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Saturday, April 25, 2015 • Vol. 60 • No. 25 Leader Small Display_Silva NEW PHOTO.indd 4/17/15 2:04 1 PM

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This week’s Leader Listings highlights another hot neighborhood.

This week, we’re taking a look at Inwood Forest.

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Doubts still linger over Pinemont Park & Ride sale

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Representatives from Leader-area communities surrounding the former site of the Pinemont Park & Ride will be dressed in red to show their opposition during Thursday’s METRO board meeting which may decide the fate of the sale of the property to the Houston Housing Authority.

Some residents are feeling confident in one way - METRO Real Estate Committee Co-chair and Board Member Jim Robinson attended a town hall April 16 at Advent Lutheran Church in which he reiterated his intent to not support selling the property to HHA. Hundreds of citizens from communities like Forest West, Forest Pines and others broke into applause at Robinson’s support.

“I know many people from these neighborhoods came and testified during that committee hearing earlier this month and, quite frankly, I was moved by what I heard,” Robinson said. “I understand the feelings you have. I just

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Go with the Flow It may have been a long time coming, but Laura Lopez-Marks and Lewis Marks’ home certainly have an “open floor plan” at their renovated 1912 Craftsman bungalow in the Heights.

Find out how they did it in this month’s edition of The Do-Over.

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A ‘leap of faith’ at Field Longtime contributing writer Betsy Denson offers up an education-focused column this week, drawing attention to one parent’s quest to raise the profile of her neighborhood school and posits appearances can be deceiving when it comes to choosing a school.

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Photos by Jonathan Garris Teens from across the Houston area had the chance to directly communicate their concerns and direct their questions to representatives with the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and other agencies, as part of the inaugural Teen Summit April 18 at Waltrip High School. The event, part of Constable Alan Rosen’s “Building Bridges” partnership, aims to improve positive relations between area youth and law enforcement.

Youngsters talk mistrust, doubt with law enforcement at inaugural Teen Summit

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Waltrip High School welcomes its next principal to campus

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

If April 18th’s inaugural Teen Summit at Waltrip High School was any indication, local law enforcement has much to do to improve its level of trust within communities of atrisk teenagers across the Houston area.

One teen in particular spoke passionately about his issues with the perception of law enforcement and their handling of situations involving minorities in his neighborhood.

“When we call the police, they have this sense of urgency where they want to just write a ticket and leave,” he said. “If you call for a fight, chances are the police won’t show up until 8 o’clock at night. If you call them for a gunshots, it will take about 45 minutes. The thing is, when they stop you and ask you questions they make it seem like they want you to confess to a crime that didn’t actually happen.”

Constable Alan Rosen of the Harris Precinct One Constable’s Office, who helped present the “Building Bridges” Teen Summit program, responded to a number of questions like these throughout the event. The summit also included representatives from the courts and area probation departments, including the Juvenile Probation Department, Harris County District Attorney’s Office and Justice of the Peace Courts.

Those in attendance at the event could receive community service hours; however the summit also offered a chance for at-risk teens and other youngsters to ask questions of

deputies ranging from punishments, to how to talk to police during sensitive situations and, as several others mentioned, issues of inconsistency within law enforcement.

“It shouldn’t matter where you live or who you are,” the teen said. “The response should always be the same.”

Terrance Windham, Bureau Chief of Juvenile and Justice of the Peace’s Court for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, said the ultimate goal of law enforcement and the justice system wasn’t to ensure youngsters breaking the law simply end up with a criminal record but to give

Waltrip High School students gathered to celebrate the arrival of their next principal in style with music, cheers and a warm welcome for Dale Mitchell.

Mitchell, currently the principal at Sterling Aviation High School, admitted he was taken by surprise by the bombastic welcoming party which greeted him as he entered the campus.

“I hadn’t even had my first cup of coffee today,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell will be replacing Andria Schur, who will be finishing out the school year as principal before taking a new position at a charter school in the Dallas area. The Leader previously reported Schur has made the decision as part of her desire to spend more time with her family.

Schur said Mitchell applied for the

See Summit, P. 2A

See Waltrip, P. 7A

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee offered praise for Constable Alan Rosen and the Teen Summit.

Different Strokes How the Washington Avenue Arts District may be poised to become a national destination for artists

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

The INDEX.

See Pinemont, P. 9A

Artists like Geoff Wilder say belonging to a creative community is everything – that’s why the woodworking artist is excited to be among the 200 or so artists within the Washington Avenue Arts District.

“Everyone wants everyone else to do really well,” Wilder said. “The better your neighbor is doing, the better it is for you.

You don’t get that everywhere and Houston really is becoming that place, especially this area.”

Wilder, born and raised in Houston, joked that he went on vacation in Colorado in 1997 and discovered his “home sweet

home” for the next 18 years or so. During his time there, Wilder built large, multi-million dollar homes and would often save extra building materials and exotic hardwoods to create art pieces. He said he previously had gotten a degree in art, and he returned to the area to pursue his passion.

After returning to Houston just months ago and surveying the scene, Wilder said he anticipates great things in store for artists at the surrounding Winter Street, Spring Street and Silver Street studios near Washington Avenue and Sawyer Street.

“I’ve seen and talked with people who speak about the building development See Art, P. 5A

Photo by Jonathan Garris Geoff Wilder smooths out a piece of wood which will likely become a kitchen island for one of his clients while working inside Winter Street Studios in the Washington Avenue Arts District.

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Alleged drunk driver crashes into Precinct One: Deputies help Shepherd Park Plaza-area home retrieve lost cell phone safely Garden Oaks HOA

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Ryan Kochel said he is thankful his 2-year-old daughter had no injuries after an alleged drunk driver plowed through the front of his home on Chamboard Lane Friday night.

At around 10:30 p.m., Ryan Kochel and his wife Robin, were at home with other family while Charlie, their daughter, slept in her bedroom as heavy thunderstorms passed through the area. After hearing a loud bang come from the front of the home, which faces the intersection of Golf Drive and Chamboard Lane, Ryan said he assumed it was a lightning strike.

“Our relatives we had staying in town for a few days said a car went through the house,” Kochel said.

In a particularly scary situation, the vehicle struck Charlie’s bedroom, right up against her bed.

“Luckily, a few weeks ago she decided she liked sleeping with her head facing the other way,” Kochel said.

Kochel immediately confronted the driver, identified by police as Michael Ross McMillan, 42, and Kochel said he appeared heavily intoxicated. At one point, McMillan allegedly attempted to start the vehicle

On Monday, April 20, 2015, at approximately 5:30 pm, Harris County Constable deputies were dispatched to the 500 block of W 31st in regards to a stolen cell phone.

Upon arrival deputies learned that the phone was being tracked to Jensen and 610.

Deputies stayed on the phone with the complainant and went to the location the phone was

Summit from P. 1A them options to succeed.

“I don’t want to see you with a criminal conviction or a record,” Windham said to the audience. “We have programs available where it’s not just deferred adjudication or probation but pre-trial intervention-type programs. None of us at this table want to see any of you with criminal records and that’s one of the reasons why we’re here.”

Rosen said the summit presented an opportunity to learn more from the community and from younger citizens who may not always have the best interactions with law enforcement.

“This is exactly the sort of thing we need to be doing to make sure we understand where these young people are coming from in their interactions with law enforcement,” Rosen said. “At the same time, this really allows us to talk to young people about their options and how we can help them specifically.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also offered congressional recognition for Rosen and the Teen Summit and praised him for his work in reaching out to youngsters.

She pledged her support for comprehensive criminal justice reform.

“I encourage my fellow public servants to encourage or to engage a dialogue with young people like this,” Lee said. “I think it will show people what America is all about.”

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Contributed Photo Ryan Kochel is thankful his daughter escaped without major injury after an alleged drunk driver drove through the front of his home and into his daughter’s bedroom.

back up several times, but an alert neighbor also confronted McMillan.

“I told him, ‘you just hit my daughter’s bedroom,’ and he looked like he had no clue what was going on,” Kochel said.

