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Inside Today: Ella shopping center set for revitalization • 1B

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Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston

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10570 NW Frwy 713-680-2350

Saturday, April 5, 2014 • Vol. 60 • No. 22

ABOUT US 3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd. Suite A (713) 686-8494 news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/THE LEADER.

Opening Ceremonies For Local Little Leagues

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PAGE 7B

Elderly homeowners can be a target By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

A few years ago Lydia Rodriguez put a For Sale sign out in her yard in Garden Oaks. It wasn’t long before she had plenty of inquiries about buying it. One of those parties, a realGarden Oaks resident Lydia Rodriguez said she had a bad tor, offered Rodriguez $249,000 experience when she attempted to sell her house, which for the house. Rodriguez was reshe and her husband bought in 1959. (Photo by Betsy covering from cancer and also Denson) caring for a son who recently got

out of the hospital. She and her husband bought their house in 1959 for $7,500 and she thought the price sounded fair, so Rodriguez accepted the offer. It made her uncomfortable that the agent took her into another room in her house to initial some papers, but she did it anyway. It was only when the agent came back to collect some additional paperwork that things began to go south.

Bluebonnets in bloom

“I couldn’t ﬁnd the paperwork and she became very angry with me,” said Rodriguez. “Then she told me the price was $190,000.” Needless to say, Rodriguez did not have a good feeling about the transaction anymore. “My daughter had to get a lawyer,” she said. The paperwork was later found See ELDERLY TARGETED, P. 3A

As property values soar, prepare for hiked taxes

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By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

METRO plans to re-route bus network

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THE INDEX. Church

5A

Classiﬁeds

4B

Coupons

6A

Food/Drink/Art Obituaries

7A 5A

Opinion

4A

Public Information Puzzles Sports

2A 3A 7B

By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Why are there so many more bluebonnets around than in previous years? It’s a simple answer, according to David Parrish of the Texas A&M Agriculture Extension in Harris County – cold weather. According to the Agriculture Extension, heat is needed to germinate the seed, and cool fall weather is needed to develop the root structure of the plant. The tops of the plant are inconspicuous during the fall, but their root systems are developing in order to support what we see now. “We had rainfall to make them grow

and sprout,” Parrish said. “It turned out great this spring. It’s been four or five years (since we’ve had bluebonnets like this). Everything just came up right.” Are they illegal to pick? Each Texas springtime brings flowers to fields and roadsides and a question to the minds of nature lovers - is it really illegal to pick bluebonnets? The answer is no - there is no law against picking our State Flower. However, there are laws against criminal trespass so make sure you’re not on private property when you stop to take your annual kids-in-the-bluebonnets photos.

There are laws against damaging or destroying rights-of-way and government property - so pick a few flowers, but don’t dig up clumps of them and don’t drive your vehicle into the midst of them. But is it ethical? Remember, Mother Nature and in many cases, your fellow Texans, scattered wildflower seeds along medians and roadways so that everyone could enjoy spring flowers. Scenic Safety For the safety of yourself and others, as well as to limit your ticketability: traffic - so be careful about slowing

See BLUEBONNETS, P. 3A

Concerns arise over storm drainage in Garden Oaks By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Garden Oaks residents are concerned about an $46 million city of Houston Capital Improvement Project (CIP) that would begin its $18 million first phase in January 2015. The project would add storm drains in Garden Oaks that would alleviate potential flooding from nearby areas such as Shepherd Forest, Shepherd Park, Candlelight Plaza, Pinemont and Oak Grove. It was added to the city’s CIP plan five years ago. Bids for the first phase project are expected to go out early this month. The city hasn’t set a date on the next two phases. Although the Garden Oaks

Civic Club hasn’t taken an official position on the drainage project, some members are working toward addressing concerns within it. “Nobody is against alleviating flooding,” said Pam Parks, a Garden Oaks Civic Club member “Could there be a compromise with the way the streets are designed to fit better with the character of the neighborhood?” The first phase includes widening streets such as Alba and Brinkman, from 16 feet to 27 feet, and adding sidewalks/ curbs (about 14 feet of additional space) - something that not all of the neighbors favor. Future phases include Sue Barnett and Golf. Some residents are concerned

that widening the street will result in higher volumes of traffic. “Making our streets wider makes the neighborhood totally different,” Parks said. “These new standards would almost double the concrete coming in.” City officials deny the use of “cisterns” in the project, but they did confirm a 10x6 storm box that connects to the Pinemont storm sewer, and increases to 10x10 approaching outfall. Cisterns are defined as “underground containers used for collecting and storing rainwater.” Parks said the city should have considered putting the project closer to a main thoroughfareSee GARDEN OAKS, P. 3A

Pinemont

Lehman St.

Bethlehem St.

Candlelight Ln

Richelieu Shepherd Park

Chantilly

Janisch Rd Oak Street

Martin Woodcrest

Thornton Rd

Curtin Ln

Chamboard

Curtin

Sue Barnett Dr

W4

3rd

N. Shepherd

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LaM Gardenia

onte W 42nd W. 41st

Golf

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A cold winter, lots of rain equal a multitude of the beloved state ﬂower

Ella Blvd

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There are more bluebonnets out this year due to colder weather and more rainfall in the winter. (Photo by Jonathan McElvy)

Ella Blvd

METRO interim CEO Tom Lambert said Houston’s transportation organization is going to take a look at updating bus routes to reﬂect the public’s needs. “We’re doing a route re-imaging of the bus network,” Lambert said. “We have the same routes that we had in 1929. We haven’t adapted to population or employment shifts. We’re going to look at the network with a blank sheet of paper.” Overhauling the entire bus system is a major project, and it will take several years to fully implement the change. Lambert said METRO would like to have more dialogue with the community regarding the bus routes. “We want to do what we can to move people throughout the region,” Lambert said.

An economic boom comes with a price. Or more speciﬁcally, a higher tax bill. Residents of the Heights and Oak Forest are pleased with the increase in property values, but unhappy about the higher property taxes that accompany those rates. According to the Harris County Appraisal District, the average market value of home in the area north of Loop 610 and East of U.S. Hwy. 290 increased 27 percent from $231,705 to $291,229. It’s gone up by 26 percent in the Heights, from $326,292 to $405,316, in the past year. The percentage of traditional sales, to foreclosures, in that area is 99 percent to 1 in both the Heights and Oak Forest areas. The average home sale in the Heights goes for $441,172, while the average for Oak Forest is $360,017. HCAD statistics also indicate a high level of construction in the Heights and Garden Oaks, relative to most of the rest of the county. Despite the newly assessed property values, residents and business owners have the opportunity to protest their market value and discover exemptions they may be eligible to receive. Tax rates on property values are capped at 10 percent per year. There are 1,037,973 single family homes in Harris County, and 18.7 percent of those homes protested their property value last year. 54.9 percent of those protests resulted in a reduction. A University of Houston-Downtown study showed that property owners who protested their own values were more successful than those who used a third party.

Alba

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Darlene’

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The green lines above show the streets within Garden Oaks that will be aﬀected by the city’s Capital Improvement Project, set to begin in January 2015. The main line represents Alba and Brinkman, which will be the focus of Phase I. (Courtesy of the City of Houston)

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THE PUBLIC. Saturday, April 5, 2014 • Page 2A

Church fire ruled accidental, seeking donations The Houston Fire Department ruled that the two-alarm fire on March 25 at the Heights Presbyterian Church (HPC), was accidential/electrical. There were no injuries in the fire, but local residents were devastated by what had happened to the 110-year-old church at 18th and Rutland. The church would like to thank the community for all their support and prayers following the fire. The church lost its entire educational

building which housed the nursery, children’s classrooms, the Modern Worship Center, and Clothes Closet. HPC is still assessing the damage and needs and asks that if anyone wants to help they can help monetarily. HPC will accept gifts/donations at the church ofﬁce located at 240 W. 18th St., Houston, TX 77008. Checks should be made payable to Heights Presbyterian Church. The following items are in

need, as well: Children’s Furniture and Items: children’s group-format tables and chairs (stackable chairs and folding/portable tables preferred); children’s worship CDs; portable CD player with docking station and/or auxiliary plug-in for mp3 style audio devices; wallmount white board with dry erase markers; bulletin boards; children’s wall decor and soft area rug. Nursery Furniture & Items:

two “up to code” cribs; mattresses; linens; a changing table/pad; rocking chair/glider; soft-surface area rug; baby/ toddler toys, baby swing/ jumper/bouncer; books; diapers; wipes; disposable rubber gloves; quart-size ziplocs (for soiled diaper disposal); burp cloths; baby/toddler wall decor (Bible-themed or general nursery). For more information, call the church ofﬁce at 713-8611907.

