Leader0517a

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Inside Today: Legendary BBQ joint keeps on cookin’ • 1B

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

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Saturday, May 17, 2014 • Vol. 60 • No. 28 2013

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Demographics signal departure of Shepherd car lots By Michael Sudhalter

Texas Community Newspaper Association

michael@theleadernews.com

ABOUT US 3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd Suite A (713) 686-8494

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Shepherd Drive was once a premiere location in Houston for car lots. But due to changing demographics and rising real estate prices, several car lot owners, such as Quality Used Cars & Trucks at 1604 N. Shepherd, are either on the market or have been sold. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

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READER’S CHOICE Vote Your Best

Used car salesman are usually the ones that have a deal for you, but they may be on the right end of a sweet real estate transaction if trends continue on Shepherd Dr. Jose Guzman, manager of BLT Auto Sales & Repair at 2611 N. Shepherd, said the owner of the business would sell it for $1.2 million. “The owner is thinking about getting a fast food restaurant because this is a good corner,” Guzman said. “Construction is changing the area.” Not everyone, however, is

leaving Shepherd in the wake of the real estate boom. “Why would I want to leave?” said John Parker, owner of John Parker Auto Sales at 2521 N. Shepherd. Parker, who has been in business for the past 33 years at the current location, said he’s focused on selling cars now, but noted that it’s a tougher business than it used to be. “Some people have moved out and some people have retired,” Parker said. “The car business changes. The prices for used cars are up, so it’s hard to do what we do. Before, you were talking about a whole lot

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Residents hope to maintain neighborhood’s character By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Heights resident Raul De La Rosa answers 911 calls for the Houston Fire/EMS at the Houston Emergency Center, 5320 N. Shepherd Dr. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

Tightly-secured building provides city’s emergency communication By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

Have you ever driven down North Shepherd and noticed a heavily secured 128,000 square foot building across the street from St. Pius X High School? That building, located at 5320 N. Shepherd, is quite likely the single most important building in the city of Houston. The Houston Emergency Center, a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) The Houston Emergency Center opened at 5320 N. Shepherd in 2003. takes approximately 10,000 calls per call centers that were located downDe La Rosa said working at the call day and houses 500 employees, in- town. center was “intimidating” at first, but cluding 911 call-takers and police and Heights resident Raul De La Rosa, he’s adjusted well to it. fire/emergency medical service dis- 36, has worked in the emergency call “You focus on what you need to do patchers and officials from the Office center since 2007, first as a civilian to help the person,” De La Rosa said. of Emergency Management. employed by the Houston Police De- “I have to make sure we’re sending the The call floor is 36,000 square feet, partment and currently as an employ- right (kind of services).” along with 104 work stations. In addi- ee of Houston Fire/EMS. The building is classified as a Cattion to that, there’s a command center, “The main thing I like is that ev- egory 5, which means it can withstand breakout rooms and situation rooms ery day I get a different experience 170 mile-per-hour hurricane-force within the building. of helping people,” De La Rosa said. winds. The $53 million center broke ground “Every day, you will get at least one During a natural disaster, such as at the site of an old Globe Department emergency. Just knowing what I do Store in 1999 and opened four years counts is a good feeling.” See EMERGENCY CENTER, P. 8A later. It consolidated three emergency

By Michael Sudhalter

Church

5A

Classiﬁeds

4B

Coupons

6A

Food/Drink/Art Obituaries

1B 5A

Opinion

4A

Public Information Puzzle Sports

2A 6B 7B

See CAR LOTS, P. 8A

Brookwood Estates, a small neighborhood located north of Loop 610 at W. T.C. Jester Blvd. has applied with the city to restrict lot sizes in the neighborhood. (Photo by Michael Sudhalter)

Heights resident named Presidential Scholar

THE INDEX.

cheaper car.” The signs advertising no money down, 0 percent ﬁnancing and great used car

Always on Alert

You let us know your favorite businesses and restaurants last year. Now, it’s time to choose again. The Leader enters its second year of letting you – the reader – tell us your favorites in the second Reader’s Choice Awards. Readers will be asked to choose the best of all the businesses in the area. We’re taking votes, counting them one-byone, and then publishing the Top 3 businesses in each category, which will publish at the end of September. Until then, vote starting today in The Leader (on Page 7B) and Sunday, May 18 on our website, www.theleadernews.com. Voters are welcome to make copies of the ballot and submit them either by mail, in person, or online.

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Last month, The Leader reported om the closing of car lots along Shepherd Drive – an indication that the value of land has surpassed the value of those once-common businesses. Since reporting that story, The Leader has learned that one more car lot is on the market, while another longtime car lot owner plans on staying.

michael@theleadernews.com

Heights resident Reagan Lukefahr plans on reading a monologue of William Shakespeare when she performs in front of the leader of the free world. “I love doing Shakespeare – I hope the audience likes it,” said Lukefahr, 18. Lukefahr was selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts and will travel to Washington D.C. for a ceremony at the White House

on June 22. She’ll perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in front of President Barack Obama and other guests. Lukefahr and the other honorees will be presented with a Presidential Scholar Medallion during the trip. The Presidential Scholar program represents the best of the best. One hundred and fortyone Presidential Scholars were selected, and only 20 of them were selected

for Performing Arts. All of the applicants go through a rigorous application process that includes academic excellence, essays, school evaluations, transcripts, community service leadership and commitment to high ideals. Lukefahr was nominated as a semi-ﬁnalist last year, among a group of 11,000 applicants, through the

