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Saturday, July 25, 2015 • Vol. 60 • No. 38

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Photo Christina Martinez

Shooting at Northwest Mall An off-duty deputy with the Harris County Sheriff ’s Office shot a man outside of a club at Northwest Mall this week following an altercation in the parking lot, according to officials.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the incident is currently under investigation.

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Angela Sugarek named Principal of the Year Former Durham Elementary School Principal Angela Sugarek was named Texas PTA’s Elementary School Principal of the Year at their annual meeting.

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Leader special edition sets sights on the future C

hange can be good.

Take one look around your neighborhood – whether it’s the Heights, Oak Forest, Shady Acres, Rice Military or beyond – and you probably won’t have to venture far to find something new. You’ll probably have to travel even less to find a few people who are vehemently opposed to such new things, along with just as many people in support of it. The beauty of our area is that we have so many people who are invested in their communities, their livelihoods and the welfare of future generations.

In this special, annual edition of The Leader, we look forward to these changes through The Vision. This edition first debuted several years ago and has become a mainstay of our paper, celebrating the businesses and local figures responsible for shaping our region for years to come and looking ahead to what’s on the horizon in terms of safety, development, education and business.

In the past year I’ve served as editor, I’ve seen an enormous amount of passion from community leaders addressing everything from the threat of eminent domain by the proposed high-speed rail, the need for pedestrian and cycling amenities, air quality, noise and crime, (which might be the biggest thing on everyone’s mind these days.)

For this special edition, I sat down with Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen to talk about some of his departments’ successes over the last year and where the department is headed. In the previous Vision, Rosen and Houston Police Department Charles McClelland Jr. spoke of their optimism in fighting crime in our area.

While officials do celebrate successful policies targeting burglaries and improving response times, many communities have continued to explore or turn to private security.

I spoke with Rosen about this issue and how law enforcement will be changing to better serve our area in the next year or so.

The news of the Arabic Immersion school here in our backyard also had plenty of supporters but also garnered some criticism from people in the community with less-than-supportive views of a school grounded in bilingual education with Arabic. However, if supporters of the school and how rapidly our entire world has become connected in the digital age are any indication, there is a clear need for schools that emphasize teaching different languages to young students.

Other schools are quickly taking notice, and in this issue, we examine how HISD’s

Jonathan Garris

Inside The Vision

Editor

Thorough Changes growing emphasis on an international vision for its students can not only enrich students for years to come but also allow our children to be more successful and competitive as they enter the workforce in their later years.

Perhaps one of the big issues I can sympathize with is safety for our local cycling community. It’s no secret that the Heights and surrounding areas have attracted a huge, dedicated community of riding enthusiasts. With the city’s updated bike plan coming in the next year what are the desires of motorists and cyclists, two groups seemingly at odds with each other until the end of time, for the area? How will the vision our own residents have for cycling amenities, roads and pedestrian walkways affect the development of our area’s roads and surrounding trails?

Along the way, we’ll also be highlighting some of our fantastic area businesses which have continued to help shape the fabric of Northwest Houston, attracting people from across the Houston area.

This issue is also important to me as well. Next month will mark one year since I took over as editor of this wonderful paper in one of the most interesting and exciting places I’ve ever had the privilege of living.

Looking to the horizon for this community is an important part of why I’m so excited to wake up every day and work hard to put out a great product that has continued to grow alongside our neighborhoods.

The scholar John Scharr wrote eloquently about the future: “The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created – created first in the mind and will, created next in activity,” Scharr said. “The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination.”

After all, change can be good. We just all need to be a part of it.

As city offcials work on the annual Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan, some in The Leader are are concerned about issues relating to right-of-way and traffic mitigation.

Find it on 3A Safety on Roads Houston has a love-hate relationship with its cars but 200,000 bikes a year are also purchased here. The city’s bike plan won’t be finished until March of 2015 – and in the meantime both cyclists, and motorists, have ideas about sharing the roads safely.

Find it on 9A Worldly Learning Local elementary schools are catching on – the best opportunity children have to remain competitive when entering the workforce is embracing diversity through language programs.

Find it on 8A

Fighting Crime Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen is predicting that new analytics and collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies will help fight crime across The Leader area and beyond.

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In this month’s Leader Listings, read about the transformation of a kitchen in a vintage property in Timbergrove Manor in The Do-Over, ongoing repairs at the Oak Forest Shopping Center and find out about the new tenant at the former home of the Posh Petal.

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were dispersing people from the club as it was closing.

As patrons were leaving the business, a fight broke out among a group of people in the parking lot. HCSO officials said deputies responded and one man drove up in a vehicle near the crowd. Deputies saw what appeared to be a muzzle of a handgun and the man fired several shots in the direction of the crowd.

One of the deputies ran to the gunman and ordered him to drop his weapon when

An off-duty deputy with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department shot and killed a man early Monday morning after a fight broke out in the parking lot of the Northwest Mall.

The shooting occurred shortly before 2:30 a.m. in the northwest area of the parking lot outside of El Chapa Nightclub, HCSO officials said. Four off-duty deputies were working at the club at the time and

Deputies patrolled the vicinity to attempt apprehension of the suspect with no success.

No suspect arrest at this time and the case is referred

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HCSO officials say the man allegedly fired toward the deputy. The officer fired at the gunman and wounded him and he was later pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported HCSO could not confirm if the deputy involved in the shooting had been placed on leave and the identity of the victim has not been released.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Houston Police Department.

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Precinct One: Indecent exposure reported Deputies responded to an indecent exposure call in the vicinity of the 1500 block of Tulane Street July 19.

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Thorough Changes

Your Community Bank

Houston officials working to help shape roads for future development

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com If the recent comments on the 2015 Major Thoroughfare & Freeway Plan amendments are any indication, just the very thought of widening West 43rd Street had many living in the Garden Oaks area cringing.

Most commentators were blunt in their opposition to the idea of widening the street.

“The traffic this year has been dreadful,” one anonymous comment says. “We have lived here for 11 years. It is worse than it ever has been before. If this road is widened I cannot imagine how bad it will be. And I always think, we at least I have a large front yard as a buffer. Please do not take this away from me. My children cannot play outside.”

On the Garden Oaks Facebook page, the comments weren’t too far removed from those officially submitted to Planning & Development officials.

“Driving on a busy street like [West 43rd Street] is difficult enough with the speed limit changes, school buses, city buses, etc.” Robert Megna said. “Adding more bike lanes will just cause more problems and lead to more accidents. Keep the bike lanes along the bayous and on secondary streets.”

“Our street is a freeway where people frequently drive 50, 60, sometimes 70 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone,” Stella Stevens said.

“There has been nothing done to combat this problem. Widening the road is, in my opinion, the city’s way bypassing the will of the community that spoke out against raising the speed

limit and reclassifying the street.”

However, officials say the city isn’t making any move to widen streets or alter any roadways or thoroughfares in the immediate future.

In fact, officials working with the MTFP say the plan allows the city to create a blueprint for roadway design and development and ensures if roads are potentially redeveloped, there is enough space for pedestrian amenities.

“The main objective of the plan is for it to act as a tool to ensure as the city grows we preserve mobility along east-west and north-south corridors,” Division Manager Amar Mohite said.

Maintaining consistency According to the city of Houston’s website, the MTFP is produced on an annual basis, compiling information not only from traffic studies but also from developers and neighborhoods regarding mobility issues and plans for development. The city identifies roadways in need of expansion, whether by lengthening or widening, however does not deal directly with construction of such projects.

Among some of the amendments potentially affecting The Leader include Case F-14, which would reclassify West 43rd Street between TC Jester Boulevard and Ella Boulevard from an 80 foot right-of-way major thoroughfare to a 90 foot right-of-way major thoroughfare. Case F-15 would reclassify West 43rd Street between Ella Boulevard and North Shepherd Drive from a 60 foot right of way major thoroughfare to a 70 foot right of way major thoroughfare.

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Hierarchy of Roads Below are the major classifications of roads and their descriptions as laid out by the MTFP in its public presentation.

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Saturday, July 25, 2015 • Page 4A

We’ve got this tolerance thing all wrong T wo weeks ago, our newspaper made a decision that pleased the pastries out of some folks and angered others enough that they demanded they never see another copy of The Leader.

If you follow current events, or if you otherwise don’t live in a bomb shelter, you know the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage at the end of June. Flags waved, people shaded social media pictures and American citizens who support traditional marriage threw up their collective hands.

Our newspaper does not cover national events – that’s a policy we’ve had for as long as we have owned The Leader. The reason is simple: Our little media source cannot compete with 24-hour news mediums on TV, internet and radio. (One day, the big newspapers around the country will figure out the same thing and maybe they’ll survive.) We cover news local to your neighborhoods, your streets, and we enjoy our line of work very much.

So a couple of weeks ago, a national story collided with a local story. Gay marriage was legalized (national) and a local church (local) became one of the first in the city to actually perform a gay marriage.

We made the decision to write a Page 1 story about the local church,

Jonathan McElvy Publisher

and you won’t be surprised to know the reaction from our readers was swift, though mixed.

A few people immediately censured all things Leader, citing us as supporters of the gay cause. Of course, it didn’t matter that we had 64 other headlines, nine of them about local churches that don’t support gay marriage, in that specific edition. What mattered was that 1.5 percent of our total news package focused on a topic that made some of our readers sick, and they effectively tossed us for good.

I don’t have any problem with that. Many people make decisions based on their immediate emotions – and often with no context – and I completely support that right.

There were others who weren’t happy with the story, but didn’t place the blame squarely on us.

Instead, we received letters from those who believe homosexuality is a sin.

