Leader0913a

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Saturday, September 13, 2014 • Vol. 60 • No. 45

‘Game changing initiative’

What’s inside

ABOUT US

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

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AREA SPECIALIST

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Meet Dr. Ramsey

Oak Forest resident on road to recovery after coma

White Oak bike trail renovations beneﬁt community

Treating sports injuries at home

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

More inside: Betsy Denson explores Momma Strong, exercise revolution 1B

Winning Habits

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Residents of the Greater Inwood area and beyond might notice the White Oak Bayou Trails undergoing an extensive facelift and improvement, courtesy of the Bayou 2020 Program. The project itself aims to improve miles of biking and walking trails in bayous across the Houston area, with the ﬁrst continuous 17 miles of the White Oak Bayou estimated to be completed by mid-2016, Houston Parks Board Executive Director Roksan Okan-Vick said. White Oak Bayou in particular originates northwest of FM 1960 and travels southeast into the Buffalo Bayou. “The concept of creating continuous green space along the bayous is over 100 years old,” Okan-Vick said. “It’s been around for a while but the concept was never fully realized until the HPB examined it several years ago.” Photo By Jonathan Garris The project also aims to increase the size of Houston’s park system while providing equally distributed parkland throughout the city. When the project ﬁrst began along the White Oak Bayou, Okan-Vick said segments of its trails had been completed but they were left unconnected. “When it’s not connected, its usefulness drops dramatically,” Okan-Vick. said. “It’s going to change the way people look at us here in Houston. It’s a game-

Breast Cancer Awareness

FIND A CURE Breast Cancer Awareness month is honored every October. The Leader will be publishing a special focus issue October 11. You can participate with a FREE tribute ad of 20 words or less to a friend or family member efffected by this disease.

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See Trail, P. 6A

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INSIDE.

Photos by Christina Martinez Scarborough High School Principal Diego Linares welcomes former NFL wide receiver, Jerry RIce to campus. Rice spoke about healthy habits and worked with the Spartan Scarborough football team.

Jerry Rice, Lysol speak to Scarborough High School students on healthy choices By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com

Grace Bible Church moves into new home Now barely a month into living at their new home on Hurst Street in the Greater Heights Area, the congregation of Grace Bible Church is setting its sights on being a force of good in the community. While traffic and parking issues may have community relations off to a bumpy start, church leaders are positive they can find a solution.

Hall of famer and former NFL wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, Jerry Rice, visited Scarborough High School Tuesday afternoon to coach healthy habits on and off the ﬁeld. The event, sponsored by Lysol, centered around three playbooks: tackling germs, playing the healthy food game and kicking ﬁtness up a notch. Rice was greeted by Principal Di-

a win, but he’s also a great role model for our students. It’s great for our kids to know that they have someone to look up to like him.” “It was exciting,” Spartan quarterback Titus Randal said. “I look up to him and so does my family. Just to see him here at my high school is an op-

ego Linares, faculty and the Scarborough Spartan cheerleader team. After arrival, the school held a pep rally in the gymnasium where a skit was performed with the Scarborough Spartan battling two germs, performances from the cheerleading team, a showing of Rice’s super bowl ring and a talk from Rice to the Spartan football team and student body. “It’s great to have him here,” Linares said. “Not only to help talk to our students and the football team to get

See Rice, P. 6A

Jerry says: drink water versus sugar drinks In the Lysol Coaching Healthy Habits pamphlet handed out to students, both Lysol and football legend Jerry Rice suggest kids “be the water boy,” and stay hydrated during the day to stay refreshed for daily activities such as studying for a test or playing with friends.

OF residents on lookout for car burglar By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Oak Forest residents are reaching out to their fellow neighbors on social media, warning of a man spotted breaking into cars during the early hours of Sept. 4. According to a post made on the Oak Forest Homeowners Association page by Allison Lui, who stated she was posting on behalf of a neighbor, a security camera at a home on Woodcrest Drive caught the burglar attempting to break into two cars in the residence’s driveway. The burglar, seen in screencaptures taken from the surveillance footage, was unsuccessful but went across the street to another home and stole items from another vehicle. The burglar also appeared to be driving an SUV. Lui’s neighbors aren’t the only ones See Burglar, P. 6A

See 9A

TXDoT: Delays to continue at 610, T.C. Jester

THE INDEX. Church

7A

Classiﬁeds

5B

Coupons

5A

Food/Drink/Art Obituaries

3A 8A

Opinion

4A

Public Information Puzzles Sports

2A 4A 8B

By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Ofﬁcials with the Texas Department of Transportation say motorists should expect to see some delays as construction crews continue work on building the new frontage road between East and West TC Jester Boulevard at North Loop 610. This past weekend, workers placed beams for the new frontage road between both East and West T.C. Jester

Boulevard and crews will be working to pour the bridge deck, TxDOT representative Karen Othon stated. “On East T.C. Jester and West T.C. Jester at 610, crews will be working to pave the new roadway and switch trafﬁc so that they can pave the remaining section,” Othon stated. “Since the reconstructed frontage road elevation is higher from the old one, it is necessary to raise the elevation of East and West T.C. Jester at Highway 610 to match the frontage

road.” Ofﬁcials estimate the work will be completed in the next two months, and the construction at the Ella Boulevard intersection is now complete. TxDOT also anticpated opening the new connector ramp from 610 westbound and US-290 eastbound to Interstate 10 in mid-October. “This separation of trafﬁc will allow travelers destined for IH 10 to See Roads, P. 2A

Photo by Jonathan Garris Construction along the East portion of North Loop 610 and East TC Jester Boulevard.

THE PUBLIC. Heights smoke shop robbed, burglarized The Houston Police Department is investigating two separate incidents that occurred at the Paradise Smoke Shop in The Heights, following an armed robbery last week and a burglary last night. According to a report by news affiliate KHOU, officers arrived at the shop on Yale Street around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday and found the front door’s glass had been smashed. As of press time, officers had trouble contacting the shop’s key holder and were unable to determine if anything was taken. On Sept. 3, an armed robbery at the same smoke shop previously left a woman injured while she was walking with her baby on the morning. According to a report by news affiliate KHOU, at least two armed robbers wearing

masks entered Paradise Smoke Shop, located at 1307 Yale Street, and demanded money. Witnesses told KHOU that one of the robbers put a gun directly to someone’s head during the robbery and ﬂed the scene in a pickup truck with an unspeciﬁed amount of money or merchandise. The witness also said one of the shop’s employees left the scene and attempted to follow the robbers, according to the report. The masked men began shooting at the employee but instead struck the leg of a woman as she walked with a baby in a stroller near 13th Street and Yale Street. The woman was taken by ambulance to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Both incidents remain under investigation.

Saturday, September 13, 2014 • Page 2A

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Courtesy photo by KHOU A Houston Police Department officer investigates the scene of an armed robbery at Paradise Smoke Shop in the Heights Sept. 3. Police are now investigating a burglary that took place at the same business during the early hours of Wednesday morning. Last week’s robbery left one woman hospitalized after she was struck in the leg by a stray bullet when robbers fired at an employee while fleeing the scene.

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Roads, from P. 1A access the new connector and bypass the 610 southbound mainlanes, eliminating the weaving and merging that currently occurs,” Othon stated. While many motorists understand the need for the construction, truck driver A.J. Alewis said he was “ready to tear his hair out” as he pulled into the Mobil Gas Station just

AURORA ST Burglary 2 PM 3900-3999 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 2 PM 1000-1099 THORNTON Theft 11:55 AM 200-299 20TH ST Assault 12:50 PM 400-499 41ST ST Burglary 10:45 PM 1300-1399 20TH ST Assault 1:21 PM 500-599 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 3:45 PM 1200-1299 43RD ST Theft 12 PM 1300-1399 43RD ST Theft 8:11 AM 1000-1099 PINEMONT Burglary 5 AM 800-899 PEDDIE Theft 6:27 PM 6300-6399 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 1:07 AM 5900-5999 BEALL ST

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north of 610 on East T.C. Jester Boulevard. “It just ﬂat out stinks,” Alewis said. “I’ve been driving in Houston and around here for ages and, I get it, trafﬁc is what Houston is all about sometimes but it just gets crazy during the mornings.” The project is part of the broader US-290 Program, which aims to reconstruct US290 and construct the parallel Hempstead Tollway, accord-

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ing to the US-290 Program Website. The program covers an approximately 38 mile long corridor, extending from the interchange area of Interstate 10, North Loop 610 and US 290 northwest to FM 2920. As of September 2014, work is occurring on nine program projects from 610 to Mueschke Road, according to the website.

