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Saturday, April 8, 2017 • Vol. 62 • No. 14

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

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com How much expression is too much? For many in Leader neighborhoods, one avenue has run its course—at least in its current state.

This past Friday, March 31, Critical Mass Houston made its way through Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, causing massive delays.

Critical Mass is a monthly mass bike ride conducted the last Friday of every month. Rides begin and end at Market Square Park in downtown Houston, but

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the routes often run through area neighborhoods, causing constant backups as police block off certain intersections for riders. Residents, however, say it’s time for a change.

For one, the encounter almost took a catastrophic turn as she and her husband drove to White Oak Music Hall. As they approached at the light on Fulton and Patton, their light turned green but she said riders showed no regard whatsoever for the rules of the road despite a police presence.

“I made it halfway across the

intersection, as did the driver next to me, and then all hell broke loose. Both of our cars were straddling the metro rail lines, and riders kept blowing through the intersection, even though traffic laws would usually have them at a full stop,” she said. “The driver next to us and our car were inching forward, as there was a train coming, and riders were just screaming at us, shouting obscenities.”

Another who initially wished to be a part of the ride, skipped See Nuisance P. 2A

Shown here at the H-E-B on T.C. Jester is just one of the Critical Mass cycling groups that have caused resident headaches during its monthly ride. Photo from Facebook

Changing people * Pest * Mosquito

Recommendations for Historic District guidelines unveiled

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

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Leader-area homeowners have long lamented a perceived subjectivity when it came to new development in the area, and a year-long process to amend that trend looks to be on its way to a resolution.

Representatives from Winter and Company, as well as more than 90 homeowners, builders and developers descended upon the Heights Theatre last T h u r s d a y, March 30 as the Coloradobased consultants revealed initial recomPhoto by Landan Kuhlmann mendations for Consultant Nore Winter leafs development through the intial Strategy Paper in the Heights containing recommendations historic districts for the Heights historic districts. plan is now available for following a The feedback online. year chock-full of community meetings and gathering feedback.

Winter and Company’s Strategy Paper provides guidelines ranging from more prescriptive standards to slightly flexible standards in areas where there was not a clear consensus. Consultants compiled recommendations based on a physical study of each historic district as well as various community meetings and a Compatible Design Survey to add predictability to the development process.

Head of the list Chief among concerns expressed by residents in surveys, according to Winter, was a loss of open space, mature trees and other amenities resulting from buildings that appear out of scale, and thus was one of the major focuses throughout the study.

To accommodate such concerns, consultants proposed a set lot coverage scale, floor area ratio and maximum building envelope as appropriate tools of

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(Contributed Photo) Members of Up With People’s 2017 cast rock out at one of their performances. The international cast will perform at St. Pius X High School April 21 during their stop in Houston.

International cast’s arrival sparks memories

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Finding the latest Buzz Whats all the noise surrounding Houston Dairymaids?

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Candlelight Plaza resident Lynn Nelson has many fond memories of Up With People, but what stands out as perhaps the most telling experience was a trip to Europe, where the cast was split up to stay with host families on either side of the border of two countries between whom conflict abounded.

“It turned out that those two communities had a lot of tension between them,” she said. What happened next, however, sticks with her to this day.

“What the team did is set up a game day where host families and their UWP cast came together for

one day to have a picnic with activities for little kids,” she said. “Kids began running off and playing, because they don’t know what’s going on.”

Then, she said, the hostility all but vanished.

“Eventually, people just started sitting down and talking to each other — it didn’t really matter which town they were from. After we packed up and left we were getting letters saying ‘You don’t know what you did,’” she said. “After that day, ice just melted and you realize they’re all just people like us — the tension just dissolved. It made all the difference to us, and that’s what’s so great. It wasn’t intentional, but it happened. We changed a

lot of things that day.”

While it may just be a lone example, the tale signifies why Nelson (an Up With People alumna) took an interest in the organization more than three decades ago, and why she continues to spread tales of the effect they can have far and wide. The international performing cast will pass through Houston on their world tour April 17-23, including a stop in Leader country at St. Pius X High School for a performance on April 21.

“We want to bring the world together and show that no matter where you’re from, there’s a common base, and you need to find a See Stage P. 3A

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Third of a multi-part series

The Purple Cat, The Love Molly Fund team up for dogs

By Jennifer Layer jennifer@theleadernews.com When tragedy strikes, it can be hard for a family and community to recover. But sometimes, tragedy can inspire changes for the better. This was the case for the Long family who lost their recent high school graduate, Molly, in 1998.

Following this loss, Molly’s sister Julia began The Love Molly Fund.

“I started The Love Molly Fund as a way to honor her,” said Julia Long, owner of The Purple Cat and president of The Love Molly Fund. “It started with me and a couple of friends raising a little

money and donating it out every year. It was real small scale.”

As time went on priorities shifted and The Love Molly Fund was put on the back burner. After a recent move to Houston, Julia immediately noticed the outstanding number of homeless dogs living on the city streets, and the incredible number of dogs being put down in shelters every day.

“With all this in mind, I was driving along and found a momma dog on the street. Long story short, two weeks after trailing her we were finally able to catch her and her puppies,” said Long. “And then it became more of me indepen-

dently talking to people and learning how to independently rescue.

I wanted to take charge and put it on myself, rather than on another organization who may just put the animal down.”

After rescuing this canine family, Julia decided to bring The Love Molly Fund back to the center stage and has transformed it into both a fundraising and rescue/ adoption organization.

The Purple Cat, a thrift store located at 2128 W. 34th St., came later as means to raise money for The Love Molly Fund, as well as See Non-Profit P. 2A

Contributed Photo The Purple Cat seeks to help homeless animals and honor the loss of a bright light, Molly Long.

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Saturday, April 8, 2017 • Page 2A

Heights home tours continue with 100 year old residence

By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com

In 1916, a fourplex was built at 805 Heights Blvd. Today, the house has been historically preserved to a single-family home and Rod Anderson and Stephanie Horeis will be opening their doors as a featured home for the 2017 Spring Home and Garden Tour: Heights’ Hidden Beauties.

The couple has been in Houston for two and a half years, transplanting from Nebraska for Anderson’s work.

“He does a lot of traveling for work,” Heights neighbor Stephanie Horeis said. “That’s why the Heights is so important to us. Going to work is a 15 minute drive for him, and traveling to and from the airports is something he does frequently and

we’re right in the middle.”

Before viewing their readyto-move-in home on Heights Boulevard, Horeis said the home needed a lot of work. So much work, at one point, you could see all the way from the top floor to the first floor ground looking down. The house had to be reengineered with stabilizing beams for the structure - beams that aren’t exactly appealing to the eye.

The builders’ savvy design turned into a unique feature for the living and dining area ceiling to see this weekend.

The house has been standing for 100 years, and if there’s a couple of adjectives to describe the 805 Heights Blvd. home, Horeis said she thinks of safety – for the home’s sturdy bones; friendly – for the inviting front

home.

When it came to choosing the Heights Boulevard home, cochairs John and Jihye Deveau said they sent out a batch of letters to homes they admired.

“One of them was the Anderson/Horeis Home, which is located on Heights Blvd. and was a block away from where we had lived previously,” Jihye Deveau said. “We had seen this house before and after a very Photo supplied nicely done restoration and After being converted from a fourplex back into a single-family knew that their beautifully dechome, this craftsman was purchased by the current owners Rod orated eclectic craftsman home Anderson and Stephanie Horeis in 2014. would be perfect for the tour.”

Jihye Deveau said the resporch; and private – for the spa- a later discovery, a row of origicious backyard. nal windows were also found toration of this featured home Beyond finding a beauti- on the North end of the home kept many of the historical elful restored home, Horeis said – an element the builders could ements, transforming from an they found horseshoes and rail not take out due to preservation abandoned eyesore to being a road spikes in the backyard that guidelines and something that house that is sure to be “an eyeshow neighborhood roots. Upon is not visible from inside the catcher.”

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Nuisance from P. 1A it after witnessing the disregard for safety.

“Critical Mass endangers all car drivers, riders and innocent kids that get dragged into it by their entitled parents,” they said.

Yet another participated in it at least twice, but quit for the exact safety reasons initially described.

“Critical mass riders don’t stop at stop signs or red lights,” she said. “It’s ridiculous, unsafe, and illegal.”

Some recalled a time when the ride was a peaceful event, but now believe the event has swelled out-

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“They’ve turned it into a mass migration of selfindulgent brats who think that might makes right,” one said.

