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Inside Today: Professional medical tower opening in summer • Page 1B

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10570 NW Frwy 713-680-2350

SATURDAY | January 11, 2014 | Vol. 60 | No. 10 | www.theleadernews.com | @heightsleader

Neighbors want club closed

THE BRIEF.

by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

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832.419.9969

City offers tips for reporting graffitti

If citizens see graffiti in the city of Houston, the Department of Neighborhoods encourages them to call 311 to report it.

If it’s on their own property, contact law enforcement to report criminal mischief or vandalism.

With graffiti, it’s not always clear whether it’s gang-related or simply criminal mischief, but Patricia Harrington, Division Manager of the Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office, said residents can e-mail photos to her at patricia.harrington@houstontx.gov, to help make a determination.

Private residents are generally responsible for removing graffiti on their property, but the Department of Neighborhoods will assist in some cases, with elderly or disabled residents.

Garden Oaks residents have protested the renewal of La Villita Night Club’s beer license.

Garden Oaks residents and State Rep. Jessica Farrar are working to ensure that the La Villita Night Club, 829 W. 34th St., doesn’t have its beer license renewed by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett’s office.

“The bar presented a lot of safety concerns for (people) that live behind there,” Farrar said. “There are allegations of prostitution and drinking outside of the premises in the late hours, with people leaving there who are intoxicated.”

In Texas, beer licenses are approved by

Neighbors have safety concerns about the bar located on 34th Street.

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the County Judge’s office. They are renewed every two years and allow licenseholders to serve beer and wine on the nightclub’s premises.

About 50 Garden Oaks residents, along with Farrar and attorney Al Van Huff, at-

Flooding the Market

You’re going to regret it if you don’t do this.

Your dog isn’t going to use puppy eyes on you.

And you think your cat glares at you now? Just wait.

Tuesday, Jan. 14, is the deadline to nominate your beloved pet into the 2nd Annual Leader Loveables contest. Voting begins when all the pets are published in the Jan. 18 edition of The Leader and ends on Monday, Jan. 27.

If you need that little push to get your pet registered this year, well, we’ve got just the thing.

Ten local businesses have pitched in to provide what may just be the greatest package of gifts your pet will ever see. Arne’s Distributors, Fairbanks Animal Clinic, Harmony Electric, Royalty Pet Center, C&D Hardware, Big Dog & Miss Kitti’s Pet Sitting Services, Houston Humane Society, Scoop le Poop, Paws Pet Resort and Photography by Design all have agreed to be part of this year’s Leader Loveables contest.

Each business has agreed to provide an impressive collection of gifts that will make your Loveable forget all about Christmas.

New this year, Wayne Sandlin at Photography

by Design has agreed to offer each winner (two dogs and two cats) photo sessions at his studios – or wherever you’d like. He’ll allow up to five family members to join in the shoot, and he’ll provide a free print to the winners. Now how often does your pet get a free modeling session with a professional photographer?

The rules are pretty easy and details, along with a nomination form, can be found on Page 8A of today’s edition.

The best part is you can do this all online. Go to www.theleadernews.com, click the Leader Loveables button at the top right and get your pet what he or she deserves. Fame.

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An aerial view (above) of neighborhoods after White Oak Bayou flooded shows what could happen to homes if another flood occured. Below, a view without a flood.

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See More, 5B

THE INDEX.

Public Safety Hipstrict Topics Obituaries Coupons Puzzles Sports Classifieds

2A 7A 3A 5A 4A 3A 4B 5B

see License • Page 8A

Time running out on cutest pet nominees

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What

tended a hearing on Dec. 19 by County Judge Ed Emmett’s office in which they presented evidence and police reports of illegal activity at La Villita.

Emmett’s office is expected to make a judgement on the case within the next few days.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) conducted its own investigation and decided not to protest La Villita’s beer license. Through its investigation, the TABC, however, found that La Villita failed to report several breaches of the peace.

See Entry Form Page 8A

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Insurance fears frighten buyers

by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com The Biggert-Waters flood insurance bill, passed with overwhelming and bipartisan support in 2012, is causing large flood insurance rate increases for local residents and others in coastal areas.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) and Rep. Maxine Waters (DCA), went to the House of Representatives shortly after Superstorm Sandy caused more than $50 billion in damage in New Jersey and New York. The bill passed by a vote of 406-22, and was later included in a larger transportation bill.

Now, it could affect the real estate market in parts of the Houston area that are included on the flood map, according to local insurance agent Vickie McClain.

“(After Superstorm Sandy), Congress got paranoid with losses in multiple states – flood losses and wind losses,” McClain said. “(Now), Congress decided not to vote on repealing parts of the Biggert-Waters bill for the rate increases.”

The State of Louisiana has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the legislation, and even Waters told the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey that she is “committed to resolving the problems that have resulted from the implementation of the Biggert-Waters Act.” McClain said Congress could reverse course if the State of Louisiana is successful in its lawsuit against FEMA. “These things could drive people out of their homes,” McClain said. “It would

see Flood • Page 8A

Heist of Heights grapefruits ends with a good laugh

by Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Elena Coates and Bruce Wilcoxon were anticipating the harvest of their front yard grapefruit tree in the Heights. “They take about a year to ripen,” said Coates. “The kids were excited about it.” After looking at their tree one evening in the setting sun, the family decided to pick the grapefruit that weekend. But they never got the chance.

A neighbor told Coates that she had seen a man in a silver four-door sedan pull up in the early evening and methodically pick all the fruit off the tree to load into crates.

After a period of complete shock, the couple tried to figure out what had happened.

Had someone been casing their grapefruit tree? Were they going to eat it, to sell it in

Neighbor Rie Congelio brings over some homemade Grapefruitcello and gets to meet Kent Keith after hearing the story.

(Photo by Betsy Denson) a farmers market? Wilcoxon wondered if someone was going to get into a property line argument with him and claim the tree

wasn’t in his yard.

Coates put a note on the tree and also shared the experience on Nextdoor. Then,

shortly before Christmas, Karen Gordon and Kent Keith, a couple who live five blocks away, knocked on the door and introduced themselves as the culprits.

“Once we stopped laughing and shaking hands, they explained that they volunteer for Fruit Share Houston, a group that harvests unwanted healthy citrus fruit and shares it with those in need in our community,” wrote Coates in an update on Nextdoor. “Our neighbor across the street and two doors down had invited them to stop by anytime and harvest all of her citrus.”

Keith had accidentally harvested from the wrong house. The case of mistaken fruitdentity was discovered the following week when the Gordons were verifying the do-

see Heist • Page 8A

Page 2A • The Leader • January 11, 2014 • @heightsleader

Former Harvard teacher charged with indecency A former Harvard Elementary second grade teacher has been charged with indecency with a child, according to our news partner, KHOU Channel 11.

The incident allegedly happened three years ago but was reported last October.

Since then, the teacher, Miguel Yepez, has been reassigned to non-classroom duty away from campus.

Yepez is out on bond and didn’t respond when a Channel 11 news crew showed up at his home.

According to Yepez’s neighbor, Raul Hernandez, Yepez has two young sons of his own.

