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Saturday, March 21, 2020 • Vol. 65 • No.12

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Social distancing rules leave restaurants in area reeling By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com More than 50 years after it started serving hamburgers, fries and homemade onion rings to the Oak Forest area, Mytiburger has gone back to its roots. Employees at the no-frills greasy spoon, located at 2211 W. 43rd St., started serving as carhops on Tuesday, albeit without roller skates like their predecessors in the late 1960s.

Customers drove up to the small restaurant and were greeted outside by members of the Mytiburger staff, who took orders and returned a little while later with fresh food made to-go. The throwback style of service was not by choice. Starting Tuesday morning, all restaurants in Houston and Harris County were ordered to close their dining rooms and restrict See Restaurants P. 8A

T Photo from Facebook Alli Jarrett, owner of Harold’s Restaurant, Bar and Rooftop Terrace on 19th Street, wore a pizza costume as part of a recent promotion.

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INSIDE.

Shopping outside. Are open-air markets safer than crowded grocery stores?

Page 1B

Photo by Adam Zuvanich Hunter Burke, right, smiles while digging into the batter’s box on March 7 at Oaks Dads’ Club. At left is his coach for the Huskies, John Anguiano. It was the first organized sporting event for Burke, who is autistic.

Autistic boy relishes first T-ball game By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

Staying home on Sundays. Many area churches are moving to online services.

Page 4A

Artists in limbo. Event cancellations are crippling the art community in Houston.

Page 7A

Connecting the bat with the baseball was no problem for Hunter Burke, who made contact every time he swung. He just didn’t swing hard enough, so the ball didn’t travel far enough to reach fair territory. The result was two strikeouts in two at-bats for Burke. But as far as he and those who care about him are concerned, the experience was a home run. Burke is a 6-year-old pupil at The Next Step Academy, an Oak Forestarea nonprofit that works with children and young adults who have autism and other developmental delays. He had never played organized sports until March 7, when he made his T-ball debut for the Huskies in the Oaks Dads’ Club. Burke smiled often and blended in with his teammates while playing right field and catcher, cheering when he was in the dugout and highfiving each of the opposing Bobcats

Photo by Adam Zuvanich From left to right in back row, Hunter Burke’s mother, Shelly Burke, and grandparents, Peggy and Bill Davis, cheer him on during a March 7 T-ball game at Oaks Dads’ Club.

after the game. Afterward, he walked off the field with his family and enjoyed a snow cone from the concession stand. “He went up and did his best, so overall I would say it was a win,” said Next Step owner Lauren Abel,

whose son is a teammate of Burke’s. “I think he did fantastic.” It’s unclear when Burke will get to play again, because the Oaks Dads’ Club suspended play less than a See Hunter, P. 8A

‘Wash Yo’ Hands’ sign a hit with neighbors By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Mixed bag. It hasn’t been all bad for area businesses. A local auto shop has seen an uptick.

Page 7A

THE INDEX. Church....................................................... 4A Classifieds.............................................. 5A Coupons. ................................................. 3B Food/Drink/Art................................... 1B Obituaries.............................................. 4A Opinion. ................................................... 3A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 3A

We’ll keep holding onto the handlebars

Photo from Facebook Shepherd Park Plaza resident Jesse Yoburn put up a yard sign that says “Wash Yo’ Hands” to promote personal hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shepherd Park Plaza resident Jesse Yoburn is already on the radar of his neighbors during the holiday season, when his “Shalom Y’All” sign is a must visit for passersby. Now, he is getting a lot of attention for a new sign he put out last week. Letters spelling out “Wash Yo’ Hands” are in Yoburn’s front yard with a spotlight for better night viewing. As Yoburn explains it, he was on a walk with his dog thinking about the COVID-19 pandemic as well as all the measures the City of

he street in front of my childhood home sloped at an angle that felt like an Olympic ski jump. Of course, I was a child, and things always seem a bit bigger and taller and more dangerous when you have the perspective of a 6-year-old. I learned to ride a bike on that hill, and no matter how gradual the grade, I left plenty of knee skin on the hot, asphalt runway. Remember the feeling when you lost control of your bike riding down a steep slope? The handlebars shook. You took your feet off the pedals, grazing ground with the tips of your shoes, hope against hope that you’d find your balance. Eventually, your core and your will gave way to resignation. You bailed. When that happened, most of us scratched ourselves off the ground, wiped the pebbles from the pink, bloodied strawberry on our leg, grabbed that bike and pushed it back up the hill. These are odd times in which we Jonathan live today. Forget the politics. Forget the McElvy cultural shifts. Forget Publisher artificial intelligence. Forget it all. Today, right now, we’re living in a perpetual state of uncertainty. We fall asleep to anxiety; we awake to unease. We’re holding onto shaking handlebars, trying to slow the doubt with the tips of our shoes. And by the time this week’s edition of The Leader is delivered, be it to your driveway, inbox or phone, it’s likely the handlebars will shake more, the news will get worse, and our anxiety levels will increase. Because of this ever-changing cycle of news, it’s difficult publishing a weekly newspaper, designed to capture the best of what happened and the enterprise of what comes next. For more than 65 years, The Leader has served to tie a bow around our wonderful community, celebrating our best and challenging our worst. We’ve sought to remain relevant in the face of newspaper headwinds, and the wonderful people in our office have worked wonders to provide a leading, local source of information that can be discovered throughout our changing landscape of media. Even still, we’re not immune to the uncertainty of today. Our business partners – the ones who use our medium to market locally – are also the reason we’re able to print and deliver a free newspaper to 30,000 homes in this area of Houston. But those businesses, our partners, face the same uncertainty we face today. Many of our local businesses may not survive the economic devastation of this thing we call the coronavirus. Many stores will close their doors, because they can’t pay the rent if no one pays for their service. And as we face the ever-real potential of shutting down this city (as San Francisco had done and New York had considered as of press time), the impact of stopping the spread of this virus very well could put a pause, if not shutter, some of the beloved local shops in our part of Houston. This week, we’re able to deliver an edition of The Leader to your doorstep, and my purpose of taking front-page space today is because we’re only certain of what will happen this week. Next week, we may be told we can’t leave our homes. Or maybe that happens the next week. Or maybe it doesn’t happen at all. But as times get tough, and we all have to find a way to sort through a drastic change in lifestyle and economy, we at The Leader are intent on holding on to the handlebars for dear life. There’s a very good chance, in the days and weeks ahead, that we may have to turn to our digital product to provide local news and information to our readers. While we hope that stint is short, if even at all, we want to remain part of your lives, and we want to remain relevant to the conversation. It would be much easier if I could use this space to tell you definitive plans about The Leader over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, I can’t. What I can do is tell you how we plan to handle any sort of drastic alteration to the way we move about this city. Beginning late this week, we’re going to begin sending emails to as many people as we can find in the Heights, Oak Forest, Garden Oaks and the neighborhoods of North Houston, and we’re going to ask you to consider signing up for our newsletter. For a short amount of time, that may be the

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Several Heights-area residents are staying home as often as possible because they don’t want to become infected with COVID-19, the upperrespiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus. One of their elected officials is staying home because she doesn’t want to risk infecting members of the community she serves. Abbie Kamin, the Houston City Council representative for District C, said Monday that she and her husband are quarantining themselves at home because she recently had contact with someone who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Kamin said she and her husband, Matt, have not tested positive for the disease and have not had any symptoms, which include fever, cough and shortness of breath. “My husband and I made the decision to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution,” she said. “We feel great. It’s just we want to make sure that we are not contributing to the problem and do our part to make sure others don’t get infected that could be more

Kamin

vulnerable.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19, which has led to more than 7,800 deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization. More than 194,000 people worldwide have been infected, including more than 4,300 people in the U.S. The number of cases in the Houston area surpassed 30 earlier this week as the region braces for a continued outbreak. Kamin said the person she had contact with has not been able to get tested, and she will continue quarantining until that person tests negative

All Harris County Tax Office locations and the Harris County Appraisal District are eliminating “direct customer service transactions” amidst concerns over COVID-19, the upper-respiratory infection caused by the new strain of coronavirus, according to Tuesday news releases from HCAD and Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Ann Harris Bennett. “(This is being done) for the safety of our employees and the community,” Bennett said in the news release. “The tax office is not closed.”

Property owners, commercial customers, auto dealers/ title services and volunteer deputy voter registrars will be asked to complete a transaction by either a drop box or mailing in their documents for the foreseeable future. Cus-

tomers are also encouraged to use the tax office’s website to conduct all other business. HCAD plans to operate similarly. Forms and applications are available on online at www.hcad.org, and property owners can file a protest using iFile or settle a protest using iSettle after creating an owner account on the website. A drop box also will be available from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the building entrance at 13013 Northwest Fwy. HCAD customers can call 713-957-7800 or email help@hcad.org for questions. For more information about the tax office, visit hctax.net/ or call 713-274-8000.

