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Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston Saturday, April 18, 2015 • Vol. 60 • No. 24

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

2015

Waltrip High School Principal Andria Schur to depart at end of school year

The Reader’s Choice ballot returns in this week’s issue!

Nominate your favorite businesses to help us determine our top choices for readers across the area!

As part of our World of Learning edition, The Leader recognizes the Teachers of the Year named at HISD schools across the area.

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HHA: ‘We will’ acquire former Pinemont Park & Ride property

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

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A house that coffee built Those driving past St. Pius X High School might have noticed one of the newest business neighbors in the area - GrindHouse. Find out what this new coffee shop has to offer local residents in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food & Drink section.

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Photo by Jonathan Garris Lisa Jakel, Director of Advancement and Development at Trinity Lutheran School, waves to the crowd at Minute Maid Park April 13 before the start of an Astros game. She, along with others in Volunteer Houston, were honored for their service for the organization, which connects organizations across the Houston area with volunteers.

Local Volunteer Houston members honored at Minute Maid Park

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

INSIDE.

Reagan Art Car kisses the sky Weeks of hard work and dedication paid off last weekend for a group of Reagan High School Students after they took a top prize at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Art Car Parade. Find out the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction in this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition.

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The INDEX. Church

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Food/Drink/Art Obituaries

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Opinion

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Public Information Puzzles Sports

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Monday eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Astros game featured a special moment for some Leader-area members of Volunteer Houston, including Trinity Lutheran Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director of Advancement and Development Lisa Jakel, who were honored for their time spent helping the organization and their communities.

With National Volunteer Week in full-swing, Volunteer Houston Director of External Affairs Katie White said the entire week has been dedicated to recognizing volunteers and their achievements. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reason we selected people like [Lisa Jakel] is we wanted to tell the story of the organization and these people in particular who have helped shape the organization

for the past few years,â&#x20AC;? White said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lisa in particular has contributed 150 hours of volunteering over the past year and a half.â&#x20AC;?

White said the name of Volunteer Houston is a bit deceiving, as the group is the volunteer center for the entire region, helping non-profits and functions of all purposes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We help everyone from art organizations, to social services and non-profits,â&#x20AC;? White said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We not only support Harris County but also surrounding counties.â&#x20AC;?

The group maintains a vast online database of volunteer connections and works to establish relationships between its volunteers and the groups that need them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not a lot of these organizations have huge departments dedicated to recruiting and managing volunteers, so we reSee Volunteer, P. 9A

Houston Housing Authority chair Lance Gilliam doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mince words when it comes to the HHA gaining control of the former site of the Pinemont Park & Ride. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once we gain site control â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we will gain site control â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we have a robust community engagement process that is required of us,â&#x20AC;? Gilliam said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t begun that process, but we do have legal requirements for the complex itself and we also have to complete a traffic impact analysis.

As a federally funded entity, there is a long list of rules and regulations that what we construct is functionally appropriate.â&#x20AC;?

However, the property still remains in the hands of METRO, and Gilliam said that â&#x20AC;&#x153;all of this conversation right now is being controlled

by METRO.â&#x20AC;?

METRO officials havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly been free from criticism from the community, either. While the group contends that all of its meetings have been open to the public and agendas have been posted online, some in the surrounding community have accused the organization of engaging in a back-door deal with the HHA to establish a 300 unit apartment complex at the site of the Pinemont Park & Ride. METRO declared the land a â&#x20AC;&#x153;surplus propertyâ&#x20AC;? last year.

For Gilliam, he emphasizes he and his organization will continue working with the community to address the concerns of residents, but he also makes clear the intent of the HHA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our process is guided with a lot of outside influence from entities like the Texas Department of Housing and Development,â&#x20AC;? Gilliam said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their rules and regulations impact See Pinemont, P. 10A

Looking for more reactions from the community regarding the Pinemont Park & Ride controversy?

Find more input from readers on 4A and 5A

Former Oakbrook Apartments more than an eyesore for some

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com While there are many scenic views along the White Oak Bayou Hike and Bike trail, the former Oakbrook Apartments at 5353 DeSoto St. is not one of them. Bikers and pedestrians have become accustomed to the boarded up windows, tall grass and general dereliction, but perhaps change is on the horizon.

The 222-unit, 18 building complex, which according to HCAD was built in 1980 as low income housing, has been abandoned for at least five years. The apartments were recently mentioned by a Leader reader concerned about Houston Housing Authority development at the former Pinemont Park and Ride who wondered why â&#x20AC;&#x153;HHA aban-

doned the vacant housing and land located a few miles away off Antoine [at] DeSoto?

HHA should utilize the land and property that is already in their possession.â&#x20AC;?

The problem is that the city doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have them anymore. Until 2012, the apartments were owned by City Apartment Inc. out of Roslyn, NY. In 2013, they were offered for sale and acquired by Fertile Real Estate, LLC. Fertile Real Estate LLC filed as a Domestic Limited Liability Company in the State of Texas in September of 2013. The registered agent on file for this company is Jianzhen Zhang. The other principals are Fangzhen Wu, Jianzhen Zhang from Houston TX, Jiyu Wu, Chi Lianlian from Houston

Photo by Betsy Denson The now vacant Oakbrook Apartments are a source of speculation for the community with many hoping the buildings will one day be demolished.

See Oakbrook, P. 10A

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Police Reports • April 6 - April 12 APRIL 6 Burglary 1:45 PM 1400-1499 YALE Burglary 5 PM 1100-1199 WAVERLY Burglary 4:50 AM 1200-1299 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 2:03 PM 1300-1399 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 10:08 AM 2500-2599 SHEARN Assault 10:58 AM 2100-2199 W 18TH Theft 6:47 AM 7200-7299 WYNNWOOD Robbery 6:40 PM 4200-4299 EIGEL Burglary 9:38 PM 3800-3899 SHERWOOD Assault 4:30 AM 5200-5299 N. MAIN Theft 7:24 AM 4000-4099 W 34TH APRIL 7 Burglary 12:48 AM 700-799 E 11TH Robbery 1:30 AM 700-799 WORTHSHIRE Theft 3:15 PM 5500-5599 NOLDA Theft 4:51 AM 4700-4799 LILLIAN Theft 9:33 AM 2700-2799 W T C JESTER Burglary 6 PM 600-699 PEDDIE Theft 4 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 8:19 AM 1200-1299 PINEMONT Theft 9:59 AM 2000-2099 ALTHEA Theft 5:34 PM 4200-4299 W 34TH Theft 3 PM 900-999 N LOOP W Theft 8:15 PM 1100-1199 BAYLAND Burglary 4 AM 800-899 KERN Burglary 3 PM 4000-4099 WATONGA APRIL 8 Theft 2:36 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 2:40 AM 1800-1899 CHANTILLY Theft 9 AM 10800-10899 NORTHWEST FWY Burglary 3:30 AM 4700-4799 LIBBEY Burglary 5:22 AM 7400-7499 N SHEPHERD Theft 4 PM 4700-4799 EIGEL Theft 6 AM 4500-4599 WASHINGTON

Theft 10:59 PM 300-399 WASHINGTON Theft 5:15 AM 100-199 E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 9:41 AM 2400-2499 JUDIWAY

Burglary 10 AM 1000-1099 W 14TH Theft 3:42 PM 400-499 N LOOP W Theft 10:03 AM 900-999 N LOOP W Theft 4:26 AM 1200-1299 W 17TH Burglary 2:45 AM 1600-1699 E T C JESTER Assault 11:40 AM 4400-4499 YALE Theft 1:02 PM 300-399 QUINN Theft 12:50 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 2:40 PM 5000-5099 YALE Burglary 3:30 AM 5000-5099 LEAFY HOLLOW CT Theft 10 AM 9500-9599 HEMPSTEAD Theft 10:24 AM 500-599 W 25TH ST Burglary 12:15 AM 200-299 N LOOP W Theft 11:59 AM 900 BLOCK OF ASHLAND Theft 6:30 PM 1200-1299 W 23RD

APRIL 9 Burglary 3:15 AM 900-999 EUCLID Burglary 9:11 PM 2000-2099 YALE Burglary 8:55 PM 300-399 E 37TH Theft 3 PM 600-699 OXFORD Theft 12:30 PM 1500-1599 18TH Theft 12 PM 1800-1899 DURHAM Theft 10:05 AM 200-299 W 19TH ST Burglary 7:41 AM 1300-1399

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LAWRENCE Theft 1:59 PM 1000-1099 CORTLANDT Assault 7:35 AM 100-199 E 39TH Assault 7:06 AM 1200-1299 N LOOP W Theft 8:27 AM 4400-4499 N SHEPHERD Burglary 4 AM 1700-1799 LIBBEY APRIL 10 Burglary 2 AM 2600-2699 CORTLANDT Theft 10:23 AM 2400-2499 N SHEPHERD Robbery 5:30 PM 800-899 LOUISE Robbery 8:57 PM 4200-4299 ELLA Theft 9:21 AM 1600-1699 W DONOVAN

APRIL 12 Burglary 2:55 AM 1800-1899 WASHINGTON Burglary 1:52 AM 4000-4099 SHERWOOD

Precinct One: Deputy arrests burglary suspect red-handed Garden Oaks HOA On April 10, at approximately 9:40 p.m. the Garden Oaks Deputy was traveling south bound in the 3200 block of Lawrence and observed a male in dark clothing running out from behind a residence. The subject then headed east bound in the 500 block of W. 30th St. The deputy made contact with the subject and knew him immediately to be a heavy drug user and has filed Burglary of a Motor Vehicle charges on him in the past. The subject was detained and had a box cutter and gloves on his person. The deputy then

Kenneth Michael Barchus, 62, born Oct. 12, 1952 in Wichita, Kansas, died April 6. He is an Army Veteran of the 82nd Airborne. He was a barber for 20 years and changed careers to become a Lift Boat Captain for 10 years. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Barchus, mother Peggy Barchus, children Tiffany Newsome and Bryan Sipps, brother Clifford Barchus, and five grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Transplant Foundation, www.americantransplantfoundation.org.

Douglas Lamar Catoe, 88, born July 17, 1926, died April 6. He is survived by his wife, Doris Catoe, and brother, Alton Catoe.

Gerald Edmund Dillon Jr., 59, born Dec. 10, 1955, died April 6. Survivors include his wife, Mary Dillon; daughters, Meredith Lovelace and Amanda Dillon, mother, Mary Eppes Dillon, and two grandchildren.

