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Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston Saturday, June 25, 2016 • Vol. 62 • No. 26
About Us 3500 East T.C. Jester Blvd Suite A (713) 686-8494 news@theleadernews.com www.theleadernews.com Facebook/THE LEADER.
Readers’ Choice In this week’s issue, we shine the spotlight on our Readers’ favorite local shopping, eateries, non-profits and more. Find all of our winners starting on 5B.
Buying Or Selling
I would love to help!
eileen
Gamel Hartman
713.305.5036
eileenhartman@kw.com 5050 Westheimer Suite 200
Realtor®
Melodie matlock Best Real Estate Agent
Blink collective best photographer
Town Home Takeover s
rri
a nG
Heights Specialist & Oak Forest Resident
m
Lauren Worrall worrallproperties.com
If you are looking to buy or sell, call me!
Michelle Trevino Ray 832-715-5819
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INSIDE.
Reader offers suggestion to prevent tailgate theft FIND IT 2A
FIND IT. LET US HELP! We provide complete estate sale services. 713-240-2702. NORHILL LEASE: 915 W. Melwood. 2 BR-1 BA-2 cpt. $1,850 month, $900 deposit. No pets. References required. 713-686-1444. 2001 BMW: 175K miles. Fully loaded. Runs good. Cold air. $7,500 obo. 832-7155790. ESTATE SALE: 1739 LaMonte, Thursday-Friday, June 23-June 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dining room set, desk, knick-knacks, china, kitchen miscellaneous.
The INDEX. Public Information......................... 3A Opinion. ................................................... 5A Puzzles...................................................... 5A Church....................................................... 7A Coupons. ................................................. 8A Food/Drink/Art................................... 9A Classifieds.............................................. 7B Obituaries.............................................. 9B
el ev
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fro
a th na of o J ff by o to ving o Ph n Li ba Ur
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op
512.585.1476
2013-2015 Five Star RealEstate Professional, Top Producer Hablo Español
Find Melodie and Blink Collective featured on 6B
ed m ho a. n lb ow A t t and n ce y re a A diw Ju
A look into area real estate market for townhome trend By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
In Garden Oaks, new home owner Matt Kelly is a recent buyer of one of the many new developments on Wakefield. He and his fiancé had a house fall through in The Heights and happened to drive by a development that was having an open house. Kelly said the home was just what they were looking for and he feels like they got a good value for it, paying in the high $300,000s. An added bonus? It’s close to his job at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights. “It was brand new construction and had everything we wanted,” Kelly said, of the 3-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 2,200-square foot unit in the eight unit complex. “It’s a two story and that’s really what sold us. There’s a driveway and even a small backyard.”
Subdivided lots at odds with Garden Oaks, Oak Forest area By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com
Love it or hate it, townhomes and other high density developments continue to proliferate in The Leader area drawing buyers, and the trend shows no sign of stopping despite recent lags in the real estate market. And who is the market for this type of home? According to Ansley Stewart with Hartman & Associates, it is both downsizing baby boomers and those in their mid-20s to mid-30s buying their first or second home. “Those who are downsizing don’t want a high rise but want to be closer to work and the twenty somethings are looking to buy in and gain equity – perSee Townhomes P. 4A haps in a transitioning area – and sell for more than they bought for down the road,” he said. Stewart, who falls in the latter category, lives in a 3-story, single family home in Cottage Grove which is between Shepherd Drive and Westcott Avenue close to Memorial Park. He said that clients are drawn to the early developments in an area before they become “townhomed.” “Everybody here has gained equity,” he said. Rhonda Power with Boulevard Realty said she does have some clients who are actively seeking townhomes. “More in the Heights than Garden Oaks,” she said. “They’re drawn to walkability of the Heights, and the proximity of other amenities. However, there’s Photo by Betsy Denson more happening in the Oak Forest and Garden Oaks The streets adjacent to Wakefield are heating up too. areas in that regard so we’re starting to see more This new development is on nearby Fisher street. townhomes there.”
Bill Baldwin of Boulevard Realty understands the practicality that has been a driving force of subdivided lots. As land values trend upwards, there’s a tendency to subdivide these more expensive lots to provide more affordable housing. Baldwin admits he’s not big on the idea. “From a community perspective, I’m not a huge fan of that,” Baldwin said. “It can diminish the character of the neighborhood if it has been predominantly single-family lots and then all of a sudden you have this enclave of subdivided lots.” However, he also said that the idea isn’t entirely without merit and allowing residents to stay in affluent neighborhoods with affordable housing has “inherent value.” Providing more subdivided lots is a strategy that has worked in areas like Shady Acres and Cottage Grove, but it’s trickier in places like Oak Forest and Garden Oaks. “Where it has worked is in areas that are not necessarily single-family lots,” Baldwin said. “It’s mixed-use and, in some cases, heavy industrial areas that are being turned into residential. You’ve created a new group of home ownership
LOOK INSIDE.
Roadrunner takes form FIND IT 3A
See Subdivided P. 4A
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Do-Over: Liberty Kitchen FIND IT 1B
Brotherly love FIND IT 9B
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The public. Saturday, June 25, 2016 • Page 2A
Police Reports • June 11 - June 18 JUNE 11
WOOD Theft 4 PM 3700-3799 CENTER Burglary 1:01 AM 900-999 STUDEMONT Burglary 9 PM 2700-2799 WASHINGTON Theft 6:25 AM 1000-1099 N SHEPHERD Theft 2:50 PM 600-699 COLUMBIA Theft 2 AM 1500-1599 DURHAM Theft 10:28 AM 4600-4699 NETT Theft 6:04 PM 5000-5099 SCHULER Theft 5:10 PM 3400-3499 ELLA Burglary 2:41 AM 900-999 STUDEMONT Theft 5 PM 1900-1999 HICKORY Theft 7 AM 1300-1399 W 43RD Theft 4 PM 100-199 DETERING Theft 2:34 AM 1700-1799 SEASPRAY
Theft 7:18 AM 400-499 COLUMBIA Theft 6 PM 1700-1799 WILDE ROCK WAY Robbery 8:29 PM 900-999 SHEPHERD Assault 5:12 PM 5000-5099 YALE Robbery 6 PM 4000-4099 SHERWOOD Robbery 9:54 PM 10400-10499 NORTHWEST FWY Theft 12 PM 1400-1499 SHEPHERD Burglary 11:43 PM 2200-2299 W 43RD
JUNE 12
Theft 12:20 PM 2500-2599 SHEARN Theft 8:05 PM 1400-1499 PATTERSON Theft 6 PM 2000-2099 CORTLANDT Theft 7 PM 600-699 E 27TH Theft 7:30 PM 1000-1099 VOIGHT Theft 4:30 PM 1000-1099 STUDE
JUNE 13
JUNE 14
Theft 12:02 PM 1100-1199 PRINCE Theft 11:48 AM 600-699 OXFORD Burglary 7 PM 3700-3799 N MAIN Theft 5 AM 2400-2499 JUDIWAY Theft 8:28 AM 4800-4899 W 34TH Theft 4:57 AM 600-699 E 27TH Theft 3 PM 1000-1099 STUDE-
Theft 9:40 PM 2400-2499 CORTLANDT Theft 2 PM 2000-2099 ELLA Theft 10:15 AM 2200-2299 ELLA Robbery 1:56 PM 7400-7499 N SHEPHERD Theft 1:25 PM 600-699 W 28TH Theft 12 PM 1200-1299 W 34TH Theft 6 PM 2100-2199 CHIPPENDALE Theft 4 AM 700-799 W 42ND Theft 4:30 PM 2500-2599 WHITE OAK Theft 8:35 AM 2100-2199 ELLA Theft 11:53 AM 1400-1499
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Robbery 8:18 PM 2800-2899 W T C JESTER Burglary 9:53 AM 1500-1599 DOROTHY Theft 8:29 AM 800-899 W 19TH Theft 5 AM 1100-1199 W 20TH Theft 11:17 AM 2500-2599 SHEARN Assault 10:57 PM 0-99 E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 12 PM 5100-5199 CENTER Theft 4:30 PM 5100-5199 CENTER Theft 5 PM 900-999 DURHAM Theft 10:46 AM 1100-1199 PINEMONT Theft 6:55 AM 800-899 HOUSTON Theft 8:30 AM 2000-2099 MANGUM
Burglary 2:33 PM 100-199 E 27TH Theft 12:13 PM 2200-2299 LAWRENCE Theft 5:51 AM 4400-4499 N SHEPHERD Theft 1:50 AM 4400-4499 N SHEPHERD Theft 6 AM 1200-1299 DURHAM Theft 2:45 PM 200-299 E JANISCH Burglary 4:30 PM 200-299 W 26TH Theft 9 PM 5600-5699 YALE
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Robbery 8:18 PM 4800-4899 LAMONTE Robbery 3 PM 5000-5099 DACOMA Theft 3:41 AM 600-699 E 35TH
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Reader offers suggestion to prevent tailgate theft Mike Blanco, a Leader reader offers advice for tailgate theft. “I read your article on stolen tailgates and our neighborhood has had the same issues. One simple preventative action is to put a hose clamp around the post that allows the tailgate to quick release. The tailgate still functions as normal. This just makes it a bit more difficult to take off.”
Making Happy Feet One Sole At A Time!
JUNE 18
Theft 7:30 PM 500-599 BAYLAND Theft 9 PM 1200-1299 ROY Theft 11 PM 3600-3699 T C JESTER Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.
