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Inside Today: Garden Oaks Home Tour set for Sunday• 1B

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

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10570 NW Frwy 713-680-2350

Saturday, April 26, 2014 • Vol. 60 • No. 25

ABOUT US 3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd.

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

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Exxon Impact THE

REAL ESTATE

Midway between the Exxon campus and downtown, areas such as W. 23rd St. are seeing more than their share of real estate growth.

(Photo by J. Dukate)

Fuel for Housing Boom

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832.419.9969

THE BRIEF.

By Jonathan McElvy

Updates on 290 construction project

jonathan@theleadernews.com

Beginning Friday, May 2, the entrance ramp from W. 18th St. to the Loop 610 West southbound will close permanently.

Motorists can use the new Loop 610 southbound frontage road (opening on Monday) to Old Katy to access I-10 (turn left on Old Katy and continue to I-10/Washington or turn right on Old Katy to access I-10 westbound frontage road) or to access Loop 610, turn right on Old Katy, left on N. Post Oak and continue to Loop 610 southbound frontage road.

Another option would be to access the entrance ramp from Loop 610 westbound at W. T.C. Jester.

On Monday, TxDOT opens the new Loop 610 West Loop southbound frontage road over Hempstead, connecting the continuous frontage road to Old Katy Road. At the same time, TxDOT will start to demo the existing HOV/Express Lanes that run from Dacoma to the Northwest Transit Center.

- TxDOT recently switched traffic on the US 290 westbound frontage road from Loop 610/TC Jester to US 290 and W. 34th St. - The U-turns at Ella and Loop 610 were recently opened.

- The eastbound center mainlanes of Loop 610 from E. TC Jester to Ella were completed last weekend.

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michael@theleadernews.com

For most people in the Leader area, the new ExxonMobil campus to the north may seem, as Heights Chamber of President Terry Burge said, “a world away.”

That is unless you are one of the many locals who head up I-45 to work every day.

Joel Osterman of Candlelight Place works at CB&I, an energy infrastructure company in The Woodlands. As someone who has worked there since 2008, he said he’s already seeing a longer commute time ahead of the 2015 campus completion.

He attributes it to all the businesses and industries which have already set up shop.

Aside from CB&I, Anadarko, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, the McKesson Corporation, Tetra Technologies, KrogerTexas, Huntsman and Chevron Phillips Chemical, among others, are based in The Woodlands.

The Texas Department of Transportation projects that average daily traffic at I-45 and Shepherd will increase from 114,500 (its most recent figure in 2012) to 121,400 by 2015.

For his commute, Osterman heads north on Shepherd to I-45, and then takes I-45 North to the Lake Woodlands exit. An alternative that some people use is the Hardy Toll Road which also connects to I-45.

“It’s just so busy right now,” said Osterman who leaves this area at 7:15 a.m. to make the drive. He estimates it takes him an extra 15 to 20 minutes in the morning to arrive at work and 30 to 45 minutes of extra time in the afternoon.

“At 5 o’clock, it’s bumper to bumper,” he said.

Some wonder if this planned community really can develop the infrastructure to handle what is coming, and is in many cases already there. They are trying though.

When the Grand Parkway (State Highway 99) is finished, it will be Houston’s third loop. There are 11 different segments of construction, of which three are complete. Segment F-2 is currently underway in The Woodlands and – like our current construction on I-610 – while the end result will be an im-

“Reverse commuting” could become a buzzword in the Leader area, if companies continue to follow the lead of ExxonMobil.

Local commuters may not get many alternatives, but there are possibilities of commuter vans or a Park & Ride being implemented.

Alan Clark, Director of Transportation Planning for the Houston-Galveston Area Council, said public transportation for “reverse commuting” wouldn’t be entirely new, especially at Park & Rides.

“You don’t think of a Park & Ride being destined to a suburban location, but that’s something we may see as a consequence of (ExxonMobil),” Clark said. “If there’s a significant number of people (who want to keep living near the city), it could create some new market opportunities for transit service.”

Commuter vans may become an option if ExxonMobil and METRO determine that a high number of employees are commuting from the Leader area.

ExxonMobil and METRO have built a partnership, which includes commuter vans that will run from various locations, carrying between five and 15 employees to and from the campus during weekdays. The pick-up locations will be determined by the demand from certain areas.

“The company is encouraging van pooling and carpooling,” said David Eglinton of Exxon Mobil corporate relations.

“The vanpool option is being offered in conjunction with METRO Star.”

Clark said he could foresee public buses for those looking to commute to the area near the ExxonMobil campus. Another opportunity would be the collaboration between METRO and transportation services in The Woodlands area.

Clark also thinks many new employees, especially those from outside the Houston area, will choose to live near the campus.

“When we have some major changes, people change their commuting pattern,” Clark said.

The City of Houston is monitoring the growth in north

See Commuters, P. 3A

See Public Transit, P. 3A

See Boom, P. 3A

Originally deemed Project Delta ,the new Exxon campus will carry its impact throughout our area. (Photo supplied)

Exxon adding to Houston’s unstoppable growth

By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Everyone in the The Leader area – everyone in Houston – has heard about the behemoth that is ExxonMobil’s new campus 10 miles north of Beltway 8.

But has anyone given any thought how something more than 20 miles away may have an impact on your daily life?

What if we told you that stretches of highly traveled road in our area will be impacted by an oil & gas giant a city

away? What if we told you that the home with the “For Sale” sign across the street is more expensive because of ExxonMobil’s new campus? What if we told you that people who live here are working there right now?

It’s all happening right now.

The ExxonMobil campus, located near I-45 and Hardy Toll Road close to the Harris/Montgomery county line, is believed to be the largest commercial real estate project in the United States.

Last month, some employees began

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Commuters feel pinch of current northern growth

By Betsy Denson

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THE INDEX. Church

betsy@theleadernews.com

Talking about real estate growth in the Heights, Oak Forest, Garden Oaks and the neighborhoods of North Houston is kind of like talking about the sky being blue.

These days, it’s a constant.

The factors that have driven residential real estate are quite clear.

For starters, location, location, location. With easy access to the major arteries of the city (I-45, I10, Loop 610), living in the Heights or just north of 610 makes miserable commutes less miserable.

The area is in close proximity to downtown, close to the Energy Corridor out I-10, and for those who enjoy a night on the town, driving to Midtown, the Galleria, Montrose, Washington or Upper Kirby is as easy as it gets in this city.

There are other reasons for the real estate boom. The Heights, for its diversity, is a destination. Oak Forest, Garden Oaks and North Houston offer stable, safe neighborhoods, and buyers can usually find a backyard there.

Add in reputable or improving schools, and it’s easy to see why the area’s real estate has exploded in the past three years.

But are there other reasons? Are job opportunities outside of the immediate area causing a spike in real estate prices and inventory?

Realtors in the area say ExxonMobil’s new campus actually has impacted the market.

“Yes, that’s true,” said Brad Shumway, with Heritage Texas Properties. “Exxon moving north of us is a big deal.”

What’s such a big deal? ExxonMobil’s new complex is more than 20 miles from these neighborhoods.

“The young, urbanite folks – the ones who like to be close to downtown – are finding great value in living here. They’re prepared for a reverse commute, and when you have the Hardy (Toll Road) that makes it an even better prospect.”

Billy Hartman has sold houses in this market for decades. He said it’s impossible to put a percentage on the number of houses that have been sold to Exxon employees, but he said he knows people are choosing to live here and drive there.

“Right now, it’s an easier drive (because of the reverse commute).

I also know people are already noticing an increase in the drive time,” Hartman said.

Hartman said people are choosing between the quality of life here and the longer commute versus a shorter commute but a more-suburban lifestyle.

