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Saturday, May 14, 2016 • Vol. 62 • No. 20

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Antoine reconstruction project still has some on edge

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Roxanne Werner has only lived at the corner of Cheshire Street and Antoine Drive for the past year or so, but she’s already worried she might have to move if the southern segment of the Antoine Area Reconstruction Project goes through. Outside of her home, she sits with her 2-year-old son, watching traffic fly by in front of her home and nearby Scarborough High School, with a worried look on her face. She’s even more concerned that she only heard about city officials’ efforts to collect public input at the last minute. “I was shocked and very, very upset,” Werner said. “My knee-jerk reaction was if they widen the street I’m going to have to move. I can’t imagine the road being six lanes.” City officials can imagine it that way. The reconstruction project focuses on two seg-

Photo by Jonathan Garris Roxanne Werner sits on her porch with her son as traffic passes by on Antoine Drive. Werner and others have expressed worries and doubts about a proposed reconstruction project that would widen the Antoine corridor all the way to US 290.

ments – a North Segment and South Segment. The former is a 1.3 mile stretch of Antoine from Victory Drive to Bridge Forest Drive that is already

in the design stages, while the latter is a 3 mile segment stretching from US 290 to VicSee Antoine P. 2A

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Candlelight Oaks student shares her passion for fashion By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Scout Pride Get your wallets ready - the third annual bake sale benefiting Girl Scout Troop 21 (the only all-adult special needs troop in the country) is just around the corner. Learn how your bake sale purchases right here in Garden Oaks provide help for these talented scouts.

Photo by Jonathan Garris Students at Durham Elementary School helped paint their school with the help of parents and other community members last Saturday, which is part of an effort by officials to repaint much of the school with murals and enlightening quotes around the campus.

Durham Elementary begins repainting campus with help from students By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

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Durham Elementary School students grabbed paint brushes and rollers last weekend as nearly 80 volunteers helped repaint the school with a white, blank slate. The blank slate isn’t necessarily a new beginning of sorts for the school. Assistant Principal Nicole Planck said she and principal Amy Poerschke traveled to North Carolina to tour dual language schools and gain insight into other school’s programs and campus designs. The school only recently became a dual language school, but Planck said their Leader-area school had staff and instruction just as good as the others but was still missing something. “They had these bright buildings with murals and quotes in both languages,” Planck said. “We came back to our building and saw that was our big, missing element.” The effort to repaint Durham began last fall when the school’s Dad’s Club repainted the front of the main building Photo by Jonathan Garris white. The previously plain, brick exterior now not only had the name of the school for the first time but also stood as a Nearly 80 volunteers took part in the event. perfect blank slate to build from. and estimate how much paint we would need.” “When we saw that white color and how the interior hall The school purchased paint from Sherwin Williams with a was white, we knew that was the direction we wanted to “substantial discount” and with help from private donations, go,” Planck said. “Around Spring Break, we had the local See Durham P. 8A Sherwin Williams come out and walk the building with us

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Who says today’s kids don’t have goals? For Candlelight Oaks resident and Carnegie Vanguard High School junior Emily Pennington, that goal is to be a fashion designer. And while New York’s Parsons School of Design is where Pennington has her sights set on for college, she’s already staging shows to build her portfolio right here in Houston. Pennington says she “has no idea” how she decided on fashion as a career, but there have been indications along the way. “I hand stitched a dress with yarn for a first grade project,” said Pennington, whose mom Angela taught her how to use a sewing machine in sixth See Fashion P. 8A

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Health Resources and Services Administration NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT For LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES, INC. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Council on Environmental Quality regulations for implementing NEPA (44 CFR Parts 1500 through 1508) and the HHS General Administration Manual Part 30 Environmental Protection (February 25, 2000), HRSA has determined that the new medical facility proposed by LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES, INC. will have no significant adverse impact on the quality of the human environment. As a result of this FONSI, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides discretionary grant and cooperative agreement awards to support health centers expand their capacity to provide primary and preventive health care services to medically underserved populations nationwide. LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES, INC. in Houston, Texas has applied for a grant under the Affordable Care Act – Capital Development (ACA-CD). The applicant proposes to use ACA-CD funds to construct a new, 16,800 square foot health facility. The applicant has submitted an Environmental Assessment (EA) that documents impacts of the proposed action. This EA is incorporated by reference into this FONSI. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Assessment for this project, which is on file at the following address for public examination upon request between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Legacy Community Health Services 1415 California, 4th Floor Houston, Texas, 77066 Attn: Jerry Callaway Phone: (832) 548-5040 Email: jcallaway@legacycommunityhealth.org No further environmental review of this project is proposed prior to final approval from HRSA. Public Comments Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on these projects may submit written comments to LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES, INC., Attn: Jerry Callaway at the above referenced address. HRSA will consider all comments received within 15 days of this “Notice” prior to final approval from HRSA.

Contributed Photo A few residents from Village of the Heights took to the skies this past weekend with the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation. Karen Smith and Jeannette Hanohano were two brave leading ladies who took flight, with Ralph Ritter and family in attendance. The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation is a nonprofit organization established and dedicated to honoring seniors and United States military veterans.

Antoine from P. 1A yet received Capital Improvement Project funding. According to officials, the north segment will consist of 1.3 miles of four-lane reconstructed roadway with a 10 foot shared pedestrian and bike path on both sides and is scheduled to start its design process in 2017 with a tentative construction start in 2020. The southern segment, which has some living in the Oak Forest area on edge, would consist of four lanes to the north between Tidwell and Victory and six lanes to the south between US 290 and Tidwell. It would feature a 10 foot shared pedestrian and bike path on both sides of the road, similar to the northern segment. Werner and others aren’t convinced the move will benefit the neighborhood and might actually have an adverse effect on the area. “Six lanes seems like it would just be too much,” Werner said. “I can’t think of a normal residential street with six lanes of traffic. We want it to be walkable and make it safer for cyclists but, for me, all of the positive things they could do are almost completely overridden by the six lanes.” Clare Lagroue, who has lived at her home for about 10 years, also fears what it could do to the average speed down Antoine. “With all of these people whizzing by, who is going to want to jog next to lanes with everyone going over 50 miles per hour,” Lagroue said. Lagroue and Werner also say that not enough was done by officials to reach out to residents. Both said they spoke with numerous residents who said they didn’t receive letters or notifications regarding a public meeting held at the White Oak Conference Center back in October last year, and many were “shocked” at hearing the news. “They want to disrupt our neighborhood and I think it’s unfair when nobody was really invited,” Lagroue said. “No one really knew.” “A lot of people didn’t hear about the meeting until it was too late,” Werner said. “We never got anything physical in the mail or any real notification about the meeting [in October.]” Silver lining Wayne Norden, president of the Near Northwest Management District, said his organization had previously been heavily involved with the Northwest Mobility Study completed in the area. Norden’s outlook on the project is a positive one and said that people have reacted favorably to the changes proposed for the Northern Segment. “The project will be tremendous for mobility features and for area pedestrians and bicyclists,” Norden said. “Intersections will also be widened a bit more for more efficient turn radiuses and that will likely continue down Antoine to 290.” Having wider sidelwaks along both sides of