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HPD working to combat rise in restaurant burglaries By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Officials with the Houston Police Department are treading lightly after a recent uptick in the number of burglaries committed at restaurants across the city, including several here in The Leader area. Gatlin’s BBQ, Jax Grill and Cedar Creek Cafe have all been hit this year according to HPD reports. According to a twitter post, Cedar Creek Cafe said their group has been hit “12 times in 2016,” and they wish HPD could “keep up.” Burglaries targeting such establishments have seen a near-30 percent increase in 2016 over 2015 and Cpt. Larry Baimbridge of HPD’s
North Division said he and others have certainly taken notice. “That’s something that catches your attention when you see a new restaurant get hit, regarding a burglary at a place like Gatlin’s,” Baimbridge said. “I think these crooks know they’re new so they know they have new equipment, new TVs and other devices.” Several TVs are exactly what a burglar made off with from Gatlin’s and Baimbridge surmises that the recent string of burglaries might be done by a smaller group than most people might think. The importance of monitoring businesses and becoming aware of any gaps of security is important for owners of any establish-
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ment. “We send officers out to do security surveys and show owners things they can do to make their business less attractive to burglars,” Baimbridge said. “A lot of it is pretty simple and not expensive.” Baimbridge said HPD officers also cover the ins and outs of proper security cameras and alarm systems. There is also special attention being paid to these alarms and the warnings that go out, with officers making sure they respond quickly to burglary alarms in the area. “We’re continuing to work to identify any suspects we can in each incident,” Baimbridge said.
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Saturday, June 25, 2016 • Page 3A
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Best Full Service Jeweler of e s t 20
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Photo by Betsy Denson Local artist Johnny Rojas and his metal roadrunner, a commissioned project for Ross Elementary.
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When Ross Elementary School asked Oak Forest artist Johnny Rojas to craft a 500 pound metal roadrunner to commemorate the school’s 50th anniversary, he was more than up to the challenge. “It’s one of the biggest things I’ve done,” said Rojas. “That and my BatWing Art Car.” A self-taught metalworker who became interested in the art of metal through his work with the Art Car Parade – he’s produced the event since 1993 and serves on the Skate Force as a volunteer – Rojas taught himself the trade about 15 years ago, long before You Tube could have helped him. “I’ve always been drawing,” said Rojas. “And I’ve been in the computer graphics business for 20 years. I bought a bunch of books on welding. I always say, ‘the arts find you.’” Rojas says that he enjoys the unique challenges that metal work presents. “There are so many tools to cut metal, but only one way to weld it,” said Rojas. With the roadrunner project, Rojas said he saw it in his mind first and then looked at a lot of photos on the Internet. He sketched it on a table and then bent metal bars to create the frame. Then after he had a standing shell, he could cut the feathers and apply them. “It’s like layering roof singles,” he said. The only thing he was lacking were the eyes. Rojas put out a call on social media for colored wine bottles – which the neighborhood supplied in sufficient quantities – but later found some giant fake gem stones at Michael’s for five bucks that fit the bill perfectly. Rojas said he gets most of his jobs through word of mouth. His personal Art Car, which is a convertible with giant bat wings, is currently at the Art Car Museum on Heights Boulevard. He crafted that back in 2003. Last year, he assisted art car teacher Rebecca Bass and the students at Heights High School with their Electric Ladyland car. It was the thirteenth car Rojas had helped
with and, he says, he really enjoys working on the Art Car with students. “When I work with these guys, I introduce them to the trades through art,” he said. “They learn about masonry, adhesives, welding, and painting. I had one student I worked with tell me that he got a job as an off-shore welder because he loved it when we worked on the car.” It’s not just welding that is occupying Rojas’s time lately. He’s been helping Bridgette Mongeon with her bronze sculpture of Alice In Wonderland’s Mad Hatter tea party which will be installed in Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire. “I carved some of the clay sculptures that are going to be among the hundred and fifty hidden features in the piece,” he said. “I did Humpty Dumpty and the Mad Hatter’s watch and shoes.” He has also worked with students at Sanchez High School on a 65 x 45 feet mosaic mural displayed outside the gymnasium. Other murals done with Eastwood Academy are displayed on Harrisburg Boulevard. “Everybody creates their own glass mosaic tile and then we grid it out and grout them to make one big piece,” he said. “They have the raw talent, but just don’t know how to make it happen. We help bring their vision to life.” Smaller commissions include Albert the Exploring Ant which was a door prize for a rodeo committee Christmas party and “a lot of trophy stuff,” including the Brother BrianBryan Memorial Award presented at the Art Car Parade and a truly one-of-a kind-piece for someone’s fantasy football league. For Valentine’s, Rojas made a literal ‘key to my heart’ sculpture for his wife. Rojas says he likes the idea of his pieces – like the roadrunner and the 3D Jewish star displayed at the Galleria each holiday season – being around after he’s gone. “I want to do as many installations as possible so my grandkids can go see them,” he said. “I want them to see something and say, “That’s PoPo’s.’”
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Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com
The Leader readers’ ChoiCe Winner 16
Local artist looks to leave art legacy, one project at a time
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1st Place - Best Private School
Readers' Choice
1st Place - Best Learning Center 2nd Place - Best After School Program
O
ur Savior Lutheran School Faculty and Staff would like to thank everyone who voted our school as the 1st place winner in the Best Private School category, 1st place winner in the Best Learning Center category and 2nd place winner as Best After School Prgram. We are honored to be acknowledged and appreciate the continued support of our school families, church congregation, and the community at large. We strive to continue to provide the Houston area with excellent classical Christian education, and to share Christ’s love with the world.
Serving Families for Jesus Christ 5000 West Tidwell • Houston, TX 77091 • www.oslschool.org • 713-290-8277
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Page 4A • Saturday, June 25, 2016
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Best Auto Parts
The Leader’s readers’ Choice awarded
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COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE ON • ALL MAKES & MODELS WE DO IT ALL! Wow, Photo by Jonathan Garris A recent development near the Judiway post office is being marketed as The Grove at Oak Forest with homes selling in the mid 300,000s and up.
Townhomes from P. 1A Kelly also liked that there are no shared walls. “There’s that little bit of separation,” he said. Another new homeowner is Tyler Hersperger who was renting inside the loop, but just bought a 3-story, single family home near the LA Fitness off Shepherd Drive. Hersperger, who is single and works in Pasadena, liked the idea of a three story home because of its versatility. He may even rent out the first floor down the road. He thinks the 3bedroom, 2.5-bath would also be a good place to raise a family someday. Although some developers market their freestanding properties as townhomes, Power makes the distinction between those and true townhomes, which have at least one connecting wall with a neighbor. She said the freestanding single family homes retain their property value better than condos and true townhouses which, she said, are the first hit and last to revive in a housing slump. As for townhome prices in The Leader area, Power breaks it down for readers. In 77018, the average price is $382,000; in Lazybrook and Timbergrove it’s $350,000; and in the Heights it’s $400,000. “One went for $575,000 on Oxford Street, but that’s the heart of the Heights,” she said. One unique set of condos in the area are the lofts at Bell Heights in the Heights near 19th Street. They are condos ranging in price
from $599,000 to $1,999,900. Even though the lofts are still under construction, they have 12 already under contract, two of which are over $1 million. Although some developers tend to favor developments near the train tracks, both Power and Stewart say those are not big with clients. If it’s a transitional area, Stewart always asks himself, “Do I want to stop here? Is there stuff to do here?” Stewart thinks that the new development on Judiway by the post office, selling from the mid $300,000s, stands a better chance because they are in such close proximity to the houses in Oak Forest. That land on Judiway did not fall under the deed restrictions of Oak Forest, which is why the higher density development could happen. “A lot of developers buy on the outskirts and wait for areas to heat up,” said Power. “You’re starting to see it in Independence Heights.” One concern Power hears from clients interested in a townhome is in regard to the speed – and related quality – of construction. “I can’t stress enough the importance of having thorough inspections,” she said. “Buyers sometimes think that everything is going to be caught through the city inspection and permitting process for new construction. That’s just not the case.”
Thanks to all of our customers for voitng for NLine in the Readers Choice Award. We came in as the Silver Choice. We are committed to achieve the Gold Status next year! This is a team effort and I would like to thank our staff for their efforts. Our guys work hard to do the best job possible. We apreciate our community sticking wth us through the thick and thin. Again thanks for your continued support! John Ferrata & Staff.
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Subdivided from P. 1A construction [at the former] is not as good as the others.” Baldwin surmised that the perception of quality among some of these communities might have actually suffered due to the real estate boom in 2013 and 2014. “When there’s a boom like that, every lawyer, doctor and other money makers were either builders or investors in many ways,” Baldwin said. “The thousands of people that came into the city during those two years did not have the same expertise as those with a long track record of building and selling homes.” Some of those homes might end up being inferior quality, but they’re also a reflection of what was affordable at that particular time, Baldwin said. “Quality is a relative concept,” Baldwin said.
