Leader 02-23 by The Heights Leader, Fort Bend Star and The Greensheet

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We’re auditioning for a 4-legged pet writer

DENIED The Houston Planning Commission told a developer that new apartments on Yale Street weren’t acceptable. Now what happens to the property?

Read about it in our monthly Real Estate section • Page 1B

We noticed two things from our recent, wildly popular Leader Loveables pet cuteness contest. 1) Leader Readers are nuts about their pets. 2) A fair number of them unashamedly channel their four-legged best friends and speak for them, in the first person. (As in “Hi, I’m Fifi and I’m a rescue calico who loves catnip and an occasional craft beer…”) We’ve decided to turn that into a novelty as we get ready to launch a weekly pet column. Instead of one of our human journalists writing about critters, we’re going to audition to choose a dog or cat author who can become our expert about things like spay and neuter clinics, rescue groups’ events and important information about health. So if you’re interested in having Fido or Whiskers become a celebrity in Leader neighborhoods – and if you’re willing to commit (on their behalf, of course) to follow our format and deadlines, drop us a line at charlotte@theleadernews.com and we’ll send you instructions on how to submit a sample. But first, figure out a way to keep that fur out of the recesses of your keyboard and how you’re going to keep them from playing Angry Birds.

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WHAT: Houston Heights Association’s annual Volunteer Appreciation and Community Improvement Awards Dinner WHEN: 5-8 p.m. Feb. 24. Starts with a BYOB mix-and-mingle hour, followed by the dinner and ceremony. WHERE: Heights Fire Station, 107 W. 12th St. at Yale HOW MUCH: $25 per person or $200 for a reserved table for eight LEARN MORE: info@houstonheights.org EDITOR’S TAKE: In a neighborhood shaped by its dedicated volunteers and their complex and meaningful projects, these are community awards that mean something. Even if you don’t live in the Heights, you probably spend time there, and their eﬀorts are what have helped attract you – and deserve your attention.

THE INDEX. Public Safety Hipstrict Topics Obituaries Coupons Puzzles Sports Classiﬁeds

2A 8A 4A 5A 6A 4A 9B 6B

It’s no secret we all love food. What’s better, for folks in the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and North Houston is that we have no shortage of great restaurants. Today, we introduce a new publication that will appear the last week of every month called, THE LIST. And what better way to start a food publication than to focus on the greatest of American meals: The Burger. You can ﬁnd it inside today’s edition of The Leader.

by Charlotte Aguilar charlotte@theleadernews.com For nearly three decades, this was an empowering time of year for neighborhood activists, when Houston city council members held individual budget hearings to help establish funding for things like parks, libraries, streets, sidewalk and drainage improvements that would be submitted for the overall city budget. You can still be involved “It used to be – Attend these meetings a case that who • District A - Helena Brown could get organized 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 25 got a lot of what Spring Woods High School they wanted,” said • District C - Ellen Cohen 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 5 Brooke Boyett, chief Metropolitan Multi-Service Center of staff to District C 1475 W. Gray St. Councilmember El• District H - Ed Gonzalez len Cohen. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 27 Sheer numbers Sam Houston High School were impressive, 9400 Irvington Blvd. petition drives To go armed with information, you even more so. If can see a list, by district, of current sidewalks needed and planned projects at https://www. installing, potholes houstontx.gov/cip/ fixing, drainage expanding, those who hollered the loudest could often see results. Not so much any more. Five-year capital improvement plans are still required and the subject of annual meetings, as they have been since 1984. But now, formulas that rely heavily on technology – monitored traffic counts,for one, or calls to the city’s all-purpose 311 reporting line – largely dictate how money is budgeted and ultimately spent. With voters passing the Rebuild Houston pay-assee Capital • Page 9A

Helms Elementary: Where the wild things are by Ken Fountain For The Leader The Heights often bills itself as “a small town in the big city.” In at least one small corner, it’s also a nature preserve of sorts, home to turtles, crayfish and other wild things. Last Sunday, a few dozen students, both big and small, and parents gathered at Helms Elementary School, 503 W. 21st Street, to perform some much-needed restoration of the school’s Wetlands and Outdoor Classroom. Nestled along a back corner of the school’s fencing, behind the school’s temporary buildings, the facility is a veritable watering hole not unlike one you’d find out in the country. It consists of a couple of interconnected ponds, landscaped with rocks and vegetation, as well as an adjoining “community garden.” The project was founded in the late 1990s by then-science teacher Lindy Meador, said James Newman, Helms’ current fifth-grade science teacher. The wetlands project grew over time, with the assistance of the University of St. Thomas and a local landscaping

River McCarland, a freshman at Carnegie Vanguard High School, hands classmate Christine Lin a turtle she retrieved from a pond in the Helms Elementary Wetlands and Outdoor Classroom on Sunday. (Photo by Ken Fountain) company that donated its services, Newman said. Meador eventually retired, and in the past

couple of years, the wetlands has taken on a bit more rustic look through disuse, Newman explained. On Sunday, the group of volunteers

made a big dent in an ongoing project to make the center a little more manageable. Jamie Ford Scott, a Helms parent and chairwoman of the wetlands committee, is spearheading the effort. And she’s got some bona fides: a trained biologist who’s worked at, among other places, the National Zoo in Washington D.C. and the Houston Zoo, Scott is now a science teacher at Houston ISD’s Carnegie Vanguard High School. Under a crisp, bright sky, Scott and Newman arrived early to begin preparations for Sunday’s project. The main goal: drain the ponds of the somewhat fetid water and gather as many turtles that could be found so that they could be safely relocated. To help, Scott had enlisted many of her Carnegie ninth-grade students to do the lion’s share of the labor, as well as some hands-on scientific fieldwork. With the students gathered in a circle around her, Ford explained that as the turtles were collected, they were to collect three main areas of data: the species

see Helms • Page 9A

Page 2A • The Leader • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Crime Briefs: V’Day robber no sweetheart The FBI Bank Robbery Task Force needs help identifying a bank robber who forced his way into a motor bank and demanded cash Thursday, on Valentine’s Day. The robbery happened at the Bank of America motor bank located at 5150 N. Shepherd near Pinemont. The incident happened about 8:30 a.m. The robber gestured as if he was concealing a weapon; however, a weapon was not observed by the tellers. After getting some cash, the bank robber fled the scene in a green Ford Expedition. No one was physically hurt during the robbery. Witnesses described the bank robber as a Black male, in his mid 30s, approximately 6’0” – 6’1”, 200 pounds, with stubble or a light moustache and beard with small skin tags on his cheeks. He wore a green sweatshirt with a logo, a blue beanie hat and blue jeans. Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and arrest of this robber, or any felony suspect. If you have information about this crime, please call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 713-222TIPS (8477), or the Houston office of the FBI at 713-693-5000. From the FBI Houston

Washington Ave. chase suspect charged with trying to injure police Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested following an incident in which Houston police officers fired on him after a chase down

A surveillance camera captured this image of a suspect in the robbery of a Bank of America motor bank branch at 5150 N. Shepherd Drive on Valentine’s Day. Crime Stoppers is oﬀering $5,000 for his arrest and charging. (From the FBI) Washington Avenue late at night Feb. 15 when he allegedly attempted to run them down as they attempted to stop him. The suspect, Mario G. Diaz-Gomez, 51, is charged with aggravated assault against a public servant and felony evading arrest in the 338th State District Court. Officers S. Blevins and K. McLaughlin, who discharged their duty weapons in the 1500 block of Washington Avenue, were not injured in the incident. Both are assigned to the Central Patrol

Division. HPD Homicide Division Sergeant H. Garcia, Senior Police Officer T. Andrade and Officer V. McLean reported: HPD patrol officers responded to a disturbance call involving a speeding vehicle at 4312 Washington Avenue. Officers arrived and attempted to make contact with the suspect but he fled the scene in his vehicle. Officers pursued the suspect as he drove erratically on Washington Avenue. At one point during the pursuit, the suspect appeared to lose control of his vehicle and came to Diaz-Gomez a stop facing the pursuing patrol vehicles. As Officers Blevins and McLaughlin attempted to conduct a felony traffic stop, the suspect accelerated his vehicle and drove toward the passenger side of their patrol vehicle. Fearing for their lives, the two officers discharged their duty weapons, but did not strike the suspect. The suspect put his vehicle in reverse, spun the vehicle and then fled, striking other HPD patrol units in the process. He was then taken into custody. As is customary when an HPD officer discharges a weapon in the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide and Internal Affairs Divisions.

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FEB. 11 Burglary 07:30 PM 600-699 24TH ST Theft 06:00 AM 900-999 23RD ST Theft 12:30 PM 4000-4099 SHEPHERD DR Assault 10:42 PM 1700-1799 SEASPRAY CT Theft 11:00 AM 2900-2999 SHEPHERD DR

FEB. 12 Theft 04:40 PM 1500-1599 RUTLAND Theft 01:02 AM 600-699 NORTH LP SER Robbery 07:10 PM 3000-3099 ALBA Burglary 03:00 PM 1700-1799 SEASPRAY CT Theft 01:55 PM 2500-2599 SHEARN Theft 07:00 AM 4300-4399 VERDOME LN Theft 10:00 PM 2200-2299 ASHLAND ST Theft 04:00 PM 700-799 13TH ST Theft 01:02 AM 600-699 NORTH LP Burglary 05:30 PM 700-799 WAVERLY Theft 08:00 PM 1200-1299 SEAMIST Theft 10:30 PM 2500-2599 18TH ST Theft 05:30 PM 1400-1499 MARTIN Theft 03:30 PM 3400-3499 KATY FWY SER Theft 08:00 PM 100-199 QUITMAN Assault 03:30 PM 1700-1799 WINTER Theft 10:00 AM 1100-1199 LAWRENCE

FEB. 13 Theft 12:00 PM 200-299 19TH ST Burglary 08:00 AM 600-699 27TH ST Theft 02:00 PM 900-999 YALE Burglary 09:10 AM 2100-2199 ELLA BLVD Burglary 12:00 PM 4200-4299 KOEHLER Theft 12:00 AM 1200-1299 SEAMIST Other 11:18 PM TC JESTER NB AND

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FEB. 14 Robbery 08:00 AM 2000-2099 SHEPHERD DR Theft 10:00 AM 700-799 20TH ST Burglary 12:50 PM 800-899 RUTLAND Theft 09:40 AM 1500-1599 18TH ST Theft 07:05 PM 3500-3599 WHITE OAK DR Theft 12:33 PM 4400-4499 YALE Theft 07:00 PM 1000-1099 STUDE Theft 07:00 PM 1500-1599 COLUMBIA ST Theft 09:00 PM 4100-4199 WATSON Theft 12:00 PM 1200-1299 DURHAM DR Theft 10:00 PM 1000-1099 USENER Theft 07:30 PM 2000-2099 SILVER Theft 08:00 PM 1800-1899 SPRING

FEB. 15 Theft 01:20 PM 100-199 20TH ST Theft 01:40 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 07:00 PM 5000-5099 YALE Burglary 07:30 PM 300-399 WHITNEY Theft 10:00 PM 1300-1399 20TH ST Theft 11:00 PM 5000-5099 CENTER

ST Theft 11:30 PM 4200-4299 WASHINGTON AVE Assault 11:13 PM 1500-1599 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 11:00 PM 4700-4799 NETT Burglary 02:30 PM 1200-1299 31ST ST Burglary 02:00 PM 3800-3899 SHERWOOD LN

FEB. 16 Theft 05:45 AM 3800-3899 DISTRIBUTION BLVD Theft 12:45 PM 800-899 DURHAM DR Theft 12:15 AM 4800-4899 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 12:00 AM 3700-3799 CENTER ST Theft 09:00 PM 4200-4299 LILLIAN Theft 02:00 AM 1900-1999 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 11:58 AM 4300-4399 CASTOR Burglary 10:00 AM 5300-5399 INKER Theft 08:00 PM 1000-1099 THOMPSON Theft 02:38 PM 2200-2299 LOU ELLEN LN Theft 11:00 PM 6200-6299 SCHULER Theft 03:10 PM 9500-9599 HEMPSTEAD HWY Theft 09:00 PM 600-699 SHEPHERD

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FEB. 17 Theft 04:29 PM 400-499 21ST ST Theft 09:09 AM 200-299 W 27TH ST Burglary 05:00 PM 300-399 WHITNEY Theft 07:40 AM 1500-1599 THOMPSON Theft 01:30 AM 4900-4999 NETT Theft 10:15 AM 2100-2199 NORTH LP W SER Theft 01:00 AM 2000-2099 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 02:00 AM 1900-1999 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 03:00 AM 4700-4799 DACOMA ST Theft 07:00 AM 4800-4899 LAMONTE LN Theft 03:50 PM 300-399 JANISCH RD Theft 03:44 PM 6800-6899 W MONTGOMERY

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Page 3A • The Leader • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Warrant roundup begins March 2 Law enforcement officials announced last week that they’ll start fanning out into neighborhoods, schools and workplaces March 2 to clear thousands of warrants. The 2013 Great Texas Warrant Roundup is said to be the biggest in Texas history, with more than 300 agencies taking part statewide and most Houston agencies participating. The city of Houston Municipal Courts Department wants to clear thousands of outstanding warrants after offering an extended amnesty period to pay for old citations, and HPD and

other law enforcement agencies will coordinate to arrest scofflaws. An added component will be a special task force that will use a license plate recognition program that identifies a vehicle parked repeated times at specific locations, that will help locate defendants with outstanding warrants. “With the assistance of law enforcement, we fully intend to use the entire scope of our resources, and we want to make everyone aware that ignoring your court matter is not an acceptable practice,” said Barbara E. Hartle, presiding

Negotiations OK’d on bond projects, including Waltrip’s Houston ISD trustees have approved plans to negotiate contracts with eight firms on new bond construction projects, including keeping the same engineering firm on the second phase of major Waltrip High School renovations. The administration is recommending that Gensler stay on the $30.1 million project. There has been no questioning of Gensler’s work, but Waltrip contractor Fort Bend Mechanical has been accused of falling behind on the first phase of construction, which is only about half completed, and doing substandard work. Construction has been suspended, according to sources close to the project. While HISD officials say they can’t confirm the situation with Fort Bend Mechanical, they have acknowledged that they may be “transitioning” to another contractor. Gensler would remain the constant. The district will negotiate contracts with eight firms on selected 2012 bond projects, including four schools and middle school restroom renovations. HISD officials spent several weeks reviewing qualifications submitted by 85 architectural and engineering firms seeking to do work with the district under the 2012 bond program, which will build or renovate 40 schools across the district. The

$1.89 billion bond program, approved by voters in November, will also fund middle school restroom renovations, technology upgrades, and safety and security upgrades. To assist in the review and selection process, administrators solicited the expertise of professors from the University of Houston, Rice University, and Prairie View A&M University schools of architecture. The HISD selection committee invited 36 firms to provide oral presentations. All firms, including those not invited for the presentations, will remain under consideration for other 2012 bond projects. The firms were evaluated using several criteria, including experience, quality of services, and commitment to HISD’s stated goals for participation by minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs). Six of the recommended firms are certified M/WBEs, which means they are at least 51 percent owned by one of the following groups: African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, Native-American or women. Administrators expect to bring forward more recommendations on bond projects to the Board of Education in the coming weeks.

judge. Notices are being mailed to all Houston Municipal Court defendants with active warrants. Citizens with warrants in jurisdictions other than the city of Houston should contact those jurisdictions for information about how to clear those warrants. A complete list of participating regional partners can be found at www.houstontx.gov/courts. For more information, visit www.houstontx. gov/courts or contact City’s Helpline at 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 if outside the City of Houston.

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ADOPTABLE PETS

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Pictured, from left, are Vergel Cruz, Acting President; Billie Whiteﬁeld, Jim Bowie, Nelda Epps and Bob Stover, Vice President.

Pachyderm Club honors members for their service The Pachyderm Club of Northwest Houston honored three members for their service with certificates of appreciation at a recent meeting. Members honored were: Billie Whitefield for more than 50 years of service including Senatorial District Chair and other leadership roles; Jim Bowie, retired pastor of True Light Baptist Church and first black elected to the Texas State Republican Executive Committee; Nelda Epps, longest serving member of Texas State Republican Executive Committee and other leadership roles in Republican Women organizations. Pachyderm Club of Northwest Houston meets for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month at 7232 Wynnwood, Houston, Texas 77008. For information, call Earl Lairson at 713-386-1133.

ith award season here, it’s time for the nominees to put on a tuxedo and practice their acceptance speech. Dolly is nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role after raising her younger siblings. A tuxedo cat, she’s already dressed in her finest and ready to walk the red carpet of your home. Adopt her and you’re sure to hear “You like me, you really like me!” To meet Dolly, visit Friends for Life No Kill Animal Shelter at nokill1.org or 107 E. 22nd St.

Based in part on a news release from Houston ISD

Mojdeh Zahedi, M.D.

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Melissa Montoya Celi, M.D. Family Medicine Northwest

Jorge Luengas, M.D. Family Medicine Northwest

Budweiser’s four-legged ad team, the Clydesdale and the Dalmatian, made an appearance last week at the Heights Kroger on Shepherd Drive at 11th Street as part of a promotional tour. (Photo by Edward Johnson)

Would You Wait a Lifetime To Brush Your Teeth? FEBRUARY IS YOUR PET'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH Did you know? Bacteria from peridontal disease can spread through the bloodstream and damage internal organs (heart, kidneys, etc.)

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Page 4A • The Leader • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Mistakes are nothing new in the newspaper business

have a friend who loyally reads The Leader and he doesn’t live anywhere near us. In fact, he lives in Pearland, and it’s a safe bet that home prices in the Heights or sports teams at Waltrip do not greatly impact his life. Yet he continues to read. There are some theories on this. One is that he’s just a nice guy and cares about the welfare of the newspaper I manage. The second is a bit more sinister. If you don’t remember, I’m an Alabama fan. Well, this so-called friend of mine is an Auburn fan, and for those who don’t understand the jealousy of Auburn toward Alabama, think Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. And if that doesn’t help, just know Auburn fans live in a constant state of jealousy. What’s more, they prey on the mistakes of Alabama. So you might imagine that my friend (and he really is one) enjoyed taking a small pot-shot at me last week. In so many words, he suggested that I learn how to print the correct pages in my paper. Here’s what happened: I made a huge mistake in the Feb. 16 edition of The Leader. Not the kind of mistake that will land me in court and, now that I think about it,

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

not too many of you called complaining. But for someone who can’t stand a single misspelled word, this was a pretty tough error to swallow. We have two sections in The Leader every week now (and this week, we actually have three sections). Two sections means you have a page 1A and also a 1B. There’s a 2A and 2B, a 3A and 3B, and if you’re not following the trend by now, that probably means you went to Auburn. This huge mistake I made came on page 4, which just so happens to be the page you’re reading right now, if you’re reading the print edition. I ran the correct page 4A, but instead of running the correct page 4B, which had pictures of nine local athletes celebrating the biggest day of their lives by

signing a college letters of intent, I actually ran page 4A again. In other words, I ran my ugly mug twice in the paper and didn’t run our local high school students once. So we’re fixing that problem today and we’ll make sure the mothers of those athletes have something they can clip and put in a scrap book. Making mistakes in a newspaper is nothing new. In fact, the duplication of a page hardly ranks as the most embarrassing thing someone has done in a newspaper. And just to prove we can laugh at ourselves around here, I thought I’d spend the rest of this column making fun of my colleagues. The first offender, amazingly, is me. After 9/11, the U.S. military invaded Iraq and Afghanistan. And if you don’t remember the beginning of those wars, our enemies fought back by sending their young into the middle of town, strapped with enough ammo to blow half the market, and lit the fuse. We called these people “suicide bombers.” Early in the war, even my newspaper was covering some of these events, and it seemed as though hundreds of people were killed every day from these suicide © Copyright 2013 McElvy Media LLC

OUR STAFF Jonathan McElvy LEE BURGE, PUBLISHER FROM 1957-1969 TERRY BURGE, PUBLISHER FROM 1969-2012

3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd, Suite A P.O. Box 924487 Houston, TX 77292-4487 Phone: (713) 686-8494 Fax (713) 686-0970 www.theleadernews.com facebook.com/THE LEADER. @heightsleader Circulation: 34,000 copies weekly NEWS DEADLINE: Noon on Mondays CLASSIFIED WORD AD DEADLINE: 5 p.m. Tuesday RETAIL AD DEADLINE: Noon on Mondays

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Any erroneous statement which may appear in The Leader will be corrected when brought to the attention of the publisher. In the event of errors or omissions in The Leader advertisements, the publisher does not hold himself liable for damages further than the amount received by him for such advertisements. The Leader’s distribution is independently audited by the Circulation Verification Council.