Antoine will enable people to take advantage of safer travel and makes for a friendlier environment for area businesses, Norden said. Aside from accessibility, the city says its goals are also to “improve storm, water and sewer systems,” and better accommodate growth. Norden also believes that traffic can actually be slowed as, enriching the north-south corridor also means lightening the load on people traveling eastwest from Antoine. “We’re very excited about getting it moving,” Norden said about the project overall. “When people are more efficiently moving from north to south, everyone gains similar benefits.” Others haven’t seen it that way, but city officials maintain they are hearing their voices. Among the top concerns expressed in the recently released public comments, residents indicated that “expansion to six lanes could increase traffic volume, congestion, speeding, accidents, littering, noise, and 18-wheeler truck traffic” and also indicated deteriorated pavement condition along the corridor. Public Works & Engineering officials, in the organization’s summary, responded by saying that today’s traffic volume along Antoine supports a six-lane configuration, according to the city’s “pre-engineering study, the Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan and the City Mobility Planning Northwest Sub-regional Study conducted in collaboration with the Near Northwest Management District.” “During the design phase, the City will evaluate access management and turning movements at intersections to minimize traffic concerns along the corridor,” the statement reads. Signage and pavement markings for school crossings, bridge repair and issues related to Right of Way acquisition will be considered by PWE during the design phase and a public meeting would be held prior to construction should the project move forward, according to officials. Officials say the Infrastructure Design Manual, which defines the guideline for infrastructure projects in the city, has design standards that differ from when the Antoine corridor was first built and address many residents’ concerns related to “drainage, traffic and pedestrian accessibility.” An email and phone call to PWE officials regarding a potential timetable for the project to receive (or be denied) CIP funding, or the potential impact in the area should only one segment be completed, was not returned before press time. For now, Lagroue, Werner and others say they will do their best to stay on top of potential construction along the Southern Segment and hope the area won’t change for the worse. “It’s been shown that people don’t drive at the speed limit the road is built for, so I feel like if we make it a highway, people will want to drive down it like it is one,” Werner said.

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Garden Oaks residents host bake sale for special needs Girl Scout Troop By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com A few Garden Oaks residents are inviting the community out to the third annual bake sale for Girl Scout Troop 21 – the only special needs troop in the country comprised entirely of adults. The sale takes place from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at 859 Azalea St. Tina Sabuco, one of the leaders of the scout troop and an organizer for the event said the sale is the only fundraiser the group has for the year and funds raised from the bake sale go towards numerous activities and outings for its 25 or so scouts as well as funding new patches. “Typical girl scout troops get certain patches in order to progress in their troop,” Sabuco said. “We have patches for our scouts too but they are focused more on the ‘fun’ aspect of what we’re doing. For instance, last year everyone got a bake sale patch and we also did a gardening trip with each scout getting a patch for that as well.” The costs also help cover healthy snacks at monthly meetings for the group as well as art projects and field trips. “It’s nice because we do

Saturday, May 14, 2016 • Page 3A

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Contributed photo Girl Scout Troop 21, the only all-adult special needs troop in the country, will host a bake sale this Sunday, May 22. Proceeds fund their activities and outings as well as patches.

things like talk to them about why we have things like carrots instead of sweets,” Sabuco said. “We take all the opportunities we can to have teaching moments and explain why we’re doing what we’re doing.” The reception from the Garden Oaks community has been enormously positive, Sabuco said. One moment in particular she recalls is when the local “Santa Patrick” visited the Troop near Christmas,

only to return during the bake sale and essentially returned the funds he was paid before by purchasing baked goods. Other moments included a special group of very young girl scouts helping out and doing makeup and hairstyles for the older Troop 21 scouts. At Sunday’s event, Troop 122017, “a group of 6-and-7year-old Daisies who attend St. Rose of Lima and Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet,” will also be providing some

goodies and selling lemonade, donating 100 percent of their proceeds to the Troop. The troop will be accepting baked goods to sell and are also inviting out residents to bring their dogs as there will be homemade dog treats as well. “The reception continues to be fabulous,” Sabuco said. “We love seeing people meet the scouts and Garden Oaks is always so wonderful with its outpouring of love.”

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The Topics. Saturday, May 14, 2016 • Page 4A

$1.2 Trillion in student debt makes for a sick student body

Forget Antoine - building trust alone seems like a city project Trust can be a fickle thing when you’re dealing with the politics of neighborhoods and city officials. I feel that trust between Houston officials and the people living right here in our own area isn’t exactly at a high level (not shocking), and I can point to the Antoine Reconstruction Project story as a good indicator of that. It’s a shame because, in a time when the city is facing so many enormous challenges, officials should be putting themselves in better positions to communicate the how’s and why’s of the project and its potential benefits to the area. Instead, I spoke with various individuals living in and around the project’s Southern Segment who are still angry and disappointed in the city and its method of reaching out to affected residents. Trust is important here. We should be able to trust the city will do reasonable due diligence when it comes to sending letters and notifications to our neighbors when such a big project could be headed our way. We should be able to trust that, even though the particular segment in question is currently unfunded, voices will be heard and the concerns of the public will be addressed thoroughly and thoughtfully. Residents should be able to trust that their officials, elected or otherwise, will keep these concerns in mind and adjust projects when possible and when necessary. It reminds me of a certain controversy we covered extensively last year – the sale of the former Pinemont Park & Ride site was something that was on the minds of many of our readers and it wasn’t too surprising to see the level of outrage that followed the announcement that the Houston Housing Authority was going to purchase the lot and turn it into housing. Whether or not you support HHA’s mission and the idea of building housing complexes in areas with access to better schools and other facilities, many had the same knee-jerk reaction, with residents questioning their trust in organizations like METRO and HHA. To make matters worse, certain representatives within METRO asserted that they couldn’t quite understand the public’s outcry for transparency, saying they had done due diligence by simply updating meeting recaps online and posting notices to their own website. Thankfully, officials within METRO heard these concerns and reacted with what they felt were the best interests of the surrounding communities. More meetings were hosted by neighborhood organizations and some of these were attended by city

Jonathan Garris Editor

officials and ultimately METRO decided to pursue a sale with the county instead. While I would imagine residents living in communities like Forest West aren’t entirely, 100 percent trusting of everything METRO and the county has said until this point, I would wager that a good portion are at least at ease with or potentially more trusting of METRO and its handling of the situation. Of course, there’s the point that much of the issue could have been avoided had METRO and HHA reached out to neighborhood organizations in a more thorough fashion – and fortunately The Leader was here to cover the controversy from start to finish – but there’s something to be said about being able to effectively place trust in the hands of officials with the idea that things might actually turn out for the better. Those living along Antoine in our area don’t exactly have such warm feelings about this reconstruction project just yet. Bearing in mind that the project still hasn’t received funding, city officials still have a long way to go when it comes to getting residents to trust they have their best interests in mind when moving forward with a project that has so many ready to voice their displeasure and their concerns. If the city is expecting to make in-roads with the public’s confidence, then there needs to be a better response than the one that was repeated by five residents I spoke to living along different parts of Antoine: “Oh you didn’t hear about the meeting? You didn’t get a letter?” We as journalists have a duty to continue covering these major projects for the public good, but it is also the city’s duty to let homeowners know what might be in store for them in the coming years. Building this trust at a time when so many are unsure or unlikely to put their faith in city services (losing the glass recycling program did no favors) is going to take an enormous amount of work and patience with plenty of boots on the ground. Given Houston’s current and future financial woes, I think it will be interesting to see how the city makes building trust an objective right alongside building roads.