Next, we received a batch of emails from people who were so proud of The Leader for having the courage to stand up and write a story about a local church performing gay marriages. “Love is a beautiful thing, and God is love,” wrote one person. OK. My response to some of these supporters was pretty simple: “Our decision to cover the local church’s decision wasn’t about right or wrong. Our job is to cover what happens in our community.”

Then things got interesting. Some of the same people supportive of The Leader’s decision to cover the local church’s ceremony must have opened the most recent copy of The Leader, where they found a letter from someone who admittedly took things to the extreme. The writer pulled content from a 1958 book that said one way to destroy the United States was to make homosexuality normal.

Interestingly, those folks so supportive of our feature on the local church decided they no longer want to receive a copy of The Leader at their home either. Because we ran a letter opposing their beliefs, they, too, tossed us.

“Shame on y’all. This is supposed to be a ‘community’ paper.

Such religious diatribe needs to [be] relegated to the churches, not a

The Answer Man has questionable answers There has been a lot of confusion about the 2015 presidential races, so once again as the Answer Man, I shall clear up any questions, doubts and other stupid problems bothering you. Yes, the gentleman in the tri-corn hat and carrying a musket.

Answer Man, first of all, the elections are in 2016, or maybe it’s 1776.

As a member of the Tea Party, which presidential candidate best reflects our beliefs and priorities?

An easy one. Millard Fillmore. Next, from the old guy with the white hair holding the “Sanders for President” poster. Please state your name.

I’d rather not. But do you think some guy from a little state like, say, Vermont, with almost no cash compared to his opponents, and no national recognition, stands a chance, especially if he’s a self-described socialist who wants to confiscate wealth and give it to the poor? Can he be elected?

Possibly, if he were running for president of Cuba. His best bet is to appeal to his base, Occupy Wall Street, but avoid the Starbucks bathrooms. Incidentally, in these election primaries there are many candidates, and perhaps I can give you some tips. We have Carly Fiorina, which many voters believe goes well with tuna bucatini and a dry pinot grigio. Actually, Fiorina was once head of HP and ran it almost as well as BP. She laid off 30,000 American employees, the stock lost more than half its value, and she was fired. But Fiorina left with a golden parachute of $20 million, big enough to self-finance her run for U.S. senator from California.

She lost, but must still have some funds left over, because she’s now running for president. On the plus side, she is the daughter of a UT law professor.

Speaking of Texas, we have Rick Perry, better known to the voters as Governor Oops. Perry is the only candidate in either party under two felony indictments, or maybe three. He’s confused, but he plans to campaign in all 45 states. Also from Texas is Sen. Ted Cruz, who is MIA from the Senate, since he’s been away campaigning for president even before he was sworn in.

But back to the questions. Has anyone heard of Donald Trump?

Si. Next question, from the lady in the ragged T-shirt, cut-offs, with the large snake tattoo on her legs, both of them, and smoking something that smells funny.

Yeah, Man Answer, like, my name is Wonder Woman and I’m from Colorado, I think, and, like, there are so many candidates, especially on the Repub, Public, whatever, side. Which POG candidate best reflects my own, uh, like stuff, ya know? And why do you look like a giant anteater?

Wonder Woman, vote for Rand Paul.

He is for legalizing almost everything except straight hair. Another wannabe president is Sen. Marco Rubio from Florida, who doesn’t believe in global warming, but may when his state is flooded by melting glaciers. Same for another Miami vice, Jeb Bush, who is famous for being a Bush, but quickly changed his last name to !, so he is now Jeb!, which is easier to write. Bobby Jindal from Louisiana also changed his name, from Piyush Jindal, explaining, “Piyush is such a Cajun name.” Rick Santorum, a Catholic father of seven whose kids are home-schooled, says he is troubled by even married couples using birth control. Next question.

Lynn Ashby Columnist

‘community’ paper. In fact, PLEASE UNSUBSCRIBE ME,” the writer shouted.

You know where I’m going with this, don’t you?

Today’s edition of The Leader is one of my favorite of the year.

We call it “The Vision,” and it’s the one time of the year when we put most of our editorial focus on what our community will look like in the coming years. Well, if we’re doing it throughout the rest of these pages, I won’t be any different.

My vision relates to us, as people, and our often complex system of perspective. For instance, I always found it interesting that conservatives tend to oppose abortion and support the death penalty. Meanwhile, most liberals support abortion and oppose the death penalty. I understand the inherent differences in the arguments, but I always found it an interesting discussion.

Where we tend to get even more confused is when we talk about this ridiculous word “tolerance.”

Back when I was a kid, if I tolerated something, it never meant that I had to say that I accepted it. I tolerated the kid who smelled bad in the bus seat next to me; didn’t mean I couldn’t get up and move to another seat.

We are a community of very different people. I have friends who

Ashby is electable at ashby2@comcast. net

Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

The reader.

Church a handmaid of communism, reader responds

Dear Editor: Shame on you for publishing such a hateful letter (by Liz Thiess) … for a “community” paper y’all have disrespected members of the United Church of Christ … y’all have disrespected gays and lesbians….. and y’all have disrespected Vladimir Illich Lenin…

Please UNSUBSCRIBE our address.

Gary Syked and Sterling Dafydd

Texas counts its chickens from BP oil spill payout

Answer Man, who are Chafee, O’Malley and Webb?

They are others seeking the Democratic nomination against the wife of Bill Clinton, Monica somebody. Like that guy carrying the Sanders’ sign, those three nobodies don’t have much of an organization, money or voter recognition. You can spot their faces on the sides of milk cartons. Oh, and about Mrs. Clinton, pundits say her nomination is “inevitable.” They said the same thing in 2008. Since I am talking about money, casino tycoon Sheldon Adelman and his wife dropped more than $90 million last time around on first Newt Gingrich and then on Mitt Romney, and don’t have squat to show for it. But I hear the inside track still goes to Romney. I mean, they have all those bumper stickers for yachts left over. Then there are the men behind the curtain, manipulating the American political system, the Koch brothers, pronounced like “coke.” Just remember, elections go better with Koch.

Answer Man, obviously some of these candidates have no chance of winning, so why do they put themselves and their families through such an ordeal?

It is said that no presidential candidate runs for vice president. Tell that to LBJ, George H.W. Bush, maybe Joe Biden and all the other pols who ran for president but settled for second banana, then finally got the top job.

There is also the ego or narcissism factor. Some people crave the spotlight, and shrivel without it. Examples: Sarah Palin, Donald Trump, Dan Patrick and the person who was once Bruce Jenner.

They are addicted to attention.

How is Fox News going to handle so many Republican candidates in one debate?

Fox News, or Faux News as some call it, has a real problem on its hands.

Limiting the candidates to 10 excludes others, shutting them off to oblivion -or Iowa. If Ben Carson, the lone black candidate, is left out, the GOP will look like a party made up only of rich white guys.

What’s your point?

If Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is not included, there goes the Confederate vote. So Fox will do as it always does, blame the liberal media.

Up till now I haven’t even mentioned Pataki, Huckabee and Kasich.

Is that a law firm or a Vaudeville act?

They are even more GOP candidates. In any event, it’s going to be a great race.

Great race? Does that mean you’re backing Ben Carson?

Oops.

Answer Man, this whole crowd looks like a bunch of incompetent clowns who will say or do anything, pandering to our worst instincts.

Next question.

are staunch liberals, and I have friends who own concealed-gun licenses. I have friends who haven’t seen the inside of a church, and I have friends who never miss a Sunday sermon.

Like me and my friends, our entire community is quite unique.

We’re all different, we believe different things, and we place importance on issues that others of us just don’t find that important.

As we continue to grow as a community, you should feel free to get angry at the local newspaper for publishing things you don’t like. You should be able to have a different opinion from your neighbor. You should enjoy the right to have a candid discussion with someone on the opposite side of an issue.

But as our community becomes more and more diverse – and not just in the color of our skin or the language we speak – it’s not “tolerance” we all need, because tolerance was never intended to be an excuse to doubt your beliefs.

What we really need are people who stand up for their beliefs while respecting that others don’t share them. After one week of letters from our readers, it seems both sides lack the latter.

Dear Editor: In “Texas counts its chickens from BP oil spill payout” (July 18), Lynn Ashby wrote, “Congratulations to our Texas lawyers for getting all that loot considering our Gulf shores didn’t really suffer that much harm from oil scum.” An illuminating statement, for sure! “Getting” money is immensely different from “making” money. Productive people MAKE money, and looters -- lawyers are a quintessential, consummate, archetypical example -- merely GET money. Money must be produced, before it can be plundered.

And here we have the oil company BP, which due to an industrial accident has had its veins ripped open to be bled for the foreseeable future. A friend of mine worked for BP and was dispatched to Louisiana in 2010 to help at a remediation (cash reparations) office for citizens/companies claiming financial losses due to the Macondo blowout. My friend subsequently reported that the blatant corruption he encountered (such as, “Buy me a new truck and we’ll talk”) in dealing with Louisiana’s state, parish and city officials was monstrously worse than anything he had ever seen - and he’d previously completed BP tours in third-world dictatorships sporting open sewers in their streets.

BP, whose U.S. headquarters is in Houston, is today’s unfortunate cash cow for the looters -- and will stay so, until a bigger free money source comes along.

J. Reynolds

Nearing taxation without representation

Dear Editor: I am responding to the column by Jonathan McElvy, titled “Nearing Taxation Without Representation” in the July 17, 2015 issue of The Leader. I am not sure how to say this, but the column is one of the most absurd pieces that I have read.

“No taxation without representation” has somehow become a tired slogan of the Tea Party movement, but the colonists who used that slogan literally had no representative in the British Parliament.