Fortunately, Charlie wasn’t injured, although she was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital for a full check up. Kochel said he and his wife have been living in the area for eight years and have never seen anything like this.

Wayne Norden, President and CEO of the Near Northwest Management District, also attended the town hall and shared statistics which called into question the need for affordable housing in an area saturated with apartment complexes.

“It costs $550 a month on average for a one bedroom apartment and $700 for two bedrooms,” Norden said.

“There are affordable housing options for such a workforce population.”

Among some of the questions repeated at the town hall included how property values would be affected and also if the property value of the Pinemont Park & Ride site would increase following the eventual completion of the US 290 project.

Robinson said that part of the challenge lies in where METRO would be obligated to give money back to.

“The problem is that property was originally bought with federal funds,” Robinson said.

The purchase was made with 80 percent of federal funds and 20 percent from METRO. “We have an obligation to the feds to try to put their investment to work in a transit-related project or give the money back,” Robinson said.

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“It’s always something you see on the news or on TV,” Kochel said. “I’m just thankful and grateful my daughter wasn’t hurt as it could have turned out a lot worse.”

According to police, McMillan, allegedly refused sobriety tests at the scene. After being taken into custody, officers obtained a warrant for a blood draw and he has been subsequently charged with driving while intoxicated (second offense).

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to meet with the subjects. The deputies gathered descriptions and were informed to meet them at a local McDonalds.

Upon making contact with the subjects who had the phone, deputies recognized the truck and the student from the school. The phone was returned without incident.

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Pinemont from P. 1A don’t think putting a 300-unit high density project on top of a group of single family residnces is in the best interest of anyone.”

Robinson urged those in attendance to, if possible, attend Thursday’s meeting to let their voices be heard and community leaders are encouraging the same. In an email sent to various communities, Alicia Nuzzie with the Central Northwest Super Neighborhood Council called on attendees at the meeting to “wear red.”

Nuzzie also emphasized emailing if attending in person was not possible.

“We’ve recently received news that Harris County is also interested in acquiring the Park and Ride land (not for housing), so we need you to help us make sure our voice is heard and that the Metro Board knows that our community is highly in favor of this outcome,” Nuzzie said in the email.

Robinson explained his stance, saying that the sale would not be productive from METRO’s perspective, as it would not meet the organization’s transit oriented goals.

He cited the lack of immediate bus stops in the area and committed to voting “no” at the meeting.

being tracked to.

Deputies interviewed several people at a local school and several homes in the area.

While interviewing subjects the complainant received a call from an unknown person whom stated they found her phone and wanted to return it for a reward.

The deputies advised the complainant not to meet with the subject for safety reasons, but instead to allow the deputies

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Houston Beer Week Thi

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Don’t miss the final events this weekend

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Houston Beer Week. On Friday, April 24, they’ll have a keg of Pumpkinator, Bishop’s Barrel #4, and something special on the Randall (beer infuser) that Revelry will concoct in their brew lab. You read that right, a keg of Pumpkinator. This event will kick off at 5 p.m. and finish at 10 p.m.

Get there early, these beers will go fast.

Warning: This post is all craft beer related.

Highly potent beers included. Read with beer in hand.

Houston Beer Week kicked off on April 18 and the week has highlighted Houston Beer and the craft beer scene all around town. Big area names like Brash Brewing, Buffalo Bayou, Karbach, and many more are taking over the Houston Bar scene, so you’re going to want to make sure to put these upcoming events on your calendar for this weekend.

Photo by Christina Martinez Owner of Petrol Station and soon-to-open Brash Brewing, Ben Fullelove, having fun with his eager and thirsty crowd, while opening some of his personal bottled favorties to share with the crowd.

Brashing Brewing Debut The good ol’ boy from the Petrol Station has had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats awaiting the grand opening of Brash Brewing. Owner of Petrol Station, Ben Fullelove, has partnered with Vince Mandeville to bring their brewery just North of Petrol at 510 W. Crosstimbers Rd. to the area.

“Health inspection passed. Finish line is right there,” their latest Facebook update on their opening reads.

The finish line is indeed right there.

The North Houston brewery debuted their beer this week at Beaver’s on Monday, April 20, and to describe the waiting crowd as “eager” would be an understatement. A line waited outside Beaver’s before the party even started. Doors opened at 6 p.m. and about 60 heads were there to wait until the tapping of Brash Brewing beer at 7 p.m. with numbers totaling over 100 for the official tapping. A post on Facebook from Petrol Station warned eager tasters that only ten gallons of beer would be able to be held behind the bar, so to get in line early. Once the kegs were tapped, the beer ran out in 10 minutes.

“I can’t believe the amount of support from everyone,” Fullelove said. “This is just great.”

The two beers that were debuted at Beaver’s were Brash Brewing Pussy Wagon and Diplomatic Immunity. Fullelove went on to tell me that Brash has one more inspection and they are in business.

D&T All the sours 1307 Enid St. 77009 On Thursday, April 23, D&T is taking the sours to a new level. D&T will be opening up the far right end of our beer wall to showcase their love of things wild and fermentable. You’ll find Krieks, Lambics, Oud Bruins, and straight-up SOURs. You can try a glass or a flight and talk beer and proper glassware for as long as you want. Doors open at 3 p.m. and close at midnight.

St. Arnold Pint Night at Revelry on Richmond 1613 Richmond Ave. 77006 St. Arnold has dug deep for Revelry on Richmond and bestowed specialty kegs they have been hiding in their cellar for

Art Valet Two art shows are on my radar this weekend that I highly recommend you check out.

Both are by friends that I’ve known for about the same amount of time, with one big difference – about 55 years between their ages.

This Saturday, paintings by Lindsay Peyton, Ian Anderson and Justin Dunford will be on display for a one-night-only event that begins at 6 p.m. at Winter Street Studios Gallery, upstairs at 2101 Winter Street in Houston, 77007. The second show is Sunday, 3-6 p.m. at Happy Fatz, 3510 White Oak Dr. featuring the work of Carolyn Bertrand.

The art show Saturday night is being curated by artist Lindsay Peyton, and is titled “Pocket Universe.” Pocket universe is a science fiction phrase that refers to one world that fits into another - Horton Hears a Who pops into my mind, though. According to Peyton, the phrase has a lot to do with oil paint on canvas.

“A pocket universe has a lot in common with the type of art we will showcase – these small but accessible other worlds contained on canvas,” Peyton said. “Whether it’s a still life, an interior or a figurative work – you’ll see that paintings can become their own magical realms, inviting viewers to step in and explore.”

I’ve known Peyton for some time now and from the first time I met her, she obviously did things differently. She’s a

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Sour BBA Nightmare on 1st Street at BRC Gastropub 519 Shepherd Dr. 77007 Join the Katy brewery, No Label Brewing, in a special release of their pumpkin ale, Sour BBA Nightmare on 1st Street.

This Imperial Pumpkin Ale is a seasonal beer and very limited. It has a 9.27% ABV and is part of their 2014 brew series.

Catch this seasonal from 6 p.m. to midnight at BRC on Saturday, April 25.

Houston let’s talk craft beer bottle share at Farmboy Brew Shop 3814 N. Shepherd Dr. 77018 On the last day of Houston Beer Week, Houston Let’s Talk Craft Beer will be hosting a social at your favorite area home brew shop, Farmboy Brew Shop.

Owner of Farmboy Brew Shop, Landon Weiershausen, and the Houston Let’s Talk craft beer group are inviting you to come out and share some good brew and meet some other Houston beer lovers. Catch them at the shop from 6:30-10 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.

These HBW events are just some in The Leader area and only a small portion of them all. Visit the HBW website at www. houstonbeerweek.com/events/ for the full lineup.

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By Mitch Cohen

Arts Columnist art! Sunday, April 26, Happy Fatz, 3510 White Oak Dr. 3 - 6 p.m.

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

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Cohen and featured artist Carolyn Betrand.

steel trap unless you ask her the right questions, so it is always a great surprise when she announces a new art show and then to see how well she pulls them off, is just amazing.

