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Inside: Bringing awareness to the ﬁght against breast cancer • Page 1B ��

THE LEADER. Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston

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Saturday, October 11, 2014 • Vol. 60 • No. 49

A night out on the town

Possibilities with Pollock

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

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Photo by Christina Martinez Dr. Pollock, Principal of Garden Oaks Magnet shows recycled art that is displayed on campus.

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I-10 ramp from 290 to open this weekend

Oﬃcials with the U.S. 290 widening project say construction crews will likely open a direct connector ramp between U.S. 290 and I-10. According to the project’s website, the eastbound lanes of U.S. 290 will be closed and the southbound lanes of Loop 610 will be be closed, starting at 9 p.m. Friday and could potentially continue into 5 a.m. Monday. The new ramp will allow better access for drivers moving on to I-10 and is intended to help ease traﬃc issues facing the congested interchange, which has been causing headaches for drivers across the region. For more information regarding road and lane closures, visit www.my290. com.

THE INDEX. Church

7A

Classiﬁeds

7B

Coupons

5A

Food/Drink/Art Obituaries

3A 7A

Opinion

4A

Public Information Puzzles Sports

2A 4A 8A

By Christina Martinez christina@theleadernews.com

Residents enjoy night of family fun with neighbors, law enforcement By Christina Martinez & Jonathan Garris christina@theleadernews.com jgarris@theleadernews.com

Civic groups and communities across The Leader area helped celebrate 31 years of National Night Out on Tuesday with a wealth of family friendly activities aimed at promoting a variety of crime prevention programs. Similar annual celebrations were held across the country, with residents right here in the Northwest Houston area enjoying warm weather and plenty of community-building events. Shepherd Park Plaza, Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Candlelight Estates and numerous other communities invited neighbors out for a chance to meet with law enforcement, elected ofﬁcials and other local ﬁgures. The Near Northwest Management District held its annual celebration in the parking lot of the YES

Prep White Oak campus on West Tidwell. Children and parents had the opportunity to meet and greet with Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Ofﬁce deputies, Harris County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce deputies, the Houston Police Department, Lone Star College and other local representatives. Attendees also had the chance to win door prizes provided by sponsors like Target, including a TV, a tablet device and a Nintendo Wii game console. NNMD President Wayne Norden said he was excited to see a large crowd out and enjoying the festivities this year. “We’re thrilled about it,” Norden said. “When you look around, you see residents from apartment communities and other areas out with parents and children and everyone is interacting and having fun. That’s exactly what we want to see.” At residential gatherings

At the top, attendees enjoyed activities like a petting zoo at a National Night Out celebration hosted by the Near Northwest Mangement District (photo by Jonathan Garris). Above, Sgt. Tony Hernandez from Precint 1 arrests Evan Covington, 8, for having too much fun at his neighborhood gathering (photo by Christina Martinez).

children from the neighborhood could be seen playing, while their parents enjoyed conversation over food and drinks. Over on Thorton, Bob Warren and Michael Pate hosted family and friends of the area. Warren says this will be the ﬁfth year for he and Pate to host the NNO party on the block. In Nov.

the two will have lived in the area for 14 years. Over on Covington Dr., the Adams family hosted this year’s gathering. A group of neighborhood boys played a game of football in the Adams’ front yard and a few laughs were had when Mrs. Adams was told to get out of the “end zone.”

Many schools in the area and across the nation are subject to budget cuts and minimal funding for fine arts and extra curricular activities. Garden Oaks Magnet, Montessori Magnet with Environmental Sciences knows first hand in juggling a balanced budget and still meeting daily creative needs for their students. Principal of Garden Oaks Magnet, Dr. Lindsey Pollock, says the school focuses on strategically incorporating cross connections into core subjects. “We’re looking to the performing arts as a way to express math and other concepts,” Pollock said. “Things like patterns, rhythms and things in music. We can maximize a child’s learning experience so that we are mindful that we are using taxpayer dollars wisely and still offering enriched opportunities to our kids.” This year will be the first year that Garden Oaks Magnet will be an all Montessori Magnet curriculum school. Pollock said when she arrived in 2008, the majority of classes were traditional with a few Montessori classrooms. The ratio was about 18 traditional to about 5 Montessori. The school later received a magnet school assistance program grant, which Pollock says was a tremendous gift for the school and community. With the campus now under Montessori curriculum, the school integrates the arts into daily studies. Pollock says the campus’ impact without funds for fine art programs isn’t as profound as it would be at other schools. “We do have the arts already as part of the daily curriculum, but certainly we use to have an art teacher on campus and we don’t anymore,” Pollock said. “We have more music now and less visual art. We have to make choices. We’ve never had a dance program here. Clearly in a perSee Magnet, P. 5A

Resident oﬀers $10k reward for info on cat mutilations By Jonathan Garris jgarris@theleadernews.com Ofﬁcials with the Houston Police Department say that of the 24 cat mutilations reported since 2008, they have been unable to determine whether other predators or humans killed the animals. Now, one resident is taking to social media for help in solving the mutilations. The Leader has written several articles in the past regarding reported mutilations in the Lazybrook area and other communities. “We’re currently waiting for the results from forensic examinations of a few recent cases to try to determine what killed these animals,” HPD representative John Cannon said. “We

don’t want to put out an alarm for our residents until we get testing done that tells us one way or the other.” Ofﬁcers with the city’s animal cruelty unit have met with a number of groups and residents over the past few years regarding the reported deaths. Remains of the animals have been found on citizens property, however no known witnesses have come forward with information related to the deaths of the animals, Cannon said. “The most challenging thing for us has been trying to determine what happened when we don’t have anyone coming forward and saying they saw the animal being killed by another animal or an individual,” Cannon said. Now, a Northwest Houston resident is taking matters into their own hands,

through a posting on Craigslist and is offering a $10,000 cash reward for information relating to what some residents say is the continued mutilation of cats in the Timbergrove, Lazybrook and Heights neighborhoods. The reward and its background, ﬁrst posted to Craigslist on Sept. 30, calls for “information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons” who murdered and mutilated the author’s cat during the early morning hours of Sept. 20 in the Timbergrover subdivision. “This appears to be the work of the so called ‘Heights Cat Killer’ who has been linked to 23 reported cat mutilations since October of 2008,” The post states. Two more mutilations were apparently reported in the days following

the original incident. The post is asking residents to provide speciﬁc details behind the mutilations and provide proof that the person killed their cat. “You give me the info, the guy gets arrested and goes to jail,” The post states. “You’re $10,000 richer. Someone knows who this psychopath is.” Residents like Jennifer Estopinal of the Heights have taken to social media to raise awareness about the killings and shares the same views as other residents regarding the deaths. “There are many more stories of other incidents but not enough info to document,” Estinopal stated in a post on the See Reward, P. 2A

THE PUBLIC. Saturday, October 11, 2014 • Page 2A

The Right Agent... Burglary in Greater Heights area leads to foot chase, arrest Whether you are buying, selling or building choose the agent that’s right for you.

Jan Clark, J.D.

Police Reports • Sept. 25-Oct. 2 The Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office arrested a man after allegedly attempting to steal items from the garage of a home and leading a deputy on a foot chase Oct. 4. A deputy responded to a suspicious person call near an alleyway in the 2700 block of Princeton between E. 27thand E. 28th street, according to the report. The deputy saw a man allegedly stealing a bicycle, leaf blower and hedge trimmers from a garage. The man allegedly evaded on foot after seeing the officer and a foot chase lasted several minutes, according to the report. The deputy arrested the man in a vacant home in the 800 block of E. 28th Street and charged him with burglary of a building. The deputy also recognized the man from surveillance video as the alleged suspect from a burglary of a habitation call in the Garden Oaks area in the 1300 block of Sue Barnett on Aug. 8. The man received an additional burglary of a habitation charge and was taken to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Jail. SEPT. 25

Theft 1:30 PM 600-699 W 19TH ST Theft 3 PM 6500-6599 WASHINGTON AVE Assault 11:35 PM 4000-4099 WATONGA Theft 2 PM 4000-4099 W 34TH ST

SEPT. 26

Robbery 11:04 AM 100-199 E 39TH ST Theft 2 PM 500-599 YALE Theft 1 PM 4800-4899 N SHEPHERD DR Theft 4:30 PM 6200-6299 WASHINGTON AVE Assault 9:07 PM 2700-2799 WHITE OAK DR

SEPT. 27

Burglary 6:01 PM 1000-1099 PRINCE Theft 5:43 PM 0-99 E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 11:50 PM 900-999 W 22ND ST Theft 9:09 AM 100-199 YALE Theft 2 PM 2800-2899 BEAUCHAMP ST

SEPT. 28

Robbery 6:37 PM 1400-1499 LAIRD Theft 3:30 PM 1600-1699 E T C JESTER BLVD Theft 4 PM 1400-1499 WAGNER Robbery 7:04 PM 200-299 S HEIGHTS BLVD Theft 12 PM 0-99 BRINKMAN/27TH ST Theft 3:55 AM 1300-1399 E