See LOT SIZE, P. 8A Reagan Lukefahr

See SCHOLAR, P. 8A

If Brookwood Estates residents are successful, developers won’t have an opportunity to build town home or other multi-family homes until 2054. Brookwood Estates, a small neighborhood located just north of Loop 610 at T.C. Jester Blvd. has applied with the city of Houston for minimum lot size restrictions for its approximately 200 homes within an area that is two blocks wide and four blocks long. The restrictions would ensure that if a home is sold or torn down, it cannot be replaced by anything except another single-family home. If the city approves the application, it would be valid for 40 years. While some neighborhoods such as Brooke Smith, just west of I-45 (at Main), have applied for lot restrictions, block by block, Brookwood Estates is one of the few neighborhoods to apply for the entire area. “I found out that someone could sell their house and six units could be built where one lot was before,” said Brookwood Estates Civic Club president Tom Neal. That galvanized the neighborhood to apply to the city for a restriction that would allow it to maintain its character. A neighborhood needs signatures from 10 percent of its homeowners for the city to accept the application. City representatives have said the application process is lengthy and will include a community meeting to be announced at a later date. But the good news for residents is that developers cannot build nonsingle family homes, while the application process is ongoing. “The city has to to ﬁnd out who owns each lot, and mail them a letter letting them know we’re petitioning this change,” Neal said. Although the process has been set in motion, Neal said he won’t breathe easily until everything is approved. “I’m nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rockers,” Neal said. “I don’t know what they’re going to do. It’s the city. It’s government. People

THE PUBLIC. Saturday, May 17, 2014 • Page 2A

Serial defecator caught by HPD The Right Agent... The Woodland Heights serial defecator, whose alleged activities have brought international news coverage from the likes of CNN and newspapers as far away as New Zealand, was caught last Saturday, according to the Houston Police Department. The suspect, who suﬀers from mental health issues, was allegedly urinating on the exterior of a wall at the Fiesta Market on Quitman, near I-45. Police wrote him a ticket for urinating in public, a Class C mis-

demeanor, but did not arrest him. Police said the suspect appeared to be the same man as the one suspected in a Woodland Heights’ resident’s surveillance video. The Harris County Constable Precinct 1 Constable’s Oﬃce will not charge the suspect with any crimes, but it will work toward ﬁnding him the necessary mental health services. Besides that, there isn’t much that law enforcement can do to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

According to the Constable, the suspect had allegedly defecated on residents’ property between ﬁve and eight times, usually between the hours of 1 and 4 a.m. Precinct 1 Sgt. J.C. Mosier said he’s seen this type of crime during his 47 years of law enforcement experience. Mosier said the motive is usually neighbors seeking revenge on other neighbors for leaving dog excrement in their yard. Mosier said this case has probably generated more national

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interest than any other one that Precinct 1 has handled.

Assault on Paul Quinn

Jan Clark, J.D.

A 30-year-old female was assaulted by her common law husband at 9 p.m. on May 6 in the 2100 block of Paul Quinn. The suspect, described as a black male in his early 30s, 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, also assaulted the victim’s three-weekold son. Police are investigating the case, and the suspect is at large.

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Oak Forest to discuss opting out of sidewalk ordinance The Oak Forest Homeowners Association will meet next week to discuss whether it wants to opt out of a city sidewalk ordinance. A special meeting of the OFHA board will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Candlelight Park (1520 Candlelight Ln.), and residents will get a chance to decide on sidewalks for Oak Forest. The city recently began enforcing an ordinance that states new or re-developed property must be accompanied by a sidewalk. The ordinance doesn’t apply to existing properties. The city is allowing neighborhoods to continue or opt out of the ordinance and will have representatives present to discuss the ordinance. “We the board do not have a comment until the community meeting and our residents give their input through a vote,” OFHA president Laurie Christensen said. According to comments on

the OFHA Facebook page, opinion appears to be split. “The neighborhood has been just ﬁne for over 60 years without them – all the residents would have to pay for it,” wrote Melanie Barrett. Muriel Damers countered by saying “yes, but as the city is growing, our streets are getting busier...we have to protect the kids and people walking their dogs.” METRO re-imagining METRO released a study last week to update its transportation system to better serve the public and is taking public comments at transitsystemreimagining.com. Ninety-three percent of METRO riders will still have service under the proposed plan, which could begin as early as next year. METRO’s goals with the plan are simpler, more frequent service, increased bus ridership and a better match to serve the public’s needs of

Local business is our business.

transporting them to where they live, work, play and learn. Unless another referendum is approved, the Heights and Oak Forest will not be getting any light rail service. However, METRO plans on building strong connections between the bus an rail connections. Replacing Blockbuster on Cavalcade/Main Blockbuster Video went out of business last year at 5836 N. Main St, at the corner of Cavalcade, in the Heights. Its replacement is uncertain at this point, but there’s a lot of interest in the 4,900 square foot building according to commercial realtor David Hummel. “It’s just a very hot area right now,” Hummel said. “I average three to four calls per day about that building, from various types of businesses from restaurants and pet care to mom and pop businesses to national franchises.”

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THE TOPICS. Saturday, May 17, 2014 • Page 3A

Don’t know Father Bill? Go meet him next week

Y

ou haven’t heard of William Miller. Even if we add the proper preﬁx and shorten the name, most of you still haven’t heard of Father Bill Miller. And why would you? He’s an Episcopalian priest in Kauai, Hawaii. If you are as confused as you should be, let me give a little explanation. Each week, I sit in front of a computer to pen some thought-provoking piece that gets a few people laughing and most of you angry. Nothing was different this week, until my email “dinged” with a note from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the Heights. The headline (as good headlines go) grabbed my attention: “The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God.” Pray tell. As I read the release, I learned that St. Andrew’s will host Father Bill Miller next Wednesday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. Miller has written a book called “The Beer Drinker’s Guide to God: The Whole and Holy Truth about Lager, Loving and Living.” In local media like we practice here at The Leader, all kinds of fruits send us books they’d like us to promote. Most of those books would fail ﬁrst grade, and I’ll admit my inclination to chalk up the St. Andrew’s event as another in the charitable book signings that interest about four people. Then I read more about this author. Father Bill is from the area. He was raised on 30th Street (Garden

