Leader0914a by The Heights Leader, Fort Bend Star and The Greensheet

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Inside Today: Get ready for the health care changes • Page 2B

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The Big Boom

THE BRIEF.

Growth in this community is nearly everywhere you look, and this is only a small part of it. The most active area in this report is along Studewood and near White Oak/6th Street.

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Pay hike designed to boost jury participation

34th Street

Harris County jurors got a 33 percent “raise” this week – to a rate of $40 a day – and officials are hoping it’s an extra incentive for residents to serve. The announcement was made Tuesday, with District Clerk Chris Daniel saying the increase should help encourage part-time workers, homemakers, retirees and the unemployed to participate – and to reduce the number of jury summons that are ignored. Daniel said the move should also broaden the demographics of Harris County juries. “The public has more confidence in a justice system when jury panels reflect the demographics of the county,” Daniel said. “I’m hoping that higher jury pay draws in more people in general, including low-wage workers.” Jurors received a $2 a day increase last a year ago, bringing the daily rate to $30.

Graphic by Jonathan McElvy Map is not to scale

IH 610

20th Street

21 14 15

11th Street

6th Street/White Oak

Studewood

6 7

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KEY

8. City Oven - 2802 White Oak 9. Coltivare - 3620 White Oak 10. The El Cantina - 602 Studewood 11. Village of the Heights - 1407 Studewood 12. Torchy’s/Heights Gen. Store - 350 19th 13. Baptist Temple - 230 W. 20th St. 14. Fat Cat Creamery - 1901 N. Shepherd

Heights Blvd

1. Sonic - 2720 Washington Ave. 2. Social Junkie - 2412 Washington Ave. 3. Yale St. Market - Yale, south of I-10 4. Alta Heights Apts. - 145 Heights Blvd. 5. Alexan Apts. - Yale, between 7th & 5th 6. Yucatan Taco Stand - 1001 Studewood 7. Good Dog - 903 Studewood

Shepherd

Durham

Washington Ave.

15. Foreign Correstpondents - 1819 Shepherd 16. Berryhill - 1201 W. 43rd St. 17. LA Fitness - 4412 N. Shepherd 18. Cowboy Surfer - 3322 Ella Blvd. 19. Hughies Tavern - 1802 W. 18th St. 20. Spaghetti Western - 1951 W. T.C. Jester 21. Tik Tok - 1412 W. 20th St.

Development projects just scratch the surface of area’s growth ��

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See more, Page 4B

by Charlotte Aguilar charlotte@theleadernews.com

e’re all about bringing you the latest news developments in your neighborhoods here at The Leader, but this week, our focus is about developments -- literally. There’s nothing weighty here about trends, forecasts, dollar ﬁgures. It’s all about what’s going in where and what might make the quality of your life a little more interesting in the next few weeks or months. Most of what’s new involves food, some

of it housing. That’s one of those chickenor-egg questions that can never be answered authoritatively. Is it upscale housing and high-end, high-density development that’s driving great retail and restaurants options, or are growing retail and restaurant options helping to attract more interesting housing? So here you go -- 21 new locations in Leader communities. Feel free to email us with your additions at news@theleadernews. com, so we can report what you observe in your own neighborhood for us to pass along, and to do this wrap-up from time to

time. 1. Sonic, 2720 Washington Ave. Washington Avenue has clubs and taverns that stay open into the wee hours and eateries that don’t, along with a smattering of food trucks. This recently opened Sonic, with drive-thru and drive-up service, is ﬁlling a niche for those interested in a quick order of Tots to offset their alcohol intake, according to accounts of long lines at the drive-thru, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. 2. Social Junkie, 2412 Washington Ave. Once the venerable Pig Stand, this location morphed into a trendy but troubled night-

Mystery solved: City says faulty valve was sapping water pressure by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

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THE INDEX.

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2A 7A 4A 5A 6A 4A 7B 4B

The days of low water pressure appear to be numbered for residents of Lazybrook and Timbergrove. The city of Houston Public Works Department has determined that a leaking valve is responsible for lower water pressure levels in the area. The specialty valve is 24 inches and connected to 72inch and 46-inch lines, respectively, according to Alvin Wright, public information ofﬁcer for the city’s Public Works Department. It is located somewhere between West 18th Street and Ella. Wright said it typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for the specialty valve to arrive and for it to be installed, but it could be sooner. “We’ll open it, and open the pipeline, restoring pressure in the area,” Wright said. The water pressure rates in that area have been around 41-42 pounds, but one resident reported it as low as 39. The normal rate is 50, and anything below 35 is considered unacceptably low by the city. Public works employees have regularly visited homes in the neighborhood to check water pressure rates, but until now, the exact cause was unknown. Timbergrove resident Ben Crabb was the ﬁrst resident to make the issue known outside the neighborhood, in July. He writes and edits the Nor’westerner

Until this week, low water pressure in the Lazybrook and Timbergrove areas was a mystery, with crews checking residents’ reports at hydrants and individual residential meters. Now the city has determined a 24-inch specialty valve needs to be replaced. (Photo by Charlotte Aguilar) monthly newsletter. “We could get off into a discussion about pressure vs. ﬂow rates, and I found a neighbor who seemed pretty versed in all that, but basically, as consumers, all we best care about is to not have falling water pressure when Lake Houston supplies remain near 100 percent full,” Crabb wrote in the July edition of the newsletter. He’d described the problem, which affects everything from sprinklers to drinking water, as more of an “inconvenience” than a health issue.

spot known as Sawyer Park, and on Monday of this week, reopened as Social Junkie, just in time for the Texans’ Monday Night Football thriller. The emphasis of the 3,000square-foot facility is in on sports-watching, with 30 HDTVs on two ﬂoors and three bars, some with a view of downtown. Pig Stand aﬁcionados wouldn’t know the old place. 3. Yale Street Market, between I-10 and Koehler on (yes), Yale Street. The vast old San Jacinto Stone yard and a couple blocks

see Development • Page 3A

Heights area gaining B-cycle bikeshare station One of the growing network of Houston B-cycle bike share stations will be placed in Spotts Park, 401 S. Heights Blvd., sometime this month, ofﬁcials with the program announced this week as part of a series of six new sites. The location is near Waugh Drive, Washington Avenue, and about halfway between downtown and Memorial Park. That will bring the total to 27 stations -- largely in the downtown, Montrose, Museum District and Medical Center neighborhoods -- with about 200 bikes. The program, which is popular in big cities around the globe and was launched here in May of 2012, provides low-cost public bicycles that can be used for short rides between popular locations that have easy access to other public transportation. Other new locations include at 2401 Taft St. at Fairview, outside the Menil Collection at 1529 W. Alabama St., the Leonel Castillo Community Center at 2109 South St., at 2215 Milam St. downtown, and at Project Row House, 2521 Holman St. Riders can buy a 24-hour pass for $5, a week-long membership for $15 or an annual membership for $65. The memberships give access to the bikes for 60 minutes before rental charges of $2 an hour kick in. Houston B-cycle members can pick up a bike at any B-station and return it to that same station or any

see Bicycle Progam • Page 3A

Page 2A • The Leader • September 14, 2013 • @heightsleader

3 suspects in custody, 1 still at-large in deadly Denny’s robbery Houston police have arrested a third suspect and are still seeking a fourth, all charged with capital murder in the fatal shooting of one man and the wounding of another at the Denny’s at 7300 Washington Ave. about 10:40 p.m. on Aug. 26. Leroy Houston, 18, was arrested Monday by homicide investigators. In addition, suspects Corey Hilton, 20, and Mario Hilton, 18, are both in custody and charged with capital murder in the 182nd State District Court. A fourth suspect, KeJackson nya D. Jackson, 20, is also charged with capital murder in the same court. Jackson remains at-large, and investigators are hoping release of his mugshot will lead to his capture. They are not releasing photos of the suspects in custody yet.