“I had one client who was going to move to The Woodlands,” he said. “They decided to stay.”

People are staying for any number of reasons. Hartman mentioned the proximity to downtown.

“A lot of it has to do with the social scene.”

He also said people like the neighborhoods here, including the interaction with their neighbors.

“People like their civic associations,” Hartman said. “Those things matter to people, and I think

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Classifieds

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Food/Drink/Art Obituaries

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Opinion

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Public Information Puzzles Sports

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working at the 385-acre campus, which began construction in 2011. It will ultimately have 10,000 employees on site upon its completion by the middle of next year.

ExxonMobil is the world’s third largest company by revenue with $453 billion per year, second to only Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Royal Dutch Shell (another oil & gas company).

In addition to the Exxon campus, a See Campus, P. 3A

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Exxon, METRO partnership could ease traffic

By Michael Sudhalter

The Right Size. The Right Time.

In your neighborhood & online at yourblvd.com 713.862.1600

THE PUBLIC. Saturday, April 26, 2014 • Page 2A

Reed arrested for assault April 10 The Houston Police Department arrested Dennis Reed and charged him with misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury at 10 a.m. on April 10 in the 6500 block of Tuskegee.

Reed, 38, allegedly assaulted two men, ages 64 Reed and 62, respectively, before fleeing the scene.

One of the victims was taken to Memorial Hermann Northwest, and the other sought medical care on his own. Both were nonlife threatening injuries.

Son stabbed by mother

A 29-year-old male was asleep

in bed at 4:20 a.m. on April 15 in the 5100 block of Alba when his 58-year-old mother walked into his room and stabbed him in the stomach.

The victim was transported to Doctor’s Hospital with a severe laceration that was non-life threatening. He told police that he’d prefer not to file charges in the case.

HPD will follow up with both the victim and his mother to determine if any charges will eventually be filed.

Arrest made in car theft

HPD arrested Luis A. Arregoces and charged him with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle at 12:33 a.m. on April 18.

Arregoces, 39, allegedly stole a 2010 Hyundai Sonnata from a 34-

year-old male in the 300 block of Cavalcade. The car was recovered shortly after in the 800 block of Canadian.

Armed robbers target employees, customers at local McDonald’s

Three black male suspects between the ages of 18 and 25 entered the McDonald’s restaurant at 10450 Northwest Fwy, at the corner of Mangum Rd, at 10 p.m. Tuesday night, armed with guns.

The suspects demanded money from the cash register and the safe and went on to steal the cell phones of three employees and three customers.

One of the employees was struck in the back of the head

with a gun and was treated at the scene for non-life threatening injuries.

According to HPD, the suspects, who were wearing bandanas over their faces, fled on foot.

HPD is still investigating the robbery. To report information about the robbery, call HPD Robbery Division at 713-308-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

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Grass Roots restore Woodland Park

By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader

On Saturday, April 19, about 75 Houstonians gathered for a celebration at the western corner of Woodland Park located at 212 Parkview in the Heights.

The occasion marked the 100th birthday of the 19.6acre public park, and a celebration of the reforestation of a portion of it — nearly an acre illegally destroyed by a developer’s bulldozer in 2013.

The party also marked a victory for Mother Nature, the community, and the future of Houston itself.

In June 2013, two private developers constructing townhomes on property adjacent to Woodland Park caused extensive damage to 3/4 of an acre of parkland; its trees were felled, vegetation destroyed, and the rich soil, scarred, all in one morning. Members of the community including the nonprofit group, Friends of Woodland Park, were outraged.

“The park was scraped bare.

It was devastated. It was... horrific,” Friends of Woodland Park president Becky Houston told the crowd.

Many in attendance, who were standing amid baby trees and tufts of newly planted na-

tive grass, shook their heads in agreement.

“But, thanks to the work of Mayor Annise Parker, Houston city attorneys, Houston City Council member Ed Gonzalez, and Joe Turner, director of the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the reforestation of the park was settled at $300,000. We thank you,” Houston said.

“You give us too much credit,” Parker told the crowd. “I think the folks in this neighborhood deserve a lot of the credit. This is a very big city, and if it were not for you, we would not have known about it.

“How do you put a value on a tree?” Parker asked the audience. “I took this (question) to Mr. (David) Feldman, our city attorney. Now, I have a litigator who is at the peak of his skills.” In fact, since this incident, Mr. Feldman has gotten a six-figure settlement for one single old Oak tree.

“During the rest of my term, we are going to be the developers worst nightmare - with this city attorney,” Parker added, smiling.

It is not always easy to hold people accountable. In this case, tracking down the treekillers was no walk in the park

CORRECTION In the April 12 edition, “Purple Heart” story, Margaret Vaughan’s name was misspelled. And her husband, Stuart Williams, was incorrectly identified as Stuart

either.

“First, we had to figure out who the offenders were,” Feldman said. “The developers told us they didn’t know anything about it — that it was the guy on the bulldozer. So, then I wanted to find him. It was the guy on the bulldozer who said, they (the developers) told him to do it. After that, we got with the owners and started a series of negotiations.”

“We also red tagged their development because they were in a series of violations.

That was really important.

They were concerned that they would lose their financing, so the owners brought in experts who estimated that the area could be renovated for $77,000. I was receiving estimates of $275,000. I said ‘Whoa, whoa! Hold on a second! I set the mark at $300,000, and they kept coming back to me. I just wore them out.”

For more information or to join the Friends of Woodland Park, go to www.friendsofwoodlandpark.org.

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Vaughn. On 4/19, Arthur Hernandez was misidentified as Arthur Martinez. The Leader regrets the errors and is happy to set the record straight.

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Saturday, April 26, 2014 • Page 3A

Public Transit,

EXXON by the Numbers...

from P. 1A

The ExxonMobil campus in north Harris County will employ 10,000 employees upon its completion in the middle of next year. The campus will affect Greater Houston, including residents and businesses in The Leader area. (Supplied artist rendering)

Commuters, from P. 1A provement. In the meantime, it’s just a grin and bear it situation.

“There’s a lot of spectator slowing on I-45,” said Osterman, who also notes that the alternate routes create a lot of meandering that slows down the overall travel time.

Work on Shepherd Drive expected to help Other commuters say that the road construction on Shepherd Drive at I-45 should be a big help once it is completed early next year.

Hopefully, it will allow drivers to avoid some traffic lights as they enter I-45 from Shepherd and exit I-45 to Shepherd. Also, it will allow the entrance ramp to I-45 N to enter from the right, like most entrance ramps, instead of the left, which ends up being a bottleneck.

Alan Clark, Director of Transportation Planning for the Houston-Galveston Area Council said the completion of the I-45/Shepherd project next year will go a long way in improving congestion.

“That’s a major bottleneck,” Clark said. “The way the roads work creates a greater likelihood of traffic crashes. Sixty percent of congestion is due to broken down (cars) or crashes.”

Overall, TxDOT is looking to add toll lanes in the middle of I-45, similar to I-10, rather than widen it.

“Otherwise, they’d have to buy houses and businesses for right of way,” Clark said.

Clark said the Hardy Toll Road provides much needed relief for the congestion on I45.

“I hate to think where we’d be without Hardy,” Clark said.

Progress doesn’t come without a price as some commuters are upset about the tree removal near I-45 and Shepherd.

“These trees have been

growing very well and looked nice. Luckily many more blocks of trees remain, and hopefully no more will be taken down,” said Osterman.

Flexible work schedules alleviate traffic woes Tony Villasana of Candlelight Estates works at Anadarko, which is no small company itself. He leaves for work earlier than Osterman, at 6:15 a.m., and finds the traffic easy. He also heads out at 4 p.m. from The Woodlands and if he’s lucky avoids the afternoon rush as well.