Hal “Sonny” Clinton Holcomb Jr., 86, born Nov. 23, 1928 in Houston, died April 7. He graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1946, and joined the U.S. Navy for two years upon graduation. Holcomb began his career at Shell Oil Refinery in 1948 and worked there until he retired in 1986 as a Maintenance Supervisor. He was active in his church, Lazybrook Baptist Church and participated in the Men’s Ministry. He is survived by his daughters, Karolyn Holcomb Tybor and Diana Holcomb Coffey, sister Margie Syer, and three grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Lazybrook Baptist Church, 1822 W. 18th St., Houston 77008.

she found her bicycle to be stolen from her garage. The complainant stated that she would contact the deputy on Wednesday and provide him with the serial number to the bicycle and would be filing a report at that time.

On April 8, the complainant made contact with the Garden Oaks deputy and provided him with the serial number. The deputy was able to locate the bicycle at a local pawnshop and return it to the complainant. A pending investigation is ongoing.

Please report suspicious activity to local Law Enforcement.

On April 6 at approximately 9:30 p.m. the Garden Oaks Deputy was flagged down on the 300 block of W. 34th in regards to a Burglary of a Habitation.

The complainant stated that she left town for the weekend and when she returned

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The Obituaries.

Agnes Carolyn “Carol” Seeberger Angeli, 87, born Aug. 27, 1927, died April 4. She was married to Henry “Hank” Angeli for 64 years, and the mother of six children. The Angelis were faithful members of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where Carol was a member of the choir.

She was a longtime volunteer with the Meals on Wheels food program and with Memorial Northwest Herman Hospital.

Angeli is survived by her children James Michael Angeli, Patrick Vincent Angeli, Stephen Craig Angeli, Paula Marie Dodd, and Pamela Jean Tompkins, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

checked the property from which the subject was seen, but no signs of forced entry were observed.

Due to the subject’s past history the deputy contacted the ADA’s office and Criminal Trespass charges were accepted. The subject was booked into the county jail without incident.

the service, at Houston Veterans Cemetery. Memorial may be made to St Jude’s Children Hospital tribute #38009069, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or 1-800-822-6344.

Edward Ramirez Vitela, 76, born Oct. 10, 1938, died April 3.

He is survived by his wife Olivia Vitela, daughter Terri Lynn Littlepage, sons John Edward Santos Vitela and Joseph Edward Vitela, sisters Sophis Guerrero, Delores Phillips and Herlinda Warren, brother George Vitello, seven grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

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Sheri Avery Webster, 43, born March 17, 1972, died April 13.

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Ngan Yau Low, 77, born Aug. 8, 1937, died April 9.

Clarence H. Requardt, 88, born May 8, 1926, died April 11.

Janie Torres, 73, died April 6. She is survived by daughter, Cheryl and son in law, Miguel Escobedo; son, Frank Torres and granddaughter, Amanda Torres.

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The Topics.

Saturday, April 18, 2015 • Page 4A

Young families sure can learn from the Spieths

I

t’s not often I steer away from local topics, but for this week, maybe you’ll indulge my decision to write about something larger than our ZIP codes.

Faith, family and friends are most important to me. I also love, tremendously, what I do for a living.

Beyond those things, it’s fair to say I have one ridiculous hobby.

As a teenager, my grandfather introduced me to the game of golf – something I always thought was reserved for poor souls in search of boredom. Before I grabbed a club in Papa’s back yard for the first time, the only thing I knew about golf was that monotone announcers were more effective than tranquilizers after a Sunday meatloaf lunch.

For more than two decades, I have followed and played the game with avid idiocy. It’s the competition I love most – with friends and myself. It’s the off chance you’ll hit a shot you’ve never hit in your life.

It’s the trees and the water and the smell of fresh Bermuda. It’s starting a round with anticipation; ending one with hopes of a better score next go around.

Golf, for those who have neither the time nor desire, is a soothing walk interrupted by maniacal effort, and I love it.

I also love watching the game, as senseless as that may sound. I am astounded at the athletes – and yes, they are athletes – who have the mental and physical discipline to recover from missed shots over and over again. And I’ve always been fascinated by the men and women who play the game.

You see, most professional golfers grew up around a country club,

My son, Hank, could not turn away from the TV as Jordan Spieth was welcomed by a rowdy crowd of patrons at the Master’s.

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

and they all look like it. They are almost too clean, too polished, too rigid in their posture and conversations. They know the right words to say and (see Tiger Woods) probably aren’t what they appear to be on camera.

That’s exactly why I’m so excited about what happened last weekend.

Even if you don’t follow golf, maybe you know the most tradition-rich major tournament of the year was held in Augusta, Ga. The Master’s, which sports fans call an annual rite of spring, was won by a 21-year-old named Jordan Spieth.

Spieth grew up in Dallas, played golf at Texas and turned professional before he was old enough to drink a Lone Star beer. To say this kid – because he is one – has been successful would be comparable to saying Michael Jackson could dance. No kidding.

Since 2013, Spieth has earned more than $14 million on the golf course. Off it? My guess is you can triple that number. Almost instantly, Spieth – and Spieth alone – has made Under Armour a reputable golf brand. He is now the face of AT&T’s golf relationship. He has deals with Rolex and Titleist, and I get a weird feeling he has 50 sponsorship opportunities standing outside his door.

But I’m not excited about the accumulation of Spieth’s personal wealth. I am excited because of what this young man represents.

Over the past week, sports fans, in general, have heard all the clichéd accolades. Spieth is a good person. He’s humble. He is a real person. He’ll look you in the eye and shake your hand.

What’s better about this young man is that he appears to be everything a father wants in a role model for his young son.

In an interview last year, Spieth’s mother, Chris, was interviewed about the success of her son.

“He’s done everything the right way,” she said. “He’s stayed humble. He’s stayed exactly how we brought him up to be… He doesn’t crave the attention…, which is great.”

I was reminded of something

Cruz could also run for King of Canada Anyone can spot events as they are occurring, but once again you and I are sharper than most by noticing what is not happening. There is not a flurry of emails, no callers to those nutty radio talk shows (“Rush, Obama has put Jell-O in in my kidneys.”) and no alarms from unknown scientists who claim global warming is caused by the Denver Broncos defensive line. What no one is pointing out is that Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, (or so he says) is foreign-born and thus constitutionally ineligible to serve as President of These Beloved United States of America! God bless John Wayne!

Sure, we have heard “experts” say that since Cruz’s mother was an American citizen, her children are, too. This is exactly the same – but in reverse order -- as the much-maligned anchor babies racket (umbilical amnesty), whereby if Mom gets across the Rio and to the El Paso General Hospital two minutes before her child’s birth, that new American is a citizen, so the mother and the father and their other 16 children go to the head of the citizenship line.

You believe that Cruzcitizenship fairy tale? Then I’ve got some Starbucks cups touting race relations to sell you. So let’s look at the record. Rafael Edward Cruz (if Barack Hussein Obama can call himself Barry, then Rafael can call himself Ted) was born on Dec. 22, 1970, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where his parents, Eleanor Elizabeth Darragh Wilson and Rafael Bienvenido Cruz -- who was born in 1939 in Matanzas, Cuba -- were working in the awl bidness. Rafael Sr. and his family eventually had to move to Houston. Rafael Jr. went to private grade and high schools, then to college at Princeton and Harvard Law. After graduation, he worked for a series of law firms, held appointed government jobs and made his first election bid as a U.S. Senator. Hey, you have to start somewhere.

Now here’s where it gets interesting. In August 2013, after the Dallas Morning News pointed out that Cruz had dual Canadian-American citizenship, he applied to formally renounce his Canadian citizenship. He ceased being a citizen of Canada, on May 14, 2014, almost a

Lynn Ashby Columnist

year and a half after being elected to the U.S. Senate.

Notice what did not happen: all those years, throughout appointed and elected positions, Cruz never mentioned he held Canadian citizenship, and could have just as easily been elected to the Canadian Parliament and run for King of Canada. Indeed, if the nosey left-wing press hadn’t squealed, we might never know.

And where are the birthers in all of this? Back when it was clear Barack Obama was born in Kenya and had sworn an oath to the Mau-Mau, al-Quida and the Hitler Youth, we were all inundated with this story.

There was a cottage industry based on Obama the Kenyan. An acquaintance of mine from back in high school kept emailing proof of the Obama birth conspiracy. He even sent me a copy of a signed birth certificate from the Royal Nairobi African Hospital for Future U.S. Presidents, or something like that. Turned out the hospital didn’t open until years later, there was no such doctor with that name in all of Kenya and other small clues that somehow alerted those nosey reporters. Other than that, it was a genuine document. Speaking of fakes, both Honolulu newspapers ran Barack’s birth announcements back in 1961 as part of the Obamas’ long-term diabolical plan to seize the White House 48 years later.

Presidential birthplace problems are not new. Brilliant and far-seeing though he was, Alexander Hamilton couldn’t run for president because he was (a) born in Nevis, British West Indies, (b) illegitimate (c) shot dead before he could get a Green Card. (Today the illegitimate part might be an asset.) Questions were raised about Barry Goldwater who was born in Arizona Territory, not then a state, and John McCain was born at Coco Solo Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone, which is close enough for

government work. Presidential candidate George Romney, Mitt’s father, was born in Mexico where George’s grandfather had fled from U.S. law with his several wives. None of this mattered mainly because none of them won.

Oddly, our Founding Fathers, who wrote that mustbe-born etc. part of the Constitution, were all born British subjects. They got around it by declaring in Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution: “No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of theAdoption of this Constitution, etc.”

They grandfathered themselves in.

Have you ever actually seen, like with your own eyes, Cruz’s citizenship papers? Are they in French?

Does he say, “It’s aboot time I shed-yuled to go on holiday.”? He may secretly love hockey. Do his black ostrichskin boots (in Texas one not need insert cowboy before boots) have clip-on skates?

Cruz has long been the No. 1 critic of Obamacare, likening it to that communistic health system they have in Canada. When his wife left her job at Goldman Sachs to help in Ted’s campaign, she lost the family’s health care coverage, so what was the first thing our Canuck did?

He signed up for that Canadian-inspired Obamacare, and probably gets his medicine cheaper from a pharmacy in Edmonton. Need I say more?

The father, Rafael Bienvenido Cruz, didn’t become a naturalized U.S. citizen until 2005. This brings up a question: Does Ted also have Cuban citizenship?