Time to follow the Canucks in the realm of the coin exchange THE COUNTER – “That will be two dollars and 51 cents,” says the clerk. All I’ve got are dollar bills, and hand her three. So the clerk glumly digs out a quarter, two dimes and four pennies. Sometimes there is a penny box near the cash register, or the clerk will just shrug and forget the penny. But up north, they don’t have that problem. The Canucks are doing away with their penny, or as the Huffington Post put it, “Soon, Canada will be penniless.” The last Canadian penny was minted in May, and none too soon. According to the Canadian Mint, ending that operation will save the tundra taxpayers an estimated $11 million each year. The reason being that the coin which is worth one cent actually costs 1.6 cents to make. (Incidentally, the end of the Canadian penny has caused a rush by coin collectors.) As the penny slowly makes its way out of circulation, which may take three to four years, Canadian businesses have been asked to round all cash transactions up and down to the nearest 5-cent increment. So the next time you are buying walrus blubber in the Yukon, remember that items costing $1.01 or $1.02 will simply be rounded down to an even $1.00, while goods that cost $1.03 or more will be rounded upwards to $1.05. But if you use your credit/debit cards or checks, the price won’t be rounded. Will Americans ever follow their northern brethren in the realm of the coin? We have been debating the use and uselessness of the penny for years. If you are a conservative you like our currency the way it is – no change in the change. If pennies were good enough for Strom Thurmond, they’re good enough for us. But conservatives don’t like to waste government money and, just like the Canadians, a U.S. penny costs more to make than it’s worth. The cost fluctuates due to the ever-changing price of metals, but in 2012 it cost the U.S. Mint two cents to make a cent, down from 2.41 cents the year before. That

ASHBY AT LARGE

figure includes distribution, Mint overhead, etc. The total loss in producing the penny last year was $58 million, slightly less than in 2011 which had a loss of $60.2 million. To save tax dollars, conservatives should support dropping the penny. If you are a liberal, you want change you can believe in, even if it’s your children’s change. But the situation is not that simple. If a penny was coined – so to speak – and used once and thrown away, then, yes, the cost would be more than the value. But pennies, like diamonds, are forever, so we can’t accurately say we’re losing money in the operation, just that it costs more to make, count and distribute, than its face value. If we start doing away with pennies, we’ve got quite a job. The U.S. Mint doesn’t know exactly how many are in circulation, but estimates about 140 BILLION. Some numismatists (I don’t get to write that word often) put the figure as high as 200 billion. Since the first penny was struck in 1787 until today, more than 300 billion pennies have been minted in the U.S. So if the Mint’s estimation is correct, we are missing 160 billion pennies. Check under your sofa pillows. Then there’s the nickel, which is actually made of zinc, copper and nickel. As with the penny, the cost of producing a nickel changes with the metal market, but for fiscal 2012 to make and distribute the five-cent piece it cost 10.09 cents, down from11.18 cents in 2011. Like the penny, to make a nickel costs about double its face value. Maybe we should go back to beads, wampum and beaver pelts, because a look at our current currency shows

Dear Editor: The Leader is to be congratulated for reporting crime in our community. To ignore what is happening to our citizens is exactly what we should NOT do. That is what the thugs would like for us to do. As a victim of more than one home burglaries and a recent robbery in our nice quiet neighborhood, I appreciate The Leader crime information. An alert and informed community is evidence of people who care about the safety of their neighbors and not only about themselves. Thank you for your good newspaper. Longtime Oak Forest home owner

On the Y and the pets

DESIGN INFORMATION

we’ve stumbled a lot, often just to be politically correct. Remember the Sacagawea silver dollar? In a sop to NOW, Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin specifically told the committee designing the new silver dollar to come up with a minority woman. The dollar bombed. Did you ever get a Suzy B. Anthony dollar? Not many people did. Back in 1979 the government came out with that coin. By 1981 it had struck 857 million of them, at which point the U.S. Treasury found it had 550 million metal Anthony coins lying around in sacks in Mint vaults. Nobody wanted the dollars. Not be sexist, for five years the Mint produced Presidential $1 coins (all featuring males, of course), totaling about $2.4 billion. But nobody wanted them either, and a large portion are now gathering dust in Federal Reserve vaults. Yes, we aren’t real good at choosing our currency. When was the last time you received a $2 bill or a 50cent piece? If we really want to save tax dollars of any kind, Congressional auditors say replacing dollar bills with dollar coins could save taxpayers some $4.4 billion over the next 30 years. A one-dollar coin could stay in circulation for 30 years while paper bills have to be replaced every four or five years on average. But our current silver dollar causes confusion because it looks very much like a quarter. Speaking of which, the feds decided that each state could put their own special logo on the reverse side of the 25-cent piece. Texas chose the Alamo, obviously. This brings up the question of what our state’s secessionists would want on Republic of Texas currency. Willie Nelson or Earl Campbell? How about the Old Dime Box dime? The El Paso peso? Let’s go back to Luckenbuck, Texas. Soon we may be saying so long, pennies from heaven, penny wise and pound foolish. Goodbye a penny saved is a penny earned. Can J.C. Penney be far behind? Should we do away with the one-cent coin? Ashby is in circulation at ashby2@comcast.net

called for something a little more aged, you’ll enjoy this one: “Students Cook & Serve Grandparents.” You might think I’m making these up, but late night TV has made it a weekly segment to read headlines like these spellbinders: “Something went wrong in plane crash, expert says.” Ding-ding. “Juvenile court to try shooting defendant.” Guess if you don’t have the evidence to convict, this is an option. “Hospitals are sued by 7 foot doctors.” Can you imagine working at that place? Wonder if the nurses would be that tall. From the headlines of the obvious: “Caskets found as workers demolish mausoleum.” “Utah Poison Control Center reminds everyone not to take poisons.” “Federal agents raid gun shop, find weapons.” And I couldn’t resist this last one, a classified ad that might turn your stomach: “For Sale: Full size mattress, Royal Tonic 20, 20 year warranty, like new. Slight urine smell. $20.” I’m buying that for my Auburn friend. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

THE READER. Yes, we should know about crime

Publisher & President

Built by

bombers. This was obviously not a laughing matter, but the headline I wrote for a Monday edition of our newspaper got plenty of chuckles. Let’s see if you can find the error in this beauty: “Suicide Bomber Strikes Again.” Yep, that was the headline in huge type across the top of Page 1. I take complete and full credit for that one, and even though it’s been a decade since I wrote that nugget, I still laugh. And as of today, I don’t believe there’s been a suicide bomber who struck more than once. The rest of these, I hate to say, were not written by me. They were published in newspapers and there’s nothing wrong with laughing at other people, especially the person who wrote this special headline: “Statistics show teen pregnancy drops off significantly after age 25.” It’s not that the headline is wrong, but don’t teen pregnancies actually end at age 24? Wait... There are a ton of cooking headlines that go wrong somewhere along the way. “Kids make nutritious snacks” got a good chuckle. If you didn’t want to snack on them, you could just have them for dessert in this headline: “Include your children when baking cookies.” If your appetite

Dear Editor: I watched them build the Northwest Y on 34th street back in the 50s. Don’t recall the precise year it was built but it cost all of $12 a year back in those halcyon days. Or was it $12 a summer? Don’t recollect “perzactly” the “perzact” amount, or terms. I thought you could pay it oﬀ at $3 a month. I do know my mom and dad signed us up once it

opened, and $12 was a lot of money back then. You could buy a month’s worth of groceries for $12. Later on in the last century, I watched them tear down the old YMCA, and build a new one. And, my wife and I joined again. How’s that for coming full circle! Living on DuBarry back in the 50s was a delight! Mark Twain couldnt have written a better story. Changing the subject, if I may, I would like to thank you, THE LEADER, for having the pet photo contest last month, or was it the beginning of this month? Hmmm, well no matter! Due to the exposure, entrant #25 Cooper received, someone that reads THE LEADER saw his picture and the brief story I posted about him and his BAK PAK critter reading program credentials, donated $1,000 dollars in Coopers name to one of his schools, Jeﬀerson Elementary, to purchase books for the kids. Now how is that for a success story! See, all you good folks, how one act can inspire another gracious act etc. Paying it forward, is the name of the game. Get involved, if you can, no matter how much, or how little, cause every little bit helps. Thanks again to THE LEADER for hosting the photo contest, and for being our “hometown paper.” Beau W., via www.theleadernews.com

The Puzzles. Solutions in this issue’s classsi¿ed section.

ACROSS Cont... 33. Atomic #89 34. Opposite of wealthy 36. Imus and Knotts 39. Yellow ageratum species 41. Large tropical Am. lizard 43. Late Show star 46. Armor breastplate 47. “Death in the Family” author 48. Liquors from rice 50. Bread for a burger 51. Yeast 52. 100 = 1 tala in W. Samoa 53. Two-year-old sheep 54. Hyrax or cony 55. Engine additive

CLUES DOWN CLUES ACROSS 1. Tooth caregiver 4. Greek counterpart of Rhea 7. A numbered mail com partment (abbr.) 10. New Zealand parrots 12. Political action com mittees 14. Fringe-toed lizard 15. Reposes 17. Winglike structures 18. MacMurray of “My Three Sons”

19. Oprah’s Broadway show 22. Ceaser, egg and tossed 23. Oarlock 24. Agile, lively (nautical) 25. Skim or dart 26. And, Latin 27. Embodies 28. Gallivants 30. Hyperbolic cosecant 32. Rural delivery

SUDOKU

1. Danish krone (abbr.) 2. Insect repellents 3. Move sideways 4. October’s birthstones 5. __ Alto, California city 6. Mark of healed tissue 7. Somewhat purple 8. Egg mixture cooked until just set 9. Past tense of bid 11. Ancient stone slab bearing markings 13. 9th month (abbr.) 16. Thrown into a fright 18. A playful antic 20. “Waiting for Lefty” playwright 21. Ultrahigh frequency 28. Cutting gun barrel spirals 29. Youth loved by Aph rodite 30. Get by begging 31. Cleans by scrubbing vigorously 34. Bubonic calamity 35. Radioactivity unit 37. Bow (Sanskrit) 38. Legless reptiles 40. Thick piece of some thing 41. A distinct part of a list 42. Regarding (Scottish prep.) 43. Something that is owed 44. Mild exclamation 45. River in Spain 49. Variation of 17 down

Page 5A â&#x20AC;˘ The Leader â&#x20AC;˘ February 23, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ @heightsleader

OBITUARIES

NEWS FROM YOUR PEWS

Rev. Alan J. Bailey, 61, died Feb. 10. Beloved father,

Free community lunch at Oaks Christian

Norma Rawlings, 85, died Feb. 16. She is preceded

grandfather and pastor. Memorial donations may be made to The Alan J. Bailey Memorial Fund, 4335 Stonehenge Trail, Houston, TX 77066.

in death by her husband, Thomas William Rawlings as well as all of her siblings. She is survived by her children; Tom Rawlings, Jr., Doug Rawlings, and daughter Laura Short and six grandchildren.

Florence A. Corley, died Feb. 12. She was preceded in death by her husband, Owen, and her daughter, Paula. She is survived by her sons David and Dan and ďŹ ve grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.

Oaks Christian Church is hosting a free community lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. All in the community are welcome. Oaks Christian Church is located at 1216 Bethlehem at Ella. Call 713688-7761 for information.

Minnie Lee Sahualla, age 99, died Feb. 14. Minnie was preceded in death by her husband Henry Sahualla and is survived by her daughters Carolyn and Peggy Sahualla. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Baptist Temple Church in the Heights, 230 W. 20th Street.

James P. Fox, 54, of Seattle, Washington, died Nov. 30. Jim was born in Cambridge, Maryland April 10, 1958. A Celebration of Life event will be held in Houston at the Rainbow Lodge from noon to 4 p.m. March 9. For information, go to RememberJimFox.com. Jim is survived by his brothers Steve and Doug, and his long-term partner James Barrett.

Go Texan Celebration at Hope Episcopal

Abraham to be honored Hope Episcopal Church and Day during celebration Bella Vista Missionary Baptist

Betty Jo Samuels, died Feb. 9. The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, followed by funeral services at noon in the Titus and Timothy Barnes Cathedral Chapel of Carl Barnes Funeral Home, 746 W. 22nd Street.

Sarah Ann Hilliard died Feb. 10.

School is holding their annual Go Texan Celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 2. The festivities include barbeque dinner, music and line dancing. Several items and handcrafts from the day school students will be available for sale. The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. A kid friendly menu will be available for children. Tickets will be available at the door. Hope Episcopal Church welcomes all to Lenten Series: Spiritual Formation, every Wednesday, through March 20. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a soup and salad supper, followed at 6:45 p.m. by a guest speaker. Each session ends with a Compline. Paul Clark presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Making All Things New,â&#x20AC;? Feb. 27. Hope also holds Stations of the Cross each Friday evening at 6 p.m. during Lent through Friday, March 22. For information call 713-6816422 or e-mail office@hope-episcopal.org. Hope Episcopal Church is located at 1613 W. 43rd Street.

Philip K. Shankweiler, 77, died Feb. 11. He was born Aug. 1, 1935, in Carbondale, Pa. to Fred and Lila Thomas Shankweiler. Philip is survived by his life partner of 40 years, Larry Cash; a brother, Richard, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and a stepsister, Alexandra Trzeciak-Duval of Paris, France.

Malvie Joyce Hobartsch, 77, died Feb. 9. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Hobartsch and is survived by her children, Vickie Weaver, Terri RuďŹ&#x192;no, Argel Hobartsch, Leroy Hobartsch, Jr. and William Hobartsch; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and sister, Jean Coleman.

Agnes Beran Smaistrla, 94, died Feb. 11. She was born Jan. 14, 1919. Agnes was a devoted wife to Vencil and mother of eight. She is survived by son, Alphonse Smaistrla and wife Patricia; daughter, Dorothy Novosad and husband Jerry; son, Deacon Denis Smaistrla and wife Betty; daughter, Jeanette Crum; son, Rev. Benjamin Smaistrla; son, James Smaistrla and wife Carolyn; son, Michael Smaistrla and wife Debbie; son, David Smaistrla and wife Gracia; 18 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren. Memorial donations may be sent to Camp Kappe, 4213 Mangum Road, Houston 77092 or Catholic Clerical Student Fund (CCSF), 9845 Memorial Dr., Houston 77024.

Annie Frances Curtis Holcomb, 77, died Feb. 15. She was born to Delbert and EďŹ&#x192;e Curtis, on Nov. 26, 1935. Anne is survived by her spouse of 54 years, Jim; son Michael of The Colony; daughter Gayla of Plano; son Mitch of San Pedro, Calif.; grandchildren Austin, Clark, Kyle, and Katie; brothers Jack Curtis and Paul Curtis; sisters Linda Curtis Hayes and Bettie Cogburn. Memorial donations may be made to The American Lung Association, 2030 North Loop West, Suite 250, Houston, Texas 77018. Earnest H. Johnson, 58, died Feb. 8. Earnest is survived by his wife, Barbara, two children, EJ and Mya, brothers, sisters, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Guy K. Tompkins,90, died Feb. 11. He was born Sept. 2, 1922, to George W. and Charity Ruth Tompkins. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ellen Ruth Tompkins; children Kevin B. Tompkins, Krista Tompkins Nelson, and Kim Tompkins McDivitt; six grandchildren; and brother Keith Tompkins.Guy graduated from Reagan High School in 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the USS J. Richard Ward (DE-243).

Darla D. Mitchell, 73, died Feb. 12. She is preceded in death by her father Harlen Howell. Survivors include her mother Gladys Howell Kivell; children Mandy Bussell, Carl Mitchell, Greg Mitchell and Harlen Mitchell; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother Hal Dwight Howell.

Raymond Westman, 79, died Feb. 10. He was born June 4, 1933 in Waukegan, Ill. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Libby Luck Westman; children Randy Westman, Sandy Westman, David Westman and Randall Luck; and ďŹ ve grandchildren.

Alfred â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jayâ&#x20AC;? Moody Jr., died Feb. 8. He is survived by his father, Alfred Moody, Sr.; mother, Ulanda King; and two sisters, Ebony and Ashley Moody.

Leander PďŹ&#x201A;ughaupt, 90, died Feb. 14. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund Sr. and Selma Meyer PďŹ&#x201A;ughaupt, and brothers Edmund, Jr. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boysieâ&#x20AC;? and Glenn â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dickieâ&#x20AC;? PďŹ&#x201A;ughaupt. Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Josephine, sons Larry and Lynn, daughter Carol Globke, ďŹ ve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Drafted into military service in March of 1944 where he served in the 7th Armored Division â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lucky 7â&#x20AC;? of the United States Army during the Battle of the Bulge in WW II.

Sign up for St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; show People With Kids at St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welcomes all parents in the community to join their fellowship group Sunday mornings at 9:40 a.m. in Room 203. The lively discussion focuses on preparing children to be successful, productive and likeable adults. The nursery is available, and children are welcome to attend their own Sunday School classes during this time. Registration is now open for St. StephenĂs 2nd Annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cruisinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Christâ&#x20AC;? Car Show to be held Saturday, April 13 (rain date, April 20), in the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parking lot. The preregistration cost is $10 (registration will be $20 the day of the show). All vehicle types are welcome, hot rod, classic, lead sled, muscle and more. All proceeds from the show will benefit Church World Service. Registration forms are available on the

Claire Wright, 88, died Feb. 4, after a long and courageous battle against Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Claire was born June 10, 1924, the youngest of three girls born to James and Mary Brody, who came to America from Ireland. Claire was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Robert, and her loving son, Gerald. She is survived by her remaining children, Christopher, John, Constance, James, and Howard, as well as her nine grandchildren.

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church, located in the Historical Independence Heights, announced that its beloved Pastor, the Rev. Calvin J. Abraham retired on Dec. 31, 2012, after 43 years of faithful service. Pastor Emeritus Calvin Abraham, will be honored with a Commemorative Retirement Celebration at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Bayou City Event Center located at 9401 Knight Road, Houston, Texas 77045. Dr. Ralph D. West, Pastor of the Brook Hollow Church will be the guest speaker. Tickets are available for $60 per person. To purchase individual or group tickets or for information, log onto www.bellavistambc.org or call 713692-3944.

hush puppies, french fries, coleslaw, and ice tea. Tickets are $8 for an adult plate and $5 for a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plate. Desserts will be provided by the St. Rose Altar Guild for an additional charge of $1. Tickets can be purchased either from the parish and school offices, or any member of the St. Rose Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club or the Boy Scouts. For information about the Fish Fry, please contact Aaron Knape at aaronknape@gmail.com. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church is located at 3600 Brinkman.

St. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UMC oďŹ&#x20AC;ers various worship services Sunday morning worship and Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by 10:30 a.m. Sunday School. Wednesday evenings offer a Prayer and Praise Service at 6:30 p.m., a time for quiet meditation, prayer and Holy Communion. For information, visit the web site at www.stmatthewsmethodist. org or call 713-697-0671. St. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. at Crosstimbers.

