Leader May 22

Inside Today: Local HISD schools name top teachers • Page 4A

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Independence Heights churches burglarized

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Pastor Kenneth Walls has tried to serve the Independence Heights community as best he can during the 10 years or so he has been at Hunter Memorial Church of God in Christ. He said the congregation regularly provides food, clothing and school supplies to residents in need, and the church also has a mentorship program to complement its virtual Sunday services.

So seeing his church burglarized and vandalized on

multiple occasions during the last month – with graffiti on the walls, musical equipment and electronics stolen and flooding caused by water pipes that were broken during the last break-in – has been disheartening.

“My wife cried for almost two or three days straight.

She didn’t understand,” Walls said. “As much blood, sweat and tears as we put into this community, trying to let them know we understand their pain and everything they’re going through to make it a safe haven for them … to see this happen made it really

stressful.”

The church at 4127 Airline Dr., which was broken into April 24 and May 2, according to the Houston Police Department, is not the only place of worship in Independence Heights that has been victimized during the last month. At least two other churches in the historic, predominantly Black neighborhood also have been burglarized, leaving the congregations and the community they serve scratching their Photo from Twitter collective head.

Hunter Memorial Church of God in Christ, located at 4127 Airline Dr.,

is one of multiple Independence Heights churches that have been burglarized and vandalized during the last month.

See Churches, P. 5A

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No masks. Texas cities, counties and school districts will not be allowed to require masks.

Page 2A

Mural making. Public murals are cropping up around Houston, including in the area.

Page 7A

Photo by Matthew Hoover A double rainbow appears above Shepherd Park on Monday evening. Scenic skies early this week gave way to persistent rainy weather later in the week.

Steady rainfall saturates community

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

New digs. The Houston Farmers Market has reopened with a new look on Airline Drive.

Page 1B

Young talent. A Hogg Middle School student received national recognition for her art.

Page 4B

The weather in Houston can be wondrous, which area residents experienced earlier this week. Pink-hued skies and a double rainbow graced the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest areas on Monday evening, making for a picture-perfect setting.

As the week progressed, though, Mother Nature showed the city its ugly side.

By Tuesday, local officials were urging residents to exercise caution and prepare for flooding as storms were expected through much of the weekend.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for the Houston region that was set to remain in effect through Thursday morning. Rainfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour were possible and expected to result in street flooding, particularly in low-lying areas or those with poor drainage.

Total rainfall by Thursday morning was expected to

See Rain, P. 5A

By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com Taking the guess work out of where to go eat is just one of the reasons Courtney Steinfeld founded EaterPass, a Houston-based community of people who love supporting local restaurants.

EaterPass, founded in 2018, gives its members access to insider pricing at partnering restaurants and bars. That includes 20 percent off a member’s bill, including both food and alcohol.

“I’ve always been a fan of creating great experiences,” Steinfeld said. “I always look for the trifecta: great food, great service and great ambience.”

When COVID-19 tumbled the hospitality industry into an uncertain year, Steinfeld decided EaterPass had to do more, so in February she pivoted EaterPass with a new mission to advocate for local restaurants and bars and to give back through charity.

EaterPass, which has become a private, invitation-only group with a focus on social media interaction, now donates 5 percent of membership fees to Kids’ Meals Inc., a Garden Oaks-based charity.

“I wanted (EaterPass) to stand for more than a discount community,” Steinfeld said. “I want members to understand that we are here to advocate for the partners.”

Area restaurant and bar partners include Wicklow Heights, 1027 W. 19th St.; Bungalow Heights, 1919 Beall St.; Field & Tides, 705 E. 11th St.; Tikila’s, 2708 N. Shepherd Dr.; and Mastrantos, 927 Studewood St.; along with recently See EaterPass, P. 5A

Photo contributed by Courtney Steinfeld EaterPass members receive 20 percent off their bill, including food and alcohol, while dining at a partnering establishment.

Heights student surprised with scholarship

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 4A Classifieds.............................................. 5A Coupons. ................................................. 3B Food/Drink/Art................................... 7A Opinion. ................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 3A Sports. ....................................................... 4B

average between 4 and 8 inches, according to the National Weather Service, with isolated totals possibly exceeding 10 inches. So structure flooding also was a possibility.

“This is a potentially life-threatening situation,” the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management said in a Tuesday news release. “Residents should be prepared to act on short notice in the event the most severe impacts occur.”

The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management said on its website Tuesday that residents should avoid roadways during periods of intense or prolonged rainfall. The city also urged Houstonians to be cautious around flood-prone underpasses and to heed warning signs and intersection barricades.

The city’s map of flood-prone locations includes the stretch of North Shepherd Drive just north of West 34th Street in Garden Oaks as well as multiple locations in the Heights area, including underpasses near White Oak Bayou and the intersection of Old Katy Road, Hemp-

Food-discount club becomes exclusive, philanthropic

Photo from HISD Heights High School senior Skye Williams reacts to receiving a $2,500 scholarship from Houston ISD interim superintendent Grenita Lathan on May 12 at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center.

Skye Williams is set to graduate in the top 20 percent of her class at Heights High School. Then she’ll be heading to Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she plans to study psychology.

But the future did not always seem so bright for Williams. As for the present, it was downright devastating at times.

Hurricane Harvey flooded

much of Houston in August 2017, shortly after Williams started her freshman year at Heights, and displaced her and her family. Williams said she and her parents and younger sister sheltered at the George R. Brown Convention Center for about three months before eventually settling into a new home in the Jersey Village area.

The COVID-19 pandemic also has taken a toll on Williams, who has attended school virtually since last spring and said she has coped with feelings of isolation as well as

depression.

“I just kept going to school and knew everything was going to get better in the end,” Williams said.

“God doesn’t put his weakest soldiers in the hardest battles. I just knew everything was going to be OK.” Williams was much better than OK on May 12, when she was surprised with a scholarship awarded

by Houston ISD interim superintendent Grenita Lathan. Williams See Williams, P. 5A

THE PUBLIC. The Leader • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 2A

Abbott orders local governments to refrain from mask mandates

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott lifted his statewide mask mandate in early March, leaving it up to individuals and businesses to implement safety protocols aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Now, with vaccines widely available and the number of cases and hospitalizations continuing to decline, he is making it illegal for cities, counties and even public school districts in the state to employ such a safety measure.

Abbott issued an executive order Tuesday saying no government entity or official could require a person to wear a mask – except in government-run medical and correctional facilities – effective immediately. Beginning Saturday, those who fail to comply with the order are subject to a $1,000 fine.

Beginning June 5, Abbott’s order states “no student,

Abbott

Turner

teacher, parent or other staff member or visitor may be required to wear a face covering” in a public school. Houston ISD, the seventh-largest school district in the nation with nearly 100 active COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday, is scheduled to hold classes through June 11 and has been requiring masks at all its buildings and events.

The City of Houston also has been requiring masks at all of its properties and functions.

“If you are a city of Houston employee or entering a city fa-

cility and you have not been fully vaccinated, you should wear your mask,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement released later Tuesday. “We are not mandating it, but I strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their family and their co-workers.

“As to the governor’s order,” Turner added, “it is a clear overreach. His power is not absolute.”

Abbott made his latest executive order as the number of new COVID-19 cases, hos-

pitalizations and deaths have been on a steady decline since January, both statewide and in Houston. There were 109 new cases in Harris County on Tuesday, whereas there were more than 1,000 new cases on multiple days during March.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who since last summer had kept the county’s COVID-19 threat level at its highest level, lowered it from red to orange on Tuesday. Hidalgo cited the increased availability and utilization of vaccines as a reason, saying more than 30 percent of the county’s residents have been fully vaccinated.

According to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fully vaccinated people can resume pre-pandemic activities without wearing a mask or socially distancing.

“We’re not where we need to be,” Hidalgo said, “but we’re making progress.”

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Police searching for woman Self-defense claimed in Oak who shot man at local hotel Forest apartment stabbing

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Police say they are investigating a shooting at a hotel off the Interstate 45 frontage road that put a man in the hospital last weekend.

The victim, 42-year-old Master Mooring Jr., was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, according to the Houston Police Department.

HPD said officers responded to a shooting call at the Southwind Motel at 5617 North Fwy. around 2 p.m.

May 15 to find Mooring Jr. inside a hotel room with multiple gunshot wounds. Mooring Jr. was inside the hotel

room, police said, when an unknown female wearing all black walked up to the hotel room door and fired into the room multiple times.

Witnesses told investigators that the woman then got into the passenger side of a red SUV waiting in the parking lot and fled the scene going north on the southbound lanes of I-45.

Police said earlier this week there was no known motive in the shooting. Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact HPD’s Major Assaults & Family Violence division at 713-308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-2228477.

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A woman claimed she stabbed her ex-boyfriend in self-defense near an Oak Forest apartment last week, and the case will be referred to a Harris County grand jury, according to the Houston Police Department.

HPD said the victim, 22-year-old Trevion Jones, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to HPD, officers responded to the Bend at Oak Forest Apartments at 4000 Watonga Blvd. around 5 a.m.

May 11 to find Jones dead. Police said a 20-year-old woman, who told police she and Jones had previously dated, accused Jones of assaulting her by choking her and hitting her in the head.

The woman told police she then grabbed a knife and stabbed Jones in self-defense, according to HPD. Anyone with additional information in this case is urged to contact HPD’s homicide division at 713-308-3600.

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 3A

Small businesses have to be better

M

y wife and I had one requirement when we bought a new house almost three years ago. Besides the standard stuff, like a roof, insulation and working commodes, we wanted a pool.

Trust me, I know that’s a luxury.

It’s just that we have three children with the combined decibel level of a drag race, and the more options for forcing them outside, the longer mom and dad retain their sanity.

This pool, with a plaster lining, has needed work ever since we bought the home, which is why we made the decision during the cooler months to have it drained and replastered. What has happened since is a catastrophe of moronic proportions.

