struggle with writing, because there are steps of thinking that must occur before we write on a piece of paper, Vil-

lasenor explained. With multiple steps, it’s harder for some children to express themselves, she said.

“I’ve typically heard the phrase ‘he’s just lazy’ and 9 out of 10 times you can diagnose them with executive function,” Grayson-Hillery said.

WINGS also offers a variety of other programs, including halfday enrichment programs, tutoring, speech and language therapy, and Roots and Shoots in Houston Boots, which is a community club for 12-17 year olds that builds executive function, language and social emotional skills through an inquiry –based platform that includes community service projects.

The organization’s programs will begin Aug. 21. Currently, WINGS employees go into the home of their students or students come into the office. Brock said they hope to be able to take their programs into schools soon.

To learn more about WINGS and what it offers, visit https:// www.wingscollective.com/.

CHURCH D I R E CTO RY

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In light of theSunday COVID-19 outbreak, please check with church below for updated St.each James Lutheran Church, ELCA Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am Morning Worship ............... 10:45am • Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am - 11:00am information Wednesday about services and are temporarily restricted.

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11:00am 12:00pm MANNA

When retired teacher Marie Pousson stumbled upon teaching materials in storage of her home church Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd St., she recognized them to be Montessori-based.

The materials had been packed away after St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, a mission of St. Michaels previously located in Acres Homes, merged into one church with the new name of Hope Episcopal Church.

These Montessori materials are part of a curriculum called Godly Play, which gives spiritual education hands on materials for kids to learn with. Or, as founder of Godly Play Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman wrote, Godly Play is, “an imaginative method for nurturing the spiritual lives of children.”

Finding these materials inspired Pousson to revive the curriculum at Hope and she is set to begin teaching this fall. “(Godly Play is) stories from the bible told in a Montessori fashion, with hands on material,” Pousson said. “It’s not just going into Sunday school and remembering a bible verse, but it’s introducing the language Christians use and finding awe in the message of God’s love.”

Some of the materials children will get to play with as they learn include a box full of sand and wooden figures, as most of the Old Testament stories took place in the dessert. Pousson mentioned that the children will be able to imagine the wooden figures

GET Broken Things OVER IT! of God’s anger or because of God’s

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.”

By Pastor Will Cover

Arise Baptist Church 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 713-659-9697 • www.arisebaptistchurch.org

The events taking place this week in Afghanistan reveal clearly the 1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470 First Church broken things in this world. The St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Weekly Sunday Services Gethsemane Lutheran Church Bible says, “Righteousness exalts t 8PSTIJQ &OHMJTI

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in the dessert as Abraham and Sarah, who were promised by God that a nation would come from their lineage, which the bible says is the nation of Israel.

The materials included with the story of Noah’s include a wooden ark and pairs of wooden animals. Other stories included in the Godly Play curriculum include a range of topics from Israel’s exodus from Egypt and the ark of the covenant to liturgical practices in the church.

“After the presentation there’s a creative response,” Pousson said.

“The children can choose if they want to use the materials or choose to do art using crayons, paints, or clay.”

Pousson said Godly Play is more contemplative than most Sunday school programs. Tthe children are asked “I wonder” questions that are meant to guide. For example, “I wonder what was the most important part,” “I wonder if there’s any part of the story we could leave out and still have all the story we need.”

Parents can learn more about the program at parent orientation on Sept 2 or 9 at 7 p.m. The goal is to begin the teaching the program on Sundays from 10:15-11:30 a.m. to ages 3-12.

However, Pousson said that she is open to change if the parents need flexibility for when their children can attend.

“I think it will give them a solid grounding of scripture and let (children) think about it in a way that is imaginative and creative, and hopefully give them the language to speak about the wonder they have,” Pousson said.

lack of power. Rather, it is severe consequence that points to God’s holiness and his justice. God cannot allow an individual to live in sin without consequence. While it is easy to look at the horrific situation in Afghanistan and pronounce our own version of judgment on the situation we must all realize that while different, our own sin is a sign of our own brokenness and need of forgiveness. True peace in Afghanistan can only be found in the same way that you and I can experience peace. Peace doesn’t start outside of ourselves. True inner peace comes from being at peace with God. You will never be able to live a life of peace and harmony with others unless you first come to a place of peace with God. This world is broken. This world needs peace. Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” Trust in God. He gives peace.

The Leader • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • Page 5A

Waltrip, from P. 1A other every year.”

Also out enjoying the performance was Esther Lucio, whose has multiple connections to Ram band. She said her son played when he was in school, and she was there Thursday in support of her grandson, a freshman who plays the baritone horn.

Any opportunity to get out and play, she said, is crucial during any time, but especially during a time such as the last year and a half when interpersonal interaction has been at a premium during the pandemic.

“I really missed it when my son graduated,” she said with a laugh. “…This is something that they need – to get out, enjoy themselves, and get acquainted with all the other kids.”

Zamora echoed the sentiment. He said that for those participating in the band – from his daughters nine years ago to its current rendition – the experience through events such as Thursday’s

concert is about more than the accolades, though there are many.

The Ram Band has represented the state of Texas twice in Washington D.C. – the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Celebration and the 2015 National Fourth of July Parade. – and has numerous UIL accolades to its name.

But the band’s many supporters argue it’s bigger than that.

“Any parent would be proud to have their kids be a part of this program…This gives your kids something to shoot for, something where they can strive to be the best.

Some of these kids are kids who don’t have a lot – but they get in this program, and it gives them confidence and camaraderie,” Zamora said.

“They will never forget this experience that they’ve had.

You would never know these kids had any challenges, because they’re so successful.”

During Thursday’s performance, the school’s band

performed at least a dozen pieces including the jazz classic “Hey! Baby” and others over the course of two hours, to the delight of community members and passing cars.

And those that couldn’t stop showed their appreciation with a quick honk or two as they zoomed past.

Espinosa knows that the pandemic is still ongoing, and that things may not be completely back to normal. Interim HISD superintendent Millard House has even instituted a mask mandate for in-person classes, which begin on Aug. 23, in defiance of Gov. Greg Abbott’s federal order.

But one thing that won’t have to “get back” to normal, according to Espinosa, is the band’s efforts to provide joy and encouragement for the community no matter the situation.

“Music has always been something to connect us and help soothe us – whether it’s in a time of need or to help share that joy that we have

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann The Waltrip band lifts their instruments in the air while swaying along with a song during their Aug. 12 performance at Valencia’s.

when it’s time to celebrate,” he said. “It’s important for the community to know that we’re still here, we know they’re still there, and when we come together it’s such a beautiful thing.”

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Bethune, from P. 1A to advance equity and attract investments in the communities while ensuring that current residents can remain in affordable homes.

“The Acres Home community has spoken, and we have listened,” Mayor Turner said. “The work for this center is just beginning, and the future additions will shape the Bethune Empowerment Center into a beacon of equitable economic development and improved public health.”

The facility has received more than $4.5 million for renovations. In February 2021, the Houston City Council allocated a $4.1 million community development block grant for the first phase of construction. The Council also approved Houston Business Development, Inc (HBDI) to renovate, operate, and manage the center.

Mayor Turner announced a $500,000 donation from Reliant Energy to support the Bethune Empowerment Center and its first named tenant, Communities for Better Health (CFBH).

Communities for Better Health will receive funding from Amerigroup to create a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) double-up program that will enable SNAP-eligible families to double their benefits and support the Acres Home Farmer’s Market which will move to Bethune. The market brings the community’s farmers and gardeners together to leverage locally grown food resources.

“This vital new resource will make produce far more accessible to the people of Acres Home,” Mayor Turner said. “It will help people live healthier lives, support local business owners, and strengthen the community.”

CFBH will host cooking demonstrations, monthly gardening classes, and the Black Farmer Box communitysupported agriculture (CSA) program in partnership with Ivy Leaf Farms and Fresh Life Organics (FLO), a multi-acre farm, and land management consulting company in Houston.