35TH ST Theft 3:41 PM 1500-1599 W 18TH ST Theft 7:59 PM 700-799 BYRNE Theft 12:20 PM 1000-1099 W 26TH ST Burglary 11:40 AM 700-799 RIDGE

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Burglary 7:54 PM 700-799 W 19TH ST Theft 7:58 PM 1200-1299 BAY OAKS RD Theft 3 PM 1800-1899 YALE Theft 12:58 PM 600-699 E 19TH ST Theft 8:27 AM 1500-1599 PRINCE Theft 7:02 AM 4100-4199 N SHEPHERD DR Robbery 1:18 PM 400-499 CROSSTIMBERS Theft 5:09 AM 1500-1599 W 18TH ST Burglary 4:30 AM 6300-6399 WISTER LN Theft 3:28 PM 1400-1499 STUDEMONT Burglary 6:41 AM 0-99 E CROSSTIMBERS Theft 9:40 AM 1300-1399 JUDIWAY Robbery 3:28 PM 2100-2199 N MAIN Theft 6:15 AM 3300-3399 E T C JESTER BLVD Theft 7 PM 1500-1599 ALEXANDER ST Burglary 12:01 PM 10001099 AURORA ST

SEPT. 30

Theft 11:53 AM 1200-1299 NADINE Theft 12:26 PM 1000-1099 N SHEPHERD DR Robbery 3:43 PM 4800-4899 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 3:32 PM 1300-1399 COHN ST Theft 8:50 AM 1300-1399 W 43RD ST Theft 8:10 AM 3000-3099 MANGUM

Theft 1 PM 1600-1699 HARVARD ST Theft 5:30 PM 1600-1699 W 14TH ST Assault 8:29 PM 4500-4599 N MAIN Theft 3:30 AM 1600-1699 W 25TH ST Theft 10:10 PM 500-599 T C JESTER BLVD Burglary 9:21 PM 4300-4399 KOEHLER Theft 4:45 PM 1500-1599 DURHAM DR Theft 5:49 AM 4700-4799 N SHEPHERD DR Theft 2 PM 5200-5299 LILLIAN Theft 6 PM 6600-6699 TOLEDO Theft 4:42 PM 5200-5299 N SHEPHERD DR Theft 12:30 PM 1000-1099 PINEMONT Assault 4 PM 1100-1199 W DONOVAN Theft 5:40 AM 5900-5999 N SHEPHERD DR Theft 3:51 AM 500-599 W 19TH ST Theft 7 AM 900-999 N LOOP

JUDIWAY Assault 8:50 AM 300-399 TRUMAN Theft 9:27 AM 1600-1699 MCDONALD Theft 9:54 AM 4200-4299 MAIN ST Theft 4:15 AM 5000-5099 YALE Theft 5:25 AM 1200-1299 W 43RD ST Theft 3 AM 2300-2399 W 18TH ST Assault 2:26 PM 3700-3799 SHEPHERD DR Reports are provided by SpotCrime.com based on data from the Houston Police Department.

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OCT. 1

Assault 4:47 PM 300-399 W 21ST ST Theft 3:41 AM 500-599 AURORA ST Theft 9:16 AM 700-799 N DURHAM DR Theft 4:16 PM 2200-2299 BEVIS ST Theft 9:20 AM 4000-4099 N SHEPHERD DR Theft 1:24 PM 5000-5099 WASHINGTON AVE Theft 5:02 AM 6000-6099 TRURO C Theft 10:53 AM 5100-5199 N SHEPHERD DR Theft 5:45 PM 6000-6099 WASHINGTON AVE Robbery 4:40 PM 4200-4299 W 34TH ST Theft 2 PM 2100-2199 N SHEPHERD DR Burglary 10:14 PM 700-799 W 15TH ST Theft 3 PM 1700-1799 N SHEPHERD DR Theft 12 PM 900-999 W 34TH ST Theft 5:10 PM 4400-4499 SHEPHERD DR Theft 6 PM 1600-1699 STONECREST DR Theft 6 PM 2700-2799 BEAUCHAMP ST Theft 5:58 PM 2600-2699 BEAUCHAMP ST Theft 5 PM 0-99 ELLA BLVD/ DU BARRY LN Theft 7:02 PM 4900-4999 LILLIAN Theft 7:57 PM 4100-4199 BLUEGRASS

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midst, doing terrible things to animals,” Lomax stated. “It is a cat’s nature to be outside and to roam, [especially] those that are found and not born into a household. We shouldn’t have to worry about them being harmed by a sociopath.” Those with information regarding the cat deaths is asked to contact HPD’s Animal Cruelty Unit at 713-3083100. The Craigslist post regarding the $10,000 cash reward can be found online at houston.craigslist.org/ reo/4695509635.html.

Durham Dr

yard and ﬂower beds as a litter box. Cats also sit in our windows at night and drive my dogs crazy at all hours of the night. I’m happy for anyone that wants to own a pet, but being respectful of neighbors is also important to me.” Kelly Graml Lomax also shared her thoughts on the safety of local animals as well. “The issue is that there is a serial killer in training in our

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Timbergrove Manor Facebook page. “This has been happening in Oak Forest and Montrose as well.” Jeremy Longwell also posted how this might also be an opportunity for discussing roaming cats in general. “It’s sad if these mutilations are indeed caused by humans,” Longwell stated. “It’s disgusting. Keeping pets indoors would solve this issue. Someone’s cats use my

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Saturday, October 11, 2014 • Page 3A

A Winner of the “Leading Edge Award” A “Texas Monthly 5 Star Award” Winner

Brenner’s Annual Fall Beer Festival Thirsty Explorer Brenner’s Steakhouse on the Bayou is holding the Annual Fall Beer Fest on Saturday, Oct. 11. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy cuisine as they sample brews on the Buffalo Bayou. There will be live music from The Slags and breweries will include Saint Arnold, Cycler’s Brewery, Firestone Walker, Goose Island, Fort Bend Brewing Co., Thirsty Karbach Brewing Co., Rahr & Sons, Lazy MagnoExplorer lia, and Sixpoint Brewery. Landry’s Select Club members and VIP ticket holders receive early admission at 2:30 p.m. VIP will have access to the VIP room inside the building, exclusively featuring Saint Arnold’s brewery with special tastings from their reserve collection. Brewers and brewery personnel will be on hand to present and answer questions about the brewing process. Also, there will be food created especially for the VIP room, in addition to the regular offerings. Brenner’s Steakhouse on the Bayou is located at 1 Birdsall Street. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. brennersfest.com. Bayou City Art Festival Downtown Bayou City Art Festival Downtown will be taking place this weekend. There will be 300 artists, 19 disciplines, 16 non-

profits, music, food, beverages, creative zones and more. The festival opens at 10 a.m. both days. Bayou City Art Festival Downtown is presented each fall by Art Colony Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing high quality art festivals and events. Hundreds of artists are joined by music, food and fun. Over the past 43 years, the festivals have raised over $35 million benefiting arts education for children, adults, local arts and community service organizations and Houston parks throughout Greater Houston. The Festivals are funded in part by grants from the city of Houston and through Houston Arts Alliance. For more information, visit www.artcolonyassociation.org. Solaro Barrel Party On Saturday, Oct. 11, Solaro Estate Urban Winery will hold the 2014 Fall Collection Release and Solaro Barrel Party. Bring your friends to the Texas Winery of the Year, as designated by the New York International Wine Competition. There will be Texas wine and fun all day at both Solaro Urban Winery at 330 TC Jester Blvd. and at Solaro Estate in Dripping Springs. For more information, visit www.solaroestate.com or find them on Facebook or Twitter @solarowines. Untapped Fest Untapped Fest will be at Discovery Green on Saturday, Oct. 11. There are 65 brewer-

ies that are slotted to be at Untapped Fest with a beer list too expansive to list. Live music will include the Toadies, Bad Books, Robert Ellis, The Bright Light Social Hour, Owen Pallett, The Suffers, Featherface and BLSHS. There will also be excellent beer! The Hay Merchant kitchen will be bringing a number of their hallmark items for Untapped Fest. The savory treats they plan to bring include pretzels, beef jerky, cheddar dogs, smoked beef sandwiches and Soba noodle salads. Tickets start at $30. For more information, visit untapped-festival. com. South African Wine Dinner Join South African Wine Maker, Toit Wessels, and Harold’s at Heights General Store Executive Chef, Antoine Ware, on Monday, Oct. 13. They will create six unique courses to be paired with tasty South African wines. Dishes will have an African ﬂare from various regions of the continent. Appetizers and bubbles ﬂow at 6:30 p.m. Reserve your space by calling 713-360-6204 or go to www. haroldsheights.com. Heights General Store is located at 350 W. 19th St. Burnout Houston Burnout Houston, “The Best Little Car Show in Texas,” will be held Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1435 Beall St. The event will feature hot rods, customs, bike, bobbers, choppers and music by Los Rancheros, Jimmy Shadeaux & The Steel Toe Soul, and Dale