With the plaster dry and water levels back to full, absolutely nothing on the pool has worked correctly since. For more than a week, the year-old pump (2-year warranty) we had just replaced wouldn’t operate.

And if you know anything about pool ownership, having stagnant water in your backyard in Houston, Texas, is a recipe for malaria.

Of course, I thought this was just part of the process, but I thought wrong. Two weeks later, I called our pool company (which I won’t embarrass by printing their name) to

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

find out what was wrong.

“Sorry, we didn’t know it wasn’t working,” was the reply, even though they had been there four times.

Two weeks later, with absolutely no communication in the process, they replaced our under-warranty pump. Of course, then the vacuum pump didn’t work. The lights didn’t work. The electronics board that controls these things may as well have been re-wired by the team of squirrels living in our yard.

We started this process in January – more than five months ago – and we still don’t have an operating pool.

I spend a lot of space writing about how important it is for those of us who love this area to support local, small businesses. If we didn’t have these small businesses – the ones that make our communities

unique and a bit quirky and wonderful places to live – then our homes would be worthless, our schools unsupported, and our quality of life depleted.

So you can imagine how hard it is for someone like me, who writes from the perspective of both a small business owner and a consumer, to marry the two needs. It’s difficult to continue promoting small businesses when they fail at their jobs and, even worse, do not communicate with their customers.

Oh, and the pool is just the start of things.

Last year, my wife and I discovered a leak in our roof. The home we purchased has concrete tiles (I’ll never understand the previous owner’s decision there), and finding a roofing company that will handle the work has been disastrous.

We discovered the leak in our roof nearly a year ago. We hired a local company to come take a look, and they sent us a nice description of what was wrong and what needed to be fixed. And then they disappeared. Never returned a call.

Did not want the work. Refused to acknowledge they had even sent an estimate.

This is not a joke: It took us six months to have a roofer appear at

Found in translation THE TELEPHONE – “Hi,” I say. “I tried to text, tweet and email you, but none of them worked, so I am relying on an ancient method of communication, the phone.

I’d like to pick up an order.”

There is a pause. “You order a pickup? This is no dealer car,” says a heavily accented voice.

“No, I want to call in a dinner and pick it up. Some Chinese food.” Another pause. “Dinner for Chinese? All one-point-four billion of them? Call Beijing.”

And thus it goes. You have no doubt had this same problem, and get ready for another. The Afghans are coming. Maybe thousands of them. It goes like this: Every time someone loses a war they come to America. It all began with the Battle of Culloden of 1746, when the English beat the Scots and the losers came here.

The French-Canadians came to Louisiana after the British beat the French – who hasn’t?

Today we call them Cajuns.

They came to Texas after Hurricane Katrina – an estimated 250,000 of them evacuated to the Houston area and some 40,000 stayed. Wouldn’t you?

This is not a compliant. We retained some great high school halfbacks and any number of excellent chefs.

Through the years immigrants left their teeming shores following defeats. German wars and the military draft sent millions of German refugees to the U.S. in the 1840s and 50s.Today, Texas is loaded with their descendants.

We got lots of Czechs, too, as the Hapsburgs kept going to war. In the 1840s the Irish Potato Famine sent the peasants here. After our own Civil War, thousands of defeated Southerners followed the GTT rule – Gone To Texas. The Yankee invasion began about 1970 and continues to this very day. If God hands you a lemon, make a margarita out of it. The Mexican Revolution of 1910 sent numbers of Mexicans to Texas. Both preceding and following World War II we received lots of European refugees. Following the rise of Castro, thousands of anti-Castro Cubans came to the U.S. and are now a major political force in Florida. And when the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 collapsed, we received many Magyars (that’s “Hungarian” in Hungarian). Behind them were the Serbs and Croatians who stopped fighting each other so they could move here and fight each other. Newcomers joined us in 1979 when the Shah of Iran was overthrown.

In early 1975, fewer than 100 ethnic Vietnamese lived in Greater Houston. The first wave of immigration arrived here after the end of the Vietnam War. Apparently not many were from North Vietnam. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, Harris County had 80,409 ethnic Vietnamese. Today, the city is home to more than 100,000 VietnameseAmericans. Houston has the largest community of Vietnamese in the U.S. outside of California. We even have our

Lynn Ashby Columnist

own Little Saigon. Almost one out of every four residents in Harris County is foreign born, and the number is obviously growing. More than a third of Houston residents who are older than 5 speak a language other than English at home.

As for the Afghans, they follow a well-worn trail. When President Trump pulled out most U.S. troops from the Kurdish-Turkish border, that allowed the Turks to invade the Kurds’ territory. Trump abandoned them despite the fact that the Kurds had been doing most of the fighting against ISIS. And we promised those allies we would stand by them “as long as the rivers flow and the desert blooms in the spring.” (This promise was translated from Comanche.) We know what happened next: Kurds who face torture and death because they fought alongside the Americans, came here – along with their immediate families and their cousins, inlaws, next-door neighbors, the guys who translated, drove for us or have a good immigration lawyer. When the U.S. military left Iraq, those residents who had worked for the Americans were fearful of what would happen to them and their families once the Yanks departed. According to State Department data reported by the Immigration and Refugee Services of America, 32,187 Iraqis entered the United States as refugees between 1989 and 2002.

There must be a lot tired, weak, huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Since 1975, the U.S. has welcomed more than 3 million refugees from all over the world. That is more than every other country put together. That total comparison still stands, although because of the wave of Middle Eastern refugees arriving in Europe, for the first time in more than three decades we are currently not taking in more than everyone else put together. In 2019, the latest year we have for tallying, 31,250 refugees from all over arrived here. These are just legal refugees, and does not include the thousands of Central Americans at our southern border seeking asylum. If (or more probably, when) the Taliban again take over Afghanistan, our former allies will be moving here. The U.S. has set up a special on-ramp for those Afghans. A visa program, established in 2009, is intended for Afghan citizens, along with their spouses and unmarried children under 21 who worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan. It is a separate program and doesn’t count to-

ward the refugee cap.

About 18,000 Afghans have applied for these special immigrant visas to the U.S. and are still awaiting approval, according to the State Department.

Many are translators who were particularly needed at the U.S. embassy where the turnover of U.S. diplomats every year is about 90 percent. The process has slowed down over the last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In fiscal year 2019, the State Department issued 9,741 special visas to Afghans, but in fiscal year 2020 they only issued 1,799 of the visas, according to State Department data. President Joe Biden has said repeatedly that we will take care of these folks, and Congress seems to agree. I, personally, welcome them, especially the translators. Maybe they can man the phones at restaurants.

Ashby translates at ashby2@comcast.net

our house, give us an estimate and start the repair work.

One chunk of a check later and, finally, our roof was repaired. Except – and you know where this is going – it wasn’t. A few weeks ago, after a decent rain, the water reappeared, the sheetrock soaked again, the new paint job ruined.

There was a warranty with this work, so I called and explained that, apparently, the work they did had minimal impact on the leak. I have since communicated with the company three times, have been told three times that they’d come fix it, and a month (and about a foot of rain later) and they still haven’t come back.

The list keeps going. Our pest control company found termites in our backyard fence, which was old and needed replacing a few months ago.

We hired someone to do the work and, amazingly, the company showed up within a week and finished about 75 percent of the fence.

Then, with no answers, no calls, no nothing, they disappeared. It took almost two more months before they came back to finish the last strip of fencing.

Obviously, you’re reading this thinking my wife and I own a lemon

of a house. The reality is that these sorts of things happen to all of us, and we need local, reliable businesses that can support homeowners in the communities where we live.

If I’m the first one to stick my neck out in support of small businesses, I won’t shy away in telling small businesses all across the area that you need to be better. For the life of me, I can’t understand how you don’t return calls when people want to spend money with you.

Even if you don’t have the staffing to do the work, at least return the call.

I can’t understand how small business owners desperate to recover from a miserable year, can’t find a way to service the customers they do have in a timely manner.

Worst of all, small business owners must learn to communicate with their customers. Just tell us your plan. Tell us reasons for a delay. Tell us you don’t know what you’re doing. Just tell us anything.

Having strong local businesses is vital for the health and success of communities like ours, but that’s a two-way street. It takes consumers supporting these businesses, and it takes businesses that will fulfill what they promise.

Email jonathan@mcelvypartners.com

THE READER. We’re still waiting on straight answers

Dear Editor: At a time when there are those pushing lies of such titanic size as to threaten American democracy, it is disheartening to see any news outlet cast aspersions on ALL national media by claiming that “we don’t have straight news anymore.” In fact, according to independent media bias researchers, AP, UPI, Reuters, CNBC, CBS and a host of others skew neither left nor right (adfontesmedia.com).

Clearly, it is not just politicians who “can’t escape the party line.”

“Just tell us the truth”?

Those who can’t admit SCIENCE drives COVID policies, those who can’t admit their candidate lost in a fair election, those who can’t admit to their own unwillingness to face inconvenient facts – those are people who, to paraphrase “A Few Good Men,” “can’t handle the truth.”

R. Claire

Baker Katz purchases Foodarama building

Dear Editor: Regarding “Baker Katz purchases Foodarama building” (May 8): So, will a massive condo complex replace the Foodarama, as happened with Kaplan’s Ben-Hur? For more than a decade, the Foodarama site housed a Safeway grocery store and a pharmacy. (A long-time deli worker named Susie assiduously endeavored, making sandwiches every morning, to avoid being seen sneaking bites of scraps -- and failed.) Safeway

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com was later spun off to become Apple Tree, which subsequently morphed into the Foodarama.