The Bethune Empowerment Center

Cat Neuters

will consist of ten buildings which will be renovated in three phases. Phase 1, comprising approximately 29,000 square feet, includes the renovation of the school’s cafeteria building into a commercial kitchen space and event space that allows for business development, agricultural training, certification, and other culinary arts programming.

The remainder of Phase 1 will include a community garden and several workspaces, including for-lease offices, conference rooms, administrative office space, breakroom areas and collaborative working spaces.

Construction for Phase 1 will be complete by the end of 2021. Phases 2 and 3 will include additional offices for the business incubators, classrooms, early childhood daycare/after-school care, and conference rooms.

For more information on the Bethune Empowerment Center, visit https:// www.houstoncc.org.

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The Leader • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • Page 7A

Area resident showcases creativity with colorful mixed drinks

By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mecelvypartners.com

John Berens has always appreciated the art of eating and drinking “as just a great experience of being alive” he said.

Berens, who lives near the Washington Avenue Corridor and works as an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, said he developed a deeper appreciation for the craft of homemade cocktails when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and he began to share photos and recipes with an online community of friends from all over the world on Facebook and more than 2,000 followers on Instagram @johneatsanddrinks.

“Pretty quickly, I realized that there were a lot of people out there doing the same thing,” Beren said. “And there was this whole community of people who were equally passionate about what I was doing and doing similar things.”

Berens said he’s at his best when he’s making cocktails that are “food inspired or foodadjacent.”

Allow him to explain.

“I think the way I cook is not on the fly, but very much using flavors as sort of the colors in your painting,” Berens said. “When I come across a flavor combination in cooking, I’ve started to sort of notice what flavor combinations really work well together. And now if I see those in cooking, a lot of times I’ll sort of pause and go ‘wait a minute, what if this translates somehow to a cocktail?’”

One of the cocktails that perhaps best exemplifies this is Berens’ Cleary Za’atar.

“This clarified aquavit sour is a liquid homage to the delightfully flavorful Middle Eastern spice blend,” Berens said.

The Clearly Za’atar requires a considerable amount of preparation and some ingredients, like a Sumac Chili Lime syrup, that are difficult to obtain. (Berens said he bought it from muddleandwilde.com).

Za’atar, the popular Middle Eastern spice mixture, contains toasted sesame seeds, sumac,

Photo Photo from @johneatsanddrinks Pictured is the Magical Elixir, Part 1 from John Berens, which uses silver cachaça, a sugarcane-derived spirit popular in Brazil.

and chili powder. The aquavit liquor is infused with toasted sesame seeds. Berens also uses a yellow chartreuse, a ginger turmeric tea syrup and fresh lemon juice.

To top it off, add a pinch of salt and fresh

oregano, lemon thyme and cilantro. If you want, you can set aside extra herbs for a garnish, he said.

For something a little simpler, Berens recommends the Southsidecar, what he calls “a

refreshing hybrid of two classics, the Southside and the Sidecar.”

This drink blends cognac, London dry gin, and a triple sec liqueur (like Cointreau) with elderflower liqueur and a simple syrup, lemon juice and mint leaves.

A moderately more difficult mixed drink is the Smoke & Sting, which Berens calls “a smokey, slightly spicy take” on the classic Bee’s Knees, a Prohibition-era cocktail.

Start with a base of London dry gin, and add a syrup made of smoked paprika and hot honey, fresh lemon juice, and about a teaspoon of mezcal.

For those looking to tackle a challenging and visually alluring cocktail, look to Berens’ Magical Elixir, Part 1, “a distinctly tropical drink served with a side of nostalgia in the form of rhubarb pie.”

Berens said he adapted the recipe from a fellow Instagram mixologist, @hungrythirstybored.

This drink uses a silver cachaça, a sugarcanederived spirit popular in Brazil, and involves making a rhubarb liqueur from scratch. You can also throw in a splash of spiced rum, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, cinnamon syrup and two dashes of ginger bitters.

Whether you’re gathering safely in person or virtually via Zoom, Berens said he’s enjoyed playing an informal game loosely based on the show “Chopped” where he and his friends will come up with a drink in 10 minutes based on the categories of ingredients that the group agrees to use.

Sometimes it’s ingredients (that change) and sometimes it’s techniques, like does the drink need to be shaken or stirred?” Berens said. “And so then you have to kind of go and come up with a drink within, you know, 10 minutes or so. It really kind of flexes those muscles of like, sure you need creativity, but you need to be able to kind of think on your feet and bring things together in a fairly quick way. It’s a good exercise in drink building for sure.”

Local bars, distilleries highlight booming cocktail scene Stefan Modrich

Are we living through a golden age of cocktails in the Heights?

From Garden Oaks to Washington Avenue, local bars and distilleries have been sprouting up all over this slice of Houston.

And now, there are a growing number of options for those looking to enjoy both a night out and a night in. With a little practice, you can replicate some of the most popular cocktails with instructions from those who created them and make them for a living.

Marc Borel, the beverage director at The Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella Blvd., has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Rainbow Lodge focuses on homemade syrups and liqueurs, like the hibiscus liqueur featured in the Hibiscus Margarita, one of its most popular cocktails.

Garnishes, on the other

hand, tend to be more subtle.

“We’re not the kind of place that is going to go kind of crazy on the garnishes,” Borel said. “I don’t believe that it should take longer to garnish the drink than it should to make it certainly.”

Unlike a standalone bar, however, The Rainbow Lodge has the element of surprise on its side. Because the bar is separate from the rest of the dining area, few people get to see the cocktails being made, as one one normally would when ordering a drink from across the counter.

“If someone wanted to step up their home bar game, I would suggest investing in really good craft spirits,” Borel said. “I would also look into the infusion of syrups, and bitters. All of those may provide a kind of a layered texture and flavor that can go a long way in those cocktails”.

Lindsay Rae Burleson, owner of Two Headed Dog in Midtown, drafted the cocktail menu for William Price Distillery, 970 Wakefield Drive.

She said designing a menu for a distillery comes with “a

very specific set of challenges.”

“With the distillery what we’re trying to do is make cocktails that highlight this really amazing array of spirits that they’ve produced,” Burleson said. “So in that you’re not creating a cocktail menu using this fully-stocked pantry, right.

You don’t have all the spices you would normally have in the way of liqueurs, or liquor.”

Every drink on the menu is a riff on a classic, she said.

William Price’s crowd favorite, the Saturn Redux is one such example.

“The Saturn is traditionally a gin cocktail,” Burleson said. “Well, how do we get those aromatics using our vodka? We’re going to infuse it with rosemary and thyme, and other herbs until the gin’s released. And then we have steeped and designed the vodkas to be very similar to what our gin’s going to be.”

Burleson said her menu was designed with the idea that customers can easily look up recipes to make their own cocktails with William Price’s spirits or replicate the ones

Photo by Stefan Modrich From left to right is the Hibiscus Margarita, the Friesling and the Streamer from The Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella Blvd.

they’ve had at the tasting room.

“I think there’s also a reemerging interest too, as (COVID-19 cases) are spiking again, you know, I think the way people drink is becoming a little different than they did before,” Burleson said. “Somebody that might go to the pub seven days a week just to grab a beer after work, now it might be like, three to four days a week, and when they don’t go, they make a cocktail at home.”

In the coming weeks, William Price owner Bryan Clary said the distillery will debut monthly cocktail classes to customers at 2 p.m. on Aug. 28, Sept. 25, and Oct. 23, offering lessons on making martinis, coffee cocktails using house made coffee liqueur and gin cocktails using its own gin.

Travis Whitmeyer, owner of recently opened Whitmeyer’s Distillery, 5301 Nolda St. has his namesake Travis’ Texas Tea, using Whitmeyer’s Peach

Whiskey, Gold Peak Sweet Tea, and Sprite.