Police Reports • March 10 - 16 MARCH 10

Vandalism 9 AM 600 BLOCK E 42ND Assault 5 PM 500 BLOCK THORNTON Robbery 1 PM 4400 BLOCK AIRLINE Vandalism 4 PM 1300 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS Theft 7 PM 4400 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Theft 8 PM 4500 BLOCK NETT

MARCH 11

Theft 8 PM 300 BLOCK W 22ND Theft 4 PM 100 BLOCK W LOOP Theft 6 AM 800 BLOCK W 26TH Burglary 6 AM 4300 BLOCK EDSEE Theft 4 PM 1900 BLOCK BONNER Theft 5 PM 2000 BLOCK DURHAM Assault 11 AM 1800 BLOCK N DURHAM Vandalism 11 AM 1800 BLOCK N DURHAM Theft 1 PM 7000 BLOCK ALLENSBY

MARCH 12

Theft 9 PM 2600 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 7 PM 4400 BLOCK CASTOR Theft 7 PM 1600 BLOCK SHEPHERD Robbery 10 AM 100 BLOCK W 20TH Theft 4 PM 200 BLOCK E 28TH Assault 3 PM 4000 BLOCK YALE Theft 5 PM 1400 BLOCK W 26TH Theft 1 AM 8500 BLOCK N BAYOU Assault 7 PM 2100 BLOCK N SHEPHERD Assault 6 PM 300 BLOCK VICTORIA Theft 5 AM 1400 BLOCK SUE BARNETT Assault 3 PM 100 BLOCK HEIGHTS BLVD Arrest 12 AM 4300 BLOCK AIRLINE

MARCH 13

Theft 5 PM 700 BLOCK W 27TH Theft 4 PM 1400 BLOCK W 24TH Burglary 4 AM 400 BLOCK W 20TH Assault 10 PM 1000 BLOCK ASHLAND Assault 11 AM 2500 BLOCK AIRLINE Arrest 2 AM 1500 BLOCK W LOOP Assault 9 AM 1500 BLOCK N LOOP Theft 12 PM 4400 BLOCK YALE Assault 10 PM 2300 BLOCK REINERMAN Theft 4 PM 1200 BLOCK ANSBURY

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t o

or a period of 14 days lapses. In the meantime, Kamin said she and her staff have continued to work for her constituents in District C, which includes most of the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest areas. However, she said city laws do not allow her to vote by proxy. So Kamin did not participate in Tuesday’s special council meeting, where her colleagues voted to indefinitely extend the emergency disaster declaration signed last week by Mayor Sylvester Turner. “I have expressed my strong support of the need to extend the emergency declaration,” Kamin said. Constituents can continue to reach Kamin by emailing districtc@houstontx.gov. She said she is committed to helping Houston increase its testing capacity and encourages citizens to take precautions to avoid getting sick or spreading the disease, such as washing their hands and practicing social distancing. Kamin said she also wants her constituents to continue supporting local businesses. “Everyone’s kind of banding together, and that’s beautiful,” she said.

p l a c e

By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

d en

Kamin self-quarantining over possible COVID-19 exposure

P R O P E R T I E S

The Leader • Saturday, March 21, 2020 • Page 2A

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MARCH 14

Theft 1 AM 700 BLOCK RALFALLEN Assault 1 AM 400 BLOCK TRUMAN Theft 9 PM 2600 BLOCK WHITE OAK Arrest 8 PM 300 BLOCK YALE Assault 5 PM 4200 BLOCK AIRLINE Theft 4 AM 6300 BLOCK WISTER LN

MARCH 15

Assault 1 PM 900 BLOCK E ROGERS Theft 2 PM 1100 BLOCK STUDEWOOD Assault 8 PM 400 BLOCK TRUMAN Assault 10 AM 4500 BLOCK PECAN PARK CIR Arrest 3 AM 1600 BLOCK BASS Theft 5 PM 800 BLOCK E CROSSTIMBERS Burglary 9 AM 6400 BLOCK CINDY LN Robbery 2 PM 1300 BLOCK CROSSTIMBERS Assault 10 PM 200 BLOCK CAVALCADE Theft 4 PM 4300 BLOCK FULTON Assault 6 AM 100 BLOCK YALE Theft 4 PM 1400 BLOCK NORTHWOOD

MARCH 16

Theft 1 AM 800 BLOCK AZALEA Burglary 7 AM 200 BLOCK W 19TH Other 3 PM 500 BLOCK E 38TH Other 9:42 PM 4300 BLOCK ARLINGTON Vandalism 7 AM 1500 BLOCK N LOOP Arrest 11 PM 1500 BLOCK N LOOP Assault 7 AM 1500 BLOCK N LOOP Robbery 9 PM 400 BLOCK OF

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THE TOPICS. The Leader • Saturday, March 21, 2020 • Page 3A

Patients be patient at the Texas Medical Center

HE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER – If I drive down Fannin and take a right at whatever street it is, then avoid a Metro train that is headed straight at me, I can, no, I can’t. Have you ever tried to visit anyone at the Texas Medical Center, known as the TMC to those who have just dialed 911? It is the largest medical center in the world, and is probably in the Guinness World Records as “the worst place to drive.” Here is a parking garage that seems to be near my goal, so I drive in, circle up eight floors past “Reserved for doctors,” “Reserved for nurses,” “Reserved for friends and neighbors of doctors and nurses.” Finally finding a door, I emerge into a hospital hallway and wander around until I spot a nurses’ station. “Hi, I need to get to Room 555 in the Gangrene Tower.” One nurse, eyes rolling, says, “You are in the EastSouth Wing of the Multi-Malpractice Tower. Take the blue elevator to the second floor, go right two hallways and left at the visitors’ desk. You want to go to the green building -- as in gangrene.” I do that within a half hour, and find a visitors’ desk. A lady – I am not kidding – hails a four-seat golf cart like those in large airport terminals, which whisks me through foot traffic, scattering doctors, pa-

Lynn Ashby Columnist

tients and personal injury lawyers. Through glassed-in walkways over Fannin and Main, large doors open with a button-code, to my building. At this point you may be asking why the TMC is so big and so hard to get around. I think it’s because there was no master plan. Every time some oil baron gave another hundred million, the med center grew and is still growing. The TMC began in 1945 in part with funds endowed by the M.D. Anderson Foundation. Do you know what the M.D. stands for? No, not Medical Doctor. A Houstonian, Monroe Dunaway Anderson, who with a partner, formed the world’s biggest cotton company. They dropped the periods after M and D. The original 118-acre plot now covers 2.1-squaremiles. Not to get bogged down in statistics, but: Annual surgeries -- 180,000 plus ER visits per year -- 750,000 Total patient beds -- 9,200

Parents gear up to educate, entertain kids By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

A week ago, the shuttering of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo was the start of a cascade of event cancellations that included the closesure of schools until at least the middle part of April. While many parents are using Spring Break as a true break from school, many are also planning what school-at-home might look like, in addition to providing opportunities for kids to get some fresh air and connect with friends. As for traditional schooling, some parents with children at private schools have a little better idea of what the near future will look like than parents whose kids attend Houston ISD schools. Texas’ large school district is closed through at least April 10, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced this week that he is waiving STAAR testing requirements for the 2019-20 academic year. Garden Oaks mom Candice Croker said St. Thomas High School will stream its lessons online and follow a regular schedule, with attendance taken by teachers. Oak Forest resident Imelda Johnson, whose daughter attends Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, said the school tested the same protocol last Friday and that it went well. “(I’m) waiting to see what the schools will do, but (I) will probably at a minimum get AP materials for the high-schoolers,” HISD parent Amy Maddux said. “I do plan to work from home a lot and set up school/work at the kitchen table to keep everyone on task.” Barbie Atkinson said her kids want to learn Spanish and this is the perfect time for a deep dive. The licensed counselor also bought a journal for everyone in her house so they can track their emotions and thoughts during “the ultimate staycation.” Whitney Ferrarese said plans will no doubt look different for each family. Her own four kids are all under age 7, so her plans are fairly flexible, following what the kids would be doing in school – literacy, math, science, physical education and art. “I pick a couple of things across each category to span across all ages,” she said. “The oldest can read (and) my 2-year old is learning letters.” The Home Economics aspect of chores that Ferrarese is adding to the mix is a common refrain among parents. “Home Ec, real world edition,” Mindy Mitchell said.

“How to cook, disinfect the house properly, laundry and money management during difficult times.” For some, becoming an inhouse teacher means coming up with unconventional lesson plans. Jennifer Gallun remembers her high school physical science teacher as the spark to her becoming an engineer because of the free rein he gave students with their experiments. Think blowing things up. “A few weeks ago, I started gathering all the weird materials needed for these experiments to prepare for week one of Spring Break,” Gallun said. “We’ve already done two – soda geysers and dissolving egg shells, then making shell-less eggs expand. The kids have a blast getting involved and making a mess and their natural curiosity has led us to grow these experiments into life hacks. It’s a little more like organized chaos over here and I’m OK with that.” With the closesure of the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, people are looking for cultural stimulation online. The Louvre in Paris is offering virtual tours and hundreds more are available on Google, Arts & Culture. Several parents gave high marks to children’s author Mo Willems’ online live doodling classes. Outdoor fun, for now, means small group walks or bike rides, like the Shamrock Hunt that caught on in social media this week. Neighbors were invited to put a shamrock in a street side window and others could hunt for them and tally their finds. Others posted photos of their Houston Arboretum & Nature Center hikes, neighborhood walks or backyard camping “trips.” A new todo walk has been unveiled this month along Heights Boulevard – the True North 2020 sculptures feature such Instagram-worthy art such as Big Cabbage and El Gallo Monument. One local dad is using his technology savvy to help kids who want to connect to each other for gaming playdates. “For the second event, we hosted it through the children’s Facebook page KIDSPLAYVR,” Edward Ferguson said. “With each event we are working through the unexpected technical challenges. Each time is getting better than the last.” As parents muddle, though, Ferrarese has some sage advice. “There is no one right way,” she said. “So no judgement. We’re all just trying to survive this.”

