Leader0523a

MICHAEL SILVA

brought to our readers by neighborhood attorney Phyllis Oeser Call Phyllis at 713-692-0300

This week’s

713.725.8748 Houston Business Journal Top 25 Residential Real Estate Professional

Flower & Gift Shop 10570 NW Frwy 713-680-2350

Established 1967

michaels@johndaugherty.com johndaugherty.com

Make flower part of your Spring!

Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston Saturday, May 23, 2015 • Vol. 60 • No. 29

Leader Small Display_Silva NEW PHOTO.indd 4/17/15 2:04 1 PM

In the Zone

About Us

2015

3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd Suite A (713) 686-8494 news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/THE LEADER.

Nominate your favorite businesses to help us determine our top choices for readers across the area!

AREA SPECIALIST

Find it on 7B

Wabash to move, not “move on”

Ê , < 832.419.9969

INSIDE.

By Kim Hogstrom For The Leader

Empowering Education The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed educators and students to this year’s annual Education Luncheon and awarded numerous scholarships and awards to hardworking teens and adults alike.

Find it on 10A “We Make Real Estate Simple.”

Give Us A Call Today!

Janet & Cecil Schmidt

713. 419.7918

janetschmidt58@yahoo.com Home ServiceS Premier ProPertieS 713-686-5454

INSIDE.

HISD’s vote against rezoning area schools pleases some, disappoints other parents

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com While Sinclair Elementary parents celebrated the 5-4 HISD Board of Education vote against rezoning the Shady Acres neighborhood to Love Elementary – part of a proposed plan to reduce classroom overcrowding by adjusting neighborhood attendance boundaries at certain elementary schools – there were other Leader-area parents for whom the outcome was less desirable.

Jennie Sciba, who lives in Section 1 of Candlelight Estates, has been talking to HISD Board President and District II Representative Rhonda Skillern-Jones about having her neighborhood rezoned for Stevens Elementary for the past year.

“When they were looking at rezoning, I wanted [Skillern-Jones] to know that she had our support,” said Sciba.

According to Skillern-Jones, Katherine Smith Elementary is overenrolled by 100 children, with even more from the school zone who have been turned away. Stevens, with an enrollment of 655 in 2013-2014, has room for additional students.

“We want to rezone – we have overcrowding and it’s the right thing to do,” said Skillern-Jones. “[Katherine Smith’s overcrowding] is the largest problem and it’s the thing we need to tackle first.”

The problem was that the Smith/Stevens zone changes were also tied in with zoning adjustments at Sinclair Elementary, Love Elementary, Memorial Elementary, Crockett Elementary, Travis Elementary and Harvard Elementary, what District VII board member Harvin Moore called an unwanted “domino effect.”

District I Representative Anna Eastman also voted against the proposal even though she said it would have

First Time For Everything

Shopping Securely?

Gabriel Konigsberg and Roxanne Werner have much to be excited about as they settle into their new home. Read in this month’s edition of Leader Listings about the couple’s house hunt in Oak Forest.

Reports of burglaries, credit card skimming at Oak Forest Shopping Center raises concerns

Find it on 1B

The INDEX. Church

8A

Classifieds

4B

Coupons

5A

Food/Drink/Art Obituaries

3A 6A

Opinion

4A

Public Information Puzzles Sports

2A 7A 8B

Since 1987, Betty Lou Heacker and her crew at Wabash Feed and Garden have been taking care of business at 5701 Washington Ave. in the Heights.

That is why many in the community were alarmed last week when Wabash’s land appeared on a commercial real estate listing site.

The business, which offers all sorts of hardware, organic gardening options, pet supplies and more, has become one of the beloved icons of the Houston Heights.

The listing is held by Boyd Commercial. Currently, there is no asking price for the 25,591-square-foot property and its 3,500-square-foot buildings with 216Photo by Betsy Denson While the vote against rezoning area schools has some rejoicing, others want their neighborhoods to be rezoned.

(Top) One school who could accept more students is Stevens Elementary. (Bottom) The boundaries for Stevens and Katherine Smith Elementary will remain in place, for now.

cleaned up some messy boundaries affecting some of her schools. Going over the 22-1 state mandated student/ teacher ratio doesn’t necessarily worry her though.

“We need to do something about extreme overcrowding, but I have long held the belief that [the 22 to 1] is not a magic number, especially when there are highly effective teachers involved,” Eastman said, noting that she believed the district had an obligation to elevate the level of education at a given school before requiring families to go there.

“We don’t need to start messing with schools that are working for students and families,” she said.

Sciba said that she thinks a natural boundary for the Stevens school zone is TC Jester to the west and Pinemont to the north and that she hopes a new zoning plan will just include Stevens and Katherine Smith since “different people have different feelings.” Skillern-Jones concurs, saying that she will push for a new zoning plan that “doesn’t involve other schools which aren’t as amicable.”

See Zoning, P. 7A

See Wabash, P. 7A

Photo by Kim Hogstrom Betty Lou Heacker with her “inventory” at Wabash Feed and Garden.

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Recent burglaries and credit card skimming incidents reported by residents at the Oak Forest Shopping Center on West 43rd Street are renewing interest by one local business association to establish greater security in the area.

David Lorms, president of the Oaks Business Association, said his group has approached numerous businesses in the area regarding enhanced security patrols through a contract with S.E.A.L’s private security service. However, Lorms said his group has faced troubles with convincing the management company behind the shopping center, Weingarten Realty, to potentially invest in further security. The shopping center includes a variety of stores including Kroger, Ross, GNC, Baskin-Robbins, Subway, Super Cuts and other establishments.

See Security, P. 2A

Photo by Jonathan Garris Some shoppers who have used the Kroger gas pumps near the corner of West 43rd Street and Ella Boulevard say their cards have been “skimmed” and will be avoiding gassing up their cars at the store altogether. While HPD only has one report of skimming in the last month, others have continued voicing their concerns on social media outlets.

Bob Beszborn Realtor , Military Veteran ®

Market Expertise in Oaks of Inwood | Heights | Montrose

Clients are drawn to Bob’s wealth of knowledge and positive attitude.

281.650.2726 | beszo2@aol.com

The public.

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME HERE 7200 Sq. Ft. Lot Zoned Oak Forest Elementary 1329 Richelieu Lane Houston, 77018 $324,500

713.252.9348 scott@scottmdaley.com

Saturday, May 23, 2015 • Page 2A

www.scOttMDALEY.cOM

Police Reports • May 9 - May 16 MAY 9 Theft 10 AM 0-99 E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 4 PM 1200-1299 W 23RD Theft 6 PM 500-599 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 7 PM 1100-1199 ROY Robbery 4:08 PM 4700-4799 ROSSLYN Theft 3:37 AM 1800-1899 YALE Theft 2 PM 2400-2499 N DURHAM Theft 5 PM 2600-2699 WHITE OAK Theft 3:15 AM 5000-5099 YALE Theft 4:19 PM 400-499 S HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 7:05 AM 2500-2599 18TH Theft 4:42 AM 1100-1199 LEHMAN Theft 5:02 AM 3800-3899 SHERWOOD Theft 2:29 AM 4200-4299 W 34TH Theft 11:33 AM 1000-1099 PINEMONT MAY 10 Theft 1:08 PM 400-499 REDAN Theft 2:36 PM 2200-2299 MANGUM Theft 10:44 AM 4200-4299 W T C JESTER Robbery 8:33 AM 2900-2999 MANGUM Theft 1:40 AM 700-799 T C JESTER Theft 8 AM 4800-4899 LARKIN Theft 5 PM 3600-3699 OAK FOREST Theft 5 PM 3000-3099 ATTRIDGE Theft 10:32 PM 3000-3099 N LOOP W MAY 11 Theft 4:41 AM 1100-1199 W 22ND Theft 4 PM 700-799 HARVARD Burglary 8:53 PM 4000-4099 N SHEPHERD Theft 1:20 AM 100-199 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 2 PM 1700-1799 SEASPRAY CT Robbery 1:06 PM 1200-1299 W 43RD Theft 8:35 PM 3700-3799 PINEMONT Theft 3 PM 100-199 W 20TH Theft 3:04 PM 700-799 11TH Theft 10:39 AM 600-699 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 2:30 PM 4400-4499 N SHEPHERD Theft 7:30 AM 3600-3699 W T C JESTER Theft 1:15 PM 1700-1799 SEASPRAY CT Burglary 10:12 PM 1000-1099 MOY Assault 3 AM 3800-3899 MANGUM

Theft 9:54 PM 1300-1399 W 43RD Burglary 9 AM 1100-1199 ROBBIE Burglary 2 PM 3700-3799 JULIAN Robbery 8 AM 3800-3899 WASHINGTON MAY 12 Burglary 9:17 AM 1400-1499 DOROTHY Burglary 5 AM 1100-1199 PEDDIE Theft 9:40 AM 2500-2599 SHEARN Robbery 10:44 AM 5100-5199 ELLA Theft 2:29 AM 3100-3199 MANGUM Theft 5 PM 1100-1199 11TH

Don’t Be A Victim!

Concealed Handgun Classes May 23

We Buy All Guns

Buy

neW loCAtion CoMinG

sell

trAde

Black Gold Guns & ammo 713-694-4867 875 Wakefield Dr. Licensed FFL/Class III Dealer

Theft 4:30 PM 1000-1099 W 23RD Theft 3:30 PM 2600-2699 LANGSTON Theft 5:30 PM 2500-2599 HOUSTON AVE Burglary 2:27 AM 6900-6999 N SHEPHERD Burglary 2:07 PM 800-899 T C JESTER Theft 8:44 AM 100-199 YALE Burglary 1:15 PM 200-299 W 27TH Burglary 7:21 AM 1300-1399 NASHUA Theft 4:30 PM 1000-1099 W 20TH Theft 2:30 PM 300-399 E 9TH Theft 2:45 PM 1000-1099 STUDEWOOD Theft 6:30 PM 2100-2199 SHERWIN MAY 13 Theft 2:47 PM 1400-1499 STUDEMONT Burglary 5:30 AM 1700-1799 WOODCREST Burglary 3:46 AM 7200-7299 N SHEPHERD Theft 7 PM 200-299 HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 3:30 PM 5300-5399 BRINKMAN Theft 2 PM 1700-1799 E CROSS-

TIMBERS Robbery 5:19 PM 3200-3299 MANGUM Theft 12:56 AM 3700-3799 WATONGA Burglary 10:42 AM 2400-2499 LAWRENCE Burglary 11 AM 900-999 W 20TH Theft 3:19 PM 1500-1599 N LOOP W Theft 6:03 PM 600-699 W DONOVAN MAY 14 Theft 6 PM 6400-6499 N MAIN Theft 6:25 AM 2600-2699 W T C JESTER Theft 8:15 AM 4200-4299 W T C JESTER Theft 5:30 PM 600-699 ARLINGTON Theft 2:30 PM 2200-2299 ELLA Burglary 10:58 PM 2900-2999 VOLLMER Theft 6 AM 4000-4099 W 34TH Theft 9:28 AM 2900-2999 N SHEPHERD Theft 4:47 PM 3300-3399 W 11TH Burglary 2:10 AM 3300-3399 WHITE OAK Burglary 1:02 AM 1000-1099 STUDEWOOD MAY 15 Theft 6 PM 1700-1799 BLOUNT Theft 11:33 AM 3900-3999 SHERWOOD Theft 2:30 PM 1000-1099 W 20TH Theft 11:46 AM 1100-1199 19TH Burglary 1:21 AM 1200-1299 N LOOP W Theft 6:47 AM 3900-3999 WASHINGTON Theft 3:46 AM 1300-1399 CHIPPENDALE Theft 3:23 AM 300-399 W 26TH MAY 16 Theft 8:15 AM 1000-1099 12TH Burglary 3:14 AM 900-999 N SHEPHERD Burglary 12:55 AM 100-199 E 28TH Burglary 11 AM 1100-1199 JEROME Theft 10:40 AM 1600-1699 E T C JESTER Theft 7 PM 500-599 BYRNE Theft 11:30 AM 5100-5199 LILLIAN

Heights optometrist burglarized

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

The Houston Police Department is investigating an early morning burglary which occurred at an optometrist in the Heights May 19.