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FOOD, DRINK & ART Saturday, September 13, 2014 • Page 3A

Boneyard Bash for Treat ‘Em Right Rescue

Thirsty Explorer Boneyard Drinkery will be holding the September Boneyard Bash on Sunday, September 14, to benefit Treat ‘Em Right Rescue. All of the money raised will go to Treat ‘Em Right Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of the American Pit Bull Terrier and other bully breeds. Learn more at www.treatemright.org There will be $20 microchipping, which includes basic lifetime registration, provided by Friends of BARC www.friendsofbarc.org, and $5 dog nail trims and $2 Thirsty dog face painting courtesy of Angel Pets Houston Explorer www.angelpetshouston.com, vendors, $3 snow cones, a food truck, and a silent auction and an array of items raffled at the event. . Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Cronkite, the News 92 FM Newshound. The event is held rain or shine and is part of a series of monthly Boneyard Bashes hosted by Boneyard Drinkery. Each of the events will benefit a local

animal focused nonproﬁt organization. To get involved in the next Boneyard Bash, call or text 832-661-3348 or email krisgillentine@gmail.com for more information. Boneyard Drinkery is Houston’s ﬁrst dog park and bar. There is a large selection of beer and wine, as well as dog-friendly indoor and outdoor seating, including a 7,000 sq. ft. fenced dog park equipped with bagging stations and water bowls. Boneyard Drinkery, located at 8150 Washington Ave., has strict policies to ensure the safety of all pups and owners during their visit. So, before you go, be sure to visit the website at www.boneyardhouston.com or call 832-494-1600.

Half Way to Saint Patrick’s

On Wednesday, September 17, Celtic Gardens presents Half Way to Saint Patrick’s Day. The event will feature DJ Kyle Berg, DJ Ebonix, and DJ Playboy live on the Celtic Garden outdoor stage. There will be $5 green beer, free corned beef plates with Irish potato salad and

Irish whiskey mustard from 3 to 7 p.m. In addition, the ﬁrst 100 people to arrive will receive free Irish sunglasses. Celtic Gardens is located at 2300 Louisiana in Midtown. Find more information on Facebook, or visit www.celticgardenshouston.com.

Saint Arnold’s Newest Icon Mandarina Wheat Now Available

As Icon Green rides off into the sunset, Icon Gold returns - this time as Mandarina Wheat, a hop forward and refreshing ale. It has a light pleasant American wheat beer base that shows off the Mandarina hop, an experimental German hop variety with orange notes on the nose, and a pronounced grapefruit ﬂavor in the taste. For more information about Saint Arnold Brewing Company, located at 2000 Lyons Ave, visit www.saintarnold.com Follow Ivee Sauls on Twitter @ThirstyExplorer. To submit an event, email ivee@theleadernews.com

Leader Nibbles

By Betsy Denson Owner and Chef Miguel Angel Ruiz tells The Leader that the Texas Enchilada House – which has been open about a month – had been a dream long before that. The Enchilada House at 302 W. Crosstimbers St. used to be the Mexicatessen until it closed in 2007. Four years ago, Ruiz purchased the site and with his father, did all

Roc” and the prestigious Parisian restaurant, Le Palais Royal. “The opportunity to participate in such programs is a fantastic international experience for students early in their college career,” said Alain LeNôtre, President of the Culinary Institute. Here’s to sampling what they’ve learned at Kris Bistro & Wine Lounge, the public bistro of the institute, also located on

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borhood Night Happy Hour” on Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. in the bar. Guests who order drinks at Happy Hour prices will enjoy a chef’s selection of complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres. “This is a “Tapas” style happy hour,” General Manager Sébastien J. Laval said.

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Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana in Montrose is back on track

That’s according to CultureMap who said that the Pizzeria, whose ﬁrst restaurant is located on Memorial Drive, is going forward with a second location in Montrose. “After a long wait, we just picked up the permits today,” owner Bill Hutchinson tells CultureMap. Construction to transform the former Bobbit Glass building will begin soon with a plan to open in January 2015. Pizaro’s will be BYOB.

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Who loves the Texans as much as you do? Miguel Angel Ruiz is fulﬁlling a long held dream with his new resturarant, Texas Enchilada House.

the renovations to transform it into its new incarnation. Ruiz, who used to work at Monterrey’s Little Mexico on Crosstimbers, grew up in his father’s restaurant, Los Toro’s, on Quitman. He is excited to finally have a restaurant of his own. “We turned on the open sign on the first day of business and sold out in three hours,” Ruiz said of his soft opening. He said he’s aware of issues with both food preparation and service in the first few weeks, but says those have been ironed out with staff training. True to its name, the restaurant’s menu is heavy on Enchiladas but will branch out over time. The favorite dish of patrons at present is the Enchilada House Enchiladas with rib eye, Munster cheese and guajillo sauce. Another twist on tradition is the Poblano Enchiladas with pork loin and a Poblano pepper sauce and balsamic glaze. They just tweaked their menu last week. Check it out on their Facebook page.

Culinary Institute LeNôtre sends American Students to France this summer

Bet you didn’t know that the Culinary Institute LeNôtre, which is the only French owned culinary institute in America, is located at 7070 Allensby St., off I-45 south of Crosstimbers. Well it is and it’s also accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) and offers degrees in the culinary arts as well as programs in hospitality and management as well as a Sommelier certiﬁcate. This summer nine students from Culinary Institute LeNôtre, which heavily draws its student body from The Heights, spent eight weeks on the coast of the Vendee region in western France as part of a partnership with the French University “Notre Dame du

Allensby.

Bradley’s Fine Diner to host Neighborhood Night Happy Hour

Who says there’s nothing free anymore? Starting on September 17, Bradley’s Fine Diner will be hosting a “Neigh-

Oak Forest Baskin Robbins’ owner Shawn Salyers posted about his store’s recent promotion on Facebook. “Baskin Robbins Oak Forest will give a free topping on any scoop for every touchdown the Texans score on Sunday. Every game this season, good till 24 hours after game. We’re Texans!” Baskin-Robbins is located at 1354 W. 43rd St.

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THE TOPICS. Saturday, September 13, 2014 • Page 4A

Appearance matters when promoting community

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oday’s column may be absolutely worthless by the time it reaches your hands, but we should have the discussion anyway. Maybe we can put a spotlight on an important component of community pride. As a youngster, I did a fairly good job of staying out of the crosshairs of my parents. JONATHAN I did most of my chores, MCELVY made good Publisher grades, didn’t pick fights, and usually showed the kind of respect children should give their parents. But there was one area where I failed miserably – my room. It should have been an indicator as a young child that my favorite Charlie Brown character was that slob, Linus. Throughout most of my adolescent life, my room was a pig-sty. Sure, I had a rationale for it: Why in the world would a young man with my busy schedule waste time making his bed? I was the only one sleeping in it, and I had every intention – every single night – of returning to those same sheets and leaving them in the same disarray. The problem, of course, was that it wasn’t just the bed we were talking about. It wouldn’t have surprised my Mother to find a moldy glass of twoweek-old juice sitting on my dresser. If you opened my closet, there was a decent chance something would fall on your head. And if you looked under my bed, there were enough shoes and socks to make Goodwill jealous. When I left for college, I am ashamed to say my habits grew even worse. At least when I lived at home, Mom made sure my clothes did not smell of athletic body fluids. When

Photos by Jonathan McElvy Whether it is along the feeder road of 610, or Shepherd Drive or T.C. Jester, the appearance of our community needs to be taken into consideration when promoting our area and all it has to oﬀer.

I got to college, I subscribed to the theory that clothes at the bottom of a pile miraculously cleaned themselves. (Oh, don’t kid yourself. We all did it.) Fast forward a few years – or maybe a decade – and eventually I ﬁgured out what my parents had tried to teach me from a very young age. Being clean and orderly isn’t just about fulﬁlling the wishes of authority. It’s about your way of life. It’s about the appearance you give to other people. It’s about taking pride in where you live and work. A couple of months ago, my wife came home one evening and told me she was embarrassed at the appearance of our community. Every day, Meghan drives from our home to downtown. She drives down Shepherd, hits 610, and eventually merges into the catastrophe that is I-45. And every day, she passes

streets that make our community look like an undeveloped country. At intersections and roadsides all along Shepherd, 610, TC Jester and Ella – the main thoroughfares in our community – you’ll find weeds that have sprung taller than our SUVs. You’ll find trash mangled in the weeds. You’ll find what looks like a complete disregard for where we live. Initially, I told my wife not to worry about it. The city of Houston has so many medians and parks to mow and, eventually, they’ll get to us. Nope. This week, I took a camera to some of the entrances to our community and what I found was absolutely disgusting. Over the course of an entire summer, not once has a mower or a trimmer graced the most highly traveled areas of the Heights, Timbergrove and Garden

