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Autism Awareness Month As April marks Autism Awareness Month, The Leader profiles the journey of the Madrid family in Garden Oaks who are dealing with their sons’ autism diagnosis. Turn to this month’s Our Health for more about the family and the importance of education when it comes to issues facing those on the autism spectrum.

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Things might have been tense for 9-year-old Stephen Hernandez when he completed his first drive Sunday at the 2016 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship at hallowed Augusta National. The youngster sent his first drive out of bounds for zero points initially. “I was watching him closely,” Stephen’s father, Robert Hernandez, said. “He took his time for his second drive and I could tell he made the adjustments he needed to make.” Calm and collected, Stephen patiently walked up and hit his second drive. The 9-year-old golfer sent the drive 187 down the fairway. Robert Hernandez said the crowd went crazy. “At that moment I knew he had his confidence,” Hernandez said. That confidence paid off with Stephen finishing above all other boys in his age group, winning the championship for the 7-9 year old group. The major win comes after wins at local and regional tournaments, culminating with a trip to Augusta National Golf Club. The youngster traveled with his immediate family, including his father, mother and sisters. From the beginning, Hernandez told his son to not worry about any pressure.

Contributed Photo Eileen Montgomery (kneeling) has had a storied career at Houston High School for the Performing Arts.

“I told him that regardless of what he did to just have fun,” Hernandez said. “If anyone was nervous there, it was me. I didn’t sleep a wink but he slept well and was so pumped up.” In the chipping portion, Stephen chipped just over 4 feet away from the hole. The next closest boy was 8 feet away. In the putting portion, he knocked his first putt within 2 feet and the next one within 5 feet. Hernandez said Stephen didn’t realize he won at first and See Golf P. 3A

Find it on 1B

SPX Softball off to strong start It’s an exciting time for St Pius X High School softball, as the team continues its strong start under rookie head coach Armando Tello. Check out how the Panthers are coming out on top in this week’s Sports section.

Contributed Photos (Top) Robert Hernandez lifts his son up in victory after 9-year-old Stephen Hernandez claimed victory in his age group at the 2016 Drive, Chip & Putt Championship in Augusta, GA. (Bottom) Stephen, seated second from the left in the orange shirt, said the event was “awesome” and got to meet with major names in golfing. He says he will keep on playing golf and that the hard work for him “ never ends.”

Find it on 7B

Heights HSVPA teacher bids farewell with retirement By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader In the early 1980s, Heights resident Eileen Montgomery started teaching visual arts part-time at Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Montrose. Here, Montgomery soon discovered a love – one might even say, a gift – for teaching that has had an impact on hundreds of the most talented youth in Houston. Still, it’s Montgomery who remains “grateful for the experience.” According to the HSPVA’s mission statement, the school exists “because the arts are a central and vital component of the human experience.” Unlike any other school in the Houston Independent School District, HSPVA is dedicated to educating artistically talented students in multiple artistic disciplines while maintaining an equal focus on academics. Soon after Montgomery joined the staff, she added a full-time teaching load to her schedule. Then she was awarded the position of chairperson of the Visual Arts Department where she remains until the end of this school year, when she will retire. “Eileen Montgomery is an amazing See Teacher P. 2A

FIND IT. MEDIA/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (PART-TIME): Fairbanks UMC in Northwest Houston is seeking a part-time (20 hours per week) Media/Administrative Assistant. This person will prepare video and print media presentations for worship, marketing materials for ministries and events, electronic newsletters, maintain church database, website and social media accounts. Strong computer/webmaster skills and experience with Publisher and Pro Presenter necessary. Send resume to: revyoungdm@ fairbanksumc.org. No zip files, please.

The INDEX.

Speed cushions coming to Rice Military area By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

Contributed Photo HISD administrators and community members officially broke ground on the new Booker T. Washington High School campus Tuesday morning.

Booker T. Washington High School breaks ground on new building For The Leader

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Booker T. Washington High School celebrated a big milestone Tuesday morning with a festive groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on a new $51.7 million campus. More than 100 parents, students, staff, alumni, and community members attended the event and were joined by HISD Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, State Sen. John Whitmire and Houston City Councilwoman Karla Cisneros. “This is a wonderful occasion and the beginning of amazing things to come for these students and the community,” Skillern-Jones said. “This neighborhood has a rich history. I

think the new building will be a great addition and hopefully attract kids back to their neighborhood school.” As part of HISD’s $1.89 billion bond program approved by voters in 2012, Washington will receive a new 180,000square-foot building that will accommodate up to 1,300 students. The building will showcase the school’s engineering program with 21st century technology, specialized engineering and science labs, and flexible learning spaces to support project-based learning and encourage collaboration. “The new building embraces the engineering program that the school has had for many years,” said architect Jim See School P. 3A

Rice Military may soon be joining other communities in The Leader area in regards to certain traffic mitigation elements, as an upcoming community meeting will address proposed locations for a number of speed cushions that would be spread out throughout the community. Representatives with Public Works & Engineering will be meeting with the Rice Military Civic Club and community members 7 p.m. May 2 at DePelchin Children’s Center. The city completed a traffic study for the area after repeated calls for traffic calming devices in the area were made by concerned residents. The potential cushions come on the heels of a recent change to the traffic process that was completed in See Cushions P. 2A

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Assault 3:30 PM 1500-1599 ASHLAND Theft 11:33 AM 2100-2199 LAWRENCE Theft 7:14 AM 100-199 E 32ND Theft 5:50 AM 1200-1299 W 24TH Theft 2:05 PM 400-499 S HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 1 AM 500-599 24TH Burglary 9:03 AM 1200-1299 ASHLAND Theft 5:17 AM 3000-3099 YALE Theft 6:30 AM 800-899 25TH Burglary 4:39 AM 800-899 KERN Theft 5:40 AM 500-599 T C JESTER Theft 4:06 PM 1800-1899 SHEPHERD Theft 11:08 AM 1500-1599 N LOOP W Assault 2:45 AM 3800-3899 SHERWOOD Theft 8:21 AM 2400-2499 MANGUM Theft 1 PM 1000-1099 HIGHLAND Theft 2:30 PM 5500-5599 DARLING Theft 10:20 AM 10800-10899

NORTHWEST FWY Theft 12:04 PM 4800-4899 WASHINGTON

MARCH 27

Theft 8:30 AM 4100-4199 N SHEPHERD Theft 7:31 AM 9700-9799 HEMPSTEAD Theft 5:30 PM 1300-1399 WAVERLY Burglary 4 AM 4500-4599 RANDWICK

MARCH 28

Theft 11:53 AM 100-199 W 20TH Theft 7:44 AM 1100-1199 E 23RD Theft 3 PM 600-699 ARLINGTON Theft 3:31 AM 4000-4099 N SHEPHERD Robbery 8:30 AM 1100-1199 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 6:14 AM 1500-1599 N LOOP W Theft 4:15 PM 1200-1299 THOMPSON Theft 1:30 AM 1700-1799 W 34TH Theft 8:45 AM 4800-4899 W