Peyton does things her way that is for sure, from painting plywood instead of canvas, to living in her studio. Her art, though, is clearly her own and has a style that is hers too. That is very important for collectors.

Even as her painting skills develop and improve, I can still spot one of her paintings.

Peyton maintains studios both in Montgomery, just north of Houston, and Seattle.

Her work has been featured in several group and solo shows – and her current focus is using oil paint to explore interior spaces. A Houston native, Peyton is a photojournalism graduate of UT- Austin and principal of Cadence Enterprise, a creative services firm.

Remember, “Pocket Universe” is only on Saturday evening, April 25 at 6 p.m. at Winter Street Studios Gallery.

Contact Peyton via her web-

site; LindsayPeytonArt.com.

On Sunday, my friend Carolyn Betrand has her solo show at Happy Fatz from 3 to 6 p.m.

Bertrand works only in pen and ink and says that her drawings are reminiscent of textured stone and jewelry.

“My subjects come to me, I don’t go to them. They’re intuitive imaginary meanderings,” Bertrand explains. “I try to keep modern, as old as I am.

Contemporary art makes statements about current events.”

Bertrand is concerned about climate change. Ms. Bertrand says she doesn’t have the time to be shy anymore and speaks her mind when she wants to.

She also assured me that when she is to be reincarnated, she’s devoting her next life to being a sculptor.

Ms. Bertrand is a wealth of commentary on art and conversations with her are always informative and fun. Her work will be on display at Happy Fatz for an unspecified amount of time, get there this Sunday afternoon though so you can meet her in person and buy her

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Leader Nibbles The meatloaf at Zelko Bistro is just like Mom’s If you’re craving a dish that resembles something from Mom’s kitchen, Zelko is a contender that Mom would certainly approve of.

One option is ZB’s meatloaf. The meatloaf is served on a bed of yukon mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach and topped with a sweet tomato compote.

In 2011, the meatloaf was featured on Food Network’s Meat and Potatoes show. The chef and host, Rahm Fama, searches for the best spots for cuts of meat and everything else in between. The meatloaf made the Food Network’s cut and dares me to ask the question if this meatloaf might be better than Mom’s.

Wine tasting for a good cause

In the wee hours of Saturday March 14, an area family, the Tayloe family, learned that their nine month old baby boy had cancer.

He has been diagnosed with stage three intermediate neuroblastoma.

With baby number five on the way, this family needs a little bit of help from the community. Red Dessert Dive invites you to join for a good time tasting wine and supporting a great cause.

The benefit will be 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person

for wine tasting. To place your reservation, call 832-649-2977; email info@reddessertdive or just drop by at 1045 Studewood St. If you can’t make the benefit, Red

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Dessert Dive will be selling a special Super G cupcake from April 21-23 to help raise funds. All proceeds will go to the Tayloe family.

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Saturday, April 25, 2015 • Page 4A

Stop using arrogance to solve a tenuous concern

T

he tenuous tones surrounding a plan to build subsidized housing in North Houston need to stop. Unfortunately, most of those tones are coming from people who should know better.

For almost a month, The Leader has reported (and I’ve offered commentary) on a proposal for the Houston Housing Authority to buy Metro’s Pinemont Park & Ride and build workforce housing for families who need some form of government help. Here are the facts, for those who aren’t up on the details: -Metro needs to sell its surplus land after closing the Pinemont Park & Ride.

-The Houston Housing Authority needs land to build 300 new apartments/garden-style homes.

-Residents in Forest West, Pinemont Park and Forest Pines desperately need retail development. What they don’t need is another apartment complex in the area because there are eight complexes (some in ragged condition) already in the neighborhoods, and building one more would literally surround them with subsidized housing.

It’s fairly obvious why emotions have seeped into this important conversation. Lance Gilliam, chair of the HHA, has a job to do. He is charged with finding places where his organization can build new housing. My guess is Gilliam can only handle so much vitriol before he pops off an op-ed for the Houston Chronicle (which hasn’t even covered this issue). When folks

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write him nasty emails and leave irreverent voice mails, he’s going to respond with vigor.

And then there are the fine residents of neighborhoods in the area – Pinemont Park, Forest West and Forest Pines – who have invested their life savings (and most are in debt to mortgage companies) to live in a neighborhood that has a real chance at being something special. My guess is these people have been so excited about the chance at retail development, jobs, shopping and maybe a grocery store, that their only response to another subsidized apartment complex has been filled with that same vitriol Gilliam has encountered.

Here’s what needs to stop: The argument from residents of Pinemont Park, Forest West and Forest Pines needs to have absolutely nothing to do with the potential inhabitants of subsidized housing. Those who choose to fight this issue because they don’t like the “kind of people” living in apartments are classless and uneducated. The workforce housing HHA will consider for this property would be full of teachers, civil ser-

Let’s loosen the grips on these Goober drivers THE ROADSIDE – You may be wondering why I am sitting here, stopped along a busy street, with a patrol car parked behind me, its lights flashing like the Las Vegas Strip. It’s because I didn’t want to be sitting here, stopped along a busy street, with a patrol car parked behind me with its lights flashing like the Las Vegas Strip.

Lucy, this needs some ‘splaining, and virtually every word is true. I had been reading about a new transportation system whereby a customer calls a company that sends a car around and takes you where you want to go. No, not a taxi. It’s called Goober, and you don’t simply pick up a phone and call the company. That is so 2010. You iPad or email or use semaphores from your rooftop. Two if by land. Then you follow the car on your Smartphone screen as it comes to fetch you. Before it arrives, you are sent the car’s license plate number, a picture of the vehicle, the driver’s picture, name, age and DNA. You pay by credit card, tip included.

That’s a nice system for people who go to a party, have a few drinks and don’t want to drive home. My wife says we should try Goober.

Why? I’m a perfectly good driver.

“Because when we go to a party, you have a few drinks and I don’t want you to drive home.” So we try it. We make our pitch via Smartphone or whatever, give addresses of here and our destination, and wait on the curbside for the car. As we are waiting, we can see on, the screen, one of many Goobers in our neighborhood heading our way. It goes down a street, down the wrong street, turns around, comes back, then a driver calls us for instructions. I notice the call is from a different area code. “My makeup is running,” says my wife, sweat streaming down her face.

Our first trip begins with, “We want to take the Greeze-ee Tag Tollroad route. It lets us slip across town quicker.” Blank looks. I repeat. The driver finally replies, “No tag. First day.” In subsequent trips we find that no Goober driver has a Greeze-ee Tag, so we take a much longer route, or we are madly digging through our pockets for quarters. Before our next trip we attempt to call Goober to specifically ask for driver and car with a tag, but the company has no phone number, apparently no employees except the drivers and no way to correspond.

Undaunted, we try Goober again.

“Take a left, no, your other left. Go right.” I give block by block directions because the GPS doesn’t work.

Also, it’s First Day. After a party, we signal Goober. A car immediately appears on the screen – going the wrong way. Our Smartphone rings.

“Where you?” My wife’s makeup is running. Then there is the matter of money. Upon arriving home one night we check the bill: $22 going over, $5 coming back. What? The driver hasn’t left yet, so we quickly give him a $20. The next time, same thing. Twenty-two going, five coming home, only this time the driver has already left. By semaphore to the head office, we point out the pricing mistake and receive this reply: “Since you didn’t take this trip, your fare has

Lynn Ashby Columnist

been refunded.” No, you don’t understand. We took the trip, OK? We want to pay for it and…never mind.

As you can see, there are still a few bugs to work out with Goober.

But at least it’s safe. The drivers have been carefully selected, background checked, drug busts counted, everything to make the passengers feel comfy. “Goober Driver Charged with Rape!” the newspaper shouts.

It seems a driver took advantage of a drunken female passenger. A later check of his background by the city revealed a 14-year federal prison sentence for drugs, multi other crimes and charges, and not carrying enough quarters.