Art a la Carte: Art Tours and Sunday Streets comes back to the Heights If you’ve ever wanted to 2315 Commerce St. A phototour artist’s studios and gal- graphic exhibition, new works leries of Houston, you are in that challenge the viewers preluck, meet Marshal and Vic- conceived perceptions. Saturday toria Lightman of Looking At Art. Craftacular 2nd Celebrating their Saturday, 1025 25th season this fall, Studewood in the Looking At Art visHeights at Helloits artist’s studios, Lucky. Noon to 4 galleries, alternap.m. Pop Shop hosts. tive spaces, museThis is an indy ums, and collector’s pop up market on homes. An audience the sidewalk surbuilding organizarounding Teresa tion, Looking At Art O’Conner’s store, Mitch Cohen educates and culti- Arts Columnist Hello-Lucky. vates potential col2nd Saturday lectors through diaMontrose Art log with artists, curators, and Market, 2409 Montrose Blvd. other visual art professionals. 2nd Saturday Open ArtLooking At Art also conducts ist Studios at Winter, Spring Out-of Town tours, visiting and Silver Street Studios 2−5 galleries, studios, private and p.m. 2101 Winter Street, 1824 corporate collections, art fairs Spring Street and 1824 Spring and museums. Street, 77007. Looking At Art is a personal 52 Canvas Pickproject of Marshal and Victo- U p B e n e f i t i n g B u s t ria Lightman, who were hon- er’s Friends Rescue, 2−6 ored as Texas Patrons of the p.m. Studio #34 at Winter Year in 2011 by the Houston Street Studios, 2101 Winter St. Art League. April Murphy has painted 52 The couple is very active paintings, one per week, that in the arts community, sitting will be auctioned off in the on several nonproﬁt boards main upstairs gallery in Winand the couple was honored ter Street Studios. Beneﬁtas Texas Patrons of the Year ting Buster’s Friends Rescue, in 2011 by the Houston Art 100% of the proceeds will go League. The tour is six weeks to Buster’s. Most of the pieces long, visiting two venues per will have a buy it now price, so meeting. Check the website if you have your eye on one, for the itineraries: lookingatart. you best get there at 2 p.m. com. The fee for each 6-week sharp. Auction ends at 4 p.m. series is $85 or $15 per night Joshua Hagler: to drop in. My Name is Nobody, 6−8 Friday p.m. Avis Frank Gallery 1606 ART: Christina Macal, White Oak Dr. Josh Hagler has 6−9 p.m. Post-Studio Projects created a body of work exclu-

Leader Nibbles Leader area winners of the Houston Foodie Star Awards

My Table magazine announced the winners – decided by an online ballot – at the Houston Culinary awards last weekend. Congrats to the winners: Favorite Coﬀeehouse: Revival Market, 550 Heights Blvd.; Favorite farmers market vendor: The Grateful Bread, 205 W. Crosstimbers, although they have their wares at Urban Harvest Eastside Farmer’s Market; Favorite outdoor dining: Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella Blvd.; Favorite sweets/ice cream: Fat Cat Creamery, 1901 N Shepherd Dr.; and Favorite late night spot (serving food after 11 p.m.): Tacos a Go-Go, 2912 White Oak Dr.

New Tasting menu at Dosi Restaurant and Soju Bar Named as a Best New Restaurant in the Asian Fusion category by Houstonia Magazine, Dosi (2802 S. Shepherd) is continuing to innovate. Restaurateur An Vo, executive chef Jordan Asher and Sous Chef Daniel Toro have cre-

ated a new Tasting Menu which features eight to ten courses. “We always ask about allergies and preferences,” said Asher, “then create a personalized menu just for them.” For more information visit www.DosiRestaurant.com.

Salé-Sucré to move locations and change name

It was Swamplot who reported that Heights French bistro and créperie Salé-Sucré had been locked out of its storefront at 2916 White Oak Dr., between Tacos a Go-Go and the Lucky Food Store. Philippe and Beline Harel opened Salé-Sucré in the location of the former White Oak Bakery in 2012. Landlord DC Heights LP claims they have failed to pay rent. The Harels sent out the following statement in response: “Dear Colleagues: Yes, unfortunately we locked Salé Sucré. We will be opening a new location, but it will be under a new name.”

Chipotle is going granola

OK, well not literally granola, but they are starting to oﬀer

sively for Avis Frank and his ﬁrst solo show in Houston. Saturday - Sunday Bayou City Ar t Festival Downtown 2014, Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sunday Oct. 12, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Enter at Walker and Bagby by City Hall. Touted as one of the nation’s top ten annual outdoor ﬁne art events. Sunday Sunday Streets Houston The Heights will be opened to pedestrians along 19th street from Heights and to Shepherd. Sunday Streets Houston is not a street festival, it is a family-friendly opportunity to be physically active and enjoy active transportation, as well as connect with neighbors in your community. I’ll be there with First Saturday Arts Market artists at Gen’s Antiques, 540 W. 19th, come by and say hello. Wednesday, Oct. 15 Elements of Time by Vena Ashley, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Piola Houston, 3201 Louisiana St. Suite 103. By using art and photography as a means to document the world around her, Vena allows her viewers to see things how she sees them, things that sometimes are overlooked. On view through Dec. 21. Cohen is the founder and manager of First Saturday Arts Market. Contact him at ArtValet@gmail.com or visit him on the web at ArtValet.com.

vegan Sofritas menu options on Oct. 13. Sofritas is organic shredded tofu with chipotle chiles, poblano peppers and a blend of spices. Sofrito is used as a base in many Spanish and Latin American dishes. Chipotle’s Sofritas will be available in burritos, tacos, burrito bowls and salads. Get your Sofritas ﬁx at 2027 S Shepherd Dr. and 1249 N Loop.

What’s up with Coppa Ristorante?

Culture Map has a little bit of scoop about the Italian restaurant at 5555 Washington Ave. which has been closed since Friday. An employee at the restaurant told a CultureMap reader that “building maintenance issues” forced the closure, and that all reservations have been rebooked to other restaurants owned by Clark/Cooper concepts, including sister restaurant Coppa Osteria in Rice Village. Have a restaurant tip? E-mail betsy@theleadernews.com.

KNOW YOUR HOME’S VALUE

Watson. The after party will feature DJ Felipe Galvan and his Pachuco Boogie Sound System and live music By Jesse Dayton. The show is family friendly and free to children 12 and under. Tickets are $10, car registration is $20 and bikes are $15. For more information, visit www.burnouthouston.com.

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THE TOPICS. Saturday, October 11, 2014 • Page 4A

Do our local businesses know their customers?

I

f you walk into just about any kind of store – book stores (if those still exist), grocery stores, gas stations, hair salons – there’s a good chance you’ll ﬁnd a shelf of books that teach you how to become millionaires running your own business. I’ll admit it. I’ve read a few of them. I’m not proud, but the ﬁrst step is admission. Obviously, there are a few wonderful books designed to help you lead people, but most of these things are about as insightful as a pound of string cheese. So why am I telling you this? Most of our readers are consumers, not business owners, and I’d sure hate to waste your time explaining something that has no value to your daily struggle to pay bills, feed children and swat mosquitos. Every year, around this time, I start thinking more and more about the local businesses in our community because we’re entering what you might call “make it or break it” time. For those of you who own or run businesses (especially retail), you know exactly what I’m talking about. We’re in the fourth quarter. Maybe you’ve had a great year already, and what comes these next 10 weeks is butter on the cornbread. Or maybe you’ve had an OK year – you’ve paid yourself and you’re breaking even – and you know these three months can turn good into great. And then there are those who have had a miserable year, and you’re counting on this last quarter

JONATHAN MCELVY Publisher

to propel you into 2015. So back to you, Mr. and Mrs. Consumer. Why do you care about local businesses, and why would you spend another second reading today’s column? Every year, you hear chambers of commerce and neighborhood associations and community newspapers beg you to consider shopping local this year. One of the largest credit card companies in the world, American Express, started a program four years ago called “Small Business Saturday” where they implore you to spend your holiday money at locally owned stores close to home. Obviously, they’d like you to use their credit card to make such purchases so they can get 2.5 percent of everything you spend, but their intentions are good. If trends are any indication (and I do believe that’s redundant), you all take notice of the exhortations, think about your neighbor down the street who helps manage the hardware store around the corner, and

three minutes later you log on to Amazon and finish up your holiday shopping in the click of six buttons, all while sipping some kale concoction and never changing from your yoga pants. If you’re a business owner, or if you help manage a locally owned business, you know this is the new reality. Consumers seek ease and speed, and if you can’t deliver those two important criteria to a shopping experience, then your potential customers quickly become missed opportunities. I run an interesting business at The Leader. If you exclude banks and the chamber of commerce, I’d venture to say that no other business communicates with local, small businesses more than we do at our newspaper. My guess is that we talk to somewhere around 100 local businesses every single day. But we also spend just as much time talking to consumers – your customers; our readers. In that sense, our business is quite interesting because we know the struggles of local businesses (we are one), and we have the wonderful opportunity to hear from the people who could be your customers. You might also imagine that we spend a lot of time trying to figure out better ways to match our readers with the local businesses in our area, and I recently read something that might come in handy to those businesses intent on finishing 2014 with a bang. A lady by the name of Kit Yarrow