Apparently a criminal can be too big for prison THE COURT ROOM – “Your honor,” I whine, “yes, I have lied and cheated, sold worthless bonds to widows, bundled doomed mortgages and forced thousands of Americans to lose their homes. True, I hid money in the Cayman Islands to avoid paying taxes. I guess you could say I did my part in bringing down the American economy, putting millions out of work, wiping out savings accounts and probably causing global warming, although the jury is still out on that, so to speak. So I will pay the fine of a billions dollars – actually the stockholders will pay it -without admitting any guilt.” I and my high-priced lawyers will leave with my Get Out of Jail Free card. Just pay a big, impressive fine, and walk. You don’t have to read the following police blotter, just skim it to see what’s going on in your name. Five banks -Wells Fargo & Co., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Citigroup Inc., Bank of America Corp., Ally Financial Inc. -- agreed to pay $25 billion in penalties and borrower relief over alleged – alleged? -- foreclosure processing abuses. The deal represented the largest government-industry settlement since the tobacco deal, which started it all back in 1998 with that $246 billion tobacco industry settlement. At the time it was a record, but the fine hit the entire industry, so it was spread out. No one went to jail. A week or so ago, Goldman Sachs paid $3.15 billion to buy back mortgage bonds now worth about $1.2 billion less than what they were sold for. This is not a first for Goldman. In 2010 it paid $550 million to settle a similar case. Hey, here is J.P. Morgan again with a “record” $13 billion settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other federal regulators over mortgage-backed securities. “(I)t would likely be the biggest fine ever levied by the DOJ.’’ The HSBC (that’s a British bank) agreed to pay $1.9 billion to U.S. authorities over deficiencies in its antimoney-laundering controls. U.S. officials hailed the settlement as “the largest penalty ever under the Bank Secrecy Act.” France’s largest banking house, BNP Paribas, pled

works. It turns out TXDOT is in charge of keeping the areas along 610 manicured. Earlier, I mentioned that today’s column may be worthless, and that’s because TXDOT had already called someone by Wednesday to get the area cleaned. Wright even said that if TXDOT doesn’t get it cleaned, the city will take care of it. There are other areas of our community where grass has over-taken our rights-of-way. Drive through some of our neighborhoods and you’ll ﬁnd open ditches that better resemble the spuds of a rainforest – minus the rain, of course. This may all sound a bit mundane to the average person, but here’s why I believe it’s such a big deal. Our community – whether you’re in Woodland Heights, Shepherd Park Plaza, Norhill or anywhere in between – has spent the past decade rebuilding its brand. We have spent millions upon millions renovating our homes, our parks and our grocery stores. I attended a meeting earlier this week in the Heights about local education, and the fervor with which we’re attempting to improve our public schools is exciting to watch. We’re doing this for a couple of reasons. First, we are proud of where we live, we want to stay in our homes, and we want to create a better quality of life for our children. We’re also doing this because we want to attract more people to our community. We want to improve the businesses we have and lure new retail and commercial opportunities. We want our friends out in the suburbs to envy our neighborhoods. When pundits talk about this area, we want them to glow about our homes, our schools and our way of life. Meanwhile, our front yard looks like Linus lost his blanket under a pile of weeds. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

guilty to criminal – not civil — charges of money laundering in the U.S. and paid an $8.9 billion fine. But “no BNP employees currently face criminal charges.” Why not? The pharmaceutical industry seems to be particularly bad medicine: GlaxoSmithKline – July 2012: In what was billed as “the largest healthcare settlement” with the DOJ ever, the drug maker paid $3 billion and pleaded guilty to criminal charges of illegally marketing drugs and withholding safety data from U.S. regulators. In 2009 Pfizer Inc., pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges and paid a $2.3 billion fine. Abbott Laboratories, 2012: The drug maker agreed to pay $1.6 billion and to plead guilty to a criminal misdemeanor violation of a federal drug laws. In 2009, Eli Lilly agreed to pay $1.42 billion to settle a probe into alleged improper marketing of the antipsychotic drug Zyprexa. In 2011, Merck & Co. paid $950 million and plead guilty to a criminal misdemeanor charge. Some of these pay-to-prey cases involve far more than mere billions. In the BP Gulf oil spill case, it wasn’t just money. Eleven people were killed, others were injured, thousands of Cajuns lost their livelihood and it was months before I could get a decent shrimp etouffee. BP pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges and agreed to pay (guess what?) “a record” $4 billion in government penalties. The gang in BP’s executive suite, who had to know what corners were being cut, what safety measures were being ignored, paid a fine just in time for their 11 a.m. tee time. Only one guy, a middle management engineer from Katy, was convicted of destroying emails, the conviction was thrown out and the government may or may not appeal. Now let’s look at these figures DOJ and others

crow about. Bank of America’s fine of $16.7 billion is to go to consumer relief, but the bank can take some of that off its federal income taxes. What a deal. Only a small fraction of hurt homeowners would get relief, and that won’t be parceled out until – get this – 2018. The actual amount the bank pays will probably be close to $12 billion, a lot of money but nothing like the fine the feds proudly put out. A question: Follow the money, but where does it go? Do the DOJ lawyers get to bill by the hour? Maybe Attorney General Eric Holder has one super bank account. The money probably goes into the U.S. Treasury never to be seen again. True, the treasury deals in trillions, not billions, of dollars, but these are still sizeable sums. It was the late Sen. Everett Dirksen who supposedly said, “A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking about real money.” Someone has to know what happens to this huge amount of cash, but I’ve never heard just where it goes. Have you? One place the money should go is to whistle-blowers. Some fink the other day got $400,000 from the government for ratting out a crook who owed Washington millions. Good for him or her. Back to our original question: Why is, say, JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon still walking around his yacht or golf course or summer house in Cannes instead of making license plates in prison? Why are Joe Cassano (head of the AIG’s derivatives business), Angelo Mozilo (whose Countrywide Lending mortgages were the embodiment of toxic loans) and Richard Fuld (the CEO of Lehman Brothers) not in the clink? You hold up a convenience store for $50, you do time. You steal billions, you walk. Their companies were called too big to fail. These guys apparently are too big to jail. That reminds me: “Your Honor, I’ve signed the check and now I’ve got to go. I’ve got an 11 o’clock tee time.” Ashby is just fine at ashby2@comcast.net

Oaks. If you don’t believe me, either get in your car or look at the pictures above. Like most of us, I initially blamed the city, which seems like a popular solution most of the time. But I’ll also tell you that if there’s one department in the city of Houston I respect maybe more than any other, it the Department of Public Works. They, along with the Department of Neighborhoods, are two of the most responsive groups I’ve worked with during my professional career, and I wasn’t disappointed this time. A man named Alvin Wright handles public information for Public Works, and we have never asked a question (or even ﬁled a complaint) that Wright hasn’t promptly answered. I decided to send him the pictures of the overgrown intersections in our community, and within 30 minutes, he had a solution in the

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THE READER. Dear Editor: In regards to [Jonathan McElvy’s] editorial, Vote on Dome demolitions: I am 73 years old and lifetime Houstonian. You and most Houstonians do not know what Houston was like before 1960. It was an average, midsized city, nothing special, construction dead in the months of December and January each year. In the early 1960s, two things happened: NASA (Johnson Space Center) and the Astrodome. They gave great pride and prestige to Houston and skyrocketed Houston into what it is now, a world-class city. Mayor Annise Parker, in a speech to save an old church on Lyons Avenue, said, “To know where you are going, you have to know where you have been.” It is the same thing with the JSC and Astrodome. Most people living in Houston and the surrounding area owe their livelihood thanks to the JSC and Astrodome. As for the HSC, where is our Space Shuttle? The Astrodome is something we can look at with great pride and say it is one of the two things that drove this city into the 21st Century. I spoke these words at a Tuesday City Council Meeting. Over the years, this city has been taken over by carpetbaggers. The Alamo would not be safe in this city. In the words of Mayor Parker: To know where you are going, you have to know where you have been. We need to keep the Astrodome as a monument to Houston’s greatness.