The City of Houston and other Texas cities have discovered that their own background checks of approved Goober drivers working on the streets have turned up enough perpetrators with crimes to fill the Walls at Huntsville. Goober hired a screening company that only checks Social Security numbers rather than fingerprints. A new city report found, for example, a driver, who had been cleared, underwent a City of Houston fingerprint background check which found that she had 24 alias names, 5 listed birth dates, 10 listed Social Security numbers, and an active warrant for her arrest. “Hi, I’m your driver, Durst. Robert Durst.” Yet there is a bill before the Texas Legislature that would create a state-wide screening test which would – get this – loosen the cities’ screening, including criminal background checks.

On the flip side, Goober drivers can rate their passengers. So if you throw up in the back seat, yell obscenities at other drivers or your own, or don’t pack enough quarters, you may stand out on the curb for an hour waiting for a Goober pickup.

That reminds me. We are standing on the curb again, waiting and waiting while we see the little blip on the Smartphone showing our driver is wandering all over the neighborhood, hopelessly lost. Finally, up comes our golden carriage. It’s a pickup truck - one of those with four doors. How can we pull into the Million Dollar Ballet Gala at the ballroom of the Hyatt Regis-Philbin in a Ford Red Neck Yuppie Killer? Already late, we have no choice, so I push aside the feed bags and off we go.

This brings us to our sitting here in a pickup pulled over on a local road, while all my neighbors are slowly passing by, gawking all the way. Up walks the cop. “We had a report of a stranger cruising through the neighborhood, with this license plate number.” It was our driver, guilty of driving while Nigerian. My makeup is beginning to run.

Ashby is driven at ashby2@ comcast.net

vants and nurses, to name a few.

The issue for the residents of these neighborhoods needs to be concerted and scripted. You are against this development because you don’t need more multi-family homes in the area. You are against this because you desperately need retail. You are against this because HHA doesn’t have the best track record of keeping up properties they already own, no matter what promises they make about this new one.

And then there’s the Houston Housing Authority, Gilliam being the chairman. Mr. Gilliam needs to stop running off to his friends at the Chronicle and writing an op-ed that is full of clichés and generalities that undermine his organization.

If you missed his column, here are a few of the nuggets he offered: “Many of the same families who were welcomed here when they arrived jobless… are now wanting to pull up the welcome mat they crossed and close the door behind him,” Gilliam wrote. Talk about hyperbole. There are black, white and brown families in these neighborhoods, and none of them would be classified – even remotely – as some form of elitists. It is irresponsible to write such a generality about a neighborhood full of people who chose to live in an area of town full of welcome mats.

Here’s another: “Should the opportunity to live affordably in all of our neighborhoods not remain open, economic segregation, the

‘gap,’ will widen,” Gilliam wrote.

Mr. Gilliam, you should know better than to write such nonsense. The economic gap so often discussed usually doesn’t center around middle-class neighborhoods, especially ones where there are at least eight subsidized complexes already. The top of this “gap” you mention usually refers to neighborhoods like River Oaks or Memorial or West University Place.

Should we map out the number of subsidized housing complexes there?

And last, Gilliam took on the residents of these middle-class neighborhoods with this zinger: “Other opposition to the construction of new apartment homes by our authority is veiled under the guise of concerns about the impact of ‘dense’ development…,” he said.

I have no idea why Mr. Gilliam believes he knows best for all these residents, but to say their concerns about creating too “dense” of a population is just a guise is plain arrogant. The anxiety of adding more homes, more cars and more traffic to a highly populated area is anything but the façade you make it out to be.

Obviously, I’m only one person and it’s probably not fair to offer such opinions when I don’t even live in the neighborhood. That’s why I called State Rep. Sylvester Turner, who represents this area and may very well be the next mayor of Houston. (By the way, the mayor appoints the board of the Houston Housing Authority.)

I asked Turner what he thinks of this entire issue, and while I don’t have room to publish it all, here’s what stuck: “I don’t care who the developers are,” Turner said. “If you can’t convince the homeowner associations and the civic clubs and the management district that this is right for the community, then I will not support it.”

Turner continued by saying he has serious concerns about HHA building another multi-family residence in the area.

“The north side is trying to revitalize. We’re trying to clean it up, uplift that entire section of the city…,” he said. “This doesn’t mean anybody is racist. Nobody is saying, ‘Not in my back yard.’ But what are we trying to achieve? This isn’t revitalizing the area. This isn’t attracting retail development. There has to be a balance in this area.”

The reality is HHA’s project will start construction under a new mayor. And if that mayor happens to be Turner, who has announced he is running for the position, how would he direct the board?

“At this particular time, I would say this would be ill-advised,” Turner said. “[HHA] should not move forward if they can’t convince the residents of this area that this is a good thing.”

And from the tenuous tones, especially from HHA, I’d say they have a long way to go.

The reader.

An open letter to Mayor Parker: Mayor Parker, by now I believe that you are completely aware of the situation regarding Metro’s sale of the Pinemont Park and Ride to the Houston Housing Authority and their intention to build a 300 unit low income apartment complex. What you may not be aware of is the ongoing effort to paint anyone who is not behind this project a racist, classless individual that refuses to give “poor people a chance” according to Lance Gilliam’s article in a recent Houston Chronicle column. I believe that this is a very interesting public relations ploy to paint the residents of Forest West and the surrounding communities this way, and it seems to have been successful so far for them. I do not believe that Lance Gilliam or anyone else at HHA particularly cares if we are racists or not. I believe what they care about is using the Hurricane Ike funds before they run out.

I am a black woman, with a husband and a son, who moved here September of 2013. I oppose the 300 unit apartment complex because we are a community that is currently over served by the amount of apartment complexes surrounding our neighborhood.

Complexes that are so rundown that currently bring crime into our neighborhoods and keep us on edge everyday. I want to be able to ride our bikes in the neighborhood or even, at this point, put out our trash after dark safely. It seems to me that HHA could take over one of these existing properties and rehabilitate them, creating something good out of an dangerous situation, and in the process, save the city money.

If our Mayor and Metro and City Council allow this property to be built, you are destroying our property values.

The property will decrease the property tax revenue that our city and our education system so desperately needs. We will forever be upside down on our mortgages and our neighborhood will never achieve what we were striving for, for we will be completely enclosed by apartment complexes. Our neighborhood schools are over capacity as it is, so these hard working folk that will be inhabiting this new 300 unit apartment complex will find that their children receive a second class education, that in some ways, will perpetuate the cycle of poverty that these people are fleeing.

Many of these people rely on public transportation and will be forced to walk up a major street at least a mile to catch the first available bus. There will be no neighborhood work opportunities, as this project will take the space where a retail facility could employ members of the community. I shudder to think the damage a new facility could do to our already stressed traffic conditions and our sanitary sewage system.

Many of these future occupants may

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

wonder what good it did to put them in a community with no opportunities left.

Mayor Parker. I voted for you, and I believe my voice deserves to be heard.

We in Forest West believe we deserve our voices being heard as well.

Kathy Crumpler Dear Editor: In response to Mr. Robinson and the rest of METRO Board, that group of selfserving bureaucrats, why was the Park & Ride built in the first place, only to be declared surplus in later years? What kind of long range planning was done originally to make a decision to spend what I’m sure were millions of taxpayer dollars to build and maintain a property that was always three to four times the size that was needed, and then years later be deemed surplus? And now the threat of “rent-adjusted” apartments being built on the property! This mess is squarely in the laps of METRO, and it should be up to METRO to correct the situation, which appears hopeless.

Hopefully the citizens of Houston will realize that the entire METRO operation needs to be revamped, the entire METRO Board replaced, and hopefully by individuals with more foresight, who care more about the city and citizens of Houston and less about the prestige, pomp, and pageantry of being a METRO board member. You bureaucratic hacks did nothing to prevent such a situation from arising, and now it appears as if everyone else is going to suffer the consequences.

Ronnie Bement Dear Editor: I just read your article about the former Oakbrook Apartments next on DeSoto Street next to the White Oak Bayou trail and want to thank you for bringing it to the forefront and front page of The Leader Newspaper.