“I see traffic, but it’s not bad yet,” said Villasana, who cites a recent slowdown right before and after Beltway 8. “It’s gotten worse lately though.”

As for the impact the global centralization of Exxon employees will have on the commute of Villasana and the others he knows in this area?

“Everybody is dreading it.”

Still neither of them are looking to make the move to The Woodlands.

“It has certainly come up,” said Osterman, “but here in the city we can move around quite freely. If we lived in The Woodlands, we’d still be coming here for services and we’d have to really plan.”

He notes that the lunch hour in The Woodlands is not too busy on the weekdays because so many of the companies have cafeterias or other places to eat for their employees. It’s the weekend when everything is packed.

“It’s all people with families and they all want to go to the same places,” said Osterman.

Villasana is likeminded on the issue and also notes the increasing cost of housing in an in-demand market, which is something else Leader readers are increasingly familiar with.

“If anyone is thinking of moving up here, they’d better do it now,” Villasana said.

Even with the pick-up in

Campus, from P. 1A master-planned community, Spring Woods Village, is being built next door, along with retail and restaurant construction.

These developments will continue to affect The Leader area, directly and indirectly.

– The commuter who’s become accustomed to the counter-commute north to The Woodlands have watched their commutes increase by an hour per day. There will be 7,000 more cars at I-45 and Shepherd each day in 2015 (than there were in 2012), and as that number rises, expect the commute times to increase, too.

– METRO is currently studying its bus routes and asking for public input in bringing its service into the 21st Century. With more growth to the north, METRO will be forced to decide how to best reallocate its resources – whether

through commuter vans, Park & Ride services or bus routes.

– The possibility of that traffic increase may cause Oak Forest and Heights residents to decide whether they want to make a lengthy commute, or relocate north. But the use of commuter vans or other modes of public transportation may ease traffic in the future.

– For local businesses, the construction to the north has been a boon with job creation becoming a reality. According to The Associated General Contractors of America (Houston chapter), there were 10 companies in The Leader area who worked, or are working, on the ExxonMobil campus. As residential and commercial industries continue to grow around it, there will be more opportunities for local companies to benefit from it.

Boom, from P. 1A that’s why people are staying here.”

Shumway says the kind of employee – whether it’s at ExxonMobil or any other oiland-gas company – is a good indicator of who will choose to live in this area, as opposed to making the suburban move.

“The executives are likely to move to the suburbs,” he said. “The younger folks, the younger families, they’re more connected to downtown and they’re either staying or buy-

ing here. And in places like Oak Forest, they’re getting one helluva deal.”

While Shumway also has a hard time pinpointing the percentage of buyers who have a connection to ExxonMobil, he said 25- to 30-percent of his buyers are in the oil-and-gas business.

“These neighborhoods are in strategic locations,” he said.

“That’s going to be good for us for a long time.”

traffic, The Leader area is one of the most convenient places to live if you work north but still want to take advantage of Houston’s many amenities.

“It is much quieter (here) than a lot of suburbs, and way more convenient,” said Osterman.

Not everyone who works to the north is in the energy industry.

Oak Forest resident John Luedemann commutes to his job in the marketing department at Lone Star CollegeNorth Harris, near Intercontinental Airport.

To avoid traffic problems, he has become creative with his commute, taking Ella and Wheatley to I-45, and using the Hardy Toll Road for his return trip in the afternoon.

Luedemann and his family briefly considered relocating to the north but ultimately decided it was better to stay in Oak Forest.

“We’re happy with the location, friends and schools,” Luedemann said. “We’re central enough, and it made more sense to live here. My wife and I are relatively close to everything, regardless of where we’re working.”

Harris County and how it will affect the northern parts of the city.

There are no concrete plans to address that situation, but it was mentioned at a City Mobility Study meeting earlier this month that the commercial and residential growth in those areas will bring more traffic to the roads in the city limits.

In addition to the approximate 10,000 Exxon Mobil employees who will be working at the new campus, there will be residential development near the campus, as well as retail and restaurants.

Some employees have already begun working at the Exxon campus, and more workers will continue to be transferred there through the middle of 2015.

Eglinton said Exxon Mobil doesn’t currently “envision commuter rail or buses operating to the campus.”

But METRO CEO Tom Lambert said METRO would be interested in a public-private partnership, provided the funding is available.

“Where there’s an opportunity for Exxon and METRO to improve mobility, we should have that conversation,” Lambert said.

METRO is currently working on constructing light rail within the city before it could put a referendum before voters for light rail outside the city.

Over the past 20 years, everything from political battles, funding scandals and resident opposition have kept light rail in Greater Houston from becoming the force that commuter trains have become in Dallas-Fort Worth, Washington D.C., New York, Chicago and Boston.

The Gulf Coast Rail District has also looked into building commuter trains, but lack of funding and the availability of Right of Ways has kept the project from gaining any traction.

If any public or private entity – or a combination could pull off such an elusive feat as light rail to locations outside the city limits Рit could potentially turn an 85 minute commute into 25 minutes.

–If 10,000 employees seems like a lot, it’s because the size of the workforce at ExxonMobil is the equivalent of the population in several Houston suburbs.

Tomball, a northern suburb, had a population of 10,753 according to the 2010 U.S. census.

Tomball has two public high schools, a private high school, a community college branch, a police and fire departments, and a hospital.

With residential growth near the ExxonMobil campus, similar amenities and services are expected for the Spring Woods Village area.

–ExxonMobil’s revenue in 2013 was $453 billion (third, worldwide). To put that number into perspective, it was more than the Ford Motor Company, AT&T, BMW and Costco (all companies listed in the top 65 in revenues worldwide) combined.

–ExxonMobil employs 13,000 people in the Greater Houston area. More than three quarters of them will be located at the new campus, upon its completion.

To put that figure into perspective, Houston ISD – one of the largest public employers in Harris County, has 10,765 employees. Those employees, however, are spread out over a central office and 279 campuses.

–At 385 acres, the ExxonMobil campus could fit Disneyland into its campus twice, and still have 65 acres to spare.

What is Canine Lepto?

Leptospirosis is a bacteria that dogs can acquire from contaminated water and/or exploring areas where wildlife have eliminated their urine.

Common carriers of Lepto are other dogs, raccoons, opossums and rats.

Many other animals can be affected, including people and squirrels.

Clinically in dogs we see acute liver and kidney failure with Lepto.

Often there is fever, vomiting and many other symptoms. Diagnosis involves blood panels, urinalysis and state lab testing. This takes time and cannot always confirm Lepto on the initial testing. Treatment must be quick and aggressive before permanent organ damage occurs and the dog dies.

Why are Lepto cases increasing? Are we encroaching on wildlife areas more? Are we testing and diagnosing more often? Are new Lepto serovars emerging? Are we vaccinating less than years past?

The vaccine lasts one year (at best). ONLY your vet should give it after evaluating your dogs individual needs and exposure risk. There may be some reasons why some dogs should not receive this as there is with other vaccines. All pets should be observed at home after any vaccine is given. Unlikely but possible adverse reactions can occur especially if vaccines are not administered professionally.

Again, ground water and wildlife (especially urban rats) exposure constitute the greatest but not only risk. Warm spring rains and summer floods increase the incidence of Lepto in dogs who then spread it to others.

Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions

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ADVANCING HEALTH

THE TOPICS. Saturday, April 26, 2014 • Page 4A

We aren’t prepared for what’s going to hit next

L

ast week, I wrote a column about the perils of buying a home in this market, where inventory is low and demand is high.

Another story arose from my family’s travails and it’s one we’ve shared with you on the front page of today’s Leader.