Immediately behind that site, directly west between the store and the utility easement, in the mid-1970s when that land was vacant, an oil wildcatter actually drilled an exploration well there. Tool pushers hauled in a hefty rig, turned to the right and made hole -- finding nothing commercially producible. The capped wellhead got plugged and paved over, a strip center constructed, and some old ladies now operate a beauty parlor there. (Parts of nearby Timbergrove sit atop oil and gas reserves, albeit small stuff. Until the early 1980s, just south of where the USPS office is now, there was an actual producing lease -- but it was puny, easily abandoned, the surface rights sold after oil prices crashed.) P.S. As for Jonathan McElvy’s insistence that we “demand better of our elected leaders,” well: Real Americans lead themselves, accurately regarding elected politicians as employees, our subordinates -- and understand with disgust that they indeed are doing a disgracefully lousy job.

J. Reynolds

Employment shortage hitting neighborhood businesses

Dear Editor: Bingo! This is the issue: “readily available unemployment available at both the state and federal level. Extended unemployment lasts until mid-September – and in Texas, someone can receive up to $900 per week in unemployment.

That comes out to nearly $47,000 per year.”

Jedi

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Construct 6. Seal 12. Last from Kent Haruf 16. A public promotion 17. Acutely insightful and wise 18. Yemeni riyal 19. __ Lang (country singer) 20. Blue Hen school 21. Decaliter 22. Point midway between S and E 23. 12th Greek letter 24. One point S of SE 26. Pools 28. Notes of hand 30. Algerian dinar 31. Metal cooking vessel 32. Short poking stroke 34. Mountain Standard Time 35. Dark hairs mixed with light 37. Hosts film festival 39. Frost 40. Former moneys of Brazil 41. Bodily perceptions 43. Baseball great Ty ___ 44. Before 45. __ Caesar, comedian

47. Containerful 48. Expression of uncertainty 50. Tells on 52. Bones 54. As fast as can be done (abbr.)

56. Singer Jolson 57. Atomic #73 59. Pigeon sound 60. Jr’s. father 61. 6th tone 62. Debt settled (abbr.)

63. Contrary 66. Chinese tennis star Na 67. 44th First Lady 70. Methyl phenol 71. Avid applause

dOwn 1. Started growth 2. Biblical Sumerian city 3. Where Alexander defeated Darius III 4. Something to be borne or conveyed 5. Removed earth 6. Traveled by water 7. Hirobumi __, Japan 8. Antelopes 9. Japanese emigrant’s offspring 10. For instance 11. T cell glands

12. Acorn trees 13. Burdened 14. Wound deformity 15. Has faith in 25. Title of honor 26. Someone 27. Pouch 29. Comprehensive 31. Separates with an instrument 33. Noble 36. US, Latin America, Canada 38. Snoot 39. About heraldry 41. Angel 42. Female sibling 43. Former OSS 46. Stressedunstressedunstressed 47. An imperfectly broken mustang 49. Call out 51. A long scarf 53. Coconut fiber 54. Scene of sports & events 55. Bodily suffering 58. Cloths 60. A way to agitate 64. No seats available 65. Linen liturgical vestment 68. Atomic #103 69. Home screen

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • The Leader

Local schools name top teachers of year

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

While Houston ISD recently recognized 12 finalists as candidates to be named its 2020-21 elementary and secondary teachers of the year, local schools also named their Teachers of the Year this spring.

The Leader solicited responses from the top teachers at area schools. Additional responses will be featured in a later issue.

Booker T. Washington High School Minh-Nhat (Daniel) Duong, math

Duong said he was honored to receive the Teacher of the Year award.

“It shows that dedicaDoung tion is recognized, not just from me, but every teacher,” he said. “Under such unprecedented times, a single teacher such as myself cannot achieve success alone, but through the help and collaboration of my colleagues. I am appreciative and proud to accept the award on the behalf of all educators.”

Duong said what he most loves about teaching is the ability to connect with his students, whom he tries to make a positive impression on for their future.

“But in turn, (they) make an impact in my life every day,” he said.

Clifton Middle School Sedric Collins, math

Principal Georgina Castilleja said Collins was selected because he delivers excellence to Clifton and Collins all his students – “His dedication, passion and empathy for our kids is palpable.”

Collins said he believes an educator’s responsibility is to encourage and help students so they can have a positive influence and outlook on life no matter their background.

“It is extremely satisfying to know that I’m making a positive impact on my students lives, while also having the respect and support of my colleagues,” he said. “What I most love about teaching is the ‘aha moments’ from my students and even myself as an educator. When they suddenly can piece things together and figure things out it’s the best feeling in the world because I am witnessing how much they are motivated and invested in their learning.”

Durham Elementary Margarita Davis, bilingual

Principal Carrie Flores said Davis is “extremely dedicated in every way, not only to the children that she Davis teaches, but (to) the community that we love.”

Davis said she loves watching the “aha” moments of her students and listening to their wonders.

“I always encourage my students to keep dreaming and believing in themselves,” she said.

“I always appreciate having the opportunity to make a difference not only academically but also emotionally. I just love teaching.

It’s my life.”

Field Elementary Rebecca Ortiz, reading, language arts and social studies

This is Ortiz’s second time to receive the Teacher of the Year

recognition at Field. She has been a teacher for seven years and for five at Field.

Principal John Ortiz Hendrickson said Ortiz is a born teacher.

“Not only does she serve her students well, but she also serves all stakeholders of the school,” he said. “She is one of the reasons we are a Blue Ribbon school.”

Ortiz said teaching is a reward in itself.

“Teaching during this epidemic, I believe we should all be recognized for this,” she said. “What I love about teaching is being able to provide my students with a safe and equitable environment to be successful learners and being able to see them realize that they are capable of doing amazing things.”

more demonstrated her commitment to go above and beyond for the benefit of her students,” he said. “She is an exemplary teacher and teacher leader. She mentors her colleagues as well as having served as a supervising teacher for university and alternative placement teacher candidates. Her instruction is consistently student-focused and is replete with opportunities for her students to stretch academically.”

Charlton, a previous Teacher of the Year award winner, said being part of the Hamilton team has been a major part of her growth as an educator.

“Every year, I come in with the goal to help my students find a love for reading no matter the genre and gain confidence in their reading and comprehension abilities, and I plan to continue with that goal in mind,” she said.

Frank Black Middle School Collin Mehta, social studies

Principal Laura Alaniz said Uribe was selected to be Teacher of the Year because she is a champion for ensurUribe ing student growth.

“My love for teaching stems from the inspiration my students develop in learning,” Uribe said.

“It is rewarding to see them excited to learn every day.”

Principal Rhonda Honore said Mehta is an exemplary teacher for a number of reasons.

“He has Mehta a heart for students, builds and sustains positive relationships with his students and goes above and beyond to ensure all of their needs are met,” she said. “He is always striving to be better so his kids will get better.

He coaches, mentors and always brings a ray of sunshine with him wherever he goes on campus.”

Mehta said he comes to work every day wanting to make the school a bit better off than before he arrived.

“There are many teachers at school who are just as, if not more, deserving of this acknowledgement than I am,” he said.

Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet Karen White, elementary, multigrade; Jemet Martinez, middle school, grades 4-8

White said being selected as White Teacher of the Year was an experience beyond words.

“I am grateful,” she said. “As the ‘golden rule’ states ... treat Martinez others as you would want to be treated, therefore I teach as I would want to be taught.”

Martinez said she is also grateful and shares a quote from Maria Montessori in The Theosophist as an inspiration: “In the child is much knowledge, much wisdom. If we do not profit from it, it is only because of neglect on our part to become humble and to see the wonder of this soul and learn what the child can teach.”

Hamilton Middle School Mia Charlton, sixth grade language arts

Principal Robert MichaelsJohnson said Charlton is recognized by her peers as an inspiration and a Charlton resource.

“During these challenging months under COVID, Ms. Charlton has once

Harvard Elementary Gricelda Uribe, third grade

Heights High School Rebecca Ozuna, AP human geography

Principal Wendy Hampton said Ozuna has been instrumental in helping not only students, Ozuna but teachers, administrators and parents navigate the educational world amidst a global pandemic.

“She is a continuous learner herself and never hesitates to share her knowledge with others,” Hampton said. “She is able to connect with students and form relationships that are so important for student success.”

Ozuna said she was honored to be nominated by peers, especially during this year’s trials.

“Only other teachers can really understand the challenges we’ve had to face this year in education,” she said. “Despite its hardships, I love teaching because I am able to introduce students to worlds outside their own. They are able to experience new cultures, places, systems and processes of the world and become connected and invested global citizens.”

Helms Elementary Maria Coffey, culture

Principal Lola PerejónLasheras said Coffey is instrumental in providing Helms students with knowledge Coffey about culture in a manner that is fun and interactive for them.

“In addition to serving as our campus culture teacher, she has gone above and beyond to make sure students continue to be engaged in the learning,” she said. “Mrs. Coffey has been the definition of flexibility this entire school year, always willing to help cover any class needed whether it be virtual or in person with the purpose of providing continuity for our students.”

Coffey said she is proud of her school.

“My favorite part about teaching is making connections with my students,” Coffey said. “Every

Dealing with Conflict Part 1

By Pastor Will Cover

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

T

he story of the nation of Israel dominates the pages of the Old Testament. The various tribes of Israel had many conflicts between them over the years. One significant conflict came towards the end of the book of Joshua as two and a half of the tribes were going back to the land that they had claimed as their own prior to helping the rest of the tribes conquer their portion of the promised land. The tribe of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh decided to build an altar so that their descendants would remember their connection to the rest of the nation of Israel. The Jordan River separated these tribes from the rest of the nation and the leaders wanted to make sure they would not be forgotten as time went on.

The desire to build this altar was good but their intentions were misunderstood by the rest of the Israelites. God had told the children of Israel to worship Him at the Tabernacle and so the rest of Israel took the building of this altar to mean that these two and a half tribes were trying to go against God’s Word. I will take some time to explain more of this story over the next few weeks. You are welcome to read it for yourself in Joshua 22. The first principle that we can learn from this story is the importance of knowing the whole story before jumping to conclusions. If you are going to deal with conflict well, then you must take time to find out the whole story before you take any action against another person.