Sources for this story wished to not have their names published for fear of retribution from Critical Mass, and wonder what police can do it reign it in.

“Why don’t the police do something about this?” one resident asked. “Blocking streets, putting drivers and pedestrians in harm’s way, drinking?”

“Some of those people are

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rabid out there these days,” another added.

This is not the first time a protest or conflict has arisen, either. A report from 2014 read that HPD might stop providing officers for protection without a fee for cyclists, which appears to not have transpired, as residents reported seeing officers on scene last weekend.

Further, there was even a petition circulated in 2014 in attempts to reign it in, but that fell by the wayside, and nothing has taken to this point.

Auto theft leads to fatal shooting Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies shot and killed one auto theft suspect Tuesday afternoon.

Sheriff’s officials told our media partners at KHOU the incident began when a HVAC company was in the Garden

Oaks neighborhood on a service call.

At least one suspect jumped into the HVAC technician’s pickup and fled.

Because the pickup had GPS tracking., HCSO and Precinct 1 deputies eventually found

the pickup at the intersection of Airline Drive and W. Mt. Houston.

Deputies confronted the suspects before one was shot and died at the scene. At least one other suspect fled on foot.

Guidelines from P. 1A the trade.

In the current plan, Winter and Co.’s initial Strategy Paper presents lot coverage ranging from 44 percent lot coverage down to 36 percent.

“Generally, as lot size goes up, the percentage goes down,” Winter said. “It still allows (in some cases) more coverage on a larger lot, but it stays more in proportion this way.”

“With increased hard surfaces, there was a lot of concern about flooding onto neighboring properties, so there’s a secondary benefit,” he added.

Another major key Winter addressed is the implementation of a set floor area ratio, or percentage of building area to the lot size. Consultants considered factors ranging from models presented in the Compatible Design Survey to historic development patterns within each district and what past city commissions have approved in attempts to create a more balanced, uniform development pattern.

“We’ve come up with numbers based on the balancing of those considerations,” Winter said. “It does reduce the potential building size in some of these districts from recent buildings people have complained are out of scale, so that’s part of what we’re proposing at this stage.”

Project Manager Steph McDougal said that while it could create a bit of a struggle in that regard, the numbers created were not done so with any intention of hampering additions.

“Right now, the size of additions is being managed, but nobody has metrics about it in the planning process,” she said. “The point of this is to put the quantitative parameters out there so people know what to expect and they can better plan for a certificate of appropriateness application from the

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Non-Profit from P. 1A other animal rescue groups.

“Once a month we usually feature a dog or organization we want to raise money for.

The volunteers bring stuff into the store, we sell the stuff and then we give the featured dog or group all of the money,” said Long. “That’s how we give back right now until we get big enough that we can really start donating a chunk of our profits.”

As with The Love Molly Fund, The Purple Cat name was also inspired by a family member. “When I was five, my mom picked me up from school and my sister was in the car. They had gone and adopted two kittens from the pound,” said Long. “We got to name them. I named mine Purple Shooting Star and Molly named hers Violet, because of course she’s my little sister.”

While Long was seeking a name for her store, a friend suggested to name it something to do with the purple cat.

Long thought it a perfect idea to name her store after her very first rescue animal and longtime friend.

The Love Molly Fund and The Purple Cat have grown significantly from the initial street rescue Long made when she first arrived to Houston.

However, the entire organization is run by Long and her team of volunteers, making available space limited.

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“Sometimes we can’t do anything and sometimes we can. It just depends on the situation,” said Long. “Some people come to us, wanting us to take animals but we don’t do that, because it’s just me taking them in.”

All of the dogs rescued by Long that have yet to be adopted are either in foster care or in boarding.

“Our goal is to have the store grow and eventually become an organization that solely fundraises for street rescue groups so they can get more dogs off the streets and into homes,” said Long.

“Further, our goal here is to educate, even at the store. We want to educate people about spay, neuter, and vaccinations, and to be able to give them resources for a place to go.”

The biggest need The Love Molly Fund has is adoptions.

Long looks for adoptions from locals in particular as the dogs were all rescued from this area. The Purple Cat is also always in need of volunteers.

Long says the best volunteers are those who are self-moti-

vated and enjoy organizing.

The biggest obstacle for The Purple Cat right now is not having enough volunteers to stay open during the evening.

Long says that being a volunteer at The Purple Cat is much more than work, however.

“Our volunteers have a great time, we crank up the music and dance through the halls and tell silly jokes; it’s a nice place to be every day,” said Long. “Finding joy in that really helps me foster so many animals and deal with the heartbreak of having a dog returned or whatever it may be.”

In memory of those lost, and in hope for those wandering, The Purple Cat and The Love Molly Fund are working to create a better Houston and a better world for humans and animals alike.

If you are interested in adopting or fostering a dog, or in giving a few hours to volunteer, please visit http:// www.thelovemollyfund.org/ or http://www.thepurplecatresale.com/ to contact Julia Long or to fill out an adoption/foster application.

Living in the Heights is appealing to both Anderson and Horeis, with a lifestyle that is walking distance from their home, and both are excited to share their piece of history with the neighborhood.

The Heights Home Tour kicks off this weekend on April 8 and 9, featuring six homes: The Sawyer Home on Allston Street; The Ogier Home on Ralfallen Street; The Niemczak Home on Columbia Street; The Hammonds Home on Cortlandt Street; The Zanone Home on Harvard Street; The Anderson/ Horeis Home on Heights Boulevard. The historic Heights city hall and fire station is the home and garden headquarters, and starting point for the tour. Visit houstonheights.org for more info.

start.”

Finally, consultants proposed what is essentially a tent over a building site that shifts the taller mass of a building into the middle of the lot, keeping it from looming over a neighbor’s property.

“The looming of large-size walls is one of the things we heard complaints and concerns about, so this (maximum building envelope) helps to shape where you can shape your building,” Winter said.

“Those tools all work together to help shape the overall size, where the massing occurs and what the overall coverage is,” he added. “We’ve set those numbers to accommodate houses bigger than were there historically, but they’re still set to be more in scale and in proportion with the things people said were more compatible with their neighborhoods.”

Not always clear While many of the historic districts provided a clear con-

sensus as to their wishes, some – such as Houston Heights South— did not, and thus consultants had to be a bit more creative in compiling recommendations. Just because guidelines for such districts may be slightly more ambiguous for now, Winter assured the public every precaution has been taken to maintain integrity.

“Fundamentally these are historic districts, so we look at what the threshold is beyond which a larger building threatens integrity of the historic district,” he said.

Copies of the Strategy Paper are now available online at houstontx.gov/planning/HistoricPres/Design-GuidelinesHeights.html for residents to give their feedback. Completed Strategy Papers should be sent to Steph.McDougal@houstontx.gov. The comment period will last until April 9, after which consultants will turn the feedback into their first draft.

In MeMorIaM

Billie Virginia Buntin Whitefield December 28, 1921 - april 1, 2017

Billie Virginia Buntin was born at home on December 28, 1921 in the part of Houston now known as the Heights. She passed away at the age of 95 on April 1, 2017 surrounded by family. She was a 1939 graduate of John H. Reagan High School and attended the University of Houston. Billie was a longtime Republican Party activist who served as an Election Judge for Precinct 448 for nearly five decades. She also served as District Chair of Senatorial Districts 6 and 15, a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1976, and was secretary of the Harris County Republican Party under Chairman George Bush.

Billie was active in many different organizations. She was a longtime member and officer of the Heritage Republican Women’s Club, a Girl Scout leader, a member of the Heather and Thistle Society, a trustee of the Reagan WWII Memorial Association and secretary-treasurer of Whitefield Plastics Corporation, a manufacturing business which she and her husband started 55 years ago.

Billie was an active member of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church for several decades. Over the years she served on or led many committees including the Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chapel Class and Garden Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Donald Whitefield. She also outlived her five siblings: Wilma, Perry, Jack, Francis and Louis.

She is survived by daughter Patricia Schwertner and husband Ron, son Bill Whitefield and wife Janeal; grandchildren Jenks Currie (Erica), Ryan (Rachael), Erin (Matt), and Adam Schwertner, Nickolas (Laura), Patrice (Bret), Laura, and Diana Whitefield, and twelve greatgrandchildren (Anne Kathryn, Garner, Allison, Samuel, Peter, Lucy, Cameron, Audrey, Ethan, Elle, Maisie and Kinsey); and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Billie will be remembered at a celebration of her life on Friday, April 7th with a visitation from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and the Funeral Service on Saturday, April 8th at 10:00 a.m. Both will be held at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77018.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77018; or the Friends for Life animal shelter, 107 E. 22nd Street, Houston, 77008.