Developed square feet -- 50 million Total heart surgeries --13,600 plus Construction projects underway -- $3 billion Total employees -- 106,000 plus Business district in the U.S. -- 8th largest Parking spots – 27, but there may be more hidden. A few items of conversation to use as your surgeon looks for a clean knife: In this hospital, at least, there is a bottle of Purell hand sanitizer mounted on the wall outside every patient’s door, with yet another bottle mounted on the room’s wall. The TMC has its own orchestra. They could have called themselves the Ear Drums or the Harp Transplants, but the Texas Medical Center Orchestra is one of the few orchestras in the world that originated from health professions. The TMC Library includes the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission which recorded the after-effects of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Ah, at last, here I am in room 555 and enter – followed by a nurse or technician, swathed in green pajamas. She greets the patient, then takes his blood pressure, eye contact, DNA and temperature. Before departing, the nurse or whatever, touches a lighted panel on the wall, I

guess to attest that she has actually made the visit. I converse with my friend for a few minutes until a techie enters to take a blood sample, room temperature and wind velocity. Then she taps the lighted panel. This goes on during my entire visit. It is now the next day and I am driving down Main, take a right just before I am smashed to jelly by an oncoming train, and get to the correct building, but I still don’t know where to go, even though I dropped bread crumbs last time. “Down this hall and take the purple elevator to the Festering Wounds Floor,” says the lady at the visitors’ desk. It’s in the next time zone. I eventually make it to the right room, only to see three attendants hovering over the patient. “It’s time for a duo-zontic defibulator,” one explains. The patient’s lunch arrives promptly at noon, but because of the foot traffic, he gets to eat at 3:15. Actually, no longer do hospitals feed patients what is on the schedule for that meal, but they have menus and varied choices at that – a wide selection of toast and Jell-O. On the other hand, this hospital has a neat cafeteria with islands for Asian, pizza, barbeque, etc. I didn’t see any patients there. More factoids to mull over while Life Flight strafes the uninsured.

Over 25,000 babies are delivered at the TMC each year, more than one baby every 20 minutes. TMC receives an average of 3,300 patients a day, and over 8-million annual patient visits including over 18,000 international patients. This last item raises an interesting fact: Some of these foreign patients slip in here quietly. The sheik, sultan or generalissimo doesn’t want his health problems to get back to his cousin who would stage a coup in the Exalted Leader’s absence. (There is a chapel for Muslims.) Years ago I visited the top floor of one of these hospitals that was secured. It had a wine bar and outside of some rooms were two big plug-uglies in overcoats. It was August. TMC has the world’s largest children’s hospital (Texas Children’s Hospital), as well as the world’s largest cancer hospital (MD Anderson Cancer Center). There are a lot of “world’s largest” around here. Once I asked the head of the TMC what his biggest problem was, how he ran herd on all these various, and sometimes competing, schools, funds in the billions of dollars, research, egos and bedpans? He shot back, in a split-second: “Parking. Everyone wants more parking.” Ashby is well at ashby2@comcast.net

THE READER. Local restaurant may ask sick customers to leave

Dear Editor: Regarding “Local restaurant may ask sick customers to leave,” (Mar. 14): COVID-19 has prompted Jennni’s Noodle House ownership to announce they will ask customers who appear to be sick -- sneezing, coughing -- to leave the establishment, in the interest of overall safety and health. Well, folks, if anyone asked to go away is a member of a grievance-industry identity-politics victim group, they’ll need to change the name of the place to Jenni’s Can of Worms House. J. Reynolds

Fate of Pinemont Park & Ride property up in air

Dear Editor: Building affordable housing in the pinemont park and ride is a TERRIBLE idea. With the construction of the retail center at the old Brookhollow building and the proposed fast train hub in the old Greenspoint Mall, the area only stands to increase in value and attract more residents. The city would lose money by not taking advantage of this area now. Plus, commuting from this area to downtown (where a lot of low income work is had) isn’t great either. So bringing in low income residents can pose a traffic problem too. There are plenty of lots closer

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com to downtown that would be a much better/ convenient location for affordable housing. Pinemont park is not. Vanessa Barreto

Bad information more dangerous than a virus

Dear Editor: Re: “Today, people don’t wait for guidance from public officials. They take the first nugget of information and share it to 500 people who share it to another 50,000 people, regardless of the information’s veracity.” Yup, just like the virus. We can thank POTUS for some of the hysteria and confusion, unfortunately. C.L.

Houston-area bars shutting down, restaurants to be restricted

Dear Editor: Hi my friend lives paycheck to paycheck and now they are out of work for about a month, two weeks at least. How are they supposed to pay their bills and eat? They can’t take care of those types of necessities without going into massive amounts of debt! Is credit card debt being suspended? Hutch Cypress

Coronavirus count reaches eight in

Houston area

Dear Editor: It’s a shame we are expected to get news like this from Lina Hidalgo ... she is a child ... she is being told what to say. Put someone in charge that knows what’s going on and knows what they are doing. Good grief! Let’s save some lives ... vote Republican ... vote Trump! Joe Plummer

Tradewinds property rolls into new incarnation

Dear Editor: I have many good memories of Tradewinds from the early 1960’s. I am glad to see it renovated and repurposed. Looking forward to visiting the finished result. Carrol Johnson

Dear Editor: I spent every Friday and Saturday night at Tradewinds Roller Rink. The all night New Year’s Eve skate was the bomb. When I hear the music of the 60s and early 70s, my mind goes back to the rink and skating. The snack bar was great. With so many young people playing video games it would be great to have the roller rink for them to get exercise. I still skate from time to time and I would like to be able to skate at Tradewinds again. Sherry Storrs

the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Pain 5. Near the stern of a ship 8. Certified public accountant 11. External appearance 13. Neither 14. He played with Peter & Mary 15. Maximum 16. Irish republican organization 17. Swedish rock group 18. Source of chocolate 20. Counterparts to women 21. Type of levy 22. More tasteless 25. ‘Use Somebody’ rockers 30. Burst 31. Flightless, fast bird 32. Type of salami 33. Charges to live somewhere 38. Ji dynasty’s ancestral home 41. They play music 43. One who cancels 45. Resin from an African tree 47. Shellfish 49. Notre Dame coach

Parseghian 50. Thorougbred horse race: __ Stakes 55. Empire in precolonial C. Africa 56. Small piece of caramel 57. Hillsides 59. Does great 60. Israeli city __ Aviv 61. Brief appearance 62. Danish krone (abbr.) 63. Midway between east and southeast 64. Database mgmt. system

dOwn 1. Sign language 2. In style 3. Syrian city 4. A long narrative poem 5. Living thing 6. Envision 7. Flat surface on a vessel’s stern 8. Scottish sport 9. They serve beer 10. Expression of sorrow or pity 12. When you expect to get there 14. Bullfighting maneuver

19. Double-reed instrument 23. Rural Free Delivery (abbr.) 24. Hardened 25. Small cask or barrel 26. Anger 27. Female religious figure 28. Central mail bureau 29. Ruled Russia 34. Geological time 35. Catches fish 36. As well 37. Soviet Socialist Republic 39. A moderately slow tempo 40. Female reproductive organs 41. Patti Hearst’s captors 42. Twitchings 44. Suitable for crops 45. Cavalry-sword 46. Greek sophist 47. Dressed 48. Tight crowd of people 51. Basics 52. ‘Raymond’ actor Garrett 53. Unstressed-stressed 54. Old World tree 58. Distress signal

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 4A â€˘ Saturday, March 21, 2020 â€˘ The Leader