Hopkins charged with robbery

FBI releases photo of Compass bank robber

The FBI is releasing photographs of a man who robbed a BBVA Compass Bank on Dec. 30 at 1217 W. 43rd St. The robber entered the bank and verbally demanded money. He left after receiving an undisclosed amount of cash.

The robber was last seen walking towards Ella Blvd. No one was physically hurt during the robbery.

The bank robber was described as a heavy set white male in his mid-thirties, 6-feet tall and 250 pounds with a light complexion. He was unshaven and wore a plaid jacket, baseball style hat, sunglasses, and an orange backpack.

Woman injured in Sherwood assault

Police arrested Floyd Hopkins and charged Hopkins him with two counts of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon after an alleged crime spree on the evening of Dec. 30 in the 3400 block of N. Shepherd.

Hopkins, 37, allegedly robbed a 20year-old Pink’s Pizza employee by holding a sharpened gardening tool to his throat before fleeing.

He then fled to Cottonwood where he allegedly got into argument and punched a 32-year-old man in the face, allegedly stole a purse and dropped it before fleeing.

Police found and arrested Hopkins at approximately 11:20 p.m.

Waid charged

HPD arrested Joshua Stuart Waid and charged him with violation of a protective Waid order, a felony charge.

Waid, 25, allegedly went to the home of a 32-year-old female in the 600 block of Kelley at 1 a.m. Jan. 1. He allegedly assaulted the victim, and it was later determined that he was in violation of a protective order.

The victim suffered minor injuries and was checked at the scene.

A 44-year-old female was assaulted by a suspect known to her at 12:15 a.m. on Jan. 1 in the 3900 block of Sherwood Lane.

She allowed the 38-year-old male suspect into her apartment, and he began assaulting her. The victim, who was transported to Memorial Hermann Northwest, provided police with the suspect’s name.

Attempted robbery on Glebe

A 36-year-old male and a 32-year-old female said they were robbed at gunpoint by two males who they described as 6-feet tall, 160-pound black males in their late teens at 7:55 p.m. on Dec. 31 in the 4300 block of Glebe Road. They said at least one of the suspects was armed.

The victims didn’t have any money, and the suspects fled the location without anything. There were no injuries.

Domestic assault on Seaspray

A 51-year-old female said her 48year-old boyfriend assaulted her with a kitchen instrument and fled the scene prior to officers arriving at 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 in the 1700 block of Seaspray Court. She provided her boyfriend’s name to police, but there hasn’t been an arrest yet.

The victim suffered minor injuries but didn’t have to go to the hospital.

Former STH coach pleads guilty

A former St. Thomas High wrestling coach has admitted to having child pornography, according to our news partner, KHOU Channel 11.

Gordon Daniel Oehmig, a former Texas high school wrestling coach of the year at STH, pled guilty in court on Monday. He’ll be sentenced in April.

Oehmig was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography in October 2012. Authorities found photos and videos of evidence on his home computer.

Taylor charged with assaulting an officer

Eva Margaret Taylor was charged with assault and bodily injury to a public servant at 1:30 a.m. Jan. 1 in the 2400 block of Washington Ave. Taylor, 35, and another female were involved in an altercation, when an HPD officer arrived to stop the fight. Taylor allegedly bit Taylor and kicked the officer as he tried to intervene.

Assault on Michaux

A 46-year-old female told police that her ex 53-year-old boyfriend assaulted her and took her cell phone at 2:40 a.m. on Jan. 1 in the 5200 block of Michaux.

No charges have been filed in the case.

BB gun vandal arrested

Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen has announced the arrest of Heights resident Steven Paul Young, 19, in the BB gun vandalism case that took place in Woodland Heights last month.

Young is charged with felony criminal mischief. When Precinct One deputies arrested him, he also had marijuana in his possession, along with a digital scale and a ledger showing recent marijuana sales.

He was charged with possessing between 0 and 2 ounces of marijuana.

Twenty-three vehicles had windows and other parts damaged between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight on Dec. 8.

An eyewitness saw the vehicle shooting out the windows was a white truck with a black camper on top of it.

The next day, another neighbor noticed an individual trying to remove the black camper from his white pickup truck and contacted the Constable’s office.

Rosen estimated the damage to the vehicles at $28,000.

The Constable’s office is currently investigating a potential accomplice in the case.

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Page 3A • The Leader • January 11, 2014 • @heightsleader

PROUD NEWS PARTNER WITH

If health stats are a sign, we should play more golf A

t the beginning of each New Year, I’d imagine we all stop and take inventory of where we are in life.

We dream up accomplishments for the next 12 months, plot a strategy for making some serious changes to our carbohydrate intake, and resolve to be better people. You know, all that stuff.

It’s certainly not my place to be your life coach, but I got an email recently that screamed “Share this with your readers.”

And seeing how the second section of this paper is our Health section, the timing seems impeccable.

The United Health Foundation (the tax write-off arm of the mega healthcare provider) releases an annual report called “America’s Health Rankings.” I always read these things with skepticism, mainly because I’ve never been surveyed for one of them, but I also understand there’s power in knowledge. And if we don’t feel bad enough already for dumping our resolutions after nine days of effort, this report is certain to get you back on the treadmill.

The highlights, according to the foundation, are that most Texans could literally meet their Maker any day now.

We’re the 14th most unhealthy state in

THE READER.

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

the Union. Hawaii is the most healthy – shocking, considering all that exposure to relaxation, coconut oils and UV rays.

But let’s not dream of the islands. Let’s stay focused on our problems here at home.

The highlights (yes, the good parts) of the study: More than 3.3 million adults smoke in Texas. That’s good? Apparently, it ranks us 20th in the United States. My theory is that we rank above average because it’s either 103 or 33 degrees outside, and since the smokers have been brandished to sit at Metro stops to take their tokes, we’ve seen great improvement in our carcinogen intake (except when we venture south of the Loop). And besides, we don’t

Watching your coverage

Dear Editor: I especially appreciate your publishing the letter from Amy Lawson that contained additional detail about Mr. Walker’s real estate transactions. I appreciate her ‘drilling down’ to obtain more facts and further clarification on the complaint.

I also concur with Roger Watkins’ and Linda Trejo’s assertions that your newspaper articles support the views of the wellheeled. Here I must admit I haven’t researched enough articles to determine which interests also support the paper with advertising, so that will be on my radar in the coming months.

Thanks, too, for publishing Kent Marsh’s thoughtful summary on historic preservation and ‘Name Witheld’s’ clarification of Ms. Powells’ position on preservation.

Too often, the press both local and national accepts statements and theories without asking researched questions. For example, last week’s Wall Street Journal contained an article on home prices sourced entirely from Zillow, which is a secondary source.

The writer and his audience would have been better served by contacting the National Association of Realtors for accurate information.

Doris Murdock

History being revised

Dear Editor: Amy Larson’s letter in the January 4 Leader concerning the establishment of the historic designation in the Heights was a piece of revisionist history. In response to Mike Walker’s previous letter, she states that “the majority of home owners in your area of the

really like to ride Metro.