25):

Church of the Holy Trinity hosts book study group The Church of the Holy Trinity (an Anglican parish), located at 211 Byrne at Beauchamp in the Woodland Heights, continues the study and discussion of the book â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Christian Mindâ&#x20AC;? by Henry Blamires. The study group meets each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. immediately after the service of Holy Communion.

Greater Zion MBC holds bake sale Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1620 Dollywright, will be holding a bake sale from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 9. Proceeds benefit the back to school drive 2013. Rev. Dayle Perry is the pastor. Call 832-888-7223 for information.

St. Rose of Lima Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club holds Spring Fish Fry The Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church will hold a Spring Fish Fry from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, in the parish hall. The dinner includes generous servings of â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Grownâ&#x20AC;? fish,

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Church Guide

Gospel Truth Church Sunday 10:30 am Worship and The Word Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Wednesday 7:30 pm Life Equip classes for all ages

4040 Watonga â&#x20AC;˘ 713-688-5227 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 â&#x20AC;˘ 713-686-7689

www.gethsemanelutheran.org

Oaks Presbyterian Church

Grace United Methodist Church â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Heart of the Heightsâ&#x20AC;?

1245 Heights Blvd.

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery Provided

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

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

(Disciples of Christ)

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd. (713) 688-7761

Preschool Program â&#x20AC;˘ Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

www.gospeltruthchurch.org

713 862-8883

0",4 $)3*45*"/ $)63$)

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948 Reverend Noelie Day

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods

4U 4UFQIFO T 6OJUFE .FUIPEJTU $IVSDI " $BSJOH 4IBSJOH 'BJUI 'BNJMZ

4VOEBZ .PSOJOH 8PSTIJQ BOE 4VOEBZ 4DIPPM GPS $IJMESFO :PVUI BOE "EVMUT

4DPVUJOH HSPVQT GPS BMM BHFT )PNF PG +PIOTPO .FNPSJBM 4DIPPM GPS -JUUMF $IJMESFO

3FW ,FWJO 3 0UUP 1BTUPS 8 SE 4U X X X X T U T V N D P S H

Member of MANNA

Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM

First Baptist Church Heights

Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

Sunday Worship 10:30am Wednesday 6:00pm Friday Youth 6:00pm Sunday School 9:30 am

Nursery Provided Spirit Led Worship 713-861-3102 201 E. 9th St. â&#x20AC;˘ Houston TX 77007

Candlelight Church of Christ Join us for Services in English or Spanish Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

START AND END EACH DAY BY THANKING GOD

here is solid empirical evidence that an attitude of thankfulness can improve our well-being. There have been a number of well-run studies which show that a variety of activities expressing gratitude makes people happier. Making a gratitude visit has been suggested by studies done by Martin Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania. The gratitude visit consists of writing a letter thanking someone who has helped you or been inĂ&#x2026;uential in some way and then hand-delivering it. Other activities which bring lasting happiness are a gratitude journal, where you list Ă&#x201E;ve things you have to be thankful for. This can be done daily or weekly. Starting and ending each day with a short prayer of gratitude is a great way to â&#x20AC;&#x153;bookendâ&#x20AC;? your day with an attitude of thankfulness. This can be as short and simple as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you, Lord, for this day, and for this chance to serve You and my fellow man.â&#x20AC;? Make up your own prayer of thanks or devise other means of showing gratitude. As social beings gratitude reinforces our connection with our fellow man as well as with God. Be creative and daring with your gratitude exercises and change them up periodically to keep them fresh. Discover new ways to express the attitude of gratitude.

4215 Watonga Blvd. â&#x20AC;˘ 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092

Sunday SundayWorship WorshipServices Service

1822 W. 18th

at 8:30am & 11:00am 10:45 am

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

7iiÂ&#x17D;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;`>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;ViĂ&#x192;

Bible Study 9:30 am 3206 N. Shepherd

713-864-4447 X Website www.gobc.org Interim Pastor Pastor Dr. JimBob Daniel Overton

A House of Hope and Prayer in the Heart of Houston Rev. Herschel Moore, Pastor

UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;LÂ?iĂ&#x160;-Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2022;`Ă&#x17E;\Ă&#x160;Â&#x2122;\ÂŁxĂ&#x160;>Â°Â&#x201C;Â° UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}\ÂŁĂ¤\Ă&#x17D;Ă¤Ă&#x160;>Â°Â&#x201C;Â° UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x203A;iÂ&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}\Ă&#x160;{\ÂŁxĂ&#x160;ÂŤÂ°Â&#x201C;Â°

ÂŁĂ&#x2021;Ă¤Ă¤Ă&#x160;7iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;{Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x20AC;`Ă&#x160;>Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;,Â&#x153;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â?Ă&#x17E;Â&#x2DC; Ă&#x2021;ÂŁĂ&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x2C6;nĂ&#x201C;Â&#x2021;{Â&#x2122;{Ă&#x201C;

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Page 6A â&#x20AC;˘ The Leader â&#x20AC;˘ February 23, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ @heightsleader

SCHOOL BRIEFS admission this fall or next school year. The schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovative learning environment, which includes an International Baccalaureate program, is designed to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills, while cultivating student interest and talent. Enthusiastic students with a strong sense of self-direction are encouraged to apply for one of the few remaining positions for this fall. Post Oak High School students take academics beyond the classroom and apply their learning in the real world through connections with partner institutions throughout the Museum District, Students at the new Post including the Houston Museum of Natural SciOak High School share ence, The Houston Zoo and the Museum of Fine learn outside the classroom Arts, Houston. with partner institutions. The high school will annually enroll about 20 graduates from the Post Oak Middle School, while admitting qualiďŹ ed students from other Montessori schools, as well as prepared candidates from non-Montessori schools. The total projected enrollment at the high school is 120 students. The school opened last fall. Post Oak has been in operation for 50 years. Its Bellaire campus provides Montessori education to youngsters from infancy through middle school. For more information, visit www.postoakschool.org or call 713-661-6688.

Helms pupil wins Spanish essay contest Helms Elementary School ďŹ fth-grader Tatiana Robledo, a dual-language pupil, has won the Sixth Annual Houston ISD-ISA Literary Writing Contest for her essay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; written in Spanish â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, an early Spanish explorer who ventured through Texas. She was honored at a ceremony at Rice University. In addition to HISD and ISA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the International Spanish Academy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the contest was sponsored by Rice, the Spanish consulate in Houston, Santillana USA and La Casa de Espana.

Tatiana Robledo

More beautiďŹ cation at Stevens ES Another beautiďŹ cation work session is set at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 23 at Stevens Elementary School, 1910 Lamonte Lane. Volunteers are needed to help with painting, pressure washing and planting. Coordinators of the community eďŹ&#x20AC;ort to help spruce up Stevens and provide other support reported a new outpouring of assistance. Buchananâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursery in the Heights donated bags of compost material, and Kimberly Alvarez, owner of Jusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mac in the Heights and an Oak Forest resident, purchased ďŹ ve sturdy citrus trees to be planted on campus. Joe Murphy, a neighborhood electrician, helped pick up the compost and trees, and along with Dennis Woodward, helped store the items. Anyone wishing to help can show up suitably dressed Saturday. Additional information is available at the Stand for Stevens Facebook page.

Post Oak Montessori hosts open house for new HS The Post Oak School will hold an open house at its new Museum District-area high school, 1102 Autrey St., from 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 for those interested in

Houston ISDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eighth annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair will be held from 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at Pin Oak Middle School , 4601 Glenmont at the West Loop in Bellaire. Conference highlights include multiple breakout sessions on a wide variety of topics, such as sibling support, apps for disabilities, and inappropriate behavior, and separate sessions for high school students/young adults with disabilities. Advance registration is required to attend the breakout sessions. To sign up, please visit www.familytofamilynetwork.org and click on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Events/ Conferenceâ&#x20AC;? or call 713-466-6304.

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Clifton Middle School, 6001 Golden Forest Drive, will hold a college and career night from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 19. The event is open to students from all schools and their parents. For more information, contact Dr. Belva Parrish, 713-613-2516,ext. 317, or bparrish@houstonisd.org.

An honor guard from Waltrip High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s JROTC presented the colors at Toyota Center before the NBA Rookie All-Star Game Feb. 15. The game features the leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top rookies and second-year players and was televised nationally. It was part of the NBA All-Star Weekend that drew thousands to the city.

HISD to host parent resource fair

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HISD will seek more STEM magnet funding The HISD Board of Education voted Thursday to move forward with a plan to compete for $12 million in federal grant funding to open eight new magnet schools emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instruction. The measure passed with a 7-1 vote with Board President and Leader-area trustee Anna Eastman opposed. Three of the eight new STEM magnet programs would be middle schools and ďŹ ve at high schools â&#x20AC;&#x201C; none in Leader communities but potentially available to

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Neighbors: Girl Scout takes aim at archery titles by Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@sbcglobal.net Twin Oaks Service Unit Junior Girl Scout Mireille Murphy, attached to a troop at the Garden Oaks cottage, was recently announced the national winner of the Female Bowman Barebow Category of the Third Quarter Outdoor Junior Olympic Archery Division (JOAD) Mailin Tournament. To earn the title, Mireille beat three archers with a score of 193. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love archery because there is nothing like the special moment when my bow, my arrow and I become one,â&#x20AC;? said Mireille. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I aim at the target and hit the bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;seye.â&#x20AC;? Ten-year-old Mireille is a JOAD member of GSSJCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Archers in Motion (AIM) program, which follows USA Archery guidelines. Members of AIM meet once a month at a Girl Scout camp to shoot 36 arrows in an attempt to attain specific JOAD and GSSJC shooting levels. In her spare time and in between AIM meetings, Mireille practices her skills in her backyard and indoors at a local archery range. This coming weekend, Feb. 23rd, Mireille will compete in the State Tournament in Columbus, Texas, and then on March 2 she will compete at Texas A&M in the Nationals at College Station. She is representing Girl Scouts of San Jacinto JOAD Club. Speaking of Girl Scouts, the Twin Oaks Service Unit of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council announced that Twin Oaks is expanding and will take in the areas previously named Wisteria Way Service Unit, Pecan Orchard Service Unit and Browndale Service Unit over the next few months, and could end up with a new name. The unit will now reach all the way to 59 North. This is part of a councilwide project called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Promise Project,â&#x20AC;? which will change units into â&#x20AC;&#x153;communitiesâ&#x20AC;? and restructure adult volunteerism. For more information, the San Jacinto Council has prepared a video for You Tube: http://www.

Mireille Murphy youtube.com/watch?v=B6vTfXFZXKo. Ann Howard would like to wish a happy, happy birthday to her husband, Jim Howard, who just celebrated his 88th birthday. She would also like to wish a happy birthday to her son, Paul Howard, who will blow out 50 candles on Feb. 25th. Lots of love and happy wishes from Ann, Bill, Betty, Linda and Jim. Happy birthday to Cassidy Arnett who celebrated her 18th birthday last weekend with friends and family at an awesome party and rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kickball game at T.C. Jester Park. Thanks to Kelley, Ean, Aidan, Homes, Tisha, Payton, Delena, Samantha, Scott, Tara, Jose, Mark, Julian, Glissa, Laurie and Carmen for making Cassidyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day extra special. Happy birthday to Marisol Rodriguez who celebrated her birthday on Feb. 18. Marisolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family and friends send all their love and wishes for a wonderful birthday. Stork club news! Welcome to the world little

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Zachary Paul Durham! Proud parents Nicole and David Durham welcomed their first child on Jan. 23rd at 1:15 p.m. Zachary weighed 6 lbs., 10.7 oz. at birth and was 21 inches long. Please welcome this precious and new Candlelight Plaza resident. Waltripâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Junior ROTC is holding its Military Ball on March 8, and they need formal wear. Reginald White, First Sergeant, U.S. Army (RET) of Waltripâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s JROTC, is accepting dress donations. Please contact Sgt. White at RWHITE10@houstonisd.org if you have a dress or suit you would like to donate to help make this an extra memorable event for these young people. Boy Scout Troop 40 worked over the weekend on an Eagle Scout project planned and executed by area Boy Scout Austin Haas to beautify Magnum Park Manor. Chicken update: Hens for Houston sends a huge thank you to everyone who completed the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Control survey about keeping chickens in residential areas. The next meeting of HFH is set for March 10. For more information, see http://hensforhouston.com. St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church on Heights Blvd. at 19th Street will hold its Spring Bazaar on April 6. They are seeking artists, crafters and other vendors to show and sell their wares. For more details or to register, visit http://www. saintandrewsepiscopal.org/spring-bazaar. Posted on the Houston Heights Lost and Found Pets Page, this sad way of losing a pet: â&#x20AC;&#x153;2 Red tail hawks spotted in Bevis St. area carrying off cats and small animals including small dogs. Be very aware. This is not an uncommon occurrence.â&#x20AC;? Neighbors in various Leader communities have spotted unlucky squirrels as they were snatched, but this is the first report of missing dogs and cats.

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Page 8A • The Leader • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader

Beyond the Galleries

Review: Big Mamou starts strong, could finish better Every football fan has likely experienced the agony of watching your team look like a dominating champion for three quarters but then fizzle out in the fourth. (Leader Eater apologizes in advance to all the non-sports fans reading this, but my favorite sporting season of the year has wound down, and I’m trying to extend that football feeling, even if it has to be applied to a restaurant review.) You could say that Fat Tuesday is the Super Bowl of Cajun cooking, so Leader Eater was in the mood for some mudbugs. Predictably, I wasn’t the only one with that feeling, and Cajun specialists, The Big Mamou, were already sold out of crawfish when I got there later in the evening. I certainly couldn’t hold this against them, considering my tardiness and the anticipated run on those tasty swampdwelling critters. But the folks at Mamou were still in the festive mood, dishing out beads and keeping the party going with live music outside. So, let’s call the great atmosphere the first quarter of my experience at The Big Mamou. The second quarter was drinks and appetizers. Because these Cajun cookers on Studewood were inundated with hungry Mardi Gras-ers, they couldn’t even keep the Abita cold. Our crafty waiter improvised by sinking a pair of Purple Hazes into a bucket of cold water and ice that sat on the side of our table on Mamou’s quaint front patio. (Leader Eater didn’t order two of these famous New Orleans-area brews originally, but our friend must

The Big Mamou 903 Studewood St. www.thebigmamou.com Starters: $5.25-$27 Po-Boys: $8.50-$13.50 House Favorites and Platters: $5.50-$25 Kid Friendly: Get ’em on the crawﬁsh early LE’s Favorite: Creole Trio Appetizer

have just known that I am typically a thirsty dude.) Our tableside coordinator called in the Creole Trio Appetizer – a triumvirate of Mamou’s Louisiana Meat Pies, Boudin Links and Boudin Balls. It took a little coaxing for Leader Eater because the art of boudin-making can sometimes produce some suspect sausage. But Mamou outdid themselves. The Boudin Links were lightly charred on each side to give the sausage’s exterior a necessary crispiness that also crystallized its insides

intact for dunking in the remoulade. The side sauce was a beautiful coming together of Cajun spices and its mayonnaise base, and also added an extra zing to the Boudin Balls. These Bayou Hush Puppies had the ideal amount of deep friedness applied to them, and a lacing of cheese added another dimension of flavor. The Louisiana Meat Pies didn’t miss out on the remoulade bath either, but they could have stood on their own with a richness to the pastry that complimented the tasty ground beef

and pork tucked away in the Swampland version of empanadas. Leader Eater’s experience progressed into the second half (although our guitar-playing friend on the patio was more Adam Sandler in “Wedding Singer” than Beyonce for our Mamou halftime show). Since there were no straight-up crawfish left, I thought I would see if they could get them out of their shells, into the fryer and onto a Po-Boy sandwich, which Mamou handled with ease. The entrée came out, and I started on my customary tunnel-vision focus on the fries (I just can’t choke down cold fries). These were actually the sweet potato fries that Mamou calls Sweet Thangs, and sweet they were with a decadence to them that was intoxicating. This was the third quarter. But the final quarter at Mamou was when the disappointment started. At first glance I could tell the Po-Boy might have some problems. Although it was sourced from the famous New Orleans bakery Gambino’s, the sandwich had a barge of bread when a canoe would do. The oversized and bordering on stale bread proved flavorfully intimidating to the little gaggle of fried crawfish (my cohort’s shrimp Po Boy was loaded down with onions, the actual shrimp proving difficult to find). To confess, I have tried Mamou’s Po Boy in the past to the same disillusionment but wanted to give them a second chance. Yet, the underwhelming Cajun sandwich scuttled an otherwise admirable three quarters of cuisine.

Hipstrict Briefs: Luxury boom includes 2 new movie theaters Although the projects that house them are still in the design phases, 17 new movie screens are coming to two luxury developments that will put them closer to Leader neighborhoods than most existing moviegoing options. Alamo Drafthouse announced last week that it’s putting a nine-screen, 950-seat, 35,000 square foot theater complex into phase two of the Regent Square mixed use development being planned at Allen Parkway and Montrose. It will be the first Alamo Drafthouse inside the Loop and will offer food and drink service in addition to a broad selection of popular and independent films. Construction is expected to begin late this year. And Florida-based iPic Entertainment announced it’s building an eight-screen state of the art theater-dining facility into the planned residential-retail River Oaks District. Groundbreaking hasn’t even begun on that development from Oliver McMillan, which will be located between Westheimer Road and San Felipe across the West Loop and the Galleria. You can watch a video on the amenities offered by iPic at http://www.ipictheaters.com/video. aspx?v=tour

Heights gets noticed by WSJ In a feature entitled “Take Monday Off,” the Wall Street Journal did a spread last week on how to cram a week’s worth of activities into three days in Houston – with the Heights part of the Hipstrict faring nicely.

The second phase of Regent Square, a 24acre, 4.2 million square foot luxury mixed use development along Allen Parkway, will include the ﬁrst Alamo Drafthouse inside the Loop. The theater will have nine screens. (Graphic from GID Development Group)

The Heights Hello-Lucky (“a cute and crafty boutique) was noted for its “It’s OK To Love Houston” best-selling T-shirt. Within days, the proprietor had posted a photo on the store’s Facebook page showing USPS boxes ready for shipping, proclaiming “We’re nationwide.” Revival Market in the Heights earned the nod for Saturday breakfast (“chef Ryan Pera always makes something special”) for its biscuits, kolaches and

“nicely curated market.” PJ Stoops at the fish counter earned a mention that included how he “has had as much influence on the food scene as any chef.” And there were touts for other local eateries and sights such as El Real Tex-Mex, Underbelly, Oxheart, Pass & Provisions, the Menil Collection and Lawndale Art Center.

Cabana, Starbucks, Smashburger and Corner Bakery go in. For more on Ogden’s plans, go to http://houston.eater. com/archives/2013/01/28/ogden-brings-funky-chicken-andﬁne-diner-to-heights.php

Little neck clams in the shell Mussels in the shell Fish (snapper or salmon or combination of both), cut into 1-2 inch cubes Medium bell peppers (one each of red, yellow and green), seeded and sliced Fresh rosemary, chopped Fresh oregano, chopped Fresh basil, chopped Canned tomato juice/vegetable juice (like V-8) Canned clam juice Kosher salt Fresh cracked black pepper White pepper Crab fingers,large Cooked linguini In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onions and fennel bulb and saute on low heat until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to not burn. To the pot, add shrimp, calamari, clams and mussels and steam until shells begin to open slightly. Dispose any unopened shells. Add fish, bell peppers and fresh herbs. Mix well, not allowing the fish to stick to the bottom of the pot, but slightly sear only. Add liquids and bring pot to a boil. Boil uncovered for 10-12 minutes. Add salt, peppers and crab fingers. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes or until crab fingers are heated through. In large soup bowls, put 1⁄2 cup cooked linguini in bottom of each bowl. Ladle Cioppino into each bowl dividing seafood evenly. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread.

