Leader0419a

��

Inside Today: From garden to plate at Rainbow Lodge • 1B

��

Administrative Professional Week

��

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

��

ABOUT US (713) 686-8494 news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/THE LEADER.

PROFILE: SUSAN JADLOWSKI

New CEO knows MHNW has to grow By Jonathan McElvy jonathan@theleadernews.com

Former Pius kicker sets sights on NFL Draft • PAGE 8B www.allenSOLDit.com

��

10570 NW Frwy 713-680-2350

Saturday, April 19, 2014 • Vol. 60 • No. 24

3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd. Suite A

��

832.419.9969

For someone with as much responsibility as Susan Jadlowski, you’d think her ofﬁce would be chock full of career-deﬁning mementos. Plaques, maybe a picture with a member of Congress, an autographed poster of a famous patient or an award for exceptional service to humankind should be hung from a wall. You wouldn’t expect a centerpiece of peacock feathers, an untouched bowl of chocolate bars, two family photos and a book on leadership. Glance across Jadlowski’s desk, where she habitually opens her hectic Outlook calendar, and it’s easy to understand why the new CEO of Memorial Hermann Northwest hasn’t spent much time cozying her quarters. Every block of every hour is color-cod-

“

The Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, they’re all changing, and we have to change as well. How can we get the community to think of us as their hospital? • Susan Jadlowski, CEO/MHNW

ed with important tasks, with hardly a sliver of free time anywhere. That’s when you get the feeling she likes her ofﬁce just the way it is – functional and nothing else. Nearly six weeks ago, Jadlowski took the reins of this area’s largest hospital, replacing long-time CEO Gary Kerr, who was asked to lead the Southwest branch of Memorial Hermann. And at a time when it would be perfectly ﬁne for Jadlowski to stand a little Susan Jadlowski has made an easy transition from COO and CNO of Memotaller, act a little more important, she is rial Hermann Northwest into the position of CEO. She says one of her most See CEO, P. 5A

important tasks is continuing to build the reputation of her hospital in this growing community. (Photo by Jonathan McElvy)

Triple Play

THE BRIEF. Houston Launches Carton Recycling Public Education Campaign

By Michael Sudhalter

��

FIND IT.

The Hughes/Thompson family has three generations of competition at Oaks Dads’ Club, which celebrates its 60th anniversary on Saturday, April 26. Former league president Humphrey Hughes and his children, Amy Thompson and Zach Hughes (not pictured) competed in the league and his granddaughter Jayme Thompson is currently playing in it. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

Three generations of ballplayers celebrate Oaks Dads’ Club’s 60th year By Michael Sudhalter

EXPERIENCED PIANO TEACHER NEEDED for 9 year old student. Please call 713-2900411 with references. MOVING/GARAGE SALE: April 18-19, Friday 8-5, Saturday 8-2. Furniture, household goods, linens, holiday items, oﬃce supplies, some antiques. All must go. 5507 Oakhaven Lane, Candlelight Oaks. EXPERIENCED PART-TIME MECHANIC NEEDED: Own tools. 713-864-2235. Ask for Doug. CHIHUAHUA PUPPIES FOR SALE: One male, two female, $50 each. 713-688-1275.

THE INDEX. 7A

Classiﬁeds

5B

Coupons

5A

Food/Drink/Art Obituaries

1B 7A

Opinion

4A

Public Information Puzzles Sports

2A 6A 8B

New city regulations address wild dogs michael@theleadernews.com

As part of the City of Houston’s continued eﬀorts to bolster residential recycling, Mayor Annise Parker announced that food and beverage cartons are now recyclable as part of the city’s residential curbside recycling program. The addition of carton packages marks another innovation in the City’s successful recycling eﬀorts, with nearly all household containers used by residents now being recyclable. The City is partnering with the Carton Council, a collaborative of carton manufacturers committed to expanding carton ecycling.

Church

s Darlene’

OAKS DADS’ CLUB 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

michael@theleadernews.com

Oak Forest resident Humphrey Hughes remembers the home run he hit during a late 1950s Oaks Dads’ Club All-Star Game. At the time, Hughes thought it was one of the highlights of his career with ODC, but it was just the beginning of something special. Hughes, 64, is the patriarch of a family that is now in its third generation of competition at ODC, and the former player/coach/ league president will be the guest of honor at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26 when the ODC celebrates its 60th Anniversary at St. Rose of Lima Parrish Hall. “I’ve always loved the Oaks Dads’ Club and what it stands for,” Hughes said. “It stands for community involvement, and families looking out for each other.” Hughes coached his children, Amy Thompson, 40, and Zach Hughes, 37, in ODC. Both of his kids now live in Oak Forest. Hughes and his daughter coached Thompson’s

6-11 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 St. Rose of Lima Parrish Hall Tickets are $40 a piece and come with dinner from Mikeska’s (BBQ or chicken fried steak), beer, and drinks. The Guest of Honor is Humphrey Hughes. Hall of Fame Inductees are Steve Simons, Gary Majewski, Amanda Renfro, Mike Marshall, and Roznovsky’s Hamburgers Live and Silent Auction Dress is Casual

Humphrey Hughes, left, and his daughter, Amy Thompson, coached Hughes’ granddaughter/Thompson’s daughter Jayme Thompson when she played for the Oaks Dads’ Club Crickets in 2008. (Submitted photo)

daughter, Jayme Thompson, a 13-year-old who still competes at ODC. “This was our world when I was a kid,” Hughes said. “I always thought it’d be here. It takes so much work that if the dads didn’t put forth the

effort, it wouldn’t be.” There’s been a lot of changes in the Oak Forest area, but family, faith and baseball/softball at ODC have been constants for the Hughes family. Hughes met his wife, Lin-

da, when they were eighth graders at St. Ambrose. She coached their son’s T-Ball team in the early 1980s because as league president, Hughes wasn’t allowed to double as a coach. “You felt safe with your kids here, and you built friendships that last forever,” Linda said. Hughes was a catcher who played for St. Pius X and Blinn College. He credits the league with teaching him about discipline, teamwork and dedication. In the early 1980s, the

In recent months, Heights and Oak Forest residents have reported attacks by wild, aggressive dogs on their pets and in some cases, on people. The Houston City Council took action last week to address the situation that’s been occurring locally and throughout the city by voting to make changes to Chapter 6 – the animal chapter ‚Äì of the city code. “I think it’s long overdue,” said Mary Abshier, interim president of the Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council. “If you want the city to protect you, you have to give them tools to work with.” Abshier attended a Super Neighborhood Alliance where the new regulations were discussed. She said most people agreed with it, but one expressed concerns about infringement upon civil liberties. “When you live in a city, you have to abide by rules,” Abshier said. “You have to give a little to get a little.” City representatives discussed the new rules at Tuesday’s Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council meeting. The city’s Bureau of Animal Regulation & Control (BARC) will be able to issue citations for dogs that bark loudly late at night, or throughout the day. In the past, BARC sometimes didn’t act until a dog bit or attacked a person or another pet – sometimes killing or seriously injuring the other pet. BARC will move toward nuisancebased enforcement with regulations ensuring that an aggressive dog must be kept in a six-foot fence, microchipped, spay-neutered and tagged. If there’s no fence or it’s broken, the owner will have 30 days to rectify the situation before facing daily citations. In addition, BARC won’t adopt to any person convicted of animal control, and hobby/non-commercial breeders will require a permit. Although residents have reported attacks by aggressive dogs, the problem is believed to be more serious elsewhere in the city. While nuisance-based enforcement is a step that BARC is taking, enforcing regulations becomes a challenge for an understaffed city agency. The city is looking to double the staffing for BARC, which receives 130 calls per day. With only six animal control officers, it can only respond to about 30 of those calls. The decision to increase BARC’s staff will be made during the city’s budget planning later this spring. The budget is finalized by the end of June, and the new fiscal year begins in July.

See ODC, P. 5A

The Right Size. The Right Time. In your neighborhood & online at yourblvd.com 713.862.1600

THE PUBLIC. Saturday, April 19, 2014 • Page 2A

Oak Forest resident plans Security Expo for April 26 Oak Forest resident Caroline Altomire has put together a free Security Expo to help inform residents on safety in the community. Altomire, a member of the Oak Forest Homeowners Association (OFHA) security committee, became interested in organizing the Expo, which will taken place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, after meeting with S.E.A.L.S., the private security ﬁrm that has patrolled Oak Forest since last November. S.E.A.L.S. regularly updates the OFHA on security issues, but Altomire thought an Expo would be a good opportunity for vendors to display home and personal security products

and services, information on self-defense, martial arts classes and concealed handgun license classes, security dog presentation and emergency preparedness. S.E.A.L.S. director James Alexander said the private security ﬁrm is supporting the event. Altomire said she has been reaching out to the Houston Police Department to attend the Expo, but they haven’t responded to her yet. Some basic safety tips, such as being aware of one’s surroundings, will be discussed. Altomire said it’s become prevalent for people to walk and talk with their cell phones, which makes them susceptible to robberies.

Parents at Frank Black Middle School and Oak Forest Elementary School received a voicemail on April 11, notifying them that the school was temporarily put on lockdown at 4:30 p.m. No one was harmed and the lockdown was lifted. School had been dismissed by that point, but there are still after school programs that go until 6 p.m. A witness reported three unidentiﬁed males who showed up at Black Middle School and showed one of the FBMS students

what appeared to be a gun. Black MS staff confronted the three unidentified males who fled. Both schools were under lockdown as a precaution. The Houston Police Department was called and an investigation is reportedly underway.

E. Whitney

��

Crosstimber

��

Sexual Assault on Sherwood

A juvenile victim reported that a suspect, described as a white male in his late 20s/early 30s, touched him inappropriately in the 4200 block of Sherwood. HPD’s Juvenile Sex Crimes Division is following up on the case.

Police Reports • April 4-12 APRIL 4

Theft 5:30 PM 1100-1199 31ST Assault 8:13 PM 4600-4699 WERNER ST Theft 7:30 PM 1100-1199 DURHAM DR Theft 7:45 PM 700-799 DURHAM DR Theft 7:30 PM 2000-2099 EDWARDS ST Theft 8:30 PM 3400-3499 SHEPHERD DR Theft 9:25 AM 900-999 NORTH LP W Theft 12 PM 1200-1299 DURHAM DR Theft 4:10 PM 5000-5099 WASHINGTON AVE

APRIL 5

Burglary 6:30 PM 1600-1699 T C JESTER BLVD Theft 11 PM 4900-4999 CENTER ST Theft 10:15 PM 3600-3699 WASHINGTON AVE Burglary 6 PM 9500-9599 HEMPSTEAD HWY Theft 1 AM 4600-4699 SHERWOOD LN Theft 10 PM 2000-2099 COLUMBIA ST Theft 10:30 PM 2000-2099 COLUMBIA ST Theft 5 PM 4200-4299 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 7 PM 2000-2099 EDWARDS ST

APRIL 6

Assault 2:15 AM 400-499 ENID Theft 4:30 PM 4800-4899 CENTER ST Robbery 6:30 AM 800-899 OAK Theft 3 PM 400-499 HEIGHTS BLVD Assault 12 AM 4200-4299 SHERWOOD LN Theft 4:35 PM 2500-2599 NORTH LP W SER Theft 4:40 PM 5600-5699 YALE Theft 8 PM 4000-4099 34TH ST Theft 9:30 PM 4200-4299 SHERWOOD LN Theft 6 PM 300-399 19TH ST Theft 6:23 PM 1200-1299 DURHAM DR Theft 11 AM 100-199 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 4:30 PM 900-999 ROY Theft 10:30 PM 2800-2899 CENTER ST Theft 7:25 PM 5100-5199 SHEPHERD DR Theft 12 AM 500-599 TROY RD

APRIL 7

Assault 10 PM 900-999 40TH ST Theft 7:30 PM 4900-4999 SHEPHERD DR Burglary 9:30 PM 5000-5099 SHEPHERD DR Theft 12:01 AM 1300-1399 ASHLAND ST

DON’T BE A VICTIM!