Early in the process of buying a home, a local Realtor told my wife and me that one of the reasons it was hard to find a home in this area was ExxonMobil.

Do what? The price of tea in China came to mind.

Though the evidence may have been anecdotal at the time, the Realtor’s experiences made sense.

ExxonMobil is nearing completion on a new city about 10 miles north of Beltway 8. They are going to employ thousands and thousands of people, and not all of them are going to live in the bubble that is The Woodlands. Don’t get me wrong, I like The Woodlands for its golf and Tommy Bahama store, but I like where I live, and apparently, a lot of other people feel the same way.

Many of the younger people who work at ExxonMobil don’t want to live in suburbia just yet. They want to be near downtown, and if

soon travel – north on I-45 toward the Energy Corridor Jr. We know that people who live in the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest and all the neighborhoods in between have already felt the impact of ExxonMobil, whether through job creation, home buying or concern about what may happen in the next couple of years.

And that’s what I want to address today: The Concern.

The reality is that ExxonMobil has received all sorts of headlines because of the hundreds of millions of dollars they’ve spent building their world headquarters in Houston.

But they aren’t the only reason for the phenomenal growth of this city.

Whether it’s energy or healthcare or education, people from all over the country want to move to Houston, which is why we’re the second-fastest growing city in the United States (where do they put all those people in New York?).

I’m a proponent of managed growth, largely because with new faces and new people come new energy, new ideas and an excitement you can’t find anywhere else in the nation. I’m also a proponent of having a government that knows how to handle that growth, and I’m a little

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

the Astros were worth half a crud, more people would want to live near the park. They want to be close to Midtown and the Galleria and Upper Kirby and, get this, the Heights – especially the bustle of White Oak. While ExxonMobil employees will make big bucks at their ginormous industrial complex, they’ll want to spend that money seeing and being seen, and that just doesn’t happen at the chain restaurants around the Pavilion.

So, if you’re wondering why we’ve devoted nearly an entire edition to an oil-and-gas conglomerate more than 20 miles away, that’s the genesis. In the process, what we’ve learned has been extraordinary.

First, we know that a lot of people from our area already travel – or will

THE READER.

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Garden Oaks volunteer

From theleadernews.com What an inspiration you are! I hope that those who have read this delightful article will be inspired to give back to their community and volunteer! Your experiences have been so incredibly rewarding on a personal level and I’m certain that you have also made a lasting impression on the wee ones who have benefited from all you love. Brava, Fritzy Dean!

Carrie van der Wal From theleadernews.com I have always been so proud to have such a wonderful sister. I don’t know anyone who loves books more then you. You are perfect for the job.

Susie Taylor From theleadernews.com I really enjoyed your essay. You are a woman of so many talents that I am truly amazed.

Joan Helfgott From theleadernews.com A jewel of an essay! Fritzy, my friend, if only we could all love learning and reading as you

do, the world would be so much better. Your prose simply sparkles.

Mary From theleadernews.com I have always known you are a true teacher at heart. Aren’t children wonderful and especially when you see them grasp a concept or understand how to solve a problem of some kind. Ms. Fritzy You are the absolute best.

Ray Morgan From theleadernews.com Congratulations! It’s about time you are able to share your adventures with the public. I know there are many, many more stories to be told. I hope to see more in print. You are an amazing woman, inside and out. I KNOW you are a blessing to the children, as well as everyone you come in contact with. So proud of you!

Veronica Freyer

Kroger to get a $5 million upgrade

changes. Love this Kroger. Everyone is nice and its always a pleasant experience going there, no matter the crowd. Great job.

Barbara M.

Jonathan McElvy

From theleadernews.com The sculpture of the half buried church on Heights is going to get my cats killed! The problem is the bird seed in the feeders on it. I have two cats that come and go at will, always have. Lately I have heard a couple of scary cars screeching. The problem is my cats sit at the end of the driveway, watching all the birds gather at the feeders, then they dart across Heights to chase them. It’s very enticing, and it’s going to get them killed. Keeping them in for nine months is not an option, they have always been allowed outside. Please help me with this issue, my cats shouldn’t have to get ran over because of bird feeders that are drawing their attention to cross the street.

Have a heart!

Martie Baillie

From theleadernews.com Wonderful news! I look forward to the

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

in the mail, even phone calls.

About once a week for the past months the company or the dealer or the salesperson contacts me to see how I like my new car. The communications are pretty difficult. I mean, wouldn’t you think someone could speak English at Lamborghini?

No CEO ever thought up this relatively new drain on our time. Rather, we are getting bombarded with these various surveys, questionnaires and feedback forms because some other company thought it up and sold the program to every single corporation in America.

It is not only private firms that keep hounding us for our thoughts. Both political parties crank up towards Election Day by showering us with surveys coupled with a hook. First they fatten us up with flattery. “As a leader in your community, we at national headquarters greatly value your opinions on matters concerning our nation’s future.” Then comes the survey.

See if you can spot which questions come from which party. “Do you feel America should keep the Wall Street fat cats out of jail even though they rob, steal, burn and loot the average American?”

“Rate on a scale of 1 to 2 whether the current administration should be taken out and flogged.” “Obamacare is (circle one or all): Treasonous.

Unneeded since we already have doctors and hospitals.

Will break the government, causing riots, mayhem and the probable annexation by Putin.” “The Affordable Care Act is: Wonderful. Imaginative.

Cost free. Easy to understand once you get through the first 1,200 pages.” After you have expressed your wise opinions on such weighty matters, there is a small box to check showing which credit card to use for your donation. No one asks if you want to donate. The only

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

Art A La Carte

What happened to Do Not Call?

THE PHONE – “Hi, this is Bonnie Sue. Recently you dealt with Disable Cable. Would you please answer a few questions about your visit? It will only take a minute or so. Was our technician on time? Press 1 for yes, 2 for no, 3 for ‘I was passed out on the couch and don’t remember.’ Did he or she smell good? Press 1 for….”

Twenty minutes later Bonnie Sue’s recorded inquisition winds up with: “Do you consider Disable Cable your best service company? Press 1 for yes, press 2 for absolutely.”

Actually, I consider Disable Cable the worst company I have ever dealt with, and apparently I am not alone. The pending purchase by Comcast of Time Warner has brought out surveys that show most Americans consider their cable company the least-liked and most inept firm they use.

When Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota recently asked his constituents if they favored the Comcast-Time Warner deal, he received more than 100,000 responses overwhelmingly opposed to it with many complaining about “the lousy service.” If the two companies merge, they’ll be twice as bad.

As for their follow-up survey, I am all for that. Answering their questions gives me a chance to tell them what I think about their inefficiency. But I’ve got to be careful because the technicians who come out, or tell me over the phone what to do to restore service – I’ve got the company number on speed dial – are always nice, patient and must have the worst jobs in America, besides Keith Olbermann’s food taster.

One way companies seek our opinions is by including the survey form right there with the product: “Thank you for purchasing one of our RainerShine umbrellas. Please take just a moment….” Or, “Congratulations on your new Rat-A-Tat-Tat Poison. To better help us . . .” I fully expect to come home from the grocery store, open the bag and find: “You are now the proud new owner of a Heads-Up lettuce.

Since we strive for perfection, we would like you to. . . .” The worst is my car company. I bought a new car, not knowing I would be drowned with e-mail questionnaires, letters

stop lights. And if you’re in the Oak Forest area, W. 43rd Street could soon become the busiest neighborhood road in the city, right next to Kirby Drive.

Of all the reporting we did on ExxonMobil, one of the major things we learned was that a lot of people have thought about the impact on our neighborhoods, but very little has been done. During these stories, I talked with two regional planners in the area about what Houston plans to do about the major impact development will have on our transportation infrastructure.