– Charlotte Aguilar

Leader Nibbles Fratelli’s bids ciao for now Fratelli’s Authentic Italian Cuisine, located on Highway 290, shocked its longtime devotees last week by announcing it had lost its lease and would close after dinner service on March 16 after 13 years in business. The restaurant’s publicist told The Leader that owners Bob and Teresa Tadeo Wittman hope to reopen at another nearby location in six months or so. But message boards buzzed with concerns over a diﬀerent email sent to patrons than the one to media –– saying that everything from the wine inventory to ﬁxtures to the pizza oven are for sale. The restaurant was known for its house-made pastas, special dinners and seasonal specials. “Thanks to you, we have lived our dream awake for the past thirteen years!” said the Wittmans in their announcement. Their “dream” will make way for expansion of a dialysis center at the strip center, according to a source.

Celebrity chef putting 2 eateries near Walmart California celebrity chef Bradley Ogden, who revealed last summer that he would place three casual restaurants west of downtown, has told Eater Houston what that the ﬁrst two will be in the 800 and 900 blocks of Heights Boulevard in Washington Heights, a stone’s throw from the Walmart Supercenter. The “Funky Chicken” restaurant and American “Fine Diner” with craft beers will be the ﬁrst non-chain/franchise eateries in the new developments in the area, which have seen a Taco

No Lent deprivation on D’Amico’s menu We’ve had our ﬁll of extravagant Valentine’s and Mardi Gras specials in recent weeks, but D’Amico’s Italian Market Café, 2802 White Oak, is thinking of those who participate in Lent with its 40 Days of Lenten Specials, featuring – of course – a rotating array of ﬁsh dishes from Snapper D’Amico and fresh crab salad to its Cioppino. D’Amico’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week – or basically, anytime you’re feeling culinarily deprived. For more, call 713-868-3400 or visit www.damico-café.com

FROM THE HIPSTRICT KITCHENS From time to time, chefs willing, we’ll bring you a favorite concoction from local eateries to try in your own kitchen. D’Amico’s is kicking this oﬀ with their hearty and traditional Cioppino. Cioppino from D’Amico’s Italian Market Café Medium fennel bulb, sliced 10/15 shrimp, peeled and cleaned Calamari, cleaned and cut into rings

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Cohen, a Heights resident for 19 years, is an artist and owns and operates First Saturday Arts Market and runs the White Linen Night event in August. He also manages an email operation, “Call to Artists,” that helps artists learn of

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ouston has a huge, thriving arts community, as vast and diverse as the city, with just as many media and styles to fit any taste. According to the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Houston currently has 60 art galleries. Add to that list of spaces the open artist studios, co-ops, nonprofit centers, festivals, markets and pop-up shows and suddenly, Houston looks like a vast colony of artists. Gallery listings are easy to find via the Internet. For unconventional shows, just pick a day. First, second, third and fourth Saturdays would be a good start. Every weekend in Houston – and lucky for The Leader readers – throughout the Greater Heights are independent, small venue, studio and outdoor markets. My background as a professional artist never hinted that I would one day found and run an outdoor art market, but that’s where my radar is tuned. Here’s a rundown: Every first Saturday, there is my own 9-yearold First Saturday Arts Market on 19th Street at Lawrence. Second Saturday is Craftacular at Hello-Lucky on 10 1/2th Street at Studewood. Third Saturday, head downtown for Discovery Mitch Cohen Green Flea, and Fourth Arts Columnist Saturday you can choose from the year-old HousTwitter: @artvalet ton ReGreen Market and the newest kid on the block, The Lone Star Bizarre, in Montrose at the Numbers nightclub parking lot. First Saturday Arts Market is focused on finer art with an eclectic, “indie” edge. The mission has always been to provide fine artists a space to show and sell work directly to the public, in a festival-like atmosphere. The market hosts on average 40 canopies and about 50 to 60 artists each month. There are popular food trucks most months, one serving lunch, another dessert. The music lineup is as impressive as the art. Event information can be found at www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com. Hours vary during the year, September - May, hours 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and June - August, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Craftacular, also in the Heights (I’m tempted to say naturally) was started by artist Teresa O’Conner, owner of Hello-Lucky, an arts infused accessories boutique at 1025 Studewood. According to itsFacebook page, Craftacular is a handmade craft affair. Each month a different artist is invited to organize and present the event, keeping this show as fresh as the art. Discovery Green, the 12-acre park in Downtown Houston, hosts more than 400 events each year, and that now includes an outdoor market, Discovery Green Flea the third Saturday of the month. The Disco Flea is what I like to call it, is a bit different –– more like an upscale flea market with upcycled, recycled, antiques, vintage items and kitsch, and the art falls in the same category. You can count on food trucks, with wine and sometimes beer. With hours varying, it’s best to check their website before making plans, http://www.discoverygreen.com/flea That brings us to the fourth weekend and the only two market weekend. Houston ReGreen Market was started two years ago by Paloma Garner and Michael B. Cannon. The couple owns Greeni Recycling, offering collections for businesses and events. You’ll find their big blue collection cans at Discovery Green Flea and First Saturday Arts Market too. With a focus on recycling, the moniker Houston ReGreen Market makes more sense - Shop. Swap. Recycle! Everything is made from reused or recycled materials, there is recycling drop off and ,of course ,food and music. I have to say, repurposed artists create the most interesting art. Do not presume to know what you’ll find until you see them .Located just East of downtown at 4302 Harrisburg, ReGreen is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and generally has about 10 vendors. Details are on the website, www.houstonremarket. com The Lone Star Bazaar is another event run by a couple. Like Disco Flea, The Lone Star Bazaar is modeled after the Brooklyn Flea. Brooklyn Flea has hundreds of vendors every weekend and personally, I find it pretty exciting that I do not have to travel to New York City to get my fill of funky art and kitsch. The market got its start over the winter holidays, and Feb. 23 will be its second show, located on the parking lot at Numbers Night Club, 300 Westheimer Road. Find more online at http://thelonestarbazaar.com/ Houston at this time of year demands that we be outdoors and there is no better place to be than an art market. It’s exciting to live in city that is so supportive of the arts and homegrown markets, so pick a weekend and get out there and shop.

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Page 9A â&#x20AC;˘ The Leader â&#x20AC;˘ February 23, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ www.theleadernews.com

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Destiny calls, Heights quixotic couple goes For actors in one of his staged fights, lesson one is safety, he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, I want it to look well, but I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t actors getting hurt.â&#x20AC;? This particular showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest battle, in the prison, was a new challenge for Wisnoski since the director is limiting the sceneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weapons to what would have been in the prison, such as buckets, barrels, pans, chair legs and such. The bits of chain used in the show, since they are not static, have been carefully blocked for uses that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have them flailing uncontrollably, he said.

by Cynthia Lescalleet For The Leader Heights couple Marley and Jeff Wisnoski are finding their theatrical aspirations are not an impossible dream at all as they work together on Theatre Under The Starsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man of La Mancha,â&#x20AC;? on stage Feb. 26-March 10 at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. She is the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant director and is providing dramaturgical context to the production. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the fight choreographer. Both have fine arts degrees in performing from Baylor University, and they spent time training and performing in London while racking up more theater creds. She earned a master of theatre studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama at University of London. He earned certification from the British Academy of Dramatic Combat. Married in 2009, they later settled in Houston, which is his hometown.

OTHER â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;PRODUCTIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; IS IMMINENT

DIRECTING BEYOND THE ACTOR WITHIN

Marley and JeďŹ&#x20AC; Wisnoski of the Heights, seen here in a wedding photo, have managed to keep theater in their lives. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re both working on TUTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Marley, 25, said she has been â&#x20AC;&#x153;in- upcoming â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Man of La Mancha.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Submitted photo) fected with it (theater) for a long time.â&#x20AC;? Her childhood in a military float ideasâ&#x20AC;? as well as delve into staged swordplay in a production family meant moving often, though research on topics from the storyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Romeo and Julietâ&#x20AC;? he was in inshe considers Louisiana home. She timeframe. Example: the Spanish troduced him to a way to combine both of his lifelong interests. grew up â&#x20AC;&#x153;directing the neighbor- Inquisition. Now he does so for theater, film, Her husband calls her â&#x20AC;&#x153;the unofhood children in shows â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and starfestivals and events. fi cial knowledge pit. â&#x20AC;? ring in them, of course.â&#x20AC;? Before Wisnoski choreographs She loves the storytelling that is a stage fight, he quietly observes theater and its potential to touch COMBAT IN CONTEXT rehearsals to see how the actors someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. She acts, but enjoys (WITH SAFETY IN MIND) how directing allows her â&#x20AC;&#x153;to create Jeff Wisnoski, 26, came to fight are developing their characters. He as a whole, to reach out, to influence choreography from martial arts, wants their scripted movements to somebody, somewhere.â&#x20AC;? which he had pursued from about be in line with not just the plot but While in London, she was able to age 6. Growing up in the Willow- with those making it come alive. By do both. brook area, he played just about necessity, he also takes into account As TUTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; assistant to Artistic Di- every sport. But he also enjoyed the set, props and costume elerector Bruce Lumpkin on this show, old movies and theater. In high ments that might affect or impair she said she has had â&#x20AC;&#x153;freedom to school, a visiting fight director who swashbuckling movement.

Theater is a 24/7 lifestyle the couple shares despite their day jobs, Marley Wisnoski said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a shared passion. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty much our life, so everything else we do is to allow us to pursue theater.â&#x20AC;? And judging by their wedding pictures, a little dramatic flair spills into daily life. She works at TUTSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; box office. He is a contract negotiator with an engineering and construction company here, something he says blends the â&#x20AC;&#x153;duality of business and theater.â&#x20AC;? Meanwhile, the couple is expecting their first child later this spring. The baby moves a lot when the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music starts playing, she said, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible another theater fan will be in the family. Unlike the two dogs and three cats the Wisnoskis have rescued â&#x20AC;&#x153;one little sad face at a time,â&#x20AC;? he said, the child will not have a name from one of the shows theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve shared. As creative duos go, the Wisnoskis arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only married pair at the helm of this show. Director Lumpkin is married to the choreographer, Michelle Gaudette. For show information, visit www.tuts.com.

Helms â&#x20AC;˘ from Page 1A (the turtles were mostly going to be either â&#x20AC;&#x153;red-eared slidersâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;cootersâ&#x20AC;?), the weight, and the length of the shell. A fourth, optional category: the gender, determined by the length of the turtlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tails and toenails. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know that there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any snapping turtles in there,â&#x20AC;? Scott warned, eliciting a few gasps from the students. After the data was collected and collated, she explained, it could be submitted to a preservation nonprofit agency like Turtle Watch. Once the turtles were caught and the measurements were taken, another group of students, from both Carnegie and Helms, had a decidely more left-brain task: applying bright paint to the undersides of the turtleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shells so that they could crawl along posterboard. The resulting art pieces will be on display at the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring Auction in April to help support the wetlands project. Other students and parents would work on clearing brush from around the ponds, raking leaves

and working in the vegetable beds of the nearby garden. Fresh with their marching orders, the students set out to explore the murky and slowly draining ponds. In the lead was River McCarland, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d already suited up in rubber waders and wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afraid to get her hands dirty while many of the others stood hesitantly around the pondsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; periphery. Slowly, painstakingly, McCarland and a few other brave souls felt around the bottom of the shallow ponds until they came across turtles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many of whom were quite large indeed, if not snappers. They then carefully passed them to another student on the side, who took them to the data-collection center. After measurements were taken, a few of the creatures were brought to an area under a tarp, where the art project was being held. Carnegie ninth-graders and Helms fifthgraders sat gleefully around the posterboards as the turtles channeled their personal Muses. Eventually, they struck upon a new tack: instead of applying paint

to the turtlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; undersides, they put globs of paint on the posterboards and had the creatures walk through it. The resulting canvases took on a distinctly Jackson Pollack-esque feel. Eventually, the biggest turtles were placed in what Scott called a â&#x20AC;&#x153;state-of-the-art containment system,â&#x20AC;? a large plastic bin. After marking the tops of their shells with yellow paint, Scott planned to release them in a bayou near her Garden Oaks-area home. Carnegie ninth-grader Christine Lin was one of the students in charge of taking the turtlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; measurements. She said that in Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biology classroom, she and her cohorts were just learning about Charles Darwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work on the theory of evolution in â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Origin of Species.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love it,â&#x20AC;? Lin said of the Sunday project. Taking the data and collating the data is much like what Darwin did on the Galapagos Islands when he was developing his theory, she said. Joe Wong, who with Stephanie had brought their daughters, Helms

pupils Iris and Lyla, said the outing was a great time for the family. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d spent much of the day ankle-deep in the pond, helping drain it and locating turtles and crayfish. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like it because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just fun,â&#x20AC;? said Wong, who works as a safety, health and environmental manager for ExxonMobil. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But really, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for her,â&#x20AC;? he said, holding one of his two daughters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Here we are in the city, and there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that many chances for them to get their hands muddy.â&#x20AC;? Scott, the Carnegie teacher, said that for her students, the project was foremost a lesson in patience, as they often had to work hard at locating the turtles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also about problem-solving and data collection,â&#x20AC;? she said, helping the students connect their classwork to the real world. The Helms Elementary Wetlands and Outdoor Classroom plans to hold two more similar events this spring, as well as the Spring Auction fundraiser. For information on how to participate, call the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main office at 713-867-5130.

And you still have your chance to weigh in on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to you and your neighbors, even if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not on the list. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leader Country has a number of Capital Improvement Projects coming up over the next few years. The biggest of these is the drainage project already under way in Garden Oaks and the massive water line replacements in Oak Forest, Timbergrove, and Lazybrook,â&#x20AC;? said Cohen in an email. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These water line replacements are incredibly important because the aging infrastructure in these neighborhoods

could lead to deteriorating quality of water if left unaddressed.â&#x20AC;? District H Councilmember Ed Gonzalez echoes sentiments about the CIP meetingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; importance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I encourage all residents to attend our annual CIP meeting and learn

about the upcoming Capital Improvement Plan projects in District H,â&#x20AC;? he said through aide Jerry Peruchini. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Participating in this annual meeting allows our residents to advocate for the needs of each individual community.â&#x20AC;?

Capital â&#x20AC;˘ from Page 1A you-go infrastructure funding for street and drainage improvements in 2010, â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst first,â&#x20AC;? says Boyett. For example, major thoroughfares get preference over less traveled streets, she says. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no reason though, council members say, not to participate in Capital Improvement Plan meetings, set for upcoming days in the three districts covered by The Leader. Public Works & Engineering personnel and other city officials still visit each session to explain projects on the books and how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re scheduled to proceed.

Thirsty Explorer When the Thirsty Explorer ďŹ rst saw Pedal Party, she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite know what to make of it. This group focused amusement activity is similar to a party bus except that it is entirely pedal powered. At about the size of a cargo van, Pedal Party cruises the streets at an average speed of 5 to 8 mph. Pedal Party can be seen along Washington Avenue and Midtown, holding up to 16 party goers. There is seating for 15 and a place for one to sit in the middle as a bartender. Why have a conventional pub crawl when you can have a Pedal Party?

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Page 1B â&#x20AC;˘ The Leader â&#x20AC;˘ February 23, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ www.theleadernews.com

Expert

Opinions

This month, we asked a pretty diďŹ&#x192;cult question to expert Realtors in the area. The biggest issue facing the real estate business is not whether or not a home will sell. Instead, the issue is whether or not there are any actual homes for Realtors to sell. If homes in the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and our surrounding neighborhoods were a stock being traded on Wall Street, you might say this is an incredible time to sell your stock to maximize the value of your investment. So the question posed to our experts was this: There may be people who own homes in this area who may be on the edge of whether to sell or not sell their homes. From a ďŹ nancial standpoint, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to make a lot of money. But they may love the neighborhood and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really want to move. With that, how should a person come to that decision?

Commission denies Yale St. apartments by Cynthia Lescalleet For The Leader The Houston Planning Commission last week denied a land use variance for proposed mid-rise apartments on Yale at 6th streets. What happens next is up to the developer. Trammell Crow Residential had sought city approval to re-plat as unrestricted three single-family lots as part of its footprint for a proposed mid-rise luxury apartment project on a 3.5-acre mixed-use block just south of the Heights Hike and Bike Trail and adjacent to a residential neighborhood. TCR reps, who have met with various Heights-area residents to discuss the project, did not respond to

Leader requests by phone and e-mail for comment on the voteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effect on plans. Heights-area development observers, however, suggested TCRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible options range from submitting plans for a project that does not require a variance from the Planning Commission; retaining the three lots as open land; or re-applying for a variance once a traffic assessment has been completed and submitted to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Works and Engineering Department for review and recommendation. At the Feb. 14 hearing, described by some who spoke there as both â&#x20AC;&#x153;politeâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;tense,â&#x20AC;? 20 to 30 residents and others opposing the variance (or the project itself) were easy to spot since they sported

neon green stickers that read â&#x20AC;&#x153;Deny.â&#x20AC;? Among the concerns the more-than-a-dozen speakers raised were potential traffic increases on a bottleneck stretch of roadway and related access issues. They also said community-developer interaction has been more minimal than portrayed since learning about the project in the first place when a variance request notice appeared on the site late in 2012. Discussions have not addressed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;core issue,â&#x20AC;? which is the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scope, said Charles A. Harrison of West Heights Coalition, a neighborhood advocacy group for those areas west of Yale, including

see Yale â&#x20AC;˘ Page 5B

Pat Walker, Keller Williams Metropolitan I would suggest to the Homeowner that is â&#x20AC;&#x153;on the edgeâ&#x20AC;?, to sell or not to sell, the ďŹ rst thing to consider is: Where do I want to move and will I have to scale back my standard of living? If you already know that piece, then call a Realtor and get a good market analysis. Chance is pretty good that once your house goes on the market, you will be moving in 30-45 days. To the Seller who wants to sell â&#x20AC;&#x153;at the peakâ&#x20AC;?(and who knows what that is), you will have to give up the emotional side of selling. It now becomes â&#x20AC;&#x153;all business.â&#x20AC;?

Good Brick

Janet Schmidt, Prudential Premier Properties There seems to be resurgence in the current home market, due to a high demand for homes in the Garden Oaks, Heights, Oak Forest and surrounding areas. The question is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When is the right time for you as an individual to sell?â&#x20AC;? Consider the following: First, do you have a suďŹ&#x192;cient amount of equity in your home? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come out on the short end of the stick. Second, before buying another home it is wise to have an emergency fund. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t over buy and be â&#x20AC;&#x153;house poor.â&#x20AC;? Third, if you have children, consider their activities and schools before ďŹ nding a new home. In conclusion, it is great time to sell if you are looking to down size. Also, interest rates are at record lows for qualiďŹ ed buyers. If you meet the above conditions, take advantage of the higher home prices.

Richard Ray, John Daugherty Realtors We are so lucky to live in Houston, Texas. Our real estate market is the envy of the rest of the nation. I tell every seller that the right time to sell is when they are ready to sell. Now is a great time to sell as inventory levels are the lowest they have been since December 1999 according to the Houston Association of Realtors. It boils down to good ole fashioned supply vs. demand. We have a low supply of homes and high demand from buyers which equals rising prices.

Limited tickets available for Heights Home Tour The Houston Heights has long been recognized for its diverse mix of architectural styles, and the Houston Heights Association is pleased to bring these homes to the public on their 2013 Home & Garden Tour, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then and Now,â&#x20AC;? with the Candlelight Dinner and Auction kicking things oďŹ&#x20AC; on Friday evening. Make plans now for both exciting events.