Concealed Handgun Classes

WE BUY ALL GUNS

★ BUY ★

PERSONAL DEFENSE WEAPONS

SELL ★ TRADE

BLACK GOLD GUNS & AMMO 713-694-4867 875 Wakeﬁeld Dr. Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer

Theft 8 PM 4600-4699 ALLEN Theft 8:20 PM 4600-4699 ALLEN ST Theft 8 PM 4700-4799 ALLEN Theft 5 PM 2500-2599 SHEARN Theft 10 PM 1100-1199 SHEPHERD DR Theft 8:30 PM 800-899 ROY Theft 5:30 AM 4200-4299 SHERWOOD LN Burglary 6:30 PM 800-899 LAWRENCE Theft 8:30 PM 4700-4799 CENTER ST Theft 6:48 PM 2700-2799 18TH Burglary 3 PM 800-899 28TH ST Burglary 8 AM 600-699 39TH ST Theft 4 PM 4000-4099 SHEPHERD DR Theft 5:23 PM 1400-1499 20TH Theft 2 PM 2500-2599 SHEARN Theft 9 PM 6900-6999 OVERMEYER DR

APRIL 8

Theft 11:40 AM 4000-4099 SHEPHERD DR Burglary 7:30 AM 6300-6399 KURY LN Theft 5 PM 100-199 YALE Theft 2 AM 800-899 OAK Theft 4 PM 3000-3099 NORTH LP W Theft 9:40 AM 1700-1799 T C JESTER BLVD Theft 2 PM 4900-4999 SHEPHERD DR Theft 11 PM 900-999 35TH ST Burglary 9 AM 700-799 THORNTON Assault 3:30 PM 7500-7599 MAIN

Robbery 10:50 PM 1100-1199 ADELE ST Burglary 12 AM 1200-1299 RUTLAND Theft 8:20 AM 2100-2199 34TH

APRIL 10

Theft 3:45 PM 900-999 ALEXANDER ST Theft 9 PM 2600-2699 WHITE OAK DR Theft 6:30 PM 1100-1199 34TH Theft 8:40 PM 1900-1999 T C JESTER BLVD Assault 2:15 AM 4500-4599 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 5 PM 5500-5599 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 5:45 PM 500-599 NORTHWEST MALL Theft 10:10 AM 400-499 MAIN Theft 12 AM 5600-5699 MAXIE Theft 8:19 PM 1300-1399 NORTH LP SER Theft 12 PM 1800-1899 SHEPHERD DR Theft 10:15 PM 1800-1899 ELLA BLVD Theft 8:52 AM 3400-3499 COUCH ST Burglary 10:15 AM 2400-2499 DROXFORD DR

APRIL 11

Theft 3:50 PM 1000-1099 SHEPHERD DR Theft 11:35 AM 5100-5199 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 2:15 PM 4600-4699 PINEMONT DR Theft 7 PM 1800-1899 SHEPHERD DR Theft 2:50 AM 1600-1699 CHIPPENDALE RD Theft 10 AM 11200-11299 NORTHWEST FWY

APRIL 12

Theft 12 PM 100-199 YALE

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

ZIGGY MISSING

APRIL 9

Theft 12 AM 2700-2799 HAVERHILL DR Burglary 9 AM 4600-4699 WERNER ST Theft 8 PM 200-299 T C JESTER Theft 5 PM 900-999 DURHAM Theft 9 PM 1400-1499 STUDEMONT Burglary 2:40 PM 5100-5199 ALBA ST Burglary 6:30 PM 1700-1799 SAXON

The Right Agent... Whether you are buying, selling or building choose the agent that’s right for you.

March 1, 2014 Ella Chesire

713.680.0382

grey/brown w/black markings, male, no tag/chip, neutered

Supplies for Any Occasion

We’ll Get Your Party Hoppin

Jan Clark, J.D. A 2013 Top producer

281-686-0761

Janhtx@gmail.com

U PAY LESS - U GET MORE! 2830 HICKS • 713-869-8321 • ArnesWarehouse.com

Northline Mall Airline Dr

Temporary lockdown at Black MS, OF Elementary

��

5 I-4

Woman arrested for aggravated assault The Houston Police Department arrested Monica Rachel Lara on April 3 and charged her with aggravated assault of a family member. Lara, 35, allegedly stabbed her 33-year-old common law husband, in the neck, in the 1800 block of McKee. The Lara victim was taken to the hospital where he was treated.

Banquet Hall

610

Saturday, April 19, 2014 • Page 3A

OFHA, Greater Heights Super Neighborhood name new presidents By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Two new presidents have stepped into ofﬁce of the Oak Forest Homeowners Association and the Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council (Super Neighborhood 15), ready to make an impact for their respective organizations. Laurie Christensen became the new Oak Forest Homeowners Association president last week, and Mary Abshier was named the Greater Heights Super Neighborhood Council’s interim president on

Hamilton names new mascot

Tuesday. Christensen, 47, moved to Oak Forest from the Cypress area in 2010 and joined OFHA as a second vice president in January. She quickly moved up the chain of command last week when both president Craig Powers and ﬁrst vice president Nathan Foyil announced they were leaving the neighborhood because career opportunities have taken their respective careers outside of Houston. Troy Johnson and Al Guidry are the new ﬁrst and second vice presidents, respectively.

Christensen presided over a board meeting for the ﬁrst time on Monday and made a quick transition to the leadership position. Christensen is employed as the assistant chief for the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Ofﬁce, which has jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of the county. Although she will keep her professional and OFHA duties separate, Christensen said her background in public safety will be helpful in her new role. One of those priorities is continuing to build the OFHA’s

strong relationship with S.E.A.L.S., a private security ﬁrm that it signed a contract with last fall. Increasing attendance at meetings is another important item, said Christensen. Christensen said increasing OFHA’s online presence will be a key priority as well, speciﬁcally more Facebook posts and “Oakie Alert” emails to for residents. Abshier, who had served as the vice president of the Super Neighborhood, will serve out the rest of former president Blake Masters’ term through

June 17. She doesn’t plan to run for president in June. Masters resigned last month to spend more time with the company he owns but will remain on the council. Abshier, 58, was born in the Heights and is the past president of the Clark Pines Civic Association. Clark Pines is a small neighborhood located north of Timbergrove and south of Shady Acres. Abshier, who works as an interior designer, said she plans on continuing the Super Neighborhood’s goals of becoming more diverse and

keeping businesses and Parent-Teacher Associations involved. SN 15 represents Clark Pines, the Heights Progressive Civic Club, Heights West Homeowner’s Association, Park Square Homeowner’s Association, Lower Heights Civic Club, Houston Heights Association, Montie Beach Civic Club, East Sunset Heights Neighborhood, Proctor Plaza Neighborhood Association, Shady Acres Civic Club, Sunset Heights Civic Club and Woodland Heights Civic Association.

��

The Path to Eternal Life (You Won’t Learn It in Church) ��

Hamilton Middle School SUNDAY • APRIL 20 • 6pm revealed the choice of its new 1846 Harvard Street • In The Heights mascot on Tuesday morning – the Husky. We don’t want your money - no collection will be taken. Earlier this year, the HousChrist is coming soon and will reign on the earth. ton ISD Board of Trustees announced that four schools, Sponsored by including Hamilton, must The Berean Christadelphians change their mascot to proFor more info: 713-861-2263 or 713-686-6088 hibit the use of any race or w w w. b e r e a n c h r i s t a d e l p h i a n . c o m ethnic group in it. Hamilton, which opened in 1919, had been known for decades as the Indians. Hamilton principal Wendy Hampton said the choice of Huskies was made by the student body. Westbury High, formerly the Rebels, also chose the Huskies. The students made their nominations, and they were narrowed down to 10. A stu�� dent committee then cut the �� list down to six and put it before a vote of the student �� body. �� Lamar High switched from �� the Redskins to the Texans, and Welch Middle School changed from the Warriors to the Wolf Pack. The new mascot names will go into effect for the 2014-15 school year. HISD superintendent Terry Grier told KHOU that changing uniforms and signs at the �� four campuses will cost a total Ad_Layout 1 3/24/14 9:24 AM Page 1 �� of10x10.5 about Leader $300,000.

ASSISTED LIVING M E M O RY C A R E OPENING FALL 2014!

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

The Village of The Heights will offer peace of mind, safety and security to those you love by providing thoughtful, individualized care.

Studio, One-& Two-Bedroom Apartments • Private Memory Care Suites Intimate Dining • Innovative Programs • 24 Hour Professional Staff

Learn more about becoming a “Charter Club Member” TODAY!

713-802-9700 1407 Studewood • Houston, TX • www.villageoftheheights.com License Pending

THE TOPICS. Saturday, April 19, 2014 • Page 4A

Buying a home? Prepare to have ﬁngernails removed

I

’ve waited a long time to write this column. By “long time,” I’m talking at least eight weeks, which in the world of media is like waiting eight decades. The anticipation about killed me. My wife and I are new homeowners. We’ve closed, we’ve wired one of each of our kidneys, we’ve made a trip to the paint store. Did it all during lunch. And it’s only now, with keys in our hands and a bank to fund, that I feel comfortable discussing the subject. While you’re probably tempted to send congratulatory applause, don’t. Buying a house in this market, in these ridiculous conditions, is akin to getting a manicure and asking the nail tech to go ahead and remove the nails with pliers. I have done neither, but it sounds about right. In January, we suited up, hired a Realtor and decided we were ready to paint our own walls. We knew the rumors about the housing market here. We knew homes go fast. For that matter, we knew some homes don’t even get to market. A family decides to sell its home and the Money Fairy sprinkles dust on the Realtors’ phones. Boom, the house is sold before Happy Hour. With what we thought was a little insider-knowledge, we made our ﬁrst visit with a local Realtor. The house was going on the market the next day and we had a chance to take a

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

look before anyone else. How great was that? Turns out the wife and I really liked the house (Master Hank even liked it because there were ceiling fans, which apparently was his only prerequisite). We did what any normal couple would do, considering the market conditions and all. We offered full asking price. You would think the Realtor would have said, “Great!” Nope, the very next question was: “OK, do you also want to pay the seller’s closing costs?” My wife being the experienced litigator, she answered the question succinctly and with authority. “No, if we need that to bargain, we’ll use it later.” The Realtor rushed to the ofﬁce, ﬁlled in some holes in a template contract, and arrived back at our house at 10:30 p.m. We signed and thought we had just won the game. We didn’t get the house because

someone offered 10 percent above asking price. They were one of five to make an offer, and remember, this was before the house went on the market. So that’s how this game is played, huh? We strapped up our boots and began the search again. Found another house we could work with (and by “work with,” I mean we would probably need to gut the shag carpets and wood paneling, move half the walls, and tear down the rotting shed). We made a low offer, the seller met us pretty close, but we walked away from that one. I don’t know how many houses we looked at, and I don’t know how many times we left work in the middle of the day because “this one is gonna go fast.” Whatever the number, it didn’t matter after we finally found the one we really wanted, and this time, we had learned our lesson. We offered above asking price. We were pre-approved for the loan and we had the paperwork to prove it. In fact, we could pull out our approval letter faster than we could find our drivers’ licenses. It would be nice if we could end the story there, new welcome mat and moving trucks on the way. We can’t. Despite approvals, an extremely kind offer, and our family being half-decent human beings, my wife and I were sent through a labyrinth of yoga poses that prospective home

Lights, action, and don’t THE READER. consider quitting day job

Does inevitable growth mean inevitable consequences?

