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Saturday, March 11, 2017 • Vol. 62 • No. 10

About Us 3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd Suite A (713) 686-8494

As the city experienced fresh showers this weekend, Mayor Sylvester Turner took a major step in working to proactively prevent flooding along White Oak Bayou—one which could have far-reaching effects for The Leader area and its neighborhoods.

The city of Houston is converting the Inwood Forest Golf Course, a 223-acre site closed since 2007, into a series of 10

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By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

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connected detention basins.

Once complete, the new detention basins will be able to hold 350 million gallons of storm water, almost 530 Olympic-size pools worth of water -- which is more water than the Astrodome could hold.

“We’re very excited about this happening. The water retention itself will immensely help with our flooding issues, but it will also help make this an amenity for the community,” said Wayne Norden, president of the Near Northwest Management

District, which is just a stone’s throw away from the golf course.

“Flooding has been a problem in Inwood for a number of years, and this has the potential to dramatically reduce any flooding concerns here in the Northwest area.”

One area couple who could use such a project earlier is Paul and Joan Hillman, who had nearly three feet of water enter their home which forced them to take cover on the second floor Photo supplied The black line shown on the brick ndicates the water level reached inside the Hillman’s home during Tax Day floods.

See Flooding P. 3A

Trail riders mark the official kick off of Rodeo Season

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Page 5A

Photos by Landan Kuhlmann Trail riders make their way out of the Sears parking lot on Shepherd Drive last week, ushering in the 2017 rodeo season.

Residents could learn about the trail rides, all the while petting the horses with smiles all around.

Lutheran High North is on a roll with their sporting program.

Now it’s time for baseball.

Page 9B

Rodeo marches to town

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

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Page 7B

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

Rodeo time in Houston always brings out visitors and locals alike, and 2017 looks to be no different. As the trail riders made their way down Shepherd Drive last week (officially signaling the beginning of the annual festivities), there were plenty of smiles all around as residents had the opportunity to not only pet the horses pulling the carriages, but also learn about the trail ride and its origins.

Beyond that, one of our neighbors cannot let the moment pass by him each year without taking part in the festivities. From being part of a cookoff team to taking part in various rodeo committees, Johnny Rojas is one Leader resident who is selling the Houston culture to locals and visitors while experiencing the joys himself. See his story inside today.

• Inside on 5A

As a teenager, Denie Lunsmann remembers the rush that enveloped the Northwest Mall, and the independence she felt as her parents would drop her off each weekend and zoom off without a second thought.

“It was such a big deal to have all these stores under a roof. I remember my mom dropping me and my friends off, and would leave us there for the whole afternoon,” Lunsmann said with a hearty laugh. “They would give us like $5, and we would just shop for hours. We were kids, but we were totally on our own over there, and we thought it was awesome.”

Lunsmann’s tale is one of many who have fond memories of the Northwest Mall, and those memories will soon be all they have.

The Leader first reported in 2014 that the nearly 800,000-square-foot Northwest Mall, which sits on over 50 acres of land near the U.S. Highway 290 and Loop 610 interchange, was up for sale, but that its owners were keeping quiet on the details. Rumors have flown wild over the last couple of years, and earlier this week it was confirmed to The Leader that the venue is indeed scheduled for closure, effective March 31.

While it may seem desolate and almost deserted today, those familiar with it said the Northwest Mall in its heyday was the place to be, and it holds special memories for Lunsmann and many others in the Leader area who grew up in the days when Northwest Houston residents flocked to the venue.

“There were a whole bunch of stores, and it was very lively. Management also organized a health fair and things for the children. There was a lot of stuff going on,” said Lazybrook resident Patrizia Stankovich, who has been visiting for more than 25 years.

“This was such a big thing in Houston, it was a big deal to have this great mall—it was just such a great new thing with this cool place to shop,” Lunsmann added.

Though Stankovich has only visited stores under Northwest’s roof once or twice per week, she said the venue has long provided her an outlet for a unique exercise regimen.

“My favorite activity is that I would go there almost every day for walking. If they close the mall, where am I going to walk?” she wondered. “There’s no inside safe space anymore. The main issue for me is walking, because they even added in the walking club.”

“I don’t see myself walking in a park, and the pavement in my neighborhood isn’t 100 percent perfect, so I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

For resident and area realtor Janet Schmidt, the quaint shopping center represented a haven, a place to get away.

See Closing P. 3A

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Saturday, March 11, 2017 • Page 2A

Historic District guidelines to be revealed March 30

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com Back in 2014, The Leader forced the city’s hand in removing the subjectivity from building codes in the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance, and the long saga may finally be on its way to the beginning of a resolution.

Over the last several months, the city of Houston has conducted several community workshops in efforts to gain feedback from homeowners in the Freeland, Houston Heights East, Houston Heights West, Houston Heights South, Norhill, and Woodland Heights Historic Districts. The city’s Planning & Development Department will present findings and recommendations for the Historic Districts Design Guidelines Project on March 30 from 6-8 p.m. at the Heights Theater.

Consultants from Winter & Company, who are developing the design guidelines, will present a “Strategy Paper,”

which contains the results of the consultants’ extensive data analysis and the community input that has shaped their recommendations. The City of Houston currently has 22 historic districts, and its Historic Preservation Ordinance is written broadly to apply to all of them. Design guidelines will be districtspecific and illustrate how the ordinance applies to a single historic district. The project is the first to create design guidelines for existing historic districts.

A long road Nore and Co. have trekked to the various historic districts for meetings in both September and December to garner feedback from residents, all the while poring over hard data from each of the historic districts to gain as complete a demographic picture of each area as possible.

“As we’ve been able to refine our understanding of what they want, we’ve been

able to refine our questions as well,” Project Manager Steph McDougal said.

The City received 871 responses to its recent Compatible Design Survey, which was mailed to the owners of 3,486 properties. The 25 percent target response rate showcased the eagerness from Heights residents, as about 33 percent of the properties in every historic district are not currently owner-occupied.

“That’s a really good response rate because it’s difficult to get everyone aware and make sure they had every opportunity to participate,” McDougal said. “When we got the data back, you see visually how the citizens have responded more positively, and as the scenarios became larger, you began to see a shift. That’s higher than what they normally get, but (20-25 percent) is what they shoot for, and we were pleased to come in at the high end of that range.”

A lone ranger Based on feedback from the compatible design survey, McDougal said the city and its consultants gained a clear vision and saw a clear tipping point established on most topics in all areas – except in the special case of Houston Heights South.

“The opinions were split pretty evenly on just about every topic, and I think a part of that is because of the way that portion of the Heights developed,” she said.

