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Magnet schools in for change

By Betsy Denson For The Leader An HISD announcement that magnet designations and school choice may be changed or eliminated has sent shockwaves through the community.

Last weekend, during a board retreat, HISD announced they need to cut $200 million from the 2018-19 budget. Part of that plan would be

Schools, like Durham, Oak Forest and Garden Oaks Montessori could lose magnet designation and be ‘choice’ schools. taking away the magnet designation for some schools and creating feeder patterns grouped into geographic quadrants, defined as north, south, east and west.

“This feels like it has been a long time coming and is definitely aligned with a vision of equity and true access for all students,” wrote one on the HISD Parent Advocates Facebook

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By Jonathan McElvy jonathan@theleadernews.com

Attics • Walls • Floors Noise Reduction • Removal

lord was within his legal rights.

Removal or trimming of trees within the City right-of-way or on City property is permitted through the Parks Department’s Urban Forestry group. Momin Naushad, who goes by Sam Momin, is the landlord at 1203 West 34th Street. He said he reached out to the city to see if it was permissible to remove the trees.

Jeremy Burkes, Senior Supervisor at the Urban Forestry group

More than three months after a local man was found shot to death just off North Shepherd, Houston Police detectives still have no leads in the case.

On Oct. 12, Eugene (Geno) Duke walked from his apartment on Lehman Street to Family Dollar at 4917 N. Shepherd. When he left the store around 10:15 a.m., he was approached by a young black man, probably in his early 20s, who drove a gray or white 4door car. Police say the suspect was between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-10.

A $5,000 reward is being offered to help find the But after three person responsible for the months of invesshooting death of Duke. tigating, and after chasing one lead, Houston Police say they haven’t gotten much help on the case.

“As of late, we have not received any new leads on Geno’s case,” said Det. Christopher Elder, who is working the case with Det. Michael Miller. “Our main focus was on finding the vehicle from the video, which we thought we did. When we looked into it further, we had the wrong vehicle.”

The events leading up to Duke’s murder are difficult for even police to understand. According to footage pieced together from video surveillance in the area, Duke left his apartment on Lehman at 10:08 a.m. with a small grocery list. He walked to Family Dollar, spent 10 minutes in the store, and then began to walk back home.

Video shows a 4-door car with a missing left front bumper drive past Duke as he’s walking home. The car slows, exits the frame, and obviously stops just out of the camera’s view.

Based on witnesses to the shooting, one of two men stepped out of the car, said something to Duke, he said something back, and that’s when Duke was shot dead in the middle of the street.

What’s worse is police don’t know that there is any motive for the shooting. Neither the groceries

See Trees P. 5A

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Page 2B

After a patio demolition in December, patrons at Slowpokes still hoped the trees would stay. Last Saturday, however, the two trees behind the coffee shop were taken down for a parking lot (Photo contributed by Alison Groth)

Trees give way to concrete at Slowpokes

By Betsy Denson For The Leader Two large retailers could possibly be among those exploring a more automated checkout.

Page 6A

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The INDEX. Church....................................................... 8A Classifieds.............................................. 7B Coupons. ................................................. 7A Food/Drink/Art................................... 9A Obituaries.............................................. 7A Opinion. ................................................... 4A Public Information......................... 2A Puzzles...................................................... 4A Sports. ....................................................... 6B

Although the patio outside of popular area coffee shop Slowpokes was demolished in early December, patrons still hoped the two trees there would remain. On Saturday, Jan. 20, a crew came to take down the trees.

“It was pretty somber,” Slowpokes co-owner JC Rubiralta said of the mood on Saturday. “We had no warning whatsoever that this was taking place and since

no one was putting up any sort of barrier or roping off any sections, we asked everyone to please stay inside. It was very loud, depressing and pretty disappointing.”

Slowpokes asked on their Facebook page if proper permitting had been secured. Upset patrons asked why the landlord was cutting down the trees since he had previously indicated to The Leader that he had no immediate plans to do so.

The answer, as far as the permitting goes, is that the land-

Eagle Morris feeds off doubt

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com A journey consists of many obstacles and roadblocks, but one local student has pushed through them all to earn the Boy Scouts of America’s highest distinction.

Last week, Oak Forest Boy Scout Eric Morris, a senior at St. Pius X High School, earned the national organization’s highest distinction of Eagle Scout. The candidate must submit an application to the council, and present a list of merit badges earned, which is then

certified and checked against Scout records by a dually-appointed merit badge counselor.

Scouts must then supply a list of leadership positions held, along with religious, educa-

tional and personal references as well as a personal statement to the council.

Afer completing that gauntlet, the Eagle Scout applicant must pass the Eagle Board of Review, which assesses the quality of the scouting experience and whether the applicant has fulfilled all requirements while staying true to the oath and Scout Code of Honor.

“Eric has demonstrated to us his capacity and willingness to observe leadership roles and activities that are constructive See Eagle P. 5A

Photo by Rick Mayo Eagle Scout Eric Morris and Scout Leader Jeff Whitehurst at the reception following a ceremony celebrating the accomplishment last week.

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page. “But, the unknown is so scary for so many of us! What does it mean at our level, for our feeder programs, for enrollment in our zones? I hope the district will thoroughly engage communities and parents in this change.”

New “unique” magnet schools would be created that would be centrally located for students in a quadrant and distributed equally among

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The Leader • Saturday, January 27, 2018 • Page 2A

Police Reports • Jan. 11-21 JAN. 11

Robbery 5:45 AM 3400-3499 KATY Theft 5 AM 300-399 WALTHALL

JAN. 12

Theft 12 PM 200-299 W 20TH Theft 1 PM 200-299 MUNFORD Theft 9:21 AM 1800-1899 SHEPHERD Theft 7 AM 600-699 W 11TH

JAN. 13

Robbery 10:45 AM 7000-7099 N MAIN Theft 11:40 AM 800-899 RUTLAND Theft 5 AM 900-999 N LOOP W

JAN. 14

Theft 2:30 PM 1800-1899 YALE

JAN. 15

Theft 11:50 AM 100-199 W 20TH Theft 7:20 AM 100-199 W 15TH Theft 1 AM 800-899 W 16TH Theft 7:01 PM 3700-3799 YALE Theft 10:45 AM 1000-1099 N LOOP Theft 10:40 PM 1100-1199 W 18TH Robbery 4:16 PM 4700-4799 AIRLINE Arrest 12:10 AM 1900-1999 RUTLAND Arrest 1:53 AM 1300-1399 CROSSTIMBERS

JAN. 16

Theft 1:35 AM 200-299 W 20TH

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Theft 1:05 PM 1000-1099 N SHEPHERD Theft 10 AM 500-599 ALLSTON Robbery 10:15 PM 4400-4499 AIRLINE

JAN. 18

Theft 2:30 PM 200-299 W 19TH Theft 1 PM 1900-1999 N SHEPHERD Theft 7:30 AM 1100-1199 W COTTAGE Theft 9:30 AM 900-999 N LOOP W Assault 4:30 PM 800-899 BEVERLY Theft 1 PM 1200-1299 W 20TH Theft 1:30 PM 1500-1599 N LOOP W Theft 2:45 PM 000-099 HEIGHTS Theft 3 AM 1900-1999 N LOOP W Theft 2:45 PM 1000-1099 STUDEMONT Theft 7 AM 300-399 W 20TH Theft 6:50 AM 4400-4499 OXFORD Theft 9:55 AM 500-599 COTTAGE Theft 9:11 AM 1700-1799 W 34TH Arrest 2:03 AM 4500-4599 AIRLINE Theft 2:15 AM 4700-4799 AIRLINE Theft 8 AM 2800-2899 WASH-

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JAN. 19

Theft 9 AM 1900-1999 YALE Assault 10 PM 800-899 YALE Other 4:13 PM 700-799 HARVARD Theft 4:30 PM 3400-3499 WHITE OAK Theft 5:24 PM 4000-4099 N SHEPHERD Burglary 3:50 PM 2500-2599 ELLA Theft 1:30 PM 1500-1599 STUDEMONT Robbery 3:05 PM 3700-3799 CENTER Theft 6:30 PM 900-999 SHEPHERD Theft 9:07 AM 600-699 16TH Theft 5:10 AM 1300-1399 W 20TH

Theft 5:10 AM 4100-4199 N SHEPHERD Theft 7 AM 1800-1899 ELLA Arrest 12:07 AM 3000-3999 N DURHAM Theft 12 PM 1600-1699 BEVIS

JAN. 20

Theft 6:20 AM 2200-2299 LAWRENCE Arrest 1:21 AM 2800-2899 NICHOLSON Burglary 2:03 AM 1100-1199 E 24TH Theft 4:30 PM 300-399 W 19TH Theft 5 PM 2000-2099 ASHLAND Burglary 6 PM 1000-1099 W GARDNER Assault 8 PM 2600-2699 LINK RD Theft 12 PM 4700-4799 N MAIN Theft 5:58 PM 3300-3399 WHITE OAK Theft 9 AM 3300-3399 KATY Burglary 8 PM 4900-4999 EIGEL Theft 10 AM 300-399 DELL

JAN. 21

Arrest 2:27 AM 1500-1599 N DURHAM Theft 6:37 AM 4400-4499 YALE Robbery 11:00 AM 4100-4199 AIRLINE Assault 1:30 AM 300-399 E WHITNEY Theft 7:15 AM 100-199 YALE Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

Duke from P. 1A

The family of Eugene Duke stands behind Det. Christopher Elder during a press conference to seek the public’s help in finding the gunman. There is a $5,000 reward for anyone who can help police get a conviction in this case. (File Photo)

Duke brought home from Family Dollar, nor the wallet in his back pocket, were taken.