A two-alarm ﬁre on March 25 caused signiﬁcant damage to the Heights Presbyterian Church at 240 W. 18th St. (Photo by Ivee Sauls)

Sustaita charged with aggravated assault Police arrested Jose Sustaita and charged him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon at 8 p.m. on March 23 in the 3200 block of Terry. Sustaita, 42, allegedly cut his 34-year-old brother on his arm with Sustaita a knife. The victim refused medical treatment at the scene.

Seamist Robbery

A 59-year-old victim was robbed at gunpoint by two black males while he was doing work

for AT&T at an apartment complex at 11:30 a.m. on March 27 in the 1700 block of Seamist. His cell phone and wallet were stolen.

Family Dollar attempted robbery

Valero Gas Station in the 900 block of Studewood at 9:56 p.m. on March 21. Two victims inside the station suﬀered minor injuries. The robbery division is investigating the case.

Yale robbery

A 48-year-old victim had pulled his vehicle into the parking lot at Family Dollar, 4800 W. 34th St., at 9:30 a.m. on March 27 when he was approached by a black male in his 20s, dressed as a female. The suspect unsuccessfully attempted to pull the victim’s wallet out of his pocket and then ﬂed on foot.

An unknown male suspect approached a 42-year-old male and acted as if we were reaching for something in his waistband at 4:10 a.m. on March 26 in the 4400 block of Yale. After stealing the victim’s belongings, the suspect left with a second unknown male.

Valero robbery

Robbery on T.C. Jester

Two unknown male suspects stole cash from a register at a

A 28-year-old male was assaulted and robbed of money and

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a cell phone by an acquaintance at 1:50 p.m. on March 29 in the 1600 block of W. T.C. Jester. The suspect, who is known to the victim, was described as a 25-year-old white male. The victim suﬀered minor scratches but did not require treatment at the scene.

Carjacking on Chapman

A 42-year-old male was carjacked in his 2014 Toyota Camry moments after he left Metro Bank at 1 p.m. March 29 in the 1900 block of Chapman. Two black male suspects and an unidentiﬁed suspect took his car and the money inside of it. The vehicle was recovered 2.5 hours later at 4506 Teton, in the Sunnyside area of southeast Houston.

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Any Condition

Police Reports • March 21 - 31 MARCH 21

Robbery 9:56 PM 900-999 STUDEWOOD Theft 3:15 PM 4600-4699 SHEPHERD DR Theft 10:50 PM 3900-3999 WASHINGTON AVE

MARCH 22

Theft 2 AM 1200-1299 OMAR Theft 3 PM 1000-1099 STUDEWOOD Theft 12 PM 500-599 40TH ST Theft 8:54 PM 2500-2599 SHEARN ST Theft 6 PM 900-999 LEHMAN Theft 1:48 AM 1900-1999 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 8:45 PM 200-299 19TH ST Theft 3:30 PM 1900-1999 NORTH LP W Theft 11 PM 1900-1999 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 12:03 PM 2500-2599 NORTH LP W Theft 12:15 PM 3700-3799 CREEKMONT DR

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Theft 9 PM 1400-1499 SHEPHERD DR Theft 8:30 PM 1000-1099 20TH Theft 8 PM 1000-1099 20TH ST Theft 9 PM 900-999 DURHAM Theft 3:30 PM 200-299 19TH ST Theft 8 AM 3300-3399 GARDEN CREST LN Theft 3:38 PM 4600-4699 WERNER ST Theft 12:08 AM 2800-2899 BEAUCHAMP ST Theft 3 PM 1900-1999 TAYLOR Theft 2 PM 11200-11299 NORTHWEST FWY SER

SHEPHERD DR Theft 8:50 AM 200-299 YALE ST Theft 12 AM 4200-4299 WASHINGTON AVE Burglary 4:15 PM 2200-2299 WHITE OAK DR Theft 10 PM 4300-4399 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 10:46 AM 3800-3899 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 7 PM 4200-4299 APOLLO Burglary 6:30 PM 1900-1999 SHEPHERD DR Burglary 12:15 PM 300-399 31ST ST Theft 12:30 PM 1500-1599 24TH ST Theft 8:50 AM 200-299 YALE Theft 11 AM 100-199 YALE Theft 12:30 AM 4000-4099 34TH ST Burglary 11 AM 2300-2399 CARLEEN Theft 2 PM 11200-11299 NORTHWEST FWY Theft 1:25 PM 800-899 GIBBS Burglary 4 AM 600-699 THORNTON

MARCH 24

MARCH 26

MARCH 23

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MARCH 29

Theft 12:45 PM 900-999 N.SHEPHERD Theft 1 AM 4000-4099 SHEPHERD DR Robbery 1:50 PM 1600-1699 T C JESTER BLVD Theft 12:30 PM 400-499 OXFORD ST Theft 11 AM 2200-2299 WHITE Theft 1 AM 1900-1999 WASHINGTON AVE Burglary 6 AM 4200-4299 CREEKMONT DR

MARCH 31

Houston Heights Woman’s Club Heritage Group ��

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E. Whitney

Crosstimber

Burglary 4:50 PM 2900 BLOCK OF AVENUE F ST Other 7:58 PM 2900 BLOCK OF AVENUE F ST

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Northline Mall Airline Dr

Theft 9:59 AM 700-799 18TH ST Theft 12:53 PM 4000-4099

Theft 11:30 AM 2500-2599 YALE Theft 11:20 AM 1100-1199 11TH ST Theft 9:55 AM 1100-1199 NORTH LP W Theft 1:02 AM 1400-1499 W 23RD Robbery 11:30 AM 1700-1799 SEAMIST DR Robbery 9:30 AM 4800-4899 34TH ST Burglary 10 AM 2400-2499 BLUE WATER LN

Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

5

MARCH 25

Burglary 1 AM 2800-2899 YALE Theft 8:42 AM 2900-2999 SHEPHERD DR Theft 7:05 PM 1100-1199 19TH Robbery 4:10 AM 4400-4499 YALE Theft 7:30 PM 4400-4499 SHEPHERD DR Burglary 1:43 AM 100-199 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 8:30 PM 5400-5499 WASHINGTON AVE Burglary 9:30 AM 1200-1299 BETHLEHEM ST Theft 12:20 AM 2700-2799 18TH ST Theft 10 AM 1300-1399 CROSS-

MARCH 27

FAST CASH SALE

I-4

Burglary 6:15 AM 900-999 31ST ST Theft 8:30 PM 1400-1499 20TH Theft 12 AM 800-899 SLEDGE Theft 8 PM 0-99 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 6:30 AM 900-999 29TH ST Theft 6:20 AM 900-999 NORTH LP W SER Theft 7:10 AM 900-999 NORTH LP W SER Theft 8:30 PM 5200-5299 SAXON Theft 11:20 AM 400-499 13TH