Our neighborhood is equipped for war Dear neighbors, some of you have been asking your board of directors about our new Running Rats Acres Police Department or RRAPD, the occasional M1Abrams tanks you see on our streets, and I’ll get to the drones in a minute. You have asked, “I didn’t even know we had a police department although we could sure use one. How can anyone steal a vacant lot? When and how did this happen?” A few weeks ago your Homeowners Association received a letter from the Pentagon’s Department of Defense Excess Property Program (DODEPP) asking if our police needed any excess military equipment now that all the world is at peace and our armed forces no longer need most of their weapons. I, of course, replied that we didn’t have a police force, but that we did have Constable Bill “Truncheon” Jones who patrols our neighborhood when he’s sober. The feds said that was no problem, just form a force. So Billy Bob Mesquite and John John O’John put one together. They were joined by Buddy Mildew who said he had military experience because he spent two years in the Army at Fort Hood sorting socks and expects us to provide him with health care for the rest of his life. The RRAPD didn’t have a real police station so they used Mesquite’s garage which was empty after his SUV Ford Intimidator was repossessed and his ’68 Dodge pickup is up on blocks in his front yard. The folks at DODEPP said that would do until an excess concrete bunker from the Korean DMZ arrives. A few days later we got two armed Humvees along with 240 land mines that had been confiscated from the Texas Militia down on the border. The militiamen had planned to sew the mines along the banks of the Rio “to prevent an invasion of Patagonian peons.” Unfortunately, the militiamen forgot where the mines were buried and, after a night march, the survivors turned over the remaining mines to the feds. We also received 45 silencers for M16 assault rifles. We wrote back that we didn’t have any assault rifles. You won’t believe what we got next, or maybe you will. Some of you may be wondering, what with our federal government trillions of dollars in debt, how it could give away free all this expensive equipment. As the name suggests, what we and others are getting is excess property, some of it even a year or two old. We don’t want our brave fighters using antiquated weapons against ISIS. Besides, those camel jockeys captured most of what we left. The RRAPD is not alone. The East Texas village of Kountze, with six officers, received eight fully automatic rifles, 30 bayonets – yes, bayonets -- and two Humvees. The Houston PD has received more than 12,000 pieces of equipment in the last four years; 22 percent of it is safety equipment. The other 78 percent isn’t. More than 8,000 agencies across the country have enrolled in the program, receiving more than $5.1 billion worth of property since its inception in the 1990s. We were asked how many men we had on our SWAT team and what equipment they needed. I responded that we didn’t have a SWAT team, but we used a lot of Off. Capt. Andy “Mad Dog” Randy of the DODEPP’s Appearance Is

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

Everything Commission wrote, “SWAT teams look very mean and tough in their black uniforms and masks, sort of Darth Vader in a Wal-Mart parking lot. They have been added to the armories of police departments that already look and act like military units.” According to press reports, it seems this program has had problems. Masked, heavily armed police officers in Louisiana raided a nightclub in 2006 as part of a liquor inspection. In Florida in 2010, officers in SWAT gear and with guns drawn carried out raids on barbershops that mostly led only to charges of “barbering without a license.” (I’m not kidding.) A popular request is for a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle (MRAP), which weighs 14 to 18 tons, is 9 feet tall and costs up to $800,000 each. MRAPs were built to withstand high explosive land mines and hidden roadside bombs. They are also excellent for enforcing handicap parking spot violations and recalcitrant double parkers. Grenade launchers are also very popular, even with campus police. Speaking of which, the UT-System has not only received an MRAP, but also M16s, two Humvees and rifle sights. “Remember Charles Whitman,” UT explained. As for our own equipment, it is all free except we must pay shipping costs. (The tab for that bunker from the DMZ may be pretty steep.) About the incident in which Bunny Gromett was sunbathing nude in her back yard when a drone from the neighboring Swamp Hollow Village PD hovered overhead for 20 minutes. Most of us feel her husband, Black Jack Gromett, was more than justified in using his DODEPP-issued M 89 anti-aircraft missile. Great shot, Black Jack. We, too, have drones, but are not sure how to use them. Actually, many problems associated with this equipment are because much of it arrived without instructors or even an owner’s manual. That explains why we couldn’t find a way to attach a bayonet to our howitzer, and why we keep pointing the bazooka the wrong way. Really, both ends look the same. (Sorry about your barber shop, Cosmo.) Many local police departments are receiving helicopters, so we asked for one, and got one. It’s great for drying out the golf course, and avoiding rush hour traffic to Wendy’s. One more point: RRAPD just received a letter from DODEPP about the MRAP, wanting to know “why the SWAT driver was DWI when it went into BB (Buffalo Bayou).” It added something about YPAAI! We’re having it decoded, but it seems to be a military acronym for You People Are Absolute Idiots! Finally, RRAPD is seeking volunteers to operate our newly arrived XT-456 Dragon Flame-Throwing Backpack. Bring your own bandages. Ashby is reloading at ashby2@comcast. net

wrote a book that has received accolades from the National Retail Federation (the group that tracks purchasing across the United States). Yarrow’s book, Decoding the New Consumer Mind, said something that struck a chord with me – and hopefully, you. “One of the most profound issues that [businesses are] facing today is a consumer with abysmal levels of trust in everything – all the institutions designed to serve them… so they’ve become incredibly self-reliant.” She went on to write that consumers want immediate rewards from their shopping, and they have a much lower tolerance for ambiguity and complexity. Last, and here’s the best part, she said consumers today are more narcissistic than ever before. They want something “that feels uniquely for them and brands that seem to authentically understand them. Consumers are looking to be seen and feel special.” When I started writing this column, my intention was to spell out all the horrible ways consumers – our customers – are treated when they walk into stores. Of course, that isn’t true for every store, but whether it’s lazy customer service, lines that are too long and no one around to offer a hand at the check-out counter, to stores that force feed us a “take-it-or-leave-it” approach to sales, what we’ve lost as businesses isn’t just the ability to add a personal touch. What we’ve really lost is the ability (and

desire) to actually understand our customers. Over the past year, I’ve visited businesses all around this community, and if I’ve noticed one singular problem with our approach to customer service, it’s that we tend to shove our products to our customers and let them decide if they want to spend their money with us. According to the National Retail Federation, every adult in the United States will spend more than $2,500 during the months of November and December. Whether our local businesses can capitalize on that money isn’t about having a listing on Amazon or a ﬂashy web page. When our neighbors decide to shop at our local stores, we have to do more than just tell them what they can and can’t buy. Local businesses must change their entire approach to customer service. That goes from the most basic tenets of kindness and actual service, all the way to developing products that are uniquely designed for the person walking in the door. Yes, we will always urge our readers to shop local. We’ll also urge our businesses to sell local. Consumers have choices, and they aren’t afraid to spend money, especially when they can do it with ease and speed. Do our local businesses offer that to the people who matter most? Email jonathan@theleadernews.

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THE READER. Historic preservation clarity

Dear Editor: Thank you for bringing this frustrating issue to the awareness of the community. As the homeowner mentioned in this article, I will say that we are trying to follow the city guidelines and build a home with the growth of my family. My experience is that even when following all the rules, it has been a very expensive, unpredictable, and highly subjective process that has thus far been wasted eﬀort. When the historical commission is allowed the authority to deny a project based on subjective opinion that is not substantiated by numbers or guidelines, we are doing our residents in our community a disservice. We are also costing tax-payers money to have city-paid employees spend time working with the resident on a project to get it to an acceptable state if it is only to be denied by

the Historical Commission. It is costly, time-consuming, and does not encourage residents with growing families to stay in the community that they love, support, and believe in. I will be appealing the decision by following the proper procedural steps as allowed to me by the Historical Ordinance and hope that the Planning Commission will do the right thing and overturn the denial. Tina Han

Post oﬃce closing

Dear Editor: Guess this is the reality of all those post oﬃces closing throughout the states. Thanks for the update. Looking forward to seeing what happens with this. Matthew A. Flynn

Calling All Carriers Do you know anyone who delivered The Leader? No, this isn’t a job ad. This is part of a wonderful project we’re planning for the Dec. 6 edition of The Leader, when we’ll turn 60 years old. As part of that special edition, we’d love to publish the names of any person who ever had a newspaper route with this newspaper. The responses are coming in fast, and we’ll give you a sneak peak at a couple of them below. If you know of anyone who ever delivered The Leader, please email our publisher, Jonathan McElvy, at jonathan@theleadernews.com. Our son, John Michael McJilton, was a Leader carrier back in the 1970s and maybe early ‘80s. Carriers had to be at least nine years old, and John was ten when he started. He was named Leader Carrier of the Month several times, and he walked his route door-to-door, dropping papers on his customers’ porches. The Leader paid one-half cent more per paper for porch delivery. John now lives with his wife and two children in San Antonio.