Area churches utilizing technology amidst outbreak

IN MEMORIAM

Helen Pintsch

By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com

elen Pintsch, 94, born Sept. With social distancing be25, 1925, died March 1. She coming essential to day-towas preceded in death by her day living as COVID-19 conhusband Kenneth Pintsch. She cerns grow, a lot of public is survived by her four children, places will be sparse, if not Sharon Hessong, Judy Peacock, empty. Nancy Smith (son in-law, Jerry Places of worship have taken note and are finding Smith) and Mark Pintsch, six ways to serve safely. The grandchildren and seven greatuse of technology is one of grandchildren plus numerous the most prominent ways nieces and nephews. The Leader â€˘ Saturday, November 23, 2019 â€˘ Page 5A churches in the area are Helen was a longtime resident of Oak Forest and a deovercoming the absence of voted member of Candlelight Church of Christ. an in-person congregation. The Archdiocese of lead by David Davis. Price: $12 The Arts Galveston-Houston andonation for the concert. Womenâ€™s Bible Study Group The Farm Stand at Petrol Bradley Ross Herdejurgen, 59, born April 4, died Monday, Nov. 25 Station nounced on Nov. 12. He was a loving Dad and Grandpa. He loved The Tuesday Flatlanders that the 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 public Friday, celebration of all his granddaughters, and he would do anything for them Nov. 22 Fun & Games YMCA â€“1234 W. 34th St. 9 a.m. â€“ 1 p.m. 7 p.m. from playing softball to having tea parties, swimming with weekday and Sunday Masses The Womenâ€™s Bible Study meets 948 Wakefield Dr. Heights Theater â€“ 339 W. Open Mic Night them and trying their food creations. His hobbies included every Monday at the Harriet The Farm Stand at Petrol Stawould The be suspended effec19th St. Tuesday, Nov. 26 showing dogs, specifically Great Danes, listening to his and Joe Foster YMCA. The study tion features goods from local tive Wednesday, although Several area faith institutions are holding services in a modified manner in light of the COVID-19 The Flatlanders is performing at 9 p.m. is called The Faithful, which vendors. Rock and Roll Music, entertaining his daughter and grandTheater. CatholicThe Heights churches are in- outbreak. Heights Vinyl â€“ 3301 Cline St. explores crucial moments in daughters, he loved to travel and try new restaurants. He This is a free flowing, â€œtap in,â€? the lives of five Old Testament Little White Oak Night Market structed to remain open for is preceded in Death by his father Allen Ross Herdejurgen. Harley Poe share the mic event where everyfigures--Queen Esther, Gideon, Saturday, Nov. 23 individual andNov. private prayer virus. Heits is survived by his mother Donna Marie Herdejurgen, also decided to suspend its own online platform, VilFriday, 22 one is welcome. Hosea, Malachi, and Nehemiah. 4 â€“ 8 p.m. former wife Marilyn Herdejurgen, Daughter Courtney while taking 7 p.m. social distancin-person Sunday service â€œThe we â€“see lageHeights.Online.Church. and new members are Sideoutway Volleybar 2623it, the Guests White Oak Music Hall â€“ 2915 N. Keene St. Bar Takeover ing precautions. Church this nonand use Facebook liveMarie on Cullever and husband Stacy Cullever, Grandaughless it spreads, the faster it welcome â€œWeto attend will host two interMain St. Wednesday, Nov. 27 ters Torey Nicole Cullever and Harlie Alexa Cullever, his denominational Bible study. The Little White Oak Night Marmembers also are encourSundays at 10:30 a.m. leaves and we can get back active gatherings that you Harley Poe with The Homeless brother Scott Herdejurgen and wife Mildred, and two of Email scripturesharing@earthlink. 6 â€“ 9 p.m. ket brings together local farmers, aged toGospel viewisMasses onat teleperforming White to craft La Lucha â€“ISKCON 1801 N. Shepherd of Houston, 1320 our merchandisers, rhythm of and gathering can participate in from your net for information. artists. his favorite dogs Bolt and Roxie. He will be greatly missed Oakthrough Music Hall.live online Dr. vision or W. 34th St., has canceled as usual,â€? Wethington said. phone, tablet or computer,â€? by all many who knew and loved him. La Lucha is hosting a guest barScripture Sharing Group HeightsDay Morning Marketspecifi- Menâ€™s streaming. of its Sunday gatherings for New Church a newsletter from the church Coco Montoya tender series benefiting charity. Thursday, Nov. 28 Sunday, Nov. 24 Although churches Sandra C. Gresham, 73, born Nov. 2, died on Nov. but Quinones is utilizing FaceSaturday, Nov. 23 in the cally geared its virtual ser- 6:30 read. On Nov.March 27, Alphonso â€“ 7:30 a.m. 10 a.m. â€“ 2 p.m. 18. Sheis survived by her husband, Thomas Michael area had 8 p.m.already adopted from Capt. Foxheartâ€™s News book live toBadstream. vice3106 lastWhite Sunday The church â€“1234 W. 34thhas St. also gone Oak Dr.to address YMCA Gresham; daughter, Tara (Gresham) Anderson; and daughHeights Theater â€“ 339 W. Bar & Spirit Lodge will be at La similar The policies. The Menâ€™s for Scripture Heights Market â€œDeities will be ter, worany fear orMorning anxiety regarding digital its Sharing small groups 19th St. Suzanne (Gresham) Tyrell. Lucha. The charity of his choice is Group meets every Thursday at gathers local talented artisans, â€œWe are going to isupload a at the virus. shipped on schedule and you and hasand postponed two of Child its Advocates. Coco Montoya performing the Harriet Joe Foster YMCA. farmers, and entrepreneurs to pre-recorded service on SunThe Heights Theater. â€œWe always that There events, crawfish boil and can see our deities via social Carlos Eduardo Sampaio, 56, born Oct. 7, died will bethe music, Bible study bring you closer topreach the goods you Turkey media,â€? Burn Rev Ride day morning to Facebook Godneed. and fellowship. to shopusand stay to Oct. 29. He is survived by his daughters Clara and Celia, read an Instagram willStopbebywith through egg hunt. Guests and new Los Walters Thursday, Nov. 28 are welcome brunch, drink mimosas, and listen and YouTube, and we are every his sister Christina, brother Luiz and ex-wife Michelle. He post on ISKCON of Houston storm and now we members Facebook livetoisattend also being Saturday, Nov. 23 9 â€“ 10 a.m. this non-denominational Bible to live music at Onion Creek. was employed by NASA. A celebration gathering will be inviting8 our p.m. people watch it have a chance to truly ex- study. utilized by many places DEFINE of page. Heights â€“ 714 Yale St. Email scripturesharing@ held from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 23, at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Music Hall â€“ 2915 N.perience the peace of that,â€? earthlink.net online White in theOak safety of their Ste. 200 Both St. Rose of Lima for the information. worship in area. THE MAY A GROUP, LLC Heights Blvd. St. John WethingDEFINE is kicking off a day of The Pews homes,â€?Main said Catholic Church, 3600 BrinkSt. Stephens United MethLos Walters is performing at Wethington said. â€œWe also Holiday feasting with a Thanksgiving Market ton, theWhite pastor of New odist Artisan Church, man St., and All Saints Cathalways preach that we exist Saturday, Oak Music Hall. Day Day Turkey Burn Class across Pre-Thanksgiving Worship Nov. 30 2003 W. 43rd Church at 3615 Mangum Rd. to be locations. The E. 10th St., Service out a notice that all itsHouston-area olic Church, 215 a light in the world and 9 St., a.m. â€“put 4 p.m. Hayes Carllsaid the deTurkey Burn ispart a 60 minute revArchdiocese Nov. and 24 so we be- St.sanctuary Wethington Stephenâ€™s UMC W. Post Oak, Ste 120 willâ€“ 2003 be closed for are of the loveSunday, others, Local 730 North Sunday, Nov. 24 ride (indoor cycling) to give you 10:17 a.m. 43rd St. cision 7was made because lieve Experience and corporate worship until furof Galveston-Houston and this is our moment to p.m. the energy to feel your best and St. Matthewâ€™s UMC â€“ 4300 N. Houston, TX 77024 The Holiday Artisan Market, business Knowledge... the congregation is diverse The Heights Theater â€“ 339 W. shine ther notice. TheJustice church will kickstartmust your metabolism.Â follow the directive to Shepherd Godâ€™sDr.light.â€? benefitting the Animal A Powerful is our St. in age, 19th meaning there a lot St. Matthewâ€™s United Methodist will be held in the every west Sunbe streaming live suspend Masses. St. Rose New Day is also in the League, Combination Hayespeople Carll is performing at The The Houston Genealogical Church cordially invites the comlot, from featuring of elderly as well day at parking 11 a.m. its Faceof LimaIn Search had already sus-business. process ofattend talking to other sanctuary Heights Theater. Forum Presents: munity to the Pre-Thanks713-906-5481 a variety of vendors and food FAX 713-874-0628 as babies. According to the churches bookContact page.KimThe service will pended â€œthe distributionSend of your story of interest in theservice. area that may trucks. Realty Associates of William â€œThe Immigrantâ€? giving Worship DEBBIE Antley at ourrealtordebbie@aol.com CentersTunes for inDisease Control not have the same technolo- redlipdesigns@gmail.com ELLIOTT the Tap Room Cloude be recorded and available to Holy Communion from news@theleadernews.com the regardTuesday, Nov. 26 Saturday, Dec. 7 Thanks & Giving Banquet and Prevention, people older gy to see how the church can ingview vendor atparticipation. another time. Chalice as well as distribuâ€“ 9:30 p.m. 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Nov. 24 than 606:30 and those with un- help St.Heights Matthewâ€™s United tion of theCenter host - directly to them broadcast to their Oâ€™Holy Haroldâ€™s Restaurant & Tap Bayland Community 5 p.m. Christmas derlyingRoom health â€“ 350 W.conditions 19th St. Garden Oaks Baptist Church â€“ Methodist Church, 4300 6400 N. Bissonnet the tongue,â€? according to a congregations. ExtravaganzaÂ Enjoy live music Whenchurch presenternewsletter. Janine 3206 N. Shepherd Dr. Church, Saturday, are at higher risk forin Haroldâ€™s devel-Tap Village Dec. Dr., 7 will be streamShepherd Heights everycomplication Tuesday night. Cloudâ€™s direct paternal line Garden Oaks Baptist Church 6 p.m. oping Room serious ing its services via Facebook Rose has also cancelled 311willW. 18th St., is transi- Heights paper trailSt. dead-ends in 1838 be celebrating Thanksgiving Presbyterian ChurchÂ â€“ from COVID-19, the upper- tioning at W. 10:17 events during to completely digi- 240 shecommunity turned to Y-DNA with a Thanks & Giving Banquet 18th a.m. St. on Sundays. Georgia,all respiratory disease caused tal on testing the to attempt prove a Sunday evening. church Vineyard Church of Housmonthto of March into the beginning thisThe upcoming Heights Presbyterian ChurchÂ is The Markets connection between her brick will be providing turkey, dressing, by the new strain of corona- Sunday, hosting the Oâ€™HolyE.Heights Christton, 1035 11th St., has first weekend of April. March 22, by using wall ancestor and William â€œThe gravy, cranberry sauce and rolls.Â

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will benews local growers, best way There to send to many designers, artisans and of you. makers, For that matter, there will food producers. be some who wouldnâ€™t mind their news delivered way all the Coyotethat , from P. 1A time. discharge of a firearm, it was a If youpolice donâ€™tmatter. want to wait for the email, andNews you want sign up to of theto coyoteâ€™s dereceive mise a more constant source elicited a strong response suchemail as Megan of newsfrom fromresidents us, please us Paschall, who said the coyote at insider@theleadernews.com. a regularontraveler by to her Weâ€™rewas working a plan send youhouse. daily updates about our â€œWe have just as many stray community, andthat though animals arenâ€™tweâ€™ll smallwait coyfor further guidance on how and otes,â€? Paschall said. â€œItâ€™s awful. is nice to have.â€? when weWildlife deliver a printed newssaidintent they of wouldnâ€™t paper, we Others have no bailto worrynever so much now ing fromhave this bicycle, to ride aboutgoing their outdoor dogs and again. Weâ€™re to get up, wipe cats. Many said the coyote away thelooked pebbles, and push ourtoo thin and was perselves back the slowly hill. from starhaps up dying And we wantSome you along for the vation. believed that ride. shooting a coyote was better

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mas Extravaganza, where there Immigrantâ€? Cloud, who settled Members will be furnishing adwill be a Santa in the Gazebo for in Pennsylvania Colony in about ditional dishes.Â Visitors are welpictures, hot cocoa, coffee, was1682. Come enjoy Janineâ€™s come to come enjoy good food, sail, cookies, other desserts and presentation and learn how to Christian fellowship and to give a silent auction. There will also apply these DNA principles to thanks for the blessings of the be a Christmas concert with the family research. pastLucille year.Â For additional serving as Assistant 53,worship born July team9, and1966, more diedyour ownAppeals, Anglin,details, 83, passedHeights please call (713) 864-4447.Â Â District Attorney for Harris March 11. He served eight