The reader. Personal rights aren’t always greater than decency

Dear Editor: Thank you to Jonathan McElvy for a thoughtfully written article on the “bathroom rights” issue. I disagree with one key point regarding what he calls situational rights. A woman’s right to use a public restroom is not impacted by the mere presence of a transgender person. Just as the white man sitting next to Rosa Parks was still able to ride that bus while sitting next to her, a woman is still able to do her business in her private stall and wash her hands next to a transgender person. Personally, I would feel much more comfortable standing next to a transgender person exercising her right to be in the ladies room than I would feel standing next to anyone exercising his right to open carry in Kroger. Regarding the issue that Mr. McElvy briefly addresses about the potential for sexual exploitation: I’d like to remind readers that bad things can happen anytime, anywhere, without warning. Laws don’t change that. Isn’t that the basis of the argument for open carry? But when I’m buying groceries, I don’t waste my time worrying that I’ll be shot, any more than I worry about being assaulted by a man dressed in women’s clothing or getting struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. As Mr. McElvy alluded to in his article, there are bigger and more urgent issues facing women, like equal pay and access to healthcare. Instead of this misguided attempt at chivalry by the men who seem intent on enacting these absurd laws, perhaps our collective energy would be better spent championing impactful laws that would actually affect a positive change for women. Wendy Hall Tull Dear Editor: I read your bathroom piece in The Leader, and it made me sad. I can only assume you have a profound misunderstanding of what it means to be transgender. I challenge you to go to the Houston Municipal Courts and sit in on Judge Phyllis Frye’s courtroom. Judge Frye was born a man but knew even as a preschooler that she was meant to be a woman. Nevertheless, she became an Eagle Scout, graduated from A&M in the Corps, and was commissioned in the Army, all as a male. She eventually came to terms with

her true self, and is the first openly transgendered judge in the country. She might even be willing to let you interview her; she has spoken publicly about her life. But after meeting or even just observing her, I question whether you think it is best that she use the men’s room just because she was born male. Transgendered people have a hard enough time in this life, without people who don’t understand their situation hounding them from bathrooms. Betty Owens Geary

Great Job Cadets! I wish every HISD students understood the importance of the Army JROTC Program. These students are stars, self motivated, intelligent and dedicated. Patricia Naputi Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

School is almost over for high school seniors, and they are already making plans for college next fall: backpack, shorts, cinder blocks and boards for a bookcase -- no dorm room is complete without them – the latest in gizmos, laptops and whatever else Apple just trotted out that they simply can’t do without. For you boys, check out Dad’s closet where you will find absolutely nothing worth taking except maybe some ties for a frat 80s party. Girls, don’t forget birth control pills. By August the parents will be fretting over the kid’s departure, and the almost-empty nesters are wondering how they are going to pay for the tuition. You see, college costs in Texas are rising faster than Johnny Manziel’s rap sheet. How fast? A recent Houston Chronicle story reports that in 2003, on average, Texas college students (or their parents) paid $3,361 in tuition and fees, but in 2015 they paid $8,256, an increase of 147 percent. During that time, the median household income statewide rose by just 32 percent. Three factors account for this monumental boost. One, the Legislature keeps reducing the state’s percentage of funding. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, state funding for public universities declined by 27 percent from 2003 to 2015 when adjusting for inflation. Two, the Legislators allowed each school to set its own tuition rates. Guess what happened? Three, overhead. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick claims that administrative costs at universities have risen 149 percent since 2003, while classroom costs have increased just 65 percent. Of course, Patrick also says transgenders will break into public restrooms and rape little girls, so we must take his claims with a grain of pixie dust. There are a few more costs to consider. The DREAM Act allows illegal immigrants to stay and Texas allows them to pay in-state tuition, which is far lower that the out-of-state costs. Then there are the illegal Americans. A young lady whom I met, was visiting her father who lived in my neighborhood. Her parents divorced years ago and she lived with her mother in Indiana. But

Lynn Ashby Columnist

she enrolled at UT using her Texas’ father’s address. Bingo! Instead of paying $33,842, her tuition dropped to $9,798. Maybe the school is more suspicious now. Next we have the Legislature’s Hazlewood Act, which covers college costs for Texas veterans and their children. The act, which was expanded in 2009, cost Texas public universities $169 million in tuition revenue in 2014. Come down from, say, Pennsylvania and join the Army in Dallas. When you get out, you and your children go to A&M for free. What a deal. On the other hand, each year roughly 19,000 high school graduates leave Texas for colleges in other states, where they likely pay much higher tuition bills as outof-state students. We could use those funds right here in Texas. This brings us to student debt. Fifty-nine percent of the graduates of a Texas public university with a bachelor’s degree have a debt, which averages $26,260, ranking him or her 27th among grads from the 50 states. Nationally, the student debt stands at $1.2 trillion, which is more than Americans owe on their credit cards, and is growing by an estimated $2,726.27 every second. Some economists fear this is influencing our overall national economy. But there are solutions. Let’s look at the current situation. If your kid can run, dribble or tackle, there are athletic scholarships. UT has an annual athletic department budget of $167-million, largest of any school in the nation. Get your share. Schools love to talk about their diversity. Indeed, UT-Austin could be called The Diversity of Texas, but 90 percent of that student body comes from Texas, which apparently includes kids from Indiana with at least one Texan parent and any veteran from Pennsylvania who was inducted in Dallas. The entire under-

graduate body is split among 226 of the state’s 254 counties and 41 states. Asians make up 3 percent of the population of Texas but account for 17.2 percent of the Longhorn student body. (No, they shouldn’t go to Rice. Hahaha.) UT would love to increase these diversifying figures by checking off a few boxes. Sign up your child as a graduate of Bismarck, North Dakota, High School living in Loving County, Texas, (population 102, no UT students) and of Croatian-Eskimo ethnicity. No doubt she’ll get a scholarship, maybe two or three. We now know former UT President William Powers overrode the admissions office and ordered some unqualified applicants be enrolled because their parents were important, rich donors or powerful lawmakers. Give a new dorm or biology lab, or better yet, sponsor a blue chip halfback, and your kid is in. Or, if Bernie Sanders gets elected president, a free college education and thus no student debt. But maybe your offspring has run up a debt and you don’t want to pay it. Unlike most other IOUs, bankruptcy does not shield the deadbeat from paying off a student loan. There are rare occasions when the feds will just get tired of the legal fights. Bankruptcy judges can determine whether there is a degree of “hopelessness.” However, I have been declare “hopeless” many times and still had to pay my bills. One question: why are our universities’ tuition so high? The schools don’t pay taxes, they don’t buy raw products like steel or vegetables to churn out cars, soup or diesel fuel. Most of their buildings are gifts from rich alumni who like to see their name on the front entrance. Classes at our state schools are often taught by grad students, so the tenured profs can work on their research, which is underwritten by either government or corporate grants. Here’s one possibility: The UT System will pay about $450 million for 332 acres of choice land near the Texas Medical Center. Why? I think Texas’ higher education needs a good CPA to check the finances – and count the cinder blocks. Ashby educates at ashby2@ comcast.net

the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section

HISD unveils new proposed name for Reagan High School

SUDOKU

Dear Editor: The name change was made against the known whishes of the community, alumni and students. The committee was named by HISD who wanted the name changed. This is the price we pay for not paying attention to who we elect to the school board. “Save the Name” group is trying to get into the court house where we believe we can demonstrate the flauded rational of the name change. Howard Moon

ESL students, refugees learn hands on at Heights restaurant

Dear Editor: This is so relevant in Teacher Appreciation Week. It just shows how teachers with an open mind and far reaching outlook can serve and stretch ALL students. Community members willing to open their businesses to these students are also such a positive influence. Instead of building barriers, productive community relations are being nurtured. Caroline Miner Dear Editor: Thank you for shining a light on the positive impact we can have when we all work together. These students bring a new perspective to our classrooms. We are fortunate to have them and I am grateful to partners like The Durham House, PledgeCents and The Leader. Our community is so strong when we are all working toward the goal of productive community members and relationships. Carol Salva

Area JROTC programs celebrate milestones, success in community Dear Editor:

aCrOss 1. Soybean paste 5. Unit of time 8. Watering holes 12. Joint 14. Certified public accountant 15 __ Mater, oneÕs school 16. Resells tickets 18. Batter’s objective 19. Past participle of lie 20. State of Islands 21. Fed 22. Cause cell destruction 23. Daily Show host 26. Diagrammed 30. Cat sounds 31. Most sorry 32. Do wrong 33. Coral reef and lagoon island 34. That (Middle English) 39. Electrically charged atom 42. Nassau is the capital 44. Frogs, toads, tree toads 46. Marjoram 47. Where the Donald lives in NYC 49. Whale ship captain 50. A way to emit sound