“To be honest, the guy who did this, I don’t even know if he meant to shoot,” Elder said. “But whatever the reason is, he shot and killed a guy who had no business being shot and killed. And he needs to come forward and tell us what happened.”

Earlier this week, Elder said police are continuing to seek the public’s help in solving the case.

“Someone in that area knows something, but we can’t seem to get any cooperation from anyone,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Houston Police at (713) 308-3600, or anonymous tips can be called to CrimeStoppers at (713) 222-TIPS (8477).

There is a $5,000 reward being offered to anyone who helps lead police to a conviction in this case.

Design Guidelines presentation delayed

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Heights Design Guidelines saga will stretch on at least a month longer. According to Project Manager Steph McDougal, the originallyscheduled Jan. 24 presentation of the Guidelines to the city’s Quality of Life Commission has been postponed until the Commission’s next meeting Feb. 28 in light of recent developments.

Early last week, McDougal and members of the Planning Commission met with Mayor Sylvester Turner, as well as local area realtor Bill Baldwin, who has been among the most vocal during the

process.

“Mr. Baldwin has raised issues to the mayor, and we were not able to complete that discussion in the amount of time the mayor had available,” McDougal said. which resulted in pushing the meeting back.

More than 400 have attended meetings or commented on various versions of the Design Guidelines.

Houston Community College Request for Proposals (RFP) HUMAN PATIENT SIMULATOR RFP NO.: 18-13

Sealed proposals will be received in Procurement Operations (3100 Main Street, Room No. 11B01, Houston, Texas 77002) until 2:00PM (local time) on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

Documents can be obtained at: www.hccs.edu/ procurement.

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The Leader • Saturday, January 27, 2018 • Page 3A

Schools from P. 1A the quadrants.

Other magnets would be phased out or made a school of choice. “Choice” schools might include dual language, early college, Gifted and Talented, International Baccalaureate, Montessori, and Career and Technical Education. This means that schools in the area like Durham Elementary, Helms Elementary, Oak Forest Elementary and Garden Oaks Montessori would lose their designation and their funding.

The district also proposes moving school athletic programs, UIL academics, special education, career tech and campus stipends to be centrally managed and funded instead of funding them on a per-unit allocation by student with the oversight at the school level.

An HISD PowerPoint lays out the plan which board member Rhonda SkillernJones said will be implemented, although “nuances [will] be adjusted based on public

feedback simply because the administration cannot know every scenario.”

Jones says that the administration decides the model.

“The board has input as well but we don’t vote on the centralization of services or the method of implementation. We vote on programming and budget,” she said.

“We will be working with them closely though.”

The idea is that elementary, middle and high schools within a feeder pattern offer a consistent magnet theme and then those schools would recruit within their quadrant.

The HISD PowerPoint indicated that existing feeder schools would remain in place and existing “unique” magnets may also remain. Individual magnets may remain if other feeder schools commit to establishing a magnet program within a given period of time.

Students who have applied to schools which are “sun setted” this year may be required

to reapply elsewhere in the spring. Students who attend a school of choice outside their quadrant would not be eligible for HISD transportation.

Priority at schools in a given quadrant would be given both to those who live in the zone and low income students.

Although questions of equity have existed for some time with regard to the ways schools are funded – the budget shortfall is a big driver as well. The district has less students after Hurricane Harvey and said that property taxes will no doubt decline as well.

Skillern-Jones noted on the Oak Forest Elementary PTA’s Facebook page that if the district had adequate funding from the state and if the district was not required to pay $230 million as part of the recapture agreement - which is the process by which school districts considered property wealthy pay the state a fee that is then redistributed to school districts that don’t

raise as much through their own local property taxes things would be different.

“We have 215,000 children and 30,000 magnet seats that families across the city have to compete for and stress over every year. Our taxpayers give us dollars that could increase those seats and do so in an equitable way but we give it back,” she wrote.

“For years we have held on thinking the state would adjust their funding formula but they just continue to cut allocations and take more of our local money.”

Recently retired board

member Anna Eastman did not attend the weekend meeting but had strong feelings about the proposal.

“These changes will finally roll back ALL reforms HISD has made over the last 2030 years,” she wrote on her Facebook page. “The kinds of reforms that struggling large urban districts across the country are putting in place, following our lead, to both improve outcomes for the kids they’ve failed to serve for decades and attract and retain families who have other choices, but are critical to successful integration of

schools.”

Eastman fears that the loss of enrollment might snowball and wonders why the district doesn’t look to partner more with high performing charter networks coming to Houston.

“Why aren’t we looking to set up systems, like a common application between traditional and public charter schools and creating more flexibility and high quality options for kids, instead of creating more barriers for families to send their kids to the schools they believe best serve them?”

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The Topics.

The Leader • Saturday, January 27, 2018 • Page 4A

Every story always has two sides O

ver the past couple of months, the credibility of The Leader has been questioned by a group of emotional – albeit loyal – supporters of a local coffee shop and bistro. They are right in their support; absolutely wrong in their ambush of our reporters.

If you haven’t followed the saga between Slowpokes, an everpopular neighborhood spot for good bites and spirits on Alba, and its landlord, Sam Momin, you can see the latest on today’s front page.

Here’s a summary: Slowpokes leased space in a small shopping center that, as far as we can tell, didn’t have much going for it. The building was a bit unkempt, and the only tenant at the time was a corner store for those in need of a Coke, a pack of smokes or a lottery ticket.

When JC Rubiralta opened Slowpokes, he found a neighborhood more than willing to order up his drinks and food. Success bred success and Rubiralta spent his own money to revitalize the space, which included construction of a wonderful patio where century-old oaks canopied patrons who relaxed and swatted mosquitoes outside the restaurant.

Momin, it turns out, told Slowpokes they could use the patio greenspace for free, but the owner also reserved the right to take the

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

space back if he ever needed it.

Pretty soon, Slowpokes had built such a wonderful reputation that the parking lot brimmed into the street (and in front of Alba Food Mart, which Momin owns).

While most of us were sitting around tables giving thanks in late November, Rubiralta and Momin spent the time lawyering up in pursuit of what each thought was fair.

Momin tore down the patio and, last weekend, he hired a crew of chainsaws to remove the oaks, which he told The Leader he had planned to leave untouched. Momin said he needs the space for parking and a renovation that will attract new tenants. Rubiralta, rightly so, says the landlord is ruining a key part of his business.

Rarely do disputes like this end well, and though some will publicly castigate my opinion, I can see both sides of the quarrel. But that’s not why I’m writing, and truth be told, I have absolutely no business telling

you whether Momin or Rubiralta is right. I know neither of these gentlemen, and it shouldn’t matter if I did.

Here’s where this unfortunate story turned ugly to me.

In November of last year, our newspaper was inundated with pleas from supporters of Slowpokes to get involved. We were asked to write a story about the travesty that would unfold at the corner of Alba and 34th. The landlord was wrecking the wonderful restaurant, and something needed to be done.

We did what any good community newspaper would do. When readers ask us to check on something, that’s exactly why we’re here, and it’s our job to look out for the interests of our readers.

So one of our great writers, Betsy Denson, went to Rubiralta and told his story. We spelled out his complaints, gave his perspective, and Betsy took copious notes.

Then, we did what any good news source would do: We sought out the other side of the story. We couldn’t get in touch with Momin for that edition, but I made the decision that we would run the Slowpokes side of the story only if we also ran Momin’s side.

For our next edition, we were able to interview Momin and Betsy did a marvelous job questioning him on what Rubiralta thought were inconsistencies in events.