I’ll never watch a sitcom or a film the same way, after making my acting debut recently in the Heights. A simple scene could be filmed 10 or 12 times before the director is satisfied with it. I figured that number was sure to skyrocket when I made my acting debut in the re-make of the 1921 Charlie Chaplin film, “The Kid.” On the surface, it’s all pretty simple. How difficult would it be to act during three separate scenes of a silent film? No lines to memorize, only expressions as a background character. Heights resident David MICHAEL Heck is directing, producing and starring in the film, SUDHALTER alongside his 5-year-old Editor son, Isaiah, who plays The Kid. A drama teacher at Hamilton Middle School, Heck has had roles in films such as “The Life of David Gale” and “Serving Sara” over the years. A few months ago, I interviewed him for a story on “The Kid 2014”, and a side conversation led to a small role in the film. When I attended the filming, I had no idea what to expect, but it was a pleasant experience overall. A contract was presented that said I’ll receive one percent of the proceeds of the film, if it makes any money. I’m crossing my fingers that Netflix or someone will pick it up, and I can contribute that 1 percent into the Honeymoon Fund. The band Alabama may sing about a “Hometown Honeymoon,” but my bride to be isn’t too keen on living out that concept. The 1 percent doesn’t sound like much, until you realize that screenwriters only make about 2 or 3 percent on films. There wasn’t much time for rehearsal, but I didn’t need it when I found out my role – Fight Monger #2. Let me just say that this role completely contradicts how I feel about street fighting or the encouragement of it. But I was able to separate my personality from that of this nameless character and played my assigned role. The fact that I was #2, instead of #1, has a perfect explanation. The #1 Fight Monger was played by Travis De Luca, an experienced actor who’s a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild. In 2015, the film will be released to film festivals, locally and nationally, and hopefully, it will lead to more films in the Heights, which is an excellent backdrop. Email michael@theleadernews.com

buyers should never have to face. Our bank was one of the big boys in mortgage lending (we’re talking Top 3). They write thousands of loans to qualified candidates every year, but that didn’t matter to the selling agent, whose name will remain anonymous, but only because I’m in a nice mood. (Best description I can give of him: On the morning of closing, he walked in the title company’s office, was offered a drink and asked if they had Red BullVodka. Classy.) The Realtor questioned everything about our bank. Said he read somewhere on Google that they sometimes didn’t close on time (and we’re not talking about Handy Dandy’s Fine Car Wash and Mortgage Lending). For the first time in our banker’s career, he was instructed to answer a list of half-intelligible questions about his institution’s practices. He did this on a Saturday, God bless him. Next, despite our above-askingprice offer, we were given a new date and time when we had the privilege of making one last offer. We cowered to the Realtor’s demands and even added a few bucks to the offer. Obviously, we have no idea how many contracts were submitted on the house, but we have a good suspicion we were either bidding against ourselves or the selling agent thought he had a chance of collect-

ing both sides of the commission check. But the kicker came when our Realtor (who we enjoyed) called and said: “Jonathan, you need to write a letter to the current owners and tell them why they should sell the house to you.” Yes, you read that correctly, and I guess it’s a good thing I write for a living or we may have never gotten a new home. I groveled and begged and told them how wonderful my wife and son are, and asked, if they could ﬁnd it in their hearts, to please allow us to shower them with hundreds of thousands of dollars. My wife and I do own a home now, so I guess that’s a good thing. But if you’ve considered taking a dip in the house-buying market, let me offer a few pieces of sage advice: First, you will be powerless and you might as well accept that now. Second, you better be on the same page with your spouse before you start. Thankfully, my wife and I were, or there’s a good chance we’d be in counseling right now. And last, if you come up against a selling agent like we faced, I’m sorry. There are hundreds of great Realtors out there. We just didn’t get to work with one of them.

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Dear Editor: The scale of new houses and additions to existing historical houses has recently been the subject of some controversy and considerable discussion in the Heights. One aspect of this seems clear. Incoming purchasers often find the space in most historic houses to be inadequate for their needs and, with some existing residents, wish to add substantial built space to their historic homes. New construction is almost inevitably larger in square footage and site coverage than the vast majority of existing houses. It is of interest that the trend to larger houses in the Heights does not reflect the national trend across the US which is that homeowners in inner city neighborhoods are generally seeking and building smaller, more compact and more cost-efficient homes. The original 1890s development pattern of the Heights located larger houses on the Boulevard, and on large corner lots. In almost all cases these houses were sited on larger lots than the typical 6,750 lot. Even on this smaller lot, space was allocated for unfenced open front yards and enclosed backyard play spaces. Setbacks and driveways between structures allowed for the free flow of air during hot humid summers. Each house had surrounding green space for the planting of trees, shrubs and garden beds. Sidewalks and streets were lined with shade trees. This pattern was and is a critical component of the neighborhood’s special character Larger building footprints leave less garden and greenspace, and are resulting in considerable destruction of mature trees and consequently less shade. This affects house temperatures in summer requiring greater energy use and homeowner costs. This loss of shade cover as well as air flow between buildings affects the “walkability” that, to many, is one of the prime quality of life assets of the neighborhood. Larger new houses and expanded existing houses usually result in greater site coverage and less unbuilt space on each lot. This will reduce the area of land available for rainwater to percolate into the soil and increase the run-off into the streets and drainage systems. In a number of areas in the neighborhood this will lead to street ponding, slower surface water run-off and increased overflow from inadequate ditches and gutters. The flows from the neighborhood to detention ponds and bayous will be greater. The dominant scale of larger new houses where bungalows once stood, substantial additions overpowering the scale and character of existing historic houses, diminished green space, less shade

and tree cover and houses jammed up against each other are together having a major impact on the historic character of the neighborhood. In addition to the rapidly changing character in the single-family residential areas, the Heights is undergoing substantial physical and functional impacts related to increases in density in town houses and apartments that will negatively impact existing utilities infrastructure and will increase local traffic congestion and parking deficiency. It could be argued that, at the scale of the individual parcel, the impact on the neighborhood of these factors is marginal but if current building rate in the Heights continues over an extended period of time greater intensification of the built use of land will have a marked negative effect on the Heights’ special character and quality of life. This brings up a number of other potential changes affecting the character and functioning of our neighborhood. Will the two story apartments in the area be redeveloped as five and ten stories or more? What will be the impact on Heights Boulevard and adjacent single family areas? Do we have Ashby Highrise battles looming in our near future? Is this inevitable? Should we be concerned about this and try to find equitable ways of sustaining the quality of life and character of our neighborhood that is such an unique asset to both Houston’s heritage and to all of us who have the privilege of living here. Or, should we simply accept all the consequences of current development trends? Jonathan Smulian

Be relentless in safety of others

Dear Editor: I want to share a family tragedy so others may be spared the same. On Sunday, March 30 an unprovoked and unleashed pit bull attacked and killed my family’s beloved pet, a chihuahua of 13 years during a leisurely and accompanied walk on a public thoroughfare in Oak Forest on Kinley Lane. The negligence of the pit bull not being leashed and not being under control on public property causes great pain and fear to my family. Given the circumstances, unfortunately, there was no accountability. So, to pursue making our neighborhood safe, we must be relentless in our pursuit of every legal and ethical means within our power to render justifiable consequence: warranted HPD citations, animal control follow-up, communicating expectations to the careless owners, informing the homeowner’s association to warn others, demanding restitution or pursing the issue through small claims court; and, finally informing the community via its local communication forums not to settle for anything less than the safety it deserves which is the purpose of this story! Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and to be a voice within the community! Cliff Miller

I only need one paper

Dear Editor: I have lived in Oak Forest for over 50 years. This little neighborhood paper is better than the “other” paper. I am considering dropping my subscription after 60 years to the “other” paper. Antoinette

Pull up the gangplank because we’re not getting any smaller THE STREET – Here comes the garbage truck grinding along, stopping, starting, stopping. Wonder what its brake linings look like? The reason we are contemplating something so gross as saying goodbye to yesterday’s pizza is that Texas is facing a landﬁll problem. Then there is our other garbage: air, water and noise pollution. As you have probably guessed, I am referring to a new U.S. Census Bureau report which found Harris County and the Houston metropolitan areas are leading the nation in population increases, and Big D is even bigger. Then there’s Beaumont. I shall explain: During the year ending last July 1, Harris County gained 83,000 residents, while the HoustonWoodlands-Sugar Land area added 137,692. Harris County, with about 4.3 million residents, remains the nation’s third-largest county, and the Houston metro area, with 6.3 million residents, keeps its ranking as the ﬁfth-largest, one place behind Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington. Remember that in most cases it costs more to advertise on a Dallas TV station than a Houston station because the Metroplex has more people than the Houston area. How big is this deluge of newcomers? Every single morning last year, including weekends and Christmas, when Houstonians backed out of the driveway on the way to their job at the toxic dump,

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

there were 276.2 more vehicles on Harris County roads than were there the previous morning. I don’t know if I want to live in the fastest-growing state and solar system. What do we do about parking spaces and schools? The Census Bureau found that three of the top 10 fastest-growing metro areas – Odessa, Midland and Austin-Round Rock – are in Texas. Fort Bend County was listed as the nation’s ninth-fastest growing county. This report from the U.S. Census Bureau comes only days after a Federal Reserve Bank study which found that Texas has led the nation in creating jobs since 2000, and that more than half of the new positions paid salaries in the top half of the pay scale. This last stat has an asterisk. Living in Texas is so much cheaper than in most of America that you can receive a lousy paycheck here and still live rather well. Our teach-

ers don’t buy that. Actually, they can’t buy much of anything. If our numbers are growing, our ages are lowering. About half of Texas’ population growth is the result of natural increase – babies minus bar arguments. About one-fourth comes from domestic migration, and the remaining fourth is due to international migration. In Harris County, births accounted for 142,820 new residents; international migration for 62,599; and domestic migration for 40,006. Do you ever get the idea the Border Patrol is watching the wrong river? And still they come. Texas added more residents than any other state in 2013 over the previous year – more than twice the national rate of population growth. There are now almost 26.5 million people in Texas. You can spot the newcomers by their license plates, which they will change after 10 years’ residence. Another tell-tale sign is the bumper sticker – LSU, OU, NYU, IOU – and front yard ﬂags. Particularly on football weekends, my neighborhood looks like an NCAA convention. Even so, all these newcomers want to send their kids to UT or A&M. It’s cheaper than back home. Another point: The Census Bureau study shows the nation is increasingly becoming metropolitan. That is certainly true in Texas, although 96 counties lost population from 2010 to

2012. No one moves to Wichita Falls or Pampa or apparently Beaumont. That city has been named among the worst cities in the nation for well-being, according to a national survey just released by the Gallup-Healthways group. (Provo-Orem, Utah, came in first.) The study was based on phone calls to residents asking them questions about the quality of life in their area. Everything from financial security to work environments, physical and emotional health and access to healthy food were included in the questionnaire. For the second year in a row, the Beaumont-Port Arthur area came in among the lowest ranked places: 184 out of 189 metro areas. Conversely Austin-Round Rock came in at number 30, the highest spot for any Texas city. Houston-Sugar LandBaytown made it to number 60 while Texas overall came in with a similarly so-so ranking of 21 out of 50 states. Not to be defensive, Gallup-Healthways, but my wife is from Port Arthur – they are all FROM Port Arthur – and if Texas is so mediocre, why is everyone flocking here? Well, we’ve been warned about this population explosion. Indeed, some guy just blew up in the Ship Channel. We will need double-decker busses. We’ll live on top of one another like Manhattanites (Manhattaners? Mad Hatters?) TxDOT will pave over

most of the pastures between our major cities. Your local EMS will have to ambulance-pool. We shall have more Congressional seats filled with embarrassments. Our high schools will compete in Class 45-A. No more singles bars. Double up. The New Yorker magazine had a slogan about its sophisticated readers: “It’s not how many, it’s who.” So Texas needs more quality, less quantity. You think our expressways are crowded now? We should have more mass transit so everyone else will take the train, leaving the roads open for us. We need a better class of criminals. Better smelling air pollution. Our Legislature needs upgrading to the 19th Century. As for the neighborhood garbage truck, it is off to dump my debris somewhere. The average American generates more than five pounds of garbage a day. That means our 26.5 million Texans dispose of uh, a lot of garbage. By 2020 our population will hit 30 million. We need a huge landfill. I suggest Arkansas. A few weeks ago we discussed our state’s water shortage. More people, more swimming pools. Finally, we must ask ourselves, is bigger really better? Is all this growth good? Maybe not. You and I are aboard. Pull up the gangplank. Ashby feels crowded at ashby2@comcast.net