Home & Garden Tour The Tour is set for noon-6 p.m., April 6-7. The annual event attracts crowds of locals and is a popular springtime tourist destination, complete with a shuttle stop on Historic 19th Street with its art galleries, antique and vintage shops, eclectic boutiques, sidewalk cafĂŠs and world-class restaurants. The Homes: â&#x20AC;˘ Deb Parks & Mark Bouzek Home, 1617 Columbia â&#x20AC;˘ Gayle & Mike Klaybor Home, 1615 Cortlandt â&#x20AC;˘ Marylou Erbland & Robert Woods Home, 709 E. 19th â&#x20AC;˘ Karen & Bob Derr Home, 2310 Rutland â&#x20AC;˘ Noelle & Eric Reed Home, 1532 Tulane â&#x20AC;˘ Katrina Stilwell & Jonathan Elton Home, 235 W. 18th Street Home Tour Tickets: Advance tickets are $20 and will be available online at www. houstonheights.org and at Buchananâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Native Plants, Another Place In Time and Jubilee. Days-of-tour tickets are $25 and will be available at the Houston Heights Fire Station (12th and Yale) and at each home on the tour and include the service of luxury shuttle buses that can be boarded at the Houston Heights Fire Station. Individual homes may be toured for $5 per home. For more information about the Home & Garden Tour, call 713-8614002 or email springtour@houstonheights.org.

This Woodland Heights home, said to be a model for the original subdivision more than a century ago, has now been honored with a Good Brick Award for its ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; preservation eďŹ&#x20AC;orts. (Photo by Trey Hunter Photography)

Past honored, presented accommodated in remodel by Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Houses can speak, and some have a lot to say â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to those willing to listen. Such was the case for homeowners of a centuryold Woodland Heights home on Morrison Street, a Craftsman-style bungalow reportedly built as a model home for the original 1910-era subdivision. The couple is pleased to have a copy of the original sales brochure. (Its wording suggests real estate speak hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seemed to change much over the decades since it touts A monthly look at a the â&#x20AC;&#x153;modern kitchenâ&#x20AC;? and renovation project in schools.) our neighborhoods. Louisa Meacham and John Faraguna sensed the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and heritage when they bought it as newlyweds in 1996, and they have strived to honor that while raising their family, she said. The years had brought only slight expansion and updating to the home until a more recent, ambitious renovation. That projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensitivity to the original homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time and place earned a Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston, which is honoring and showcasing its 2013 winners at the annual Cornerstone Dinner on Feb. 28 at River Oaks Country Club. Cited for its â&#x20AC;&#x153;sympathetic addition,â&#x20AC;? the 2009

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Above is a photo of the kitchen before the work, and quite obviously, the results of that work to the right. (Before photo by Newberry Campa Photography; After by Trey Hunter) still-in-scale transformation extended the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footprint and added a small second level while also reworking some of the existing floor plan. From the street, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to detect gabled addition that nearly doubled the square-footage. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a first-floor room expansion on one side. The former 3-bedroom, 2-bath home included formal living and dining rooms plus a 2003-remodeled kitchen. Now, it encompasses four bedrooms, with a new family room at its core, an adjacent screened-in room used most of the year, and an up-

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stairs flex space with under-the-dormer bath and a balcony running much of the width of the house. A back-of-house master bedroom added in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s also morphed a bit to accommodate a mighty-fine closet and an updated full bathroom with modern function (and modern finishes, such as recycled glass counters), but conveying an older presence. Meacham called the tweaked master bedroom suite â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially the closet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;a good example of an

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Overcoming color phobia is key step in remodeling A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve a space, but choosing the right shade is often one of the most difficult parts of the remodeling process. Members of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association say that finding the perfect shade is one of the first and most critical steps in remodeling a home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Color definitely makes the project,â&#x20AC;? said Jim Nowlin, president of the council and owner of Remodeling Concepts, Inc. Nowlin said many homeowners are afraid of color. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some people want to paint everything white, but color really does enhance the look of a room and how you feel in a room,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Color affects mood. Color gives a room warmth.â&#x20AC;? Jackie Jordan is director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams and a nationally recognized leader in the Color Marketing Group. She has several tips for working with different hues and overcoming paint anxiety.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;A fresh coat of paint is the easiest, least expensive way to make a dramatic change,â&#x20AC;? Jordan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re tired of living with builderwhite walls, where do you start?â&#x20AC;? She said the first step is to look around the house. â&#x20AC;&#x153;See what you have that is permanent,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look at the color of your cabinets, flooring and furniture.â&#x20AC;?

Jordan said if homeowners are intimidated by a color, they should try an accessory on for size. For instance, buy fabric or a piece of pottery in a new color, and place it in a room before painting the walls the same hue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One way to ease into colors is by accessorizing,â&#x20AC;? Jordan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Start with a couple of throw pillows or an accent wall before you commit to a whole room.â&#x20AC;? Nowlin adds that accessories can help balance a color. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A color that seems overwhelming can look great with the right furniture and accessories,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Get Inspired Jordan then suggests looking for inspiration. She said sometimes your favorite colors are already in your home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in a favorite piece of art, a colorful area rug or a treasured object. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Use that as a starting point,â&#x20AC;? she said. She also suggests looking for photos in magazines or online. Pinterest is a popular place for inspiration. Jordan suggests bringing a folder of images into a SherwinWilliams store or to a color expert. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It helps us narrow down the choices,â&#x20AC;? she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and we can determine a palette that reflects your personality.â&#x20AC;?

Start small Jordan said that small rooms can be another good place to start playing with color. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A powder room is a great place to try something dramatic,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you can do something there, then try experimenting somewhere else.â&#x20AC;? Jordan said gray has become a popular wall color. She has also noticed that homeowners are trying supersaturated, bright colors

Stained glass can add value to home by Ivee Sauls ivee@theleadernews.com In 2001 Karen Farrell opened her studio, Farrells Art Glass, in the Heights. At her studio, she crafts custom stained glass works for homeowners, builders and interior designers all over Texas. Farrell said that when many people think of stained glass, they think of churches, which she does very few of.â&#x20AC;&#x153;They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think about the scale that I actually do,â&#x20AC;? she said. This scale can be significant when trying to sell a home. Homes with custom stained glass work installed can leave a lasting impression of individuality that will stand apart from those that may look prefabricated. Because stained glass never loses its value, it can directly increase the value of a home. Farrell says you can really get a lot of bang for your buck with doors, entryways and transoms, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first place someone sees when they enter a home. Karen Farrell crafts custom stained glass for home owners, builders and The two types of windows Far- interior designers all over Texas at her studio, Farrells Art Glass, at 444. W. rell is called to do the most are 17th Street. (Photo by Ivee Sauls) stairwell windows and master bathroom windows. She said she industry for more than 30 years, in creation of stained glass windows. enjoys crafting stairwell windows retail, selling supplies and whole- When Farrell first began her busibecause there usually is little orna- sale. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know a lot of what glass is ness, she was working out of her mentation around them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is like available,â&#x20AC;? she said, but it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just back porch. On occasion, she would glass. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are lots of metals and get help from family members, you have a blank slate,â&#x20AC;? she said. which is why she chose to name She said in other parts of the all kinds of supplies,â&#x20AC;? she added. She said she gets inspiration her business â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farrellsâ&#x20AC;? instead of home, custom stained glass design can be more complex. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In other ar- from Frank Lloyd Wright and prai- â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a family venture,â&#x20AC;? eas you have to think more about rie design. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although Frank Lloyd she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone helps.â&#x20AC;? She said her siblings, Dennis, what the furnishings are, or what Wright didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use a lot of color,â&#x20AC;? she youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pairing it with,â&#x20AC;? she said. said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have too much color, Colleen and Jack help her quite a bit, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I meet with a client I see as far as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m concerned. I love the as well as her daughter Kiera. Her what they like,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have color combinations and the way older brother Jack is a craftsman them go through my portfolio or that the light plays off of the glass who works with wood and metals. different source books to see what at different times, or with no light,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;He does things for me sometimes. she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really wonderful be- We work in collaboration,â&#x20AC;? she said. they like.â&#x20AC;? She said her sister Colleen helped Farrell said that after she meets cause it still excites me.â&#x20AC;? Farrell began working with glass her in joining the Greater Heights with clients, she will draw them a scaled drawing with their prefer- in 1978 as a hobbyist. At the time Chamber of Commerce. She said ences in mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I also try to stay she was enjoying working with â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it was just me, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be back here true to the architecture of the etched glass. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My sister and a good like a hermit,â&#x20AC;? she joked. For more friend from high school started information about Farrells Art house,â&#x20AC;? she said. In some cases, she works closely doing arts and crafts festivals. So Glass, visit www.farrellsartglass. with designers who provide sam- we started taking the etched glass, com, call 713-880-2007 or email ples to help her in creating stained which we used to sandblast de- farrellsartglass@aol.com. glass that fits with the flow of the signs on the glass and tabletops,â&#x20AC;? home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love to be able to put she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We started taking pieces something out there that is going to and framing them in stained glass be around for a long time... Prob- - thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when the stained glass came ably a lot of it will be there after Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in,â&#x20AC;? said Farrell. She explored the broader megone,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of an dium of glass with bead making, empowering thought for me.â&#x20AC;? Farrell has worked in the glass fusing, and carving, and decided she would pursue the design and

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Nowlin suggests hiring a color consultant or interior designer to help with the process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wise to bring in someone who has experience,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will save you in wasted materials and time. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much better to just do something right the first time.â&#x20AC;?

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Page 3B â&#x20AC;˘ The Leader â&#x20AC;˘ February 23, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ @heightsleader

Housing sales slow; prices go up, up, up Housing sales slumped in some Leader area ZIP codes in January, despite continued growth throughout the Houston area â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but prices continued to rise. A noticeable exception to the flattening was the 77007 ZIP code, where 38 single family homes were sold in January, an increase of 65 percent over the same month last year. The average price flirted with the half-million-dollar level, rising 25 percent to $498,328 in January. The 77008 posted modest gains, with 34 homes sold, 6 percent more than last year at this time, and increasing in average price by about 5 percent to $336,891. Showing downturns around 20 percent in sales were ZIPs 77009, 77018 and 77092, with 77091 staying flat. But average prices jumped, with the seven homes in the 77091 showing a 50 percent gain, from an $82,628 average to $123,721. Prices in 77018 went up an average 27.5 percent, and 12.2 percent in 77009. Those gains in average prices far outpace the greater Houston area growth, which stood at 3.4 percent in January. Housing inventory in Houston now matches levels last seen 13 years ago, as January home sales maintained the aggressive pace established in 2012. January marked the 20th consecutive month of positive home sales, with average and median prices reaching the highest levels for a January in Houston. According to the latest monthly data prepared by the Houston Association of REALTORSÂŽ (HAR), single-family home sales achieved the highest monthly year-over-year percentage increase since last October, rising 28.3 percent compared to January 2012. Contracts closed on 3,899 homes, shrinking inventory to 3.6 months. That matches a level last recorded in December 1999.

All housing segments saw gains in January, with homes priced from $250,000 through the millions registering the greatest sales volume and accounting for the boost in pricing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Houston real estate market gained even more momentum as the new year began,â&#x20AC;? said HAR Chairman Danny Frank with Prudential Anderson Properties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are maintaining a watchful eye on the local housing supply because a significant decline from current inventory levels could potentially have an adverse effect on sales and drive prices disproportionately higher. Market conditions right now are excellent for those considering selling their homes, especially as further growth in hiring continues to drive more potential buyers to the Houston area every day.â&#x20AC;? The single-family home average price increased 3.4 percent year-over-year to $200,296, the highest level for a January in Houston. The median priceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for lessâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; jumped 7.2 percent to $150,000, also a record high for a January in Houston. Foreclosure property sales reported in the HAR Multiple Listing Service (MLS) declined 11.9 percent compared to January 2012. Foreclosures currently make up 19.6 percent of all property sales, which is the highest level since February 2012. The median price of January foreclosures dipped 1.5 percent to $81,074. January sales of all property types in Houston totaled 4,680, a 29.1 percent increase over the same month last year. Total dollar volume for properties sold in January leapt 33.6 percent to $908 million versus $680 million a year earlier.

January Monthly Comparison January brought Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall real estate market positive results when all sales categories

are compared to January 2012. On a year-overyear basis, total property sales, total dollar volume and average and median pricing all rose. Month-end pending sales for January totaled 3,591. That is up 13.5 percent from last year and signals the likelihood of further gains when February property sales data are totaled. Active listings, or the number of available properties, at the end of January declined 20.3 percent from January 2012 to 33,532. Housing inventory in Houston retreated to 3.6 months in January, the lowest level since December 1999. Inventory first fell below a five-month supply in August 2012 and then dropped below a four-month supply last December. By contrast, the highest months inventory in recent history was 8.2 in June 1996. For perspective, the national inventory of single-family homes stands at 4.4 months, according to the latest report from the National Association of REALTORSÂŽ (NAR).

Single-Family Homes Update January sales of single-family homes in Houston totaled 3,899, up 28.3 percent from January 2012. That marks the 20th straight monthly increase. Broken out by housing segment, January sales performed as follows: â&#x20AC;˘ $1-79,999: increased 7.9 percent â&#x20AC;˘ $80,000-149,999: increased 22.1 percent â&#x20AC;˘ $150,000-249,999: increased 37.9 percent â&#x20AC;˘ $250,000-499,999: increased 41.2 percent â&#x20AC;˘ $500,000- $1 million and above: increased 56.2 percent The average price of a single-family home rose 3.4 percent from last year to $200,296, the highest level for a January in Houston. At $150,000, the median sales price for single-family homes also achieved a record high for a January in Houston, up 7.2 percent year-over-year.

Thinking about home buying? Consider these tips If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re considering buying a home, some experts think you should get a move on it. Interest rates are at 65-year record lows and national home prices have finally hit bottom and are on the rise. Despite what you may be hearing, loans are available for those with good credit histories, stable income and sufficient savings. But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t jump right in unprepared. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a seasoned buyer or a newbie, there are strategies that can help you throughout the home-buying process:

Stick to Your Budget Determining how much â&#x20AC;&#x153;home you can affordâ&#x20AC;? depends on several factors, including your annual gross income, credit history, current mortgage rates and the amount of your down payment. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market, you can expect a down payment to generally be between 5 to 20 percent of the purchase price for a conventional mortgage. Lenders recommend that your mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes and mortgage

insurance) be less than 28 percent of your monthly gross income. Before looking for a home, consider calling a Department of Housing and Urban Developmentapproved housing counselor for free and confidential financial assistance.

Avoid Borrowing Pitfalls Unscrupulous lenders can damage your credit and cause you financial hardship. Here are some ways to avoid becoming a victim: â&#x20AC;˘ Say â&#x20AC;&#x153;noâ&#x20AC;? to easy money. Beware if someone claims that your â&#x20AC;&#x153;credit problems wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affect the interest rate.â&#x20AC;? If a solicitation is really appealing, get it in writing and seek a second opinion. â&#x20AC;˘ Talk to several lenders to find the best loan. â&#x20AC;˘ Know if the loan offered to you charges a fee if you pay it off early. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a requirement of the loan, ask about other products that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t contain this type of penalty. â&#x20AC;˘ Ensure documents are correct and complete. Beware of anyone offering to falsify your income in-

formation to qualify you for a loan. Never sign documents that have incorrect dates or blank fields. â&#x20AC;˘ Ask for written estimates that include all points and fees. When you get to the closing table, if any fees or charges differ from what was previously disclosed, delay closing until all terms are understood. â&#x20AC;˘ If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking equity out of your property, only take the minimum. Equity typically builds slowly over time, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to try to preserve it. â&#x20AC;˘ If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sign. Get advice first from a reputable consumer credit counseling agency or

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Heights man pioneers zero-energy homes David Goswick has homebuilding in the blood. One hundred years ago, Goswickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great-grandfather developed Woodland Heights, and today, partnering with the city of Houston, Goswick has created a company which plans to build 80 next-generation, zero-energy systems in Independence Heights. Already two model homes are on site in the 600 block of East 34th Street. With his company called HOUZE (the ZE stands for zero energy), Heights resident Goswickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homes are powered by a power cell that produces both on-site electricity and thermal heat from 100 percent natural gas. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also the first in the U.S. to feature a new service from AT&T called Digital Life, which wirelessly enables residents to access, monitor and control devices in their homes, such as home security, via their smartphone, tablet or PC. Most alluring, a Zero Energy Warranty guarantees that homeowners will have no gas or electricity payments for 10 years. The warranty, along with several mortgage and insurance discounts lower the total monthly cost of these brand new homes to the equivalent of a Class C apartment, according to Goswick. HOUZE uses a â&#x20AC;&#x153;building enve- Builder David Goswick has constructed two model zero-energy homes in Independence Heights in partnership with lopeâ&#x20AC;? which performs like a Ther- the city. (Photo by Austin Goswick) mos, ensuring the homes meet the highest energy efficiency stan- on-site electricity and thermal generates significantly more en- technology advancements lead dards while creating a safer, stron- heat from 100 percent natural ergy than the home will consume. to discounts and incentives from ger structure that is built to with- gas. Unlike traditional renewable This surplus is then stored in leading mortgage and insurance stand winds of 130 miles an hour energy technologies which are in- back-up batteries and/or fed back companies, including reduced or higher. termittent, the natural gas power to the electricity grid, providing mortgage rates and down payment The homes are the first in Amer- cell provides reliable power 24/7. increased energy security for the assistance, as well as significant inica to be powered by the HOUZE Roughly the size of a traditional air homeowner. surance discounts ranging from 40 Power Cellâ&#x201E;˘ that produces both conditioning unit, the power cell These building, energy and to 70 percent.

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DEMOLITION PERMITS

77007 2013/02/15 12044550 2200 PATTERSON ST A-1 NEW OFFICE/MAINT./WAREHOUSE BLDG. 77007 2013/02/15 12044553 2200 PATTERSON ST B-1 NEW WAREHOUSE BUILDING 2006 IBC 77007 2013/02/11 12069697 5109 CORNISH ST NEW S.F RESIDENCE W/ATT GARAGE 77007 2013/02/11 12069699 5107 CORNISH ST NEW S.F RESIDENCE W/ATT GARAGE 77007 2013/02/11 12069704 5105 CORNISH ST NEW S.F RESIDENCE W/ATT GARAGE 77007 2013/02/11 12069705 5111 CORNISH ST NEW S.F RESIDENCE W/ATT GARAGE 77007 2013/02/11 12120338 1621 BONNER ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED GARAGE 77007 2013/02/11 12120340 1623 BONNER ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED GARAGE 77007 2013/02/14 12120955 4406 BLOSSOM ST C NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED GARAGE 77007 2013/02/14 12120957 4406 BLOSSOM ST A NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED GARAGE 77007 2013/02/13 12121543 5417 FLOYD ST NEW S. F. RESIDENCE W/ATT GARAGE 77007 2013/02/13 12121544 5416 BLOSSOM ST NEW S. F. RESIDENCE W/ATT GARAGE 77007 2013/02/13 12121545 5415 FLOYD ST NEW S. F. RESIDENCE W/ATT GARAGE 77007 2013/02/13 12121547 5414 BLOSSOM ST NEW S.F RESIDENCE 77007 2013/02/13 12122370 107 YALE ST 200 MEDICAL OFFICE BUILD-OUT 77007 2013/02/15 13002031 5842 PETTY ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED GARAGE 77007 2013/02/15 13002032 5850 PETTY ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED GARAGE 77007 2013/02/15 13002033 5846 PETTY ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED GARAGE 77007 2013/02/12 13003055 1713 SHEARN ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W / ATTACHED GARAGE 77007 2013/02/12 13003056 1715 SHEARN ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATT GARAGE 77007 2013/02/15 13004631 5732 ARABELLE CREST ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W / ATTACHED GARAGE 77007 2013/02/14 13005367 4822 WASHINGTON AVE OFFICE (SALON) REMODEL 77007 2013/02/12 13012841 1904 WASHINGTON AVE PLATFORM/RISERS @ TEMPORARY TENT 77007 2013/02/14 13013813 717 HERKIMER ST B NEW RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL/SPA 77007 2013/02/13 13013840 4301 FEAGAN ST RESIDENTIAL REPAIR PER REPAIR LIST 77007 2013/02/13 13013843 4925 FEAGAN ST RESIDENTIAL REPAIRS PER REPAIR LIST 77007 2013/02/14 13013957 1809 WASHINGTON AVE RESTAURANT REPAIR (20% FD) 77007 2013/02/15 13014583 724 E 9TH ST NEW RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL 77008 2013/02/15 12068153 1003 HERKIMER ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED GARAGE 77008 2013/02/12 12100281 246 W 24TH ST NEW RESIDENTIAL CARPORT 77008 2013/02/15 12105769 1216 HOBBS REACH (PVT) LN NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED GARAGE (MASTER OF 2) 77008 2013/02/15 12105771 1220 HOBBS REACH (PVT) LN NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED

Connie Sumrall #295939 Purchase â&#x20AC;˘ Refiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;˘ Cash Outs

MPL#40381

One measure of the popularity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and rebuilding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of neighborhoods in the 77018 ZIP code is a look at the permit requests for residential demolitions. Last week alone, 18 requests were filed, compared to 12 in the rest of Leader ZIP codes, 77007, 77008, 77009, 77091 and 77092. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fully 60 percent of demolition applications in these communities. In next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Real Estate section of The Leader, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look at the rebuilding boom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the effect on existing neighborhoods and longtime residents in Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Shepherd Park Plaza, Candlelight Estates and other 77018 neighborhoods. The following is the list of demolition and building permit requests in Leader neighborhoods, made to the city of Houston in recent days. The number is the permit locator, which can be referred to or searched online at http://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Publications/listsrv/WebeReport. html

BUILDING PERMITS

832-512-1442

(OUSTON 0REMIER 0LUMBING

THE PERMITS.