Saturday, April 9, 2016 • Page 2A

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Theft 6:30 PM 5500-5599 CORNISH Theft 5:25 PM 3800-3899 CENTER Theft 1 PM 4800-4899 YALE Theft 6:04 AM 1900-1999 SHEARN Theft 7:58 PM 2300-2399 W 18TH Theft 6:29 PM 4700-4799 SHERWOOD

RENCE Theft 10:30 AM 4000-4099 N SHEPHERD Theft 3:30 PM 3200-3299 WHITE OAK Theft 4:54 PM 2900-2999 WHITE OAK Assault 10:25 AM 1500-1599 W 21ST Theft 4:47 AM 1300-1399 CROSSTIMBERS

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Theft 12:30 PM 1300-1399 IDYLWILD Theft 4:30 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 8:46 AM 0-99 E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 4:30 PM 3900-3999 WASHINGTON Theft 2:30 PM 2700-2799 WHITE OAK Theft 4 PM 4600-4699 ELI Theft 4:30 PM 200-299 T C JESTER Theft 7:08 AM 4000-4099 WATONGA Burglary 3 PM 4500-4599 W 43RD Theft 8:54 AM 900-999 N LOOP W Theft 5:52 PM 800-899 LAW-

Precinct One arrests pair of alleged solicitors for trespassing By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Officers with the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office made two separate arrests for trespassing this week after two men allegedly refused to leave properties in the Garden Oaks area after attempting to sell magazine subscriptions. James Love and Michael Carruthers were both arrested and charged with criminal trespassing, according to police. Deputies first detained

Love March 29 after he allegedly refused to leave a property in the 800 block of West 43rd Street and acted belligerently while soliciting subscriptions. The homeowner called authorities and told deputies he pointed a gun to get Love to leave. Deputies found Love several blocks away and took him into custody. Several days later, officials arrested Carruthers March 31 after an incident in the 900 block of Sue Barnett Street. According to the

report, the resident at the home said Carruthers allegedly grew angry and grabbed the person’s cat. He left the scene after the woman said she threatened to call police. Deputies found Carruthers on Garden Oaks Boulevard and arrested him. Precinct One chief J.C. Mosier said the arrests were unusual, given the steady volume of calls for solicitors in neighborhoods like Garden Oaks and Oak Forest. The aggressiveness of such solicitors is something that only

Waltrip construction ‘progressing well’ By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Drivers on 34th Street have no doubt noticed that construction at Waltrip High School is on an upswing. According to HISD’s General Manager of Bond Communications Sylvia Wood, it is the demolition of the girl’s locker room that is visible along the road. The 34th Street sidewalks are currently closed off while workers boar under the street to lay new water lines. “The project is progressing well,” said Wood. “By the start of the new school year, the new main entry including new circle drive, parent dropoff and front parking lot, along with the new band hall, first and second story classrooms, administration area, and renovated career/technical edu-

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Jan Clark, J.D. Photo by Betsy Denson The demolition is in full swing at Waltrip High School.

cation space will be open for use.” Wood says that work will continue on finishing out the new third story classrooms, as well as the renovation/expansion of the second gymnasium and the girl’s locker room. These areas are expected to be complete mid-way through the school year, sometime in the first quarter of 2017. As part of the 2012 bond

package, Houston voters approved a partial building replacement and general renovations to accommodate 1,800 to 2,000 students. There was outstanding work to be completed from the 2007 bond program and those projects were incorporated into the plans for the 2012 bond program. For project updates, see http://www.houstonisd.org/ Page/72071.

Officials say that the cushions cost up to about $5,000 each. Civic club president Andrea DeBaldo said the proposal is a step in the right direction given the city’s recent financial strain but still wished it could have gone further. “Stop signs are not usually used to slow drivers down according to [the city’s] own documents and it appears where there are no stop signs are where they put some of the cushions,” DeBaldo said. According to the proposal

map, of the 24 potential speed cushions, only about 7 are placed along roads East to West, which DeBaldo said has created some concern among residents who feel the problem is more concentrated North to South. “We know the city has a lot of these neighborhoods asking for similar things so we’re looking forward to having an open forum,” DeBaldo said.

Teacher from P. 1A educator and artist,” said Dr. Scott Allen, Principal of HSPVA. “She has touched the lives of many students during her teaching career and I am sad to see her leave. I admire Eileen’s wisdom, drive, and determination and we will all miss her next year. She is a jewel and a treasure.” Many teachers in Houston are remarkable. Still, Montgomery has navigated the challenging terrain of teenagers and art as “a human experience” with particular grace and impact. What motivates her? “It’s amazing to watch the kids develop,” Montgomery said. “They come in as eighth graders and you’re never sure what path they will take. It’s wonderful to watch them learn and grow; to follow them as they continue in life. It’s so rewarding to find they are making an impact on the arts, or in service, or in the community. Seeing that kind of growth is thrilling to me.” A child must audition even to get in to the HSPVA, resulting in a very motivated student body. “HSPVA students are high-performing, and it requires energy to stay ahead of them,” said Montgomery. “All the teachers work hard to arrive at the best for the students. In fact, when I look back, I am most grateful to my administrators and colleagues for their wonderful guidance and mentoring over the years. It’s been a joy.” Montgomery is herself a visual artist with a portfolio to demonstrate it. She has an extensive second career as a sculptor, ceramist and lithographer. Deeply committed to the community, she also served on several boards of arts organizations and helped establish the Midtown Art Center. Notably, she was honored as one of Houston’s “Five Outstanding Emerging Artists.” In the late 1980s and living in Montrose, Montgomery decided to buy a home with room for an art studio with property large enough to allow her to pursue her passion for gardening. “It took me a year and half of searching, but in 1989, we found a house in the Houston Heights and we could not be happier,” Montgomery said. “It’s a wonderful place, and the house was a good buy.” She also said timing certainly helped. “The property value just continues to rise,” Montgomery said. “It’s amazing. We would not be able to afford it today, that’s for sure.”

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Shirley Anne Berwick Townsend, 88, passed away Monday, April 4, 2016. She is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene David Townsend; brother, Jack Berwick. Shirley is survived by her children, Rebecca T. Skeen & husband Chris M. Skeen, and Mark E. Townsend; grandchildren, Heather Michelle Skeen-Esterheld & husband Michael J. Esterheld, and James Hamilton Skeen; sister-inlaw, Juanita Berwick. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 7, 2016 from 5-8 PM at Heights Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held the following afternoon at Heights Christian Church at 12 PM. A private family interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

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Cushions from P. 1A March. According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, PWE will no longer require traffic and speed studies to install speed cushions on residential streets. The report said that the previously long process, that could have taken up to nine months to complete, reduces the process to six to eight weeks. According to city documents, PWE officials identify streets with features most suited for traffic calming elements, such as those with medians.

picked up in recent days and culminated with the arrests of Love and Carruthers. “We don’t typically get these kinds of incidents and I haven’t seen this in a long time,” Mosier said. “If there are any homeowners out there who do have someone who is refusing to leave their property, they shouldn’t hesitate to call us if they’re in a contract neighborhood or call HPD for help.”