Late last year I sent a report to Houston 311 containing pictures of the condition of these abandoned apartments and asking why they haven’t been torn down under Mayor Parker’s city beautification efforts? Unfortunately, instead of the City of Houston taking a keen interest in following up and sending me a proper reply. I got a call from a city inspector about 3 months later asking about the property.

He said to me that he was unable to find the apartments [it’s very obvious where they are located] and then it turned out that my complaint was given to an inspector who covers the Houston Heights and not the region where the apartments are located. He instructed me to make another report so that it would be routed to the right inspector.

I was disturbed by the incompetence of the City of Houston services and did not understand why after 3 months nothing was done and I had to start

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from scratch.

It’s a wonder why the apartments remain a huge eyesore for those of use who ride our bikes on the trail and have to pass these each time wishing that one day that they would disappear.

I hope and plead that after your article the Mayor, the local city councilperson [I hope that it’s not “do nothing” Ellen Cohen] make the tearing down of these apartments and converting the land preferably into a nice park / green space for all of us to enjoy as we ride down the scenic trail.

Please stay on top of this and do a follow up article.

Ernesto Migoya Dear Editor: I loved [Jonathan McElvy’s] article this week. It’s nice to read about a good guy instead of crime all the time.

Betty Dear Editor: I enjoyed [Jonathan McElvy’s] article in The Leader. I haven’t watched golf forever but watched the Masters and had not even heard of Jordan Speith before. It’s refreshing to see a young man like this handle himself well. It all has to do with the way he was raised and the importance of family.

Ken Korthauer

Father Clint Ressler to take up new position in Texas City Fr. Clint, Thank you for the tremendous growth experienced by St. Rose of Lima Church during your tenure.

Without your energy, leadership, and spiritual guidance none of this would have been possible!

Your presence will be sorely missed, and may the Lord continue to guide you at your new parish.

Ronnie Bement Fr. Clint, As an unofficial part of our family, we prefer to see this as your next adventure. After all, you are just down the street, in a sense. Easily met at a great seafood or steak place on 45.

We, as others, feel you are a part of our family and don’t ever intend to let you feel we will just forget you. We will patiently wait until St. Rose will again be your home.

In my heart, I know there is a reason God has you going to Texas City. Children and adults alike will benefit from your shining example and leadership and love. Everyone will love you just as we love you.

Go with a happy heart and know we will be sad to say goodbye but look forward to your next homecoming. Third time’s a charm. Maybe we can keep you.

Jan Marek © Copyright 2015 McElvy Media LLC

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Saturday, April 25, 2015 • Page 5A

For some schools, a leap of faith may be all that’s needed

I

’m a bit of a hypocrite, or maybe more than a little, I’ll just admit that right off the bat. I do not send my children to my zoned elementary school. When application time came around a few years back, I applied to every ‘established’ school in my area. The ones I heard good things about. The ones where people I knew sent their children. We ended up at a school we love with lots of volunteer support, resources and a great administration.

The rub is that school, as is the case with many in our area, has gotten so popular that if we had applied in 2015, there would have been a snowball’s chance in Hawaii that we would have gotten in.

It’s no accident that parents with elementary and middle age school kids are taking a second look at their zoned school.

That’s what Heights mom Patty McGrail did. She is zoned

for Field Elementary and even though all the buzz was about Harvard and Travis, she wanted to find out about her neighborhood school. A lot of people might have looked at the HISD report on Field and then looked elsewhere once they noticed that over 90% of students are classified as economically disadvantaged. But not McGrail.

A couple of years before her son turned five, she got involved. McGrail found a Field group on Big Tent and with the help of a friend started a school supply drive for Field students. When she went to deliver the supplies, she said she was “blown away.” While the school’s curb appeal may not have matched up with some other schools, McGrail really liked what she saw on the inside.

She liked it so much so she started going to PTO meetings and later, at Principal John Hendrickson’s invitation, at-

Betsy Denson Contributing Writer

tending the Shared Decision Making Committee meetings at the school. She also decided to resurrect the Friends of Field community group and get the neighborhood involved in helping Field while dispelling the rumors that it wasn’t a good school.

“I saw how well the teachers liked the principal, and at the end of the day when they should be tired, they were

laughing and having fun,” she told The Leader in 2013.

“I thought that they were the kind of teachers I’d want to teach my son. I just kept seeing all these really positive things.”

Along with all the intangibles, there was solid evidence of momentum at the school.

In 2014, Field met all the standards that the TEA had set and also earned distinctions in reading, math and postsecondary readiness. The Children at Risk organization gave the school its Gold Ribbon Award and ranked Field one of the top 15 percent of elementary schools in the state.

With all her data, and her gut feeling, McGrail then did something that many would consider a leap of faith. She turned down a spot at Harvard Elementary and sent her son to Field, along with a handful of other families she knew. And she hasn’t regret-

ted it.

“We love it,” she said. “It’s a great community. My son is doing really well. All the children in his class are. The majority of them are reading well above grade level. ” Everything may not be perfect, but no school is. McGrail, who is now the PTO president, could really use more volunteers. Part of the issue is where the students are coming from – while 246 students at the school come from the Field zone, there are also more than 200 students who come from 53 other school zones around Houston.

Due to transportation issues, job commitments or other concerns, many of these parents can’t be the kind of volunteers that other schools enjoy, but they care enough about their child’s education to do the research and send their kids to a school with a good academic reputation. While ‘economically dis-

advantaged’, Field’s students come to school with book fair money and on picture day, they are as spruced up as anyone else.

And while true diversity at a school doesn’t mean a 90 percent-plus Hispanic population, which is what Field has, McGrail wonders why more people in the Heights don’t take another look at Field like she did. About 100 children who are zoned to Field attend other Heights schools, notably Harvard, Travis and Helms.

“People move to the Heights in the first place because they appreciate the diversity of the area and all the personal growth and creativity that diversity can bring,” said McGrail.

Principal John Hendrickson says that his goal for Field is for it to be the school of choice for the surrounding neighborhood. Maybe with more people like Patty McGrail, it will.

Art from P. 1A that’s going on around us, and the greenspace, walking paths, bicycle paths – it’s so inviting and it’s all surrounded by art,” Wilder said. “I really feel lucky that I’m here.”

Cliff Gillock and Suzie Gillock had similar thoughts.

Cliff spends his time at Winter Street Studios painting and Suzie creates shell art.

“This place has completely taken off,” Cliff Gillock said.

“It’s been spectacular seeing how this area has changed and just how many artists have really taken to calling this area home.”

The studios occupy several former warehouses in an area which was previously heavily industrial as little as ten years ago. John Deal, whose own Deal Company, owns the Spring Street, Winter Street and Silver Street Studios complex, will be adding nearly 80,000 square feet more space with the Silos on Sawyer inside of the former Riviana Silos.

His company has owned Winter Street Studios since 2004, Spring Street Studios since 2010 and has owned Silver Street Studios as part of a joint venture since 2013.

The area has changed dra-

matically since he first bought Winter Street Studios.

“When we bought Winter Street Studios there wasn’t a single townhome in the district,” Deal said. “There were lots you could buy for $20,000 in the area and now they’re up to $250,000.”

Meeting the Demand Deal said many artists are attracted not only to the leasing options and the product he offers to his tenants but also the communities that have developed both inside and outside of the studios. Each studio offers a variety of different studio sizes, spanning several hundred square feet to several thousand, and can meet the demands of artists of all types.

“We have over 200 artists within three buildings and, once we add the Silos, it will be over 300 artists,” Deal said.

“It’s kind of hard to match a community anywhere like that in the US. It certainly has something to do with our location here in Houston, but now we’re seeing the demand and desire is to be part of what we have built.”

The growth in the inter-

est and the number of artists has been instrumental in the formation of the Washington Arts District, officially recognized by the State of Texas last summer. The district now joins the 30 or so cultural districts throughout the state, including Houston’ own iconic Theater and Museum Districts among others.