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

Oaks) then moved to Candlelight Plaza and attended Durham Elementary, Black Middle and Waltrip High. He went to seminary in Chicago, became youth minister at St. John the Divine in River Oaks in 1986, served in Austin for a stint and then moved to Trinity Episcopal Church in Midtown from 1999-2006. Ever since, he’s been priest at St. Michael and All Angels in Kauai. If nothing else, I ﬁgured our readers might be interested in a local kid, turned priest, turned bar owner, turned author and what he had to say about God and hops. At the same time, I also worried Father Bill was a little off his Hawaiian rocker, maybe looking for a few minutes of fame in a crowded publishing industry. Mixing God and alcohol isn’t exactly cliché, so I needed to know more about Miller, his book and his outlook on Christianity. He picked up the phone on the second ring at 6:30 a.m. in Hawaii.

“I see my job as a priest and pub owner,” Miller said. That’s right, he owns a bar in art-centric Marfa, Texas, called Padre’s. “And this book is about connecting with our Creator through the gifts God has given us.” Sounds a little odd, doesn’t it? After talking to him for 45 minutes, I actually think he’s onto something bigger than guzzling a few pints. He tells stories from the Bible about Jesus and his knack for “creating a community around food, drink and music.” He talks about confession and transformation. “For me, ministry happens in a lot of places,” Miller said. “Sometimes, people will talk to you when you’re sitting in a bar, having a beer. They’re relaxed, and those same people may not feel comfortable in a church.” It would be easy for self-professing Christians to read a few quotes from Miller and think he’s just a priest who drinks. But in my conversation with him, I found him to be incredibly honest about the church, about the role of religion in our lives and about the power of Christ. While he may be non-conforming in a few ways, his honesty refreshes someone like me who is a Christian. “I think the idea of being totally solemn and serious in church is wrong,” Miller said. “The God I serve has a tremendous sense of humor, and I am proof of that.” So what has gone wrong with the

Charlie’s neighbors THE READER. did what we should do for our neighbors

church? Why are fewer and fewer people attending today? “Spirituality has become a solo pursuit, a segmented pursuit today,” Miller said. “But spirituality experienced in a community is better than going it alone. There’s something about gathering together, breaking bread together that has become lost.” Today, Miller said, spirituality seems to be about people ﬁnding religion on their own terms. “We need a community to keep us honest.” In church parlance, that would mean accountability, and one of the most important aspects of accountability has been lost, according to Miller. “The core of Christianity is to recognize the image of God in every other human being,” he said. I haven’t had the opportunity to read Miller’s book, but I have a feeling his tie between having a cold beer and getting closer to God is a concept many folks will struggle to correlate. To be certain, Miller said he has heard a few complaints about his approach to God. “I got two critical emails about the book from people who haven’t even read the book,” he said. I questioned him about the often overpowering problems caused by alcohol, because I’ve seen it in my own family. Some people cannot drink, and I wondered if Miller had considered that in tying Christian liv-

Garden Oaks residents Shellye Arnold and Tina Sabuco never intended to get their story on CNN. They were just trying to do something nice for their neighbor, Charlie George. “Charlie is our friend and neighbor,” Arnold said. “He walks his dog and cat every day, with his wife, Sandra. The other day, I saw he was struggling with the walk.” George, 64, has been battling Leukemia and is going through an especially difﬁcult time right now. Arnold and Sabuco encouraged neighbors on their street to put chairs in the lawn for George, thus “Chairs for CharMICHAEL lie” was born. SUDHALTER “Charlie does a lot of nice things behind the scenes,” ArEditor nold said. “There was an elderly neighbor down the street, and Charlie and Sandra would take him grocery shopping and all kinds of stuff.” George walks around the block, so a neighbor on the next street, Georgia Lister, picked up where Arnold and Sabuco left off, encouraging everyone in Garden Oaks to help out. There are now about 25-30 chairs out on lawns throughout the one block that the Georges walk each day. “I’m hoping there will be other people that read or see the story, and go put out chairs for other people,” Sabuco said. “This was an ‘it takes a village’ kind of effort.” Arnold said she wasn’t surprised that neighbors stepped up to help George. She said it’s the nature of the neighborhood to help a neighbor when they’re going through a tough time. Not everyone lives in a neighborhood like that, but that can change, too. “We encourage people to ‘Be The Change’,” Arnold said. “We didn’t do this as a lesson for the world. We did this for Charlie.” Twenty years ago, a story like this may not have made the news, let alone an international news channel. There was a time when neighbors taking care of one another was just the obvious thing to do. Growing up, I knew almost all of the neighbors on my street on a ﬁrst name basis. We had block parties, and for the most part, everyone interacted with each other. These days, I don’t know a name of anyone else who lives on my street, but hearing this story has inspired me to reach out to introduce myself and meet my neighbors. Of course, there is the caring, good samaritan aspect of it, but it’s just good to know your neighbors, so you can look out for one another when it comes to safety and general well-being. Living in the digital world is great, but we need to remind ourselves that reality is even better – for individuals and their neighbors.