Certainly, I have found that City Hall is not very responsive; that is one of the reasons that I am circulating a petition to get onto the ballot for District C City Council. As I stop by the homes of my neighbors, they remark that they see me, frequently walking my dog, walking to and from the bus stop, sitting on my porch, at the park. So, I am accessible, but your criticism of Councilmember Cohen is unfounded. No councilmember can come to every household, and the fact that they do not is not equivalent to taxation without representation.

Your other examples are even more ridiculous. Feeling the need for additional police protection is not “taxation without representation,” and those communities choosing to hire their own patrol do so voluntarily. Citizens can, at no cost, file an alert slip with the Houston Police Department and request

additional patrols, if they are on vacation or in response to suspicious activity in their neighborhood. Finally, the delay in restaurant inspections raises the absurdity to a new level. Representation is not prompt inspection of your restaurant. As much as I love Gatlin’s Barbecue, I can’t expect them to leapfrog over other businesses awaiting permits and inspections. Restaurants and new construction are inspected in the interest of public safety. If you think that the city is going too slowly, perhaps you can fund more inspectors for the city. Or you can follow my example, and try to run for city office.

Jason Hochman

Collision Correction: Rice Military fights speeding, accidents with new traffic management program

Dear Editor: Stop signs are not traffic calming devices. If you are asking for stop signs to slow down traffic, you are only asking for more rolling stops or completely blown stop signs. Stop signs are meant to convey who has the right of way at an intersection.

Studies have shown that the more stop signs that are put up, the more drivers ignore them. Also, one way streets will just cause traffic to move faster as you are taking away impediments to traffic. There is a reason why streets in CBDs are one way.

Can The Leader look into if the $40k earmarked for the project covers the two traffic studies that are to be done in the NTMP process or are they covered by other money?

Robert Rutherford

Renaming John H. Reagan High School

Dear Editor: Former Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson recently said in a recent article published in the San Antonio Express News, “Learn history before rushing to sanitize.” Too bad we can’t take a deep breath and give this current rush not only to sanitize but to also destroy, time to settle. Yes, John Henninger Reagan did serve in the Confederacy but his life was so much more than that! (my thanks to a friend and member of the John H. Reagan Lodge 1037 for information on this man).

He spent his early months in this new Republic of Texas as a participant in the Cherokee War. In 1839 to 1843 he worked as a surveyor, a skill he had obtained while still in Tennessee. From 1843 to 1851 he earned his living farming in Kaufman County.

He took an interest in law and began to study books on the subject.

This new interest propelled him into a new pursuit that would govern the rest of his life - he received a “temporary” law license in 1846 and set up his first law office in Buffalo, Texas. Then in April, 1846, only four months after Texas was granted statehood (Dec. 29, 1845), he was elected as the first county judge in Henderson County.

In 1847, he was elected to the Texas state legislature (serving one term), and in 1848 he was admitted to the bar.

From 1852 to 1857, he served as the Ninth District Court Judge, and he was elected to represent the East District of Texas in the U. S. Congress in 1857. As a congressman, Reagan was a moderate, and supported the pro-union platform.

1852 to 1857 he served as the Ninth District Court Judge, and he was elected to represent the East District of Texas in the U. S. Congress in 1857.

As a congressman Reagan was a moderate, and supported the prounion platform, but resigned from

Congress and returned to his home in Texas in January, 1861.

Back in Texas he participated in the Secession Convention that met in Austin on Jan. 31, 1861. He was then chosen as a member of the Provisional Confederate Congress.

He was appointed to a Cabinet post

by Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, as head of the CSA Post Office Department. Under Reagan’s leadership the postal service was the only cabinet department that remained financially viable during this period of the Civil War. In April, 1865 near the end of the war, President Jefferson Davis appointed Reagan as the Secretary of the Treasury.

Reagan was captured by the Union army a month later, along with Jefferson Davis and Texas Gov. Frances R. Lubbock (May 25, 1865). Reagan was then imprisoned at Fort Warren in Boston harbor, where he spent 22 weeks in solitary confinement.

While imprisoned he read the available northern journals and newspapers which expressed the depth of northern animosity and bitterness toward the south. Armed with this knowledge Reagan sent an “open letter” to his fellow Texans (Aug. 11) in which he urged all Texans to cooperate with the Union, to renounce the secession convention, and to abolish slavery and give freed slaves the right to vote.

He warned of pending military rule that would enforce these policies if Texans did not adopt them voluntarily. His recommendations were denounced by many Texans.

In 1875, Reagan served as a delegate to the Texas Constitutional Convention and helped frame the Texas Constitution of 1876. He was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1887 and while in the U.S. Congress he chaired the Committee on Commerce and advocated for federal regulation of roads and railroads, resulting in the passage of the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887.

Serving until March 1891, he resigned to become the first Chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas. He was appointed by Governor James Stephen “Jim” Hogg. By December 1892, Reagan had produced a 348 page report which he submitted to Gov. Hogg. This report was the “First Annual Report of the Railroad Commission of the State of Texas.” Reagan continued to chair the commission until 1903.

Reagan’s views on the importance of the knowledge of history helped to establish him as one of the founders of the Texas State Historical Association. TSHA was founded on March 2, 1897. From 1899 to 1905 Reagan served at the organization’s third President.

It is easy to find additional information on the life of this honorable man. Those who seek to destroy the name of anyone connected to the Confederacy should heed the warning to learn history before rushing to sanitize or destroy it!

Trevia Wooster Beverly

Whither the Lazybrook sign

Dear Editor: As I roll down W. T. C. Jester, south of 610, I note the contractors are rolling out sod on the refurbished esplanades. In July, without subsequent watering it seems. Each day now I’ve been wondering: Is this the day of reckoning? Will we again see the Lazybrook sign that disappeared so abruptly, so many months ago?

What are the odds that it emerges unscathed from depths of contractor storage? I know which side I’d take on a friendly wager.

Donna Martz Email us your letters: news@theleadernews.com

Saturday, July 25, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 5A

iCycle Bike Shop helps keep bikes running right Every year, our staff attend technical seminars and training to be able to properly set up and service your cutting edge bike.

Our staff have over fifty years combined experience in building and maintaining quality bicycles. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a quick adjustment or a complete overhaul, We have what it takes to do it right and quick-

ly. With many jobs such as simply changing a tube, iCycle repairs on the spot. Why make two trips? Big jobs like tune ups and overhauls might need a day or two to be done with proper attention to the details. iCycle does fittings using time-honored rules of thumb as a starting point while keeping your feedback and riding style in mind. Before you ride your new bike from iCycle, we take our time and, not just as-

semble it, but fine tune it as we put it together, adding grease, adjusting the bearing surfaces and spokes. We check every nut and bolt and when you ride it, you can feel the difference.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we encourage test rides! We can build a wheel with any hub, rim, or spokes that you want ! Straight as an arrow . Derecha como la flecha! We can help you get more speed and miles out of your bike with smart upgrades such

Buffaloe Floor Covering providing local service for over 50 years and counting Submitted for The Leader

Business Spotlight: Champions Urgent Care offers affordable healthcare Submitted for The Leader At Champions Urgent Care, most office fees are less than a co-pay. No appointment is needed.

We have the most caring personnel in Houston. The opening of the clinic provides a much needed efficient and inexpensive professional medical care to the Champions and 1960 area. We have 30 years of combined emergency room experience. Our facility can handle non-life threatening emergencies from mild dehydration to laceration. In addition, we specialize in family health, but we see patients of all ages. We are also proud or

our no â&#x20AC;&#x153;waiting in the lobbyâ&#x20AC;? policy. We guarantee our patients to be seen in 20 minutes or less while still being committed to providing the best urgent care to every patient we see. Let us help you get the help you need.

The facility medical director is Dr. Quang Anh Vu, MD. He specializes in family practice and occupational medicine.

He is certified in advance cardiac life support and basic life support. He also has a few years experience in emergency medicine.

Registered Nurse and family nurse practitioner is Joe Tumalad MSN, FNP-C, who has more than 20 years expe-

rience in the emergency room and critical care. He is board certified as a family nurse practitioner as well as certified in advance cardiac life support, pediatric life support, and basic life support. He has a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in science and has lived most of his life in the Championâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area.

This month the staff is honoring Liz Gomez, employee of the quarter. Please see our ad in this edition of The Leader for specials. You may contact us at 281-444-1711, or visit our website at champions-urgentcare.com for more information. Champions Urgent Care is located at 4950 FM 1960 Rd. W, Suite A6.

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Which Pat Walker Sold Your House?

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50th Anniversary Open House Coming Soon The Glenn Buffaloe Family Thanks Everyone For Voting Us #1 3 Years in a Row! 2013, 2014 & 2015

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T

he realization of a dream started by H.T. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Patâ&#x20AC;? and Velma Patterson in 1969, continues today through the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Visionâ&#x20AC;? of their daughters, Susan Tate AIFD and Judy Bankhead by creating and decorating for fairy tale weddings and........

Banquet Hall

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joined, as Larry and Renieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son, Kurt, became a full-time salesman.

Buffaloe Floor Covering takes great pride in operating for almost 50 years with the highest integrity when dealing with customers.

We are proud of our familyowned and operated business.

And although Glenn and Irene are no longer with us, it is our pleasure to dedicate our service to them, their vision, and their work ethic to return satisfied customers to our showroom. Welcome to our family.

Buffaloe Floor Covering Inc. is located at 3831 Pinemont Dr. Call 713-686-3589 or visit buffaloefloorcovering.com for information.