Director Susannah Mitchell said, with 300 artists working in half a square mile within the district, it may have the highest concentration of working artists in the entire state.

“In addition to that particular neighborhood having a rich history of being home to working artists, today you will find all sorts of independent creative studios with everything from painting, to glass sculpting, to wood working,” Mitchell said.

The group’s most recent event, April 18th’s Spring Biannual, invited residents from across Houston to an open house exhibition across all three studios. Leader-area residents could also lend their hands, and their paint brushes, as the group helped paint bollards lining the bike trail from Sawyer Street to Holly Street.

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Photo by Jonathan Garris Cliff Gillock and Suzie Gillock have been enjoying their time working in the Washington Avenue Arts District.

“We’re working together to brand the area as a destination for people both inside and outside of the city,” Mitchell said. “Our goal is to highlight this area’s cultural offerings and paint that picture of what Houston is for fellow Houstonians and visitors.”

That picture has been embraced by fellow artists at the studios almost entirely through word of mouth, Deal said. In fact, the first 18 studios at the Silos were leased within 18

days of being put out on the market.

“We haven’t hung a lease or ‘coming soon’ sign at any of our properties,” Deal said. “We did so at our Silos location as we really needed to show people the vision we had for the exterior of the building.”

Deal regards these studios as more of a “creative campus,” and there is acreage in the surrounding area offering room to grow in the future.

Some artists are even patient-

ly waiting for spots to open up via waiting list, much like Wilder did before securing his place back in town.

“The district has been moving at a pretty good pace, and it’s not just a special place for local residents - ultimately this may become a tourist destination,” Deal said. “It’s certainly headed in that direction.”

More information can be found at www.artsdistricthouston.com

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Saturday, April 25, 2015 • Page 7A

Contributed Photo Field Elementary School Principal John Hendrickson sat down with The Leader for a Q&A regarding his school.

Q&A: Field Elementary Principal talks present, future of local school

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Field Elementary School Principal John Hendrickson has spent 29 years in the education field, the last 27 of which have been in HISD. He’s been a teacher for 8 years, an administrator for 19 and for the past nine years, has been at the helm of Field. He has a very positive relationship with the faculty at his school which received a Gold Ribbon Award last year from The Children at Risk organization who ranked Field in the top 15 percent of schools in the state.

People have noted that you have a really good rapport with your teachers. To what do you attribute this to?

“I treat teachers as professionals and value their input and provide them with the resources they need,” said Hendrickson. “I sell the school by believing that ‘If you love to teach Field is the school for you’.”

Field got a Gold Ribbon Award from Children at Risk last year. To what do you attribute Field’s ranking and academic success?

“The Gold Ribbon Award was given to Field because everyone did their part. The support staff provided our excellent teachers with the support and resources they needed. The teachers in turn motivated the students to be successful by providing engaging lessons.”

Your test scores have improved to achieve your top 20 percent ranking in Houston schools. Testing is one measure of a school’s success, what do you think are others? What are the intangibles that make Field a special place?

“The school is friendly and open to the parents and community. Our faculty collaborates and works well together to enhance student achievement. The school is open to input from its stakeholders and will implement any ideas or programs that our budget will allow to improve the school.”

Are there any other programs at Field that you don’t think the public is aware of and would like them to know about?

Writers in the Schools (WITS), ArtBound!, Race to the Top College and Career grant Are there any misconceptions that you think people have about Field that you would like to clear up?

“The main misconception within our neighborhood is that Field has nothing to offer its students. Based on the TEA data we are similar in achievement with Harvard and Travis.

Last year we received recognition from TEA that we were a TEA Reward School in both academic achievement and improvement. Also for our realtors, Zillow provided the following ranking of elementary schools in our area with 10 being the highest: Harvard 9, Travis 8, and Field 8. Additionally we have an excellent

music program at the school led by a teacher who does music staff development for other elementary school teachers in the district. We have extensive fieldtrips and have scientific and arts programs come to the school. Our teachers are highly effective.”

What is the one thing about Field Elementary that you want prospective parents to know?

“During the school year the children spend more time during the day with their teachers than their parents. Our teachers not only teach the academics but nurture their students, especially at the lower grade levels.”

What do you consider Field Elementary’s main strengths?

“Our excellent teachers, the school is open and friendly to parents, we are a small school so there is a sense of family, sound academics, and our music program.”

What is the main thing that the community can do to support you?

“In the library we need help categorizing all library books.

We also seek funds for additional books for the library and help with remodeling it to make it more attractive and efficient.

We ask for volunteers with fine arts expertise to come to the school and provide enrichment classes. Volunteers are also needed to provide materials and expertise for the school’s vegetable garden. For Career Day, we could use volunteers to go to classrooms to tell students about their vocations.

Marketing help is also needed to promote the school and increase parental and community involvement. As far as donations, we would love to have bicycles for students who have perfect attendance for the whole year as well as study supplies and school uniforms at the beginning of the school year. Lastly, we ask for landscaping assistance to improve the external appearance of the school.”

Where do you want Field to be in five years? Are you at capacity now?

“Our short term goals are to maintain high standards for state and district accountability, to support and develop expertise for all employees at Field, to add enrichment programs, to increase parental and community involvement within our school, to prepare students for the next grade level and beyond, to become a theater arts and media magnet school and to have a first class elementary school library to promote literacy and research.

Longer term goals are for Field to be a school of choice for the Heights, to increase enrollment, to have highly effective teachers in every classroom, to expand the fine arts curriculum to include an art teacher and drama teacher, and to prepare students for college, careers and to become lifelong learners.

We have 470 students but our capacity is 600 students.”

Waltrip from P. 1A position several weeks ago and subsequent community meetings and teacher meetings produced quality results.

“We had plenty of student input as well and we feel we chose the best guy,” Schur said.

Mitchell lives in Inwood Forest and said he is quite invested in the area and familiar with the school. He has been in education since 1998, teaching middle and high school math for six years before becoming an administrator in Round Rock, TX. He has served at Sterling, HISD’s aviation magnet, for the past three years and called the move to Waltrip

High School a natural fit.

“I’ve had a good opportunity to work under some strong people who have a great vision for students,” Mitchell said. “At the end of the day I’ll always say it’s about what’s best for the kids. As adults, we can disagree all day but as long as we’re disagreeing in the right direction about what’s best for the students, that’s where I come from.”

“We tentatively have an open house meeting towards the end of the school year as a meet-and-greet for parents once finals and graduation dies down,” Mitchell said.

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

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss

1. Slavonic language 7. Solid water 10. Supply with notes 12. Edible bivalve 13. Field game 14. Yellow edible Indian fruits 15. Lubricant that protects body surfaces 16. Canadian flyers 17. Took a seat 18. Anthracite 19. Cuckoos 21. Vietnamese currency unit 22. Subject to payment on demand 27. Opposite of BC 28. The distance around an object 33. Blood type 34. Expressing gratitude 36. Bridge-building degree 37. Ribosomal ribonucleic acid 38. Fiber from the outer husk of a coconut 39. Great blackbacked gull 40. The largest island in the West Indies

41. Vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes 44. Support trestles 45. Single rail system 48. Call upon in supplication 49. Small compartment 50. Lair 51. Unpleasant nagging women

dOwn

1. College civil rights organization 2. ‘Full House’ actress Loughlin 3. Egyptian sun god 4. Vessel or duct 5. Belonging to a thing 6. After B 7. Refers to end of small intestine 8. Baby cow 9. River of Memmert Germany 10. Farmer’s calendar 11. Spiral shelled cephalopods 12. Source of chocolate 14. Diversify 17. A baglike structure in a plant or animal

18. Freshwater & limestone green algae 20. Single Lens Reflex 23. Gum arabics 24. Austrian philosopher Martin 25. Maltese pound 26. An immature newt 29. Popular Canadian statement 30. Norwegian monetary unit (abbr.)