John J. Cieslewicz Dear Editor: Are you from Houston? If you are, shame on you! The Astrodome, the eighth wonder of the world, has been the pride of Houstonians along with NASA, the Rodeo and the Medical Center. It’s our history--why would you want to demolish it? Houstonians have been asked to pay for so many idiotic things, but the Astrodome was a great achievement. Preserving and utilizing it is a good thing! Why not turn it into a place to go to escape the summer heat? A place that oﬀers a variety of attractions, a place where you could stay all day. In the winter, bring in snow or an ice rink. Make it for everyone to enjoy, maybe even make it a bigger tourist attraction than it was in the past. If you aren’t from Houston, I will forgive you and your article, but, everything shouldn’t always be about money. It should be about preserving our history and our pride. Jackie K. Dear Editor: I totally with [Jonathan McElvy’s] article “Do it already, vote on Dome’s demolition.” When I voted against the $219 million bond proposal I was voting for the demolition of the dome…period. I wasn’t asking for our elected oﬃcials to come up with a plan (I can’t believe they would even put forth such an expensive proposal without a plan), or asking for a reprieve in case by some

act of nature there may be a need to temporarily use the facility, or giving an OK nod to wait for somebody who had nothing better to do with their money than throw it at the dome, nor was I asking for anything else. My “no vote” unequivocally meant demolish the damn thing. I don’t want any of the City of Houston or Harris County’s tax dollars going toward saving the dome. I could list dozens of reasons and I’m sure many of them would be on other voters’ list as to why we who voted against this measure want it taken down. If billionaires came forth and dropped the $219,000,000 (that’s a lot of zeros) on the city’s lap to save the dome I would still adamantly disagree with a renovation. That would surely mean that tax payers would flip the long-term bill to maintain that facility for however long. There’s no way we would be able to ever get away from that because elected officials would always push back. We’re acutely aware of how these things can be twisted. As I’ve already stated: where’s “the plan” in the first place. Oh, we could possibly make it into an amusement park. Very amusing Judge Emmett! I think more like preposterous to think our taxes should go towards something like that sort of idea. If some private organization desires to make an amusement park out of the dome sell it to them and let them invest

See Reader, P. 5A

Saturday, September 13, 2014 • Page 5A

COMMENTARY

History a hard sell in Houston By Anne Sloan For The Leader

Our wonderful “Super” city prides itself on progress not preservation. In 1949 Houston Chamber of Commerce president, W.S. Bellows spoke of our destiny to “surge ahead among the major cities of the world.” He demanded “forward thinking” and leadership that would not concern itself with “thinking about the past.” Bellows thus set the stage for Houston’s disinterest in the subject of preservation. The Shamrock Hotel, the downtown Foley’s and Gulf Publishing, to name only a few, have been demolished and now the wrecking ball wielded by powerful Houston voices threatens the once mighty Astrodome. So, what happens to an historical neighborhood in a city with a low % of natives, a worship of $$$, and a “bigger is better” mindset? It is taken apart piece by piece unlike historic homes located in other cities. Charleston, S.C. began the modern day historic district movement in 1931. Galveston followed suit in 1965. San Antonio created their first historic district in 1967, and Dallas created theirs six years later. No surprise that Houston came in last. In 1995 the Houston City Council finally attached Chapter 33, Article VII Historic Preservation to the City of Houston Code. The Planning and Development Office was then charged with enforcing this ordinance, reviewing and nominating properties for historic designations as well as issuing the COA’s (Certificate of Appropriateness). This office employs nine well-educated professionals with degrees ranging from Architecture, Urban Studies, Construction Management, Historic Preservation, Historic Conservation, and Law, who deal every day with irate builders and homeowners, especially from Houston Heights. While it is not fair to lump all of the builders in this category, in general most are fighting to build the largest house they can fit on the lot. All of us have observed the magnitude of building that is going on in our neighborhood. Does anyone think that the intent of these developers is to improve our quality of

life? One exception could have been Heights’ developer Michael Bastian who bought and demolished an unsightly commercial property to build five new homes. He came to grief when the Planning Department who, though delighted with his concept, insisted he follow the building height and width regulations stated in the “Historic Preservation Manual.” He threatened to sell the land to an apartment developer and when that did not scare the department, he used the power of the press to throw a tantrum more fitting for a three year old. He accused them of being “dogmatic religious zealots” who did not care about history, “amateurs” who did not know what they were doing. Today, contrary to the information given the newspaper “Poultry Plant Owner Bails” (The Leader, Saturday, July 19, 2014), Bastian did not sell his lots and has been issued COAs for five houses, two of which are under construction. Last week, a Houston Heights homeowner persuaded Ellen Cohen to overturn the Planning Department and HAHC’s decision. Cohen’s influence allows the homeowner to move her historic contributing home at 1812 Cortlandt to Denver Harbor, an action which indicates just who has a hammerlock on our elected officials. Moving the house from its original location on Twentieth Street to Cortlandt Street thirty years ago proved it is no longer historic. A laughable argument since probably 2025% of the historic houses in the Heights have been moved at some point during their 100 year history. The ability of Heights houses to survive moving is an indication of the solid construction of the older houses in contrast with today’s Tyvek masterpieces. As the Chronicle points out Cohen’s action sets a precedent for the overturning of Planning Department and HAHC rulings. Publicity from these two cases has given the Preservationists two more black eyes. Despite popular opinion, those of us who tirelessly walked the blocks carrying our petitions to designate three Heights districts did not falsify signatures or use “shoddy” ballots.” Nor did we “cram” this ordinance down the throats of the City

Council members, but we did cheer when the districts were approved by City Council in 2010. These three Houston Heights Historic Districts protect less than 35% of the 6495 parcels in Houston Heights. Why can’t the developers respect this? Heights historian Randy Pace says, “When you have a historic district recognized by the city and the residents, it really is counterproductive to build something that doesn’t support the goal of preserving that unique community.” Historic Ordinances are good for our cultural history, our economic development, and tourism. Why do you think so many people come from all over Houston and the surrounding counties to attend home tours, First Saturday Shopping Days and White Linen Nights? Because we have a unique setting that does not look like the suburbs where most of them reside. The Planning Department and the HAHC (Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission) issued a press release on August 28, 2014 to address the problems that have arisen, especially in our neighborhood. They will be revising the ordinance to provide improved guidance for applicants and operate more efﬁciently. Hopefully, this revision will satisfy the critics, but I fear that those developers whose goal is to duplicate Katy or Sugarland with street after street of huge cookie cutter houses won’t be dissuaded. I am disappointed by the number of residents who believed in the Historic Ordinance until it affected their pocketbook or do they only seem numerous because they are so vocal? My attitude is admittedly biased. Having written four books set in Houston Heights, I am here to stay. I listen to the church bells ringing in this community that has the largest cluster of churches in the state, and I thrive on that special sense of place I experience when I drive into our neighborhood. Though the streetcar runs no more, and most of the grand old boulevard homes are gone, Houston Heights still has a history which I feel is unique, valuable, and worth saving. Is there anyone out there who agrees?

Reader, from P. 4A required to maintain it. Sell it! Say what? “Nobody wants to buy it.” Dah! I have a couple of ideas/ plans. One would be to make it a revenue generating venture. Huh! Yeah, bringing money in versus doling it out. Make the dome into a public storage facility run by the city. Those angled bleacher spaces could relatively easily be remodeled into flat floors and partitioned. Ramps already exists for access to different levels and several elevators could be installed at various locations. Plumbing, restrooms, etc. already exists to accommodate essentials. It’s large enough to make it a convenient 24/7 operation, and it would help the economy by generating revenue and improving the employment situation. Certainly changes to the interior would be necessary but no more than an amusement park would require. And Houston could still keep the precise “first of its kind” ever status made from a chunk of concrete. Surely there must be some pictures floating around and an artist rendition model collecting dust somewhere. There’s a museum for you. Put the pictures on the walls of City Hall and the model in the hallway in front of the county judge’s office. Another idea would be to grind the concrete up after the implosion and mix it with some fresh concrete to fill in some of the potholes throughout Houston. Granted the material wouldn’t fix but a small portion of the potholes but at least it’s a start. I’ve read that the expansive network of potholes in our community is a top complaint of our citizens. And I’ve heard that our city needs more police and fireman or else the community will just have to suffer the consequences. I think a big chunk of our elected officials have their priorities in the wrong place, and for the wrong reasons. Word on the street is that politicians who are in office too long lose touch with reality, and have selective memory about the reasons people are paying their salaries. It cringes me to even think

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what it would cost us to implode the thing and haul it off. Maybe my best plan is to just turn off all the water and electricity and seal it up tight and secure. How long? As long as it takes until a developer comes along, buys it outright, and tears it down or builds it into whatever makes sense for them. There, those who want to see it can see it and the majority of us can think “dome” every time we hit another pothole. Larry Weiler Dear Editor: One of the most respected newspaper researchers, Scarborough, says the fuzzy-faced teenage crowd is just not reading the newspaper. Big surprise! Scarborough’s recent readership figures show that a whopping 72% of newspaper readers are over 35 – more than half are over 55. And, according to the Gavin Herbert Institute cataracts are the major cause of eye problems for folks over 55. Well, there’s a clue right there. The reason folks my age (88) can’t read your letters to the editor. I know there are a lot of good opinions on that page and I would love to know what they are. I even have a few myself. But I would like to have them printed in larger type, so my octogenarian friends could read them. Here’s what prompted this entire line of thought: A letter dealing with your idea for a vote on the Dome. What a great idea. (And, you may have stirred a hornet’s nest.) Let Houston decide what to do with the Dome. Offer several options in your “The Reader” column and then leave it open-ended. Let folks who do not want to choose an option, give their own opinion of what to do with the Dome. Actually, that process is already underway. You will find some great ideas when you Google www.reddit. com. An once you have selected your favorites, run them in Times New Roman 12 point type! August Galiano