My brothers, Bob Weidner and Les Weidner delivered The Leader door to door, on foot, from 1957 to 1960! Les even has a dog bite scar on his leg from a dog running after him! Delivering The Leader was a family affair with all of use rolling the papers and putting a rubber band around them before they could be delivered! Times were hard though. We had to use the money they made to buy groceries! Bobby Carrick and myself delivered The Leader for a couple of years...probably late 50s--early 60s. We had over the shoulder bags that my Mother made for us. Every Wednesday we walked from our homes in the 1800 block of Hewitt Dr and walked separate sides of Candlelight, Richleau and Martin hand delivering to each residence door. Received a couple of dog bites, got cursed at for trespassing but, overall was a good character building experience. I think we got paid $1.50 per week. Wonderful days in Oak Forest!

Saturday, October 11, 2014 • Page 5A

Magnet, from P. 1A ways to strengthen and enrich what they do have. “Being a part of the Houston Art Partnership and attending conferences with our staff gives them more tools in their box to work with and continue to meet the needs of our children,” Pollock said. “The arts are an amazing thing to work with. I’m a singer. I sing with the Houston Choral Showcase. So I know for me when growing up, music was a big part of my life. Our goal is to excite children about education and offer as many possibilities as we can.” Being good Stuarts to the campus and providing different and creative solutions to budget constraints is a big part of the job, Pollock says. She goes on to say that whether it is a school, business or nonproﬁt setting it’s important to not be constrained by limitations and develop a mindset of looking for new possibilities. This mindset is the mindset that two local business owners took in starting a campaign to raise funding for art and creative programs at

fect world, we would have a lot of art options, but in the end it’s about deciding what we can ﬁt in our day.” Fine arts possibilities at GO Magnet are still constrained. Extra curricular activities, like band or art competitions that require travel aren’t realistic for the school yet. Pollock says the school isn’t at the place they would like to be, yet. In September, Pollock attended the 2014 Houston Arts Partners Conference which emphasized The Global Classroom: Cultures and Communities program. The expected outcomes from the workshop were to learn why and how to support arts education on your campus, ﬁnd out how to employ strategies for including arts education in your positioning statement and school improvement plan and how to connect with Houston’s arts education resources that support teacher professional development, student literacy and personalized learning. Pollock says through conferences like this, she and the faculty are always looking for

GO Magnet. The campaign launched late last month and will continue through the end of October. The money will be largely allocated to fund new programs, but is also geared to head up a company launch party and fundraiser for the school, and a GO creativity festival to inspire students to ﬁnd their passion and engage in art and creative programs, according to the crowd funding platform website. The goal is set at $288,422. Looking forward, Pollock hopes to raise funds for new programs but would also like to shine light on their current accomplishments. The school received a federal grant to transition the school into an all Montessori campus, and as of Sept. 30, the funding has ended and the campus successfully completed that transition. “From 2008 to now, our enrollment has almost doubled,” Pollock said. “We have 32 classrooms now, 720 students and last year we had about 1,000 applications for our program.” After celebrating a success-

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ful transition, now Pollock has bigger projects to focus on. As of this week, Pollock and her staff are getting ready for their bond project. The project was earmarked in the 2012 bond for GO Magnet to receive renovations or new construction and $26 million was set aside from that bond for new facilities. Pollock has already started developing a project advisory team and is scheduled to meet this week. “We’ve already heard from some architects and three ﬁrms were the ﬁnal selects from the district,” Pollock said. “We will be learning who our architect will be very shortly. That announcement will be this Friday. We are excited about that and the possibilities for our school and community. Lots of really wonderful things happening at Garden Oaks.” Despite budget allowances for the arts, GO Magnet has taken on a mindset that has given new possibilities. Pollock says that art opens up a dialogue system to create ideas and creativity. It seems as though that mindset has opened new doors to a new facility, as well.

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Page 6A • Saturday, October 11, 2014

Is the adoption of certain cats banned in October?

Dear Tabby, I grew up with an awesome black kitty, aptly named “Boo.” I’ve never forgotten Boo and have wanted a black cat for some time. Well, I’m ﬁnally in a position to adopt, but a friend just told me that many animal shelters won’t adopt out black cats during the month of October...why is that? – Looking for love in Lindale Park

Sadly, your friend is right. Some shelters have imposed a moratorium on black cat adoptions for the month of October due to unsubstantiated notions that devil worshipers and evil-doers will waltz on down to the local animal shelter one day in October, plop down the adoption fees and scoop up a whole bunch of black cats with ill-intent. The truth is that animals being harmed at Halloween is mostly a myth. Does it still happen? Sure, just like it does every OTHER day of the week. According to pet experts, October does not show a higher percentage of animal cruelty or injuries--the media just highlights it more. The media also continues to do “Keeping your pet safe on Halloween” stories every year, yet statistics show that there are no increased cases of this. In fact, more animals are injured, lost or traumatized during July

4!

Truth be told--no matter what page the calendar is on-it’s always a dangerous time to be a black cat or dog in a shelter. According to the Washington Post, black cats and dogs are the last to be adopted and the ﬁrst to be euthanized. In reality, just like humans, the color of an animal means nothing when determining personality and worth. Not allowing the adoption of black cats 31 days out of the year is an archaic idea and hopefully shelters are abandoning this practice. So, what should you do to bring home your new “Boo” this month? Call around to area shelters and check and see who is allowing black cat adoptions during October. As with adopting the other 11 months of the year, be sure have have your references spiffed up and ready, as well

as a vet lined up to check out your new kitty shortly after adoption. Lastly, kudos to you for choosing to adopt over shop and for giving a sweet black kitty the chance at a colorful life! Reducing the burden at BARC: As per usual, BARC is almost at capacity, having taken in many animals in need in the past couple of weeks. If you or someone you know is in the market for a new four-legged best friend, now is a great time to stop by the shelter and rub elbows with some furry sweeties! The shelter is located at: 3200 Carr Street 77026 or visit their website: www.houstontxgov/barc for more information on available animals. Do you have a question for Tabby? If so, email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.

Pet of the Week Isabel Meet Isabel. This 4 year old terrier-mix was on death row at an area shelter until she suddenly got a second chance at happiness. As a result of her brush with the death penalty, she’s always on her best behavior. Sweet, and loving, Isabel hardly ever makes a peep and is more than ready for a family to call her own. If Isabel might be the one for you, contact Citizens for Animal Protection at: www.cap4pets.org.

LOOKING BACK. 10 years ago Sept. 30, 2004

20 years ago Oct. 6, 1994

Lynn Ashby column debuts in today’s issue of The Leader Beginning with his column in today’s issue, Leader readers have the opportunity each week to look at the world through the eyes of Lynn Ashby, one of the state’s premier journalists. The former editor and daily columnist for The Houston Post, Ashby is a sixth-generation Texan who writes on

a wide range of subjects ranging from Texas history, to the plague of cell phones, to tips on how to write one’s own obituary. “We’re delighted to welcome Lynn to the Leader family and bring you his trademark Texan wit each Wednesday,” said publisher Terry Burge.

1232 W 23rd St $399,999 This beautiful home in the much desired Shady Acres/Heights area has main floor kitchen,living & dining w/covered porch for grilling.Dramatic open balcony gives open feeling to downstairs & view of living areas from upstairs.Beautiful wood floors downstairs on stairs and upstairs hallway. Tile in baths & carpet in bedrooms.Fantastic master with sitting area & extra lg. shower w/ garden tub.Plantation shutters-Everything you want, close to dining/shopping. Hurry this will go fast.

14403 Mindy Park $449,000 This beauty is ready for your family to move in & enjoy the summer in the pool. Yard is big enough for other events as well. 5 bedrooms,3 full baths,one half bath,game room up,family room down,master has walk in closet that goes the length of the bath & bedroom (Amazing),bedrooms upstairs are split plan,hollywood bath on one side and on the other the bath has 3 sinks to share with 2 bedrooms & game room. Great area for shopping,close to major access roads & great Cy-Fair schools.

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10115 Bayou Manor, 5/3.5, $235,000 Gorgeous ready for move in. First floor has a large master bedroom w/large walk-in closet and shower/Jacuzzi tub. A large living area which opens into breakfast & kitchen. Crown molding throughout w/plantation shutters. Looking out into the backyard reveals your own oasis. A covered patio, hot tub, waterfall, pool and palm trees. A beautiful stairway leads to the 2nd floor w/4 bedrooms, media room, & 2 full baths. Perfect for raising a family. 2nd floor has a covered balcony.

12631 Rocky Meadow $1.6 million Impressive new construction Lippold Custom Home in desirable Fonn Villas. Five Bedrooms, four and one half baths, study and large game room. Open floor plan is perfect for entertaining. Master and Study downstairs. Four bedrooms and game room upstairs. The backyard has a covered patio with a gas grill and there is room for a pool.