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2211 West 43rd
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in places like that and it’s worked fairly well.” Baldwin also said that, with the advent of the oil crunch, many builders and investors are opting to change properties on subdivided lots into rentals which can be a double-edged sword. More people can stay in an area, but there might also be a bigger delay in those residents moving on to home ownership. When it comes to the quality of the homes themselves, potential buyers (and renters) need to be realistic about the price differences in many of these subdivided lots. “I recognize that a Honda Accord might not be as well built as a Range Rover,” Baldwin said. But the lower price point of the former still allows someone to buy a car nonetheless. “If the price per square foot is one hundred at one home but then three hundred at the other, then you would probably surmise that the level of
Pictured: John Ferrata IV, John Ferrata III, Jose Galdamez, Raul Cruz, Vinny Ferrata, Antonio Toxqui, Kevin Simmons, Peter Karfaridis
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The Topics. Saturday, June 25, 2016 • Page 5A
Eventually, weeds The reader. will grow through the new mulch Do not change history
E
very year, this last week of June, our newspaper celebrates the best businesses in the area, as selected by you, our readers. But using what little power I have as publisher, I need to use this space to add one winner to the list. In the category of “Bureaucracy with the Best Intentions,” allow me to present that award to the Texas Department of Transportation. It’s difficult to explain why we left this category off the original list, and I apologize none Jonathan of you was allowed to McElvy vote. But if there’s any Publisher group deserving of the award, it has to be the folks at TxDOT. And quite frankly, your vote wouldn’t have mattered in this category anyway. If you live anywhere near the Heights, Oak Forest or Garden Oaks, you can’t escape driving somewhere along the 610 North corridor. Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who barely scratches the service roads. Maybe you’ve done as I have and driven from the Galleria to somewhere north of 610 by using back roads (by the way, that route will save you all of negative 20 minutes). There are plenty of ways to characterize 610 North. Gridlock comes to mind, depending on the time of day. And whether you’re approaching 290 from the east or 45 from the west, there’s absolutely nothing good that can happen in either direction during heavy traffic times. But I’ll tell you what comes to mind when I think about 610: Disgusting exit ramps. Whether it’s Yale, Shepherd, Ella or TC Jester, any exit you take from 610 turns into a horror show. Never mind the folks standing on the corner with pleas for our spare change; that’s part of life in any large city and it’s hard to harbor much ill-will toward those in presumptive need. What sickens me is that every entrance into our community, at least from 610, looks like we should be featured on an infomercial about dying cities. There’s garbage at every street corner – paper cups, aluminum cans, bags of junk food, refuse from the store across the street. There are tire scraps, It doesn’t matter how many trees you bumper pieces and plant if you can’t clean up the rest of broken headlights scat- the road. tered about our curbs and medians. If these intersections are the entrance to our home, we are a dilapidated mobile home with fine furniture and a 90-inch flat-screen inside. You don’t drive through any nice neighborhood in our city – the Heights, Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, River Oaks, you name it – and find our front yards in a mess. You don’t take the pride nearly all of our neighbors take in their streets and subdivisions and throw your trash on the front lawn. But because we don’t have homeowners’ associations for the intersections off 610, our area of town looks like a pretty girl with electrocuted hair. We love what we are on the inside, but we can’t find a brush for the life of us. And that gets us back to the Texas Department of Transportation. If you haven’t noticed, a few weeks ago, TxDOT dumped a heap-load of mulch all along the side of the highway. Next thing you know, they’re planting trees and bushes everywhere. We called to find out what they’re doing (see brief story on Page 4A) and it turns out they received a grant from the Texas Transportation Commission for $830,000 to plant trees all along the corridor – from TC Jester all the way to 45. Good for them. In fact, let’s go ahead and take a picture with their certificate for “Bureaucracy with the Best Intentions.” Like many of you, I drive 610 nearly every day. I love the look of freshly poured mulch. I like the smell of the new trees. I’m thrilled these trees (we hope) will keep people from dashing off 610 upon approaching gridlock, jumping the curb and slamming into an oncoming car traveling down the service road. And believe me, I’m thrilled TxDOT was able to secure the grant to do a little to beautify the area. Earlier this week, as I sat at the intersection of Shepherd and 610, I realized the only way TxDOT could hope to beautify this area completely is if they dug up all those intersections and turned them into forests. It doesn’t matter how many trees we plant or dump trucks of mulch we pour along 610, because none of those things will mask the near third-world appearance we give at the entrances to our community. There’s a never-ending discussion about which government agency is charged with keeping those intersections clean. Some say it’s the city of Houston. Others say it’s TxDOT. Some say TxDOT is in charge of just Shepherd and the city has all the other streets. I don’t think it matters because not a single government agency will take the time to break out the Poulan and eat the weeds at the base of every underpass. There’s not a single bureaucracy that cares enough to grab a group of convicts and do a little street cleaning (do we even have chain gangs in Houston? We should.). This is the second time in the last few years I’ve written about this problem, and every year, it takes making a public complaint to see a lawnmower in the vicinity. The only hope we have of cleaning out the weeds from our community entrances is to pray for drought, at which point the weeds will turn to tinder and a passerby will burn the corner down with the flick of a cigarette butt. Like most of you, I’m glad TxDOT has planted some trees. It’s a great plan filled with great intentions. Unfortunately, and unless citizens create a solution to this mess (like developing homeowner associations for our intersections), the weeds will eventually sprout through the mulch and trash will hang from the new trees. Email jonathan@mcelvymedia.com
Dear Editor: First of all, a tremendous Thank You to Ray A. Bartula for the May 28, 2016 letter to The Reader section. God Bless You. I do not live in Houston anymore, so my brother saves The Leader for me to read. Especially the Reagan High School articles. I graduated from John H. Reagan High School and no liberal minded or troublemaker can or will ever change that fact for me. As Golda Meir once stated-”One cannot or should not change history.” There are things that offend me, but by the grace of God, I have learned to LIVE my life; not waste my life changing “those things.” History is history! Our Forefathers had fought and gave their lives for our rights - common sense rights. Not nit-picky, idiotic likes and dislikes. If every single person were to start changing every single thing that they do not like or that offends them, this world would be a total disaster. And it is getting very, very close to that. God help us all - One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Margie A. Stockman
Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com
Recall election or impeachment
Dear Editor: I rest my case, “calling for a recall election or impeachment of our school board, based on their incompetence/lack of performance.” Have you noticed the June 11, 2016 article in The Leader by Jonathan Garris “Area schools see rising, falling grades in 2016 Children at Risk report.” Out of 16 elementary schools, six are below average, almost 38%, out of four middle schools, two are below average 50%, out of four high schools, three of four are below average 75%! Our school board’s job is to educate our children, providing an excellent education - reading, spelling, math, English, science, etc. It seems the longer they stay in HISD, the worse they perform! The only comment made by a school board member was Anna Eastman, placing the blame on stability. Remember Anna did not vote on the important issue of changing the school names or mascots! Maybe Anna Eastman is the only person on the school board interested in our children? The rest of the school board seems to be more interested in putting activist’s names on our schools, and eliminating recognition of Indians? The only contribution an activist makes
to society is stirring up trouble and costing taxpayers money to accomplish their agendas. Again I call for a recall election or the impeachment of our school board. Educate our children so they will be prepared to excel in their future lives and enable them to contribute to our society in a positive way. Ray A. Bartula
To my friends on the Left…and the Right Dear Editor: Imagine…Thank you J.R. Atkins. S.C. York
Dear Editor: Can we please have a moderate party? Tim Dear Editor: Moderate J.R. Atkins composed a brilliant article that very well sums up most if not all of our political, national and personal problems. Is he on the ballot anywhere? I would vote for him twice. (I was born in Chicago). Pete Budwit
More Reader, P. 6A
Controversies brew over Oak Forest Garden Oaks deed restriction issues By Katie McDonald For The Leader It would seem the fox is in the hen house at Oak Forest Homeowners Association. I cannot say it surprises me as I have seen the ‘lie down and play dead’ attitude of the deed restrictions committee increasing in recent years, so whether it is a third floor being built on Cheshire or a lot subdivided on Du Barry, it does not seem to get much resistance from the committee. I think we need to look at who is getting elected to run OFHA and who is being assigned to the deed restriction committee. Are they employed by the development industry? Banking or mortgage industry? How about real estate? Do they have a conflict of interest? If we find they do, we need to boot them off the team, because deed restrictions are specifically in place to protect the nature of the neighborhood from over-zealous development. I checked this lot at 3710 Ella Blvd at DuBarry on Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD.org). It measures 110 feet by 110 feet or 12,100 square feet (SF). That is very comparable to other lots in that part of Section 1, where nearby lots are between 8,400 and 14,800SF. Theoretically you could split this lot either diagonally or in some other tortured pattern and still have a 60 foot frontage. But should you? In the 1940’s this neighborhood was plated with very deliberately shaped
streets and generous lots by the developers of the day, Frank Sharp and others. This made way for gently curving streets and long lots, with a few odd shaped lots like this one. Had the developers of the 40s felt this lot could be split and still maintain the flavor of the neighborhood, I assure you, they would have done so in the 1940s, because they too were in the business of making money. I think there are a few questions we have to ask before allowing a lot to be subdivided: First, is there any benefit to the residents of the neighborhood in splitting the lot? The answer is No. The only beneficiary of splitting this lot is DuBarry Corner LLC who can make more profit from selling two homes than selling one. Second, are there any negatives to the residents of the neighborhood in splitting this lot? The answer is Yes. First a quick scan of the HCAD map shows me at least 25 lots on DuBarry and backing on Judiway that are wide enough and deep enough to have similar subdivision, and if money can be made then this one subdivision at 3710 Ella will start an avalanche of similar demands on other lots. Once we allow it with one lot we cannot refuse it on others. Smaller lots and the resulting structures will by their very nature change the flavor of the neighborhood. It will change home and lot values negatively. Subdivision of lots allows two
structures to replace one and leads to even more severe restriction of permeable land on residential lots. Here is another consideration. Flooding. About 10 years ago the city had sewer clean outs in our area replaced, and they put in these big domed manholes that are between 8 and 12 inches higher than the old manholes. Builders are required by city building code to have the house foundation 12 inches above the nearest sewer manhole. That requires builders to bring in dirt. I watched last month as 19 truckloads of dirt were on the lot across from my home. 19 truckloads! So not only are developers building tacky, pretentious and gargantuan homes, with little permeable surface left on the lot, but they are building them on gargantuan hills, which means they accelerate the flow of water to the street and into neighboring yards. If we allow lot subdivision, then we are allowing double the gargantuan homes, further depletion of permeable surfaces in the neighborhood and an increase our probability of flooded streets. Just because the deed restriction do not forbid subdivision of lots, [it] does not require OFHA to approve them. It sets a dangerous precedent and we the residents end up the losers while developers make their money and go off to ruin some other nice neighborhood.