Being closer to I-10, Houston Heights south consists of more of a mix of commercial and mixed use property (especially closer to the highway), and is slightly newer in terms of construction than some of the folks in Houston Heights East or West.

“We really saw a non-clear opinion about things in Houston Heights South,” she reiterated. “This data leads us to the recommendations Nore and Co. will make in the Strategy Papers and how we deal

with things.”

What’s to come Where the community has given a clearer direction, McDougal said Nore and Co. will present recommendations for standards they believe should be adopted, which would be prescriptive or more of a requirement. With regards to Houston Heights South where there’s no clear consensus, McDougal said the guidelines presented will likely be slightly more fluid.

“It’s more appropriate to make those guidelines a little more flexible. We’re using the data of what people have told us to respond,” she said.

Copies of the Strategy Paper will be available for review beginning March 16.

The Strategy Paper will be online at houstontx.gov/plan-

Heights residents are still a bit in shock after a grisly scene unfolded over the weekend, as new homeowners moving in discovered skeletal remains stuffed inside the wall of their new residence.

According to the Houston Police Department, officers were called to a home in the Heights at 610 Allston St. after homeowners discovered the human remains behind a crawlspace Neighbors told our media partners at KHOU that the previous homeowner, 61year-old Mary Cerruti, was reported miss-

ing more than two years ago.

The victim’s identity and cause of death are pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.

Driver arrested, car returned following brief chase For The Leader The sound of sirens pierced the air as Precinct 1 Constable’s Office deputies were led on a wild chase in the early morning hours Monday. Representatives from Precinct 1 say the chase began around 4 a.m. in the 4700 block of N. Shepherd

Dr., when a Precinct 1 deputy tried to pull over the driver of a white VW sedan.

The driver of the sedan took off instead, leading the deputy on a brief chase before losing control in the 1400 block of Sue Barnett, and crashed into a U-Haul that was parked in the yard of a home.

The 17-year-old driver of the VW (and

sole occupant) had to br extricated from the car, and was taken to a hospital after suffering a broken leg.

Authorities say the car was reported stolen earlier that morning from W. 41st Street, and the driver faces charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Evading Arrest.

Police Reports • Feb. 25-March 4 FEB. 25

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Was born September 15, 1928 in Houston, Texas. Grew up in Shady Acres and graduated from Regan High School in 1945. Met JoAnn Krause at Monte Beach Park and married her on July 4, 1950.

He worked at Nathan Feagan Painting, W.F. Hagan Painting early in his career as an estimator.

Jack and Horace Spinks purchased the company and formed Spinks & Thompson Painting. After Mr. Spinks’ death Jack purchased the remaining portion of the company and established Thompson Painting, Inc. until his retirement in the early 1980s. Jack served as Vice President of the National Painting and Decorating Contractors of America as well as President of the Local Association.

He was proud of many prominent projects throughout his career that include The Astrodome, Southwestern Bell, Gerald Hines buildings, The Methodist Hospital and many River Oaks residential projects.

He was a devoted member of the St. Rose of Lima Church for over 60 years, where he was a Past President and member of the Men’s Club, Thursday Club, Honorary Chairman of St. Rose Legacy of Faith Capital Campaign and formed Rambling Roses Traveling Group with his wife JoAnn. He worked many Friday nights at the Fish Fry and Chairmanship of the Annual Bazaar. He loved his family, lake house, travel, and had a special place in his heart for wife and children.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years JoAnn Thompson, Daughters: Jackie Smith and husband Mike, Jan Crawford and husband Steve. Sons: James Thompson and wife Linda, Joe Thompson and wife Diane.

Grandsons, Andy Smith, Greg Smith and wife Roberta, Derec Thompson, Trevor Thompson and wife Jordan.

Granddaughters, Jenny Cheves and husband Mark, Julie Ingram and husband Andrew and Lt. Aubrey Bennett; and husband Lt. Matthew Bennett.

Great grandsons: Alex Smith, Michael (Peanut) Smith, Collin and Caden Ingram. Great granddaughters: Kaitlyn Smith and Emma Smith.

Brothers, Raymond Earl Thompson and Kenneth John Thompson. Sisters and Brother-in-Law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He joined the Lord on February 15, 2017.

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Saturday, March 11, 2017 • Page 3A

Flooding from P. 1A of their home during the most recent flooding.

“As near as we could tell about 85 of the 105 homes in our area flooded, including ours, and we’re still recovering,” Paul Hillman said of the 2016 Tax Day floods. “We’re not back to 100 percent, and we still have some outside damage to the deck and landscaping things, as well as a little bit of work left on the inside.”

While the Hillmans were lucky enough to be able to stay in their homes, many were not.

“Many of the homes are only one story, so those people had to go somewhere else during this process. All the walls, insulation and floors

were done for,” Paul said.

The Hillmans have lived in their home near the White Oak Bayou since September of 1976, and have experienced three major flooding incidents — most of it from the White Oak Bayou watershed overflowing its banks, lending credence to Norden’s claim.

“Every time we get a really heavy rain or a forecast of heavy rain, you find yourself going over to White Oak Bayou to look at how high it’s getting,” Hillman said. “I guess people would say that borders on paranoia, but it’s based somewhat on fact, too.”

The city purchased the 227-acre course in March 2011 for $9.3 million and

spent $2.5 million building the first two detention basins.

With recent Council approval of an interlocal agreement, the City and Harris County Flood Control District are now free to invest about $20 million to design and develop the remaining basins, with the first phase slated to begin construction in 2018.

“After the design phase and masterplan study, we will have a better understanding of the basin layouts, depths, and potential green space available for the community,” said Paresh Lad, acting deputy assistant director for the Department of Public Works and Engineering’s Infrastructure Planning.

The Hillmans have no

plans to relocate from their home due to their love of the neighborhood (despite the flooding), and Paul expressed gratitude to the city and its partners for attacking the problem head-on.

“I think it’s very positive for the homeowners in this area and for the city of Houston that at least it’s being addressed—not just on the federal level but on the city and state level as well,” he said.

“They recognize the severity of the problem, they’ve done research into the problem and they’ve allocated the resources needed to attack it, so we’ll just have to hope that it works.

I don’t have any reason to believe it won’t, so we’re hopeful for the future.”

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“When we were kids, you could just drop your kids off without worrying (you can’t drop them off now),”she said.

“As kids we just liked to go there and hang out — it was just fun. I’m not much of a shopper, but I would go over there with my friends to have fun and hang out.”

Lunsmann, who frequented the establishment from the moment it opened back in the late 60s, shared a similar tale.