TIMBERS Theft 2:30 AM 4000-4099 34TH Burglary 2:15 AM 1600-1699 34TH ST Theft 8 PM 200-299 13TH ST Theft 2:30 PM 6600-6699 MAIN Theft 1:45 PM 900-999 NORTH LP W Theft 11:20 PM 900-999 SHEPHERD DR Theft 8 PM 4700-4799 MAIN Theft 6:30 PM 400-499 OXFORD Theft 10:30 PM 400-499 OXFORD ST Theft 7 AM 1500-1599 SHEPHERD DR Theft 11:30 AM 1500-1599 DURHAM DR Theft 5 PM 2500-2599 SHEARN Burglary 8:30 AM 1200-1299 BETHLEHEM ST Burglary 6:50 AM 4200-4299 34TH ST Theft 4 PM 4700-4799 DACOMA Theft 12:14 AM 3200-3299 MANGUM

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Saturday, April 5, 2014 • Page 3A

Residents are in a playful mood Helms Mary Vitek sent a picture in of what her cul-de-sac in Candlelight Estates decided to do when there was a water main leak on her street. Break out the kayaks. The delay of the Berryhill on Ella and W. 43rd has been of great interest to all. The rumor is it’s a permitting issue which someone spoofed with this image on the Oak Forest HOA page. The corner of 43rd and Rosslyn was full of signs on April 1 announcing that it was the site of a new Trader Joe’s. While some got excited, others wondered if the fact that it was April Fool’s had something to do with it. No response from the corporate ofﬁce but David Fuller, an Oak Forest resident who also happens to work at Trader Joes on South Shepherd Drive, said that although he’d love a much shorter commute to work, there had been no announcement from his bosses on the “new” store.

searches for new principal

Top: Children playing in a kayak in Candlelight Estates. Bottom Left: An April Fool’s Joke regarding a new Trader Joe’s. Bottom Right: A Facebook post on the Oak Forest HOA page poked fun at the prolonged delay of the Berryhill. (Contributed photos)

from P. 1A

ers right now.” The price of a lot in Garden Oaks varies, but on the lower end the range is around $275,000 to $300,000, according to Jeanes. Of course, location and size are important. Premium lots, or those in excess of 16,000 square feet, can go for $350,000 to $400,000. Corner lots and extra wide lots are coveted by builders. Those that back up to the freeway or railroad, or those in the ﬂood plain are not as desirable. A developer doesn’t want many restrictions on buildable space. Jeanes recently got a call from a friend asking if the price that her great-aunt was

Bluebonnets, from P. 1A down to enjoy the view. Pick areas with light traffic conditions for stopping. Signal before leaving or entering the roadway. Park off the roadway (off of improved shoulders), parallel to the road in the direction of traffic, on the same side of the roadway that the flowers are on. Don’t walk or run across lanes of traffic to get to the

Helms Elementary principal Diana Del Pilar has decided to resign from the Heights-based school, effective at the end of the school year. Del Pilar, the principal of Helms for the past four years, said she would like to spend more time with her children. Helms, located at 503 W. 21st St., is an Houston ISD Dual Language magnet. HISD is currently interviewing for the school’s next principal.

Feline Heartworm Disease

New information on Feline Heartworm Disease has come to our attention. We feel this information is very important to you. Studies conducted in the Texas and Gulf Coast areas have indicated a surprising presence of heartworm infection in cats. The endemic prevalence of canine heartworm disease and our hungry mosquito population (the carrier of Heartworm disease) lead us to believe that this problem will continue to affect cats in our area. A few good reasons to use a preventative heartworm medication for cats: • Feline heartworm disease is very difcult to diagnose • Feline heartworm disease is not easily or safely treated • Feline heartworm disease affects both indoor and outdoor cats • Feline heartworm is 100% preventable • Unlike dogs, No Prior Blood Tests are required before starting Feline Revolution The American Heartworm Society recommends pet owners be made aware of the potentially serious consequences of heartworm infections in cats. Sudden death is a common symptom. Starting your cat on a once-a-month topical heartworm preventative is the easiest and most effective way to prevent this life threatening disease. We recommend Revolution as our product of choice in preventing feline heartworm disease. In addition to preventing heartworms, Revolution also controls eas, ea eggs & larva, ear mites, round worms and hookworms. (Recommended by Centers for Disease Control). If you have any questions about Feline Heartworm Disease or if you would like to start your cat on Revolution please call.

Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions

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Elderly targeted, from P. 1A behind a safe, but by that time the For Sale sign was in the backyard. “God works in mysterious ways,” said Rodriguez, who also noted that a friend of one of her sons sold his house nearby for much more than what she was offered. Terry Jeanes, a realtor for 30 years and longtime resident of Garden Oaks, said that she gets calls all the time from people in the neighborhood wondering if the offers on their homes are on the up and up. “They ask me ‘do you know this person?’” And while she emphasizes that most people doing business in the area are reputable, “there are a lot of door knock-

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given for her house was market value. In this case it was, but Jeanes says that it’s the elderly who can be most at risk. The offers “sound like a whole lot of money,” she said. “Even if you sell for $25,000 less than your home is worth, that’s ﬁve months of assisted living.” She counsels anyone who is thinking about selling their house to consult a trusted expert before signing anything. People should help educate and protect their elderly neighbors as well. “It’s really about having them get what’s theirs,” said Jeanes.

such as N. Shepherd Drive. The city has not responded to an inquiry on why it was specifically placed in Garden Oaks. But Alvin Wright, public information officer for the city’s Public Works and Engineering Department, said the city engineers received information from community leaders on what needed to be done. Wright said it was planned so that flooding in Garden Oaks won’t be an issue. “It’s a well-engineered plan,” Wright said. “(The project will) increase outflow and capacity as it goes to the bayous.”

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THE PUZZLES. Solutions in this issue’s classsied section.

ACROSS 1. Plural of eyrir 6. Concord 12. Photographer 16. Atomic #18 17. Tobacco cylinder 18. Of I 19. 1/10 meter (abbr.) 20. In the year of Our Lord 21. Belittle 22. 1/2 of an em 23. Equally 24. Cornmeal mush (British) 26. Desires 28. Of sound mind 30. 1st moon man’s initials 31. Public broadcasting 32. Bodily cavity 34. Insecticide 35. County in China 37. Platforms

39. Frost 40. Crucix 41. Bodily faculties 43. Seladang 44. Denotes three 45. Imbibe slowly 47. What’s left 48. Liberal degree 50. Competition 52. Confederate 54. 7th Hindu month 56. Senator Frankin 57. “Crying” singer’s initials 59. Taro root dish 60. Bahrain dinar 61. Sun god 62. 39th state 63. In a harmful way 66. Immunoglobulin (abbr.) 67. Differences 70. Moves slowly 71. Snarl, growl (var. sp.)

SUDOKO

DOWN

1. Aviator 2. Boutros’ group 3. Go over 4. Be among 5. Cloth scrap 6. Clerks 7. Vacuum tube 8. Actress Blanchett 9. Removes the lid 10. Atomic #45 11. Peremptorily 12. Dishonorable men 13. Spanish appetizers 14. Algerian gulf & port 15. Sets again 25. About Freemason 26. One point N of due W 27. Not happy 29. Accumulates on the surface 31. Peels an apple 33. Diamond weight unit 36. Possesses 38. Note 39. About heraldry 41. Hair lament 42. Title of respect 43. Hair product 46. Colas 47. Capital of Huila, Colombia 49. More diaphanous 51. Eliminate 53. Change to a vapor 54. Ancient temple sanctums 55. Pesters 58. Off-Broadway award 60. Light Russian pancake 64. Baseball ofcial 65. Work unit 68. Jr.’s father 69. Atomic #77

THE TOPICS. Saturday, April 5, 2014 • Page 4A

Call us anything, but don’t call us sell-outs

E

very once in a while, a journalist can write a story with the best of intentions, only to have that story turned upside down and shoved right back down their throat. That happened to a good friend of mine last week. He owns a few small newspapers in the Midwest, and a story he published was supposed to say that a local racetrack had “no organized gambling.” Well, during the editing process – where a sentence was re-written and a paragraph or two were moved – the key word of “no” was accidentally left out of the sentence. The racetrack owner, who had refused countless interview opportunities previously, ﬁnally opened up to the local newspaper, and immediately, the entire community was told the track was illegally allowing organized gambling. Obviously, the sentence should have read there was “no organized gambling.” Those kinds of mistakes are difﬁcult for publishers like me and my friend to swallow. We work so hard to publish newspapers that are informative – and sometimes edgy – and when we make a mistake like this, we can’t sleep for a week. Then there are other good intentions gone bad, and that seemed to happen in The Leader a couple of weeks ago. If you haven’t read our letters to the editor, printed below,

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

then I’ll give you the abbreviated version. In the March 22 edition of our newspaper, we wrote what we’d call a “Business Spotlight” about a man who owns a real estate development company. The story was positive in nature because we weren’t trying to write an exposé about anyone. We were just telling the story of a local business, which we do quite often. The reaction to that story, at least among a few of our readers, caused supersonic waves of disgust. The Leader became the target of an email campaign to ban us from reading lists. Imagine, Catcher in the Rye and The Leader ﬁnally on the same list together. One former reader said he was going to ask everyone he knew to stop reading The Leader. Another person asked if we were becoming just like the Chronicle and writing only about businesses that advertise with us.