Another highlight is that the prevalence of binge drinking in Texas has decreased from 18.9 percent to 16.2 percent of adults. I don’t think it’s fair that we leave the kiddos off the list here, but I’m just the messenger.

Binge drinking, according to the foundation, is defined as the percentage of adults who self report having four or more drinks (if you’re a woman) or five or more drinks (if you’re a man) in one sitting at least once in the past 30 days.

There are some obvious flaws with this statistic. Namely, why can’t women have as many drinks. I thought our country got past that in the ’70s. More problematic is that we really have no idea how much people drink because we always tell the police officer, or our spouses, that we only had two. So when some prude calls from the health department, asking how many drinks we had in one sitting, I’m assuming most of us would say, “I only had two,” thus rendering the statistic void. Regardless, it’s a good thing we drink less.

Among other highlights are that we have a low rate of drug deaths, we tend to take fewer poor mental health days per

But there’s one category that absolutely cannot be blamed on chance, and it’s the worst health statistic we have in Texas.

We rank 42nd in the United States in physical activity. We can thank most of our border states for keeping us from the lowest rank, and we can scorn those gym rats in Oregon for being the most active state in the country (hard to believe, but they do chop a lot of trees up there).

America’s Health Rankings defines physical activity fairly: “The percentage of adults who report doing no physical activity or exercise (such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening or walking) other than their regular job in the last 30 days.

In Texas, 27.2 percent of all people apparently don’t take walks, pick weeds or hit golf balls. What is wrong with us?

Do we all have hired lawn crews? More than a quarter of us aren’t walking anywhere except from the parking lot to our cubicles?

My guess is it’s just too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, spring and fall last a combined one weekend, and we can’t have more than two beers playing golf.

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

OUR STAFF Heights voted in favor of the historic designation, and there was no shadow conspiracy on the part of City Hall.” Oh how wrong she is! While it is true that more than 50 percent of the homeowners in Heights West, including myself, signed a petition establishing a historic district, it also included a provision that the owner could demolish their property after a 90-day holding period to protect property owner’s rights.

The City then changed the rule negating the 90-day demolition provision. A town hall was held and there was overwhelming opposition to the change. In the meeting, the City Council representatives agreed to hold a vote, but then they pulled a Christmas surprise by sending out a postcard in mid-December, while everyone was distracted by the holidays, requesting a vote.

However, the way the vote worked was that if you did not return the postcard opposing the historic ordinance, then you were automatically counted as being in favor of it. If elections were held this way and anyone who did not vote was assumed to support the incumbent, then only incumbents would be reelected.

Why do you think there are still signs in Heights’ yards that say, “Free the Heights. When’s the vote?”. This was not a shadow conspiracy, it was boldly executed in front of everyone.

Randy Johnson

Matthew Garman

Beautiful tribute to a sweet boy who will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who knew him.

Emily Berman From Facebook.com/THE LEADER.

You’re taking worthless pills THE MEDICINE CABINET – This is a warning about your health, money, and overly hyped, totally useless bad things we are doing to our body, because Big Pharma, in cahoots with some doctors, is making a fortune selling snake oil, and we are buying it by the billions. I’m taking vitamin A for reduced anger. B for induced bellicosity which is why I take A. Then I take C to counter cancer. Next I take D through U daily for reasons I can’t remember.

However, I also take newspapers, and here is an article saying that a new study is out by five world-renowned scientific researchers who say, and I quote: “Stop wasting your money.” The scientists have gone through other studies and made their own on the value of us taking vitamins, and we do take them. Between 1988 and 1994, some 42 percent of us swallowed these supplements daily. Between 2003 and 2006, that figure rose to 50 percent, where it stands today – one out of every two of us. In 2011 that came to $30 billion worth of mostly worthless pills.

Indeed, the study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, says some of these pills may actually do more harm than good.

(Dietary supplements account for nearly 20 percent of drug-related liver injuries that turn up in hospitals, up from 7 percent a decade ago.) The researchers give a neutral to vitamin D because they can’t prove its usefulness either way. As for the others, there is no doubt, or as they say, scientifically, “The message is simple.

Most supplements do not prevent chronic disease or death, their use is not justified and they should be avoided.” Adding, if there is any doubt, “The case is closed.” So is my vitamin cabinet.

Does your child have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Do you? Absolutely.

ADHD is running through our society in epidemic proportions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the diagnosis has been made in 15 percent of high school-age children, and that the number of children on medication for the disorder had soared from 600,000 in1990 to 3.5

month (probably because we didn’t know we could take them), and we have a low rate of cancer deaths in Texas, which is actually encouraging and speaks to our wonderful healthcare.

But you didn’t come here to learn what we do well, did you? Good, because the foundation has that information blaring from the top of the page.

For starters, we have a very high percentage of uninsured people. Guess we can check that one off the list. The Affordable Obama Law has fixed that problem, thank goodness. Resolution resolved.

My projection, at the end of 2014, is that we’ll have greatly improved the number of uninsured residents, but that will be replaced by an increase in poverty and blood pressure, rendering it a wash.

Another lowlight is that we rank 40th in the nation in Salmonella cases, which apparently means there are 10 other states in the Union that eat more raw chicken than we do. Actually, I have no idea how we can be held accountable for the amount of Salmonella in our diets.

So just like the uninsured, let’s just chalk that one off to chance and oven temperature.

A SH BY AT L ARG E

million today. Why? A hint: The most prominent medical publication in the field, The Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, went from no ads for ADHD medications between 1990 and 1993 to about 100 pages per year a decade later. Almost every full-page color ad was for an ADHD drug. “The numbers (of pills) make it look like an epidemic. Well, it’s not. It’s preposterous,” said Dr. Keith Conners, a psychologist and professor emeritus at Duke University. “This is a concoction to justify the giving out of medication at unprecedented and unjustifiable levels.”

Why have we been taking all these pills? Yet another clue: The prosperous international pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (one word) said it will no longer pay doctors and health care professionals to speak on its behalf about its products or the diseases they treat “to audiences who can prescribe or influence prescribing.” Apparently this is common practice in Big Pharma – paying doctors and scientific researchers to tell other docs how good the company’s $100-a-pill is.

Wow, is that an eye-opener (UJ8 Eye-Openers, $45 a pop). Next time your doctor prescribes some wonder pill, ask about his/her allexpense-paid trip to Monaco for that medical convention and panel discussion.

After all this pill popping I need to wash my hands. But first let me finish this other article in the paper: “After more than 40 years of study, the U.S. government says it has found no evidence that common antibacterial soaps prevent the spread of germs, and regulators want the makers of Dawn, Dial and other household staples to prove that their products do not pose health risks to consumers.”

Huh? The FDA lab rats say they are taking a second and third look at triclosan and other sanitizing agents found in soap in America’s kitchens and bathrooms. That includes yours. It’s not just Dawn and Dial that are suspect. Tricolsan is used in all sorts of household cleaning products for its allegedly germ-killing power. The FDA says it may be no better than hot water and soap, and may even be worse: Recent studies show triclosan and similar substances can spur the growth of drug-resistant bacteria.