77007 2013/02/12 13006130 4516 MAXIE ST DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77007 2013/02/15 13011824 5309 LARKIN ST DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77007 2013/02/14 13013736 4403 ELI ST DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77007 2013/02/14 13014442 4400 ELI ST DEMO BLD/NO SEWER DISCONNECTION 77007 2013/02/14 13014444 4401 ELI ST DEMO BLD/NO SEWER DISCONNECTION 77008 2013/02/13 13006260 633 W 21ST ST DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77008 2013/02/13 13006263 633 1/2 W 21ST ST DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77008 2013/02/14 13011065 1023 WAVERLY ST DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77008 2013/02/11 13011232 1339 TULANE ST DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77008 2013/02/15 13011242 213 E 24TH ST DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77008 2013/02/12 13013000 928 LAWRENCE ST DEMO RES /SEWER DISC 77009 2013/02/15 13009415 4503 SIEGEL ST RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING PERMIT 77018 2013/02/13 13002382 1803 ALTHEA DR DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/13 13002384 1570 HEWITT DR DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/13 13002386 1247 OVERHILL ST DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/13 13002415 1830 VIKING DR DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/13 13003304 1701 LIBBEY DR DEMO RES/ SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/13 13003322 1212 OVERHILL ST DEMO RES/ SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/13 13006541 1638 CHIPPENDALE RD DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/14 13008611 1146 KINLEY LN DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/11 13010694 1010 ROSEPOINT ST DEMO RES/ SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/14 13010695 1725 DU BARRY LN DEMO RES/SEWER DISCONNECT 77018 2013/02/13 13010697 1741 DU BARRY LN DEMO RES/SEWER DISCONNECT 77018 2013/02/11 13010700 1510 CHESHIRE LN DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/11 13010701 1227 OVERHILL ST DEMO RES/SEWER DISCONNECT 77018 2013/02/13 13010702 1723 DE MILO DR DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/13 13010703 1437 CHAMBOARD LN DEMO RES/SEWER DISCONNECT 77018 2013/02/13 13010705 1715 DE MILO DR DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/11 13011167 1319 DU BARRY LN DEMO RES/SEWER DISCONNECT 77018 2013/02/15 13014087 1418 SUE BARNETT DR DEMO RES/SEWER DISC 77018 2013/02/13 13013851 1831 BETHLEHEM ST RESIDENTIAL DEMO FOR FUTURE REMODEL

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Two men from Cherry Demolition level an old home at the intersection of Althea and E. T.C. Jester Blvd earlier this week. (Photo by Jonathan McElvy) GARAGE (MASTER # 12105769) 77008 2013/02/13 12112980 2514 BEVIS ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ATTACHED GARAGE 77008 2013/02/14 12116466 707 E 10TH ST NEW S.F.RESIDENCE W / DETACHED GARAGE 2006 IRC 77008 2013/02/15 13003599 831 W 26TH ST RESIDENTIAL PATIO ADDITION 77008 2013/02/12 13009502 716 W 22ND ST NEW S.F. RESIDENCE W/ ATT GARAGE 77008 2013/02/15 13010628 901 N SHEPHERD DR DEMO BUILDING BACK TO SHELL 77008 2013/02/15 13012070 144 E 23RD ST RESIDENTIAL ADDITION 77008 2013/02/11 13012949 3480 W 12TH ST MINOR WAREHOUSE EXTERIOR DOOR REMODEL PER CO REPORT 77008 2013/02/14 13014201 603 W 11TH ST CONVERT RETAIL BLDG TO OFFICE 77008 2013/02/14 13014649 945 CORTLANDT ST RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL 77008 2013/02/14 13014649 945 CORTLANDT ST RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL 77008 2013/02/14 13014649 945 CORTLANDT ST RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL 77009 2013/02/14 12111938 905 GIBBS ST RESIDENTIAL ADDITION/REMODEL 77009 2013/02/12 12114588 332 MOODY ST RESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION FOR HOUSE MOVE/ADDITION 77009 2013/02/11 13008246 2440 2/3 NORTH FWY A CELL TOWER ANTENNA ADDITION 77009 2013/02/14 13010768 3825 FULTON ST RESIDENTIAL FIRE DAMAGE REPAIR/BL REAIRS 77009 2013/02/12 13011107 604 VINCENT ST NEW RESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION FOR MOVE-IN HOUSE 77009 2013/02/13 13011809 502 TABOR ST RESIDENTIAL ADDITION/REMODEL 77009 2013/02/11 13012379 823 E 27TH ST RESIDENTIAL GARAGE REMODEL 77009 2013/02/13 13012987 1007 W MELWOOD ST RESIDENTIAL REPAIR 77009 2013/02/12 13013235 514 EUCLID ST RESIDENTIAL DEMO FOR FUTURE REMODEL 77009 2013/02/12 13013288 931 BAYLAND ST NEW RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL 77009 2013/02/12 13013442 809 ARCHER ST RESDIENTIAL REPAIRS 77009 2013/02/13 13014100 1007 LE GREEN ST RESIDENTIAL REPAIRS PER REPAIR LIST 77009 2013/02/15 13015050 506 AVENUE OF OAKS ST 40% RESIDENTIAL FIRE DAMAGE REPAIRS (NO PLANS REQUIRED) 77018 2013/02/11 13003336 1306 HEWITT DR RESIDENTIAL ADDITION/ REMODEL 77018 2013/02/11 13009643 819 W 41ST ST RESIDENTIAL NEW SWIMMING POOL 77018 2013/02/11 13010386 2015 CHIPPENDALE RD RESIDENTIAL ADDITION 77018 2013/02/13 13012912 4136 PINEMONT DR DRIVEWAY REMODEL / INTERIOR EQUIP PAD ADDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;N 77018 2013/02/11 13013091 3810 PINEMONT DR A AUTO SERVICE GARAGE REPAIR AS PER SPEC SHEET. 77018 2013/02/12 13013478 1131 DU BARRY LN RESIDENTIAL REPAIR SPEC LIST 77018 2013/02/13 13013662 1631 CHIPPENDALE RD NEW RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL 77018 2013/02/13 13013829 1295 PINEMONT DR HANDI STOP RESTROOM REMODEL 2006 IBC 77018 2013/02/13 13013878 1046 ALTHEA DR RESIDENTIAL REPAIR PER SPEC LIST 77018 2013/02/14 13014563 2211 DIAMOND ST NEW RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL 77091 2013/02/12 12107986 2909 PAUL QUINN ST CONVERT UNPERMITTED BUILDING TO MACHINE SHOP 77091 2013/02/14 12113082 6808 N SHEPHERD DR REMODEL CONVENIENCE TO CREATE GAME ROOM 77091 2013/02/13 13013857 5229 BRINKMAN ST RESIDENTIAL REPAIR PER SPEC LIST 77092 2013/02/15 13003430 10890 NORTHWEST FWY PARKING LOT EXPANSION & RENNOVATIONS 77092 2013/02/13 13006054 12716 HEMPSTEAD RD EXTERIOR RESTAURANT REMODEL 77092 2013/02/14 13009188 6830 2/3 POPPY CELL TOWER PANEL ANTENNAS REPLACEMENT 2006 IBC 77092 2013/02/11 13013081 5818 VERDOME LN RESIDENTIAL REPAIRS PER REPAIR LIST 77092 2013/02/12 13013414 4400 DACOMA ST FL 2 DEMO NON-LOAD BEARING FIRE RATED PARTITIONS ONLY. 77092 2013/02/12 13013476 4518 VIKING DR RESIDENTIAL REPAIR SPEC LIST 77092 2013/02/13 13013799 5600 NORTHWEST CENTRAL DR 109 OFFICE REMODEL 77092 2013/02/13 13014117 5902 VIKING DR RESIDENTIAL REPAIR PER REPAIR LIST Information provided to city by applicant on the building permit. The City does not conďŹ rm or verify statement by applicant. If you believe the project does not meet the deed restrictions for this property, please contact the City of Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deed Restriction Hotline at 713-437-6769.

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â&#x2DC;&#x2026; â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Now Is A Good Time To â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Sell Your House! â&#x2DC;&#x2026; â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Prices are going up. Buyers scrambling to buy at lower interest rates! â&#x2DC;&#x2026; Bobbie Jones REMAXâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;METRO â&#x2DC;&#x2026; 713-681-5666 cell 713-203-2568 â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

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www.myhoustoninnerloophomes.com Only after an initial oďŹ&#x20AC;er the couple made on a smaller home fell through were Louisa Meacham and John Faraguna able to purchase this home in Woodland Heights, where they updated the family room with this hardwood staircase. (Photo by Trey Hunter Photography)

Do-Over â&#x20AC;˘ from Page 1B architect sometimes having a sense of what you need even though you might not know it.â&#x20AC;? Architectural elements throughout the new space blend seamlessly with the old. The idea, Meacham said, was â&#x20AC;&#x153;not to mimic but to honorâ&#x20AC;? the structure and to maintain its relationship with site, street and neighbors. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a high school English teacher who comes from a long-line of architects and likeminded relatives. Faragunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work as an executive recruiter has meant he (and the family) travels. Collections, many of them geologic, accent the darkpaneled walls rising to ceiling timbers in several rooms. In contrast, the fanciful sculptures he crafts from reclaimed cameras, tools, and metal shards add some eye-catching whimsy, as does a massive florescent sign compiled from several Space Age icons. When the couple first spotted the home, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It had good bones and good energy,â&#x20AC;? Meacham recalled. Yet they did not feel ready or â&#x20AC;&#x153;worthyâ&#x20AC;? of it. But then, an offer they put in on a smaller home nearby fell through, allowing them to give in to the gravitational pull of the Morrison Street home that still tugs at their hearts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are honored to be part of the history of this house,â&#x20AC;? she said. A photo album kept by the owners is a labor of love containing the early brochure, a timeline of its families that includes professions, and photos -- lots of photos -- of the property over the years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is an integrity to these homes that bears preserving,â&#x20AC;? Meacham said. Porches, for example, promote interaction with neighbors, which is a tradition the family maintains. In renovating, the homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; philosophy was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preserve what we possibly can. We are all

just passing through.â&#x20AC;?

MOVING WOULD HAVE BEEN EASIER, BUTâ&#x20AC;Ś Their decision to tackle a major overhaul came after the family returned from a three-year assignment overseas. Seeking a little more space and a home office, they shopped other homes in the neighborhood, but found only â&#x20AC;&#x153;lot-fillers.â&#x20AC;? Yes, it would have been easier on finances, stress levels and household relationships to buy a different house, she said. But having previously worked their kitchen with Troy Campa of Newberry Campa Architects gave them the confidence to tackle a whoppersized project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has such an eye for design.â&#x20AC;? This time, though, the family moved out. It was a summer start to the six-month project, and they spent some of it as vagabonds, living a bit in England and then at a grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s island retreat in Maine. And then, incredibly, the house right next door came up for lease, which put them in close proximity for the infinite decisions that finishing touches demanded, she explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There were no horrible gutwrenching surprises,â&#x20AC;? she said of the on-time and budget effort. Such undertakings do deliver a lesson or two nonetheless. Meacham offered a few: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your landscaping,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No matter how competent, contractors are not kind to the lawn and plants.â&#x20AC;? The scorched earth that was their yard during the project offered a chance to improve its drainage and plantings, affecting the overall budget. â&#x20AC;˘ Consider Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climate and consider having a usable screen porch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It provides us with a space where we can come together as a

family and for neighborhood socials.â&#x20AC;? That French doors can close off the space into a more secluded room is another plus. â&#x20AC;˘ Home tours are handy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can have an idea in your head but seeing it in 3-D (gives) context of someone living there and using it.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t design for an exact phase of life, since how a space might be used changes as a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s childrearing phases hit.

â&#x20AC;˘ Use an architect. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to find somebody who is a good fit, but every dollar you spend on the front end with someone who will work with you on how you live in it pays out in buckets.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Hire a company to hang the pictures. The family held a thank you lunch for all who had worked their magic to realize the project. Coming home is a joy, she said.

)MPROVE 2ATHER 4HAN -OVE *OHN - $OODY !)! !RCHITECT JMDAMD GMAIL COM

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Buying or Selling? Contact Nila Tant Middleton

713-466-9875 nilam@prodigy.net

Home Sweet Home Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening on every street, on every block, in every neighborhood.

Yale â&#x20AC;˘ from Page 1B the Maple Heights subdivision this project affects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Coalition is excited the Planning Commission saw some of the issues weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been concerned about,â&#x20AC;? he said.â&#x20AC;&#x153;We understand this is not the end of the process.â&#x20AC;?

MANY MINI-MEETINGS The Coalition planned to meet Tuesday of this week (after the deadline for this story) to discuss its primary goal and approach in hopes of encouraging a project thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more agreeable to the neighborhood, Harrison said. Last week, however, three days before the vote, TCRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s M. Scot Davis, senior managing director, made a 15-minute presentation on the high-end project to a group of 25 or so residents at an informal meeting hosted by the Land Use Committee of Houston Heights Association. Davis reportedly described a 65ft.-tall building with 350-plus units built above 500 parking spaces at and below grade. About 80 percent of the units would have one bedroom, renting for about $1,500 a month to those residents who passed a background check and had incomes 3.5 times the rental rate, according to those who attended the private meeting, from which media was barred. The pre-

sentationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s content was similar to a January forum, attendees said. LUC meeting notes, meanwhile, cite a 5-ft. sidewalk on the Yale St. side of the property, to be surrounded by oak trees, and trash collected in bins below street level rather than at the perimeter of the project. TCR is willing to work with the city to fund some warning signals on the hike and bike trail and to work with groups on amenities for the detention pond near the project, the notes said. The final design is not complete, but the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exterior will be masonry. There are no current plans for a dog park, something posed during the question and answer portion of the program. When asked hypothetically whether the project would go ahead without the variance, Davis has reportedly said it might be 15 percent smaller. Subsequent private conversations have netted other responses, however, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unclear whether â&#x20AC;&#x153;smallerâ&#x20AC;? means fewer total units or the same number of units accommodated by adding a floor and pushing both levels of parking below grade, said Bill Pellerin, chairman of the HHAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Land Use Committee, and neither group has taken a position on the proposed project.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for Spring Home Improvement. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the chance to get in front of readers who are planning to spend dollars every weekend improving their homes.

Publishing March 9 Deadline March 5

Contact your sales representative at

(713) 686-8494

)

Servicing Garden Oaks, Timbergrove,Oak Forest, Lazybrook, Shady Acres, Heights, Rice Military.

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Page 6B â&#x20AC;˘ The Leader â&#x20AC;˘ February 23, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ @heightsleader

Art isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play for Oak Forest creative force by Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com For Oak Forest artist Jeremy Kelley, necessity was indeed the mother of invention. Or at least it was the catalyst for Liamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Room, Kelleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern art prints for children. When Liam Kelley was born three years ago, his mom and dad scoured the Internet for original art. When they couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find what they wanted, Kelley put his artistic skills to use. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did a space theme,â&#x20AC;? Kelley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a lot of fun. Liamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room was the first thing I ever did for children, so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I decided to name the company.â&#x20AC;? Interested in art from childhood, Kelley has no formal training but was always drawing and painting. He grew up in Texas City and went to California for the Marine Corps. Kelley stayed to attend Cal State San Marcos where he studied environmental science. Three years into college he injured his knee in a surfing mishap, and when it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t getting any better after five months finally went to the doctor. He was glad he did. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I found out I had osteosarcoma,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The tumor was a little smaller than a baseball.â&#x20AC;? Twenty-two when he was diagnosed, Kelly came back to Texas to get treatment at MD Anderson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I grew up real quick,â&#x20AC;? he said. The cancer had metastasized to his lungs and he had to undergo both chemotherapy and surgery. Miraculously, after the primary tumor was removed from his leg, the tumors in his lungs went away, too, and an additional surgery was no longer necessary. He has been in remission since 2003. That was also the year mutual friends introduced Kelley to wife Catherine who was a couple years behind him at Texas City High School. They married after she finished law school and settled in Oak Forest. Currently Catherine is a lawyer and works at the Department of Labor while Kelley has an environmental consulting firm in addition to Liamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Room. He estimates he spends about 20 percent of his time on his art business. Daughter Brennan was born eight months ago. Thanks to her dad, she has a very

&REE $ELIVERY 4O 3URROUNDING !REA

chic room which includes a print of 0HONE &AX the Eiffel Tower. Kelley draws inspiration from .OW ACCEPTING ALL INSURANCE INCLUDING a lot of pop art, including that of -EDICAID AND -EDICARE Marco, whose work Kelley displays /UR PRESCRIPTION PRICES ARE LOWER THAN in his own office. He used to do a lot ANY PHARMACY IN THE AREA of surfing pictures but those have taken a backseat to his childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7E WILL lLL YOUR TRANSFERRED OR NEW PRESCRIPTION work. AT THE LOWEST PRICE POSSIBLE Ranging in price from $50-$100 for a screen print, a custom piece 7 ,ITTLE 9ORK #ORNER OF 7 ,ITTLE 9ORK AND "INGLE IN &OOD &AIR 3HOPPING #ENTER from Kelley might cost several hundred dollars. -ONDAY &RIDAY AM PM s 3ATURDAY AM PM Although Kelley says his work Kelley gets encouragement and ideas from his family, left to right, Cath#ALL FOR MORE INFORMATION OR KWIKMEDS ATT NET sells best when people can see it erine, Brennan and Liam. (Photo by Betsy Denson) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which they have at Houston Press Artopia and the First Saturday Art Market in the Heights â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he also has clients nationally and abroad. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just did some cherry blossoms for a lady in Singapore,â&#x20AC;? he said. The invitation to showcase at Artopia was a result of being named to the Houston Press 100 Creatives HEART 2012. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They told me they were doing research on Houston artists and & VASCULAR I came across their table. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had many more inquiries from other art shows, markets, and festivals asking me to get involved.â&#x20AC;? Not content to just advocate for himself, Kelley recently founded an Oaks Arts Group, which accordCHEST PAIN CENTERS ing to the Facebook description is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;group of artists and art lovers in Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Shepherd Park Plaza, Candlelight Plaza and Independence Heights.â&#x20AC;? FAILURE TREATMENT Kelley says the group will help promote art and artists in the com& TRANSPLANT munity by organizing a yearly or biyearly Oaks Arts Market. Twelve artists are currently in the DIAGNOSTICS roster, across such media as photography, painting and wood carving. There is no fee to get involved unless the artist wants to pitch in MANAGEMENT for marketing down the road. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just PREVENTIVE show me some good art,â&#x20AC;? said Kelley. Currently the group is meeting to CARDIAC plan the first market, hopefully to REHAB be held in October. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Heights has a very large arts community,â&#x20AC;? Kelley said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what makes it the Heights. I think this area can support local artists, too.â&#x20AC;? For more information about Liamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Room visit www.liamsroomart.com. To learn more about Trust in our complete cardiac care and, together, we can keep your heart healthy. the Oaks Arts Group visit them on Facebook.

s s

SURGERY

A NETWORK OF

ACCREDITED

HEART

ADVANCED

RHYTHM CARE

Commit to Your Heart Health and Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Commit to Your Heart Care.