Oak Forest Kroger gets a $5 million upgrade

From theleadernews.com This is great news. I am in this store at least 3x a week, because I can’t ever seem to remember anything. The one time I asked Mr. Bailey about carrying an item, it was there within a week or two. Sarah From theleadernews.com I can’t wait to see the new and improved Kroger. I see Mr. Bailey around the store all the time and he is always smiling, says

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Red’s Bar (From Facebook)

Dear Editor: And “the old shall pass away”. I loved Red’s. Jackie was a fun and generous Lady. She helped anyone that needed help. When my Sister & I opened Jim’s Corner, we were as dumb as a rock about the bar business. Jackie and Kenny Ray at the Dutchman took us under their wings & guided us thru the “learning curve”. Never a competition between the “Wakeﬁeld bars”, just good friendly support for each other. God speed Jackie, I wish you fun & good times. Pat Walker

ing to the repercussions of alcohol. “The issue is real. I even write about a good friend in the rehab process,” Miller said. “But think about all the things we misuse. Food, drinks, sex, even religion. Religion has been used to do great harm to others. But that doesn’t make religion a bad thing.” I’ve had a lot of conversations with friends about church, Christianity and society, as a whole. I am a ﬁrm believer that our churches are wading through a difﬁcult time reaching young people who, as Miller said, think they can “go it alone” in that search for something deeper in their lives. I’m also sure that there are places and philosophies where Father Bill and I would disagree on the role of the church. But after talking with him earlier this week, Miller is a person who understands that Christians aren’t just Christians on Sunday mornings. We’re meant to be something more than that, and we’re supposed to build relationships outside of the sanctuary. If that’s true – and Jesus seemed to be a good example of it – then Father Bill Miller seems to have an important, if not unique, ministry. And if you’re free next Wednesday, I get the sense you’d have a blast listening to him read from a book full of laughs and faith-based insights.

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hello and extremely helpful. As far as HEB, it’s not that great. This is an improvement to the exisiting neighborhood grocery store, let’s keep it positive people. Jessica

lucy@theleadernews.com

Dead bats on Watonga

From theleadernews.com I hope they can take hold. They are voracious mosquito eaters. Ironically, I would not overlook mosquito poison as the cause of their death. Jeﬀ Woodruﬀ

LOOKING BACK. 20 years ago May 19, 1994

35 years ago May 17, 1979

The high and low roads Garden Oaks traﬃc control plan divides community

Reagan High graduate Astro Craig Reynolds welcomed back home

If you live in the Garden Oaks Subdivision, chances are you’ll soon be petitioned by one group or another, and perhaps several seeking your opinion on a proposed traﬃc control plan for the area. Some residents of Section One of the subdivision are pounding the streets of the quiet northwest Houston neighborhood in attempt to gauge the support, or lack thereof, for the plan. Meanwhile, a member of the Garden Oaks Civic Club’s traﬃc control subcommittee said the civic club intends to do the same. The half dozen members of the group from Section One say residents there are having the plan “rammed down their throats,” and question the civic club’s published claims of “widespread support” for the plan. “Members of the Garden Oaks Civic Club cannot speak for all the residents of Section One,” said Yolanda Garza. Garza and her neighbors involved in the petition drive said that while they dislike some key aspects of the plan and question whether it would solve any of the problems it’s designed to deal with, they’ll accept it if a majority of residents favor it.

Coaches, relatives, educators, high school baseball players, little leaguers and a host of friends gathered together to pay tribute to Houston’s own Craig Reynolds, Houston Astros shortstop, at Craig Reynolds Day, May 8, at Delmar Stadium. Joe Tusa, athletic director of the Houston Independent School District, opened the program which preceded a high school baseball double header involving Kashmere, Reagan, Scarborough and Waltrip. Ron Lee, senior vice president of Northwest Bank and Trust, said the event was organized to give a group of people from the area where Craig grew up an opportunity to let him know that we appreciate him, his outstanding character, integrity and Christian testimony; and to let him know we’re glad he’s back in Houston.

Seatbelt always seems tighter on the ride home from NOLA ANTOINE’S – “Who is your regular server, Sir?” the maitre de asks. Actually, my regular server is the voice behind the bulletproof glass at the drivethru, but I simply smile my world-weary smile and say nothing. Later, after a dinner of crab with shrimp, and shrimp with crab, my waitress takes me on a backdoor tour of this 174 year-old establishment. “This private room is where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, also Bill Clinton, have their dinner.” Ah, yes, New Orleans, the Crescent City, post-Katrina. You and I are going to eat and drink our way down Bourbon Street, and take in a little culture. No, we are not going to view the remains of the storm. As the sensitive Spiro Agnew once said, “If you’ve seen one slum you’ve seen them all.” Moving on, this is a small restaurant called Lilette in the Garden District. They have breaded and fried sardines. No thanks. Soft shell crab. Oysters any way you wish. Wonderful. A tourist tip: My hotel charges $35 a day to park my

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

car, which I have to do since it is impossible to drive around town. Take a cab. They have four. Or take a streetcar. This route seems like a good one – it travels along the riverfront so I can view all the ships and riverboats on the Mississippi and chat with colorful dockside characters. All I see are walls and warehouses. But there is a colorful character: a mad man is sitting across from me who talks loudly and constantly. Arnaud’s no longer serves lunch. “We tried it after Katrina but never could drum up enough business.” Hehehe. Another tip: Literally just around the corner from Arnaud’s is its offspring, Remoulade, at 309 Bourbon Street. (Arnaud’s

is famous for its remoulade sauce.) Come here for lunch. It’s a more causal place and around half the price. Get the shrimp remoulade. Every Texan has visited New Orleans, which includes the French Market. You have never seen so much you can do without, but it is a wonderful place to people watch. Here is the famous Cafe duMonde. Taking in the local coffee and beignets is required. Oddly enough, in this most French of the French Quarter, the waitresses are Asian. I ﬁrst came to New Orleans as a small tad with my parents and have re-visited here many times since. The French Quarter always smelled of cigar butts, stale beer and vomit from Ole Miss fans celebrating Archie Manning’s latest triumph in the Sugar Bowl. Nice surprise: The town is clean, the French Quarter is clean, I am clean. Perhaps this is due to a change in mayorship – the former mayor has been convicted of bribery and is awaiting sentencing. It’s a tradition in Louisiana. Now we go to

another restaurant, August. A few years ago my wife and I drove to NOLA (as the locals might call it), and were tired, dirty, wet and hungry. My wife recalled we had just wandered by some unknown eatery, so we ended up here looking like leftovers from the Last Supper. They let us in, ﬁrst counting the silverware at our table. Great meal, and today, thanks to our recommendation, some critics say August is one of the top 10 restaurants in the nation. I am sitting in an open air cafe sipping coffee and enjoying a splendid morning. The weather is perfect, which reminds me that New Orleans’ climate is about the same as Houston’s or Calcutta’s, so come before it gets too hot. Time for some couth. This is St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square. It’s the church you see in all the postcards and travel brochures. A wonderful docent tells us the history of the church, the present structure is not really that old (1850), history of the city, and explains all the ﬂags lining the rafters. She claims the Bonnie Blue