Probably not. He’d have to be born in Miami. Also, with his constant politicking for president since his senatorial election, has anyone actually seen Cruz in the U.S. Senate? “Cruz? I’ve heard that name.” said one senator. “Is he the guy with the clip-on skates?” One final question: how long must we put up with the rhetorically challenged and their “Cruz control” line? It was shopworn when Hamilton was still trying to re-write the Constitution.

Ashby is a citizen at ashby2@comcast.net

else about Spieth’s family during lunch with a friend this week. When Spieth walked off the final green of the Master’s, he embraced his family. Then his father grabbed him and pointed to a row of people his son needed to go thank.

During the trophy presentation, Spieth stood in front of the patrons at Augusta National and thanked everybody from the cooks to the volunteers at the tournament.

And if all of that isn’t as refreshing as Spieth’s smile, his closest friend and fan is his 14-year-old sister, Ellie, who has a neurological disorder and attends school with other special needs students. Those who know Jordan Spieth say he’d just as soon be at the school volunteering as he would be on a golf course chipping.

You can read all the headlines for yourself, but what pushed me

to write this column has absolutely nothing to do with Spieth’s golf acumen.

Too many of our headlines today center around self-made stars who dress and undress for personal attention. Whether they are Kardashians or creeps, our society pays too much attention to people who deserve none. Meanwhile, young people like Jordan Spieth are caught on camera with thoughts like this: “I’m a professional golfer, but what I do on the course I want to be secondary to what I do off the course.”

Can you imagine hearing one of today’s social media purported stars uttering such class?

On Sunday, something special happened in the den of my house.

My precious son and I were playing with some of his toys with the Master’s on in the background. As Spieth walked to the 18th green, the crowd on the TV set exploded in cheers and my son, Hank, stopped in his tracks. Somehow, I was able to grab a quick picture at what seemed like the perfect time.

It gave me pause as a father, and maybe one or two of you can take away what I realized: I don’t give a flip if my son becomes famous. I don’t care if he loves or hates golf, because I can’t control those things.

All I can control is raising my son the way Spieth’s family has raised him – with humility, grace and compassion.

Fame too often finds its way to destruction. I get a feeling Spieth’s family won’t see that happen, and good on them.

Email jonathan@theleadernews. com

The reader.

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Photo by Jonathan Garris David Ojeman (standing), President of the Forest West Civic Club, addresses representatives from surrounding communities regarding setting the group’s agenda in opposing the proposed Houston Housing Authority development at the former Pinemont Park & Ride property.

The discussion continues on the Pinemont Park & Ride controversy Dear Editor: I am writing as a Metro board member to reiterate the statement I made at last week’s Real Estate Committee Meeting, “This is not a Metro project!” The Pinemont Park-n-Ride lot is no longer used by Metro and the board, over a year ago, declared it surplus. We have been approached by the Houston Housing Authority, which wants to buy the property and which has publicly stated that it will use eminent domain to take the tract if we sell it on the open market to a private purchaser.

None of the Metro actions concerning this property were taken in secret. Every board meeting, and every committee meeting, is posted in advance as required by Texas law, and all these meetings are streamed live on the Metro website for anyone to watch.

Visitors are always welcome at Metro’s board and committee meetings and are welcome to speak during the public comment portion of the regular meeting which is held on the third Thursday of each month beginning at 9 a.m.

That said, I am publicly on record as being opposed to a sale to the Housing Authority because I believe that building a 300 unit housing project that close to single family residential neighborhoods–irrespective of who might construct it, manage it, or live in it–will depress the value of nearby homes. I have only my own vote as a Metro board member, but am committed to casting it in opposition to this sale.

Jim Robinson Co-chair of METRO’s Real Estate Committee Dear Editor: I am more than a little annoyed with the elitist editorial in the Leader about the proposed “low income” apartments that the Houston Housing Authority plans to build on the site of the former Pinemont Park and Ride.

While developers run wild around the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and other neighborhoods, the Leader has chosen to focus on this one project for people of modest means. The editorial snidely states that “eight complexes in the immediate area just aren’t enough. The proposed apartments are intended for peo-

ple with an income of $36,000-$42,000. The median household income in Houston is probably under $50,000, so these folks are ordinary, average people. Where are ordinary people supposed to live? In a $600,000 town house?

In a “loft” apartment that rents for $5,000 a month? People with a master’s degree are lucky to make $40,000 a year, if they work as a librarian, teacher or social worker. Meanwhile, they are trying to pay off huge school loans.

Why don’t you write an essay that asks if we really need more giant front garage door town homes in fifty shades of gray?

Developers run wild destroying the character of the neighborhood where I live (Shady Acres) and replacing it with bland, over priced townhomes. I no longer enjoy living in the neighborhood; it is no longer a community and no longer are there trees, grass and gardens, only concrete and beige and gray. To my knowledge, nobody has studied the effects of this added development on the low water pressure, the traffic on narrow streets without sidewalks, or any of the other effects of the increased density.

The developers will walk away with buckets of cash and leave us to deal with the aftermath.

The editorial advises that residents of Forest West and Forest Pines should demand to be heard

by City Hall. My council member, Ellen Cohen, never did answer my email and I was not able to reach her on the phone. I’ve never seen her around the neighborhood, never heard of her scheduling a town hall meeting or reaching out to the community in any way. I don’t know if she is really aware of the needs of the community, or if she’s even read a Jane Jacobs book. For that reason, I have contemplated running for the District C council seat, if nothing else, I can at least get some answers from Mrs. Cohen that way, and, if elected, my focus wouldn’t be on making the city a cash cow for “bidness;” I would make those people who make money from our neighborhood accountable to those of us who live here.

Jason Hochman Dear Editor: I am thrilled you wrote your column this week about the Pinemont Park and Ride sale by

Metro to the Houston Housing Authority. I think you very accurately described the reason so many people in our community are alarmed about this sale.

This is, in part, about the way this deal has been so secretive as well as the threat the Houston Housing Authority is using to acquire this property just because they want it. How unfair that is not only to our communities, but to our taxpayers who ultimately bought this property in the first place. Metro should be seeking to sell this property for the highest and best use...not because they are being pushing into it by the Houston Housing Authority with their threat of using eminent domain.

And you are right, our communities are not concerned with whether this is a low income housing complex or a workforce housing complex...the fact of the matter is we don’t think that any apartment complex of this size will bring benefit to our area. We already have SEVERAL complexes in our immediate area...we need more retail development to help this area grow and to positively impact property values in the area. We also have yet to see any studies that have been done on how bringing this many people to this area will affect traffic (car and foot), our drainage/sewage systems, and our surrounding schools.

I want to thank you for the guidance you gave to us in your article. We have several communities that have pulled together to protest not just the sale, but the way these events have taken place.

Sandra Cirone Dear Editor: I am writing regarding the recent news of the low income housing project on the site of the former Pinemont Park and Ride. I owned a home in a nearby neighborhood 25 years ago. By the time I was able to move out the crime was rampant. I, myself was a victim of someone following me home from the grocery store, thefts, someone trying to gain entry into my home at 3 a.m. and a carload of thugs chasing me down the street brandishing an automatic pistol. A bizzil-

See Reader, P. 5A

Saturday, April 18, 2015 • Page 5A

Reader, from P. 4A lion apartment and townhouse complexes were built that were left half empty. The owners began offering “Free Rent”, “No Deposit” and rented to anyone who would sign the lease. These huge complexes became a haven for transients and an area once nice enough to warrant a country club and top notch golf course became dangerous slums filled with drug dealers and criminals.

Flash forward 25 years: the area is just beginning to be become revitalized thanks to the boom in the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest. Some, but not nearly enough, of these abandoned complexes have been torn down.

Housing is still very affordable.

There are too many complexes to count on Pinemont, Antoine, Tidwell and in between. The very last thing this area needs is another large, multi family housing project. I have taken a chance and purchased a home in a neighborhood off Pinemont, Candlelight Oaks. Those of us who have been willing to pioneer our way to reclaim these neighborhoods could really use the aid of the city to continue to clean up this area, not add to the demise… for the second time. Please don’t pour salt on an open wound that has only started to heal. There are many projects that the HHA could spend their money on where it’s really needed. This is not one of them.

Leanna Sparacino Dear Editor: As a resident of Forest West since 2003, I was certainly pleasantly surprised to see values of our homes on the increase and look to our neighborhood approaching a status now being appreciated by the Oak Forest area.

I also noticed trees planted along Antoine. Yea! An effort to hide crime from one side of Antoine to another, lol.

Thinking about your suggestion of writing to our city planners/ mayor, what about FBI – why you say. Recall the FBI building just next to the area made basis for this land deal, maybe they may help in having the land become something the neighborhood may appreciate and make for more of an inviting landscape! I recall when Pinemont Crossing (I think that’s the name of that new community across from the library on Pinemont) was built, the homes sold quickly and have good curb appeal. I believe many of the residents may be employed at the FBI building for convenience. I say we get David Weekley, Perry Homes and the FBI to roll against HHA. I’m ready too!

Yvonne Stamper Dear Editor: Yea for you and the Leader News for addressing an issue which is current and more than pressing for those of us in the vicinity of the old Metro Park and Ride. You accurately addressed our concerns and did so with both front page and editorial news.

I am a native Houstonian and have lived in this area since 1949, I am now a resident of Forest West since 1969. I am on the board of directors for this neighborhood, and obviously the use of that land area is of great concern to all of us.

The Leader is a weekly read for me, but with your attention to this matter, it will be done with even more pleasure.

Thank you again.

Alice Ott Dear Editor: Loved the piece on the Metro Pinemont sale. Thank you for putting it out there for us. I wanted to see if I could clarify something of my understanding about the HHA. Even though they are called the Houston Housing Authority, they are entirely beholden to HUD and the feds. They are not affiliated in any way with the city except in name. This came up at a local meeting on April 8, and was clarified for us. Even Ellen Cohen is adamant about the fact that they have no say on this whole deal which, isn’t entirely true of course as they have indirect influence on the Metro board.

I would say contacting the FTA (Federal Transit Authority) who are apparently 4/5ths owners of the land and to a lesser extent HUD would probably be more fruitful. Thanks again for the hard work!

Wes Elliot Dear Editor: What I am not following here is why would anyone take a prime property on a major freeway that is obviously commercially advantageous and use it for housing at all! Much less for low income housing. We travel to HEB Bunkerhill and Kroger at Ella because the nearby grocery stores are really not that great!