A customer at the Denny’s, 64-year-old Robert G. Placette of Katy, was shot to death as he tried to protect children in the restaurant, according to eyewitnesses. A 43-year-old employee was also shot but is expected to recover. According to investigators, suspects Corey and Mario Hilton and Kenya Jackson, all wearing bandanas and masks, entered the Denny’s restaurant at the above location and immediately fired several shots. They ordered all customers and employees to the floor and demanded their property, shooting Placette and the employee, who reportedly tried to escape through the front door. The suspects then fled the scene in an unknown minivan. Placette was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Hospital, and the other victim was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital in stable condition. Further information led to the identification of the Hiltons and Jackson as suspects in this case. All three were charged on Sept. 6, and Corey and Mario Hilton were arrested. Jackson remains at-large. The investigation into the incident continues. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kenya Jackson is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Three arrested in Comerica Bank robbery The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Houston oﬃce has announced that three suspects have been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery in the Aug. 30 robbery of the Comerica Bank, 414 West 19th Street. The suspects, Roman Mendez, Jose Montejano and Diego Rodriguez, were arrested on Aug. 30. The prosecution is pending on the case, so a representative from the FBI was unable to comment further.

High-speed chase ends in arrest

The Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Oﬃce arrested Roger Warren Jones, 48, on Sept. 1 in Shepherd Park Plaza and charged him with felony evading and tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony. A deputy noticed two suspicious looking men driving a 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier in the 4600 block of North Shepherd and stopped the car.

The unknown passenger allegedly had a crack pipe and was smoking crack, oblivious to the fact there was an officer in uniform outside the car. Jones, the driver of the car, allegedly drove off, leading the deputy on a chase throughout Shepherd Park Plaza streets at high speeds. The pipe was thrown out of the car during the chase, and the passenger jumped out of the car around Pinemont and Ella, constables reported. Jones then went to 505 Thornton, the location of the Las Palmas Apartment Complex, where the deputy Tasered him. It didn’t affect him, as he entered an apartment, they said. Eventually, Jones surrendered and was arrested. He had a federal warrant for his arrest on a parole violation. Jones is currently being held in the Harris County Jail without bond.

Robbery at nearby Verizon prompts lockdown at Oak Forest Elementary

Oak Forest Elementary was under lockdown earlier at 12:35 p.m. Tuesday afternoon as a precautionary measure due to a nearby robbery. It was lifted approximately two hours later. According to HPD, oﬃcers responded at 12:35 p.m. to a robbery in progress call at the Verizon Store, 1349 W. 43rd St. The school, located at 1401 West 43rd Street, was under lockdown as a precaution minutes as they soon as they received notice of the robbery. Oak Forest principal Jenny Thomas sent an email to Oak Forest parents. “We were in constant communication with the police department through the lockdown,” Thomas wrote. “We lifted the lockdown as soon as we were given the clear from our police department. As always, the safety of our students is our primary concern.”

Police Reports, Aug. 29 - Sept. 6 AUG. 29

Theft 08:30 PM 2700-2799 WHITE OAK DR Theft 08:30 PM 3900-3999 WASHINGTON AVE Burglary 04:00 PM 1600-1699 HARVARD ST Theft 06:30 PM 4200-4299 MAIN ST

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Page 3A • The Leader • September 14, 2013 • @heightsleader

Development: No part of community is without renovation continued from Page 1A of adjacent wood frame homes have been cleared, and construction is about to begin on this latest development brought in by the momentum of Walmart’s venture into Washington Heights. Key tenant is Sprouts Farmers Market, a healthy grocer that’s become a less pricey alternative to Whole Foods, and an LA Fitness and Guitar Center are also set. In fact, David Stukalin, who’s leasing the center, tells The Leader there’s only one vacancy remaining -- and plenty of prospective takers. 4. Alta Heights Apartments, 145 Heights Blvd. A 256-unit luxury apartment development, in the pre-leasing phase, emphasizes walkability to the growing number of Washington Corridor lifestyle businesses, eateries and clubs. Units range from studios at $985 to two bedrooms at $1,955 a month. 5. Alexan Heights, Yale Street between 5th and 7th streets. One development has now become two -- Trammell Crow Residential’s combined 700-plus upscale complex that’s large on convenience for prospective tenants -- but which has galvanized opposition worried about the extra trafﬁc that it will bring to increasingly congested Yale. Construction has yet to start as the developers wade through city regulations (yes, even without zoning, there are hurdles to be cleared). 6. Yucatan Taco Stand, 1001 Studewood. One of those seemingly snakebitten locations, the luxury site was Bedford ﬁrst, then celeb chef Bryan Caswell’s Stella Sola, and appeared destined to become an Inner Loop outpost of another celebrity chef, steak and barbecue guru Ronnie Killen. But that never happened, and now

LA Fitness is one of the newest completed contruction projects in our area. While construction lasted through much of the summer, the new gym is open and will host a grand opening this weekend. (Photo by Charlotte Aguilar) this Latin-themed restaurant and bar, with a location already in the Woodlands, is aiming for an opening sometime in the fall. 7. Good Dog, 903 Studewood. Lots of folks were sad to see the Cajun specialties of the Big Mamou disappear from this quaint Heights bungalow. But Good Dog’s story is a warm-fuzzy one -- a couple of nice, hardworking young people who’ve created one of Houston’s most popular food trucks (often a visitor at Buchanan’s Nursery and community events on weekends, building up local interest) and now ready to make a go of an actual restaurant. They’re also looking at a fall opening. 8. City Oven, 2802 White Oak Drive. When the parent company of the D’Amico’s family Italian restaurant and market at this site decided that concept wasn’t working, they shifted gears into what

they do best and what’s working in the Heights these days -- a casual eatery with atmosphere and plenty of craft beer choices that’s just opened. Take a look on page 7A to see what our Leader Eater thinks. 9. Coltivare, 3620 White Oak Drive. The folks who brought you Revival Market on Heights Boulevard, that mecca of locally sourced meats, produce and dairy, are slowly creating this Italian eatery. A main feature will be a vast produce and herb garden. 10. The ‘El’ Cantina, 602 Studewood. Ken Bridge has done Asian, pizza, modern diner and tavern concepts. Now he’s tackling classic Tex-Mex and paying homage to his favorite set of wheels, the El Camino. The site is an old gas station and a popular club called the Redi Room, which Bridge remembers fondly from his youth. No opening date set yet. 11. Village of the Heights, 1407