the leader Puzzlers. Answers found in this week’s Classified section
SUDOKU
aCrOss
1. Sold at a higher price 8. Instill fear 13. Can be domesticated 14. Oohed and ___ 15. Make too simple 19. Plutonium 20. Necessary for breathing 21. Make happy 22. Mythological bird 23. A baglike structure in a plant or animal 24. Put on __ 25. Type of dough 26. Blushed 30. Celestial object 31. Point __ National Seashore 32. Purplish red 33. Towards the mouth or oral region 34 Portuguese musical genre 35. Steals 38. Acts insincerely 39. City in Belarus 40. Anticipates 43. Paris airport 44. Deal with 45. No (Scottish) 47. Opens lock 48. Central parts
49. Sheep disease 50. Indicates position 51. Doing many things at once 55. Khoikhoin peoples 57. Informal alliance between countries 58. Long poems 59. The state of being poorly illuminated
dOwn 1. Portico 2. Delicacy 3. Punish with an arbitrary penalty 4. Household god (Roman) 5. Public television station 6. __ Lilly, drug company 7. Degraded 8. Free from danger 9. Low bank or reef of coral 10. Exclamation of surprise 11. Lies down in rest 12. Give an education to 16. Provides 17. Fat from a pig 18. Belonging to a
thing 22. Branches of a bone 25. Having a cheerless aspect or disposition 27. Edema (archaic) 28. Bo __, ‘10’ 29. Unfledged or nestling hawk 30. Surrenders 32. Type of dessert 34. Planted with trees 35. Washington town 36. Listen in 37. Inwardly 38. Chinese province 40. Garrison 41. Converts thermal energy to mechanical work 42. Holy people 44. Lowest point between two peaks 46. Boundaries 48. Utter obscenities 51. ___ and cheese 52. Member of the cuckoo family 53. Type of microscope 54. ___ and Barbie 56. Michigan
WORD SCRAMBLE
Page 6A • Saturday, June 25, 2016
Reader, from P. 5A
More integrity is needed in mainstream media Dear Editor: Today’s paper had an excellent article written by [Jonathan McElvy]. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s hard to watch the news and read about all these events because they seem to be just as you have written. What I still don’t get is why we are allowing this to happen over and over again. I thought the Sandy Hook killings were just about the worst thing that could happen and yet, nothing has been done. Betty Elliot Dear Editor: Regarding [Jonathan McElvy’s] recent editorials (October 2015 and June 2016) about journalistic integrity in the wake of mass shootings, a lawyer named Geoffrey Riddle and I decided after the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in 2012 to figure out if the government could forbid the publication of a mass shooter’s photograph in the same way that rape shield laws prohibit the publication of a victim’s identity. Our goal was to draft proposed legislation for review by a local lawmaker who might then present it in Austin for review. This type of law according to a leading Supreme Court case (Smith v. Daily Mail) is called a “prior restraint on speech,” and it cuts to the “core of the First Amendment.” The purpose of such a law would be to avoid, as the Supreme Court put it, “encouraging further antisocial conduct.” In other words, you don’t get your picture in the paper and all over the world news if you do something horrible. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, this type of law is unconstitutional. Basically, the government might be allowed to restrict its own mug shot from distribution, but the “electronic media” makes photographs so available that “routine newspaper reporting techniques” could be used to obtain photographs lawfully. The Court is very clear that public domain information may be published. The Court then goes one further to state if information (like
photographs) is available from the public domain, then the “stated purpose” of restricting even government information (like mug shots) is not accomplished, so that too is unconstitutional. That leaves us, I guess, with only editorial integrity to limit the “if it bleeds it leads” phenomenon. Thankfully we have editors like you calling for a change in the way these stories are reported. Jonathan C.C. Day Dear Editor: Simply an outstanding analysis of today’s sick society magnified by the liberal press in every capacity possible. I would have no problem seeing many of these rags bite the dust. Nearly every paper also has Trump’s name presented about 75 times in each edition to sell copies. Once he loses in November, he will have accomplished his purpose (massive recognition by all press) and he will simply fade back into his CEO position, no worse for the wear. Moreover, I think I had to pay an amount approaching $500 for my yearly subscription of the Observer, which exemplifies your point. I bet they are losing subscribers in droves. Keep up the outstanding work. There is no telling what we will see between now and November 6. Dave Verrill Dear Editor: Just finished reading [Jonathan McElvy’s] column on the medias handling of the recent mass shooting in Florida. I could not have agreed with you more and thank you for your honest and straight forward comments. It is a shame what we now view as normal in the media and our society as a whole. Mike Como Dear Editor: As a former journalist whose gigs over the decades included a long stint as a media critic, I read with particular interest [Jonathan McElvy’s] column
bemoaning media coverage of the Orlando killings. While I agree that a key part of such coverage should always be the victims, I also think that the broader reasons and explanations for what happened are important too. It’s not either/or. The questions asked by that unnamed TV reporter you quoted were therefore perfectly legitimate. WERE the killings the product of hatred toward gays? WOULD stricter gun regulations have prevented this slaughter? WAS bigotry a factor? While those questions may not paint a face on the victims, they do probe deeper into the worst mass shooting in this nation’s history and they are perfectly valid. Political leaders such as the ducking senator you cite need to be called to account. I see no reason for you to be ashamed of your colleagues in journalism for asking those kinds of questions. Had they focused only on the emotional human side of this tragedy, as you seem to prescribe, they would arguably have been guilty of journalistic malpractice. I do agree, however, that sensationalism does drive too much media coverage these days, especially in cable news. An accompanying problem is that too often the cablecasters keep reporting when they have nothing to report just to fill near-unlimited air time. Perhaps the biggest problem of all is that in the era of live coverage too many reporters simply blurt out whatever is spoken into their earpieces without bothering to determine if it is true. I honestly think that getting it wrong and then having to correct it has become acceptable in today’s ratings-driven TV news coverage. To me that represents an unfortunate lowering of standards. As wrongly accused Atlanta Olympics bombing suspect Richard Jewell learned the hard way 20 years ago, you can’t unring the bell. Asking the kinds of questions your column singled out for criticism is not an example of commentary, per se, even though the way questions are phrased can sometimes suggest answers. On the contrary those kinds of questions are
designed to delve deeper into a story, put it into context, provide perspective and maybe even help us all understand what happened, why and how to prevent a future such tragedy. This is at least as important as telling us who died and how, much as that part of the story might tug at our emotions. I think your heart was in the right place with your column but I think your reasoning was a bit off. Ron Alridge Dear Editor: Further to the Leader publisher’s castigation of the media (Jun. 18) for if-it-bleeds-it-leads sensationalism piled on tragedy: What is most appropriately an instrument of objective reporting and critical analysis, American journalism has largely degraded into naked advocacy. Note how the New York Times boasts, “All the news that’s fit to print,” while its critics validly observe the motto should be, “All the news that fits our views.” I knew a university journalism professor who was formerly an old-school, shoe-leather editor-in-chief at the capital city’s daily newspaper in a Western state. He was glowingly proud of a letter adduced by a U.S. senator from that state after he’d switched to teaching and had sought endorsements for tenure: The senator, a Democrat, said that he never could tell -- in view of the paper’s questions put to him, and editorials about him -- whether that editor/professor was a Democrat or a Republican. Nowadays, mainstream media unabashedly cheer-leads for the Democratic Party, which thus largely escapes critical inspection. I think journalists lean left basically due to economics. Reporters and editors -- educated, intelligent and truly sharp people -- are not paid handsomely at all. They cover, then, folks who DO things -- politicians, government officials, businessmen, pro athletes -- and they encounter many who don’t have anywhere near their mental acuity, yet who are
financially quite successful. Over time that engenders an entitlement mentality: Golly, this guy borders on being a dunce, but he’s gotten rich. I’m much smarter than he is. I should be rich too. (An aside: Note how most newspaper business reporters/columnists have trouble concealing their contempt for the very businessmen and companies they cover -- as though for one to be qualified to write about business at a major daily paper, one must be totally anti-business. You know, commerce destroys the environment, profit equals robbery, and so forth.) The publisher laments the news industry’s enslavement to the almighty dollar, but we must remember that media reporting/editorializing -- a cornerstone civil right -- is an honorable private-sector enterprise, and we don’t want that any other way. The alternative, a staterun media monopoly, is too ghastly to contemplate. Newspaper profits are eroding due to the very themes cited above. The news-consuming public is not positively served by hard-news sections laden with prejudiced slant and advocacy, though that stuff is just fine on the editorial page. The newsconsuming public understands the lack of objective critical inspection in what today’s mainstream media reports as news -- and accordingly is taking its patronage elsewhere. J. Reynolds Dear Editor: Thank you! As a former college journalism major and still lifetime news junkie, I applaud [Jonathan McElvy’s] Op Ed. Very early in my short journalism “career” I learned, and reluctantly accepted, that the news media mantra is indeed... “If it bleeds...it leads......(and fulfills their greed)”. I look forward to your continued editorial leadership. Scott Wellbrock
Facebook photos
Compiled by Rebecca Kroger Oak Forest Homeowners Association
Lucy Fraga Fisher Cain put out a reminder that the Oak Forest Running Club meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. They meet at the Oak Forest Chill. Mark Raymond Malisheski alerted his community about a white pickup truck with a man in a safety vest. “[He] tried to snatch and go my commercial blower. Drive off as we ran at them and couldn’t get my trailer turned around in time to follow them.” Shawn Salyers posted an image of the “elusive wild parrots” that seem to be hanging around the Oaks Dads’ Club baseball facility. The birds appear to be monk hooded parakeets. Steve Woodruff replied to Salyers post. “Come down to the 6100 block of Milwee and I’ll point out the tree they seem to be breeding in...it’s a large cottonwood with a hole up high in the top. I see and hear these guys daily, come and go from there and the pines two doors down.”