Lynn Ashby Columnist

Texan, (I am only a sixth but my grandkids are eighth, so there), but left for Brooklyn when he was 18. He obviously was glad he departed, and glad he wrote this book, because he had new land to plow: “As I reread the conventional histories, I remained dissatisfied by their generalizations and hoary meditations on Texas ‘character.’ Much of it struck me as self-congratulatory nationalistic rubbish.” The Times’ reviewer, Stephen Harrigan, himself a noted Texas historian, observes that Hodge even takes on T.R. Ferenbach’s wonderful “Lone Star,” writing: “such epic histories sweep high above the hard ground of lived experiences.” Hodge’s hard ground is a Texas that is “a terrifying land of racism, violence and retrograde politics.” (That doesn’t explain why it is so much cheaper to rent a U-Haul leaving the state than coming in.) We have the Indians, who were “slaughtered” by Texans: “pale riders the color of dust swooped down and spilled their blood onto the thirsty ground.” To this we reply: But what about Van Cliburn?

No point in getting defensive about this, and not just because much of Hodge’s observations are true. Texas has long been portrayed as a place to avoid. As U.S. General Philip Henry Sheridan said in Galveston in 1866: “If I owned Texas and Hell, I would rent Texas and live in Hell.” Ferdinand von Roemer, a young German geologist, visited Texas in 1845 and observed: On Austin - “The capitol is a log house on top of a hill. A more unpretentious building for a law-making body could hardly be found anywhere.” On Houston - “The streets were unpaved and the mud bottomless.” Of more recent vintage: Q: Why are there so many unsolved murders in Texas? A: There are no dental records and everyone has the same DNA. “Anybody who wanders around the world saying, ‘Hell yes, I’m from Texas,’ deserves whatever happens to him.” -- Hunter S. Thompson.

And comedian George Carlin: “You know the good thing about all those executions in Texas? Fewer Texans.”

In literature, we have seen an ocean of books about the Lone Star State. Go to any large book store and you’ll see aisles marked, Fiction, Children’s, Travel and Texana. Wonder if other states have their own aisles? Many Americans were introduced to Texas with Edna Ferber’s “Giant,” which pointed out, among other transgres-

stream or not – picks sides. All the sudden, if a news source just tries to show both sides of a story, with absolutely no bias, the news source is wrong.

It’s sickening, really. Conservatives don’t watch CNN because they don’t like the stories. Liberals don’t watch FOX because they hate the hosts. Conservatives don’t read the Huffington Post or the New York Times because they only tell stories from the left. Liberals don’t read the Drudge Report because it picks stories that promote the right.

Folks, that is not news. That is confirmation bias. That is picking a group of consumers and pandering to them.

Meanwhile, we try to tell a story from both sides and two of our writers are forced to defend doing things the right way.

Look, I understand wanting to be right all the time. I understand the comfort of reading things that confirm what I believe. But that’s not what we do.

Our job, so long as I am in charge of running community newspapers, is to tell you what happened. You can read for yourselves – despite what national media tell you – and you can make your own decision.

Once upon a time, we were just a messenger. And I’m disappointed one of our messengers was shot.

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

The reader.

Texas by the Book THE BOOK REVIEW – It’s much easier to just read a review of a book than having to plow through the whole thing.

In conversations, you can easily impress someone by saying, “It was a good read until I found out the murderer was…” That is why I am flipping through the latest New York Times Book Review. Most articles I can skip since I never heard of the subject, Wait. Here is a photograph of a cloud of dust and the cutline: “Ranch hands herding cattle in South Texas, 1970.” Ah, a book about Texas cowboys and cattle and dust.

The title of the tome is: “Texas Blood.”

Huh? Is this about the Texas Heart Institute or the shootout at the Twin Peaks in Waco?

Neither. It is a thorough lashing of the state. We must suspect that when the author, Roger D. Hodge, turned in his manuscript and got the green light from the publisher, a panel of editors gathered around a Manhattan office table and mulled over that title. “He calls it ‘Bad Stuff About the Lone Star State,’ which is awful.”

Says another: “How about, ‘The Texas Leaf Blower Massacre’?” A long pause. “We know that ‘Texas’ is good for any title. No one would go to see ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Vermont,’ if there is one. In the Jan. 15 issue of the New Yorker there is a short, pointless story by David Gates called simply, ‘Texas.’

It has more to do with drugs, family and self-pity, but those titles don’t ring. We’ve got to put ‘Texas’ in. The rest of the title has to grab the reader as she goes down the aisles at Barnes and Noble.” A long sigh. “Boss, no one goes down the aisles in Barnes and Noble any more. They whip out their little electric I something and go to Amazon. Still, the title has to grab them.” Another editor speaks up: “Let’s use ‘Blood.’ It conjures up violence, hatred, anger. Stick it with ‘Texas’ and you’ve got a winner.” And that’s how the book got its name.

The publication is yet another jab at Texas, which only makes good business sense.

I call such works a Kick Your Mother expose. The thinking goes like this. If you write a book, “I Loved Playing for the Dallas Cowboys” only Jerry Jones would buy it for himself and his two friends. But if you come up with, “I Hated Playing for the Dallas Cowboys – the inside scoop on America’s rotten team” then you have a best-seller. No one will read a book that tells about your wonderful career as a Border Patrolman in Brownsville, how easy it was to become a movie star, or, for that matter, a tell-all about those fantastic people in the Trump White House. We want dirt, scandal, the inside skinny on household names.

So it is that Roger D. Hodge kicked his mother. He tells us he is a seventh-generation

Readers reacted with disappointing predictability. How dare we interview Momin for this story? How dare we tell his side of the story?

“I can’t believe y’all write this article from one perspective to begin with,” wrote one person.

“Would you please publish a more accurate interview with Sam Momin now?” another person wrote.

This isn’t an indictment of the people who said we were irresponsible for publishing an interview with the landlord. This certainly isn’t an indictment of Rubiralta or Momin. It is, however, an indictment of what has happened to the general public’s perception of news.

This, in my opinion, shows exactly how backwards our consumption of news has become.

You see, people think news is supposed to take sides, and if you just started reading newspapers or watching TV in the past 10 years, I’d understand how people could feel that way.

No, to most people today, news stories – whether in print or on TV – are simply a confirmation of how you feel. It’s part of a grander misnomer that we should only expose ourselves to things that make us feel comfortable.

This is the absolute destruction FOX News and MSNBC have created in this country. This shows you what happens when news – main-

Design Guidelines, the debate continues

sions, the treatment of Hispanics. Texans took umbrage, and the joke was that Ferber, while flying over the state, told the pilot, “Fly lower. I need more research.” Larry McMurtry put Texas on the literary map, warts and all. James Michener’s epic, “Texas,” was more flattering, ending with the final line: “Never forget, son, when you represent Texas, always go first class.” And finally a wise man (me) once said: “God may be an Englishman, but when he retires he’ll move to Lakeway.” So we have yet another putdown of our state. Don’t get all twisted up about it. Some people get paid to kick their mother.

Ashby is semi-literate at ashby2@comcast.net

Dear Editor: I am disappointed that Landan Kuhlmann’s article (December 21) about the proposed Design Guidelines did not present the reasons why these guidelines should be accepted as is, not altered

by Bill Baldwin, and passed by City Council. Bill Baldwin has said “his neighbors” are furious about the guidelines. He lives in Woodland Heights. The Design Guidelines apply only to Houston Heights. Which neighbors are these?

In the public hearing in November, Baldwin opposed the design guidelines’ side setbacks and floor area restrictions for houses and garages, arguing instead for wider, larger, and taller houses and garages to be built in Houston Heights. He calls the guidelines “arbitrary”. because developers and builders would have to follow rules and restrictions. Oh my, this really would be a calamity.

He claims to know current homeowners oppose these guidlines. This seems strange and I have tried to figure out why. These homeowners live in a big house in Houston Heights, but want to be able to move to a really big house? Or they feel comforted by having even larger houses around them? They seek perceive increased neighbor-

hood prestige if all the houses in Houston Heights are huge and look alike? Sort of like Greatwood in Sugar Land or Champion’s Forest?

Kuhlmann allows those of us who approve of the Design Guidelines as written, to be classified as “the same ones” who fought for the Historic Districts, “those who want the neighborhood to remain the same.” These are meant to be pejorative classifications, “Preservationist’s views” (we all know that is a dirty word in Houston). The article conveys that these folks, who also live in the neighborhood, are die-hards? or anti-progressive?