Saturday, April 19, 2014 • Page 5A

ODC, from P. 1A

CEO, from P. 1A more defined by the things she does not say than by accolades she, rightfully, could proclaim. She does not mention that she’s one of three female CEOs in Memorial Hermann’s conglomerate of 12 reputable hospitals in Houston. She does not mention that she’s the head honcho at an institution that saw more than 11,000 admissions, nearly 50,000 emergency room visits, 31,195 outpatient visits or more than 3,300 surgical cases just last year. No, she’s actually a little sad that her former boss is gone. “Gary and I worked really well together,” Jadlowski recalled. “Even when we didn’t see things eye-to-eye, he always encouraged me to voice my opinions. We talked through every decision. And when this happened [becoming CEO], it was like we were breaking up the team. That was hard.” The team wasn’t just Kerr and Jadlowski. Jeremy Brynes, the director of business development, left for a position with a physician group. Diana Schauer-Tran, marketing director for the Northwest hospital, moved full time to Memorial Hermann’s Katy location. With Jadlowski serving as both Former MHNW CEO COO and chief nursing officer for the Gary Kerr hospital, the management team, sans Jadlowski, was suddenly gone. And that left the new CEO with more than just a hospital to run. In six weeks, she has devoted a large chunk of time to finding colleagues to surround her. Already, Kate Eller has been named the new marketing director. As of press time, an offer had been made to a potential business development candidate. There is an interim CNO and an associate CNO in place and Jadlowski doesn’t seem too concerned about rounding out her team. Maybe that’s why her predecessor, Kerr, knew she would be a perfect fit for this position. “Without a doubt, that was one of the most tight groups of people I have ever worked with,” Kerr said. “We all worked really well together. We had a common vision, focused on expectations and accountability, and Susan was always so much more than just a COO to us. I knew that if I ever walked out the door, she could take over.” For his part, Kerr never planned on leaving the Northwest hospital. He loved it there. “A lot of times, you learn that it isn’t always the job that’s important, but who you work with,” he said. “And in a weird sort of way, I was always afraid that I was going to block [Susan] from getting a CEO job. I knew she would be perfect for the position. She’s ethical, she’s smart, she does things the right way.” Doing it the right way Jadlowski seems to have a firm grip on what’s most important about running a hospital in the heart of one of Houston’s most thriving communities, and she isn’t afraid to make adjustments as she goes. “It is so important for us to serve the community,” she said. “We must have the highest quality of care that we can provide. We have to have the services this community needs.” With a community constantly surging forward – with new families and their new children entering the census – Jadlowski wants to do even more to become the standard-bearer for healthcare in the area. “We’re going to do a community assessment. We’re going to find out what it is that our patients and their families want from us,” she said. “The Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, they’re all changing, and we have to change as well. How can we get the community to think of us as their hospital?” Despite their enormous campus, including a $10 million renovation to the emergency department (and Dr. Christopher Salcedo, more upgrades on the way), JadMHNW chief of staff lowski views the hospital’s reputation as one of her most important jobs. “I think we’re seen as a solid hospital, but I also hear from people who don’t even know that we’re here. They don’t know we’re part of the community.” Part of the reason may be the phenomenal growth of the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and the neighborhoods of North Houston. “About three or four years ago, Gary and I drove around the area, and I remember us talking about how different this community was going to look in eight or nine years,” she said. “Well, all of the things we thought would take that long have already happened. It’s growing so fast, and we’ve got to grow with the community.” Easy Transition Appointing Jadlowski the new CEO was a natural fit both for her and the hospital, according to the former CEO, Gary Kerr. “Susan is committed to making sure that the hospital is what the community expects,” Kerr said. “She has always been the person behind getting the [emergency department] renovations complete and she did an outstanding job.” Jadlowski agrees that the transition has been simpler than bringing in someone from the outside. “The physicians have told me this has been pretty easy for them,” she said. “It’s really important for me to serve my people both inside and outside in the community.” Dr. Christophe Salcedo has been on the medical staff at MHNW since 1998 and currently serves as chief of staff. He was there for the duration of Kerr’s tenure and he likes what he sees from Jadlowski. “We were all very excited to see Susan put in that position. It was the natural route to go,” Salcedo said. “Other than having Gary and Susan together, this was the next-best option.” While Salcedo admits the management styles of Kerr and Jadlowski are a bit different, he said the new boss’s style has been an easy adjustment. “Susan has a background in nursing, so I think some people were concerned with whether she would see things from the physicians’ side,” Salcedo said. “She has been working very close with us, and that’s a good thing.” And Salcedo knows working with physicians isn’t always the easiest thing. “We may act like a bunch of brats sometimes,” he joked. “That doesn’t mean she has to do everything we want, but Susan has a sense of transparency. She’s extremely honest, and if we are in a difficult time, we know she is going to tell us and we can work with that. And if things are good, she’s going to tell us that, too.” Apparently, the appointment of Jadlowski into one of the prominent roles in this community has been good for the hospital and this area’s healthcare.

family owned Hump’s Hamburgers, which further endeared them to the ODC players and their parents. “I still see the kids that played in the league, and they talk to me wherever I am,” said Hughes, who works as a corporate manager for Bechtel Co., an Engineering Construction Company. Hughes put a plan together in the 1980s to save ODC when it was in financial trouble. The players sold candy in an effort to attend a skills clinic put on by Hughes’ brother-in-law, former Astros player and Reagan High graduate Craig Reynolds. Zach Hughes went on to excel as a pitcher for St. Pius X and Vanderbilt University. He’s now a lawyer for Chevron. “I remember always being down there, from age 5 to age 12,” Zach said. “With one exception, my mom and dad were coaching my team all of those years. I feel good for my dad being honored. Now, I understand and appreciate it more.” Both Thompsons played for the Crickets’ T-Ball Team with Jayme starting the sport at 3 years old. Jayme is an infielder, just like her mother was. Hughes coached Amy and her teammates in softball through the year. When St. Pius X had a vacancy for its head softball coach in 1991, Hughes filled the role and coached Thompson and her former ODC teammates to the state championship – which was the last time the program won a state title. “I feel like my childhood was a great one,” said Thompson, who graduated from Texas A&M and now works alongside her father at Bechtel, in the procurement department. “To be able to share those experiences with my daughter has been fun.” A seventh grader at St. Rose of Lima, Jayme finds the same camaraderie and competition in the league that her grandfather and mother did in past decades. “I think it’s cool to know your whole family has been playing at ODC and you’re doing the same thing they have,” said Jayme. “I really like that all of my friends are here and we cheer each other on.” Jayme said she plans on carrying on the family tradition of attending St. Pius X and would like to have her son or daughter become the family’s fourth generation to play at ODC someday.

Stevens Elementary set to build SPARK Park By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Stevens Elementary got the good news they’d been waiting for in April – the school has ofﬁcially been selected as a SPARK Park site for 2014-2015. Parent and volunteer Jon Harvey was on the committee who lobbied for the park. “The school and the kids deserve this,” he said. “This park will be what they can say is uniquely theirs. (It’s) a great thing to continue to build school pride around.” There is still work ahead to bring the park to fruition. Stevens did not qualify for federal funding. Principal Lucy Anderson notes that to qualify, 51% of households within a one-mile radius of the school must be classiﬁed as low income per the latest census data. Stevens was just out of range at 49.7%. Anderson

said that the number is not determined by the population of the students who attend the school and that most of their students live outside the mile radius requirement. “That does mean that the bulk of the fundraising efforts will fall upon the school,” said Anderson. “Houston ISD will provide $5,000, and SPARK will request $5,000 from Harris County Precinct 2.” Anderson hopes to raise at least $50,000 in additional funds. “The more we raise, the more we can do with the area,” said Anderson. Anderson hopes to get to work with a landscape architect as well as community members to create a plan. She said the school has “lofty” plans for the park. Anderson is reaching out to principals at other SPARK Park schools and hopes to have Stevens’ park complete within two years.

OAKS DADS CLUB TIMELINE

1954 – 1st Baseball Game (Opening Day) 1957 – 1st Football Game 1960 – 1st Softball Game 1966/67 – Football field was built 1968 – Minor Field (now softball field) was built 1969 – 1st Tee ball game and ODC took over the Pony Field on Judiway 1970 – Mike Marshall became the first Head Umpire 1974/75 – 1st Soccer Game 1990 – Wanda Brinkley was the first woman to coach an ODC boy’s baseball team 1995 – 1st Basketball game 2000 – Major Renovations to ODC fields funded by city grant

INTERESTING FACTS

– In 1954 family membership was $5 a family. – The founder of ODC was John Williams (a WWII veteran who lost his leg in France because of a land mine) who also founded Spring Branch Memorial Softball Association. – BJ Thomas (grammy winning music artist) played at ODC in 1954 and ODC is where he got his nickname (BJ) because there were so many Billy Joes on his team. – The first company to advertise at ODC on a field sign was Bud Hatfield Printers (Bud later founded Kwik Kopy). -Shepherd Park Plaza native Gary Majewski grew up playing in ODC and went on to pitch for the Montreal Expos, Washington Nationals, Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros. He’s currently the closer for the independent league Sugar Land Skeeters. -Gary Maddox played during the inaugural ODC season of 1954. After graduating from Reagan High, Southwestern University and the University of Texas Law School, he became a lawyer and a judge. Maddox attended the opening ceremonies last month and told the players that ODC had a big impact on his life.

Ad # xxxx

New Drug Resistant Heartworms

Recently in neighbor states along the Mississippi River, dogs have developed deadly heartworms while taking traditional monthly preventatives. This is very concerning to veterinarians and responsible pet owners who properly test and prevent for this mosquito transmitted parasite. The vast majority of heartworm cases are still due to poor compliance with testing and prevention. With the emerging threat, it is more important now than ever to test ﬁrst and use safe approved drugs purchased only through authorized dealers. Most brand named companies will still guarantee and pay for heartworm treatments but only if owners are compliant through veterinarians. Don’t be confused — only your veterinarian can prescribe heartworm preventions. All dogs and cats need to be tested, treated and prevented for parasites. Your community veterinarians are there to help against common everyday threats that are here now and those emerging. Your veterinarian has better methods to prevent New Resistant Heartworms.

Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions

�� 7151 Fairbanks N. Houston (1 mile North of HWY 290)

Emergency? Log on. Check in. Get seen.

(713)-937-7274

Check in online to the ER with ScheduleNow. With Memorial Hermann’s online scheduling tool, ScheduleNow, you are a few clicks away from checking in to our ER. Simply head to our website, choose the best time for you and reserve your spot. Once you arrive, a healthcare professional will see you within 15 minutes.

memorialhermann.org

Crime numbers down 10 percent in the Greater Heights Houston Police Department Ofﬁcer Steve Duffy of the HPD Heights Storefront, reported that overall crime in the Greater Heights area is down 10 percent from Jan. 1April 15 of 2014, The Greater Heights includes the neighborhoods of the Heights, Clark Pines, Heights West, Park Square, Lower Heights, Montie Beach, East Sunset Heights, Proc-

tor Plaza, Shady Acres, Sunset Heights, and Woodland Heights. Burglary of Motor Vehicles, was the only crime that increased in the area, going from 319 to 348 (nine percent). Auto thefts decreased from 69 to 39 (a 43 percent decrease), and aggravated assaults (29 to 20) and home burglaries (133 to 92) went down by 31 percent.

If you have symptoms of heart attack or stroke, or other life-threatening conditions, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) immediately. ScheduleNow should only be used if you have a non-life-threatening situation that requires urgent attention.

Page 6A • Saturday, April 19, 2014

THE CALENDAR.