Submitted Photo Matt, Owner of iCycle has been a bike enthusiast since he was a kid

5 I-4

Buffaloe Floor Covering, Inc. began in 1965 by Glenn and Irene Buffaloe, who worked primarily part-time out of their home with Glenn doing carpet shampoo and Irene maintaining the accounting. Soon, Glenn began selling carpet as well as cleaning it.

By 1976, Glenn retired from his full-time job as a counselor for the Houston Independent School District to concentrate solely on his flooring business.

He leased space in a strip center on 34th Street, and later a warehouse on Shepherd Drive and soon hired his son-in-law, Larry Kristynik, to help in sales.

Outgrowing the warehouse space, he decided it was time

to purchase the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first warehouse on Pinemont.

By then, Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother, Ronnie Kristynik, had also joined in the sales department and business was booming.

In 1980, it was agreed that Buffaloe Floor Covering needed more space once again, and moved to the current location at 3831 Pinemont, a 10,000 square foot warehouse with office space and a showroom.

By 1983, more sales help was needed, and son-in-law, Ken Lunsmann was also hired.

Glenn and Ireneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughters, Renie and Denie, also became actively involved in the company through window covering sales, bookkeeping, and office management. And in 2001, the third generation

as Mavic wheels, better components, more comfy saddle, or more plush suspension.

Bring your bike in today for a free repair estimate.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll check over your bike, diagnose it, and give you an idea of the cost and time needed to repair it. iCycle is located at 2040 E. T.C. Jester Blvd. and can be reached by phone at 713-862-8520.

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Submitted for The Leader

THE LEADER Readers' Choice

Renie Buffaloe Kristynik and Denie Buffaloe Lunsmann

Buffaloe Floor Covering, inC. Est 1965

3831 Pinemont H.T. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Patâ&#x20AC;? and Velma Patterson

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Page 6A • Saturday, July 25, 2015

Neighbors: Worldly, summertime travels This is another column for the armchair adventurers among us. Our neighbors are bringing back excellent summer travel stories and adventures to share.

Lindsey and Lance Barnes, our neighbors in Shepherd Forest, recently spent their vacation with their children, Bella and William, at the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera, TX. Lindsey said the ranch is just about a four hour drive from Houston and totally worth it. Bandera is a beautiful place and a wonderful spot for families to go to spend quality time together. Making the trip easy for mom and dad, everything was included from lodging, two horseback rides per day, swimming, multiple family daily activities, live entertainment, hay rides, breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner (the Barnes report the food is fabulous), and beer, wine and soda. Lindsey said, “The kids had a blast and it is a great break from ‘technology’ for them and the hustle and bustle of Houston for us. It has brought us all back to our roots, and to what is important in life, which is family!” The ranch has been run by the same family since 1951. A couple of the things they enjoyed the most were a big western breakfast to which one rides by horseback or a hayride and roping

shows. Lindsey visited the ranch as a child with her family and wanted her children to experience a real Texas dude ranch because it was so much fun for her when she was their age. The Barnes family hopes you’ll take their advice and plan a similar trip for your family to spend some time together out on the range and under the Texas stars, too.

Family and friends of Alan Cannon will be interested to know he just returned from a fascinating study abroad trip in Europe. Alan grew up in Shepherd Forest and his mother, Lynette Cannon, still lives there with his siblings nearby, but Alan now lives in Hammond, Louisiana, where he is a professor of mathematics at Southeastern Louisiana University. Alan, finishing up a Masters Degree in History, participated in a study abroad trip which focused on D-Day. The tour began in London where Alan toured Churchill’s War Room located in a basement of a building not far from Parliament. A seasoned traveler, Alan arrived in London a couple of days prior to the rest of the group so that he could see two shows: Noel Coward’s Hay Fever and Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman.

He then made his way with the group to the coastal town of Portsmouth where he took an overnight ferry and landed near Caen, France. Once in France, Alan toured the Nor-

mandy beaches and the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. He also visited one of the British cemeteries there as well as the German cemetery. He said the cemeteries are all quite different, but the American cemetery overlooking the ocean is very beautiful. The group then moved on to Paris where he visited the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

After the study abroad trip was over, Alan went on to Moscow, Russia, where he visited the enormous and awe inspiring St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Alan, a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1988, wore his Texas A&M tshirt and was photographed giving the majestic cathedral an Aggie thumbs up.

On the way home, Alan stopped over for a short jaunt in Reykjavik, Iceland, where he took a six hour bus tour of the inland including visits to a waterfall, a geyser, and – for you geology bugs out there – a site where two tectonic plates are in the process of spreading apart. Cool !

After Iceland, Alan spent a couple of days in NYC to see the show ‘It Shoulda Been You’ starring Tyne Daly (Alan reports it is very funny), and also went to the top of the Empire State Building. Ready to head home, Alan said, “I like traveling, but there is nothing like being in your own home and bed again!”

Delicious food, new friends, real adventures, his-

tory brought to life, and more sights than it seems possible to absorb in just under two weeks.

A big, neighborly thank you goes out to Adam Capfer who recently rebuilt gardening beds at the community garden on Alba jointly supported by Garden Oaks and Shepherd Park Plaza as his Eagle Scout project. The project was done with the help of volunteers from Boy Scouts Troop 20, which is sponsored

by St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, and community members. Adam led a group of 22 volunteers including: Bill and Rafe French; Todd, Travis and Trevor Guerra; Jonathan Morgan; Gig, Louis and Jack Runge; Read, Riley and James Tatum; Haydn Pugh; Sepp Lemberger; Joseph Timmons; Mark and Nic Valero; Matthew Diaz; and Joseph Timmons, as well as Adam’s father and brother, Jim and Christopher Capfer. His brother Christopher was awarded his Eagle Scout rank two years ago. Christopher’s Eagle Scout project was the chicken coop at Garden Oaks Magnet Montessori. Beth Galiano is the master gardener who leads the fine group of volunteers who work in the garden year round – a true asset to our community as it supports many local food banks. Way to go, Adam!

Contributed Photo Alan Cannon poses in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow.

Sacred Heart Society offers hall rental for special occasions For The Leader

photography, cake, flowers, etc. They can also assist with hairstylists, bridal shops, linen companies, musicians and invitations.

If the hall is not needed, there is some great Italian food for the event available

for pickup or delivery.

Whitney Oaks Hall is located at 816 E. Whitney Dr. Call 713-692-0198 or visit www.whitneyoakshall.com for information.

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Whitney Oaks Hall is a great place to your next corporate event, reunion, party, wedding reception, anniversary party, large family gathering, quinceanera, business or social meeting. Our building is 7,300 square feet.

We can seat more than 650 people banquet style and 750 cocktail style. There is a stage for a speaker, DJ or small musical group. The dance floor is 1,500 square feet. A bridal dressing room is available with full length mirrors.

There is plenty of paved parking for 210 cars in a safe, lighted enclosed area. Additional parking is available, along with free valet parking.

The cost to rent the facility is affordable and is centrally located and easy to find.

A variety of food is served, or we can work with your ca-

terer who can use the kitchen.

A hall coordinator and event planner can help with all the arrangements of that special occasion, which includes coordinating with vendors for catering, decorating,

Come join us

B

By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com

THE LEADER Readers' Choice

Helping you every step of the way Ashley Day, a Realtor with Circa Real Estate, moved to the Houston Heights in 2007. For Ashley, real estate is not so much about getting “the deal done” but about representing her clients to the fullest potential. Ashley, an avid walker & Houston enthusiast, walks the Leader neighborhoods daily with her dog, NOLA. Through walking the neighborhoods and constant analysis of the market, Ashley has familiarized herself with the northern section of Central Houston. Her unique, “on foot” perspective, real estate expertise, and experience leveraging numerous transactions makes her your “go-to” for any real estate inquiries in Houston.

Please contact Ashley Day if you or anyone you know is searching for a motivated advocate in Houston’s robust real estate market – Ashley will help you “Every Step of the Way!”

Ashley Day Realtor®, CHLMS, CNE 504-237-6535

ashleyday@circahouston.com www.ashleyday.realtor

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Saturday, July 25, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 7A

Business Spotlight: Finding the right property with Ashley Day Submitted for The Leader

Contributed Photo Aladdinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mediterranean Cuisine, located at 912 Westheimer in Montrose, offers quality lunch and dinner options, including meat dishes, vegetarian dishes and others.

Business Spotlight: Aladdinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mediterranean an area mainstay Submitted for The Leader Finding quality lunch solutions at a reasonable price can be a lot more difficult and time consuming than people realize. Sometimes youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a restaurant that offers healthy food, but the price is too expensive. Sometimes the price is just right but the food is neither healthy nor delicious.

Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine is proud to welcome both business professionals and members of the general public to try some of the best beef and vegetable Kabobs, lamb shank, gyros and shawerma in Houston, TX. The menu is large and versatile and is sure to have something for everyone.

Mediterranean Meat Dishes Meat dishes that are available at Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine are based around mouthwatering lamb, delicious beef and delectable seafood.

Everything is prepared fresh to help preserve the natural flavors present in the meat.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also have your choice of side dishes and, if you dine in for one of our famous lunch specials, will have access to an unlimited amount of pita bread.

Vegetarian If you just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like meat or have cut it out of your diet altogether, Aladdinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also has a number of different vegetarian solutions for you to choose from. The menu is filled with delicious hot vegetables like eggplant, cauliflower and a flavorful yellow squash and zucchini combination. You can also get Greek salad, spinach and feta salad, cabbage salad and more depending on your mood. Both beef and vegetable kabobs are also available upon request.

Gyro If Aladdinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has perfected anything, it is undoubtedly the gyro. The delicious sandwich is

filled with slow-roasted meat, wrapped in pita and served with your salad of choice.