The reality is that the three Heights Historic Districts will be greatly undermined if these Design Guidelines are changed to please Bill Baldwin, and the “character” of these historic districts which) Baldwin said is “what makes Houston Heights unique,” (Leader 12/2/17) will most certainly be dimished by construction of even larger houses and garages extending from lot line to lot line. In my opinion, Houston will ultimately be very sorry if this, their largest historic neighborhood, goes away.

Anne Sloan Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. Expression of sorrow or pity 5. Mama __, rock singer 9. Takes off 11. Make an arrest 13. Ear tube 15. Limit 16. Small shelter 17. Cavaliers’ #23 19. Digits 21. French kings’ name 22. Winter time in Colorado 23. Platform 25. Gambling town 26. Vietnamese offensive 27. Fermentation sediment 29. Load anew 31. Bile 33. A wooded valley 34. Soap opera 36. Cervus nippon 38. Belong to he 39. Women (French) 41. Olive, motor and mineral 43. Norse goddess of death

44. Military award 46. Annexes 48. One who adorns book pages 52. Affirmative 53. Fricative 54. Coal blacks 56. Faculty of sight 57. Leans 58. Low, sideless cart 59. Locomotion limbs

dOwn 1. Close to 2. Lactic 3. Burn residue 4. Offer for sale 5. Verb formation (abbr.)

6. __ Romeo 7. Lost weight 8. Soundest mind 9. Sound repetition 10. Sew up the eyelids of falcons 11. Allays sorrow 12. Repose 14. Mirish 15. Devised a new phrase

18. One who feels regret 20. War encirclements 24. Burn the surface 26. “The Jazz Singer” 28. Process of achieving #7 down 30. Miscellaneous collection 32. Express sorrow 34. More foolish 35. Queen of Sparta 37. Associating by treaty 38. Served 40. Satisfy 42. Frozen rains 43. Snake sound 45. High arc tennis shots 47. Cheek 49. Murre genus 50. Multiple 51. List of names called 55. No (Scot.)

WORD SCRAMBLE

The Leader • Saturday, January 27, 2018 • Page 5A

Trees from P. 1A

Photo by Rick Mayo Eric Morris (second from right), is presented with his Eagle Scout badge by his father Ken (right) as Scoutmaster Todd Guerra (far left) and Assistant Scoutmaster Andrew Jackson look on.

Eagle from P. 1A and worthwhile,” BSA Troop 20 Advancement Chair Dan Gleitman said.

“It has been verified by the Board that he is putting into daily practice the principles of the Scout oath and Code of Honor.”

In all, Boy Scouts must earn 21 merit badges as well as perform a community-service related project to obtain the Eagle Scout honor. And Morris has done so during his time in the Scouts – all while juggling school and baseball at SPX – to earn the highest honor available to youths in the Scouts. “[Becoming an Eagle] is a symbol of what a young man has done, as well as what he will do and will be,” Troop 20 Eagle Project Coach Andrew Jackson said.

For his service project, Morris and several other Scouts performed his “Sunnyside Canopy” Project, which aimed to provide shade for volunteer gardeners at Urban Harvest in Sunnyside. The project involved installing posts and shade canopies as well as restoring garden beds overgrown after Hurricane Harvey.

Embodiment of a Scout Over the years, Scoutmaster Todd Guerra said, Morris has grown from a shy newcomer to someone playing a vital role in growing Troop 20’s membership, always volunteering himself or “volun-telling” other scouts when asked to complete various tasks.

“No scout is perfect; some maybe come in and aren’t as into the program off the bat; but to his credit, he pushed forward and got there,” Guerra said. “It became a big part of his life – he found something to push him forward, and he really helped us. We can’t thank him enough for that.”

What pushed Morris forward?

According to Guerra, it all began at Camp Constantin.

“We had a long week there, and as soon as we got back, I was told they were turning around and driving

[Eric] back there,” Guerra remembered with a chuckle. “I remember wondering what the heck was going on there.”

Morris echoed his scoutmaster, and called his decision to return to Camp Constantin one of the best he has ever made.

“It helped me understand what scouting was all about. It wasn’t just about the meetings you go to every Monday, it’s about spending time with your friends and having that bond with your fellow scout,” he said. “I picked up everything I needed learn about scouting, leadership, and what it means to be a Scout. I was at a halt in my rank, because I had lost motivation to finish the program.”

Camp Constantin gives Scouts the opportunity to return as a leader, even after their camp is finished – and Morris finished out the final weeks of that year with a renewed vigor.

“This was a guy who didn’t seem into Scouts very much, and all of sudden he’s going back, helping kids out and earning merit badges doing it, and generally having a good time at camp for an extended period of time,” Guerra said. “In my mind, it sort of renewed his Scout spirit and gave him the jump start – that was really neat to see.”

From that point forward, Morris’ fire was lit. And during a statement to the people gathered Saturday, he thought back to the time he may have lacked the drive; and thanked those who helped him find his way.

“I learned that I wouldn’t be able to see [other Scouts] in 20-25 years, or look back at those times and see they were the ones who had helped me,” he said. “Learning that mentality helped me drive through those obstacles. Any doubts you have, feed off those. It isn’t easy, but if you have that drive and motivation, you’ll get through it, and it changes you into a man, whether you believe it or not.”

confirms that someone put in a service request before the trees were removed. The department sent out a representative who looked at both trees and determined that they were within the boundary of the property.

The particular tree in question was the one along Gardendale Drive.

“A permit was not needed, [since the tree] was not within the city’s right of way,” said Burkes. “There was nothing from an ordinance issue that city could do to prevent it.”

City’s perspective Council Member Ellen Cohen said her office was made aware of the tree issue last year but said that since the trees are on private property her hands were tied.

“It doesn’t diminish [people’s] emotional attachment to them,” she said.

Cohen said that if she had known of an issue in advance and if she had a personal relationship with a property owner, then she would have tried to broker a deal to keep the trees. Cohen also said that a concerned community member had reached out to the office regarding the December patio demolition.

“We told them to call 311 and get a service request number, and to let us know, but we never heard back,” she said.

As to the question of why and why now with the trees, Momin said that the increased need for parking necessitated their removal as he plans to proceed with plans to put more parking on the corner where the patio used to be.

Momin said he had a potential tenant for one of the middle spaces in the building but said they were concerned about the lack of parking.

“I want to pull parking around the corner of the building,” he said.

“I have to think 15 or 20 years from now. Not having the trees allows for 10 more spaces.”

Rubiralta said that they continue to be left in the dark with remodeling plans since they have no communication with Momin.

“I personally refuse to believe that there was no other way to do whatever he plans to do,” he said. “There are plenty of eco-friendly, permeable systems out there that allow you to park cars on top while allowing water to flow through and would have easily allowed the trees to stay. For a while we actually thought the trees were going to stay. His response to The Leader in his recent interview led

us to believe that.”

Rubiralta noted that Saturday morning is by far Slowpokes’ busiest time and busiest day, and wonders if the timing was intentional. Momin said he chose the weekend to avoid work day and school traffic.

Momin said it was not a vengeful act to cut down the trees, but doing so was always a possibility. He said his lawyer gave documentation to Slowpokes in the fall, with quotes for cutting down the trees, to prove there were plans for the parking lot and the necessity of taking back the patio.

“I waited to see if parking would get better,” he said.

“One picture gets used of an associate parking in front of [his] store one time, and that somehow turned into us parking in front of the Food Mart regularly,” countered Rubiralta. “That has never been the case.

There are always plenty of spots available.”

‘I felt gutted’ Slowpokes regular Olya Cohen – no relation to Ellen Cohen – articulated the feelings of many about the loss patrons felt, of the patio, and now of the trees.

“There’s a palpable dearth of green spaces in our neighborhood, and the tiny patio area represented a welcome respite from the concrete jungle,” she said. “Losing that was hard, but business is business, and the landlord made his call. One could still look up at those hundredyear-old giants and be reminded of being near nature, near something that existed long before any of us.

Then, the trees were cut. Call me a tree-hugger, but as I watched those trees being cut, I felt gutted.”

Rubiralta said that while losing the patio hurt their business, losing the trees was worse.

“Those trees were one of the main reasons we signed the lease, regardless of the patio,” he said.

Patio Permits As for the patio permits, Katrina Hassett with the City of Houston permitting office said that since the patio at Slowpokes was unattached to the building, a permit was not required for that. Hassett said if there was a canopy that was attached to the building over the pass-through window, then that would have required the purchase of a demo permit. The placement of a red tag may indicate an associated fine.

After the patio demolition, Slow-

pokes co-owner Rubiralta said the city red tagged the site, requesting the landlord contact them. Momin said he did so and told the representative of his previous conversations with the permitting office. He said he presented them photos that showed the canopy and its poles were very close to, but not attached to the wall.