“We would go nearly every Saturday. My girlfriends and I would just hang out at the mall—it’s what we did, walking up and down and playing around. It was a great, safe place to put your kids. We just messed around and felt our little independence.”

Upon hearing of the closure, Lunsmann couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia and fondness for something which will always hold a special place in her heart.

“Even as it’s gone down in size with so few stores left in it, it’s sad to see it go down so much. It’s been sad all along watching it deteriorate. Once the Macy’s closed down and a lot of the major ones began shutting down, a lot of the smaller ones began closing down,” she said. “That’s where we always went—it became

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the place for northwest Houston to shop. It was so awesome, and it’s been sad watching it go down, but I’m sure hopefully something good will come out of it.”

Moments will last a lifetime Whatever the result of the situation, nothing can take away the lasting memories.

From gobbling down a daily hot dog and Orange Julius, to perusing Spencer’s and Ma-

cy’s and taking pictures in the old photo booth, Northwest Mall has provided Lunsmann countless memories that she will cherish even as the old mall fades into the annals of history — those she will forever remember as the moments that helped shape some of the fondest memories of her 13year-old self.

“I don’t really remember one thing that stands out. We just spent a lot of time there learning to be responsible in-

dividuals,” she said. “We were able to do it with independence and without getting into trouble. We just hung out like kids do.”

“My lasting image is that every Valentine’s Day I would go over to the Chocolate Chip Cookie Company and pick up cookies for my kids, and for birthdays we got the big chocolate chip cookies,” Schmidt added. “That thing was there forever.”

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Saturday, March 11, 2017 • Page 4A

Let’s have the November election over – kind of

U

nless you’re one of those public policy weirdos (like me), there’s a good chance you haven’t heard, or haven’t cared, about the latest news from Houston ISD. I’ll try to keep it simple: HISD has ordered up an election for May 6, in which they’ll ask you to go to the polls and decide whether you want our local school district to send money to the state in the form of a recapture payment.

Do you feel like you’re in an episode of the Twilight Zone? Feel like you’ve read this before? Well, just hang tight. We’ll get to that.

So on Saturday, May 6, you’ll go to the polls – well, about 4 percent of you will, if history teaches us anything. On the ballot, you’ll see Proposition 1 (because that’s the only thing on the ballot for us).

If you vote for this proposition, then you’re giving HISD permission to cut a $77 million check to the state of Texas. That money will then be redistributed to less fortunate school districts.

If you vote against this proposition, you’re telling HISD not to write a check, at which point the state then comes and annexes some of our biggest buildings into poorer school districts so those districts receive the tax dollars.

It’s kind of like the option of

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

cutting off your left middle finger or your right middle finger – both are going to hurt. This is Robin Hood at its best, which happens to be what the law is called in the basement of the state Capitol.

Here’s the easy explanation: We pay property taxes to fund education, but when our property values increase (as they have) that doesn’t mean we get more money for each student in Houston. No, the smart people over in Austin decide how much money each student is allocated.

Let’s use simple math: There are 100 students in HISD (yeah, in one classroom) and the state allocates $100 for every student. If the tax collector collects $10,000, we’re all square. If the tax collector brings in $9,000, we would receive recapture payments from wealthier school districts to fund our students. And

if the tax man collects $11,000, we have to send $1,000 to the state so they can send it to another school district that doesn’t have $100 for each student.

I’m glad this is confusing, because that’s what happens when you start redistributing wealth, which is exactly what we do in our education system. A school in the Valley gets as much money for each student as a school in Houston, and if the numbers don’t equal out, then we start shipping money around until everyone is happy.

Houston has never shipped money anywhere – until now. We have become a property tax-rich city.

Now, let’s get back to this Twilight Zone conundrum. You’ve heard all of this before, right? Of course you have. Remember that election in November (and how could you forget?) just four months ago? Right smack dab at the end of that ballot was Proposition 1, asking voters to decide if HISD should send a recapture payment to the state. If you voted “for,” you wanted us to pay our bill. If you voted “against,” you wanted HISD to give that displaced middle finger to the state and dare them to come annex some of our biggest and best properties. And to put an image with that, some of the properties the state would have

Lynn Ashby Columnist

ing clergy from holding public office. It is a private school in the Big XII, so no legislative cash. Baylor’s motto, appearing on its seal, is Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana (For Church, for Texas) although Bondus Freedonia (Out on Bail) might fit better. The 1,000-acre campus sits on the banks of the Brazos River. UT-Austin sits on the banks of Waller Creek.

UH-Downtown overlooks Buffalo Bayou. Its student body numbers about 16,700.

Its colors are not black-andwhite stripes nor jump-suit orange, but green and gold.

Their song is “That Good Ol’ Baylor Line,” to the tune of “In the Good Old Summertime.” My theory is the Bears noticed at a football game with the Longhorns, the Teasips were singing “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.”

That inspired Baylor to adopt “Summer Time.” Actually, according to sources I have copied, in 1906, a student penned humorous words to the tune of “In the Good Old Summer Time” and they became generally accepted among the student body as the school’s fight song. However, in 1931 the wife of a Baylor music professor felt the words “were neither dignified enough nor representative of the total university,” so she wrote new lyrics, which were soon adopted as the official school song.

Baylor has played Texas A&M in football 108 times, beginning in 1899. No more.

However, those games produced one of the saddest stories in college football.

According to my thorough research, Wikipedia, the 1926 game was in played in Waco and was Baylor’s homecoming. During halftime Baylor homecoming floats paraded around the field. When a car pulling a flatbed trailer with several female Baylor students neared the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets’ section, a cadet raced towards the car and grabbed the steering wheel. The motion caused Louise Normand to fall off the truck, injuring her and inciting a large riot. Students began using metal folding chairs and planks of wood that had been used as yard markers for weapons. Texas A&M cadet Lt. Charles Sessums was hit in the head and, although he initially appeared to recover, he died following the game. The two school presidents agreed to temporarily suspend athletic relations between the schools. They did not compete against each other in any athletic event for the next four years. Baylor and Texas A&M would not meet in football

against our neighbors).

And therein lies the biggest problem. HISD now must pay the District Clerk’s office $800,000 to put on this election. If history is our guide, that’s one expensive election for the number of people who will actually vote.

The only election in May that is comparable was held in 2004, when Houston voters were asked to vote on a yes-no proposition (I can’t even find what was on that ballot). In that election, with a city population of 2.06 million, a total of 85,929 people went to the polls.