Bicycle Program • from Page 1A

Studewood. A (by today’s stan- a solid following in local markets craft beer joint at the site of two dards) smallish supermarket that and restaurants. failed pizza places, right on Ella’s 15. Foreign Correspondents/ fast food restaurant row. No word had served the neighborhood since the 1950s is making way for some- Hunky Dory, 1819 Shepherd on when, though. thing the developers of Village Drive. The team behind the suc19. Hughie’s Tavern and Grille, of the Heights say is desperately cessful Down House on Yale and 1802 W. 18th St. This site was a needed in the community -- hous- D&T Drive Inn icehouse on Cav- DQ, then Queen Burger, and its ing for senior citizens. Leasing is alcade are putting in a Thai restau- owners have taken their cues from underway for assisted living and rant (just announced) and a bar at what’s popular in the area and memory care at the luxury facility, this former used car lot. (See more their walking distance to hundreds of Lazybrook and Timbergrove which is expected to open in about in Nibbles on page 7A.) a year. 16. Berryhill, 1201 W. 43rd St. residences to open a nice, wood 12. The old Harolds building, You’ve gotta give Park Blair points paneled eatery and tavern. There 350 W. 19th St. Torchy’s Tacos, for persistence. After buying a gas are Vietnamese specialties, along an Austin transplant that’s be- station in the booming Garden with ghosts of menus past, includcome wildly successful at its two Oaks-Oak Forest area (known as ing steak fingers and burgers, for Houston locations, is opening at 7 GOOF, by some local wags), he’s an interesting mix, along with an a.m. Sept. 26 -- and offering one gone through a series of challeng- array of craft beers. free breakfast taco that day plus a es to open his second Berryhill’s, 20. Spaghetti Western, 1951 W. chance to win free tacos for a year. and he’s hoping to have it open by T.C. Jester. This Shepherd Drive Torchy’s has gotten the most buzz the first of the year. He promises it favorite for 12 years is opening a in this redevelopment of the clas- will exceed even his well-designed second location any day now at a sic Harolds men’s clothier build- and popular 11th Street Berryhills, vacant former Tex-Mex joint in ing, but the Heights General Store completely geared to the changing a Lazybrook strip center. It features pizzas, pastas, salads and seems tailor-made for the com- demographics. Stay tuned. 17. LA Fitness, 4412 N. Shep- sandwiches with a full bar and a munity, too. Opening “this fall,” it promises fresh, locally sourced herd Drive. Is it any wonder, with wide selection of draft and bottled products at a restaurant, coffee all these restaurants and bars, that beers. 21. Tik Tok, 1412 W. 20th St. and juice bars and a market. And LA Fitness is finding desirable loa third tenant has yet to be named. cations. This giant Garden Oaks Rudyard’s British Pub has long The Harolds script neon sign still location opened recently. been a hotspot on Waugh Drive. remains. 18. Cowboy Surfers/Surfing Now owner Leila Rodgers is plan13. Baptist Temple site, 230 W. Cowboy, 3322 Ella Blvd. Lance ning for Tik Tok, at the edge of the 20th St. Braun Enterprises, who Fegen of Liberty Kitchen and BRC Heights and Lazybrook, to open bought Harolds and owns the Yale Gastropub renown, says he still next summer with food, drink and plans to open a local restaurant- live entertainment. Street Grill and Pharmacy build- Ad # 31448 ing, recently bought and cleared the century-old part of the Baptist Since 1978 Temple from this location. The $ 00 idea is for more retail and dining Alterations & from up options at the site. 281-741-8611 14. Fat Cat Creamery, 1901 N. Dry Cleaning Caring & Professional • est 2003 Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm, Sat 8 am - 3 pm Shepherd Drive. Ideally, the Fat Family/owned/operated Cat Creamery folks were hoping 1765 W. 34th • 713-682-8785 houstonpetcremationservices.com for a summer opening of their first free-standing location, but that didn’t happen due to construction issues with this makeover of an Temporary Strip Door Systems old Shepherd Drive building. In Convert a garage to a comfortable Houston, ice cream’s pretty much and functional room with easy a year-round treat, and the Cats, access to the outdoors. as they call themselves, have built

The Houston Heights Association (HHA) will have a fourth Harris County Precinct 1 Constable deputy patrolling the neighborhood by next month, pending approval by the Commissioner’s Court. “When we got over 1,000 subscribers, it kind of peaked our interest,” said Association vice president of operations and ﬁnance Bill Baldwin, who said the HHA has reached 1,050 subscribers to the program. If approved by the Court, the fourth deputy would begin patrolling on Oct. 5. The Constable Patrol program requires a homeowners or civic association to pay 80 percent, and Harris County pays the remaining 20 percent.

“We’re exceptionally pleased with it,” Baldwin said. The program started in January 2009 with three deputies. “A higher number of constables was always the plan,” Baldwin said. “All three constables patrol the whole area.” Baldwin said most of the concerns in the neighborhood involve vandalism, mischievious students after school and people being safe from burglaries when they’re at work during the day. He said the increase in restaurant and bar trafﬁc in the evening has brought a new set of safety concerns, for which an added deputy is an excellent resource. The current contract runs through Feb. 28, and Baldwin said HHA would like to add a ﬁfth deputy next year. That would require 250 more subscribers.

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“We have a very good chance of getting there,” Baldwin said. Oak Forest HOA security plan moves forward Oak Forest Homeowners Association board member Lucy FisherCain said more than 200 residents have paid for the contract security program with Strategic Executive and Logistical (S.E.A.L.) Security Solutions, a private security ﬁrm. The HOA has a goal of getting 25 percent of Oak Forest’s 5,500 residents to pay for the security’s three ofﬁcers to patrol Oak Forest’s 18 sections. “The response has been mostly positive,” said Fisher-Cain, who has received 23 calls about the program with just one of them opposed to it. That resident asked why the program was necessary when they already pay taxes for the Houston Police Department and the Harris

County Precinct 1 Constable’s Ofﬁce. “It’s like having another light on in the backyard,” Fisher-Cain said. “It gives us added visibility and makes the neighborhood as secure as possible. HPD can’t be everywhere. Neither can the Constable.” Fisher-Cain said the HOA is accepting payment for the program every Saturday in September and October at the Kroger at 43rd, and they have a “thermometer” at the Resource One Credit Union, 1400 West 43rd Street, showing the progress toward reaching the goal. The proceeds from a Sept. 28 Wine Extravaganza will go toward the security program, and the HOA has a goal of reaching the necessary amount by Oct. 15 so S.E.A.L. can begin patrolling on Nov. 1.

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Oak Forest Elementary School and more than 80 other Houston ISD elementary schools celebrated National Grandparents’ Day on Tuesday with a special lunch hosted by HISD Food Services to recognize the important role that grandparents play in the lives of students and the community. The students invited their grandparents to attend lunch at their school and presented them with a special gift they created in class. Each grandparent received a certiﬁcate of appreciation for attending this special day.

Grandmother Donna Waters, left, Oak Forest Elementary student Alice Waters and Grandmother Gayle Page, right, enjoy National Grandparents’ Day on Tuesday at Oak Forest Elementary. (Photo by Betsy Denson)

Diana and Carlos Baldovino enjoy National Grandparents Day with their granddaughter, Sarah, on Tuesday at Oak Forest Elementary. (Photo by Betsy Denson) Great grandmother Florene Phifer, grandmother Monica Children and Oak Forest Elementary student Xzavier Green enjoy National Grandparents’ Day Tuesday at Oak Forest Elementary. (Photo by Betsy Denson)

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Heights, Oak Forest HOA beef up security forces by Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com

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A Houston B-cycle bikeshare station is coming to Spotts Park, 401 S. Heights Blvd., later this month. (File photo)

other B-station when they’re done. Membership to the system can be purchased online or at any kiosk. Members use a credit card or B-card to unlock a bike in seconds. Returning a bike is even easier. Just roll it into a dock and walk away. Bikes are equipped with an onboard trip computer which allows members who register online to track all the miles they ride, the calories they burn and the carbon emissions they avoid. For information or to register online, go to www. houston.bcycle.com.

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Oak Forest Elementary student Austin Brown and his grandmother Rita Brown enjoy National Grandparents’ Day at Oak Forest Elementary. (Photo by Betsy Denson)

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Page 4A • The Leader • September 14, 2013 • @heightsleader

Where do we send the check? W

e were taught as young people never to brag. Well, I’m not young anymore, so I get to do whatever I want. In case you didn’t know already, the “Leader Newspapers the” has apparently won the 2013 Houston Award. You think I’m kidding, right? Tough luck, Chuck. I’ve got the letter to prove it – in my inbox. I also got it last week and last month and, come to think of it, I got one of these about four months ago. Talk about persistent gift givers. What is this award, you ask? Obviously, we won in the print media division. According to the Houston Award Program, my team “is now part of an exclusive group of small businesses that have achieved this selection,” which is nice. More important, “... this recognition is a result of your dedication and efforts as well as the work of others in your organization that have helped build your business.” I agree. It’s the work of others who have made such an award even possible. There are just a few people I’d like to thank. First, and foremost, I’d like to thank the Academy. Wait, I mean I’d like to thank the Houston Award Program. Who is this organization? Great question. Naturally, HAP (as I like to call them) is based in Pompano Beach, Fla. As you might guess, their parking lot is full of palm trees and Audis. Their office is right next to a clothing store called Martone and another shop called Sakura Nail Spa, where they offer both pink and white waxing. I digress. There’s a calzone shop and a massage parlor a couple doors down. The HAP office apparently is new because they haven’t even put up a sign. Instead, their office has a sign in front that says: “Parcels Plus.” You might guess this caused a little confusion, so I went back to the email and looked at the picture of the award (which I’ve included for your inspection). They even gave me a link to the official press release, which proclaims that we’re one of the best in Houston. “The Houston Award Program gives ‘Leader Newspapers the’ the right to distribute and display the digital award image and/or press release in any way you choose,” said the email. So I clicked on the press release to begin our marketing efforts. Appar-