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Saturday, April 8, 2017 • Page 3A

Stage from P. 1A dialogue to solve problems that might arise,” Up with People Promotions Representative Julia Frey said. “It’s about global understanding, and we want to inspire the communities we visit to get involved and show that change starts in your own community. You can help your neighbors or an organization in your town— that’s where it starts and we want to empower people to do that.”

Up with People is a non-profit global education, community service, leadership and performing arts program that takes 100 participants from 20 different countries on a world tour, and Nelson was hooked from the moment she saw it as part of the Texas Longhorn Band.

“What drew me in was the message that they had, and it was just good family entertainment with a lot of original music,” Nelson said. “The whole idea of being able to do what they did – travel around, put on shows with a good message – was fascinating.”

Just months later, gazing out the window of a train traveling from Oslo to Bergen, Norway, it suddenly dawned on her.

“I’m here, I’m doing it. It’s so far beyond anything I had ever imagined that I’d be able to do, and it was a dream come

true,” she said. “You didn’t need to have talent, and that was the really cool thing about it—they just interviewed you and you were in.”

Whether from Texas or Canada, Japan or anywhere in between, Frey said every one of the cast members has their role to play.

“It’s all about bringing in different people from places all around the world with different ideas and values,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you have talent or not (though we sure have talented people), when we develop the show everybody gets their spot. Everybody has their part where they can grow.”

Cultural immersion There is more than one facet of growth as the result of globe-trotting, however.

Nelson and others were (and are) thrown in the middle of essentially a giant melting pot of cultures, traditions and experiences— the best education one could ever have in Nelson’s eyes.

“Four hundred of us showed up in Tucson, and I knew one of them,” she said. “You’d be sitting on the bus with someone from Japan, Alaska, the Bahamas, wherever. You would begin talking and sharing about your life—just nor-

mal conversations learning about their lives.”

Members are divided into groups of 100 upon arriving to their next country of performance and sent off to live with native host families — deepening the cast’s bond as they work to understand each town’s cultures and traditions, which it continues to do today.

“You’ve got the element of these people in the cast from all different countries going to another country where everybody is unfamiliar with it,” Nelson said. “There so many levels on which to relate to people. When you stayed with the families, you got a whole different picture of what it was like to live there, because you did what the families did.”

Coming back to the United States, Nelson said the experience changed her forever, and she goes to bed each night thanking God for those she met and the revelations made clear to her.

“I didn’t realize how rich we are here, and I took it for granted,” she said. “I also came back with an appreciation for the different cultures, because they were the nicest people.

They didn’t have much, but they were kind-hearted good people enjoying their lives with what they had.”

Photo supplied Candlelight Plaza resident Lynn Nelson performs as part of the Up With People cast. She says the experience as both a performer and host created lasting memories, and encouraged others to get on board.

We’re all the same While the experiences she had were amazing, Nelson acknowledged none of it would be possible without the backbone – host families. Not only do they provide a home, but in Nelson’s experience they have been some of the kindest people she’s had the pleasure of meeting.Take, for example the night in 1981 when President Ronald Reagan was shot, and Nelson and others didn’t hear the news until after a show in the Netherlands when their somber host family informed them of the tragedy.

“That family that had been dancing around the table with us (before) turned into the family who would comfort us, who would be kind to us and help us get through it. We knew we wanted to be in the States but we couldn’t, and they helped us through that,” she said. “Their role completely changed within a matter of days. It doesn’t matter what country you’re from, we all go through these similar problems

Up With People takes 100 participants from 20 countries on world performance tours.

and struggles.”

These are just a few of the tales Nelson has locked away in her memory, and she encouraged others to take a similar leap of faith as she did 30 years ago, no matter how scary it may be — it will be worth it.

“It was the best two years of my life, and it’s the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life,” she said. “There was no better education I could have gotten than what I got with this group.

I still have letters from my host families and stay in touch with them. It’s a one-of-a-kind organization, and I don’t know anywhere else you could have an experience that stays with you for the rest of your life.”

As of now, only 28 members of the 100-person cast currently have a home to stay at while in Houston, and UWP is in desperate need of more families. For more information or if you’re interested in becoming a host, visit upwithpeople.org or contact Addison O’Conner, aoconner@upwithpeople.org or 319-430-4396.

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The Topics.

Saturday, April 8, 2017 • Page 4A

Vote ‘Yes’ to purchase attendance credits on May 6

By Anna Eastman For The Leader

A

t least once a day, I find myself in a conversation about Texas Public School Finance.

This is not entirely unexpected considering I serve as a school board trustee for the Houston Independent School District. This year’s debate however is more complex and vexing than the usual fights over funding cuts. Now when I strike up a conversation with a neighbor out for a walk on my block, in the grocery line or at a local restaurant the topic is RECAPTURE! “What is it? Why are we being asked to vote again when there was such a strong message to vote NO last fall? We don’t want to be in recapture! Our kids and schools need more funding!”

Simply, an independent school district in Texas goes into “recapture” and becomes a Chapter 41 or “Robin Hood”district when the ratio

Anna Eastman

of the district’s property values as compared to the students enrolled in that district rise above the wealth level the state has determined is sufficient to fund those students’ education. We can vote to either “purchase attendance credits” to

swap dollars for kids who aren’t attending our schools and bring us into line with that wealth level per child, or have the state detach commercial properties from our tax base and add those properties’ revenues to another district with lower property wealth.

When we purchase attendance credits we only pay for the maintenance and operations expenses which fund teachers, administration and other student services in the district. When the state detaches property we pay for those things by diverting the tax revenue from those properties to the receiving district.

We also lose the ability to raise interest and sinking taxes on those properties, which we use to pay our bond debts and other facility costs.

We did just vote on this issue a few months ago, but we find ourselves with a different set of circumstances today. Last fall, we were expecting to pay $162 million dollars in recapture this year, either

The reader.

Wire You Tapping?

THE FRONT DOOR – It’s a dark and gloomy night, yet someone is knocking on my door. I open it and there stands a guy in a trench coat, collar turned up, Fedora pulled down low, dark glasses. “The dog waddles in the cumquat,” he whispers. Huh? “Ossie brings bacon from the lug nut.” I start to close the door. “Wait,” he whispers. “Is this 123 Toxic Pit Drive?” I shake my head. “That’s across the street, the Billy Bob Bin Laden house.” He frowns.

“Sorry, my mistake, but now you know too much about Deep State. I’ll have to kill you.” He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a stapler.

“Oops, wrong pocket.”

I slam the door and return to the den to resume my reading. “White House blames Deep State for leaks.” That’s interesting. “Congress is helpless before Deep State.” Odd, that’s the term that guy at the door was using. Later I turn on Fox News. “Obama is still in control, because of Deep State,” says a panelist, both arms secured in a straitjacket.

As your intrepid reporter, it is my duty to find out just who, or what, this new term means. I go to the Democratic National Committee Building, formerly the Debbie Wasserman-Schultz Underpass.

“Deep State is everywhere, but you can’t see it, and that’s all I can tell you. Say, do you think this conversation is being recorded?” That was not much help, so I go to the Republican National Committee Bunker. “Halt!” shouts a guard from his watchtower. “What’s the password?” I think for a moment: “Locker room talk,” I reply. He lets down the drawbridge and I enter the offices of He Whose Name Must Not Be Spoken, but he looks a lot like Stephen Bannon. He checks to see if I’m wired, especially my teeth.

“What is deep state?” I ask.

“You didn’t hear it from me, but Deep State – incidentally, slime ball journalist and son of a coyote, you didn’t capitalize the name – is all that stands between America and utter chaos that would give us a crazed leader who tells lies, changes his policies and says he didn’t, hires his relatives and insults our allies.”

“Wow, we couldn’t survive that,” I reply. At that point I am tossed out. Thus far I am getting nowhere, so my next stop is my political guru, Margin d’Error, who predicted that Hillary would win. “You really messed up on that one,” I say by phone as he looks through the glass. He replies, “I was right by almost 3 million votes. I forgot about the Electoral College. You wrote me about Deep State.