Lisa Cunnigham, bartender at Whitmeyers, called it “the perfect summer drink.”

The cocktail menu also features the Whit Russian, a pun on the owner’s last name and on the classic White Russian, which includes a coffeeinfused whiskey instead of vodka.

“It’s dessert in a glass,” Cunningham said.

The smoked old fashioned is one one of the signature drinks at the distillery. Don’t try this one at home, Cunningham warns, unless you are safely able to operate a butane torch.

The staves of an old oak whiskey cask are used to create a puff of smoke that is trapped in the glass, giving it a little extra spice.

It’s no surprise to Cunningham or anyone else at Whitmeyer’s that this is one of their most popular options in the tasting room.

“It’s the show,” Cunningham said. “People love to watch us make it, and they enjoy the whiskey too.”

Review: Ready Room’s vintage cocktails are love letters to Houston A regular at the Ready Room swore by the Sazerac ($11) so I made that my next order. Crafted with Pierre Ferrand 1840 cognac and a house-made demerara syrup (made from coarse sugar that evokes molasses or toffee flavors) Peychaud’s bitters, and lemon zest. An Absinthe wash gives the Sazerac a subtle hint of licorice.

By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com

The shirt Ready Room’s general manager Cody Northcutt sported behind the bar read “to get somewhere you gotta start somewhere” across the front.

I couldn’t help but reflect on my own personal history of imbibing. When I became of age, I sipped the occasional Pacifico or a vodka soda, but I cared far more about the company of friends, the comedy show or live music I was going to see at Buddy Guy’s Legends blues club or The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in Chicago or The Blue Note in New York.

My first impression of Ready Room gave me similar speakeasy vibes — you won’t find a sign or logo anywhere, just a simple message in the lower right hand corner of the window reminding you that Friday and Saturday’s jazz nights are “by appointment only” for $10 from 9 p.m.-midnight.

An old-school piano commands your attention along the wall as you walk in and high-backed red leather barstools and an ornate ceiling with chandeliers contribute to the vintage vibes.

Northcutt told me Thursday nights will have more intimate shows, usually with three piece ensembles.

The Ready Room Address: 2626 White Oak Drive Dining Options: Dine-in Hours: 5 p.m.-midnight Wednesday and Thursday, 5 Photo by Stefan Modrich An off-menu creation from The Ready Room featured a refreshing and soothing blend of Plantation Barbados 5 Year Rum, vermouth, orange bitters and chocolate bitters.

The rotating cocktail menu pays tribute to each of Houston’s six historic wards. Northcutt was roasting corn on a skillet for a corn and sage syrup to mix for the Jimador’s Punch ($16). This mixed drink showcases Mezcal Vago Elote as its base, as well as Nixta Elote Liqueur, grapefruit juice, lime juice and yellow chartreuse.

The trimmings on this one are rather elaborate, including a corn husk, a dehydrated grapefruit and a ground arbol chile pepper.

To start, Northcutt made

me something off the menu.

His concoction of Plantation Barbados 5 Year Rum, vermouth, orange bitters and chocolate bitters was refreshing and soothing.

The closest thing on the menu to what I had is probably the ‘Raising Cain’ ($12) which the menu notes is not related to the chicken joint.

This cocktail includes Lustau Amontillado sherry, Antica Torino vermouth, Lillet Rouge (a French aperitif), chocolate bitters, and garnished with an orange peel. It is a spin on the classic Bamboo cocktail.

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Page 8A • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • The Leader

Nibbles & Sips: New eateries coming to Shepherd Row development

By Stefan Modrich smodrich@mcelvypartners.com

A new development in the Heights has added a dessert purveyor, a restaurant and a liquor store to its roster.

Shepherd Row, 1002 N. Shepherd Drive, is a project of Braun Enterprises, which announced the openings of its new tenants in an Instagram post.

Pudgy’s Fine Cookies is adding its first storefront.

Pudgy’s joins Crawfish Cafe, a Viet-Cajun restaurant, and Longhorn Liquors, a Beaumont-based liquor store chain with locations across the Houston area.

For more information, visit https://www.braunenterprises.com/.

Cowboys & Indians expanding to Rice Military A Fourth Ward restaurant serving Southern and Indian fare has set its sights on expanding to the Greater Heights.

Cowboys & Indians Tex-In

Kitchen is adding a location in Rice Military at 519 Shepherd Drive.

The location previously housed Local Pizza and Burgers, Doberman’s Bar & Grill and BRC Gastropub.

For more information, visit http://cowboys-n-indians. com/.

Moon Rabbit replaces Vietnam Restaurant on 19th Street A contemporary Vietnamese restaurant is replacing the former Vietnam Restaurant at 605 W. 19th St. Moon Rabbit is the latest Heights area concept from the group behind Tikila’s, 2708 N. Shepherd Drive, a tiki-inspired patio bar specializing in cocktails, frozen margaritas and mojitos.

Moon Rabbit is operating as a virtual kitchen, with a limited menu available via Uber Eats: https://www.ubereats.com/ store/moon-rabbit/aMQB24p0TjyT6HRIVCJPnQ. Whitmeyer’s Distilling Co.

opens in Heights A well-known Houston-area distillery has moved to a new location in the Heights.

Whitmeyer’s Distilling Co., formerly of Spring Branch, opened Wednesday at 5301 Nolda St. Whitmeyer’s offers Bourbon & Rye Whiskey, Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey, Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Texas Peach Whiskey.

It also sells Texas-made Space City Vodka.

The distillery’s tasting room hours are 3 p.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, noon-11 p.m.

Saturday, and noon- 6 p.m.

Sunday.

For more information, visit https://www.whitmeyers. com/.

Reata Cellars coming to Heights A boutique winery is coming to the Heights, according to sales tax permits filed with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Reata Cellar is opening its storefront at 633 W. 19th St.,

Ste. B, within a retail plaza built by Braun Development.

Reata Cellars will offer wine tastings and have bottles of wine for purchase.

For more information, visit https://reatacellars.com.

Jamaican food truck opens brick-and-mortar spot in Acres Homes A Jamaican food truck now has a permanent home in Acres Homes.

Jamaica Pon Di Road, 2213 S Victory Dr., opened its doors in early August.

The restaurant serves traditional Jamaican favorites like jerk chicken and pork, jerk chicken nachos, oxtails and the Insane Bolt Burger featuring a jerk-seasoned patty, sharp cheddar cheese, and island aioli served on a sweet bun.

Jamaica Pon Di Road is open from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

Chick’n Cone fundraises for special needs dogs on

Photo from Facebook Jamaica Pon Di Road, 2213 S Victory Dr., offers staples like jerk chicken and oxtails. Its brick-and-mortar location opened its doors in early August.

National Dog Day Chick’n Cone, 1919 N. Shepherd Drive Ste. B, is hosting a National Dog Day fundraiser party benefiting Caitie’s Foster Fam, a local nonprofit, according to a news release from Marie Elgamal of Pop Studios PR. The event is set to take place at Chick’n Cone from 4 pm.-7 p.m. Aug. 26.

Guests can meet Caitie

Evers, founder of Caitie’s Foster Fam, and adoptable dogs, learn about fostering dogs, and enjoy food and drink specials.

The restaurant will donate $1 from every meal to Caitie’s Foster Fam. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/572990347045620.

Art Valet: Couple showcases new art at Archway Gallery Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

Archway Gallery, 2305 Dunlavy, presents Parallel Journey, featuring new paintings by Cookie Wells and wood furniture by Tom Wells, on view September 4 – 30, 2021. The married artist couple will welcome guests at the opening reception on Saturday, September 4, 5 – 8 p.m., with an Artist Talk at 6:30 p.m.

Cookie Wells has been an artist at Archway Gallery for many years showcasing her colorful and expressive figures in watercolor. With “Parallel Journey,” Wells presents a new direction in her painting style focusing on non-objective works of art.