We would love an HEB! Ang Dear Editor: HHA and Metro may have held public meetings but neither the meetings nor topic were circulated to the public: via direct mail, notices in newspapers or TV, even mailings to the affected Super Neighborhood or its constituent groups.

The absence of attendees cannot be ascribed to lack of interest. These plans only came to light last Saturday when the story first broke.

Elaine W. Krause Dear Editor:

I am part of a “working family.” I have lived within walking distance of that property most of my life (1972-1980 and 1988present).

So, let me ask you, if HHA has their way, will the city then demolish some of the thousands of low rent apartment homes which surround this SAME area?

We truly have entirely too many apartments in our area.

Most of which have been there at least since the early 1970’s.

We need a nice HEB on that property! (My own opinion!) we have to drive quite a distance for groceries. No, I don’t shop Joe V’s or Food Land. Parking lot is too scary. I’ve actually driven past Food Land while it was dark out, but still early enough for shopping. There was not a single light on in the parking lot.

Seriously.

Donna Jackson from www.theleadernews. com Dear Editor: So METRO is taking public transportation services away from the community then HHA wants to add several individuals who will likely depend on public transportation in the same spot.

BRILLIANT!!

I can understand why you would choose to send your kids out of your zoned schools….

Forest West Resident from www.theleadernews. com

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Dear Editor: I understand the need for section 8 housing, but why has HHA abandoned the vacant housing and land located a few miles away off Antoine and De Soto?

HHA should utilize the land and property that is already in their possession. Is there anyone out there able to find information on current De Soto housing? I’m interested to know how many units are vacant and how many lots are un-developed. What I find funny is the person who is in charge of HHA lives in River Oaks and wouldn’t welcome section 8 housing right in his community.

The individuals sympathizing for HHA should stop fighting the surrounding neighborhoods about this and realize we can work together to keep our neighborhoods moving in the right direction. Thank you “The Leader” for following up on this story.

Forest West Resident from www.theleadernews. com

PCP s • s P e C i a l i s t s MaMMograMs • ColonosCoPies P h y s i C a l t h e r a P y • er s h e a rt & s t r o k e s C r e e n i n g s

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Dear Editor: I read that Metro will not be adding a new route to the area, so there will be a LOT of foot traffic through the area.

Re schools: I have 3 children I have reared in this area. There is not one public school that we are zoned to that I would send them to in the area. In fact, all of the children I know of that live in my immediate area are either bussed to other schools in other areas of town to a better school, or pay to go to private.

Donna Jackson from www.theleadernews. com

L O C AT E D AT 61 0 A N D E L L A B LV D

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

Pinemont land deal creates a bunch of losers

Dear Editor: Your group looked great at the Metro meeting, you are on the right trail to go to City Council and get this issue out in the light of day.

The Mayor has certainly been eager to do 380 deals for retail all over town, why not your area?

The City sustainability director loves to talk about “food deserts”, would not your area qualify for this urban planning term and get needed retail and a grocery store? Then you could buy fresh vegetables, just like they brought to City Hall and told the Council and Mayor that everyone needed to be eating more of them.

Use their own urban planning against them.

Daphne Scarbrough from www.theleadernews. com Dear Editor: The proposed apartment complex is not public housing, but it is the successor to Section 8, AKA the credit voucher program.

What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8) provides tenant-based assistance, in the form of a voucher, to low-income families, for rental units of their choice in the private market. Program applicants choose from a variety of housing options, including apartments, duplexes, singlefamily homes and townhomes.

Vouchers can also be used to help families buy homes.

No. of Family members, Income Limit: 1 - $23,350, 2 - $26,650, 3 - $30,000, 4 - $33,300, 5 - $36,000, 6 - $38,650, 7 - $41,300, 8 - $44,000 Please correct me if I’m wrong regarding Section 8!

Note that HHA has some very nice “mixed income” properties, for example Heatherbrook Apartments in the same part of town. Driving by these look like expensive condominiums.

Andrew Slezak

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1. Printing speed measurement 4. Fed 7. A domed or vaulted recess 11. Macaws 12. Neck garment 14. A billionth of an ohm 15. Local area network 16. Cleve. basketball hero 18. Wounded & disfigured 20. Civil Rights group 21. Master of ceremonies 22. Smallest artery branches 26. Ref 27. Exist 28. Diagram of earth’s surface 29. SE Asian sarsaparilla soft drink 31. Fire remains 35. 3rd tone 36. Before 37. It breaks down lactose 39. A waterproof raincoat 40. Atomic #18 41. NW Canadian territory 42. Hindquarters 44. Follows sigma 46. Rural delivery 47. Point that is one

point N of due E 48. Excels 53. Berkus and Silver 56. Famous for fables 57. Philippine capital 58. Meg Ryan’s exhusband 62. Doleful 63. Arugula genus 64. Nursery verse 65. The 7th Greek letter 66. Container for shipping 67. Charge for services 68. Immature onion plant

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1. Swedish statesman Olaf 2. Baltic flat-bottomed boat (alt. sp.)

3. Fingernail treatment 4. Breezed through 5. Check 6. Stray 7. Ancient computing devices 8. Something cheerleaders wave 9. The woman 10. Ambulance rescue initials 12. In a drowsy manner 13. A set of type of one style 14. Not completely closed

17. No (Scottish) 19. Microelectromechanical system 22. Having the wind against the forward side 23. Reestablish 24. Khloe K’s former husband 25.Verse forms 29. Places to sit 30. Chilean pianist Claudio 32. Rounds of poker 33. Spanish be 34. Sing and play for somebody 38. Chemical symbol for gold 39. Praying insects 43. Israeli politician Abba 45. 7th planet from the sun 49. Br. plural of a penny 50. Largest continent 51. Distress signal 52. Senate and People of Rome 54. Fill with high spirits 55. Egyptian statesman Anwar 57. Non-verbal entertainer 58. 12th calendar month (abbr.)

59. A major division of geological time 60. Ultrahigh frequency 61. Yes vote

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 6A • Saturday, April 18, 2015

The Leader Congratulates All 2015 Educators

Educational

LEADERS For the first time, The Leader honors local teachers selected by their schools for their commitment and passion for education.

Jennifer Donaldson is the French teacher at Waltrip High School.

Over the last six years, she has helped students speak French in levels 1 through AP. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Donaldson serves as the

French club advisor and works with students to organize school trips to different French speaking communities, including Québec and New Orleans. She is an alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned Bachelor degrees in French and Dance. After graduating, she lived and worked in France for several years teaching English to French high school students. Ms.

Donaldson is excited for all the amazing changes and improvements being made at Waltrip.

She hopes to help all students find passion in their studies, develop a resilient work ethic when faced with challenges and never be satisfied with anything but the best. Go Rams!

“Both Ms. Blackmon and Ms. Donaldson truly capture what it means to be an educator,” Prin-

Khoon Yu Tan

Khoon Yu Tan, a sixth year teacher, was named John H Reagan High School’s Teacher of the Year for 2014-15. He is currently teaching AP Calculus and Pre-Calculus after having taught Algebra I and Algebra II before. Besides his teaching duties, Mr. Tan is also the school math department chair and an instructional prac-

tice coach who supports a cohort of beginning math teachers. Under his leadership and influence, the school has made significant gains on the STAAR Algebra I and AP Calculus tests.

In collaboration with other math teachers and local university professors, Reagan has been partnering with several Houston area universities in providing hands-on learning opportunities for Reagan students and teachers with regards to academic enrichment activities for advanced students

This year Katherine Smith Elementary staff elected Yvonne Cortina as its teacher of the year. Ms. Cortina is a Houston native and

also a product of HISD. She received her Bachelor in Education from University of Houston.

Ms. Cortina brings great teaching experience and a high level of organization to the campus.

She plays many roles at Katherine Smith that include Testing Coordinator, Gifted and Talented Coordinator Assistant,

“My name is José Prieto. I teach 2nd and 3rd grades in Math and Science at Memorial Elementary. I have been a teacher at Memorial for 14 years. I was born in Venezuela, but I moved to Houston 14 years ago.

I obtained my bachelors degree in Architecture at Louisiana State University. Later, after I started teaching, I obtained a

Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education at Houston Baptist University. It is always an honor to be voted Bilingual Teacher of the year in such a wonderful school like Memorial. It is special because my colleagues from the Memorial family had elected me. It is indeed a great honor, to represent Memorial at any stage.

Through teaching, I have learned to see the world from a different point of view. A point of view, shared among many of my students. I see through their eyes, I

We are excited to announce that Kindergarten teacher Melanie Nelson is the 2014-2015 Travis Elementary Teacher of the Year.

A 31-year teaching veteran and native of Annandale, MN, Ms. Nelson received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education

with a minor in Spanish from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. She taught for four years in the St. Paul (MN) Public School system before moving to Texas and spending five years at Faith Lutheran Day School in Bellaire. Ms. Nelson came to Travis in 1993 and spent one year teaching second grade before moving to kindergarten the next year where she has been serving our students, school, and community ever since.

ents of my former and current students, my students who inspire me every day, and last but not least, my family, especially my mother for having bringing me up very well. I will continue to inspire and guide many more students and colleagues as well as to understand and learn their diverse perspectives and wisdom.”

to have Ms. Cortina as part of my staff. She deserves this honor and many more for always being an efficient team leader that our children and staff admire and love,” said Principal Gloria Salazar.

Ms. Cortina expressed feeling “very honored” to have been elected as Teacher of Year.

the teaching profession because there is something more than the economical part that motivates them.

This part has to do with emotional rewards and fulfillments that nobody can buy. It is the end of the rainbow, a priceless treasure.”

Ava Driscoll, originally from Northern Virginia, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania last May with a degree in Psychology and Urban Education Reform and Policy. She is currently becoming certified through the Excellence in Teaching Fellowship and is a Teacher For America corps member.

Her passion for educa-

going to be a part of it.”

Said Travis Principal Mr. Day: “Ms. Nelson is an institution at Travis.

Our families have long known her to be a compassionate educator who cultivates responsible and caring young citizens in her room while providing a topnotch education. Her creative and thoughtful approach to student learning has helped shape the fabric of our school community. She’s truly one of a kind.”

just remarkable. Teaching is such a rewarding experience.”

In addition to teaching math at Hamilton, Benn coaches the Hamilton Middle School cheer leading team after school. “As the cheer leading coach, I often get to work with the girls for three years in a row, which allows me to really get to know them.

I have the chance to help them build character, and to teach them what

tion began with her own public school education and continued to grow as she volunteered in several inner city schools of Philadelphia throughout her collegiate career.