51. Comparable 56. Isodor __, American Nobel physicist 57. Businesswoman 58. A way to split up 59. Solo Operatic piece 60. No (Scottish) 61. In a way, tears 62. Bridge breadth 63. Single Lens Reflex 64. Thou __ protest too much 63. Single Lens Reflex 64. Thou __ protest too much

dOwn 1. Korean War TV show 2. South American Indian 3. Cape at tip of Denmark 4. A podrida cooking pot 5. Russian sourgrass soup 6. Perfect example 7. Supplier 8. Unhealthy looking 9. Spanish beaches 10. Am. follower of the Mennonite Bishop Amman 11. Well-balanced

13. Outer surface cells 17. Fathers 24. Sun up in New York 25. Dweller above the Mason-Dixon 26. Young women’s association 27. Tell on 28. Bustle 29. Poundal 35. An ugly, old woman 36. Doctors’ group 37. __ Ling, Chinese mountain range 38. Volcanic mountain in Japan 40. Leaves parentless 41. Existing in or produced by nature 42. Inclination 43. Extents 44. Peninsula between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf 45. Language of Nile 47. Twyla __, US dancer 48. Card game 49. River in E. Turkey to the Caspian Sea 52. Scored 100% 53. Tonight’s former host 54. __ and ends 55. Notable exploit

WORD SCRAMBLE

Saturday, May 14, 2016 • Page 5A

Let us know your favorites 2016

Fill out the form below indicating your favorite businesses per category. Mail them to P.O. Box 924487 Houston, Texas 77292 or drop them off at 3500 A East T.C. Jester or use our online form found at www.theleadernews.com. But don’t delay, votes must be received by Friday, June 17 by 5pm. Winners will be announced in our June 28 issue.

Animals & Pet Services Best Animal Hospital ___________________________________________ Best Veterinarian______________________________________________ Best Pet Emergency____________________________________________ Best Day Care/Boarding _ _______________________________________ Best Pet Sitter Service___________________________________________ Best Pet Store _________________________________________________ Best Grooming________________________________________________ Best Pet Waste Removal _ _______________________________________

Automotive Services/Products Best Auto Repair_______________________________________________ Best Car Wash/Detailing_________________________________________ Best Auto Dealer_______________________________________________ Best Oil Change _______________________________________________ Best Taxi/Limo ________________________________________________

Beauty Best Hair Salon________________________________________________ Best Stylist____________________________________________________ Best Day Spa__________________________________________________ Best Tanning Salon_____________________________________________ Best Manicure/Pedicure_________________________________________ Best Esthetician _______________________________________________

Drinking Establishments Best Smoothies _ ______________________________________________ Best Frozen Treat ______________________________________________ Best Brewery__________________________________________________ Best Bar______________________________________________________ Best Coffee Shop_ _____________________________________________ Best Happy Hour_ _____________________________________________ Best Wine Bar_ ________________________________________________ Best Sports Bar________________________________________________ Best Cocktail Bar_______________________________________________ Best Dive Bar__________________________________________________

Education Best Nursery/Day Care__________________________________________ Best Learning Center_ __________________________________________ Best Private/Parochial School_ ___________________________________ Best Public School_ ____________________________________________ Best Community College________________________________________ Best After School Program_______________________________________ Best Tutor_ ___________________________________________________

Entertainment & Fine Art Best Family Entertainment Center_________________________________ Best Community Theater/ Performing Arts Venue__________________________________________ Best Live Music Venue_ _________________________________________ Best Local Museum_ ___________________________________________ Best Art Gallery________________________________________________ Best Local Artist_ ______________________________________________

Food & Restaurants Best Bakery _ _________________________________________________ Best Donuts/Kolaches __________________________________________ Best Asian Restaurant___________________________________________ Best BBQ Restaurant____________________________________________ Best Hamburger Restaurant______________________________________ Best Hot Wings________________________________________________ Best Hot Dogs_________________________________________________ Best Ice Cream_ _______________________________________________ Best Italian_ __________________________________________________ Best Mediterranean_ ___________________________________________ Best Mexican__________________________________________________ Best Tacos____________________________________________________ Best Pizzeria_ _________________________________________________ Best Sandwich Shop____________________________________________ Best Seafood__________________________________________________ Best Specialty Food Store________________________________________ Best Steak House_ _____________________________________________ Best Sushi____________________________________________________ Best Breakfast_________________________________________________ Best Brunch _ _________________________________________________ Best Lunch_ __________________________________________________ Best Date Place________________________________________________ Best Caterer_ _________________________________________________ Best Service___________________________________________________ Best Takeout__________________________________________________ Best Place to Host a Party________________________________________ Best Patio_ ___________________________________________________ Best Food Truck_ ______________________________________________

General Shopping Best Bookstore________________________________________________ Best Bridal Store_______________________________________________ Best Children’s Clothing Store____________________________________ Best Antique Store_____________________________________________ Best Local Furniture Store_ ______________________________________ Best Gift Shop_________________________________________________ Best Grocery Store_ ____________________________________________ Best Health Food Store__________________________________________ Best Jewelry Store_ ____________________________________________ Best Liquor Store_ _____________________________________________ Best Mattress Store_____________________________________________ Best Men’s Clothing Store_ ______________________________________ Best Musical Instrument Store____________________________________ Best Resale Shop/Consignment___________________________________ Best Toy Store_________________________________________________ Best Women’s Clothing Store_____________________________________ Best Shoe/Boot Shop ___________________________________________

Health Best Hospital__________________________________________________ Best Physician_________________________________________________ Best Assisted Living Home_______________________________________ Best Chiropractor______________________________________________ Best Cosmetic Surgeon_ ________________________________________ Best Dentist__________________________________________________ Best Dermatologist_____________________________________________ Best Eye Care Provider__________________________________________ Best Massage Therapist_ ________________________________________ Best Women’s Health Provider____________________________________ Best Pediatrician_______________________________________________ Best Urgent Care_______________________________________________ Best Wellness Center_ __________________________________________ Best Weight Loss Facility_ _______________________________________

Home Improvement/Maintenance Best Architect _________________________________________________ Best Custom Home Builder_ _____________________________________ Best Developer________________________________________________ Best Appliance Store_ __________________________________________ Best Electrician _______________________________________________ Best Flooring Store_____________________________________________ Best Garden/Landscaping Company_______________________________ Best Tree Care/Removal_________________________________________ Best General Contractor_________________________________________ Best Plumbers_________________________________________________ Best Heating & Air Conditioning Service____________________________ Best Home Decorating Store_____________________________________ Best Interior Design/Decorator_ __________________________________ Best Hardware Store____________________________________________ Best Pest Control Company______________________________________ Best Washeteria _______________________________________________

Best Professional Services Best Attorney_ ________________________________________________ Best Bank/Credit Union_ ________________________________________ Best Dry Cleaners______________________________________________ Best Insurance Agent___________________________________________ Best Cleaning Service___________________________________________ Best Mortgage Company________________________________________ Best Real Estate Agent__________________________________________ Best Real Estate Company_______________________________________ Best Florist_ __________________________________________________ Best Funeral Home_____________________________________________ Best Photographer_____________________________________________ Best Financial Advisor_ _________________________________________ Best Computer Service__________________________________________ Best Travel Agent_ _____________________________________________ Best Security__________________________________________________

Sports & Fitness Best Dance Studio_ ____________________________________________ Best Golf Course_______________________________________________ Best Park_____________________________________________________ Best Sporting Goods Store_______________________________________ Best Workout Facility/Gym_______________________________________ Best Group Fitness/Aerobics_ ____________________________________ Best Yoga ____________________________________________________