Answers found in this week’s Classiﬁed section

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1. Mimics 5. Ed Murrow’s home 8. Semitic gods 10. Print errors 13. Shared 15. Intestinal inﬂammation 16. Word element meaning ear 17. English romantic poet 19. Proofreading symbol 21. Marten pelt 22. Brew 23. Liquid body substances 25. Born of 26. Large primate 27. Aba ___ Honeymoon 29. Indian solder 32. NYSE regulator 33. Be incorrect 34. Badger groups 36. Gangster pistols 38. Hearing receptor 39. Gone by 42. “Heir of Fire” author Sarah 44. Short-term memory 45. Egg-shaped nut

palms 47. Invests in little enterprises 49. “_______ Daniel Webster” 53. Busy, honey or quilting 54. Supplies with air 55. Repository 57. Verbal approvals 58. Make joyful 59. 1/100 yen 60. Lam___: 12th hebrew letter (pl)

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1. Diminishes 2. Set free 3. Consume 4. Salem-Leckrone Airport 5. Rowing team 6. Gusto (Italian) 7. Territory ruled by a Satrap 9. Disseminates 10. Other 11. Appellation 12. Arthur __ Stadium (USTA) 13. Seed container 14. Paradoxical Zen question 15. Runs disconnected

18. Rainbow Effect (abbr.) 20. Chalk remover 24. Assist in some wrongdoing 26. Main arterial vessels 28. Unreturned serve 30. Brain wave instrument 31. Baby carriage 34. Image recorders 35. Indian frocks 37. Jewish day of rest 38. Earliest anesthetic 40. Hair product 41. So. Am. wood sorrels 43. Blockades 44. Pierce 45. The class of birds 46. Stake 48. After B 50. Comedian Letterman 51. British School 52. 1996 presidential candidate 56. Radioactivity unit

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Page 6A • Saturday, September 13, 2014

Trail, from P. 1A changing kind of initiative.” Currently, the trail near Greater Inwood is open until it passes Antoine Drive. Construction crews have dug away much of the ground here in preparation for a new, 10 foot white all-weather concrete trail along with retaining walls and other work. Okan-Vick said the trails will see plenty of landscaping with additional tree cover and the addition of basic furnishings like benches, trash cans and signage to provide location info for those using the trail. A hike-and-bike pedestrian bridge will also be constructed where the trail crosses Albanson Drive, Okan-Vick said. Typically, ofﬁcials avoid breaking up trails as much as possible to ensure the greenspace along bayous like White Oak Bayou is continuous, and workers will be building bridges and side paths where necessary. Weather permitting, OkanVick said the portion north of Antoine Drive would likely to be completed within nine

months, and the organization has so far not experienced any construction delays there. The same can’t be said for a portion of the trail farther south in the Greater Heights area, near North Shepherd Drive and W. 11th Street. “We discovered a huge sink hole by the segement near the MKT Trail,” Okan-Vick said. “The Harris County Flood Control District has since hired an engineer to examine the sink hole and the project will have to be put out to bid seperately from ours.” Work will continue in the area around the sinkhole, with work extending from W. 11th Street southeast under the Katy Freeway. Okan-Vick said officials will be putting the sinkhole project out to bid likely by the end of the year. Expanding the green spaces benefits more than just pedestrians, hikers and bikers. HPB officials fully expect lands adjacent to green ways like those along the White Oak Bayou to flourish in many ways, particularly businesses and other developments. In an article in The Leader examining the Evergreen Shopping

Center, Nankani Management vice president Dan Nankani pointed to the nearby trail as a potential method of attracting both businesses and customers into the area. “We encourage coffee shops, juice shops and other similar businesses to look at these locations along the greenways whenever possible.” Okan-Vick said. Okan-Vick also recalled some of the warm reception from other property owners. While acquiring land needed for connecting trails in the lower White Oak Bayou area, the HPB approached an apartment complex to donate a portion of its land. “Typically when we approach the land owner, we ask them to donate it with our ﬁnal option being paying the market price for the land,” Okan-Vick said. “This particular apartment complex was delighted to donate the land. They felt it would be such a huge amenity to the residents and would also allow them to incorporate it into their advertising. There are plenty of additional beneﬁts like that to the economy near these greenways.”

Rice, from P. 1A portunity, but I think he’s going to help us win this game on Friday.” Jerry Rice said what he was going to accomplish on the field with the Spartans was to expand on what the team was already doing well. “I partnered with Lysol and I’m the first healthy habits coach,” Jerry Rice said. “What I’m trying to do is set them up to be successful in the classroom, off the field and on

Burglar, from P. 1A dealing with recent car burglaries, and some are taking extra steps to protect themselves. “We just had our car broken into a couple of nights ago,” Sharony Antonio Vera stated. “Thankfully he only made a mess. Cameras are going up.” While cameras and other devices can arm residents with the tools they need to better protect themselves, Assistant Chief J.C. Mosier of the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Ofﬁce said getting a photo good enough to track a suspect down can be challenging.

the field. I’m going to let the team know that if they work together on the field, anything is possible. Football isn’t about ‘I’, it’s about ‘we’ and the team. If you can do that, you can change tradition.” Head Coach Ajani Sanders believes Rice’s healthy campaign is beneficial for his program. “We preach those things everyday,” Sanders said. “But for a great coach to come and reinforce what we say is a great thing for the kids to hear. Hear-

ing it from Jerry Rice helps us as a program, players and coaches – it’s going to beneﬁt the whole Scarborough athletic program.” Rice expressed his gratitude to speak to Scarborough High School. “I had so much success in the NFL, I’ve broke so many records, I’ve won so many super bowls, but to come back here and be able to share my thoughts and meet these kids – it’s priceless.”

“Cameras can help at times if the suspect’s face is recognizable and there is enough light for a photo,” Mosier said. “We get a lot of photos that aren’t good enough for identiﬁcation.” Residents also need to ensure that valuables aren’t left in their vehicles and that doors are properly closed and locked, Mosier said. Mosier also said he was once a victim of a car burglar several years ago but the burglar made off empty handed. A similar incident occurred last week when his wife’s vehicle was broken into. Residents should also make sure to notify local law en-

forcement and report any suspicious activity. Tiffany Ruiz Valera stated she not only had her motion sensor lights to help ward up a suspicious person, but also called in SEAL ofﬁcers. “Someone walked up our driveway over Labor Day weekend and set off our motion sensor lights,” Valera stated. “We called SEAL and they were here within minutes to take a look around. Our bright security/ﬂood lights must have scared them off.” “Obviously a good, loud car alarm is better than anything,” Mosier said. “Noise is always the homeowners friend and thieves’ enemy.”

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Saturday, September 13, 2014 • Page 7A

THE CALENDAR. SEPTEMBER BREAKFAST CONNECTION Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Take networking to the next level at this new supercharged annual breakfast. Learn new networking skills from expert Bonnie Karpay. The breakfast will be from 6:45-8:30 a.m. Sept. 11, at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West. Buy one member ticket and receive a non-member ticket free. Call or visit the website to register and purchase tickets. Information: 713-861-6735, www. heightschamber.com. HEIGHTS GARDEN CLUB MEETING 1015 Arlington The Heights Garden Club will have their monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Sept. 13, at 1015 Arlington. Zone 9 Tropicals Nursery will be featured. They specialize in rare and uncommon tropical and semi-tropical plants. There will be a short talk about using these plants in landscaping. Attendees will receive a plant. Admission is free. For information visit www. heightsgardenclub.com. HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY CARD CAMPAIGN KICKOFF All locations Sign up for a MY Link Library Card at any HPL location for a chance to win an iPad Mini, between 1-4 p.m. Sept. 13, and receive a celebratory cookie and balloons for the children. MY Link Library Card, has several beneﬁts including streaming music and movies, e-books and audio books and more than 130 databases and resources on countless subjects. Information: www.houstonlibrary.org/mylink.

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MEMORIAL PARK MASTER PLAN MEETINGS Memorial Park Conservancy Residents are welcome to attend a series of update meetings focused on the progress of the Memorial Park Master Plan. The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 17, in The Eldorado Ballroom, 2310 Elgin St. Information: www.memorialparktomorrow.org, www.memorialparkconservancy.org.

bow tie again. The gala will be from 7:30-10 p.m. Sept. 26, at the Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West. There will be ﬁne dining, card games and silent and live auctions. Get a head start bidding on auction items this year by commenting on the Gala Auction Event on the Facebook Page. Call or visit the website to purchase tickets. Information: 713-861-6735, www. heightschamber.com.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS MIXER Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Come out and participate in this networking opportunity from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 18, at Comerica Bank - The Heights, 414 W. 19th St. Information: 713-861-6735, www.heightschamber.com.

RIGOLETTO Opera in the Heights Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi is about how a lecherous duke, an innocent girl, and a father’s curse make a court jester a broken man. The performance begins Sept. 26 and runs through Oct. 5. For show times and to purchase tickets, visit the website. Information: 713-861-5303, www. operaintheheights.org.