It means a shadow government within a government, like they have in Pakistan where the military and the secret police actually run the

Lynn Ashby Columnist

country. Egypt and Iran have it, too.” Margin looks furtively around, and continues: “Here in America, there is no such thing, but that doesn’t keep the paranoid alt-rights and kooks from spreading it about, like our Ego-in-Chief. Donald Trump believes we have a Deep State and it’s the former Obama administration. Poor guy, in a world of tuxes, he’s a pair of brown shoes, but there still are those who want to spread false news and prevent people like me from telling the truth. Even here….”

Before I can ask him another question, a guard slaps tape over Margin’s mouth, puts a bag over his head, and hustles him away.

Reading the reliable Breitbart News, I discover the real reason Barack Obama and his family stayed in Washington after his last term expired: His code name is Hacker Backer, and he and his people still control the federal government while posing as Wall Street billionaires. Maybe so, because I noticed, despite the changes in administrations and wholesale firings in the federal government, my mailman is the same person. Wonder if he is reading my Hustler looking for hidden codes?

Later, watching TV, there is Kellyanne Conway explaining that Trump is being sabotaged

by Deep State, holdovers from the Obama administration.

She also claims that the President is above both the law and the Constitution. When the interviewer begs to differ, Conway notes she is simply citing indisputable “alternative facts.”

At 3:30 a.m. I receive a Tweet. “You have been digging into the President’s administration. Who are you really working for? I’ll set you straight, and it’s HUGE! Meet me at the next meeting of the West Wing, aka Paranoids Unanimous, and watch out for the black helicopters. # Tax Dodger.” I show up at the meeting and see a man wearing an orange wig and a spray-on tan. He leads me aside. “You can’t be too careful. Now, let me explain that what some shrinks call ‘extreme narcissism, secretiveness and delusions of mediocrity’ are simply the art of the deal, which I read. First, there really were five million illegal aliens voting in the election to give Hillary the popular vote.

They were disguised as Hillary voters. My inauguration audience was a record 100 million, but Obama’s people

www.leaderprints.com

through a check or by detaching property with values that could generate that revenue. As of today, that amount has been lowered to about $77.5 million due to a reinterpretation by the Commissioner of Education of the way your local homestead exemption is calculated in the finance formula. The amount was also affected by our final property valuation from 2015 and student enrollment numbers. This point is critical because it highlights that the recapture amounts fluctuate and the amount we may be required to send in by check can decrease, but if the property is detached that (rather large) revenue stream is lost forever.

Most of us believe that the finance system as it stands today is broken on multiple levels. First and foremost, your Robin Hood dollars do not increase the overall pot of money distributed to schools - whether paid by the purchase of attendance credits or through

Mayor Turner and leadership

doctored the aerial photographs. As for releasing my federal income tax returns, I will as soon as Deep State lets George Washington release his. And I have no conflict of interests in being both President and a world-wide business mogul. I’m interested in them all.”

I reply, “There are rumors that the Russians were behind your election, they have infiltrated your staff and have information to blackmail you.”

Tax Dodger laughs. “That’s ridiculous, and you can ask the head of Russia. I call him Pootie.”

It’s late at night and I am back in my home, having nothing to show for my work.

There’s a knock at the door. I open it. “Pootie says the mud flaps are made of tangerines.”

I start to slam the door. “Wait.

I have something for you.” He hands me a package. “What is it?” I ask. He replies: “George Washington’s tax returns.”

Ashby is hacked at ashby2@ comcast.net

Dear Editor: One glaring omission of your article on Mayor Turner is his willingness to keep Houston a sanctuary city for illegal immigrants. The Mayor is in fact breaking his Oath of Office which is to abide ALL laws. He doesn’t get the luxury to cherry pick the ones he prefers to obey. And Mayor Turner is endangering the citizens of our City by such action.

And apparently you Mr. McElvy care little for the safety of Houston’s citizens as well. Else why was this omitted? And why hasn’t The Leader taken a position against Illegal Immigration?

When the next Houstonian and respective family members have their lives altered permanently

detachment. Rather, the state lowers the amount it is contributing to the effort to equalize funding for all kids, and places those dollars in the general revenue fund, not for public education. We also know that the weights given for English language learners, low income and at risk children have not been revised in three decades. The system must be fixed to ensure that Texas schoolchildren are receiving appropriate funding for their education.

But, in the meantime, Houston ISD should not willingly give away our largest revenue streams to other districts. As values rise, more property will be detached, and we will be left with homeowners carrying all of the load. Businesses who are at risk of paying a higher tax rate than their neighbor are likely to relocate or not choose us at all. Please vote YES! To purchase attendance credits on May 6.

by the actions of an illegal immigrant, enjoy the reflection in the mirror.

Bill Green

A hiring firm couldn’t have found a better leader

Dear Editor: A minor point of clarification. Your vote tally may have omitted the Fort Bend County portion of Houston, which voted heavily for Turner.

Turner won the election by around 4,000 votes, not a few hundred.

Noah M. Horwitz Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

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

© Copyright 2017 McElvy Media LLC

Frank Vasquez

Associate Publisher frank@theleadernews.com

News Deadline: Noon on Tuesdays Classified Word Ad Deadline: 5 p.m. Tuesday Retail Ad Deadline: Noon on Tuesdays

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. Not him 4. Discrimination against older people 10. A team’s best pitcher 11. Hard aromatic seed of an East Indian tree 12. San Francisco 14. Superhigh frequency 15. Not fat 16. A movable indicator on a computer 18. Endings 22. Rapper Iggy 23. Environmental kind 24. Agent of downfall 26. Spanish be 27. Rocky Mountain herb 28. __ and void 30. Uprising 31. Automatic teller machine 34. European country 36. No seats available 37. Make sense of a language

39. Sea eagle 40. One of Thor’s names 41. Public relations 42. Chitchat 48. Metal alloys made of copper and zinc 50. Explain 51. Canned fish 52. Of the nervous system 53. Surrounded by 54. Adam’s wife 55. Thallium 56. Called 58. Monetary unit 59. If not 60. Very fast airplane

dOwn

1. Bother 2. Sounds caused by reflections 3. Abstains from 4. Article 5. Intuition 6. Ideas of right and wrong 7. Group of chemicals 8. Elected official

9. Magnesium 12. Inspect 13. Initiates function (military) 17. Los Angeles footballer 19. Decomposition of a cell 20. Spartan Magistrate 21. Treaty organization 25. Supplants 29. The common gibbon 31. Members of a Semitic people 32. Small tropical fish 33. Of the cheek 35. Closeness 38. Consider to be unworthy 41. Of the penis 43. Plural form of beef 44. Able to speak or write a language 45. Body part 46. Information 47. Communicate information 49. Nabran village 56. Of (French) 57. Darmstadtium

WORD SCRAMBLE

May the gifts of God’s love and sacrifice fill you with joy and gratitude as we celebrate this holy season.

St. James Lutheran Church

OBSERVE HOLY WEEK & EASTER AT ST. ANDREW’S

SHARING THE LOVE OF JESUS IN A MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

Maundy Thursday April 13 • Holy Eucharist 7:00 pm

Easter and Good Friday April 14 Sunday, April 5 at 8:30 AM &of10:30 AM • Stations the Cross 11:00 am Holy Week • Liturgy Noon Worship Schedule

• The Good Friday Project 7:00 pm

We Welcome Everybody

easTer day

April 13 Maundy Thursday

7:00 P.M. – Bilingual Worship Service

April 14 Good Friday

Thursday, April 13 • 6:30 pm Holy Communion Friday, April 14 • 12 Noon - 3:00 pm Stations of the Cross Saturday, April 15 • 6:30 pm Easter Vigil Sunday, April 16 • 8:15 am & 10:30 am Easter - Holy Communion

211 Byrne • www.holytrinityrec.org

Gethsemane Lutheran Church

12 Noon – Bilingual Worship Service

April 16 Easter Sunday

10:00 A.M. – Worship Service in English 12:30 P.M. – Misa en español Worship Service in Spanish 1602 W 43rd St. • Houston, TX 77018 Phone: 713-686-1577

April 16 • Great Vigil Sunrise Service 6:00 am • Holy Eucharist, Rite I 8:30 am • Celebration Brunch 9:30 am • Holy Eucharist, Rite II 10:30 am • Easter Egg Hunt Noon • Rhythms of Grace Service 2:00 pm

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 1819 Heights Boulevard | saecheights.org

Fairbanks United Methodist Church

4040 Watonga | 713-688-5227 Rev. John Cain, Pastor

invites all to Easter worship

Maundy Thursday, April 13 7:00 pm Service with Living Last Supper

Good Friday, April 14 7:00 pm Service

Easter Sunday, April 16 7:00 am Sunrise Service with Communion 9:15 am Children’s Celebration 10:00 am Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 am Service with communion www.gethsemanelutheran.org www.gethsemanelutheran.org

Maundy Thursday The Living Last Supper April 13 at 6:30 p.m.