According to police, at about 4 a.m. HPD responded to a burglary alarm at Eye to Eye, located at 432 West 19th St. At the scene, officials found the front door had

been shattered and unsecured and an unknown number of burglars had gained access to the business.

HPD officials said there is currently no word on what, if anything, was stolen and the store’s management would have to complete an inventory of its merchandise and also contact the department’s Burglary and Theft Unit.

The store has been in the Heights since 2003 and

Precinct One: Unlocked door leads to car burglary Garden Oaks HOA On Saturday, May 16, the Garden Oaks deputy was flagged down on the 3000 block of Ashland in regards to a burglary of a motor vehicle that occurred May 8 between the hours of noon and 6 a.m.

The complainant stated that he left his door unlocked overnight and that someone stole loose change and $50 worth of bungee cords.

There are no suspects at this time and this case will be investigated by the Houston Police Department Burglary and Theft Division.

love to help!

.com direct

Best

ApplIAnCes & A/C repairs Since 1995

Serving all Major BranDS SaMe Day Service

Mon-Fri 8aM-8pM

281.866.0080

Don’t throw It AwAy...CAll toDAy!

Security from P. 1A “We had gone to a lot of local businesses about crime earlier in the year,” Lorms said. “Some of the robberies we have seen in the area have become more and more aggressive.”

Lorms referenced a robbery of the GNC store which occurred April 17. According to the Houston Police Department, two men entered the store at about 8 p.m. with bandannas on their faces. One of the men told the employee inside “it was a robbery,” and the other walked behind the counter and demanded cash.

The employee told police he did not see a gun but said one of the robbers had his hand inside of his jacket as if he were armed. The robbers stole money from the register and fled the scene on foot.

He described them as black males in their 20s, one of them standing at about 6’3 wearing a green jacket, black pants and a brown colored stocking hat with a green bandanna over his face. The other robber was described as standing about 5’11, medium build, wearing a maroon letter high school jacket and a red bandanna over his face.

Other crimes, such as burglaries, are not uncommon at such shopping centers. According to HPD records of calls for service at addresses belonging to Weingarten Realty in the shopping center, there have been approximately 26 calls related to thefts since Aug. 1, 2014.

Lorms said break-ins have happened at the adjacent shopping center, The Shops

at Oak Forest, which houses businesses like Plonk! Bistro.

Local residents have voiced their concern in the past with the on-site security and some have claimed to have fallen victim to card skimmers at the Kroger’s gas pumps near the corner of Ella Boulevard and West 43rd Street. However, HPD officials say there has only been one reported case of card skimming at the gas pumps in the last month.

“When I approached Weingarten, they said their own security was satisfactory,” Lorms said. “I was surprised they took the stance they did.

They are providing space for businesses that draw people there but they don’t seem to be interested in protecting the customers they draw there.”

Calls to Chris Hotze, CEO of Crescere Capital which owns The Shops at Oak Forest, were not returned. Calls to Weingarten Realty were also not returned.

Lorms maintains that added protection would be a good thing, and the bill for the security would be paid for collectively by the Oaks Business Association. Many incidents go under-reported or unreported, and extra security might help alleviate that, he argues.

“I feel there is a greater presence needed,” Lorms said.

“You have naysayers in the neighborhood talking about S.E.A.L. not being worth the money, but having those officers there maintaining a better presence would surely benefit both the businesses and their customers.”

rnestine Kelley Bitner, born March 23, 1928 in Houston County, passed away May 14, 2015. Ernestine is survived by daughter Shelley Towns and husband Gale, son, Kelley Bitner and wife, Carol, grandchildren, Jeremy Bitner, Robert Lewis and wife, Alexandra, Jill Copenhaver and husband, Paul, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Ray Bitner, and her 4 siblings. Ernestine loved her family and was a dear friend to many.

Visitation and funeral was held Monday, May 18th, at St. Stephens United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd Street in Houston.

Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Lovelady, Texas. Memorials can be made to St.Stephens UMC.

10% senIor DIsCount

Janhtx@gmail.com

Photo by Jonathan Garris Despite multiple visits by The Leader over the course of nearly two weeks, there were no security guards visisble in nearby parking lots.

ernestine Kelley Bitner

E

Free trIp ChArge wIth repAIr

281-686-0761

In MeMorIaM

eileen

The Right Agent

Jan Clark, J.D.

Please report any suspicious activity to local Law Enforcement as soon as possible.

GAMEL HARTMAN

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

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

provides eye care products and services, including glasses, vision examinations, contact lenses and others.

There is also no word on security footage and there is no guarantee that such camera systems would have captured the burglary or the burglars themselves. The case remains under investigation.

Pat H. Foley & Company 1200 West 34th Street Houston, TX 77018 (713)869-6261

This Saturday May 23rd from 8am to 4pm Adolf Hoepfl Garage is kicking off their

in grand Style Bring your vehicle in from 8 to 10am and get Free wiper blades with any service.

Come celebrate Liberty Tree Gifts & Gallery’s first year anniversary

We will have local vendors for you to shop: Tree Creations, The Diva Bling Store, YDH Jewelry, Damsel in Defense, rG Creations, Chloe + Isabel, Tupperware, Thirty-One, Olsen Stelzer Custom Boots, PLUS more

We will have a children’s activity area, sponsored by eLearningK12 Houston, where they will make cards to be sent to active military and/or veterans in honor of Memorial Day We will have Houston’s Finest Soulfood Truck with delicious eats.

4610 N. Shepherd • 713-695-5071 At Your Service Since 1946!

America’s Finest Cowboy Boots Handmade Since 1900

Food, drink & Art Saturday, May 23, 2015 • Page 3A

Remembering a great local artist, Van McFarland The day after Christmas last year, Houston artist Van McFarland suddenly passed away. An original artist of Winter Street Studios, McFarland’s quiet manner and friendly nature left many friends in the art world in shock.

Mosaic artist and Heights resident Chris Silkwood began thinking about many of the great artists at Winter Street Studios that she respects and admires, and how she would like to collabo-

rate with them, but never had the time.

She made the time.

Silkwood asked twelve fellow artists to collaborate with her creating unique art pieces to display at an art show dedicated to McFarland. The cul- Collaboration art with mination of their col- show hostess Chris laboration is titled 12- Silkwood. At the top, art collaboration with artist Thirteen, and the art Kelley Divine and at the show will be held this bottom with Marsha Saturday evening in Glickman. the upstairs gallery at Winter Street Studios.

With each piece, Silkwood combined her medium of glass mosaic with the medium of the collaborating artist. Silkwood’s fellow artists must have been equally inspired.

“I was thrilled and deeply moved when twelve of my favorite artists quickly agreed to participate.” Silkwood said.

In many of the pieces, Silkwood went first in applying her mosaic work. She studied the artistry of each collaborator and worked to pay homage to his/her unique style in the application of the colorful glass. In other pieces, the collaborator went first and then Silkwood went over various areas of the canvas with mosaic.

The series represents a variety of mediums including acrylics and oils, resin, paper and collage, steel and mosaic.

The participating artists are Keith Crane, Kelley Devine, Kermit Eisenhut, Ryan Fugate, Anne Joelle Galley, Marsha Glickman, Sharon Kopriva, Carol McKee, Taft McWhorter, Ellen Orseck, Patrick Palmer, Nicola Parente with Chris Silkwood.

If the name Chris Silkwood rings a bell, it is

because she is a very active member in both her worlds, the Heights and the arts. Silkwood is a past president of the Houston Heights Association where she is still active. She collaborated with Gus Kopriva, owner of Redbud Gallery, on the “True North” sculpture exhibit along the esplanade of Heights Boulevard. This past weekend, along with both Koprivas, Gus and Sharon, Silkwood was honored at the Fresh Arts annual gala. She also serves on the Old 6th Ward Historic Board.

McFarland was a friend, and an unintentional mentor to many. I considered us acquaintances but that’s not saying he didn’t leave his mark on me too. Whenever you meet someone that is passionate about what they do, they will leave an impression on this world.

McFarland did that with his very persistent painting and if you were lucky enough to get to know him, by surprising words of wisdom that I hear he dropped on the unsuspecting.

All the pieces at 12-Thirteen are the same size and will be for sale - an event catalog will also be available. 12-Thirteen is Saturday evening, May 23, 6 - 9 p.m. at Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter St. 77007. silkwoodmosaics.com Upcoming Events: In my May 2 column I wrote about artist Nicole Gavin. Thursday evening, May 28 at Public House Heights, there will be an artist reception held for Gavin and guest artists Alexis Andrei and Bryan Magnon. Public House Heights, 2802 White Oak, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77007 5:30 - 9 p.m.

May 29 - 30, I am the guest artist at Affaire d’Art, as part of the Galveston ArtWalk, 2227 Post Office St., Galveston, Texas 77550. Details

Collaborated work with artist Nicola Parente.

also on my website.

Finally to the parents of future fashion designers - summer is here, and Fashion Camp Houston (here in the Heights!) still has openings and a scholarship! Ages 12-18, write an essay on “Why you’d like to attend Fashion Camp Houston.”

Email Director, Dawn Bell at: dawnobell@icloud. com also at fashioncamphouston.net Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him at ArtValet@gmail.

It’s game time, Houston Thirsty Explorer’s favorite places to watch the NBA Playoffs Many others have been here. They’ve accomplished championships year after year.

Scored better and made history. A run at the title requires the leaders to shine the way for themselves and their team. This year’s Western Conference Finals aren’t just about this year’s MVP, Stephen Curry against Houston’s own MVP and fearless bearded leader, James Harden. It’s not just about the basketball. No, it’s about where you watch the game!

As the Western Conference finals are upon us, here are a few of my favorite spots to watch the Houston Rockets take on the Golden State Warriors.

Lucky’s Irish Pub

2520 Houston Ave. One of the best and one of the biggest watch parties for the Rockets is over off of Houston Street.

The game is projected onto a 20 foot screen outside on the patio. If you’d rather sit inside, you can turn your head all across the bar and you won’t miss a possible Dream Shake or a Curry shot from Downtown, with all of their TVs. Beer specials are always a regular at Lucky’s and you can bet they’ll have plenty to choose from on game day.

Lucky’s Pub is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ex pl or

Arts Columnist

st y

By Mitch Cohen

er

Art Valet

@ T hi

r

If a game happens to land on a Tuesday, like game one, don’t forget steak night starts at 6 p.m.

D&T is open seven days a week. Hours on Monday - Friday are 3 p.m. to midnight; Saturday noon to1 a.m.; Sunday noon to midnight.

Wakefield Crowbar

954 Wakefield Dr. If you’re looking for something that has the crowd, the patio and the action, Crowbar is a great go-to. TVs are inside and outside and the sound is played for both.

When it comes to beer, there are 39 beers on tap and on Tuesday, Texas craft beer is on special. If craft isn’t your choice, $10 Budlight buckets are available during all of the playoffs.