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County, Assistant Attorney years in the United States General for the State of Texas, Army, he spent two years â€œTheyâ€™re not valued enough in reviewed,and radio-collar Assistant studies US Attorney. of his service stationed 81, born July 29, 1938, died Fox said.is survived by food, shelter and water are to monitor,â€? have proven thathemost relo-a private In 1983, opened Korea. Gurrola March 14, after a long illness. Texas is a state where coyavailable, another coyote will cated wild animals die within a Board practice, and became his mother Leonor Gurrola, He received his Bachelor Desoon replace the one that otes are undefended and clas- two weeks after being released Certified Criminal Defense Gerard Gurrola and gree from Sam Houston State sifiedbrother as a non-game species. in unfamiliar areas.â€? died,â€? Bradshaw said. â€œAnd Lawyer. He is survived by wife sister Felicia Gurrola. University in Huntsville. He if it was an alpha female, her TPWD Wildlife biologist DiThe incident along the baySharon, daughters Valerie was will employed Foleyâ€™s death trigger by thethe other fe- ana Foss of the Texas Parks & ou last week warranted a poSheridan Oâ€™Neal RetailinStore in downtown Department said itJacobs, is lice visit Elizondo males the surrounding area WildlifeGeorge because itand is illegal to Scott, Kelly Jacobs, Aug. 30, Browning to born kill a coyote for1942 com- in dischargeson toHouston. have larger litters retired in the illegal77, a firearm inside and the five grandchildren. Columbia, March 11, and become a broker at Jamesmercial purposesSC,ondied publicly spring.â€? corporated limits of a municiafter brief battle with Stage D.Bradshaw Owens &also Associates. He owned landa in Texas. said the norpality having a population of of quality care for 4 Cancer.it He received his 100,000 orMitchell Ronald Meza, is survived by E. Araiza, a â€œHowever, is legal to (kill) mal, healthy weight of a coymore. your family bachelorâ€™s degree from Lamarâ€œItâ€™s 60, born JuneCannon 22, 1959 in longtime business a coyote on private property ote in Texasfriend is onlyand 25 pounds. dangerous,â€? * With pets University and his Doctor of Phoenix, Ariz., died March 8. partner, his daughters, Leslie â€œPeople in urban areas com- for any reason,â€? Foss said. said. â€œNo matter what you are from South shootingMitch broadcast Wellness Exam Gibbs, Carol to Young, five â€œTheJurisprudence person taking the coyote pare coyotes their and oftenat, itâ€™swas stillaan illegal engiLaw Houston. in Houston for more than grandchildren. mustTexas have aCollege current of hunting li- dischargeneer overweight dogs,â€? she said. of firearms.â€? Call About also received Master Cannon 25 years. He is survived by his permit from aTPWD A person who is passionate cense.HeNo said anyone with of Theology from St. Maryâ€™s wife Kathleen, son Niles and is needed.â€? about coyotes is Camilla H. information about the incident Bashem Coorg, 80, born Cat Vaccines Seminary in 1998. Jacobsâ€™ should call daughter also said a newly Fox, and March execu- 12. Foss HPD. Michelle. Dec.the 17,founder 1939, died career clerking law, included House Bill 4544, at Fox said the irony is that if tive director of Project Coyote passed thecertain Texas cities, Court such of Criminal than the alternatives. as humans left coyotes alone to - aThomas national nonprofit orga- allows Gregg Gurrola, of quality care for â€œPersonally, I think shoot- nization based in Mill Valley, Houston, to manage coyotes self-regulate, they would do Email jonathan@mcelvymedia. your family ing them is far more humane California, that promotes com- by capturing, relocating or so. * With com than setting out (conibear) passionate conservation and euthanizing a coyote located pets Project Coyoteâ€™s Coyote Wellness Exam traps,â€? LeeAnn Hickman said. coexistence between people within the city limits or the Friendly Communities pro5315 Antoine@ Pinemont Call About 713-688-9625 â€œBut catch and release is not and wildlife through educa- cityâ€™s extraterritorial juris- gram aims to give both urban Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon Cat Vaccines considered an option because diction or by requesting astion, science and advocacy. andfor ruralupdated audiences the tools In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, please check with each church below information youâ€™ll just be relocating a nuiFox calls the coyote a â€œma- sistance from Texas Wildlife to foster coexistence. aboutsance services. animal from one place ligned carnivoreâ€? and said it is Services. â€œWe need to teach coyotes to another.â€? Relocating a coyote, ac- (about) the behavior we donâ€™t estimated that 500,000 coyBonnie Bradshaw with 911 otes are killed each year by cording to Bradshaw, also support,â€? Fox said. Wildlife, a wildlife removal humans, partly because they likely means death. 5315 Antoine@ Pinemont 713-688-9625 and relocation company with are unprotected by law in 42 â€œContrary to public opinion, offices in Houston, said the states. relocated animals donâ€™t have a Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon There are no definitive wonderful new life out in the good-riddance attitude regarding coyotes is typical in neigh- population counts for coyotes country where they belong,â€? either. borhoods throughout the U.S. Bradshaw said. â€œMultiple peerBy Pastor Will Cover

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Pastor Jerry McNamara We invite you to worship with us! 4040 Watonga â€˘ 713-688-5227 Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m.

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www.gethsemanelutheran.org Weekly Worship 9:00 We invite you Services to â€˘worship witha.m. us! 4040 Watonga 713-688-5227 Weekly&Worship 9:00 a.m. a.m. Sunday School BibleServices Classes 10:30 We invite you to worship withamus! Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 Preschool Program â€˘ Mon. 9-2p.m. p.m. Preschool Program â€˘ Mon. -- Fri. Fri. 9-2 Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org www.gethsemanelutheran.org

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

t goes without saying, but Iâ€™ll say it anyway: â€œwe have all made mistakes.â€? As Alexander Pope so aptly put it: â€œTo What do youtodo whendivine.â€? crisis hits? Theseremember things are err is human, forgive, We should generally unexpected, unplanned, and unavoidable. this the next time we make a mistake. Most certainly, we By Will mistakes, Cover How wePastor respond in difficult says lot about must learn from our andtimes hopefully nota continue Arise Baptist Church are and what is really important to us. Over Bywe Pastor Will Cover towho repeat them, but we should also forgive ourselves. While 803 Curtin St. Houston TX 77018 Arise Baptist Church it the can be hard enough to forgive others mistakes,you it next few weeks I would likefor totheir encourage 713-659-9697 â€˘ www.arisebaptistchurch.org 803 Curtin St. Houston, TX 77018 can sometimes feel almost impossible to forgive ourselves. with some thoughts on what you can do during a Sunday Bible Studies For All Ages ... 9:30am 713-659-9697 â€˘ www.arisebaptistchurch.org St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA We sometimes cannot bring ourselves to forgive something time of crisis. Have you ever felt frustrated at Thanksgiving? I Morning Worship ............... 10:45am done, and thing wewemay punish and harangue ourselves first that you canwith do during a time rememberweâ€™ve as a The boy wishing could be done â€˘Wednesday Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am - Children 11:00am Bible Studies For Youth, e are entering a time ofdecades, holidays and celebrations for years, or even over youthful indiscretions. In the family tradition of saying what we were thankful of crisis is to rejoice in the Lord. The Bible says â€˘ Learning Hour ........... 11:00am 12:00pm for many people in our country. Thanksgiving is MANNA and Adults............................ 6:15pm addition, some ofAmericans us4:4, may not able tofor forget the sins of for before we Philippians ate. I we wanted to get to be the food as in â€œRejoice in the Lord always, a holiday that as have enjoyed â€˘ Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm 1:30pm Sponsor quickly as possible! The turkey, ham, mashed our past. And are although that may ussituation from repeating generations. Many people forward toprevent time spent Sunday > [O ŕ Ž Bible Studies For All Ages ...ELCA 9:30am and again I looking say, rejoice!â€? Your while St.43rd James 1602 West St. â€˘Lutheran Houston, TxChurch, 77018 â€˘ 713-686-1577 with potatoes and gravy, green beans, cranberry family,them, time off from work, a charitable big feast,corn, watching football, we must be and forgive ourselves, justmay as Morning Worship ............... 10:45am unexpected, unplanned, and unavoidable that â€˘ Worship (English) ..... 10:00 am - 11:00am catching the of the years, and probably sauce, homemade dinner rolls, etc. were piled many high webiggest shouldsales forgive others. So, we should make a real effort in Wednesday Bible Studies For Youth, Children be bringing great changes to your life, highlights others during Thanksgiving weekend. There will be on mythings plate. The this aromas up from my loaded MANNA â€˘ Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm the coming dayswafting and weeks to time forgive the offenses of others and Adults............................ 6:15pm who struggle during theisthis ofand holiday â€˘ Worship (Spanish) ....Sunday 12:30 pm - 1:30pm the will truth that God unchanging. There is much Weekly Services some platepeople wereasenough to make my mouth water myjust Sponsor well as our own. Sometimes, it helps to forget about as they remember loved ones who they have lost, or close to rejoice in the Lord about. We should rejoice in stomach ache with anticipation. Why did we have to â€˘ Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. 1602 West 43rd St. â€˘ > [O ŕ Ž Houston, Tx 77018 â€˘ 713-686-1577 companionsthem; that are because of our the mind and stop thatunable is, to totrybetotogether put them out of â€˘ Morning:10:30 a.m. take time to talk aboutbecause thanksgiving before we ate? the Lord of his good gifts to us. During schedule orrepeatedly the logistics. Either way, Thanksgiving will be a mulling overwethem. One of the reasons we use â€˘ Evening: 4:15 p.m. Could we people not just that while were eating? As time when aredo either thinking thoughts or sad times of crisis it ishappy much easier to appreciate rd the phrase â€œforgive and forgetâ€? is because sometimes that the is 1700 West 43 at Rosslyn Weekly Sunday Services an adult, I look back at my childish self and realize thoughts about something. Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 good things in life. i.e., Sometimes weBut take many of our 713-682-4942 the only way to forgive, by forgetting. far better, and r #JCMF 4UVEZ B N When I was a boy, I remember my mother saying, â€œDonâ€™t forget why this tradition was and still is important. While â€˘for Bible Study: Youth 9:15 a.m. Sunday Schoolr .PSOJOH B N Children, andWalters Adults 9:40 blessings granted when everything is moving Pastor â€“ Dr. Richard more divine, toisbe able forgive even to say thank you.â€? Shethanks wasisfor reminding metoto be thankful towhile my remembering â€˘ Morning:10:30 a.m. the time of giving not the important issue, Ministries for All Ages r &WFOJOH Q N grandmother for the wonderful Thanksgiving meal, or to my along normally. We should rejoice in the Lord â€˘ Evening: 4:15 p.m. the offense. So, we should let go of those unforgiving, Ad # 32285 the priority of giving thanks does matter. As a child, SE 8FTU Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children family memberbecause that gave me specialHe gift,is. or toGod my friend whochanges, God is 1700 West 43 rd BU 3PTTMZO at Rosslyn of Iawho never I wasnâ€™t as thankful as should have been because vindictive, shameful feelings about the past, and get over 713-682-4942 invited me to their birthday party. Most people want to teach Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe, Pastor children have a thankful. natural sense of entitlement. The loving, always good, and completely holy. it!always Corrie ten Boom, who survived incarceration in a Nazi Pastor Walters Pastor â€“â€“ Dr. Dr. Richard Richard children to be I think most people would agree X Walters s t s u m c . o r gtheir 2003 W. 43rd St. X 713-686-8241 longer I thankful live the more I not understand the truth of prison camp said, â€œForgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and His ways are our ways and he always completes that being is important, it is also true that it is not Ad # 32285 Godâ€™s to Word whenhe itthat says â€œIn everything give Join us for Services always betothankful depending on whatiswe aresame going through. realize the prisoner was you.â€?thanks, what starts. He the yesterday, today, and