Juan Nava
Heights High School students prepare for their senior year
Rice Military
The next Rice Military Civic meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 12th.
Timbergrove Manor
On July 4, Timbergrove Manor Civic Club will hold their annual Independence Day Ice Cream Social. It will be held at Jaycee Park, 1300 Seamist Dr. There will be food, balloon art and a fire truck. For more information go to www.facebook.com/TimbergroveManorCivicClub/ . Daragh Carter and Jennifer Estopinal both posted about the new graffiti art located on the side of Hughies. Frank Ortega is the artist behind it.
Garden Oaks
There will be a civic club meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5 with guest speaker Kim Ellis of HABITATS Wildscape. For more information go to http://gardenoaks.org/
Shepherd Park Plaza
Kristin Towns Wells posted an image showing where the proposed speed bumps will be located. At Durham Elementary, the City of Houston will host a “Community Feedback” meeting to discuss a proposal to install “speed cushions” in Shepherd Park Plaza and Candlelight Plaza. The meeting will be open to the public to discuss the proposal. Save the date for 6:00 p.m. on June 28.
Kroger to bring curbside pickup to Oak Forest By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Residents living in the Oak Forest and Garden Oaks area will soon be able to get their groceries at the Kroger store on West 43rd Street without even having to leave their car. The company unveiled that its curbside pickup site, called ClickList, will be coming to a number of Houston-area stores throughout the year. Representative Krystal Howard said she couldn’t give an exact month as it is a “moving
target” for the company, but residents could expect to see the service at the Kroger at 1352 West 43rd St. by the end of the summer. Interested shoppers will be able to connect their Kroger. com account and their Plus Cards (both offered free) and the ClickList site will offer a personalized experience through a complex algorithim that lists frequent or routine purchases and deals best suited to each customer. “They’ll have an opportunity to choose from over 40,000
items including items from our deli, dairy section and other parts of the store,” Howard said. “In essence, about 95 percent of the store will be available through the service.” After selecting groceries, the customer then selects an available pickup time. At the store level, selectors then go through and collect each item for the customer, and they can even follow specific instructions such as selecting fruit or vegetables at a particular ripeness or size, Howard said. “The selector will only make
Clarisa Galindo
selections according to what you have indicated,” Howard said. The associate then comes to scan either a debit card or credit card for payment – no cash, Howard said, - and will even load the vehicle. “There is no maximum or minimum amount required for the service but there is a $4.95 service fee,” Howard said. “The first few fees are waived as we want them to become comfortable with the service.” See Kroger P. 10A
Rebecca Kroger For the leader The summer before a student’s senior year of high school is the most important and intense summer of their school career. Clarisa Galindo, an incoming senior at Heights (Reagan) High School, says that “this summer is more stressful than previous ones because of college preparation.” Galindo also believes that summer cannot be wasted and should be filled with educational camps, jobs and internships. She is currently participating in a band camp directed by her school, and is also involved in the Rice Summer Business Institute. “This camp,” she says, “teaches marketing, entrepreneurship and economics for two weeks.” Although she does not know if she wants to pursue this as a career, she believes it is a great experience and that it gives an idea of what business is like. Not only is Clarisa busy with these activities, but she also has to complete her college applications, plan essays, and do summer assignments. She plans on applying to University of Houston and MIT. Clarisa is thinking about majoring in business or music education. “I like helping people with music,” she said. “I am the section leader for the Clarinets at school, and I help out with how they march, and the quality of their music.” Clarisa’s advice for high schoolers is to take advantage of the summer. “Join clubs at Universities or within in your school,” Galindo says, “make sure you keep up your grades and choose
electives that show what you want to pursue after high school.” Clarisa’s electives are marching band, concert band, piano, and an extra AP class. Another student at Heights High School, Juan Nava, believes in many of the same things Clarisa does. Nava is working at in internship through REHSS at Rice University. He is working for a woman who is doing research on certain types of proteins. Nava’s job requires him to help with gathering data, and programing on the computer for the data. The job is seven and a half hours a day for six weeks. “Its great experience,” Nava said. “At the end of six weeks, the program is requiring me to write a research paper of what I learned.” Nava found this program by doing research on the computer. Nava plans on applying to Rice University and Harvey Mudd College. He wants to focus on the sciences, which is why he decided to take the internship. He also participates in band and chose Jazz band, band, and electronics for his elective senior year. Nava’s advice for high schoolers is to seek help from the counselors and do some research on your own. “Find an internship or job during the summer, even if it isn’t something you want to do in the future,” he said. “Administrations look at what students do over the summer.” Both students, Nava and Galindo, are straight A students and work hard in order to be successful in the future.
Saturday, June 25, 2016 • Page 7A
The calendar. COMPANION CAMP Houston Humane Society Companion Camp is a wonderful opportunity for children ages 7-13 to work hands-on with animals cared for by the Houston Humane Society, 14700 Almeda Rd. During a typical day, campers receive humane education, workshops from animal experts, games, crafts, and hands on animal activities. Camp includes daily snacks and drinks, t-shirt, crafts, and all activities. Due to individual dietary restrictions, lunch will not be provided; please bring a sack lunch. The next camp is June 20-24, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $295 per session. July 5-8 is a four day week due to July 4, holiday/camp fee is reduced to $235. Information: houstonhumane.org, 713-4336421. FISH FRY American Legion Post 560 The Ladies Auxiliary Unit 560, 3720 Alba Road, will host their monthly Fish Fry and live entertainment Friday, June 24 (fourth Friday of each month)
from 6 p.m. until sold out. The cost is $8 per plate. Information: 713-682-9287, facebook.com/ AmLegionPost560/, americanlegionpost560.org. UPCOMING JUNE EVENTS Houston Arboretum and Nature Center The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Dr., is holding a vast array of classes for everyone. Nature Revealed: Dragonflies and Damselflies will be from 9-11 a.m. June 25. Dragonflies and damselflies comprise the insect order Odonata. Information: houstonarboretum.org, 713-681-8433. SILENCE! THE MUSICAL Obsidian Theater Obsidian Theater, 3522 White Oak, presents Silence! the Musical, through June 25. The original ‘Silence of the Lambs’ movie is gruesome and the musical is no different. Not only are violent acts performed in the stage version, the actors also sing about them. This performance is for mature audiences only. Visit the
SUMMER MIXERS Northwest Harris County Aggie Mom’s Club Northwest Harris County Aggies Mom’s Club is holding summer mixers for moms, stepmoms and guardians of Texas A&M students. There are regular monthly meetings with informative speakers from A&M and the group raises funds for scholarships and book award gift certificates. The next meeting is June 30. Information: www.nwhcaggiemoms.org.
website for performance times and tickets. Information: 832889-7837, info@obsidiantheater. org. ANNA-NICOLE AND THE STARLIGHT ANGEL Cinestar Interactive Studio The world premier of the feature-length film, (102 minutes), “Anna-Nicole and the Star-Light Angel,� will have two showings at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. June 26. The free premier will be at Cinestar Interactive Studio/Theater, 1333 Judiway. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with a meet and greet. Information: 832-315-6615.
COMMUNITY DANCE SPJST Lodge 88 The SPJST Lodge 88, 1435 Beall St., will host the Moonglow Orchestra, Big Band music, from 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. July 2. The cost is $15 per person. There is a dress code. Reservations are suggested, but not required. Enjoy complimentary dance instruction before all Saturday night dances, starting at 7:30 p.m. and during intermission. Reservations held only 30 minutes past start of dance. Information: 713-8695767, lodge88.org.
MONTHLY HAPPY HOUR Heights Young Professionals Meet, network, socialize and make direct connections with area professionals. This month’s event will be hosted by Taps House of Beer, 5120 Washington, from 5-8 p.m. June 30. The cost is $10 for non-members before June 30, and $20 at the door. Register online. Information: info@heightschamber.com, heightschamber. com, 713-861-6735.