Flag – solid blue with a white star in the middle – actually was designed by a Louisianan for Louisiana. Like she knows anything about Texas history. Next door to this really magnificent church is the Presbytere (equal time for us Protestants), which is a twopart museum. Bottom floor is given way to Katrina. I just knew we couldn’t avoid it. Very well done, including lots of TV film. These clips remind me of FEMA explaining why it couldn’t get into NOLA because of high water, lack of power and flooded roads. Meanwhile we turned on our TV to see: “Brian, I am standing in five feet of water on Canal Street along with my cameraman, sound technicians, makeup artist and light crew. Our catering service is preparing....” The upper floor of the Presbytere is Mardi Gras – costumes, pictures, beads. I love a parade. It’s been a full 30 minutes since we ate, so we are off to Galatoire’s. More gumbo and soft shell crab. Too much is not enough. NOLA (are you get-

ting the hang of it?) is home to the National WWII Museum, and you shouldn’t skip it, even if you dodged the draft. “Have you ever been in the military?” the ticket lady asks. “Yes,” I say, and get a discount for both me and my wife. Good thing the ticket lady didn’t ask which side I was on. This museum is big, spit polished, full of everything there is about the Greatest Generation, although the Eastern Front seems to be given short shrift. Can’t trust the Ruskies. Last stop. Casamento’s, a small mom-and-pop third generation out-of-the-way eatery, and worth the trip. No, it’s not Tex-Mex, it’s an Italian name with Gulf seafood. Start with crab bisque, then fried crab legs, fried shrimp. Cash only. I order a Dixie beer to be local. “Any good?” I ask the waitress. “It’s terrible.” Heineken goes great with anything. OK, campers, our trip through gourmet gulch is over and it’s time to drive back to Texas. Odd, but my seatbelt seems tighter. Ashby is touring at ashby2@comcast.net

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Saturday, May 17, 2014 • Page 5A

FROM THE PEWS. Farewell reception for Rev. Young at St. Stephen’s The Central South District of the United Methodist Church will host a reception for District Superintendent, Rev. Lawrence Young, to wish him success in his new ministry in Atlanta, from 3-5:30 p.m. May 18, in the fellowship hall at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St. A special presentation will be made at 4 p.m. Women of all ages are welcome to attend the Hope Mission Group meeting, at 9:30 a.m. May 21, in Room 112. Jan Edwards will present a program on Mercy Ships, an international charity providing free health care to the poor. For information, call 713686-8241 or visit www.stsumc. org.

Special service for Hope Episcopal Day School teachers Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W 43rd St., will honor It’s day school teachers, staff and school board members at the 10:30 a.m. worship service May 18. For information, call 713681-6422. All Saints TALC to host anniversary celebration All Saints Catholic Church Third Age Learning Center, 215 E. 10th St., has been selected to host the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Archdiocesan Ofﬁce of Aging on May 22. There will be a 10 a.m. Mass at All Saints with the Most Rev. Joseph A. Fiorenza, D.D., Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston as

THE OBITUARIES.

Kelly Renee Bircher, 29, born Dec. 19, 1984, in Houston, died May 4. Bircher graduated from Scarborough High School and received a degree in Nursing from the University of North Alabama. She began her nursing career at Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston, then worked in the ER at Memorial Hermann before becoming a ﬂight nurse on Life Flight at Memorial Hermann. She then went on to become a critical care nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital. Bircher is survived by her parents, Tim and Pat Bircher; sister Kimberly Moon; and grandparents, Bobby and Jeanette Starnes and Wally and Barbara Bircher. Jimmie Lou Riggs Clendennen, 86, born June 7, 1927

in Rhonesboro, Texas, died May 8. She is survived by her children, Linda Ruth Ponder, Beverly Lynne McNulty and Carl Clendennen; eight grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren, and one greatgreat-granddaughter. Memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Hermann Foundation, 929 Gessner Road, Suite 2650, Houston 77024 or online at www. memorialhermann.org/foundation. Please note – Vallbona/Weil Fund” on lower left of check or in the comments section online.

Simona C. Fernandez, 95, born June 7, 1918, died May 8. She is survived by her daughters Elvira Varela, Janie Franco, Maria Gutierrez and Michelle Contreras; sons Julian Tomas Fernandez and Jose Fernandez; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elsie Loretta Goodwin, 82, born Dec. 21, 1931, died May 7. She is survived by husband Glen Goodwin, daughter Maria Brown, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lula Leah Holder, 82, born June 5, 1931, died May 8. Robert L. Knowles, 86,

born Dec. 30, 1927 in Wichita, Kan., died May 4. In high school, he took classes in printing that led to his career. Knowles served in the Navy from 1945-1948, spending most of his time on Guam working on the Navy News. He returned to Wichita, worked for the Wichita Eagle, and then for Western Lithograph. He married Betty in March of 1949 and enjoyed 62 years together. They moved to Houston in 1960 and he later opened his own business, Elite Litho Plate. He is survived by his daughter Linda Gant, son David Knowles, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Celebrant and Msgr. Adam S. McClosky as Co-Celebrant. Following the Mass, a reception will follow in the parish hall. Call 713-248-1277 for information. LeBlanc to leave St. James Lutheran Raymond LeBlanc, who had been retired, took assignment from the bishop and served as interim pastor for two years at St. James Lutheran Church, 1602 W. 43rd St. A successor has not been named yet. LeBlanc served as pastor in Carson, California for 31 years. “This has been a wonderful experience working with St. James. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience,” said LeBlanc. “Houston is basically my home — I retired and