A photo of the patio posted by a patron on the Slowpokes’ Facebook page appears to show a lean-to that connects to the building. At any rate, Momin said he was not issued a fine, nor did he pay one.

Revive not involved One concern from neighbors on Alba is that the quest for more parking spaces is actually a plan to allow cars access to Revive Development’s new retail development using Momin’s property via Alba.

Revive’s Monica Danna refutes this notion.

“The dismantling of the patio and trees in the Alba center is unrelated to any of [our] activity for the Stomping Grounds,” she said. “We are just as upset as the rest of our neighborhood that Slowpokes’ landlord was unable to provide a solution to the patio remaining an asset to the community. The only entrance to the Stomping Grounds development will be from 34th Street, not Alba.”

No move scheduled Rubiralta said that he’s read a lot of comments recommending alternate areas where people would love for them to move, like next door’s Stomping Grounds, or the old Liberty Kitchen location.

“While we would love to be able to do something like that, we spent too much money here and can’t just move and take that loss,” Rubiralta said. “It takes time to recuperate our investment. Slowpokes is doing great and the community continues to support us, but it would be financially irresponsible for us to move a few feet away and incur the cost of a whole other build out. At least for the time being. Unless of course any of these guys want to give us a year of free rent and some build out. I’m kidding. This whole ordeal has made us a bunch of new friends. Both Bryan and Monica Danna, Chris Hotze over at 33 1/3, the Liberty Kitchen guys and many more. It’s been great to get to know [them] and see what they are doing to this already incredible neighborhood. At the end of the day, we are just humbled to be a part of it.”

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Page 6A • Saturday, January 27, 2018 • The Leader

Could local stores follow national cashier-less trend?

Meet your neighborhood CoMMerCial real estate experts over 70 years CoMbined real estate experienCe

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Many are sick of waiting in those long lines at the grocery store, and a new tool could soon help shoppers bypass those tiresome lines entirely if they want; but would our local area be a fan?

In what a company spokesperson said is an effort to streamline the shopping process and customer convenience, Kroger will be rolling out its new service, coined “Scan, Bag and Go,” to at least 400 of its nearly 2,700 stores nationwide later in 2018, according to a report from Business Insider.

With the “Scan, Bag and Go” system, shoppers will simply be able to scan bar codes on whatever items they will be purchasing with a handheld scanner provided at the store or via Kroger’s mobile app, as they walk throughout the store. As they make their way through the store, the app will keep a running tally of purchases, and self-checkout registers will await customers when they have finished their shopping. Soon after that, Kroger told Business Insider, customers will be able to bypass even that step by paying through the mobile app.

Customers will be encouraged to bag as they go with their own reusable bags or Scan, Bag, Go plastic bags that will be provided along with the handheld device.

A Kroger spokesperson said many customers have responded favorably to the integration of the shopping technology and checkout experience.

“It’s one more choice, like ClickList, that Kroger provides to allow its customers the ability to shop when and how they want to make their lives easier,” the company said.

Mixed reaction Even though Kroger has not released a list of markets in which the tool will be deployed, a social media call yielded some interesting dia-

David Sternbaum 832-687-7333

1505 Heights Blvd Houston, TX 77008

bobmed@bobmed.com

david.sternbaum@coldwellbanker.com

Photo courtesy of The Heights Life Shoppers browse the produce section at a local Kroger store. The company announced that it will roll out a Scan, Bag and Go technology to 400 stores in 2018, though it is unclear whether our local locations will be a part of it.

logue on the possibility of our local stores implementing it.

Some remain staunchly opposed; others were intrigued yet cautious.

Initially, some cited questions pertaining to how scanners would work on produce containing a PLU code as opposed to a bar code, how those purchases typically requiring weigh-ins would mesh, and more.

However, a Kroger spokesperson said that, in theory, should not be an issue that arises.

“The store’s scales will communicate with the Scan, Bag, Go handheld device and mobile app,” the spokeperson said. “The technology makes this seamless for our customers.”

Others expressed concern over potential job loss for current cashiers. “[I would be] against it. So essentially, we are getting rid of customer service and hundreds are losing jobs? I actually love the interaction at checkout,” a shopper named Pamela said. And several commenters echoed a similar sentiment.

“Too many jobs lost for too many people. Maybe as an option, it might be nice,” resident Kristine said.

“If anyone actually believes this has anything to do with improving customer experience, I have a bridge to sell you. This is only about slashing payroll,” a resident named Fred added.

In response, however, the company says no employment shall be willingly cut as the result of implementing Scan, Bag and Go. “We have not eliminated any jobs in Ohio or Arizona [where we’ve been testing the Scan, Bag, Go technology], and we do not expect to eliminate any jobs as a result of adding [it] to new stores in 2018,” a company spokesperson said. “We have had success reallocating talent to different departments and new parts of our business.”

Further, some believe the idea contains some intriguing possibilities.

“I would love the possibility to scan my own items, as long as it really was quick and easy,” a resident named Mary said.

Even some long-time shoppers appeared to receive the idea well.

“The Scan and Go sounds intriguing and hopefully will be better, faster and simpler.

The stores will probably have to offer multiple checkout options, but this new one sounds great,” Oak Forest resident Margaret said. “For the record, I’m over 60, work in IT, grew up in Oak Forest, came back and have been here over 20 years. I would definitely use this checkout option.”

“As long as the technology supports an accurate and frustration free checkout, I would go out of my way to shop in a store which implements this,” resident Mel added.

Bob Medeiros 713-825-9397

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The Leader • Saturday, January 27, 2018 • Page 7A

The Obituaries.

Readers hoping to add a feathered friend to their flock family.

Dear Tabby, We’d like to get a bird as a pet, but hate the idea of buying one from a breeder. Is it possible to adopt a bird? What do we need to know prior to getting one?

Bringing Home A Birdie in Brooksmith

Dear Bringing Home A Birdie, Thank you for your willingness to explore bird adoption before heading directly to a breeder or pet store! According to the website Petfinder. com, many people do not realize that there are thousands of birds that are looking for forever homes. Birds are beautiful, often exotic animals that are fun, social, and smart creatures – some even talk!

These attributes have made birds popular pets in recent years. However, people often have unrealistic expectations about the amount of love and care it takes to properly care for a bird, which in turn has led to the unfortunate increase in birds at shelters.

January is officially “Adopt a Rescued Bird Month,” and so there’s no better time to bring a feathered friend into your flock. However, there are some considerations to take into account before adopting a bird to ensure you find the right companion for your

Do you have sufficient space to keep a bird?

Birds are great if you don’t have an abundance of space, but it is still important to provide your bird with a cage large enough for it to stretch its wings. Not only that, but it would be ideal to have a fully enclosed room where you can let your bird fly freely from time to time.

Would you like your bird to talk?

African Gray parrots and Amazon parrots are considered the best talkers. However, just like with any animal, a talking bird takes time and commitment to establish a re-

lationship to teach your bird how to talk and what to say.

What about maintenance?

For less maintenance, smaller birds such as parakeets, canaries, finches, or lovebirds will be your best option. Would you like a baby bird? Baby birds, called “unweaned” birds require handfeeding until they can eat on their own. While this is great for developing a very intimate relationship with your bird, it does require a unique level of commitment to properly care for your baby bird. If you are unsure, it is recommended to adopt a weaned bird that is able to eat on its own.

Lifespan

Cleve P. Batson Jr., 85, born Sept. 9, 1932 in Normangee, Texas, died Jan. 14. In 1951, Batson enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served from 1951-1956, during the Korean Conflict. He later graduated from the University of Houston in 1962 under the G.I. Bill. He was employed with Southern Pacific Railroad as an electronic engineer and retired in 1994 after 30 years of service.

He married his wife Billie Feb. 1, 1958 at St. Marks United Methodist Church and were married 18 days shy of 60 years. After retiring, he volunteered at St. Marks United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his beloved wife Billie, and his son Bryan.

The other important thing to take into consideration is the lifespan of most birds.

Most birds live eight years or longer, but the average lifespan is between 30 and 50 years. Some even live as long as humans! It is important to fully understand the potentially lifelong commitment you may be making when adopting a bird.

Once you’ve determined if your home is the right fit for a bird, call around to local shelters to see if they have any adoptable birds or know of a shelter who does.

Ruth C. Boyd, 92, born Aug. 27, 1925 in Alto, Texas, died Jan. 18. She retired from Gulf Oil Co. after a successful career as an executive secretary in the Geology department. Boyd attended First Church of God, and the First Methodist church of Houston. She is survived by several neices and nephews.