Kabob You can choose between three equally-delicious types of kabobs depending on the mood youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got your pick of chicken kabobs (shish taouk), kafta kabobs (ground beef) and shish kabobs (top sirloin).

Shawerma Delicious shawerma is available in many varieties including beef, veal, lamp and even chicken. These slow cooked shavings will have your mouth watering in no-time at all.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be hard pressed to find more delicious shawerma in all of Houston, TX. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to dine in or carry out some of the best Mediterranean food youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever tasted, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to stop on by or call (713) 9422321 for more information today.

Ashley Day, a Realtor with Circa Real Estate, moved to the Houston Heights in 2007. Originally from New Orleans, she ultimately landed in the Heights after Hurricane Katrina. Real Estate was a natural progression for Ashley, after having spent numerous years as a Labor & Employment Lawyer. For Ashley, real estate is not so much about getting â&#x20AC;&#x153;the deal doneâ&#x20AC;? but about representing her clients to the fullest potential. Of course, while the objective is to â&#x20AC;&#x153;closeâ&#x20AC;?, her clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interest and wellbeing always comes first.

Ashley, an avid walker and Houston enthusiast, walks the Leader neighborhoods daily with her dog, NOLA, an Australian Shepherd, who often rides in a double Bob

Submitted for The Leader Pat Walkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellent ability to come up with workable solutions to her clients complex real estate needs has made her one of the most respected real estate agents in Houston. Customer satisfaction is her top priority.

Pat is a native Houstonian with a great love for this beautiful diverse city we live

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Texas PTA names Angela Sugarek its Elementary Principal of the Year

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

It was an emotional experience for Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PTA President Zara Labardini to introduce former Durham Principal Angela Sugarek at the Texas PTA Annual Meeting where Sugarek was named Texas PTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elementary School Principal of the Year. Sugarek, as The Leader reported, is now Hogg Middle Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s principal.

Nominated by the PTA members at Durham, Sugarek was selected by the Texas PTA as the candidate who was best able to make every childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential a reality.

In Labardiniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech, she said that Durham was a very unique campus nestled within an affluent neighborhood, but with the majority of the student population coming from low-income families in the surrounding areas or magnet transfers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My neighborhood is teaming with young families who choose to overlook Durham year after year,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For many years, my neighborhood community has shied away from Durham because of the misperception of the quality of education [and] leadership instabilityâ&#x20AC;Śso you could say that we are the underdog school within our own community, or should I say we were the underdog school within our community.â&#x20AC;?

Labardini went on to note that in the last two years under Principal Sugarekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s direction, the school has received its International Baccalaureate World School Primary Years Programme accreditation and this year is implementing a new Dual Language program that will help create a stronger bond between Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spanish and English speaking com-

munities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Angie recognizes that every studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential is a reality because she was walked that walk,â&#x20AC;? said Labardini. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our students, including my first grade daughter, are thriving and our standardized test scores have had double digit gains this year.â&#x20AC;?

What Labardini said she valued most about Principal Sugarek was her commitment and her care which allowed her to â&#x20AC;&#x153;heal hearts and gain trust.â&#x20AC;? Durham has a waitlist at every grade level now and Labardini said that Sugarek has rebuilt a united, strong community of teachers, parents and neighbors that care about the development of each Durham student.

When Principal Sugarek took the stage to accept her award she noted that Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student demographics closely align with the demographics of school children across Texas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are diverse,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And in case you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been paying attention, learning to thrive in a diverse environment is essential.

It is essential because our children are growing up in a world that looks very different from the world of our childhoods.â&#x20AC;?

She went on to challenge those present to make the Texas PTA more reflective of the community it serves â&#x20AC;&#x201C; noting that half of all Texas school children are Hispanic and one in six children in Texas is African American. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our children learn by watching us and if we want to give them the tools to create a better world, we have to model acceptance for those who are different, empathy for those who are in need and justice for those who are disenfranchised,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Sports Association (which she sponsors teams on), Big Blue Whale, Heights Candy Bar, Liberty Kitchen, Cottonwood, Milroy Park, Afton Village Swim Club, Fat Cat Creamery, and the list goes on and on! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Leader area has grown so much in the past few years and we are so fortunate to have so many options now.â&#x20AC;?

Please contact Ashley Day if you or anyone you know is searching for a motivated advocate in Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s robust real estate market â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ashley will help you â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every Step of the Way!â&#x20AC;? In the meantime, join Ashley Day, Your Walking Agent, for fun on Facebook. And, if you spot Ashley and NOLA walking the streets, say hi, snap a photo, and post it to the page.

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Contributed Photo Angela Sugarek (right) with Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PTA President Zara Labardini after receiving her award as Texas PTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elementary School Principal of the Year. The Texas PTA praised Sugarekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership, citing Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Baccalaureate World School Primary Years Programme accreditation and the adoption of a dual language program beginning with the 2015-16 school year.

stroller. Daily, Ashley and NOLA walk the neighborhoods and snap photos of their sightings, which they chronicle on Ashleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facebook page, Ashley Day, Your Walking Agent. Through walking the neighborhoods and constant analysis of the market, Ashley has familiarized herself with the northern section of Central Houston. Her unique, â&#x20AC;&#x153;on footâ&#x20AC;? perspective, real estate expertise, and experience leveraging numerous transactions makes her your â&#x20AC;&#x153;go-toâ&#x20AC;? for any real estate inquiries in Houston.

In addition to walking with NOLA and selling property, Ashley also enjoys frequenting local hotspots with her husband, Jeff, and their 2 children, ages 7 and 10. Some of their favorite spots are Timbergrove

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What is Feline AIDS and Leukemia?

These are two differently viruses that cause similar diseases in cats by weakening the immunity. These viruses do no affect people, but do allow cats to develop associated diseases such as cancer and recurring parasites or infections that a normal immune system would stop. Vets can often treat theses associated diseases but cannot cure the viruses.

Treatment often becomes expensive and unrewarding with eventual death. Prevention is the best solution.

Biting or scratching by virus carrying cats is the most common (but not only) form of transmission. These diseases are endemic in neighborhoods where unvaccinated cats roam free and ďŹ ght. Multi-cat households are also a problem when one spreads disease to others.

A quick, accurate and inexpensive blood test should be preformed by your vet at least once and repeated depending on exposure. Excellent vaccines area available to prevent these diseases after test are conďŹ rmed negative. The Leukemia vaccine is given twice initially, then one year later and then according to your vetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation.

The Feline AIDS vaccines MUST be given three times every two or three weeks and then yearly thereafter to be protective.

Only your local vet can evaluate the risks and individual needs of your pets and then recommend what is best for your pet and community.

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Answers found in this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Classified section

SUDOKU

aCrOss 1. William the Conquererâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth city 5. Expired 9. Muslim greeting 11. Hangs cloth in loose folds 13. -__, denotes past 14. Jog 16. Ocean shore 17. Promotion of a product 18. The Constitution State 20. Russian space station 22. Paper mulberry bark cloth 23. Fiddler crabs 24. Drunkards 27. Domestic hog 28. Before 29. Papua New Guinea monetary unit 31. Existentialist philosopher JeanPaul 33. V.P. Quayle 34. Expression of surprise 35. Declares untrue 38. Corn dough 40. Ocean

41. Supply with men 42. Spring tides 44. Spooky month 45. To tie in Spanish 47. Possessed 49. Br. Architect Wren 54. Prosecutor for a district 55. Tribal chieftains 56. Fulfill a command 58. Location of White House 59. Happy facial gestures 60. Cheap showy jewelry or ornament 62. Over again 63. Inhabitants of ancient Media

dOwn 1. Coarse woolen braid 2. Gangster Capone 3. Ingest 4. Drug enforcement officer (slang) 5. Expression of annoyance 6. Romanian capital until 1861 7. A person who enjoys good food and drink 8. A way to reason

9. Sewing junction 10. Sound of bovines 11. Metric weight unit 12. Stalk of a moss capsule 15. Explosive 16. Reddish brown 19. Short sleeps 21. Decay 25. Crepe fern genus 26. Actor Connery 28. Wipe out recorded information 30. Imparts motion to 32. Compared to 35. Alight from train 36. N.H. 03832 37. 2 piece clothing fastener 39. Express pleasure 40. A plan, outline or model 43. Give a spanking to 44. NY Times publisher Adolph Simon 46. 17th Greek letter 48. Small, stout cyprinid fish 50. Lazy 51. Merganser 52. Fall back from 53. Enlarge hole 57. Hong Kong dialect 61. Initials of â&#x20AC;&#x153;10â&#x20AC;? actress

WORD SCRAMBLE

Page 8A • Saturday, July 25, 2015

Local schools emphasizing Law enforcement embraces new collaboration, predictive analytics world studies, languages

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com If there’s a trend in education, it’s that global is in. With the Houston Independent School District’s expansion of its Spanish dual language program – adding nearly two dozen additional schools to the 31 that offer a Spanish dual language program – as well as the growth of the International Baccalaureate, or IB program, and additional language immersion schools, the goal is to set students up for success in a global economy.

In the Leader area, Love Elementary School, Durham Elementary School and Wainwright Elementary School will all become dual language come August. Kindergarten students will be learning in both English and Spanish. One grade will be added to the program each year until it reaches school-wide.

In the dual language model, students take their core instruction in both languages, with non-native English speakers acquiring the English skills they need, and native English speakers becoming bilingual and biliterate.

In his 2015 State of the School address, Superintendent Terry Grier talked a lot about how a global education translates into academic success in other areas. He pointed to research showing that learning a new language improves students’ analytical skills and enhances their memory and creativity.