We’ve seen progress (slooowww progress) on 610 and 290. Some of you have seen the overpass being built at Shepherd and I-45. But you’ve also seen a closed Park & Ride at Pinemont and you’ve heard absolutely nothing about light rail or commuter rail being further developed in Houston.

The regional planners both pointed me toward strategic plans for 2035 and 2040, but for some reason, that leaves me less than satisfied.

Are we talking enough about 2014 and 2015? I think we should.

weary of our city’s ability to handle what’s coming straight toward us.

Of the many things we know about growth, one constant is that the more people who live here, the more they’ll need to travel. For almost seven years, I drove from our area of town north, to Beltway 8. It was a simple drive back then because it was what you’d call a reverse commute. The bulk of traffic came from the suburbs into downtown. In a year from now, TxDOT projects there will be 7,000 more cars headed north on I-45 in the morning than there were in 2012.

And do you know what happens when that many cars get on a thoroughfare?

What happens is people start looking for alternative routes. Ever been on Shepherd Drive at 5:30 p.m. and tried to drive north? Or what about that shortcut we used to take on T.C. Jester to Washington to downtown in the morning? We could skip all the interstate mayhem.

Those days are quickly becoming things of the past. We’re heading toward a time when Shepherd is as busy as an interstate. Your quick trip on T.C. Jester will turn into a 45minute, skull-numbing ride through

question is how much? Since the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled there is no limit, just give all your money.

We must ask ourselves, first, does anyone actually read these political surveys? Anyone important? If so, which is unlikely, do they take our opinions under consideration or simply take our money?

If you do send either party a check for $1 million (you are the third Koch brother, aren’t you?) enclose a note telling the pols to stop wasting your money sending out these stupid surveys.

Wait, My phone is ringing again. “Hi, this is Johnny Joe. You have been selected for a four-day, two-night cruise on the Princess Scurvy, if you can answer these two questions.

Press 1 for…” This is an ad in the guise of a survey. Are you also receiving more and more phone solicitations? What became of the Do Not Call Law? That law was supposed to combat robocalls – those recorded messages that called you during dinner. The shield doesn’t cover every caller, as we have noticed in these past campaigns. Politicians can call, so can pollsters, firms you do business with, not-for-profits and bill collectors. Also, the law only applies to residences, not businesses. That loophole for pollsters is now being exploited by salesmen.

As for the legitimate pollsters, they usually call when I’m doing something important, like sorting out my sock drawer, and I really don’t want to be bothered. On the other hand, we all want our two cents to count, our views to be considered, especially if we are leaders in the community, so I like to be asked what I think about the gold flow (toward me, of course), immigration (I’m not going anywhere) and Wall Street fat cats (are you sure this is an objective poll?).

Here’s another letter. It’s from my car dealer asking if I want to be on an advisory board.

Chance to win $500. Sounds good. I’ve got some advice about surveys. But first I need to take this multiple choice quiz about their service.

Ashby follows up at ashby2@comcast.net

Publisher & President

jonathan@theleadernews.com

Frank Vasquez

Jane Broyles

Associate Publisher

Business Manager

Editor

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biz@theleadernews.com

michael@theleadernews.com

Michael Sudhalter

Any erroneous statement which may appear in The Leader will be corrected when brought to the attention of the publisher. In the event of errors or omissions in The Leader advertisements, the publisher does not hold himself liable for damages further than the amount received by him for such advertisements. The Leader’s distribution is independently audited by the Circulation Verification Council.

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

ACROSS 1. Nonviolent reformer 7. Saudi people 12. Dawns 13. Former German state 14. Dallas & Miami coach 18. 3rd tone 19. Iguania genus 20. Expresses pleasure 21. Tear apart 22. Jacob’s 7th son 23. Mold-ripened cheese 24. Peel 25. Survivor Baskauskas 27. A Scottish Highlander 28. More normal 29. Plural of 23 across 31. Lettuce dishes 32. Fleshy seed cover 33. Abundant 34. Parcelings

37. Competitions 38. Paths 39. Take heed 40. Journey 44. Japanese sashes 45. Archaic word for worry 46. They __ 47. General Mills on NYSE 48. Heroic tale 49. Wrath 50. Indicates position 51. Whoopie’s birth name 56. Namaqualand peoples 58. Beginnings 59. Cooks slowly 60. Stopwatches

DOWN 1. Urban instrument 2. Fleet

SUDOKO

3. __ de plume 4. Moisture free 5. Pilgrim’s journey 6. Equal, prex 7. Native Australians 8. Norse sea goddess 9. Public promotion 10. Soiled with mud 11. Crack shots 12. Bugle weed 15. Leporid mammals 16. Pointed fastener 17. The woman 21. Frog genus 23. Yellow edible Indian fruit 24. Most pallid 26. Shows mercy 27. Spanish cubist 28. Risk-free 30. Greek god of war 31. Ailing 33. Stand 34. Topical phrases 35. The natural home of a plant 36. Cuckoos 37. Showed old movie 39. Fury 41. Cultivator 42. Mistakes 43. Laments 45. Wheeled vehicle 48. Impertinence 51. Crow sound 52. Note 53. Near, against 54. Be hesitant 55. Point midway between N and NE 57. Of I

Saturday, April 26, 2014 • Page 5A

Exxon campus provides boost to local construction

By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Mike Holland, president of Marek Brothers System Inc., said the ExxonMobil project has had a huge impact on the Oak Forest-based company.

“It was the largest single project we’ve ever done in the company,” Holland said. “It’s a very complex project with super high standards.”

Without going into numbers specifically, Holland said Marek committed a “significant amount of resources” on the project.

“The project itself has had a significant impact not only on commercial construction, but the local economy,” Holland said.

Marek is one of 10 con-

struction-related companies in the Heights, Oak Forest, Garden Oaks and North Houston areas that worked on the ExxonMobil project.

Gilbane Building Company and Harvey Builders formed a joint venture, Gilbane-Harvey, for the project.

The Associated General Contractors of America (Houston chapter), based in the Timbergrove/Lazybrook area, provided The Leader with a list of more than 100 subcontractors on the project.

Ten of those 100-plus subcontractors are based in The Leader area – AECO Interiors, Baker Concrete, Berger Iron Works, Door Pro, First Electric Co., LS Decker, Marek Brothers, Milam Co., R&M Service and Ryder Insulation.

There are subcontractors from as far away as Canada, Massachusetts and Utah, and they’re all providing jobs, many of them to workers who live in The Leader area.

The good news for construction professionals in The Leader area is coming in the form of an educational program.

The new $13 million Houston Community College, at I45 and W. Little York, is scheduled to open in January 2016, and it will include a construction trades lab, among other things.

The price of cement has increased in recent years, but Bob Bacon, CFO of TAS Commercial Concrete, said the rise in concrete, and other construction-related costs, is

due the increase in costs of labor and fuel, rather than an individual construction project such as ExxonMobil.

According to ExxonMobil spokesperson David Eglinton, there are as many as 5,000 workers at one time on the project, which began in 2011.

That doesn’t include construction workers who are building the homes and retail projects near the new campus.

Eglinton said an independent economic impact study of the project showed there will be about 44,000 contractor jobs at the campus during the course of ongoing operations.

As a result, commercial construction is likely to increase along the the I-45 corridor, including the Shepherd

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Dr. Bill Gilmer, director of the Institute for Regional Forecasting at the University of Houston, said the new ExxonMobil campus could affect the areas north more than the Inner Loop area, which he said “has its own set of clients.”

“People are developing a lot of lots and houses (north of the ExxonMobil campus),” Gilmer said. “It’s an easier commute, and land is much cheaper.”