RENTALS 1034 Lamonte; $1,800/month Great location this Garden Oaks bungalow with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, formal living and dining rooms + den. Beautiful hardwood floors as well as ceramic tile. Double pane windows. Large covered patio and storage shed with small fenced in yard. New tub and tile 4413 Nina Lee: $1,475 Warm 2 or 3 bedroom, 1 bath with original oak floors in popular Oak Forest. Ext. painting in 2013 Recent windows & wood blinds. Kitchen has glass-door cabinets. Prev. owners opened wall b/w bedrooms to enlarge master. Leave as is or re-create split effect with 2 floor-to-ceiling wardrobes (incl. in rental).

PREMIER PROPERTIES

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patients to chemically dependent people, are canvassing the neighborhood getting signatures on a petition opposing the application. The application is for a license by the Department of Health and Human Services, said Delinda Holland of the Shepherd Forest Civic Club.

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Saturday, October 11, 2014 • Page 7A

THE CALENDAR. LEGIONNAIRES BARBECUE American Legion Post 560 Come out for a good meal and support the Legionnaires. Barbecue dinners will be served from noon until sold out Oct. 11. The Post is located at 3720 Alba Rd. Information: 713-682-9287, www.americanlegionpost560.org.

MOVIE IN THE PARK Oak Forest Homeowners Association A family Halloween-themed movie and some food trucks will be at Oak Forest Park at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11. Information: www. ofha.org. HEIGHTS GARDEN CLUB Eskelson Residence The Heights Garden Club will have their monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Oct. 11, at 636 E. 12th St. Experimenting to find plants which will bloom in the many different types of shade created by a two-century old live oak which is on the Harris County tree registry of exceptional trees. Information: www.heightsgardenclub.com. 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. Proceeds will benefit the Czech Genealogy Library located at 4117 Willowbend Blvd. For information, call 713-3490500. STEAK NIGHT Sons of Legionaires Post 560 Come by the American Legion Post 560, 3720 Alba, for the last steak dinner of the year Oct. 17. Food will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out and entertainment will be provided by Ron and Reta

Rebstock. Information: www. americanlegionpost560.org, 713682-9287. SINCLAIR FALL FESTIVAL Sinclair Elementary School Come enjoy a fun-filled Fall Festival, Silent Auction and Pumpkin Patch from 3:15-7 p.m. Oct. 17, on Sinclair’s campus located at 6410 Grovewood. Individual participant wristbands for the festival are available for $20 at the door and include unlimited access to all of the activities. Food trucks, vendors and merchandise will also be on-site. Pumpkins in the Pumpkin Patch will also be available for purchase. The Pumpkin Patch will also be open to the community from 3:15-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, Oct. 17Oct. 31. Information: Sinclair.pta. events@gmail.com. 5 ALARM SUNDAY FUNDAY Fire Museum of Houston Bring the family to enjoy a beer and listen to live Texas music. The event will be held at 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 19, at the Redneck Country Club, 11110 W. Airport Blvd. in Stafford. Proceeds benefit the Educational and Outreach programs of The Houston Fire Museum. Information: 713-524-2526, hfmi@houstonfiremuseum.org. HOUSTON PRIDE BAND MUSICAL EVENT Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church This musical event is free, and donations are accepted at the door or online. The concert venue is Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, 2025 W. 11th St. The performance is at 3 p.m. Oct. 25. A reception will follow. Information: www.houstonprideband.org. MANNA INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Alliance MANNA is celebrating 25 years

in the community. A fund-raising event will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 1, in the parking lot of the MANNA Resale Store, 1806 W. 43rd St. This event will be a BBQ dinner and silent auction. Tickets are $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the store or online. Information: 713-504-5486, pdornak@gmail. com, www.manna-houston.org. BEJEWELED Art for Success and Independence All proceeds from the exhibition beneﬁt The Center for Success and Independence. TCSI provides comprehensive, compassionate, quality treatment to teens with behavioral, emotional and addictive disorders. There will be a silent and live auction and cocktails. More than 20 original works from both artists and teens at TCSI will be featured. The event will be at Winter Street Studios, Second Floor Art Studio, 2101 Winter St., from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 1. The cost is $25 and tickets can be ordered on the website. Information: www. tcsi.org, 713-426-4545. 13th ANNUAL EVELYN PAYNE MEMORIAL BENEFIT FOR CAMP SWEENEY Cottonwood The 13th Annual Evelyn Payne Memorial Beneﬁt for Camp Sweeney, a Camp for Diabetic Kids, is from 2-7 p.m. Nov. 8, at Cottonwood, 3422 N. Shepherd Dr. Tickets to the event may be purchased online. Information: www.4diabetickids.org.

Reunions REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1964 The John H. Reagan Class of 1964 Reunion is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 17. Events include a mixer at Pappasito’s Cantina Memorial City on Friday night, tour of Reagan High School on Saturday morning, and a dinner celebration at Red Oak

FROM THE PEWS. TALC Senior Program to host Safety Driving Course All Saints Catholic Church TALC, 215 E. 10th St., will host a one day, four hour classroom course for drivers 50 years or older at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 9. The course will be presented by an AARP instructor and is for insurance discount, not trafﬁc violations. For AARP members, the fee is $12 and for non-members, the fee is $15. AARP members are asked to bring their membership card. Lunch is available at noon for class participants for $2. Call 713-248-1277 for class reservations. Octoberfest at St. Mark’s St. Mark’s United Methodist Church will hold the 14th Annual Silent Auction and Octoberfest Dinner at Liederkranz Hall, 5100 Ella Blvd. The proceeds go towards the Children’s Development Center. The event will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 11. Call 713-861-4443 for information. Children’s Sabbath at St. Stephen’s Children’s Sabbath is Oct. 12, and the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will be lead by the children. The theme will be “People Who Make a Difference.” The Youth will serve

a Spud Lunch following the 11 a.m. service. All are welcome. St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church is located at 2003 W. 43rd St. For information, call 713-686-8241 or visit www.stsumc.org. Spaghetti dinner at St. Ambrose The Men’s Club at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 4213 Mangum Rd., will host a spaghetti dinner from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 17, in the school cafeteria. Tickets are $8 and the meal includes spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, bread and iced tea. Takeout will be available and deserts will be sold. Advanced tickets only, no sales at the door. For tickets or information, call 713-686-3497. Fall Festival at St. Mark’s UMC St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 600 Pecore, will hold a Fall Festival from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 18. A Blessing of the Animals will be at 10 a.m. the day of the festival. There will be food, games, vendors, a bulb

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and bake sale, and a pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch will also be open daily from noon to 6 p.m. beginning Oct. 18 through Oct. 31. Proceeds go toward the Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry. For information, call 713861-3104 or visit www.smumc. org. Community Day in the pumpkin patch at Gospel Truth Gospel Truth Church, 1624 W. 34th St., will have a community day in the pumpkin patch at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 19. There will be free food and family activities. The pumpkin patch will be open MondaySaturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and 1-6 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 12 through Oct. 31. There is free admission Oct. 31, to Trunk or Treat held at 6-8 p.m. Families can pick a pumpkin, and there will be story hours, photo ops along with weekend family fun events. For information, call 713686-7689 or visit www.gospeltruthchurch.org.

Ballroom/CityCentre on Saturday night. Information: www. classreport.org/usa/tx/houston/ rhs/1964/ WALTRIP HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1974 The Waltrip Class of 1974 is holding their 40th reunion the weekend of Oct. 17 and Oct. 18. The mixer at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17, at Wakeﬁeld CrowBar and reunion party at 7 p.m. Oct. 18, at Houston Liederkranz, 5100 Ella Blvd. Catering is by Demeris BBQ, music by The Telstars, photo booth and more. Beer, wine and setups will be available, so BYOB. Other classes and friends are welcome to attend. Visit the website to RSVP and purchase tickets. Information: www.waltripclassof74.com. WALTRIP HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1979 The Waltrip Class of 1979 will celebrate their 35th reunion at 7 p.m. Oct. 18, at the Cadillac Bar party room, 1802 Shepherd Dr. The party room entrance is on the side (Nolda St.). Free admission includes hot appetizers, Karaoke, and dancing. There will be a cash bar. Casual attire. Other Waltrip classes are welcome to attend. RSVP by emai. Information: 713-417-4407, 281-620-9603, waltriprams79@yahoo.com. WALTRIP HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1969 The reunion will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 25, at Whitney Oaks, 816 E. Whitney St. 77022. Dinner will be served, and a cash bar is available for beer and wine. Liquor BYOB. The cost is $40 per person. Visit the website to register. Information: www.waltrip1969.com. Ad # 31448

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Page 8A • Saturday, October 11, 2014

Fundamentals of Soccer at Pony Field Oaks Dads Club develops soccer program, celebrates 60 years oﬀering sports in the community By Christina Martinez

christina@theleadernews.com

Fundamentals is a word Oaks Dads Club has worked on for over 60 years now and is the focus of their first opening season of soccer with the club. About 10 years ago, ODC attempted a soccer league, but was unsuccessful in continuing with the program. This year the non-profit organization has pieced the parts together successfully to offer fall and spring soccer to Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Candlelight, Timbergrove, Inwood Forest and surrounding North Houston. The league opened their season the first weekend of October with their 9U division, which consists of four teams of seven to nine year olds. The 6U division is the younger group, with four to six year olds. The 6U division will open their season this week on Thursday, with three out of the six teams on the schedule.