Wakefield Crowbar is open seven days a week. Hours are Monday-Thursday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Weekends 2 p.m. to 2.a.m.

Cottonwood

3422 Shepherd Dr. With 40 plus beers on tap, a full bar, and a patio so welcoming your four legged friend won’t want to leave, Cottonwood has something for everyone.

Hours are Monday-Thursday 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.

Christian’s Tailgate

Email Thirsty Explorer at christina@ 2820 White Oak Dr. theleadernews.com and follow on Twitter If you’re looking for a sea of red and yellow @ThirstyExplorer on White Oak, Christian’s is your spot. There are Hosting a party or corporate event? two bars at Christian’s.

One that is inside and Let us do all the work. one that is a covered patio. The inside bar has an extensive beer selection, with the covered patio sticking to solid basics.

Drink specials usually include beer buckets and select wells.

Christian’s Tailgate is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

D&T Drive Inn

1307 Enid St. If you’re looking for something more crafty, D&T is so Houston. So Houston, that they’re offering $20 Houston craft beer buckets, with your choice of six cans from Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company, Karbach Brewing Co. and Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

CATERING We can deliver and set up at your home or office.

Join us for lunch on our outdoor patio 2120 Ella Boulevard • (713) 869-6622 www.Cavatores.com

Leader Nibbles

New menu items for brunch, lunch and dinner

By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com The local communal dining cafe, located in the mega church, Ecclesia, is switching things up. Paper Co began their venture last year, offering pop-up dinners and eventually went to a full dinner service menu. Now, the cafe boasts a new coffee list and is switching from dinner service, to lunch service.

The menu will offer similar options found on the previous dinner menu, but will also cater to the lunch crowd with lighter options. The Daily Common Meal can also still be found on the menu. This meal changes frequently and the staff asks you pay what you can or pay more than the suggested donation amount to help fund “another brother or sister’s meal.”

Lunch will start at 11 a.m. and for A Common Meal served the dinner lovers, dinner will still be for lunch last week. offered on the weekends from 6 - 9 p.m. Paper Co is located at 1100 Elder St.

Revival Market adds dinner service

Another menu addition comes from Revival Market, who started as an artisanal market and now is a full service restaurant. Revival Market added a lunch menu just a few months ago, but executive chef Ryan Pera and chef de cuisine Vincent Huynh didn’t stop there, adding additional seating, and creating a new menu to include dinner.

If you’ve dined at their sister restaurant Coltivare, and stuck it out for the 30 plus minute wait, you’d understand why Revival Market added dinner to the line-up.

“We’ve had a lot of interest from our breakfast and lunch customers,” Ryan Pera tells CultureMap. “We’re Facebook Photo certainly going A recent dinner option - broccoli, chili agrodolce, to be sending horseradish. some people who come into Coltivare and don’t want to wait for a hot, freshly cooked meal.”

Revival Market will serve dinner Monday - Sunday. Hours are Monday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Revival Market is located at 550 Heights Blvd.

Urban Eats brings out the big guns and adds Sunday brunch

If you want to add a new brunch spot to your Sunday to-do list, Urban Eats will start brunch this Memorial Day weekend.

“Our guests have been asking us to open on Sundays since we first opened,” Culinary Director Levi Rollins said. “Now that we have changed our hours, we are now ready with a brunch menu that compliments our regular menu, and allows us to introduce a few new items as well.”

The brunch menu offers breakfast options like the Breakfast Pie, Buttermilk Beignets and Fried Chicken. If you’re looking for something more on the lunch side, the menu offers Roasted Chicken and Chimichanga, Duck Fat Camper’s Hash, and even Sunday Sliders.

Along with the addition of The Brunch sliders at Urban the brunch menu, Urban Eats Eats. adds new Bistro and Bar hours.

Hours include Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Urban Eats is located at 3414 Washington Ave.

Try our

Lunch SpeciaLS

Mango Chicken $6.50 Sesame Shrimp $7.50 Free Wi-Fi • Free Delivery limiteD AreA ($12 min.)

Order online at AuntieChAngs.Com Best Chinese RestAuRAnt - Houston Press

Best Dumplings - Houston Press and Houston Chronicle

2621 S. Shepherd at Westheimer | 713.524.8410

A cup of coffee that makes a difference

Have you driven by Andy’s Café on 11th Street and wondered what is going on with the location next door? I know I have.

Next to Andy’s you’ll find A 2nd Cup, the soon to open Heights coffee shop come September, located at 1111 E. 11th St. 77009. In the meantime, Same center as Academy and Conn’s @ 34 / 290 you can visit the coffee shop on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The coffee shop is a non-profit that is aiming to educate awareness of the human-trafficking issue here in Houston. Funds raised will go to find solutions for survivors, including housing, mentoring, tutoring, job-skills, and other necessary skills for reintegration into society.

A 2nd Cup is close to their September opening and are looking to the community for support to become the “Headquarters of anti-trafficking activity in Houston.” Their goal is to raise $100,000 by September. Visit them online at www. a2ndcup.com and find their campaign page at https:// Lunch . Dinner www.indiegogo.com/projects/ drink-coffee-fight-human-trafAlso Grilled GrilledPlatters, Platters.Poboys, Poboys MON-SUN 11AM-9:30 Also ficking.

Seafood Kitchen 11011 Northwest FRWY 832-409-5222

30 Shrimps $11.95

2 Pcs Fish $4.99

SH FRECRAWFISH ARE HERE!!

Let us boil up an order for you!

$ 6.99 6 Shrimps & 2 pcs Fish

7 Days

Have a tip for Nibbles? Email christina@theleadernews.com

FR& SAT Open Til 10 PM

$

6 99 Lb..

Etouffee Gumboand andmore more Etouffee,. Gumbo

Visit our website: www.tyseafoodkitchen.com

The Topics.

Saturday, May 23, 2015 • Page 4A

The Leader will make local searching easy E ver heard of NokNok? What about Yik Yak? Kleek ring a bell? You think I’m making up all these things, don’t you? Go ask your teenager the same question and you’ll be met with a glance of “duh.”

As if we don’t live in a confusing, fractured world already, let me fill you in on some of the happenings in media (or social media, whatever that means) today.

So what are NokNok, Kleek and Yik Yak? They are all apps for your smart phone that are the greatest evidence yet that we, as a species, have nearly hit our limit.

Let’s start with NokNok, and I only wish this were a joke. Most of us have friends, and most of our friends have our phone numbers saved in their phones – because we all know humans lost the ability to remember seven or 10 digits in a row. That genetic ability disappeared with the advent of cell phones.

Well, there’s another layer to someone saving our contact information. Are we listed as a “Favorite” in someone’s phone? Are there pictures of us? Did our friends give us an insulting name when they saved our digits?

From the pages of Forbes, here’s what NokNok can do for you: “NokNok is an anonymous reputation app that tells users how their friends saved them as a phone

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

contact,” the review says. “This provides interesting insight on how we are labeled by friends, family, coworkers and even romantic acquaintances.”

No, this does not provide interesting insight on anything. This provides us with a new level of conspiratorial hysteria. Are there really people who spend time worrying about what name a friend used when saving your phone number? If so, you don’t need an app; you need a session.

Yik Yak is nearly as ludicrous.

From one review: Yik Yak anonymously allows “you to share your thoughts with people nearby. Posts can get upvoted if they’re interesting, so you’ll see the posts that others have considered to be good at the top of your feed.”

Here’s the translation. A random thought comes to my mind, and I want to share it with a thousand other nerds sitting in their base-

Certain emails too good to pass up MY COMPUTER – Today there is new email, rather than the usual dunning notices from MassiveCharge, the IRS and/or my payday loan shark. This is from Capitol One: “During our usual security enhancement protocol we observed multiple login attempt error while login in to your online banking account we have believed that someone other than you is trying to access your account for security reasons, we have temporarily suspend your account and your access to online banking and will be restricted if you fail to update.”

Huh? “Multiple login attempt error”? “We have temporarily suspend”?

Also, this message has a serious lack of periods. Being smarter than most people, I spot that this is obviously a scam. Also, it occurred to me that I don’t have an account at Capitol One and never have. Here’s another email.

“Naval Credit Union. Dear Customer, You Have One Unread Message In Your Online Banking Account. View your message.” I was never a member of the Naval Credit Union, whatever that is. Are the Marines close enough? Never used USAA either, but I need to update.

At the beginning of the Internet, you and I would receive all sorts of email attempts to get our money, mostly through credit card and bank account numbers and the ever faithful Nigerian Prince Ogo. Remember him? “I have $20 milyon US in bank London. Need avoid taxes. You help, we share.” This and most other scams are based on the oldest way to part a fool from his money: greed. The pitch in whatever form is that you and your email partner are going to put one over on a London bank, the IRS or that crooked cousin, because you are smarter than most people. “To show sinserity in this endeevor, wire $5000 US to etc.”

Then months went by without me receiving an offer to share in millions stuck in a forgotten stock portfolio, securities tied up in a lawsuit or silver bars hidden in a sand dune. Now I am starting to get them again. Maybe you are, too. What’s this? “Our record shows your account was accessed from unknown location.” I am told to fill out a form or my account will be suspended. Why not ask for my credit card and Social Security numbers along with my home address, when I will be out of the house and do I have pit bull watchdog?

These con artists are getting cannier. From Comcast: “This e-mail has been sent to you by comcast.net (a “to” should be here, but isn’t) inform you that we were unable to verify your account details. Due to this, to ensure that your email service is not interrupted etc. etc.” Sneaky, but I do use Comcast, so how do I know if this is a scam? Easy. I was not put on Hold.

Have you ever used Amazon? Millions have, including me. “We have noticed irregular activity on your Amazon.com account. Due to this, you need to verify your account for security reasons.” I am supposed to update my account information in order to be re-activated. Click here.

I didn’t and am still a customer in good standing. After having difficulty with my iPad, I was told to change my password. When I didn’t, I received a reply – in Russian. Honest.

Lynn Ashby Columnist

Another email: Mr. Frank Carradine, an inspection official at Los Angeles International Airport, came across an unclaimed package “left by a diplomat from United Kingdom who was supposed to deliver these packages to you but failed to provide necessary clearances.” A scan revealed the package contained a metal box holding an undisclosed sum of money, probably between $5.5 million to $6 million. I know that I don’t have a few million bucks coming to me from a Brit diplomat, and so does this Mr. Frank Carradine, but I am going to play along and keep the money. First, however I must send a check etc.

Again, calling on my greed, which is easy to do. “My Wife Violet and I are donating 2Million Dollars to you.

Contact us via my wife email.”

Two points arise: Where did all these people get my name and email address? Is there a sucker’s list bouncing around the Internet? Maybe they took it from my application form to be Dick Chaney’s food taster, or my check to a bankrupt Christian Science bookstore, Borders Without Doctors.

A second point: These scams must work to a certain degree or the perpetrators would stop wasting their time and efforts. Wouldn’t you love to see the incoming emails generated by Mr. Frank Carradine, the Naval Credit Union, et. al?

And still they come: “A member of our team reached out to you earlier yesterday with a request for more information about your account.” I need to update. A plea from Wells Fargo, same thing. And this: “As part of our security measures, we have disabled your Chase Online Banking temporarily. To unlock your account, click here.” Actually, I did have dealings with Chase, but don’t go there anymore since my ski mask fell off.

A new, and highly inventive, con has appeared. The phone rings in the middle of the night. A very scratchy voice says, “Uncle (your actual name), this is (mumble mumble). I’m in Paris and was mugged. They took my money, credit cards and passport.