“I felt driven to make this change,” Cookie Wells said. “It was exciting, almost joyful, to be so free in this body of work.

And it’s always interesting to hear the viewer’s interpretation of a piece. Every person brings their own experiences to what they see.”

Wells began this body of work in late 2019 and continued through the pandemic and into the beginning of 2021.

“It was a period of time that

tested me -- mind, body, and soul -- in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” Wells said.

One series of paintings that she calls, “Fenced In” speaks to the isolation of lockdown.

Then the new year began, and Wells found a new inspiration after Texas was hit with the freeze of the century. That inspired Wells to create another series called, “Recovery,” observing the hope for new life amidst the devastation. Using her new artistic voice, Wells painted the highs and lows of this unique and challenging time.

Wells is sharing this exhibit with her husband, Tom Wells, who builds fine wood furniture. The couple met at work where she was a graphic artist and he a chemical engineer.

After retirement, Tom turned their garage into a woodworking shop and started making furniture.

After filling their home with his unique creations, Tom started doing pieces on commission. Since 2007, he has made more than one hundred and fifty pieces of furniture, first for friends then for a larger client base. Referrals and expanding opportunities led him to pursue new ideas and learn new techniques.

With the mind of an engineer and the soul of an artist, Tom continues to design and build

Contributed photo Cookie Wells’ non-objective painting A Brighter Day available at Archway Gallery.

Contributed photo Cookie Wells’ non-objective painting Diving Deep available at Archway Gallery.

unique furniture.

Archway Gallery has been artist owned and operated since 1976 and is one of Houston’s and the nation’s oldest artist-owned and operated galleries is located at 2305 Dunlavy and is open Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 – 5 p.m. For more

information, visit ArchwayGallery.com or call 713-522-2409.

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.

Little Free Art Gallery in Heights is a hit

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Pedestrians on Highland Street in the Heights have no doubt been captivated by another riff on the Little Free Library – a Little Free Art Gallery with a placard that reads “Welcome to the smallest, free-est art gallery in the Heights! Or at least on this street. Feel free to take a piece or leave a piece — or both.”

The gallery came about when resident Beth Sorensen saw an article online about a Free Little Art Gallery in Austin.

“The idea of building and installing one on our street was floating around in my head,” she said. “A couple months later, I went to visit my 99-year-old grandmother in Chattanooga, TN. We frequently would mail her art that my daughter made, and I noticed all the art that we had sent her was displayed all through her house - on her refrigerator, on the fireplace mantle, anywhere there was space she would hang her art.”

Sorensen reflected on how powerful art can be, no matter what kind it is. “[My grandmother] like many others, spent most of 2020 in her house,” Sorensen said. “She told me that putting the art up made her home a happy place to be. I thought that maybe there were other people that could use some happiness in their home.”

In May 2021, Sorensen and her four-year-old daughter Ava put out their gallery in a mounted box in their yard.

Her husband Carl built the box with help from Ava. It was an immediate hit.

Sorensen said that every few days people add or take

Photo by Betsy Denson Pieces of art are displayed in the Free Little Art Gallery on Highland Street in the Heights

the gallery,” she said. “I went out to talk to him and he told me that he loves drawing and painting in his free time. A couple days later he dropped off a really cool drawing that he did. He was really happy to have it displayed somewhere.”

Ava, who loves art, is also constantly creating things to add to the gallery.

“She also loves the surprise of seeing what people put in there, as well as meeting new friends,” Sorensen said. “She has convinced her grandparents in Canada to make and send some pieces. It has been really fun for her.”

Sorensen is pleased that the family project is resonating with people and giving them a showcase for their imagination, she said.

“My favorite thing is seeing the talent and creativity that people have,” she said. “It’s incredible. I hope that 2020 taught us to slow down and realize some of those parts that are inside of us.”

Contributed photo Lapis inlaid table by Tom Wells will be available at Archway Gallery.

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Take your health to Greater Heights Photo by Betsy Denson The Free Little Art Gallery in the Heights has become a popular attraction since its inception in May.

away things from the gallery.

“Some days are busier than others,” she said. “We have so many creative kids and adults in our neighborhood, it’s always exciting to go and see what’s new. Some of my favorite things have been seeing all the different mediums, such as watercolor paintings, origami, and small pottery pieces.”

Summer Quiñones, the art teacher at Travis Elementary, contributed some paintings and encourages her students to add work to it too.

Sorensen said that it’s not just neighborhood artists who contribute.

“One day when I was on the porch, I saw the Amazon delivery guy taking pictures of

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The Leader • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • Page 1B

Waltrip quarterback Max Cuevas rolls out of the pocket during a 2020 contest against Fort Bend Marshall. He will lead the Rams’ offense into the new season.

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann

Area football teams ready to play uninterrupted season

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Photo from St. Thomas High School Twitter St. Thomas wide receiver Shaffer Henderson pulls in a pass during the Eagles’ scrimmage last week

At this time last year, the area’s high school football teams had no idea when their season might start. That much-hyped and time-honored tradition of the opening week game instead gave way to a sense of dread and worry about the unknown as the coronavirus pandemic pushed back the season from late August to early October.

Now, coaches and players from the area’s seven local high schools know firsthand what can be taken from them in a moment’s notice, and are thankful for a return to some sense of normal – a full season slate after the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Per UIL guidelines, the area’s public school teams – Heights, Scarborough, Booker T. Washington and Waltrip – were able to begin practice on Aug. 2 and fullcontact workouts on Aug. 7. Interschool scrimmages have already begun, and the regular season begins on Aug. 26-27.

“We’re all having a sense of getting back to normalcy, even though there’s still some things that are going on with COVID,” said Heights head coach Stephen Dixon, whose Bulldogs fought through the obstacles last season for the program’s first district championship since 2013.

TAPPS schools, which include St. Thomas, St. Pius X and Lutheran High North, were allowed to begin practice on Aug. 2.

“They’re eager to come to work every day knowing how important it is. We’ve talked about it every day, and I’ve been doing it for 23 years – we’ve talked about how things can be taken away from you in one snap,” St. Pius X head coach Greg Cranfill said. “Normally we’re talking about injuries, but last year taught us that nothing is guaranteed, and I think that’s how we’re coming to work each day. At any moment, things could be taken away from us.”

Most teams will play 10 regular season games in a normal season, but many of the area’s schools played fewer than that last season due to the pandemic. In particular, Booker T. Washington was limited to just five games on the field last season while Scarborough was only able to play four games on the field .

“One thing that I’m looking forward to this season is just being able to get out there and have some fun and get the kids together,” said first-year Booker T. Washington head coach Kelvin Chatham. “Just being able to get out there and get back to

normal, kids being able to be back around each other and be in the same room together and having fun together.”

Heights had multiple non-district games cancelled and only played eight regular season games, while St. Pius X and Lutheran High North played just seven.

“At any moment, things could be taken away from us, so we don’t want to take anything for granted,” Cranfill said. “They’re just focused in on the fact that we’ve got to take advantage of every opportunity that we’ve been given.”

Waltrip and St. Thomas were among the most fortunate in playing nine regularseason contests – but behind the scenes, several coaches said it was tough on everyone.

“The good news is that we’re about as normal football-wise as you can be – we’re practicing at the normal times, and school is going on and in person. It’s nice to have that routine that we didn’t really get last year as much,” St. Thomas head coach Rich McGuire said.

For some coaches, the biggest thing they are looking forward to is being able to have a full year or season where they can simply be around all their kids to help them stay eligible and healthy for a full season.

“If there’s any kind of issues in the classroom and they’re here on campus, we can address it right away and have study hall to prevent any kind of stumbles in the classroom. That was one thing we weren’t able to do last year, and it really kind of hurt us and everybody,” Scarborough’s Larkay James said.

And though things may be starting to resemble normalcy with practice and game start times, the area’s coaches know all too well how things can change on a dime. So some, like Christopher Speed at Lutheran High North, encourage their players to wear masks and conduct themselves responsibly off the field.