Spur the growth? We’re actually fertilizing the little bugs.

What we are seeing is a TV-commercial-led juggernaut telling us to take this or that pill or underarm jell or use some antibacterial soaps to be healthy and live longer and cleaner. But what these researchers have found is that so much of it is snake oil sold by con artists whom we believe to have our best interests at heart. They put someone in a white lab coat with a stethoscope around his or her neck, gray hair, maybe a mustache, (on the women) and they’ve got gravitas, telling us to pop this pill. Be careful when you hear, “Some studies suggest. . .” Suggest? These studies right here declare just the opposite. We are being conned. “Stop wasting your money.”

Men, are you a bit tired after running a 24-mile marathon? Do you sweat in a sauna? Then you might have Low T! Yes, I’ve saved the worst for last. We now live in a testosterone time, when billions of dollars are spent telling men over 40 that they are over 40. TV ads cover sports and the evening news, where the geezers dwell. It’s working. Between 2001 and 2011, American males 40 years or older increased their use of the hormone testosterone as a topical gel more than five times. IMS Health, a health care information company, says the marketing of Low T helped propel sales of testosterone gels, patches and such to about $2 billion in the U.S. last year. In 2002, sales were a mere $324 million. I’d take a skeptical pill, but they tell me I’m too tired.

Ashby is High T at ashby2@comcst.net

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The Puzzles.

Solutions in this issue’s classsied section.

ACROSS Cont...

41. 17th Hebrew letter 42. Attached at the base 48. Reexive form of one 50. Carbolic acid 51. Worldly rather than spiritual 52. Worked for income 53. A Loloish language 54. One point E (clockwise) of due N 55. Common college degree 56. Of cadmium 58. East by north 59. Delightful surprises 60. Color

CLUES DOWN

CLUES ACROSS 1. Indicates before 4. Printed from a plate 10. Brain activity test 11. Wading birds 12. Atomic #18 14. Writer Tan 15. Tear 16. An unfortunate accident 18. Send out rays 22. Emphasize 23. Genetic throwback

24. A large and noisy party 26. With reference to 27. Mild yellow Dutch cheese 28. Aoudad 30. 100 = 1 tala in W. Samoa 31. Military mailbox 34. No. Saudi Arabian desert 36. Constitution Hall is HQ 37. Scree (plural) 39. Apple, pear, quince 40. Religious song

SUDOKU

1. Female peafowl 2. Return to custody 3. Citizen of Cairo 4. What was that?

5. Gardens in shbowls 6. Cause to be or to become 7. Civic or Accord 8. Chicories 9. Set of data 12. Fan-based music awards 13. Wealthy 17. __-: “Star Trek” genre 19. Helped 20. Blue Nile source (alt. sp.)

21. Starch wheat 25. Breakfast citrus 29. Flying saucer 31. Monastic Republic Mount 32. “Miracle on 34th Street” actor John 33. Ancient C. American people 35. Dug lower 38. Restricted in outlook 41. Liquid body substance 43. Ragged 44. Unagitated 45. Hostelry 46. Leopold’s crime partner 47. Spanish footwear museum city 49. Slur over in pronunciations 56. Constitution state 57. Atomic #55

Page 4A • The Leader • January 11, 2014 • @heightsleader

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Hitting the jackpot with a Golden Girl (or boy) Molly

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By Molly Sue McGillicutty Is there anything cuter than a puppy or a kitten? Not much that I can think of--but you want to know what’s not always so cute?

Having to train and teach them the rules of your home; middle of the night feedings and bursts of energy; destructive behaviors...the list goes on and on. I’d never, ever be one to discourage you from adopting a puppy or a kitten but today, I’d like to plant a seed with you: What about a senior pet? If you’ve never thought about it, here are some benefits of adopting a pet in their “golden years.”

Energy levels: An older pet would likely rather cuddle on the couch then run laps around the living room. This is not to say that an older pet won’t have the energy or endurance to go play at the park with you and your family--I’m just

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oud snoring by itself is only a social problem. If the person that sleeps with the snorer can tolerate the noise, then there is no concern. If, however, the snoring is accompanied by periods of time when the person stops breathing completely, then the snorer may have a serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.

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This can happen over and over, sometimes hundreds of times each night.

The continued interruption of one’s sleep and the constant fluctuation in the oxygen level in the body can have very significant health risks. Excessive daytime sleepiness is common and can cause car wrecks and poor job performance. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, impotence, gastric reflux and depression are all associated with OSA. It is a serious medical condition, often undiagnosed, that needs treatment.

Choose Me

If one sweet, exotic, social cat is good then two would be great, right? Meet Lenny and Lance, both seven months old--one a Russian Blue and one a Bombay Black--and just the best of friends. They love to play with toys and be held but want to go to their new home together. Come visit these bosom buddies at Save A Cat Rescue on the weekends from 12-5 p.m. or during the week by appointment. Go to www.saveacatrescue.org for more information. shape, you sort of know what you’re getting.

Save some money: Your senior pet will most likely have already been spayed/neutered and be up to date on their vaccinations, which is a big financial commitment that you have to make when you adopt

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Short-term commitment: Yes, it sounds grim, but if you’re not in a position to offer the next 20 years of your life to a pet, adopting a senior animal might be a good solution.

Prepared as a public service to promote better dental health.

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You’ll be a hero: Puppies and kittens are the stars of the show at most shelters, so they’re typically the first to get adopted. Senior pets are often overlooked and are among the first to be euthanized.

By adopting a senior pet, you’re truly saving a life and making a difference. You’ll also have an animal who appreciates what you’ve done for them and will be forever loyal.

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OBITUARIES

THE CALENDAR. YMCA OPEN HOUSE Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA

and the 10th year anniversary of the van der Pols ownership Jan. 20, at 4610 N. Shepherd. A slide show on the history of the garage will be shown throughout the day. At noon will be a free lunch for the customers. Call by Jan. 15 to RSVP. At 5:30 p.m. there will be a preview tour of the Liberty Garage waiting room. Cake and punch (or hot cocoa) will be served at 6 p.m. Movie night will be at 6:30 p.m. honoring MLK with “Amazing Grace.”

Information: 713-695-5071, after hours 713-826-1603, www.adolfhoepfl.com.

Come by for a open house Jan. 11, at the Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA, 1234 W. 34th St. Enjoy a Master Flow class at 9 a.m., followed by a noon Zumba class. There will be tours, information on all programs and more. Two 47-inch TVs will be given away and a waiving of the joining fee. Information: 713-869-3378, www.ymcahouston.org.

OFHA MONTHLY MEETING Candlelight Park Community Center

GHACC ECONOMIC FORECAST LUNCH Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel

Issues such as city-related concerns affecting the neighborhood, current OFHA membership, and upcoming events will be discussed. Meetings are the second Monday of the month. The next meeting is at 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at 1520 Candlelight Ln. Information: www.ofha.org.