THE READER.

From Theleadernews.com Dear Editor: This reads like a paid advertisement for Terry Fisher. Do a little bit of actual journalism. Read some of the reviews of his company online. Ask around about how he reacts to input from the community. Ask his new neighbors on Morrison how they feel about him. Obviously, some people will always be unhappy with new development. I understand, however, that the criticisms of Mr. Fisher go well beyond that. The slightest bit of digging could have uncovered the other side of this story. Peter Marmo Dear Editor: I’ve always loved your news and reviews, but this article is so onesided, and so lacking in context, that I now worry that anything I read [in The Leader] could be equally misinformed. How could any journalist or editor write or approve an article about this developer without at least commenting on the controversy around his developments? Was there any investigating at all, or did you just print what he said in an interview? The Leader presents itself as a source for insight into our great neighborhood. This article tells me that either you guys are not at all in tune with what’s going on or choose to ignore it at times. Very frustrated. Allie Dear Editor: The neighborhood is in dismay over the outrageous lack of any concern Terry Fisher has for the Woodland Heights Historic neighborhood. You should see the six story brick condos looking into the yards of the 1913 to 1920s very lovely homes in this neighborhood. If he had any common sense, he would have built a quality home instead of the atrocious unwelcome Morrison Heights complex. The adjoining neighbors call The New Low in The Woodland Heights, in yard signs... I would recommend you research Terry Fisher before endorsing him. Kay Donahue Dear Editor: I couldn’t believe your article I read in The Leader about Terry Fisher. The article painted a positive picture of Fisher, but having had the misfortune of witnessing his unethical [and]

businesses last month. After counting all those stories, I went back and counted how many of those 238 were frequent advertisers in The Leader (meaning they advertise at least once a month). When I ﬁnished that count, I must admit I was a little embarrassed that we didn’t write a little more about our advertisers, because of those 238 stories, only 17 of them were about businesses that spend money with The Leader. We wrote about businesses that have ﬂatly told us that they won’t ever consider us. We wrote about businesses who have strung us along for two years and have never spent a dime. And yes, seven percent of the stories we wrote last month were about places that advertise with The Leader. You can call us a lot of things – bad journalists, crummy writers, poor editors, inept publishers – but those who would accuse The Leader of selling out just for advertising are blatantly wrong and, using their terms, “irresponsible.” Then again, it’s hard to argue with someone whose parting shot is this: “So if I decide to sell my soul to the devil and go on an evil rampage, maybe I will look you up for some positive PR.”

that). There’s nothing I can do about that, and though I never like to lose a reader, we take solace knowing that we get far more letters from people who are new readers than those who have decided to trash us. Win some, lose some, I suppose. Maybe there’s no point in bothering our remaining readers with this, but I do want to address one thing that some Woodland Heights readers have said to us. Fisher Homes is an advertiser in The Leader, and we appreciate their business, just as we appreciate all the businesses that believe we’re an effective marketing tool. In some of the letters we received from Woodland Heights, we were accused of writing a puff piece about Fisher Homes just because they are an advertiser. Something of a quid pro quo. I’ll make no bones that we do write stories about businesses that support us. Any newspaper, TV or radio station that says otherwise is lying. But I want to make something very clear to the readers who are still with us, and I’ll do it with some facts. In the month of March, The Leader published 238 stories about businesses in our community. Whether they were real estate developers, churches, ﬁtness gyms, hospitals or boutiques, I believe we did a great job of covering and promoting local

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

Beneﬁts/costs of technology

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com Fisher Homes Story

Why such an outcry? Well, the story was on Terry Fisher, whose development company, Fisher Homes, apparently has caused great consternation among the Woodland Heights Civic Club. Apparently – and we were provided with audio after our story – Fisher was not the most cordial to a group of civic club members during a give-and-take on the project. Ever since then, the community and Fisher Homes have been at odds, legally and publicly. The purpose of my column isn’t to indict anyone in this neighborhood squabble. It’s probably fair to say Fisher has handled some of the discourse in a brash manner. At least that’s what we’ve heard from angry readers. It’s also fair to say that Fisher’s decision to build the midrise condominiums is well within his rights. The city of Houston has no zoning laws, and as long as that’s the case, he has the right to continue with his project, if he does it legally. And if there are concerns with that, The Leader is not the place to try and convict a private business. We’ve never done that anywhere else, and we won’t begin now. But there’s another angle of this discussion that I would like to address, as ﬁrmly as possible. Among the many letters we’ve received this week, most of the writers have said The Leader is now banned in their homes (or something like

inappropriate ... business practices, I can’t imagine a more misrepresentative portrait of the man. As if his business practices weren’t bad enough, the man is just as oﬀensive personally, and his presence is a blight on the Heights and surrounding areas. Therefore, how anyone could have written a positive article of this person is a true mystery and a perfect example of irresponsible journalism. The only thing positive I can say about the article is that it makes clear where an awful person can go to get good press. So, if I decide to sell my soul to the devil and go on an evil rampage, maybe I will look you up for some positive PR. Until then, I know I will never pick up another Leader (at least to read), and I know I will encourage as many people as possible to ban The Leader as well. Marcus Greenspan Dear Editor: Just saw the story in The Leader regarding Terry Fisher and his work in the Heights. It is so oﬀ-base that I have to wonder - with the ads that accompany the story - if they paid you to write that as ‘community news’. There is no way that anyone in the Heights shares his vision for his work here. When informing the neighborhood of his plans for his complex on Morrison, he was incredibly disrespectful, admitted that he wouldn’t want to live next to a complex like the one he was building, and then told us we should move to Spring - where he lives (not in Houston) - if we don’t like what he does because no one is allowed to build like that in his neighborhood!!! But somehow you have spun his hazy dream as news... What he is doing to our community is horrible, and you have given him a big free spin. Please, talk with the neighbors to his work on Morrison and set this story right. Stephanie Riceman Publisher’s Note: Some of the above letters to the editor were edited. The reason can be found in our rules for letters, printed at the bottom of the page.