“I tell the kids that it’s important that we be responsible outside our practice with the decisions we make when we go to certain events or locations. We can’t force them to do it when they’re not on campus, but we can try to plant a seed to make them understand,” he said. “…. I always reiterate that to the players and staff – we’ve got to watch what we’re doing so we can complete our season.”

One thing is for certain – area teams are raring to go.

“It’s a great thing for us,” Dixon said.

“And the kids are definitely happy about all of that.”

Page 2B • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • The Leader

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3410 Ella Blvd. @ 34th St. (713) 682-4343 Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Pictured is the 2021 varsity football team for the Waltrip Rams. After going 1-8 last season in head Jeremy Kirt’s first season, they are looking for a return to the top of the District 11-5A standings with several starters returning to help lead the pack.

Waltrip seeks return to winning ways

By Landan Kuhlmann

landan@theleadernews. com

It has been a rough go of late for the Waltrip Rams – but every new season brings a breath of fresh and a renewed sense of hope, no matter who you play for.

And it is amidst that hope that Rams will look to return to their winning ways under second-year-head coach Jeremy Kirt when they get their 2021 campaign under way with a 7 p.m. kickoff against Lumberton on Aug. 27 Waltrip is coming off of a 1-8 season in Kirt’s first foray at the helm. It was the third straight losing sea-

son for the Rams, who have now missed the UIL playoffs the past three seasons after earning a postseason berth every year from 2009-2017.

But in Kirt’s mind, things are already running ahead of schedule compared to his first season with the Rams.

“With us getting back together, I think we’ll be off to a better start this year,” he said.

Entering the 2021 season, the Rams will be looking to several returners to set the tone. Chief among them are offensive lineman Matthew Pico, running back Kahlen Sam and starting quarterback Max Cuevas behind center. Kirt also said junior defensive lineman Matthew

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He praised the former quartet’s leadership and fortitude during the atypical 2020 season, and said transfer running back Jaylen Middleton is also poised for a big year.

“They’re kids that have been with me in this program, and have seen the highs and the lows that comes with it. And they can forge us to the future,” he said. “Those type of characteristics are things we’re doing to create a championship culture. Plus, they’re pretty good football players.”

As for the game plan, Kirt said not much change is in the cards, as he now has a

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Contributed photo The Heights Bulldogs are looking to repeat their success from the truncated 2020 campaign, during which they went 7-3 with their first district championship and playoff victory since 2013.

Bulldogs building on momentous 2020 campaign

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com The Heights Bulldogs have made the playoffs in all but one season under head coach Stephen Dixon.

But while they’ve made the playoffs, they hadn’t actually won a playoff game since 2013 before last season.

The Bulldogs are coming off a 7-3 campaign in 2020 that included their first district title and playoff win since 2013 before an area round loss to Katy Taylor. However, the team has their sights set on even greater heights following

their best season in nearly a decade.

“We had a phenomenal year last year, and I think we could’ve gone even further in the playoffs than we did. Got some new guys that are stepping up into their roles and guys that have done phenomenal jobs the last couple of years,” Dixon said. “…I think we’ve got a chance to be just as good as last year, if not better.”

On the offensive side of the ball, everything starts with dual-threat quarterback Jalen Morrison. The Bulldogs’ senior signal caller accounted

for more than 1,800 total yards and 20 touchdowns last season, but Dixon believes the best is yet to come for his third-year starter.

“He could always throw the football, he’s got the ability to take it to the house with his legs now, too,” he said.

But Morrison won’t have to do it alone. Along with returning receivers Allen Rainey and Kenneth Booth, he’ll have new skill position weapons.

Wide receiver/defensive back Xavier Neal and running back Zachary Menefee are in the fold for the Bulldogs after transferring over from Luther-

an High North.

Menefee and Neal were both key cogs in the Lions’ 2020 playoff run, combining for more than 1,000 yards between them. Neal is back for his second go-round with Bulldogs, having played at Heights his freshman year before going to LHN the last two seasons. Waltrip transfer Amilcar Frazier is another player to watch.

“Several of those guys came in having experienced success, so they’re coming in full of confidence. And these guys stepping in for us now, See Bulldogs P. 7B

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The Leader • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • Page 3B

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The Scarborough Spartans are entering this season with confidence after finishing last season on a high note.

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann

Optimism coloring Spartans outlook for 2021

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com When a program has not won very often, it may seem like there is little light at the end of the tunnel.

But that’s not the case with Scarborough High School head coach Larkay James, who is entering the 2021 season with confidence in his squad.

“At the end of the season last year, we were on an upward trend in our opinion because we started to have some more success. It wasn’t recorded in our win/loss record – but

on the field, we were playing better,” he said. “That’s one of the things I’ve been preaching to the guys – be dedicated to the process and what we’ve been doing since last year, and continue the upward trend.”

One of the key players tabbed to lead the charge for the Spartans will be senior quarterback Zachary Stuart.

Though the Spartans were limited to just four games on the field last season, Stuart still finished with more than 500 rushing yards.

“He was one of those guys who started having success near the end,” James said.

“The last game we played, against North Forest, he rushed for 175 yards and two touchdowns – and North Forest had one of the best defenses in the district.”

There could be even bigger things on the horizon for Stuart this season, according to his head coach.

“He and I were talking the other day, and our goal is to have 1,000 yards. That’s the goal we’ve set for him,” James said.

What’s more, he said the season finale against North Forest provided a rough blueprint of how he believes Stuart

and the offense can be most successful.

“We changed our offense in the last game we played to more of a ball control offense.

We were very successful with that. So it’s going to be a lot more of that,” he said. “We got some bigger lineman, we’re going to control the clock and control the tempo of the game.”

New look defense One of the bigger differences in this season’s team, James said, is going to be on the defensive side of the ball.

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Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Pictured is the 2021 Lutheran High North Lions’ varsity football team. Under new head coach Christopher Speed, LHN is brimming with confidence following last season’s 6-3 performance.

Lions looking to build on momentous 2020

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Lutheran High North Lions’ football program reached heights last season that several graduating classes had not experienced, winning its first TAPPS playoff game since 2009.

As the 2021 slate begins, LHN is looking to build on that success with a new leader. Christopher Speed will lead the Lions onto the field against St. Pius X as the school’s head coach for the first time on Aug. 27. Speed, an assistant under Shaun Stephens the last two seasons, was promoted after Stephens departed to take an assistant coaching job with the Heights Bulldogs.

Much of the Lions’ attack begins with sophomore quarterback Kamare Shorts. Shorts started every game as a freshman last season, and was instrumental in leading LHN to a 6-3 overall record and a playoff victory.

He was also selected to the Houston Touchdown Club’s TAPPS All-Preseason team.

“Kamare’s leadership skills – even though he’s just a sophomore – are amazing,” Speed said. “He’s always just focused and making sure we’re on the right path.”

However, Shorts won’t have to man the fort alone. Though the Lions have lost running back Zach Menefee and receiver/ defensive back Xavier Neal to other schools, Speed touted senior Daylon Henson as a do-everything athlete who will play in the offensive backfield and as a linebacker on defense.

Doniher Amaya, standing at 5 foot 9 and nearly 200 pounds, will also be a key cog in the Lions’ offensive attack as the team’s primary running back, according to Speed. “(Amaya) is a big kid who who’s really physical and difficult to tackle, and he showed that in our scrimmage on Thursday.

I think he’s going to be someone who’s a high-GPA kid who’s focused on using his football platform to get him to the next level,” he said. “Daylon can do a lot of things both offensively and defensively. He has a really versatile skill set which helps this team a lot.”

Due to their smaller roster size, Speed said many of his players will contribute on both sides as they do most seasons. However, he said there is more depth this season in years past – specifically on the offensive and defensive lines – which he believes can help LHN build on last season’s momentum.