Donations needed for St. Ambrose garage sale Clean out those closets, toy chests, garages and attics. Donations can be brought beginning June 24, Fridays 5-8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for the St. Ambrose annual garage sale being held July 23 and 24. All donated items should be clean and in good working condition. St. Ambrose Catholic Church is located at 4213 Mangum Road. Call 713-6863497 for information. GOOF Game Day at Oaks Presbyterian Come to GOOF (Garden Oaks/Oak Forest) Game Day, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. June 25. Board games of all kinds from around the world are available for everyone to enjoy. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $5 per person. There will be drawings for prizes too. Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. All Sunday school classes are on summer vacation from June through August. Evening Bible study continues at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Join the Lunch Bunch each Sunday after worship. Dutchtreat lunch outings, announced each week in the worship bulletins, are at casual dining establishments in the nearby area. For information, visit www. oakspresbyterian.org or call 713-682-2556. First Church Heights presents Movie Under The Stars Bring the whole family to the outdoor event Movie Un-
der The Stars at First Church Heights, 201 E. 9th St. See “Max� on a 32’ movie screen. The free movie will be at 7:45 p.m. June 25. Bring lawnchairs. Families can also bring their dogs. There will be free popcorn and snow cones. Call 713-861-3102 or visit fbcheights.org for information. All Saints Bravura Concert Series presents The Oberon Ensemble All Saints Bravura Concert Series will feature an evening of beautiful music by the members of The Oberon Ensemble as they present works by Beethhoven, Mozart, C. Nielsen, and Handel-Halvorsen. The concert will be at 4:30 p.m. June 26. There will be a free will offering. Meet the artists at the dessert reception following the concert. All Saints Catholic Community is located at 215 E. 10th St. Call 713-864-2653 for information. Art Camp at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Enroll children ages preK through fifth grade for stories and art in the My Hands, My Heart Art Camp, on Sunday mornings during the summer from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd. The camp will be held on the following dates: June 26 and July 3, 17, 24, 31. There will be simultaneous offerings for youth and adults. Attend one or all, camp is free of charge. For reservations and information, email lpuccio@saecheights.org. St. Matthew’s presents organist Rebecca Yoder There will be no free pancake breakfast in July due to the holiday. The breakfast will continue in August. Resident organist, Rebecca Yoder, will be playing a recital on the pipe organ at 3 p.m. June 26. Yoder is a Rice Univerisity student and is versatile on both piano and organ. Come enjoy Yoder’s showcase
of her works by Bach, Franck, George Walker and Louis Vierne. The free lunch program continues throughout the summer, providing free lunches to children ages one year to 16 years, who otherwise may not have access to a midday meal. Lunches will be served 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and must be consumed in the fellowship hall. The Vacation Bible School theme is Cave Quest, and will be at 5:30 p.m. July 24, 25 and 26. A free meal will be served at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost for attending, but registration is required. For information, call 713697-0671. The church is located at 4300 N. Shepherd.
in the deep sea by creating crafts, playing fun games, enjoying snacks, singing songs and learning about missions. This free event is for children ages 5 to 12. Bible School will be from 9 a.m.-noon, July 1822 at Garden Oaks Baptist Church, 6306 Shepherd Dr. Call 713-864-4447 or visit kideventpro.lifeway.com for information. Fine Arts Camp at St. Stephen’s The Children’s and Music Ministries will host a Fine Arts Camp, July 24-July 28 from 5-7:30 p.m. The camp will include classes in art, dance, music and drama. Children entering kindergarten through sixth grade are eligible to attend. The cost for the week (which includes dinner) is $100 for the first child and $75 for the second with a family cap of $250. For more information, please contact Mary Gossett, Director of Student Ministries or Rev. Lindsay Smith, Minister of Music. St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org and the church’s Facebook page.
Order barbecue from Hope Episcopal Hope Episcopal Church, 1613 W. 43rd St., will hold a fund-raising barbecue sale 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 2, and noon-1 p.m. July 3. The cost is $10 for a plate of 1/4 chicken, three ribs and two sides, or 1/2 rack of ribs, or one chicken; $20 for a rack of ribs; and $5 for 1/2 chicken. All food must be picked up by 1 p.m. Sunday, July 3. Food can be prepaid or pay when picked up. Call 713-5162981 or 713-681-6422 to order or for information.
Aztec StorAgeS
Summer Gospel Meeting at Norhill Church of Christ Come study the Bible at the Norhill Church of Christ, 634 W. Cottage St. The summer Gospel meetings will be July 8, 9 and 10 with Mark White of the Cy-Fair Church of Christ. Meeting times are 7:30 p.m. for Friday evening worship, 7 p.m. for Saturday evening singing followed by 7:30 p.m. worship, and 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday worship. Call 713-861-7235 or visit www.norhillcoc.org for information.
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Organization .....................6:15pm Dr. John W. Neesley - Senior Pastor
1700 West 43 rd at Rosslyn 713-682-4942
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Pastor – Dr. Richard Walters
Candlelight Church of Christ You are cordially invited to the church that can guide you in what you must do to be saved.
It is the Norhill Church of Christ.
Hear The Gospel - Mark 16:15; Roman 10: 14-17 Believe The Gospel - John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6 Repent - Luke 17:3-5; Acts 17:30 Confess - Mathew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10 Be Baptized - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Col 2:11-13 Live Faithfully Till Death - John 8:31; Revelation 2:10; Hebrew 10:23 The Norhill Church of Christ is a non-denominational church located in the near north side of Houston in the inner loop 77009 area. It has operated as a church of Christ since 1927, it is located at 634 West Cottage on the corner of West Cottage and Reagan streets. The Norhill Church of Christ teaches only the Bible, without reference to any man-originated creed. Bible study services for all ages are held at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Sunday morning Worship begins at 10:15am. Sunday evening worship is at 5:00pm Wednesday evening worship and Bible study is held at 7:30pm. Norhill welcomes everyone to attend worship or Bible study to learn more about the truth of the Bible.
www.noRHiLLCoC.oRG
FREE DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP Memorial Herman Greater Heights Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of every other month, with the next class at 4:30 p.m. July 26. The meeting is free to attend and open to anyone interested in learning more about healthy eating, foot care, stress management, heart health, blood sugar control and exercise. For more information or to register, call 713-222-2273.
A
ll Houston cats and dogs need monthly parasite prevention to protect them. their family and the community. Examination, parasite testing, and consulting are required before a veterinarian prescribes the best preventative for safety and effectiveness. Ongoing testing is also needed as a preventative does not exist that controls all parasites. Also owners are rarely 100% compliant in using monthly parasite preventatives. Some parasites are elusive from testing, especially in cats. They cause ongoing discomfort that you may not detect in your cats. Physaloptera, the stomach worm, is acquired by pets that eat cockroaches, crickets, or beetles. Small lizards, birds, and mice that also eat these bugs will transport Physaloptera to cats if they are also consumed. Tapeworms are usually acquired when pets ingest eas. Since monthly parasite prevention for cats does not control these worms, we recommend an annual strategic deworming and even more aggressive treatment if cats have suspicious symptoms. People with indoor cats have a false sense of security. These transport hosts are common inside Houston homes and it’s a cat’s nature to catch, kill, and eat these vectors. There are many other ways that indoor cats can acquire various other parasites also. Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD Breathing) is caused by mosquitoes. It likely occurs 20% or more of indoor Houston cats. A sedentary cat’s ear is an easy target for hungry mosquitoes.
Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions
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PLAQUE POINTERS Chase Baker, D.D.S.
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laque is probably the biggest cause of tooth decay and eventual loss. What is it — how do we acquire it — and how do we control it? Plaque is the sticky, practically colorless film that builds continuously on the teeth. The main inhabitants of plaque are bacteria — one milligram of plaque contains ~100 million bacteria. Bacteria ferment sugars in the mouth, a reason to avoid sweets, changing them to acids which then eat away at tooth enamel. As the plaque creeps below the gum line, it mineralizes and becomes razor-sharp deposits of tartar which is the catalyst of periodontal (or gum) disease — by far, the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Plaque must be removed daily by “proper� brushing and the use of dental floss. Have your dentist or hygienist show you how to do it properly. They may recommend a “sonic� toothbrush to assist in your daily hygiene regimen. Sonic toothbrushes are extremely effective in removal of plaque by providing thousands of brushstrokes over your teeth during your regular tooth brushing time, far more than can be provided with a manual toothbrush. The best way, if not the only way, to remove tartar and long-established plaque is to have a professional cleaning. But remember, it will start to reform the very next day. It is important for you to maintain good home care to help combat this ever-replicating enemy of oral health.
Prepared as a public service to promote better dental health. From the ofďŹ ce of: Chase Baker, D.D.S., 3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406.
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R.A.D. SELF-DEFENSE PROGRAM FOR WOMEN Memorial Herman Greater Heights This complementary class will be held at Memorial Herman Greater Heights Hospital South
Tower, 1635 N. Loop W., from 5-9 p.m. July 25-27. Park in Garage 2 as parking will be validated. Proper attire must be worn: Athletic type clothing. No cut-off shorts, pants are recommended, tennis shoes only - no flip flops or sandals or jewelry. Register at www.pct1.constable.net. Information: 713-755-7677, tracie. mathews-segura@cn1.hctx.net.
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From the Pews. Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets at the YMCA The Men’s Scripture Sharing Group meets at 7 a.m. every Thursday at the Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA, 1234 W. 34th St. There will be music, Bible study and fellowship. Guests and new members are welcome. Email scripturesharing@earthlink.net for information.