Community Church______________________________________________________ Minister______________________________________________________ Non-Profit _ __________________________________________________ Local Politician ________________________________________________

Page 6A â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, May 14, 2016

Opening your home to foster pets

Dear Tabby, Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve recently become emptynesters and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to fulfill a life-long dream of fostering pets in our home. How do we get this process started and what is expected of us as foster pet parents? Excited to become a foster in The Heights Dear Excited, Kudos to you--youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re about to make a huge difference in the lives of homeless pets! The fosters are the behind-the-scenes support system who are the real heroes of many shelters. These kind folks perform the selfless act of taking in and loving a pet as their own for a short period of time, assessing the petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temperament and tolerance to children and other pets (which is invaluable information that helps get a pet adopted to the right family) in the comfort of

their loving home--all before placing them in the hands of their new, adopted family. If fostering is an idea that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve entertained, there are a few things to consider before jumping in, head-first. First up, you need to have adequate space in your home and (preferably) a spacious, comfortable place to separate a foster from your own pets--at least initially. Also, think about the time commitment. While you most certainly donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to quit your day job in order to foster a pet, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful not to have any big vacations looming or other commitments that would take you away from home for long periods of time, for the time-being. When you sign on to become a foster, the shelter or rescue group will work with you to come to a mutually-agreed upon time commitment to your fostering. There are short-term fosters (who often take in litters of puppies or kittens who need a place to nap and play until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at an adoptable age) and long-term fosters-

-typically pets who have been in a shelter for a long time and just need a break and a refresher course on good household manners. If the shelter is lucky enough have supplies or monetary resources earmarked for their fosters, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help in that way as well, but many shelters rely on their fosters to provide the basic needs of the pets theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fostering. Medical care, however, is typically covered by the shelter or rescue group. No matter what sort of pet you chose to foster, rest easy knowing that the mere act of removing an animal from a shelter--if even for a short period of time--momentarily reduces the strain on the shelter and allows the shelter or group to save more lives. Fostering is an incredible, generous gift that you can give to a shelter that will enrich your life and the lives of the animals that you help greatly. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll change your life, I promise. Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.

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Molly is a 1.5 year old Pug whose owners had to move away. Molly is a little afraid of children under the age of 10 or so, but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be happy as a lark in a home where she can be queen of the castle. Molly is a smart, happy girl who deserves a home full of love--could that be yours? Go to www. cap4pets.org to learn more.

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Near Northwest

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7603 antoine Dr. houston, tX 77088

hccs.edu

TRANSFORMING FOR THE FUTURE Letter to the Community: #3 in a series of updates on progress.

DEAR COMMUNITY: An exciting transformation is underway â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one that has already started to elevate HCC to a new standard of excellence and a model for community colleges nationwide. Over the last year, we have streamlined operations to make it easier to work with the college, revolutionized the student experience, and fundamentally reshaped how we work with businesses and industry partners. We have also experienced near record graduation increases. Although this level of change takes time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially with an institution of this scale â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the early results speak volumes and show real promise for our college and community in the years ahead. We have made significant progress in improving our approach to finances throughout the institution. Highlights include: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Maintained affordability for students, with no general tuition or fee increase since 2011 Funded new scholarship streams for students from the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s auxiliary revenues Maintained affordability for taxpayers by reducing the Maintenance & Operations tax rate and increased exemption levels for elderly and disabled homeowners Finalized Compensation Study and implemented three-year plan to bring all salaries to midpoint of market rates Provided stable, ongoing funding stream for state-of-the-art equipment in Centers of Excellence .BJOUBJOFE Ă TDBMMZ SFTQPOTJCMF MFWFM PG 'VOE #BMBODF BOE JODSFBTFE JU 3FEFTJHOFE DPOTUSVDUJPO QSPKFDUT Ă OBODFE CZ (FOFSBM 0CMJHBUJPO CPOET UP FOTVSF BGGPSEBCJMJUZ and sustainability *ODSFBTFE USBOTQBSFODZ PG Ă OBODJBM USBOTBDUJPOT QPTUJOH DPMMFHF T DIFDL SFHJTUFS BOE FYFDVUJWF T monthly credit card statements online Formed ad-hoc Procurement Review Committee of external stakeholders to review and recommend enhancements to procurement practices

We recognize the changes in technology, business and society, and we are constantly adapting to help prepare our students for an ever-changing world. This strategy has enabled us to make significant progress in improving the student experience before, during, and after their time with us â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as well as helping them secure higher paying jobs and entrance into the universities they want to attend. Our new approach is to explore ways to be more innovative and collaborative in order to better serve our students and our community. Highlights of recent innovative approaches include: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Providing dual credit to public school students for free â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in and out of district Participating in Upstream/Midstream Skills Training & Safety Collaboration

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

3FDFJWJOH B NJMMJPO QMFEHF GSPN 5IF 3PCFSU (BSOFS 'JSFĂ HIUFS 'PVOEBUJPO UPXBSET GVMM UVJUJPO TDIPMBSTIJQT UP UIF NBKPSJUZ PG DBEFUT FOSPMMFE JO Ă SFĂ HIUFS USBJOJOH Supporting the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics Receiving $4.2 million from the U.S. Dept. of Labor for apprenticeship programs Receiving $64,000 from the Consulate of Mexico to support minority students and an HCC advisor TUBGĂ OH UIF DPOTVMBUF PGĂ DF XIJDI TFFT PWFS WJTJUPST EBJMZ Initiating the second phase of Transformation, which includes a more streamlined approach to the organization

As part of our Transformation process, we listened to students, community and business leaders, faculty and staff, and we studied best practices. We went to great lengths because of our duty to be responsive to the community and to be fully engaged with each other. The only way we can be Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community college is to include the diversity, the people, and the thought that make our city so vibrant. After all, our students will go out into the same community with these companies and organizations. This lengthy process culminated with the development of our strategic plan for the future. At the heart of our strategic plan, known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imagine HCC 2019,â&#x20AC;? are four overarching themes: Student Success, Organizational Stewardship, Performance Excellence, and Innovation. We are excited about what it means to the future of the college as we produce students who are prepared for whatever is next in their lives and careers. We are committed to ensuring quality instructional programs and courses, increasing student retention and persistence rates, servicing high-demand fields through skills training and credentialing programs, and improving the student experience. This is an important time for the college and for our community. We understand the vital role we play in helping the people of our community, young and old, obtain important education and skills and supporting the businesses that drive our economy. We will continue to push the boundaries and dare greatly together â&#x20AC;&#x201D; so that we can achieve our vision and take HCC to new heights. In service,

Adriana Tamez, Ed.D. Board Chair Houston Community College

Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E. Chancellor Houston Community College

Saturday, May 14, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7A

The calendar. HAMILTON BAND PERFORMANCES Heights Neighborhood Library The Hamilton Middle School Band will perform their Spring Concert at the school, 139 E. 20th St., at 6:30 p.m. May 12. The band will also perform at 6:30 p.m. May 18, at Heights Neighborhood Library, 1302 Heights Blvd. Band director is Justin McLean. Information: 832686-3599. MAY BREAKFAST CONNECTION Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Come network with your fellow Chamber members, share business concepts and hear about new business concepts. This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guest speaker will be Rory Aplanalp, co-author of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Five-Minute Rule. Aplanalp is president and CEO of Aplanalp Associates and Starlight Publishing. Enjoy a hot breakfast from 6:45-8:30 a.m. May 12, at Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West. Guests and non-members are welcome. The cost is $20 each and nonmembers $25 each. Register online. Information: 713-861-6735, heightschamber.com. COMMUNITY YARD SALE Sinclair PTA The Sinclair PTA will hold their community yard sale from 8 a.m.-noon, May 14, at Sinclair Elementary, 6410 Grovewood. Popcorn and bottled water will be available for $1 each. Cash and credit cards will be accepted.