I can’t get home and I can’t reach my parents. Would you please wire twenty-fire hundred dollars to Western Union box 1234 in Paris? I’ll pay you back when I get home. God bless you.” Now what semi-literate knuckle-dragger would go for that bunch of bull? A friend of mine, that’s who. He has a doctorate in physics from Rice.

You and I never fall for these obvious scams, especially the old Prince Ogo from Nigeria offer, although I am expecting a big payback from Secret Spanish Bullion, Inc. since they’ve already cashed my check. I’m smarter than most people.

Ashby is conned at ashby@comcast.net

ments. I post the thought, and then I sit around, staring at my phone, waiting to see if anyone thought my anonymous thought was worth reading.

I visited the Yik Yak site, and here’s the kind of brain power oozing out of that place: “Let’s play a game called: How late can I wake up while still making it to class.” That is seriously what one person wrote, and 68 people gave it a thumbs-up. Wow. Here’s another one: “Gym Thoughts: Treadmill minutes are 5x longer than real minutes,” wrote another Yikkety Yaker. This is brilliant stuff.

And then there’s Kleek, my favorite new social media app in the entire history of the world. From tech magazine PCAdvisor: “Kleek isn’t its own social network. Rather, it connects to Facebook to allow you to limit the statuses and other data just to people you care most about. You can use Kleek to make sure only your close friends see your statuses.”

Let’s make sure we’ve got this straight. We all know about Facebook, which has done a wonderful job of limiting physical social interaction, all the while making sure that we know everyone’s life is better than ours. So Kleek is a social media platform for a social media platform, which allows us to limit the close friends we have on

the original social media platform, thus giving us more freedom to share what we really don’t want to share on the original social media platform.

Got it. This makes complete, logical sense, and I don’t know why we’ve never done this before.

OK, we’re finished making fun of the inane world of web development, and the reason I chose the topic is not to imply that advances in media are a bad thing. In fact, the entire purpose of today’s column is to tell you The Leader is actually expanding its digital brand.

No, we are not going to launch a smart phone app that smells your neck to make sure you are presentable for your date in an hour from now (although that would be a wonderful idea). Instead, we’re going to stick to what we know how to do best.

Over the next couple of weeks, you’re going to see a new marketing program for a website called LeaderSearcher.com, and I thought I’d do the honor of telling you a little about it.

LeaderSearcher is exactly what it says. We all know the most powerful use of a website is the ability to search for something you cannot find. There’s a reason Google is one of the most powerful brands in the world.

In a sense, you could say LeaderSearcher will be a local form of

Google, combined with a local form of Craigslist and Yelp (if you know what that is).

What our team has created is one of the most simple, local and useful websites I’ve ever seen, and I’m proud of the work our staff has done. If you want to sell a refrigerator to someone local, LeaderSearcher will be the place.

If you want to find a doctor, this will be the place. If you want to find a church event or a restaurant that serves brunch, this will be the online home of anything you want to search.

Our plans are to open the site to the public on June 1, and you can keep looking at The Leader for further information.

The purpose of LeaderSearcher is to fulfill one of the most critical missions of a community newspaper: It is our job to serve our readers and advertisers. It is also our job to filter information, protect our readers from so much of the crud floating on the internet. And most important, we’re working to create opportunities for our local businesses where they can better connect with readers tuned into digital media.

Until then, have fun yakking about NokNok jokes.

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

The reader.

Reader’s fears not calmed about the local economy Dear Editor: My fears were definitely not calmed. The statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor have never impressed me as genuine nor realistic, as I am convinced they receive a generous dousing of pixie dust before being applied with a fresh coat of camouflage varnish, and infused with an instant brainwashing elixir, before they are trotted out to the masses.

The numbers quoted for the employee layoffs by the likes of Halliburton, Chevron and BP, only scratch the surface and do not take into account those hundreds of employees that have lost (or are losing) their jobs in other non-O & G businesses, specifically those that provide services, goods and/or equipment to said companies, like those here in Houston. I’m a recent casualty of such a service provider, and there were many others like me that are being swept out to the great sea of “uncertainty.”

For many of these specialized products and services, diversification isn’t an option, or too costly to re-tool, re-vamp, etc.

With regards to the tax revenue the city is supposedly raking in, I personally find it incredulous, given the fact that so many of us by-product “casualties” are currently struggling to find work. In this cycle of “uncertainty,” we don’t have the extra pocket change for anything, save for putting food on the table. For those of us left weak from losing our life-blood income, there is no dining out, movies, or impulse purchases.

So, “uncertainty?” Absolutely. And no amount of pixie dust is going to disguise it.

Susan C. Dear Editor: I am an artisan at the First Saturday Arts Market. I also attend other notable regional venues within 250 miles of Houston. My finger is as close to the pulse of discretionary spending as you can get without showing blood. I have been negatively impacted by the weather. When given a good shot, weather-wise, I have seen strong sales. Last month I had the single biggest day since 1993. I have seen very solid results in the Heights.

I am scampering to build up a larger and higher end inventory than I have ever carried. I am investing every penny in tools and training. I feel very lucky to bring the results of these tools and training back to my home neighborhoods of Oak Forest and the Heights.

I apply my 16 University-level hours of training in Economics and Economic History to my business decisions. I cannot tell you how its going to be next year. However, I am taking action in a distinct direction. That is planning for a higher level of business activity.

Jefferson Woodruff (from www.theleadernews.com)

Parking (or lack of ) at new restaurants and bars frustrates reader

Dear Editor: With all the new restaurant/bars that have opened up in the area, why do they not have parking spaces for their customers? Seems like all of them now have valet parking and they have a limited space for that. Since I do not valet (and I know quite a few people who do not like to), it makes me wonder where the valets park the cars. Down the block, around the corner in the neighborhoods? Since I am not a “spring chicken,” I will not walk blocks to get to a bar/restaurant, especially after dark.

I would love to know their reasoning behind this. Do they even think about their customers? Probably not. There are a number of places I have wanted to try but for this reason I have not been able to frequent. All I can say is it is cheaper to eat and drink at home.

Diane Sullivan

Keep up the good work

Dear Mr. McElvy, I picked up your May 9th issue of the Leader this morning and just finished reading your Mother’s Day article.

(Yes, I’m a week late in my reading.) That was the most beautiful writing I’ve ever read! You are amazing! Thank you so much.

I’m from a family of 15 and you described my mother perfectly. She lived to be 100 and was very active until a few weeks before she died. We remember her last years when she really needed to use her walker but refused with the words “I’m not going to use that thing - it makes me look old!”

Keep up your good work!

Annabel Harris Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

OUR STAFF Built by Lee Burge, Publisher from 1957-1969 Terry Burge, Publisher from 1969-2012

Jonathan McElvy

Publisher & President jonathan@theleadernews.com

Frank Vasquez

Associate Publisher frank@theleadernews.com

3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd, Suite A P.O. Box 924487 Houston, TX 77292-4487 Phone: (713) 686-8494 Fax (713) 686-0970 News Deadline: Noon on Mondays Classified Word Ad Deadline: 5 p.m. Tuesday Retail Ad Deadline: Noon on Mondays

© Copyright 2015 McElvy Media LLC

Jonathan Garris

Editor jgarris@theleadernews.com

Carolyn Moore

Outside Sales Executive

Jeanette Black

Inside Sales Executive

Jake Dukate

Graphics Manager ads@theleadernews.com

Jane Broyles

Business Manager biz@theleadernews.com

Christina Martinez

Managing Editor/Outside Sales christina@theleadernews.com

Phil Stewart

Outside Sales Executive

Katy Cattoni

Inside Sales Executive

Lucy Dukate

Sales Coordinator lucy@theleadernews.com

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

Saturday, May 23, 2015 • Page 5A

Stoneburner & Associate Realtors 713-686-8844 Office/832-309-7469

Routine Male Cat Neuters

49

$

What is your property worth?

Dear Northwest Neighbor, As you are aware, our Northwest Area home prices are on fire right now. (Look at your latest HCAD valuation, and it’s probably low).

Having grown up all of my life in Northwest Houston and having owned Stoneburner & Associates Realtors for over 35 years, I am very happy to see our values finally increase to where they should be.

Northwest Houston is in a strategic location and many builders are purchasing our homes and building new construction on the lots.

I have compiled a list of several Neighborhoods in Northwest Houston below and what the average price per sq. ft. was and the high and low price per sq. ft. in each Neighborhood over the past 6 months.

Mangum Manor - 11 sales with an average of $139.54 per sq. ft. Low price $112 per sq. ft. and high $175 per sq. ft.

Forest West - 16 Sales with an average of $102.87 per sq ft. Low price $70 per sq. ft. and high $157 per sq. ft.

Forest Pines - 12 sales with an average of $140.23 per sq. ft. Low price $100 per sq. ft. and high $201 per sq. ft.

Oak Forest S 16 - 11 sales with an average of $146.45 per sq ft. Low price $84 per sq. ft. and high $191 per sq. ft.

This is just a sample of some of the area subdivisions, if your subdivision is not listed please call us and we will evaluate yours as well.

As you can see the values are re-

New Well Puppy & Kitten Exam

ally increasing but nothing lasts forever and values will eventually slow down in the future. Hold on it gets better, we at Stoneburner & Associates Realtors are offering a special commission discount for our Northwest Houston area homeowners. For the next 60 days we will reduce the listing commission by 1% on every new listing taken, in addition, if you purchase another home through us, we will pay an additional 1% of your closing costs on your new home. This is a limited time offer, so please contact us as soon as possible.

FREE Dog Rabies Vaccination

40

8

Years

$

of quality care for your family pets

If you need help with a tax protest please call us and we can help.

Call About Cat Vaccines

To place an ad on the most popular page in the Leader, give us a call at (713) 686-8494 and ask for one of our professional sales executives

5315 Antoine@ Pinemont

Walk Ins Welcome • Fleet Services • State Inspections

PhilliPS tire & Service center 2212 Mangum Rd |

oFF

713-683-0251 Mon-Fri

7:30 am - 6pm

NOW OPEN SaturdayS 7:30am - 3pm

2 Off

$

any PAUL MITCHELL Products and Protools

Houston, TX 77092

hold FREE Mon-Fri 7:30 amWe - 6pm Alignment Community Expires May 31, 2015 Workshops

10% OFF

nOW Open at neW lOCatiOn

authentic mexican restaurant

Dinner

With this coupon only. One Coupon Per Table. Dine In Only.

Valid Monday - Friday Hours of 3pm til closing. & Saturday 11am-Close Not Valid with other offers Exp 06-6-15

Offer expires 5/31/15

1509 W. 18th St. • 713.426.2441 (corner W 18th & W. T.C. Jester)

Great Breakfast Menu!

www.lxhairstudio.com

302 W. Crosstimbers

• Haircuts • Highlights • Color • Blow Dry • Extensions

281-888-4876

Open 7am - 9pm Mon - Sat • 7am - 3pm Sunday

Homemade Mexican Food

FREE DONUTS 2 KOLACHES FREE DONUTS Get 1/2 dozen glazed donuts Buy 6 Glazed Donuts FREE FREE with purchase of one Get 6 Glazed Donuts EXPIRES 6-6-15.

EXPIRES 6-6-15.

FREE!

EXPIRES 6-6-15.

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

3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St.

(713) 682-4343

Authentic Mej icano Cuisine

Free Dinner Dine In Only After 3:00 pm • Expires 6-6-15

 Daily luNch SPEcialS  Bar FacilitiES  takE-Out OrDErS availaBlE

2615 Ella Blvd. @ 27th  713-868-5232

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

free dinner

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

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

20% OFF entire bill

Kids Eat for $1 - Mon & Tues from Kids Menu • Free Soft Drink

All services performed by supervised senior students.