Athlete Spotlight: St. Pius X Rachel Hardy

“Yay! Keep going great! Super proud of you.” Jeanie Armour

T

he automatic teller machine eliminates an opportunity for clutter when after each deposit, it asks whether you’d like a printed receipt, an electronic one, or

none. Eliminating the stacks and drawers filled with papers is good, but you begin to question the safety of having financial information online. Along with junk e-mails and telemarketers, you now have “tele-texters.” Last week, I was pumping gas when the machine at the pump asked “debit or credit” like a thousand times before. I randomly chose debit, paid and was on my way, when not two minutes MICHAEL later, I received a SUDHALTER text message with a phone number to Editor call regarding a prepaid debit card. Coincidence? Possibly, but the timing of it was pretty strange. Order a pizza once, and you’ll get text messages on pepperoni specials for the next five years. While these so-called technological advances can be annoying, we have many others that are ensuring good use of resources. Whenever it comes to government-sponsored technology, a large part of the population is going to be skeptical. But some of the recent plans by Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniel will help increase public safety. The district clerk’s office is issuing subpoenas electronically, which frees up 31 full-time Harris County Sheriff’s deputies to focus on public safety, rather than paperwork. The Clerk’s office is working with the district attorney on developing electronic warrants, and the Constable’s office on electronic citations. In the long run, these measures should increase public safety, and they appear to be ethically sound. However, we must be conscious of applying technology and ensure that we don’t mindlessly add things that could violate civil liberties, via knee jerk reactions. Business booming at Sheraton Over the past few weeks, you’ve read about the effect of traffic on commuters and business owners. The Sheraton Brookhollow, due to its location near U.S. Hwy. 290 and Loop 610, is right in the middle of TxDOT’s massive project. But Sheraton proves that good products and services can succeed, over any inconveniences that stand in their way. Sheraton Brookhollow General Manager Tom Chigoy said Houston’s economy is so strong that the hotel has had one of its best years. To counter the issues the construction presents, Chigoy’s employees issue maps to guests before they arrive and make

them aware of the situation. The hotel also has the foresight to upgrade some of its facilities (ballroom and a restaurant) now, so that they can position themselves to be in better shape, post-construction. Public-Private success Last week, we discussed the possibilities available when public and private entities unite for a common cause. When I logged on to the Oak Forest Homeowners Association Facebook page, I wasn’t surprised that one post received 256 likes. Justin Gordon of Justin Gordon Homes is planting 21 45 gallon oak trees in the esplanades along W. 43rd, between Oak Forest and Rosslyn. Gordon, an Oak Forest resident, worked with the City of Houston’s Adopt-A-Tree/Adopt An Esplanade programs and Trees for Houston to put the program into place. It will be nice to see something other than construction, when driving through the area. Email michael@theleadernews.com

LOOKING BACK.

OUR STAFF

20 years ago April 7, 1994

30 years ago April 5, 1984

Heights Rotary works to boost city’s dismal immunization rates More than 80 percent of Houston and Harris County babies 2-years-old and younger, are not fully vaccinated against serious, sometimes fatal childhood diseases such as polio and measles, according to both the U.S. Center for Disease Control and local health oﬃcials. The dismal vaccination rate is particularly dangerous now, according to one Houston public health oﬃcial, because of the cyclical nature of measles. While only two cases of measles were reported in Houston in 1993, Houston Health and Human Services Immunization Program Administrator Phil Caves called the numbers “very misleading,” and warned the areas population of unvaccinated babies is ripe for a major outbreak such as occurred here in 1989. To counter the threat, Houston’s Health and Human Services Department, along with The Rotary Clubs of Houston and various corporate sponsors will, on April 23, launch its contribution to the “Shots Across Texas” campaign aimed at raising the immunization rate among the youngest Texans.

Traffic counts on Oak Forest aid city plans Motorists traveling north and south on Oak Forest, near 43rd Street, on March 13, were taking part in a poll, whether they were aware of it or not. On that date, traffic counting equipment was in place to measure vehicular volume on the Oak Forest neighborhood street. “We started at Hempstead Highway in early January and are working our way clockwise around the city,” said Lee Ream of the city’s Traffic and Transportation Department, Planning and Design Division. “In the past, we usually counted traffic only on the major streets, but about two years ago we got more equipment and will be doing the whole city,” Ream said. About 40 units will cover the entire roadway system during a year’s time. During the 24-hour period on Oak Forest, there were 4,045 north and southbound vehicles, according to the count.

Jonathan McElvy Built by LEE BURGE, PUBLISHER FROM 1957-1969 TERRY BURGE, PUBLISHER FROM 1969-2012

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GET INVOLVED: If you want to send us a letter, we may edit it a little, and we will never let you personally attack a neighbor. But we’ll publish as many letters as readers write. Email your letters to news@theleadernews.com.

Saturday, April 5, 2014 • Page 5A Ad # 31448

FROM THE PEWS. Beacon Light Outreach Ministry in need of musical instruments For the past ﬁve years, Beacon Light Outreach Ministry have partnered with and held their services in Heights Presbyterian Church’s worship center, 240 W. 18th St. Everything was lost in the two-alarm ﬁre on March 26, including all equipment and musical instruments. Donations are appreciated. Items most needed are microphones, power amp for mics and keyboard. Donations may be mailed to: Pastor Travin Roquemore, Beacon Light Outreach Ministry - BLOM Church, 1795 N. Fry Rd. #341, Katy 77449. For information, call 281-763-2183 or e-mail beaconlight2009@aol.com.

The Wednesday evening Lenten Study continues at 6 p.m., with a light meal served before the study. A Maundy Thursday service will be held at 7 p.m. April 18, in the Sanctuary. Prayer time and Holy Communion will be a part of the service. The annual Easter Egg Hunt for children of the church and community will be April 19, in the church courtyard. Children are asked to bring their own baskets. Two Easter services will be held at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. April 20. The Youth will lead the 7 a.m. service, followed by the 9:30 a.m. traditional service. For information, call 713697-0671 or visit www.stmatthewsmethodist.org.

Bubblefest! children’s event at The Vineyard The Vineyard Church of Houston, 1035 E. 11th St., will be hosting Bubblefest! from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 5. This children’s event celebrates all things bubbles; foam pits, photos, games, food, and music. Bubblefest was voted Heights favorite community event, geared towards children 3-12 years old. Call 713-869-9070 or visit www.houstonvineyard.org for information.

Taize’ service at Grace United Methodist A Taize’ service will be held at 8:30 a.m. April 6, at Grace United Methodist Church, 1245 Heights Blvd. The Laughin’ Lizards band will provide the music. Steve and Donna Bing will lead the service. Call 713-862-8883 or visit www.graceintheheights.org.

Many spring activities at St. Matthew’s Life Line Screening will be offered at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr., on April 14. Call 1-888-653-6450 for an appointment. The monthly free pancake breakfast, hosted by the Children’s Weekday Ministries, will be April 5. The Lydia Circle will meet immediately following the pancake breakfast. A program on famous Texas women will be presented.

Upcoming Lenten and Easter services at Advent Lutheran Advent Lutheran Church, 5820 Pinemont Dr., announces the schedule of Lenten and Easter services. The ﬁnal midweek Lenten service will be at noon and 7:30 p.m. April 9. A light supper will precede the evening service. There will be a single service in the Advent Life Center, 10 a.m. April 13. This will be a Canata presentation by the Chancel Choir. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services will be at 7:30 p.m. April 17 and 18, in the sanctuary. Three Easter services will be celebrated April 20. Tradi-

THE OBITUARIES.

Eleanor Imogene Bergin Booth, 95, born Sept. 22, 1918

in Beaumont, died March 28 after a short illness. Booth was retired from the Southern Paciﬁc Railroad Company. She is survived by her son, John F. Booth, three grandsons, and two great-grandchildren.

Carol Brown Briscoe, 83, born Sept. 9, 1930 in Rock Creek, Texas, died March 17. She graduated from Waco High School and brieﬂy attended Baylor University. She married Wilbur Kile Briscoe in 1948. Briscoe worked as an executive secretary for HISD for eight years beginning in 1965 in order to help put her daughters through Baylor. She strongly encouraged higher education and worked to provide that for them. The family would like to thank all the caregivers who helped her in her ﬁnal days. Miriam Elizabeth DeJarnett, 64, born Sept. 15, 1949,

died March 22. DeJarnett was a member of All Saints Catholic Church and was employed by Marek Brothers. She is survived by her sister Phyllis Dewvall and

brother, John Lee DeJarnett Jr.

Marian Julia Kadlecek,

59, born Sept. 6, 1954, died March 25. Kadlecek was a former employee of The Leader. She is preceded in death by her parents Amos Frank and Della Dorothy Kadlecek; and brother Charles Kadlecek. She is survived by her two brothers Jim and Johnny Kadlecek.