During her free time Ms. Driscoll performed and costume designed for Penn Singers Light Opera Company and served on the executive council of her sorority, Sigma Kappa.

Ms. Driscoll now teaches reading and writing to 41 amazing 4th graders at Wainwright Elementary School. Her classroom theme is

“I am honored and grateful to be elected Teacher of the Year at Memorial Elementary among such a fantastic group of teachers and I am proud to represent them and our school. Be-

ing a teacher is not only my job, but my passion.

I know I am successful today because of the phenomenal teachers and mentors in my life.

It is my privilege to pay it forward. Every child deserves a personal coach and cheerleader, and I believe that is my role as their teacher.

I structure learning experiences not only to teach knowledge, but

being a lady means. I try to instill in them a sense of their leadership as a role model,” said Benn.

Hamilton Middle School’s Principal, Ms. Wendy Hampton, is pleased to include Benn on her team. “Ms. Benn does an outstanding job of ensuring that her students are engaged and thinking at high levels.

She often uses projects and other hands on learning activities to ensure she is meeting the

“I was voted Teacher of the Year for 2014-2015 at Oak Forest Elementary. Having taught at Oak Forest for only eleven years, my history with the school dates back to high school. I attended Jesse Jones High School and was in the Vanguard Program. As a Vanguard project, my Spanish teacher arranged for me to work with Dora Val-

dez, an OFE parent at the time and now a first grade teacher, teaching Spanish at Oak Forest. A few years later, I was fortunate enough to complete my final student teaching experience at Oak Forest.

As a native Houstonian I attended Wilson Elementary, River Oaks Elementary, Lanier Middle School and Jones High School. From a young age, teaching was the career that I wanted to pursue, so I chose to attend Austin College in Sherman, Texas, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in the five-year

“My name is Bertha Vital and I am from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. I came to the United States when I was 14 years old and have become an American Citizen since then. I was educated at Reagan High School (HISD) and successfully graduated in 1989. After I gradu-

ated, my dream was to work with children so I could help them learn. In 1989, I started volunteering in Crockett Elementary (HISD) and in 1992 I became a Teacher’s Aide. I attended Houston Community Colleague, Texas Southern University, University of Houston Downtown and the University of Houston Main Campus to help me achieve my goal of becoming a Bilingual Teacher. In 1999, I graduated from Texas Southern University

after school. She feels humbled, and honored to have been chosen as Wainwright’s Beginning Teacher of the Year, especially among such an amazingly talented group of teachers.

Memorial Elementary

to coach my students to become critical thinkers, creative leaders and productive citizens. A solid education and the right attitude is the foundation of a successful future. As Dr. Seuss said, “the more you know, the more places you’ll go.”

Jessica Chevalier has taught fifth grade at Memorial Elementary in HISD for five years. Chevalier began her teach-

ing career nine years ago in Oregon after completing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Spanish, and a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She moved to Houston with her husband in 2010.

Oak Forest Elementary

teacher program. My teaching career began at Travis Elementary where I taught for seventeen years before “returning” to Oak Forest. I always say, “You can go home again.”

My husband Hugo and I have two big dogs. We live in Pearland and both work in Northwest Houston. Traveling, cooking and entertaining are a few of my passions.

My colleagues, who voted me Teacher of the Year, make the long commute so worthwhile. I am humbled to have been named Teacher of the Year at OFE because

Bertha Vital

needs of all students.

She supports students outside of the classroom as a cheerleader coach, attends student performances and sporting activities, and promotes a sense of pride and school spirit around the campus. She is truly an asset,” said Ms. Hampton

Wainwright Elementary

“Language is Magic” and is heavily influenced by her self-acknowledged (and somewhat unhealthy) obsession with Harry Potter. The class has finished the first two books in the series as read alouds and is currently working on the third. She is happy to say that her dream to convert her students into passionate readers (and avid Harry Potter fans) has come true. Ms. Driscoll enjoys playing 4 square with her students at recess, eating lunch with them daily, and tutoring small groups

Nancy Llamo

know that he has such knowledgeable, caring, and hard-working teachers who have fostered a love of learning in him.

That is truly priceless.

“Being an educator is one of the most difficult jobs one can have, yet one of the most rewarding,” Dominguez said.

“To see my students grow, achieve personal successes, and show enthusiasm for their own learning, rewards my heart every single day.

I truly feel honored to have received this recognition,”

Hamilton Middle School

Jessica Chevalier

Travis Elementary

Said Ms. Nelson: “Teaching helps me to remember that life and learning are happening all around me, with or without me, and that I have this amazing and colossal opportunity, and responsibility, to dive in headfirst on a daily basis with the rest of the friends in my class, the colleagues on my team, and the staff at my school. This thinking energizes me.

A vigorous world of possibilities and learning await and I’m definitely

by my talented colleagues. Born and raised

by Cuban immigrants in Miami, Florida, my parents always instilled in my sister and me the importance of having a solid education,” said Dominguez.

“My parents worked very hard to be able to send us to some of the best schools in Miami.

Now that I am a parent, and I have had the honor of working at Harvard Elementary for almost a decade, I was ecstatic to be able to have my son attend Harvard. It means so much to me to

Ava Driscoll

Memorial Elementary

listen through their ears, I walk in their shoes. In this process, with careful guidance, we form strong foundations, with the single purpose and hope, that later, they will become tough pillars in the difficult building of the career called life. The teaching profession is the most spiritually rewarding career that I have had so far. I started teaching fourteen years ago, even though I feel I had it in my veins, due to the fact that both of my parents are teachers.

A person stays in

Melanie Nelson

Hamilton Middle School’s “2014-2015 Teacher of the Year, is 6th grade math teacher, Amber Benn, “The kids at Hamilton amaze me,” Benn said. “The things they can learn and the things they can do are

Katherine Smith Elementary

Grade Level Chairperson and still manages to teach Math and Reading Computer Lab. Ms. Cortina keeps busy even outside of her teaching career by actively participating in walks to support Autism, the Kidney Foundation, and the Leukemia Society.

“As principal of Katherine Smith I feel ‘proud’

José Prieto

cipal Andria Schur said.

“They have a passion for teaching and learning, which is evident as they go the extra mile to bring enriching experiences to not only their students but to students across the campus. These educators are here to have an impact on the lives of those that need them most and have raised the bar for us all.”

Elementary School Principal. “Her students are consistently working in groups and often move to the beat of music as they transition from one activity to the next.

Amie’s enthusiasm for teaching and learning is contagious among the staff. She is a leader and innovator.”

Dominguez who is also a mother, is thrilled with the honor, and with Harvard itself. “Winning Teacher of the Year has been such an amazing experience! It means so much to me to be recognized and nominated

Amber Benn

Reagan High School

and student-teacher placement for aspiring teachers.

“I am happy and grateful for being elected Reagan’s Teacher of the Year because I had not expected to win the accolade given the sheer number of great teachers that Reagan has,” Tan said in an email.

“Furthermore, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the encouragement and support from many parties: my superiors, like-minded teachers including some who have become my good friends, supportive par-

Yvonne Cortina

The Harvard Elementary School’s “2014-1025 Teacher of the Year” went to Ms. Amie Dominguez.

Originally from Cuba, this 5th grade teacher excels at working with children, and her peers have noticed.

“Amie Dominguez provides her students with a spark of energy every day” said Mr. Kevin Beringer, Harvard

Waltrip High School

Jennifer Donaldson

Harvard Elementary

Amie Dominguez

I am surrounded by amazing teachers, staff and families. It is truly a community of love and support. It is a gift to be honored for doing what I love.”

“Mrs. Llamo is a wonderful teacher,” said Principal Jenny Thomas.

She is creative and brings that creativity to projects and daily activities for her students. We are lucky to have her at Oak Forest Elementary!”

Crockett Elementary

with a Bachelors degree of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies/Bilingual Education. I have been working at Crockett Elementary (HISD) for 26 years and the best part of teaching is watching my students learn, because “Education is the key to life for my students. They are the future of our world.”

“Ms. Vital is certainly a leader and role model to her fellow colleagues inspiring everyone that all children can and will learn by doing whatever

it takes,” Principal Claudia Chavez-Pinto said.

Saturday, April 18, 2015 • Page 7A

Memorial Hermann Northwest hospital helps Waltrip students “Powerup” For The Leader Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital donated $1,500 in January to help Waltrip High School students participate in the PowerUp program, a Houston Independent School District (HISD) initiative aimed at equipping every student with a laptop.

PowerUp’s goal to help facilitate learning in the classroom and at home through access to laptops was met with great excitement from Waltrip students. But the non-refundable $25 security deposit required by the program was something dozens of students and their families couldn’t afford, leaving them without access to the program.

That didn’t sit well with Memorial Hermann Northwest CEO Susan Jadlowski, who heard of the shortfall through the hospital’s partnership with the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We are a strong community hospital and the Waltrip Rams are a big part of our community,” Jadlowski said. “This was a good opportunity for Memorial Hermann

Northwest to ensure students had access to this program. We knew we could make a difference and a great initiative like PowerUp shouldn’t be denied to anyone.”

The impact was immediate. Participation in the PowerUp program rose from 72 to 98 percent in the two weeks following the donation, according to Waltrip Principal Andria Schur.

“If this donation had not been made, we would not have hit our required percentage for laptop deployment,” Schur said. “The increased presence of laptops as a result of the donation intensified the motivation for many of the remaining students to participate in the program.”

The donation also had an impact on a much broader scale.

“This leveled the learning field for our students with the competitive surrounding suburban districts,” Schur said. “Urban education is the large majority and we are so thankful for those that invest in us, so that we can grow our learners and leaders for a competitive tomorrow.”

Contributed Photo Student participation at Waltrip High School in HISD’s PowerUp program jumped to 98 percent following a $1,500 donation by Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, said Principal Andria Schur (far right).

Transforming, teaching and learning In order to prepare Houston’s students for a world beyond the four walls of a classroom, HISD has launched PowerUp, a districtwide initiative aimed at transforming teaching and learning. PowerUp is about “powering up” all 282 of our schools to create a personalized learning environment for today’s 21st-century learners and to enable teachers to more effectively facilitate instruction, manage curriculum, collaborate with their peers, and engage today’s digitally wired students. To learn more go to http://www.houstonisd.org/powerup

Lauren Ayres

Educational

LEADERS For the first time, The Leader honors local teachers selected by their schools for their commitment and passion for education.