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

This award is a big deal for us at ‘Leader Newspapers the.’ We’re still trying to decide if we upgrade to the crystal. ently, and quite unfortunately, their servers must be down. I got one of those “Oops!” messages that said I could not connect to the page. Bummer. That doesn’t change the fact that we’re winners over here at “Leader Newspapers the.” It doesn’t even matter that their crack staff accidentally put a “the” at the end of our name. I’m all in, which means I’m going to purchase one of the awards to display proudly at our ofﬁce. For the low price of $79.99, I can order a plaque. Or, if I’m feeling really spruced up, I may get one of the “hand polished” crystal awards for $179.99 – apparently crystal is cheaper in Pompano. But here’s the dilemma: I can buy both of them, plaque and crystal, for $199.98 – $60 off, in case you don’t know math. Guess the gig’s up, huh? In a moment of sheer humility – which always follows bragging, by the way – I now realize the whole thing is a scam. Apparently, we’re not the only small

business in the area that has been preyed upon, but I suppose we all live and learn. Doesn’t matter. I’m still really proud of what’s happening at Leader Newspapers the, I mean The Leader. It’s been a while since I’ve shared about some of our upcoming projects, and if nothing else, HAP reminded me to do so. Speaking of real awards, we’re two weeks away from publishing the Readers’ Choice Awards in our community. Unlike email scams and strip malls, these awards are as legitimate as we can make them. For more than a month, we asked readers to submit their top choices for all sorts of businesses in the area, and our readers answered. My initial guess is that we had somewhere close to 3,000 votes cast. That’s pretty impressive, and we’re looking forward to sharing those results with you on Sept. 28. Speaking of looking forward, there’s one other new program at The Leader I wanted to mention, and it’s no scam, either. Of the many things we’ve learned in running this business for the past 14 months, one is that our readers appreciate being informed. While we publish a weekly newspaper, are active on social media through Facebook and Twitter, and update what I believe is a strong community website, there’s one more product we’re going to launch, probably at the beginning of November. Twice a month, we are going to begin distribution of The Leader Insider – an email that comes directly to you on the 1st and 15th of every month. While we’re still working out some of the details, we have some fun content planned that folks in our area might really enjoy. For starters, my editor said I have to start writing two new columns a month. Those will only be available through the newsletter, and they’ll be a bit more of the “fun” nature. We’ll do a better job of updating local development in this newsletter, and we’re also planning to offer more timely “things to do.” We’ll begin marketing the emailed newsletter soon, but I’m excited about some of the new platforms we’ll offer in the coming months. Maybe one of them will be good enough to win a HAP. Email jonathan@theleadernews.com

THE READER. Oak Forest SEAL security

Dear Editor: Apparently, I sat in a different section of the Black Middle School auditorium than you did at the recent OFHA security meeting. I say this because I came away from the meeting with a much different impression than you. First, if memory serves, the anecdote you shared about the crowd applauding causing a dog to bark was not in response to the service S.E.A.L. proposes to render to the area. Rather, the cheers came when the moderator finally reigned in an attendee who persistently asked a question unrelated to the meeting’s topic. The moderator directed the attendee to a more appropriate course of action and the audience seemed relieved the meeting could move on. This is what brought about the canine-agitating applause. The meeting WAS well-attended, more than I expected actually. However, about halfway through the meeting, a healthy chunk of the audience headed for the exits. I would have been interested to read quotes from those individuals (or anyone who was not from S.E.A.L. or the Security Committee). I wondered if these people left because the plan for providing security with S.E.A.L. was insufficiently explained during the meeting. It was very unclear during the meeting how S.E.A.L. officers patrol during their appointed shift in Oak Forest. Will three of them patrol at the same time? Will there be one on patrol in the mornings? One during the day? One over night? This lack of clarity makes me skeptical the plan Oak Forest residents are asked to finance is really sufficient to provide sufficient coverage of such a large neighborhood Finally, I wasn’t surprised to see that you didn’t report on the actual amount of money that the OFHA is trying to raise to pay for this project. I continue to be surprised at the lack of information about the over-all costs in OFHA communications. I think if you ask citizens to pay $250 a year for a product, it is incumbent to clearly communicate the over-all cost of said product. For example, in this case, it would be quite simple and beneficial to include a statement like the following in all materials sent to residents about the initiative “While there is a possibility of some flexibility depending on how much money is raised, our current plan is to hire S.E.A.L. to provide 120 hours of coverage a week. This coverage will cost OFHA a total of $180,000 a year.” The lack of disclosure about the actual over-all costs of the plan makes me wary as I consider its worthiness as a long term option for Oak Forest. Thanks for your continuing coverage of the event. Mike Tauser Posted to www.theleadernews.com What a bunch of hogwash. These characters are security guards. Nothing more. Nothing less. Anytime someone sells their company by glaming on the flavor of the month, i.e. Navy SEALs, I’m immediately suspicious. Mr. Alexander is a carnie. Thomas

Reality check in the Wendy City In one of the best political movies ever, “The Candidate,” a starryeyed do-gooder named Bill McKay, played by Robert Redford, is persuaded by a cynical campaign manager, Marvin Lucas, played by Peter Boyle, to run for California governor even though the contest is hopeless. “You’re free, McKay,” says Lucas. “You have a chance to say what you want.” His promise is sealed with a contract scribbled on the inside cover of a matchbook which Lucas hands to McKay. He opens it. “You lose.” Maybe someone should give Wendy Davis such a matchbook cover, even though she is the ﬂavor of the month among Democratic politicos who see her as their best chance to take over the arson-challenged Governor’s Mansion. By now we all know her ragsto-pink-sneakers story. Married at 18, divorced with a baby and living in a trailer park by 19. She worked before and after classes while attending Tarrant County Community College. Davis received a scholarship to TCU where she graduated tops in her class and then graduated from Harvard Law School with honors. Returning to Cow Town, Davis worked as a lawyer then served nine years on the Fort Worth City Council. In 2008 she was elected to the Texas Senate, where this summer she conducted an 11-hour ﬁlibuster against Senate Bill 5, a draconian abortion bill. Those 11 hours brought this obscure lawmaker to national attention. Now the Dems want her to run for governor, and it’s hard to beat a resume like that, except for several reasons. First and foremost: on the ballot she would have a D-for-Democrat by her name, which in Texas these days is akin to having a scarlet A on your chest. Speaking of chests, her war chest is growing, but she would probably face our current Attorney General, Greg Abbott, who already has a $20 million campaign fund and has yet to mount an all-out pocket-picking drive among Texas GOP donors who have very, very deep pockets. If Davis runs for governor, and she says she’ll announce soon, Karl Rove will spring into action. Indeed, already the mud slinging

A SH BY AT

L ARG E

has begun, as GOPers have started calling her Abortion Barbie and Retard Barbie. (Attorney General Abbott sent a thank you note to the author of that last title for his cleverness.) Rove will start trotting out dirty little secrets such as she was born in Rhode Island, which is worse than Canada, and it wasn’t until she was 11 that she came to Texas. Then there are her links to the liberal media: She began working at age 14 selling newspaper subscriptions to The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Need I say more? OK, I will. As a teenager she helped support her mother, Virginia, who had a sixth-grade education, four children and no child support. The mother worked at an ice cream shop. Wendy got a job in an Orange Julius (as in Iscariot) in a shopping-mall food court and later waitressed at a restaurant, no doubt demanding tips. Those pink sneakers were probably made by some 13-year-old in Bangladesh earning a dollar a day. It gets worse. She has been married and divorced twice. “What ever happened to family values?” as Newt Gingrich’s third wife no doubt told Rush Limbaugh’s fourth wife. And her second husband was named - get this -- Jeff Davis. Tell that to the next NAACP rally. And that long, blonde hair. Who would want a governor with great hair? OK, forget that one. Anyway, this is a wannabe governor’s resume? But the overwhelming disadvantage is she would have that D by her name. She clings on to her Fort Worth District 10 despite GOP efforts to have her gerrymandered out of ofﬁce. She won re-election last November with a narrow 51.11 percent of the vote and outpolled President Obama by 15,000 votes. Mitt Romney won that district by 8 points. Now she would be running