Kenneth P. Kelly, 72, born

June 27, 1941 in Dallas, died March 25 of a massive heart attack. He moved to Houston at the age of 1 and resided in the north side. Kelly attended Helms Elementary, Hamilton Junior High and Reagan High School. He joined the U.S. Army and served part of his three years in Korea. He was a longtime member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife Bobbie Kelly, son Michael, daughter Terri and sister Barbara Johns and their respective families.

George Thomas Kingery, 88, born Aug. 15, 1925 in Bristol, Colo., died March 27. He was formerly of Houston, but had been living in Crockett since

tional services will be 8 a.m. and 11:10 a.m. in the Advent Sanctuary. A contemporary service will be at 10:25 a.m. in the Advent Life Center. There will be an Easter egg hunt during Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. Call 713-686-8201 for information. Supper and book study at St. Andrew’s St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., will observe Lent with some programs that offer both learning and fellowship. A Lenten supper will be held at 6:30-8 p.m. April 9, in the parish hall, followed by an informative presentation. Exploring The Book of Common Prayer study will be held 9:30 a.m. in the parish library Sundays through April 6. For information, visit www. saecheights.org or call 713861-5596. Palm/Passion Sunday celebration at St. Mark’s St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 600 Pecore, will hold a Palm/Passion Sunday Celebration - United Worship Service with Mallalieu UMC. The Dialogue Sermon will be presented by Rev. Verronda Flanagan and Rev. Marilyn Meeker-Williams. The service will be held at 10 a.m. April 13, and will mark the beginning of Holy Week with Palm Procession. Call 713-861-3104 or visit www.smumc.org for information. Kissell new interim pastor at Bethel Bethel United Church of Christ, 1107 Shepherd Dr., will welcome new Interim Pastor, the Rev. Teddy Kissell at the Palm Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. April 13. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. For information, call 713-

2003. Kingery was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a retired teacher with 30 years of service from Aldine School District. He was a very active member of First United Methodist Church. Survivors include wife, Bell Kingery; children Kathy Selsky, Debbie Hargrove and David Kingery; sister Bretha Mahe, seven grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. April 7, in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Patrick Evans oﬃciating.

Louise Stricklin Peters, 101, born Sept. 29, 1912 in Denison, Texas, died March 22. Peters was recently honored as the oldest living former employee of Foley’s department store where she worked for many years. After working at Foley’s, she worked at Mortgage and Trust for at least 20 years before retiring. She was a longtime member of West End Baptist Church for 76 years, where she was a Sunday school teacher. Peters is survived by her daughters Liz Lester, Helen Watts and Janie Bradley, 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

CHURCH Gospel Truth Church Sunday 10:30 am Worship and The Word Children’s Church Wednesday 7:30 pm Life Equip classes for all ages

Grace United Methodist Church “The Heart of the Heights”

1245 Heights Blvd.

Sunday School . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Worship . . . . . 10:45 AM Nursery Provided

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Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

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

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here is a lot of discussion recently of dental offices and their infection control measures relating to the recent story coming from the oral surgeon in Tulsa allegedly ignoring proper standards and delegating dental procedures. As a member of the American Dental Association, I have been closely following this story as it has developed and it is troubling to think of the consequences of such oversight. Every patient should have the confidence when going to their dentist that they are being protected while being treated. You should be assured that all staff thoroughly scrubs their hands before and after each patient. New gloves and masks are used with every patient. All surfaces of the treatment room have been cleaned and disinfected. Instruments have been sterilized in an autoclave or another sterilization device. Disposable items like needles or gauze are placed in special containers for monitored disposal. A patient’s well being should be the dentist’s top priority, and you should be ensured that your dentist is following stringent infection control procedures and complying with state regulations for your protection.

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

PREACH THE GOSPEL

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aint Francis is said to have told his followers, paraphrasing our Lord, to preach the gospel everywhere you go, with words if necessary. While this is probably a misattribution, the sentiment is certainly worth bearing in mind. That is, should we not preach the gospel with our actions as much as with our words? Indeed, when deeds and words are not in harmony, people mistrust the words and consider the “preacher” to be a hypocrite. We should be as concerned with our actions as with our words, at least insofar as we hold ourselves up as moral exemplars. And most of us are called to be moral exemplars, whether we want this role or not. If you are a parent, you are expected to be a moral example to your children. Most professions are expected to set an example; we expect preachers, teachers, doctors, pharmacists, bankers, and even athletes to adhere to a high moral code. Just to be a decent human being we must adhere to a high moral code of conduct. So, we should preach the gospel everywhere we go with good moral actions, and don’t worry about the words.

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Palm Sunday worship at Oak Forest Baptist Oak Forest Baptist Church, 1700 W. 43rd St., will have Palm Sunday worship at 10:15 a.m., April 13. The choir will be presenting special music - “Guilty of Love,” with narration by Dr. Jerry Evans, “When He was on the Cross,” and “Three Nails,” with monologue by Linda Cates. The Lord’s Supper will also be observed. Call 713-682-4942 or visit www.oakforestbaptistnhca.org for information.

(Disciples of Christ)

Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m.

Oaks Presbyterian Church

Annual parish bazaar at St. Ambrose St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Rd., will hold its annual parish bazaar from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 27. This year’s theme is “Growing in Faith, One Family Under God.” Entertainment will be the Texas Sound Check Band. There will be a variety of food, fun and games for both adults and children. Call 713-686-6990 or visit www.stambrosehouston.org for information.

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Easter Egg hunt at Grace Church of Garden Oaks/the429 Grace Church of Garden Oaks/the 429, is hosting an Easter Egg hunt from 11 a.m.1 p.m. on April 19, at Graham Park behind Pink’s Pizza. They will have inﬂatables, food and games as well as several Easter egg hunts throughout the day. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance and children will receive gift bags.

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FOOD, DRINK & ART Saturday, April 5, 2014 • Page 7A

Art a la Carte “True North,” the Heights Boulevard Sculpture Project Driving under the canopy of tree lined streets, fountains, benches and water fountains, and manicured yards in front of welcoming front porches, is generally enough to slow drivers down on Heights Boulevard. A bit of an explanation may be in Mitch Cohen order now that a church appears to be buried up Arts Columnist to its roof line between 8th and 9th Streets. What about that giant pair of lawn chairs big enough to seat a family side by side? Great reasons to slow down, and who’s behind these whimsical giant sculptures? Gus Kopriva is our man. Gus Kopriva, owner of Redbud Gallery on 11th Street and a true icon in the local, national and international art scene, has long dreamed of producing large-scale public art exhibitions in Houston.

Heights residents and visitors are already enjoying the “True North” installations on Heights Boulevard.

A year of planning and a Mayor’s Initiative Grant through Houston Arts Alliance along with private donations has made this project possible. Kopriva joined forces with Chris Silkwood, a local artist and community activist as well as other community leaders including Jim Bennett, Simon Eyles, Dave Steitz, Catherine Anspon, Minnette Boesel, cultural liaison to the Mayor’s office and Joe Turner, executive director of the Parks Department to carefully orchestrate a plan. Non-profit arts organizations Fresh Arts and Rubber were also instrumental. The goal of the “True North” sculpture project is to organize an exhibition that is a representation of local works of contemporary art along the esplanade for the enjoyment of our community and visitors. Exhibits produced by highly recognized Texas artists will foster the understanding and advancement of art. Participating artists are Carter Ernst, Dan Havel, Paul Kittelson, Lee Littlefield, Patrick Medrano, Steve Murphy, Dean Ruck, and Ed Wilson. You can search the internet for any one of these artists to learn more about their careers and extensive bodies of work. The sculptures will remain through November 2014, and are located on the esplanade between 4th and 18th Streets of Heights Boulevard. Thursday, April 3 Puppetsploitation X - Bobbindoctrin’s Annual Puppet Slam, 8 p.m. on April 4, 5, 7, 11,