“The Heart of the Heights”

1245 Heights Blvd.

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

713 862-8883

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

Visitors welcome at Heights Christian Church Heights Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 1706 Heights Blvd., is a friendly, small congregation. If one is looking for a church home, it is recommended to come visit on the second Sunday of each month, which is fellowship Sunday. A meal is served in the fellowship hall, and is a good way to become acquainted. For information, call 713861-0016, or visit www.hcchouston.org. Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers at St. Stephen’s Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers is pleased to announce the opening of its

newest location on the campus of St. Stephens United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St. A 501(c)(3) non-proﬁt agency, Interface treats the whole person and offers faith-sensitive behavioral health services to adults, adolescents, and children, regardless of their ability to pay. Some of the issues that Interface treats include, but are not limited to: anxiety, depression, family issues, relationship conﬂict, substance abuse, and grief issues. The clinicians are licensed. There are six locations in Houston. Call 713-626-7990 or visit www.interface-samaritan.org for information or an appointment.

‘What the Resurrection Means For Us Now’ series at St. Matthew’s The Rev. Frank Coats will continue his series on “What the Resurrection Means For Us Now,” at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. The series will be taught at 9:30 a.m. at the Sunday morning worship and Children’s Church. Sunday School will be available for various ages at 10:30 a.m. A Prayer and Praise service with Holy Communion is offered at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Also available at the church is Weight Watchers, Seniors Day and Quilters on Tuesdays and Methodist Youth Fellowship. For information, visit the website at www.stmatthewsmethodistchurch.org or call 713-697-0671.

Florence “Flo” Pauline (Theiler) Orsag, 87, born May

7, 1927 in Houston, died May 7, following a long battle with multiple health issues. Orsag was born in the Heights and graduated from Reagan High School. She was a member of Houston Brethren Church and active in the Christian Sisters, SPJST Lodge #88 and in the Birthday Sisters.She retired from Phillips Petroleum Company. She is survived by her daughter Cynthia Beck, Paula Orsag, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association.

Gary Douglas Robbins Sr., 54, died May 1. He served

in the U.S. Army and worked as a truck driver for many years. He was currently employed by Valco Instruments Co. Inc. He is survived by his father Ray Robbins, children Gary D. Robbins Jr., Nicole Kluesner and Jarett Robbins, siblings Beverly Duﬀy, Linda Shively and Kenneth Robbins, and four granddaughters.

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Fredrich Phillip Schottie,

83, born March 12, 1931 in Houston, died May 7. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Schottie; sons Ray Schottie, Michael Leeon Schottie, James Daren Schottie; and daughter Jennifer Watts; four grandchildren and a great-grandson.

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Donald Clary Thomas, 74,

born Jan. 13, 1937, died April 30.

Ronald Doyle Thomas, 67, born Nov. 7, 1946 in Houston, died May 8. He proudly served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. Thomas worked in the grocery industry for more than 30 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Wanda; sons James and Robert, brother Sam, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Geraldine Isabell Wade,

81, born Dec. 15, 1932 in Houston, died May 6. In 1954, she married the love of her life Billy Jack and was a loving and devoted wife of 17 years until his passing in 1972. They also owned and ran their own electrical business out of their own home. Wade became an Eastern Star and was active in the organization throughout her entire life. She then began to work for Harris County until her retirement in 1994. She is survived by her children Kenneth Neal Wade, Patricia Ann Casey and Jenny Wade, sisters Elizabeth Ritter, Alice Love and Patricia Wisher, and ﬁve grandchildren.

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he expression “for the love of God” is often uttered as a mild curse, an expression of exasperation when we might feel like screaming something worse. It’s certainly better to say “for the love of God” than to utter something worse, but it still probably falls into the category of using God’s name in vain when we don’t mean it literally. And that is a shame because it’s really a very beautiful expression, if we think about it and what it literally means. We should do everything for the love of God. If that is our motive then there is nothing to fear. If you are aficted by doubts about your salvation, it might help to ask yourself simply whether you are acting for the love of God. If you are truly acting for the love of God it won’t matter so much whether you are saved or damned, though you surely won’t be damned if that is truly your motive. We should do all for the love of God. Joy will surely follow.

4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Reverend John Cain, Pastor

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Page 6A • Saturday, May 17, 2014

Oak Forest resident ﬁnds dead bats at Watonga

After an Oak Forest resident reported on the Oak Forest Facebook page that that he had seen several dozen dead bats under the popular Watonga Street Bridge at W. T.C. Jester Boulevard, there was understandable concern from area residents. The resident who ﬁrst spotted the downed bats contacted Texas Health Services, Zoonosis Control for this region and reported his conversation with a doctor there who said “it didn’t sound like rabies because of the number dying at the same time.” Still caution is advised if the public sees more downed bats.

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vestigation section had not received any reports of the dead bats, but that they will investigate further. The standard protocol for submitting specimens for testing involves “bats that have either bitten or scratched and caused a break in the skin of a person or animal, or exposure of broken skin or mucous membranes to saliva.” All such possible exposures must be reported to the local rabies control authority. In Houston, that is BARC/Animal Enforcement at 311. Dead bats are picked up by Solid Waste, also by calling 311. For more about what might have killed the bats, see the rest of this story at www.theleadernews.com.