In total, ODC has 10 teams signed up for their fall ball. In preparation, Vice President Shawn Salyres says there was a lot of work to put in. “This is our first day of soccer in probably about 10 years,” Salyres said. We had to organize the refs, make sure the fields were done correctly. We were still coming up with some of the official calls before game time. Everyone came out and seems like the kids, parents and coaches had a great time and were happy. I’d say a success so far.” Traditionally, ODC is known for their football, baseball and softball programs. Salyres says with these sports, fall is the time coaches get to spend extra time working on fundamental skills. A focus that ODC will also transition in developing their soccer program. “For a lot of our players, this is our chance to get them ready for spring and work on

Neighbors: Waltrip

Band ranks No. 1 By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com Congratulations to Grace Phillips, a senior student at St. Pius X High School, who was selected as one of two semifinalists from St. Pius for the 60th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. About 1.4 million juniors entered the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program and only approximately 16,000 semifinalists were selected. Finalists for the award will be announced in Feb. 2015 and are chosen on the basis of exceptional academic ability, skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. Grace, daughter of proud parents Bruce and Natalie Phillips, enjoys anime and science fiction, and plans to apply to the University of St. Thomas to study science. Happy, happy 6th birthday to Gabriela “Gabi” and Alexandra “Alex” Beltran who celebrated their special day with a serenade from mariachis at Tia Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, their favorite restaurant. The girls spent the day playing their hearts out at The Children’s Museum before joining grandparents Jesse and Carol Casas along with mom and dad Jessica and Angel Beltran for a festive birthday dinner. The girls are in Kindergarten at Helms Elementary School. Dennis Woodward, our horticulturally gifted neighbor from Shepherd Park Plaza, would like to invite you to join him at Lulu M. Stevens Elementary on Lamonte at Rosslyn each Monday at 2:45 p.m. for just 30 minutes each week. Dennis has committed to volunteering at Stevens and has, over time, created new flower and vegetable beds, maintains existing plantings, and has even organized the planting of some trees. Donations of plants and trees from Joshua’s Native Plants on 18th at Nicholson, Buchanan’s on 11th Street, and the owner of Jus’ Mac are a very welcome gift. Dennis made a request for assistance from parents of students who attend the school and is now asking neighbors to donate 30 minutes for the project. He said, “We will do a little work, chat about this and that, and week by week transform the beds back into good looking areas where delicious vegetables are growing around the young citrus trees.” Dennis is very excited about showing elementary school students how veggies and fruits are grown and hopefully igniting a spark in them about growing their own healthy foods. Mickey Kleinhenz is another one of our neighbors working on the project and someone you can expect to see there regularly. Just do it! I’ll bet you will be surprised at how much fun you have while making a difference in this way.

In the last week, the Roaring Red Waltrip Ram Band has participated in three marching band contests from Rosenberg to Brenham, TX to Delmar Stadium and has represented our community in a wonderful way. They have been on the road to success earning top awards and ratings from all of the judges at each event. The band started its competition season this past Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Lamar Consolidated ISD Marching Invitational in Rosenberg at Traylor Stadium. The band earned an overall second division – Excellent rating, while also earning a Superior rating for its color guard performance. The band then hit the road – the same day - to Brenham for the 40th Annual Blinn College Buccaneer Marching Festival. At this contest, the band notched up their performance by earning straight first division Superior ratings from the judging panel. At that same contest, the Ram Band swept all of the caption awards earning 5 trophies: Most Outstanding Soloist Award in Class 5A; Most Outstanding Percussion Award in Class 5A; Most Outstanding Color Guard Award in Class 5A; Most Outstanding Drum Major Award in Class 5A; and 2nd place Overall in Class 5A (1st Place was Brenham HS). Finally, the band competed in the Houston ISD Marching Festival at Delmar Stadium just a few nights ago – getting back to Waltrip to unload instruments and equipment at 1 a.m. on a school night! – and earning an overall first division – Superior Rating. “This band is the best of what Houston ISD has to offer,” Director of Bands Jesse Espinosa said. “We are very proud of the work our students and staff are putting together. There is one more Pre-UIL competition coming up at the Katy ISD Pre-UIL Marching Invitational at Rhodes Stadium in Katy on Oct. 11. The band performs at 10:30 a.m. and invites all of its neighbors to come out and support these dedicated student musicians. The Ram Band thanks you all for your continued support.” Girls Night Out at Memorial Hermann Northwest! You do so much for everyone else – now’s your chance for a special evening designed just for busy women just like you. Come discover the latest on women’s health topics, including breast and gynecological cancer care, from a panel of expert clinicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital. Learn tips for early detection, prevention and proper screening techniques. And what Girls’ Night Out is complete without a little pampering? Enjoy a massage along with wine and gourmet light bites. Parking will be validated. The event is free but limited to those 21 and older. Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, from 6 - 8 p.m. at 1635 North Loop West, Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Photo by Christina Martinez Oaks Dads Club’s 9U division opened the season last Saturday morning at Pony Field.

basic skills and learning the game,” Salyres said. “There’s a chance to get in more repetition and the spring season is more competitive. In the spring we have playoffs, records, trophies, opening and

closing ceremonies. The fall is focused on the individual player and developing those individual skills.” Last week the four 9U teams played and a large crowd turned out to watch the

ﬁrst ever match. Head Coach of the A-Team Avengers, Rob Dueer said he saw improvement from practice transition into their Saturday game. “From the scope of one hour, we found them learn-

ing and growing from the first kick-off to the last whistle,” Dueer said. “I’m looking forward to a great season of the kids having fun and learning the game.” Tradition is another word ODC knows a thing or two about. Joe Arguijo Jr., coached at Pony in the 90s and was the coach to a current 9U division head coach Jesus Gonzales. Gonzales coaches two of his children on the same field that he was coached on by Arguijo a few years back. These days, Arguijo can be found tending to field maintenance as assistant grounds keeper. Along with Arguijo, maintenance and basic repairs are all made by parents, grandparents, or anyone that can spare free time. This year ODC is celebrating 60 years of providing youth sports to the area. From the organization’s 60 year gala event, the group raised enough funds to rise a soccer program, purchase a lawn mower and new scoreboard. The organization is volunteer based and is always looking for help to keep progressing their fundamental youth programs.

Athlete Spotlight: Scarborough High School’s Titus Randal As the sun set over Dyer stadium, Scarborough High School lined up for the National Anthem just like they do on any other Thursday night. Parents, students, faculty and staff all came to watch their Spartans take on Washington for their Homecoming game. The Spartans came in with an 0-4 record, but nonetheless took the field regardless of what their record showed, respectively. Last week Coach Sanders told The Leader that their goal was to start and finish well against Washington. While some may argue that Scarborough was off to a rough start, there is no contest that the Spartans finished strong. With seven minutes left on the clock, Junior Quarterback Titus Randal threw a huge pass down field that put six more points up for the Spartans. With momentum going, Randal pushed the ball up and down the field moving the chains in a fluid manner. The Spartans were unable to score again, and lost to Washington 26-52. Although the Spartans lost

to Washington, there is a sliver lining to be found. Last year, the program put up 14 points over the course of the whole season. Against Washington, Scarborough hit a program best with 26 points, almost doubling last year’s 14 season total points. Coach Ajani Sanders has his work cut out for him developing a program from the ground up, but can already cross off a few program bests. Last week, Junior Titus Randal was named Scarborough’s 2014 Homecoming Prince and is this week’s athlete spotlight. Q:Talk to me about your Junior Quarterback Titus Randal football career. How long have you been playing football and how long have you freshman year. Q: What are your plans afbeen playing at the QB position? Also, how long have ter high school? A: After high school I plan you been playing for Scarborto attend college, and receive ough? A: This is my sixth year my masters degree in law playing football. I played and criminal justice. I do plan ﬂag football as the QB for to continue to play ball in my dad’s team in Louisiana, college whether baseball or and two years of little league football. Q: When you are out on football. I started playing QB for Scarborough last season, the ﬁeld, what do you do to and started playing for Scar- keep your team motivated borough’s varsity team my and focused?

A: To keep my team motivated on the field I try to stay positive and often stray away from negative situations. I also try to lead by example. By letting them know that we are all that we’ve got, and we’re brothers. Q: What are your goals this season as a player and as a leader on this team? A: My goals for the remainder of the season is to win games, and try and build a team for next season. To become a great leader you need these qualities: patience, confidence, motivation, and great listening skills. Q: What is your pump-up music before a game? A: My pump-up music is zydeco, and sometimes rap. Zydeco calms me down, and reminds me of home. Q: When you aren’t playing football, what are your interests? A: Off the football and baseball field I like to play basketball because I am very competitive. I also enjoy going to church, volunteering, helping people, and enjoying time with friends and family.