“Global education is about more than just being able to speak another language,” he said at the time. “It’s about understanding and appreciating other cultures so that we can successfully work alongside those from different backgrounds.”

HISD’s Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion Magnet School in Bellaire has been popular, opening at capacity in 2012 and now with a waiting list. The Wong family in Candlelight

Place sends their son there, and Sean Wong is most pleased with the school.

“As we all know children‘s capability of learning another language is far superior than adults,” said Wong. “Austin can casually carry on conversation in Mandarin at public places without much difficulty. In addition, he knows how to read and write a few hundred Chinese characters. This is incredible considering he has only been exposed to the HISD Mandarin Program for three years.”

The Leader has also reported on the new Arabic Immersion Magnet School in the Heights, the creation of which was the result of a unanimous vote by the board. AIMS will welcome two pre-kindergarten and two kindergarten classes in the fall of 2015. A new grade level would be added each year as students progress through the fifth grade. In his October 2014 speech, Dr. Grier said that a Hindi dual language immersion school isn’t far off either.

There are some Leader area schools who have already implemented the dual language program, like Helms Elementary. Principal John Baker looks to the research when evaluating the benefits of the program for his school.

“Dual Language programs produce better long term outcomes for Spanish speaking students learning English while helping English speakers get a solid foundation in Spanish,” he said. “At Helms this year, we are excited to begin our Latin Art and Culture class that will allow our students to engage in a deeper study of the Spanish language, Spain, and the countries of Latin America through exploring their art, literature, history, and culture.”

At Love Elementary where the program will be new, Principal Robert Chavarria sees it as a win-win for all students. It will give English speakers their first opportunity to become fluSee Education, P. 9A

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com The next few years will mark a deeper jump into the digital age for the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office as law enforcement officials look to take a more proactive and collaborative approach to fighting crime.

Constable Alan Rosen said the area is already seeing great collaboration among agencies like the Constable’s Office, Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Last year, Rosen spoke of the positive outlook he had for addressing crime issues in The Leader area and developments in the next few years will hopefully lead to better policing on all fronts.

“We’re piloting a program here called predictive analytics,” Rosen said. “We’re essentially using computer models to try to predict when crimes are going to happen and deploying resources using computer generated data.”

That data will come in handy, particularly with greater parity among computer systems in law enforcement agencies across the city.

Rosen said HPD adopted and purchased the same computer systems as the Constable’s Office, meaning agencies can directly interface via computer to more easily share resources among detectives, officers and other law enforcement officials.

“If a bank robbery happens in the Heights, pictures and surveillance footage can be shared with other responders out in the field,” Rosen said. “Our radio communications have also been vastly improved and integrated better for all of our officers. There is a level of collaboration among law enforcement agencies that has never really happened before.”

Among some of the other improvements and additions specific to Precinct One include

Alan Rosen

bicycles for patrol units, further mental health certifications for officers and offering dualpurpose patrol dogs on every shift throughout Precinct One. “In case any of our officers needs a dog for whatever purpose, they will have one at their disposal,” Rosen said.

However, many Leader-area neighborhoods continue to turn to, or explore, private security contracts for added protection. The Leader has covered residents’ complaints about a lack of response from the Houston Police Department in the past, and a number of local communities maintain patrol contracts with Precinct One. Rosen said residents reaching out for more protection is not necessarily an indictment against agencies like HPD or Precinct One. “HPD is a fine organization and they are a great department,” Rosen said. “But like other See Police, P. 9A

St. Joseph Medical Center launches Senior Advantage Breakfast Seminar For The Leader

Photo by Betsy Denson Harvard Elementary students who continue in the IB program are required to become bilingual as graduates of the Diploma Programme.

Business Spotlight: Anita’s Hair Emporium celebrates 30 years Submitted for The Leader Anita Fortune Shepherd is the owner of Anita’s Hair Emporium in the great city of Houston, and has been a licensed stylist since 1985.

Anita knows her creativity is a God given talent and has the ability to see beauty in everything around her.

She specializes in Sleek Real Hair Weave Extensions.

The perfect custom color blend with several weaving methods. It’s everything you need to look and feel fabulous. So come on in and find your style.

With Anita’s designs, she creates an environment that is relaxing and inviting. Recognizing how traumatizing

it is for women to lose their hair, Anita offers privacy rooms for hair loss consultations, where she assesses the client’s hair or uses pictures to determine texture and style. Anita is dedicated to helping clients get their confidence back and to help regain their energy to overcome ailments. “If you can look in the mirror and be happy, it helps with recovery,” she says.

Anita provides services for people of all ethnicities and hair textures. She has trained and traveled to hair shows and private classes on different techniques of hair extensions.

When you are able to make somebody who feels bad about themselves feel better

and they trust you, it’s the most amazing gift. You feel better about them and you.

Feel good about yourself.

Anita’s personality and savvy business practice have balanced her to be among the best hairstylists in the Houston area.

She respects the business that has helped her be selfsufficient and a blessing to others while in the process.

Anita is living her dream and making the world a more beautiful place one woman at a time.

Book your free consultation (by appointment only), 281-445-6617, 832-519-7866, www.anitashairemporium. net.

TIRR Memorial Hermann moves up the rankings of top rehabilitation hospitals For The Leader TIRR Memorial Hermann is the best rehabilitation hospital in Texas and the second best in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospital rankings for 2015-2016.

TIRR Memorial Hermann’s ascent to the No. 2 spot marks the 26th consecutive year TIRR Memorial Hermann has been included in the rankings.

“This acknowledgment is a testament to our long-term legacy of leading medical rehabilitation, research, education and providing excellent care,” says Carl Josehart, Sr. Vice President, CEO, TIRR Memorial Hermann. “It also demonstrates the continued innovation and dedication of our affiliated physicians and staff to advance the field of rehabilitation.”

TIRR Memorial Hermann was founded in 1959 as one of the country’s first rehabilitation hospitals. It has since grown to a 134-bed hospital located in the world renowned Texas Medical Center in Houston.

In addition to providing the very highest level of rehabilita-

tion services to patients, TIRR Memorial Hermann is also a leader in cutting-edge research to treat people with a range of disabilities and complex conditions such as brain and spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple trauma, amputation and neurodegenerative diseases.

“We’re so proud of the staff at TIRR Memorial Hermann and the consistent recognition they receive for providing patients with the best rehabilitative care possible,” says Dan Wolterman, President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System. “Patients and their families come to our rehabilitation hospital from around the world because they know when they walk through the door they’ll receive only the highest level of care and compassion.”

U.S. News evaluated hospitals in 16 adult specialties and ranked the top 50 in most of the specialties. Less than 3 percent of the nearly 5,000 hospitals that were analyzed for Best Hospitals 201516 were nationally ranked in even one specialty.

“A Best Hospital has demonstrated expertise in treating the most challenging patients,”

says Ben Harder, chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “A hospital that emerged from our analysis as one of the best has much to be proud of.”

Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center was also listed in the U.S. News rankings in the specialty areas of gynecology, nephrology and urology.

U.S. News publishes Best Hospitals to help guide patients who need a high level of care because they face particularly difficult surgery, a challenging condition or extra risk because of age or multiple health problems. Objective measures such as patient survival and safety data, adequacy of nurse staffing and other data largely determined the rankings in most specialties.

The specialty rankings and data were produced for U.S. News

by RTI International, a leading research organization based in Research Triangle Park, N.C. U.S. News used the same data, as well as the new Best Hospitals for Common Care ratings, first published in May, to produce the state and metro rankings.

St. Joseph Medical Center in the Heights is proud to announce the launch of their new Senior Advantage program for adults age 55 and up.

The first event will be held on Wednesday, July 29 from 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. in the St. Joseph Medical Center in the Heights Cafeteria, located on the basement level of the hospital at 1917 Ashland St, Houston, TX 77008.

A complimentary breakfast will be provided along with a presentation by Pharmacy Director Joseph T. Botticelli, MS, RPh about “Understanding Your Medications.”

“There are many active seniors in the Heights community and we want to reach out to them,” said Jeff Bielik, Administrative Director of the hospital.

“The Senior Advantage Program will offer educational and fun events for area seniors and as the program grows, we will partner

Contributed Photo

with local businesses to offer discounts to our members. There are also several hospital perks and membership is free for the first two years.”

The Senior Advantage Breakfast Seminar is a free event, but seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling 713-969-5405 by 4 pm, Monday, July 27.

Fairbanks United Methodist honors past, celebrates community’s future Submitted for The Leader The people of Fairbanks United Methodist Church have a vision of changing lives through experiencing the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. With 111 years of history, we continue to grow and transform as the CypressFairbanks community does the same.

Today Fairbanks UMC offers a blended traditiona l s e r v i c e o n S u n d a y, a t 10:50 a.m.. In July we added a Spanish-speaking service Sundays at 8:30 a.m., and are building a new Hispanic Ministry, Pan de Vida (Bread of Life). We are regenerating student ministry, a place where youth in grades 6-

12 engage in life changing experiences. Our onsite Assistance Ministry has a food pantry and clothing, as well as household items. Recently we partnered with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department to “Feed the Kids”, providing free lunches for chil dren ages 1-18. Kids came to our church to eat as we provided a cool, loving, caring atmosphere for them to play and make crafts. We are deepening our relationship with nearby Dean Middle School by helping to provide school supplies and serving a meal for the school staff at the beginning of the school year. GriefShare ministry begins again in September

and we continue to provide Bible studies, Sunday school and various opportunities to serve and to do life together.

Although we are doing many new things and maintain many of the traditions of our church, it is not enough! We want you to be part of Fairbanks United Methodist Church. Come join us in our mission: Believe, Belong, Become, and Be Love.