Today, the city of Houston – not the entire metro area – has 2.1 million people, which means the population boom has happened in the burbs. So if our population has increased 2 percent, that means we can expect about 87,647 people to vote on May 6. In other words, it’s going to cost HISD $9.13 for every vote.

I’d suggest they spend a little extra money and develop a marketing campaign to push voters to the polls. Either that, or they could just tell people we’re doing the whole November election thing over. I bet that would get a few people to the polls.

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

The reader.

Grin and Bear It WACO – “A vodka, straight, please,” I say. The bartender springs into action. This is most unusual because I am on the campus of Baylor University, the nation’s largest Baptist school, noted for no booze, no smoking and – until recently -- no dancing. Oh, and known for an on-going scandal about gang rapes and football players. This is the new (2014) football stadium, originally named Baylor Stadium but changed to Drayton McLane Stadium after a huge gift from the alumni who sold the Houston Astros for $680 million. Also, and this I didn’t know, the City of Waco kicked in $30 million. Wonder if College Station or Austin did the same for their universities?

For the money, Baylor has built what may be the best football stadium in America.

This place is spiffy enough that there is a fancy social event being held here, at the same time a wedding rehearsal dinner is underway on another level. Maybe there is hope for the Astrodome.

Ah, but what about liquor? A bartender explains that only suite renters can have booze.

The big donors call in their order a week or two before the game, the booze is taken to the suite and locked up until kickoff. No other alcohol is allowed in, and to think that UT is now selling beer at sporting events. Some may call this “hypocrisy.” I call it “doing business.”

While we’re here, let’s take a look at Texas’ oldest university, which has one of the Lone Star State’s more interesting collegiate stories. Willie Nelson went here for one year, majoring in animal science and joining Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, then dropped out to become a musician and was never heard from again. Interesting note: a Baylor alumni publication put Willie on its cover, but the Baptist elders did not approve of someone who had been married three times and busted for pot four times. I believe the magazine was killed. Other students included Govs. Ann Richards, Price Daniel and Mark White (more Texas governors are from Baylor than any other school). Also, Sul Ross, Sam Houston’s son, Temple Lea Houston (Sam gave the first $5,000 to the school) and my father. I couldn’t afford $5,000 so I donated Dad’s 1926 baseball letter sweater and team photo to the school which was putting in an athletic museum. Later I inquired about the sweater and photo. They couldn’t find them.

Baylor, which opened in 1845 in the long-forgotten town of Independence, is not only the oldest continuouslyoperating university in Texas but one of the first higher educational institutions west of the Mississippi River. When the railroad bypassed Independence, Baylor moved to that wild town of Waco. The school was named for one of its founders, Robert E.B. Baylor, who helped write the state constitution and favored bar-

taken, and never given back, were the Galleria, Greenway Plaza, and chunks of downtown.

They wouldn’t actually have sent moving vans and shipped Nordstrom to Aldine, but all the taxes that the Galleria owners pay on the property would have gone to Aldine rather than to Houston. And as the law says, once you lose those buildings, you don’t get them back.

Here’s what’s humorous: Back in November, folks like Mayor Sylvester Turner waged a campaign to vote “against” sending recapture.

Turner dared legislators to come take the taxes from those buildings (which would have been higher than they pay now).

Turner’s plan worked. Instead of taking $162 million from HISD, the Texas Legislature has increased the allocation for each student, and now HISD only has to send $77 million.

I didn’t support his approach, but I also didn’t spend more than two decades in the Texas Legislature.

There’s one problem, though: We have to go vote to change the decision voters made back in November. If people don’t turn out to vote on May 6, and we don’t all collectively flip from being “against” the payments to “for” the payments, some of our favorite buildings will be annexed to Aldine ISD (nothing

Thanks to founding member Melvalene Cohen

again until 1931.

For years, the Baylor football team was the doormat of the Southwest Conference.

The Bears didn’t win a Southwest Conference championship for 50 years (1924-1974).

That was a longer time span than between Baylor’s 1924 championship and Custer’s Last Stand. Then there is the tale of yet another apparent at-home Bear defeat. They were down three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and the Baylor fans started leaving.

Then the Bears scored, and again, and once more. Departing fans listening to the game on their car radio did a U-turn to go back to the stadium, but met nose-to-nose with later leavers. There was a gigantic traffic snarl. I don’t know who won. Anyway, the Bears will get out of their current mess.

Don’t leave the game early, and I’ll drink to that.

Ashby is toasting at ashby2@ comcast.net

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Stopping crime on 19th Street

Dear Editor: We appreciate so much last week’s lovely article about the HHWC Evening Group’s tenth anniversary, but one important name was inadvertently omitted. Melvalene Cohen was a founding member of the Evening Group and deserves much of the credit for the group’s success.

Her contributions range from sewing Victorian Christmas tree ornaments to making 1,000’s of cookies and cucumber sandwiches. But her most valuable contribution has been her unique ability to connect with every member, young or old, and make them feel welcome in both the Heritage Club and the Evening Group. We would not be the club we are without her kindness, generosity, and joyfulness. Thank you Melvalene.

Anne Sloan, founder Kelly Caraway, Evening Group President Anna Gay, Heritage Group President

Dear Editor: The merchants of 19th Street are aware of the crime issues on our street. We continue to take proper measures. We encourage out patrons and The Leader audience to secure their belongings when leaving the vehicle so not to encourage the problem. We don’t want negative attention to the street to deter newcomers to the area from experiencing our shopping district.

The Merchants of 19th Street

Local resident doesn’t let cancer dim her passion

Dear Editor: Wow Kathleen, great article! Can’t wait to read your book! Keep writing, dancing and singing!

Miss you.

Cynthia

Jonathan McElvy

Built by 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

Publisher & President jonathan@theleadernews.com

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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.

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. Employee stock ownership plan 5. Teaspoon 8. Type of IRA 11. Restore courage 13. Pet Detective Ventura 14. Discount 15. Where rockers play 16. Light Armored Reconnaissance (abbr.)