“We probably won’t have to play all of our lineman both ways – we’ll be able to get some guys a breather here and there. I think that’ll help us a lot this year, being able to have some depth,” he said. “We looked good defensively last Thursday. We have to clean some things up, fix some mental errors due to fatigue – but for the most part, all the kids ran to the ball and showed a lot of effort. Our front six played really well, well enough to beat some good teams.”

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St. Pius X’s Panthers are raring to go for the 2021 season as they look to return to the top of the TAPPS standings.

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Panthers seek return to TAPPS elite

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com As the St. Pius X Panthers look to make their way back to the top of the TAPPS standings – where they made multiple state semifinals in the last five seasons – second-year head coach Greg Cranfill knows the climb won’t be without some road bumps.

The Panthers are coming off a 4-4 campaign in a COVID-shortened regular season, which ended with a secondround playoff loss in Cranfill’s first season. But it was an improvement over a 2-9 mark in 2019 – and with his returning personnel, Cranfill thinks there are limitless possibilities.

“We’ve got to build a program that has a next man up mentality so our guys are ready to take on the next challenge put in front of them,” he said.

Option one for the Panthers on offense will be tight end Logan Tanner, a San Diego State commit who amassed 980 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

Tanner is already a Division I player in many ways, given how multifaceted his game is, Cranfill said.

“He can come in and play that tight end position or slide out and play at the wide receiver spot,” Cranfill said.

However, Cranfill said the Panthers’ main strength on offense will start up front.

Alex Gutierrez, Michael Fite and Issa Baba stand out as part of an offensive line that paved the way for 190 yards per game last season.

“We have four returners

on the offensive line, and for us it’s all going to start with that,” Cranfill said. “We feel like they’re a pretty talented group, and we’ve got to build on what they can do.

Running behind those stalwarts will primarily be Nethaneel Lolo, who took over late last season and ran for 495 yards and six touchdowns in six games. At quarterback, the Panthers will face a tall task in replacing the graduated Carson Rodgers – now at Texas Wesleyan – in 2021.

Fighting for the spot will be juniors Bryce McKeon and Cale Skinner.

“Each have their own positive parts, so what we’re probably going to try and do is use both of them – that’s probably different than what most people are used to seeing,” Cranfill said. “We feel like both of them are talented and can do it. We’re excited about the potential for both of them.”

Defense For this group, it all starts up front.

Dylan Edwards, Aiden Allen (34 tackles, three sacks) and Hayden Llorens return to anchor the defensive line for the Panthers. The linebacker corps will consist of Burke Battenfield – who led the team in tackles prior to a midseason injury – on the outside, while TAPPS all-state linebacker Carson Hintz (85 tackles) will man the interior.

SPX has also hired former La Grange defensive coordinator Rusty Cauthern, who Cranfill said has brought a major boost to the unit.

“We’re better right now than where we ended up last year, and we’ve still got room

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for growth. Hiring him was a huge impact for this program,” he said. “You’re going to see a defense that flies around, and I’m really excited

about that.”

SPX kicks off its season on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. against Lutheran High North.

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Photo by Jack Potts/Bohemian Photography The 2021 St. Thomas Eagles’ varsity roster. Despite the loss of several starters from last season, the Eagles remain capable of holding their spot as one of the best teams in TAPPS Division I.

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Eagles look to reload despite lack of experience

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com The St. Thomas Eagles are accustomed to being alone at the top in recent years, with three straight TAPPS Division I District championships. Head coach Rich McGuire and the Eagles have not dropped a district contest since 2018.

But remaining on top of the standings this season and making a deep playoff run will take a largely unproven group gelling quickly.

The Eagles are coming off a 7-3 campaign in 2020 that ended with a loss in the second round of the TAPPS Division I playoffs, and have a number of key contributors to replace if they want to keep the district streak going.

“We’ll be playing a bunch of juniors and seniors, but not many of them have played meaningful downs

in varsity games. A lot of them were doing that for the first time (during Thursday’s scrimmage),” McGuire said.

“A lot of it is just getting them comfortable – you’ve got to get them the confidence that ‘Ok, I can do this.’

Because they just haven’t.”

At the top of the list will be replacing quarterback Maddox Kopp, who amassed more than 6,700 total yards and 62 touchdowns in his St. Thomas career.

The battle will come down to junior Caleb Davis – who has thrown just nine career passes – and transfer Jake Wright, who completed better than 61 percent of his passes for 1,134 yards and 12 touchdowns at St. Mary’sColgan (Kansas) last season.

“They’re both good quarterbacks,” McGuire said. “I’d like to go into (the opener) having a guy, but we don’t know. We’ve just got to figure out whether one stands

out.”

Whoever grabs hold of the job, however, will still have a few weapons familiar to Eagles’ fans. Sophomore running back Johann Cardenas returns as the Eagles’ leading rusher after accumulating 495 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground last year along with 201 receiving yards. In the slot will be Cameron Price, who tied for the team lead in receiving yards (794) while leading in touchdown catches (10) during the 2020 season.

“Cameron and Johann both have experience playing on Friday nights and doing well,” McGuire said. “...

Their strength makes them both really special. Solo tackles are rare on either one of them.”

Leading the way up front on the offensive line will be lone returner Wyatt Green.

“We feel like we’re going to be able to run the ball bet-

ter than we have in the past, so I think we’ll do that more than people are used to,” McGuire said. “But we’re still going to be spreading and throwing the ball around because we’ve got some skill at the receiver position.”

Defensively, this year’s unit might have some growing pains, as inside linebacker Teegan Spencer (60 tackles) stands out as St. Thomas’ lone returning starter. However, senior defensive lineman Charles Batterson – a backup in 2020 – brings some experience back.

Inside linebacker Jack Ward and sophomore corner Marques Kiatta were also two players McGuire highlighted to help breathe life into a defense that will be young from the jump, along Houston St. John’s transfer Tyler Langin.

“Pretty much everybody else is brand new,” he said.

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713.588.5744 jennifer@solaklegal.com 1305 W. 11th St., #3094, Houston, TX 77008 Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Shown is the Booker T. Washington Golden Eagles’ varsity football squad for the 2021 season. With new head coach Kelvin Chatham at the helm, Booker T. Washington will be in search of more success after a shortened 2020 campaign.

New coach looking to energize Golden Eagles

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

First-year Booker T. Washington head football coach Kelvin Chatham knows that a stable football program can energize a school, a community and its supporters.

That is exactly what he hopes to bring back as he embarks on his maiden voyage with the Golden Eagles, who were 1-4 last season, which kicks off on Aug. 27 against KIPP Northeast.

“One of the main things I’m looking to do is get the community back involved,” he said. “I want to get them back involved, and bring the excitement back to this area and this historic school, and get everybody excited about having a pro-

gram and seeing what the program’s doing. We’ve got to get the community back involved with what’s going on.”

Part of that, he said, begins before his players even step foot on the field.

“It’s about being consistent with the kids, showing up and being the same person every day, giving them someone they can see and believe in, and a leader who’s going to stand by them whatever they’re going through on a day-today basis outside of football,” he said. “I feel like that will trickle down to the football play. Since I got the job I’ve talked about ‘winning the day.’ That’s winning in the classroom, in the hallways and in the community. If we can win in all three phases of those,

then we’ll win some battles on the field.”

Once the Eagles take the field, there are several players to take note of as the season gets under way.

Leading the charge for the Golden Eagles will be Jaaden Matthews and Samauri Washington, according to Chatham.

Both players have spent multiple years in the program, he said, and will be the leaders Chatham looks to in order to set the tone for his squad as the 2021 season gets under way.

“Jaaden is a student of the game. He shows up every day, is very reliable – he’s a leader, and the kids look up to him. Samauri just gives you 100 percent of what he has from the time he walks in the building. And he’s here every

day,” he said. “They’ve been with the program, and they show up every day. They want what’s best for the team and the community. They want to be here.”