Timory Jacobs Frank Black Middle School’s Teacher of the Year is Timory Jacobs, a seventh grade English language arts teacher.

Jacobs is now in her third year at Frank Black

Durham Elementary’s Teacher of the Year is third grade teacher Lau-

Johanson has taught in Texas schools for more than ten years. She

GOMM Principal Dr. Lindsey Pollock describes David Santana as “our Montessori Middle School lead teacher and

visionary.” She said that under his guidance, they have expanded out 7th and 8th grade enrollment and added courses for high school credit.

This year, Mr. Santana led a group of students to the Montessori Model United Nations annual conference and has implemented service learn-

cause it wasn’t a decision from my administrators, but rather from my peers and my coworkers,” Jacobs said.

Ruby Blackmon

Ruby Blackmon is a Career and Technical Education at Waltrip High School, where she teaches Web Technologies and Geographic Information Systems.

Ms. Blackmon is lifelong educator. She is about to complete her 30th year of teaching, all of which were spent in HISD. She spent her first 23 years at Milby High School.

Ms. Blackmon has taught almost every business course in the district’s catalog from Accounting and Introduction to Business to many of the computer technology courses. She also taught journalism

and advised the high school newspaper for 23 years at Milby.

Ms. Blackmon serves as Waltrip’s Department Chair for Career and Technical Education, and she is one of approximately 50 Key Teacher Leaders for HISD. She is a member of both the SDMC and Parent Advisory committees.

Ms. Blackmon was elected as Waltrip’s HAASBE (Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators) in December.

She went on to represent Waltrip at the HAASBE Outstanding Teachers Award Ceremony, where she was named Second Runner-up.

Ms. Blackmon was born and raised on a farm in Blackhawk, MS. She received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Journalism with a minor

Garden Oaks Montessori

ing in the community.

“I have worked to create an environment in which our teenagers are happy, supported and successful,” said Santana. “It is our goal to help the students find the path.” He said that his goal is to create a learning environment that provides opportu-

nities to use knowledge in context. “The more the student envisions using the knowledge as an adult, the harder they will work to acquire expertise in the area,” Santana said.

students had arrived at school with little expectation of graduating from high school because nobody in their families had ever graduated from high school.

She was determined to help break this cycle, so she embarked upon a mission to expose her students to the world beyond their neighborhoods. She started by telling her story of being a little girl growing up on a farm in rural Mississippi, who was able to graduate from high school and college, and leave that farm to pursue her dreams. She challenges them to be creative and innovative in discovering beyond “what common”. She believes that it is not where you come from, but where you are going that is most important.

Montessori Magnet for six years. GOMM Principal Dr. Lindsey Pollock said that Walters is an amazing science teacher.

“From the moment you walk into his classroom you are enveloped in a magical learning space for students of all ages,”

Fifth grade math teacher and Teach for America participant Claire Fritz is Stevens Elementary’s teacher of

the year. She said she had just returned from a three-day camping trip with 60 of her 5th graders at the HISD Outdoor Education Camp when the Teacher of the Year announcement was made during the afternoon announcements.

“I work alongside so many incredible and

“My name is Navi Sidhu, and I am a 4th grade teacher at Wainwright Elementary. I started my career in teaching after working in retail banking for 12 years. To begin, I grew up in a small northwest Houston neighborhood named, Inwood Pines, just a few miles from Wainwright Elementary. In fact, I went to elementary school down the street from the school I teach at, so I remind my students that I too, am a product from their community. I grew up in Houston Texas to Indian immigrant

parents. My parents instilled the values and benefits of education in my sister’s and my lives growing up. I graduated from Cy Creek High School, and attended the University of HoustonDowntown. Being a native Houstonian, I often remind students how diverse our city really is.

There is so much culture at your fingertips. You just need to know what is out there.

After graduating college, I started my career in education and also with HISD. HISD has been a part of my household for the past 26 years.

My mother is a retired teacher from HISD. My parents came to America in 1977, and were very hard working. Growing up as a first generation

English speakers reach the level of their English speaking peers in English ability and subject knowledge,” said Johanson.

Garden Oaks Montessori

said Pollock.

It was America’s low scores, and lack of student interest in science that was the driving factor for Walters to enter the teaching profession. “Science requires a teacher that knows the content and has the

ability to make engaging lessons for all students,” he said. “By utilizing personal experiences in learning and combining them with the latest innovations and technology, I feel that I can be that teacher.”

Stevens Elementary

dedicated teachers who are all worthy of such a title,” Fritz said. “To be nominated and selected by my colleagues is humbling to say the least, especially as a second year teacher. So often we get caught up in the stresses of our profession, feeling like all that we do doesn’t have

Navjot Sidhu

school that educates students and supports their families. With such a family atmosphere at Durham, teachers are able to be a part of our students’ lives and develop relationships with our families.”

Garden Oaks Montessori

her love of visual art in her lessons with her students. Her children won the annual Christmas card contest for TEACH! and have been chosen to read poetry for the Writers in the Schools city-wide event.”

My joy is to assist non-

Claire Fritz

Waltrip High School

in Fashion Merchandising from Mississippi University for Women.

She received a Master’s of Science Occupational Education with an emphasis in business and office education from the University of Houston.

Ms. Blackmon is married to DeMorris Byrd and has one daughter, Renee, who is “the apple of her eye.”

Ms. Blackmon is passionate about teaching. She tries to create a warm, inviting, and nourishing environment in her classroom where the students can have a safe haven at any time, not just during class.

Thirty years ago, she walked into her first classroom as teacher and fell in love with a group of ninth grade students. Many of these

supports GOMM’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade Montessori students who are transitioning to all English. GOMM Principal Dr. Lindsey Pollock said that Johanson “is a professional artist in addition to being a talented teacher and integrates

Richard Walters

Walters has been the Science Lab Science Teacher at Garden Oaks

David Santana

for students.”

“This is a tremendous honor that I have been given this school year,” said Ayers. “It is amazing to be recognized by the very teachers that have helped mold me into the educator I am.

Durham is a really great

Susan Johanson

Frank Black Middle School

and has been teaching for nearly six years in the Houston area. She said it was very surprising to be named Teacher of the Year.

“It felt really nice be-

ren Ayres. Ayres is in her third year of teaching.

Principal Angela Sugarek said that “in addition to being an amazing third grade teacher, Ms. Ayres is the troop leader for our Daisy’s club, serves as grade level chair and is a passionate advocate

Durham Elementary

a big enough impact. Being selected by my colleagues allowed me to see that my efforts have been recognized and appreciated, and I am so grateful for all those who contribute to my success in the classroom.”

Wainwright Elementary

Indian was both challenging and rewarding. I never knew how growing up in a bilingual household would shape my world view. I often felt it was very humbling because I knew that my parents both grew up very modestly; my mom having grown up on a sugar cane farm, and my father growing up on a milk farm. They both grew up to become teachers as well. I feel teaching is in my blood and have come to love working with young minds. I started my work at Wainwright Elementary in 2011. It was not difficult at all to go from working with adults in cubicles, to working in a classroom with twenty 8 year olds. Working with students has taught me

so much in life. I often tell my students they are my greatest teachers in the world. My goal when teaching my students is to keep them intrigued, and to get them to ask questions. I often bring up my Indian culture and invite them to talk about their own. I find it important to let the kids see as much as possible.

My motto is that if I keep them asking questions, one day, maybe, they’ll go out and satisfy that curiosity.

I’d like to end my small biography with a quote from Socrates. He says, ‘Wisdom begins in wonder.’ I find this simple yet powerful quote to be the foundation of why I love working and shaping young minds.”

Page 8A • Saturday, April 18, 2015

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Fill out the form below indicating your favorite businesses per category. Mail them to P.O. Box 924487 Houston, Texas 77292 or drop them off at 3500 A East T.C. Jester. You can also email them to vote@theleadernews.com or use our online form found at www.theleadernews.com.

But don’t delay, votes must be received by Friday, May 29 by 5 p.m. Winners will be announced in our June 27 issue.

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General Shopping Best Bookstore________________________________________ Best Bridal Store_______________________________________ Best Children’s Clothing Store____________________________ Best Antique Store_____________________________________ Best Local Furniture Store_ ______________________________ Best Gift Shop_________________________________________

Best Grocery Store_ ____________________________________ Best Health Food Store__________________________________ Best Jewelry Store_ ____________________________________ Best Liquor Store_ _____________________________________ Best Mattress Store_____________________________________ Best Men’s Clothing Store_ ______________________________ Best Musical Instrument Store____________________________ Best Resale Shop/Consignment___________________________ Best Toy Store_________________________________________ Best Women’s Clothing Store_____________________________

Health Best Physician_________________________________________ Best Assisted Living Home_______________________________ Best Chiropractor______________________________________ Best Cosmetic Surgeon_ ________________________________ Best Dentist__________________________________________ Best Dermatologist_____________________________________ Best Eye Care Provider__________________________________ Best Hospital__________________________________________ Best Massage Therapist_ ________________________________ Best Women’s Health Provider____________________________ Best Pediatrician_______________________________________ Best Urgent Care_______________________________________ Best Wellness Center_ __________________________________ Best Weight Loss Facility_ _______________________________

Home Improvement/Maintenance Best Appliance Store_ __________________________________ Best Flooring Store_____________________________________ Best Garden/Landscaping Company_______________________ Best General Contractor_________________________________ Best Plumbers_________________________________________ Best Heating & Air Conditioning Service____________________ Best Home Decorating Store_____________________________ Best Interior Design/Decorator_ __________________________ Best Hardware Store____________________________________ Best Pest Control Company______________________________

Best Professional Services Best Custom Home Builder_ _____________________________ Best Attorney_ ________________________________________ Best Bank/Credit Union_ ________________________________ Best Dry Cleaners______________________________________ Best Insurance Agent___________________________________ Best Developer________________________________________ Best Cleaning Service___________________________________ Best Mortgage Company________________________________ Best Real Estate Agent__________________________________ Best Real Estate Company_______________________________ Best Florist_ __________________________________________ Best Funeral Home_____________________________________ Best Photographer_____________________________________ Best Financial Advisor_ _________________________________ Best Computer Service__________________________________ Best Travel Agent_ _____________________________________ Best Security__________________________________________

Sports & Fitness Best Dance Studio_ ____________________________________ Best Golf Course_______________________________________ Best Park_____________________________________________ Best Sporting Goods Store_______________________________ Best Workout Facility/Gym_______________________________ Best Yoga/Zumba/Aerobics______________________________

Community Church/Minister_______________________________________ Local Politican _ _______________________________________

Saturday, April 18, 2015 • Page 9A

Day in the District invites community to bring art, beautification to Heights

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com In the coming weeks, residents might notice a wide variety of new colors coming to the 500 wood bollards lining the bike trail on Spring Street from Sawyer Street to Holly Street. The new look for these short poles lining the street is part of a new beautification effort by the Washington Avenue Arts District, and a way to foster neighborhood connections.