William Castillo, 84, born June 25, 1933, died Jan. 20.

Castillo graduated from Reagan High School and University of Houston. He served in the Army “Missile Defense” Team and was a Kiwanis Club member since 1995 and Key Club sponsor at Reagan and Waltrip High Schools. Castillo taught High School Spanish and ESL English as a second language in HISD for 37 years including San Jacinto, Waltrip, and Reagan high schools and Burbank Middle School. He is survived by his son Craig W. Castillo, sisters Rachel Castillo and Rita Castillo.

Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at dear tabby questions@gmail.com

Nancy Elizabeth Davidson, 95, born Feb. 18, 1922 in New Orleans, La., died Jan. 12. She graduated from Reagan High School in 1939 and was a member of the Reagan Redcoats and served as flag sergeant. Boyd was an active member of First Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughters Nancy Koinm, Lila Lee, sons John Davidson, David Davidson, 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Houston.

Pet of the Week

Eva May Doty-Gruidel, 74, born Oct. 11, 1943, died Jan. 19.

Marie Elizabeth Ellis, 86, born Nov. 4, 1931 in Pennington, Texas, died Jan. 13. She is survived by her children Fred Ellis Jr., Elizabeth Ellis Pennington, sister Sandra Kosiba, four grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Johanna Marie Petronella, 89, born Nov. 26, 1928, died

Meet Millie. This sweet, senior girl ended up at the pound after being found as a stray. Millie is about as sweet as they come; quiet and a bit shy, but once she’s warmed up, the only thing she wants in this whole world is to be loved on and to know that she’s safe. Millie would be the perfect addition to any family...maybe yours? To learn more, go to www. scoutshonor.org.

Jan. 21.

Hattie Belle Pugh, 99, born Aug. 9, 1918, died Jan. 20. Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by funeral liturgy at 10 a.m. Jan. 27, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Road.

Jeraine Wynton Reat, 88, born Sept. 1, 1929 in Dallas, died Jan. 11.

As a child, she studied at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts under full scholarship. After graduating from Reagan High School, she studied commercial and fashion illustration at Feather and Feather School of Design. Reat was employed many years as a freelance commercial fashion illustrator. Later in life she found her calling as a portrait artist and teacher. Survivors include her daughters Vickie Reat, Jennifer Kappus, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association or Friends for Life.

Jean Karolyn Simms, 85, born April 21, 1932, died Jan. 21.

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Page 8A • Saturday, January 27, 2018 • The Leader

The calendar.

BOOK SIGNING The Book Scene Local author Lucien J. Arceneaux III will sign his book, Adventures in Dating! at The Book Scene, from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. Join in the fun, food and prizes. The Book Scene is located at 1820 W. 43rd St. Information: 713-869-6117.

SCOUTING FOR FOOD DRIVE Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts A Scouting for Food drive will be Jan. 27 and Feb. 3. The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will be coming through the neighborhoods of the Heights hanging tags on doors (on Jan. 27) to remind everyone to set out a bag of non-perishable pantry goods that will picked up the following weekend (Feb. 3) and delivered to area food pantries and the Houston Food Bank. Information: www.samhoustonbsa.org/scouting-for-food.

Family to Family Network The Success for Children with Disabilities 13th Annual Conference and Resource Fair, hosted

by Family to Family Network and Region 4, will be held Jan. 27, at Houston Community College Northwest - Spring Branch Campus, 1010 Sam Houston Pkwy.

The conference is 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and the resource fair is from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Information: familytofamilynetwork.org.

WITNESS AMERICANA - THE ART OF BBQTACOS EaDo Workspaces Mixed-media artist, BBQTacos, will host his first public solo art exhibition Americana, at the EaDo Workspaces, 3420 Rusk, from 5-9 p.m. Jan. 27. This series of prints and painting brings the artist’s childhood curiosity right up to the complex face of the American spirit. The event will feature complimentary beverages, DJ, food truck and of course, art.

Free admission. Information: 225281-0168, www.dizzyarts.net.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT Acres of Angels The Fourth Annual Acres of Angels will hold their Women Empowerment Summit from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 27, at 6662 Antoine Dr. Summit facilitator is Dr. Vonda Washington and co-facilitator is Dr. Valschkia Dabney. The keynote speaker is Isis Smalls. Topics discussed: Breaking the glass ceiling, getting your business started, financial planning, networking and more.

Free admission.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE Belmont Village Senior Living Kick off the New Year by giving back. Belmont Village Senior Living, 7667 Woodway Dr., will hold a life-saving blood drive from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 29.

Local sponsor, Whole Foods, will provide treats to donors. No appointments necessary, but quick and easy scheduling is available online at giveblood.org. Enter group code: B667. Information: 713-781-1505.

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES CONFERENCE AND RESOURCE FAIR

KATHERINE CABANISS Heritage Republican Women

LocaL Notice

Judge Katherine Cabaniss, 248th Criminal district court will be this month’s guest speaker.

She was Executive Director of Crime Stoppers, former presecutor, and writes “Living Safe” column for Houston Community Newspapers. The meeting will be held at Candlelight Church of Christ, 4215 Watonga, at 6:45 p.m. Feb. 1. Light refreshments will be served. Men are also welcome to attend. The meetings are held the first Thursday of each month. Information: 713-6883256, 713-682-0496.

ORIGAMI - VALENTINE DESIGNS Mangum-Howell Center Learn how to transform simple pieces of paper into beautiful designs using the Japanese art of origami 10 a.m. Feb. 2, at Mangum-Howell Center in Doss Park at 2500 Frick Road, 77038.

Call or come by the Center to sign up and pick up a supply list for this class. Information: 281-5917830, www.hcp4.net/community/ communitycenters.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST/SILENT AUCTION Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet One of the community’s most popular traditions and annual gatherings returns for the 24th year when the Garden Oaks Montessori Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction serves up thousands of pancakes from 8-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the HISD magnet school, 901 Sue Barnett Dr. To underwrite a portion of the annual breakfast or to donate auction items, please contact Silent Auction Coordinator Mandy

Leal at mandy.leal@gmail.com.

Information: 713-696-2930.

COUNTRY BREAKFASTS WITH DR. RED DUKE Houston Assembly of Delphian Chapters Dr. Bryant Boutwell returns to the Houston Assembly of Delphians’ Speaker Series with a sneak peek at his new biography on the life of Dr. Red Duke, scheduled for release this summer. This event will be held at the West University Community Center, 6104 Auden St., from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 3, and is open to the community. Boutwell has recently retired as Distinguished Teaching Professor from the McGovern Medical School, where he served the institutions of Houston’s Texas Medical Center for four decades. A lifelong author and historian, he spent the last year of Red Duke’s life having breakfast with him on weekends to collect his life story. Information: 713-468-3749.

RANCH TO RUNWAY Texas Coastal CattleWomen The Texas Coastal CattleWomen Ranch to Runway Style Show and Luncheon will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 6, at the BraeBurn Country Club, 8101 Bissonnett 77074. There will be shopping, silent auction, style show, lunch and cash bar.

Proceeds benefit scholarships for Texas Youth. Tickets can be purchased by e-mail at jacqui. davie@LFG.com or by mail to: TCCW, 508 Ironwood Forest Dr., Richmond, TX 77469. Information: 713-552-7966.

From the Pews.

Messy Church at St. Stephen’s Families who want to experience worshipping God and learning about Jesus in a fun, engaging way are welcome to attend Messy Church on Wednesday, from 5-6:30 p.m.

Jan. 31. This free event for all ages will include stories, crafts, food and worship.

The Dessert Extravaganza, featuring fellowship and sweet treats, will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, from 2-4 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Purchase 3 oz. “tastes” of scrumptious homemade desserts and bid on fullsized desserts during a silent auction.

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page.

All Saints Third Age Learning Center holds registration All Saints Third Age Learning Center will host its 2018 Spring Semester Registration from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 25, in the parish hall, 215 E. 10th St. The spring semester will begin Feb. 5 and conclude May 4. Registration will continue the first week of the semester Feb. 5-9.

TALC offers seniors a variety of classes, seminars, parties and day trips. A hot lunch is available weekdays at noon for $2 during the semester.

For information or lunch reservations, call 713-248-

1277.

Upcoming activities at First Church Heights Senior Time Event is held the last Tuesday of every month. Come and enjoy visiting with other seniors in the area and listen to interesting guest speakers and enjoy breakfast. The guest speaker for this month is Sherida Ramirez of The Gardens at Spring Shadows and she will discuss “Importance of Activities and Social Interaction for Seniors.” The event is 10:3011:30 a.m. Jan. 30.