LEGIONNAIRES STEAK NIGHT American Legion Post 560 Come out for a good meal and support the Legionnaires. Steak dinners will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out Sept. 19. The Post is located at 3720 Alba Rd. Information: 713-682-9287, www. americanlegionpost560.org. STRUT YOUR MUTT Best Friends Animal Society Strut your Mutt in the Best Friends Animal Society’s second annual fund-raising event from 7 a.m.-noon, Sept. 20. The event will be at T.C. Jester Park, 4201 West T.C. Jester Blvd. Choose from a 2.2 mile fun run or a 1.5 mile walk. Information: 435-644-2001, ext. 4617 or events@bestfriends.org. BLACK TIE AND BOOTS CHAIRMAN’S GALA Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Here is the chance to dust oﬀ those boots and bring out the

FROM THE PEWS. Garage sale at Oaks Christian Church Oaks Christian Church, 1216 Bethlehem, will be having their annual rummage sale on Friday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m.6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The Brown Bag Sale on Saturday will be $2 for everything one can fit into a brown paper bag. Call 713-688-7761 for information. Elvis is coming to White Oak Baptist Vince King, “Elvis Tribute Artist” is coming to White Oak Baptist, 3615 Mangum Rd., at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12, for a benefit dinner/performance. Tickets need to be purchased in advance. The cost is $15 per person for the performance as well as a meal. Desserts will be sold separately. For information or to purchase tickets call the church office on Monday or Tuesday from 9 a.m.-noon at 713-6823643. ASVAE in concert at All Saints All Saints Catholic Community, 215 E. 10th St., for the sixth season will host a Gala concert featuring the All Saints Vocal Arts Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Rick Lopez, will be at 5 p.m. Sept. 14. The concert will include the rousing “Missa Criolla” by Ariel Ramirez and the “Romancero Gitano” by Mario CaselnuevoTedesco. Guest soloists will be Tenor Angelo Ferrari and Bass Eduardo Lopez de Casas. The All Saints Cultural Arts Series

is a cultural outreach program which brings the music of the world to the community free of charge. A light meal is also served after every event. For information, call 832641-6319 or e-mail eduarturo_ c@yahoo.com. Laity Sunday at St. Stephen’s St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., will hold Laity Sunday, Sept. 14. All are welcome to attend a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon following the 11 a.m. service in the fellowship hall. Cub Scout Pack 604 will hold an open house at 7 p.m. Sept. 18, in the fellowship hall. Parents of boys in the ﬁrst through ﬁfth grades interested in Scouting are welcome to attend. For information, call 713686-8241 or visit www.stsumc. org. Heights Community Children’s Choir rehearsals at Zion Lutheran HCCC is an afterschool choir program for children in second through sixth grades designed to enrich the music lessons being taught in schools and provide an opportunity for children to perform with students from other schools

Fredrick’s

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BICYCLE RALLY AND SCAVENGER HUNT Houston Heights Association The rally is open to riders of all ages and designed as a casual, self-paced ride. The rally begins at 8 a.m. Oct. 5. Entrants can choose between a 20-mile course through the Heights and near-by neighborhoods, or a shorter 5-mile ride designed for kids and their adult companions - or do both starting and ﬁnishing at Marmion Park, 18th Street and Heights Boulevard. Participants can celebrate at Marmion Park for the Post Ride Party and Awards Ceremony. Information: www. houstonheights.org, 713-8614002, opt. 6. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS CONVENTION Holiday Inn Resort The 2014 Overeaters Anonymous Houston-Galveston

in a larger community setting. Children are taught to sing and to read music. Rehearsals are at Zion Lutheran Church, 3606 Beauchamp St., every Thursday afternoon from 45:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 2. A Parent Information Meeting is scheduled from 5:30-6:30 p.m. the same evening. The 2014-2015 season will target Heights-area elementary schools, however the choir is open to any interested singer who has a desire to sing and learn to read music. No audition or prior experience is required. The monthly tuition is $60/month from October through May. For information email meganweinel@heights communitychildrenschoir.org or visit the website at www. heightscommunitychildrenschoir.org. MANNA needs volunteers Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Alliance (MANNA), a coalition of churches and community partners, provides social services in near Northwest Houston, is seeking volunteers for the Assistance Program, Food Pantry, and Resale Store. MANNA is also available to pick up your gently used donations. Call the Resale Store at 713-686-6440 to schedule a pick up. “If you have a good honest mechanic - Keep him.

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Convention will take place Oct. 3-5 at the Holiday Inn Resort on the Beach, 5002 Seawall Blvd. Visit website for registration forms. Information: OAFallConvention@gmail.com, www.oahouston.org. CZECH SOUP TASTING Czech Heritage Society of Texas The Czech Heritage Society of Texas, Harris County Chapter, will host its annual soup tasting from 2-6 p.m. Oct. 12, at the SPJST Lodge #88, 1435 Beall St. The event will include ﬁve varieties of soups to taste, all you can eat, for $7 for adults and $3.50 for children under 10 years of age. There will be kolaches, cookies and cakes for sale. For information, call 713-349-0500.

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REAGAN 50TH HIGH SCHOOL REUNION Class of 1964 Registration Countdown is under way. The reunion will be the weekend of Oct. 16-18. The RHS Gal’s October Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 16, at Colina’s Italian Restaurant, 8800 Katy Frwy. The Mixer will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 17, at Pappasito’s Cantina at 10409 Katy Frwy. The Reagan High School Tour - Dutch Treat Lunch will be 10 a.m. Oct. 18, followed by Celebration Dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at Red Oak Ballroom. Send completed registration form, photos, and personal check or money order (made payable to Reagan 64 Reunion) no later than Sept. 25 to: Reagan 64 Reunion, 211 Barker Rd. Box 485, Barker, TX 77413. Information: www. classreport.org/usa/tx/houston/ rhs/1964/.

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KINDNESS OR CRUELTY?

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ltimately, there are only two basic motives which animate us, kindness or cruelty. On the side of kindness is everything that unites and uplifts us: the kind or encouraging word, the helping or healing hand, the invitation to join the group and to be a part of the great family of God. On the side of cruelty is everything that divides and debases: the mean or cutting remark, the discouraging word, the clenched ﬁst and the hand which pushes away, the barrier to inclusion which says you aren’t welcome here. There is love and there is strife. Love unites; strife divides. Love is kind; strife is cruel. There is no third option here. You cannot be indifferent to the choice between kindness and cruelty. We should pray that we steadfastly choose to be on the side of kindness. I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. William Penn

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Page 8A • Saturday, September 13, 2014

Neighbors: Celebrating success in the classroom and beyond By Elizabeth Villareal elizasgarden@outlook.com

Happy, happy anniversary to Larry and Marie Pepper who celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary recently and were surprised with a lovely party thrown by their daughter, Lori Pepper Lancaster, at her historic home in Smithville, TX. Friends and family came from all over the state to celebrate the couple. The Peppers, serious Texans football fans, were married at Heights Presbyterian Church on Sept. 2, 1960. Larry, a graduate of Reagan High School, married his sweetheart, Marie Emanuel, who grew up in Donna, TX. Their daughter, Lori, who was graduated from Scarborough High School in 1982, is married to Doug Lancaster and they have a 19 year old son, D.J., who is the apple of his grandparents’ eyes. One of our neighbors, Marisol Rodriguez, is always busy making a difference in some way. Involved in local politics since she was a teenager, Marisol is a graduate of Waltrip High School and St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, granddaughter of Adalia Rodriguez of Shepherd Forest, niece of Graciela Negrete of Shepherd Forest, and daughter of Karen Becerra of Candlelight Oaks. Marisol has moved to a new position about which she is most excited. She is the new Associate State Director of Outreach and Advocacy for AARP Texas. She can be our conduit for information about

helpful AARP programs. Here’s the first one: Travel Training by AARP, METRO, Neighborhood Centers and Sheltering Arms. A training event designed to teach members of the 50+ community the necessary skills to travel safely and independently on fixed-route public transportation. Community partners will team up with the 50+ community on navigating the Houston METRO system. After the training, lunch will be provided by AARP Texas. Thursday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to Noon. Contact Metro Travel Training at 713-750-4234 for more information. The training will be at the Leonel Castillo Community Center located at 2101 South Street, Houston, TX 77009. For more information, please call Marisol at 832-325-2230. Captain Nickolas Whitefield, United States Marine Corps, was promoted last week to the rank of Major. Major Whitefield was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 2004 after graduating from Texas A&M University and is currently serving as the S-3 (Operations Officer) for the 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines. He is stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, with his wife, Laura and children Audrey and Ethan. His parents are Bill and Janeal Whitefield of Candlelight Plaza, and his grandmother is Billie Whitefield of Oak Forest. Congratulations Major Whitefield! Army Pfc. Joshua Anderson has graduated from