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as well. A bat’s only defense is to bite if threatened. Otherwise, bats in ﬂight are utilizing their echolocation skillfully, so they will avoid people.” She said if Bureau of Animal Control and Regulation (BARC) or Harris County Animal Control picked up the dead bats, then testing for rabies would have been done. However, BARC has no record of any dead bats at Watonga being collected, and Harris County Animal Patrol directed this reporter to Harris County Mosquito Control who clariﬁed that they only test dead birds for the West Nile Virus. Chris Glaser, a City of Houston Animal Control Manager, said that their Rabies In-

Diana Foss, an urban wildlife biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, was able to get to Watonga 48 hours after the sighting but by then there were only a handful of dead Mexican free-tailed bats left. “We don’t know what killed the bats at this point,” she said. “In my opinion, people can still enjoy watching the bats emerge each evening. At dusk, avoid standing directly below the crevices where the bats drop out during the emergence. Watch from the sidewalk or one of the bridges. Deﬁnitely do not touch the bats. If a bat is on the ground, something is wrong. Keep your dog away from a downed bat

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Are you fit for fostering? By Molly Sue McGillicutty Do you know who the stand-out heroes of the animal shelter world are? The fosters. These kind folks perform the selfless act of taking in and loving a pet as their own for a short period of time, before placing them in the hands of their new adoptive family, when their time is up. Is this something that you think you have the guts or the resources for? There are a few things to consider before jumping in, headfirst, to the world of pet fostering. First up, you need to have adequate space in your home and (preferably) a spacious, comfortable

space to separate a foster from your own pets — at least initially. Also, think about the time commitment. While you most certainly don’t have to quit your day job in order to foster a pet, it’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, you and the shelter or rescue group that you’re working with will come to a mutually-agreed upon time commitment for 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 they’re at an adoptable age) and long-term fosters — typically helping pets who have been in a shelter for a long time and just need a break and

THE CALENDAR. SONS OF LEGIONAIRES STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come by The American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba, for a good meal and entertainment while supporting a good cause. Steak meals will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out, May 16. BILL W. AND DR. BOB Wide Awake Productions The story that chronicles the journeys of the two founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. The play will be presented at The Venue on 34th Street, 2317 W. 34th St., through June 1. Visit the website for speciﬁc dates and times and to purchase tickets. Tickets purchased in advance are $12.50 each and $15 at the door. Information: www.billwplay.com, 713-253-5821. TIE DYE PARTY Heights Area Parents Network Bring the family and a couple of new or old shirts to dye. The party will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m. May 17, at 1038 Waverly. Visit the website for reservations: Information: RSVP@Houstonhapn.com. HAS SWAP MEET Houston Aquarium Society The Houston Aquarium Society is hosting a swap meet from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 18, at the American Legion Hall, 3720 Alba Road. The event brings together local ﬁsh breeders and enthusiasts to buy, sell and trade anything aquarium related. Information: www.has.org.

to Broadway,” will be held May 21 through May 23 at 6 p.m., in the FBMS auditorium. Tickets are $3 presale and $5 at the door. Children under 5 get in for free. Valerie E. Nesby is the dance teacher and director. Information: 713-613-2505. MAY HYPO MEETING Heights Young Professionals Organization The May HYPO meeting will be held from 5-8 p.m. May 29, at Cottonwood, located at 3422 N. Shepherd Dr. Information: www. heightschamber.com/hypo. BRAVISSIMO! 2014 - THE GRAND GALA Opera in the Heights The nonproﬁt organization’s major fund-raising event of the year, will be held 6:30 p.m. May 30, at the Petroleum Club. This year’s event honors board member Petros Carvounis, M.D., highly respected Houston ophthalmologist and supporter of Opera in the Heights. Underwriting opportunities are available. Sponsorships begin at $3,000 and include a table of 10 for the event. Individual tickets are $300 each. Information: 713-861-5303, info@operaintheheights.org.

SUMMER READING KICKOFF PARTY Collier Regional Library The library is launching the Houston Public Library’s Summer Reading Program with a party from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 31. Children and adults can register for the program, Camp S.T.R.E.A.M. and enjoy activities and prizes during the kickoﬀ SPRING DANCE CONCERT party. Information: 832-393Frank Black Middle School 1740, col.library@houstontx.gov, En l’air Dance Company www.houstonlibrary.org/collierThe Spring DanceAd_Layout Concert, 1 3/24/14 10x10.5 Leader 9:24 AM Page 1 regional-library. “Empire State of Mind: A Tribute

a refresher course on good household manners. If the shelter is lucky enough to have supplies or monetary resources earmarked for their fosters, they’ll help in that way, but many shelters rely on their fosters to provide the basic needs of the pets they’re fostering. Medical care, however, is typically covered by the shelter or rescue group. No matter what sort of pet you choose 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 them to save more lives. Also, what better way to assess the temperament of an animal than from a comfortable, quiet home? Knowing a pet’s true colors will greatly aid in getting him adopted to the right family.

Saturday, May 17, 2014 • Page 7A

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. It’ll change your life, I promise.

Party for the pups

Come out at 1 p.m. this Sunday, May 18 to Liberty Station, 2101 Washington Ave., for the Party For Pups, beneﬁting Unity for a Solution and their Unity 1000 Challenge for 2014 (a challenge to spay/ neuter 1,000 pets from low-income areas during the year). This event is both dog and family friendly and boasts a silent auction, gift bags, and photobooth. Donations would be much-appreciated, so plan to drop oﬀ all types of pet supplies, such as dog food, crates, towels and the like, while you’re there.

Choose me

Finnegan is a 3-year-old mini German Shepherd mix, and is good with people of all ages, loves other dogs — and even cats! Finnegan suﬀers from epilepsy — which is completely under control thanks to inexpensive, daily meds. Finn is a real gem — go check him out at www.scoutshonor.org.