Information: 713-885-3898, 713304-3266. BOOK SIGNING The Book Scene Come by for meet and greet, reading, swag and snacks at The Book Scene, 1820 Rosslyn. Local author and entrepreneur D. Alyce Domain will be available for book signing from noon to 4 p.m. May 14. Information: 713-869-6117. MAY GARDEN TOUR Heights Garden Club Come tour David Morelloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden of David Morello Garden Enterprises, located at 608 Peddie St., at 10 a.m. May 14. The garden was featured in the March issue of Southern Living Magazine. If there is a garden that should be featured, send nominations to www.heightsgardenclub.com, or email info@ heightsgardenclub.com, gardenclub@houstonheights.org.

Friday of each month). Steaks will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out. The cost is $15 per plate. Information: 713-682-9287, facebook.com/AmLegionPost560/, americanlegionpost560.org.

(fourth Friday of each month) from 6 p.m. until sold out. The cost is $8 per plate. Information: 713-682-9287, facebook.com/ AmLegionPost560/, americanlegionpost560.org.

GREAT TASTE OF THE HEIGHTS All Saints Catholic Community Several restaurants will be featured at the Great Taste of the Heights from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. May 21. Live music is provided by BackBeat. Tickets presale are $25, and $35 at the door (based on availability. There will be beer tents, entertainment and a silent auction. All Saints Catholic Community is located at 215 E. 10th St. Information: 713-864-2653, greattasteoftheheights.com.

Ongoing THURSDAY NIGHT BINGO SPJST Lodge 88 Bingo at SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., is held every Thursday night (unless otherwise noted, or announced). Bingo pads are $5 each. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Early bird special starts at 7 p.m. with regular bingo games beginning at 7:30 p.m. Information: 713-869-5767, lodge88.org.

CHIHUAHUA DE MAYO Houston Humane Society Houston Humane Society, 14700 Almeda Rd., has Chihuahuas available for adoption from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through May 15. The adoption fee is $50 on Chihuahuas 6 months or older. Information: 713-433-6421, houstonhumane.org.

CIGNA SUNDAY STREETS White Oak Cigna Sunday Streets Houston is an initiative to promote and improve the health of Houstonians. Cigna Sunday Streets Houston opens a stretch of streets to allow cycling, walking, dancing, socializing and provides a family-friendly opportunity to be physically active. Cigna Sunday Streets will be on White Oak from Heights to Watson. The event will be from noon-4 p.m. May 22. Information: gohealthyhouston. org.

STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by the American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba Rd., for a delicious steak dinner and live entertainment, May 20 (third

Fish Fry American Legion Post 560 The Ladies Auxiliary Unit 560, 3720 Alba Road, will host their monthly Fish Fry and live entertainment Friday, May 27

FREE GARDENING CLASSES Beautyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Garden Beautyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Garden, 3201 Airline, holds free gardening classes the first Saturday of every month. Call to reserve a space. Volunteers are also needed to teach gardening classes. Information: 832-910-8261, Beautysgarden1@gmail.com. LEGALLINE: FREE LEGAL ADVICE Houston Bar Association The Houston Bar Association offers free legal advice over the phone through LegalLine from 5-9 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of every month. Consejos Legales for Spanish speakers is the first Thursday of every month from 6-8 p.m. Information: 713759-1133, www.hba.org.

LAUGHTER YOGA Heights Library Laughter Yoga utilizes breathing and play-based exercises for health and wellness by people of all professions/ages/abilities. Meet from 11 a.m.-noon Saturday at 1302 Heights Blvd. Information: www.houstonlaughteryoga. com.

Catholic Daughters host annual games party The Annual Games Party and Luncheon hosted by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Christ the King #1750 will be May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 607 E. Whitney Dr. Barbecue chicken and sausage with all the trimmings including drink and dessert catered by Mikeskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will be served from noon-1 p.m. Lunch tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 713462-6777 or 713-695-0442. It is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance as there will be limited dinner tickets sold at the door. Bring cards, dominoes or games or just sit and visit with friends for some fun. There

will be a raffle, silent auction and door prizes. The yearly fundraiser enables the Catholic Daughters to donate to many charities and schools in the Houston area. For information call 713864-4490 or 713-854-2321. Family fun night at St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bring the family to Family Fun Night, May 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall, featuring family-sized games. Admission is free, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the fun. All are welcome to attend an Armed Forces Appreciation Fellowship Lunch following the 11 a.m. service on May 22. The Young Energetic Adults welcome 20s-30s adults to a potluck at 6 p.m., May 22, in the fellowship hall. St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page. Choir concert at All Saints The community is welcome to attend a concert featuring the combined choirs of All Saints - English choir, Spanish choir and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choir. A reception will follow in the parish hall. The concert is 4 p.m. May 22, and will feature works of Vivaldi, Dengler, Pachelbel, Barajas, Montgomery, and Gonzalo Ramos. All Saints Catholic Community is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-864-2653, ext. 207 or email mary.gahr@allsaints. us.com for information.

beginning Wednesday nights on Christians facing Islam extremists around the world. The following six weeks will focus on different sections of the material produced by Voice of the Martyrs and other missions organizations. All are welcome to attend at 6 p.m. Wednesdays for dinner followed by Christian Formation. Call 713-681-6422 or visit hope-episcopal.org for information.

Compassion In Action hosted by Community of Faith Church The community is welcome to the free event, Compassion In Action, under the leadership of Bishop James Dixon II, Senior Pastor. The event will be from 2-4 p.m. May 22, at Dominion Park, 1024 Pinemont. Every fourth Sunday of the month, hundreds of church volunteers provide resources, information and opportunities. Also Sunday dinner is served. Donations of non-perishable food and monetary enumerations are accepted. Call 713-688-2900, ext. 235 or visit thecommunityoffaith. org for information.

instruments & techniques

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Mathew Naftis, D.D.S. w w w. d r n a f t i s . c o m

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Voice of the Martyrs six-week series at Hope Episcopal Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd St., will hold a six-week discussion series

ChurCh

ANY OTHER FACILITY! 713-681-1383

Guide

1822 W. 18

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.

1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942

713-864-1470

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 5:00pm 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.

www.noRHiLLCoC.oRG

Dog Rabies Vaccination

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o youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a crown placed over a tooth in order to protect and restore the tooth. Now, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the clear. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to worry about having any further problems with that tooth because a crown canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a cavity on it, right? WRONG. Having a crown placed does not mean that the dental hygiene around that area can be neglected. Decay can still form at the margin of the crown where the tooth and the crown meet. It is extremely important that continued oral hygiene is diligently maintained. Regular check-ups along with x-rays with your dentist can ensure that your existing crowns are monitored. This ensures that if any problems arise, they are caught early and addressed as necessary. Be sure to follow up with your dentist to be certain the investment youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made with your teeth is in tip-top shape. Prepared as a public service to promote better dental health. From the ofďŹ ce of: Chase Baker, D.D.S., 3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406.

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Senior Health and Fitness Day at Greater First Baptist Seniors can improve their health for a better self and attend the 23rd Annual Senior Health and Fitness Day at Greater First Baptist Church, 4441 Haygood. The event is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. May 25. The pastor is Rory L. Thompson Sr. For information, call 713412-4686.

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From the Pews. Wear red on Pentecost Sunday at Oaks Presbyterian Sunday, May 15 is Pentecost Sunday, on which Christians celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Christian church. One way to observe this is by wearing red to church on Pentecost Sunday. There will also be a special Pentecost collection to help the church encourage, develop and support youth programs plus address the needs of at-risk children. Worship services begin at 10:30 a.m. A special after-worship reception will honor Sunday school teachers and childcare givers. Oaks Presbyterian Church is located at 1576 Chantilly Ln. For information, visit www. oakspresbyterian.org or call 713-682-2556.