SEAFOOD DINNER American Legion Post 560 A seafood dinner with fish, shrimp and crabcakes will be served on Good Friday, April 18, from 6 p.m. until sold out. There will also be entertainment. Post 560 is located at 3720 Alba Rd. Information: 713-682-9287. TRACK CLUB REGISTRATION Northwest Flyers Track Club The orientation/registration is open to all middle and high school athletes for the 2014 season. The event will be held at 11 a.m. April 19, at Valley Ranch Grill and Barbeque, 22548 S.H. 249. Information: 281-587-8442 or www.northwestflyers.org. ENERGY FOR KIDS Helms Elementary School The “Energy for Kids” presentation will be from 8:30-10:30 a.m. April 19, by Helms Elementary School fifth-graders as they learn about STEM fields. The school is located at 503 W. 21st St. Information: 713-867-5130, www. schools.houstonisd.org/helms. HYPO MEETING Karbach Brewing Co. The next meeting will be from 4:30-7:30 p.m. April 24, at

Karbach Brewing Co. Admission is $8 and includes four beers. There will also be a food truck. Karbach is located at 2032 Karbach St. Information: www.karbachbrewing.com, 713-861-6735. LUNCHEON AT THE VILLAGE The Village of the Heights Come attend this informative luncheon to learn more about the facility, currently under development and set to open Fall 2014. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 24, at Heights Fire Station, 107 W. 12th St. Call to make a reservation no later than April 21. Information: 713-802-9700. 3 LIVES BLOOD DRIVE Remington College Donors are needed for blood drive, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 24, at Remington College Greenspoint Campus, 11310 Greens Crossing, Suite 300. Information: www.3lives.com. BARBECUE DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION Houston Sunrise Kiwanis Join the Kiwanis for their 20th annual barbecue and silent auction. Barbecue chicken, sausage, potato salad, beans, and dessert

will be served. The cost is $10 a plate, eat-in or to-go. There will also be door prizes. The event will be held at Garden Oaks Baptist Church, 3206 N. Shepherd Dr., from 5-7 p.m. April 25. Food will be provided by Jim & Mo’s Catering. Proceeds will beneﬁt academic scholarships for students at B.T. Washington Sr. High and Barbara Jordan Sr. High schools. Information: www.kiwanishoustonsunrise.org. SECURITY EXPO 2014 Oak Forest Neighborhood Oak Forest, one of Houstonís largest neighborhoods, is planning a Security Expo for residents from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 26, at Candlelight Community Center, 1520 Candlelight Ln. The free event is open to all residents. Information: chippendale77018@gmail.com. QUARTERLY BREAKFAST New Beginnings For Women This network of support for women and children, is welcoming the community to a free quarterly breakfast which will feature guest speaker Liz Henshaw, a 14-year breast cancer survivor. The breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, April 26, at LeJardin

Events, 17103 Bamwood Rd., 77090. Registration is required. Information: 281-414-8416, www.newbeginningsforwomen. net. PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN TOURS Stevens Elementary School Lulu M. Stevens Elementary School, 1910 Lamonte Ln., is oﬀering Pre-K and Kindergarten Tours on Wednesday Apr. 30 at 8:30 a.m. All tours start in the front hallway. To request a tour at another time, please call 713613-2546. STAR WARS ART FESTIVAL War’Hous Visual Studios The 3rd Annual Star Wars Art Festival, presented by War’Hous, is open to all ages. Costumes are welcome. There will be 100+ artists and vendors and the event will be held from 2-7 p.m. May 4, at 1901 Washington Ave. Admission is $1. Information: https://www.facebook.com/ events/701101169912889 HOUSTON ROSE SOCIETY MEETING St. Andrew’s Episcopal “Integrated Pest Management” will be the topic of the Houston

Rose Society meeting at 7:30 p.m. May 8. The new meeting location is the parish hall of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd. Guest speaker is Angela Chandler from Urban Harvest. This month’s door prize is a Weeks Rose Bush. Free admission. Information: www. houstonrose.org. SOCIAL JUSTICE AND BUDDHISM Houston Zen Center This class, at the Houston Zen Center, 1605 Heights Blvd., explores the often-misunderstood relationship between Buddhism and social justice. This discussion led by Rick Mitchell will feature guest speakers Alan Senauke, Gaelyn Godwin and the HZC Kaleidoscope Group. The class is open to both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. The classes, held 7-8:30 p.m. May 13 through June 17, will be preceded at 6:30 p.m. by a 20-minute period of meditation. The cost is $90 for a six week series, $40 for HZC members and single classes are $20. Scholarships are available. Copies of the text are available for $15. Information: 713-8691952, www.houstonzen.org.

‘THIS IS THE LIFE’ PHOTO EXHIBITION The Art Car Museum “This is the Life” introduces a combination of portrait and landscape photography demonstrating the inﬂuences of music, adversity and politics on lifestyle. Works by Ken Hodge, Owen Fisher and Terry Swenson will be showcased. The exhibition will run through June 8. Free admission. Information: 713-861-5526, www.artcarmuseum.com.

Reunions JOHN H. REAGAN CLASS OF 1953 AND 1954 REUNION Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel The John H. Reagan High School Class of 1953 and 1954, will be celebrating their 61st and 60th reunions April 26, at the Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 N. Loop W. Frwy. There will be a reception from 5-7 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom, followed by a sit down dinner from 7-8 p.m. There will be a cash bar and dancing to 50s music. Information: 713-6888007.

Neighbors: Are we the friendliest neighborhood in Houston? By Elizabeth Villareal elizasgarden@outlook.com

Mass was well-attended by more than 30 Daisy, Brownie, and Cadette Girl Scouts along with their leaders and family members. The Girl Scouts also donated well-needed items to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Houstonia Magazine recently published an article by John Lomax which asked the question, “Is Oak Forest the friendliest neighborhood in Houston?” Evidence was provided by Gina Stewart Grayum who talked about the 174 consecutive people who recently paid it forward at the Starbucks drive-thru. Lomax also mentioned Mandy Derryberry’s 65 acts of kindness which she, along with friends and family, did for mom Cindy Bamsch’s birthday. Our “entertaining and informative” Facebook page got some ink, and one former resident Melissa Law said that while the neighborhood is special, it’s imperative to keep the oaks that give Oak Forest its name.

Congratulations to Oak Forest neighbor Laurie Christensen who has been named Oak Forest Homeowners’ Association’s new President of the Executive Board. Laurie, who has moved up from her Second Vice President position due to former President Craig Powers moving out of the area, is a good friend to all, a calm decision maker, and makes a difference throughout our city on a daily basis. Way to go, Laurie! Thank you for serving the community in this way.

Cadette Girl Scouts Lora Armstrong, Elizabeth Ramos and Brianna Correa participated in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Religious Recognition Program and received the “I Live My Faith” medal on Girl Scout Sunday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Girl Scout Sunday was celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on March 2 with girls participating as Lectors, Altar Servers and Flag Bearers. The

Thomas McCarty, a 2004 Waltrip High School graduate, was honored to match at Yale where he will be completing his residency in Internal Medicine. Thomas is scheduled to graduate from Baylor College of Medicine in May, but on Friday, March 21, received the ofﬁcial news that he had “matched” with Yale University. Thomas (Tom) attended Baylor University in Waco before attending Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Girl Scout Sunday was celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church March 2, with girls participating as Lectors, Altar Servers and Flag Bearers. (Submitted photo)

Needless to say, his family and friends are extremely proud of his accomplishment. One of Oak Forest Elementary School’s 5th grade Odyssey of the Mind teams came in ﬁrst place at the OM Texas State Competition last week and is headed to the OM World Competition in Ames, Iowa. Coach Helen Ghozali’s team members are Giselle Centeno, Harrison Rey Ghozali, Levi Hughes, Liliana McInnis, Han Nguyen-Hoang and Larsen Tosh. Odyssey of the Mind, an international educational program providing creative problem-solving opportunities for students in kindergarten through college has thousands of teams from throughout the

U.S. and from about 25 other countries. It is an extraordinary learning experience for students requiring months of planning, researching, writing, costume and/or prop creation, and sincere collaboration within the team. Teams solve problems ranging from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics.

They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and world level. After the students are given their “Problem,” which is consistently given across the U.S. by grade level, parents and coaches are not allowed to share ideas, suggest costumes or script changes, or even to assist with handmade costumes and props. The reason it is called “Odyssey of the Mind” is that the entire process requires each student to employ creativity, research skills, analytical reasoning, focus and leadership – a full scale use of their talents and then some. At the Regional level, this Problem had 28 teams entered and there were 18 teams total at the State level. This group of students has been together as a team for the past three years and this was their third Problem. They and their coach worked very hard all school year in this endeavor. The team was given Prob-

lem #2: The Not So Haunted House. This Problem speciﬁcally required creation and presentation of an original performance including a pop-up-style “not-so-haunted house” where four special effects took place. The intent of the special effects was to scare others, but also to additionally produce a completely different result. The performance included at least one character who experienced the special effects and a narrator who relayed the experiences to the audience. It also includes a surprise ending. The special effects are scored for originality and engineering. Thank you to parent Carol Tosh for sharing this wonderful news about some of our neighborhood kiddos and kudos to Helen Ghozali for volunteering her time and energy to coach the team. This is indeed a phenomenal achievement for a remarkable group of students.

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

��

J. Black, Z. Graham ws exchange wedding vo

��

m Jr. were and Zane Peter Graha aica. ennifer Michelle Black Rios, Jam ho Oc in 5 rch Ma the late united in marriage er of Jeanette Black and The bride is the daught hter of the late Sam Todaro granddaug Joseph Black, and the rden Oaks. Jennifer is a graduate of Ga Sr. and Ann Todaro of in Houston. St. Pius X High School of Zane and Deb Graham of South The groom is the son of the Crawfords a, and the grandson Lake Tahoe, Californi Hawaii. Zane is a graduate of South s of and the Santos familie uth Lake Tahoe, California. So id of honor and Tahoe High School in quelyn Black, was ma The bride’s sister, Jac tron of honor. Serving as bridess ma cia San Felipe Ashley Blackburn wa nder, Sharra Galik, Ali Kla ki Nik re we ids ma t man. Johnny and Betsy Assad. r of the groom, was bes Gary Graham, brothe omsman. Klander served as gro in Jamaica, celdding on the beach After a beautiful we and family, the couple now resides nds ebrated with many frie e. lag Vil sey Jer in

J

��

ACROSS 1. Recapture the past 10. “Tosh.0” and “South Park” are two 12. Military greeting 13. Passenger ships 15. Can’t move 16. Any omission of a part 18. 43rd state 19. Compassionate nursing care 20. Pa’s partner 21. Dutch cheese 24. London radio station 27. Perfumed powder bag 30. Liquid body substances 31. Expresses pleasure 33. Escape from prison 34. Long-wave hue 35. Bleated 37. Male swan

39. Head cover 41. Fewer calories 42. Teal duck genus 44. Inspire with love 47. Grab 48. Cruel inhuman person 49. 6th musical tone 50. Indigenous tribe of Indonesia 52. Megabyte 53. Headpin in bowling 56. Light, tful naps 61. Precede 62. Greek and Turkish Sea 63. Pot ‘o gold location 65. Was in disagreement

DOWN 1. A player’s part 2. Ratites 3. Distribute

SUDOKO

4. 15th day of March 5. Empire State 6. Small island 7. Con or swindle accomplices 8. Oasts kiln shape 9. Female sheep 10. Motor vehicle 11. ___ Lanka 12. More melancholy 14. Not all 15. Apple, pumpkin or a la mode 17. __ King Cole, musician 22. Palms with egg shaped nuts 23. Mistress of a household 24. Founder of Babism 25. Semitic fertility god 26. Connected links 28. Chocolate tree 29. Miao-Yao is their language 32. Moss capsule stalk 36. Young society woman 38. Bartenders 40. Buried port city 43. One point S of SE 44. Cervid 45. Inexperienced (var.) 46. Exercises authority over 51. Handles 54. Neither 55. Alumnus 56. Sunrise 57. Cease exertion 58. Double curve 59. Maneuver 60. Not happy 64. Old English

Ad # 35523

FROM THE PEWS. St. Andrew’s Episcopal to observe Holy Week St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., will host services in observance of Holy Week and Easter. Maundy Thursday will be 6:30 p.m. April 17, with Foot Washing, Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar. Good Friday services with the Stations of the Cross will be 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Holy Saturday Vigil is 7:30 p.m. April 19. Easter Sunday services will have Holy Eucharist at the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. service. An Easter egg hunt will be held following the 10:30 a.m. service. Call 713-861-5596 or visit www.saecheights.org for information. Join St. Stephen’s for Easter worship St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., will have 8:30 a.m. contemporary worship and 11 a.m. traditional worship, featuring an Easter cantata presented by the chancel choir. An Easter egg hunt will be from 9:4010:40 a.m. Registration is now open for Vacation Bible School, being held from 8:30 a.m.-noon, June 16-20. Children age 3 (and potty-trained) through ﬁfth grade are welcome to attend. The fee is $15 for the ﬁrst child and $10 for each additional child within the same family. Call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org for information. Walk of the Cross at Glad Tidings Assembly Glad Tidings Assembly of God, 5435 Bingle Road, will be doing their annual Walk of the

Cross starting at 3 p.m., April 18. Call 713-462-3555 or visit www.gladtidingshouston.com. Final week of Easter season observed at Advent Lutheran Advent Lutheran Church, 5820 Pinemont Dr., will be observing the ﬁnal week of Lent and the Easter season with services during Holy Week. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 17 and April 18. Regular schedule of worship services will resume on Easter Sunday, April 20, with traditional services at 8 a.m. and 11:10 a.m. in the church sanctuary. A contemporary service is held at 10:25 a.m. in the Advent Life Center. A community wide Easter egg hunt is at 9:15 a.m. during Sunday School. Call 713-686-8201 or visit www.adventhouston.org for information. Live bunnies at St. Matthew’s St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr., will have Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. April 17, in the sanctuary. Oaks Presbyterian Church will host the community Good Friday service at noon April 18. The annual Easter egg hunt is at 10 a.m. April 19, in the courtyard. Children should bring their own baskets. Live bunnies will be present. Parents should bring a camera to take photos of their children with the Easter Bunny. The Youth will lead an early morning Sonrise service, 7 a.m. Easter Sunday. Regular worship will be at 9:30 a.m. For information visit www. stmatthewsmethodist.org or

call 713-697-0671. Easter Eggstravaganza at Bethel Baptist Bethel Baptist Church, located at 25 Tidwell Road, will have their Easter Eggstravaganza at 11 a.m., April 19. There will be food, prizes and ministry exhibits. Call 713-694-2381 for information. Easter Egg Hunt at St. Joseph St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1505 Kane St., is holding an Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. April 20, after the 10 a.m. Easter morning Mass at the Old Sixth Ward Park adjacent to the church. For information, call 713222-6193. Easter Egg hunt at Grace Church of Garden Oaks/ the429 Grace Church of Garden Oaks/the 429, is hosting an Easter Egg hunt from 11 a.m.1 p.m. on April 19, at Graham Park behind Pink’s Pizza. They will have inﬂatables, food and games as well as several Easter egg hunts throughout the day. Annual parish bazaar at St. Ambrose St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Rd., will hold its annual parish bazaar from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 27. This year’s theme is “Growing in Faith, One Family Under God.” Entertainment will be the Texas Sound Check Band. There will be a variety of food, fun and games for both adults and children. Call 713-686-6990 or visit www.stambrosehouston.org for information.