THE MAKING OF AMERICA School of American Leadership Explore the principles that define our nation from the Declaration of Independence to the U.S. Constitution and discover the Founders original formula for success and freedom. The classes are held from 6:30-8 p.m. the first and third Thursdays, with the next class July 7, at Garden Oaks Montessori School, 901 Sue Barnett. Free childcare is available. The cost is $20. Contact Dr. Lindsey Pollock for reservations and payment information at 713-696-2930 or email facilitator Kathryn van der Pol at kvanderpol@swbell.net.
Join us for Services in English or Spanish Sunday Worship 10am & 5pm Sunday Bible Classes 9am Wednesday Bible Study 7pm
4215 Watonga Blvd. • 713-681-9365 Houston, TX 77092
4U 4UFQIFO T
ccording to the American Heritage Dictionary, “Flotsam, in maritime law, applies to wreckage or cargo left floating on the sea after a shipwreck. Jetsam applies to cargo or equipment thrown overboard (jettisoned) from a ship in distress and either sunk or washed ashore.� Sometimes our lives feel like shipwrecks, with wreckage and debris all around us as we tread water to stay afloat. Other times we feel like the ship is sinking and that we need to throw things overboard to avoid sinking. One solution is to not overload the ship in the first place. Material possessions can be a burden and it may help to lighten the load. We should go through our clothes and donate those items we don’t wear anymore, and go through our books, tapes and CDs also. We might also find that a lot of our old computer, stereo and television equipment can be given away, and far from being a loss, we might gain tremendously by this. Finally, we are often overburdened by obligations. Do we really need that extra part-time job or the commitment we’ve made to some other endeavor? Sometimes we throw things overboard and yet still hold onto them when we should just let them fly and say good-bye. As we were violently storm-tossed, they began next day to throw the cargo overboard;and the third day they castout with their own handsthe tackle of the ship. R.S.V. Acts 27:18-19
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GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4040 Watonga • 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 • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org
Member of MANNA
Page 8A • Saturday, June 25, 2016
Washington Avenue Arts District looks to future with Art Alley project By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com The leaders of the Washington Avenue Arts District say their home is “where art happens in Houston.” Now, with the unveiling of the multi-million dollar Art Alley project, it may become home to a whole lot more. Developer John Deal said the 36-acre campus consisting of the Winter Street, Spring Street, Silver Street
Studios and the Silos at Sawyer Yards, wasn’t master planned from the beginning, so each step began with a new vision. That vision for the revamped Art Alley will provide a gathering space in between the studios on the campus with a breezeway, extensive mural art provided by local artists and plenty of space for art and food expos. Deal hopes to have a large portion completed later this year.
The Alley itself is being designed with help from Asakura Robinson, a landscape and architectural firm with offices in Houston, Deal said. “Art Alley was not planned from the beginning, but it became obvious to us that it needed to be a public space,” Deal said. “We draw pretty well from the community in terms of attendance when we have our open house events and this will keep it
active on a daily basis.” A portion of Art Alley will also feature a display made from the bricks of the former Yale Street Bridge which is undergoing a replacement by the Texas Department of Transportation. The Art Alley project is also bookended on one side by the Holler Brewing Company and owners John and Kathryn Holler. Director Susannah Mitchell said the new alley will also help enhance the park-
ing at the campus and new sculpture and wall art will be added on a yearly basis. Mitchell said the alley will be connected to the nearby hike and bike trail as well. “The idea is that people can access the alley from the bike path and it becomes a loop,” Mitchell said. The reconfiguration of the alley will also actually increase the number of parking spaces available to patrons. “It doesn’t make sense to
Keeping Fido comfortable in the heat of summer
Dear Tabby, It’s getting hot in Houston and I’m worried about walking my dog in this heat. What are your suggestions for keeping our dog active in the heat of summer? Hot in the Heights
spot • Asphalt is HOT so try walking dogs on grass instead • Cats can overheat too. They demonstrate being overheated by panting. • Do not leave any pets in cars for any length of time. Ever. No exceptions. (Dogs will overheat in minutes). Did you know that your pooch lagging behind on a walk is about the most important indicator that your dog is too hot on a walk? If you see this happening, seek shade, water and slow down. Just a few more months of oppressively hot dog walks and then we’ll be back to picture-perfect weather--which both you and your dog will appreciate. Did you know? This time of the year, many shelters run great adoption specials. If you’re
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Dear Hot in the Heights, I applaud your efforts to continue exercising your dog, even in hot weather. It’s tempting to get lax on dog walks when the weather is less than ideal, but by walking your dog daily, you’re giving him a great form of exercise for both his mind and his body.
Now, to answer your question: You’re wise to heed the temperature and think about how it will affect your pooch. Many folks don’t take their dog’s comfort into consideration when braving a hot day. Austin-based Pets Alive has put together a few tips for gauging your pet’s level of comfort when the weather is unbearably hot: • Dogs are 10x more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion than people so if you are super hot, your dog is hotter • Dogs can only sweat through their mouth, feet, and ears which means they can’t dissipate heat like you, who can sweat all over (If overheated, get them wet to speed the cooling process) • Dogs need shade and water as much as possible • If a dog looks hot, react by decreasing their activity and get them to a cooler
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have segregated parking areas so we’re going to combine them as much as we can,” Deal said. Deal said the alley will help solidify the district not only as a creative force in Houston but also an integral part of the community. “It’s a matter of creating a destination that will bring positive energy to the campus,” Deal said.
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Food, drink
ART
Saturday, June 25, 2016 • Page 9A
Art Valet
Leader Nibbles
By Mitch Cohen
Arts Columnist
Oak Forest Sweet Frog disputes lease with landlord
All aboard to my weekend plans Time to cut loose and relax a little bit. The past month has been a whirlwind of rained out art shows with temperatures creeping towards 95 degrees. This weekend, I am off and I’m ready. Let’s go! Friday night from 6 - 10 p.m. there is a group art show titled “Thank You Houston Group Show II” at the East End Studio Gallery - located at 708 C Telephone Rd., 77023. East End Studio Gallery turned six years old in March, which is quite a feat in the gallery world. Founded and operated by Lizbeth Ortiz, Ortiz has established herself as not only a fabulous artist, but a curator with a keen eye and business sense to make it work. Ortiz and her team host excellent shows and I highly recommend this one; the show is free. Check out more online at eestudiogallery.com If you’d like to dip into the cultural arts, I’ve got the answer here. At the end of May I wrote about the Texas Music Festival, which is in full swing now. Clarinetist Juan Esteban Martinez, a student at the Peabody Institute, Johns Hopkins University, was named First Place Award winner of 2016 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Young Artist Competition at the 27th Annual Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas
The Atomic Nightingales
By Christina Martinez
christina@theleadernews.com
In early June, patrons of SweetFrog Frozen Yogurt at 1214 W 43rd Street were surprized to see a notice on the door from The Shops at Oak Forest stating that the door locks had been changed due to delinquency of the tenant to pay “at least part of the rent.” Loyal customers took to social media to lament the close and to ask about a quick resolution to the issue. SweetFrog said on their Facebook page that it was a management issue and that they are not able to communicate about the matter publicly. “We are more disappointed than anyone about this and our goal is to serve our community!” the post said. “An update will be issued once there is a resolution.” The lat-
concert series is sponsored by the historic All Saints Catholic Church located in the Heights. Bravura presents professional-quality performances and does not charge admission for its concerts, relying solely on the generosity of good-will offerings and the support of its community. Meet and mingle with the musicians at the dessert reception following the concert. Free will offering concert. allsaintsheights.com Can I just transition from church to rock ‘n roll? Well I am. Sunday evening one of my all-time favorite bands, The Atomic Nightingales, will perform at Re:HAB Bar On The Bayou -1658 Enid St. 77009. Also, this little gem of a bar is one of those hidden gems in our cool neighborhood, doors open at 6 p.m. Have a great weekend!
77007 silverstreethouston. com. Like free? Then you’ll love the Really Really Free Market on Saturday, June 22, from 3 - 7 p.m. at Menil Park - 1450 Branard St., 77006. This sounds like a giant swap meet, without the swap part, but you can also show up and teach a skill you know, for free of course. Bring your own bags. Sunday we get more music, this time a bit closer to home at 4:30 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church - 215 E 10th St. 77008. Members of The Oberon Ensemble present works by Beethoven, Mozart, C. Nielsen, and Handel-Halvorsen. Bravura
The lease notice that hangs at Sweet Frog in Oak Forest.
est is that there is a for lease sign now on the store windows. Stay tuned. Zelko Bistro moves The rumors are true - Zelko Bistro in The Heights is no more. The Houston Press reports that Dalia and Jamie Zelko aren’t getting out of the restaurant business however. Instead they plan to open an eatery in Bellaire’s Evelyn’s
Park. “We are very thankful to the Heights and to the support we have had over the past 6 years, and are excited for our next chapter in Evelyn’s Park,” said Dalia Zelko in a press release. “We are thrilled to be a part of such a meaningful project that is sure to positively impact this generation and generations to come. We look forward to continuing to immerse ourselves into the Bellaire community.” The new restaurant will hopefully open this winter. A name will be chosen by a committee sorting through names submitted during a recent competition. Email christina@theleadernews.com and follow on Instagram and Twitter at @ FromTheLeader
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Cohen is the founder of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him through his website ArtValet.com.