April 9: Palm Sunday Worship * 10:50 AM Contemporary Worship * (Spanish) 11 AM Catered Lunch 12:30 PM Easter Egg Hunt / Scavenger Hunt April 10-13: Prayer Walk Fellowship Hall 11 AM - 7 PM April 13: Maundy Thursday Service * 7 PM April 14: Good Friday Service (Spanish) 7 PM April 16: Easter Sunday Contemporary Worship* 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:30 AM Worship* 10:50 AM Contemporary Worship* (Spanish) 11 AM * Nursery provided for services

Rev. Deanna M. Young, Senior Pastor 14210 Aston Street, Houston, TX 77040 713-462-3206 www.fairbanksumc.org

Easter Celebration Saturday, April 15th @ 10:00 a.m.

• Fun Activities • Games w/Prizes • Refreshments

Easter Egg Hunt

- over 4000 eggs A Visit by the Easter Bunny!

Easter Sunday

Worship - 8:00 AM The Living Last Supper is a dramatic portrayal of the Last Supper. We will hear from each of the disciples and follow what may have been their thoughts during their celebration of the Passover and the institution of Holy Communion.

Trinity Lutheran Church 800 Houston Avenue, Houston, TX 77007 www.trinitydt.org - 713-224-0684

Celebrate Easter at

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church Easter Egg Hunt April 8

10:00 AM @ T.C. Jester Park

Palm Sunday Services April 9 8:30 & 11:00 AM

Maundy Thursday Communion

April 13 7:00 PM

Good Friday Service April 14 7:00 PM

Easter Sunday Services

April 16 7:00, 8:30 & 11:00 AM

Community Welcome!

1440 Cortlandt St. Houston, TX 77008 • 713-864-2651

Nursery is available for children 4 and under at all services

2003 West 43rd • 713-686-8241 Between West T. C. Jester and Rosslyn

www.stsumc .org

Page 6A • Saturday, April 8, 2017

Neighbors: Jardine making the commute to work by bicycle

By Elizabeth Villareal elizasgarden@outlook.com

Billie Whitefield, native Houstonian and longtime Oak Forest resident, passed away on April 1, after 95 years of a very full and blessed life. She and her husband, Don, will be remembered as dynamic members of our community.

They started a manufacturing business, Whitefield Plastics, which is now in its 55th year and has been run by their son Bill since 1981. Both Billie and Don were active in the Oak Forest Civic Club, and Billie was the Election Judge and Precinct Chair for Precinct 448 for over 50 years. She was very involved in St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church and had been a member for several decades. She left this world surrounded by family, holding her hands and wishing her godspeed as she moved on to join her loved ones that have gone before her. A celebration of her life will be held later this week. Billie will be missed by many.

The Shepherd Forest Civic Club will be holding their Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny visit at 10 a.m. this Saturday, April 8. The event will be held at Stonecrest Park located on East T.C. Jester between West 34th and Loop 610. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to greet everyone and for photo opportunities, and an activity will be provided for the children. For more information or to sign up your child, please visit the Shepherd Forest Facebook Page or visit www.shepherdforest.org.

All children are welcome.

Serving more than 100 families, MANNA took its Community Food Fair out into the community! Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Alliance (MANNA) hosted its First Annual “Crawfish for a Cause� Community Fair to promote healthy living and an active lifestyle, and to spread awareness about the 28 year old organization’s free programs and services.

Free fruits and vegetables, children’s books and discount haircut vouchers were given to eligible individuals prior to the main event. Everyone enjoyed games, music, a bounce house, laser tag, group activities and delicious food.

MANNA and the volunteers who planned this event send a huge shout of thanks out to everyone who came to support families in need. Some of the volunteers involved in planning were Patricia Dornak, Naro M., Kimberly Hatter, Chuck Coon, Justin Gordon and Stephanie Koteras. A special shout out to volunteers Tom Dornak, Ann Watkins, Kristen Wells, Nikki Hughes, Jennifer Lopez, Summer Wainman, Lauren Mitchell, Carol Tosh, Becky Blanchard, Chloe Reagor, Adam Dell, Summer Lynn, Jennifer Young, Margaret Brewer, David Baskett, Ashley Leathers, Austin Dupont, Summer Lynn, Elaine Gentry, Mike Jones, Mickey Hummel, Margo Alexy and Doug Branch.

Vendors who helped make this event happen either as sponsors, workers or donations of food and materials are: Burns Original BBQ, Hartz Chicken on Pinemont, Adis Sweet Treats, and Spaghetti Western, LoCo Mosquito, The Watkins Group, Lularoe, Kiss’d by Kitty, Lone Star College, Now We No Campaign, African American News and Issues, Harris Co. Dispute Resolution Center, Nu Image Barber Shop, and Craig and Angela Pennington who provided the music.

MANNA was able to provide fresh fruit and produce to more than 100 families in need at the event and many of the families had never been served by MANNA before. At the event for a $10 donation folks enjoyed delicious crawfish and food from vendors including Burns Original BBQ and Hartz Krispy Chicken on Pinemont. Sincere thanks to neighbor Robert Hayes who saved the day with his amazing crawfish. Hayes jumped in at the last minute when the original sponsor of the crawfish pulled out of the event, and with no notice, found 100 lbs. of fresh, wiggly crawfish and cooked them up himself for the crowd. It was reportedly the best crawfish anyone has ever tasted this side of the Red River. Neighbors, you all

made a difference!

It’s a fact that many of us commute to other parts of the city every day and spend a great deal of time on the road, stuck in traffic. Have you ever wished you could ride a bike off the streets, away from traffic, and still make it to work safely while enjoying some exercise and cool breezes?

One of our neighbors, Chris Jardine, is excited to share that he’s recently achieved a long time goal: he’s commuting to work without a car part time. Jardine says that with the new bike trails, it is now possible to commute the 13 miles to Downtown Houston by bicycle, and he’s been cycling to and from work two days a week for the past two months from Oak Forest. “It’s a very safe route. Once I get myself to T.C. Jester, I only have two blocks Downtown where I have to ride in the street,� Jardine explains. “The rest of the ride is a dedicated trail along White Oak Bayou, called the White Oak Hike and Bike Trail, and it takes me about 1 hour each way. A huge perk is that I can eat whatever I want on those days, as it burns 1,000 calories round trip!�

The only caveat is that you’ll need a shower at each end of your ride, as well as some lights to brighten up your morning commute. No fancy road bike is needed; a hybrid or a mountain bike with thin tires works just fine.

Jardine shared, “You’ll pass by a couple of shopping centers with the Sprouts shopping center about midway and the easiest place for a quick drink or emergency bathroom stop. Where the White Oak Hike and Bike Trail meets the Heights Hike and Bike Trail near Studemont, there is a bike shop called Blue Line Labs which is a good place for an emergency repair.� He uses bike panniers, which are bags fastened onto the back of his bike, to carry all of his work clothes and lunch.

Use Google Maps to find all the cycling trails in Houston,

and while the maps are still missing a portion of the new part of the White Oak Hike and Bike Trail, the rest of the trails are there. Go into Google Maps and click on the Settings bar where there is a button for “Cycling.� Every dedicated trail in Houston will pop up as a dark green line.

The rest of the ride Downtown is simple. Jardine’s wife, Alex, was understandably a little apprehensive when he began commuting on the bike trails, but he took her Downtown to show her how easy and safe the route is. “You don’t really interact with cars until you actually get into Downtown,� states Jardine.

Once the Buffalo Bayou Trail and the White Oak Hike and Bike Trail are connected through UH Downtown, the commute will be even better.

Construction has begun on the project and it will make the connection much easier than biking through UHD’s parking lot. At some point the Heights Hike and Bike Trail will be connected to the White Oak Hike and Bike Trail at the intersection of Studemont and White Oak. The project is awaiting approval from the Army Corps of Engineers to build a bridge inside the Bayou to connect the two. That will allow riders to bypass the Target shopping center area on Sawyer St., just south of I-10 at Taylor St., which Jardine finds somewhat dangerous as you must take the trail through a parking lot and cross quite a few empty, small side streets, spots where not every driver pays attention. With those two projects complete, a nearly seamless trail to Downtown will be created on which one will only cross T.C. Jester, 43rd St., 34th St. and Ella Blvd. on the way Downtown.