The First Ward Civic Council partnered with the WAAD to “adopt” the bollards as part of the district’s first neighborhood event titled “Day in the District: Urban Playground,” which will take place April 18 according to a press release.

The event begins at 9 a.m. at Spring Street Studios, located at 1824 Spring St., where the general public will be encouraged to join paint teams to paint a block of bollards.

Following this, volunteers will move to Crockett Elementary to cleanup the area’s gardens and ponds and at Spring Street, will also begin assembling moveable furniture like benches, performance platforms and art walls which will be housed throughout the district for events and movable infrastructure.

WAAD Director Susannah Mitchell, said the event is sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company, in partnership with Keep Houston Beautiful and the First Ward Civic Council. She said the area had first been identified by the First Ward Civic Council and other organizations for the “richness” of its local art scene.

“The WAAD actually has the highest concentration of artists in Texas,” Mitchell said.

E R A S D I K Y H T L S A D E I H K

R E P U S

Join us for Healthy Kids Day®, a FREE community event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 am to 1 pm at your neighborhood YMCA! Contributed Photo Bollards, like these, along Sawyer Street are being prepped for the community’s paintbrush as part of the Day in the District: Urban Playground event April 18.

The activities also extend into the evening with the Spring Biannual Art Opening at Winter Street, Spring Street an Silver Street, Mitchell said.

At 3 p.m., over 250 artists will open their doors and invite the community in to view their new work. The studios will also be hosting a Charity 12x12 exhibition benefiting the Memorial Park Conservancy. According to a press release, artists in all three buildings have donated a special 12x12 square piece which will sell for $100, with all proceeds benefiting the

conservancy.

Mitchell said the ability to have a large, open house event like this was “extremely important” for the artists.

“These are the work spaces these artists are in every day,” Mitchell said. “I think it’s one of the few times a year they have the opportunity to showcase to the public on such a special occasion on a large scale.”

For more information on Day in the District, visit www. artdistricthouston.com

Volunteer from P. 1A ally fill in the gap for them,” White said.

In addition to the recognition for Jakel, students at TLS are also finalists for the Group Award for the Greater Houston Service Awards to be held May 15. According to a press release, the annual event recognizes 38 outstanding volunteers and groups.

“TLS is being recognized for its generous and worthy

participation in the St. Nicholas Project we participated in this year by contributing books for over 7,000 backpacks, and interacting with one of the schools who was a recipient of these backpacks, and books,” Jakel said in an email. “We are proud of the outreach and ministry our students have selflessly participated and given to, as they have truly demonstrated a level of volun-

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The students invited to attend include Liana Fantich, Jessica Junkans, Jonathan Hilliard, Jose Arriaga, Aasha Revier, Travis Crona, Dasan Harris, Brett Casas, Madison Krailo, Bella Villareal and Elizabeth Dorn.

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Page 10A • Saturday, April 18, 2015

Neighbors: Well-wishing for new parents, new BP MS 150 riders and Stephen Wilkins, Taylor and Noelle Junco, Kacee and CJ Soto, and Tori Junco; and his cousin Lily Wilkins. Caden’s new parents waited until his birth to find out if this newest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2037 would be a boy or a girl, and so it was with a great Whoop! that they welcomed their sweet boy. Congratulations Thad and Lisa!

By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com Welcome to the world precious Caden Cooper Junco!

Caden was born April 11, 2015, at 7:56 pm and weighed 8 lbs., 13 oz. and was 21 inches long. His proud parents are Thad and Lisa Junco of Oak Forest. Welcoming Caden are his beaming grandparents Frank and Patti Mezzatesta, Joyce Junco and Gary Junco; aunts and uncles Tina

Contributed Photo Caden Cooper Junco was born April 11 to new parents Thad and Lisa Junco of Oak Forest.

His parents waited until his birth to find out if he would be a boy or a girl.

Wishing success, safety and

gorgeous weather to our neighbors Devin Hunter, Shawn Comeaux and Trac Taylor who will be riding in the MS 150 this coming weekend. On your left!

Pothole! Car up! Stay safe !

Waltrip’s PTSA is holding a silent auction and dinner dance this Saturday night, April 18th, at the Houston Liederkranz Hall on Ella Blvd. from 7 to 10:00 PM. Building a Community of Heroes is the theme and the focus of the fundraising. Tickets and

sponsorships available at www. waltrippta.org. Tickets are $35 per person for dinner, dancing and fun! You may also call Kevin Dunn at 832-752-7561 or Mindy Warren at 713-829-2740 for more information or to donate a silent auction item.

Most recently, after a December 2014 inspection of the vacant property, the owner was notified to abate weeds and graffiti and an extension was granted to the owner to abate.

According to the Houston Police Department’s calls for service, officers regularly patrol the area. The most serious crime on recent record was an assault on the complex grounds in May of 2013.

If the Near Northwest Management District had their way, the property would be demolished. In the “Fight Against Blight” section on their website, the NNMD said that “Oakbrook needs to be demolished so their vacant properties in the flood plain do not continue being a source of vagrants and drug usage.”

In January of 2014, Roksan Okan-Vick, executive director of the Houston Parks Board, told The Leader that when the property was for sale the Houston Parks Board did try to acquire it with help from the city, but said the price was too high, especially for a property which is in the flood plain.

In 2015, HCAD appraised the property at $1,688,375, up from $1,069,987 the previous year.

Okan-Vick said that the apartments might be a candidate for acquisition in the future, although the Parks Board keeps any negotiations close to the vest – lest “speculators get ahead of us.”

“We acquire first what we need for connectivity,” said Okan-Vick, “but we also try to pinpoint what would be other

nice parcels of land to acquire in the future.”

With connectivity on the White Oak Bayou trail from Antoine to Alabonson scheduled to be complete by Memorial Day, the hike and bike traffic by the apartments will only increase.

And that’s a good thing according to Okan-Vick.

“We’re finding that the more women and children use these trails, the safer people perceive them to be,” she said.

She also encourages the public to communicate any non-emergency concerns that they may have to 311.

“We have maintenance crews out on the trails, who are on the lookout for suspicious behavior, but we always like to add to our eyes and ears,” she said.

vate land owner.

“One of our policies is, when we identify a neighborhood site owned by another peer governmental authority, we will focus on working with them,” Gilliam said. “We have worked with METRO in the past and we have also bought sites from HISD and Harris County. This is the first time I have seen someone having an objection to the government buying another government property.”

Gilliam took issue with some in the community rushing to judgment about the potential residents of such a complex.

He said the HHA has “a ton of rules as a governmental entity,” and has numerous standards and restrictions for residents - enough that he considers the organization in many ways to be a tougher landlord than private apartment complexes.

“The applicant can’t have a criminal record and you have to be absolutely specific about who else is on the lease,” Gilliam said. “No one else on the lease can have a criminal record and we even restrict smoking at our communities.

We have a long, long waiting list to live in our communities, so if you can’t be respectful of our rules or pay your bills on time, we have someone waiting to move in tomorrow.”

At the most recent METRO meeting regarding the sale, some expressed their concerns with the impending redrawing of boundaries by HISD for a number of schools in the region. Gilliam stressed the HHA has had a “great working relationship” with HISD and said that the narrative in

the community now might be completely different if a standard developer was building the exact style of housing on the Pinemont property.

“It’s critical to us that our residents have access to a good education,” Gilliam said.

“Success, particularly in education, should not always be defined by income.”

that will benefit all entities involved,” something repeated

by Ojeman during community meetings.

This is not just about Forest West, we all have an equal stake, as this will affect the entire area,” Ojeman said in an email to residents.

Gilliam said he hoped residents would realize that some of their concerns about safety might be overblown.

“Ultimately, it will be on the communities to come together and realize the people living in this complex are nice and they’re good people with families and kids,” Gilliam said.

Oakbrook from P. 1A TX, Chi Rongxing from Houston TX, and Ruixue Hu. Representatives from Fertile Real Estate could not be reached for comment with regard to their plans for the complex, but Alvin Wright with the Houston Public Works and Engineering department can confirm that the property is in discussions with city legal.

“It was never declared a dangerous building as the owners keep it secure,” said Wright.

Oakbrook does have quite the paper trail with the city.

The Department of Neighborhoods Inspections & Public Service division has recorded more than 70 project numbers on 5353 Desoto relating to several different units in the complex and dating back to year 2005.

New

24 $ ; 4&= 24&1 $ 4 !&$ 24 1 24 4

What?

Pinemont from P. 1A what we do and we’re doing what we’re doing because of them. The reality is, however, that we also agree with their direction.”

Gilliam says the unfortunate stereotype associated with the organization is that many of these solutions are downtrodden and in a state of disrepair.

He pointed to communities like Willow Park Apartments, located in Missouri City on Fondren. The 260-unit complex, first established in 2004, is dramatically different from other communities.

“It looks like a first-class apartment complex, complete with a coffee bar, a workout room and a pool,” Gilliam said.

“That’s ours.”

The potential development is being compared to apartments currently north and east of the communities which have been most vocal of the development, Gilliam argues.

He said these private apartments in the surrounding area are often “absolutely awful” and in “unacceptable” condition. In contrast, HHA has a security force contracted to protect their communities and helps ensure residents are respectful to surrounding neighborhoods.

“We would never let our communities devolve to the point of what these folks have had to endure,” Gilliam said.

“But they look at us, see that it’s low income, and have not taken the time to differentiate our communities from what they’re used to dealing with in the neighborhood.”

Opportunities abound The HHA targets what it calls “neighborhoods of high opportunity,” or those communities and areas which would provide the best opportunities for affordable housing, education and jobs for those with lower income. The Pinemont area had been identified by HHA officials several years ago. Despite many residents suggesting HHA purchase an abandoned lot or another building in the area, Gilliam said the group opts not to use taxpayer dollars to pay a pri-

A work in progress Forest West Civic Club President David Ojeman said he and other residents are still concerned. The commuity has joined forces with surrounding communities to plan its opposition to the proposed development.

“We’re not anti-poor or racist or anything like that,” Ojeman said. “What we have are real concerns about our safety and what this development will do to our property values.”