Invite clients and colleagues to the Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon, featuring Dr. Bill Gilmer, professor of economics at the Bauer School of Business at the University of Houston, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 23. There will also be exhibits and networking. The hotel is located at 3000 North Loop West. Information: 713861-6735, www.heightschamber.com.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE Houston Bar Association

The Houston Bar Association offers free legal advice over the phone through LegalLine. The next session in English will be from 5-9 p.m. Jan. 15. Information: 713-759-1133, www.hba.org.

SONS OF LEGIONAIRES STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560

LADIES CAR CLINIC Adolf Hoepfl and Son Garage

Come by for a delicious steak dinner with sides. The entertainment will be Reta Rebstock. Plates will be served beginning at 6 p.m. until sold out, Jan. 17. The American Legion Post 560 is at 3720 Alba.

Information: 713-682-9287.

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION NIGHT Adolf Hoepfl and Son Garage

Come celebrate 68 years of business

Page 5A • The Leader • January 11, 2014 • www.theleadernews.com

Join Virginia and Sybren van der Pol as they teach the essentials of basic car maintenance from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 23, at 4610 N. Shepherd. The cost is $10 and includes a complimentary tire pressure gauge and other materials. To download a flyer, visit the website. Information: 713-695-5071, after hours 713-826-1603, www.adolfhoepfl.com.

OPEN HOUSE St. Jerome’s Catholic School

a.m.-2 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, log on to www.stjeromecs.org or call 713-4687946.

FIRST FINANCIAL NIGHT GHACC/Waltrip High School

The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce and Waltrip High School are co-sponsoring a free night of financial information from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 28. This event is open to the community and will be held at Waltrip High School, 1900 W. 34th St. Representatives of banks, credit unions, investment firms and CPA’s will be on hand to answer questions, provide information and give assistance regarding investments, retirement, savings and guidelines on paying for higher education. Information: 713-861-6735, www. heightschamber.com.

Reunions SAM HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1974 40TH REUNION The Greer and Loudermilk Conference Center

The Sam Houston High School class of 1974 is hosting their 40th reunion from 6-11 p.m. on April 26. The cost is $40 per person and includes food, fun, dancing and prizes. The Greer and Loudermilk Conference Center is located at 4225 Interwood North Parkway. Mail payment on or before March 1, payable to: SHHS Class of 1974, c/o D Patterson, 3004 Coronado, College Station 77845. Information: 713539-7892.

Guadalupe “Lupe” Aguilar III, born June 4, 1960 in Corpus Christi, died Dec. 29. Aguilar was raised in Houston. He is remembered as a kind hearted, generous and considerate person who enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his daughters Michelle, Priscilla and Emily, mother Janie Aguilar, sisters Rose, Grace and Sandra, and four grandchildren.

Carol Lenoir “Lee” Burrows, born April 13, 1928 in Houston, died Dec. 30. Burrows graduated from Reagan High School in 1947. After graduation he joined the Naval Reserve.

Lee worked for Santa Fe Railroad as a telegrapher. He then went to work for Henke and Pillot (which became Kroger) in the transportation department as a mechanic. Burrows retired from Kroger in 1990 after 40 years of service. He was a member of Memorial Lutheran Church and served on the board of trustees.

He is survived by his wife Joyce, children Brenda, Pamela, Darrell and Gary; brothers Claude and Roland, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Martha Jean Wagner Calvert, 63, died Jan. 3, after suffering a heart attack following a brave battle with cancer.

Calvert was a native Houstonian. She attended Spring Branch High School and Lamar University where she met her husband Dan. They were married in 1971 and celebrated their 42nd anniversary this year. Calvert spent the last 14 years managing the office of Dr. Don Methvin, DDS in North Houston. She is survived by her husband Dan, daughter Courtney, brother Larry, and one grandson. Memorial donations may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Pauline Riggs Dillard, 105, born May 15, 1908 in Houston, died Dec. 29. Dillard was a labor and delivery nurse at Heights Hospital for 30 years. She is survived by her son, Bob Dillard, and one granddaughter. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or to the church/charity of one’s choice.

Elmer James Kassell, 83, born July 30, 1930, died Jan. 3.

Jimmy Lee Kujawa, 67, born Dec. 13, 1946, died Dec. 24.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 13, at Our Savior Lutheran, 5000 W. Tidwell, Houston 77091.

St. Jerome’s, 8825 Kempwood, will host open houses on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 11

Madelon McDanel, 56, born July 5, 1957, died Dec. 26, after heroically battling lymphoma and leukemia. McDanel was the daughter of Joyce A. Clay and William Leon McDaniel of Houston. She was always seeking, planning, acting, and fulfilling her goals. She consecrated everyday by being present with her work, her job, her friends, her art and her goals. She will be remembered for her spiritedness, strength of will, artistic talent, creativity, humor and beauty. She is survived by her sister Milly M. Emmons. A celebration of McDanel’s life will be held at Lambda Center, 1201 Clay St., Houston 77019, at 2 p.m. Jan. 11. Please wear something purple, which was her favorite color. Memorial contributions may be made to Lambda Center or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Shirley Ann Parker-Canvasser, 65, born June 21, 1948, died Dec. 29. Parker-Canvasser is survived by her husband Charles Canvasser, son Scott Parker, sisters Peggy Brown, Mary Graham, Betty Taite and Ginger Myklebust, and one granddaughter.

Ralph Merlin Riley, 91, born Dec. 26, 1922 in Houston, died Dec. 26. Riley graduated from Jeff Davis High School. In 1941, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a hospital corpsman with the Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater of Operations. At the end of the war he was assigned to occupational duty in Japan where, as a hospital corpsman, his service included providing medical care for victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After World War II he continued his military service in the Naval Reserve and was then called back to full duty in 1965 until 1967 during Vietnam. He retired from combined active duty and reserve military service in 1981 after serving his country proudly for 40 years. Riley was employed with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier for 38 years. During the majority of his postal career, he worked out of the Oak Forest Station. He is survived by his son Ralph Merlin Riley II. Loyce Elizabeth Gay Shelton, 81, born Aug. 21, 1932, died Jan. 4. She is survived by her son David Shelton, daughter Susan DeMoss, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, Fisher House or charity of one’s choice.

B.V. “Kitty” Stell, 104, born Aug. 6, 1909, died Jan. 3.

THE COUPONS. To place an ad on the most popular page in the Leader, give us a call at (713) 686-8494 and ask for one of our professional sales executives

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Page 6A • The Leader • January 11, 2014 • @heightsleader

Ad # 36774

Neighbors: Zierau receives Eagle Scout Award Jan. 4

by Elizabeth Villareal elizasgarden@outlook.com A great big happy birthday shout out to the beautiful and lovely Dorothy Artz who celebrated her 81st birthday on Jan. 4. Love and blessings from your loving husband, John, daughters Amy Grimes, Emily Wilkins and Julie Huble, son Greg Artz, and their families.

Spencer Huble blew out 23 candles on Jan. 4 and celebrated with a skiing trip. Happy birthday to you from your family.

Belated birthday wishes to our aunt, Aline Koch, who turned 92 on Dec. 30. Love from Steve, Donna, Colin and Carey Webb; Kevin and Debby Hobart; and Jennifer and Karteek Gummi.