For Services or Appointments Call Weaves • Braids Highlights Hair Color Relaxers • Perms Salon Hours Haircuts • Styles Tues-Fri 8am-10pm Manicures • Pedicures Sat 9am - 4pm Facials 2910 Antoine Dr. A-107 Houston, TX 77092 Free Manicure with this coupon

713-680-9164

SIMOS DINER

Fresh, Home-Cooked Cafeteria Style Food with Breakfast

Free CoFFee Free tea with Lunch

(713) 680-0825

weekdays & saturdays 3:00-6:00 pm. sunday - all day

Mexican Restaurant

14

$

45

5305 antoine @ pinemont 713-682-3853

Party Room Available

5 OFF DINNER

$

Buy One Dinner And Receive $5 Off Second Dinner Of Equal Or Lesser Value.

WITH THIS COUPON DINe IN ONly.

DINe IN ONly. this coupon good mon. thru fri. 3pm til closing.

valid mon.-fri. 3 pm til closing this coupon also good saturday and sunday 11:00 until closing. and all day sat. and sun.not excludes alcholic beverages valid with other offers. not valid with other offers. offer expires 6-6-15 offer expires 6-6-15

Hours 6am -3pm

Serving Breakfast and Lunch

4618 Dacoma

• LIMIT ThREE cOuPONS PER TABLE • Full Service Bar - 13 oz. Regular Margaritas $2

Greek-American Food

5004 N. Shepherd Dr • 713-697-5553

(Between Hwy. 290 and Mangum)

FAJITAS FOR TWO

Dine In Only • 1 Coupon Per Table • Must present coupon when ordering.

Excludes Alcholic Beverages • Offer expires 5-31-15

/PSUIXFTU &EVDBUJPOBM $FOUFS #FBVUZ 4DIPPM

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

Mexican Restaurant

Happy Hour

ALL DAY EVERY DAY Free order of Nachos with your first drink

11031 Northwest Frwy 290 Next to Conn’s 832-849-0947

• Not available on Senior Citizens or Kids Menu • One coupon per table / one coupon per family ORIGINAL COUPON ONLY! No copies accepted • Must be presented before ordering • Expires 6-6-15.

Happy Hours: Mon-Thur 4-8

Full Bar

Is offering Quality Services At 50% Off Salon Prices!

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

Mexican Restaurant

713-688-9625

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

Full Service Auto Repair • We Service Hybrids

10

$

With purchase of one dozen glazed donuts.

* With Wellness Exam

Best regards, Jay Stoneburner Broker/Owner

der Un ent n e p eM ag wo no Man w ne

dozen donuts or more.

75 *

I’m In PaIn...Can ChIroPraCtIC helP me?

Conditions that are danger signals • Headache • Arthritis • Loss of Sleep • Scoliosis • Leg & Arm Pain & Numbness • Backache • Tension •Whiplash

29

$

95

Reg. $140.00

eXam & X-raYs Must present ad at time of appointment.

Expires May 31, 2015.

hudson ChIroPraCtIC

We Accept Medicare, Medicaid & Insurance, WORKERS COMP. Se Habla Español (713) 290-1905

1820-1 W. 43rd. St.

Page 6A â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, May 23, 2015

Keeping the peace when bringing a new pet to your home

Dear Tabby, I have two cats and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m about to take in two more cats to foster for a family member whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ill and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t currently care for them.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m unsure how to harmoniously introduce the new cats into my home. Please help!

Stepping up to help in Shepherd Park Plaza Dear Stepping up, Kudos to you for helping a family member in need! What youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing will help so much and will give your family member peace of mind that his or her beloved pets are in good hands, while affording him or her the chance to focus energy on getting well.

Now, how do you take on this challenge? Most experts agree: The key is to remain patient and accept that this might be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;one step forward, two steps backâ&#x20AC;? situation. Also remember that this change will be stressful for not only

you and your existing pets, but also for the new pets.

According to leading animal experts and behaviorists alike, the first step in introducing new pets to your home is to give them a safe, quiet haven, away from the other pets. Experts suggest putting the new cats in a quiet guest room (with food, water, litterboxes, toys and a scratching post) that you can close off, away from the other pets. Go in frequently to pet and visit with them, while still giving them space and time to be alone to discover the area.

Shortly after bringing the new cats home, experts suggest that you take a clean cloth--a sock works great-and gently rub it on the new cats, while petting them. After youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done with the new catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cuddle session, take the cloth or sock that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve rubbed the scent from the new cats on and use it to pet your existing cats.

This will get the old cats used to the new catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; scents and help them to become familiar with the new cats, gradually.

Additionally, you can also repeat this procedure the other way around--petting the existing cats with a clean cloth or sock and then taking it into the new catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; space to let them acclimate to the existing catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

scents.

After the new cats have had several days to acclimate to their new surroundings, experts suggest beginning to feed the cats on opposite sides of the closed door to the new catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; space. This will allow both sets of cats to associate something good (eating) with the scent and sounds of the other set of cats.

When you feel as though the time is right, open the door a crack and see what hap-

pens. Be prepared to jump in to intervene if you feel that the situation is escalating too quickly. If this goes well, plan on opening the door indefinitely in the coming days and see if everyone is ready to mix and mingle. With luck, the pets will tolerate one another and your family member will soon be on the road to recovery.

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

-FU 6T 4FSWF :PV 5IF 7FUFSBOT *NQSPWFE 1FOTJPO #FOFmU 1SPHSBN BTTJTUT RVBMJmFE WFUFSBOT BOE UIFJS TVSWJWJOH TQPVTFT UP SFDFJWF UIF RVBMJUZ JO IPNF DBSF UIFZ EFTFSWF $BMM UPEBZ GPS NPSF JOGP

XXX $PNGPSU,FFQFST DPN $FOUSBM)PVTUPO 3JDINPOE "WFOVF 4VJUF t

ÂŞ $, 'SBODIJTJOH *OD t .PTU PĂłDFT JOEFQFOEFOUMZ PXOFE BOE PQFSBUFE

Texas Caskets, LLC Caskets Sold To The Public

at wholeSale raTeS!

Mention this ad for $50 oFF

Pet of the Week

Call Today!

713-497-5233 Showings by appointment Parker Brenda

Made in the USA

45

TidWell

151 West Brenda St. â&#x20AC;˘ Houston, 77076 www.TXcaskets.com

24 $ ; 4&= 24&1 $ 4 !&$ 24 1 24 4 Â&#x2013;

Meet Paul Newman. Sharing the same striking, lady-killing blue eyes as his namesake, feline Paul Newman is a lover indeed. This three year old loves to hug humans and play every now and then. Paul Newman would prefer to be an only cat so that he can soak up all of the attention that he so deserves.

Find out more at www.saveacatrescue.org or visit the shelter located at: 2618 Newman Street 77098.

New

What?

The Obituaries.

Ernestine Kelley Bitner, 87, born March 23, 1928, died May 14.

Bitner is survived by daughter Shelley Towns, son Kelley Bitner, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church.

11. She and husband Dave were longtime members of Advent Lutheran Church. Smith is survived by her husband, David G. Smith, children Debbie Nicol, Dennis Smith, Sharon Lang, Jeanie Huble, brother Larry Mikeska, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Eugene V. Burns, 86, born Jan. 31, 1929, died May 14. He married Dolores J. Burns, and they were married for more than 60 years. They had one son, James. Burns served in the Army from 1945 until he was honorably discharged on Oct. 16, 1949. He retired from the Teamsters Union in 1990. Burns was a resident of the Heights since 1957 and a member of Heights Presbyterian Church since 1963, and sang in the choir for more than 50 years.

John Allen Snider, 74, born Jan. 15, 1941, in Canton, Ill., died May 15. The Sniders owned and operated the Rudolph Snider Funeral Home. He served on the Waxahachie City Council from 1980-1985 and during his tenure, was Mayor Pro Tem, in 1982 and Mayor, from 1983-1985. He then ran for the Texas State Rep for the 4th District, in 1985. Snider was employed with Service Corporation International as President of Heights Funeral Home; Area Vice President; and Vice President for the Houston Market for Client Satisfaction, from 1987 until his retirement, in 2005. Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Jacquelyn; children: Rev. Dana Brown, Shane Snider, JoAnna Anderson, siblings Ruth Hopper, Paul Snider and Charlotte Moore, and eight grandchildren.

Sebestian â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buddyâ&#x20AC;? Gurka, 87, born Jan. 10, 1928, died May 12. Gurka is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bernadette; daughter Cathy Gordy, son, Bruce Gurka, sisters Nora Lewandowski, Leona McVicar, Gertrude Hairston and Christine Stacks, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Idola Lois Lollard, 97, born April 6 in Slocum, Texas, died May

11. Lollard is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Armond L. Lollard; daughters, Cynthia Ann Van Ostenbridge and Marion Elaine Julian, five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-greatgrandchildren.

Jerline A. Smith, 74, born July 29, 1940, in Wallis, Texas, died May

Daniel Vera, 91, born Sept. 24, 1923, in Gladstell, Texas, died May 10. Vera worked as a laborer for many years, then as a welder for Todd Shipyard and retired from this field. He was a member of the Armed Forces in the Army Division, 52nd Military Police Company, Camp Polk, Louisiana where he received an Honorable Discharge. He is survived by his only daughter, Sherry Vera, three grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren.

Toys for curious kids & the people who love them!

237 W. 19th. St. â&#x20AC;˘ 832.623.6990 Houston, TX 77008

www.bigbluewhaletoys.com

Get started on your career at HCC Northeast Pinemont Center Jason C. Miller, DPM Daren M. Guertin, DPM

Fellows, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons; Fellows, American Society of Podiatric Surgeons Diplomates, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery Board Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery

Laura Woodcox, DPM Elizabeth Fernandez-Arias, DPM Kimberly Nguyen, DPM Associates, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons; Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

WE TREAT

â&#x20AC;˘ All Foot and Ankle Disorders â&#x20AC;˘ Bunions and Hammertoes â&#x20AC;˘ Fungal Nail Laser Treatments â&#x20AC;˘ Musculoskeletal Laser Treatment â&#x20AC;˘ Surgical and Non-surgical Treatments for Injuries and Fractures â&#x20AC;˘ Heel Pain â&#x20AC;˘ Ingrown Toenails â&#x20AC;˘ Warts (laser treatments available) â&#x20AC;˘ Flatfeet â&#x20AC;˘ Diabetic Foot Care and Diabetic Shoes â&#x20AC;˘ Toenail Fungus â&#x20AC;˘ Tendinitis â&#x20AC;˘ Arthritis â&#x20AC;˘ Custom-Made Orthotics and Braces â&#x20AC;˘ Sports Medicine â&#x20AC;˘ In-Office Digital X-Rays

Houston

Pyhsician Specialty Center 1900 North Loop West, Suite 570 Houston, Tx 77018

281.348.2166

Kingwood

Atascocita

350 Kingwood Medical Dr., The Colonnade Ste. 150 18455 W. Lake Houston Pkwy., Kingwood, TX 77339 Ste. 280 Humble, TX 77346 281.348.2166

281.348.2166

Accepting New Patients Children and Adults are Welcome

Register Now

Summer I classes begin June 8 Summer II classes begin July 13 Conveniently located in your community Available at Pinemont Center: â&#x20AC;˘ Classes offered day and evenings

â&#x20AC;˘ Library and open computer lab

â&#x20AC;˘ Academic transfer courses

â&#x20AC;˘ Admissions & registration

â&#x20AC;˘ Career & Technical education courses

â&#x20AC;˘ Counseling /Advising

â&#x20AC;˘ Continuing education

All Insurances Accepted â&#x20AC;˘ Se Habla EspaĂąol

HOUSTON

foot ankle

and

Hospital Affiliations: Kingwood Medical Center Memorial Hermann Surgical Hospital San Jacinto Methodist Hospital

w w w.houstonfootandankle.com

Pinemont Center 1265 Pinemont

713.718.8400 northeast.hccs.edu

â&#x20AC;˘ Financial aid for those who qualify

Saturday, May 23, 2015 • Page 7A

HISD clears Reagan in grade-changing investigation

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com After expanding its investigation into grade-changing at Reagan High School, HISD officials announced they have discovered no evidence of wrongdoing at the school.