Next week I will share another important conflict resolution principle from this story.

If you are have someone else that you are in conflict with, make sure you know the whole story so you can properly assess the situation and make good decisions moving forward.

one of my students is unique and incredible.”

Hogg Middle School Amelia Bravo, math

Principal Vanessa Saldaña said Bravo is a “phenomenal” math teacher who has taught all grade levels.

Bravo “Her love of teaching, deep knowledge of her subject matter, commitment to her students and willingness to help her colleagues are just a few of the reasons that she was chosen as Teacher of the Year,” Saldaña said. “Mrs. Bravo was also chosen to be a Teacher Leader at Hogg as part of the HISD Career Pathways program and she currently serves as the Data and Assessment Specialist on campus. She is always eager to help her colleagues.”

Bravo said representing the teachers at Hogg is an honor.

“What I love the most about teaching is witnessing the students’ achievements,” she said.

“I find it gratifying hearing them reflect on their growth as well as developing a problem-solving mindset, and learning to face challenges in general.”

Oak Forest Elementary Dawn Soria, third grade, reading

Principal Andrew Casler said Soria, who is a 20-year teacher, has demonstrated her strengths as Soria an “empathetic and gentle educator” by taking care of her students’ needs both academically and socio-emotionally during this school year.

Soria’s specialty is teaching reading and her goal each year is to create a love of reading for each of her students. Niki Vogel is her third-grade teaching partner, and she said she draws inspiration every day from working with Soria, especially from the way she builds strong connections with her students and makes learning fun.

Soria followed in her mother’s and aunt’s footsteps when she decided to become a teacher.

She said she considers herself a lifelong learner who works hard to stay current as a teacher.

Scarborough High School Crystal Bright, dance

Principal Roderick Trevino said that Bright is the epitome of teaching excellence.

“Scarborough High School’s Bright dance teacher is a caring, nurturing, positiveminded and instructionally progressive teacher committed to helping her students succeed in school and in life,” he said. “In addition, she consistently goes the “extra mile” to support her campus colleagues.”

Bright said that she is honored by the recognition because all she hopes to do daily is to inspire her students to be better, wellrounded, compassionate, and empathetic people.

“I hope they understand that regardless of their backgrounds and current situations that they can become the best version of themselves,” she said. “I am grateful that my peers saw what I try to do daily as being important and great.”

chosen the beginning teacher of the year from among other amazing rookie teachers who’ve all endured and excelled this year as we’ve all taken on the challenges this year has thrown our way,” he said. “I love the energy at Stevens this year, I love the collaboration and family support, and I love making connections with my students, whether that is in our classroom or through a screen.”

Sinclair Elementary Barbara Smith, fifth grade

Principal Lee Mashburn said the internal selection process for Teacher of the Year at Sinclair is rigorous.

“To be Smith selected is a true tribute (to) the level of excellence that an individual brings to our campus each and every day,” he said. “Barbara Smith is an excellent teacher and has certainly earned the title of Teacher of the Year at Sinclair Elementary.”

Smith said her students needed her in a whole new way this year.

“To combat the stress of the unknown, we worked together to come up with unique solutions to make online and pandemic learning fun,” she said. “We all thrived. My favorite part of teaching is the opportunity to meet the social emotional learning needs of my students.”

Travis Elementary Sarah Butler, kindergarten

Principal Tom Day said Butler is a hard-working, caring and compassionate teacher and person dedicated to Butler her students’ whole development.

“Mrs. Butler embodies the best of early childhood education and she has made an amazing impact in our community,” he said. “She is truly one of the best and this is a well-deserved honor.”

At Travis, Butler has served as Team Lead and Faculty Advisory Committee representative, as a member of the Shared-Decision Making Committee, and as a member on the Conscious Discipline and Hospitality committees.

Stevens Elementary Keon Armstrong, behavior support; Daniel Trujillo, third grade

Principal Erin Trent said Armstrong is the most selfless teacher she has worked alongside – “His daily goal is to meet the needs of students and their families.

Daily Mr. Armstrong Armstrong engages students in real-world learning experiences that will propel the trajectory of their future.”

Armstrong Trujillo said he is fortunate to work with an administration that had the vision to place him in a position that would maximize his strengths and help change the lives of the students they serve.

“This award would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of my teammates,” he said. “The process of watching my students grow personally and academically has been the best part of this journey. My goal is to always learn more about them. I’ve learned the more I know, the more effective I can be, and as a result the students are more engaged.”

Trent said Trujillo is a team player who has a passion for students.

“I feel honored to have been

Wainwright Elementary Martha Garcia, second grade dual language, language arts and reading

Principal Ryan Hutchings said the 20-year educator Garcia has been at Wainwright for seven years.

Garcia “She is a phenomenal teacher who works tirelessly to ensure she is providing her students with engaging and rigorous instruction,” Hutchings said. “Her admiration for her students and ensuring all students learn at high levels is evident whenever you see her in action within the classroom.”

Garcia said she has seen many teachers on campus doing “amazing” things in these unprecedented times.

“We all rose to the occasion to meet the needs of our students, campus and parents,” she said. “I have been a teacher for 20 years now, and what I love about teaching is watching and helping the students grow academically and socially from when they walk in the door until the last day of school.

Every day is a different day, and there is never a dull moment.”

David T. Garcia

D

avid T. Garcia, age 91 of Houston entered eternal rest, May 8, 2021. He left behind wife Clara Garcia, married 71 years, (son) Richard Garcia (Alicia), (daughter) Cathy Fonseca (Cooky), (Xavier), (daughter deceased) Cynthia Windham, (deceased) Ricky Lee (deceased). One brother Jerry Garcia (Shirley). Four grandchildren, Anthony Fonseca (Christina), Ambrose Fonseca (Janet), Alissa Garcia, Victoria Windham. One great granddaughter Ariana Fonseca.

Services pending in June at St. Patrick’s Church Houston TX.

CHURCH D I R E CTO RY

I

St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am In light of theSunday COVID-19 outbreak, please check with each church below for updated Morning Worship ............... 10:45am Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children information about services and events.

In-person services are temporarily restricted. and Adults ............................ 6:15pm 1822 W. 18th • 713-864-1470

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Gethsemane Lutheran Church St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA

Weekly Sunday Services

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We invite you to worship with us!

Weekly Worship Services 9:00a.m.

Online services can be reached through the website below at 9:00 am. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

Houston, TX 77092

O

t goes with made mist err is hum this the next must learn fro to repeat them it can be hard can sometime We sometime we’ve done, a for years, or e addition, som our past. And them, we mus we should forg the coming da as well as our them; that is, repeatedly mu the phrase “fo the only way t more divine, is the offense. S vindictive, sha it! Corrie ten prison camp s to realize that

Judge not, not, and y

The Leader • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 5A

Rain, from P. 1A

Churches from P. 1A

stead Road and Washington Avenue just north of Interstate 10.

For more information, visit weather.gov/hgx/, readyharris.org and https://houstonemergency.org/steerclear-of-flood-prone-roadways-duringperiods-of-heavy-rainfall/.

HPD spokesperson Jodi Silva said there was an April 24 burglary at Green Chapel AME Church at 3318 Link Rd., where a door was damaged and a microwave was stolen. Pastor Oscar Green III said there were four additional breakins last month, all by the same man, according to his surveillance video.

More recently, Silva said there was a break-in on the afternoon of May 7 at Anointed Christian Tabernacle of Saints at 611 E. 34th Street, where a door and air conditioning window unit were damaged.

Tanya Debose, the executive director of the Independence Heights Redevelopment Council, said there also have been breakins during the last several months at Ebenezer United Methodist Church at 7302 N. Main St. Silva said HPD did not have any reports about burglaries at that church, at least since the beginning of the March.

“It’s very odd. We’ve never had just a rash of (church) break-in like this,” Debose said. “It’s almost like it’s organized.”

Silva said HPD is looking into the possibility that the recent crimes are connected, but she said there have been varying suspect descriptions and surveillance footage from only one of the churches, Green Chapel. Walls said Hunter Memorial had a security camera, but it was the first thing damaged during the initial break-in last month.

A common thread between Anointed Christian Tabernacle of Saints, Green Chapel and Hunter Memorial is that all three churches have mostly been closed to the public during the COVID-19 pan-

Williams, from P. 1A was one of 11 HISD students to receive the $2,500 superintendent scholarship, which is earmarked for graduating seniors who show promise despite having dealt with adversity.

Heights counselor Hossain Mazharian said he helped select Williams for the scholarship because he was impressed by her grades and coursework – she has a 4.16 grade-point average and has taken International Baccalaureate classes – and by an essay she wrote. In it, Mazharian said Williams wrote about being bullied in elementary and middle school and also experiencing racial profiling.

Williams also has balanced school and extracurricular activities with a job, having first worked for a clothing store in the Galleria and now for Chipotle restaurant.

“I believe that she deserves this scholarship and any help that she can get,” Mazharian said. “Let’s give her hope and encouragement and the understanding that other people are willing to invest in her future. That should hopefully mean something, hopefully to her, that, ‘Hey, somebody invested in my future, so I need to take it and move on and do something bigger and better.”

Williams credited her parents as well as her coach with the Heights Redcoats dance team, Marissa Cantu-Harkless, with supporting her throughout high school and helping her overcome the aforementioned obstacles. She said she wants to pursue a career as a child psychologist or therapist so she can raise awareness for mental health issues in kids and teenagers and help them cope with those struggles.

In the meantime, Williams is focused on finishing high school and preparing for college. She said she hopes she can be a good example to other students at Heights and within HISD because of her perseverance and drive to succeed.

Williams’ commitment to herself and her schoolwork caught the attention of administrators such as Lathan and Mazharian, who recognized and rewarded her accordingly.

“It feels amazing,” Williams said. “A lot of opportunities have been opened up for me. I’m very thankful.”

Contributed photo Pictured in this surveillance photo from Green Chapel AME Church, 3318 Link Rd., is a man suspected of burglarizing the building last month.