It can be a tough transition when any new head coach takes over a slumping program – the Golden Eagles have not had a winning season since 2011, and have made the UIL playoffs just three times in the last 10 seasons.

But Chatham said fans will see a different product on the field this season than they have in some time.

“They can expect to see a football program that’s organized, ready to go and up tempo, with kids flying around and having fun,” he said.

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St. Thomas

Date Opponent Time 8/28 vs. Needville 7 p.m.

9/4 @ Plano John Paul 2 p.m.

9/10 @ Kinkaid 9/17 vs. Houston Christian 7 p.m.

9/24 vs. SJ XXIII 10/1 @ Central Cath. 7 p.m.

10/8 vs. SA Christian 7 p.m.

10/15 @ Antonian 7 p.m.

10/22 @ St. Pius X 7 p.m.

10/29 BYE 11/5 vs. Conc. Lutheran 7 p.m.

2021 SCHEDULE Site St. Thomas Ford Center 7 p.m. Kinkaid St. Thomas 7 p.m. St. Thomas Central Catholic St. Thomas Antonian Prep St. Pius X St. Thomas

St. Pius X

8/27 @ Lutheran North 7 p.m. Lutheran High North 9/3 @ Dallas Christian 7 p.m. Dallas Christian 9/10 vs. Bishop Lynch 7:30 p.m. St. Pius X 9/17 BYE 9/24 @ Conc. Lutheran 7 p.m. Concordia Lutheran 10/1 vs. SJ XXIII 7 p.m. St. Pius X 10/8 @ Ant. Prep 7 p.m. Antonian Prep 10/15 vs. Central Cath. 7 p.m. St. Pius X 10/22 vs. St. Thomas 7 p.m. St. Pius X 10/29 @ SA Christian 7 p.m. San Antonio Christian 11/5 @ Kelly Catholic 7 p.m. Beaumont Kelly Cath.

Lutheran High North

8/27 vs. St. Pius X 7 p.m. Lutheran High North 9/3 @ Village School 7 p.m. The Village School 9/10 vs. Rosehill Christian7 p.m. Lutheran High North

9/17 @ Northland Christian 7 p.m. Northland Christian 9/24 @ Brazos Christian 7 p.m. Brazos Christian 10/1 vs. St. Paul Shiner 7:30 p.m. Richter Stadium 10/8 vs. KIPP NE 7 p.m. Richter Stadium 10/15 @ Bay Area Christian 7 p.m. Bay Area Christian 10/22 vs. Alpha Omega 7 p.m. Lutheran High North 10/29 @ Kelly Catholic 7 p.m. Beaumont Kelly Cath.

Scarborough

8/26 vs. KIPP Sunnyside 7 p.m. Dyer Stadium 9/4 vs. KIPP Generations 6 p.m. Dyer Stadium 9/11 vs. KIPP NE 6 p.m. Dyer Stadium 9/18 BYE 9/23 vs. Washington 7 p.m. Dyer Stadium 10/1 vs. Worthing 7 p.m. Dyer Stadium 10/7 vs. Yates 7 p.m. Delmar Stadium 10/15 @ North Forest 7 p.m. Cowart Stadium 10/21 vs. Wheatley 7 p.m. Dyer Stadium 10/28 vs. Kashmere 7 p.m. Dyer Stadium 11/5 @ Furr 7 p.m. Cowart Stadium

Washington

8/27 vs. KIPP NE 7 p.m. Dyer Stadium 9/2 @ North Brook 6:30 p.m. Tully Stadium 9/9 @ Baytown Sterling 7 p.m. Stallworth Stadium 9/16 BYE 9/23 @ Scarborough 7 p.m. Dyer Stadium 9/30 vs. Furr 7 p.m. Dyer Stadium 10/8 @ Kashmere 7 p.m. Delmar Stadium 10/16 @ Worthing 6 p.m. Cowart Stadium 10/22 vs. Yates 7 p.m. Delmar Stadium

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8/28 @ Cleburne 5 p.m.

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The Leader • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • Page 7B

How to keep your home from smelling like you have pets Dear Tabby, We have two cats and a dog and, between the litter box and the dog bed, our house stinks!

We love our pets so much, but we don’t love the odors that they cause. Any tips for keeping our house from smelling like an animal shelter?

Sick of the smells in Shepherd Park Plaza Dear Sick of the Smells, We here at The Leader hear you, friend! Pets are a blessing indeed, but, man alive, do they create some funky odors in your home! Litter boxes, accidents in the house, fur and dander--it all adds up to create some truly gnarly smelling situations in the home. Good news though: it IS possible to cohabitate with pets and not have to endure a smelly house.

All it takes is a little extra care and some healthy habits, but you should be able to get your home back in ship-shape in no time!

Here are a few tips for keeping your house smelling nice (and no, none of the tips include air fresheners or getting rid of your sweet pets!): Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum This probably isn’t what you want to hear, but your vacuum

is really your best friend when it comes to eliminating your home of pet odors. Your vacuum will suck up dander, fur and loose kitty litter, helping to freshen the floors and furniture of your house. Make sure that your vacuum bag or canister is dumped out or changed often.

Vacuums with HEPA filters are great for homes with pets, so consider buying a vacuum that features this type of filter to help keep the dust and dander at bay. If you hate vacuuming, consider a robot vacuum that will do some of the work for you.

Be diligent about the litter box Litter boxes can be a source of odor in the home if not maintained properly. Plus, cats can be really picky about where they use the bathroom, so if the litter box doesn’t live up to their expectations of cleanliness, they might start going outside of the box, which creates a whole next-level of odor issues in the home.

Obviously, scoop the litter box at least once daily (since you have two cats, you might consider adding an extra box or two, also) and completely clean out and replace the litter often as well. It doesn’t hurt to toss the whole box once a year and replace it with a new box and litter entirely.

Keep your pets clean Bathe and/or groom your dog often to keep him or her

smelling and looking their best. While cats don’t require baths the way that dogs do, if you find that your cats are getting smelly, give them a run-over with a wet washcloth periodically, as well. A clean pet makes for a clean(er) home and makes your pets happier and healthier.

Consider going with all hard-flooring If you plan to have pets for a while, consider removing wallto-wall carpeting in your home and going with an easier-toclean option like tile or wood floors. Carpet traps all manner of odors, dust, dander and fur and can really make it difficult to keep a fresh-smelling home.

In the long run, the expense of switching to hard flooring might be worth it.

Pets are a joy to share our homes with, but the odors-not so much. Try to get into the habit of cleaning a little every day so that you don’t end up with a bigger job on your hands than you have the energy for. Enlist the help of your roommates or family to help, as well. Soon enough, you’ll have a home that is fresh enough to have company over without suffering the embarrassment of having that telltale “dog smell” greeting them at the front door!

Bulldogs, from P. 1B could’ve started for us last season,” Dixon said. “They were just behind some phenomenal guys. Now it’s their time to take over.”

Defense The core of the Bulldog 3-4 defense, Dixon said, will hinge on the play of a fast and physical linebacker group. Returning to lead the group are alldistrict selections David Nico (53 tackles) and Jalen Mims, along with third-year starter

Dylan Harris (30 tackles, two sacks). Entering the fold this season is Paul Smith, a transfer from Mater Dei High School in California.

Up front, defensive lineman/lineback Demone Green – who holds offers from Arkansas, Tennessee and Houston – returns for his senior season after missing all but two games in 2020 with injury. It will be a young defensive secondary with four new

starters, but Dixon pointed to sophomore Noah Sowell and Neal – a 2020 second-team TAPPS all-state safety in 2020 – as key contributors there.

“We have guys who can rush the passer a little more than we did last year,” Dixon said. “You’re probably going to see more of a pressuretype defense and gamblingtype defense that’s going to force some quick throws by the quarterback.”

Adding to that confidence, according to James, is an alsoimproved defensive line he hopes will create some havoc up front and free up his playmakers on the back end.