Heights minister making history at Covenant Church The Rev. Laura Mayo, a resident of the Heights, will be installed as the first female minister for Covenant Church in a special service at 11 a.m. March 3. The church is located at 4949 Caroline St. She will hold the title senior minister, replacing the Rev. Jeremy Rutledge who left after 10 years to take a post in South Carolina. Mayo has been with Covenant since 2006 as an associate minister and minister of congregational life. She is a graduate of CarsonNewman College in Jefferson City, Tenn. and Wake Forest University Divinity School in Winston-Salem, N.C. She completed a yearlong CPE chaplaincy program at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. Laura also studied at Regentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park College of Oxford University and is on the Board of the Alliance of Baptists.

+7)+ -%$3 0(!2-!#9

February Heart Month Events s Red Wine & Dark Chocolate Event at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital Tuesday, February 26 from 6 - 8 p.m. 1635 North Loop West South Tower, Classroom A-F Call 713.222.CARE to register

s Enter Our Heart-Healthy Recipe Contest at

facebook.com/MemorialHermann

Rev. Laura Mayo Founded in 1965, Covenant is an ecumenical, liberal Baptist church located in the museum district of Houston. The churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award winning sacred space was built in 2000. For more information, visit www. covenanthouston.org

memorialhermann.org/heartmonth

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

AUTOS & TRUCKS

AUTO SERVICES

1998 HONDA CRV: One owner. 104K, $4,000 obo. Serious buyers only. 281-773-4459. Call after 5 p.m. (2-23)

Our Big Wheel Deal classifieds are the best way to sell cars, boats, motorcycles or RVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Just $14.95 will run your ad for four weeks.

We have a small staff here at The Leader, so sometimes we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about everything thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on in our area. If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something of concern in your neighborhood, please let our editor know and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll follow up on it.

MOBILE AUTO & TRUCK REPAIRS

7 Days a week, 35 yrs. exp. Low Prices, Sr. Discount.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;CALL ME, I COME TO YOUâ&#x20AC;? DON DRAUGHON

832-641-9586

BUSINESS ADULT CARE OPPOR TUNITIES

SEWING

FOR SALE

EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER NIGHTCLUB FOR SALE OR SUB- ALTERATIONS: Reasonable. TUPPERWARE AVAILABLE: available weekends or live in. LEASE: Call 281-436-1148. Pick up and delivery. Charlotte, Call JoAnn Lord at 281-923Duties include cooking, house3729. (TF) 713-694-0003. (TF) keeping. References available. 713-256-4024. LEADER PUZZLER SOLUTIONS

CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T AFFORD VEHICLE EMISSIONS REPAIRS? If You Qualify - You Only Pay $30!

EASY & FAST! - Se Habla EspaĂąol AirCheckTexas Repair & Replacement Assistance Program.

Cossio Motor Services, Inc. Emissions Repair & Complete Auto Repair Automatic Transmissions

7824 Irvington 713-692-9551

FOR SALE

FRANK SALAS IS THE MAN TO CALL for trash hauling and garage cleaning. 832-206-8734, 832-893-5697. (TF)

BLUE MOON ANTIQUES: Antiques and collectibles. We do estate sales. 3311 Ella. 832-2867882. www.bluemoonantiqueshouston.com. (TF)

WE BUY/SELL GUNS: Top cash paid. FFL concealed handgun Nobody delivers to more homes in our area than The Leader. classes. 713-694-4867. (TF)

Memory Foam Mattresses the

FOAM store

713.686.6622

SLEEP BETTER

THE FOAM STORE

+ Custom Cut + Memor y Foam + Chair Pads + Couch Cushions + Mattress Foam

2217 W. 34th, Ste. A.

713-686-6622 Johnny & Rhea Danna, Owners RETAIL CENTER www.thefoamstore.com WHOLESALE PRICES

Page 7B • The Leader • February 23, 2013 • @heightsleader FOR SALE

FOR SALE

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENT

�� Grace United Methodist Church 13th St. & 1245 Heights Blvd, 77008 BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE FOR CHURCH BAZAAR Sat. April 6. All types vendors; Gift items, craft and food booths available. Live music

EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN SAVES YOU MONEY: Carpenter, plumbing, electrical. 281-6600350.

Contact Pat at 832-347-9382 or patskaﬁ@yahoo.com or Elizabeth at 713-302-4838 or elstephtx@yahoo.com

REGULATION POOL TABLE: Full slate top. Oak wood/red felt. You move it, $700. Charles, 281-797-1430. LARGE MOBILE BBQ TRAILER PIT BY KLOSE PITS: Has ﬁsh fryer also. Woodburner, smoker and propane. Charles, 281797-1430.

HELP WANTED

ESTATE SALE: Beautiful furniture, oriental decor, Noritake china, numerous original art, signed prints, silver, refrigerator, kitchenware, TVs, patio furniture, ofﬁce furniture, “quality” miscellaneous. 963 Del Norte at Alba. 8 a.m. Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 21-23.

HEIGHTS KEYS ETC. Located in Heights since ‘58

THREE-FAMILY GARAGE SALE: Power tools, household items, much more. 6146 Birchmont Dr. 77092. Saturday, March 2 at 9 a.m. GARAGE SALE: 3011 Maple Grove Lane, 77092. Saturday, Feb. 23. 8-1. Furniture, household items.

REPUBLIC ARMS GUNS & AMMO

House Keys $ 25 Dependable Citywide Service

3344 E.T.C. Jester

713-682-5549

www.republicarms.com

PETS & LIVESTOCK

WANT TO BUY WANTED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Any Kind/ Brand. Up to $20.00/box. Prepaid Shipping.

BEST PET SITTERS: Bone Voyage, 713-688-6363. www. godogusa.com. (TF) BEAUTIFUL SHIH-TZU PUPPIES: Three females, 4 weeks old. 832-868-5017. (3-2)

281-764-9615

��

www.SellDiabeticStrips.com

GROOMING

CALL FOR RODEO SPECIAL

TOP CASH PAID FOR YOUR GUNS: FFL concealed handgun classes. 713-694-4867. (TF)

Home, Small Ofce Computer Repair

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING COMPANY is currently looking for a licensed chemical applicator with a valid Texas license. Good salary and beneﬁts. For more information, please call 713-6882435 or apply at 2048 Johanna Dr. We are an equal opportunity employer. (S) (2-23) CLIMBER NEEDED FOR TREE SERVICE: Experienced only. References. 713-690-8733.

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY: Cashier, two experienced grill cooks and prep person. Full and part time positions available. Heights/ Garden Oaks area. Call 713-862-0555 for details

CHOIR DIRECTORS for traditional and contemporary worship needed. Both positions are parttime at Advent Lutheran. Send interest to: Wayne_Norden@live.com

Dog Grooming Boarding

832•654•7475

��

PART-TIME

Mobile Pet Spa We will meet or beat our mobile grooming competitor’s prices

• Grooming • Boarding • Pet Supplies 9900 N. Houston Rosslyn

• Garage Cleaning • Lots Tree Cutting • Fence Debris Removal • Demolish Free Estimates • All Concrete

WAREHOUSE FOOD PRODUCTION

ASK FOR

713-529-4174 713-723-9689

College students & Veterans are welcome. Will work with your schedule. Valid drivers license required. Call for appointment

��

QUALITY

��

Feed & Garden

JAMES

7 DAYS

�� Business or Home

• Appliances • Yard Debris Garage Clean Outs Free Estimates L Insured CAL

281-414-8698

281-272-1875

713-849-9000

www.royaltypetcenter.com

No Job Too Large Or Small

Full time Warehouse employee needed for appliance installation company. K&N Builder Sales 713-868-3611 Fax 713-868-4210

��

Since 1976

QUICK TRASH HAULING

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING COMPANY is currently looking for leadmen with minimum one year of experience. For more information, please call 713-6882435 or apply at 2048 Johanna Dr. We are an equal opportunity employer. (S) (2-23)

��

Royalty Pet Center

C.W. TRASH HAULING: Residential/commercial, clean out garages, tractor work, box blade. 832-434-8863. (TF)

DRIVERS: Competitive pay and excellent beneﬁts. CDL-A w/X end and TWIC. E-mail resume: employment@esandh.com. Fax: 985-853-1978; call 713-9217600. (3-9)

��

1st Visit puddycuts@ hotmail.com

832-722-7367

WORK WANTED

NOW HIRING: Student/apprentice for tree service. References required. 713-690-8733.

��

$5 Off

Haute Dawgs

832.641.6786

UNDERCOVER SHOPPER: Retail and dining establishments need undercover clients to judge quality and customer service. Earn up to $100 a day. Fee optional. Please call 1-888493-1945. (TF)

713-695-3636

Cell (713)444-8517 (713)682-5246

We offer Mobile Repairs Mr. PC Computer

WOODROWS HEIGHTS

(approx 30 hours/week) available for dry cleaning sub-station. Good job for retired person or student. North Houston Area.

Affordable Pet Care In Your Home Will Treat Your Loved Ones As My Own

Mitzi Bonded

HELP WANTED

PART TIME POSITION AVAILABLE

M&M Pet Sitting

832-818-4970

HELP WANTED

Hiring experienced cooks, waitstaff, hostesses and bar backs. Bilingual preferred. Full and Part time. Email info@woodrows.net. Apply at 1200 Durham after 2pm

Your Real Feed Store!

• One of The Oldest Purina Stores In USA • Feed Needs For All Animals/Birds • Fertilizers/Plants

ANIMAL LOVERS NEEDED to volunteer at no kill animal shelter in the Heights. Download volunteer application at www.nokill1. org or visit us in person at 107 E. 22nd Street, Tuesday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (TF) BUS DRIVERS NEEDED FOR CHURCH SHUTTLE: Approximately six hours a week. Must have CDL and passenger endorsement. Call 713-681-3600. (TF) MECHANIC WITH EXPERIENCE on Econoline vans needed. Experience with A/C, alternators, brakes and suspension. Tools required. Salary commensurate with experience. 713-681-3600. (TF) DRIVERS: Want a professional career? Haul flatbed/OD loads for Trinity Logistics Group. Earn $.41-.51 cpm. CDL-A with two years experience. EEO/AA. Call 800-533-7862. www.trinitytrucking.com. (3-9) DELIVERY DRIVERS: CDL-A. Top earners: $65k/year. Safety/perform bonus. Full family benefits. 401k. Food service/beverage experience A+. 877-704-3017. (3-9) COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING COMPANY is currently looking for English speaking foreman with one year+ of experience. Good salary and benefits. For more information, please call 713-688-2435 or apply at 2048 Johanna Dr. We are an equal opportunity employer. (S) (2-23) DELIVERY PERSONNEL NEEDED to distribute The Leader. Valid TDL and proof of auto insurance required. Must be at least 21 years old. Call Monday through Wednesday only. 713-686-8494. Ask for Jane. (TF) “He who has something to sell and whispers it into a well, is not as apt to get the dollars as he who stands up tall and hollers.” Advertise!

��

Lawn Maintenance Supervisors & Helpers with experience needed. Apply Now M-F in person at 5608 Hoover - 6:30 am 713-686-6470 Millennum Kutzz

NOW HIRING Professional Barbers & Hairstylist Low Booth Rent/$65 wk Call Anita Dixon

832-207-5604

��

Be Your Own Boss!

��

4428 N. Main St. 713-862-2323

��

Shop Online 24/7 ��

��

Now doing handyman services of all types o:713-290-1131 c:281-467-8773

BEST VALUE

HELP WANTED

��

5229 Brinkman St. Houston, Tx. 77091

Upgrades, Installation, Conguration (Virus-Removal) Home - NetWorking

COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

3414 Ella Blvd. 713-681-6218

X-LARGE DOG KENNEL: Black, polycoated, wire, collapsible. Must be large enough for 100 lb. dog. Please call 713-695-9424 and leave a message. (TF)

COMPUTERS

To Advertise Call A Local Sales Rep 713-686-8494

FOR SALE: Maroon antique sofa, $600; leopard chaise lounge chair, new, $500; two leopard high heel chair,WANTED new, $80 each; HELP 12 ft. Christmas tree, never used, $100; dumb waiter, $400; Duncan Phyfe table and two chairs, $300. 713-562-5058.

742 W. 20th 713-861-7112

��

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE: 2019 Cheshire Lane in Oak Forest off of T.C. Jester. Tools, home decor, plus size clothing, TV, jewelry and much more. Saturday, March 2.

CONSTRUCTION

ATTENTION: Fugitive Recovery Agent needed for Bail Bonding Company. License required. Good rewards. Call 1-800-9752593.

TAX SERVICES ELECTRONIC FILING & REFUND TRANSFERS Jenny Eggers Garden Oaks Area Tax prep./30 yrs. exp. Se Habla Español 713-697-8166

Residential/Commercial

Remodeling & Repairs

• Cabinets • Counter Tops • Garages • Doors • Sheetrock • Hardi Siding • Painting Interior/Exterior ALL TYPES CARPENTRY Quality Work • Insured FREE ESTIMATES • Edward Lunsford

281-352-7304 • Cabinets • Sheetrock • Texture • Driveways • Gutters

• Paint • Trim • Siding • Roong • Flooring

832-208-4871 Adam

READY TO LOSE WEIGHT? Highly effective. Free gift. www. weightloss-inhouston.com. 713657-0785. (3-2)

IMPERIAL ANSWERING SVC Live Operators on duty 24/7

SHEET ROCK DOCTOR

713-249-2140

Repair & Install Pressure Washing Painting • Siding

LOST CAT: Shepherd and 14th. Blue collar. Orange and white. Mr. V. Reward. 713-478-8073.

Lawn Care

Since 1975

• Sprinkler Systems • Drainage Systems • Design • Installation • Service & Repair We specialize in Sprinkler Repair

Gardening Makeover Specialists Lawn Maintenance Heights Resident

Lic.# 4876 Joseph Frusco

(832) 435-8685

www.fruscolandscaping.com

Mowing • Edging • Blowing Flower Bedding • Fertilizing

TREE CUTTING & TRIMMING

FREE ESTIMATES – 17 Yrs. Exp.

(281) 948-4879

Specialize In Dif�cult Removals, Trimming and Planting of New Trees Free Estimates

Insured

713-690-TREE-(8733)

TREE CARE

PROFESSIONALS

Comm.-Res. • Trimming • Removal • Stump Grinding • Planting • Pruning • Trash Hauling Free Estimate • Insured Lino 281-704-6828

LUXURY LAWNS

Lawn Maintenance Landscape & Design Sprinklers/Drainage Systems Free Estimates 20 yrs. exp.

Ranger Tree Service

Free Estimates

Cell: 832-584-0725

713-688-4244 David Bartula

TREE EXPERTS, INC. Dennis Clooney - Manager 25+ Years Experience • Tree Trimming/Removal • Stump Grinding • Fertilization • Construction Preparation • Residential/Commercial Insured Liability and Workman’s Comp

713-683-TREE (713-683-8733) FREE ESTIMATES

��

832-541-0770

U S Tree Experts • Tree Removal • Shaping & Trimming Insured • Free Estimates

FRANK ZENIL

713-681-4079 • 713-410-4265

OPEN SATURDAY 9AM - 2PM

Spring Maintenance Service Special $39.95 + tax Applies to Walk behind mowers ONLY up to 22” cut.

Mower Parts and Supply Co. 4560 W34th @ Mangum (Next to Fiesta Tacos) 713-686-8306 We service most major brands!

(713) 686-4954

Painting - Exterior

Roong, Siding, Painting, etc.

Keep it local and call the pros.

Includes: Pressure Washing Caulking - Labor Only Rotted Wood - Extra Charge 10% Discount - Interior Painting

www.houstonheightsroofers.com

281-999-1495

JIMMY’S

BALDERAS CONCRETE WORK

PAINTING � Interior/Exterior

� Sheetrock � Carpentry � Repairs & Power Wash 20 Yrs. Exp.

Free Est.

713-478-5900

• Driveways • Sidewalks • Patios FREE ESTIMATES

Call Gregory

832-675-2485 713-864-3755

Charlie's

ROOFING

� Quality Work � Low Prices � � Hand Nailed � Hardi-Siding � Oak Forest Area Resident 40+ years Free Estimates

713-688-6463

BathroomSpecial.com We Make Bathrooms Special :) TUB & TILE SPECIAL Free Tile Design - Mention This Ad Call for Details

281.702.8186

BigCityConstructionCo.com Building Relationships

Al’s

TREE CLIMBERS

Flower bed preparation, soil, mulching, gravel, fertilizing, tree service, cedar fence

All Types Of Roong

One Story House...$599 Two Story House...$950

JR RAMIREZ

Expert Tree Services

Cell 281-787-5942 tonymunozjr@comcast.net

Houston Heights

ROOFERS

Al Rojas 713-863-7310 Cell 713-416-1092

• Removal • Trim • Prune • Spray • Feed • Top • Stump Grinding Fully Insured • Free Est.

Tony 713-680-9353

29 yr. Consecutive Leader Ad vertiser

713-683-TREE

Spring Cleanup & Planting

• Wrought Iron • Operators 30 yrs. Exp. Free Est.

Interior/Exterior

Sheetrock • Power Wash

you read this ad, then you know advertising works.

Residential/Commercial FREE ESTIMATES

713-248-0763

PAINT ING ROOFING

713-466-4612

• Tree Removal • Trimming • Stump Grinding • Wood Fences Free Estimates - Insured

References • Heights Home Owner

KIKER & SON

Experienced LAWN & TREE SERVICE

Professional Service

JOE FIXIT

FRA NK ’S

STUMP GRINDING

Medina Tree & Landscaping

30 years experience ggatterson@gmail.com

FREE ESTIMATES DAVID OJEMAN 713-682-8033

LET THESE PROFESSIONALS ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR LAWN & GARDEN NEEDS Gilbert’s Landscape

281-827-5136

20 Yrs. Exp. - 30 Yr. Resident

LAWN & GARDEN GUIDE Frusco Landscape & Irrigation Co.

Fence Repair & Installation

• Carpentry - Cabinets to Patios & Decks • Painting, Interior/Exterior • Sheet Rock Repair & Installation

713-385-1576

LOST ORANGE/WHITE KITTY “WILLY”: Last seen Feb. 2 near Heights/4th Street. 713-9072497; 713-861-6533.