12 at Midtown Arts Center, 3414 La Branch, 77003. Tickets are $13. This is an open forum for Houston artists to explore puppetry and thus expand the presence of puppetry in Houston. Artists are challenged, audiences are pleased. Note: This is geared toward adults and is quite entertaining. There are five performances in the mediums of film, shadow and robotics. Saturday, April 5 Visual Arts Alliance Program - “Time Travelers”, 9:45 a.m. The Jung Center of Houston, 5200 Montrose Blvd. Three dimensional paper dresses that will be displayed on cylinders of light...as if coming through portals of time. First Saturday Arts Market, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Located on the parking lot at 548 W. 19th St. next to Gen’s Antiques. Featuring music entertainment: 11a.m. - Lager Rhythms, an a cappella group, 3 p.m. - JoAnna Jetton and The Fun Country Band. H-town StrEATs & Yeti Sunshine serve up lunch and treats. Meet the Benefit Betties, and the Zipcar Street Team. Juice Girl celebrates four years and a soft opening at 238 W. 19th St. Juicy in the Sky meanwhile is moving to 4720 Washington Ave. (next to Max’s Wine dive) with tables and chairs. Should be open by May 1. Lee E. Wright Collector’s Studio Visit sponsored by Nicole Longnecker Gallery. 5 p.m. Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter St. #32. PARADE, John Hernandez, 6-8 p.m. Avis Frank Gallery, 1606 White Oak Dr. Often working on a large scale (4x6 ft drawings, 33 ft long installations), Hernandez creates imagery that is at its core a manifestation of 60’s pop culture influences, including toys, comic books and films. Mark Chatterley “New Work” Opening Reception, 6-9 p.m. Redbud, 303 East 11th St. Sunday, April 6 Sunday Streets Houston - 11 a.m.-3 p.m. After you’ve finished gawking at the sculptures on Heights Blvd. head over to White Oak between Heights and Fulton (yes, past I-45 Fulton) for Houston’s inaugural Sunday Street event. The entire street between these points will be closed to traffic and opened to pedestrians. With no cars on the road, you’ll be able to enjoy these streets for walking, running, dancing or cycling with friends and family. There will be plenty of activities at all the businesses I’m sure, but I suggest starting at Onion Creek. They have activities scheduled all day starting with a new farmers market called EAT, organized by the good folks at Pop Shop Houston, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Atomic Nightingales will perform noon to 3 p.m. Onion Creek is located at 3106 White Oak Blvd. For more information check the Sunday Streets website: http://www.gohealthyhouston. org/sundaystreetshtx Steve Harris “South” Reception, 3-5 p.m. Liberty Station, 2101 Washington. Images from South of the border, Mexico and Central America through April 26.

Thirsty Explorer Second Annual Houston Barbecue Festival

The second annual Houston Barbecue Festival will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 6 at Reliant Park. The goal ofThirsty the Houston Explorer Barbecue Festival is to celebrate and recognize what is unique about Houston barbecue. For those who attend, that means a ton of amazing barbeque.

Houston’s favorite barbecue joints will be back this year: Pizzitola’s, Gatlin’s, Killen’s, Lenox, CorkScrew, The Brisket House, Tin Roof, Brooks’ Place, Blake’s, Fainmous, Gerardo’s, and Ray’s BBQ Shack, plus some new additions to the festival, like Pappa Charlies, Oak Leaf Smokehouse, Spring Creek, Baker’s Ribs, The Wooden Spoke, and Feges BBQ. Guest pitmasters serving barbecue include Wayne Mueller of Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, Texas, and John Avila of Morgan’s Barbecue in Brooklyn, N.Y. A bar including beer and wine will be available. There will also be live music. General Admission is $50 and includes entry into the festival and unlimited sample portions from each participating Houston barbecue joint. VIP Admission is $90 and includes entry into the festival one hour early, at noon, and unlimited sample portions from each participating Houston barbecue joint. A T-shirt and one drink ticket are also included. To ensure a quality event for everyone involved, ticket sales are limited, so they encourage you to purchase your ticket immediately. Children are welcome, however only children under six years of age will be admitted free. All other ages must purchase a ticket to ensure there is enough barbecue for all guests. This year, the event will take place at Reliant Park (Purple Lot), one of the most recognizable and prestigious event venues in Hous-

ton. Parking access at Reliant Park - Yellow Lot - Main Street Entrance. There is a parking fee of $10 per car. The event will happen rain or shine and contingency plans will be in place in case of inclement weather. This year they have partnered with the local Houston charity Vita-Living, which provides longterm comprehensive care and support services for adults and children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as autism and cerebral palsy. A portion of all proceeds from tickets sales will help them with this important mission. If you are interested in participating in, volunteering for, or sponsoring the festival, please send an email to festival@houbbq. com, or call 832-454-6106. More info is available at http://houbbq. com/.

Brenner’s on the Bayou Annual Wine Festival

Celebrate springtime on Buﬀalo Bayou from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday with beautiful scenery, cuisine from Houston’s top chefs and award-winning wines at the annual Brenner’s on the Bayou Wine Fest. Stroll around the naturallyscenic grounds along the water’s edge while sipping unique wines from exclusive winemakers. With eclectic wines, ideal food pairings, live music and a renowned urban oasis, Brenner’s on the Bayou’s Wine Fest is Houston’s premier celebration of the tastes of the grape. Limited tickets are available. Landry’s Select Club members and VIP ticket holders receive early admission at 2:30 p.m. Brenner’s Steakhouse on the Bayou is located at 1 Birdsall Street. For more information, visit

http://www.brennersfest.com/.

Happy Hour at Katch 22

There is a new Happy Hour at Clemens’ Katch 22 Restaurant & Bar Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. and all day Thursday from 2:30 to 11 p.m. All signature cocktails are halfprice with a choice of the Blood Orange Margarita, Irish Mule, Steam 75 and more. Premium Vodka is $5.95 and you name the drink. All bottled beers are $2.50 and draft beers are $3. House red and white wines are $5.95 a glass and there are half-price appetizers including the Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Calamari and Sliders. Also be sure to check out the daily specials. For more information, visit http://www.katch22houston. com.

Tila’s Happy Hour Menu

Tila’s Restaurante & Bar now has happy hour specials Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. The one and only Tila’s Tequila-inspired Happy Hour and Social Mixer kind of thing is back by popular demand. There will be $5 margaritas, all made with fresh fruit. The options include fresh lime juice, mango puree, kiwi, raspberry, tamarind, pomegranate, and pineapple. Half price appetizers include chicken on a stick, two for $4, ﬂautas, two for $3, quesadillas tradicionales, two for $3, empanada-style, chicken, beef or potatoes and rajas,and queso fundido for $4. Tila’s Restaurante & Bar is located at 1111 S. Shepherd on the Curve, and there is complimentary valet. For more information, visit www.tilas.com. Follow Ivee Sauls on Twitter @ThirstyExplorer. To submit an event, email ivee@theleadernews. com.

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For The Finest in Italian Cuisine

Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him at ArtValet@gmail. com or visit him on the web atArtValet.com.

Leader Nibbles Bradley’s Fine Diner Opening (For Real) by Amber Ambrose amber@amberambrose.com

Houstonians will finally get a real taste of what chef Bradley Ogden (formerly of Las Vegas) and his son, chef Bryan Ogden can whip up when Bradley’s Fine Diner opens in The Heights at 5 p.m. on April 3. A water line break set the restaurant’s originally scheduled debut back by a few weeks, but the coast is clear and barring any major disasters, this time it’s for real. Opening menu items include asparagus flat bread, crispy baby artichokes, olive oil-poached Pacific sturgeon, rhubarb-glazed pork belly, “shake & bake” frog legs, Yankee pot roast, dark chocolate-banana cake and much more. There will be a separate, but extensive bar menu as well as a dedicated lunch menu. Beverages will include an “American-driven” wine list, draft beer and specialty cocktails. Those curious and hungry can visit the restaurant Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Warehouse Bar & Chill Moves In

Eater Houston reports that Warehouse Bar & Chill is going into the space on W. 11th Street that once hosted Country Kitchen. Opening estimates for the casual concept restaurant serving wings, salads and focusing on burgers for lunch and dinner is for sometime in April. As for the bar part: there will be over 20 craft brews on tap, plus plenty of space to “chill” on the wooden deck that’s currently under construction.