Jardine hopes that by sharing his experience, others will be inspired to give commuting or a family bike adventure on the weekend a try.

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Introducing The Leader’s inaugural

In the lead up to Mother’s Day, The LeaDer wants to honor the working women, both at home and at our businesses, while supporting a local charity that helps the homeless mothers in our community.

What we have scheduled

About this Section/Event Every ad purchased in this edition receives Ç&#x2122; -JINFCABN I@ NB? QIG?H QBI B?FJ LOH SIOL <OMCH?MM Ç&#x2122; )H? HIGCH;NCIH @IL 1IG;H &?;>?L I@ NB? 3?;L 3IO MOJJFS ;

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Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, will pay special focus on women in our community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; those who run our businesses and those who run our homes. The publication will include short stories about all the nominees for our Woman Leader of the Year recipient.

ČŠ 0D\ The LeaDer will host a

special luncheon for all the nominees for Woman Leader of the Year and hear from Michol ecklund, deputy general counsel of Marathon Oil. The Woman of the Year recipient will be announced in this publication.

The Luncheon will be a closed event held at:

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About our Luncheon Speaker Michol Ecklund CM ?JONS !?H?L;F IOHM?F Dz )J?L;NCIHM -?LPC=?M Ë ILJIL;N? IGGOHC=;NCIHM ;N ';L;NBIH )CF IGJ;HSĚ´ ; AFI<;F ?H?LAS =IGJ;HS JLI>O=CHA

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Saturday, April 8, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7A

The calendar.

DAY OF SERENITY The Forum at Memorial Woods Live well, stress less! The Forum at Memorial Woods, 777 N. Post Oak Rd., will hold a Day of Serenity, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 6.

Guest speakers featured are Robert Landau, who will discuss how to manage stress; and Simone Oliver, who will lead a meditation. A spa cuisine healthy lunch will be served. RSVP to 713-9560870 or email ecollins @5ssl.com.

EASTER EGG HUNT Shepherd Forest Civic Club The Shepherd Forest Civic Club will be holding their Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny visit 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8. The event will be held at Stonecrest Park located on East T.C. Jester between West 34th and Loop 610. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to greet everyone and for photo opportunities, and an activity will be provided for the children. All children are welcome. For information or to sign up your child, please visit the Shepherd Forest Facebook Page or visit www.shepherdforest.org.

CALL FOR DONATIONS Houston Crush Baseball/ Houston Eagles Independent Houston Crush Baseball and Houston Eagles Independent are doing a service project on April 15 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Independence Heights Baseball Field, 501 E. 35th St. Proceeds will ben-

efit HCB and the Independence Heights Redevelopment District.

The Crushers will be selling water at 610 and Ella on April 8 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to begin their drive to get to the World Series this summer. Acceptable donation items are clothing, small appliances, computers, sports equipment, decorations, bedding, books, cds and more. Information: houstoncrushers@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE Katherine Smith Elementary Katherine Smith Elementary School, 4802 Chrystell Ln., will hold a community yard sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. April 8. Information: myoakforest.org.

TOUR THE ART COMPOUND Heights Garden Club Come view the property of prominent artist Dixie Friend Gay, owner of the garden, house and art studios located on an acre of land off a tributary of White Oak Bayou in the Clark Pines neighborhood. The garden is a collection of native and tropical plants intermixed with beautifully placed art and found objects. The event will be at 10 a.m. April 8, at 1901 W. 14th St. Information: www.heightsgardenclub.com.

OFHA GENERAL MEETING The Oak Forest Homeowners Association will hold their general meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. April 10, at the Candlelight Park Com-

munity Center, 1520 Candlelight Ln. The guest speaker will be Heather Cook, Asst. City Attorney, City of Houston Legal Department. The topic of discussion will be deed restrictions. Information: www.myoakforest.org.

WINE AND â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;SAY CHEESE!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Belmont Village Hunters Creek Bring your smile and join us for a wine and â&#x20AC;&#x153;cheeseâ&#x20AC;? networking event at Belmont Village Hunters Creek, 7667 Woodway, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 11.

Photographer Thomas Coffman will be on hand to take professional headshots for a $5 donation in exchange for photos. All proceeds benefit the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association. Reservations are required for photos. To reserve a spot, email Tamara Stroike at tstroike@belmontvillage.com or call 832-993-6949.

EASTER EGG HUNT 50/50 Acorn Golf Bunny on the Green Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 50/50 Acorn Golf April 15. Proceeds will benefit OFHA. Call 832-831-5327 to register.

STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by the American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba Rd., for a delicious steak dinner and entertainment, April 21 (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.

OFHA FAMILY FUN DAY/ CRAWFISH FESTIVAL The OFHA Family Fun Day/Annual Crawfish Festival will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 22, at Fifty Fifty Acorn Golf and is sponsored by Pinch Restaurant. Also available will be hot dogs, sliders, pizza, beer, lemonade and sodas.

Activities include games, rugby clinic, music, bounce house, golf ball launcher, prizes, and silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Patrol Program.

Buy tickets online at www. myoakforest.org/events/2017crawfish-fest.

SPRING FLING 2017 K-9 Angels Rescue K-9 Angels Rescue is excited to host the 2017 Spring Fling event at Cottonwood, 3422 N. Shepherd Dr., from 6-9 p.m. April 26. The proceeds will benefit the K-9 Angels Rescue. There will also be a band, a silent auction and some exciting raffle prizes. To donate or for information, email sherri_sera@hotmail.com or call 713-294-6398.

YARD SALE/DOCUMENT SHREDDING Sinclair Elementary PTO The Sinclair Elementary PTO will hold a yard sale from 8 a.m.-

From the Pews.

All Saints senior program celebrates 30 years All Saints Senior Program, Third Age Learning Center is celebrating its 30 year anniversary with a Spring Party at 10:30 a.m. April 7, in the church parish hall located at 215 E. 10th St. in the Heights.

The Third Age Learning Center will be closed Thursday and Friday, April 13 and April 14 in observance of Holy Thursday and Good Friday. All classes and activities resume on Monday, April 17.

Call 713-248-1277 for information.

Lenten activities at Hope Episcopal Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd St., will hold various Lenten activities leading up to Easter Sunday. The making of palm crosses and dressing of church is 9 a.m. followed by a noon luncheon April 8. Palm Sunday, April 9 will begin with the regular 8 a.m. service and at 10:30 a.m. service with procession. The Seder dinner is 7 p.m. April 12.

Maundy Thursday footwashing is April 13. Good Friday service is 7 p.m. April 14. Great Easter Vigil with Baptisms and Lighting of Paschal Candle is 7 p.m. April 15.

Call 713-681-6422 for information.

Holy Week activities at Oaks Presbyterian Oaks Presbyterian Church will hold Easter week services beginning at 10:30 a.m. April 9, Palm Sunday featuring special music by the Memorial Bell Choir. Maundy Thursday service is April 13, at 7:15 p.m. and will follow with a familystyle dinner at 6:15 p.m. Call to make reservations.

Oaks Presbyterian Church is located at 1576 Chantilly

Ln. Call 713-682-2556 for information.

Musical celebration at Bethel Church UCC Bethel Church United Church of Christ Houston presents â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;That They May All Be One,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a musical celebration of unity combining jazz, classical and Americana music. The concert will be from 2-4 p.m.

April 8. Admission is a donation to Bethelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food pantry.

Bethel Church United Church of Christ Houston is located at 1107 Shepherd Dr. Call 713-861-6670 for information.

Palm Sunday service at St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Children, youth and adults of all ages are welcome to join the Palm Procession on Palm Sunday, April 9, at the beginning of the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. Please arrive a few minutes early.

St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page.

Greater First Baptist Church to hold community revival Independence Heights Greater Houston Baptist Ministers Alliance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rise and Celebrate Resurrection Week Community Revival will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 10-14 at Greater First Baptist Church, 4441 Haygood St. The pastor is Rory L. Thompson, Sr. Call 713-695-7061 for information.

Living Last Supper at Trinity Downtown The Living Last Supper, a dramatic portrayal will be presented at Trinity Lutheran

Church, 800 Houston Ave., at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13.

Hear from each of the disciples and follow their thoughts during celebration of the Passover and the institution of Holy Communion.