17. Computer manufacturer 18. Nomadic people 20. Liquefied natural gas 21. Steps leading to a river 22. Benign tumors 25. In an early way 30. Type of wall 31. Pop folk singer Williams 32. Greek Titaness 33. Expresses purpose 38. Type of school 41. Least true 43. Delighted 45. Church building 47. Replacement worker 49. A sign of assent

50. Semitic gods 55. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 56. Partly digested food 57. Fevers 59. Genus of trees 60. Midway between east and southeast 61. Jewish spiritual leader 62. Gallivant 63. Hideaway 64. Source

dOwn

1. Major division of time 2. Withered 3. Portends good or evil 4. Single sheet of glass 5. More long-legged 6. Scrutinized 7. Archway in a park 8. Oliver __, author 9. Ancient Greek City 10. Type of shampoo 12. __ King Cole 14. Adventure story 19. Satisfy 23. Disappointment 24. Evergreen shrub

25. Parts per thousand (abbr.)

26. Young snob (Brit.)

27. Midway between northeast and east 28. Chinese surname 29. Poplar trees (Spanish) 34. Electron scanning microscope 35. Actor DiCaprio 36. Equal (prefix) 37. Cartoon Network 39. Revealed 40. Remove lice 41. Supervises interstate commerce 42. Whale ship captain 44. Baited 45. Bleated 46. Swedish rock group 47. Air pollution 48. Carbonated drink 51. Swiss river 52. Ottoman military commanders 53. Type of job 54. One point east of southeast 58. Sex Pistols bassist Vicious

WORD SCRAMBLE

Saturday, March 11, 2017 • Page 5A

Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA receives grant to refurbish fields

By Landan Kuhlmann

landan@theleadernews.com

Through any existing issue, the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA has long stayed true to its mission of growing a child inside and out. It never hurts to get some help, however, and the facility’s fields will soon undergo a much-needed transformation.

Last week, the Houston Texans (through the National Football League Foundation Grassroots Program) granted the YMCA of Greater Houston $100,000 to renovate and resurface sports fields for proper irrigation and fencing at the local YMCA in the Greater Heights community. The grant from the Texans, the NFL

Foundation, and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is part of more than $3 million in field refurbishment awards allocated across the country this year. This NFL Grassroots Program grant is the 10th awarded in Houston, totaling more than $1 million in grant funds to area neighborhoods.

“We were so overjoyed,” said Dawn Dunn, Community Executive Director for Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA. “It’s just such a wonderful opportunity for our YMCA, our families that use our fields and our community in general, so we’re very excited.”

“The Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out, and is the starting point

for many youth to learn about being active and developing healthy habits that they will carry with them throughout their lives,” added Paul McEntire, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston.

Dunn said the YMCA had long known its fields needed some work done to them, and did not hesitate to pounce when opportunity arose.

“We were exploring what the cost of that project might be and what it would look like,” she said. “Being a nonprofit, we look towards grants and endowments to help us lower some of the expenses, so when the opportunity provided itself to apply, we just jumped right in there.”

One of the challenges fac-

Photo by Landan Kuhlmann Shown here is Field C at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA on 34th Street. The local YMCA recently received a grant from the Houston Texans to refurbish all the facility’s sports fields.

ing the local YMCA’s existing fields is the capacity for drainage, which will undergo a transformation as part of the

work.

“Unfortunately, when it rains the fields don’t drain properly, and we’re faced with having

to cancel youth sports games and practices,” Dunn said.

Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA’s new fields will also serve as more multi-purpose sports fields.

“As we see youth sports and sports fitness opportunities evolve, we think that having multi-purpose fields will be a better fit for our community and our members,” Dunn said.

“It gives us the opportunity to provide the youth and families in our community a place to experience their own personal growth while staying healthy and active through youth sports and fitness. They have the opportunity to be together and enjoy this space.”

Local resident reveals city’s culture alongside rodeo family

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

The Houston Rodeo has been a key cog in Leader-area resident Johnny Rojas’ life since his late teens — but even now, his passion for exposing the public to the rodeo culture with his rodeo crew remains as full as ever as he prepares for yet another year in the saddle.

As the trail rides ushered in the beginning of rodeo season last week, Rojas was already knee-deep in the experience once again as part of the Bottomless Pit Cook Team for the seventh consecutive year,

all the while prepping for his fourth season as a senior art committeeman.

Coming full circle “I’ve been going to the rodeo since I was in high school in the late 80s, and for me to start participating in it was just the next step,” Rojas said. “Me being a professional artist, the school art committee was just the next step in my career.”

While this may be just Rojas’ fourth season as an art committeeman, his roots in the event extend even further, to his days as a young Houstonian in the late 80s.

“I also participated in drawing as a student, so this is one of those full circle deals coming around to where I’m a committeeman. It was just the step to get to the next level,” he said.

Experiencing a culture The moment Rojas joined a rodeo cookoff team two decades ago (and the art committee four seasons ago), he experienced a culture shift which remains to this day.

“When you’re a part of the committee and part of the cook team, you’re actually joining a family, a team-ori-

ented group, and with that you make long-time relationships and friendships,” he said.

While his family of rodeo committee members conducts their events during rodeo time, he said part of the joy also lies in the pleasure of exposing the public to the true experience of the rodeo.

“The cookoff is the kickoff party to the rodeo, and there are a lot of international people who come to the cookoff because they want to experience the cowboy part—and the food is part of that mystique,” he said.

From there, visitors can go

to the rodeo itself—where the real show begins.

“A lot of people have never seen cows, or horses—that’s a big deal to them,” he said, laughing. “We get so many visitors from the rodeo – especially with this growth of Houston – where this is their first time visiting. It’s about exposing new people to it and seeing the joy as folks get a thrill from seeing the whole show—the cookoff and the rodeo. That’s what makes us part of it. It’s better to be a participant than just a spectator.”

With the seasonal bash having become part of the fabric

of Houston culture — and recognized as one of the best in the world — Rojas believes selling the culture to visitors and locals alike helps in keeping the cowboy heritage alive.

“I grew up in Richmond, so growing up, I was around a bunch of cowboys and all that ranching stuff. I grew up with these guys, and we’ve got to keep the heritage alive and expose them to it,” he said. “It’s a piece of Texas, and I think all of us love being a part of it and exposing our children to it so it doesn’t get forgotten.”

Woodhouse opening women’s clothing boutique on 19th

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Vanessa Woodhouse, who owns the Big Blue Whale on 19th Street, said that while her toy store was easy to name, the name for her new women’s clothing and gift boutique across the street was harder to come by.

“I wanted something sweet,” said Woodhouse of Mary & Moss. “I’m obsessed with Bruce Springsteen and Mary is a name that he uses a lot

in his songs. We’re also going to have a floral component in the store so that’s where moss came from.”

The store will join Proper Shoes, a specialty sneaker chain based in California, at the site of the former Chippendale’s Antiques store, which was purchased by Braun Enterprises.

Woodhouse says that the current plan is for Mary & Moss to be 40 percent gifts, 30 percent clothes and 30 percent accessories. She’ll start look-

ing for inventory next month.

Right now, Woodhouse travels for toy buying about three times a year. She anticipates doing the same for Mary & Moss.

“We want to carry classic clothing,” said Woodhouse.

“Clothes that will last multiple seasons.”