statewide during the Dark Ages for Democrats, and to think they ran the Lone Star State longer than the PRI ran Mexico or the Communist Party governed the Soviet Union. But the last time Democrats won a major statewide race in Texas was back in 1990 when Ann Richards was elected governor. That was before some of our voters were born. The 2010 Democratic nominee for governor, former Houston Mayor Bill White, pulled only 42 percent. In 2012, Obama lost Texas by 16 points. Could there be a connection between that Obama rejection and the fact that, when NASA doled out four retired space shuttles, Space City didn’t get one? Nah. To make any kind of showing, she needs lots of money, but in the last go-round Texas Democrats were so conﬁdent of their own candidates that they gave three-quarters of their campaign donations to out-of-state candidates. If Davis runs, you and I must be ready to get our snouts in the trough. Abbott must spend that $20 million plus, and Dems nationally are talking about spending $40 million on the race if early polls show promise. Get those bumper stickers printed. Buy stock in companies that have TV stations in Texas because about 80 percent of campaign funds go to TV ads. Buy a catering company to feed all those hungry volunteers. Millions of campaign dollars may be spent in Texas over the next year on those two campaigns. We deserve our share. Another problem: The organization of the Texas Democratic Party makes black Friday at a Wal-Mart look like the halftime show by the Texas Aggie Band. They have no leadership, no organization, no funds, no other viable candidates, which is why they want Davis’s name on the ballot. So we can predict the outcome of any AbbottDavis ﬁght for the governorship. But what do I know? I picked Poland over Germany. Oh, as to the outcome of “The Candidate,” that underdog and underfunded do-gooder won, leading him to ask his campaign manager, “What do we do now?” Maybe buy new pink sneakers. Ashby votes at ashby2@comcast.net

Apology: In last week’s edition of The Leader, Ashby’s column was partially covered. You can ﬁnd the article in its entirety on our website at www.theleadernews.com

In praise of Wayne Graham

Posted to www.theleadernews.com Wayne worked in the pipeline industry as a draftsman to pay for his night school education advancement. We worked at a company called Gulf Interstate and he was a lot of fun to work with and made the boring job of alignment sheet mapping a real hoot with is subdued sense of humor. I remember how much he loved his sweet children and proudly showed us the pictures of his little girls. When we went to lunch, that good looking dude would have girls stopping to stare at him and man, did we tease him about that…. but he always smiled and took it in stride. He’s a great guy. Eli R.

More on Brinkman

Posted to www.theleadernews.com I feel the need to thank you for two reasons. Firstly, for an EXCELLENT piece of journalism in covering “On the Brink”. The collection of stories showed a great deal of work, but more importantly, a great deal of journalistic integrity in dealing with what could very easily be interpreted as a slight to the hard-working honest people who live in that small part of Houston. Which brings me to the second reason I’m writing: Your editorial about the “On the Brink” stories. In sharing your angst about writing those stories and the potential reaction, you showed a level of compassion and empathy that I thought had completely left modern news organizations. You bent over backwards to make the story NOT about race or socioeconomic status, but instead to focus on the small percentage of residents of that area who do not take pride in their property and surroundings. While I happen to agree with some of the interviewed residents that the lack of pride has a LOT to do with the transient nature of the apartment dwellers who live there, you went out of your way to focus each of the articles on the problem, rather than blaming any one group or person for the problem. Bravo! And it is for THAT reason that I applaud you and encourage you to continue the good work. If I could nominate your “On the Brink” stories for an award for the best piece of local journalism in Houston, I would. The focus was THAT good. Thanks so much for tacking a tough issue but, more impotantly, for doing it with integrity and empathy for the eﬀected communities. Keep up the good work!! Steve Loden

Of politics and pure breeds

Posted to www.theleadernews.com Molly, I agree with you completely! There are too many mixed breed as well as pure bred animals who are in rescue groups through no fault of their own. They need our compassion and help! We owe it to them to give them a chance to be a part of our families…. Bubbe

The Puzzles. Solutions in this issue’s classsied section.

ACROSS Cont... 47. To the front 49. I (German) 50. Price label 51. Barack’s 1st lady 58. Drench with liquid 59. Child (scot.) 60. “Aba ____ Honeymoon” 62. Disappearing shade trees 63. Cricket frog genus 64. Union busting worker 65. A priest’s liturgical vestment 66. Previously The Common Market 67. Upper left keyboard key

CLUES DOWN

CLUES ACROSS

1. Droop 4. Rested in a chair 7. Thai (var.) 10. Draw out wool 12. Coatis genus 14. Taxis 15. Beige 16. Supplementing with difculty 17. Capital of Norway 18. A personal written history 21. Cologne 22. Australian ightless bird 23. Lowest freeman; early Eng.

25. 18th C. mathematician Leonhard 28. Cabinet Dept. for homes 29. Languages of Sulu islands 33. More scarce 35. Before 36. Swiss river 37. Actress & director Lupino 38. Edges 41. Thousand Leaves prefecture 44. Soldier hero of Spain El ___ 45. Gains through work

SUDOKU

1. Point midway between S and SE 2. Genus of birds 3. Personal spiritual leader 4. Japanese rice beverage 5. Eared owl genus 6. Wood oil nish 7. Hyphen 8. Competently 9. Equal, prex 11. Broad-winged soaring hawks 12. A collection of star systems 13. Be in accord 14. Links subject & predicate (linguistics) 19. Paddles 20. Asian river between China and Russia 23. Physicists Marie or Pierre 24. Excessive uid accumulation in tissues 26. _____ Dunlap, pageant titleholder 27. Made again 28. Norse goddess of death 30. A waterproof raincoat 31. Express pleasure 32. ___ Lanka 34. Radioactivity unit 39. Clay blocks for building 40. Linear unit 42. Conductor tools 43. Whale ship captain 46. Queen who tested Solomon 48. Good Gosh! 51. A gangster’s girlfriend 52. Unstressed-stressed 53. Draw through holes 54. Old Italian monetary units 55. Musician Clapton 56. Ceremonial staff of authority 57. Fabrics of camels or goats 58. A very large body of water 61. Basics

Page 5A • The Leader • September 14, 2013 • @heightsleader

NEWS FROM YOUR PEWS TALC registering for fall classes

All Saints Third Age Learning Center, 215 E. 10th St., will hold its fall semester classes for seniors 50-plus through Nov. 15. Registration for classes will continue the ﬁrst two weeks of the semester, through Sept. 20. Among the offerings are computer, line dancing, stained glass, watercolor, machine quilting and exercise courses. There will be parties each month, birthday celebrations and seminars, such as cooking classes, jewelry making, a history lecture, and a travel presentation by Rev. Msgr. Adam McClosky. Day trips include a walking tour of downtown and trips to Galveston and a casino. A fashion show luncheon will be held Oct. 11 with fashions from Draper’s and Damon’s. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased beginning the ﬁrst day of the semester. A full course hot lunch is available at noon Monday through Friday during the semester for $3. Call 713-248-1277 for lunch reservations or for program information.

Arts and Crafts Bazaar at John Knox

John Knox Presbyterian Church, 2525 N. Gessner, 77080, will be holding an Arts and Crafts Bazaar from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 21. Mayor Annise Parker and Sharron Melton will be special guests. Proceeds will beneﬁt Westside Homeless Partnership, Memorial Assistance Ministries, REACH Unlimited and Heifer International. Vendors, sponsors and donors are welcome. Call 281-705-3874 or 713-248-5167 for information.

St. Matthew’s UMC librarian retires

Dorothy Lofton will be retiring as head librarian after 43 years of service from St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd. The choir will perform next week and features a new organist. The St. Matthew’s Garden Club will return to regular meetings, starting 9:30 a.m. Sept. 26. Visitors are welcome. For information, visit the website at www.stmatthewsmethodist.org.