A Good Cent$ Financial Seminar will be held in the fellowship hall from 7-8:15 p.m.

Feb. 5.

A Blood Drive will be held in the donor coach from 10 a.m.2:30 p.m. Feb. 17. Contact Kay Phillips at 832-459-6341 for information.

First Church Heights is located at 201 E. 9th St. Call 713-861-3102 for information.

Zion Lutheran hosting chili supper Zion Lutheran’s Men in Mission are hosting their annual chili supper from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 7, in Zion’s Great Room. This is the annual fundraiser for their Seminary Scholarship Program. The meal will be for a free will offering and there will also be quarts to go for $10. The community is welcome to attend.

Zion Lutheran is located at 3606 Beauchamp. Call 713869-1493 for information.

Women’s Bible Study Group meets at the YMCA The Women’s Bible Study meets at 6:30 p.m. every Monday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA, 1234 W. 34th St. The new Bible study begins on the Book of Daniel.

There will be Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. Guests and new members are welcome to attend this non-denominational Bible study.

Email scripturesharing@ earthlink.net for information or call 713-516-4282.

Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets at the YMCA The Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA, 1234 W. 34th St. There will be music, Bible study and fellowship.

Guests and new members are welcome to attend this nondenominational Bible study.

Email scripturesharing@ earthlink.net for information.

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PUBLIC NotICe Notice of Initiation of the Section 106 Process – Public Participation in accordance with the FCC’s Nationwide Programmatic Agreement. Vertical Bridge proposes to construct an approximately 100-ft and 120-ft. monopole respectively at E Beltway 8 (Lat: 29.783358, Long: -95.159325) & Balsam Lane (Lat: 29.848932, Long: 95.255149), Houston, Harris County, Texas. Parties interested in providing comment on the proposed undertaking relative to potential effects on historic properties should contact GSS, Inc., 1904 Industrial Blvd. #107, Colleyville, TX 76034 (682) 651-0034 (GSS D17365 & D17368).

As Part of the Environmental Notification Process for the Registration of Antenna Structures All interested persons are invited to review and request further environmental processing of an FCC application for Vertical Bridge Development, LLC proposing the following telecommunications antenna structure at approximately .04 mi SW of the intersection of Linda Dr. and Talisman Dr. Rosharon, TX 77583 FCC filing number A1095386 proposes a 100 ft + 10 ft monopole communications tower with no lighting. This application may be reviewed by entering the above file number at this website: www.fcc.gov/asr/applications. Interested persons may raise environmental concerns by filing a “Request for Environmental Review” with the FCC within 30 days of this posting. Instructions for filing requests are contained on the following website: www.fcc. gov/asr/environmentalrequest. The FCC strongly encourages requests to be filed online; however, written requests may also be sent by mail to the following address: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.

Notice of Initiation of the Section 106 Process – Public Participation in accordance with the FCC’s Nationwide Programmatic Agreement. Vertical Bridge proposes to construct an approximately 110-ft. monopole at .04 mi SW of the intersection of Linda Dr. and Talisman Dr. Rosharon, Fort Bend County, TX. Parties interested in providing comment on the proposed undertaking relative to potential effects on historic properties should contact GSS, Inc., 1904 Industrial Blvd. #107, Colleyville, TX 76034 (682) 651-0034 (GSS D18007).

LocaL Notice

As Part of the Environmental Notification Process for the Registration of Antenna Structures All interested persons are invited to review and request further environmental processing of an FCC application for Vertical Bridge Development, LLC proposing the following telecommunications antenna structure at approximately 16570 Alief Clodine Road Houston, TX 77082. FCC filing number A1095366 proposes a 120 ft + 10 ft monopole communications tower with no lighting. This application may be reviewed by entering the above file number at this website: www.fcc.gov/asr/applications. Interested persons may raise environmental concerns by filing a “Request for Environmental Review” with the FCC within 30 days of this posting.

Instructions for filing requests are contained on the following website: www.fcc.gov/asr/environmentalrequest. The FCC strongly encourages requests to be filed online; however, written requests may also be sent by mail to the following address: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.

Notice of Initiation of the Section 106 Process – Public Participation in accordance with the FCC’s Nationwide Programmatic Agreement. Vertical Bridge proposes to construct an approximately 120-ft. monopole at 16570 Alief Clodine Road, Houston, Harris County, Texas. Parties interested in providing comment on the proposed undertaking relative to potential effects on historic properties should contact GSS, Inc., 1904 Industrial Blvd. #107, Colleyville, TX 76034 (682) 651-0034 (GSS D17364).

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5315 Antoine@ Pinemont

713-688-9625

Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

Tips for Healthy Living

By Pastor Will Cover

directory Weekly Sunday Services

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

First FirstChurch Church Heights

• Bible Study: 9:15 a.m.

• Morning:10:30 a.m.

• Evening: 4:15 p.m.

Sunday School ........9:15 am Sunday Worship......10:30am Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer Service 6:00pm

1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942 Pastor – Dr. Richard Walters

Pastor C. David Harrison 201 E. 9th St. • 713-861-3102 www.fbcheights.org

Gethsemane Lutheran Church 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227

We invite you to worship with us!

Weekly Worship Services 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School & Bible Classes 10:30 am

Ad # 22283 Sunday-- Bible BibleStuday Study For Ages .. 9:30am Sunday For All All Ages..9:30am Morning Worship............ 10:45am Morning Worship.............10:45am Age Graded Zones ...........6:15pm Wed.Wed. - Prayer PrayerMeeting Meeting&&Missions Missions Organization......................6:15pm Organization .....................6:15pm

Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

St. Stephen’s

1822 W. 18th

Dr. John W. Neesley - Senior Pastor

713-864-1470

United. Methodist. Church.

A Caring, Sharing, Faith Family.

Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday School for Children, Youth and Adults 9:40

Scouting groups for all ages.

Home of Johnson Memorial School for Little Children

Rev. Nathan Lonsdale Bledsoe 2003 W. 43rd St.  713-686-8241 w w w. s t s u m c . o r g

St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA MANNA Sponsor

• Worship (English)..... 10:00 am - 11:00am • Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm • Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm

1602 West 43rd St. • Houston, Tx 77018 • 713-686-1577

It seems like everyone is getting sick this winter. The coughs, congestion, and fevers are no fun. Being sick leaves you weak and it takes a while to get your strength back. Unfortunately for many, while they may not be physically sick, they have some serious spiritual sickness in their life. Pride, discouragement, frustration, anger, selfishness, immorality, and many more spiritual “sicknesses” abound. The problem with these “sicknesses” is that they are not caused by an outside force or germ that gets in our system, but rather they are caused by sin that is inside each of us and is our own choice. I don’t think anyone of us would choose to be physically sick, but we often make choices to sin that leave us spiritually sick.

There are many ways to deal with physical sickness, but we all know that one of the best remedies for sickness is good prevention in the first place. We should eat right, get good exercise, drink plenty of water, and get good rest.

These things can help us to stay healthy. If we get sick, we need rest and other things depending on the sickness.

If we desire to be spiritually healthy we must take care of our relationship with God. This begins with confessing our sin to God and turning from our sin to follow God. We must grow in this relationship with God through reading His Word, spending time in prayer, faithfully attending church, and serving God in our community. If we find ourselves stuck in sin, the way to get out of our spiritual sickness is the same way we began our relationship with God in the first place. We must confess our sin, turn from our sin to follow God, and continue to obey God and trust His Word. I hope you are staying well this winter.

If you are sick, I pray you will regain your strength soon.

If you are spiritually sick this winter, look to God. Find the remedy for your struggle in the Bible. If you have issues you are dealing with, come and talk with me. I am available for help and counsel for your spiritual needs.

The Leader • Saturday, January 27, 2018 • Page 9A

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR ODC barbeque cook-off fundraiser 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. & 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, Jan. 26 – 27 Oaks Dads Club – 3410 East TC Jester, Houston, Texas 77018 Oaks Dads Club is having their annual BBQ cook off and plate sale fundraiser! Stop by and celebrate the beginning of the baseball season with great food and live music. Money raised by the fundraiser goes directly to our Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, and nearby communities to help preserve green space and toward the organization to help future kids stay active in baseball, softball, and soccer.

There are different ways to attend: $5 for entry at the gate or $15 for entry and a BBQ plate.

Kids under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.

BBQ brisket provided by Gatlin’s!

Live Music by: Darwin Macon, Honey Boy Nelson, and The DaleMichael Molder Band.

7th annual Psych Ward Siren chilli cook-off 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday. Jan. 27 Cottenwood Houston – 3422 N. Shepherd Dr. Houston, Texas 77018 What’s better than eating as much chili as you can? Doing it at the 7th annual Psych Ward Siren chili cook-off! For $10 you get a spoon and four hours to taste all the different kinds chili.