“Our defensive line is going to be bigger this year too, and we’re going to be focused on

stopping the run,” he said. “So those guys, we’re hoping that they’re going to command double teams and let our linebackers run free to make plays.”

Spartans, from P. 1B Two of the key leaders this season will be two Spartans newcomers, Michael Douglas and his younger brother Patrick Douglas.

James said both brothers – who will man the cornerback positions for his defense – stand at least 6-foot-3, and will present an imposing presence he believes could deter teams from throwing the ball against the Spartans.

“So, that’s going to be something new people haven’t seen out of us before,” he said.

“There are a couple other guys that haven’t come into camp yet, but if they do you’re going to see a major difference in size in our team this year. That will really give us a little more confidence.”

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LONG STANDING MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN FOREST WEST SHOPPING CENTER Take Outs Available!

So Order Your Lunch or Dinner and Leave the Rest To Us!

ESTABLISHED 1936

FREE DONUTS FREE KOLACHE Buy a dozen glazed donuts, get 6 glazed free.

Come In or Call To Order!

Buy a dozen donuts, get a kolache free.

Mexican Restaurant

5305 Antoine @ Pinemontt 53 713-682-3853

OPEN 111:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Good at this location only. One coupon per visit. Tax not included. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons.

3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St.

(713) 682-4343

Tia Maria has 32 oz. Margaritas to go for $15 with a food order.

Frozen or rocks.

If you are hungry, let us cook for you!

4618 Dacoma

(Between Hwy. 290 and Mangum)

(713) 680-0825

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The Leader • Saturday, August 21, 2021 • Page 8B

Man accused of stabbing brother in Inwood

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A man accused of stabbing his brother at a Greater Inwood apartment complex has been arrested, according to police.

Christopher Swopes, 44, has been charged with aggravated assault of a family member in connection to the stabbing, according to the Houston Police

Department.

Police at about 11:30 a.m. last Wednesday responded to a disturbance call at an apartment complex in the 5300 block of West Gulf Bank Road, according to police.

Investigators learned Swopes had allegedly been arguing with his brother, Jarvis Steen, 23, and that Swopes allegedly stabbed his brother

multiple times before fleeing the scene, police said. He was arrested a short time later, according to police.

Steen was taken to a hospital with nonlifethreatening injuries.

Swopes’ bond was set at $50,000, and he remained in jail as of Wednesday afternoon according to court records.

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Suspect charged in Acres Homes shooting

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Police have made an arrest in connection to a March shooting in the Acres Homes area that left one man with a gunshot wound to the neck, according to the Houston Police Department.

Gayland Berry, 23, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection to the shooting of Margarito Lopez, 32, according

Berry

to police.

Officers at about 1:45 a.m. on March 30 were called to a report about a car in a ditch in the 1900 block of Dewalt Street, according to the department.

Investigators at the scene spoke with someone, who told them Lopez was driving south when he pulled in front of a dark-colored sedan, according to the department. Someone inside that car then began shooting at Lopez and hit him

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in the neck, which caused him to lose control of his car and go into a nearby ditch, according to police.

The man, later identified as Berry, then allegedly fled the scene heading eastbound, according to police. He was arrested on Aug. 11 after four months of searching, police said.

Berry’s bond was set at $100,00 according to court reciords, and he had bonded out of jail as of Wednesday.

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Police Reports • August 8 - 16 AUG. 8

Theft 4 AM 800 BLOCK E 28TH Theft 11 PM 800 BLOCK W 30TH Assault 8 PM 5500 BLOCK MICHAUX Arrest 2 AM 2300 BLOCK AIRLINE Assault 12 AM 400 BLOCK TRUMAN Theft 5 PM 3600 BLOCK GOLF Theft 1 AM 4700 BLOCK THORNTON GROVE Theft 4 PM 100 BLOCK YALE Assault 12 AM 00 BLOCK HARVARD Assault 8 AM 800 BLOCK OAK

AUG. 9

Theft 9 PM 700 BLOCK YALE Theft 9 PM 1100 BLOCK TIMBERGROVE LN Theft 8 PM 00 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Vandalism 5 PM 2100 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Arrest 11 PM 1200 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS Robbery 10 AM 100 BLOCK W 20TH Vandalism 11 AM 1900 BLOCK

N SHEPHERD Theft 1 PM 1400 BLOCK STUDEMONT Theft 5 PM 100 BLOCK YALE

Theft 4 PM 5300 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Vandalism 2 PM 6300 BLOCK NORLAND

AUG. 10

AUG. 12

Theft 1 AM 400 BLOCK W 19TH Theft 2 PM 400 BLOCK W 20TH Assault 10 AM 1200 BLOCK NICHOLSON Theft 3 PM 00 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Arrest 11 AM 700 BLOCK E 36TH Assault 1 PM 00 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 5 PM 1800 BLOCK SHEPHERD Vandalism 6 AM 600 BLOCK THORNTON

AUG. 11

Theft 12 AM 1400 BLOCK NICHOLSON Theft 10 AM 2000 BLOCK T C JESTER Vandalism 5 AM 00 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 11 AM 4700 BLOCK NOLDA Assault 2 PM 3900 BLOCK N SHEPHERD

Theft 8 PM 900 BLOCK E 32ND Arrest 8 AM 700 BLOCK E 36TH Assault 6 AM 2400 BLOCK RUTLAND Theft 9 PM 3500 BLOCK WHITE OAK

AUG. 13

Theft 8 AM 900 BLOCK W 30TH Theft 5 PM 1200 BLOCK CORDELL Other 5 PM 00 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS ST E Theft 2 AM 2800 BLOCK W T C JESTER Theft 9 PM 200 BLOCK 23RD Assault 10 PM 200 BLOCK E 28TH Shooting 11:22 PM 200 BLOCK E 28TH Theft 7 PM 500 BLOCK THORNTON

AUG. 14

Burglary 12 AM 500 BLOCK

YALE Arrest 6 AM 400 BLOCK TABOR Other 12 AM 2700 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 11 PM 900 BLOCK N SHEPHERD

NEVER MISS A STORY THELEADERNEWS.COM

AUG. 15

Vandalism 7 PM 1900 BLOCK YALE Assault 3 PM 400 BLOCK E 37TH Arrest 4 AM 400 BLOCK W 38TH Other 7 PM 700 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 2 AM 800 BLOCK E 37TH Theft 12 PM 600 BLOCK E 40TH Vandalism 12 AM 400 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS

Kidney Diseases Dialysis Hypertension High Blood Pressure WELLNESS CLINIC

AUG. 16

Dr. Kim J. Horn, M.D.

Theft 8 AM 100 BLOCK W 20TH Theft 2 AM 600 BLOCK E 35T Assault 6 PM 4200 BLOCK RUTLAND Theft 1 PM 4800 BLOCK LARKIN Robbery 1 AM 400 BLOCK T C JESTER

CERTIFIED BY AMERICAN BOARD OF INTERNAL MEDICINE AND NEPHROLOGY

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1415 North Loop W, Suite105 Houston, Texas 77008 713-863-7063

Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

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a ØØ«ă aè Ü úÜ ɽ ɘʂɔɔ pm Z«Õ Ãʰ ZÊ « ¼«ÿ "Ø« úÜ ɽ ɘʂɔɔ pm We’ve been delivering happy, healthy experiences for over 30 years—and that calls for celebration. Enjoy the best of The Forum at Memorial Woods before you move in with weekly fun events. Win free prizes on Tuesdays, enjoy happy hour with live music on Fridays, and see why families have loved us for years. Come early at 3:00 pm for open house prior to each event. Get excited and come join the fun to see what retirement living is all about.

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THE FORUM AT MEMORIAL WOODS 777 North Post Oak Road • Houston, TX 77024 713-956-0870 • www.TheForumAtMemorialWoods.com INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE • RESPITE CARE License Number: AL #000757 ©2021 Five Star Senior Living

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