THE OBITUARIES. Candace Anne Blake,

46, born Jan. 9, 1968, died April 11. Blake graduated from St. Agnes Academy and received a bachelor’s degree in Advertising with a minor in Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin. She was employed with The Special Olympics out of college and went on to work in television and radio sales. She is survived by her parents, George and Connee Blake; and daughter Kelsey Long. Memorial contributions may be made to East Spring Branch Food Pantry at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview Dr., Houston 77055.

Lucy Lee Blasdell, 73, born

April 13, 1940, died April 12.

Shirley Jean Morgan Hightower, 79, born Nov. 25,

1934 in Houston, died April 6 in Tomball. She is survived by her daughter April Friend, son Mark Hightower, sister, Pat Carey, four grandchildren, and one greatgrandson.

Isabelita P. Holst, 70, born June 4, 1943 in the Philippines, died April 6 in Houston. She is survived by her husband Edward Owens. Clara May Kern, 82, born

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

Aug. 19, 1931 in Omaha, Neb., died April 4. Kern graduated from college in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She was employed by the Houston Independent School District for 23 years, working initially as a teacher and later as a registrar. Kern was a strong advocate of the Civil Rights movement and subsequently of the women’s rights movement. She was also a poet, musician, singer, painter and a radio broadcaster. She was a member of the Houston Poets Workshop for a number of years and later had a radio broadcast with KPFT, A Woman’s Place, for 16 years. She is survived by her beloved sons, Paul and Ken Kern. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Houston Theater of School and Dance.

Johnnie Marie Noble, 75, born July 19, 1938 in Houston, died April 5. Noble is survived by son Robert A. Noble, daughter Cathy Eddy, three grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.

born June 29, 1918, died April 6.

Ernest Frank Stryk Sr., 86, born Dec. 13, 1927 in Flatonia, Texas, died April 5. Stryk served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He is survived by his sons, Ernest Frank Stryk, Jr., Gilbert Earl Stryk, sisters Martha Sitka and Ann Cerny, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. James E. Wahrenberger, Jr., 83, born Aug. 21, 1930 in

Houston, died April 5. Wahrenberger served his country for 43 years in the U.S. Air Force, 147th Fighter Interceptor Group and retired in August 1990 as a Sr. Master Sargent. He is survived by his wife, Cecil; children Richard, Michael, James, Donna Girard, 10 grandchildren, and 12 greatgrandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus, 1770 St. James Place, Ste. 330, Houston 77056.

Edith Quinn, 88, born Dec. 23, 1925, died April 14.

born Dec. 26, 1933, died April 10.

Edith Frances Watson, 80,

“The Heart of the Heights”

1245 Heights Blvd.

Sunday School . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Worship . . . . . 10:45 AM Nursery Provided Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

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

1822 W. 18th

Reverend Noelie Day

(713) 682-2556

1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods Sunday - Bible Study For All Ages .. 9:30am Morning Worship............ 10:45am Age Graded Zones ...........6:15pm Wed. - Prayer Meeting & Missions Organization .....................6:15pm Dr. John W. Neesley - Senior Pastor

713-864-1470

Member of MANNA

First Baptist Church Heights

Classes Enrolling Now Japanese Martial Arts 40 yrs experience 8th Degree Black Belt

713-906-5481

Realty Associates DEBBIE ourrealtordebbie@aol.com ELLIOTT

��

www.aikibudo-aikido.com

New Well Puppy & Kitten Exam

�� Routine Male Cat Neuters

��

�

Dog Rabies Vaccination

��

�

of quality care for your family pets

��*

* With Wellness Exam

Call About Cat Vaccines

�� 5315 Antoine@ Pinemont

713-688-9625

Hours: M-F 7am-6:00pm Sat. 8am-12 Noon

Chase Baker, D.D.S.

West 34th St.

Lowest Prices in Town!

No Deposit No Late Fees Controlled Access Lighted & Secure COVERED STORAGE NOW AVAILABLE 12'X30'

Call us and compare our prices to

ANY OTHER FACILITY! 713-681-1383

Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30am Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6:00pm

Nursery Provided 713-861-3102 201 E. 9th St. • www.fbcheights.org Larry Young, Pastor

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

1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942

R

ecently, the Dr. Oz show featured a segment on dental amalgams or “silver” fillings, meant to alarm patients of their safety. This is obviously a concern of all dentists, as the safety of our patients should be paramount. While the tv show used some questionable science to try to make their case, there has been years of research which support the use of dental amalgams as a safe and long lasting restorative material. The American Dental Association continues to support research into the safety of dental materials and would promptly inform their practitioners and the public if there was any science to support a lack of safety of any of its dental materials to the public. While patients may elect for a more esthetic, “tooth colored” restoration, they should not be concerned with having a silver filling replaced for health reasons. Unless there is decay present, or if the filling becomes defective for any reason, you should feel assured that your old silver fillings are safe. Be sure to check with your dentist to see what is best for you. For more information on dental amalgam research feel free to check out this link: http://www.ada.org/1741.aspx.

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

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

GIVE YOUR LIFE COMPLETELY TO GOD

I

t is a commonplace in conversion narratives for people to say that they wanted to hold back something in their life from God, some small area of their life that they refused to give up to God. Many have said that they refused to completely give their lives to God for fear that they would be missing out on some worldly pleasure. People contemplating religious vows know that they will be giving up having a family, acquiring wealth, and perhaps also their independence. But this holding on to our old lifestyle, including all the trappings of both material and social wealth only prolongs the bondage. Ironically, we are only truly free when we completely give our lives over to God, holding nothing back. Give your life completely to God and you will nd complete joy. If you are holding back something from God, some area of your life that you refuse to let go of, then you are still in shackles and really are missing out on the complete experience of living for God.

“So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you. Come near to God, and God will come near to you. You sinners, clean sin out of your lives. You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time, make your thinking pure.” James 4:7-8

Pastor – Dr. Richard Walters

Candlelight Church of Christ Join us for Services in English or Spanish

��

AIKIDO & SELF DEFENSE

Selling, Leasing & Property Management

(Between Ella & T.C. Jester)

��

713-682-7939

Aztec Storages

��

CARE

CREDIT

ARE SILVER FILLINGS SAFE?

Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM

Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m.

Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948

w w w. d r n a f t i s . c o m

1214 W 43rd Ste 300

Ad # 36774

(Disciples of Christ)

Reverend John Cain, Pastor

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery Provided

Mathew Naftis, D.D.S.

1765 W. 34th • 713-682-8785

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd. (713) 688-7761

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

70

Since 1978

OAKS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227

Oaks Presbyterian Church

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

Exam, X-Ray & Cleaning $ Regularly $100

Ad # 31448

GUIDE

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH

www.gethsemanelutheran.org

instruments & techniques

“One of Houston’s Top Dentists” — HTexas Magazine 2004-2011

Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm, Sat 8 am - 3 pm

Rose Agnes Walker, 85, born Dec. 17, 1928, died April 12.

www.gospeltruthchurch.org

Grace United Methodist Church

Spring Festival at St. Rose of Lima St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community, 3600 Brinkman St., will be hosting its annual Spring Festival from 11 a.m.6 p.m. May 4. There will be entertainment and fun for all ages with a children’s midway, rafﬂe, food, live and silent auction and dancing to the Telstars. Wristbands for unlimited play are available to purchase for $20. Call 713-692-9123 or visit www.stroselima.org for information.

FAMILY DENTISTRY State-of-the art procedures,

Alterations & Dry Cleaning

Margaret Rutledge, 95,

Norman Joe Perkins, 78, born Nov. 28, 1935, died March 30.

1624 W 34th • 713-686-7689

Jeanette Clift George at Gethsemane Lutheran Jeannette Clift George will be the speaker at a brunch sponsored by Gethsemane Lutheran Women of the Church at 10 a.m. May 3, in the Life Center. The church is located at 4040 Watonga. Admission is $10 and reservations may be made by calling 713-688-5227 or by e-mail to hirschkf@sbcglobal.net or glchouston@sbcglobal.net.

Chris’

CHURCH Gospel Truth Church

Picnic for the Pantry at St. Mark’s St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 600 Pecore, will have a Picnic for the Pantry, Boxed Lunch on the Lawn at noon April 27. Beef or chicken boxed lunches with homemade salads and cookies will be sold with proceeds beneﬁting the Houston Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry and St. Mark’s Community Garden. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Call 713-861-3104 or visit www.smumc.org for tickets or information.

Saturday, April 19, 2014 • Page 7A

A House of Hope and Prayer in the Heart of Houston Rev. Herschel Moore, Pastor

Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092

Page 8A • Saturday, April 19, 2014

Scoop the poop, save the Earth? By Molly Sue McGillicutty In honor of Earth Day, I’ve been thinking a little about poop. Okay, I’ve been thinking a lot about poop — more speciﬁcally, which is better for the Earth: to scoop your dog’s poop or to let it naturally decompose in the grass? I’ll spare you the unsavory mental images, but we all know it’s gross not to pick up after your dog. Also, it’s unlawful in Houston (to the tune of a ﬁne up to $500!) not to mention that it poses a health hazard. Rain washes dog waste away and pollutes our water sources with E Coli, Giardia, and other assorted bacteria. However, is it any better to pick up the poop and plop it directly into a plastic bag that will take

thousands of years to slowly break down in the landfill? Well, the jury is still out on that one, but the best solution to this problem is to continue to scoop your dog’s poop but switch over to biodegradable bags, which are commonly made from corn (Yes, genetically-modified corn which has been grown in pesticide-ridden fields. I just can’t win with you people, can I?) and biodegrade at a much quicker rate than conventional plastic. It’s what I would use, if I were the one scooping the poop, that is.

(3939 Washington Ave.) and help raise money for Scout’s Honor Rescue. Are you that superorganized person who doesn’t accumulate old electronics that aren’t in use? Then consider donating a pet toy or bed that will bring joy to a pet in need of a new home. There’s never been a better excuse to de-clutter while helping some homeless pets!

Speaking of Buﬀalo Wild Wings

Small-electronics recycling

Honor Earth Day on Saturday, April 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. by taking your used cell phones, iPods and other small electronics to Buﬀalo Wild Wings

Did you know that when you eat at Buﬀalo Wild Wings on the third Saturday of every month, you’re helping to raise money for Scout’s Honor Rescue? The good folks at Buﬀalo Wild Wings’ Washington location donate 15% of all pre-tax sales to Scout’s Honor that Saturday each month.

Choose Me

Hop on over to CAP

Citizens for Animal Protection at 17555 Katy Frwy. this weekend, (April 18-20) is where West Houston Subaru is sponsoring a 50 percent oﬀ sale of all pets available for adoption at CAP. What could be better than celebrating Easter by adopting a new family member?