Gilmer said a lot of the living patterns are based on an individual’s life cycle – they may live closer to the city after college but relocate to the suburbs to start a family.

“The suburbs has its own demographic and place in the life cycle,” Gilmer said.

and exchange, approximately 18 miles to the south.

One large derelict building has already been demolished near the road work. The former Landmark Chevrolet property on the I-45 frontage road, near Shepherd, is still standing, abandoned and waiting to be developed.

Carol Kleiber, president of Super Neighborhood 45 in that area, said the improved infrastructure should help development in the surrounding area.

“Perhaps it will attract some grocery stores into the area,” Kleiber said. “As things go forward, we may get a grocery store.”

However, some experts say there will be more growth north, rather than south, of the ExxonMobil campus.

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Page 6A • Saturday, April 26, 2014

FROM THE PEWS. Benefit barbecue at Beautiful Savior Lutheran The LWML is hosting a benefit barbecue dinner from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 161 West Road.

Call 281-445-2203 for information.

Movie matinee at Heights Christian Heights Christian Church, 1703 Heights Blvd., is having its free monthly movie matinee at 2 p.m. April 26, in the fellowship hall.

The movie “Saving Mr. Banks” is the untold story of the making of Mary Poppins.

There will be light refreshments available.

For information, call 713861-0016.

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.

Call 713-686-6990 or visit www.stambrosehouston.org for information.

Picnic for the Pantry at St. Mark’s St. Mark’s United Method-

ist 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.

Spring semester closing celebration at TALC All Saints Third Age Learning Center, 215 E. 10th St., will host a spring semester closing celebration by having a Fiesta fundraiser luncheon sponsored by Fiesta Food Store at noon May 2. Tickets for the fundraiser are $5 each and can be purchased at the TALC Lunch Desk.

The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with refreshments served by members of the Houston Junior Forum.

Call 713-248-1277 for information.

Spring Thing Dessert Extravaganza at St. Stephen’s St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., will hold its Spring Thing Dessert Extravaganza, from 2-4 p.m. May 3, in the fellowship hall. Tickets are $5 and

THE OBITUARIES. Dawn Desiree Adams, 53,

died April 17. Adams worked as a Registered Nurse at Memorial Hermann Memorial City, Texas Children’s Hospital and other area hospitals. She is survived by her son Bobby Adams, mother and stepfather Jacqueline and Charles Krall, father Charles Simpson, brother Brad Simpson, sisters Melanie Kittridge, Ann Radcliff and Vanessa Clark.

Donna Gay Allen, 71, born Jan. 27, 1943 in Linden, Texas, died April 12. Allen worked at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD for 16 years and retired in 1995. She is survived by her children Douglas, Denise, Darla and David, brothers S.L. and Jerry, sisters Gracie, Sue and Bes, five grandsons, six greatgrandchildren and five step-greatgrandchildren.

Josue Perez Flores, 78,

born on Aug. 4, 1935 in Mexico, died April 13. Flores served his country in the United States Army. He lived in Houston for 53 years. He is survived by his loving wife, Estela Quirez Flores; three sons, Marcos, Daniel and Oscar; and daughter, Adriana Dale, and 11 grandchildren.

Jerome Billy “JB” Jozwiak, 68, born Oct. 1, 1945,

died April 14. Jozwiak attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, St. Pius X High School and Waltrip High School before joining the U.S. Navy in 1964, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War. JB worked most of his life as a truck driver, owning several businesses throughout his life. He was a life member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where he served on several committees and rode on several trail rides. He is survived by his sister JoAnn Hill and brother Mark Jozwiak. Memorial contributions may be sent to HLSR - Education Fund (Attn. Katelyn Scates) at P.O. Box 20070, Houston 77225, or

include six dessert “tastes.”

Whole desserts and sweets togo will also be for sale.

Register now for the annual Cinco de Mayo Golf Tournament, to be held May 10, at Jersey Meadow Golf Course, benefiting the ministries of St. Stephen’s. Fees are $125 per golfer ($75 for golfers age 72+). Registration forms are available online and through the church office.

For information, call 713686-8241 or visit www.stsumc. org.

Free pancake breakfast at St. Matthew’s The free pancake breakfast will be held at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr., from 8:30-10 a.m. May 3, in the fellowship hall. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit and breakfast drinks will be served. The Lydia Circle will meet immediately following the pancake breakfast. The program will feature a documentary concerning educational needs for the children of Guatemala.

For information, please visit www.stmatthewsmethodist. org or call 713-697-0671.

Jeanette Clift George at Gethsemane 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

79, born Aug. 3, 1934, died April 18. Lange was employed as a teller at Bank of the Southwest and later as a homemaker, loving wife and mother. She is survived by sons Sidney and Rodney Lange, four grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

Angeline “Angie” Marshall, 85, born Oct. 9, 1928 in

East Bernard, Texas, died April 14.

She was a member of Lazybrook Baptist Church. Marshall is survived by her children Diana Hannam and Ronnie Marshall, six grandchildren, and eight greatgrandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to One Mission Ministries, 3294 Ticonderoga Dr., Brownville, TX 78526 or Fory Charitable Trust, P.O. Box 926398, Houston, Texas 77292, benefiting Russian orphans.

Edith P. Quinn, 88, born Dec.

23, 1925 in Elkhart, Texas, died April 14. She is survived by her three sons Charles, Gerald and Douglas Fails, five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

born April 16, 1925 in Belton, died April 13. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church. McAlexander is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, John “Jack” McAlexander; sons David and John McAlexander III, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Inge Mosshart, 85, born May 13, 1928 in Frankfurt, W. Germany, died April 15. She was a member of the Houston Civic Arts Association for more than 40 years, and taught art. She was a member of Westbury United Methodist Church. Mosshart is survived by her loving husband, Ted A. Mosshart; children Alan and Jeff Mosshart, Becky Davidson, and Karene Mosshart; sisters Hannelore Sigward and Annemarie Markofski; seven grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

Oaks Presbyterian Church

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Nursery Provided

Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948

Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

Reverend Noelie Day

(713) 682-2556

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

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y wife and I had our second child this past week and it was so exciting holding our little bundle of joy for the first time after all of the anticipation. It sure does make a dad’s day seeing your child’s smile for the first time. It amazes me to think that under that little gummy smile, a mouth full of teeth are getting stronger by the day as they prepare to erupt in the coming months and years!

Our teeth show their first signs of development from as early as the sixth week of pregnancy for our primary teeth, and the twentieth week of pregnancy for our permanent teeth. This is just one of the reasons a mother’s nutrition during pregnancy and the child’s nutrition from an early age are so very important. Without a proper diet full of all the necessary vitamins and minerals, teeth development can be impaired leaving the child with poorly formed or weakened teeth. Some medications should be avoided during this time as well, as they can permanently affect tooth development. Be sure to check with your dentist for any recommendations, and to establish your child with a dental home by the time they are one year old to help keep your child smiling for years to come!

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.

GUIDE

First Baptist Church Heights Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30am Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6:00pm

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

OAKS CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ)

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd.

(713) 688-7761

Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM Pastor Don Joseph Member of MANNA Visit us on FaceBook www.oakscchouston.org

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MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

THE WISDOM OF OLD

I

t is worthwhile spending time with folks who have “been around the block a time or two.” Older folks have been around long enough to have picked up some valuable wisdom along the way. I recently heard Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer being interviewed, and he mentioned that his father didn’t give much advice, which is usually wise, but that before he died he told him to stay on the payroll and to do your job, i.e., to do your job well. That reminds me of something my father always said, which was to always give your employer an honest day’s work. The rst time I recall taking the time to sincerely listen to one of my elders was when I was in college and stopped my daily run to talk to an elderly gentleman from my neighborhood who was always out walking his small dog. He always smiled and said “hello” and so I decided one day to cut my run short and talk to him for a few minutes. His advice was a simple reection of his own life. Smile and say “hello” to everyone you meet was his kind advice. And then he told me to “be your own doctor.”