Friends and neighbors send get well wishes to Robert Bratton. We hope you are back in the saddle soon!

Congratulations to Andreas Zierau who was presented with his Eagle Scout Award on Jan. 4 at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church. Andreas first joined Cub Scouts in the fifth grade as a Webelo Scout in Pack 604. He achieved the highest award in

Zierau Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light, and moved into the world of Boy Scouts with Troop 604. Andreas served in various leadership roles such as Den Chief, Patrol Leader, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader; but, by far his favorite part in all of Boy Scouts was cooking the Scouts’ meals during their campouts. Andreas learned the art of cooking from his father, Chef Andreas Zierau, who is a classically trained chef. Chef Zierau encouraged and supported his son on many camping trips throughout his scouting career.

Andreas has earned 31 merit badges and also earned the World

Conservation Award. He attended summer camp every year, went on the big trips, went through the Order of the Arrow ordeal and became part of the brotherhood.

Andreas’ Eagle project of improving Ann’s Labyrinth in Shepherd Park benefits the community and was done under Alice Bongers’ direction. Ann’s Labyrinth was built by the Shepherd Park Garden Club in honor of Ann Scardino who was the founder of the Garden Club. Vandals repeatedly damaged the labyrinth so restoration and improvements were needed. Andreas spread new gravel on the entire labyrinth path and planted 40 boxwoods around it. The project was commended by Mayor Annise Parker on Oct. 1, 2013, which was proclaimed Peace and Joy Day. As a part of the City’s continuing beautification efforts, many neighbors and friends came to clean Ann’s Labyrinth and Shepherd Park that day, including Parker and City Council members Jack Christie and Ellen Cohen. A permanent marker is coming in the near future.

Perhaps the neatest thing to come out of Parker’s commendation are the following two paragraphs: WHEREAS, the completion of

the Eagle Project is a reminder and Carol Gillingham as well as to all Houstonians that there are all of the adult leaders and volunmany ways in which everyone can teers who made this project and honor possible. You are treasured! help keep Houston peaceful; and WHEREAS, the City of Hous- Also, a special thank you goes out ton commends Eagle Scout Troop to St. Stephens UMC for its con604 and Eagle Scout Andreas on tinued support for Troop 604. Anthe reconstruction of Shepherd dreas is now studying at a college Park at Ann’s Labyrinth, and en- in New Jersey and is considering a courages all Houstonians to live Ad career in law or engineering. # 31448 their lives every day to feel more peace and joy.

Since 1978 Andreas’ mother, Rebecca Zierau, his parents Andreas and Shannon Zierau, grandparents Alterations & Sigfried and Lore Zierau and Dry Cleaning Roger and Mary Golden, and his Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm, Sat 8 am - 3 pm many family and friends would 1765 W. 34th • 713-682-8785 like to express how very proud they are of him. Shannon Zierau said, “How wonderfully he has grown in this nurturing commu$ 00 from up nity and we are truly grateful. Few 281-741-8611 scouts achieve the rank of Eagle.

Caring & Professional • est 2003 Of the thousands of registered Family/owned/operated scouts, only approximately 2% houstonpetcremationservices.com have achieved this great honor. Ad # 30111 The first Eagle Scout Badge was awarded by a National Court of Honor in August 1912 and we are NEW! View Instant proud and honored to continue the tradition with Troop 604!” Andreas and his family send a special thank you to Ed Sherwood, Roy Dean Leighton, David McHan, Ken Kuntz, Roland St. Lawrence,

Men’s ministries back at St. Stephen’s

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church men’s ministries are back after a short break for the holidays. The Men’s Bible Study meets each Wednesday morning from 6:30-7:30 a.m. Come at 6:15 a.m. for fellowship over coffee and kolaches. The church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets each Friday at 6 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant, W. 34th. Men of all ages are welcome to attend the Bible Study and prayer breakfast.

Call 713-686-8241 or visit stsumc.org.

All Saints TALC to hold spring registration

All Saints Third Age Learning Center will hold its 2014 Spring Registration for classes and activities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 23.

Registration will take place in the church parish hall, 215 E. 10th St. Classes begin Feb. 3, and late registration will continue Feb. 3-Feb. 14.

TALC offers a variety of classes and activities for seniors 50 and older. Some of the classes offered for the 2014 Spring Semester include watercoloring and art, woodworking, stained glass, exercise, computer, line dancing, sew-

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Monthly parties are held as well as birthday celebrations, seminars and day trips.

Seniors can enjoy a full course hot lunch for a nominal fee of $2.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday during the semester at noon. Lunch reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 713-248-1277 by 10:30 a.m. weekdays.

For information call 713-2481277.

Aztec Storages

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Artists, crafters and specialty vendors are needed to fill the booths at the event.

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Vendors needed for St. Andrew’s Spring Bazaar

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., will host a Spring Bazaar from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Church Guide

Gospel Truth Church Sunday 10:30 am Worship and The Word Children’s Church Wednesday 7:30 pm Life Equip classes for all ages

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH Reverend John Cain, Pastor

Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m.

1624 W 34th • 713-686-7689

“The Heart of the Heights”

1245 Heights Blvd.

Sunday School . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Worship . . . . . 10:45 AM Nursery Provided Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

Food Pantry, Thurs. 2-4:30 PM www.graceintheheights.org

1822 W. 18th

(Disciples of Christ)

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd.

(713) 688-7761

Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

www.gospeltruthchurch.org

Grace United Methodist Church

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4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227

www.gethsemanelutheran.org

Oaks Presbyterian Church

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Nursery Provided

Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948 Reverend Noelie Day

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods Sunday - Bible Study For All Ages .. 9:30am Morning Worship............ 10:45am Age Graded Zones ...........6:15pm Wed. Prayer Meeting & Missions Organization .....................6:15pm Dr. John W. Neesley - Senior Pastor

713-864-1470

Member of MANNA

First Baptist Church Heights Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30am Wednesday Prayer Metting 6:00pm

Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

Nursery Provided Larry Young, Senior Pastor 713-861-3102

201 E. 9th St. • www.fbcheights.org

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MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

THE VALUE OF FASTING

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here are lots of good reasons to limit our intake of food, ranging from health and nancial reasons to emotional and spiritual benets. An ancient idea that has recently gained traction is the practice of fasting. Instead of trying to limit one’s calories each and every day, some scientists are proposing the idea of Alternate-Day Fasting or ADF. ADF regimens typically allow the person (or animal, lots of experiments have been done using rats and mice) to eat whatever he or she wants one day and then requires them to fast or consume a very limited number of calories the next day. More research needs to be done, but preliminary ndings are promising, suggesting that ADF may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Some are even suggesting we could live longer if we followed an ADF regimen. But, how might such a regimen benet us emotionally and spiritually? Fasting and self-mortication can obviously be taken to extremes where they become unhealthy and even lifethreatening. But, most of us suffer from the opposite problem: we are too self-indulgent. Delayed gratication and a sense of accomplishment is one of the byproducts of a successful fast.

Eating can bring momentary pleasure but controlling one’s appetites gives a deeper sense of lasting joy.