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Saturday, April 9, 2016 • Page 3A

Vice president Joe Biden stops in Heights

Making Happy Feet One Sole At A Time!

By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader For anyone near Down House on Yale Street at 19th in the Heights Sunday morning, it was difficult to not to notice the commotion. “The corner was swarming with private security, special security vehicles, black SUVs, and lots of police activity.,” said observer Elsa Estrella Reymundo-Santos. “I also saw people being patted down before they were allowed to enter the restaurant.” Why all the fuss? It turns out Vice President Joe Biden was dining on a crispy waffle on the patio. “We received the first notice about it at 8:30 in the morning. Someone called and told us to expect a ‘very special guest,’ but not who it was,” said Down House general Manager, Kayla Webber. “At about 10 a.m., the Vice President’s office called and let us know he and his wife were coming, and soon after, there were secret service men all over the inside and outside of the building. It was all very exciting.” Vice President Biden was in Houston with Jill Biden to enjoy the Final Four basketball playoffs. Biden attended Syracuse University Law School, and Jill Biden secured her masters degree at Villanova. Both teams played Saturday night and it is reported that the Bidens stayed in town following the games. As many Heights residents know, few things are more perfect on a Sunday morning than a casual brunch at Down House. Apparently, someone in-the-know tipped off the veep. At 11:30, the party arrived comprised of the Joe Biden, Jill, and two young women. The foursome chose to sit on the patio to enjoy Houston’s chamber of commerce weather. Vice President Biden ordered the crispy waffle, and the three women ordered the popular shrimp and grits. Biden shared his waffle and ate much of his wife’s shrimp and grits too. He later remarked to Webber, that the shrimp and grits were some of the best food he has ever eaten. “As for the customers, they all respected the Vice President’s privacy throughout his meal,” said Webber. “When it

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Contributed Photo A certain vice president made the rounds in the Heights Sunday, as Joe Biden stopped in town during the NCAA Final Four.

was time to leave, he stopped to pose for a photo with all of us. He told us he enjoyed everything very much and he thanked us for accommodating him. Then, when he was walking out, the customers gave him a standing ovation. It was amazing. It was a moment I will remember all my life.”

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Golf from P. 1A it took a reporter to come over and ask how he felt. “He turned around and saw his name at the top of the scoreboard and he blurts out that a Mexican won it,” Hernandez said with a laugh. Stephen had a chance to soak in with Masters practice rounds and even got the autograph and encouragement of

one of his golf idols, Jordan Spieth. His sisters were also especially happy with the appearance of celebrities like Justin Timberlake and a member of One Direction during the opening introduction the Saturday before the tournament. “The way my daughters reacted, you would have thought

someone died,” Hernandez said. “I didn’t realize that was how teenagers react when they see superstars like that.” Stephen himself also turned into a bit of a celebrity, appearing in USA Today, radio broadcasts and other publications beyond The Leader for his achievements. For now, Stephen says he

will keep doing his best at golf and said the whole experience was “awesome.” “The hard work never ends,” Stephen said.

was acquired by the district as part of the plan to nearly double the size of the campus. During the spring of 2015, a geological fault line was discovered running diagonally across the new campus site, which caused the campus to undergo design modifications. Students will continue to attend classes in the existing building during construction, which is expected to be complete in the third quarter of 2017. Once the new building is occupied, the old building will be demolished. “It was a really nice ceremony and a significant moment for students,” said Eliezer Meraz, a junior at Booker T. Washington High School. “It’s a big step, not only for the school, but for the community as a whole.”

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School from P. 1A Hepburn of Fanning Howey + House Architects. “It’s a unique setup. We’ve moved the engineering programs, construction, technology, computer, and agriculture, all to the front of the building so that all students are exposed to them and hopefully be encouraged to join.” The school is located in the Independence Heights neighborhood of Houston and enjoyed strong alumni and community support throughout the planning and design phases. “Washington High School is a great place to be,” said Principal Carlos Phillips II. “Our students are outstanding. Our school community supports the things that we do, and I’m proud to be a part of the Washington family.” Nearly 16 acres of land adjacent to the school

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The Topics. Saturday, April 9, 2016 • Page 4A

Conspiracy theories are a new cottage industry

A deeper road problem that needs more than just bumps I’m sure there are a lot of people living around Rice Military who are going to be happy to see some speed cushions going up in their neighborhood. I know there are plenty more living closer here in the Garden Oaks and Oak Forest area that enjoy having them in certain areas to slow down some of the bad drivers in our area. However, after coming on 10 years living in Texas, I have to wonder if bad driving is just the norm and reasonable driving is the exception. I know it’s certainly true that everyone thinks their state (or their city) has the worst drivers in the nation. It’s a feeling as ubiquitous as the disdain for the coming generation and how their rise signals the fall of man. Only in this case, bad drivers signal the fall of sanity and cooler heads while out on the road. I might not have children but I certainly hate when people speed around places like West 43rd Street, particularly in front of some of our local schools in the area. What frustrates me even more is that I can’t shake the feeling that many of the same people who insist on doing 50 in front of Oak Forest Elementary or Frank Black Middle School likely do barely that speed on our local highways. Now hear me out – I’m not advocating we should all immediately start speeding on highways because that’s where it counts, but I am advocating that some of our traffic problems might be part of a deeper issue that gets less attention than speed bumps and stop signs. I have driven regularly in three states for years – Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Texas. What absolutely kills me in the differences between these states are basic understandings and rudimentary grasps of essential driving skills. When someone in Houston uses their signal properly, maintains a speed within the flow of traffic, doesn’t sit in the fast lane and match speeds with a semi in the slower lanes, I feel as if the heavens open up and good fortune shines down on my face. It’s a miracle only because it rarely ever happens. I’ve lived in my same apartment for about two years in the Oak Forest area and I recognize cars and trucks here and there and it’s surprising how many people I will see who insist on doing 40 down small roads like Lamonte Street (off Mangum) and yet I end up behind them on Loop 610 and they’re doing barely any faster than this. It’s purely anecdotal, of course, but I wanted to see if there was any legitimacy to the idea that the driver’s education here is

The reader. More efficiency for HPD is needed

Dear Editor: When you see an HPD car and a Constable car on the same street at the same time, the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing. The Constable’s Office primary function is civil process and not patrol. The Constable’s Patrol got its start when a former Commissioner and Sheriff got into a budget squabble several decades ago. HPD should close all of its storefronts which have become a great place for officers to hide and put its motorcycle officers back on the freeways to enforce traffic laws. HPD would have to adopt a policy to buy each and every motorcycle in order to cut back on all of these private escorts. The HPD Mounted Patrol could be better utilized in the parks instead of Downtown Houston. Take a trip to Southern California and observe how they utilize their motor officers on a local, county, and state level. I don’t believe you will find the majority of their time is spent on private escorts alone. John V. Pappas