Rev. Deanna M. Young, Pastor Fairbanks United Methodist Church 14210 Aston Street - Houston, TX 77040 713-462-3206 www.fairbanksumc.org.

Business Spotlight: Help at home with Synergy HomeCare Submitted for The Leader Our mission at Synergy HomeCare Houston is to offer the highest quality of life and independence that is attainable to our clients. Our caregivers provide personal assistance services to clients of all ages.

Services include: Medication Reminders, Incidental Transportation, Light Housekeeping, Meal Preparation, Bathing/ Grooming Assistance, Respite Care and much more. All caregivers are screened, bonded and insured. Creating synergy between clients, families and

caregivers is the cornerstone of the Synergy HomeCare philosophy.

Simply put, Synergy HomeCare employs the highest quality caregivers and offers a comprehensive lineup of home care services. Becoming a client is hassle free and the process can be completed in hours or less, not days. Once a client, you have nothing left to worry about. We are available to serve you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and we always work around your schedule. Whether for yourself or a loved one, start receiving the home care

services you need today.

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The Obituaries.

Nella Mae Bell, 90, born Feb. 1, 1925 in Detroit, died July 10. Bell worked in the mortgage loan industry for many years, joining T. J. Bettes Company in 1952 and later at Lomas & Nettleton, also a mortgage banking company and continuing until she retired from Bank of the Southwest.

Edna E. Fluegel, 90, born Dec. 11, 1924 in Houston, died July 19. Left to mourn her loss are many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their love and thanks to her

friend and neighbor, Molly Martinez, whose loving care comforted her throughout a lengthy illness. No services will be held.

Gloria Gail Prince, 70, born Feb. 16, 1945, died July 20.

Gladys Schmelter, 101, born August 2, 1913 in Waco, died July 13. Schmelter graduated high school in Paris, Texas at the age of 16, then went on to attend Rice University. She married Arnold George Correll in

1933. Arnold along with his best friend John Schmelter started Houston Concrete Product in 1938. She was an accomplished pianist and organist and gave lessons as well as taught school at Bethany Lutheran School.

Schmelter is survived by daughter Joyce Correll Butts and son Stanley Correll, 20 grandchildren, and many great- and great-great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to a church or charity of one’s choice.

Saturday, July 25, 2015 • Page 9A

Motorists, cyclists weigh in on vision for bike plan

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com As the Leader previously reported, one important component of the city’s coming bike plan will address safety – and it can’t come soon enough for area residents, both cyclists and motorists, who think that there are major issues with Houston’s existing relationship between bikes and cars.

Although Candlelight Place’s Rob Harlow acknowledges that the addition of bike trails is a good thing, he thinks

that Houston is a “horrible bike city.”

“We’re a car town and that’s the mentality,” he said.

“I used to ride more [on the roads] in the evening but I had too many close calls.” After he missed getting hit by a car by less than three inches, he sticks to the hike and bike trails that can take him all the way to downtown.

But people don’t just bike for enjoyment – they want to use an alternate, environmentally friendly, method of transportation to get to work

or go home. That’s what Oak Forest’s John Kennedy was doing when he had an incident which he describes as “relatively minor but pretty scary for me and also illustrative of how many people think.”

Kennedy was riding home from work along Wakefield when a man in a minivan overtook him right next to the Crowbar where there were cars turning and cars double parked along the road.

“He came extremely close, and forced an oncoming car to pull over as well,” said Ken-

nedy. “I was amazed when he then turned in to Pengu. I spoke to him in the parking lot and told him he had come too close.”

The conversation didn’t go well and the motorist told Kennedy that he should have pulled over to let the car pass as that would be ‘common courtesy’.

“I ride about 2 to 3 feet from the gutter,” said Kennedy, who also tried to inform the motorist about existing bike laws.

“Cars can easily pass me as long as it’s not narrow with op-

Teen Summit which was held at Waltrip High School earlier this year. To date, Rosen said his department has done well over 100 community service events.

“The summit was a large success and we will continue to use that model to do at least two of those a year,” Rosen said about the future of the program. “We will continue training our officers in a way that helps create and foster better relationships with our youth and the summit is a

chance to educate the youth and for our officers to learn from youngsters how they view us and how we can better handle situations in their neighborhoods.”

Rosen said the department’s staff also saw a considerable increase after the organization took over security operations at the downtown court annex.

Between law enforcement and civilian positions, the Constable’s Office added 120 positions as part of its new responsibility; however many of

these will continue working in the annex.

Rosen also said he is looking to continue utilzing funds seized from illegal gaming operations to help better equip his department.

“We’ve seized about $650,000 after raiding game rooms last year and we use that money for training, equipment and vehicles, ultimately saving the taxpayers money,” Rosen said. “Since taking office, I’ve saved the taxpayers nearly $3 million.”

from 60 foot to 70 foot rightof-way, Mohite said the need arises from inconsistent and inadequate room for officials to provide proper space for those not driving along roadways.

He pointed out that the rightofway between Ella and Golf already offers an adequate 80 feet. Between Ella and Sue Barnett there is only 60 feet which Mohite calls substandard as it barely offers room to put in amenities like sidewalks should redevelopment occur.

“We’re not necessarily trying to add car lanes,” Mohite said. “We’re making sure there are adequate facilities for those who are biking, walking or using a wheelchair.”

Not all roads in The Leader area would necessarily be widened for future development.

One amendment, F-19, would reclassify North Main Street between Loop 610 and West Crosstimbers Street from a major thoroughfare to a major collector. This reclassification was

spurred through cooperation with the Independent Heights District which wanted to preserve the character of Main Street in the neighborhood.

“We felt that reclassification allows for a more consistent vision for North Main Street along that particular section,” Mohite said.

The MTFP also falls in line with the city’s Complete Streets and Transportation Plan, issued as an executive order by Mayor Annise Parker in 2013. Officials are focusing on a “context-sensitive approach” in amending the MTFP, ensuring that future roadway construction and redevelopment across the the city will follow principles focusing on creating walkable, bikefriendly neighborhoods with natural amenities like landscaping and trees.

However, some in the area remain unsure about the outcome of the potential redevelopment laid out in the MTFP amendments.

“With the speedsters and wrecks that already occur, cars will end up in the houses,” Betty Markoski said on the Garden Oaks Facebook page. “It is unsafe for children to play and residents to enjoy the front yards at this time.”

Police, from P. 8A departments facing similar challenges, there are staffing issues. The public wants and needs law enforcement services to available when they need them.”

Simply increasing staff numbers won’t be enough to help stop crime in Houston though, Rosen said. He said over the next year his department will continue taking a proactive approach to maintaining a good rapport within communities and highlighted the success of the recent

Roads, from P. 3A At first glance, it’s easy to see why nearby residents would be resistant to the reclassification of a road already receiving negative attention for speeders and those wanting to keep their current property lines. Mohite, however, said part of the initiative is driven by a need to make the street’s right-of-way specifications more consistent should the city opt to redevelop the roadway.

“There are portions of the section we are requesting [in Case F-14] that already have 80 foot right-of-ways,” Mohite said. “As you get closer to Ella, there are portions that are only 70 feet, especially between Oak Forest and Ella Boulevard. It becomes 70 feet where many business are and then, as you go further west, it’s back to 80 feet. We would be working to update our records to reflect the correct dimensions for the street for if and when these properties redevelop as some properties would not be impacted.”

In reclassifying the area between Shepherd and Ella

A collaborative effort Suzy Hartgrove, public affairs manager for Planning & Development, said officials reached out to management districts, civic clubs and Super Neighborhood committees in an effort to collect input and comments on what they may or may not support along roadways.

“We don’t just look at mobility study recommendations,” Hartgrove said.

An open house event on June 25 attracted 137 attendees and garnered over 200 comments regarding potential amendments along with extensive input from online submissions.

posing traffic as it is on Wakefield. What was interesting to me was his genuine belief that he had done nothing wrong and that my not pulling over meant he was justified in endangering my life. He clearly pictured cyclists as ‘others,’ riding a bike on the road was not something that ‘normal’ people do in his eyes.”

Those with close calls are the lucky ones. Laurie Pitzer in Oak Forest stopped biking to school with her son after getting hit two years ago.

“I had just turned on to Oak Forest from Martin, and a woman hit me at the very next intersection,” she said. “She had a stop sign, but just didn’t see me. I didn’t have a stop sign, but only saw her a split second before her front bumper caught my leg and bike.

Luckily, I didn’t have any major breaks or injuries. My bike

was totaled and I was pretty sore for a long time.”

Three Houston area cyclists were killed in June. Soon after, BikeHouston called for a “Vision Zero” Fatalities campaign by 2025 for all road users.

Mayor Annise Parker and Bike Houston also partnered on a Goal Zero Campaign in 2014.

One of the June victims – Dan Hertweck, a good friend of Eileen Hartman – was hit while riding in a bike lane in Spring Branch.

“The driver said he didn’t see him even though Dan was in a bike lane. It makes no sense to any of us,” said Hartman.

The statistics are startling.

Bike Houston says that according to TxDOT data, vehicles collided with people on bikes or on foot 940 times last See Safety, P. 10A

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Education, from P. 8A ent in Spanish as the school did not offer it as an ancillary.

Hogg Middle School’s new principal Angela Sugarek is coming from Durham which is also incorporating the program.

“Durham is moving to dual language from a traditional bilingual because the traditional bilingual program was a subtractive program with the sole goal of moving students out of their native language of Spanish and into English,” she said. “This program offered no benefit to non-Spanish-speaking students and was marginally beneficial for Spanish-speaking students. Dual language fits perfectly with the International Baccalaureate programme which actually require students graduating from the Diploma Programme to be fully bilingual.”