Houston Citywide Ushers to host convention

Men cooking up spaghetti at St. Ambrose

The Men’s Club spaghetti dinner will be held from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 20, in the school cafeteria at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Road. The cost is $7 a plate, and will include spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, breadsticks and iced tea. Only advance tickets will be sold only and can be purchased from Men’s Club members or after Mass Sept. 14-15. Call 713-686-3497 for information or to purchase tickets.

St. Stephen’s hosts ‘A Night of the Arts’

St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 2003 W. 43rd St., will host “A Night of the Arts,” an evening of entertainment, and arts and crafts at 6 p.m. Sept. 21, in the sanctuary. Tickets cost $15 per person, and include dinner at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall, prepared by a professional chef. The nursery will be available by reservation. Call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org for information.

The Houston City Wide Interdenominational Ushers and Nurses Union will host the 86th annual city convention Sept. 25-28 at the 5th Ward BC Carl Walker Building, 4300 Noble St. The school of ushering will be 6-7 p.m. followed by the general session from 7:15-8:30 p.m. each day. The program will conclude at 5 p.m. Sept. 28, with a banquet honoring Kathryn Scurry and Lawrence Smith. City Councilman C.O. Bradford will be the guest speaker. A donation of $20 is requested. Call 713-675-5439 for information.

St. Ambrose gala to honor educators

The St. Ambrose Catholic School community, 4213 Magnum, is gearing up for its “Call of the Wild” gala, Oct. 5 at the J.W. Marriott Galleria. Honorees will be Sister Donna Pollard, head of school at St. Pius X High School, and Sister Jane Meyer, head of school at St. Agnes Academy. Don Nelson, KTRK Channel 13 personality, will be the master of ceremonies.

OBITUARIES Dorothy Marie Bacarisse, 95, born Nov. 28, 1918 in Spiro, Okla., died Sept. 8. Bacarisse was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church downtown. She is survived by her daughter Deanna Sue Brooks, son Anthony Bacarisse, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Timon Eugene “Gene” Jackson, born Aug.

13, 1946, died Sept. 2.

Jennie Johnson, 62, died Sept. 2. Johnson graduated from Texas Women’s University and out of college enlisted as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Upon discharge, she had become a First Lieutenant, after which she spent the majority of her career as a social worker. She is survived by her parents, L.C. and Marilyn Johnson.

Connie Lynn Engholm, died Sept. 2. Engholm was an executive assistant for Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford, astronaut from Oklahoma. She was an oﬃcer of the FDIC for 10 years, and a top sales woman with IBM who received “Rookie of the Year” during her ﬁrst year of employment. She also was an executive sales manager at AT&T, UPS, and Texas Home Health. Engholm is survived by her loving father John Washam, daughter Sherry Thomas, son Edward Van Buskirk, and two grandsons.

Lillis Elizabeth McCurdy, 85, born July 1, 1928,

died Sept. 1.

Ray D. Pinson, born Sept. 25, 1934, died Sept.

7. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anne Pinson, children Jeﬀrey Pinson, Keith Pinson and Denise McCurry, sister Rojean Booth, and eight grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Program at Glad Tidings Assembly of God, 5435 Bingle Road, Houston 77092.

Earl Samuel Skipper, 86, born May 22, 1927 in Rossville, Ga., died Aug. 29 in Houston. Skipper is survived by his children James Michael Skipper, Christie Murillo, Earl Patrick Skipper, Amber Cortes, and Daniel Skipper, and 12 grandchildren.

THE X-RAY EXAMINATION

(Between Ella & T.C. Jester)

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uring a dental examination, the dentist will need to take x-rays in order to confirm the findings from the clinical examination. These x-rays should include films showing all the roots of the teeth, as well as clear views between teeth where they contact each other. A full examination, recommended at the first dental visit and then approximately every 36 months (or when a problem is suspected) might include from 16 to 22 films. The reason for this many films is that the dentist needs to see clearly the following areas: all root tips, the sinuses, the bone around the teeth and behind the last teeth and the contacts between all of the teeth. For periodic check ups, approximately every six to 18 months, four bitewing x-rays should suffice. Though these will not show the root tips or bone as well, they will show any new cavities which have formed which cannot be seen visually. Your dentist will let you know which x-rays he recommends for you to ensure that you are being cared for as well as possible.

Prepared as a public service to promote better dental health. From the ofﬁce of: Chase Baker, D.D.S., 3515 Ella Blvd., 713-682-4406.

Church Guide Oaks Presbyterian Church

Grace United Methodist Church “The Heart of the Heights”

1245 Heights Blvd.

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery Provided

Sunday School . . . . . . . 9:30 AM Sunday Worship . . . . . 10:45 AM Nursery Provided

Ministering to the Oak Forest Community since 1948 Reverend Noelie Day

Reverend Hill Johnson, Pastor

713 862-8883

Gospel Truth Church Sunday 10:30 am Worship and The Word Children’s Church Wednesday 7:30 pm Life Equip classes for all ages

1624 W 34th • 713-686-7689 www.gospeltruthchurch.org

(713) 682-2556 1576 Chantilly @ Piney Woods

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

GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4040 Watonga • 713-688-5227 Reverend John Cain, Pastor Worship Services 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:15 a.m. Preschool Program • Mon. - Fri. 9-2 p.m. www.gethsemanelutheran.org

Vendors wanted for holiday market

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus #8096 from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 6646 Addicks Satsuma Road, is holding its 21st annual Gingerbread Village Holiday Market from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26. There are still a few booths available for vendors. The craft show is free to the community. Booths will feature seasonal decor, art, handmade crafts, name brand merchandise and gourmet food. For information about the show or becoming a vendor, call 281-4631444 or e-mail mon.delgado@sbcglobal.net. Ad # 27011

Hidden Diseases in Pets

Early Veterinarians practiced emergency or crisis medicine by treating animals only when they were sick or approaching death. As medicine advanced, we found that preventative medicine such as vaccines, parasite control and lifestyle adjustments, saved lives and money. Today, medicine has advanced and Hidden Disease Testing is now allowing us to detect, cure or slow progression of animal disease. This too saves money, but more importantly, it is another reason why pets are living longer than ever before. Some examples of hidden disease are infections, internal parasites, anemia, kidney, GI, heart, diabetes, and liver disease. Endocrine problems caused by thyroid, adrenal, and other gland dysfunctions are common hidden disease as pets get older. Hidden Diseases may be: 1. Silent and assymptomatic. 2. Unrecognized yet causing ongoing unnecessary discomfort. 3. Noticed by the behavioral changes when misery and/or illness starts. 4. The cause of untimely or sudden death Pets age faster than people and disease develops faster also. All body organs will degenerate or mutate over time (Some earlier than others). Hidden Disease Testing in healthy animals - is now cost effective and routinely includes: • Advanced Parasite Testing • Blood Proles • Urinalysis • & ECG’s and Blood Pressure • and more. With future medicine we will no doubt see DNA Proling, which will forecast genetic or inherited diseases. Owners and Doctors will be able to predict and prevent pet disease before it occurs in the years to come (Maybe before the pet is even born.) There will always be some reluctance to change, but with common sense and experience we will advance the care of our Best Friend.

Always call your Vet if you have any concerns or questions

mile North of HWY 290) Ad # (1 36378

FEATURING

West 34th St.

Come visit the pumpkin patch at Grace United Methodist Church, 1245 Heights Blvd., Oct. 13-31. Call 713-862-8883 or visit www.graceintheheights.us for information.

WWW.FAIRBANKS.VETSUITE.COM 7151 Fairbanks N. Houston

Ad # 26927

Aztec Storages

The pumpkins are coming to Grace UMC

Joan VanHooser, died Sept. 6 in Houston. She is survived by her daughter Tracy, sister Darlene Gaupp, and three granddaughters.

Ad # D

Ad # 36774

Auction donations are being sought, and group tables are available for purchase for the fundraising event, which annually brings in more than $90,000 to the school. The “Cofkafﬂe” features grand prizes of one year of tuition for the 2014-2015 school year, and a $5,000 cash prize. For information, visit www.sashornets.org/news/gala.