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disgure their faces to show others they are fasting.”

Matthew 6: 16

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Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092

Page 7A • The Leader • January 11, 2014 • @heightsleader

Art a la Carte: Picture this resolution New Year’s Chicken at D & T Drive Inn

Chef PJ Stoops, of upcoming Foreign Correspondents, will have his third Thai pop-up, New Years Chicken, from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, at D&T Drive Inn. The menu will feature Gai Yaang Isaan, Som Tam, and Naem Si Krong Mu, and of course Sticky Rice.

Gai Yaang Isaan or Isaan Grilled Chicken is one of the most popular dishes of the Isaan region of North Eastern Thailand. The chicken is marinated, then butterflied, and slow grilled over coals. It is usually served with sweet chili sauce and sticky rice. This iconic dish has spread all over Thailand and is extremely popular.

Som Tam or Papaya Salad is originally a Lao dish, but the salad is widely loved throughout the country of Thailand. While the Thai version tends to be sweet and slightly sour, the Isaan version, which is the best, is quite a bit more pungent. Some of Thirsty the flavor comes from pla raa, fermented fish paste, and the rest is basically a secret.

Explorer Naem Si Krong Mu or Fermented Pork Ribs is a traditional Thai charcuterie in which pork ribs are fermented in a paste of cooked rice and salt, before being fried and eaten with herbs. The lactic fermentation gives the pork a deliciously salty and sour tang. Sticky rice and Singha beer will also be available.

For more details, find D & T Drive Inn on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ events/1438077316406976/. For more information on Foreign Correspondents please visit treadsack.com/news/foreign-correspondents/. D&T Drive Inn is located at 1307 Enid St. For more information on D&T Drive Inn please visit dandtdriveinn.com.

Chili Cook-Off at Blue Moose Lodge Blue MooseThirsty Lodge will host their first annual chili cook-off on Saturday, Jan. 11. The event starts at 11 a.m. and judging will be held at 6 p.m. Registration is closed, but cash Explorer prizes will be awarded for first and second place, plus a trophy! Blue Moose Lodge is located at 5306 Washington Ave. For more information, visit http://thebluemooselodge. com/ or find them on Facebook or call 713-861-5525.

First Boneyard Bash of 2014

The Boneyard Drinkery will hold the first Boneyard Bash of 2014 from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16., to support Texas Boston Terrier Rescue, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit that pulls Boston Terriers from high-kill shelters and accepts rescues regardless of physical condition or age. For more information, visit www.tgcbtr.org.

There will be $20 micro chipping, which includes basic lifetime registration, provided

by Friends of BARC (www.friendsofbarc.org), and $5 dog nail trims and $2 dog face painting courtesy of Angel Pets Houston (www.angelpetshouston.com), vendors, photos

by Vics Pics Photography, Speers Rolling Bistro food truck, heaters on inside and on the patio, as well as dog-proof fire pits in the dog park.

There will be a silent auction and an array of items being raffled at the event, with tickets available for purchase prior to the event for $2. Good Paws Drool Bus has donated shuttling services.

The event is held rain or shine and is part of a series of monthly Boneyard Bashes hosted by Boneyard Drinkery on the third Thursday of every month. To get involved, call or text 832-661-3348 or email krisgillentine@gmail.com for more information.

Boneyard Drinkery is Houston’s first dog park and bar. There is a large selection of beer and wine, as well as dog-friendly indoor and outdoor seating.

Boneyard Drinkery, located at 8150 Washington Ave., has strict policies to ensure the safety of all pups and owners during their visit. So, before you go, be sure to visit the website at www.boneyardhouston.com or call 832-494-1600.

Follow Ivee Sauls on Twitter @ThirstyExplorer. To submit an event, email ivee@theleadernews.com.

Have any New Year’s Resolutions? Are they challenging enough to keep you motivated all year? This time last year, artist Sue Donaldson was well into her second week of a challenge she kept up daily.

From life’s “regular” challenges, to the more severe such as a bicycle accident and herniated cervical disc problems, Donaldson persevered and completed one painting a day - all year.

She painted 365 paintings in 2013!

Mitch Cohen The project began a year ago on Jan. 1 when Arts Columnist Donaldson put her idea to paint a painting every day of 2013 into motion. She based her project on seven words: Desire, Effort, Tenacity, Discipline, Challenge, Creativity and Experimentation. Each day she would awake with the desire to complete a different painting from the day before. That desire led her to the effort of actually completing a daily 4” x 4” x 3’’x4” painting.

The result can be viewed in her exhibition “365” which features all the daily paintings from 2013. And yes, all 365 paintings will be in the show. The opening reception is set for Friday, Jan. 10 from 6-9 p.m. at the Winter Street Studios Gallery, located at 2101 Winter Street in the Houston Heights area. The closing reception will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11.

Donaldson gave me a tour of her home studio just as she was completing her paintings in late December. There were many boxes of her miniature paintings all over her converted garage studio and home. At the time, she was organizing the layout for installing her 365 paintings, which in itself is quite a challenge.

What intrigued me, and why I know this show will be amazing when all 365 paintings are installed, is the patterns in her paintings that indicate the time of year. Donaldson also purposely had defined themes - such as portraits, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in her July work, along with many paintings of bees. September brought a “thirty-tych” — 30 paintings put together make one Monarch butterfly. All of her paintings were acrylic on canvas up until the end of September; but then, in October and November, her experimental side took over when she turned to using encaustics/hot wax on birch wood panels.

For more information on Donaldson, her art or upcoming events, visit her website http://www.suedonaldson.com or Facebook art page http://www.facebook.com/SueDonaldsonArt .

Artist Sue Donaldson completed a painting every day in 2013. All will be on display at her “365” show.

Friday, Jan. 10

“365” - A Year of 4” x 4” Paintings by Sue Donaldson. Friday, 6-9 p.m. Saturday: 2-5 p.m. Winter Street Studio Gallery, 2101 Winter St. A Daily Painting Project began on Jan. 1, 2013 and ended on Dec. 31, 2013. * This gallery space is located upstairs at Winter Street Studios.

Saturday, Jan. 11

The usual suspects - open studios and markets: Open Artist Studios at Winter and Spring Street Studios, 2101 Winter St. and 1824 Spring St.

Aurora Street Open Artist Studios, 2-8 p.m., 129 Aurora St. 2nd Saturday Montrose Art Market, 2409 Montrose Blvd.

007 - Art & Social, 6-10 p.m., The Gallery at 3202 White Oak. James Bond theme art show. Artists were given a “License to Create” something 007 related. This small ‘Un-Gallery’ takes a different approach to seasonal art shows, combining fun and folly with the art.* Yours truly, ahem, will have a painting in this show.

Steampunk Ball, 8:30 p.m., Odd Fellows Lodge #225, 115 East 14th St. First Annual Oddfellow’s Steampunk Ball! $10 admission - costumes encouraged. Beer and nibbles provided. (Cash) Absinthe Bar. * How cool is the Heights to have not only a “Lodge” but a Steampunk Ball! I know many of these folks and I am certain this will be a success.