Experience and Knowledge... A Powerful Combination

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Candlelight Church of Christ Join us for Services in English or Spanish Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm

4215 Watonga Blvd. â&#x20AC;˘ 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092

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he Bible is alive and interactive - interpreting its readers at the same time that they are interpreting it. We cannot avoid interpreting the Bible as we read it. Most of the books of the Bible are over twothousand years old, and since historical and cultural circumstances were very different in Biblical times, it requires careful study to know what to make of many of the stories contained in the Bible. But as we read the Bible, it informs us of our own life, interpreting us, as it were, at the same time that we are interpreting it. As we read, there is interaction between us and God, where God is interpreting our life through the word. Sometimes we read a passage and are immediately struck by the fact that we fall short in some way. While at other times we might read a passage, but it only slowly dawn on us that there is room for spiritual growth. Thus, the Word of God is alive within us, interpreting and creating us as we interact with it. As the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard noted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you read Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s word, you must constantly be saying to yourself â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It is talking to me, and about meâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;? We should not read the Bible passively, as if it is merely something to be learned. We must read it actively, becoming engaged with, and wrestling with, Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s word. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. R.S.V.â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Hebrews 4:12

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Page 8A • Saturday, May 14, 2016

Neighbors: Special area Girl Scout celebrations

Fashion from P. 1A grade so she could make a skirt for a friend. At Carnegie Vanguard, which Pennington said she chose for its inclusive environment and solid academics, friends got her involved her sophomore year in costuming for the theatre department. She’s helped clothe actors for the 19th century in Frankenstein and also for Lysistrata, set in ancient Greece. Currently, she’s working on the more modern High School Musical. “It’s taught me a lot about sewing,” said Pennington. “I’ve learned how to drape a dress and also to really work with a fabric until you get what you want.” For a TPSP (Texas Performance Standards Project) class this year, Pennington was asked to come up with a research question and then make a product that helped address it. Her question – how fashion marketers could expand their reach by including a greater range of body types. “There’s not a lot of body diversity in fashion,” said Pennington. Then she made a line of clothing for models, size 2 to 20, which they wore at a photo shoot in early April at a studio downtown. All the pieces were gowns except for one three

By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com

Photo by Zoe Herring Another of Pennington’s designs. She looks forward to a trip to New York this summer where professionals will review her portfolio.

piece that included a skirt and a caplet. “The gold fabric and chiffon make it more formal,” she said. For make-up and photography, Pennington recruited some talented friends from school to get the professional quality she wanted to achieve. “It was a lot of fun,” said Pennington, who also got exposure for her work at an American Heart Association Leading Ladies Fashion Show. The pieces are now in her wardrobe at home to be used in a college portfolio. Pennington also has plans to put together a showcase for young Houston designers, to give others like her an outlet to create and promote their craft.

This summer Pennington will attend the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to help her school put on their play Holy Day by Andrew Bovell. There’s also a July trip to New York where Pennington will have her portfolio reviewed at the Pratt Institute and Parsons. A friend has also organized a behind the scenes tour of ESCADA. Looking ahead, Pennington thinks about internships and other ways to build a foundation for a career. First up is school, and she said she has her parents’ full support. “Some of my friends’ parents aren’t OK with them going to art school,” she said. “I’m lucky. My mom and dad are really supportive.”

greater sense of ownership,” Poerschke said. “We wanted it to be a community effort, and kids will really begin to see that this is a bright space and an exciting place to learn in.” Students were also relatively easy to motivate to help paint – particularly with the prospect of a free dress wristband for a week, Planck said. “That’s enough to motivate anyone around here,” Planck says with a laugh. “We’ve also provided child care and we had kids watching movies or

out on the playground but they can see the parents painting and cleaning and they want to be a part of it.” The school won’t stay white for very long as administrators determine which colors work best in what part of the school, and Planck said painting will carry on the rest of this school year and into fall. “We really value creativity and excitement about learning and we want our educational spaces to speak to that,” Poerschke said.”

Durham from P. 1A Planck said, and administrators got to work spreading the word to students, parents and community members about their vision for the look and feel of the school. The white background will be the base for students to not only paint murals celebrating learning, but also the countries they’re learning about and important quotes from history. “I think when you come out and put in so much work and plenty of sweat, it leads to a

Armstrong, Shelley Roselius, Cynthia Trevino and Desire Witherspoon; and Alice Bohlae, Troop Leader of Trs. 12086 and 24363, received her 45 Years – Adult Membership Pin. The awards ceremony was beautifully planned by Rochelle Bass Salazar and Vivienne Aceves – Recognition Team. Volunteers who weren’t mentioned above but who have stepped up to fill Eleonore’s shoes and other Community Team leadership positions - Sandra O’Guynn, Safiyyah Bilal, Alice Bohlae (and many more!); manage Fall Product and Cookie Sales, Religious Recognition and manage the Girl Scout Cottage - Leslie Haydel; take on the job as Treasurer for the entire Community - outgoing Tonia Whitney and incom-

the most notable: top Cookie sellers - Addison Treadway (Tr. 24069) and Ava Graves (Tr. 122021); top Fall Product seller - Ava Graves; and Lilian Ryden (Tr. 24069) is the recipient of this year’s Dorene Angiloszek Campership Award. Bronze Award recipients: Tr. 24988 – Mariela Garcia, Jasmine Harris, Jaela Hines, Annie Kurtz, Leilani Vallet and Genesis Williams; Tr. 24987 (also earning their Journey Summit Award) – Keegan Cook, Izabella Evans, Elizabeth Johnson, Sophia Malone, Hannah Mullins, Abby O’Guynn, Mattea Rodgers, Cayden Tate, Isabella Trevino, Alice Waters and Morgan Yaege; and Tr. 1186 – Emily Castro, Zoe Martinez and Kayla Segovia.

Congratulations to area Girl Scouts, their Leaders and parents who were honored at the end of year Emerald Oaks Community Meeting on May 9th. With over 800 registered girls and more than 350 adult volunteers, Emerald Oaks is truly a force in our community. When the Emerald Oaks Community was devastated at the loss of one of its most involved and beloved sister Scouts earlier this year, adults and girls alike leapt in to fill her enormous volunteer shoes. Eleonore Orgish, who lost her battle with cancer in January, was a longtime member of the Community’s Service Team, a Troop Leader, and did everything at the Service Team level from event planning, cooking for large groups on camping weekends, mentoring Troop Leaders, and brainstorming amazing service projects and adventures for girls of all ages (including coming up with the kooky idea of planning a camping weekend in December complete with a huge slide made of actual snow – and from her hospital bed, Eleonore was thrilled to see the pictures posted on Facebook of girls and adults sliding down that snow slide and having a fabulous time). Eleonore was a driving force and set the tone – and raised the bar! – for the many adults of Emerald Oaks. With that said, the Community dedicated its May Recognition Contributed Photo Ceremony to Orgish and also Eleonore Orgish at Archery at Camp Agnes Arnold. created the Eleonore Orgish Memorial Scholarship for New Silver Award recipients: Tr. ing Jennifer Kurtz; Registrar Mariners and another for Experi25286 – Adair Hancock, Alex - Nancy Boone; girl placement enced Mariners. Scot Orgish, ElRobey and Vaughn Corson; and girl/adult recruiting - Joy eonore’s husband, presented the Tr. 24330 – Monet Douglas, Caka and Kathy Armstrong; scholarship for New Mariners to Charlotte Fowler, Lena Hickox, Product Sales Team - Yolanda Savannah Richard of Tr. 24330, Mireille Murphy, Zoe OrosquiMartinez and Themetta Turner; and Elizabeth Villarreal eta, Savannah Richard, Allison Hospitality - Gayle Miller; Serpresented the scholarship for Snedeker and Sarah Spicer. vice Project coordinator – Desire Experienced Mariners to Julia Special recognition for LeadWitherspoon, and Delegates McDaniel. Eleonore’s daughers: Imelda “Mel” Johnson to Council – Toni Vega, Abby ters, Amy and Zoe Orgish, are received the Girl Scout of San Spicer and Emma Spicer. All of both experienced Mariners and Jacinto Council Appreciation Pin; these women and many more the Mariner program was very Outstanding Leaders - Elizaare members of our Leader special to Orgish. beth Navejar and Toni Vega; community. Thank you ladies for Many awards were handed Outstanding Volunteers – Kathy making a difference! out and I’ll mention a few of