His message was essentially that you know what’s good for you and what’s not, what to eat and how to keep your body healthy, so be your own doctor. Good advice coming from someone who was probably in his nineties at the time.

www.gospeltruthchurch.org

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Call About Cat Vaccines

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

Reverend John Cain, Pastor

InvestInvest in Your Future in Your Future Through America’s Past Through America’s Past

Since 1978

Gospel Truth Church

4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227

www.gethsemanelutheran.org

FEATURING

West 34th St.

1765 W. 34th • 713-682-8785

Joyce Nell Warren Roy,

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74, born Aug. 27, 1939, died April 17. Roy is survived by her husband of 56 years, James M. Roy, daughter Deborah Soules, son James Roy, sisters Linda McKeehan and Faye Garrett, brother Robert Warren, three grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren.

Elizabeth “Betty” Mae White McAlexander, 88,

1245 Heights Blvd.

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Dorothy Bartels Lange,

“The Heart of the Heights”

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.

The Second Hand Rose Rummage Sale will be from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 10. Included for sale will be furniture, toys, clothes, electronics, household goods and more. The sale will be held in the new warehouse located at 3737 Brinkman, across the street from the church.

Call 713-692-9123 or visit www.stroselima.org for information.

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the charity of one’s choice.

Grace United Methodist Church

Center. The church is located at 4040 Watonga.

Jeannette Clift George is founder and artistic director of the A.D. Players.

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.

1822 W. 18th

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 • 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 Pastor – Dr. Richard Walters

FOOD, DRINK & ART Saturday, April 26, 2014 • Page 7A

Thirsty Explorer Heights General Store now has live local music on Mondays, in addition to pizza and a bottle of wine for $25. Be sure to check it out. Heights General Store is located at 350 W. 19th Street. For more information, visit www.heightsgeneralstore.com.

Thirsty

Saint Arnold Vs. Karbach Explorer Crawfish Cook Off The Houston Young Professionals Chamber of Commerce presents the Saint Arnold vs. Karbach Crawfish Cook Off from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. It will be a crawfish and brew throw down of epic proportions at The West End - A Public House at 5320 Westheimer.

Come support your favorite Houston brewery. Admission is $12 and includes one lb. of

Live local music on Mondays at Heights General Store crawfish and two beers: 10 oz. from both Saint Arnold and Karbach. Additional crawfish are $7 per lb. all day long. For more information, visit http:// www.houstonyoungprofessionals.com/.

The Corkscrew’s Spring Singles Mixer If you’re single… mingle!

The Corkscrew will hold a Spring Singles Mixer on Saturday, May 3. Dance the night away from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and admission is free! There will be a live music from DJ Gary, who has been supplying sounds for The Corkscrew for ages. It is said that “The Corkscrew has been Houston’s home for immediate love for almost nine years now. There have been many marriages, long term relationships and countless hook ups resulting from events at The Corkscrew.” The motivation for the event is to meet

someone before Cinco de Mayo. For more information about The Corkscrew, located at 1308 W. 20th St., visit www. houstoncorkscrew.com.

Stereo Live to host Third Houston Food Truck Fest Stereo Live will host the 3rd Houston Food Truck Fest on Saturday, May 3 bringing together 21 of Houston’s finest “Meals On Wheels”. Live music, karaoke, DJ’s, kid’s activities and mobile clothes boutiques will ensure an afternoon packed with plenty to do, see, eat and drink.

Participating gourmet Food trucks will include Chi’lantro BBQ (featured on “The Food Network” and “The Cooking Channel”), Ladybird Food Truck (Houston CultureMap’s “Best Grilled Cheese”), The Waffle Bus (featured on “The Food Network”, “Eat St.” and one of the Official SXSW

2013 Food Trucks), Oh MY Gogi! (listed as one of The Daily Meal’s Best Food Trucks in America) and seventeen more.

This event offers couples, groups, families and those flying solo the opportunity to explore this exciting culinary world in one place on Saturday, May 3 from noon to 5 p.m. at Stereo Live, 6400 Richmond Ave. Tickets start at $12 and are available at www.houstonfoodtruckfest.com. The event is open to all ages with those 12 and under admitted for free. Alcohol will be available to those 21 and up with proper ID. For more information, call (832) 251-9600.

Follow Ivee Sauls on Twitter @ThirstyExplorer.

To submit an event, email ivee@theleadernews.com.

Horticulture and Design Show 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

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Leader Nibbles Biskit Junkie to open on T.C. Jester May 15

By Amber Ambrose

amber@amberambrose.com

The homey cafe taking over the space at 2925 TC Jester finally has a name: Biskit Junkie. The owners of Jus’ Mac - with locations in the Heights, Montrose and Sugar Land - have already mastered one comfort food and are apparently moving onto another in their newest venture.

Representatives for Bizkit Junkie told The Leader they are aiming for a May 15 opening date “barring any hold-ups from the city.” Two types of biscuits will grace the menu with a traditional Southern-style and the second one they’re calling a “pancuit” which is - you guessed it - a pancake/biscuit hybrid infused with maple syrup.

From there, there will be a build-your-own biscuit option with various fillings, as well as

10-15 of their own signature creations with ingredients ranging from braised short ribs to fried chicken with iceberg lettuce and blue cheese. There will also be a secondary focus on waffles, but they’ll definitely take a backseat to the fluffy headliner the restaurant is named after.

Red Dessert Dive coming to the Heights

The Heights Life blog got a small taste of what’s to come when Red Dessert Dive opens its doors at 1045 Studewood sometime in May (if all goes as planned). The less-than-1000square-foot space will serve coffee from Boomtown, local beer, wine and of course, desserts. Owner/pastry chef/architect Jessica Lusk told The Heights Life patrons can expect a “funky, fun, eclectic bakery” with all manner

of sweet treats and a well-appointed interior.

Lillo & Ella details emerging

While The Leader was first to announce the name and estimated opening date of chef Kevin Naderi’s Lillo & Ella (2307 Ella Blvd.), the Chronicle has all the delicious details of its cuisine. Expect a “casual Asian” menu with a nod to street foods, “shareable plates” and Asian-style skewers. The chef, who also owns and runs Roost in Montrose, has brought on bar manager Aaron Lara and general manager Chris Fleischman on for the ride.

Warehouse Bar & Chill scheduled to open this week

The beer-heavy bar and grill at

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3333 W. 11th St. is set to open this week, if all goes according to plan. Eater Houston says the final touches are going in before the crowds come out for the gourmet burgers, beer on tap and the airy patio.

Heights restaurants up for Culturemap Tastemaker Awards

Among the most exciting of all the Culturemap Tastemaker Awards is the Best New Restaurant bracket. Representing The Leader’s coverage area are Heights General Store, Good Dog, Coltivare and Bradley’s Fine Diner.

Out of 16 total nominees, it’s of note that a full 25-percent hail from one of Houston’s hottest new dining neighborhoods: the Heights. Best of luck to all the local restaurants.

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Page 8A • Saturday, April 26, 2014

Art a la Carte: Name dropping in the Hill Country Sunday I ventured out to I’ve visited this part of Texas the hill country for some artis- and I was pleasantly surprised tic inspiration. At almost every by how much it has grown and turn, I ran into felat the same time stayed the same. low Houston artists and fellow residents There is the unclutof the Heights. tered countryside, full of bluebonnets, My tour guide was Heights artist and Indian paintKiki Neumann, who brush. There were hundreds of people recently landed the prestigious oppormilling about in fields and crushtunity of displaying her Texas themed ing those flowers to snap the perfect greeting cards in Mitch Cohen Easter photo. It the Buc-ee’s stores. Arts Columnist Naturally our first was still nice to see people enjoying the stop then was in Waller at the Buc-ee’s Flag- wonderful weather.