Rename Reagan High School to Heights High

Dear Editor: I graduated from Reagan in 1953. My mother went to Heights High when it met at what is now Hamilton Jr Hi. She was in the group that marched to the new Reagan Hi and graduated in 1929. I think it would be appropriate and possibly salve some alumni wounds if the school name would be returned to Heights High. It would then SHINE again. Kay Waddell Laycock Dear Editor: As regards the name change of Reagan High School. The trouble with righting wrongs; you can start, but where do you stop? Keep up the good work. Jimmy Schmidt

No help for drainage problem

Dear Editor: I have came here numerous times in the last five years to protest the city’s illegal requiring new home builders to block the existing established storm water drainage in Oak Forest. Four years ago, I asked the Mayor, Council Member Costello, and my Council

Jonathan Garris Editor

perhaps a little lacking. The results weren’t exactly encouraging. According to a 20515 CarInsuranceComparison.com study using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Texas comes in fourth when it comes to worst drivers. The state came in 18th place regarding “failure to obey” incidents, or fatal crashes that involved traffic signals, lack of seat belts or driving with an invalid license. It ranks 6th in drunk driving. New Jersey ranks 45, though Pennsylvania ranks 16. It’s important to keep in mind the size differences of these states, but it’s also worth pointing out that California ranks at 22 – still well ahead of Texas in the bad driving department. After living here for years, I feel I can say with confidence that many of our traffic problems on and off our highways and along our residential back roads could likely be solved with a better emphasis on education. Anecdotally, I’ve heard so many stories of lax methods of receiving licenses with some people I’ve known barely having to spend any time behind the wheel of a car before getting their golden ticket to adulthood. In Jersey, it was almost a rite of passage for many of my friends to actually fail their first behind-the-wheel test because of how strict it was in our area. Correlation does not always equal causation, yes, but there’s something to be said about drilling into kids heads that, yes, you should in fact signal regularly no matter what and the importance of knowing what the fast lane is and how it works. For many, it appears I-45 is short for “I Should Probably Do About 45.” Conversely, getting on and off the New Jersey Turnpike in some areas is like entering and exiting the pit stop at a Formula 1 race. There’s positives and negatives to all things, certainly, but if we’re going to solve our traffic problems in and around our area we might want to take a closer look at starting from the ground up and teaching people that West 43rd and Washington Avenue are not highways – leave the fast driving on places where it belongs. Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Member Cohen to personally inspect the drainage swales. They all declined. They would had seen the backyards drain to the utility easements running down the back of the properties. Disproving the PWE’s position. Over the last five years, I came here time after time using city, county, and state records to expose the lies PWE and Legal are using to justify their illegal required blocking of the existing established drainage we had for 70 years in Oak Forest. The City Council has stood behind the PWE and Legal’s lies like they were gospel. The truth has no weight in this chamber in this matter. November 2015, I brought here original city plans showing dirt grade in the easements matching the same slopes as the drainage swales. Dec. 4, Legal sent the Mayor and myself an answer to my November presentation. A “damn lie” proven to be a damn lie by a short walk to Houston’s Public Library. They lied to Mayor Parker to hide their illegal required blocking of the existing established drainage in Oak Forest. You have pictures of the mosquito infested swamp in my and my neighbors back yards caused by the city’s illegal required blocking of the existing established drainage. I pumped it out several times last summer. There were mats of mosquito larva. This is not the only place in Oak Forest with this problem. This summer we will have a hell of a health problem with mosquito infestation and the Zika virus. The standing water is a mixture of storm water and sewage from a broken sewer line that CenterPoint did not fix properly. The swales in Oak Forest for 70 years are and have been active existing established drainage facilities that fall under a 1987 State Law the city enacted in 2006. Like the other times that I have exposed the lies from PWE and Legal the only thing I will hear is “YOUR TIME HAS EXPIRED.” John J. Cieslewicz

Some Heights trivia

Dear Editor: Let’s lighten up with a Heights Trivia Challenge. Identify the following (listed in random order, answer next week, no fair using the Internet): M. K. Bercaw, Paul Weber, G.E. Bustin, I.J. McCuller, C.R.

Cornish, J.M. Robertson, John T. Cornish, G.E. Groff, P. Wicklund, J.H. Harmon, J.B. Patterson. J. Reynolds

THE DEN – Tonight is time for a good book. There is “The Wit and Wisdom of Sarah Palin” and “A Paleontologist’s Guide to Celebrity Chefs.” I started, “Port Arthur on Five Dollars a Day,” but ran out of ways to spend it the second day. Wait. There is a knock at the front door. Now who could be calling at such an hour? I open the door. “The ostrich is heading south.” Huh? This fellow wears a gray fedora pulled down low, his overcoat collar pulled up high, dark glasses. He whispers, “Edgar is at the horse trough.” I shake my head in incomprehension. He glances in both directions. “Is this 777 Roach Road?” I point out that 777 is across the street where Binnie Bob Laden, his five wives and 10 kids live. Binnie’s a strange guy -- tall, bearded, says he moved here from Waco. The Running Rats Acres Home Owners Association is holding a hearing on his guard towers and searchlights. My mysterious visitor reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a pistol. “Then you already know too much. I’m going to have to kill you. Nothing personal. Just business.” I slam the door. Back to my books. Maybe, “Tonsillectomies for Dummies.” There is another knock at the door. I peek through the peephole. It’s him again, only this time he is only holding a newspaper. I crack the door a sliver. “Let’s start over,” he whispers. “I’m doing this for your own good. You see in this newspaper that presidential campaigns are underway, and when it comes to presidents, I’m trying to save you from yourself. For instance, you know that Barack Obama was born in Kenya. I’ve seen the birth certificate.” “Correct. Obama’s parents were so cagy that they took out notices in two Honolulu newspapers in August of 1961 announcing Barack’s birth there to hide his real birthplace in Nigeria. That way he could run for U.S. President. Now is that foresight or what?” He shrugs. “Are you going to believe everything the leftist media tell you? Speaking of the media, NBC reports that Rafael Edward Cruz was born in Canada, so why does he look