THE OBITUARIES. Charles William “Bill” Bishop, 88, born April 17, 1926, in Chickasha, Okla., died Sept. 1. Bishop grew up in the Heights, attending Hogg Junior High School and Reagan High School where he met his future wife Exa Lee Drawe. He went on to The Rice Institute on a baseball scholarship after serving in WWII. After graduating from Rice he took a coaching job in Smithville. The family came back to Houston when he accepted a coaching position at Hogg Junior High School then a position at Sam Houston High School and ﬁnally the head baseball coach at Sterling High School. He continued his tenure at the HISD administration ofﬁce until his retirement in the mid 1980s. Bishop is survived by his wife of 67 years Exa Lee, daughters Ann Bishop and Laura Briggs, son Boyd Bishop, and three grandchildren. Friends and family will gather after the graveside service at St. Matthews United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 4300 N. Shepherd Dr. 77018. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthews United Methodist Church, Attn.: Lydia’s Circle. Alvis Franklin Bolton Jr., 64, born Nov. 12, 1949 in Jacksonville, Texas, died Sept. 4, after several strokes. Bolton graduated from Sam Houston State University with a BBA in 1973. He is survived by his wife Diana Bolton, and sisters Anne Adams and Anita Rice. Daisy Imogene Cossey, 100, born Jan. 4, 1914 in Damascus, Ark., died Sept. 5. Cossey grew up on a farm with her four brothers and two sisters. She married Ernest Cossey in 1932. She was a member of Heights Presbyterian Church and a 50+ year member of the Order of Eastern Star. Cossey is survived by her daughter in-laws Lillian Cossey and Mildred Cossey, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Earl R. Flynn, 82, born May 5, 1932 in Houston, died Aug. 31. He grew up in the Heights, graduated Reagan High School and also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He bravely served front lines in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953, receiving a Purple Heart. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, Flynn lived a successful yet humble life operating several companies. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Nelda, daughters Kathy Flynn, Beverly Flores and Stacey Bartula, and his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Emilie G. Massa, 99, born Sept. 1, 1914 in Nice, France, died Aug. 30, two days shy of her 100th birthday. Massa’s profession in the restaurant and hotel industry gave her opportunities to travel to many of France’s exclusive resorts and create a lifetime of memories. She came to America with her son, Daniel, in 1956 and settled in Houston where she met the love of her life, Tony Massa. They were married in April of 1958. Emilie worked with Tony at the original Massa’s Oyster House at 620 Louisiana Street. The Massa’s Restaurant tradition continues today with nephews Mike and Joe Massa. She was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church, and more than 32 years spent her time volunteering at St. Luke’s Hospital International Patient Services. She was a member of several organizations, including the Houston Restaurant Association, the Italian Cultural and Community Center, Women’s Rotary Club of Houston, Catholic Daughters of America and Unico. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas High School’s 4500 Forever Fund, 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston 77007.

basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During nine weeks of training, he studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical ﬁtness, and received instruction and practice in

ﬁeld training exercises. Pfc. Anderson is the son of Stephanie Anderson and grandson of Mae Anderson. He is a 2012 graduate of John H. Reagan High School.

last year – a tremendous time was had by everyone. You can be sure heavenly food will be served by local eateries, delicious wines of all kinds will be poured just for you (elegant, ﬂamboyant, velvety, intellec-

and they will sell out quickly. The Waltrip Rambots journeyed to the Red Stick Rumble FTC Tournament in Baton Rouge, LA, and emerged with a second place ﬁnish in

Contributed Photo The Waltrip Rambots stand with their robot after journeying to the Red Stick Rumble FTC Tournament in Baton Rouge, LA. The students emerged witha second place ﬁnish in the First Test Challenge - Class.

basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and

Oak Forest Homeowners Association’s 2nd Annual Taste of Oak Forest Wine Extravaganza to beneﬁt SEAL Security is scheduled for Nov. 1st. Tickets will be available online at tasteofoakforest. eventbee.com. The Wine Extravaganza was a huge success

tually satisfying, opulent and reﬁned are just a few of the descriptions which applied to the wines available last year), and excellent conversation with your neighbors will be the best treat (neighbors from other neighborhoods are welcome, too). Each ticket is $75

the FTC (First Tech Challenge Class). The robotics team is led by CTE teacher and Robotics sponsor Stephanie “Spoony” Witherspoon and the students who competed are Brooke Welch, Zach Dunn, Alyssa Murrell, Amanda Edwards, Joey Townsend, Emma

Art a la Carte: Entrepeneur opens new gallery for ‘fire-born arts’ Two of my favorite things about the Heights area are the seemingly endless treasures and the fiercely independent entrepreneurs that thrive here. Ruth Brenton founded Incendium Gallery, which represents the fire-born arts; that would be jewelry, metal and enameling. Incendium showcases some of the best in these mediums from Houston based artists. Incendium Gallery itself is unusual in that you will only find it at a physiMitch Cohen cal location a few times a year. Located Arts Columnist within the new curated, cooperative professional space, White Space HOU at 2914 White Oak Dr. A short walk between Salé Sucré French Bistro and Tacos A Go-Go, and you are there. The clean industrial black and white space comes alive with artwork and I imagine Ruth Brenton’s Incendium Gallery will transform the space with here quarterly pop up gallery shows. Friday evening Incendium Gallery presents “Local Flare,” an opening reception featuring eleven artists, from 6 to 8 p.m. then on view Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There after, only available online Sept. 14 - Nov. 30, at www.incendiumgallery. com. The artists include Melanie Hoo, Nathan Dube, Ruth Brenton, Telltale Heart, Edward Lane McCartney, Sandra Zilker, Jan Arthur Harrell, Mariana Sammartino, Patty Scott, Silvia Otala, Marcela McLean, and Gwendolyn McLarty.

Sunday Mini Pops at Westheimer and Dunlavy, noon - 6 p.m. Pop Shop Houston, 1657 Westheimer St., hosts Pavement Clothing and Leopard Lounge. The Wiggins perform at 5 p.m. and the Reverberation DJ’s spin vintage soul, rock and roll, and garage. The free activity will be making your own yarn pom poms. Juice Girl and the Golden Grill will offer beverages and food with free beer tastings by Karbach and lots of handmade and vintage goods to browse and purchase. Tuesday, Sept. 16 Drinks with the Writers of Sugar & Rice Magazine, Antidote Coffee at 6:30 p.m. 729 Studewood St. Sugar & Rice is an independent publication that is telling the stories of the Gulf Coast through the lens of food.

Friday “Dwellings” opening reception for Denise Liebl, 6 to 8 p.m. Cloister Gallery, Christ Church Cathedral 1117 Texas Avenue. On view through September 29, Houston artist Denise Liebl juxtaposes mass-produced and natural objects in this series of large-scale still lifes in oil and watercolor. *I have not been to an opening in this space yet, however I can tell you it is awesome. The space is also the dining area for Treebeards second restaurant location. A delicious combination! Saturday Open artist studios 2 to 5 p.m. at Winter, Spring & Silver Street Studios 2101 Winter Street and 1824 Spring Street. (www.winterstreetstudios.info) Opening Receptions: Kelley Devine “Unwhole” and Adam Nisenson “Vinyl Voyage” 5 - 8 p.m. at Nicole Longnecker Gallery, 2625 Colquitt St.

Edward Lane McCartney’s necklace, created with hand fabricated acrylic, part of “Local Flare.”

Albin C. Meschwitz, 81, born Sept. 12, 1932, died Sept. 7. Jesus Morales, 76, born March 1, 1938 in San Benito, Texas, died Aug. 31. He is survived by his wife Blanca Morales, daughter Yvette Ramirez, son Jaime Morales, sisters Alicia Cabrera and Dolores Armas, and three grandchildren. Wanda Alyne Lawrence Rodd, 87, born Jan. 29, 1927, died Sept. 4. She lived most of her life in the Heights where she raised her four children. She worked at The Shamrock Hilton where she met her husband, James G. Rodd, and later worked at First City National Bank Cafeteria, and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Cafeteria. She is survived by her children Danny Williamson, Rodney Rodd, Cindy Manuel, Stephanie Andrews, 14 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Thomas Samuel “Tommy” Tilotta, 50, born Sept. 9, 1963, died Aug. 29. He is survived by his mother, Juanita Tilotta; son, Robert Thomas Tilotta; brother, Mike Tilotta; and sisters Jean and Virginia Tilotta. Fauncine Martin, 86, died September 2, 2014. Born in Los Angeles, California October 26, 1927 and grew up in Houston. She was a long time Oak Forest resident and spent many years as a successful real estate agent/broker in the area. Memorial services will be held Monday, September 22, 2014 at 11am at St Stephen’s United Methodist Church located at 2003 W 43rd St, Houston, TX 77018

Jan Arthur Harrell’s enameled panels - part of the Incendium Gallery’s opening reception titled “Local Flare.”