Meet Bernadette. This classy calico’s life has turned around since last May, when she found herself homeless, pregnant and eating out of a dumpster at a veterinary hospital. She doesn’t like to discuss her past, but this beauty has bullet fragments in her hip and a deformed leg. She was a wonderful mother (only her son, Leonard is still available) and doesn’t let her disability aﬀect her at all. Go to www. saveacatrescue.org to learn more.

National Pet ID Week

Celebrate National Pet ID Week (April 20-26) by making sure that your pet has a proper ID tag and that the information on it is current. Microchipping is the way to go to ensure that your pet makes it home safely if he’s lost, but a simple tag with your contact information on it does wonders as well.

FREE DINNER

��

Buy 1 Dinner Get 1 Dinner FREE ★ Coupon value up to $4.95 ★

��

Dine-In Only. No Takeout Orders. Good 3-10 p.m. only.

• Not available on Senior Citizens or Kids Menu • One coupon per table / one coupon per family ORIGINAL COUPON ONLY! No copies accepted • Must be presented before ordering • Expires 4-28-14.

��

* Lunch Specials Daily * Take Out Orders Available * Complete Bar Facilities * Party Room Available (Seats 85)

��

Happy Hours: Mon-Thur 4-8

4618 Dacoma

(Between Hwy. 290 and Mangum)

(713) 680-0825

Authentic Mej icano Cuisine

��

�� Get 1/2 dozen glazed donuts FREE with purchase of one dozen donuts or more.

��

With purchase of one dozen glazed donuts.

FREE!

EXPIRES 4-28-14.

��

Buy 1 Dinner and 2 Drinks, Get 1 Dinner Free (up to $10.00) One coupon per table

Dine In Only After 3:00 pm • Expires 4-28-14

Buy 6 Glazed Donuts Get 6 Glazed Donuts

✓ DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS ✓ BAR FACILITIES ✓ TAKE-OUT ORDERS AVAILABLE

EXPIRES 4-28-14.

Good at this location only. One coupon per visit. Tax not included. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons.

3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St.

(713) 682-4343

Mexican Restaurant

��

�

Buy 1 dinner and get $5 Off second dinner of equal or lesser value.

• Dine-In Only • This coupon good Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-10 p.m. • This coupon also good all day Sat. & Sun. • One coupon per party • Excludes alcoholic beverages • Not valid with other specials, special dinner menu or half orders • Expires 4-28-14

��

Frozen Jumbo Margaritas $5.95 or 10 oz. $2.95 - regular or ﬂavored -

��

Sun.-Thurs. 10:30-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 10:30-10 p.m.

�� 2728 West T.C. Jester @ 610 • 713-680-8011 11550 Louetta • 281-251-0206

Limit one coupon per customer can not be combined with other offer. • Offer expires 4-28-14

• LIMIT THREE COUPONS PER TABLE • Full Service Bar - 13 oz. Regular Margaritas $2

MEXICAN SUBS

BURGERS & SALADS Fresh Bread • Fresh Meats Fresh Veggies • Nothing Frozen

with purchase of Full Sub, Chips & Drink

Try Our New MONTERREY STYLE

Mexican Burger

9

$ 00

Combo-Only

14185 Northwest Frwy • 832-831-5061 ��

BUY ANY BREAKFAST SANDWICH OR TACO OR BURGER GET ANOTHER FOR

ONLY

Mon-Sat 10am-7pm Sunday 11am-6pm

99

¢

expires 5-2-14

2211 West 43rd 713-686-7078

with this coupon expires 5-2-14

B

Any service or repair over $200 est of 201

3

25 OFF

Readers Choice

Adolf Hoep & Son Garage 4610 N. Shepherd 713-695-5071 M - F: 7:30 am - 6 pm

Weekdays & Saturdays 3:00-6:00 pm. Sunday - All Day

Mexican Restaurant

5305 Antoine @ Pinemont 713-682-3853

FAJITAS FOR TWO

$

14

Party Room Available

5 OFF DINNER

$

45

Buy One Dinner And Receive $5 Off WITH THIS COUPON Second Dinner Of Equal Or Lesser Value. DINE IN ONLY.

VALID MON.-FRI. 3 PM TIL CLOSING AND ALL DAY SAT. AND SUN.NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS. OFFER EXPIRES 4-28-14

DINE IN ONLY. THIS COUPON GOOD MON. THRU FRI. 3PM TIL CLOSING. THIS COUPON ALSO GOOD SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 11:00 UNTIL CLOSING. EXCLUDES ALCHOLIC BEVERAGES NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS. OFFER EXPIRES 4-28-14

I’M IN PAIN...CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP ME? CONDITIONS THAT ARE DANGER SIGNALS • Headache • Arthritis • Loss of Sleep • Scoliosis • Leg & Arm Pain & Numbness • Backache • Tension •Whiplash

29

$

95 EXAM & X-RAYS Reg. $140.00

Must present ad at time of appointment. Expires April 30, 2014.

HUDSON CHIROPRACTIC

Sun -Wed 7am-9pm • Thur-Sat 7am-10pm

$

Buy One Regular Buffet and Two Drinks & Get A Second Buffet of equal or lesser value FREE

�� (290 @ Fairbanks N. Houston) ��

Coupon good at all 3 locations. Open Mon.-Sat. 11-10, Sun. 11-9

FREE HALF SUB

��

Tuesday- Friday 11am - 7pm Sunday & Monday - All Day

��

2615 Ella Blvd. @ 27th ◆ 713-868-5232

OPEN Monday - Saturday 8am - 10pm & Sunday 8 am - 4pm

Pinnacle Winner 2011 Award for Excellence 2012

We Accept Medicare, Medicaid & Insurance, WORKERS COMP. 1820-1 W. 43rd. St. Se Habla Español (713) 290-1905

�� With purchase of another Sundae of equal or greater value.

��

With this coupon. One coupon per customer. This location only. Expires 5-2-14

��

Available for Any Occasion or Holiday

Easter Worship

Saturday, April 19, 2014 • Page 9A

The Word of Hope Frank Richard Coats St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church

��

HOLY WEEK

lieved, it didn’t seem to make much of a difference to her. She stood weeping outside the tomb. When she looked inside, she saw two angels in white. Woman, why are you weeping? They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him. She didn’t ask who they were, what they were doing. She was looking for Jesus. She turned and saw him. But she didn’t recognize him by sight. Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for? She thought he was the gardener. Maybe he would know what was going on. Then she heard what she thought she would never hear again. She heard Jesus say her name. Mary. She knew him. She knew the sound of her shepherd. The great I AM was speaking her name and she knew it. She ran to him, trying to hold on, but he wouldn’t let her. He sent her to his brothers – he had not called the followers that before. I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. Mary Magdalene, the woman alone, became the ﬁrst one to tell the story. I have seen the Lord. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? That’s the story. But what dif-

��

211 Byrne • www.holytrinityrec.org

��

Celebrate

��

AT CHARITY THE LOVE DRIVEN Worship Service at 10 am 2800 Antoine Dr. Suite 2800 at Hempstead Rd. Houston, Texas 77092 832-767-0165 Www.charitytldc.org

April 20

John 20:1-18 FOCUS: The death of Jesus gives rise to something new: new hope, new dreams, new and abundant life. WHAT DO YOU DO? Wow. What a morning it must have been! What do you do when it seems all is gone, when it seems like the end? What do you do? For some of us, we come here every week, we listen and pray and sing and greet each other. Everyone is ﬁne. Just ask them. And there are joys here; there are babies coming, and there are hopes of more babies. And there are fears here, fears of illness, fears of treatments, fears of painful living. And there is grief here; there are many of those that have gone before us, whose presence we can still feel in this Sanctuary, those who shared this space with us, and it seems like just a short time ago. So there is lots of life going on, and sometimes it makes sense and much of the time it doesn’t and we come back hear these stories of someone who defeated the chief enemy of all, and see what that can mean for us. For Mary, it was over. All her hopes and dreams were over. Jesus had been betrayed by one of the men she knew, one of his friends. And the religious leaders, the ones she had looked up to, perhaps admired and trusted, those who stood in the place of God, had manipulated crowds and sold themselves out – maybe even sold God out by crying out that they had no king but Caesar – in order to get the Roman governor to put Jesus to death. She saw him beaten, she saw him humiliated, she saw him cruciﬁed and she saw him die. The body was taken

down from the cross and laid in a tomb before the Sabbath began, and all went to their homes. Now it was early morning on the third day. (New days begin at sundown here. Jesus was crucified mid-day Friday, the first day. The Sabbath – Saturday, the second day – began at sundown Friday. Now it is early morning, dark, on the third day as she makes her way alone to the tomb. It’s dark, but perhaps as she makes her way she starts to see hints of a new day, streaks of light shining through the darkness. When she arrived, the stone was rolled away. She didn’t go in to look inside. Instead, she ran to Peter and another disciple, the text says “the one Jesus loved.” They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him! Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb; the other disciple arrived first. He bent down and looked in, saw the linen wrappings that had been on the body, but did not go in. Peter ran up and went into the tomb and saw the same thing. They saw the clothes lying there, and the face cloth in a different spot. Not unwrapped, not disheveled, but neat, the face cloth even rolled up in and put away. Our Scripture says the other disciple came in, saw, and believed. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? But what did he believe? For as yet he did not believe the scriptures, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. One commentator said that maybe they believed that Jesus had ascended to heaven, that he had gone back to be with God. Maybe so. Whatever they believed, there is no record of them sharing it with Mary. They left her at the tomb. Whatever they be-

ference does it make? There are some studies showing that people come to Easter services, to Christmas Eve services – even if they come no other time of the year – to see if they can get an answer to a basic question: Is it true? Did Jesus rise from the dead? There are differing accounts in all four Gospels of what happened that day, of who was involved and the order things happened. But there is one conclusive, sustaining truth. Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead. Jesus the Christ is the Lord of all creation. So what does it mean for us? The Author of Life, the One who created all things, rose from the dead and conquered death. That one who promised abundant, eternal life. Abundant life here – enjoy this creation, enjoy this gift. One poet said “every breath that I’ve ever breathed has come as a gift from on high.” And the life eternal. Enjoy the life you have. Let go of the resentments and fears that keep you from living. Live as Jesus calls us to live. Now, and in the life eternal. Look for the beauty of the resurrection in every ﬂower blooming in spring, in every new chance, in every new breath of creation. What do you do when you think it’s over? Take a step forward in the darkness, look for the light of day, and listen for the voice of Jesus. And today, this morning, can be that kind of morning. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

That ﬁrst Easter morning no one expected a miracle, but that day changed everything. We even s�ll celebrate it, over 2000 years later. If you want to know more about why, then join us at Charity The Love Driven Church. We will explore the historical story and look at how it can make life be�er today. There’s so much to Easter, come experience it like never before! We look forward to seeing you there!

��

��◆��

��

�� 1624 W 34th • 713-686-7689 www.gospeltruthchurch.org

��

G��

Palm Sunday with Conﬁrmation April 13 @ 9:30am, followed by the Processional Drama

Maundy Thursday

April 17 @ 7:00pm Lord’s Supper Drama before the service @ 6:40pm, and the Garden of Gethsemane Drama after the service

Good Friday,

April 18 - Noonday Service @ 12:00pm Tenebrae @ 7:00pm, followed by the Cruciﬁxion Drama

Easter Sunday

�� 10:45 am

OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

��

3206 N. Shepherd Dr. 77018

��

9:30 am

713-864-4447 w w w. g o b c . o rg Pastor Jim Daniel

��

April 20 • Breakfast @ 8:00am Festival Service @ 9:30am, followed by the Empty Tomb Drama, and an Easter Egg Hunt for the little ones through 5th grade

Fairbanks

Vineyard Church of Houston 1035 East 11th Street Houston, Texas 77009

Page 10A • Saturday, April 19, 2014

Easter Worship A Time To Smile

Father Francis St. Joseph Catholic Church

It is said that in some ancient Christian traditions, funny stories and jokes ﬁll the day after Easter. It is believed that by doing so, the jokers and storytellers are simply imitating the cosmic joke God pulled on Satan in the Resurrection of Jesus. After Jesus died, Satan smiled smugly to himself, believing that he was victorious. But Easter surprised Satan and pulled the rug under him! He thought he had the last word, only to ﬁnd out in the end that Jesus rose from the dead. Satan learned that life was the last word. What this tradition of telling laughter-inducing stories means for a Christian is that even in the abyss of darkness, one can still wink and smile, knowing that God would have the last word and

the last laugh. Easter celebrates God’s raising of his only son Jesus from the dead. His resurrection is our absolute guarantee that the cycle of despair, death and decay is broken once and for all. God has shown us the way that ﬁrst Easter dawn. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s way of telling that in the darkness, light will shine and conquer the darkness. And so, even in the midst of deep struggles in life, when divine absence and silence is more palpable than presence, when life seems to bring problems of Joban proportions, Easter is a stark reminder to smile because we have the divine assurance that death is not the last word. When we are in dark, disastrous and depressing life circumstances, well-meaning folks often tell us to face the facts and to be content with

our lot because there is nothing more that can be done. They tell us to just adjust, to deal with it. But there is always more! We have only to remember Easter. Such situations of life do not have to hold us, just as the tomb did not have the power to hold Jesus. Easter is our proof. Life, in a more glori-

��

ous form, is the last word, for God always desires life, and more of it, for his children. God has the last laugh. And so, we laugh with God, even in the darkness. Easter gives us that reason to smile. Thanks and have a great Easter.