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Any Condition

713-937-1982

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The Northwest Pet Lodge is designed to make your pet’s stay like a relaxing vacation. Years of experience in veterinary medicine and animal boarding have come together to provide an environment that is comfortable, safe and clean with plenty of human contact for pampering and recreational fun. At NWPL, owners have a choice of our garden suites, our cage-less rooms, or our economy kennels. We offer several lodging options, large play areas and bathing facilities. Veterinary care is available for wellness exams and vaccinations, along with prompt medical attention if necessary.

Here are some of the advantages of the NWPL: • Daily veterinarian walk through • Relaxing environment (no loud barkers or aggressive pets allowed) with separate oors for dog and cats • Safe, super clean and hygienic (vaccines & parasite prevention required) • Trained and caring staff members plus overnight on premise personnel • Mild veterinary prescribed sedatives, with your approval, for overly anxious pets (at no extra cost) • Hydro-Surge spa baths and veterinarian recommended ea products available. • Day Care provided: Mon - Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm The Northwest Pet Lodge is dedicated to the safety, welfare and comfort of your special family member. So relax and enjoy your trip or stop and give us a visit, we would love to show you around.

8627 Bart Lane Houston, Texas 77040

Lobby Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:00 am - Noon and 2:30 pm - 7:00 pm Sat. 8:00 am - 1:00 pm • Closed Sun. and Holidays

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Page 8A • Saturday, May 17, 2014 CAR LOTS, from P. 1A deals on Shepherd Dr., south of Loop 610, have seen their better days. Many of them have them have been replaced by commercial real estate signs. The Greater Heights has transformed in recent years, with home prices going up by 26 percent from last year. The commercial real estate is starting to reﬂect that change as well, as car lots move elsewhere in the city. Retail and restaurants are expected to move in to ﬁt the needs of the new residents. “The demographics of the Shepherd area has changed, so the independent car dealer is moving to areas that more closely match the demographics of their buyer,” said Sherri Winkelmann, executive di-

rector of the Houston Independent Automobile Dealer’s Association. “It has decentralized, and many have moved east.” Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce president and former Leader publisher Terry Burge said the car lots along Shepherd once were among “the largest car sale areas in the state.” “The land is just getting so expensive, it’s driving a higher and better use of the property,” Burge said. Two of the former used car lots on the market are Longhorn Motor Company, 1433 N. Shepherd Dr., and Quality Used Cars & Trucks, nearby, at 1604 N. Shepherd. “The dirt is worth more than the lot,” said Todd Moseley of

EMERGENCY CENTER, from P. 1A

after Chicago, and New York based its on Houston’s, according to Joe Laud, public information officer for the Emergency Center. Call-takers speak to the public, and dispatchers are responsible for giving directions to police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel. The center’s logo proudly refers to the employees as “the First, First Responders.” “These employees are the first and sometimes last people they will talk to,” Laud said. Of the 10,000 daily calls, Laud said approximately 2,500 to 3,000 are actually emergen-

Hurricane Ike in 2008, the emergency call personnel are stationed at the building throughout the disaster. The Emergency Center has multiple generators and enough food and water for three weeks, along with locker rooms and showers. Employees are required to work on those days, so Houston won’t have a situation like Hurricane Katrina where emergency call-takers and dispatchers ﬂed New Orleans in the days leading up to the disaster. Houston modeled its consolidated Emergency Center

LOT SIZE, from P. 1A

Moseley Commercial. “Owners are waiting for a good deal.” Tripp Kimball of Kimball Ward Development and Consultants LLC said there are several options available at 1433 N. Shepherd, which his client, whom he declined to name, just purchased. There’s 40,000 square feet on the site, and another 10,000 square feet available to build upon. A strip center, a restaurant/bar, fast food establishment, or even a bank are among the options. The 1604 N. Shepherd lot is still on the market, but it’s clear that it’s a seller’s market. It’s possible that a client may buy a property and wait a few years for the right development. cies. The center gets hang-ups, pocket dials, pranks and situations that aren’t emergencies. Laud said citizens should only dial 911 in life-threatening situations. Police respond to all of the 911 calls, but many of them turn out to be non-emergencies. Eighty-percent of the calls that come in to the center are from cell phones. Whereas, police or ﬁre can locate a landline immediately, a cell phone only provides a general area, so callers are strongly encouraged to provide a location, including a block number and cross streets.

SCHOLAR, from P. 1A

I’ve talked to have been very professional, very nice and supportive, but it’s a process that takes much time.” With the absence of zoning in Houston, Brookwood Estates relies on deed restrictions to keep the character of the neighborhood, but that’s not always enough. “If we had zoning, we’d have been great, but we don’t have zoning,” said Brookwood Estates resident Patricia Lester. “We protect ourselves with deed restrictions. You have to uphold them, and people don’t always cooperate. If we can get protection (with lot size restrictions), we’d all feel a lot better.” While no developers had set up plans for multi-family units, Brookwood Estates residents don’t want to take that chance. “The lot sizes,” Brookwoods Estates vice president Gregory Stone said. “are a big reason why a lot of people chose that neighborhood.”

National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts competition. “It’s been a pleasure to work with all of the ﬁnalists,” Lukefahr said. “They’re such a wonderful group of people.” The program was created in 1964 to honor the top performing students in the U.S. and was expanded in 1979 to honor those students who excel in the arts. Lukefahr grew up in The Woodlands and moved to the Heights as a high school freshman so she could attend the Houston School for Performing and Visual Arts. She attended the school from 2010-13 and transferred to the University of North Carolina School for the Arts last fall. She’ll earn a high school diploma this spring and begin her college education at the North Carolina school. Lukefahr has been involved in Houston theatre since she was 8 years old. Her long term goals include acting in television, ﬁlm or in Broadway productions.

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Monday - Saturday 10am - 9pm Sunday 12-6pm

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