Saturday, September 13, 2014 • Page 9A

Grace Bible Church aims to be more than a ‘good neighbor’ By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

The congregation of Grace Bible Church has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the living room of Senior Pastor and Elder West Brazelton’s home. The group recently celebrated its move into a brand new two-story facility on Hurst Street, and hosted its fourth week of services this past Sunday. GBC has moved from place to place since its start about 11 years ago, transition-

ing out of Brazelton’s home, to a movie theater, then to a facility on W. 14th Street and now at its new facility on just under 9 acres of land. Brazelton said the new facility offers plenty of growing room for the church but emphasizes that it isn’t about a numbers game. “We’re a different kind of church,” Brazelton said. “Numeric growth isn’t the goal of our church. It’s the byproduct of discipleship.” Brazelton rougly estimates that GBC has over 1,000 people

participating in small groups, which is the main focus of the congregation. At the church’s old facility, Brazelton said the group had no designated adult gathering space to help foster a better sense of community. Now, “partners” within the church can enjoy plenty of space to grow in and more. “We have a much larger foyer area where people can mingle after services,” Brazelton said. “We also have a kitchen, a living room, a playground and a pavilion to help encourage people to build

relationships with each other and God.” A relationship with God isn’t the only thing on Brazelton’s mind. Members of the adjacent Timbergrove Manor community have voiced their displeasure online about the trafﬁc issues facing the area, an issue which Brazelton insists he and other elders are taking seriously. During the development of the new facility, Brazelton said both his architects and representatives with the City of Houston indicated that

the parking lot designed for the new church would be adequate for the congregation, however this has not necessarily been the case. Members have parked in and around the parking lot, much to the dismay of the nearby homeowners. Among some of the options available to GBC involves creating extra parking space on an undeveloped plot of land on the southeast corner of the property or purchasing additional land, Brazelton said. “I get that our neighbors are alarmed by how much we’re parking in the neighborhood,” Brazelton said. “We are too. We didn’t expect this at all, and we’re working hard to try to get a great solution together as quickly as possible as we do want to be good neighbors. It’s going to take some time.” Brazelton said he and his church were attracted to the Greater Heights area for a number of reasons, particu-

larly the economic and racial diversity. The senior pastor stressed that he wants to have a church that reﬂects all demographics and said that a church that does so “reﬂects God’s will.” To that end, Brazelton said the new facility isn’t the most important part of GBC’s growth, but rather will be a very important tool in the church’s mission to equip and mobilize people to do “God’s work” and be a positive force in their neighborhoods. “We want our church to make a difference in the city of Houston and we want to be a blessing to the whole community,” Brazelton said. “We want to help people grow in their love for God and for other people, and we think if we do that we will be a great blessing not only to the Greater Heights area but to Houston as well.” For more information, visit www.gbchouston.org.

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�� Photo by Jonathan Garris Senior Pastor and Elder West Brazelton gives a sermon during a Sunday service inside of Grace Bible Church’s new home on Hurst Street in the Greater Heights area. The two-story facility sits on about 9 acres of land next to the Timbergrove Manor community and oﬀers space for small groups, a new sanctuary, a pavilion, a kitchen and various other amenities.

Shepherd Forest Civic Club aims sights on deed restrictions, resident participation By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com

Members of the Shepherd Forest Civic Club are urgently trying to finalize the ratification of its amended deed restrictions for two of its sections, and representatives say they need more help from their residents. Civic club representative Jan Hughes said the committee has ratified deed restrictions for section 3 of the neighborhood and is now focusing on gathering signatures for sections 1 and 2. According to the group’s website, the new deed restrictions will prohibit the parking of vehicles in yards, the construction of new carports, parking vehicles in yards, placing appliances and furniture on lots and will also require residents to “maintain homes and yards in an attractive manner.” The website also states that the entire “Amended & Restated Deed Restriction proposal” was discussed and voted on at a 1999 civic club meeting. Like other communities, every homeowner is asked to sign an official copy of the proposed deed restrictions and is required to attain over 50 percent of the residents signatures. “We had been working for a while on getting the rest of the restrictions signed, but it just seemed like the ball needed to get rolling again,” Hughes said.

Hughes said the crux of the deed restrictions is like that of most other areas – they’re ratified as a means to protect neighborhoods from unwanted elements and provide a more consistent appearance throughout the area. While the original deed restrictions are still in place, Hughes said there will be different phrasing in some places and cleaner text. “We’re making sure the values don’t fall below what we want them to be,” Hughes said. “We want to remain comprised of single-family homes without having lots split up with multiple townhouses on them. It’s about providing an extra layer of protection for things like that.” It’s part of the reason why the initiative calls for participation from as many residents as possible, which has been challenging for the group and is evidenced by the amount of time it has taken to ratify the current deed restrictions throughout the community. “It can be a difficult process,” Hughes said. “A lot of people may not be that interested in what goes on in the community or might have tunnel vision when it comes to the issues facing where they live.” Adding to the difficulty is the large influx of people moving into the area. The location and local economy have been strong attractors for young professionals and other residents, and they may not be

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fully aware of the issues facing the civic club. With trying to attain a percentage of signatures greater than 50 percent of its residents, the group also faces a war of attrition of sorts brought about by residents moving in and out of the area. On the other end of the spectrum, Hughes also said much older residents who are heavily invested in the community still might not enjoy the shift of newsletters and other methods of community outreach online and across social media networks. Hughes herself posted about an upcoming deed restriction signing event on Sept. 27 to the Shepherd Forest Facebook page on Aug. 26. “Getting the information out there is one thing,” Hughes said. “Making sure people receive it and understand it is another.” The signing event, which will be held in conjunction with the community’s National Night Out celebration, is aimed at not only helping the group obtain its signatures but also probe some interest from community members in their civic club, Hughes said. The group typically goes doorto-door when a new neighbor moves into the area, however applying that same principle and going house to house for signatures isn’t as practical in a neighborhood of about 930 residents. “Nowadays people don’t answer the door even if you go

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from house to house,” Hughes said. “The signing event gives us a chance to not only hand out a copy of the restrictions, but also questions can be answered and we can help let people know about what’s happening in the neighborhood.”

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How can I ensure my pet lives as healthy and as long as possible? Dear Tabby, My dog is my best friend and he’s already getting up there in age (he’s 8 years old). I’d like for him to live forever--and know that’s not an option--but I would like to know what I can do to ensure that he lives the longest, healthiest life possible.

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--Fearing the Reaper in Garden Oaks Not to get your hopes up but, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the longest-lived dog was “Bluey,” an Australian Cattle Dog who lived in Rochester, Victoria, Australia. Bluey lived to be 29.5 years old, dying in 1939. While it’s unlikely that your dog will live to be as old as that old mate, Bluey, veterinarians agree that there are simple things that you can do to increase your dog’s lifespan. According to veterinarians, breed plays a big role in how long your dog will live--longevity correlates directly to breed size. Large dogs typically have shorter life spans than small or medium-size dogs do, and toy-breed dogs tend to live longest of all. Staying lean and ﬁt is also an important part of canine longevity. As a rule, heavier dogs have shorter life spans. Studies have shown that slightly underweight dogs live an average of two years longer than overweight dogs. This probably goes

With a name straight out of a soap opera, Jake Blake is sure to steal your heart (and possibly fake his own death, at some point). Like a proper leading man, this 5 year old, 24 lb stunner has impeccable manners, is house trained completely, doesn’t chew, loves a good walk and a quiet nap. To make Jake Blake the star of your show, please visit www.K-9AngelsRescue.org or www.facebook.com/k9angelsrescue.

without saying but, regular veterinary care plays a huge role in keeping your dog happy and healthy for many years, as does regular exercise and grooming (tooth brushing being an important part of this equation). Having your dog spayed or neutered also decreases the risk of cancer of the reproductive organs and, obviously, cuts down on the pet overpopulation crisis. The good news is that we’re seeing dogs live longer and healthier lives than ever before, and it’s undoubtedly because pets are

considered a part of our family. We take great care to make sure that they’re well cared for, healthy and happy, which would make any dog eager to live as long as Bluey. Strut Your Mutt: Plan to be at TC Jester Park (4201 W. TC Jester) on Saturday, Sept. 20 for the Best Friends Animal Society’s 2nd Annual “Strut Your Mutt” dog walk and fun run. “Strut Your Mutt” is a leisurely fundraising dog walk and fun run with your dog, followed by a doggie-themed

festival that includes pet contests, photos, doggie goodies, fun activities for the whole family, including food, refreshments and more. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the Fun Run/ Walk begin at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds will be used to save the lives of animals at our local shelters by funding adoption and spay/ neuter programs. Go to: www.strutyourmutt.org to learn more. Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail. com

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