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

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SENSITIVE EGOS

y brothers and I were recently engaged in a conversation about our childhood in which we all felt compelled to apologize for our youthful teasing and taunting of each other. What was interesting to me was that we all felt that in one way or another the teasing and striving with each other had made us more prepared to deal with life. One brother even expressed the worry that “we are so over-sensitized to emotionally abusive people these days that we are cultivating a whole generation of young people who are unable to handle any kind of threats to their fragile egos. When they are bullied they react in ways that are hugely disproportionate to the situation, i.e. suicides, mass shootings, etc.” Perhaps the teasing banter and rough and tumble play of childhood is preparation for life in a world that isn’t always sensitive to the fragile vagaries of our ego. It would be nice, albeit boring, if we lived in a world where everyone was always kind and deferential but until that ideal world arrives, perhaps we should let kids engage in the rough and tumble world of childhood in a way that will prepare them for the real world. Resolving conict is an important skill that is best learned early in life.

��

A House of Hope and Prayer in the Heart of Houston Rev. Herschel Moore, Pastor

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Page 6A • The Leader • September 14, 2013 • @heightsleader

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Page 7A • The Leader • September 14, 2013 • @heightsleader

Art a la Carte: Creatures and Vonnegut This week we ﬁnd everything from animals to creature gardens. White Oak Drive gets artsy with two receptions.

Thursday, Sept. 12

The Art Guys® Art Fair - The Art Guys Convention Center, 5757 Knox St. 77091, 1-7 p.m. The Art Guys Art Fair is now in its 30th year. encounter a cross-section of works in all media – from past to http:// www.theartguys.com/ artfair.html Second Saturday Farm To Art Market. The Herb Cafe & Market 5828 Fm 517 East, Dickinson 77539 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Finally, a farmers/art market combo - put on by Alicia Boles and Nikki Mitch Cohen Thompson, who regu- Arts Columnist larly attend First Saturday Arts Market. Purple Elephant, 2nd Saturday Art Walk at The Purple Elephant Gallery and Iron Butterﬂy Studio 12802 McSwain, Cypress, 77429. The ﬁrst Elephant Walk - activities include the release of a documentary, the unveiling of enormous elephant sculpture by guest artist Andre Gandin. Also guest artist Lorraine Marin http://www. lorrainedavismartin.com. The Purple Elephant houses 7 studios. Participating artists are Deborah Hill of Laughing Crow Studio, Judy Crowe , Tracy Harston-dolezal, Devin Nelson, published illustrator and art teacher, Michelle Bennett and Linda Hardy at Silver Tree Studio. 6-9 pm. Hardy is a First Saturday Arts Market alum. Lynet McDonald “The Many Faces of Women” Reception. Galeria Regina 1716 Richmond Ave, Houston 77098 6-9 p.m. http://www.artbylynet.com Lynet is one of my favorite types of artists. Every painting has a story within whether you see it or not. If not, just ask Lynet, she’ll be happy to tell you!

there’s also a juried art show for kids 12-16 with the ﬁrst-place winner receiving a $1,000 college scholarship. More info: http://www.paperandspace.com/ Sarah Whatley - Recent Works Bombshell Hair Shop, 2802 White Oak Drive Drive, 610 p.m. X-ray / Film / Mixed Media. Finding lasting beauty in today’s disposable wasteland. Images of perfection, luxury, and amusement, which seem to be destroyed, as we’re distracted by the next shiny thing. Waste is wasteful. Trash can be tasteful. Harvest Moon 2 - Art & Social The Gallery at 3202 White Oak. 3202 White Oak, 6-10 p.m. This is the time of year when we harvest our gifts and let go of our burdens from the past year. Nine local artists share their harvest of work in a setting of social connection and hospitality, including Sarah Bower, Vivien Sugar, Anna Cragin, David Miller, Sam VanBibber, Tara Jordan-Greenleaf, KVN JXN, Gordon Greenleaf, Vincent Fink, Special Guest: Sister Glo, astrologer and psychic. Perle Amies Trunk Show Pop-Up Shop, 321B W 19th St., 1-5 p.m. http://perleamies.com Tralfamadorian by Ian Anderson Spring Street Studios, 1824 Spring St, 6 p.m. Houstonbased artist Ian Anderson brings photo-realistic painting to a sculptural work in his creation, Tralfamadorian Exhibit. The sculpture piece is loosely based on the ideas of author Kurt Vonnegut and the journey of his character, Billy Pilgrim, in his book, Slaughterhouse-5 . The exhibit will be on view through November, and The Billy Pilgrim Traveling Library will be on site. The micro scope project, an Invest in Houston venture curated by David A. Brown and Michael Crowder, is all about experimental spaces for installation-based work. http://microscopeproject.com/2013/ Creature Garden Workshop Sparrow and the Nest 1020 Studewood, 7 p.m. 713-869-NEST Proprietor and artist Stephanie Lienhard takes the mystery out of container gardens. In this workshop, you will learn about planting a succulent garden and sculpting adorable little creatures to live in it. Be prepared to get covered in glitter! $38. All materials included; snacks, and wine provided. http://www.sparrowandthenest.com This will be a fun class, sign up now if want in - get your hands dirty, sip some wine? Save the dates - The Lone Star Bazaar returns Sept. 28 to Numbers parking lost and the Heights own Craftacular at Hello-Lucky on Oct. 12. Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him at ArtValet@gmail.com or visit him on the web at www.ArtValet.com.