According to an auditors report, district officials said they could find no evidence of grade altering at the school and teachers first named in the controversy have since denied any directives to alter grades.

The Houston Federation of Teachers first presented the accusations of grade-changing to the district late last week and the organization’s president Gayle Fallon said several teachers supported the claims. However, many have been afraid of coming forward with the information, Fallon said.

“They’re required to give specific grades for students to pass classes,” Fallon said. “The principal or assistant principals would tell them how they would have too many F’s and how they ‘might’ want to reconfigure these grades.”

Fallon said teachers from across the district have since come forward about grade-changing, but claims their hands are tied by a lack of whistleblower protection and fear for their own livelihood.

“They don’t trust the district,” Fallon said. “They’re basically complaining about the person who does their evaluation so they’re understandably scared.”

The HFT is working with teachers to have them file accusations with the Texas Education Agency and potentially the District Attorney’s office. Fallon argues the charges would fall under falsification of state data.

“Filing with the district won’t give them whistleblower protection but filing with a law enforcement agency would,” Fallon said.

Fallon also criticized the district, alleging that the district’s legal department opted instead to investigate who first leaked the allegations and documents pertaining to the alleged gradechanging to local press outlets.

“That shouldn’t be the first part of your investigation,” Fallon said. “That’s showing you wantto go after a teacher and not the real problem.”

BOOK

YOUR TIME

ONLINE

appointment just got simpler.

Memorial Hermann’s online scheduling tool, ScheduleNow, lets you schedule and confirm your appointment with just a few clicks.

Visit our website to choose the best time and reserve your spot today at the Memorial Hermann location near you.

PCP s • s P e C i a l i s t s MaMMograMs • ColonosCoPies P h y s i C a l t h e r a P y • er s h e a rt & s t r o k e s C r e e n i n g s

memorialhermann.org

Wabash from P. 1A foot frontage on Washington Ave. with two hard corners.

“There is no listing price because we are testing the waters,” said listing agent Greg Barra. “The Wabash business will definitely be relocating, and we have a site now under consideration. Wabash wants to serve the community for many years to come.”

This will be the third move for Heacker and her business.

Originally, she moved from the 6400 block of Washington to the business’ current location.

At the time of the first move, the area was “pretty dicey,” said Heacker.

“Now, we’ve outgrown our current location,” Heacker said. “We are relocating, but we will stay as close as we can. We are looking at a property now that would allow for more parking, larger facilities and more, but we are not at liberty to release that information yet.”

The process is a long one; Heacker estimates it may take up to a year to complete. ”In the meantime we put the Washington property up for sale. We are taking it one step at a time,” she added.

Wabash Feed and Garden is one of the businesses in the Heights that has contributed to the unique character of the

Scheduling your next

community. The store was one of the first to introduce organic gardening to the area, and has been the first choice of shoppers for live chickens, citrus trees, herb plants and more for a long time. “We’ve learned over the years is that our area has a growing interest in urban homesteading,” Heacker said.

Like the inventory found at one-of-a-kind Wabash, its name is also a mash-up of cool stuff. Wabash stands for Washington Avenue Bric-Brac, Antiques, Sundries and Hardware: W.A.B.A.S.H. Heacker credits the community for the success of her business; she feels that the Heights has quietly steered her direction all along. “The community has been a wonderful partner. I am not sure Wabash would have survived anywhere else,” she stated to The Leader in January.

So rest assured, Wabash Feed and Garden is moving, not moving on.

“We are starting to get excited about this. We are not going away and we are not going very far, but we’ve outgrown this property. In the meantime, we have our customers to thank for the challenge we are seeking to address,” Heacker stated.

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

the leader Puzzlers.

Answers found in this week’s Classified section

SUDOKU

Zoning from P. 1A While Sciba’s daughter is only 17 months old, Sciba wants to work with the Stevens community to raise visibility and support for the school, which is less than a five minute drive from her house.

“It took a lot of parental involvement for Oak Forest Elementary to get where it is,” said Sciba. “I really want all of our kids to have the best education they can.”

Durham as a HUB school In other news from the board meeting, concerned members of the Durham Elementary community showed up to voice their opinions about Durham being named again as a HUB school for the district.

A HUB school is created to provide an overflow campus and to allow students, whose zoned school reaches capacity, to still attend a school in their neighborhood.

While Anna Eastman said the board does not vote on HUB schools as it is an administrative decision, she relayed the community’s feelings on the matter.

“It’s the first time we’ve had a school reach out about it,” Eastman said.

According to Durham Principal Angela Sugarek, Durham was a HUB during the 2013-14 school year, which meant that the school took overflow students from Westley, Osborne, Highland Heights and Garden Oaks. During the beginning of this year, Durkee Elementary was assigned HUB status for Durham’s group because all of Durham’s classes were at capacity.

But Durham again showed up on a list of HUB schools along with other documents supporting the district’s efforts to reduce the number of classroom size waivers that HISD requests from Texas Education Agency for the 2015-16 school year.

Sugarek said that the Durham community was concerned about being named a Regional HUB for two reasons – they do not have space to host any additional classrooms next year and overflow transfers are only for one school year, making it difficult to build capacity with students or to create a sense of community with their families.

“HISD acknowledged the situation and has agreed that Durham will only take overflow from Garden Oaks, which had no overflow transfers this school year,” said Sugarek. “This solves the matter for Durham, but there is still an issue of social justice that I hope HISD will continue to examine. Any time we force students and their families away from their home school it damages communities and negatively impacts children’s educational opportunities.”

Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet’s Dr. Lindsey Pollock reiterated that GOMM has always accommodated its zoned students; however, if there is an influx of students or if construction on their to-be renovated campus caused a space limitation, they could send students to Durham as their HUB school.

aCrOss

1. Hair on the head 5. Cirques 9. Thai (var.)

12. S. China seaport 13. Swiss river 14. Unstressedstressed 15. Beginner Dr. Suess book 18. Begetter 19. Singer __ Lo Green 20. Shaded promenades 21. Not wet 22. Grow weary 23. Philippine Island or it’s seaport 25. Teeter-totter 28. Not alive 30. Golf scores 31. Tap gently 33. Ancient ointment 34. Constitution Hall org.

35. Icelandic poems 36. Citrus drink suffix 37. Detailed design criteria 39. Dignified manner 40. New York island 42. Clods 44. Camera optic 45. Add sound into a film 46. Ringworm

48. Tablet 49. Defense Department 52. 3rd “Star Wars” film 56. Raincoats 57. Restaurant 58. Head fronts 59. Burn residue 60. Immature newt 61. After ones

dOwn

1. “Dragon Tattoo” actress 2. Received an A grade 3. No (Scottish) 4. Very long period of time 5. Crafty & shrewd 6. Hourly payment for services 7. Married woman 8. More disreputable 9. F. Lamas’ 3rd wife Arlene 10. 11-23-14 awards show 11. Big Blue 12. Million gallons per day (abbr.)

14. Runs out of gear 16. Beige 17. Nostrils 21. Unit of loudness 22. Czar 23. Insert mark

24. Doctor of Education 26. ___ Adaba 27. Walk with your feet in water 28. Genetic information carrier 29. Great St. Louis bridge builder 30. Political action committee 32. Cast out 34. Cub Scout groups 35. Voltage 37. Guide 38. Self-mortification 41. Alder genus 42. Awadh 43. Blood type 45. Meeting arranged 46. Green, black and oolong 47. It causes scratching 48. Slang saying of disbelief 49. Art ____, 1920’s design 50. Lyrics 51. Show disrespect to 52. Returned material authorization, abbr.

53. Clod or lummox 54. Computerized money movement 55. Mandible & maxilla

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 8A â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, May 23, 2015

The calendar.

SATURDAY GRAND OPENING Adolf Hoepfl Garage Adolf Hoepfl Garage, 4610 N. Shepherd, is kicking off their Now Open Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in grand style.

Bring your vehicle in from 8-10 a.m. and get free wiper blades with any service. Come celebrate Liberty Tree Gifts and Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first year anniversary. There will also be local vendors. The event will be from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. May 23. Information: www.eventbrite. com, 713-695-5071.

SURVIVORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CELEBRATION OF LIFE Memorial Hermann Come to Memorial Hermannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual cancer survivorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; celebration. Browse the wellness-oriented resource fair, shop the market and enjoy a healthy light lunch.

Humorist Sally Baskey will be the keynote speaker. The event will be held May 29, from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Westin Memorial City, 3rd floor. Registration is required.

Information: 713-222-2273.

CENTENARIANS HONORED Christ the King Catholic Church Christ the King Catholic Church, 4419 N. Main St., will honor all centenarians in the area, from 3-4 p.m. May 26. A representative of Ellen Cohenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, Janae Williams Winfield, senior director of constituent services and community affairs, will give out certificates. Fiesta, Kroger and HEB will be contributing gifts to centenarians. All nonagenarians (people in their nineties) are also welcome.

Waltrip High School Jazz band will be honoring centenarians under the direction of Jesse Espinoza, director. They will perform some old favorites. The event will have a patriotic theme. Information: 713-869-1449.

BOWLING FUNDRAISER MANNA MANNA (Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Alliance), is having a bowling fundraising event from 7-11 p.m., May 30, at Delmar Lanes, 3020 Mangum Road. Bowling teams are needed to sign up and all sizes of sponsorship are available. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased online. Sign up no later than May 16. Information: 713504-5486, http://sparesometimeformanna.eventbrite.com/

MONTHLY HAPPY HOUR HYPO Bring business cards and take advantage of this excellent networking opportunity. The Heights Young Professionals Organization will meet from 5-8 p.m. May 28, at Cottonwood, 3422 N. Shepherd Dr. Information: 713-861-6735, info@heightschamber.com.

SUNSET HEIGHTS BOUTIQUE EVENT Haute Dimensions Shop local boutiques and find the perfect outfit and accessories.

The shopperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise for May includes: Crissyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lashes, YDH Jewerly, Initials Inc., Glass Flowers, Sweet Olive Creations, Jamberry Nails, Stephanieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treasure Chest, Damsel In Defense, Just Fabulous Brands, Mamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Snoballs, First Church Heights, Gramcracker Design, Haute Dimensions and CARisma Wash. The event is free and will be held at Haute Dimensions, 6521 N. Main St., from noon-6

From the Pews.

St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to host fifth-grade graduation ceremony St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., will host the fifth-grade graduation ceremony for Stevens Elementary School May 27, at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary. Church and community members are encouraged to attend and show support for the school.

Volunteers will visit Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Meals Houston to make sandwiches for needy preschoolers on May 26. To carpool, meet in the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Glebe Street parking lot at 9:45 a.m.

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

Life Line Screening at First Church Heights First Church Heights, 201 E. 9th St., will be offering Life Line stroke screening May 30. Preregistration is required.