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for this theinwill of God5:20 in â€œGiving Christthanks Jesus always concerning The Bibleis says Ephesians for all forever. He willthenever leave us Jesus nor forsake us. We things God the Father name of our Lord you.â€? unto I canJudge giveand thanks in allinthings because Godjudged; is in not, and you will not be condemn have much to rejoice in the Lord about. Christ.â€? I would encourage you, no matter how you feel during control of my life.and I amyou thankful for our city and for not, will not be condemned; forgive, this season to remember that rejoicing you canresponded be thankful toLord for today? What are you in theto the holiday individuals and organizations that and you will be on forgiven... God. He gave up His only Son to die a cruel death the cross Take a minutes and begin praise list. A list Hurricane Harvey infew such an admirable way. Ia am so that anyone who trusts him can be forgiven of their sins and thankful have started atonew church this past God year about. If you of things that you can praise have eternaltolife. Donâ€™t forget say thank you! R.S.V. Luke 6:37 that able take partthis into thefind community efforts If youwas would liketoto discuss further orthings, have questions, are struggling I would love to help to help people after Harvey. I Arise am thankful for my Pastor Will Cover can be reached at Baptist Church at you during this crisis time. Having a personal 803 Curtin St., or www.arisebaptistchurch.org, 713-659-9697. wife, my children, my parents, and my or friends. I am

with God thefreedoms most wonderful thing thankful forrelationship my country that gives meisthe in and the write worldasduring and bad! to live, think, I wish. good Theretimes is so much for which to give thanks. What are you thankful for?

THE CLASSIFIEDS.

The Leader â€˘ Saturday, March 21, 2020 â€˘ Page 5A

Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 713-686-8494 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.

GARAGE/ ESTATE SALE BLUE MOON ANTIQUES AND ESTATE SALES Antiques and Collectibles Providing Estate Sales Services 3311 Ella â€˘ 832-286-7882 Like us on www.facebook.com/ bluemoonantiques-houstontx

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Common Law Copyright Notice: All rights reserved re; common law copyright of trade-name/trademark, CHIOMA NGOZI ODILIÂŠ, as well as any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling of said trade- name/trade-mark â€“ Common Law Copyright ÂŠ 2002 by Chioma Ngozi Odili. Said trade- name/ trade-mark, CHIOMA NGOZI ODILIÂŠ, may neither be used, nor reproduced, neither in whole nor in part, nor in any manner whatsoever, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgement of Chioma Ngozi Odili as signified by the blue-ink signature of Chioma Ngozi Odili, hereinafter â€œSecured Party.â€? With the intent of being contractually bound, any Juristic Person, as well as the agent of said Juristic Person, consents and agrees by this Common Law Copyright Notice that neither said Juristic Person, nor the agent of said Juristic Person, shall display, nor otherwise use in any manner, the tradename/trade-mark, nor common law copyright described herein, nor any variation in the spelling of, said name without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgment of Secured Party, as signified by Secured Partyâ€™s signature in Blue ink. Secured Party neither grants, nor implies, nor otherwise gives consent for any unauthorized use of CHIOMA NGOZI ODILIÂŠ, and all such unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Secured Party is not now, nor has Secured Party ever been, an accommodation party, nor a surety, for the purported debtor, i.e. â€œCHIOMA NGOZI ODILIÂŠ,â€? nor for any derivative of, nor for any variation in the spelling of, said name, nor for any other juristic person, and is so-indemnified and held harmless by Debtor, i.e. â€œCHIOMA NGOZI ODILIÂŠ,â€? in Hold Harmless and Indemnity Agreement No. CNO0001HHIA dated the Twenty-Fourth Day of the Second Month in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty, against any and all claims, legal actions, orders, warrants, judgments, demands, liabilities, losses, depositions, summonses, lawsuits, costs, fines, liens, levies, penalties, damages, interests, and expenses whatsoever, both absolute and contingent, as are due and as might become due, now existing and as might hereafter arise, and as might be suffered by, imposed on, and incurred by Debtor for any and every reason, purpose, and cause whatsoever. Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: By this Common Law Copyright Notice, both the Juristic Person and the agent of said Juristic Person, hereinafter jointly and severally â€œUser,â€? consent and agree that any use of CHIOMA NGOZI ODILIÂŠ, other than authorized use as set forth above, constitutes unauthorized use, of Secured Partyâ€™s common law-copyrighted property and contractually binds User. This Notice by Declaration becomes a Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Chioma Ngozi Odili is Secured Party, and signifies that User: (1) grants Secured Party a security interest in all of Userâ€™s assets, land, and personal property, and all of Userâ€™s interest in assets, land, and personal property, in the sum certain amount of $500,000.00 per each occurrence of use of the common law-copyrighted trade-name/trademark CHIOMA NGOZI ODILIÂŠ, as well as for each and every occurrence of use of any and all derivatives of, and variations in the spelling of, CHIOMA NGOZI ODILIÂŠ, plus costs, plus triple damages; (2) authenticates this Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Chioma Ngozi Odili is Secured Party, and wherein User pledges all of Userâ€™s assets, land, consumer goods, farm products, inventory, equipment, money, investment property, commercial tort claims, letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, chattel paper, instruments, deposit accounts, accounts, documents, and general intangibles, and all Userâ€™s interest in all such foregoing property, now owned and hereafter acquired, now existing and hereafter arising, and wherever located, as collateral for securing Userâ€™s contractual obligation in favor of Secured Party for Userâ€™s unauthorized use of Secured Partyâ€™s common lawcopyrighted property; (3) consents and agrees with Secured Partyâ€™s filing of a UCC Financing Statement in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorderâ€™s office, wherein User is debtor and Chioma Ngozi Odili is Secured Party; (4) consents and agrees that said UCC Financing Statement described above in paragraph â€œ(3)â€™â€™ is a continuing financing statement, and further consents and agrees with Secured Partyâ€™s filing of any continuation statement necessary for maintaining Secured Partyâ€™s perfected security interest in all of Userâ€™s property and interest in property, pledged as collateral in this Security Agreement and described above in paragraph â€œ(2),â€? until Userâ€™s contractual obligation theretofore incurred has been fully satisfied; (5) consents and agrees with Secured Partyâ€™s filing of any UCC Financing Statement, as described above in paragraphs â€œ(3)â€? and â€œ(4),â€? as well as the filing of any Security Agreement, as described above in paragraph â€œ(2),â€™â€™ in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorderâ€™s office; (6) consents and agrees that any and all such filings described in paragraphs â€œ(4)â€? and â€œ(5)â€? above are not, and may not be considered, bogus, and that User will not claim that any such filing is bogus; (7) waives all defenses; and (8) appoints Secured Party as Authorized Representative for User, effective upon Userâ€™s default re Userâ€™s contractual obligations in favor of Secured Party as set forth below under â€œPayment Termsâ€? and â€œDefault Terms,â€? granting Secured Party full authorization and power for engaging in any and all actions on behalf of User including, but not limited by, authentication of a record on behalf of User, as Secured Party, in Secured Partyâ€™s sole discretion, deems appropriate, and User further consents and agrees that this appointment of Secured Party as Authorized Representative for User, effective upon Userâ€™s default, is irrevocable and coupled with a security interest. User further consents and agrees with all of the following additional terms of Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: Payment Terms: In accordance with fees for unauthorized use of CHIOMA NGOZI ODILIÂŠ as set forth above, User hereby consents and agrees that User shall pay Secured Party all unauthorized-use fees in full within ten (10) days of the date User is sent Secured Partyâ€™s invoice, hereinafter â€œInvoice,â€? itemizing said fees. Default Terms: In event of non-payment in full of all unauthorized-use fees by User within ten (10) days of date Invoice is sent, User shall be deemed in default and: (a) all of Userâ€™s property and property pledged as collateral by User, as set forth in above in paragraph â€œ(2),â€? immediately becomes, i.e. is, property of Secured Party; (b) Secured Party is appointed Userâ€™s Authorized Representative as set forth above in paragraph â€œ(8)â€?; and (c) User consents and agrees that Secured Party may take possession of, as well as otherwise dispose of in any manner that Secured Party, in Secured Partyâ€™s sole discretion, deems appropriate, including, but not limited by, sale at auction, at any time following Userâ€™s default, and without further notice, any and all of Userâ€™s property and interest, described above in paragraph â€œ(2),â€? formerly pledged as collateral by User, now property of Secured Party, in respect of this â€œSelf-executing Contract/ Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use,â€? that Secured Party, again in Secured Partyâ€™s sole discretion, deems appropriate. Terms for Curing Default: Upon event of default, as set forth above under â€œDefault Terms,â€? irrespective of any and all of Userâ€™s former property and interest in property, described above in paragraph â€œ(2),â€? in the possession of, as well as disposed of by, Secured Party, as authorized above under â€œDefault Terms,â€? User may cure Userâ€™s default only re the remainder of Userâ€™s said former property and interest property, formerly pledged as collateral that is neither in the possession of, nor otherwise disposed of by, Secured Party within twenty (20) days of date of Userâ€™s default only by payment in full. Terms of Strict Foreclosure: Userâ€™s non-payment in full of all unauthorized-use fees itemized in Invoice within said twenty- (20) day period for curing default as set forth above under â€œTerms for Curing Defaultâ€? authorizes Secured Partyâ€™s immediate non-judicial strict foreclosure on any and all remaining former property and interest in property, formerly pledged as collateral by User, now property of Secured Party, which is not in the possession of, nor otherwise disposed of by, Secured Party upon expiration of said twenty- (20) day default-curing period. Ownership subject to common-law copyright and UCC Financing Statement and Security Agreement filed with the UCC filing office. Record Owner: Chioma Ngozi Odili, Autograph Common Law Copyright ÂŠ 2002. Unauthorized use of â€œChioma Ngozi Odiliâ€? incurs same unauthorized-use fees as those associated with CHIOMA NGOZI ODILIÂŠ, as set forth above in paragraph â€œ(1)â€? under â€œSelf-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use.â€?