There is art out there, Round ship so I could see for myself Kiki’s card rack in one of the Top has galleries - as do many biggest, cleanest rest stops in of the other small towns we passed through. I’ll be heading the country.

Screams ensued when back soon and I’ll let you know friends and fellow artists Tracy what I find there. Only the reManford Carlson and husband cently opened Round Top VinDaniel Carlson spotted Kiki by tage Market was open Sunday, her card rack. What are the on Highway 237 as you’re enchances of running into the tering Round Top. And yes, it artist while seeking her cards is owned by a Heights couple! out? In another town? Okay Heading back to Housso we took advantage of that ton we run into yet another Heights artist, Yu Cha Pak photo moment.

It’s been a long time since (www.yuchapak.com) prob-

ably on a similar mission.

Our final stop was an impromptu visit to Independence Art Studios in the Independence Heights where we surprised fine art photographer Jan Johnson, a mutual friend, and met Boston Davis Bostian, a rhythm poet. Johnson and Bostian have collaborated on Define TraNsition, a collection of black and white portraiture poetography of every day trans-beautiful individuals.

Johnson, seeks to have the viewer “see things differently,” and Bostian, a rhythm poet, is relentlessly bent on transition.

They have a website for the project: inmediarespress.com So there I was, hell bent on getting away from it all for inspiration, and the Heights came with me. Now that is inspiring!

Saturday Re-Market returns, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 4302 Harrisburg The market features approximately ten very affordable vendors who use recycled and reused materials and other sustainable practices in their

THE CALENDAR. 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.

ROCKIN’ IN THE HEIGHTS SPRING FESTIVAL Hamilton Middle School The spring festival will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26, at Hamilton Middle School, 139 E. 20th St. Attractions include quad jump, wizzer, velcro slam, pie throw, dunk tank, face painting, moonwalk and more. There will also be food and live entertainment featuring jazz bands, drum corps, theater performances and Rock-it DJ.

craft. Visitors are encouraged to bring their recycling, swap items too. Of course you’ll find a food truck or two and live music to entertain. Get all the details online, www.houstonremarket.com.

A Texas MOSAIC, New work by Texas Mosaic Artists, 6-9 p.m. 18 Hands Gallery 249 W 19th St. This event celebrates the fact that Houston is host to the American Mosaic Summit with over 500 international artists in town. MOSAICO-Houston (Society of Houston Mosaic Artists) members are the Host Committee for the 13th annual conference of the Society of American Mosaic Artists.

Audrey Omenson Open Studio Sojourn Studio Residency, 6-9 p.m. 608 Aurora St. At the Sojourn Community Church. This is the first time this studio has opened to the public. Preview the work being made by Audrey Omenson halfway through her residency.

IN MEMORIAM

Bob Hornick

June 9, 1921 to April 14, 2014

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.

B

SALVATION ARMY SPRING SALE William Booth Garden Apts.

The Salvation Army will hold their annual Spring Sale at the William Booth Apartments, 808 Frawley St., from 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

May 2. Food and refreshments will also be available. Proceeds go to the residents and for support of the Resident Association.

Information: 713-692-4186.

LEGIONAIRES BARBECUE American Legion Post 560 Come support the legionaires and have good eats. Barbecue will be served from noon until sold out May 3. American Legion Post 560 is located at 3720 Alba Road.

Information: 713-682-9287.

ob Hornick was born June 9, 1921, in Fort Worth and died April 14, 2014 in Houston, at the age of 92. He graduated from Keller High School in 1938 and TCU in 1952 with his B.S. in Commerce.

He served as navigator/bombardier in the Army Air Corps for nearly three years during WWII, then worked for Shell Oil Company in the data processing department for 29 years, retiring in 1982. He was active in St. Stephen’s Methodist Church where he served many years as treasurer, was a member of Methodist Men, and was active in visiting shut-ins. He was also in Toastmasters and enjoyed doing work as a volunteer at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital for 20 years. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, playing 42, and being with family. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Ruth. Other survivors are daughter Gloria and husband Darral Walker of Katy, son Paul Hornick and wife Peggy Harvey, and son Donald Hornick, all of Houston; sister Marie Bockman of Fort Worth, brothers Ed Hornick and wife Darla of Glen Rose, Jim Hornick and Barbara of Ranger; grandchildren Delaine and Marcus Evans of Katy, Vickie Walker of Austin, Grant and Danielle Walker of Austin, Rachel Hornick of Houston, great grandchildren Macey and Marley Evans of Katy, Alex and Austin Pain of Austin, and Jackson and Ainsley Walker of Austin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks go to Rose Kellow and Winnie Hedge of Cameo Caregivers and to Houston Hospice. Pallbearers were Marcus Evans, Paul Hornick, Bob Pirtle, Darral Walker, Grant Walker, and Findley West. Memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Methodist Church, 2003 West 43rd Street, Houston.

622 E. 19th

Any Condition

FAST CASH SALE

IN MEMORIAM

Mary Lois Barnes Barden January 31, 1915 to April 9, 2014

M

ary Lois Barnes Barden was born in Hondo Texas on January 31, 1915 and in her 100th year began her heavenly eternal life on April 9, 2014. She is predeceased by her husband, John Earle Barden, her parents Theodore and Anna Pluck Barnes, and her granddaughter, Brenda Carol Scruggs.

A beautiful and scholarly young woman, graduating as valedictorian from Hondo High School, she attended the University of Texas where she was a Bluebonnet Belle, and met John Earle. They were married on May 11, 1935 and began their 51 years together in the Aldine community, later moving into Garden Oaks in Houston. Returning to school, she earned both a B.S. and M.A. from the University of Houston.

Mary Lois’ passion for teaching and devotion to her students was evident during her twenty plus years of teaching English in Houston at Reagan High School, moving to Waltrip High School when it opened and where she remained the rest of her career. A voracious reader, she was a student of literature and writer of poetry well into her nineties.

Her retirement years were filled with travel throughout the U.S. and the world, first with John Earle and after his death with her sister and friends. She was also an avid Elderhosteler.

The scrapbooks of her travels are legendary within the family.

Mary Lois and her family were faithful and active members of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church from its founding years. Always the teacher, she taught the Older Youth Sunday School Class and MYF group for over three decades. And with her lovely alto voice she sang in the church choir. She loved her church family and most of her closest friends came from that fellowship.

Above all, Mary Lois loved her family. At family gatherings, her happiest moments were being surrounded by her “descendants” - children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She thrived on hearing about each and every one and was proud of their lives and the paths they had taken.

Mary Lois is survived by her sister, Evelyn Howard of Ft. Worth Texas; her son Jim and wife Bebe Barden of Hondo Texas; her daughters Sue, and husband Joe Dean Phipps of Houston; and Marianne and husband Ed Scruggs of Utopia Texas.

She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Gentry, Jack, Lee and Lisa Barden; Joel and Maryanna Phipps and Emily Phipps Harwell; and Edward and Richard Scruggs. She also leaves thirteen great-grandchildren (with a fourteenth expected in May) and a first great-great-grandchild (due to arrive in July).

Mary Lois lived a full and rich life with no expressed regrets. She will be missed.

A private family burial service will occur at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. A Memorial Service is planned for May 10 at 2:00 PM at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston. Memorials may be sent to the Barden Scholarship Fund c/o St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church.

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