Lynn Ashby Columnist

Cuban? A Castro plant? Notice that NBC spelled backwards is CBN. Add two vowels and what do you have? CUBAN. I rest my case. As for Donald Trump, his mother was born in Scotland, spoke Gaelic and taught it to young Donald and his siblings. Gaelic is subversive. Bernie Sanders’ parents were from Poland. That was a communist country, and my sources in the CIA tell me it still is, if you can believe the CIA which is full of commies and puts out false information to counter the FBI’s lies. Incidentally, have you noticed that you never see Bernie Sanders and Colonel Sanders at the same time? Coincidence? I think not.” “It’s time to end this scene,” I say. “Go away. You and your kind are so paranoid that you see a conspiracy behind every tree. Next you’ll tell me that the Establishment is going to unfreeze Jeb Bush and run him against Trump. And Marco Rubio was originally named Marx Radio. You have proof that Ben Carson was right – the Old Testament figure Joseph built the Egyptian pyramids to store food.” He snorts. “That’s really ridiculous. Joseph stored arms for the overthrow of Texas. Those guns are still there, and Governor Abbott was absolutely correct. Operation Jade Helm 15 was nipped in the bud due to Abbott’s warnings to the Texas militiamen. You people are so gullible. You really think Hillary didn’t order the attack in Benghazi? There is proof, just ask Glenn Beck. Oh, I’d better run. Do you hear those black helicopters?” A minute later the phone rings. A voice whispers. “You should know that the code name among Banditos for Hillary and Bill is Hillbilly. They’re founding members. But the reason I’m calling is that I wanted to share this informa-

tion because I discovered who you really are and that you are one of us, Elvis.” I reply: “I am not Elvis. Before I hang up, no, Hitler is not alive and well and living in Argentina. There are no aliens from outer space stored in ice lockers in Roswell, New Mexico, and the moon landings were not faked on a Hollywood sound stage. You are all conspiracy nuts.” “Conspiracy nuts? Then just tell me this. Why did that Malaysian Airlines plane disappear only one ocean away from Amelia Earhart? And who really killed Cock Robin? If Sasquatch is not real, why does he appear on Fox and Friends listed as ‘the sane one?’ Why didn’t FDR alert Pearl Harbor about the Japanese attack that he knew was coming? The same reason George W. Bush didn’t warn us about 9/10.” “You mean 9/11,” I say. He laughs. “That’s what most people think, but they don’t know about the year 2000’s change. Y2K was the secret operation that moved up the date. By the way, do you need more guns before Obama sends the ATF to seize your firearms? That’s his plan after he abolishes the Second Amendment. Fortunately, the NRA stepped in with more money for Congress.” I sigh and ask, “What’s your name?” He pauses for a moment and lowers his voice even more. “Bubba Machiavelli. But my cover name is Grassy Knoll.” “That’s all the crazed, paranoid conspiracy theories I’m going to listen to. It’s practically a cottage industry the way you sell gullible Americans books and TV shows, convince them to build bunkers in their backyards stocked with barrels of water, rations and weapons that you sell at outrageous prices. These wild tales actually make some people so afraid that they’ll follow any would-be leader who says he or she will save them from unseen enemies ready to take over America. If you keep this up, who knows what idiot will become president.” “What’s your point?” Ashby is hiding at ashby2@ comcassssst.net

the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. Elephant’s name 6. Support 10. Mures River city 14. Bastard wing 15. One was named Desire 17. PGA Tournament prize 19. A way to leave unchanged 20. Unchangeable computer memory 21. Harangues 22. 6th Hebrew letter 23. Well informed 24. Turfs 26. In a way, obeyed 29. Lawyers group 31. Increases motor speed 32. Political action committee 34. Light pokes 35. Struck down 37. Central Philippine Island 38. Japanese sash 39. Afresh 40. Bluish green 41. Inspire with love 43. Without (French) 45. Counterbalance container to obtain

net weight 46. Express pleasure 47. Cheap wine (Br.) 49. Signing 50. ___ compilation, compiling computer language 53. Have surgery 57. Being trompe-l-oeil 58. Extremely mad 59. Day 60. Small coin (French) 61. Snatched

dOwn 1. Cry 2. Wings 3. Baseball play 4. Flower petals 5. Drive against 6. Velikaya River city 7. A single unit in a collection 8. Stray 9. Bring back 10. Repented 11. Receipt (abbr.) 12. Expresses pleasure 13. Not wet 16. In a way, takes off 18. Macaws genus 22. ‘Fast Five’ star’s initials 23. Sharpen a knife

24. Oral polio vaccine developer 25. Former CIA 27. Fencing swords 28. Aba ____ Honeymoon 29. Bustle 30. Minor 31. Propel a boat 33. Passage with access only at one end 35. Underwater airways 36. Small, slight 37. Box (abbr.) 39. __ Blake, actress 42. Repents 43. Merchandising 44. Exclamation of surprise 46. With fireplace residue 47. A small lake 48. Bait 49. Tip of Aleutian Islands 50. K____: watercraft (alt. sp.) 51. Norse variant of ‘often’ 52. Adolescent 53. Visual metaphor (Computers) 54. River in Spanish 55. Cowboy Carson 56. Powerful gun lobby

WORD SCRAMBLE

Saturday, April 9, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 5A

Loving an aging pet

Dear Tabby, Just in the past year, it seems as though my 12 year old dog has gotten really old. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still eating well, but some of her old â&#x20AC;&#x153;spunkâ&#x20AC;? is missing and some days she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel well at all. How will I know when the time has come to start considering the end of her life? Planning for the worst in Woodland Heights Dear Planning for the Worst, â&#x20AC;&#x192; One of the cruel realities of pet ownership is that we know-from the beginning--that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll very likely outlive our pet, but (thankfully) we chose to love and share our lives with pets anyway. The joy that they bring us greatly outweighs the sadness of watching them grow old and die.Â As your pet ages,

it is important to consult your veterinarian for help providing the proper care for your senior petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s changing needs. â&#x20AC;&#x192; Every animal is different, so the senior life stage occurs at different ages in different pets. For instance, dogs are typically considered seniors at seven years old, but older dogs age quicker than smaller dogs. Cats can be considered mature at 7 years and seniors at 11 years old. Breed and species aside, your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s genetics, nutrition, health, and environment will ultimately determine when your pet is considered a senior. â&#x20AC;&#x192; One of the telltale signs of increasing age in pets is a decline in physical activity. For instance, previously active pets may not play as much and both dogs and cats may need assistance climbing on and off the bed or couch. In addition to a decrease in physical activity, older cats and dogs tend to develop more degenerative health problems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chronic degenerative disorders like heart and kidney disease are common in older pets, and so is cancer,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Stacy Eckman, clinical assistant professor at

the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In cats, kidney, heart, and thyroid disease are the most common aging conditions. In dogs, different breeds are more prone to certain conditions. For example, some breeds are more likely to see a dramatic increase in cancers as they age.â&#x20AC;? A visit to the veterinarian every six months can help determine what is normal for your pet so that any changes in behavior or health can be detected early. â&#x20AC;&#x192; Aging cats and dogs are also prone to arthritis, dental disease, loss of sight and hearing, and a decrease in mobility. Just like humans, pets may need more assistance getting around and taking care of themselves. Despite this change in mobility and physical activity, it is important to keep your dog and cat active to slow the progression of joint pain and arthritis. In addition, a healthy diet that adequately nourishes your pet is also key in reducing your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s risk for obesity, which can also contribute to joint pain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The single most important aspect in helping your pet stay

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as happy and healthy for as long as possible is maintaining a healthy weight throughout their lifetime,â&#x20AC;? Eckman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A healthy weight should be coupled with regular exercise and activity.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x192; Perhaps the hardest part about having an aging furry best friend is accepting when they are no longer happy in everyday life. It is never easy to let go of a pet, but in some cases, euthanasia is the most humane option. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Making the decision to euthanize a pet is a personal and difficult decision,â&#x20AC;? Eckman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The decision is dependent on what signs and symptoms the pet is showing or what disorder the pet is experiencing. When owners are questioning if they should euthanize their pet, they should discuss it with their veterinarian to help guide the decisionmaking process. â&#x20AC;&#x192; To ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life, be sure to visit your veterinarian regularly to discuss your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet, exercise habits, and overall health. Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at dear tabbyquestions@gmail.com.