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Music Festival. Martinez will play Francaix’s Clarinet Concerto, movements III and IV under the baton of Maestra Mei-Ann Chen Friday, June 24, 8 p.m. (Free) at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, TX and Saturday, June 25, 7:30 p.m. ($25 gen. admission; $15 for students and seniors) at the Moores Opera House at the University of Houston Moores School of Music. One more option for Friday night, The Summer Series by the artists of Silver Street, Winter Street Studios and The Silos on Sawyer are hosting an evening of art. Explore the buildings, meet new artists, sip on refreshing summer cocktails from Deep Eddy Vodka and Topo Chico USA. The buildings are located in Houston’s historic First Ward as part of the Washington Avenue Arts District. With over 350 artists in residence, this area houses the largest concentration of working artists in the nation. Admission is free. Silver Street, 2000 Edwards St, Houston, Texas
THE LEADER
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e think that without your support we would have never achieved this and not only that, we would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, North Houston and The Leader for the support you have given us in general for the last 13 years. We are looking forward to keep serving the community with pride and integrity.
3330 Ella Blvd (713) 263-0659 www.ElrEytaquEria.com
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in the heights
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Page 10A • Saturday, June 25, 2016
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New manager settles in at Pat Foley Funeral Home
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Melissa Wright knows she occupies a unique position at Pat H Foley & Company Funeral Home on West 34th Street, but she also knows that her deep-rooted connection to the Oak Forest and Garden Oaks area is a large asset in a business where things are deeply personal. She recalls that her connection to the area extends as far back as her grandparents. “They bought a house on Chippendale when they first married in the 1940s, and they never moved,” Wright said. “My mother was raised in that house, and my sister and I spent every day there after school until we graduated, [my sister] from Lutheran High North in 2006, and myself from St. Pius X in 2003.” While her grandparents have since passed on, their house is still in Wright’s family, and she said she and her husband were able to live there for a few years when they first got married. They even turned her mother’s childhood room into their son’s nursery when he was born and now her sister is living there. “That house, along with this community, is very special to me,” Wright said. It was in 2003 that she had her first experience with Pat H Foley & Co., when her grandmother died. She said it was the “natural choice” to
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By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com
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our complimentary Grab-and-Go Gifts with bright bags & tissue
Your little shop around the corner in the Heights
Photo by Jonathan Garris Melissa Wright, manager of Pat H. Foley & Company, located at 1200 West 34th St.
hold services there since it had been a trusted local name for so long. They again made the call when her grandfather died. “Shortly after his service, I decided to pursue this calling,” Wright said. “I began my training as a funeral director in 2009, working at both Heights Funeral Home and Pat H. Foley. From there I spent four years at Forest Park on Westheimer. When the opportunity to return to my community presented itself, I knew it was the right path for me to take, and I am so glad that I did.” Wright has been manager for the past eight months or so, and she said her approach
to assisting people it help them understand that her establishment is a place where they are free to grieve and share memories. “Our staff is here to plan a tribute that captures their loved one’s life,” Wright said. “We do everything we can to make this experience meaningful and as smooth as possible.” Wright said she will continue to work and uphold the level of service that the community has grown accustomed to over the last 50 years and providing the same level of hospitality that made her call back in 2003 such an easy choice.
ketplace, particularly in Houston. Since 2010, more than 2 million digital coupons have been downloaded to date and Kroger is looking to attract more digitally-savvy customers with a new app and the ClickList service. “It’s a natural evolution of how we shop and how we engage with customers, and with one another, and it’s important for us to remain competitive and accommodate customers
based on their lifestyles and needs.” Expanding into the Oak Forest area was also a lucrative one for the organization. “We know that it’s a neighborhood that is progressive and comfortable with technology,” Howard said. “There are lots of young families and that was a major driving force as well.”
“When you find yourself in need of our services, find comfort knowing that we are here, ready to guide you and support you,” Wright said. “It is my honor and my privilege to give back to the community that raised me.” Pat H. Foley & Company is located at 1200 West 34th St. For more information, call 713-869-6261.
• New bestselling books • Fashion accessories • Stationery and cards • Waxing Poetic fine jewelry • STICKS.com wood art • Children’s books and toys • Neighborhood towels • Soaps and balms • Decorative accessories • Fun mugs and magnets
365 W. 19th St. • 713-868-LIFT(5438)
www.thelifton19th.com www.facebook.com/thelifton19th Instagram and Twitter: @thelifton19th
Kroger from P. 3A card for payment – no cash, Howard said, – and will even load the vehicle. “There is no maximum or minimum amount required for the service but there is a $4.95 service fee,” Howard said. “The first few fees are waived as we want them to become comfortable with the service.” Howard said the initiative is part of the company’s ongoing mission to innovate in what has become a crowded mar-
Neighbors: young neighbor gets special visitor
Hi! I’m Tony May. Come see me for all your insurance needs
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By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com
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You may remember Laila Ramirez, our young neighbor who has been in Texas Children’s Hospital for the last couple of months recovering from a septic infection. Laila is much, much better and is definitely making her nurses, doctors, friends and family smile. Everyone who knows her is so very proud of this determined young lady. Laila, who attends Harvard Elementary with her little sister, Vivian, is a rising 5th grader and reported to be a stellar student. Rumor has it that she actually asked for more homework assignments to be sent to her hospital room. School, her Girl Scout Troop and the Girl Advisory Board of which she is a member for another year are high on Laila’s list of priorities. Turning her focus now to rehab and physical therapy, Laila is powering through.
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JJ Watt visiting Laila Ramirez.
A huge Houston Texans football fan, Laila had a very special visitor this week in the hospital -- the one, the only … JJ Watt! Laila was absolutely thrilled and said meeting the beloved Houston Texans’ star defensive end was a dream come true. Laila’s parents, Mike and Lisa Ramirez, have created a Facebook page called Laila Shines to keep everyone updated on her progress.
Feel free to join for updates: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/198833613843097/ Texas Children’s will very kindly print greeting cards and deliver them to Laila’s room, so if you have a moment, please send Laila a card. I am told she loves jokes, so please send her a funny joke in your card to add to her collection! http://www.texaschildrens. org/send-patient-greeting
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Happy Hour • Hamburger •Brunch • Lunch • Pizzaria Date Place • Caterer • Service • Place to Host a Party • Patio
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Harold’s Tap Room recently opened, a new first floor shotgun bar featuring infused speciality cocktails, beer and wine on tap, and bar bites.
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Thanks to those who voted us.
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Complimentary Crispy Dumpling Appetizer Good through the month of July 2016, for Leader Reader Voters Restaurant | Bar | Terrace
350 W. 19th St. • 713.360.6204 • www.Haroldheights.com
1802 W. 18th Street • Houston 77008 • 713-869-1830 www.hughiesgrille.com
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Best Esthetician - Sandee Trevino
Thank you to all the wonderful clients this Esthetician could ever wish for!
Xoxo!
4001 N. Sheherd, Ste. 100 Houston TX 77018 281-467-7922 www.foreveryoungbysandee.com
From the left, Reza Sadeghi, M.D., neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist with Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Associates, Susan Jadlowski, Sr. Vice President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights, Melody Dickerson, Chief Nursing Officer, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights and Crystal Goode, director of patient care, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights.
MHGH opens dedicated neuroscience unit For The Leader In a move to improve the patient experience, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital recently celebrated the grand opening of the newly designed Neuroscience Unit. “We’re incredibly excited about the new look of our neuroscience unit,” said Reza Sadeghi, M.D., a neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Associates and the Medical Director of the stroke program at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights. “This is about improving the patient experience and care at Greater Heights. We want our patients to not only receive safe and high quality neurological care, but we also want them to enjoy a great experience at the hospital.” With the establishment of this dedicated unit, families in the Greater Heights community affected by stroke and cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy and seizure disorders, brain-and spine-related injuries or other 300-page book-neurological issues have worldAstray from the Bible class neurological expertise and treatment near their home. The clinical staff and physicians on the unit are trained in caring for and treating a wide variety of neurological issues.
The renovated unit is one of many recent investments that Memorial Hermann Greater Heights has made in neurological care for the community. The hospital was recently reaccredited as a Primary Stroke Center and earlier in 2016 opened a Mischer Neuroscience Associates outpatient clinic designed specifically for patients who require treatment for neurological issues, including movement and sleep disorders, epilepsy, back pain, cancer of the brain and spine, and other complex conditions. The Mischer Neuroscience
Associates physicians who cover neurological care at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights are an extension of the Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute at the Texas Medical Center, a collaborative effort between Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. The Institute is the largest neuroscience provider in South Texas and one of only a few institutions in the country to provide all aspects of neuroscience care, which includes neurology, neurosurgery and neurorehabilitation.
to all my patients for voting me as your favorite Dentist!
Mathew Naftis, D.D.S. & Staff
1214 W 43rd, Ste 300 • 713-682-7939 w w w. d r n a f t i s . c o m
No Immortal Soul?! Everyone Goes to Hell Upon Death?! No Heaven-Going?! Whaaaat?!?!? Learn these Bible Truths and More. Free Copy of Christendom Astray from the Bible for all visitors.
Sunday • June 26 • 6pm 1846 Harvard Street • In The Heights We don’t want your money - no collection will be taken. Christ is coming soon and will reign on the earth. Sponsored by
The Berean Christadelphians For more info: 713-861-2263
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All Are Welcome
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Saturday, June 25, 2016 • Page 11A
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