Durham parent Holly Inderrieden said that she’s excited her first grader will develop a skill that she can use to connect with others in Houston and the world.

Durham Elementary, Hogg Middle School, Harvard Elementary and Reagan High School are The Leader’s public International Baccalaureate schools. The benefits of IB according to believers are manifold.

“In order for America to compete in the expanding global economy of the future, it is essential for our students to learn to think critically and to challenge the status quo, which is the primary goal of IB,” said Sugarek. “In addition, an IB education empowers students to build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect.”

And it’s not just the public schools who encourage a more international mindset. St. Rose of Lima students attend Spanish classes two times a week through fifth grade, after which it is an elective. At the British International School of Houston on Watonga where IB is also offered, the students this year achieved a 100% pass rate with an average International Baccalaureate Diploma Program score of 37 points, with 45 as the max.

Celebrating 39 years of giving your pet the Royal treatment Pictured left to right: Matt, Chad and Javier

Dedicated to providing cycles and service to the neighborhood since 2006 iCycle doesn’t just sell and service bicycles, they want to change people in the community to a Cycling Lifestyle for fun, health and recreation. iCycle stocks over 400 bikes from kids first 12” wheel bike to exotic titanium racing bikes. We have Fuji, Litespeed, Cannondale, SE, Roland, Schwinn to name a few. iCycle is a full service bike shop that also has all your gear to wear and accessories for your biking pleasure. You are just as likely to see the iCycle guys on the new extended White Oaks Bayou Bike Way because the path runs just past our shop. Stop in anytime for cold water in your water bottle or air in your tires. Every year, our staff attends technical seminars and training to be able to properly set up and service your cutting edge bike. Bring in your bicycle today for a FREE estimate. We will check over your bike, diagnose it, and give you an idea of cost and time to repair it or make upgrades and/or adjustments. Check them out on Facebook or online.

J

o Ann Lord is the owner/operator of Royalty Pet Center, Inc., established by Jo Ann and her father on Valentine’s Day 1976 and named in honor of her late father, Royal T. Johnson.

Having been in business for 39 years, Jo Ann has taken care of several generations of satisfied customers and their pets.

Jo Ann, along with her son, Gary Humphreys, and a staff of four, JoAnn Lord operate Royalty Pet Center. They offer all breed professional dog and cat grooming services and provide a boarding facility with both indoor and outdoor runs. Royalty Pet Center carries a full assortment of dog and cat supplies and premium pet foods.

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Page 10A • Saturday, July 25, 2015

Regis School building future spirituality Submitted for The Leader The three scariest words for boys to hear are “Be a man”.

Joe Ehrmann was a 6’4, 250 lb. lineman for the Baltimore Colts in the 1970’s who remembers hearing those words when he was dominating on the football field and dealing with his younger brother’s cancer and eventual death.

As he tried to come to terms with his loss, the usual ‘Be A Man’ advice wasn’t helping.

After years of working with boys as a coach and a pastor, Ehrmann understands phrases like “man up”; ”suck it up”; and “ignore your feelings” don’t help boys as they become men. What does help boys, he believes, is being around dads/teachers/coach-

es who model and teach the important ingredients of character like honesty, integrity, perseverance, and empathy.

At The Regis School of the Sacred Heart, we ask “What does it mean to be a scholar and a gentleman?” Our Sacred Heart mission and goals build community, commit us to social awareness and challenge each of us to attitudes of peace. We are all about transformational teaching that nurtures boys as they grow, inspiring boys to be wise thinkers and respectful friends.

At The Regis School, we help boys to discover their faith and spirituality and ask the difficult questions. We awaken their curiosity so that they sharpen their minds and become innovators. We tap

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Call Today 713-880-3329 Contributed Photo Children at The Regis School of the Sacred Heart, with teachers who ;1help boys discover their faith and spirituality.

their passion for change so that when others are in need they are there to respond. We help them to know and appreciate that it takes a common vision to build a community of trust. Finally, we help them to truly believe in themselves

Safety, from P. 9A year in Houston, a 63 percent increase from the 574 such accidents recorded in 2010. And there are some who think that’s underreported.

Fred Zapalac owns the Blue Line Bike Lab with both locations in both the Heights and the East End. “The problem with bicycle advocacy is that there is no good data on any of this stuff,” he said. “It’s a speck of the real truth.” He bases this on the fact that at least once a week, a bicyclist comes in to get their bike fixed after a car collision. Zapalac said that in a large majority of cases, the cyclist is hit from behind by the car. Also, unfortunately, the drivers are not issued tickets.

“Most of the time when people are struck by a car, the [motorist] drives off,” he said. “The good people take them and get their bike fixed, but it’s not reported.”

Zapalac said that he’s glad Houston cyclists have a supportive mayor and he is a huge supporter of off road trails. “But they are not end all be all for use as transportation. Oftentimes a bicycle is travelling closer to the speed of a car and needs the road.”

What’s the law?

BikeHouston posts the State of Texas Bicycle Laws on their web site. Some of the most pertinent points are that a person operating a bicycle has the rights and duties applicable to a driver operating a vehicle, a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, and persons may not ride more than two abreast unless they are riding on a part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.

“There are actually laws, they are just not enforced,” said Zapalac. “Like the three foot passing ordinance, which protects all vulnerable road users.”

The law, which gives passengers and pedestrians a three foot berth, is something that the Houston Ghost Bike Group is focusing on with their campaign to fund a $1,400 bicycle mounted electronic system. It is used by police in Austin, TX, Chattanooga, TN and elsewhere to help officers determine if the three feet is being breached.

“One of the developers, Christopher Stanton will be coming to Houston in the few weeks to give a hands-on demonstration of the device to HPD,” said Steve Sims. “Our hope is that by supplying the first unit to HPD the department can see for themselves the usefulness of the device in spreading awareness about the 3 Foot Safe Passage ordinance and budget accordingly to allow more units to be bought in the future.”

HPD Public Information Officer John Cannon with HPD said that they are familiar with the C3FT V2.0 device and are looking forward to finding out what it can and cannot do. He notes that often times it is challenging to determine if the ordinance is being broken unless it is an egregious example. And in those cases,

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when the officer is called, by time he or she arrives, the offense is no longer occurring.

“We need to look at where the majority of bicycle traffic is,” he said.

Cannon also said that with regard to bicycle safety the police start with education – including their “Share the Road” PSA available on You Tube since March of 2014. After education, citations come into play to curb unsafe behavior. Cannon also said there are new bike safety initiatives which will roll out in the coming months.

Goes both ways Most motorists want to share the road safely with cyclists. Hilary Cobb is one driver who says she has had two incidents lately in the Heights that have elevated her concerns about safety.

During one incident, she said she was driving down White Oak and at one of the bike/road intersections there was so much shrubbery that she couldn’t see anything to the right. A biker appeared suddenly bringing her to an abrupt stop. During another, she was coming down 11ith and a group of bikers raced her to cross.

“I wish they would look also,” she said. “If I can’t see them, then maybe they can’t see me.”

Linda Werner said she had a harrowing experience at dusk when a rider came across a street and she didn’t have a stop sign.

“The person had on dark clothing,” she said.

“I wasn’t at the intersection yet so I could stop in time. But he didn’t even seem to see me.”

Emily Wilkins reiterates that bicyclists need to follow the laws made for cars.

“I almost hit a rider the other day on Antoine and 43rd,” she said. “I was in the left turn lane with a green light and he almost rode right in front of me.”

“With the bike plan we want to make streets more predictable for both cars and bikes,” said Cathy Halka with the Planning & Development Department of the City of Houston.

Some have questions about what is and isn’t a bike lane. Halka said that with regard to the new plan they have “not yet defined its toolbox of facility types,” but said it will be addressed before the end of the year in advance of the plan’s March 2016 roll out.

“That said, there are best practices for facility design,” she said. The city’s Infrastructure Design Manual (IDM) says that at a minimum, “the width of the Bike Lane shall be five feet with a desired width of six feet.”

Cyclist Rob Harlow said that one some of the existing bike lanes have had so much traffic that the white paint is wearing off. He likes the miniature pumps of asphalt and bright green bike lanes that can be found downtown to clearly mark the lane.

In the end, the ongoing conversation shouldn’t be a ‘them and us’ situation. “Almost every cyclist in Houston is also a driver,” said John Kennedy. “After all, drivers break the rules all the time. Do it on a bike and suddenly a sizable proportion of the population seems to think it is acceptable for [people] to be run over.”

and honor who they are becoming as leaders for the future.

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Jerry Court followed his Dad around and helped in the business from the time he was a kid growing up. In 1967 Jerry decided to get in the business with his Dad and they eventually moved to Heights and 14th Street location. In 1985 they moved to 610 and Airline, an old plumbing supply. In February 1986 this warehouse burned down and they re-opened Heights and 14th where their business grew. Wayne started working with his Dad and they eventually moved in 1994 to the present location 801 Service Street, across from Canino Produce. The business has grown and prospered with the integrity, hard work and service of the Court family. They say ìRemember us for all your Hot Truck, Catering and Vending Needs. Actually, City Wide is a place where restaurants, delis, cafes, sports snack bar owners, party organizers, reunion groups etc. can find food and equipment supplies that will SAVE them money. They are open to the public.

They, like many successful companies, are always reorganizing and improving their facilities to make it more customer friendly and to segregate foods, drinks, equipment, etc. City Wide is adding more lines of foods and restaurant equipment, and supplies as well as merchandizing and allocating different space for better cleaner display and selection.

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