COVID,” said Green, the pastor at Green Chapel. “To me, this feels more like a crime of opportunity than anything.”

Green said the burglaries last month were still a “slap in the face” to the church, which is celebrating 110 years in operation this year. He said the burglar, who based on surveillance footage appears to be a Black man with a medium build, receding hairline and goatee, helped himself to food that was left in the church.

Walls, the pastor at Hunter Memorial, said he suspects the break-ins at his church were gangrelated, because of the graffiti painted on the walls in his office and in other parts of the building.

demic, with each holding virtual, online services. So the buildings and their parking lots have mostly remained empty.

Bishop Percy Moultry, the longtime pastor at Anointed Christian Tabernacle of Saints, said he thinks the person or people responsible must be familiar with the community and its churches and are keeping tabs on when the buildings are vacant and therefore vulnerable. His church was victimized by a Black male with a skinny build and white T-shirt, according to Silva, who cited a neighbor of the church who witnessed the break-in.

“It’s an easy target. Most churches are still closed due to

He also said he thinks the person or people responsible do not live in Independence Heights.

Walls estimated that the damage caused was valued at “no less than $15,000,” so he hopes the church can raise money and make the necessary repairs to reopen.

A GoFundMe page was set up for the church on Tuesday at www. gofundme.com/f/hunter-memorial-restoration-fund.

In the meantime, Walls will try to keep the church as secure as he can so there aren’t any subsequent break-ins that cause more damage.

“These people are nuts,” Walls said of the burglars. “They ruined it for people in the neighborhood.”

EaterPass, from P. 1A announced partners Calle Onze, 222 W. 11th St.; and Kin Dee, 1533 N. Shepherd Dr. People who are interested in joining EaterPass can go to its website, eaterpass.com, and sign up to be on the waiting list. If invited to join, members are encouraged: “If you like it, share it,” which is the new motto for EaterPass.

While exclusive, Steinfeld said she’s not looking for Instagram influencers, but regular people who are at least active on social media.

Whatever a member is comfort-

able posting on social media is encouraged because it acts as both a referral and testimony for the partnering restaurants and bars.

Invites to join are sent out to select people on the waitlist twice a month. If invited to join, potential members have the choice of paying $12 per month, with the option to cancel anytime, or to pay annually.

Post-pandemic members still receive 20 percent off their bill. Now 20 percent off to-go orders is also included.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 560

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The Leader • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 7A

Citywide mural festival includes area locales

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Nearly 30 artists are teaming up to install more than 20 murals around Houston this month as part of the Big Walls Big Dreams mural festival, a public art initiative that aims to beautify the city while providing inspiration and optimism to residents and visitors.

The event started May 14 and is scheduled to reach a crescendo this weekend, when Houstonians are invited to go on a self-guided, family-friendly mural tour by vehicle, bicycle or foot. A tour map as well as information about the participating artists can be found at bigwallsbigdreams.com.

Two of the murals are slat-

ed for the Sawyer Yards area at Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter St., and the Salvation Army, 2118 Washington Ave. - with three more in the Northside area. A spokesperson for Houston-based UP Art Studio, which is curating and producing the murals, said the first one to be completed was the mural at Performance Muffler at 3403 Irvington Blvd.

“This is a good project and I am very excited that some of it will be in District H,” said Houston City Council member Karla Cisneros, who represents the Northside and Sawyer Yards areas. “What began in Miami in 2013 as an international mural festival has now also spread to Houston.”

Seventeen Texas artists are

Photo by Birdman Photos An artist paints a mural as part of the Big Walls Big Dreams mural festival, in which murals are being installed throughout Houston.

among those creating the murals, including Lauren Luna, who has a studio at the Silos at Sawyer Yards and is a regular exhibitor at the First Saturday Arts Market in the Heights.

There also are participating artists from cities such as Austin, Chicago, Denver, Miami and Pittsburgh as well as virtual artists from Canada, the Canary Islands and Portugal.

In addition to UP Art Studio, the mural festival also is being funded by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and Fresh Arts, a nonprofit arts service organization. Another sponsor is Johnnie Blonde, a new whiskey made by Johnnie Walker that is available exclusively in Houston.

On Saturday, there will be “refresh stops” along the mural tour route that will include live music, refreshments and opportunities to interact with some of the artists.

Houston BCycle, the city’s nonprofit bike-sharing program, will provide free rides during May by using the promotional code BIGWALLS. Other mural locations include Downtown, EaDo, East End and the Aldine area.

“After the festival, the murals will remain to brighten and beautify the neighborhoods,” UP Art Studio said in a news release.

For more information, visit bigwallsbigdreams.com or follow @bigwallsbigdreams and @upartstudio on social media.

Review: Cantina Barba serves up frills-free tacos

By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

Straightforward. That’s how I’d describe Cantina Barba, from its rustic space to its taco-focused menu.

The space has two patios separated by the indoor space, which doesn’t have much seating. Ordering is done at a walk-up counter.

The order taker recommended the carne asada, smoked pork and papas con rajas tacos, along with the breakfast tacos that are served all day. Other popular choices include the cheeseburger (which is $5) and quesadilla.

I ordered the carne asada and papas con rajas tacos, adding avocado at the recommendation of the employee at the counter. I’m always on the

lookout for good breakfast tacos, so I also ordered a chorizo and egg taco with the addition of beans.

The chips and guacamole, which turned out fresh and somewhere between chunky and smooth, were hard to pass up as well. The house-made chips were thick and a dark golden color.

I waited only a few minutes for my food. It was brought out to me on the patio. After the few days of rain we’ve had, the weather was nice and still a little overcast, so I didn’t have to worry about the lack of covering over the tables.

Cantina Barba prides itself on its house-smoked meats, and I wasn’t disappointed with the carne asada. The taco came in a corn tortilla with cilantro and onion. The

skirt steak was marinated and grilled. The meat was tender while a little fatty. Some of the edges were burned, giving it a crunch.

The papas con rajas are made with potato, poblano, beans, cilantro and grilled onion on a corn tortilla, plus the avocado I added on top. I liked that the grilled vegetables made the taco, though meatless, savory. The poblano pepper was the most prevalent of the vegetables. The avocado gave a smoothness to the vegetables in the taco.

The breakfast tacos all come on flour tortillas. The chorizo had a smoked flavor and was mixed well with the eggs. The refried beans added a creamy texture.

With breakfast tacos served all day and Cantina Barba be-

ing open until 2 or 3 a.m., I can see myself stopping by for late-night breakfast tacos. I’m one of those people who always crave breakfast at night, so finding a spot still serving delicious breakfast tacos that late is a win for me.

In general, the late hours of Cantina Barba make it an ideal spot for long summer nights.

Cantina Barba Address: 3701 N. Main St. Hours: 9-2 a.m. SundayThursday, 9-3 a.m. FridaySaturday Pricing: $2.50-$8 Kid-Friendly: Yes (During the day) Alcohol: Yes Healthy options: No Star of the show: Carne Asada taco

Photo by Zarah Parker Pictured are carne asada, chorizo and egg and papas con rajas tacos with a side of beans and rice and guacamole and chips from Cantina Barba.

Some helpful tips for making scratch cake easier Zarah Parker Managing Editor

Once I make certain foods from scratch, I have a hard time going back to whatever the premade, ready-to-eat version is.

For example, I much prefer making pancake batter from scratch rather than buying a box of “just add water,” or something of the variation.

But when it comes to box cakes, even after making a cake from scratch, I still love them. Maybe it’s because I

grew up almost exclusively eating and making box cakes, or maybe it’s because making a cake from scratch isn’t as easy as one might think.

One of the biggest problems I tasted in my early cakes, and in other people’s, is dryness. A dry cake is usually the result of accidentally using a wrong ingredient, baking the cake too long or baking at too high of a temperature.

The more cakes I’ve made, the easier it gets, and the more I’ve come to understand how to make a pretty good cake. While most of the tips I have seem obvious, for someone who always makes

box cake, they might not be.

For instance, if a recipe says ingredients should be room temperature, then they should be room temperature.

I have a hard time with this one because when I make something it’s not always planned and I want to make it right then. Waiting for ingredients, like butter, to get to room temperature isn’t ideal.

However, there’s a reason it needs to be.

For butter, which commonly gets mixed with sugar until creamy, it’s good to have it room temperature because it not only makes the ingredients blend easier, but prevents over-mixing. That

creaming process traps air in the butter, which expands and makes a cake fluffy when baked.

Speaking of over-mixing, that used to be the most annoying thing I saw written on a recipe because it never explained how I would know if I over-mixed the ingredients. I’ve since learned that it means mix the ingredients together just until they are completely mixed together.

I find this easier to do while hand mixing. As easy as they are to use, the last time I used a mixer, I ruined my batter.

If I’m making a vanilla cake, which is my favorite, I use cake flour instead of all-

Food Briefs: Da Gama Canteen now open

By Zarah Parker

Houston-area dining spots.

zparker@theleadernews.com

Da Gama Canteen opened last Saturday at the M-K-T development, 600 N. Shepherd Dr., serving Anglo-Indian cuisine.

The restaurant, which is a café by day and wine and cocktail bar by night, is named after the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, and it draws flavor inspiration from the Portuguese-Indian territories of Goe, East Africa and Portugal.

“Da Gama Canteen is being founded on a blending of cultures. A Euro-Indo experience that also reflects the global melting pot that Houston has become,” Rick Di Virgilio, coowner of Da Gama Canteen, said in a news release.

Da Gama’s menu offers a diverse range of Indian canteen food, a unique wine list, house-baked breads and freshly toasted spices. Customers will also be able to utilize the Chai Naasto cafe window to get specialty drinks like chai, organic coffee and tea, natty wine, tropical cocktails and light street food items such as Tandoori rolls, samosa chaat and curry bowls.

The restaurant is currently open for dinner service only from 5-10 p.m. Lunch and brunch will be added in the coming weeks.