Visit www.trinitydt.org or call 832-301-3100 for information.

Easter Bunny coming to St. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Easter Bunny is coming to St. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Saturday, April 15. There will be hunts for different ages, starting with the youngest at 9 a.m.

The Methodist Men and Lydia Circle will be sponsoring a Fish Fry immediately after the egg hunt. Plates are $10. A variety of desserts will be $1.

St. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Easter celebration at Immanuel Lutheran Plan to join Immanuel Lutheran, 306 E. 15th St., for their 7th Annual Easter Celebration. Activities begin at 10 a.m. April 15, and includes an Easter egg hunt of more than 4,000 eggs, games, activities, refreshments and a visit by the Easter Bunny. Easter Sunday morning worship service with Ad # 30111

Communion is 8 a.m. April 16.

Call 713-861-8787 or visit immanuelhouston.com for information.

Annual Ladies Tea at Oak Forest Baptist Oak Forest Baptist Church Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry is hosting its annual Ladies Tea, April 22, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the church. All ladies in the community are welcome. Tickets are now on sale and seating is limited.

Call 713-682-4942 for tickets and information. Oak Forest Baptist Church is located at 1700 W. 43rd St. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Hands of Lentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at Advent Lutheran The inspirational Lenten Season series, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hands of Lent,â&#x20AC;? continues with Wednesday worship services are held at noon and 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday. A light supper will be served from 5:30-7 p.m.

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 Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page.

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noon, April 29. Vendor tables are open to the public and can be purchased for $30 before April 21. After April 21, vendor tables are $35. Thanks to the Timbergrove Manor Civic Association who is offering document shredding for the community five complimentary file box sizes.

Each additional box is $5. No more than seven boxes. Service is provided by ShredTex. Sinclair Elementary is located at 6410 Grovewood. Information: yardsale@sinclairpto.org.

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KNOW Fleas and Cat Scratch Fever Cat Scratch Fever has forever been a mysterious human disease associated with cats. In healthy people it will cause fever, illness and lymph node enlargement. It can be much more serious for people who are immunocompromised.

The actual germ was not isolated and identiď&#x192;&#x17E;ed until the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Only now, emerging research is allowing us to understand how it is transmitted.

Cats are the main (not only) reservoirs. Fleas cause the transmission of the germ through feces. Cats with ď&#x192;&#x;eas can have feces contaminated claws, thus Cat Scratch Fever occurs.

Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends 1. Flea control on cats maintained year round.

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ShinE your light on mE! Chase Baker, D.D.S.

L

ast week we discussed how the month of April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and talked about how your dentist should be making routine oral cancer screenings a part of your regular check-ups. Early detection is a key piece to ensuring the best possible treatment outcomes.

Technology is now making it easier to detect any changes in the oral tissue at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earliest possible stage.

OralID uses a fluorescent light technology which, when viewed by your dentist, can detect abnormal tissues in their inceptive state. It has the ability to detect lesions that may appear completely normal under visible light.

This is an amazing breakthrough in oral cancer screening and could quite possibly save your life.

OralIDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s motto is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shine a Light, Save a Life.â&#x20AC;? This could be exactly what your dentist is doing when they shine their light on you.

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.

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

Peace

T

directory

First FirstChurch Church Heights

Weekly Sunday Services â&#x20AC;˘ Bible Study: 9:15 a.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Morning:10:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Evening: 4:15 p.m.

1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942 Pastor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr. Richard Walters

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH

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

Pastor C. David Harrison 201 E. 9th St. â&#x20AC;˘ 713-861-3102 www.fbcheights.org

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.

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

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he third grace mentioned by Paul as a fruit of the Spirit is peace. Peace can be both internal as well as external; it is possible to be at peace within oneself while all around loom chaos and mayhem, just as it is possible for one to be at peace externally, and even to have a calm outward disposition, while war and strife rage within. Ideally, we should strive to have both internal and external peace, to be at peace with everyone, and to live harmoniously with those around us while being in a tranquil state of mind. Peace with others can only come from good relations and the active goodwill towards all that is characteristic of true Christian love. Peace within ourselves requires that we truly trust in God and believe that He has us safely in His hands, and from knowing that we are doing His will. This last point is crucial. This is, we must love Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s word and heed His commandments to have real peace within ourselves. Those who knowingly do wrong cannot know peace, for they will have a dissonant spirit from knowing what is right but still doing what is wrong. So, we should study Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s word and do the good works that He has set before us as our task. Love God and love one another, and peace will follow.

O that you had hearkened to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea...

R.S.V. Isaiah 48:18

St. James Lutheran Church, ELCA MANNA Sponsor

â&#x20AC;˘ Worship (English)..... 10:00 am - 11:00am â&#x20AC;˘ Learning Hour........... 11:00am - 12:00pm â&#x20AC;˘ Worship (Spanish) .... 12:30 pm - 1:30pm

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Page 8A • Saturday, April 8, 2017

What poisonous household items should pet owners worry about?

Dear Tabby, We are new puppy owners and she’s chewing on things and getting into everything! This makes us nervous about the potential for her to be poisoned by household cleaners, foods and items in the home.

What things should we worry about poisoning our pet?

“Mr. Yuk” in Garden Oaks Dear “Mr. Yuk,” While puppyhood can be full of fun and love, it also holds the potential for real danger to your puppy via household items and habits in your home. According to Dr. Michael Ciepluch, lecturer at Texas A&M College of medicine and biomedical sciences, one frequent source of pet toxicity is exposure to common human foods that are toxic to pets, such as grapes, raisins, onions, and related plants such as chives,

shallots, and garlic. Sugar-free gum, or any other food containing the sweetener xylitol, also can be poisonous. Other worrisome household items include antifreeze and decorative plants such as Sago palm and lilies.

Ciepluch also recommended pet owners to The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website (ASPCA. org) for a list of toxic foods, plants, medications, and other substances. The ASPCA also has as an app that allows pet owners to search toxicities by category for basic information. In the case of an emergency, the ASPCA has a 24-hour Poison Control Hotline that can be reached at 888-4264435.

Though the consequences of smoking were not given much thought in the past, doctors and researchers began identifying a strong association with smoking and certain cancers in humans, causing a wave of concern in recent generations. In addition to harming humans, secondhand smoke can contribute to the development of many diseases in pets.

“Inhaled irritants—such as cigarette smoke, aerosol sprays, and perfumes—can contribute to the

development of chronic bronchial disease in pets,” Ciepluch said.

“This disease is similar to asthma and requires lifelong medication.

Cigarette smoke also contains carcinogens, substances that can cause cancer.”

Additionally, Ciepluch said recent veterinary studies have identified a higher risk of certain cancers in pets living in smoking households compared to nonsmoking households. Nicotine exposure in pets also has become more prevalent with the growth in popularity of E-cigarettes and vaping.

“Bottom line: don’t expose your pet to secondhand smoke,” Ciepluch said. Alcoholic beverages can also cause health concerns for pets. It is best to keep alcoholic beverages out of your animal’s reach. “Clinical signs of alcohol toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death,” Ciepluch said.

Healthy Pets Healthy Streets: Have you or a neighbor been putting off that dreaded task of getting the neighborhood cats spayed or neutered? If so, mark your calendar for Saturday, April

The Leader Readers’ Choice Winner • Day Care/Boarding • Animal Hospital

22 and plan to be at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Houston, Texas 77022 at 6:30 a.m. to take part in a FREE spay/neuter service! Go to: www.houstonbarc. com, fixhouston@friendsforlife. org or call 713-422-2251 for more info on this incredible opportunity!

Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com

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Saturday, April 8, 2017 • Page 9A

Entertainment

Calendar

Neighborhood Picnic

7 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Saturday, April 8 Dan Electro’s - 1031 E 24th St.

Dan Electro’s will be hosting a neighborhood picnic Saturday, April 8. There will be free hot dogs and the musical stylings of Human Jukebox Dano Lee. No cover!

Spring Artisan Market benefiting Animal Justice League

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 8 St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church of Houston – 2003 W. 43rd St. Mark your calendars and come for a little shopping outside at the 2017 Spring Artisan Market benefiting Animal Justice League!

There will be vendors, food trucks and fun.

Presidio Crawfish Boil

12 – 9 p.m.

Sunday, April 9 Presidio – 911 W. 11th St.

Join for a Presidio Crawfish Boil. Crawfish will be $7/pound or $20 for 3 pounds. There will also be a crawfish peeling contest and live music.