SICOLAâ€™S

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Page 6A • Saturday, March 21, 2020 • The Leader

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENT

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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Repair & Install Complete Pavers Pressure Washing • Patios • Decks Painting • Siding • Driveways • Brick Columns

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Call Sam 713-582-5500 713-686-2285

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The Leader â€˘ Saturday, March 21, 2020 â€˘ Page 7A

Art Valet: COVID-19 cancellations crippling art community Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

While the rest of America has been doing their thing, including snapping up the toilet paper, pasta and eggs (really people, you could have left a few eggs), artists were watching their entire spring season of festivals vanish before their eyes. As of Tuesday, 32 art festivals had cancelled and 22 postponed their events, according to Zapplication, an online application service for artists and festivals. That is a devastatingly large number. Hereâ€™s a simple explanation of how this works for artists on the festival circuit. Applying to multiple festivals is the norm because there are no guarantees of getting accepted, even if an artist attended before. When the artist finds out what shows theyâ€™ve been accepted to, they can begin putting their cross country festival puzzle together. Booth fees range between $500-$1,500, then add on to that travel and lodging expenses and packing that

includes artwork for multiple festivals. This process starts as early as eight months in advance of an actual festival date. In just seven days, all the preparation and planning is gone. Even if booth fees are refunded, the loss of income from sales will be devastating. What about postponements? Thereâ€™s a high probability the artists already have weekends booked elsewhere through the fall. â€œAs someone who relies on doing fine art festivals and craft markets full-time to make a living, I am really worried as all events for the next month or so keep dropping left and right,â€? said Heather Wobbe, a Houston fine art jeweler. â€œBooth fees and hotel reservations are simply evaporating before my eyes and I worry how I will afford the extremely high holiday booth fees this year.â€? Planning an event of 300plus exhibitors, like Houstonâ€™s own Bayou City Art Festival, which was also cancelled last week, is a year-long process. There are hundreds of people and companies that lose when these big events are cancelled. The buzz word today is â€œsocial distancing.â€? Being social is a very big part of being hu-

Contributed photo Thrive by Kiki Neumann, who changed her home fence sign from â€œVOTEâ€? to â€œTHRIVEâ€? using the existing â€œVTE.â€?

man. For artist Jennifer Lang, being around people is challenging, but a necessary part of her life to keep her mental health in good shape. Lang shares my market booths and keeps them looking organized while I run around as market managers do. â€œI need your markets more than for just making money. I need them mentally,â€? Land said in an email. â€œBeing around large groups of people is hard

for me, I find it very draining, so having a safe space where I can retreat is helpful. Iâ€™ve been using my time at the market for self-therapy and to force myself to be social. â€œI did great for a while, venturing further and going to other events, but then I reverted last year. Now I have no desire to go out anymore and your markets have become my â€˜only hope, Obi-Wan. (sic)â€™ I spend the majority of

Outbreak impact a mixed bag for businesses By Adam Zuvanich azuvanich@theleadernews.com

How much of an impact has the COVID-19 outbreak had on Northwest Houston businesses? An organization that serves hundreds of those companies has called off all of its events for at least a month. The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce, which serves more than 500 businesses in the area, announced Monday that it is cancelling all chamber-related events for at least the next four weeks in response to growing concerns about the spread of the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus. And the Houston Heights Association announced Wednesday that all of its events through the end of May have been postponed. A spokesperson for the chamber said it will continue to operate during that time. â€œWhile we regret having to make this decision, it is in the best interests of our members, staff and prospective members,â€? chamber president Louie Gill wrote. â€œThese are trying times.â€? Restaurants and bars are having an especially tough time after Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo ordered all bars and nightclubs

Photo by Adam Zuvanich Sybren and Kathryn van der Pol, owners of Liberty Hoepfl Garage at 4610 N. Shepherd Dr., have seen an uptick in business in recent weeks.

to close for at least 15 days in an attempt to promote social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19, which has infected more than 194,000 people worldwide, more than 4,300 in the United States and at least 30 in the Houston area. Restaurants must close their dining rooms and serve customers through takeout, drive-through and delivery. According to a survey conducted by the Heights chamber, other industries also are being impacted. A local travel agency said it had to cancel bookings and was unable to book new clients for trips as far out as next fall, while an area

energy company has called off in-office meetings and had clients cancel contracts because of fears about the future. But not every business has been negatively impacted. Kathy Stratton, co-owner of C&D Hardware & Gifts at 314 E. 11th St., said sales have remained steady in recent weeks. She said that could be because area residents are staying at home more and have more time for projects around the house. Kathryn van der Pol, coowner of Liberty Hoepfl Garage at 4610 N. Shepherd Dr., said business has picked up since last weekâ€™s announce-

ment that the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo was ending early. She said the springtime is typically peak season for auto shops, and she suspects peopleâ€™s preference for road trips over air travel right now could be causing an increase in customers. â€œWeâ€™ve been busy,â€? she said. Van der Pol said the garage is now offering to pick up and delivery vehicles to customers who do not want to leave home. Liberty Hoepfl also is doing more cleaning and disinfecting around its shop, with employees wearing gloves while they touch customersâ€™ keys, steering wheels and door handles. And while business is good for now, van der Pol said she realizes there could be a potential downturn, especially if thereâ€™s a break in the supply chain for auto parts at some point. But sheâ€™s trying not to worry about that â€“ or about the pandemic thatâ€™s crippling people and societies all over the world. â€œVery few of us know anybody whoâ€™s sick with this. Nobody knows anybody whoâ€™s died from it. But six from now, that might be completely different,â€? she said. â€œBut the sunâ€™s still going to shine, the stars are still going to come out at night, the moon will still do its cycles and people will still be there. We will still be here.â€?

Itâ€™s wait and see for the real estate market By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Like most industries, the residential and commercial real estate markets are in a state of uncertainty due to COVID-19. What is unknown, though, is how long it will last. â€œIâ€™m hoping this is a few weeks issue, not a few months issue,â€? said IndyQuest broker and owner Creston Inderrieden. â€œIâ€™m more concerned about the impact low oil (prices) will have on the property values in the long run than I am the virus.â€? In a recent newsletter, Keller Williams broker Daniela Antelo noted that Lawrence Yu, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, had anticipated about $5.5 million in sales of previously owned homes this year, an increase from 2018 and 2019. Now, she allows that those expectations are somewhat tampered. Ginny Ledwell, broker and team leader at Ledwell Realty, said she had recently seen an uptick in buyer interest due to lower interest rates, but that rates were fluctuating quite a bit. â€œA couple of sellers have decided to put the breaks on (their) listing due to the uncertainty of this time and the market,â€? Ledwell said. At the same time, she has seen an uptick in website activity since people are homebound. â€œI donâ€™t know if that will result in actual offers,â€?

my time alone, I rarely get calls or messages from others and sometimes forget how to speak words. I fear that without these monthly events I will spiral down to a place of no return.â€? Artists are a tenacious, relatively optimistic group and I watch for the doers, the innovators to step up and show us the way back. There will be a time when this passes and things will return to normal. Heights artist Kiki Neumann always sees a positive side. Hereâ€™s what she had to say: â€œWe can create even more than ever with the outlook that things will once again return to a form of normalcy,â€? Neumann said. â€œIt might be returning to a new normal, but the world needs our creativity more than ever!â€? Fresh Arts (FreshArts.org), a local arts nonprofit, has announced it is going â€œonlineâ€? for the time being, offering live streaming â€œconversationsâ€? on how artists can work through economic downturns. Topics include crisis communica-

tion, emergency grants available to artists, applying for Small Business Administration loans, unemployment eligibility for freelancers, healthcare for artists, etc. Tips will also be posted on its social media platforms. Not everything can be cancelled. Robin Baker and Wood Anthony are extending the hours of their art exhibition hoping this allows more â€œsocial distancing.â€? It is scheduled for 3-9 p.m. April 4 at Hardy & Nance Studios, 902 Hardy St. Many Houston artists have the added expense of art studio rent and no shoppers. Responses to a request about what artists are doing now returned familiar answers: cleaning, catching up and doing all those things theyâ€™ve missed when their lives were so busy just a few weeks ago. Take care of yourselves out there. Look for the opportunities in this madness. Cohen is an artist and founder of First Saturday Arts Market and the Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com.