In the spirit of shopkeeper camaraderie and for the sake of variety, it’s important to Woodhouse not to replicate the lines of other nearby stores like Emerson Rose and

Jubilee. It’s a guideline she’s followed since her toy store’s opening in 2014 when Tulips & Tutus was open on Studewood Street.

Woodhouse says she prefers items that are made in the US and those that follow fair trade rules so that will be an emphasis too.

She said she considered the Heights Mercantile development at Yale Street and 7th for her new store but when the location became available literally out her window it was

hard to pass up.

“I know what the traffic patterns are here,” Woodhouse said. “It was a safer bet. And the ease of being across the street is a bonus.”

Mary & Moss will be between Proper Shoes and a tobe named tenant who would fill the corner spot. Proper Shoes will be next to Shade restaurant.

Woodhouse hopes to be open by the holidays of 2017.

“We are very excited to have Mary & Moss along with Prop-

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There is also a space in the back facing Rutland that Braun Enterprises is currently working to lease. Wolf says that they have several medical and retailers looking at that spot.

Construction will begin in the next 60 to 90 days on what is being called a “light redevelopment” of the corner.

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Saturday, March 11, 2017 • Page 7A

The calendar.

GO TEXAN MEETING HART The Houston Association of Retired Teachers (HART) will “Go Texan� at its March 10, meeting at Bethany United Methodist Church, 3511 Linkwood. Put on your best western duds, boots and hat and arrive at 9:30 a.m. for social time followed by the 10 a.m. meeting. Mary Ann Dolezal, TRTA District IV Health Care Chair, will be the guest speaker and provide important information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise. It’s time to renew your membership in HART ($10) and TRTA ($35)for 2017-18.

Information: BOOK SIGNING The Book Scene Come out and meet Science Fiction author Larry Rhodes, who will read and sign copies of his book Graphene and other titles, at The Book Scene, 1820 W. 43rd St., from 1-3 p.m. March 11. Information: 713-869-6117, www. thebookscene.xyz/events.

GOSWAMI ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE ISKCON Houston Come meet the dedicated teaching staff at Goswami Academy, tour the classrooms and learn about the core of the school’s values and education standards. There will be children’s activities, refreshments and other fun surprises. The school serves grades Pre-K-6. The open house will be held from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 11, at ISKCON Houston, 1320 W. 34th St. Information: 713-714-2250, www.goswamiacademy.com.

COMMUNITY DANCE SPJST Lodge 88 The SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., will host the Red Ravens, Polka and variety of music, from 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. March 11. The cost is $10 per person. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance.

Information: 713-869-5767, lodge88.org.

OFHA GENERAL MEETING Candlelight Park Community Center The Oak Forest Homeowners Association will hold their general meeting from 7-8 p.m. March 13, at the Candlelight Park Community Center, 1520 Candlelight Ln. The topic of discussion will be the OFHA ByLaws. The Spirit Sponsor is Papa Murphy and Sweet Frog (43rd at Ella Blvd.). All day March 22, mention OFHA for a portion of sales to be donated to OFHA. Information: myoakforest.org, 832-212-7819.

PLANT AND SEED SWAP Heights Garden Club Come join the Heights Garden Club for their Plant and Seed Swap, at 7 p.m. March 15, at the Heights Fire Station, 107 W. 12th St. If you have no plants or seeds to bring, you can still join us.

Wear a little green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy refreshments, door prizes and socializing with fellow gardeners.

Information: www.heightsgardenclub.com.

STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by the American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba Rd., for a

From the Pews.

Free Lenten meal at St. Matthew’s UMC St. Matthew’s UMC will be hosting a free Lenten meal each Wednesday from 6-6:30 p.m., followed by a short Lenten service with music, until April 12. The community is welcome to come and share soup and bread and receive blessings from testimonies and song.

St. Matthew’s offers a variety of activities and spiritual classes. Sunday morning worship starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by 10:30 a.m. Sunday School.

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. Call 713-6970671 or visit the web site at www.stmatthewsmethodist. org for information.

St. Rose Men’s Club hosts Spring Fish Fry The St. Rose Men’s Club is hosting its Spring Fish Fry from 4:30-7:30 p.m. March 10, and will include fried catfish, hush puppies, french fries, coleslaw, and ice tea. Desserts will be provided by the St. Rose Altar Guild for $1. Dinein or take out.

St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church is located at 3600 Brinkman. Call 713-692-9123 or email info@stroselima.org for information.

All Saints TALC announces Spring Break Closure Dates All Saints Third Age Learning Center (TALC), 215 E. 10th St., will be closed the week of Monday, March 13 through Friday, March 17, for Spring Break. There will be no classes, activities or lunch during

the week. TALC will reopen on Monday, March 20 and resume all activities, classes and lunch schedule. For schedule or lunch information, call 713248-1277. ‘The Hands of Lent’ at Advent Lutheran The inspirational Lenten Season series, “The Hands of Lent,� continues with Wednesday worship services are held at noon and 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday. The message for March 15 will be “Angry Hands.� A light supper will be served from 5:30-7 p.m. by one of the church organizations.

Regular Sunday Worship times are 8 a.m. and 11:10 a.m.(traditional) and 10:25 a.m.(contemporary). Educational hour for all ages is from 9:15-10:15 a.m.

Advent Lutheran Church is located at 5820 Pinemont Dr. For information, call 713-6868201 or visit adventhouston. org and the Church’s Facebook page.

Lenten Fish Fry at All Saints The All Saints Knights of Columbus council is hosting four Lenten Fish Fries at the Parish Hall. Dinners are served March 17, and March 31, from 5-8:30 p.m.; and 3-8 p.m. Good Friday (April 14).

Plates include great fish, hushpuppies, fries, slaw, green beans, sauces and tea/lemonade. Adult plates are $10 and children under 10 are $5.

Cookies will also be available to purchase for dessert. Come and enjoy the food, fellowship, and help raise funds for the KC’s charitable activities.

delicious steak dinner and live entertainment, March 17 (third Friday of each month). Steaks will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out. The cost is $15 per plate.

Information: 713-682-9287, facebook.com/AmLegionPost560/, www.txlegion560.org.

SPRING SALES EVENT Just Between Friends Find all you need for your growing family at Just Between Friends Spring 2017 Sales Event.

Items for sale include: Children/ teen/maternity clothing, shoes, accessories, cribs, changing tables, swings, Port-a-cribs, strollers, toys, bassinets, high chairs, movies, exersaucers/walkers, books, maternity/nursing items, crib/twin bedding, games, and office/household furniture. The sale will be March 23-25, and is located at 5280 W. 34th St. Information: centralhouston. jbfsale.com.