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Page 6A â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, April 9, 2016

The calendar.

JOINT PAIN SEMINAR Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Memorial Hermann Greater Heights will be hosting a complimentary Joint Pain Seminar at 11 a.m. Friday, April 8. Everyone is welcome to attend this event which will cover advancements in the prevention and treatment of joint pain and sports injuries. For more information or to register, call 713-222-CARE. CRAWFISH FEST 5050 Acorn Come out to the Crawfish Fest and support the revitalization of Oak Forest Park. There will be Cajun cuisine, craft beer, putting and football toss contests with prizes, games, and activities for the kids. The event will be from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 9. Crawfish plates are $20 through April 1 or $15 for a sausage plate ($25 and $20 after April 1). Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact elyssa@core-landing.com. Information: www.myoakforest. org/events/2016-crawfish-fest. BANK OF AMERICA SCREEN ON THE GREEN - INSIDE OUT Discovery Green Enjoy a free family movie under the stars and Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skyline. Watch Inside Out, a Disney Pixar film following the emotions of a little girl who moves from her

peaceful Midwest home to San Francisco. The movie is 8:30 p.m. April 9, at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St. Information: discoverygreen.com/1198425. COMMUNITY DANCE SPJST Lodge 88 The SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., will host Texas Sound Czech, Polka and variety music, from 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. April 9. The cost is $10 per person. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Enjoy complimentary dance instruction before all Saturday night dances, starting at 7:30 p.m. and during intermission. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. Information: 713-869-5767, lodge88.org. THE WRITE STUFF BASH Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of Houston The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of Houston will celebrate poetry and the spoken word during the Write Stuff Bash. Experience fun literacy-inspired activities and performances. The event will be from noon-4 p.m. April 9, at the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St. General Museum admission is $12 per person and $11 for seniors 65+ and for active duty military personnel. Children under one and Museum Members receive free admission. Information: cmhouston.org, 713-5221138.

STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by the American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba Rd., for a delicious steak dinner April 15. Steaks will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out, so come early. Information: 713-682-9287, americanlegionpost560.org. SUICIDE PREVENTION WALK American Foundation for Suicide Prevention The University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering and the Southeast Texas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) have partnered to sponsor the University of Houston Out of the Darkness Campus Walk. The seventh annual campus walk will be from 8 a.m.-noon, April 16, at Lynn Eusan Park. Information: afsp.org/chapter/afsp-southeasttexas/, 713-204-6342. APRIL EVENTS The Health Museum Mindfulness Classes for children ages 6-8 and one parent will be on Sundays through May 22, 1-2 p.m.; children ages 9-11 and one parent will be on Sundays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. through May 22. Register online. Mindfulness classes to cultivate positive emotions will be held Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. through May 11. Free Family Thursdays: Go Green

is from 2-7 p.m. Thursdays April 7, 14, 21 and 28. This series will concentrate on living Earthhealthy. Boy Scout Merit Badge Classes will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. April 24. Senior Wellness Day: Embracing Nature is from 9 a.m.-noon, April 12. The Health Museum is located at 1515 Hermann Dr. Information: www.thehealthmuseum.org, 713521-1515. BREAKFAST CONNECTION Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Come network with fellow chamber members, share business concepts, hear about a new business concept, and build on those new relationships while enjoying a hot breakfast. The guest speaker will be Council Member Michael Kubosh, At Large Position #3. The breakfast will be 6:45-8:30 a.m. April 14, at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West. The cost for members is $20, and

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From the Pews. St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holding registration for Johnson Memorial Preschool Registration is now open for the 2016-2017 school year for the Johnson Memorial Preschool at St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Classes are available for chidren who will be 3 years old (and pottytrained) as of Sept. 1, through 4 years. For information contact Director Amy Mingle, at 713-686-8241 or jms@stsumc. org. The monthly meeting of the Gathering Place, a ministry for persons with memory loss and their caregivers, will be from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 11. There is no charge to attend. For information, please contact Monica Baumgarten at 713-682-5995. 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. Oaks Presbyterian holds Older Adults Konnecting Socially Seniors 50+ are welcome to attend Older Adults Konnecting Socially (OAKS) from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 12, with lunch served at noon. Meet friends and play fun games including dominoes, Uno, Yahtzee, SkipBo, Rummikub and more plus fancy modern coloring books. Evening Bible study on April 12 at 7 p.m. continues studying Mark Battersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s If. Join The Harris County Precinct 4 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fun4Seniorsâ&#x20AC;? bus trip to Shakespeare in the Shade Festival and watch a comedy play, Much Ado About Nothing, in Burroughs park, Tomball, April 16. Food trucks will be there too. Departs from Oaks Presbyterian parking lot at 5 p.m. Call 281-893-3726 for required reservations. For information, visit www. oakspresbyterian.org or call

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Value of a Soulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; presentation at Lazybrook Baptist There will be a free presentation of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Value of a Soulâ&#x20AC;? at Lazybook Baptist Church, 1822 W. 18th St., at 5 p.m., April 17. The film by The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association tells the story of three individuals searching for true worth as their worlds crumble. It follows their unexpected journeys as Franklin Graham address the real value of the soul. For information call 713864-1470.

St. Rose of Lima holds Spring Festival The 2016 Spring Festival is scheduled for the weekend of May 1, kicking off with a live auction and dinner at 6:30 p.m. April 29, in the parish hall. Tickets are $35. The Sky is the Limit is this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme. Purchase wristbands for the children to play and enjoy the midway from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There will be lots of entertainment for the kids. Each presale pass includes one hot dog, chips and drink, one can of silly string, bubbles and unlimited access to the age appropriate entertainment. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community is located at 3600 Brinkman. Call 713-692-9123 for information.