To make an appointment, call 888-653-6450.

Moving sale at All Saints Msgr. Adam McClosky, who is approaching retirement, will have a moving sale from 9 a.m.3 p.m. May 30, in the Rectory at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10 St. All are welcome.

A Mass for all graduates with a blessing will be at the 10:30 a.m. Mass and the 12:30 p.m.

Spanish Mass. A reception will follow after each Mass.

Call 713-854-2653, ext. 219 to RSVP.

An Adult Bible Study in English continues from 9:45-10:30 a.m. on Sundays, in the conference room. David White facilitates the study. Enter through the back office door where the Rincon De Los Santos religious goods store is.

Call 713-864-2653 or visit www.allsaintsheights.com for information. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; some time for MANNA MANNA is hosting its Bowling fundraiser, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spareâ&#x20AC;? Some Time for MANNA, from 7-11 p.m. May 30, at Del-Mar Lanes, 3020 Mangum. Get a team together and come out and have some fun and help the community. Tickets can purchased at http://sparesometimeformanna.eventbrite.com.

Call 713-504-5486 or email pdornak@gmail.com for information.

The Interior Castle performance at St. Maximilian Kolbe Continue the centenary celebration of St. Teresa of Avila with a musical theatrical presentation of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Interior Castle.â&#x20AC;? The event is hosted by the Discalced Secular Carmelites and Friends of Carmel and will be presented at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 10135 West Rd., at 7 p.m. June 6. The cost is $20 each ticket.

Call 713-542-4706 or 936436-9113 for information.

p.m. May 30. Information: www. eventbrite.com, 713-253-6507.

SUMMER BOOK SALE Friends of the Houston Library The community is welcome to the Summer Book Sale hosted

by Friends of the Houston Public Library. The sale is from 4:30 p.m.9 p.m. June 11, noon-8 p.m. June 12, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 13, at the Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, 2025 W. 11th St. Information: http://friendsofhpl.org.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DREAM Houston Family Arts Center William Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular comedy, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Midsummer Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream,â&#x20AC;? comes to the Houston Family ArtsCenter, 10760 Grant Road, June 12-July 5.

Directed by Brandi Baldwin, performances are Friday and Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees on the Garza Main Stage. Call or visit the website for showtimes and to purchase tickets. Information: 281-587-6100, www.houstonfac. com.

SUMMER BLOCK PARTY Shops at Oak Forest The second annual Shops at Oak Forest Summer Block Party, will be held Saturday, June 6, from 2-6 p.m. at 43rd/Ella. Information: elyssa@core-landing.com, 832771-8030.

WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SELF DEFENSE SEMINAR Krav Maga Houston Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5000 W. Tidwell Rd., will host a free womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-defense seminar, sponsored by Krav Maga

Rhythms of Grace at St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd., will feature Rhythms of Grace Houston Heights, a worship experience for people with special needs and their families. This monthly alternative service welcomes all faith traditions, ages and abilities. The service is held every Sunday at 2 p.m. in the parish hall.

For information, call 713861-5596 or visit www.saecheights.org.

MANNA needs volunteers for Denim and Diamonds MANNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second annual barbecue and auction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Denim and Diamonds is Oct. 10, at the Houston Liederkranz Hall.

There will be live music by The Telstars, dinner, dancing, and a silent auction.

Volunteers are needed for the events planning committee.

For information on joining this committee, contact Patricia Dornak at 713-504-5486 or pdornak@gmail.com. Follow on Facebook, by searching Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Alliance for community updates.

Ticket information and sponsorship opportunities about MANNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Denim and Diamonds barbecue fundraiser can be found at https://manna-denimanddiamonds.eventbrite.com.

Houston, June 14.

Ongoing

YOUTH SELF-DEFENSE SUMMER CAMP Krav Maga Houston This youth summer camp will teach Krav Maga self-defense techniques, anti-abduction training and anti-bullying training.

Participants will learn a combination of self-defense, life skills, games, team activities and fitness.

The camp will be June 22-26, 9 a.m.-noon and is open to children ages 9-12. The class is $199. Information: 832-377-0199, jeanna@ fightbackfit.com.

Ad # 36774

THE OAKS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MEETING St. James Lutheran Church The Oaks Business Association meets every odd month on the

West 34th St.

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

Call us and compare our prices to

ANY OTHER FACILITY! Ad 713-681-1383 # 21607

Sunday School ........9:15 am Sunday Worship......10:30am Thursday Bible Study & Prayer Service 6:00pm

Pastor Larry D. Young â&#x20AC;˘ Pastor C. David Harrison

Our standard canine lodging package includes the overnight stay, morning and evening meals and an afternoon snack. Walks for stretching legs and releasing energy are done twice daily with our friendly caregivers. Also available are extended playtime (more running, jumping and fetching), extreme pampering (lots of one-on-one TLC), Kong toys (to keep your pet busy), a sleeping cot, a hydro-surge bath and other comforts to keep your pet happy and busy.

For our feline friends we offer condo-like accommodations with plenty of room to sleep ad stretch out. Your furry friend will be able to see the outdoors through nearby windows and listen to the sounds of nature while relaxing on a soft warm bed. Meal and petting times are done mornings and evenings and snacks are handed out every afternoon.

Litter boxes are changed at least twice daily and water is always available. We also offer the Kitty Jungle (a large room ď&#x192;&#x17E;lled with cat toys, climbing/scratching posts and tunnels). Extra play and pampering times can be arranged.

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 by and give us a visit, we would love to show you around.

8627 Bart Lane, Houston, Texas 77040 Lobby Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - Noon and 2:30 pm - 7:00pm Saturday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm â&#x20AC;˘ Closed Sunday and Holidays

Sunday School 9:30 AM Morning Worship10:45 AM

1624 W 34th â&#x20AC;˘ 713-686-7689

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

www.gospeltruthchurch.org

713-861-3102

201 E. 9th St. â&#x20AC;˘ www.fbcheights.org Ad # 22283

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4040 Watonga â&#x20AC;˘ 713-688-5227 Reverend John Cain, Pastor Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m.

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

Member of MANNA

Oaks Presbyterian Church New Beginnings Happen Here

Sunday Worship - 10:30am Bible Study: Wednesday Noon - 1:30pm Bible Study: 2nd & 4th Tuesday 7:00 - 8:30pm Reverend Noelie Day

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods www.oaks p r e s b y t e r i a n . o r g

A House of Hope and Prayer in the Heart of Houston Rev. Elizabeth Grasham

1822 W. 18th

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.

Here are some of the advantages of the NWPL: â&#x20AC;˘ Daily veterinarian walk through â&#x20AC;˘ Relaxing (no loud barkers or aggressive pets allowed) with separate ď&#x192;&#x;oors for dog and cats â&#x20AC;˘ Safe, super clean and hygienic (vaccines & parasite prevention required) â&#x20AC;˘ Trained and caring staff members plus overnight on premise personnel â&#x20AC;˘ Mild veterinary prescribed sedatives, with your approval, for overly anxious pets (at no extra cost) â&#x20AC;˘ Hydro-Surge spa baths and veterinarian recommended ď&#x192;&#x;ea products available â&#x20AC;˘ Day Care provided: Mon - Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

(Disciples of Christ)

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

f you are an expectant mother, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t listen to the tales that tell you pregnancy will hurt your teeth. Neglect of regular dental care or failure to have an ailing tooth treated can hurt your teeth, but not pregnancy. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only a myth that says having a baby will drain the calcium out of your teeth and make them decay.

In some cases, changes in diet related food cravings can lead to increased risk for tooth decay. Also, in the unfortunate case of morning sickness, stomach acids can wreak havoc on the enamel. Because of this, increased home care as well as a topical fluoride regimen may be recommended by your dentist.

Sometimes certain hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy may lead to puffiness and bleeding of the gums.

This usually subsides after the baby is born, but it should not be ignored when it happens. No other dental problem should be ignored either. Regular check-ups to help you stay healthy as possible are especially important during pregnancy, for your sake as well as your babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

The Northwest Pet Lodge is designed to make your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 luxury garden suites, our spacious 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.

1216 Bethlehem at Ella Blvd.

(713) 688-7761

Gospel Truth Church

I

The Northwest Pet Lodge

Oaks Christian ChurCh

Heights

Chase Baker, D.D.S.

(Between Ella & T.C. Jester)

ChurCh Guide FirstChurch Church First

THE PREGNANCY MYTH

Aztec Storages Lowest Prices in Town!

third Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 1602 W. 43rd St. Social networking events are the second Wednesday of the even months. David Lorms is president. Information: 713-6888669, DavidL2490@aol.com.

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

713-864-1470

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

it is the norhill Church of Christ.

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

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

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

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

www.noRHiLLCoC.oRG

MESSAGE OF THE WEEK

Persistence

The ability to stick to a task or project until completion is a valuable trait in a world where many tasks are difficult and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go smoothly the first time around. Thomas Edison is said to have tried literally thousands of materials for the filament of the electric light bulb before hitting on carbonized cotton thread as the proper material. How much longer would humans have toiled in darkness had it not been for his dogged persistence? Indeed, it could be argued that civilization would not be possible without this virtue. Perseverance is undoubtedly a useful virtue, but we must be careful that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fall into perseveration, the knee-jerk repetition of a particular response, even when that response is not working. So, we should be smart in our persistence and keep at it, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t continue â&#x20AC;&#x153;beating our head against the wallâ&#x20AC;? when our approach is not working. We should be willing to modify our approach and think about what is required to solve our problem.

And remember that in some areas of life, such as working with people, patience and persistence are especially called for. Recall that when Jesus was asked how many times we should forgive our brother who has sinned against us, He is effectively saying that we should never stop forgiving.

Then Peter came up and said to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?â&#x20AC;?

Jesus said to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.â&#x20AC;? - R.S.V. Matthew 18:21-22

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 Pastor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr. Richard Walters

4U 4UFQIFO T 6OJUFE .FUIPEJTU $IVSDI " $BSJOH 4IBSJOH 'BJUI 'BNJMZ

4VOEBZ .PSOJOH 8PSTIJQ BOE 4VOEBZ 4DIPPM GPS $IJMESFO :PVUI BOE "EVMUT

4DPVUJOH HSPVQT GPS BMM BHFT )PNF PG +PIOTPO .FNPSJBM 4DIPPM GPS -JUUMF $IJMESFO

3FW ,FWJO 3 0UUP 1BTUPS 8 SE 4U â&#x2014;&#x2020; X X X T U T V N D P S H

Saturday, May 23, 2015 • Page 9A

Neighbors: Girl Scouts embrace success

Making Happy Feet One Sole At A Time!

By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com

Since 2007

urbansolesoutpost@yahoo.com

Social Security Disability Denied?

Law Office of James Andrews

Contributed Photos (Top) Girl Scout Troop 24330 stayed busy by hosting four major service projects in May including a non-perishable food drive, donating food to the Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry. (Bottom) The troop’s Junior Girl Scouts also made donations to the Rescued Pets Movement.

Mark your calendars for the Shepherd Forest Community Yard Sale set for Saturday, May 30 from 8 a.m.

– noon. Set up starts at 6:30 a.m. in the Temple Oaks Baptist Church parking lot on 34th Street. $10 reserves your spot and you will need to bring your own table. MANNA will be on the scene at high noon to take any unsold items you wish to donate. The event will be advertised in The Leader and the Chronicle. If you are interested in reserving a spot, please email Amy at amybderr@gmail.com or send a Facebook message.