Skinny Rita’s Grille for Healthy Tex-Mex

Though it sounds like an oxymoron, a new restaurant on N. Main - set to open in April or May according to Eater Houston - aims to ﬁll the niche of healthy Tex-Mex. Ruggles Green founder, Randy

Bower is behind the new restaurant, dubbed Skinny Rita’s Grille. In addition to sporting a menu of Latin fusion and Tex-Mex staples, it will also provide respite in the form of an attractive upstairs deck and wooden patio.

Paws for Wine

Sonoma in The Heights will feature 30 “paw-picked” wines and beers paired with small bites on April 5 from 2-5 p.m. Come for the tasty sips and suds and feel good about knowing a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). Pup Squad will be onsite showing oﬀ some adorable fourlegged friends in need of a good home. Call Sonoma to make your reservations for the $50/person event (713-864-9463).

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Sugar & Rice

The Heights powerhouse team behind Down House and upcoming restaurants Foreign Correspondents and Hunky Dory, has also gone into the business of print. Their second issue of regional food-focused magazine, Sugar & Rice is now available for purchase at locations like Revival Market, Antidote, Down House and more.

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Page 8A • Saturday, April 5, 2014

Neighbors: The heroes of our neighborhood By Elizabeth Villareal elizasgarden@outlook.com

What I was going to submit didn’t work out for this week’s Leader, so I’m going to ad lib. Take literary license. Some time ago Jonathan McElvy told me to write what I wanted to, within reason. This week’s column is an ode to the folks in The Leader community who make a difference on a regular basis. I’m constantly amazed at the time some people take when tackling the creation of groups focused on service, or leadership positions within those groups; people who find a need and fill it; people who bring their families up serving others instead of watching reality shows; and more amazing still is the sheer number of those folks in our community. I am going to name names, oh yes, but I won’t be able to fit them all here. Quiet, gentle volunteers make all the difference in our schools. Becky Mir, Peggy Wilgis, Mary Sharon Komarek, Deborah Johnson, Sandra O’Guynn, Kathy Armstrong and many others mentor, play with, and read with some very blessed students. Alice Bohlae was said to keep blankets in her minivan and would hand one out each time she saw a homeless

person. Anderson (Andy) Moore and Norbert Aguilar devote many hours to the upkeep of Oaks Dads Club, not to mention the lesser known fact that tall and lanky Andy teaches dance classes to those who want to jazz up their special moves on the dance ﬂoor as well as to those who’ve always secretly dreamed of being able to dance at their daughter’s wedding. Tim Weltin, Kevin Dunn, Dennis Woodward, Devin Olivares Reed, Shawn Salyers, and Jason Kimball are just a few of the outstanding fathers in the area who make a difference in our community. Megan and Trent Salch, Evelyn Yurgenson, Bill Mallin and his family, Terry Jeanes, Shana and Jay Tatum, Cindy Stafford, Vonda and Shawn Bonte, David and Shawna Jackson, the Wethington family, Anna and Brad Eastman, Tina Sabuco and Shellye Arnold, Angela and Craig Pennington, Anthony and Maritza Arcos, Emily and Mike Arcos, Linda and Kelly Younger, Cynthia Lyttle and Johnny Rojas, Nancy and Clifford Boone, Master Portal, Master Barbara Dickens, Larry and Susan Porterﬁeld, and Joshua Ko-

Bernice Hamlin Winfree

rnegay — are just a few of the names which pop into my mind right away when I think about neighbors who make life in our neighborhoods so colorful. Among the numerous unsung heroes are those who bestow gifts very quietly like Leslie Haydel. Leslie has for a long period of time — years, in fact — trapped feral cats and their litters, had them spayed and neutered, found homes for the litters, and fed hungry animals. Although this is just one of the many things Leslie does in our community, it’s the one that makes me love her the most. “In Shepherd Park Plaza,” wrote Shannon Zierau, “we have many long time residents who have been active community supporters in every area

from park upkeep to safety to school volunteer work and food pantry work. A few of these neighbors are Chuck and Jeanette Blesener, Alice Bongers, and Carol Jean Hebert. Also Holly and Creston Inderridien have been excellent supporters of both the neighborhood and community groups as well as big Durham and Oak Forest Elementary supporters. Chuck Blesener and Creston Inderridien are also members of the ‘Real Men Read’ program which encourages men from the local community to come and read to students in public school.”

By Molly Sue McGillicutty It’s April — time for some spring cleaning, friends. Today I have a few items of housekeeping to discuss. First up is a couple of fun events happening this weekend and the last is an important change to our city’s laws of animal ownership that (as a pet owner and as a citizen and neighbor) you should familiarize yourself with. Houston Pet Expo Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. 6 p.m. is the 4th annual Houston Pet Expo, held at Reliant Center. Admission is free and your pet is 10x10.5There Leader welcome. willAd_Layout be shopping,1

Parker stated that previously, the city only had a dangerous dog designation and couldn’t do anything about pets that are a nuisance to the neighborhood. Mayor Parker (a dog-owner herself ) was quoted as saying at the city council meeting, “If that dog barks all night, maybe it’s not a dangerous animal, but I become dangerous because I want to kill somebody. If you’re going to have pets in the city, you have to maintain certain standards and so a dog that barks, we have a mechanism to step in and engage with the owner.” The new ordinance can aﬀord some leverage to those who have neighbors with loud dogs as well as dogs who repeatedly escape their fencing and roam free, increasing the risk of injury to others as well as the pet. Under the new guidelines, a dog may now be labeled as “dangerous” or a “nuisance” by

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Bernice Hamlin Winfree will be celebrating her 100th birthday April 16. She was a resident of Timbergrove Manor for more than 60 years. Her grandchildren in Houston, will be honoring her with a dinner party in April. Happy birthday wishes go out to our neighbors Bonnie Yezak and the Leader’s own Betsy Denson! They both blew out their candles on March 31. Willie Diefenbach Jones celebrated her special day on April 2 while Leah Cummins boogied to the birthday beat on April 3.

Important law-changes for pet owners adoptions, free nail-trimming and discounted vaccinations. Also in attendance will be Shorty Rossi and Hercules, stars of Animal Planet’s hit show, “Pit Boss.” April Showers Dog Wash Then on Sunday, April 6, noon-4 p.m., come by The Phoenix (1915 Westheimer) for the 3rd Annual April Showers Dog Wash and Family Fun Day. Come for the bathing but stay for a kissing booth, bake sale, photo booth and nail clipping/ear cleaning fun. Proceeds benefit many good rescue groups and organizations. New animal control rules The Houston City Council met recently to re-write Houston’s animal control ordinance. Under the new ordinance, pet owners can now be fined for having nuisance or aggressive animals and repeat offenses could result in the pet being impounded. According to Houston 3/24/14 9:24 AM Page 1Public Media, Houston Mayor Annise

EASTER WORSHIP

�� 211 Byrne • www.holytrinityrec.org

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officers, neighbors and others, without the burden of proof needed for a conviction. Now, a dog labeled as “dangerous” has to be kept within the confines of a 6 foot fence, microchipped, spayed/neutered and tagged. Otherwise, the owner faces daily fines and citing.

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Choose Me

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Meet Reagan and Bingo, Schnauzer/terrier mixes who are best buddies. They’re each about 1 or 2 years old, weigh about 10 pounds each and are each other’s better half. Go to www.scoutshonor.org for info.

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PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIVE LUNCHEON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VILLAGE OF THE HEIGHTS! THURSDAY, APRIL 24 • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM HOUSTON HEIGHTS FIRE STATION • 107 W. 12TH STREET, HOUSTON, 77008 RSVP BY MONDAY, APRIL 21 TO 713-802-9700

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