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ART

Saturday, May 14, 2016 • Page 9A

Art Valet

By Mitch Cohen

Arts Columnist

Thirsty Explorer

By Christina Martinez Managing Editor

The Market at Sawyer Yards this weekend

D&T Drive Inn celebrates three year anniversary

Pablo Picasso is credited with many quotes, this one being my favorite: “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Does one ever really lose that creative edge? Children create with abandon, no rules, no fear; it’s just a natural part of being a child. I think many of us lose interest in creating, just like we change focus from our imaginary worlds to the outer world; socializing, dating, jobs etc. Obviously this is not the case with everyone, some of us are just wired differently I guess, and pursue the arts. Many artists start over later in life, with little or no training. Does Grandma Moses ring a bell? She was in her 70’s when she devoted herself full-time to painting scenes from her rural life from memory. Her rise to popularity is almost like a Hollywood story. I’ve met quite a few late blooming artists over the years and one thing is certain: they are prolific in their creations. Saturday is the first day of my new show, The Market at Sawyer Yards. My vision for this new outdoor event is to attract primarily

The neighborhood beer bar, D&T Drive Inn, is celebrating their three year anniversary this weekend. And, naturally, they are throwing a big party to celebrate. The party is kicking off at noon Saturday, May 14, at 1307 Enid St. You can expect them to tap rare suds all afternoon, some they said they’ve been sitting on just for the occasion. Chefs Jason Kerr and Benjy Mason will be roasting a whole hog, served up with all the fancy fixings. A DJ will be on-site spinning tunes for the day.

A Holly Nowak original that you can find this weekend at the Market at Sawyer Yards.

the folk artists out there. Those artists that started creating without an education in art, or any association within an arts community to begin with. Many such artists get started much later in life. I’ve introduced you to a few here, like Kiki Neumann. I call Neumann the “Media Darling” because she always seems to be in the news, on a cable or local program talking about her latest project. Neumann is the perfect example of my point. She started picking through heavy trash (I think she told me the day she left her corporate day job) and turning her finds into useful home and garden objects. Her creativity has gone in so many successful directions, I’m seriously just waiting for her to write a book about it. At The Market at Sawyer Yards, Neumann is bringing illuminated hanging lamps made out of license plates, a common material in

Kiki Neumann’s Light will be among the many finds at the new folk art market.

much of her work. Another self-taught folk artist who plans to attend is Ron Collins. He was born in 1945, in Akron, Ohio, and is a self-taught wood carver. Many of his sculptures depict historic moments, both tragic and triumphant, African American history, sports figures and musicians. Recently, Collins completed work on a piece titled “Edmund Pettus Bridge.” The wood is from the Ghost Ranch in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, part time home and inspiration to Georgia O’Keeffe. His hand carved sculpture depicts the March 1965 march for the right to vote, the day was labeled “Bloody Sunday,” a pivotal point during the civil rights movement. The three foot wide sculpture, in his signature style, depicts individually hand carved faces, all different sizes to depict their perspective, and painted bodies and bridge on a wood panel. It’s an amazingly detailed piece. Collins also carves wooden hearts with a drop of red paint in the center; he calls them Heart of Compassion or The Bleeding Heart. All the kids in his neighborhood apartment complex have one. “Before I gave them one I made them promise not to join gangs, litter, bully, to work hard in school, and not to hate or to use the word hate ... a teaching tool was born,” Collins said of the kids interest in his Heart of Compassion necklace. In addition to the folk art, there will be a wide assortment of high end crafts ranging from quilts, functional pottery, mosaics, soaps, leather, stained glass and if I’m really lucky, a vendor that sells vegan chocolate chip cookie dough. That’s what I’m talking about! More details than you can shake a wet paint brush at are on the website: sawyerstreetmarket.com. The address is 1502 Sawyer St. We’ll be between Winter Street Studios and the Silo, free parking out front or next to us. Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him through his website ArtValet.com.

Taco Music Fest Something a little outside of the neighborhood, a Taco Music Fest is happening from 12 - 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at 2600 Navigation Blvd. You can find tacos, live music, craft booths, kids area and arts entertainment that benefits college scholarships. General admission tickets start at $8. Find them online at www.texastacomusicfest.com H-Town Get Down A hip hop dance festival is hitting the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre this weekend. The city’s best crews, breakers, and poppers will take the stage featuring: Boom Squad Crew Inertia Dance Company Jeffro from Rad Crew Lamar Dance Theatre Rukmini Soulceptions Dance Company Soul Street Dance Wyld Styl Visualpaint by Ange Hillz The performance starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at 6000 Hermann Park Dr. Tickets are free. Art for Vets Little J’s bar says the goal for this event is to bring awareness of the positive impact art has on Veterans, more specifically how art can help our Vets cope with PTSD. There will be a live auction in which the sales will be donated to benefit the Cigar Nights for Vets: cn4v.

org/#intro This show is free to the public, Little J’s will have drink specials, crawfish, award winning tacos, and more from the tasty menu. The fun kicks off at noon and goes until 7 p.m. on

Saturday, May 14, at 5306 Washington Ave. Ste. C. Email christina@ theleadernews.com and follow on Twitter @ThirstyExplorer and on Instagram @FromTheLeader

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Leader Nibbles Morningstar coffee shop opens off of North Main By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com Have you ever had Greenway Coffee? The local coffee distributer roasts and distributes coffee and tea to various coffeeshops, restaurants, and bars, in addition to their storefront Greenway Coffee and Tea. At the head of the table is owner David Buehrer. Buehrer opened a coffeeshop, Blacksmith, in conjunction with the Clumsy Butcher group in 2013. Just this week, Buehrer opened his newest concept – Morningstar. The concept is a coffee and doughnuts concept, with a breakfast and lunch menu taking shape. The coffee shop debuted a few doughnuts during their opening on Tuesday: Honey Glazed, PB&J, Caramel Frost, Pomegranate Pastry Cream Filled, Salted Lime and Chili Pineapple Fritter, and Classic Custard Cake, just to name a few. I’ve tried the Chili Pineapple Fritter and it is a must try. The coffee shop is open seven days a week 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 4721 N. Main.

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at Yale. When it came to finding the venue, Hill said it was a mixture of being alert and the puzzle piecing together. “The price was right and build out cheap and so I wanted to take a leap of faith,” Hill said. So what’s going to be on the menu? Hill said we can expect originals from Luv Me Tenders, sides inspired from The Birdhouse menu and, on the weekends, Hill said brunch will be crazy with bananna pudding waffles, key lime pie waffles and more. An added bonus: the brick and mortar will be BYOB and Hill said there are plenty of craft beer options at the Shell next door.

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Last summer, Betsy Denson reported on Jason Hill and H-Town StrEATs rebranding itself as Luv Me Tenders. The rebranding came with a semi-permanent location, just past Splashtown near Old Town Spring, at Bernie’s Backyard. Some good news for past fans of H-Town StrEATs and current ones of Luv Me Tenders, Hill has found a brick and mortar for Luv Me Tenders in The Leader neighborhood at 4400 N. Yale St. You might remember that location from previous popup, test kitchen dinners by the Kipper Club, hosted in the corner of Shell gas station

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