31. A journey around a course 32. Confer a nobility title upon 35. Idle talk 36. British policeman 38. A citizen of Havana 40. Highly glazed finish 41. A portion of 42. Squad 43. Betrayers 44. Barrels per day (abbr.)

45. Married woman 46. Express delight 47. Neither

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 8A â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, April 25, 2015

The calendar.

APRIL EVENTS AT YMCA M.D. Anderson Family YMCA The M.D. Anderson Family YMCA, 705 Calvacade, is holding Healthy Kids Day, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 25. Bring the family to this fun celebration and summer program registration and enjoy games, raffles and more. Call 713-697-0648 or email margaret. solis@ymcahouston.org for information.

MOVIE IN THE PARK Leather Apron Foundation The Leather Apron Foundation is hosting a Movie in the Park at Durham Elementary School in the field next door to Shepherd Park on April 25. The movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Hero 6,â&#x20AC;? a Walt Disney animated action/comedy, rated PG, will be shown. The event is free. Food Trucks will be on site to sell dinner and snacks beginning at 6:30 p.m. No alcohol is allowed.

MISSING IN HARRIS COUNTY Community of Faith Church Missing in Harris County Day is April 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Community of Faith Church, 1024 Pinemont. The event is co-hosted

by HCSO, HPD, and the Institute of Forensic Sciences. It is open to the community with childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, food, and a classic rock band.

Ad # 27049

GOLF TOURNAMENT John H. Reagan High School The John H. Reagan Gold Tournament for Scholarships will begin with a Shotgun Start at noon, April 27, at Hearthstone Country Club, 7615 Ameswood.

The putting contest begins at 10 a.m. There will will door prizes, goodie bags, a free golf club for every player, raffle and silent auction. The cost is $150 for individual, free lunch and dinner, two mulligans, and shared golf cart. Information: 713-823-1025, reagangolf4scholarships@gmail. com.

MERCY KILLERS - THE PLAY Health Care for All Texas What might a man do if his cancer-stricken wife has her health insurance revoked and they become trapped in the labyrinth of the health-care system? Written and performed by Michael Milligan. The performance will be 7 p.m. April 30 at Talento Bilingue, 333 S. Jensen Dr., and 2 p.m. May 3, at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1900 Bering Dr. Pay what you can. Information: http://mercykillerstheplay. com/performance-schedule/ 2015 COMMUNITY FIELD DAY The Oaks Business Association The Oaks Business Association is sponsoring a Community Field Day, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 2,

at Oak Forest Park. There will be games, a DJ, two bouncy houses, face painting, dunking booth, rock wall, bull riding, vendor booths, and food trucks. Vendor booths and sponsorships are available. Information: 281-3002581, 281-723-5707.

AARP MONTHLY MEETING AARP Chapter 1265 The monthly meeting will be held at 10 a.m., May 4, in the community room at 1520 Candlelight Dr. The special guest is The Sunshine Band. The meeting is open to anyone 50 or older, and will be preceded by a meet-andgreet at 9:30 a.m. There will be no meetings for June through August. Next meeting will be Sept.

14. Information: 713-681-1133.

HIGH TEA Pat H. Foley Funeral Directors Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day is a time to celebrate and honor the most important person in our lives.

It can also be a sad time when that person is no longer here. Pat H. Foley, 1200 W. 34th St., will be holding a High Tea honoring mothers living and past at 1 p.m.

May 9. Bring your mother if she is here, or bring her photo. There will be food, entertainment and door prizes. Call to reserve a spot as seating is limited. Information: 713-869-6261.

SUPERPALOOZA The Corkscrew Come to the Corkscrew, 1308 W. 20th St., from 2-6 p.m. May 9, 100+ wines, local spirits, craft beer and food, all for $49. Live entertainment will be Nick Greer and the Gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Register at http:// ow.ly/LR9d0 or www.houstoncorkscrew.com.

BOWLING FUNDRAISER MANNA MANNA (Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Alliance), is having a bowling fundraising event from 7-11 p.m., May 30, at Delmar Lanes, 3020 Mangum Road. Bowling teams are needed to sign up and all sizes of sponsorship are available. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased online. Sign up no later than May 16. Information: 713-504-5486, http://sparesometimeformanna.eventbrite. com/ CENTENARIANS HONORED Christ the King Catholic Church Christ the King Catholic Church, 4419 N. Main St., will honor all centenarians in the area, from 3-4 p.m. May 26. Corsages will be made for all female centenarians and Astros coffee cups for the men. All nonagenarians (people in their nineties) are also welcome. Information: 713-8691449.

Responsible Cat Owners and Basic Vet Care

From ancient times cats have been our long time friends. For many reasons they help us more than we realize. Besides companionship, comfort and joy, they drop our blood pressure and extend our life span.

They protect our homes from wildlife such as bats, rats, snakes and insects. Even larger intruders prefer to go elsewhere when they scent a cat around.

Despite the beneď&#x192;&#x17E;ts of cats, they also carry some risks such as bites, scratches and zoonotic disease. Cats depend on us to care for them.

We have put them in a position where they can not survive well or long on their own. A catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life is full of avoidable risks and as owners of cats we are responsible for their well being.

Vaccine preventable diseases are very common in Houston. Some vaccines have improved along with some catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyles. For these reasons vaccine protocols have changed and this has confused many well-meaning cat lovers. The truth is that we need to vaccinate ALL cats with core vaccines. How often core vaccines are given depends on the catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyle.

Other vaccines need to be given according to the individual catâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s risk and/or testing.

Only your community veterinarian can consult with you on area risks to recommend a vaccine protocol along with your preference. Lifestyles do change, so all cats need some protection.

Parasites have probably hidden in the majority of all Houston indoor and outdoor cats at some point. Even with intense testing, your veterinarian cannot ď&#x192;&#x17E;nd some parasites. Strategic deworming and monthly parasite preventative is the best way to prevent the ongoing discomfort in your cat whether you recognize it or not.

Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions

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From the Pews.

BubbleFest at Vineyard Church of Houston Vineyard Church of Houston, 1035 E. 11th St., has rescheduled Bubblefest for April 25, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hogg Middle School Spark Park.

Admission is free, however each person is encouraged to bring a toiletry item for the Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry. Each child must be accompanied by an adult and sign a liability waiver.

Children should come wearing play clothes and bring goggles and a towel.

Call 713-869-9070 or visit houstonvineyard.org for information.

Texas A&M Century Singers perform at Zion Lutheran Texas A&M Century Singers, a mixed choir of 80 voices, will perform at Zion Lutheran Church, 3606 Beauchamp, at 7 p.m. April 25.

Houston Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Introit,â&#x20AC;? their inaugural performance, at 7 p.m. May 28.

For information, call 713869-1493 or visit www.zionlutheranhouston.org.

Tacos served at All Saints The Guadalupanas at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th St., will sponsor a breakfast taco and taco dinner April 26, in the parish hall to benefit Cecilia Garcia. Breakfast tacos will be served after each Mass, and at 11 a.m. taco dinners will be served.

Call 713-864-2653 or www. allsaintsheights.com for information.

Greater Mt. Zion celebrates 120 years Greater Mt. Zion, 835 W.

23rd St., was founded on April 15, 1895, in the Houston Heights. The original church was a brush arbor until the sanctuary was built. The current sanctuary was built in 1961. The current pastor is Rev. Gaidi K. Burgess.

Culmination of 120th Anniversary, Family and Friends Day is April 26. Sunday School is 9:30 a.m., morning worship is at 11 a.m. and Culmination is 3:30 p.m.

Call 713-862-3323 or 713598-4349 for information.

TALC semester comes to a close Third Age Learning Center, located on the campus of All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th St., will hold its semester closing/fiesta luncheon fundraiser at 10 a.m. May 8, in the parish hall. There will be refreshments, student performances, dancing, singing, music, and door prizes. Lunch will be $5 per person. Tickets are now on sale at the TALC lunch desk.

A new gardening class will be offered April 28. The class is being presented by Master Gardener Cecilia Dow. Call 713-248-1277 for time and location.