Heights home becomes wine venue Sergio and Carolina

The Roastery in H-E-B ceases operation The coffee shop The Roastery, which took root inside four H-E-B stores, including the two Heights-area locations, has closed all four locations.

The closure was announced via Instagram last week and said the shops ceased operations on May 16.

The post also said the owners are looking to relocate in the future.

Contributed photo Sergio Weitzman, who owns SERCA wines along with his wife, Carolina, recently opened a tasting room in a historic Heights home.

Weitzman have turned a historic Heights home into a destination private-event venue for wine tastings, wine classes and other functions under the umbrella of SERCA Wines.

“There are a number of wonderful boutique wines the big distributors simply don’t want to spend time on,” Sergio said in a news release. “We wanted to create a venue not only for our SERCA wines, but for other boutique wineries looking to find their place in the market.”

The husband-and-wife team added personal touches to the 1902 home, creating a versatile, multi-floor event space where small groups and events for up to 100 people can enjoy the Weitzmans’ wines along

with wines from other up-andcoming wineries.

SERCA’s tasting room features an open-concept firstfloor lounge with comfortable seating, a dining area with adjoining chef-inspired kitchen and brick pizza oven, bar area, wraparound porch, an enclosed tasting room with fireplace and a spirit-tasting room tucked under a staircase.

The third-floor rooftop terrace offers scenic views of downtown as well as an event space where Sergio and Carolina will lead wine education classes. The second floor is office space.

SERCA’s family of wines from Argentina’s Mendoza region is now in its 10th year and can be found in many

Alcohol to-go to stay Last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1024, which allows restaurants and bars that have mixed-beverage permits and kitchens on-site to sell alcohol to-go with pickup and delivery orders.

Abbott issued a waiver for beer, wine and cocktail kits with bottles less than 375 milliliters in March of last year as an emergency measure during the beginning of the pandemic. It was supposed to end in May 2020. But in June of last year, Abbott, the Texas Restaurant Association and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission included mixed drinks togo in the waiver and extended it indefinitely.

The new bill is a continuation of that measure and makes to-go alcohol sales permanently legal in Texas.

purpose. It’s milled finely and gives the cake a soft texture.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t use it on chocolate cake, because cocoa powder is already fine, or a carrot cake because it has a more wet consistency.

Putting oil or butter in the bottom of your baking pan doesn’t guarantee a nonstick surface. Instead, I’ve learned to grease the pan, use parchment paper on the bottom, and then grease the paper, too. This makes it extra nonstick and much easier to get out of the pan once the cake has completely cooled after baking.

Opening the oven door to

check on the cake periodically is tempting, but don’t. I try to check it about 5 minutes before the timer goes off.

If the middle bounces back after it’s lightly pressed, it’s done.

But if you don’t want to make a cake from scratch and a box cake isn’t going to cut it, my go-to bakery is Red Dessert Dive, 1045 Studewood St. I’ve ordered cakes for my birthday the last three years.

One, because I’ve never liked making my own birthday cake, and two, because I’ve never been disappointed by Red’s cake quality.

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Page 8A • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • The Leader

WOMH opening fully, loosening restrictions

By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

While White Oak Music Hall (WOMH) has been able to host concerts through outdoor, socially distanced, podstyle shows billed as the GRID concert series, the live music venue at 2915 N. Main St. will begin utilizing its upstairs and downstairs space again in June.

“We’re seeing businesses reopening, vaccination rates increasing and cases going down, so it’s all really positive news for live concerts, too,” said Mike Mauer of WOMH. The shows leading up to June will continue to be reduced capacity and outside. In June, WOMH will be loosening restrictions but still be encouraging fans to practice good hy-

giene and bring masks.

The last concert in May is Saturday, featuring Corey Taylor and CMFT. June shows on the lineup include SunSquabi, East of Eadom Kings Kaleidocscope, an acoustic Blue October show, Shakey Graves and Charley Crockett, which is the only GRID concert next month.

July will bring Nite, Built to Spill and Palaye Royale to the venue.

For a full list of summer and fall shows at WOMH, visit: https://www.whiteoakmusichall.com/#event-listing.

“It feels amazing to be busy again,” Mauer said. “This week we’re announcing 11 shows.

All together we’ve got over 80 shows on the books that are either announced or going to be, and we’re confirming more ev-

ery day. The industry is ready to get back to work and the fans are eager to get back, too.”

In the process of having to pivot to the GRID concert series, Mauer said the team at WOMH learned there’s a market for higher-end concerts where the ticket price is higher but there’s less people. Since nearly all the GRID concerts sold out, the venue will continue to explore this setup in the future.

The last year has been hard on all industries, and it might feel like the worst is over. Mauer said WOMH managing partner Johnny So had a good way to describe it: “I’d say we’re at the top of the hill trying to figure out if we are at a false summit or not. We’ll know by September.”

Contributed photo Concert goers enjoy a show at White Oak Music Hall as part of its GRID concert series.

Texas to reject federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Local business owners who have struggled to find employees may benefit from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to opt the state out of federal unemployment benefits related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As for the workers who have been receiving those benefits, they’ll have to find work or another source of income.

Abbott announced Monday that he

informed the U.S. Department of Labor that Texas would decline further federal unemployment assistance related to the pandemic, effective June 26. That includes a $300 weekly supplement from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program.

“The Texas economy is booming and employers are hiring in communities throughout the state,” Abbott said in a statement. “According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the number of job openings in Texas

Abbott

Heights Rotary Club holding annual fundraiser Saturday

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Heights-area residents can enjoy food and drinks while supporting charitable causes on Saturday, when the Rotary Club of Houston Heights holds its 32nd annual Seafood and BarB-Que Community Fun Fest at McIntyre’s, located at 1230 W. 20th St. Food tickets for the event, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., are $20 and include either brisket, crawfish or shrimp along with corn and potatoes. Tickets can be purchased online at

rotaryclubofhoustonheights. org and picked up Saturday at McIntyre’s. The website also includes a list of items that will be auctioned as part of the event, and donations can be made online as well.

Attendance is limited to adults age 23 and older. Adult beverages will be sold at McIntyre’s, which is open until 2 a.m.

Proceeds from the in-person cookout and online fundraiser will go toward causes such as local education, food for the needy, supporting adults who need transitional housing and

helping an organization that works with children of incarcerated parents, according to a news release from the rotary club.

“This community-oriented event will raise money that the Heights Rotary Club will donate back to nonprofits and other Greater Heights-area organizations that help persons going through difficult times,” fundraiser chair Tim Vozar said.

For more information, call the rotary club at 832-6031876.

is almost identical to the number of Texans who are receiving unemployment benefits. That assessment does not include the voluminous jobs that typically are not listed, like construction and restaurant jobs. In fact, there are nearly 60 percent more jobs open (and listed) in Texas today than there was in February 2020, the month before the pandemic hit Texas.”

Katy Kyle, the owner of local staffing agency Express Employment Professionals, said last week that Texans’ ability to collect unemployment from

the state and federal government has contributed to an employment shortage. Owners of two local restaurants, John White of Miller’s Cafe at 3830 N. Shepherd Dr. and Brad Pruitt of Ike’s Love and Sanchdwiches at 1051 Heights Blvd., said they have had trouble hiring workers and even getting applicants for jobs since the onset of the pandemic.

Texans have been able to receive up to $900 per week in unemployment, which works out to nearly $47,000 annually.

Hospital offering Pfizer vaccines in Acres Homes, Independence Heights

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Houston Methodist Hospital is hosting COVID-19 vaccination events on Saturday in Independence Heights and May 26 in Acres Homes, where community members age 12 and older can receive free doses of the vaccine developed by Pfizer as well as a free meal.

The Pfizer vaccine can be administered to children as young as 12, according to the

latest guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Independence Heights event is scheduled for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Booker T. Washington High School, 4204 Yale St. Walkins are welcome, or vaccinations can be scheduled in advance on the Houston Methodist website at houstonmethodist.org.

Those who receive vaccines will receive a free meal

from Lucille’s.

A similar vaccination event is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 26 at Lincoln Park Community Center in Acres Homes. Walk-ins also are welcome, or residents can register at https:// bit.ly/3wdkfOh. Those who are vaccinated will receive a free sandwich from Burns Original BBQ. The latter event was originally scheduled for this Wednesday and rescheduled due to inclement weather.

New pastor leading Heights Christian Church

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Heights Christian Church has served the neighborhood and surrounding community for more than 100 years.

But when Rev. Amber Mattingly became the church’s pastor at the end of February and started talking to residents about it, she said she was met with a reaction that suggested the congregation at 1703 Heights Blvd. was a new and unknown commodity.

“Our first goal is to be relevant in the community. That is something that over the past several decades, we have completely lost touch,” she said. “When I went talking to different people, they had no idea who we were and where we were, and we’ve been in the neighborhood since 1912. So that says something.”

The church and its new leader hope to make a renewed splash in the community and already are taking steps toward that end.

Mattingly said Heights Christian Church resumed in-person services on Easter Sunday, after operating virtually for more than a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Weekly services are held at 10 a.m. Sunday, and there also is an adult Bible study on Wednesday nights that is held virtually through Zoom, among other regular events.

Mattingly, who also is a yoga and meditation teacher, recently held a yoga session in the church’s garden as well.

And she is organizing a community-wide event planned for next May called “Heights Got Talent.” Mattingly envisions the event as a showcase for the community’s youngsters that will be held at Lambert Hall, which is on the church campus and used to be the venue for Opera in the Heights.

“Why would we not use this facility in some way to benefit the community?” she asked.

Mattingly said Heights Christian Church wants to benefit all members of the community, even if they practice another Christian denomination or different faith altogether.

She said the church membership decided two years ago to become an open and affirming congregation “that extends the full responsibilities and privileges of membership to people of all nationalities, political persuasions, genders, sexualities and neurotypes.”