Bravura Concert to be held at All Saints The Bravura Concert Series will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Passioniâ&#x20AC;? and will be featured by Angelo Ferrari. He will be joined by Stacey Franklin, Soprano, and accompanied by collaborative pianist Frankie Kelly. Music will include opera, zarzuela, popular broadway tunes and sacred music. The concert will be at 5 p.m. April 24. All Saints Catholic Church is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-864-2653 for information. St. Ambrose to hold annual bazaar St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum, will hold their annual bazaar from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 24. The Telstars will perform. The show will start at 3 p.m. Bring the family for food, fun and entertainment. The theme for this year is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never Underestimate the Power of Faith.â&#x20AC;? The bazaar committee is looking for groups, companies and/or individuals for sponsorships. For information, call 281-851-6324 or 713-4439254. Call 713-686-3497 or visit stambrosehouston.org for in-

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Food, drink Saturday, April 9, 2016 • Page 7A

Art Valet

ART

Thirsty Explorer

By Mitch Cohen

Arts Columnist

By Christina Martinez Managing Editor

Meet Houston New Arts Movement

Yappy Hour at Little Woodrow’s on White Oak

This Saturday evening is an encore performance by members of the Houston New Arts Movement, performing works by Gabriel Fauré, Claude Debussy, César Franck and Maurice Ravel; all late 19th and early 20th century French composers. The performance is titled “Images, Dreams & Impressions”, performance time is 7:30 p.m. at Houston Piano Company, 1600 W. 13th St, Houston, TX 77008. Advance tickets are $15 available online www.artsmove.net/enter/events and $20 at the door. Seating is limited, so get tickets early. The Houston New Arts Movement is an interesting organization whose members are as diverse culturally, as they are musically. Their goal is to create a group of musicians who listen to and discuss music, compose and perform new works, and collaborate with each other and artists in innovative ways. For example, when I met founder and composer-pianist for the Houston New Arts Movement, Adam Clay, he and his troupe were performing on the street at White Linen Night, with a mobile piano which was moved in a circle and alternating with the other musicians and dancers circling the piano. Clay received his Bachelor’s degree with distinction in Piano Performance from the University of Oklahoma on music scholarship. Clay is more than a musician, he is a visionary; combining music with visual art in his groups performances, and adding a new element. I had some questions for him.

This Thursday, there will be happy hour and happy tails at Little Woodrow’s on White Oak. The Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) is hosting their Yappy Hour and from 5:30-9 p.m. a portion of the proceeds will benefit THLN. The network is a mainstream voice for the animals of Texas. Parking available at and near Little Woodrows, but scarse.

Vena Ashley is the featured visual artist at this Saturday’s encore performance of the Houston New Arts Movement at Houston Piano Company.

“Another aspect that’s informed HNAM was my experience of the separation of high art and low art in America’s history,” Clay said. “A book called “High-Brow Low-Brow” details much of that story, but essentially we’ve had this class warfare around classical music in our history, and I felt it was time for peace amongst the two. I have structured HNAM concerts to make the music accessible to all, by explaining some of the more challenging pieces for the audiences before performing them and in program notes. In choosing music, it has been an ongoing balancing act between performing pieces that are not often-played and making concerts accessible to everyone.” Has the visual art at your performances been well received? “This season we have featured more artists than ever before, and also performed more concerts than any other season,” Clay said. “It was wonderful meeting all the artists and each of them were able to connect their art to the theme of the concerts, while still presenting surprising and unique works. Many of the concert goers have told me how the art really adds another layer to the experience of the concerts, especially this season as we explored various cultures.”

One of Vena Ashley’s photographic mixed media works

What inspired you to create such an unusual nonprofit. “My inspiration to start HNAM came about gradually and started halfway through my college career,” Clay said. “While practicing long hours in the practice rooms they had at OU, I would often need to stand up and walk around, just to vary up the physical activity with all the mental work. Though these were breaks from playing, they were often sessions of thinking about the music and envisioning it: searching for some visual representation for the music I was playing.” Clay says that while working on a particularly difficult piece he kept imagining words like – jagged and pointy – and while taking one of his long walks in the art museum next door, stumbled across a painting that captured the musical piece in visual form. It was this connection that got him consciously thinking about the connection between art and music, and eventually how to combine the two in a meaningful way for audiences. To this day it has been his mission to share his renewed perspective on the music with an audience.

Vena Ashley is the featured visual artist at this Saturday’s performance and will present a series of photographs that she took in Europe and transferred to wood. She calls her technique photographic mixed media. The images, though recent, have a rustic, timeless quality that is so prevalent in cities of France and Luxembourg where Ashley was visiting. Stepping out of a concert into a visual artist’s reception is certainly a unique experience. Ashley’s work is complementary to the performance, as Clay envisioned it back in college. Preview Ashley’s work on-line at VenaAshley.com. The members of Houston New Arts Movement are international, and all participate in some way, if not performing, then maintaining the website or sound editing. Follow this amazingly innovative group on their website ArtsMove.net.

Free show at the Raven Tower with Craig Kinsey Splice Records and Saint Arnold Brewery present a ‘Night with the Reverend Craig Kinsey’ and the boys. This will be a FREE show, but an early show ending at 11 p.m. Grab a date, bring a friend, and enjoy the music. The show will start at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 8, at the Raven Tower - 310 North St. 29th Annual Houston Art Car Parade 2016 There will be a whole weekend of events from the Art Car parade happening this weekend. Here’s a brief roundup.

Happy Hour Thursday with MFAH This special Happy Hour Thursday will feature the public unveiling of the 2016 Reagan High School Art Car “Bohemian Rhapsody” - a tribute to the band Queen. Under the instruction of famed art car artist Rebecca Bass, her students’ art cars are known to consistently win the top prize in the Houston Art Car Parade, and are often wildly spectacular! Be the first to see their newest creation! While you’re here, grab a drink at the cash bar, where you can check out the latest exhibition-inspired specialty cocktails. Enjoy beats from a local DJ, and satisfy your hunger with bites from the evening’s food truck. Head to the Beck Building at MFAH, 5601 Main St. Art Car Parade The pinnacle of Houston Art Car Parade Weekend is the parade itself. Opening at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, nearly 250 jaw-dropping cars, bikes, skaters, and motorized creatures will roll along Smith Street in Downtown Houston, making it the largest gathering of its kind in the world, and one of the biggest annual events in Houston. The starting line will be at Smith and Pease Street to Walker and will kickoff at 2 p.m. Also find the party goC

CMY

Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him and get more info about the market at ArtValet.com.

There is an education aspect to the performances as well, please explain.

If you have dined at Harold’s lately, you may have noticed something missing. The previous Heights General Store is currently making room for the restaurant’s newest project, Harold’s Tap Room. Coming this summer, Leader area residents will have a new bar and dining option.

HITS Theatre presents Crazy for You Led by director Chesley Santoro Krohn, more than 40 HITS Theatre students will present the Broadway musical Crazy for You. The show kicked off last Thursday and will continue on at 8 p.m. this Thursday, April 7, and Saturday, April 9. The HITS production of Crazy for You at Miller Outdoor Theatre is free to the

tion and plans to open in summer 2016. Where do you get your fresh tortillas? I had a reader write recently after the news of the Fiesta closing on North Shepherd. “Hello, Christina The sad news that the Fiesta on N. Shepherd is closing also means that we need to find a new place for getting freshmade (still warm) tortillas. I’m

public and you can grab tickets at the box office. Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders The Houston Dynamo face off this weekend against international star Clint Dempsey and the Seattle Sounders. Kickoff is at 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 10 at the BBVA Compass Stadium - 2200 Texas Ave.