713-529-9033

(Toll Free) 1-877-529-9033

www. jamesandrewslaw.com

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FAIRBANKS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 14210 Aston, Houston, TX 77040 713-462-3206 Registration: www.fairbanksumc.org/VBS Monday, June 29 - Thursday, July 2nd 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (Age 3-11) G-Force VBS kids explore how to put faith into action. In this mission-focused VBS, kids experience God’s unstoppable love and discover how to fuel up and move in and through life with God.

The Toddler house NOw REgISTERINg Enroll by May 31, 2015 and receive a

FREE TShirt

Full Time Summer weekly Tuition

NCI Accepted • Field Trips Age Appropriate Curriculum Meals Breakfast - Lunch - Snack • Swimming Pool Serving Northwest Houston Since 1969 Family Owned & Operated 2215 W. 34th St. Houston, TX 77018

U.S. Coins Authorized Dealer : PCGS

(713) 681-3422

Appraisals given for banks, estates, attorneys, insurance and individuals.

6606 W. 43rd St.

8435 Katy Freeway • Houston, TX 77024 713-464-6868 • (FAX) 713-464-7548 www.buyuscoins.com

(713) 462-5093

Toll Free (888) 502-7755

Louisiana (337) 291-1191

Houston, TX 77092

West 34th

Ella

Invest in Your Future Through America’s Past...

6 wks-11 mos ....... $175 12-17 mos ............. $165 18-23 ..................... $160 2 yr. olds ............... $155 3-5 yr olds............. $145 School Age, 5 +.... $140

610

Rd .

Contributed Photo Ana Regalado of Reagan High School is one of three other students who received a $1,500 scholarship from the Texas Renaissance Festival as part of its first-ever scholarship program.

& NO Enrollment Fee

TC Jester

The Texas Renaissance Festival announced this week the three winners of its firstever scholarship program.

Students from Pearland, Conroe, and Houston ISD have been awarded in three categories of fine arts, education, and humanities. The winners of the $1,500 awards are: · Angela Feng- Dawson High School, Pearland ISD – Humanities Scholarship attending Princeton University · Ryan Dumas- The Woodlands High School, Conroe ISD – Fine Arts Scholarship attending Carnegie-Mellon University · Ana Regalado- Reagan High School, Houston ISD – Education Scholarship attending St. Edward’s University “We are so proud to reward these brilliant students and encourage higher standards of educational endeavors,” Kim Bryant, School Days coordinator for the Texas Renaissance Festival, says.

“The School Days program has been an important part of the Texas Renaissance Festival since 2005, and after 40 years, we are excited to introduce this scholarship program for the very first time to deserving students in our great state.”

Candidates were evaluated based on academic achievement, two essays detailing personal goals and influences, service to the community, leadership qualities and accomplishments in their field.

These students were recognized for their excellence and drive to go above and beyond.

The scholarship program is a continuation of the Texas Renaissance Festival’s annual School Days program, which

introduces and engages students in the Renaissance period.

School Days, slated to take place on November 3 and 4, 2015, is Texas Renaissance Festival’s education program designed to be age appropriate for middle and high school students. All events, shows and activities are both educational and entertaining.

Jousting knights, musicians, jesters and magicians perform on stages and in arenas throughout the village. Students have the opportunity to learn courtly dances, the ancient art of falconry and the history of arms and armor. Artisans in period dress illustrate the technological advances of the Renaissance age through live demonstrations in pottery, glass blowing, blacksmithing, armor making and other arts and trades of this amazing period.

le

Congratulations to the Cunningham family of Garden Oaks who had great cause for celebration on May 16th.

Jason and Alisha toasted their 17th wedding anniversary (mazel tov!) and both of their beautiful daughters, Lela and Katie, celebrated their first holy communion at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Family and friends packed the house and made merry with the Cunninghams.

You may remember Garrett Holcombe, a nine-yearold third grader at Oak Forest Elementary, who was born with spastic cerebral palsy and wears ankle braces to help him walk. He, his family, friends and classmates have formed “Team Garrett” and work to raise funds for Easter Seals. This year Team Garrett is focused on sending kids to Easter Seals’ Camp Smiles at Camp for All and the group raised a whopping $8,000 at the Walk With Me Event at the Houston Zoo for Easter Seals recently, and will be back at it again at the GOOF Summer Block Party to be held June 6 at 2 p.m. at The Shops at Oak Forest, 1214 W. 43rd at Ella Blvd. Thank you to Jason Holcombe for this information. Jason says, “It is not too late to donate!”

See http://walkwithmehouston.donordrive.com/index. cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. team&teamID=5083 for more

709 Studewood Street Houston, TX 77007

ng

Congratulations to Raquel Ramos who graduates this Saturday, May 23, with a Master of Arts in Non-Profit Management from the University of Houston-Downtown. Raquel is a member of the first graduating class of this program which consisted of just 11 graduates. Well done, Raquel! Your neighbors can’t wait to see what you do with your degree – so stay in touch!

information, or you may contact Jason at 281-908-4891.

Helping Thousands of People 38 Years in Practice

Bi

Wooten and Ani DeBusk.

Houston Heights Social Security Disability Lawyer

Reagan High School senior wins new Texas Renaissance Festival Scholarship For The Leader

Merrell • Clarks Naot • OluKai Sanuk • Birkenstock Taos • Vionic • KEEN Sanita • Josef Seibel

506 W 19th 713-880-1187

Wise Counsel

Girl Scouts have a long standing tradition of serving their community and are always looking for ways to make a difference. The Emerald Oaks Communty Group’s multi-level Home School Girl Scout Troop 24330 has been quite busy hosting four major service projects for the month of May. The Troop’s Brownies hosted a non-perishable food drive as their “Take Action Project” for their Brownie Quest Journey.

On May 18, they delivered all of the food donated by the community to the Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry, learned what they do there and helped stock the shelves with their donations.

Such a fun morning!

The Troop’s Junior Girl Scouts finished up their Bronze Award with a trip to Rescued Pets Movement.

They took with them donations they collected, learned about pet rescue, helped assemble “puppy packs” and met a puppy who is headed to a new home in Colorado later this week. The Juniors also collected items and put together six Birthday-in-aBags to donate to the Heights Ministries Food Pantry as well. The Troop’s Cadette Girl Scouts are working on their Animal Helper badge. They visited the Texas Wildlife Rehab Center and took donated items along on May 18. The Troop’s Leaders are very proud of their fantastic Troop for coming up with so many excellent service ideas at the end of their Scouting year.

The Troop would like to thank the community for supporting each of these projects. Troop Leaders are: Julia Snedeker – Troop Leader, Rosa Murphy - Cadettes, Angela Richard - Juniors, Kat Lubinski - Brownies, and Swanelle Fowler – Daisies. The girls are: Cadettes - Allison Snedeker, Mireille Murphy, Charlotte Fowler, Monet Douglas, Lindsay Hickox, Becky Pustejovsky, Emma Spicer, Abby Spicer, and Adelaide Stevens; Juniors - Savannah Richard, Molly Snedeker, Isabella Pizzitola, Lena Hickox, Alaisa King, and Sarah Spicer; Brownies - Celeste Fowler, Lillian Lubinski, Morgan Wright, Lily Snedeker, Therese Slowey, Ariahna Haywood, Isabel Smith, Eloise Blauvelt, and Brynn Hayles; and Daisies - Iris

West 43rd

290

www.thetoddlerhouse.com

Page 10A • Saturday, May 23, 2015

Empowering Education Leader-area teacher wins top honors from HISD For The Leader

Contributed Photo Students from across the Leader-area took home scholarships at the Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Education Luncheon.

Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce hosts annual Education Luncheon, recognizes students, teachers

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Representatives from local business and schools gathered May 18 to pay tribute to this year’s recipients of the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce’s scholarships as part of the group’s Annual Education Luncheon.

Recipients of this year’s Community Fund Scholarships included students from Davis High School, KIPP, Reagan High School, St. Pius X High School, Waltrip High School, Washington High School and YES Academy. Other scholarships were also handed out to students from Lutheran North High School and Reagan High School, as well. Local HISD Teachers of the Year were also recognized, as well as Shakiri Hooper of Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet and Joyce Rogers of Waltrip High School, who were both named Staff of the Year and Educator of the Year respectively.

Speakers for this year included HISD Board of Trustees member Anna Eastman and Cookie Joe. Joe spoke passionately about the need to better incorporate fine arts into public education and related it to her own experience in dancing. Eastman also praised fellow educators and students for their passion and dedication to learning.

Jacob Millwee, president of the Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that the scholarships and recognition is a result of involvement from members of the community.

“We are delighted to have such an impact in the community and it’s important to remember that it’s through the efforts of the community itself that made this into the success it is,” Millwee said.

This year’s scholarship recipients include: Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerece Community Fund Scholarships: Martin Cabrera and Nelly Mendoza from Davis High School; Stephanie Brobbey and Gifty Amos from KIPP; Vanessa Ferretiz from Reagan High School; Oscar Recinos from St. Pius X High School; Jessica Dominguez and Julia Pena from Waltrip High School; James Pierce II from Washington High School; and Martin Montes and Yessenia Olvera from YES Academy Adams Insurance Scholarship: Melody Easter, Lutheran North. Entrepreneur Scholarship: Jennifer Jimenez, YES Academy. Fred Nevil Dream Scholarship: Michael Ortiz, Washington High School. Houston Highway Credit Union Scholarship: Briehna Brackett, Davis High School.

Heights POWER Network Scholarship: Ana Regalado, Reagan High School. Jack Fields Scholarship: Decory Edwards, Waltrip High School.

For the second year in a row, a Leader area teacher has won top honors at the HISD Celebration of Excellence, held on May 15. Jessica Joseph, a sixth-grade math teacher at Hogg Middle School, was named the HISD Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2015.

Joseph, who joined HISD in 2012, said that she believes that fostering a sense of personal responsibility in each student by providing a safe, positive learning environment is critical to her success.

“An effective teacher does not simply teach and test the objectives,” she wrote in her application essay for Teacher of the Year. “An effective teacher helps scholars understand…that they have an obligation to themselves to get better every day. I had to teach them that it was okay to make mistakes and realize that mistakes provide an opportunity to call on a neighbor for encouragement to persevere. Allowing my focus to be on the environment my scholars learned in had a greater impact than I could have ever imagined.”

Joseph received a $5,000 cash award, an engraved plaque, and a one-night weekend stay at the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel. She will also advance to the state’s regional Teacher of the Year competition.

In addition, Joseph was also named the “Fan Favorite” for 2015 at the secondary level, after receiving more than 40% of the votes.

Durham Elementary’s Lauren Ayres was named the 2015 Emily Scott Evans Award winner. The Evans Award honors one third-grade

Contributed Photo Jessica Joseph, a sixth-grade math teacher at Hogg Middle School became the second Leader-area teacher in a row to be named a Teacher of the Year

by HISD.

teacher who makes students excited about learning and respectful of peers and adults, and it includes a $1,500 cash prize.

Last year’s HISD Elementary Teacher of the Year was Sinclair Elementary’s John Augustine.

2 Upcoming Events...

Haute Dimensions Boutique One Year Anniversary Party Sunset Heights Boutique Event Saturday, May 23, 2015 Saturday, May 30, 2015 4:00-6:00pm 12:00-6:00pm *25% off your entire purchase

6521 N. Main, Houston, TX 77009 832-649-5835 www.haute-dimensions.com

SAFE SWIMMING SAVES LIVES The Harriet and Joe Foster Family YMCA Swim Lessons are designed to help students learn skills that last a lifetime.

Summer sessions begin June 1 For more information, please visit ymcahouston.org/foster-family.

YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Everyone is welcome.