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Contributed photo Before the cityâ€™s restrictions on restaurant sit-down service, Revive Development provided tenants with signs to designate take-out parking spaces and curbside pickup.

Ledwell said. â€œI think the majority of folks are watching things closely for the next two weeks or so.â€? To combat the lack of current activity in the market, IndyQuest agents have been doing virtual open houses and virtual tours. â€œWeâ€™re going to roll out some virtual happy hours to gather our clients and friends over Zoom meetings, or Facetime, to share a drink and some laughs even though itâ€™s not acceptable to gather in person,â€? Inderrieden said. Antelo said realtors in hard-hit King County, Washington, are still reporting the buying and selling of homes. However, large numbers of sellers deciding not to list their homes would reduce the spring inventory for willing buyers. Still, Antelo is hopeful because of the benefits still available for buyers and sellers, namely low interest rates and rising home values. â€œLooking at the data, Iâ€™m not concerned that buyers just disappear, but weâ€™re go-

ing to see a drop in the number of transactions simply because people arenâ€™t out shopping to the same extent,â€? Inderrieden said. â€œI believe prices will hold steady in the short term. Cheap oil will be the bigger driver for prices in my opinion.â€? In the commercial realm, there are also a lot of unknowns, which some developers are seeking to mitigate. â€œWe are still moving any lease negotiations forward,â€? Revive Developmentâ€™s Monica Danna said. â€œBut (weâ€™re) shifting our focus to helping to support our existing tenants.â€? To help restaurants in their developments, including those at the corner of 34th Street and Ella Boulevard, Revive delivered signage early in the week to reserve to-go and pick-up parking spaces in front of the restaurants. â€œWeâ€™re also using our social channels to help share any news they are sharing with their customers,â€? Danna said.

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Page 8A • Saturday, March 21, 2020 • The Leader

Wash, from P. 1A Houston is taking to limit the spread of the disease. He also realized that his new message would be a pretty close anagram of “Shalom Y’All” – and that he had some extra plywood to make a few extra letters. “Yo’” was a lot easier to do than “Y’all’s” or “Your,” according to Yoburn. And it is a bit of a match for his own last name. The sign’s directive, along with its humor, are quickly be-

coming a hit in the neighborhood – and on social media. “I’m getting a lot of texts from neighbors,” Yoburn said. “And thumbs up from people walking. It’s even on Reddit.” The World Health Organization on March 11 declared the outbreak of COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus, a pandemic. In an attempt to slow the spread of the disease and prevent a public health crisis for the

Houston region, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has issued a series of recommendations aimed at limiting public gatherings in the community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

to-go is going to go to pay our employees. We’re kind of lost right now,” Mosley said. “So it could be good, we could sustain with to-gos, or we could not get a lot of to-gos. We’re not McDonald’s or Whataburger.” While acknowledging that the bar and restaurant restrictions have a significant financial impact on those businesses, Hidalgo and Turner said the measures are necessary in an attempt to avoid a healthcare crises in the Houston region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday issued national guidelines limiting public gatherings to 10 or fewer people as cases of COVID-19 continue to spike in the U.S. like they have in other parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization, which last week declared the outbreak a pandemic, there have been more than 194,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 164 different countries, including more than 4,300 cases in the U.S. The disease has led to more than 7,800 deaths globally. The number of positive COVID-19 tests in the Houston area surpassed 30 this week, and local officials are scrambling to expand testing with the expectation that many more people are infected. “The reality is we’re at a pivotal point right now,” Hidalgo said. “The decisions we make, the decisions you make, to go out in groups and whether to stay home will very much determine whether people live or die.” Area bar and restaurant owners hope their businesses are not killed off in the process. Mosley said closures beyond two weeks will be “dev-

astating” for most bars and restaurants because revenues will decrease while overhead costs remain steady. That sentiment was echoed by Naro Mak, the owner of Hartz Krispy Chicken Buffet at 1215 Pinemont Dr. But Mak, The Leader of the Year in 2018, said he will not cut his hours of operation or the hours of his employees, even if that means taking a personal pay cut. He’s also among the area restaurant owners who are offering incentives to try to drum up business. For every customer who spends at least $40 at Hartz, Mak said he will provide a 10-piece chicken meal with mashed potatoes and rolls to a family in need. If people send him at least $40 through an electronic payment app, Mak said he will provide two of those meals for families in need. “I ain’t asking for a handout, brother, but I need some help,” he said. “And if they’re going to spend money on me, I’m going to continue to take care of my community, man.” Like Salyers at Mytiburger, the owner of Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop Terrace on 19th Street is trying to adapt and make the most of an unenviable situation. Alli Jarrett posted a picture of herself wearing a pizza costume on Facebook, also letting community members know that she might personally deliver food, beer or wine ordered from her business. For every to-go order worth at least $50, Harold’s said it would offer a $20 gift certificate. “Surely a pizza mascot can bring some smiles to a horrible situation for all human beings right now,” Jarrett wrote, ending her post with the hashtag #washyourhands.

Restaurants, from P. 1A Photo by Adam Zuvanich Hunter Burke, 6, takes a practice swing during a T-ball game March 7 at Oaks Dads’ Club. It was the first game for Burke, who is autistic.

Hunter, from P. 1A week later. Following the lead of Houston ISD and amidst concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus, the area youth sports association has called off all its baseball, softball and soccer games and practices until at least April 10. That means ODC’s annual Opening Day parade and celebration, scheduled for March 28, will not happen as planned. And more than 500 kids who participate in the longstanding organization are stuck on the sidelines. ODC president Danielle Soria-Orozco called it a “very difficult time” for the organization, but she’s glad that a special youngster with special needs got a chance to play. She said other kids with autism have played with ODC in recent years. “Our organization is about giving children the opportunity to play, no matter what,” she said. “It makes me incredibly proud that we can make that happen.” Burke’s mother, Shelly, and maternal grandparents, Bill and Peggy Davis, were even more excited to watch him play a team sport for the first time. They sat in the stands and cheered him on, with Bill Davis occasionally walking down to the fence line to take photos. They said Hunter had not previously shown an interest or inclination toward baseball or sports in general, but they signed him up to play at the urging of Abel. Her hus-

band, Brandon, is in charge of recreation at Next Step, and had helped Hunter with rockclimbing, and they thought T-ball would be a good experience for him. Peggy Davis said she initially was “terrified” for her grandson, worrying that he might be made fun of by other players. But his first game went smoothly, with Hunter noticeably enjoying himself and taking his strikeouts in stride. “It’s really cool,” Bill Davis said during the game. “Our hearts are just beaming with pride right now.” Shelly Burke said her son, who Lauren Abel described as high-functioning autistic, started showing signs when he was about 3 years old. Hunter did not meet expected milestones in terms of verbal skills and eye contact. His family said he still struggles with social skills and communication, but he’s displayed proficiency in other areas, including academics. Bill Davis said Hunter has an exceptional memory and is interested in the way things work. He also likes to play the piano. “He’s very smart,” Shelly Burke said. “He’s very good at math and reading and music.” Bill Davis said Hunter’s social and motor skills have improved during his year or so at Next Step. The family moved from Corpus Christi to Houston so Hunter could attend the academy, which opened in 2005 and is located at 5400 Mitchelldale St. C1.

Next Step also is partnering with Mytiburger, a longtime neighborhood restaurant at 2211 W. 43rd St. Two of its other pupils, a 16-year-old and 20-year-old, are working twohour shifts twice per week at Mytiburger as part of an unpaid internship that teaches them job skills. They also were helping at the concession stand at Oaks Dads’ Club, which is run by Mytiburger owner Shawn Salyers. He said his 11-yearold daughter, Debra, is highfunctioning autistic and goes to tutoring at Next Step. “So I support what they do,” Salyers said of the academy. Hunter’s family credited the support of the Abels and Oaks Dads’ Club for allowing him to feel like a normal kid alongside his peers. Brandon Abel is an assistant coach for the Huskies, whose head coach is John Anguiano. Shelly Burke said the T-ball experience could be a “huge step” in her son’s development. The next step for Hunter, when he gets to play again, is to make a play in the field or make better contact with the ball. Brandon Abel said Hunter usually swings harder than he did March 7, so nervousness or the pressure of a crowd could have been a factor. He has plenty of time to practice at home before playing in his next game. “Batting was really tough, so he’ll work on that,” Lauren Abel said. “He’s just got to get some hip rotation.”

their businesses to takeout, delivery and drive-through service in an attempt to limit crowds and slow the spread of COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus that is upending ways of life all across the globe. “I’m trying to put a nice spin on it, but it’s hard,” said Mytiburger owner Shawn Salyers, an Army veteran. “You’ve got to improvise, adapt and overcome. I’m exmilitary, so that’s what we do.” Eateries aren’t the only businesses affected by the social distancing edict made Monday by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who followed the lead of government officials in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. All bars and nightclubs in the city and county were ordered to close Tuesday for a period of at least 15 days, the same span as the restaurant restrictions. Heights resident Gary Mosley is the owner of the Creek Group, which manages five bar-and-grill concepts in the Heights, Washington Avenue and River Oaks areas. They typically are hot spots during happy hour and on weekends, but now they are forced to shut down the bar portion of their operation and focus on to-go food orders. Mosley said he hopes the company – which includes Cactus Cove, Canyon Creek Café Bar & Grill, Cedar Creek Bar & Grill and Onion Creek Coffeehouse Bar & Lounge – can make do and keep all of its 200-plus employees. But he’s worried about the days and weeks to come, especially because monthly state sales tax payments were due on Friday. “We don’t know how this

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