“I think really we are entering into a new season of ministry, where our focus truly is on celebrating the beautiful diversity of our community,” Mattingly added. “That’s something I bring, but also the church is really uniquely positioned to see that as their mission.”

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LEADER LISTING The Leader • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 1B

Houston Farmers Market picking up steam

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Richard Mason, vice president at MLB Capital Partners, said they have seen a big uptick in customers since the Houston Farmers Market at 2520 Airline Dr. opened new facilities at the beginning of April.

“Monday and Tuesday used to be pretty dead,” Mason said. “The tenants would drive down to the (Rio Grande) Valley to get their produce.

Now they have to hire drivers. It’s busy seven days a week.”

MLB Capital Partners purchased the 17.67-acre market in the east side of the Heights in May 2017 from The Farmers’ Marketing Association of Houston Inc., which had owned and operated the market since its inception in 1942.

In the past three years, MLB upgraded the space with modern infrastructure including new climatecontrolled spaces, shaded open-air market areas, restrooms and common seating areas. Additional upgrades to the property include more visible, organized parking, traffic circulation, defined sidewalks, site landscaping and almost an acre of dedicated green space.

In addition to the 75 percent of the original merchants who have stayed on – and were in temporary tents while construction was underway – there are some new, well-known faces.

Underbelly Hospitality’s Chris Shepherd has opened two concepts – a fast casual concept and full-service restaurant, Wild Oats – and the market also includes a butcher shop by R-C Ranch Texas Craft Meats. MLB Capital Partners recently announced that Crawfish & Noodles will open its second location at the market this fall.

Crawfish & Noodles opened its original location in Houston’s Asiatown in 2008. Owner Trong Nguyen is a James Beard Award finalist who pioneered the fusion of Cajun and Vietnamese cuisines.

“I have been coming to the Houston Farmers Market ever since I first moved to Houston 30 years ago,” Nguyen said. “This is still the same market, just modernized. I’m excited to be a part of this project because open market concepts are exactly what Houston is about, community.”

Mason said that although the mar-

Contributed photo

The Houston Farmers Market has been bustling with customers since opening its new facilities last month.

ket’s Hispanic heritage is a huge part of its reputation, they also want their tenant mix to represent the city’s diversity.

“We’re open to anything that reflects Houston,” he said.

He said they are looking for additional Asian, Italian and Mexican eateries.

Existing favorites include The Egg House, which will offer wholesale eggs and a retail component with an “Everything Breakfast” emphasis.

Manzano’s, Rivera’s and HST Produce will continue their retail and wholesale operations from larger, more prominent facilities – and apothecary Los Cavazos offers a selection of local artisanal products.

Mason said he hopes the green space will become a hub for community educational events, like cooking classes, chef demonstrations, wine

tastings and local entertainment.

While the final phase of the redevelopment is complete, Mason said they will continue to make tenant improvements and add a number of 400- to 800-square foot food kiosks, possibly featuring Mediterranean shawarma, coffee and West African cuisine.

While Mason knows change is sometimes hard, he said they have focused on maintaining the cultural aspects of the market while providing the open feel that other big city farmers markets have. The public bathrooms have been a popular addition.

“We wanted to enhance the visitor experience,” Mason said.

The Houston Farmers Market is open daily from 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, visit thehoustonfarmersmarket.com.

Contributed photo About 75 percent of original merchants stayed on with the Houston Farmers Market after it underwent its transformation.

Real Estate Roundup

Heights House Hotel open after $3.5 million renovation

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

The transformation of the former Astro Inn was highlighted in January by The Leader. The Heights House Hotel is now open at 100 W. Cavalcade St., according to a news release.

The three-story vintage exterior-corridor hotel features 133 rooms with free parking; a 7,500-square foot groundfloor courtyard that features a pool with cabanas, patio green space with lounge furniture and canopy with covered outdoor seating; and hotel bar and restaurant, Space Cowboy, serving tropical cocktails and island comfort food from chef Lyle Bento.

The 2-acre property was purchased in 2019 by local business owners Jivar Foty and George Giannukos. Foty’s Rise Construction completed a nearly year-long renovation, including a complete interior gut, improved insulation, new roof, exterior additions and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the property.

“The Heights House Hotel is a trendy and quirky hotel that offers an experience like no other in Houston,” Foty said in the release. “We are one of the few vibrant, colorful, boutique hotels in the city, and the only hotel in the Heights community. We want to become a local hangout, the place to stay for visitors of Houston, and the go-to hotel for business travelers.”

Added Giannukos: “I’m honored to have the opportunity to put my fingerprint on the landscape of the city and the Heights neighborhood. It’s exciting to create a place that future generations will enjoy and recognize as a landmark

Photo from Facebook The Heights House Hotel is open to the commmunity at 100 W. Cavalcade St.

in the community. We wanted to create a beautiful space full of art and color at an accessible price.”

Rooms start at $100 per night on weekdays. The hotel is dog-friendly with a pet fee.

The hotel’s pool is slated to open in June, with day passes for non-hotel guests starting at $20. For more information, visit https://www.heightshousehotel.com/.

solutions in Houston that cater to Fulfillment by Amazon sellers. Packaderm leased 14,600 square feet at North Freeway Business Center at 4555 Airline Dr., according to BizNow. com.

Stream Realty Partners’ Heath Donica represented the tenant, while Transwestern’s Darryl Noon represented the landlord, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Co.

Space available in Oak Forest Shopping Center The Oak Forest Shopping Center, anchored by Kroger near the intersection of West 43rd Street and Ella Boulevard, is highlighting six different spaces available for lease.

There are two 1,300-square foot spaces on either side of the H&R Block and three spaces across the street next to the Postnet at 1,000, 2,800, 1,550 and 1,590 square feet.

Alliance puts two Heights apartments up for sale The Houston Chronicle reports that Alliance Residential has placed a pair of recently built apartment properties on the market.

The properties, 15th Street Flats at 1414 N. Shepherd Dr. and Heights Waterworks, 515 W. 20th St., total 646 units.

Chris Curry, Todd Marix, Chris Young and Joey Rippel of Berkadia are marketing the property on behalf of Alliance, which completed 15th Street Flats in 2020 and Heights Waterworks in 2019.

The article states that while during the pandemic, people

Packaderm leases space at North Freeway Business Center Packaderm Warehousing offers full-service warehousing

gravitated to the suburbs, now there is a shift back to town.

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“The Heights has had a lot of deliveries, but at the same time, people want to live there,” Bruce McClenny, president of ApartmentData.com, told the Chronicle.

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Page 2B • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • The Leader

Market Update

Central Northwest, GOOF pace local April sales markets

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

April home sales in local markets continued the surge that began at the beginning of the year.

Every local market saw fairly dramatic increases, according to the most recent data from the Houston Association of Realtors, but a couple stood out above the rest. The Central Northwest neighborhood and areas just west of U.S. 290 (zip code 77092) paced local zip codes with a more than 200 percent year-over-year-spike, while Garden Oaks/Oak Forest and other northwest spots (77018) saw twice as many homes sold compared to last April.

The pricing front was more of a mixed bag last month, with figures continuing to fluctuate from locale to locale.

77018 The area including Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and Shepherd

Park Plaza doubled its sales output (94 homes sold) compared to last April. Year to date, 249 homes have come off the market, a 49 percent spike from the 198 sales during the same time period in 2020.

Along with the increase in sales came a drop in both average and median price in the zip code. The average price of a home was down 7 percent to $497,975, while median home price dipped 8 percent to $388,450.

77091 Just to the north, the area including parts of Acres Homes, Greater Inwood and Northside continued its steady rise in 2021, with 23 homes coming off the market last month. The mark was a 53.3 percent year-over-year spike. There have been 92 sales through the end of April, a 70.4 percent increase from the same period in 2020.

The average price tag of $281,108 was an 11.2 percent increase from last April, while medi-

an home price finished the month at 3.7 percent more ($280,000) than the same month last year.

77092 The zip code encompassing the Central Northwest neighborhood as well as a portion of Langwood west of U.S. 290 saw the biggest year-over-year percentage increase in home sales, with the 36 homes coming off the market more than tripling its April 2020 output of 11 homes. It is also leading local zip codes in terms of its pace relative to 2020, with the 115 sales representing a 71.6 increase in output during the same period.

Pricing-wise, these neighborhoods also saw the most dramatic increase, with the average home going for 35.2 percent more than last year ($362,923). The median price checked in at $327,000, a 31.9 percent spike from April 2020.

77008 In the Heights, Lazybrook, Timbergrove and nearby neighbor-

hoods, the high sales volume continued last month. There were 131 homes sold in this area, a 70.1 increase over last April’s mark of 77 sales. These neighborhoods have also sold the most homes among area zip codes, with its 423 sales putting it nearly 61 percent ahead of last year’s pace.

On the pricing front, it was one of three local zip codes to see a rise in both average and median home prices. The average buyer paid 17.4 percent more ($637,714) than last April, while median price rose 10.5 percent to $525,000.

77009 On the eastern portion of the Heights, the area including Woodland Heights and Northside Village nearly doubled its sales output from last April, with the 63 sales representing a 90.9 percent yearover-year spike. Year to date, there have been 200 homes sold here – 30.7 percent more than the 153 sales during the same period last

year.

This area was the other of two local zip codes to see both average and median prices dip year-overyear. Average buyers paid 19.6 percent less ($458,652) than last year, while the median price tag dipped 6.6 percent to $432,500.

77007 The zip code including Rice Military and Washington Heights was among the biggest year-overyear gainers. There were 91 homes sold in the area, nearly doubling its April 2020 mark of 46 sales. Its 318 homes sold is the second-most among local neighborhoods so far this year, and 33.6 percent ahead of last year’s total of 238 sales during the same period.

Pricing-wise, it was one of three local zip codes to see a year-overyear dip in median price, which dropped 6.3 percent to $452,000.