TOWN HALL TALKS Belmont Village Hunters Creek Belmont Village Hunters Creek, 7667 Woodway Dr., will feature guest speaker Jeff Friedman, CEO of Distinctive Life, from 10-11 a.m. March 25. Friedman will discuss making plans for end-oflife care and funeral planning.

Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Call 713-781-1505 to make a reservation.

NEW SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY Theatre Suburbia “Sherlock Holmes: John Watson’s Body,� will be showing through March 25, at Theatre Suburbia, 4106 Way Out West Dr. The performances will be at 8:30

All Saints Catholic Church is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-304-1626 for information. ‘The Wesleyan Way’ church study at St. Stephen’s A church-wide study on “The Wesleyan Way� by Scott Jones, an exciting and inspiring study presenting Christianity from a Wesleyan perspective, including sermons based on the study, will continue throughout Lent. A weekday

p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 3 p.m. March 12 and 19. Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 students and seniors, and $13 for Sunday matinees. Reservations are encouraged. Call or visit website for tickets and reservations. Information: 713-682-3525, www. theatresuburbia.org.

CIRCLE OF LIFE GALA Memorial Hermann Foundation Memorial Hermann Foundation will host the annual Circle of Life Gala, “Celebration,� from 7-9:30 p.m. April 29. The gala will be held at the Hilton Americas - Houston, 1600 Lamar St. For sponsorship and ticket information, call 713-242-4450 or email cathleen.fishel@memorialhermann.org. Information: www. circleoflifegala.org.

60TH REUNION Reagan High School class of 1957 The John H. Reagan Class of 1957 will have their 60th reunion May 6-7, at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 N. Loop W. Fwy. If you have not received an information packet, please contact Kay Potter Cella at kaycella125@gmail.com or 281658-5111.

ADULT COLORING Fairbanks Library Adult coloring is held every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m., in the meeting room at Fairbanks Library, 7122 Gessner Rd. There are new coloring books and pages to pick through and colored pencils or bring your own. No need to register, just show up. Information: 713-466-4438.

class is offered Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in Room 101.

The Gathering Place, a monthly ministry for persons with memory loss and their caregivers, will meet Monday, March 13, from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

Lunch is provided. There is no charge to attend.

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

Please visit the...

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elta Dental, a dental insurance company, recently released its annual Tooth Fairy Index which tracks the average earnings children receive from the Tooth Fairy for their missing chompers. According to the company, their index has tended to closely follow the economy’s ups and downs since its beginning in 1998. They state that the index has correctly followed the trends in 11 of the last 12 years, and with the latest results from their poll showing a 25% increase in baby teeth earnings, there is a good possibility that the economy is on the rise. This is great news for everyone, especially those youngsters with some loose teeth.

Prepared as a public service to promote better dental health. From the office of: Chase Baker, D.D.S., 3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406.

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First FirstChurch Church Heights

Weekly Sunday Services • Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. • Morning:10:30 a.m. • Evening: 4:15 p.m.

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

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4040 Watonga • 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.

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hen we call God “our Father in heaven� we are honoring both God and our earthly fathers by calling to mind the virtues proper to a good father. A good father is first and foremost someone who loves his wife and his children. He manifests this love by providing materially for them, by protecting them, and by disciplining and teaching his children. There may be times when he cannot always do these things. Good, hardworking men sometimes lose their jobs through no fault of their own, or find themselves in situations where they cannot protect their families. But even then, a good father will exemplify certain virtues, such as steadfastness or persistence in seeking reemployment, or he will show bravery in the face of danger or uncertainity. A good father will be brave, but never reckless or foolhardy, realizing that his life is precious to his family. A good father will also manifest temperance and moderation in the pursuit of pleasures, thereby teaching his children to enjoy life, but also to delay gratification when necessary. A good father is a model of responsibility and dependability, of loyalty and honor. Our earthly fathers, like our Heavenly Father, are mighty fortresses under whose protection we withstand the torrents of the world’s weather, and yet they are also capable of tenderness and loving kindness.

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Page 8A • Saturday, March 11, 2017

The Obituaries.

Velma M. Harmel, 91, born Oct. 26, 1925 in Burton, Texas, died March 4. She was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and was active with church volunteering and school activities for her children. Harmel sold Stanley Home Products for many years and later retired from Eckerd’s Pharmacy. Survivors include her daughter Sherry Jones, son Robert W. Harmel, and a granddaughter.

Stacy Lee Mosburg, 68, born March 2, 1948 in Martinsville, Indiana, died March 3.

Mosburg was employed in the medical field for 30 years for Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Medical Center. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Hadley Mosburg, children Steve Mosburg, Jason Warren, Amber McTier, and seven grandchildren.

Beverly A. Robinson, 83, born Sept. 2, 1933, died March 3.

She is survived by her sons Phillip and Steven, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 9 from 4-7 p.m. at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd., Houston 77008. Funeral service will be held Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, with burial to follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. Memo-

Would You Wait a Lifetime To Brush Your Teeth?

rial contributions may be made to: Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel, Houston, 77027; CCSC, 3230 Mercer, Houston 77027; or to St. Luke’s UMC, 3471 Westheimer Rd., Houston 77027.

March Is Your Pet’s Dental health Month

Jerry Lynn Sefcik, 75, born

Oct. 26, 1941, died March 1. She is survived by her husband John Sefcik, sister Betty Jane Sossaman, a granddaughter, and a great-grandson.

Did you know? Bacteria from peridontal disease can spread through the bloodstream and damage internal organs (hearts, kidney, etc.)

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Saturday, March 11, 2017 • Page 9A

Heights tiki bar celebrates third anniversary

L

ei Low’s owner, Russell Thoede, thinks of celebrating the bar’s third anniversary as a nice surprise.

He remembers bringing his wife Elizabeth into his “tiki world” years ago, and what was once a hobby of collecting everything tiki, is now their reality on North Main: a successful Heights tiki bar.

Theode said he’s been in the restaurant and food industry ever since he can remember.

He recalls a time where you could make just about any drink you could think up and serve it as a “martini.”

Times changed, and Theode watched and studied the change.

“In the late 1990’s early 2000’s, there was a shift in the bar world where people started to care a little bit more about classic cocktails, their technique, and things like that,” Theode said. “A bunch of bars in New York started to open and bartenders started to take on a style, if you will. I spent a lot of time in California, and I really like tiki bars and stuff like that, so I always wanted to tiki to be my style.”

Theode said he started to study tiki, taking in rum knowledge - a spirit he has true appreciation for.