TALC offers a full course hot lunch Monday through Friday at noon for $2. For information or lunch reservations, call 713248-1277.

Savory Flavors of Spring Branch at St. Jerome St. Jerome Catholic School, 8825 Kempwood, welcomes the community to the Savory Flavors of Spring Branch, from 5-9 p.m. (tasting until 8 p.m.) April 25, in the church pavilion. Proceeds benefit St. Jerome Catholic School.

Admission includes food

and drink tastings from area restaurants and breweries, a Savory Flavors coupon book, family-style entertainment, live and silent auction, and chances to win restaurant gift certificates. Presale tickets may be purchased at www.savoryflavors.org.

Call 713-468-7946 or email savoryflavors@stjeromecs.org for information.

St. Ambrose holds annual bazaar St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Rd., will hold their annual church bazaar, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

April 26. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bridging our Community.â&#x20AC;?

Yelba â&#x20AC;&#x153;Latin Fire Bandâ&#x20AC;? will perform. There will be barbecue, Mexican plates, Rico Tacos, Kona ice and funnel cakes. There will be a silent auction, crafts, vendors and various childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities.

Call 713-686-3497 or visit www.stambrosehouston.org for information.

May activities at St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Movie Night will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, in the fellowship hall. Bring pillows and blankets. Popcorn and lemonade will be provided.

The annual Bill Hardwick Memorial Cinco de Mayo Golf Tournament will be held May 2, at Pine Crest Golf Club, 3080 Gessner. Registration forms are available at www. stsumc.org and through the church office. All profits will benefit the ministries at St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UMC. Boy Scout Troop 604 will hold a garage sale May 2, at the Scout House, located at W. 43rd and Donna Bell, to raise funds for summer camp.

St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit Ad # 36774 www.stsumc.org.

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4040 Watonga â&#x20AC;˘ 713-688-5227 Reverend John Cain, Pastor

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

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

Member of MANNA

You are cordially invited to the church that can guide you in what you must do to be saved.

it is the norhill Church of Christ.

Hear The Gospel - Mark 16:15; Roman 10: 14-17 Believe The Gospel - John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6 Repent - Luke 17:3-5; Acts 17:30 Confess - Mathew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10 Be Baptized - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Col 2:11-13 Live Faithfully Till Death - John 8:31; Revelation 2:10; Hebrew 10:23 The Norhill Church of Christ is a non-denominational church located in the near north side of Houston in the inner loop 77009 area.

It has operated as a church of Christ since 1927, it is located at 634 West Cottage on the corner of West Cottage and Reagan streets.

The Norhill Church of Christ teaches only the Bible, without reference to any man-originated creed. Bible study services for all ages are held at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Sunday morning Worship begins at 10:15am. Sunday evening worship is at 6:00pm Wednesday evening worship and Bible study is held at 7:30pm.

Norhill welcomes everyone to attend worship or Bible study to learn more about the truth of the Bible.

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GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH

here is a lot of discussion recently of dental offices and their infection control measures relating to the recent story coming from the oral surgeon in Tulsa allegedly ignoring proper standards and delegating dental procedures. As a member of the American Dental Association, I have been closely following this story as it has developed and it is troubling to think of the consequences of such oversight. Every patient should have the confidence when going to their dentist that they are being protected while being treated.

You should be assured that all staff thoroughly scrubs their hands before and after each patient. New gloves and masks are used with every patient. All surfaces of the treatment room have been cleaned and disinfected. Instruments have been sterilized in an autoclave or another sterilization device.

Disposable items like needles or gauze are placed in special containers for monitored disposal.

A patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well being should be the dentistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top priority, and you should be ensured that your dentist is following stringent infection control procedures and complying with state regulations for your protection.

The Great Haircut Sale!

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Sunday 10:30 am Worship and The Word Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church Wednesday 7:30 pm Life Equip classes for all ages

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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

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

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

Cultivate a SenSe of leiSure Work and Productivity may be important, but they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only important things in life, or even the most important things in life. Most of us would probably agree that God and our family should come before our job, and that the whole point of work is to help us support ourselves and our families. A much neglected area of many peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives today is leisure. We are so busy with work and the workaday aspects of life (e.g., cooking, cleaning, etc.) that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find time for play. Play can be anything from playing catch with your children to enjoying music to playing games.

The arts are also an important aspect of leisure, and simply going to a museum or to the movies can be a nice break from the monotony of our work lives. Children are often better at playing than adults, so you might just let the kids decide on the playtime activity. Try something you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tried before. Throw a Frisbee or make up a new game. Put on a play with your family or friends, or play a guessing game. There is no end to the ways in which we might enjoy our leisure time.

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toilĂ&#x2018;this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

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

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Saturday, April 25, 2015 • Page 9A

April showers may bring anxiety for some pets

Dear Tabby, We just adopted a new dog.

I’ve noticed that she gets extremely nervous and agitated during thunderstorms. What can we do to put her at ease?

Tense in Timbergrove Dear Tense, It’s very common for our pets to have a reaction to thunderstorms--some more severe a reaction than others. Veterinarians don’t know all the triggers but suspect that dogs are set off by some combination of wind, thunder, lightning, barometric pressure changes, static electricity, and low-frequency rumbles preceding a storm that humans can’t hear.

According to one theory, dogs even experience painful shocks from static buildup before the storm.

What can you do to ease your pet’s thunderstorm anxiety? Experts recommend rewarding calm behavior year round. This means practicing getting your dog to settle down on command. Barbara L. Sherman, PhD, DVM, associate professor of veterinary behavior at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a

past president of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, recommends putting a special “inside” leash on the dog and practice having the pet lie at your feet while praising the calm behavior. “They should practice when there is no storm, so the dog learns the routine,” she says. “When the storm comes up, then they put on the leash and say, ‘Come on and lie down here,’ and the dog still knows what to do.”

It’s also important to give your dog a safe place to go and hide during the storm, if that’s what she wants. Notice where she goes during a storm, and if possible, allow access to it. Be sure your dog can come and go freely, since some animals become more anxious if confined.

You might also consider purchasing a Thunder Shirt-type of garment for your dog. These snug-fitting shirts for pets have a calming effect similar to swaddling a baby. Providing a gentle “hug” for your pet, these compression garments have been shown to lessen anxiety for some animals.

If all else fails, consult your veterinarian. In extreme cases of thunderstorm anxiety, vets can prescribe medications to address the issue. Dr. Sherman adds, “We have our best luck with a management plan that includes changing some features in the environment, applying some behavior modification techniques, and often some anti-anxiety medication,”

Joyce M. HarMon 1929 - 2015

Joyce M. Harmon born August 13, 1929 in Telferner, Tx to Roy and Alice Horton and graduated from Lamar H.S. in 1948, passed away April 15, 2015.

She married James D. Harmon in 1951 and was married for 63 glorious years.

Survived by Pudge, daughters Diane (Dennis) Lang, Kim and Trey Lillich, grandchildren Jennifer and Rodney Holder, Derek and Clarissa Lang, Justin and Ashley Lillich, Jordan and Jordan Lillich, and Jackson and Erica Lillich. Great grandchildren Allyson, Jamison and Madison Holder, Dylan and Dalton Lang, Rush, Jonathan and Layla Lillich, sister Wanda Hopkins and brother Kenneth Horton and several nieces and nephews. Memorial Service will be April 25, 2015, 2:00 pm Oak Forest Baptist Church 1700 W. 43rd Houston 77018

Sherman says.

K-9 Angels Spring Fling Join the good folks from K-9 Angels Rescue for their Spring Fling at Cottonwood, located at 3422 N. Shepherd on Wednesday, April 29. There is lots of excitement for the prizes available in the raffle this year. Raf-

!TTENTION 'RADUATES 7E HAVE • Full Photo Packages • Photo Invitations • Photo Name cards, etc.

fle tickets are $20 each and you decide which bucket you want your ticket to go in. Presale of tickets has already begun so go to: www.k-9angelsrescue.org for more info.

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

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