The average homeowner paid $556,987 for a home here, a 3.7 percent increase from 2020.

REALTOR SHOWCASE

Compass Real Estate’s Ashley Day giving clients full flavor of area

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

When Compass Real Estate’s Ashley Day walks the neighborhoods in Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and the Heights, she’s doing more than getting in daily cardio with her new puppy Sunny – though that’s certainly an ancillary benefit during a time many are working from home.

She’s also absorbing the sights and sounds of a community that has been her home for more than a decade in an effort to present the full scope of the neighborhood and its inhabitants for her buyers and sellers. “(My family) lives, dines, and shops in the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and all of these neighborhoods. We’re part of the community – I know it from a personal perspective as well as a professional perspective,” she said. “I can give people the full flavor of our neighborhoods.”

Day has been a licensed realtor since 2013, and is a Broker Associate with Compass Real Estate, who offers state of the art technology and marketing tools. And though she may walk the areas like a seasoned pro, her path to real estate is somewhat unique.

Previously a labor and employment lawyer in New Orleans, La., she took a Hurricane Katrina-induced sabbatical after moving with her family from New Orleans and settling into the Heights in 2007. Then once her children were in school full time, she delved into the real estate world.

“I just decided to do it – and it worked. I’ve never looked back,” she said.

Day focuses primarily on Leader neighborhoods, such as Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and the Heights as well as Spring Branch, Montrose, Memorial, Timbergrove, and Rice Military. And as many more people work from home or have kids working virtually, “Home” has become of utmost importance. The sheer volume of prospective buyers in some cases has tightened inven-

Ashley Day tory, often leading to multiple offer scenarios.

“What most people are looking for is a turnkey home …It can be challenging because everybody is looking for the same thing, regardless of what price range they are in,” she said. “But I’ve been working really hard for my buyers obtain a home within their parameters, so they won’t overpay or have remorse down the line.”

Day maintains a fairly even split between buyers and sellers.

And especially during recent times with the inventory shortage, she believes her personality and prior law background gives her

a leg up on serving her clients before the process even begins.

“My law degree and professional experience gives me that contractual knowledge, and I know what it takes to win in a multiple offers situation. But I also know what their obligations under the contract are,” she said. “You can throw the moon at a seller, but ultimately you need to be able to close. I just make sure my buyers and sellers are protected.”

Over the course of the last year, Day said not much has changed in terms of showings since real estate was deemed essential – though she did note that it is now commonplace for her to include a 3-D tour of her listings so that prospective buyers will have opportunity to preview a home before scheduling a showing.

Another aspect that has not changed, she said, is going above and beyond for her clients. Whether it’s vetting a buyer or scoping out potential pitfalls of a listing, she remains committed to putting her best foot forward.

“I’m not trying to rush anybody in the biggest decision of their lives…I try to foresee issues that could arise ahead of time and address those to avoid any future missteps or putting them at risk,” she said. “I try to anticipate all the possibilities and remediate them prior to something going wrong.”

That unique personal touch, Day said, has been the most gratifying part of her job since starting in 2013. And it’s all a part of her mission to give all clients the full taste of the neighborhoods she knows and loves.

“I help them with the neighborhood, in its entirety. I know it inside and out. I know it as a consumer, a neighbor, and as a realtor,” she said. “…Keeping in touch with clients, it’s my favorite part. Our relationships continue and sustain. I watch their kids grow up and their families evolve. I just love the personal aspect of it, becoming friends and family with my clients.”

Anyone wishing to buy or sell a home with Day can email her at ashley.day@compass.com or give her a call at 504-237-6535.

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The Leader • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • Page 3B

Why is my cat spraying and how can I make it stop?

Dear Tabby, Our young cat has started spraying in the house! We don’t know what to do and it’s making us crazy! What could be causing this and how can we make it stop?

Sick of Spraying in Shepherd Park Plaza Dear Sick of Spraying, Ugh. Cat spray is the worst!

I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with it. Luckily, there is often a simple cause for the spraying that can be remedied rather easily and quickly. So first things first, let’s parse through why your cat might be spraying.

What is spraying?

When a cat sprays urine, this is different from a cat urinating outside of the litter box.

A spraying cat is trying to send a clear message by spraying an area and it looks different than typical urination. A spraying cat will back up to a vertical

surface, shake its tail and then spray the area. In contrast, a cat who is urinating to relieve itself will squat--hopefully in a litter box--and then fastidiously cover it.

But why?

Cats spray for several reasons but the most common is because they are stressed and/or feel insecure about their territory. When determining why your cat is spraying, your first step should be a trip to the vet to rule out any medical conditions. Also, if you haven’t already, your cat needs to be spayed or neutered, which will help to stop the spraying.

Territory issues and stress Even if your kitty is indoors only, stray cats passing through your yard could be stressing your cat out and causing him or her to spray inside of the house as a way to stake their claim. In this case, it would be helpful to find ways to keep strays out of your yard, by either discussing the problem with any neighbors who might be facilitating the strays or by using a cat repellant.

Also, think about if your cat’s environment has changed in a stressful way. Have you introduced a new pet to the home? Even something as simple as rearranging your furniture can cause stress in a cat.

To reduce stress, build in more active playtime to give your cat an outlet for the stress.

There are also pheromone diffusers available at local pet stores that emit a soothing natural chemical that can help calm stressed cats.

‘Distinguished gentlemen’ to ride through area

By Adam Zuvanich

Movember charities that support prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The ride is a celebration of an ongoing fundraising effort, with 150 Houston riders having raised more than $13,000, according to gentlemansride. com.

Sunday’s event is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. at American Legion Post 560, located at 3720 Alba Rd. in Garden Oaks, where participants will eat brunch and have the opportunity to take photos in front of the fighter

azuvanich@theleadernews.com

The Houston version of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, an annual worldwide event in which men and women dress up in suits and ride vintage motorcycles in support of men’s health, will be held in the area on Sunday.

The 10th annual event, which has been held in more than 100 countries, has raised more than $27 million for the Australia-based

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How to make it stop One way to dissuade spraying in a certain area is to place food and water in the spot where your cat seems to be spraying. Animals do not like to pee or poop near where they eat, so this is a quick fix that might help to bandaid the issue until you can institute bigger changes.

With a little time, care and attention, you should be able to figure out what is causing your cat to spray and fix this stinky situation for good.

Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabby questions@gmail.com.

Pet of the Week Meet Dottie

jet on the property. Riders are scheduled to depart at 1 p.m. and make their way to Re:Hab Bar on the Bayou, 1658 Enid St., before finishing the 10-mile ride at Providence Heights Bar, 1308 W. 20th St., around 3 p.m.

Members of the public are welcome to witness the ride, which will feature vintage motorcycles such as the Bobber, Brat, Cafe Racer, Chopper, Scooter, Scrambler, Side Car and Tracker.

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Page 4B • Saturday, May 22, 2021 • The Leader

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL ROUNDUP

Area baseball teams eliminated from playoffs

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The end of the line has come for local high school baseball teams. The area’s last remaining teams in the playoffs, St. Thomas and Waltrip, both had their seasons end last week.

St. Thomas was denied a chance to play for its 25th state championship, falling by a score of 5-0 to district rival Tomball Concordia Lutheran in a TAPPS Division I state semifinal on May 12

at Waco ISD Stadium. Senior Will Rizzo pitched a complete game in his final high school outing, giving up five runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out eight and walking two.

The Eagles ended the 2021 season with a 20-12-1 record and their 10th state tournament appearance in the last 11 seasons.

On the public school side, Waltrip’s season came to a close on May 14 with a 4-0 loss to Santa Fe in the Class 5A area round. However, the

2021 season was still successful overall for a Rams squad that looks poised for another run in 2022.

Waltrip finished the season with a 17-8-2 record -- its most wins since 2011 -- and earned the program’s first area-round berth since the 2012 campaign.

The Rams also look to be well-stocked for next season as they graduate just four seniors.

Follow us on social media @FromTheLeader

Photo from St. Thomas High School Twitter St. Thomas’ Eddie Villegas throws the ball to first base during the Eagles’ TAPPS Division I state semifinal on May 12 at Waco ISD Stadium. The Eagles lost 5-0 to end their season at 20-12-1 overall.

Hogg student wins national award

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Enya Krathaus recently learned she was one of a record nine Houston ISD students from six campuses who won a national gold medal in the 2020 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Krathaus said she has been reading about some of the famous former recipients this week, such as artist Andy Warhol and filmmaker Ken Burns and writer Stephen King, who won Scholastic Awards when they were teenagers.

“It makes me feel accom-

plished,” she said.

This is the first time HISD has had nine national gold medal winners in a single year.

The winners competed against more than 80,000 students who submitted nearly 230,000 works of art and writing to the Scholastic Awards. Two thousand entries received national medals.

Krathaus had already received a Scholastic regional Gold Key Award for her mixed-media collage, which was inspired by the California redwoods and sequoias. The collage features a sequoia tree with flowers and sunshine but

also tires and the smokestacks of factories at its base.

She said the idea of global warming inspired the piece.

“These trees are so old and have been through so much,” she said. “Pollution is encroaching on these beautiful trees.”

Encouraged by her art teacher, Krathaus submitted a photo of her piece earlier this year for the competition.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative student

artists and writers.

“HISD’s fine arts teachers believe that every student is an emerging artist,” HISD interim superintendent Grenita Lathan said in a news release.

“Now Scholastic, a world-renowned organization, is recognizing the creative talents of

our students who are learning from some of the best teachers in America.”

Krathaus will be attending the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts next year. Her concentration is, of course, art.

“I value The Leader for its local coverage and I consider The Leader an important part of my restaurant business communications. I also live in the neighborhood and find it’s a fantastic source of information.”

Donnette Hansen, Owner Rainbow Lodge Restaurant

Contributed photo Hogg Middle School’s Enya Krathaus was among nine Houston ISD students who won a national gold medal in the 2020 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards with her mixed-media collage.