Music lineup: Jeremy O’Bannon Will Van Horn Trio Geoffrey’s Electric Banjo Band Bizcash (playing Top 40 hits -- Zydeco Style)

Bank of America Screen on the Green: Moana 8:15 – 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 8 Discovery Green – 1500 McKinney St.

Enjoy a FREE screening of Moana under the stars and Houston’s skyline. Movie start time is 8:15 p.m. The Polynesian Princess will be on-site to take photos from 6:15-8:15 p.m. Movies will be oriented towards the hill. Picnics, pets, blankets and chairs welcome on the hill. Food, beer and wine are available at the lake house. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages.

A buzzing season begins for Bee2bee Honey Collective N

icole Buergers has an to your backyard entrepreneur spirit. to install the hives, This time last year, she install the bees and started an Indiegogo camstart right away paign to fund her business on lessons. We go idea and it was a success. through the process Today, she’s growing her of having your first beekeeping business in the hive or hives – I’d neighborhood and beyond. rather them have You might recognize two because it’s Buergers. When she’s not better to start that educating neighbors on beeway. There is a lot keeping, you can find her at of information out Houston Dairymaids where there, a lot of difshe’s been a cheesemonger ferent philosophies for nearly six years. on beekeeping “We launched on Indi– I’m really open gogo on March 17, 2016,” minded.”

Buergers said. “We raised Bee2Bee Honey Collective founder Nicole Once Buergers $13,550, so that’s how I Buergers with her Heights hive at the Houston helps establish a started my company. I had Dairymaids (photo by Christina Martinez). hive, then comes been in internet marketing the sweet harvest. someone is new to beekeepfor about a decade and was ing, and doesn’t know where As the beekeeper, Buergers tired of sitting behind a desk to start or they want someone harvests the honey - a job all day. I really wanted to do to hold their hand through the she says needs special tools something on my own, so I process, she’s there to provide and is sticky in every way started my own business.” she takes a percentage of the bee mentorship.

Buergers specializes in “It’s really intimidating at honey to sell on her website, creating new beekeepers. If first,” she said. “I will come Bee2beehoney.com.

There’s good chance (I’d say 100%) that while you are reading this there is an Art Car related event going on. Thursday morning is the Main Street Drag when eight caravans visit 32 schools, hospitals and community centers, seeing more than 30,000 people.

Then Thursday evening is a free preview event at Discovery Green, Friday evening is the famous Art Car Ball (ticketed), Saturday is the parade, and Sunday there is an awards ceremony and

creating paintings with glass.

They are amazing and colorful.

Getting into a show like The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is sometimes about patience and luck.

Cherrington was fifth on the waitlist in her category when she got the acceptance letter.

“Being accepted, even off the waitlist, makes me feel that my art really is good,” Cherrington said. “I’ve been juried into many other shows, but not of this caliber.”

12 - 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 8 Revolver Bourbon Social - 6502 Washington Ave.

SatKartar Khalsa talks about his wood art, he’ll be at The Market at Sawyer Yards Saturday, April 8.

Como La Flor a tribute to Selena

7 - 11 p.m.

Saturday, April 8 The Continental Club - 3700 Main St. Join to celebrate the life and music of “The Queen of Tejano music”, Selena Quintanilla.

Enjoy live music from: -Selena Tribute Band featuring Christal Robles performing as Selena -Johnny & The Heartbreakers -DJ Simmerdown from Tejas got Soul (catch him Saturdays on KPFT’s Gus Garza show.

There will be Selena inspired artwork by Team Romel Studios, 1 Stop Shop and a Selena look alike contest with prizes from our sponsor Texas Flooring & Renovations. Purchase Tickets at www. soalz.com

Second Saturday at Spring Street Studios 2 - 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 8 Spring Street Studios - 1824 Spring St.

On the second Saturday of each month, the artists of Sawyer Yards (The Silos, Silver Street, Spring Street and Winter Street Studios) open their studios to the public. Spend the afternoon wandering through four repurposed warehouses and discover an extensive selection of painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clothing, textiles, printmaking, mixed media and more. It’s a laid back way to meet some talented artists, explore the Washington Avenue Arts District, and maybe find a treasure or two!

The event is free.

Managing Editor

“The beekeepers themselves can sell their honey, do their own branding, marketing, and if they need help with that I’m there for them,” she said.

The first week of April kicks off bee season, and Buergers is growing with the season expanding from 18 hives to 32 hives to start this year. She has hives in the Heights, Garden Oaks, Clear Lake Shores and more. Eventually, Buergers said Bee2bee will have honey by neighborhood to purchase. So if you’re looking for that local honey, you can expect Heights and Garden Oaks honey for sale coming soon.

To differentiate herself

from other beekeepers out there, Buergers’ honey incorporates infusions - her lavender honey being a staple.

She also does a honey of the month. In March, the honey of the month was turmeric honey. For April, vanilla honey is the feature.

I asked Buergers the best way to enjoy honey, and her immediate answer was simply “on a spoon,” though she highly recommends trying it on goat cheese or a fresh cheese, or using it as a natural sweetener.

When it comes to supporting the bees, Buergers said the best way to get involved is to buy honey from a local beekeeper you know and trust. For immediate bee support, put out a water supply that has texture - something they can land on.

Email christina@theleadernews.com

Art Valet: weekend plans made easy ginger

Mutts and Mimosas

Enjoy mimosas and supporting charity? This event is for you.

Come join Kelly Simon Properties for a day of fun in the sun surrounding your pups. Mutts and Mimosas is excited to drink mimosas and other select drinks while raising money for Rescued Pets Movement!

Revolver Bourbon Social will be donating a percentage of every event drink sold on April 8. The event drinks include mimosas, bloody marys, Bud Light and Miller Light.

There will also be local dog vendors and rescues with dogs looking for their forever home.

Don’t forget to bring your pups!

Christina Martinez

Cindy Cherrington has been accepted into The Woodlands Waterway Art Festival this weekend. Featured art is titled This is Texas.

brunch at Smither Park, 2402 Munger St. Cheech Marin is the Grand Marshall. YES, that Cheech.

The Orange Show for Visionary Art really knows how to put on a show, that everyone can see. Campout on the parade route or go first class in a VIP area. Tickets for the ball and VIP area, plus routes, address and a whole lot more are on the website: thehoustonartcarparade.com.

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is this weekend Friday through Sunday. This festival juries from a national selection of fine artists and is another “milestone” event for our local artists to get into.

Cindy Cherrington, a glass artist, was one of the first artists to attend my show from the beginning. It’s amazing to see someone and their art only once in a while, it’s comparable to watching home movies on high speed when the kids grow up in minutes.

Cherrington’s art has definitely evolved over the years and currently, her focus is

Does being accepted into juried shows change how you create and present your work?

“It wasn’t until I took an online course with a gallery owner that actually took me to the more professional level,” Cherrington said. “He talked about consistency, style, subject and presentation just to mention a few. Since the course, I’ve gotten into higher end shows. If you want people to take your art seriously, you have to take it seriously and treat it as a business.”

What is the best thing about attending a show like Waterway?

“Waterway is a great show. It has many out of state artists as well as local artists. It is laid out with good flow. It’s a big show, but not so big that you walk for miles trying to see over 300 artists. The parking is close by. Drink stands are all along the waterway as well as in the

Mitch Cohen Art Columnist

larger tent areas.”

Cherrington is in booth #317, right on the Waterway.

Tell her hi for me.

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is located at The Woodlands Town Center Including Town Green Park, Along the Waterway from the Marriott to Grogan’s Mill Road. Entrances are located next to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2099 Lake Robbins Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77380. thewoodlandsartscouncil.org Now for some horn tooting! Saturday is The Market at Sawyer Yards and coinciding with the Second Saturday Open Studios. Because of the rainout last month, I invited all the artists back and we’ve doubled in size, approaching 40 exhibitors.

One new exhibitor is SatKartar Khalsa, a carpenter by trade and wood artist at all other times. I recall Khalsa many years ago arriving first for the Art Car Parade and assembling his bed with metal frame and canopy on the esplanade on Allen Parkway.

Then he would go home and retrieve his wife, so that she could watch the parade with everyone else, albeit, with a bit more comfort.

I’ve got a full roster with amazing photos from these talented artisans on the website, SawyerStreetMarket. com. We’re open 11 - 5 p.m. and located along the mural wall beside the Silos at Sawyer Yards, 1502 Sawyer St. See you there!

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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