Four different awards will be announced at 5 p.m.: judge’s favorite, best decorated tent, fan favorite, and most original chili.

The fundraiser also includes a silent auction, craft sale, and bake sale.

This event is both family friendly and dog friendly!

Dream Dachshund Rescue event 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 27 Natural Pawz – 514 W. 19th St. Houston, Texas 77008 The volunteers of Dream Dachshund are coming out to help all their animals find new loving homes! They are committed to help each one until they’ve all been adopted.

They will be set up at Natural Pawz in the Heights with all their animals ready to play and maybe even cuddle.

Stop by and scratch a few ears!

Total Nutrition Houston 5th anniversary 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 27 Total Nutrition Houston – 174 Yale St. #200, Houston, Texas 77007 Total Nutrition Houston is celebrating their 5th anniversary in Houston! To show how much they appreciate the support they’ve received over the years their throwing a party and you’re invited.

What to expect: giveaways, raffles, and free stuff from them and their vendors, free samples from multiple vendors, and an Underwater hydrostatic body composition ($49). You’ll have the chance to meet with IFBB pro Jay Cross, the entire Total Nutrition Houston management team, and more of the fitness community in Houston!

Caturday Cartoons 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Saturday. Jan. 27 El Gato Coffeehouse Cat CafÊ – 508 Pecore St. Suite A, Houston, Texas 77009 Hang out with cats and watch old school cat cartoons form the 90s at El Gato Coffeehouse Cat CafÊ this weekend. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy morning or introducing your kids to the cartoons you use to love!

Come and play with all the Houston Human Society resident cats.

An adult pass is $12/hr, a student pass is $10/hr, and a child pass is $8/hr. Children under the age of 5 not permitted and children 15 and under must be accompanied with an adult.

Wakefield Crowbar open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

By Christina Martinez

Christina@theleadernews.com

The Garden Oaks and Oak Forest neighborhoods received Wakefield Crowbar by chance. An avid volleyball player, owner Randy Meador stumbled upon the 954 Wakefield Dr. property and saw possibility back in 2012. What he didn’t see or expect: his neighborhood bar celebrating five years of business this summer and being a destination in the neighborhood for not only volleyball, but also for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and more.

Wakefield Crowbar opened in the summer of 2013. When Meador first began the build, the sand volleyball courts were his first priority. Eventually, he added on developments like a heated shower, a built-out home and warehouse. After his initial build out, Houston Sports and Social approached Meador about renting his courts for league play and here is where possibility sparked the birth of Wakefield Crowbar. “We rented the courts out, but what we didn’t realize is that these people would need a place to use the restroom, a place to park, they’d need water,� Meador said. “I had people coming into my own home to use the restroom.

That’s where I had to make some decisions – either make this into a business or just call

Contributed photos At the top, Wakefield Crowbar’s Build-Your-Own Omelette. Above, chef Garcia’s homemade granola.

it. So, we made it into a business and here we are.�

Along with offering a volleyball environment, Wakefield Crowbar is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner,

with the kitchen open for service 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Breakfast menu offers items like a Morning-Cristo, their take on the traditional Monticristo: deep fried ham

and cheese sandwich, with an egg inside; served with fruit-flavored vanilla crème cheese, and lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Also find Steak and Eggs, a BuildYour-Own Omelette, Huevos Rancheros, French Toast, Waffles and more. “You can also customize your order,â€? Wakefield Crowbar chef Victor Garcia said. “You can get your eggs made to order, even pancakes made to order with fruit or chocolate chips. If there is something you’d like from the kitchen that isn’t on the menu, just ask. If we have the ingredients, we’ll make you something.â€?

For those looking for something more healthful, the breakfast menu boasts options like avocado toast, homemade granola – chef Garcia is especially proud of his granola – a fruit bowl filled with fresh berries, and even a protein plate.

For coffee lovers, Boomtown Coffee is on the menu.

And, yes, brunch cocktails are always on the menu.

For lunch and dinner diners, you can’t go wrong with The Wakefield Burger, Chicken Tenders, Beef Stew or Oxford Salad. The Lunch and Dinner menu offers options like appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and wraps, salads, side options, desserts and even party trays.

You can find daily lunch

and dinner specials, like the ever popular Tuesday Steak Night. For the drink lovers, find daily special offerings on brews and spirits. Inside, find a full bar with 36 taps on the wall. Outside, find patio seating surrounding the three volleyball courts, an outside bar and fire places made

by Meador for those chilly nights.

Thinking outside of the box, Wakefield Crowbar offers their venue for events, parties and even meeting

Visit Wakefield Crowbar at 954 Wakefield Dr. and contact them at 713.686.8388 or at www. wakefieldcrowbar.com.

space. If you’re looking to change up your meeting venue, chef Garcia says he’ll customize a menu for you and your meeting guests to fit your needs.

Visit Wakefield Crowbar at 954 Wakefield Dr. and contact them at 713.686.8388 to place your to-go orders or book your next event. Visit them online at www.wakefieldcrowbar.com.

This was a paid-for article as a part of The Leader’s advertorial program.

Art Valet: Loving Mystery; an Invitation, art show

On a recent visit to Independence Art Studios, I was shocked to see that Brooke Summers-Perry, a 22 year Heights resident and neighbor, occupied one of the studios. I had no idea she painted - and in fact, she told me, she hadn’t for a very long time.

Yet her work had a depth and passion to it that is rare among painters with years of experience.

20% OFF SINGLE ENTREE

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ORDER ANY ONE BREAKFAST OR LUNCH ENTREE AND GET 20% OFF

*LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER PER VISIT. GOOD ONLY FOR DINE-IN CUSTOMERS 713.686.8388 | www.wakefieldcrowbar.com | 954 Wakefield Dr

Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

Loving Mystery; an Invitation, featuring 25 - 30 paintings and poetry is featured at the Cloister Gallery at Treebeards in February.

Summers-Perry took art lessons as a teen but was quickly re-directed toward pursuing a “lucrative� career.

While getting degrees in Psychology and Architecture, she squeezed in some black and white photography courses studying light, people, and spaces, but never returned to drawing or painting.

Leaving art had unforeseen drawbacks. “I shut down and began repressing my inner longings and emotions,� SummersPerry said. “I admired art through the practice of photography, but I quit drawing.

In architecture, for various reasons, I began to mistrust my creativity, but began to flourish in listening to clients and directing design teams.�

While studying to become a spiritual director, which she got in 2015, she took a watercolor class with Caroline Graham at the Art League. “Using the tools and confidence I gained in the class and community, I began incorporating writing and painting as part of my meditative practices,� she said. “In 2017, the loss of a job and an unexpected surgery helped me see an opportunity to spend much more time processing loss, unpredictability, and the associated attachments and feelings,� Summers-Perry said. “I started painting with acrylics in May, and as I healed physically, emotionally, and spiritually; I painted bigger, bolder, and with less self-criticism.

The freedom and healing that came from this process are what inspired me to share and put this show together.� “It has been my work with teens that inspires me to show up and share. I re-

2018 Year of the Dog Celebrate Chinese New Year With Ginger & Fork

Join us Feb. 17 for traditional Lion Dancing @ 5pm Call now to make your reservation!

Come dine with us tues. - thurs. 11:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Friday - saturday 11:00 - 11:00 p.m.

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Cavatore’s Contributed photos At the top, Art titled Brook by artist Brooke Summers-Perry. In the middle, artist Brooke Summers-Perry. Above, art titled Clear

by Brooke Summers-Perry.

member what it feels like to dismiss myself. I am fueled to keep practicing and sharing. It is a terrifying honor to share my process and visions.

What comes out is a mystery, but it is always entangled with love. In the world we live in, it is terrifying to think about where we will go if we don’t listen to our hearts and connect with something larger than ourselves. I want to fan the sparks of loving and creative longings. I think each of us has a spark to fan.

Read more of my interview

with Brook Summers-Perry online - theleadernews.com.

The show will be on view January 27 - February 23 in the Cloister Gallery at Treebeards, Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Ave, 77002.

Free parking is available in the Cathedral garage on San Jacinto. Treebeards is open weekdays 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The opening reception is Friday evening from 6 - 8 p.m. on February 2, SummersPerry will give a brief talk on her process and read a few of the poems.

THE LEADER

Make your reservations at the Leader Readers’ voted

Best Italian Restaurant!

2120 Ella Boulevard • (713) 869-6622

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Page 10A • Saturday, January 27, 2018 • The Leader

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