Sunday, Jan. 12 Mini Pops at Westheimer and Dunlavy, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 1657 Westheimer St. A free Pop Shop Houston event. Hosted by Pavement Clothing & Leopard Lounge with craft beer tastings from Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company, the crowd pleasing Make Your Own Terrarium Booth, free DIY activities table, psychic readings by Sister Glo, poems for sale or barter

by Traci Lavois, and fresh squeezed juices by Juice Girl. With vintage, art, and design goods for sale by: 1+2=Love, Leopard Lounge Vintage, Pop Shop America, Black Kettle Soap Co., Catfish, Bula Ties, Cultgrrrl Creations, The Mad Mod Shop, Vida Antigua, Urban Izzy, Bits & Bobs, Milk & Honey Vintage and Texas Cookie Emporium.

Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him at ArtValet@gmail.com or visit him on the web at ArtValet.com.

A Sycamore tree at center of controversy becomes three tables.

(Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

Sycamore tree gets a second life

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by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com The controversial giant Sycamore tree at 23rd and Oxford in the Heights has resurfaced -- literally -- as three different live edge tables at The Green Painter, a Heights-based business focused on making and selling green and organic furniture.

Green Painter owner Jeff Kaplan said it was important to work with the tree, to preserve its heritage.

“It’s always been a value of ours to re-purpose,” Kaplan said. “We encourage our artisans to collect wood.”

Kaplan heard the news about the tree in June when protesters fought the city’s efforts to tear it down.

They ultimately lost, and the tree was taken to a mill on the northwest side of town where a couple of Green Painter’s artisans found it.

“The greenest thing you can do is use materials as close as possible,” Kaplan said. “Our mission is to improve the quality and well-being of people’s homes. We wanted to start a business that had an impact on the community -- not just to make money but to do good.”

Kaplan said the tables, which took 60 hours of labor each, will sell for approximately $5,000 apiece.

The Green Painter has two locations -- one on W. 19th St. that opened last year and the original in Rice Village.

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Page 8A • The Leader • January 11, 2014 • @heightsleader

Heist • from Page 1A nations and addresses on their list. Thus, the apology.

Coates remembered getting a flyer about Fruit Share and now she has a first hand knowledge of the organization.

As she wrote on Nextdoor: “No apologies necessary - the fruit went to people who both needed and appreciated it, and we ended up being more altruistic than we intended, living up to the high standard set by our generous friends and neighbors who offered their fruit and sympathy after our initial post.”

Although sorry about what happened, Karen Gordon is glad to be able to get the word out about Fruit Share, which she and her husband are in the process of registering as a 501(c)(3).

Fruit Share is an offshoot of Kent Keith’s work in the community garden at Casa Juan Diego, an organization which provides shelter and services to immigrants, refugees and the poor. Each Wednesday, Casa Juan Diego gives food, fresh vegetables – and now fruit – to about 400 families in need.

“We were driving around the Heights and noticed that a lot of the citrus trees were picked from the bottom,” said Gordon. “We

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started knocking on doors and people were very responsive.”

Both Gordon and Keith have full time jobs so Fruit Share is purely a labor of love. Currently, they focus on citrus fruits: oranges, limes, lemons and grapefruit. They started in the Heights because that’s where they live but would welcome donations from other parts of town.

In addition to harvesting the fruit, they also have to taste test one from each batch. Keith said there are neighborhoods with beautiful fruit trees that also happen to be ornamental – and sour.

This year, the couple with some volunteer help, have harvested 3,000 pounds of fruit that would otherwise go to waste. Keith learned that other cities, like New Orleans, have similar programs but said he was unaware of them when coming up with the idea for Fruit Share.

“We are forming a board and investing in tshirts and mailers,” said Gordon. “We’re growing into ourselves.”

For more information, about volunteering or donating the fruit from a tree, contact Fruit Share Houston at 713-468-0088, or fruitsharehouston@gmail.com.

VERGI A 24-Hour Emergency and Critical Care Hospital

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License • from Page 1A Nightclubs and bars are required by the TABC to report any time of unrest at the establishment within one to five days – depending on the severity of the unrest.

The TABC responded by issuing a written warning to the nightclub.

TABC lieutenant Tana Travis said the calls were reported to police by La Villita employees but they weren’t reported to TABC. She said future failures to breach could result in fines or other sanctions.

The Houston Police Department had 14 offense reports from 829 W. 34th St. since May 2012.

More than half of them were for assaults, including one in which a suspect fired a gun on March 7, 2013.

Efforts to contact La Villita owner Francisca Rios, who has operated the venue since 1994, were unsuccessful, but Clyde Burleson, an attorney representing the nightclub, said the crime at the club “was greatly exaggerated” by those looking to make sure its license isn’t renewed.

Although most of the Garden Oaks residents protesting the license wish to remain anonymous, one high profile business owner has emerged in the process.

Flood • from Page 1A be difficult to re-sell with the insurance being that high.”

Houston resident Gasparo Giacalone said part of his decision not to buy a home in Oak Forest was due to the high flood insurance rates, but he’ll still be paying $2,500 in flood insurance in Braeburn Valley in southwest Houston.

“We really have our fingers crossed that Congress will do something before the general market realizes and housing prices suffer,” Giacalone said.

The Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 required homes built before 1980 to pay the same flood insurance rates as those built after it. Previously, those homes were grandfathered in and not affected by flood insurances rates.

A typical home facing that situation may have paid $400 per year in flood insurance but would now be charged $1,600.

McClain said the easiest way around the new regulations is obtaining an elevation certification, which would make the insurance company re-rate the property as long as the property is built above base flood.

An elevation certificate costs a one-time fee of $375.

McClain said builders of new homes located on the flood map already have elevation certification plans built into the construction

process.

For more information, log on to the Harris County Flood District’s website at www.hcfcd.org

Roger Igo owns The Bell Tower on 34th at 901 W. 34th St., a luxury wedding and special events venue located adjacent to La Villita.

“I’m proud of the citizens who decided that this is a problem that needs to be eradicated,” Igo said.

Igo hired a private investigator who found evidence of alleged illegal activity at La Villita.

“It’s a known thing in the community that everyone ignores,” Igo said. “It’s not good for the neigh-

borhood, city or county. It affects everybody. If you have to walk to and from school, it’ll affect you. If you drive up and down the street, it’s going to affect you. If you live in the area or are a business owner, you’re affected by it.”

La Villita is across the street from The Orchard at Garden Oaks, a retirement community, which is problematic to the residents, according to Van Huff.

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Economic Forecast Luncheon Thursday, January 23, 2014 Location: Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel

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YOU ARE WHY The Y offers the support you and your family need to learn, grow and thrive.

Benefits of Membership • Discounts for programs such as youth sports, swim lessons and after school care • State-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment • Wide variety of group exercise classes • Free SMART Start wellness orientations Join today!

YMCA Open House January 11 • 10 am-2 pm Join us for fun, family activities, group exercise classes, giveaways and more.

HARRIET AND JOE FOSTER FAMILY YMCA ymcahouston.org/harriet-joe-foster-family YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

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8921 Katy Freeway • Houston, Texas 77024

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