Saturday, October 11, 2014 • Page 9A

Northwest Mall listing means uncertainty for some By Jonathan Garris

jgarris@theleadernews.com

Philip Thompson, owner of Thompson Antique Center at Northwest Houston Mall, can certainly say he and his business are survivors. The large antique shore has been at its current location for two years and has been through road construction, hurricanes and several big moves throughout its 60-year history. “Any change is difﬁcult, but things have generally happened for the better,” Thompson said. However, Thompson and other merchants inside of Northwest Hall have a feeling of trepidation about the future. The nearly 800,000-squarefoot-mall, which sits on over 50 acres of land near the U.S. Highway 290 and Loop 610 interchange, is now up for sale but its Houston-based owner Levcor Inc. is remaining quiet about its details. Thompson emphasized that Levcor has treated his business well. The shop has lived through the removal of major railroad tracks in front of its

Photo by Jonathan Garris The Northwest Mall’s sign declaring that it is, indeed, open during highway construction faces travelers as they drive by the I-610 and US 290 interchange. However, with the recent listing by owner Levcor some residents are hoping to see the mall developed into something other than a shopping center - it’s merchants appear to be less than thrilled with such a proposition.

old location on Old Katy Road, TXDoT’s expansion of Interstate 10, numerous ﬂoods and other damage from storms like Hurricane Ike. The location at Northwest

Mall has been attractive for a number of reasons, particularly for its location and proximity to the numerous communities surrounding Northwest Houston, Thomas said. However,

The Leader previously reported the mall lost Macy’s and Bath and Body Works following Hurricane Ike and Levcor’s efforts to redevelop the mall were challenged by the ongo-

ing highway construction. In previous years, Leader readers have voiced their concern and their desire to see the mall be redeveloped into something different. Even today, one of the top Google results for Northwest Mall is a user submitted entry for DeadMalls.com, which compiles information related to dead or dying malls. However, losing the mall would also mean that its 50 different tenants might also be forced to ﬁnd new homes, including Thompson Antique Center. Thompson said those that whose who write the mall off as an eyesore might not be as familiar with the shopping center as he and other vendors who have called Northwest Mall home. “The outside of the building can’t even begin to show the inner beauty of this place,” Thompson said. “The marble is all polished and the hallways are kept clean, as is the rest of the property.” Thomspon said he understands some of the strong feelings in favor of or against keeping the mall in place, but

said for business owners like himself it’s not simply a building at stake – it’s their livelihood. “No one likes hearing anything negative toward something they strive so hard to make into something nice,” Thompson said. “Making this kind of a move, whether to or from a shopping center like this, is no easy situation. People are sometimes under the impression that you can start a business from the ground up right away, but there is so much to take into account, from permits, to certiﬁcates and other regulations.” While news of the mall’s potential sale has some its tenants on edge according to mall representatives who asked to remain anonymous, Thompson said he and his antique center will “stand ﬁrm” on moving forward. “We’re survivors, that’s for sure,” Thompson said. “We don’t know what the future holds for the mall or for us here. We have a lot of time and labor invested in our location and we like it here.”

Let’s do lunch: PaPa Mo’s Deli a treat for homesick Yankees By Betsy Denson

betsy@theleadernews.com

If you are a homesick Yankee and haven’t found PaPa Mo’s Deli yet, you are missing out. Recently, when The Leader asked readers to chime in on a restaurant that they’ve loved lately, several people mentioned the deli at 465B T.C. Jester Blvd. “I cannot say enough good things about PaPa Mo’s deli,” writes Viula Torgerson of The Heights Life. “Especially for people who are transplants from the Northeast, this is as close to an authentic Northeastern deli as I have found in Houston. Their pasta salad is so simple, so Yankee, so good.” Owners Ramo Kofteci and wife Joan, celebrated the two year anniversary of their Houston location on Septem-

ber 17. The Leader proﬁled the restaurant when they moved into the area and Joan Kofteci credits the article and subsequent advertising for helping boost word of mouth. Husband Ramo, born in Turkey, got his culinary start as a child when his family would send him, as the youngest, back to the house at 6:30 a.m. from the tobacco ﬁelds to make breakfast for everyone else. Joan, a Long Island native, is a former school teacher and a publicity machine for the deli. She posts specials daily on the PaPa Mo’s Facebook page and takes great pride on the restaurant’s customer service and positive feedback online and elsewhere. Former owners of a traditional New York deli, the Koftecis are picky about the authenticity of their product.

Photo by Betsy Denson PaPa Mo’s Special features roast beef and bacon served on toasted garlic bread. Owners Ramo Kofteci and his wife Joan strive to maintain the authentic Northeastern-style taste of their menu items.

They get their Kaiser rolls and other bread from an Italian baker and although it’s delivered in plastic as opposed to paper because of Houston’s humidity, it passes muster

with customers. Jean also is proud of their prices. The daily menu plates with such options as Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs and Italian Sausage with Pep-

pers and Onions is $6.99. “If people want their sausage on a toasted po-boy or with rice or pasta, it’s the same price,” said Joan. They offer three ﬁsh choices every day and also are happy to meet the dietary needs of diabetics or those with other health issues. Not every recipe came with them from their New York deli. The Chicken Teriyaki was a specialty of the Korean owner of the former Burger Inn, who used to be in the space. Since the Koftecis understood it was popular with Burger Inn customers, Ramo learned how to make it. Likewise the Spicy Beef Chili is a nod to their Texas home. While the Rueben is their most popular sandwich, the PaPa Mo’s Special runs a close second. Hot roast beef, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella

cheese is served on toasted garlic bread. Delizioso, or as Donnie Brasco might say, Fuhgeddaboudit.

PaPa Mo’s Deli Location: 465B T.C. Jester Boulevard, Houston, TX 77007 Phone: 713-802-0043 Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: Closed www.papamosdeli.com

HOME Sweet Home Opening Soon! 45% Pre-Leased! Select Your New Home Today!

Please join us for an informative presentation to learn more about

The Village of the Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care currently under development in the Heights and opening Fall 2014

October 22 5:30 - 7:30 pm Houston Heights Fire Station 107 W. 12th Street Houston, TX 77008

RSVP by Oct. 20 to 713-802-9700 Refreshments will be provided

�� www.villageoftheheights.com

of Th e H e i g h t s

Page 10A • Saturday, October 11, 2014

Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes new staﬀ For The Leader

Jacob Millwee, President, has announced changes to the staff at The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are pleased to expand the talents and responsibilities of Trish Gardiner, and we welcome Glenda Clerc who joined the Chamber staff bringing extensive experience in volunteer work with many business and professional associations,” Millwee stated. Trish Gardiner, formerly Ofﬁce Manager will now assume enhanced respon-

sibilities as the Director of Events and Operations. Her new duties will entail working with Chamber committees, coordinating events and functions, securing sponsorships and maintaining contact with members and prospective members. She grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado and a 2010 graduate of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado where she earned a degree in marketing. Trish moved to Houston in 2011 and joined the Chamber in 2013 on a part-time basis, became the Ofﬁce Administrator

Chamber announces 2014 Achievement Award Honorees For The Leader The Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce recognized honorees and named winners of its Achievement Awards at the Annual Chairman’s Gala held on September 26, 2014. The awards represent an ongoing tradition in the Chamber and are designed to acknowledge outstanding accomplishments on behalf of individuals or companies. Chamber members submitted the names of nominees for awards and the winners listed below were chosen by a committee of previous award recipients and the President and Chairman of the Board. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award honorees – Bayou City Magazine, Sign-Ups and Banners Corporation, and 2014 recipient, Manning Pool Service The Volunteer of the Year honorees – Ivee Sauls, Nadia Troutenko, and 2014 recipient,

Natalie Coyle The Company of the Year Award honorees – CenterPoint Energy, Tommie Vaughn Ford, and 2014 recipient, Houston Highway Credit Union The Rising Star Award honorees – Patrick Page, Paige Cassel, and 2014 recipient, Jan Stephenson The Chairman’s Award was given to Cindy Reibenstein The President’s Award was given to Wayne Sandlin In presenting the awards, Chairman Brian Gilbert said: “The honorees in each category exhibited professionalism, high moral standards, customer or client satisfaction and the countless other intangibles that help individuals and companies achieve success.” “The Chamber congratulates each honoree and looks forward to annually bestowing these awards and rewarding outstanding performance and support.”

and most recently served as Ofﬁce Manager. She is married to Joe Gardiner and enjoys working out and ﬁnding time to enjoy their two dogs, Stastny and Skip. Glenda Clerc joined the Chamber staff on October 1, and will serve as Director of Member Services. Glenda has been a Chamber member since 2003 and most recently served as vice president of Clerc Computer Consulting where she was responsible for sales and marketing. She grew up in Pasadena, Texas and attended Tyler

C

Jr. College and the University of Houston. She is married to Don Clerc and enjoys traveling, cooking, genealogy and being a grandmother. Glenda will assume responsibilities for member services including recruitment and retention as well as coordinating calendar activities, ribbon cuttings and emailing to members and other administrative duties. For more information on the Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.heightschamber.com ��

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