Have a tip for Thirsty Explorer? Email christina@theleadernews.com and follow on Twitter @ThirstyExplorer and on Instagram @FromTheLeader

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Harold’s undergoes expansion with new tap room will be developed by Chef Antoine Ware of Harold’s and will continue the southern cuisine theme from the restaurant upstairs. Bar Manager Lauren Muse will oversee the development of the drink offerings alongside owner Alli Jarret and Chef Ware. Harold’s Tap Room will feature both indoor and outdoor seating for roughly 50 guests. The space is currently under construc-

ing on at Polk and Smith; Hermann Square at City Hall. There will be food and drink vendors all along the parade, so bring cash!

Leader Nibbles By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com

Photo by Jonathan Garris 2016 Reagan High School Art Car “Bohemian Rhapsody”, a tribute to the band Queen. Under the instruction of famed art car artist Rebecca Bass and her students.

thinking that there must be a variety of nearby tortilla factories, but which ones are the favorites of Leader readers? I’d love to know! Thanks, Harry” Chime in and let Harry and I know where you venture for your freshly made, still warm tortillas. Email christina@theleadernews.com

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Page 8A • Saturday, April 9, 2016

Neighbors: Art Cars get ready to rumble By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com Belated happy birthday wishes to Heights resident Kathleen Crist LMSW. Kathleen is the Director of Social Services and Program Development for the Houston Area Parkinson Society. It is estimated one million Americans and ten million people worldwide live with Parkinsons Disease. Kathleen works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for hundreds of Houston area residents affected by PD through service, education and advocacy. Thank you for making a difference, Kathleen! Marita Ward and James Mac Wedlich of Oak Forest recently announced their engagement. Congratulations from your neighbors! The Ogden family is thrilled to announce the arrival of sweet Quinn Rose Ogden on Feb. 21st. First time parents Clinton and Alexandra Ogden are over the moon! Proud grandparents are Glenda and Dave Ogden. Both families reside in Oak Forest. Congratulations to Lisa and Tim Sawyer upon the birth of their first granddaughter, Summer Nicole, on Feb. 16th. Tea parties, visits to the zoo and much more (including lots of shopping!) are in store for the Sawyers in the coming years! Kudos to neighbor Missy Alwais who was named a finalist for the Media Alliance of Houston Account Executive of the year. She has been employed by iheartmedia for 11 years, lives in Garden Oaks with her husband Jeremy

Robinson, and is excited to share this very prestigious honor. Alwais is director of business development for iHeartMedia. They have 6 local radio stations and websites and Alwais also handles sports sales for Sports Talk 790. She recently served on the Iheartmedia National Sports Summit in Los Angeles with 10 other sports marketing executives from across the country. In addition to being an avid sports fan and cheering for the San Antonio Spurs every chance she gets (Alwais is from San Antonio), in her spare time, Alwais started a company she named Smiling Giraffe and makes little girls dresses as well as baby quilts and t-shirt quilts. The couple has a 2 year old female dog named Walter Payton … her husband is from Chicago. Chris and Sally Janacek, residents of Oak Forest for 25 years, are very proud to announce the upcoming wedding of their son, Stephen to Blakeley Williams on May 14th at River Oaks Country Club. Both Stephen and Blakeley were graduated from Stratford High School and Texas A&M University. Stephen is a petroleum engineer at Occidental Oil. Blakeley will graduate from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences on the Tuesday before the wedding. Following the wedding, the happy couple will move to Columbia, Missouri, where Blakeley will begin her internship in internal medicine while Stephen commutes to Midland for Occidental Oil. Are you ready to rumble?

Get ready – the 29th Annual Art Car Parade is here! This Saturday, Apr. 9th is the big day in Downtown Houston along Smith Street, the new route. Bring chairs, SPF 50 sunblock, and some cool liquid refreshment and be prepared to be amazed. Our neighbor in Oak Forest, Johnny Rojas, is 1 of 4 folks on the Parade Committee this year. The other 3 committee members work in the NASA program and Johnny is an accomplished artist living in Oak Forest. (If those four gave birth to an art car, that would be one veeeery interesting car!) The Parade Committee works directly with the Orange Show Foundation and the Mayor’s Office. Rojas oversees the Skate Force before and during Parade. The Skate Force places all 225 art cars in the Parade and troubleshoots any problems during the parade. Skate Force is a crew of 65 people from Oak Forest, Heights, Montrose, Woodlands, Dallas, San Antonio, and Stafford. Oak Forest neighbor Joelle Archer is a member of Skate Force. For more information on the parade, check out http:// www.thehoustonartcarparade. com/know-before-you-go/. The route has changed due to construction, so be prepared. You may not realize the Art Car movement has spread across the United States and of the 225 entrants for this year’s Houston Parade, about 75% of the cars are from the Houston area, and several of those artists live in the Leader community. Trista Visser of Timbergrove Manor tried Hughie’s

Tavern & Vietnamese Grill at 1802 18th Street for the first time last week. She reports, “I couldn’t believe how good the food is! I know, I’m probably late to the party, but I finally arrived.” Mark and Elizabeth Klein, reporting from Garden Oaks, shared that daughter Sarah Klein, 12, just off a run in the ensemble for TUTS’ acclaimed Mary Poppins performances, is rehearsing now for TUTS’ upcoming Oliver shows at the Hobby Center. Over Spring Break Sarah worked with iTheatrics to film for Disney and MTi’s Broadway Junior Collection of Jungle Books Kids and The King and I, Jr. ShowKits. Way to go, Sarah! Mark your calendars for the 2016 Garden Oaks Home and Garden Tour. Brenda de Alba is Chair this year and is working hard to raise sponsorships and money to benefit neighborhood protection and beautification. The GOHT 2016 is noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 24th. More information can be found at https://www.facebook. com/GardenOaks2016HomeAndGardenTour. It’s the largest fund-raising event for the Garden Oaks Civic Club. Presale ticket sales (discounted tickets) started Monday, Apr. 4th, at three locations: Joshua’s Native Plants, 502 W 18th St., Merle Norman at Ella & 43rd in Houston Cosmetics & Gift Boutique, and Lv Nails Spa, GO Shopping Center, 3902 N. Shepherd. Shop local and support your neighborhood at the same time!

Jan. 7, 1928, died March 29. Brock is survived by his wife, Carolyn, son Richard A. Brock, daughters Cindy and Nancy Brock, sisters Alta Brock Craft and Aline Brock, one granddaughter, and one great-grandson.

James Henry Hyde, 88, born July 13, 1927 in Lansing,

Mich., died April 1. He is survived by his wife, Marcella Grams, children Cheryl Hyde, Mary Foley, and Edward “Dino” Hyde, 9 grandchildren, and 18 greatgrandchildren. Leonard A. Mahaffey, 91, born Aug. 11, 1924, died March 30. Darrell Louis Nunley, 82, born Oct. 15, 1933 in Logansport,

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Irene B. Palumbo, 77, born Nov. 29, 1938, died March 30. She is survived by her sister, Shirley A. Morton, brothers Anthony Black and Earl Cegielski. Mary L. Sette, 94, born Feb. 20, 1922, died March 30. Steven Reid Whitfield, II,

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