Residents are already planning to meet at a town hall, scheduled for 7 p.m. April 16 at Advent Lutheran Church at 5820 Pinemont Park Drive, which is co-hosted by Forest West, Pinemont Park, Forest Pines, Mangum Manor and Candlelight Oaks. The HHA Board of Commissioners will also be holding their monthly meeting 3 p.m. April 21 at Lincoln Park, located at 790 West Little York.

Near Northwest-area residents have also launched an online petition opposing the sale, saying that the area is already inundated with multifamily complexes. Local citizens also expressed their desire for the property “to be sold to the highest bidder in an effort to maximize tax revenue

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Saturday, April 18, 2015 • Page 11A

Creative writing camp engages, teaches kids at Garden Oaks Elementary

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Children at Garden Oaks Elementary will once again have the opportunity to be immersed in reading and writing this summer, as the non-profit Writers in the Schools will begin its two-week camp in June to help encourage creative expression and hone writing skills for youngsters.

Now in its third year at the school, the program’s executive director Robin Reagler said the program currently has a history of 25 years and the summer program is a collaboration between WITS and Rice University’s School of Literacy and Culture. The project originally began as a professional development program for writers and teachers, but it turned out to be a “huge win” for children as well.

“It’s an amazing learning ex-

perience because the classes are small,” Reagler said. “We really want kids to be excited about reading and writing.”

The summer camp pairs professional authors with classroom teachers to help nurture creative minds with hands-on activities with the goal of helping children not only flex their creative muscles but also find their literary voices, Reagler said. According to a press release, students are divided by grade level with the youngest “Storytellers” from kindergarten to second grade, “Writers” from third grade to the fifth grade, “Inventors” in middle school and “Authors” in high school.

Each level focuses on a broad range of basic and advanced skills, from first experiencing independent writing as a young child in the “Storytellers” group, all the way to experimenting with genres and emerging art forms with

First Annual Heights Kids’ Day of Music set to educate, inspire children of all ages

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com A group of Heights residents are looking to capture the imagination of Leader-area children and spark an interest in music with this weekend’s first annual Heights Kids’ Day of Music.

The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Love Park, located at 1000 W. 12th St., and features two stages with performances by a variety of family-friendly bands along with businesses and non-profits which bring music and other performing arts to the community. Other activities, like an instrument “petting zoo,” will allow children of all ages to get up and close and intimate experience with music, which Ryan West, Vice President of the event’s board, hopes will promote music among developing young minds.

“Christi Gell, the president of our board, is really the one who started putting this event all together and she noticed there was a lack of awareness within the loop around the Heights about opportunities to expose children to music and musicians,” West said. The

six featured acts on the main stage, performing at 25 minutes each, range from Latin to R&B to pure kids music, according to the event’s website.

The secondary stage will feature an array of businesses and non-profits showcasing “musical performances, classes and educational demonstrations all centered on music.”

“It helps develop awareness that kids music isn’t always stuff like doing the Hokey Pokey,” West said with a laugh.

“This event incorporates a lot of different types of music as that’s what kids should be exposed to.”

Parking is limited on the streets surrounding Love Park, but the event has partnered with The Wave shuttle to pick up attendees at locations around the Heights, West said.

According to the event’s website, parking is available at 411 W. 20th St. in the parking lot behind the Heights Floral Shop, in the lot just east of Gen’s Antiques at 540 W. 19th St. and at Hamilton Middle School at 21st and Yale Street.

For more information, visit www.heightskidsdayofmusic. com

“Authors,” according to the release.

“There are a lot of great opportunities for summer programs but the kind of faculty we have really sets us apart,” Reagler said. “You’re not working with interns and college students, which can be great for a lot of things, but this is the same thing as going to a

science camp and working directly with biologists.”

GOE Assistant Principal Stephanie Acosta knows firsthand the benefits from the program. Her 12-year-old daughter has been participating in the after-school version of the program since she was in kindergarten and also participates in the summer program.

“It has really nurtured her love of writing,” Acosta said.

“We’ve seen a tremendous change in a lot of the students here who have participated.”

At the end of the camp, each classroom publishes an anthology of each of the student’s best work, Reagler said, and many actually celebrate by performing aloud in front

of family members and their peers.

“These are all happy, excited kids coming to these camps,” Reagler said. “Baseball is fun, but this sort of summer camp is something they truly enjoy and can be enriched by in so many ways.”

For registration information, visit www.witshouston.org.

New Student Registration Begins on March 2 RCEGRTGR QTI A Premiere Pre-School in Oak Forest

ENROLLING STUDENTS FOR 2015-16 Our loving teachers focus on the education, socialization and emotional needs of each student. Our program encourages learning

in a nurturing environment through development of the whole child.

PACE offers a comprehensive program for 2 - 5 year olds:

Small Class Size Ì Directed Learning Approach Music, Gymnastics & Art Ì Chapel Ì Computer School Library Ì Flexible Tuition Options 2 Snacks/Day Included Ì Before & After School Care On Site & Off Campus Field Trips

Nine West dark brown ladies leather gloves

Convenient Ella Blvd location z $GVJNGJGO 5V sz Large Located Gold tone chain and buckle at bandOaks Christian Church 5PWI ƂVVKPI 8GT[ UQHV NGCVJGT

Contact us for more information or to schedule a tour: vwViJ«>Vi«Ài«° À} À ­Ç£Î® ÈnÈ nän£

Our Savior Lutheran School

Classical Christian Education ~ Serving Families For Jesus Christ

ExpEct MorE... Enrolling now!

2015-2016 School Year • Grades 1 - 8

713-290-8277 5000 West Tidwell • Houston, TX 77091 www.oslschool.org

est of 201

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Half Day & Full Day Kindergarten Available Offering Preschool 3 and Pre-Kindergarten Classes 3 Day | 4 Day | 5 Day options • Extended Care Available

THE LEADER R eaders' Choice

Reader squeamish about snakebite safety for dogs

Dear Tabby, We live in the city, but take our dogs to the outskirts of town often to visit the family ranch. With the weather turning warmer, I know that the snakes are coming out and I worry about our dogs getting bitten. How can I help keep my dogs safe from snakes?

Spooked by snakes in Woodland Heights Dear Spooked, The bad news is that there are 4 species of venomous snakes found in US and they are all found in Houston and our surrounding areas. They are the rattlesnake, cottonmouth, copperhead and coral snake. The good news is that there’s now a vaccine that protects your dog from rattlesnake bites (this vaccine also protects against copperhead venom, but NOT cottonmouth or coral snake bites). The vaccine lessens the severity of symptoms associated with a rattlesnake bite and gives you more time to get your dog to a vet after a bite. The vaccine typically offers protection against rattlesnake bites for about 6 months--so your dog will need to be vaccinated once a year-ideally a month before “snake season” begins.

Other than vaccinating your dog against snake bites, your best defense is to use caution around your home. Keeping your dog on a leash, thus keeping him close to you, is important in avoiding snake bites.

Rattlesnakes are deaf, so they rely on vibrations from the ground to alert them to an approaching threat. When out on a hike, it’s wise to carry a stick with you to thump the ground to give the snakes a heads up.

Also, contrary to popular opinion, rattlesnakes often strike first before rattling, so you might not get that famous rat-

P 713.880.3131 | 1130 W. 34th St. | Houston TX 77018

For more information call 713.880.3131 or email lhnsummerprograms@lutheranhighnorth.org

Page 12A • Saturday, April 18, 2015

tly-warning that we all associate with this snake.

How will you know if your pet has been bitten? According to veterinarians, swelling of the area, slight bleeding, pain and bruising at the puncture site are indicators of a snake bite.

Dogs are most often bitten on the face and cats are often bitten on the paw. Cats tend to be more resistant to snake bites than dogs, but they still require immediate medical attention in the event of a snakebite.

If you’ve determined that your pet has been bitten by a snake, please shush your inner hero and refrain from attempting to suck the venom from your pet’s wound. Also, attempting a tourniquet is best left to an expert. The most important things that you can do to help you pet is to keep him calm (the more blood that circulates through his excited body, the more venom also gets distributed) and seek immediate veterinary attention.

This might mean a veterinary emergency clinic, if your vet is

unable to see your pet immediately. The good news is that 95% of all pets survive a rattlesnake bite and with a little forethought and caution, you can avoid a snakebite emergency.

Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com

Pet of the Week

Meet Beetle. This gutsy boy was on death row at the pound, squeezed through the bars of his cage and ran directly into the arms of a rescuer. Beetle is 14 weeks old and is doing great at potty training. Contact K-9 Angels Rescue at www.

K-9AngelsResue.org or www. facebook.com/k9angelsrescue.

Kids Fun Camp Summer Day Camp

LutheranHighNorth.org

Boys & Girls ages 4-13 in The Heights

oPEn rEgiStrAtion MAndAtory registration night April 22, 2015 • 7pm-9pm

11 Weeks of

Summer Fun June 1 - August 14 for more info kimfair56@att.net

Home Office- 281-382-8829

All Saints Catholic Parish 215 E. 10th St.

www.kidsfuncamp.net

Now Enrolling for 2015-2016

Enrolling New Families for 2015-2016 School Year

Trinity Lutheran School offers a challenging academic curriculum, diversity in the classrooms and integrated technology all within a nuturing environment

Inspiring and empowering students with a Christ-centered education!

K-8th Grade and Early Childhood 800 Houston Avenue, Houston, TX 77007 For more information call 713-229-2903 • www.trinitydt.org

SUMMER 2015

Kids Camp Summer Fun The Mission of First Baptist Academy is to equip students with the Truth of God’s Word while developing their character, intellect, and potential to explore, create, challenge and lead. inFAnTs - 8Th GrAde Co-ed ChrisTiAn dAy sChool isAs ACCrediTed

Call today to schedule your personal campus tour.

We look forward to meeting you!

FBAHouston.org • 713.290.2500

• Chapel every Monday • Daily Arts and Crafts • Gym and Outdoor Activites • Field Trips on Wednesday • Pool/Splash Day on Tuesday and Thursday and Thursday (Location Pending) • Fun Dress Up Days Everyday!

Questions?

Contact Coordinators Natalie or Janie JLeitner@trinitydt.org nulloa@trinitydt.org

Details

Register Today at..

• Trinitydt.org/kids_camp • Registration Fee: $100 • Weekly Rate $180 • Daily Rate $45 • Calendar with field trips can be found on Trinity website

Save the date! June 1st - August