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

� � � � � � � • Openers • Cables � � • Springs • Sections � � Repaired & Replaced � � � � 281-352-3350 � � 713-545-6162 � 24 Hrs/7 Days � � Se Habla Espanol � �

HOWDY'S HANDYWORK

281•821•1882

LOST & FOUND

832-885-4939

Gilbert 281-948-4879

imperialansweringsvc.com

CHARMING VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT GATHERING: Houston Heights Woman’s Club’s Historic Bungalow, perfect for small events. Recitals, luncheons, fundraisers — events up to 100 people. Grand piano, stage, round tables, small catering kitchen. Call Lizz Martin, 281217-6070, regarding this Heights landmark. (TF)

We also clean vinyl siding, brick, wood, concrete driveways & patios. We give prices over the phone

SALE WOOD FENCING FENCE • Chain Link • Wood

• One Month Free • Low flat rates

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

��

HELPING YOU WITH HOME REPAIRS • Painting • Ceiling Fans & Lights • Drywall • Carpentry • General Repairs • Door Locks

Call Billy, The

Texture Work & Repairs

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

$1699 Plus Tax Includes Materials

SIMPLE

STEPS HOME REPAIRS

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Page 9B • The Leader • February 23, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

Notebook: Lutheran taps new AD/football coach Nathan Robbins has been named the new athletic director and head football coach at Lutheran High North and will start this spring. He was previously head football coach at Concordia University-Ann Arbor in Michigan, where he spent three years building a program from scratch. He was also defensive coordinator at Lutheran West High School in Cleveland, then launched the football program at Dallas Lutheran School, Nathan Robbins where his team made the quarterfinals of state playoffs for two years. Robbins played college football at Concordia University-Seward in Nebraska, where he was first-team all-conference three seasons as a defensive player, and was chosen NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week. He and his wife Laura have been married for 12 years and have three daughters and a son. Laura, a former collegiate volleyball player, now coaches the sport.

Scarborough football players officially good sports The Scarborough High football team earned the Houston ISD Sportsmanship Award for the second straight season. “For me, as far as being a football coach, it’s huge,” Spartans second-year head coach Jayson Merren said. “It’s what I base my program on – doing things right.” The award is determined by feedback from a variety of stadium personnel, such as referees, bus drivers, police officers and stadium officials. Everything from how well the athletes respect the game, to whether they show respect during the National Anthem, factor into the decision, Merren said. The Spartans (0-10), who had a young team and were outnumbered Scarborough’s football team is HISD’s by all of their Class 3Asportsmanship award winner for the second District 23 opponents, consecutive season. had the program’s first (Photo by Kevin B. Long/GulfCoastShots.com) college signee in a decade, when senior linebacker Onyx Anderson signed with Mayville (North Dakota) State last week. Scarborough became the first HISD school to be nominated for the Touchdown Club of Houston’s Sportsmanship Award two years in a row. They were one of 10 finalists in the TD Club’s Class 3A/Private School category. The Kinkaid School was the 3A/Private School winner.

STH alum contributes to Stanford win Stanford University freshman guard Christian Sanders, who graduated from St. Thomas High last spring, made a 3-pointer for his only points of the game in the Cardinal’s 62-59 win over Arizona State on Feb. 9 in Tempe, Ariz. Sanders, who is averaging 2.6 points per game, played nine minutes in the game for Stanford, which is an NCAA bubble team at 15-9, 6-5 in the Paciﬁc 12 Conference.

Waltrip Boys return to the postseason The Waltrip boys basketball team capitalized in a must-win game on Feb. 15 against host Milby at Barnett Fieldhouse, earning a 7-point win over the Buﬀaloes to punch their ticket into the postseason. “That was huge,” Waltrip head coach Dan Kelly said. “It was a great game. We made our free throws down the stretch, which is always important.” The Rams have reached the playoﬀs in six of the past seven seasons. They played 22-4A champion Fort Bend Marshall, the No. 5 ranked team in 4A, on Tuesday; results were not available at press time. “We had some young kids and some older kids who hadn’t played a lot of varsity ball,” Kelly said. “They really bought into what we were doing. They take care of their classroom work. It’s a nice little reward to continue playing.”

Signed. Sealed. Delivered. Nine prep stars ink college letters of intent by Michael Sudhalter sports@theleadernews.com National Signing Day is one of the most exciting days of the year for athletes, coaches, parents and fans. Nine athletes from Leader area schools signed their National Letter of Intent at two different locations recently. Five St. Pius X athletes signed at the school’s Herzstein Gym, while two Waltrip athletes and one from Reagan and Scarborough, respectively, signed at a Houston ISD-wide signing at Delmar-Tusa Fieldhouse. SPX senior Kohl Stewart, an AllAmerican in baseball and football, signed a football scholarship to Texas A&M University. Stewart, who plays quarterback in football and pitches in baseball, could likely play baseball for the Aggies as well. There is a good chance Stewart will have to make a decision on his college career in June. Though he signed to play for the Aggies, many speculate he could be a first-round Major League Baseball draft choice. The draft is June 6-8. Joining Stewart in the SPX signing were four-year varsity soccer teammates Briana Hester (Mary Hardin-Baylor) and Kaitlin Hintz (Benedictine, in Kansas). Carah Nunez signed with San Jacinto College’s softball team, while Solomon Brown signed with the Eastern Nazarene University (Quincy, Mass.) men’s basketball team. At the HISD signing, Waltrip football teammates Chris Maloney (wide receiver) and Reuben Washington (defensive lineman) signed with Northeastern (Okla.) State, an NCAA Division II program. “This is the first real signing we’ve had in six years,” WHS head football coach Milton Dailey said. “It’s a pretty big deal.” Scarborough High senior linebacker Onyx Anderson signed with Mayville State, an NAIA program in North Dakota. “It’s huge,” Scarborough head football coach Jayson Merren said. “He’s probably the first kid who’s signed for sports coming out of Scarborough in 10 years.” Anderson transferred to Scarborough from Spring Dekaney, where he played on the Wildcats’ 2011 state championship team. “He’s just a great kid – I couldn’t be more proud of him,” Merren said. Reagan softball player Victoria Herrera signed with Austin College, an NCAA Division III program located in Sherman, Texas. Some local athletes signed a “certificate” of accomplishment at the HISD event, but they’re still considering their college choice.

Waltrip High football teammates Reuben Washington, second from left, and Chris Maloney, fourth from left, and WHS coaches celebrate the teammates earning full scholarships to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla. It’s the ﬁrst time a Waltrip football player earned a full football scholarship in six years. (Photo by Kevin B. Long/GulfCoastShots.com)

Reagan High softball player Victoria Herrera and her parents celebrate her signing with Austin College in Sherman, Texas on Feb. 6. (Photo by Kevin B. Long/GulfCoastShots.com)

Five student athletes from St. Pius signed their letters of intent at a ceremony at the school. From left, Kaitlin Hintz (Benedictine soccer), Briana Hester (Mary Hardin Baylor soccer), Carah Nunez (San Jacinto College softball), Solomon Brown (Eastern Nazarene basketball), and Kohl Stewart (Texas A&M football). (Submitted photo)

Football showcase gives prep players chance with small colleges by Michael Sudhalter sports@theleadernews.com The Greater Houston area consistently has some of the top football players in the U.S. Sure, the Southeastern Conference, Big 12 Conference and Pac-12 Conference will find the top prospects in Houston, and throughout the nation. But there had been a disconnect between Houston and small football programs throughout the United States. Milby head football coach Phil Camp had an all-state lineman who didn’t get any college interest, so he came up with an idea to get colleges interested in senior football players, and vice versa. He worked with Coby Rhoden, a former Milby High college counselor who now works in the same role at Reagan High, to start the Greater Houston Senior Football Showcase, which has the mission of “using football to further the educational opportunities of high school seniors.” Rhoden is the Showcase’s Vice President of Organization. The event is free of charge. It began as a Houston ISD event, but has since expanded to include football prospects from all over the state. Athletes from Reagan, Waltrip and St. Pius X attended the event on Feb. 9. Camp handles the football aspect of the

Four hundred and eighty athletes, including those from Reagan, St. Pius X and Waltrip, attended the Greater Houston Senior Football Showcase earlier this month. The event, free of charge, attracted 88 coaches from 32 colleges. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter) event, which was held for the fifth time on Feb. 9, and Rhoden takes care of the logistics. Thanks to the success of the Showcase, similar ones will be held in El Paso and Los Angeles, Camp said. The event is held just three days after

National Signing Day. NCAA Division I coaches aren’t allowed to attend football combines, but they can receive results. NCAA Division II coaches can attend combines, as long as it isn’t during their recruiting “dead period” while NCAA Divi-

sion III and NAIA coaches can attend combines at any time. The inaugural event in 2009 was held at Milby and featured 172 athletes and 17 colleges. With the help of Chris Vaughan and

Touchdown Club of Houston, the Showcase moved to the Houston Texans’ practice field in 2010, across the street from Reliant Stadium. It’s been there ever since. The recent event included 480 athletes from 154 high schools and 88 coaches from 32 colleges, ranging from relatively nearby programs such as East Texas Baptist (in Marshall) and Texas Lutheran (in Seguin) to Minot (North Dakota) State and Northwood University in Michigan. Thanks to the efforts of 150 volunteers, athletes competed in the 40-yard dash, the 3-cone drill, the bench press and position drills. The Showcase started as a Houston ISD event, but has since expanded. Athletes traveled from as far away from Dallas and the Rio Grande Valley to participate in the event. After the players finished competing on the field, Camp addressed them, saying, “we want to give everybody the chance to go to college.” Then, the athletes got an opportunity to speak one-on-one with the coaches present at the Showcase. Rhoden said 96 athletes were cross-referenced on college rosters, showing that the Showcase is effective. He estimated that players recruited at the event received be-

see Showcase • Page 10B

Page 10B • The Leader • February 23, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com

Kemnitz has built 27 years of soccer excellence by Michael Sudhalter sports@theleadernews.com Detlef Kemnitz was teaching in Indiana 28 years ago when he found out about the Lutheran High North boys soccer coaching position. “They needed a math teacher and a soccer coach – that’s just what I wanted to do,” Kemnitz said. Twenty seven years later, Kemnitz’s is one of Houston’s longest-tenured coaches in any sport. “Every year,” Kemnitz said. “I tell the administration, if you want me to keep doing it, I’ll do it. In the back of my mind, after Year 30, I might say that’s enough.” Kemnitz’s long tenure at LHN, where he teaches Math and Theology, has allowed him the opportunity to coach his sons, Kirk (Class of 2012) and Alec (Class of 2009). Kirk and Alec play soccer at Southwestern College (in Georgetown) and Concordia University (in Austin), respectively. “It was kind of nice,” Kemnitz said. “I watched them grow up playing soccer. I got to coach them a lot. Alec’s senior year, Kirk was a freshman. That was the only time they played together on the same team, and that was kind of neat. Both

Lutheran High North senior soccer player Micah Brower, left, is the Lions’ leading scorer. (Submitted photo) were very coachable, very talented too.” Kemnitz has led the Lions to five TAPPS State Championship Game appearances. They’ve never won the state title, but they’ve built a strong soccer tradition over the years. The 2006 squad went 23-0-1 in the regular season and lost to El Paso Lydia Patterson in the finals. The current Lions have won five of their first

12 district games and enter the regular season finale on Monday at Northland Christian with a chance of going to the playoffs. The top five teams in a nine-team district advance to the postseason. “Our team is better than our record,” Kemnitz said. “I’ve got some really skilled players. We’re a young team – we only have three seniors. Our biggest strength is up front. We lack a little bit of speed, and we don’t pass as well as we could.” Kemnitz said senior Micah Brower is “definitely the team leader.” Brower has earned an academic scholarship to UT-Dallas and might play soccer there. Sean Dandy has been a key assist leader for LHN. It was earlier this season in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that the Lions played some of their best soccer. “We played in a tournament in Fort Worth in the beginning of the year, and we ended up tied for third,” Kemnitz said. “All of the schools in the tournament were bigger than ours. We beat Tomball Concordia Lutheran, which is a (TAPPS classification) above us. Liberty Christian hosted it, and we beat them, too... that was a big highlight.”

Coaching change hasn’t slowed Reagan basketball by Michael Sudhalter sports@theleadernews.com Different head coach, same success story. That’s been the story of the 2012-13 season for the Reagan High boys basketball team, which finished second in competitive Class 4A-21 this season. “We have a good group,” Bulldogs first-year head coach Aaron Proctor said. “We have young guys who are hungry. That’s what I’m looking for – to help escalate Reagan basketball.” Proctor had spent the previous five seasons as the associate head coach at Class 5A, Bellaire High, where learned a great deal from head coach Bruce Glover, Bellaire girls coach Mike Kramer and former NBA player John Lucas. He took over the RHS program when longtime coach Thomas Henderson resigned to become the top assistant at University of St. Thomas. Proctor is proud of the team continuing Reagan’s winning ways and their ability to adjust to change. Last season, the Bulldogs lost to Pearland Dawson in the second round of the UIL Class 4A playoffs. They played Fort Bend Ridge Point in their playoff opener on Tuesday; results were not available at press time. The Bulldogs’ six seniors led by example and overcame obstacles throughout the season.

The Bulldogs are 20-10 this season. “It’s been an interesting year,” senior guard Sterling Lampley said. “We struggled at the beginning. Once we adjusted, we started rolling and we have been ever since.” The Bulldogs (20-10) earned impressive victories over 5A opponents Madison and Fort Bend Austin, respectively. Reagan lost two hard-fought games to 4A-21

champion Wheatley, but they managed to hold off archrival, Waltrip, not once but twice. The Rams slowed the pace of the game down, but that didn’t stop Reagan from pulling out late victories in each matchup. “We have to execute better,” Proctor said. “We don’t see a lot of that (half-court play) in district. It was a good barometer for us. Nobody will slow us down to that extent.” Senior co-captain Idarien Feagans, a guard, said playing the Rams was good preparation for the postseason. “They’re tough because they get back on defense, and they play zone defense,” Feagans said. Senior co-captain Bryce Mooring, a guard, transferred to Reagan from Booker T. Washington as a sophomore. “It’s great -- I just love these guys right here,” said Mooring, who played a year of varsity at Washington and three at Reagan. “They bring so much energy.” Senior guards Daeshun Davis and Lawrence House have also played a key role in the Bulldogs’ success. Senior center Cesar Melara, who played four years of varsity at Reagan, is accustomed to playing up-tempo basketball but knows that the slower style benefits the team at times, too. “We just become a more physical team,” Melara said.

Briefs: Peacock’s jumping skills make her a 2 sport standout Reagan High senior basketball player LaMonica Peacock will continue to have an impact on the court, but it will be with a different type of net. Peacock, a four-year varsity center for the RHS girls basketball team, played her final prep basketball game on Feb. 12, a 62-16 first round loss to Stratford in the UIL Class 4A Playoffs. “Playing basketball was a great experience,” Peacock said. “I had fun these four years, and I learned a lot. I learned to shoot better and play aggressive. I’m going to miss it.” Peacock, who helped led Reagan to its first district volleyball title in 15 years, will choose to play middle blocker for the volleyball team at the University of Arkansas or Wiley College. “Winning district in volleyball was a great experience,” Peacock said. “It’s great to know that 2013 was the class to bring it back.” Reagan (15-13) reached the postseason for the seventh consecutive season with 10 players on the roster -- five seniors (Peacock, Sarah Alcoser, Danielle Marshall, Karen Torres and Paloma (Photo by Kevin B. Long/GulfCoastShots.com) Johnson) and five freshmen (Vanessa LaMonica Peacock Cortez, Stephanie Sanchez, Ladaija Robins, Breanna Smith and Deatra Jackson). Peacock said that playing basketball helped her jumping ability in volleyball. She’d like to coach the sport one day or work as an athletic trainer. When she’s not playing sports, the 17-year-old senior enjoys singing in her church choir.

Lions headed to the Alamo City The Lutheran North boys basketball team defeated Katy Pope John XXIII, 70-52, in its TAPPS Division 4A playoﬀ opener. The Lions will face San Antonio Christian today in San Antonio.

STH wins TAPPS State Wrestling Title The St. Thomas High wrestling team defeated Liberty Christian, 231-189, to win the TAPPS State Wrestling Tournament last Saturday in Dallas. Individual champions for the Eagles were Jared Enochs (113 pounds), Ricky Regas (152 pounds), Travis Bradford (170 pounds) and Joseph Lowery (195 pounds).

Local players to compete in Houston College Classic The Houston College Classic, an annual college baseball event at Minute Maid Park, will have a local flavor this year with five area players competing in it, March 1-3. University of Houston freshman teammates Kyle Kirk (infielder) and Kevin Kubecka (catcher) graduated from St. Pius X last spring and helped lead the Panthers to a TAPPS State Championship. They’ll face former SPX teammate, Texas A&M freshman outfielder Jonathan Moroney, at 7 p.m. Friday. Rice University sophomore pitcher Zech Lemond (Waltrip) and freshman catcher Hunter Kopycinski (St. Thomas) will face the Aggies at 7 p.m. Saturday. Baylor, California and North Carolina will also compete in the round-robin event.

UIL Wrestling qualifiers Reagan High’s Megan Flores qualified for the UIL Wrestling Championships (128pound division) on Saturday in Austin. Teammate Guadalupe Alvarado qualified as an alternate in the 215-pound division. – Michael Sudhalter

SPX general still in NY state of mind by Michael Sudhalter sports@theleadernews.com New York City produces point guards the way Texas churns out football prospects, and NYC native Solomon Brown admires the multitude of Big Apple floor generals. The St. Pius X senior moved to Houston from New York seven years ago, but he still points to his New York roots as an influence in his game. “Point guard is one of the most difficult positions – you’re a leader and a coach on the court,” Brown said. “A lot of the pressure falls on you, but it’s a responsibility I’m glad to have.” On Feb. 15, Brown had the opportunity to attend the BBVA Rising Stars Game at the Toyota Center where he watched Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving wow the fans. Brown, 18, hopes to lead the Panthers to the TAPPS 5A State Championship on March 2. SPX is having one of its best seasons, having defeated archrival St. Thomas in two of three meetings. The loss came in a triple overtime game. He said the SPX team has improved in each of his four varsity seasons. “We’ve played together for a long time – the chemistry is just there,” Brown said.

St. Pius X senior point guard Solomon Brown has signed to play Division III basketball at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Mass. next fall. (Photo by Kevin B. Long/ GulfCoastShots.com)

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Upon graduation, the senior point guard will return to the Northeast, playing NCAA Division III basketball at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Mass, just south of Boston. “A lot of factors went into the decision,” Brown said. “They play a fast-paced game, pushing the ball and getting teammates involved.”

The ENC Lions, who entered the week at 17-8, currently have one player from Texas on their roster, Dylan Saenz, a freshman guard from Port Lavaca. Brown said he plans to study premedicine at the Boston area school and ultimately become a pediatrician, because he enjoys helping people.

Dehn and Malbrough attended the Showcase, as did Waltrip teammates Cristian Rodriguez (quarterback) and Jimmy Mouton (wide receiver). “I liked it a lot. I got to show my talent to all of the scouts that were there,” said Rodriguez, who received interest from Northwood University. There were established programs at the Showcase, along with schools that are starting football, such as Southwestern, Hendrix College in Arkansas and Oklahoma Baptist. “I think it’s awesome,” Hendrix offensive coordinator Jordan Neal said. “It’s become a lot more organized since the first year.” Neal attended the Showcase when he was an assistant coach

at Howard Payne University and Texas Lutheran, which both signed players they saw there. “It provides a unique opportunity for the kids to get an opportunity,” Neal said. “These guys might have just as much talent as the next guy. When they come to this, they see there’s a place to play.” St. Pius X wide receiver Damitri Morris, a finalist for the Touchdown Club of Houston Private School Offensive Player of the Year, enjoyed the event as did SPX linebacker Joel Segura, a finalist for the TD Club’s Private School Defensive POY. “It was nice,” Morris said. “I got in touch with a lot of schools we couldn’t (see) during the season.” Said Segura, “They all gave us a chance to show what we’ve got.”

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Showcase • from Page 9B tween $12-$14 million in scholarships. “You’ll look at four or five kids, maybe 10. It depends on your team’s needs” ETBU secondary coach Brandon Smith said. “It’s a great opportunity for us and also for (the players).” The coaches receive an extensive program with the athletes’ contact information, football and academic statistics and links to their highlight videos on YouTube. Reagan wide receiver Joseph Dehn and linebacker Dreylon Malbrough committed to Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and Reagan linebacker Jalen Wells signed with Texas College in Tyler; signing with an NCAA Division III or NAIA program is non-binding.

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