Eventually, Theode found his bride and a leading lady that had taste to match his tiki love.

Christina Martinez Managing Editor

On the left, Lei Low owner Russell Thoede presenting their commemorative third anniversary drink, Three Years in Paradise. Above, the Three Years in Paradise was created by Lei Low bartender Caitlin Vann, which is her take on a planter’s punch.

(Photos by Christina Martinez)

“[Elizabeth] likes to go to antique stores, so we kind of started collecting on our own,” he said. “We massed a collection of old tiki mugs, and menus from tiki bars. So it became a hobby for us.”

The hobby eventually turned into a collection of something to see, and the two found inspiration to open their own concept, a bar.

The couple previously lived down the street from what is now Lei Low’s 6412 N Main St. location, and frequented the Stop at Joe’s Food Store often, which is the next door

property.

“We started looking for spaces,” he said. “We lived a couple blocks away and I was at the corner store here and saw the ‘for rent’ sign, and thought it was kind of the perfect size for what we want to do, and the right price.”

So the Theode’s pulled the trigger, with a little help from Brad Moore - owner of Big Star Bar, Grand Prize Bar, OKRA, Moving Sidewalk and more.

This month, Lei Low celebrates their third anniversary in the Heights, and they had a

special drink to celebrate that will soon be on the new menu release: Three Years in Paradise.

For starters, the tiki mug is an ode to “Tiki Bob”, who has become an icon among tiki files, paying tribute to a classic tiki bar in San Francisco called Tiki Bob’s. The mug is made by friend John Mulder of Eekum Bookem.

“So mug makers make different versions of tiki bob,” he said. “We thought it would be cool to do our version. This mug is Lei Low bob.”

The drink itself is a take on a planter’s punch, with Haitian rum with exclusive Lei Low bottling, peach liquor, cinnamon syrup, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and sweet vermouth. Very tiki.

When it comes to looking ahead, Theode said he’s constantly looking for ways to evolve and grow. Behind the bar, Lei Low has amassed 250 bottles of rum and Theode said he’s working on a plan to share some of his rum knowledge.

Email christina@theleadernews.com

Come dine with us during the month of March and receive a free glass of celebratory champagne with each dessert!

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Art Valet: 40th Annual International Watermedia Exhibition begins Sunday

Washed out skies blended into watery trees and bright flowers – that was the extent of my visualization of watercolor until an art reception of what I thought were photographs, but turned out to be watercolor paintings.

A visit to the Watercolor Art Society – Houston, forever changed my tiny perception of this popular, but misunder-

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

stood (certainly in my case) medium.

Watercolor Art Society – Houston (WAS-H) is a nonprofit organization with over 600 members. Year-round opportunities are provided to every level of painter, from novice to the seasoned expert. Art lovers can enjoy year-round exhibitions in the gallery which is also open 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, located at 1601 West Alabama

the confidence to work on my art career through exhibitions, art fairs and festivals,” Hasara said.

In fact, I met Hasara at The Market at Sawyer Yards, where she attends often. She’ll be back at the April 8 market.

Hasara told me that 100 works were accepted out of 491 that entered, juried by well-known watercolor artist Stephen Quiller of Colorado.

Paintings were submitted

Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

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Sports

Houston Dynamo vs.

Columbus Crew SC Saturday, March 11 7:30 p.m.

BBVA Compass Stadium - 2200 Texas St.

The Houston Dynamo opened the season with a big win against Seattle, and the home team will be back on the field this weekend to take on Columbus. Find tickets online at www. houstondynamo.com.

Saturday, March 11 10: 30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

1320 W. 34th St.

The Houston Chapter of The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) – also known as Hare Krishna Temple - will be celebrating the Grand Opening of Govinda’s (which means “The One Who Brings Pleasure”), the vegetarian/vegan Indian restaurant next to ISKCON of Houston Center.

Govinda’s culinary lineup includes the husband and wife team of executive chefs Joynitai and Jamuna Dasadhikari (formerly with other Govinda’s for over 20 years), and Amar Singh Bishwakarma (formerly the executive chef at Bombay Brasserie and other five-star restaurants in India) as chef de cuisine.

Join for the grand opening!

Entertainment

Houston Art Car Preview Celebration

Saturday, March 11 4 - 9 p.m.

Historic Market Square - 301 Milam St. Spend the afternoon getting a sneak peak at some of the cars that will be featured in the 2017 Houston Art Car Parade!

Bring the family out for music, games and fun before settling onto the lawn for a Q&A panel with some of the movers and shakers involved with the Orange Show. Learn about the history of the Art Car Parade and how it came to be during a special film screening of Art Car: The Movie. Event is free!

at Mandell St. Sunday, March 12 the 40th Annual International Watermedia Exhibition begins with a reception, demonstrations, and award ceremony.

Dawna Hasara took advantage of classes offered at WAS-H shortly after her move to Houston, and after retiring from FMC Technologies where she worked in sales and marketing for 17 years.

“I started taking some watercolor classes at WAS-H about three years ago when I retired,” Hasara said. “I was asked to consider a board position and accepted the position of International Exhibition Director two years ago.”

Hasara did have a painting accepted into the exhibition last year that received an honorable mention.

“WAS-H is a great organization dedicated to artist enrichment and they have a very nice – free – gallery,” Hasara continued. “They have a full slate of classes and workshops that anyone can sign up for whether you are a member or not and that’s how I first got involved with them.

The people I’ve met and the classes I’ve taken have really helped me to further my painting skills and given me

Rudyard’s Beer Tasting Dinner

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111th Monthly

Above, the 2016 first place artist Karen Lindeman, WAS-H president Beverly Aderholt, International Exhibition director, Dawna Hasara, and Juror Anne Abgott. To the right, reception activities at the WAS-H gallery for last year’s International Exhibition.

from artists all over the U.S., Canada, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India and Greece.

Sunday’s activities begin with a free demonstration by juror Stephen Quiller at 2 p.m.

The opening reception and award ceremony, also free to the public, is from 4-6 p.m. this Sunday, March 12. Get more details on other activities and extended hours for the exhibition on the website, watercolorhouston.org.

Follow Dawna Hasara watercolorsbydawnahasara.com A reminder that this Saturday is the Market at Sawyer Yards, where I met the very talented Dawna Hasara. The market is open from 11 a.m. 5 p.m. on the Artist Alley along the mural wall at 1502 Sawyer St. Holler Brewing Company is open now and accessible from the market alley! Details on my website.

Cohen is an artist and founder of First Saturday Arts Market and the new Market at Sawyer Yards, find him at ArtValet.com

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