NEW: West End Animals - Art Reception By Kelley Devine. The West End 6- 9 p.m. 5320 Westheimer Road 77056. Drinks, drafts and drawings –– 22 works of new art. Art Reception: Marlon Puac Méndez, Rick City Oven Beerhorst, Michelle Weddle. Koelsch Gallery 2802 White Oak Drive 703 Yale St. 77007 6-9pm www.koelschgallery. www.thecityoven.com com This is artist Marlon Puac Méndez’s first Starters: $6.99-$15.99 U.S. Exhibition with ten paintings in a series Sammiches and Entrees: $7.99-$12.99 titled “Daily Life in San Pedro La Laguna.” Giant Meatballs and Pies: $7.99 - $14.99 Anne-Joëlle Solo Show: ‘tour Around The Kid Friendly: They’re still working on a kids’ World’ / ‘alrededor Del Mundo’. Black Swan Screenprinting Studio 1824 Spring Street, menu, but they are more than welcome Suite 103. 6:30-9:30 p.m. www.annejoelle.com LE’s Favorite: The Big Swede http://www.blackswanscreenprinting.com/ Black Swan collaborated with the artist, printing all monotypes on paper and mixed media on wood/metal in this series featuring AnneJoëlle Galley paintings and silk screens of cities of the world. The artist, who has studied art in Europe, New York City and Houston, is strongly influenced by Mexican colors—she was brought up in Mexico, and she loves to exAs this area’s restaurant scene their twist –– or rather straight- periment with different techniques. has emerged over the past couple ening –– of squid. As the name of years, there has been a notice- suggests, these were thin tubes of Prints from able lack of modern casual dining squid, but the deep fried coating Anne-Joelle spots despite the infiltration of was tasty, and the pair of dipping families, as the north side of the sauces was the highlight. (Even and Black The Bomber got down on a couple city gentrifies. Swan ScreenThese are the kind of places that of these sticks.) The San Marzano printing Studio are magnets for couples who dress sauce featured fresh cut tomatoes tour the world their kids in ironic onesies but not and is made in-house, a favorite of – including overrun with the cul-de-sac-habi- the Co-Pilot, while Leader Eater Houston. tating clans that pour out of SUVs was digging the thicker sweet chili (Submitted to grab one of those light-up-and- aioli. photo) As is the script with these types buzz pagers. The menus are traWednesday, Sept. 18 ditionally burger- or pasta-domi- of places, there has to be a distin2013-2014 Lawndale Artist Studio Program nated with a signature gimmick or guishing dish that makes people Slide Talk - Shayne Murphy, Jim Nolan and two up their sleeves. None of these say: “Oh, that’s the place with Friday, Sept. 13 NEW: Artist reception for Liana Mauro and Emily Peacock. 6 p.m. Lawndale Art Center, joints is going to make Restaurant the _____.” City Oven is like a David Wilhelm, 7-10 p.m. Carmelo’s Restau- 4912 Main St., 77002. The 2013-2014 LawnMagazine’s 50 Best Restaurants in post-graduate version of Mellow the World list, but you’re typically Mushroom, and although they rant. 14795 Memorial Drive 77079. I’ve known dale Artist Studio Program participants give an going to leave satisfied. feature pizza prominently, Giant David for many years and have enjoyed watch- informal presentation of their work and plans These are the kind of places that Meatballs instead is their game. A ing his work “evolve.” Many of his sculptures for their residency at Lawndale. http://www. lawndaleartcenter.org have a TV-filled bar within the single hulking hunk of meat bigger can be found in Heights yards and homes. restaurant that will draw a decent than JJ Watt’s fist is the centerpiece crowd on the weekends and can of four distinguishing dishes that Saturday, Sept. 14 Saturday, Sept. 21 get a little lively once the families are paired with everything from The Third Annual Super Awesome Art Show! Open Artist Studios at Winter & Spring filter out (Lupe Tortilla and Ber- mashed potatoes and spinach to Street Studios 2101 Winter St. and 1824 Spring Gerald D. Hines College Of Architecture, Uniryhill are closest to this profile in tomato sauce and penne pasta. St. 77007. http://winterstreetstudios.info/ versity of Houston 77004, 5-8 p.m. This event Leader Eater went with The Big While you’re there, check out Dianne K Webb will feature over 50 artists, all under the age the neighborhood). These are the kind of places that are part of an Swede, which more than made in Studio 33. of 16. All proceeds from the event will benefit evolved local restaurant scene, up for the subpar Pepperoni and Aurora Street Open Artist Studios 129 Auro- Texas Children’s Hospital and The Periwinkle especially when they are of the Roasted Garlic & Spinach pizzas ra Street 77008, 2-8 p.m. http://hasg.blog.com Foundation. In addition to the open art show, edgier ilk and carry creative and that both sported overcooked crust kitschy dishes while offering some with charred spots and a funky four-cheese medley. (Kid-Friendly decent local beer on tap. City Oven, the new inhabitant Alert: the Pepperoni pizza doesn’t Robby Cook of J. Black’s is in the old D’Amico’s Italian Mar- come with customary mozzarella in the running for the Most ket on White Oak, is this kind of cheese, but the good folks at City Imaginative Bartender in the place. Leader Eater stopped by Oven assured us the menu is work U.S. in a competition sponwith The Bomber (my five-year- in progress.) sored by GQ magazine and However, mozzarella was the old going on 15) and my Co-Pilot Bombay Sapphire Gin. on just its third night of operation. unsung hero of The Big Swede, (Submitted photo) Thirsty Most of the tables were couples featured prominently with a huge with their kids, football flashed on helping in the middle of the beef Explorer all the TVs, and the place was bus- boulder, which is ideally helped The Hipstrict brought to you in part by: tling with their brigade of serving down with a frosty mug of Alaska Amber. Soft penne in a traditional conscripts. A EAN ONES The space is definitely meant for Swedish sauce, which reminded J. Black’s Bartender Robby Cook is competing in the United States Bartender’s Guild’s Attorney & Counselor City Oven with its “Metropolis” Leader Eater of Beef Stroganoff of search for the Most Imaginative Bartender, presented by GQ Magazine and Bombay motif and mixture of high-topped his youth, surrounded the nicely Sapphire. and conventional-sized tables. seasoned meatball all nestled into There are 37 U.S. cities participating in the competition to create an original signature CRIMINAL / DWI DEFENSE (The patio is going to be premium a mini skillet baked in the back. cocktail using Bombay Sapphire Gin and no more than six ingredients. Cook’s signature EMPLOYMENT LAW real estate on White Oak once eve- City Oven’s meatball menu and cocktail featuring Bombay Sapphire is the Liguria Lemon Sour. laid back digs give this new spot ning temps get more bearable.) Finalists will be featured in the GQ “Men of the Year” Issue and will participate in the 112 W 4th Street City Oven’s menu is predictable, some definite staying power in the USBG Bartender Summit currently taking place in Las Vegas. The winner will get a maga832.374.1598 Houston, Texas 77007 but I ordered the Calamari Fries, neighborhood. zine release party from the sponsor at their bar in November or December.

Review: City Oven’s giant meatballs are their game

Big time competition for J. Black’s bartender

�� Of equal or lesser value. One coupon per table.

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Ella Blvd

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W. 20 St.

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The grand Thirsty prize winner will be featured on the cover of GQ and receive a trip to Europe for an opportunity to participate in the World’s Most Imaginative Bartender Competition. Explorer J. Black’s is located at 110 S. Heights Blvd. For more information, visit www.jblacks. com.

The Phoenix on Westheimer will kick off the 16 days of Oktoberfest with a fun run on Sept. 21 with check in at 3 p.m. and the run at 4 p.m. The 2.5-mile run will begin and end at The Phoenix, 1915 Westheimer Road, with four pub stops at Keneally’s Pub, Roeder’s Pub, McElroy’s Pub,and West Alabama Ice House. Registration is $20, which includes a stainless steel Phoenix pint glass, discounted drinks at each stop and admission to the after party with free beers, food and prizes. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Bel Inizio (Beautiful Beginning), which helps disadvantaged women develop self-confidence and life skills through fitness and nutrition. The Phoenix is a neighborhood English-style pub where you can watch just about any sport, and is the preferred watching party location for Dynamo soccer. For more information about The Phoenix, find Firkin & Phoenix Pub on Facebook or visit www. firkinandphoenix.com.

BRC monthly pig dinner

Leader Nibbles Veteran team plans Thai eatery for Heights The team behind three existing and planned Heights-area restaurants has announced a fourth – Foreign Correspondents, a northern Thai farm-to-table restaurant planned for 1819 N. Shepherd Drive that will feature legendary Gulf ﬁsh purveyor PJ Stoops as its head chef. The restaurant will share the location with the still-to-come Hunky Dory tavern at that location, and is planned with seating for 200 in a bar, dining room and outdoor area, plus a shared 40-seat private dining room with Hunky Dory. The large property takes in a former used car lot, and both businesses will be constructed together, according to the latest announcement. Previously it was announced that Hunky Dory was set to open by fall of 2014. Involved in the venture are DownHouse and D&T Drive Inn partners Chris Cusack,

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Oktoberfest kicks oﬀ with September fun run

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and Benjy Mason, along with Richard Knight, anointed head chef of Hunky Dory, and Stoops. “We truly believe that Foreign Correspondents and Hunky Dory have the potential to be interesting and important on a national scale and at the same time solid neighborhood restaurants for the the Heights,” said Mason. He said the goal is for a “fun and energetic atmosphere” that will be appropriate for everything from a date night to a large gathering and that the creators are aiming for an “accessible” price point. Stoops, who provides Gulf seafood and ﬁsh to a number of Houston area restaurants and Revival Market in the Heights said he will continue that business for “the next several months” until he ﬁnds someone to take it over.

BRC Gastropub will hold its monthly pig dinner at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 18. The cost is $34 per person, which includes a ﬂight of beer, with the Cuban style roasted pig, salad with greens, avocado, red onion, queso fresco, and lime vinaigrette, red beans and rice, roasted plantains, and dulce de leche cheesecake. BRC is located at 519 Shepherd Drive. For more information, visit www. brcgastropub.com or call 713-861-2233 to make a reservation.

Shopping event beneﬁts Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers of Houston Mothers Against Crime are holding a special event at IW Marks Jewelers from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 19. Guests will enjoy 10 percent oﬀ all purchases with an additional 10 percent beneﬁting Crime Stoppers of Houston. There will be wine and light bites from Damian’s Cucina Italiana. IW Marks Jewelers is located at 3841 Bellaire Blvd. For more information or to RSVP, call 713-521-4600 or email ssoto@crimes-stoppers.org.

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