Author Jennifer Solak recently did a signing at Oak Forest Elementary. (Photo by Betsy Denson)

Oak Forest author signs books at Oak Forest Elementary CELEBRATE HOLY WEEK & EASTER!

��

MAUNDY THURSDAY Thursday, April 17, 6:30 PM

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH••

Heights

GOOD FRIDAY: STATIONS OF THE CROSS Friday, April 18, 11:00 AM & 6:30 PM GOOD FRIDAY: LITURGY Friday, April 18, 12:00 PM & 7:30 PM EASTER VIGIL CELEBRATION Saturday, April 19, 7:30 PM

Follow Us On...

��

EASTER LITURGY Sunday, April 20, 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM

Oak Forest residents Jennifer and Kyle Solak are not writers by trade, but according to Jennifer they like to “be silly and rhyme around the house.” That came in handy when their oldest son Garrett was born and they wanted to write a book to introduce him to his new city. The publisher of Good Night Books, with whom they’d contracted to write a book, put them in touch with artist Paul Dolan and Goodnight Houston was born. Jennifer, who recently signed books at the Oak Forest Elementary book fair, said she is available to other elementary schools as well. Although she and her husband enjoyed their experience writing Goodnight Houston, there are no future plans for more books. The Solaks both have other full time jobs — Jennifer as an attorney and Kyle as a professor at Lone Star College

— although they have spent a lot of time getting the word out about their book. Researching the book was fun for the Solaks. Jennifer said that they had to get permission from each place mentioned in Goodnight Houston, and all were willing to be included. Some, like Shipley’s Do-Nuts were very enthusiastic. Goodnight Houston is available at the Nutcracker Market as well as other stores around town, and also at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The Solaks biggest fan is son Garrett who likes to look for his last name on the book. Younger brother Elliott gets to enjoy it as a bedtime story too. For more information about author signings, story hours and more, visit http:// www.goodnighthouston. com/.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HEIGHTS ( I will send art work for the Church name) MORRISON HEIGHTS Reader’s Choice 2013 Favorite Church Runner Up ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1819 HEIGHTS BOULEVARD | SAECHEIGHTS.ORG

The crown jewel of Woodland Heights

Sunday School 9:30 am Español 11:00 am �� Sunday Worship10:30 am Español 12:00 pm �� Bilingual Prayer Service�� Wednesday 6:00 pm

Nursery Provided Join us this Sunday and discover a church that is Loving God & Loving People Since 1904 Ph: 713-861-3102 www.fbcheights.org (FB icon) First Baptist Church Heights 201 E. 9th Houston Texas 77007 ��

��

Starting in the mid $200’s ��

��

Available through

��

Saturday, April 19, 2014 • Page 11A

Art a la Carte: Rock and Wood this Saturday The nonconformist, one events, and she and her rocks that draws outside the lines have appeared on television –¶ that’s me, that is what I numerous times. have always graviOn Saturday, April tated toward and 19, Bonnie will bring that is very much her art indoors and what I attempt to showcase all of her bring you in the art with fellow folk art world with artist Ron Collins, a this column. Ironiwood sculptor. In adcally, that is what dition, painter T.D. brought me to the Snider, metal sculptor Heights twenty Jim Adams and phoyears ago too. tographer Dr. Todd Despite genwill also display their Mitch Cohen work. The show is trification, most Arts Columnist Houstonians livtitled Rock and Wood Art Happening: 10 ing anywhere near the Heights area hardly give a Years in The Making and will second glance at a van with be one night only at the Avbig ears and eyeglasses. The enue Gallery, 3219 Houston larger than life caricatures of Ave. from 3 to 9 p.m. famous women adorning the I’ve met four of these artsides will certainly get fingers ists through my art market and pointing with comments. I’m have had the unique pleasure talking about Bonnie Blue and of watching them grow as arther art car van,“Women That ists over the past ten years. Rocks,” which also doubles as Ron Collins and Bonnie Blue a mobile gallery. Since 2002 were both at the first shows Bonnie has been showcasing, back in 2004. T.D. Snider creating and selling carica- started attending in 2005 and tures on river rocks out of her Jim Adams in 2007. In their art van. Bonnie’s art form has own way, each are inspiring, made her famous, traveling the and live by an unwritten code country to art car parades and of do not give up, and always

promote yourself relentlessly. Ron Collins is a self-taught sculptor and painter. He uses a single-edge razor blade to carve ﬁgures out of cottonwood tree bark grown in Taos, N.M. His subjects range from everyday scenes and musicians to history. Ron is passionate about stamping out the word “hate” in our daily language. Ron said, “I asked myself, how can I help children see that they can make a difference? I came up with the “Heart of Compassion.” I carved a small wooden heart and painted on it a little drop of red paint to symbolize a drop of blood. Thus was born the Heart of Compassion. When the kids in my neighborhood saw me wearing it, the next thing I knew they all wanted one! Before I give them one, I make them promise not to join gangs, litter, or bully, to work hard in school and not to hate or use the word hate. A teaching tool was born!” Thursday, April 17 Archway Readers, 6:30 p.m. at Archway Gallery, 2305 Dunlavy. The Archway Readers, a group of Houston area

writers, meet monthly to share their words. Saturday, April 19 The Tod Ball: a Pop Up and Open Studio Event featuring the paintings of Tod Bailey, 3-8 p.m. Summer Street Studios, 2500 Summer. In Studio #3220 and the gallery on the ﬁrst ﬂoor. Look for signs and directions posted around the building. Intuitive Eye is proud to collaborate with the artist on this event. Rock and Wood Art Happening: 10 Years in The Making. 3-9 p.m. Avenue Gallery, 3219 Houston Ave. Ron Collins’ incredible carvings and Bonnie Blue’s (the woman that Rocks) rock art - featuring Dr. Todd’s photos, Jim Adams’ sculptures, and TD Snider’s paintings. Music: Charlie Mariachi and Travis Galbraith on viola.

Fencing

• Wood • Concrete

Precast Concrete Fencing

$30 per linear foot with installation

Wood Fence - Install and Repair

Horticulture and Design Show

Reagan High exchange students Magnus Kinne, Essi Raunu and Antonio Richter enjoyed their experience at the school. RHS was honored by American Field Service(AFS)-USA for its foreign exchange program. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

Reagan honored for exchange program

Saturday May 3 • 1:00PM-3:00PM Daylily Plant Sale 10:00AM-3:00PM Over 450 1 gallon pots of daylilies consisting of 95 varieties hosted by The Houston Hemerocallis Society & The Houston Area Daylily Society St. Andrews Episcopal Church 1819 Heights Blvd., 77009

JUST LISTED!

��

www.zeusplusllc.com

New Menu, New Chef...

Kojak’s is making delicious changes!

4606 Verdome Ln • Oak Forest

��

3/1 Cozy Oak Forest cottage with great bones and spacious open concept living. Call me to see this listing today !

��

By Michael Sudhalter

��

michael@theleadernews.com

Reagan High juniors Magnus Kinne, Essi Raunu and Antonio Richter have enjoyed their experiences as foreign exchange students at the largest school in the Heights. “You learn to mature a lot and take care of yourself,” said Kinne, who’s from the suburbs of Oslo, Norway. “The students were really welcoming.” Raunu came to Reagan from the suburbs of Helsinki, Finland, and Richter is from a small town in Germany, about an hour away from Dresden. While the trio of exchange students and their peers have recognized the benefits of the program, so has American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Programs. Recently, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry issued a communication to exceptional schools in the U.S. that support public diplomacy efforts by hosting high school exchange students. “Besides the joy, they have brought their rich culture to Reagan High School,” said RHS guidance counselor Hossain Mazharian. Kinne became somewhat of a celebrity among local sports fans last fall. The University Interscholastic League had ruled him ineligible to play football, on a technicality last fall. Halfway through the season, the UIL reversed its decision and Kinne helped the Bulldogs win their first district championship in 54 years. After graduating high school in Norway next year, he plans on returning so he can play for the University of Houston football team. Richter joined the RHS swim team and learned how to swim freestyle for the first time, while Raunu enjoyed jogging on Heights Blvd. and other parts of the Heights. Kinne and Raunu paid to study in the U.S., while Richter was awarded a scholarship through a program. They all had the opportunity to travel to other Texas cities, such as Austin, Dallas and San Antonio and learn about Texas culture, including Whataburger and Tex-Mex cuisine. Raunu said studying at Reagan was an excellent opportunity to improve her English and improve her photography skills. All three students will return home in June or July.

281.209.0091 832.372.4790

Ron Collins is one of the artists at the Rock and Wood Art Happening. (Submitted photo)

Catering available Your facility or ours! Call or go online Any Condition

FAST CASH SALE

��

�� is hosting a

PROPERTY TAX PROTEST SEMINAR

��

Saturday, April 26th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM 2211 West 34th St - 77018

��

Growing in Fai h One Family under God

��

Tax Expert Speaker • Valet Parking

Knowledge is POWER Please RSVP: RSVP@houstonhcl.org

��

Sunday, April 27th 12:00PM-7:00PM 4213 Mangum Rd www.stambrosehouston.org

• Mexican and BBQ Dinners • Rico’s Tacos • Funnel Cakes • Kona Ice Kids attractions to include midway games, Rock Wall, Laser Tag, Obstacle Course, Mechanical Bull and Other inﬂatables

��

Page 12A • Saturday, April 19, 2014

With

Houston Highway, you’re on The Road to

Financial Success!

We offer low loan rates, affordable products and many FREE services for your convenience:

SAVE

• Savings Accounts • FREEway Checking • No Monthly Fee • Only $25 to open and no minimum balance required • FREE Debit Card with access to 90,000+ surcharge Free ATMs • FREE eStatements, and more! • Money Market Accounts • Christmas Club

BORROW

• HHCU MasterCard • New & Used Auto Loans • Car Buying Services • GAP Insurance • Mechanical Breakdown Insurance • Auto Refinance Loans • Personal Loans

INVEST

• IRAs • Certificates of Deposit

MANAGE

• HHCU Website: www.HoustonHighwayCU.com • Convenient Lobby Hours • Drive Thru Services • ATM Network of over 90,000+ FREE ATMs • Shared Branching Network of over 4,500 locations nationwide • FREE eServices • FREE Online Banking featuring • Online Bill Pay • eStatements • Mobile Banking • My Deposit Mobile • Call24 Automated Teller Services • Our convenient micro site: www.CUtogo.com (713) 864-4438 Toll-free (800) 354-3541 • Fax (713) 864-1714 www.houstonhighwaycu.com

Federally Insured by NCUA

FREEDOM FROM

JOINT PAIN Stop suffering from hip or knee pain. Staying active is key to staying healthy. That’s why at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, aﬃliated joint specialists use the most advanced treatments to get you on the path to the life you want to live, including minimally invasive surgical options. And for the second time, our hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for our knee replacement and hip replacement surgery. Call 713.222.CARE (2273) or visit memorialhermann.org/northwest to learn more.

ADVANCING HEALTH

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook